Guyana Times - Saturday January 9, 2021

GO-Invest, PSC sign MoU on local investments P7

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

Issue No. 4523

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Govt looking at financial instruments to integrate diaspora in national development … great potential to bring resources here – President See story on page 3

Uitvlugt Sugar Estate prepares for 9000tonne 2021 target

Page 10

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Extractor fan in kitchen sparks fire at Fogarty’s P9 building

Tightened security for Port Kaituma teachers’ P13 quarters Sophia to P12 get improved water pressure

…chimney to be replaced

11 more dorm Berbice students test mother positive for charged for COVID-19 attempting to kill …41 new cases recorded from 518 tests 6-year-old daughter “We are not going to sit back, throw up our hands and give up” – Education Minister to parents

New remigrant housing plan being crafted – Minister P14

Page 7

Page 2

Page 11

…consults more than 2000 parents on NGSA 2021

Auditor General to probe EBD overpasses, P14 lifts P17 T&T PM hospitalised

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11 more dorm students test positive for COVID-19 …41 new cases recorded from 518 tests

A

nother 11 students who returned to their dormitories on Friday have tested positive for COVID-19.

This is according to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the coronavirus update, adding that this is in addition to one more teacher and five auxiliary staffers. The total positives from the dorm facilities are 30 students, 11 teachers and 13 auxiliary staffers.

“As of today, we have 30 students who tested positive. We have 11 teachers who came back to teach and they have tested positive and we have 13 other staff at the dorms who are cooking and so forth,” Dr

Anthony said.

These current cases are spread across Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

On Thursday, a total of 19 students, 10 teachers and eight staffers turned up positive. These persons have all been isolated at facilities across the country.

Nevertheless, the Ministry is continuing this testing exercise as more students emerge from remote areas.

“We are expecting some of the students in the far-

off areas to come to those dorms and when they come, they will be tested. So, these numbers might go up. I think the education system is expecting over the weekend that they will have students coming in.”

On Friday, some 41 new cases of the novel virus were confirmed from 518 samples. Overall, there are now 6510 confirmed cases since COVID-19 was reported in Guyana back in March 2020.

There are six patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 41 in institutional isolation, 296 persons in home isolation, and 43 in institutional quarantine. Recoveries are up to 6000 and deaths remain at 167.

A breakdown showed that 12 new cases were detected in Region One, one in Region Two, one in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 13 in Region Four, two in Region Five, one in Region Seven, four in Region Eight, four in Region Nine and three in Region 10.

A few weeks ago, there were reports of a more transmissible strain of the coronavirus, detected first in the United Kingdom but it has already spread to the United States. Then a few days ago, health officials in South Africa pointed at the detection of anther strain.

Dr Anthony gave his input on these developments, as he said, “It has been postulated that these strains of virus can cause a more

severe form of the disease, meaning that more people would get sick. These things would happen. Mutations would happen and the only way we can detect these mutations is that we have to take that virus and be able to go through and do the sequencing to see what are the nucleotides that its made up of and how these are arranged.”

He said Guyana does not have the capacity to conduct genetic sequencing and due to this, samples would have to be sent to other laboratories if health officials wish to have it done.

“In our case, we have worked out an arrangement with CARPHA so that CAPRHA can do the sequencing for us. We haven’t sent any samples but we do have the arrangement if we need to send samples,” he added.

It was announced this week that the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat (NCTFS) will be moving to have greater enforcement of the COVID-19 measures, in order to keep the population safe until a vaccine is available.

The Ministry and NCTFS are relying on the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure measures can be more effectively employed. In a nutshell, the Joint Services will be amplifying their current campaign and visiting communities which have reportedly breached the national protocols. (G12)

NEWS

3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 9 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 13:00h – 14:30h and Sunday, January 10 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 9 – 13:20h – 14:50h and Sunday, January 10 – 14:15h – 15:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers will prevail during the day.

There will be light rain showers during the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 13:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 06:50h and 19:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.71 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

01 07 15

16 19 23

FREE TICKET

18 Bonus Ball

Friday, January 8, 2021 DAILY MILLIONS

02 03 09 19 25 LUCKY 3

1

4

8

7

Afternoon Draw

7

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

04

05

16

17 18 20

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

03 06 13 16 17

09 13 14 15 18

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

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $52.24/barrel $228.33/ton $432.80/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +2.70 -0.12 -2.39

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1850.00

$1851.00

Low/High Change

$1828.20 0.00

$1912.20 0.00%

Govt looking at financial instruments to integrate diaspora in national development …great potential to bring resources here – President

T

he Guyana Government is currently considering a financial instruments to integrate the Guyanese diaspora in its national development agenda through investments here.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during an appearance on an online programme hosted by US-based Guyanese Radio Broadcaster, Farook Juman.

“With the emerging oil and gas sector and the type of investments we’re making to not only strengthen the tradition[al] sectors but also open new areas and new opportunities, we see great potential for the diaspora to bring their capital resources back here. For a matter of fact, we’re now discussing financial instruments through which we can have all categories and levels of the diaspora involved and integrated into the development of our country,” he posited.

According to the Head of State, the diaspora has always played an integral part in Guyana’s development and now, his Administration wants to foster this in order to attract more investments.

The President went on to recognise the role of the overseas-based Guyanese community after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections when the country’s democracy was being undermined. He also noted that the diaspora also played a key role in supporting Guyana’s economy over the years through remittances and visits here.

“So, the diaspora, in my view, has always been a critical part to the development and advancement of our

President Irfaan Ali in conversation with Broadcaster Farook Juman at State House on Friday

country,” Ali contended.

However, even as Government is currently refining a framework to cater specifically to the diaspora, President Ali outlined that it is important to recognise that those willing to invest here are accustomed to a certain level of service – be it public or Private Sector services.

“We have to ensure that we strengthen our systems and we improve our sys-

tems. We improve our education system and we move towards more international standards so that the movement, the decision to move [investments here] becomes easier because these are some of the critical questions that persons in the diaspora asks… You have part-time investors who come and invest their resources and go back. But in coming back on a more permanent basis, you have is-

sues of security, issues of healthcare, education, the port services, Government services – these are critical issues too that are of interest to the diaspora and these are the areas we’re targeting and we’re investing in to improve to make it better and to ensure that we create an enabling environment,” the Head of State noted.

Moreover, he pointed out that there is a wide array of investment opportunities beyond the petroleum industry available in Guyana that can be tapped into. As such, he urged the diaspora investors to explore these.

“You can’t understand the opportunities from a third hand or a second hand.

You have to come here. You have to do your research; you have to look at the areas the country is moving towards. You have to look at the opportunities and then plan your own path. So, Government can only create that enabling environment and that is what we’re doing,” the President asserted.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 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

Women’s role in development

T

he issue of women and their role in development has always been a topic of interest, not only in Guyana, but in countries around the world. The debates have centred around the challenges women face in getting access to the same opportunities as men, and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing a key role in the development of their own communities, and by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and these must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the opportunities and resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.

According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of the society, and they enjoy rights equal to what their male counterparts enjoy. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that, in addition to women being protected under the law, they are also given relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.

However, there is still a far way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our single-parent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience.

In some cases, they lack the necessary skills and qualifications required to get suitable well-paid jobs, so that they can earn enough to provide for themselves and their children.

For some, who would like to venture out into establishing their own small business etc, the strict criteria set by banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. There are a few institutions which give grants and other forms of support, but that is on a limited scale, and most of them are Georgetown-based, making it a bit difficult for rural women to easily access.

There is also the issue of the high level of domestic violence affecting countless families, with women being at the receiving end of the violence most times. There were numerous dialogues, with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders, to tackle the issue, but the number of cases of women being abused or killed is going up.

We believe that policy-makers should revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions to address this scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus being placed on the root causes of the problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation, as it continues to have serious socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women. As a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population are now unemployed or are receiving reduced pay, and those include single-parents.

Many women-owned small businesses are no longer operational, and women in the private care industry have lost their jobs because they can no longer work at the homes of their employers, due to fear of COVID-19 transmission.

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry had announced that it would soon be funding projects for industries led by women, so that they can secure their livelihoods.

Certainly, the economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority for this Government.

Sam Hinds applauded for condemning election riggers Dear Editor, I write to applaud former President and Prime Minister Sam Hinds for that profound essay assailing African leaders who closed their eyes and mouths to rigging by the PNC+AFC and or encouraged Africans to enjoin rigged elections in Guyana between 1965 and 1985 and in 2020. Mr Hinds’ (no relation to WPA’s controversial Dr David Hinds) consistency of character and principle is to be emulated, especially by emerging young politicians and leaders.

I also categorically condemn those who sought to besmirch the character of this respected African elder and illustrious son of Guyana who served various periods as Prime Minister and President for almost 23 years. I spent much time between 1966 and 1992 and again on 2020 combating rigging without looking forward for benefits unlike several others.

So I can relate to Sam. The international community, diplomats in Guyana, and local and international observers condemned the attempted election coup of last March 2 describing the efforts as a transparent attempt to publicly rig the 2020 elections, including the 1978 rigged referendum by the PNC. Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, and other PNC leaders presided and directed rig elections in Guyana.

One does not forget the speech in Atlanta by David Granger on whether the coalition should return to rigging in order to remain in office. Sam Hinds rightly and courageously took African leaders to task. Sam, as

he is popularly called, is a man of integrity and decency. Unlike most other African leaders, he could not bring himself to close his eyes on or support electoral fraud for the PNC to remain in government. He could not bring himself to support those who see Indians and other ethnic groups in multi-cultural Guyana as enemies who must be kept down and denied power through electoral fraud. Key Africans in the election machinery were instructed to rig the election to keep the PNC in office. Sam could not support such skullduggery. He embraces equality and respect for law and the will of the voters.

He could not bring himself to support those who sought to keep Indians and other ethnic groups in multi-cultural Guyana out of power and as enemies who must be kept down.

What if leaders of Indians and other ethnic groups had instructed their people to engage in electoral fraud?

Clearly, Sam endorses the words of wisdom expressed by the African academic Dr. Chuba Okakigbo who stated: “If you are emotionally attached to your tribe or political leaning to the point that truth and justice become secondary considerations, then your education is useless. Your exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind”. Several leaders are liability to the country and to their race.

Contrary to what one AfroGuyanese racist penned denigrating Sam Hinds, Sam served his race and other ethnic groups with distinction. He was

no racist. While he was PM, he had responsibility for energy, among other departments. He made sure that Linden continued to receive free uninterrupted electricity when the rest of the nation was suffering from blackouts. Also, as a Lindener, he played a crucial role in rescuing the bauxite industry that was earlier closed by the PNC. He championed and delivered to bauxite workers more than their union leaders; bauxite workers benefited tremendously under PPP. Moses Nagamootoo who was Minister of Information in the PPP administration of the 19990s, praised Sam for his leadership. In the PPP government, unlike his successor Naagamootoo in the coalition, Prime Minister Sam Hinds was part and parcel of the central decision-making process. The PPP government listened to his views and adopted his recommendations unlike Nagamootoo who was ignored by the PNC leadership during the coalition.

Sam was leader of a PPP government, a leadership that worked collectively to implement manifesto promises.

It was Prof Clive Thomas who penned that Africans were better off under the PPP than under the PNC in terms of economic indicators. Their standard of living declined substantially under the PNC, African standard of living improved the most among all ethnic groups under the PPP. Sam Hinds was part of that effort. Some of the major achievements of the PPP government included a drastic reduction in mortgage rates and restoration of the country’s

economic viability after two consecutive decades of negative growth. The record would show that under the PPP, some 100,000 house lots were given out, with a substantial amount given to Africans. Many houses were constructed and distributed fairly among all groups, including Africans. In his last seven years in office, 2007-2014, Sam was part of the team that led the country to seven years of consecutive economic growth.

The IMF report on Guyana said real GDP growth averaged 4.5% annually for that period.

Africans benefited from that growth just like other groups.

The entire country’s infrastructure benefited under PPP; Linden received new road after 1992. There are many more achievements of Africans with Sam’s leadership; no need to document all.

No African leader has done more than Sam Hinds for Blacks post 1992. And the achievements were from a government that governed for all races. Burnham and Granger and other PNC leaders governed primarily for the benefit of only their race. Sam Hinds’ governance was inclusive; it was for all races. There is no other African leader, post 1992, that has done more for Africans, as well as other races, than Sam Hinds. That is why he is respected and adored by all races. His polling numbers have soared. He did not see things in terms of race but humanity.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Response to JC Bhagwandin Dear Editor, The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has been closely following Guyana’s offshore oil and gas development. Our most recent analysis is publicly available, and can be viewed here and elsewhere.

We found that oil revenues will not cover Guyana’s annual budget deficits, new spending proposals, or contributions to a Sovereign Wealth Trust Fund. Our analysis concludes that failing markets and weak revenues during the first five years of the contract are unlikely to provide anything beyond a small benefit for Guyana.

One commentator, Joel Bhagwandin, has correctly pointed out that oil revenue will initially not cover Guyana’s debt service.

IEEFA concludes that beyond five years, Guyana is likely to continue to experience a weak revenue flow.

The revenue outlook is dim because the markets are faltering as diminished demand leads to low prices and earnings.

Guyana’s revenue will remain low because the contract

with the oil companies requires operating and development costs to be paid back to its foreign partners before the country begins to collect the robust revenues that have been promised. After five years, ExxonMobil and its partners will be owed US$20B, which would be taken out of future oil revenue. Valerie Marcel, a Chatham House Fellow, appears to agree with this negative outlook for the oil and gas industry. The contract is basically ‘frontloaded’ in ExxonMobil’s favour. It creates a significant financial risk for Guyana, since there is no guarantee that there will ever be robust oil revenues.

It is not a good idea to gamble Guyana’s financial future on a declining global market.

IEEFA has also concluded that having ExxonMobil as a partner can be more of a cause for concern than a guarantor of profits. The company has lost hundreds of billions in shareholder value over the last decade, its revenues are down, and it is no longer part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average stock index. The oil and gas industry has been in last place in the stock market for four of the last five years.

The industry is declining, and ExxonMobil is stumbling right along with it.

Joel Bhagwandin points out that there is insufficient information in the public domain about the possibility of tapping natural gas reserves to support a new electricity system for Guyana. I agree.

However, there is sufficient information on Guyana’s natural gas reserves, energy needs, financial position, and prior experience to be concerned about plans to rely on natural gas.

The proposed gas-to-shore project is a recipe for financial bankruptcy because piling on additional natural gas obligations stacked upon oil contract obligations — not to mention Guyana’s existing debt — is too much, given the weak outlook for the oil and gas market. If Guyana goes forward with the natural gas project, it would effectively be using its meagre oil revenues not to fund existing debt, close deficits, pay for new needs, or build a sovereign wealth fund, but to pay back obligations on new natural gas infrastructure investments. In other words, Guyana’s borrowing would make it poorer,

not richer.

The public needs a natural gas proposal that is complete; an integrated energy plan showing how all the pieces fit together; a business plan for ensuring electricity rates remain economically competitive and affordable for residential needs; and a fiscal road map spelling out how much Guyana must invest to truly reap any benefits, how natural gas reserves will be extracted, and how the public will be protected financially and environmentally. Most of this information is not available for the current oil contract.

As the renewable energy sector continues to make rapid technological and financial progress, a thorough comparison between renewable energy and natural gas investment should be explored before making a decision that relies so heavily on natural gas. We look forward to this information being made available to analysts and ordinary ratepayers alike.

Sincerely, Tom Sanzillo IEEFA’s director of financial analysis

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

5

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

GECOM should never be allowed to conduct Enduring features of American another election under present Secretariat elections and constitution Dear Editor, One year ago, on Friday 10th January 2020, GECOM had its Nomination Day for the 2020 General and Regional Elections. It was on this day, at around 10:00am, that the political parties and the nation at large received some inkling as to the skulduggery that was to come from the GECOM senior staff.

In preparation for this day, and having been told that political parties would be accepted into the Umana Yana site, where GECOM would accept the lists of candidates from the contesting parties on a first come-first accepted basis, two (2) of the newer/smaller parties camped out in front of the Umana Yana from the Wednesday evening, three (3) days before the actual event. The New Movement (TNM) arrived first at around 6:00pm, followed by the United Republican Party (URP) sometime between 7:00 and 8:00pm. A New and United Guyana (ANUG) joined the campout line on the Thursday morning at approximately 6:30am. The Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and Change Guyana (CG) also eventually joined the campout later during the Thursday.

Please note: at no time did the ruling coalition of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change

(APNU/AFC) join the campout or join the line of political parties waiting patiently to register with GECOM. On the morning of Friday 10th January, Nominations Day, members of the Guyana Police Force arrived and erected barricades in front of the Umana Yana. They then told all the political party representatives, who were keeping their space in the line, to remove to behind the barricades to avoid congestion at the entrance to the Umana Yana. The party reps all did as told, with lots of jokes and good humour.

Shortly after, Mr Lowenfield, GECOM CEO, and his party of staff arrived and spoke to us.

He explained the procedure for registering for the Nominations Day event, which was to go to the guard hut of the Umana Yana and give our information to the security guard, who would enter it into a book. This would be used to determine the order in which the political parties would be allowed into the Umana Yana compound to register and present their lists of candidates along with the required signatures. This order was important, because if a person had signed for two political parties, the party which had registered first would be allowed to keep the signature, and the other party would have to

find a replacement signature. Finding a replacement signature may have meant the political party having to go back into the area to find another person to sign on their sheet.

The party reps hurried across the road, and I entered the guard hut first.

The guard opened the book to receive the information and, low and behold, there was the APNU/AFC Representative’s name, Carol Joseph, already written in the first line and stating she had arrived on Tuesday at 18:30hrs. When I objected to this, the guard just shrugged his shoulders and gave a look that said, “What can I do? I am just following instructions; don’t quarrel with me.”

As I was objecting loudly to the guard and the nearby Police officers, along with the other party reps, Mr Lowenfield entered the gate and I called out to him for an explanation as to how the APNU/AFC’s rep could be listed first, when they had not arrived until that very morning. Mr Lowenfield replied that there was nothing he could do about it, and kept on walking away.

Nominations Day is an event organised and controlled by GECOM, and Mr Lowenfield was the CEO of GECOM. Therefore, the ultimate authority was with him. He therefore had wilfully allowed the APNU/

AFC representative’s name to be written in the book before the other party reps. At the time, this incident may have seemed to be a small matter, but, looking back, that was the moment when we should have known and be prepared for all of the GECOM and APNU/AFC skulduggery that was to come cascading down on Guyana.

I am calling on the Chairman of GECOM to investigate this and other incidents of misbehaviour committed by the GECOM Secretariat and its senior staff. Any confirmed incident of misbehaviour should be dealt with firmly, including dismissal where necessary. GECOM is no longer a trusted organization, and its good name has been brought into ill repute.

The Secretariat needs to be cleansed of persons found unworthy. An internal investigation is urgently needed, and evidence found can and should be used to dismiss or penalise errant personnel, including the CEO, the DCEO, and other senior staff.

I am taking this opportunity to say that Guyana and GECOM should NEVER be allowed to conduct another election of any kind under the present management of the Secretariat.

Sincerely, Jonathan Yearwood

Too many harsh sentences for offenders Dear Editor, I believe there are far too many harsh sentences for offenders in the assizes. I read almost every month, at least twice in your widely read newspaper here in the diaspora, of offenders who are found guilty of a capital offence and in particular, the recent sentence received by Foster Gravesande of Mahaica in the Demerara Assizes - and no one in the judicial hierarchy seems concerned about the harshness of sentences imposed on them.

As a former practitioner in Guyana myself, and with a keen sense of seeing fair play occurring in civil society, I would like to say that Guyana should take a harder look at its sentencing laws and principles used by judges, and introduce new legislation accordingly, to suit the times.

Here in Ontario in 2021, firstly, a good sentencing technique that a judge often uses upon a person similar to Foster Gravesande, who, from what I read in the page 12 <<Guyana Times>> January 8, 2021 edition, said: “The only thing about me is that I like plenty women…” (convict tells Judge…jailed for 56 years after killing neighbour’), who has been a model citizen and a model prisoner for the past 4 years, would be to declare him as a dangerous offender due to the nature and gravity of his

crime.

In Ontario, such a designation would often result in an indeterminate sentence by a judge, with eligibility to apply for parole after seven years, due to statutory legal guidelines. The learned judge in Guyana gave Mr Gravesande the quantum of 56 years, with eligibility for parole after 28 years.

As a lawyer, I find such a sentence very interesting. I find it interesting because if one is sent to the “slammers” for 60 or more years, with eligibility for parole exceeding 25 years, and as in Gravesande’s case – eligibility for parole after 28 years – certainly, you will never get parole, in essence, when you are in your early fifties, as Mr. Gravesande is.

Now, in my humble view, that portion of the sentence is cruel and inhumane, and ought to be addressed by the legislators and/or Chancellor and/or AG, as it is not just cruel and inhumane, but unconscionable and difficult for me to digest as an individual living in civil society.

The purpose of jails is, inter alia, to rehabilitate.

Why would a judicial officer see it appropriate to say that an offender is to be eligible for parole until he is at least past his 78th year, when the average lifespan of a citizen in Guyana does not permit

him past his 63rd year? I ask, is that how we ought to operate when we wear a justice cap in 2021? Justice, to me, must mean something a little more encompassing and dynamic.

Particularly if, for the past 4 years, such a person has been a model prisoner while in the prison. Are there no real confidences shared in the incarceration regime of Guyana by these judges?

Here in Ontario, the sentencing regime only permits a sentencing judge concrete parameter within which he or she must deliver an appropriate sentence, and if a judge overrides those parameters, his or her Regional Supervisor, a senior judge, may “accost” that judge to keep him or her “in line and in conformity”; and short of that, at an appeal hearing, strong words are eviscerated towards such a judge by the appellate tribunal.

Further, with Ontarian judges, I have found that they would use 7 years as eligibility for parole as a yardstick for when even the most dangerous offender with first degree murder faces them in the courtroom. Ontarian justice system accords high regard to human dignity and the right of an offender to make amends for a bad deed, and to rehabilitate himself and then return to society, and the sentencing laws are geared to that end.

While I personally agree that murderers have to face the music, the sentencing regime is now being juxtaposed with a more rehabilitative approach than one which simply says, “Electrocute him – he deserves it!” In fact, Bill Blair, who was a former Toronto Police Chief, now Minister in Trudeau’s Cabinet in Canada, advocates for residents and staff of congregate settings, i.e., correctional facilities,” to receive C-19 vaccines ahead of any and all Police and firefighters during January 2021 and beyond.

I feel Guyana ought to take guidance from the Ontarian jurisdiction, which is known for its excellent judicious sentencing regime. And even looking at common law principles, my argument would still apply; that is, to make an offender wait 28 years for parole eligibility is egregious.

Following the decision by the learned judge in the Demerara Assizes, I shudder to think what would have happened to the thought processes of the lawyer who appeared for the defence at the Sentencing Hearing for the rest of that rather unfortunate day, much less Mr Gravesande, the offender himself.

Sincerely, M Shabeer Zafar Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, in Canada

Dear Editor, Trump and his white supremacist supporters have literally and figuratively thrown everything at the American electoral system with the objective of derailing the will of the people and, hopefully, stealing an election.

They failed because of the enduring features of the American ethos and constitutional principles. They did not succeed because of the following: • There is real independence and autonomy of the electoral bodies in each state.

Trump tried to influence his fellow Republican governors that were in charge of the battleground states to declare false statements of poll in his favour after he had lost. They all unequivocally refused to do so because, for them, upholding the constitution and the rule of law is paramount to party loyalty.

Just imagine if we were in a similar electoral position and Granger had called Governors Mingo or Lowenfield to declare him the winner, you definitely know what would have been the outcome. Fake spreadsheet galore.

• The independence of the Judiciary. Trump’s legal team tried every legal trick to have the statements of poll overturned, and failed at each and every attempt. This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court is now more conservative-leaning due to Trump’s nominations. The same Judges appointed by Trump voted against his frivolous legal actions because, for them, upholding the constitution and laws of America is above any charlatan or megalomaniac.

This is akin to our Chief Justice (ag), Madam Roxane George Wilshire, being the bulwark of defining the independence of our jurisprudence in her flawless judgements during our elections’ fiasco.

Noting like the two Court of Appeal Judges who ruled that 34 is the majority of 65.

• Integrity, intelligence and independence of the legislature. Republican Senator Ted Cruz tried to have the Senate replace the Democratic Electoral College members in the battleground states with Republican nominees, in order to have Trump declared the winner. Over ninety percent of the Republican Senators voted against Cruz’s motion. The legislatures in both the House and Senate of America demonstrated that when it comes to upholding the Constitution of America, it supersedes any party line or party loyalty.

Just imagine if a similar vote of a similar nature were in front of PNC/AFC Parliaments. Yea, it would have all been downhill with party line supreme.

• Maintaining law and order. The Capitol Police of Washington did not initially respond promptly and proactively to Trump’s protesters, causing the invasion of the Capitol. Some of the ranks operated in a partisan manner, taking selfies and allowing protesters access to restricted areas. There is now a full investigation ongoing, and resignations will shortly be forthcoming. This is to establish that, at all times, the law protecting agencies should be impartial and non-partisan.

Lastly, one of the enduring features of the American Constitution is that the Founding Fathers made sure that laws were in place to guard against Executive Lawlessness. It is because of the rule of law that Trump now faces calls for removal and possibly impeachment.

This is the way a democratic society should operate when faced with deranged and autocratic presidents.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Page

Foundation Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice mother charged GO-Invest, PSC sign MoU on local investments for attempting to kill 6-year-old daughter

Charged: Dupatie Balkarran

T

she attempted to murder her six-year-old daughter, Shania Ramsarran.

Presenting the State’s case, Police Prosecutor Pravan Sayhu told the court that Balkarran has a history of abusing her daughter and that the child is still traumatised from the recent attempt on her life. He also told the court that the woman confessed to the crime.

Magistrate Singh, during the proceedings, enquired about the child’s whereabouts from the father, Steve Ramsarran, and was

The area where the unconscious child was found

he 25-year-old mother who made headlines after she allegedly struck her six-year-old daughter in the head with a piece of wood was on Friday slapped with an attempted murder charge.

Dupatie Balkarran of Goed Banana Land, East Canje, Berbice (East Berbice-Corentyne), who was unrepresented, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on December 13, 2020,

told that she is currently living with an aunt.

Arguing for the denial of bail, Prosecutor Sayhu further stated that the accused might attempt to tamper with witnesses since they are all neighbours.

“This is an inhuman act; to beat a child unconscious,” he related and submitted that bail be refused.

However, Magistrate Singh released the 25-yearold woman on $300,000 bail.

Shania Ramsarran

As a condition for bail, she was ordered to stay 100 ft away from the child.

The matter was transferred to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court and will continue on January 27.

It was reported that the child was found in an unconscious state in a swampy area near her home after being reported missing. Meanwhile, the child’s father told the media on Friday that his daughter is improving. He said that a computerised tomography (CT) scan revealed that there is still a fracture which doctors say is likely to exist for the next six weeks.

“They say that because she is young it will heal very fast,” Ramsarran told the media after Friday’s hearing.

Govt looking at financial...

Massive infrastructure plans

Meanwhile, the Head of State explained during the online programme, which has a vast overseas reach, that with Guyana embarking on its massive infrastructure plans, investment opportunities will be created throughout all the administrative regions and not just centralised in Georgetown or Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – the country’s most densely populated region.

He revealed that these transformations will be carried out on a three-scale basis. The first being at the community level, then the regional level and finally, the national level.

“We have to understand, first of all, that at the community level there is great transformation that will take place. This is the improvement of healthcare systems, improvement of road networks, educational facilities and sports facilities, and you will see a great segment of this budget that will target commu-

nity needs.”

The Head of State said that his Government will place special emphasis on community needs and ensure that it creates “growth opportunities, or growth hubs within a cluster of communities that can generate employment, create sustainable development at tier one”.

At the regional level, Ali noted that the focus will be on key investment opportunities.

“Let’s take for example Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), you will see massive investment on the shore side of the Demerara River in Region Three that will create massive opportunities and a trickledown effect.

You will see development of agro facilities, agro-processing facilities.

You will see greater use of the Essequibo River in terms of investment hubs. This, of course, will create various growth poles,” he added.

He said too that region-

FROM PAGE 3

al developmental infrastructure will be linked to national transformative infrastructure. This includes the new four-lane highway from the new Demerara Harbour Bridge stretching all the way to Parika, the opening up of the Wales Development Authority as well as the landing of the gas-to-shore pipeline at Wales, among others.

At the national level, some of the transformative projects include the new four-lane, high-span fixed bridge across the Demerara River, the Corentyne River bridge, the new power plant, expansion of the agriculture sector, the new bypass road linking the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara along with a number of Private Sector Initiatives. According to the President, at least five new hotels will be built over the next five years.

He said Government is also supporting Private Sector investments in the healthcare and education sectors. (G8)

CEO of GO-Invest Dr Peter Ramsaroop (left), and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer, signing the MoU

T

he Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) on Friday signed an MoU with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) aimed at better positioning local businesses to capitalise on investment opportunities that will emerge in the petroleum economy.

The MoU was signed

by CEO of GO-Invest Dr Peter Ramsaroop and PSC Chairman Nicholas Boyer at the GO-Invest office.

Ramsaroop, the DPI reported, said GO-Invest is responsible for facilitating local and foreign investment.

“Our agenda is to work very closely with the local entities in Guyana to promote investments. With that, we have discussed and partnered with the

Private Sector to ensure that our local companies know about what incentives Government can give to the Private Sector; how we can bring them together for the international foreign direct investors coming in; how we can promote joint ventures, how we can promote different activities within the Private Sector,” Ramsaroop is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the PSC Chairman said the signing of the MoU is Government deepening and cementing its relationship with the entity.

“Clearly what is ahead for Guyana is significant and the Private Sector needs to work on developing itself and what better agency to work through than

G[O]-Invest. We expect a number of international companies to be interested in our local market and similarly, we expect a lot of local Private Sector companies wanting to reinvest into Guyana and to expand and as such, we are ready to work with G[O]-Invest to do the things necessary to build that local Private Sector,” Boyer said.

Only recently, GOInvest signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association.

The Agreement’s objective is to build the capacity of local businesses in the manufacturing sector and ensure there is a level playing field for both local and foreign investors.

8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

So now what…

A

…lies ahead in USA? ll sorts of weeping and wailing (and gnashing of teeth in private by some) are going on about “the death of democracy” in the US after the insurrection at Capitol Hill. No such thing! Democratic governance has always been contentious - by its very nature. If trying to get members of your own family to decide on what to order when you’re at the drivethrough at KFC ends up in glares and sulks, how do you agree on what to order for 300 million people, who aren’t even family?

The challenge for Americans, of course, is they’ve been trying to convince their citizens for the last 200 years that they ARE, in fact, family. The American Family…wherein all are equal. And this was where democracy came in. In the family, Mom and Dad make the final call. It used to be just Dad not so long ago.

After all, he had the wallet! But that changed after recognising that Mom also contributed to the family’s wellbeing in so many ways. And slowly, that the kids also should have an input. While we still haven’t arrived at a point where we actually count hands in the family in making decisions, this is what most countries do when it comes to national decisions. Democracy!

We invented this thing called “elections” in which after much struggle - all adults vote for “Representatives” who would, on their behalf, make decisions on matters confronting the nation. These Representatives are members of “parties” who represent different perspectives on the said matters. And as we said before, this can get messy sometimes. Prompting folks to attempt alternative ways of making decisions for the nation - the main ones being dictatorships of one sort or another. Fascism, communism, paramount-party rule etc, etc.

But as Churchill - the veteran British politician once pointed out in a debate in Parliament after WWII, “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government, except all other forms of that have been tried from time to time; but there is the broad feeling in our country that the people should rule, continuously rule, and that public opinion, expressed by all constitutional means, should shape, guide, and control the actions of Ministers, who are their servants, and not their masters.”

The insurrection attempted on Jan 6 on Capitol Hill has unfortunately been tried before in almost every democratic country in the world.

They eventually had to be put down and democratic norms returned to settle disagreements.

Who don’t listen must feel. …are we to do here?

In Guyana, let’s not forget that we’ve had attacks on our centres of democracy by those opposed to the PPP government of the day. In the 1960s, PNC mobs laid siege to Parliament Buildings in “sit-ins”, and attacked Jagan’s vehicle when he attempted to leave. In the 1992 elections, mobs incited by Hamilton Green invaded the Elections Headquarters with US President Carter inside, and only a call to the sitting President of the US saved the day.

In 2003, we had an invasion of the Presidential Office

by PNC mobs, with Mark Benschop at their head. Two persons were killed and several injured. That, of course, was in the midst of the PNC-promoted “slow fyaah, mo fyaah” strategy to “expose, oppose and depose” the PPP Government, in the words of then and (once again) PNC member Raphael Trotman.

But our democracy survived because of the PPP’s strength and fortitude to defend it.

Our Democracy will survive the coming PNC attacks!! …for COVID-19 With new strains of COVID-19 spreading, those in charge of policing the adherence to the anti-viral protocols will have to step up their game.

All are involved, and all can be consumed.

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Extractor fan in kitchen sparks fire at Fogarty’s building

Firefighters soaking the extractor fan pipe at the Fogarty’s building where a fire broke out on Friday morning

A

major disaster was averted on Friday morning after firefighters contained and extinguished a kitchen fire in the cafeteria of the William Fogarty’s Ltd building in Georgetown.

Heavy smoke was seen billowing from the back of the building on Kirk Patrick Street (between Robb Street and North Road) sometime around 09:30h and an alarm was immediately raised.

The building, which houses a number of businesses on its ground floor, was quickly evacuated.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle told reporters at the scene that the Fire Service received several calls around 09:32h about smoke emanating from the building.

Fire tenders were dispatched from the Central Fire Station at Stabroek, Alberttown Fire

through the ceiling and going into the business area of the store. The crews managed to isolate the fire, attacked it and suppressed it,” the Fire Chief stated.

After putting out the blaze, investigators from the Fire Service inspected the kitchen area where it started. During the preliminary investigations, they found that Friday’s fire was caused by a faulty extractor fan in the kitchen of the Rose Bud Cafeteria on the ground floor.

“Something went wrong in the kitchen but I don’t think it’s a cooking appliance. We believe it’s an electrical fan – one of these extractor fans,” Gentle disclosed while updating the media on the fire.

Nevertheless, the Fire Chief lauded the efforts of the firefighters in tackling the blaze. He also expressed appreciation to the Guyana

Businesswoman Fauzia Noor, whose store was destroyed by the fire, speaking with Fire Service investigators after arriving at the scene

Moreover, the firefighters had to ventilate the building in order to ensure there were no other pockets of fire and cleared the heavy pockets of smoke. However, by mid-afternoon, business operators were given clearance to re-enter the building.

Damages/losses

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle speaking with reporters

Station and West Ruimveldt Fire Station along with the newly acquired Fire Boat.

“When they got here, they encountered heavy smoke conditions on the lower floor with smoke creeping into the upper floors. We were able to go into a quick-attack mode and locate the fire somewhere in the kitchen. The fire was already spreading

Police Force for assisting the Fire Service.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, firefighters were seen pouring water down the extractor fan pipe/ tunnel to put out the blaze.

They eventually gained access to the building and were able to contain the inferno.

While the extent of the damages from inside the building is unknown, Guyana Times understands that at least one clothing store attached to the building on Kirk Patrick Street – Noor Islamic Wear – suffered extensive damages.

Proprietor, Fauzia Noor, told this publication that the store was closed at the time

of the fire and it was until around 10:00h that she was informed of it.

The woman, who has been operating the clothing and accessory store there for almost three years now, said by the time she arrived at the scene, the fire was already put out.

Noor related that a lot of the items in the store were destroyed by the fire and there is also extensive water damage.

This publication was informed that at least two other booths from the back end of the building were also destroyed in the fire. However, they were unoccupied at the time. The firefighters had cut into the entrance of the empty store to gain access to

the back of the building from Kirk Patrick Street.

Meanwhile, another proprietor, who runs a children’s store in the Fogarty’s building, told this newspaper that the only damage to her store, like many others, was the heavy smoke that filled the air and contaminated items in the store.

Meanwhile, the Fire Chief told reporters that the only challenge the fire service encountered, specifically the tenders from the Central Station, was navigating through the congested Stabroek area to get to the scene. He said it took firefighters eight minutes from the station to Fogarty’s building which is about two blocks away. (G8)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Uitvlugt Sugar Estate prepares for 9000-tonne 2021 target …chimney to be replaced

T

Works ongoing on-site to replace the chimney

he Uitvlugt Sugar Estate is once again thriving with potential to propel increased production and a higher quality sugar, with the undertaking of multitudinous works to restore and replace critical infrastructural framework of the factory.

The recent injection of $4 billion into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has paved the way for urgent works on the 150-year-old structure, into one that can exceed target expectations every crop. For the new crop season, 9000 tonnes is the objective.

During a tour of the facility on Friday, over 200 workers were on-site to assist with the vital facelift, as they push to complete a majority of the repairs during this out-of-crop period.

Shift Manager, Lochan Deokaran disclosed that over at the “punt dumper”

area, there are plans to install a new cane washing system. With the current setup, the extraneous matter is entering the factory – an issue they’re trying to remedy. The new washer would improve steam and power production while reducing unplanned operation stoppages.

“The canes would enter with a lot of extraneous matter, including mud, sand and other obstacles. We really needed a new cane washing system here to avoid some of this extraneous matter from entering our factory, to aid in proper milling and steam generation to supply power…When this extraneous matter enters into the system, it creates problems both in the mechanical and processing side,” the shift manager highlighted.

Chimney replacement

Another issue which had posed some threats is the

dire state of the boiler chimney, which was leaning towards the factory. This had limited steam production and posed as an overall health and safety hazard for workers.

A decision was taken to replace it with one from the closed Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara. With works progressing, the replacement is expected to be finished in time for the first

The Uitvlugt Sugar Estate

lean and fall, it can damage the entire area and if anyone is passing.”

He stressed that this will prevent dust from entering neighbouring communities.

Just a few months ago, residents from the West Coast Demerara and East Bank Essequibo had complained of dust-like particles polluting water that is used for drinking as well as the general environs.

Power house

Shift Manager at Uitvlugt Estate, Lochan Deokaran

crop in February. Within the next two weeks, the old structure will be taken down to erect the replacement.

As it relates to the other chimney, this will be replaced with a brand new one before the second crop in mid-2021.

Commenting on this aspect of the works, Deokaran

shared, “It has a lot [of] holes and it’s partially rotten. We had to use some reinforcement and stiffeners to keep it going throughout the year because we didn’t have the material on hand to get it done. Now, works have started. We’re replacing it with a 3CR chimney from Wales, which is going to be higher...If the chimney

Officials also pointed out that a new governor is being procured for the 2.5-megawatt turbine alternator, which currently powers the entire factory. For some time, it was running on a defective one, which caused fluctuations in the power supply to the plant.

However, the new one will be installed for the upcoming crop season.

“We got two issues that we have to deal with. We have to replace the defective

governor that controls turbine alternator set that we have. At present, the governor malfunctions and it puts some deficiencies on the swing loads and so on.

If we get that governor replaced, it will help the factory to maintain a proper steam generation and power supply to the entire estate,” the official detailed.

Meanwhile, the alternator, which has accumulated dust and other particles within its components, will be cleaned. This is to avoid overheating or a possible explosion.

“The turbine is the main power supply for the factory. It’s 2.5 megawatt of power. It carries a significant effect on the factory but if it’s down, we have a one-megawatt set that can be backed up with other engines but the costs which will we incur will be too much…So we will go ahead with the cleaning.”

TURN TO PAGE 12

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We are not going to sit back, throw up our hands and give up” – Education Minister to parents …consults more than 2000 parents on NGSA 2021

Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson along with parents during the meeting

M

ore than 2000 parents of students scheduled to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year were given an opportunity to express their views and concerns regarding the sitting of this examination.

This consultation was done in two virtual meetings, the Ministry said on Friday. The first meeting was held with parents of Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (DemeraraMahaica); Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Georgetown.

They were all invited to attend a Zoom meeting with education officers. The second meeting engaged parents in Regions Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Eight (CuyuniMazaruni); Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

During the meetings, Education Minister Priya Manickchand briefed parents on some of the options being considered and those that have been suggested following consultation with Grade Six teachers and primary head Teachers.

Some of the options pre-

sented by the Minister included having students write the full examination on content right up to Grade Six or the full examination but on content up to Grade five. The meeting also examined the option of not having children write Papers One and Two or have them write both papers but with reduced questions. It was also recommended that students can complete projects as a means of assessment.

Minister Manickchand told the parents that their contributions during these meetings would be noted and considered when making decisions, adding that at this time,

the Ministry cannot offer any certain dates or positions.

“What I can promise you is that we are not going to sit back and throw up our hands and give up. That’s not an option for us. We don’t have the option of taking the easy route.

We have the responsibility of making a decision in the best interest of the children of this country,” Manickchand remarked as she assured parents that the Ministry will work in the best interest of their children.

She said that upon assuming office in August 2020, the Ministry was very concerned that there was no structured plan to engage students. While acknowledging some lingering challenges, Manickchand pointed out that from then to now, many different things have been done to try and engage students.

She said that there are many people that do not have access to the internet, radio or television and there are parents that have difficulty using the worksheets with their children. According to the Minister, none of these options or a combination of them can

Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking with parents

replace the value of a trained teacher standing in front of students in a classroom.

The Education Minister said that as soon as a decision is made, the nation will be duly informed in a manner that places everyone on an equal playing field.

Prepared to act

The Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson told parents that although no concrete decision has been made, the Ministry must be prepared to act when the time comes.

He said that the Ministry will be moving forward with three main watchwords - safety, equity and quality.

Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Examinations), Ameer Ali advised the parents that if a decision is made to reopen schools, the Ministry will evaluate where children are in terms of content covered.

He said that from this evaluation, guidelines will be developed to make sure all schools can prepare students for the examinations.

The Education Ministry will be meeting with the Guyana Teachers’ Union next week to discuss the format the National Grade Six Assessment will take when it is written this year.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sophia to get improved water pressure T

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has announced that it will be activating a well located in the compound of the Sophia, Greater Georgetown Water Treatment Plant which will see increased water pressure in the community and surrounding areas.

Residents in Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Turkeyen, and Pattensen can look forward to this additional water source within the next two weeks. According to GWI, some 100 lengths of transmission pipelines are currently being installed by inhouse staff from the well to a 10inch diameter transmission main located in Farmer’s Field.

One of the water sources for the communities is the North Ruimveldt Number 2 well, which is currently out of operation following the collapse of the well casing. This resulted in the residents in sections of the aforementioned communities

receiving reduced water pressure.

Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh earlier this week visited the Sophia facility to assess the ongoing works. “We are very much concerned about the low level of service the residents in those communities are currently experiencing. We are therefore working assiduously to complete these works to remedy that,” he said.

The CEO also visited several sections of Sophia where he engaged residents on the present situation and the ongoing remedial efforts by the company. One such resident was Frederick Joseph of B Field Sophia, who was pleased to learn of the works being done.

“It’s a good thing that y’all still care about us,” the resident remarked.

The utility company continues to work assiduously to ensure that Guyanese have access to an adequate supply of water.

One of the transmission pipelines being installed

New lawyer vows to be an advocate for justice

E

ven though he already has two Bachelor’s degrees to his name, the academic journey for Attorney-at-Law Dexter Smartt, who was admitted to the Guyana Bar on Wednesday, is far from over. Having obtained his Legal Education Certificate in September 2020 from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Smartt’s petition to practice law before the courts of Guyana was accepted

by Chief Justice Roxane George.

In a courtroom filled with family and friends, he recapped on his five-year journey towards achieving his legal education.

The road along his journey was challenging, he confessed in his Bar admis-

sion speech.

But having persevered, the young lawyer has vowed to be an advocate for justice and pledged that he would not mislead the court.

“As an attorney-at-law, I will adhere to the code of ethics. I will abide by the laws of Guyana. I will listen to my clients, do adequate research and investigation, and appear on time for my matters to adequately represent my clients,” a confident Smartt said to the court.

Smartt expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for hearing and accepting his Bar petition. In fact, he told her, “It is an honour to have my petition presented before you.” Smartt ex-

Attorney-at-Law Dexter Smartt

pressed that he has grown to have great admiration for Justice George, who he lauded for her judgements, wealth of knowledge, and fairness.

“Your honesty, integrity, judicial independence, and impartiality has set a very high bar in Guyana’s Supreme Court. I hope

that during my career I can be as diligent and dedicated as you are.”

Given his passion for helping others, just out of high school, Smartt joined the Varqua Foundation as a volunteer teacher to teach underprivileged students in the Tiger Bay, Georgetown area.

He joined the University of Guyana in 2011, where he read for and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.

In 2015, he re-enrolled at the University of Guyana where he read for and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree. While there, he was an active member of the University of Guyana Law Society School Outreach programme. He also served as a trainer and coordinator for the National Youth Council.

He was tasked with training Local Government representatives in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) as an enumerator for the University of Guyana and IDB for the Guyana Prison Survey 2017. While read-

ing for his law degree, he participated in the annual Caribbean Court of Justice Mooting competition.

Also, he is one of the contributors to two books published by Ram & McRae, namely the Value Added Tax Handbook and the Companies Act Handbook. He was elected Amenities Committee Chairperson on the Student Representative Council of the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Smartt was also the law school’s representative to the Guyana Students Association in Trinidad and Tobago (GuySATT).

In March 2021, he will commence reading for his Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Law at the University of Birmingham.

Smartt has opted to go into private practice. His petition for admission was presented by his cousin, Attorney-at-Law Faye Ann Bakker. He was among the 32 Guyanese who graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School last September.

13 Tightened security for Port Kaituma teachers’ quarters NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

The door that was removed by thieves

he Education Ministry has put mechanisms in place to increase safety at the Port Kaituma, Region One (BarimaWaini) teachers’ quarters, following a break-in last week.

Teachers residing in the quarters would have discovered that the building was broken into, and several items belonging to two individuals were stolen. This prompted immediate intervention from Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who assured that the articles would be replaced.

In a subsequent press statement on Friday, the Ministry disclosed that the Department of Education in Region One replaced all dietary, cleaning and other items that were missing.

It further detailed, “Electronic items that could not be sourced in the Region were ordered externally, and those items will be in the Region before the end of this week.”

Additionally, repairs were completed to fix the section that was damaged during the burglary. The

steel mesh on the windows was reinforced and grill barriers will be installed shortly on windows.

Arrangements were made for security guards to be rotated for protection at nights until more human resources can be placed.

Since these developments, Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) of Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza has visited and inspected the apartments with Regional Education Officer, Nigel Richards.

“The replacement items were handed over to the affected teachers and they were assured of the Region’s and the Ministry’s support in ensuring their safety and security. The local Police department has agreed to make regular checks/patrols in the neighbourhood, especially during the nights,” the Ministry said.

The teachers have since sent gratitude to Minister Manickchand and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, for assistance that followed. (G12)

Uitvlugt Sugar Estate prepares...

Crystallisers

Investments have also been made in the crystallisers, to improve the sugar quality, grain size and increased extraction.

According to Shift Manager Goy Romain, a complete rehabilitation of the crystalliser system will start and continue throughout the next out-of-crop period.

“We have lost the effectiveness in the current system. What

we are planning to do during this out of crop period and probably the next out of crop period is completely rehabilitate and do back each and every one of them. We can get more sugar overall and reduce in our costs…The rehabilitation works would cause us to gain more sugar. It would increase in our grain growth and crystal size,” Romain identified.

The downsizing of the sug-

FROM PAGE 10

ar industry by the former coalition Administration saw only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates being in operation. The assets of the closed estates were put under the control of the Special Purpose Unit of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for divestment.

Utivlugt is the only functional factory in Region Three (Essequibo

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

The window used to gain entry into the teachers’ quarters

Islands-West Demerara). Factory Manager, Brian Canterbury asserted that they are working with a goal to produce 9000 tonnes of sugar in the upcoming crop season. Uitvlugt Estate was the first to wrap up production for the second crop in 2020 with a total of 18,599.4 tonnes.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government two Mondays ago laid a supplemental paper

in the National Assembly, which among other things, sought $4 billion for urgent works on the sugar estates that will return GuySuCo to profitability.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha pointed out that the Government inherited dilapidated and neglected estates from the former Government, a far cry from the estates the APNU/AFC inherited in 2015. (G12)

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

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

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New remigrant housing plan Father remanded for sexual being crafted – Minister activity with 7-year-old daughter

H

ousing and Water, Hon Collin Croal has announced that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is crafting a new remigrant plan.

The Minister was at the time speaking during an interview on Farook Juman’s Live Broadcast.

This announcement follows an appeal by President Dr Irfaan Ali to Guyanese in the diaspora to return as the Government commits to enabling an environment for economic prosperity.

“Our Government has been encouraging persons to come back and as His Excellency said, not just to come back but that you re-invest so that we benefit from much more expansion of investments across our country,” Croal is quoted as saying.

While a remigrant housing policy was previously in place, allocations through that plan have been exhausted. Therefore, a new plan is being designed, which will

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

offer more opportunities.

“We are working on another scheme for remigrants and because as I said, we cater for everyone when we make allocations and remigrants have been something that we encourage and so, we have something that we are working on,” he added.

Croal, according to a Department of Public

Information report, also noted that the remigrant housing scheme will in no way reduce opportunities for Guyanese living in Guyana.

He said provisions have been made in both the new and existing housing schemes to ensure that 50,000 citizens benefit from sustainable housing over the next five years.

The remigrant programme will cater for both house and land allocations ranging from low income to high income. The Minister expects that this will result in an expansion of private-public partnerships that would boost the housing sector. He invited Guyanese in the diaspora who are interested in benefiting to visit the CH&PA webpage and apply online.

Once the application has been completed and submitted, an interview will be scheduled, which can also be done virtually.

The Government’s remigration plan is multidimensional. In addition to adequate housing programmes and providing a sustainable economy, a Remigration Brochure was also introduced recently.

It was launched through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud said the Brochure will fill any information gaps persons may encounter and is available online and at all Guyanese missions and embassies.

Applicants can also track their applications online and be privy to exemptions for which they may qualify.

A

40-year-old labourer was on Friday remanded to prison for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with his sevenyear-old daughter. The man was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared at West Coast Demerara court.

It is alleged that between December 1 and 31, 2020, he engaged in sexual activity with a child family member. The case continues on January 21.

Reports are that the man sexually molested his daughter and 10-year-old son. Reports are that the children live with the accused and their mother, who is said to be suffering from a mental illness. They reside in a shack at a settlement along the Demerara River.

It was reported that whenever the man consumes alcohol, he would sexually molest the children.

According to information, the children recently confided in a relative that their father was violating them and a report was made to the Childcare and Protection Agency. An investigation was launched immediately

and officials went to the children’s place of abode.

The girl and her brother were taken into special care as the Police were called in to do investigations. It was reported that they were also taken for medical examinations which confirmed that they had been sexually molested. Their father was arrested and charged.

Auditor General to probe EBD overpasses, lifts

The overpass at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (DPI photo)

T

he procurement, construction and operation of the overpasses and lifts along the East Bank Demerara corridor will be subject to review by the Office of the Auditor General.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill made this statement during an inspection of one the lifts at the Peters Hall overpass on Friday.

“Ten elevators were bought for these five overpasses and none of the elevator systems on these overpasses are functioning. As

a matter of fact, the technical people have advised me [that] since installation, they have not really worked.

All that we have here is a scandal. Monies spent and there is no benefit for the people because you have 10 elevators became non-functional and people still struggling to get up and down these stairs,” Edghill is quoted as saying by Department of Public Information.

Minister Edghill said he is displeased that persons with disabilities and senior citizens have not benefitted from the lift system which

was intended to safely assist them to cross the EBD public road.

“We have had situations where people got stuck in these elevators. The doors are not functioning properly and they are not available…

Significant sums have been spent on these five overpasses and these elevators.

Minister Edghill further chided his predecessor, former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and the former APNU/AFC Administration, for wasting taxpayers’ money on a project that is yet to be fully realised.

“This is a project that was [done in] 2018. We are now in 2021, maybe the warranty period is already dead and we do not have the benefit.”

The overpasses at Diamond, Providence, Peters Hall, Eccles and Houston were procured at a cost of $488.5 million. Installation of the lifts at these locations cost $12.2 million each.

The elevators for the overpasses were manufactured by Swedish company Cibes Lift Group AB and supplied by RBP Lift Limited of Trinidad and Tobago. S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies built the overpasses at Diamond and Providence while B&J Civil Works constructed those at Peters Hall, Eccles and Houston.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist hospitalised Man nabbed with gun, after Corentyne accident ammo at Harbour Bridge A A

42-year-old motorcyclist is now hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Hospital after he collided with a car that turned into his path on the Springlands Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The accident occurred just about 15:50h on Thursday when motorcycle CK 4164, driven

by Dwayne Rose of Race Course, Springlands, was forced to swerve out of the path of motor car PRR 8473 driven a 42-year-old man of Corriverton.

The Police said that Rose was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane at a normal rate of speed whilst the car was proceeding in the opposite direction.

However, he made a U-turn from west to east across the road into the path of the motorcyclist, forcing him to swerve left to avoid a collision.

Nevertheless, despite his effort, Rose’s motorcycle collided with the front left side of the car.

As a result of the impact, he fell onto the road’s sur-

face where he sustained injuries about his body.

He was picked up in a conscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty, then transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was further seen and examined by a doctor who admitted him a patient.

The driver of the car is presently in Police custody assisting with the investigation.

61-year-old Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown resident was nabbed with a .38 revolver and five matching rounds of ammunition on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Thursday, according to the Police.

According to information released by the Police, at the time of the discovery, the suspect was driving a car and acting in a suspicious manner. A party of policemen, led by a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer decided to stop him and conduct a search on

The gun and ammunition

his person and the vehicle he was driving.

It was during the search that the illegal weapon and

ammunition were discovered. The Georgetown resident was arrested and taken into Police custody.

Lusignan Prison inmate Twitter permanently suspends busted with ganja Donald Trump’s account

T

The ganja which was found in the prisoner’s possession

A

23-year-old inmate is on remand at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD), after he was busted with seven grams of marijuana.

It was reported that a search was carried out on the inmate at around 14:25h on Thursday and a small transparent Ziplock bag con-

taining a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found in the waist of his pants.

It was later handed over to the Police, weighed in his presence and amounted to seven grams. He was told of the offence committed, cautioned according to the Judges Rules and he admitted.

witter Inc said on Friday that it has permanently suspended US President Donald Trump’s account due to the risk of further incitement of violence following the storming of the US Capitol on Wednesday by hundreds of his supporters.

“After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,” the company said in a tweet.

Social media companies have cracked down on Trump’s accounts in the wake of the turmoil on Wednesday. Facebook Inc said earlier this week it was suspending his account through until at least the end of his presidential term.

US President Donald Trump

The Republican president is due to hand over to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

The White House did not immediately comment.

In a blog post on Friday, Twitter said that two of the president’s tweets posted that day were in violation of its policy against the glo-

rification of violence.

Twitter had temporarily blocked Trump’s account, which had more than 88 million followers, on Wednesday following the siege of Capitol Hill, and warned that additional violations by the president’s accounts would result in a permanent suspension.

Trump was required to delete three rule-breaking tweets before his account was unblocked. He returned to Twitter on Thursday with a video acknowledging that Joe Biden would be the next U.S. president.

Twitter said that Trump’s tweet that he would not be attending Biden’s inauguration was being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the November 3 election that he lost was not legitimate.

(Reuters)

16 NEWS 2nd round of filaria pills to begin shortly T SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Inter- American Development Bank, will be conducting a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in several Regions.

In late 2019, a similar campaign was held by means of a house-to-house distribution of what was referred to as the filaria pills.

The campaign will officially kick off in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on February 15 with the launch of the campaign, and one day later, distribution of the pills will commence.

Currently, the Health Ministry is meeting with stakeholders and interested groups in an effort to bring awareness to the campaign.

The team met with the Regional Democratic Council of Region 6(East Berbice/ Corentyne) on Thursday

Director of Vector-Borne Diseases, Health Ministry, Dr Horace Scott

to provide an update on plans on the campaign in that region.

Speaking with the media, Director of VectorBorne Diseases in the Health Ministry, Dr Horace Scott, explained that the 2019 campaign in Region Six was successful.

"As we understand (it), we had a 75 percent coverage, meaning that of the population that was eligible (to) receive the pills, the Region (had) surpassed the threshold that we (had) established, and we are very pleased with this," he said.

Dr Scott noted that he is looking forward to another

successful campaign in 2021.

That campaign will be launched in Region Six on February 27. However, pill distribution will commence on March 1, and will run until March 14.

Speaking of some of the concerns that were expressed during the 2019 campaign and might be of concern now, the Vector-Borne Diseases Director said some persons expressed concern that they were given pills at the clinic and questioned whether they should take them again.

He noted that some persons also wanted to have a good understanding of the possible side effects of the pills.

"Sometimes they might have heard of a mishap that would have occurred around the same time that we were distributing pills in another Region, and they asked genuine questions. So, what we try to do is to get in front of those and be proactive about it. So, this year, when we start in February, we will be having two community engagement personnel,” Dr Scott said.

Over 59,000 pensioners benefiting from Govt’s pension increase

S

ome 59,500 pensioners across the country are now benefiting from the Government’s $25,000 per month old age pension.

Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Mr. Whentworth Tanner, revealed that the pension population increased from 56,000 in 2019 to about 59,500 at the end of 2020.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information, Tanner said the Ministry has been working to digitise the old age pension system.

To date, he said, over 100 pensioners have been receiv-

ing their monthly old age pension through the commercial banks. “…In fact, that is another programme I am hoping that in 2021 more pensioners will utilize, taking into consideration they have an existing bank account…Of course the option is available to our pensioners, and it is for them to choose that option,” Tanner said.

Once a pensioner chooses this option, the first month pension would have to go through a verification process, which can take up to three weeks. Thereafter, it will be available during the first week of the month.

Additionally, subject Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, in a recent interview with DPI, said the option would be available for persons to uplift their pensions at Western Union and other money transfer establishments closest to them.

The sums would be delivered to those who are shut-in.

This, she said, would eliminate the need for persons to travel far distances to wait in long queues at post offices.

Effective from January 1, 2021, old age pension increased from $20,500 per month to $25,000 per month.

This provision was made in the 2020 Emergency Budget.

Annandale, which are slated for January 7. So, before the month-end, the team will be in Georgetown.”

In September 2020, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the cash grant among other measures to help cushion the effects of COVID on households. It also seeks to stimulate the economy by increasing people’s spending power.

Residents across the country have praised the Government for implementing this initiative, which commenced on September 29 in the hinterland regions. Minister Dharamlall has said the Government is working tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind, and those most in need are served first.

The Ministry started disbursing the cash grant to primary households in Region Four in December, even as it finished serving those in secondary households in other regions.

Primary household owners are instructed to provide a valid form of identification to receive the grant. This includes a valid Guyana identification card, a valid driver’s licence, or a valid passport.

Persons who are not at home during the distribution exercise will not be left behind. Their names, addresses and other contact information would be collected and a date would be scheduled to hand over their grants.

The Government intends to disburse some $3.4 billion to 136,000 households in the Region.

COVID cash grant distribution for Georgetown before month-end – Dharamlall

L

ocal Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall has said that residents of Georgetown would start receiving their COVID-19 relief cash grant before month-end.

Speaking with DPI on Thursday, Dharamlall said the distribution team is currently making its rounds, in keeping with the guidelines to ensure every household benefits from this initiative.

“The team is currently on the East Bank. As of January 7, is in the Grove community, so they have worked from the highway coming down, while the team on the East Coast, as of January 6, completed distribution in Melanie.

So, they are currently working to go in Strathspey, Vigilance, Buxton and

Those persons will be tasked with getting the community involved. In addition to that, the local media would also be used to disseminate information.

Since the Health Ministry announced recommencement of the anti-lymphatic filariasis pill distribution campaign, some have already indicated that they took the pills during the last campaign.

However, Dr Scott pointed out that the Ministry is focusing on a community basis, and not personally.

"When you are on an elimination campaign, you

are looking to get a certain percentage of the community. So, it is not so much about who would have taken the pills prior, it is more about the percentage coverage that we can get."

He said the goal in Region Six as well as other regions is to get at least 80 percent of those eligible for the pills to take them.

"Despite persons might have taken the pills the year before, we are encouraging them to take them again. The effects of the pills in terms of sterilising the worm only last for about one year, so we want to ensure that persons

can have this renewed intervention so that we can be successful until it can be validated Filarial-free.

However, there are a few categories which the Ministry is advising not to take the pills. These include pregnant women, persons under the age of 2 years, and persons who are seriously ill and not able to carry out daily functions.

"It is not necessarily that it will harm pregnant women, but there is no conclusive evidence, so we try to stay away from that. But the rest of the population, please do take your pills. (G4)

American diplomats sign "dissent cable" over Trump's remark

M

ore than 100 US diplomats have signed a cable to protest President Donald Trump’s remarks that led to the ransacking of the Capitol building Wednesday, according to three sources familiar with the cable.

This rare use of the dissent channel, a formal procedure for diplomats to protest U.S. policy straight to the State Department’s leadership, comes as America’s image suffers a blow from the violent scenes in Washington, where Trump encouraged his supporters to interrupt the symbolic vote in Congress that ratified his opponent Joe Biden’s victory.

But they are not the only ones speaking up. A Trump appointee at the agency, Gabriel Noronha tweeted that Trump “needs to go” for fomenting “an insurrectionist mob that attacked the Capitol” and taking “every opportunity to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power.”

Hours after those tweets, the White House fired Noronha, who was a special adviser to the special envoy for Iran and a department spokesperson. He may not be alone in departing.

Several senior Trump officials at the agency share his sentiments and were supportive of his tweets, another source told ABC News.

But there are less than two weeks in the Trump administration, and once Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20, they will be forced to depart anyway. For career diplomats in the Foreign Service, however, the damage to US credibility will be a long-lasting challenge, especially as autocratic regimes have already deployed it to undermine American messages on human rights.

The cable directly confronts Trump for his remarks in front of the White House Wednesday, continuing to spread his false claims of widespread election fraud and urging his Vice President Mike Pence not to certify the electoral votes in Congress. A short time later, thousands of his rally’s attendees descended on Capitol Hill and breached

the building, threatening lawmakers and journalists and vandalizing the hallowed halls.

“After months of promoting baseless claims of voter fraud, which were rejected by the judiciary in dozens of cases, President Trump encouraged supporters, some armed, to march on the US Capitol while Congress was certifying the results of a free and fair presidential election,” the cable said, according to one source.

“His incitement led to a violent riot in the US Capitol, five deaths, untold injuries, destruction and vandalism of government property, and incalculable damage to our democratic system and our image abroad,” it continued. In an internal message Wednesday, the State Department urged all embassies and consulates around the world to halt any public posts or statements, according to two sources -- a move that infuriated many diplomats who felt hamstrung by the silence that left them unable to push back on adversaries delighting in the scenes of chaos.

“Out of respect for the unacceptable events that occurred on January 6th at the Capitol, the Department took the prudent measure to temporarily pause planned social media activity,” a State Department spokesperson confirmed to ABC News Friday.

That “pause” lasted for hours as the violent scenes unfolded, until Pompeo weighed in with a series of tweets Wednesday evening.

“Lawlessness and rioting -- here or around the world -- is always unacceptable,” he said, calling for the riot-

ers to “swiftly” face “justice.”

But he made no mention of his boss, fiercely protective of their relationship and loathe to show any sign of daylight between them.

The diplomats who signed the dissent cable said that Pompeo’s response was not enough.

“The Department of State should explicitly denounce President Trump’s role in this violent attack on the U.S. government. Just as we routinely denounce foreign leaders who use violence and intimidation to interfere in peaceful democratic processes and override the will of their voters, the Department’s public statements about this episode should also mention President Trump by name. It is critical that we communicate to the world that in our system, no one -- not even the president -- is above the law or immune from public criticism,” the cable said.

The State Department declined to comment on the cable, which was first reported

by Foreign Policy magazine.

Pompeo met with Anthony Blinken on Friday, Biden’s pick to succeed him as secretary. The first meeting between a Trump Cabinet chief and one of Biden’s pick, it was originally scheduled to happen in December until Pompeo went into quarantine after being exposed to a person who tested positive for coronavirus. (ABC News) Caption: Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C., during a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trinidad’s PM hospitalised

P

rime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley has reportedly been rushed to a private hospital where he is being treated for a cardiac issue.

According to a report published in the Trinidad Express newspaper, Rowley was admitted to hospital after being

taken there by his security detail at approximately 17:00 (5:00 pm) (local time).

There has been no official report concerning the prime minister’s health.

While the prime minister had no public events on Friday, he is scheduled to host a press conference on Saturday. (Jamaica Observer)

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley

Biden taps daughter of Jamaican immigrants for senior DOJ post

U

nited States President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday tapped a Caribbean American voting rights advocate for a senior US Department of Justice (DOJ) position.

In a national television address, Biden named Kristen Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, as assistant attorney general for civil rights.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Clarke will lead the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.

Biden said Clarke “has also spent her career advocating for greater equity in the justice system”.

“A daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Kristen is also one of the most distinguished civil rights at-

Kristen Clarke

torneys in America,” said Biden, adding that Clarke, “a proud native of Brooklyn,” began her legal career in “the very same office she is now nominated to lead”.

Biden said Clarke’s previous tenure with the Justice Department “saw her take on some of the most

complex civil rights cases — from voting rights and re-districting challenges to prosecuting hate crimes and human trafficking”.

“She has earned accolades throughout her career — including as the head of the Civil Rights Bureau for her home state of New York, where she led the charge to end the school-to-prison pipeline and root out discrimination in housing and law enforcement,” he said.

“She currently leads one of the nation’s top civil rights organisations, where she promotes greater equity in voting rights, in our education system, our housing system, our justice system, and so much more,” he added. “Now, she will return full circle to pursue that vital work where her career began.” (CMC)

Trump to snub Biden’s inauguration as Capitol riot fallout builds …absence “a good thing” – President elect

US President Donald Trump

U

S President Donald Trump has said he will not attend the inauguration of his successor, Joe Biden, on 20 January.

“To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th,” the president tweeted.

The president-elect welcomed the news, calling Trump’s absence “a good thing”.

Trump is facing calls for his removal from office after five people died when a mob of his supporters invaded Congress.

The president was not fit to serve in the White House, Mr Biden said. But he said he would happy for VicePresident Mike Pence to attend the inauguration.

The latest death is that of US Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

The FBI and Washington police will jointly investigate his death, although they have not yet said whether it will be treated as

President elect Joe Biden

murder.

Wednesday’s violence came hours after Trump encouraged his supporters to fight against the election results as Congress was certifying Biden’s victory in the November vote.

Under pressure, Trump released a recorded statement late on Thursday condemning the storming of the US Capitol as a “heinous attack”. It is highly unusual but not unprecedented: the last president to skip the inauguration of his successor was Andrew Johnson, in 1869.

Trump has now admitted defeat in the 3 November election and has promised a peaceful transfer of power. However, he has repeated baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.

Meanwhile, House Democrats plan to introduce articles of impeachment next Monday accusing the outgoing president of incitement of insurrection.

Nearly 160 House Democrats have signed on to the bill, which was drafted by congressmen Ted Lieu

of California and David Cicilline of Rhode Island while they were sheltering in place during Wednesday’s chaos at the Capitol.

If the House votes to pass an impeachment, proceedings would move to the Senate. But there is so far no sign that the two-thirds of votes required to convict the president can be found in the Republicancontrolled upper chamber.

The White House responded in a statement: “A politically motivated impeachment against a President with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi previously said her preference was for Trump to be removed using the 25th Amendment, which allows the vice-president to step up if the president is unable to perform his duties owing to a mental or physical illness.

But there is no sign of the support from the vice-president and cabinet members needed to trigger this constitutional process. (BBC)

US Justice Department indicts Pelosi called military chief about 15 over Capitol violence “unhinged” Trump’s access

T

he US Justice Department announced Wednesday that it has indicted 15 people involved in the assault on Congress, including one man accused of possessing bombs made to act like “homemade napalm”.

The department said it had arrested several suspects, including Richard Barnett, a supporter of US President Donald Trump who invaded the office of House Speaker Nancy

Pelosi, and another man found with 11 styrofoam-enhanced Molotov cocktails in his truck.

Others whose charges were unsealed include a man alleged to have entered the US Capitol with a loaded handgun, another who is accused of punching an officer, and a West Virginia state legislator who took part in storming the Congress, said Ken Cole, a federal prosecutor with the Washington US attorney’s office.

Cole said that not all the charges over Wednesday’s violence had been unsealed and that more were in the pipeline as the FBI investigates.

“This investigation has the highest priority,” he said, with “hundreds” of Justice Department investigators working the case.

More charges and arrests were expected.

Dozens of people were arrested and charged by local Washington police, but the charges announced by Cole Friday were on the federal level, and potentially carry heftier punishment. But he said the FBI was not investigating anyone on possible “incitement” or “insurrection” charges.

Some people have called for Trump, his attorney Rudy Giuliani and others to be charged with incitement for openly encouraging the president’s supporters to take action just hours before the mob stormed the Capitol.

“We don’t expect any charges of that nature,” Cole said. (AFP)

to nuclear launch codes

H

ouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi told House members Friday that she called Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley to ask what was being done to prevent President Donald Trump from accessing nuclear launch codes, calling the president “unhinged.”

The California Democrat’s move comes after calling for the vice president and Cabinet to remove Trump from office in the wake of his inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol on Wednesday in a deadly assault.

“This morning (Friday), I spoke to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike,” she said in a letter to House Democrats.

“As you know, there is growing momentum around

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which would allow the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to remove the President for his incitement of insurrection and the danger he still poses,” Pelosi continued.

Many congressional Democrats, and at least one Republican, have called for removing the president immediately.

The 25th Amendment of the Constitution allows the vice president and a major-

ity of the executive Cabinet to force the president out by declaring him “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” In that case, the vice president would take over. If that fails, Pelosi said Congress will move to impeach and remove Trump for his “dangerous and seditious acts.”

“If the President does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action,” Pelosi said. (NBC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Regional

Argentina moves to restrict Jamaican Govt says measures in place to prevent people nighttime activities from UK entering country as COVID-19 surges

Health workers hold photographs of colleagues who died during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, during a tribute in honour of their fellow workers and in protest against their working conditions, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 2, 2020

A

rgentina issued a decree on Friday empowering provinces to restrict nighttime activities in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, with authorities concerned about a new wave of cases being caused

by Southern Hemisphere summer vacationers.

TV images have been filled with packed beaches

and outdoor parties, with many people not wearing masks or observing social distancing guidelines.

As of Thursday, 1,690,006 cases of coronavirus had been recorded in the country, with 44,122 deaths.

Data show that new daily infections more than doubled as Argentina’s summer holiday season got going at

the end of the year.

The decree asks provincial governments to restrict movement of people in the late night and early morning hours.

“We have to be very aware of the situation we are in,” said President Alberto Fernandez’s chief of staff Santiago Cafiero, at a news conference.

“What we do at the national level is set guidelines and warn about future risks, but then those who must apply the measures are the local authorities. Today they have been empowered to do that.”

Atlantic beaches that run alongside the populous province of Buenos Aires have been among the most crowded in the country. Argentina began an early and strict quarantine in March, which was later made more flexible, in part to help an economy that has been in recession since 2018. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he Government believes it has sufficient measures in place to prevent persons entering the island from the United Kingdom (UK), via transit ports, while the present travel ban is in place.

Jamaica The Observer has received reports that people wanting to enter the island from the UK have been travelling to the United States and other countries before heading to Jamaica in an effort to avoid going into the required 14-day State quarantine.

But Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of National Security Matthew Samuda said most, if not all, of the people who have tried this have been caught.

According to Samuda, some people who are British passport holders, have tried to enter the island via other jurisdictions have been blocked.

He said others with nonUK passports who have sought to enter by way of disjointed flights through the United States and the Eastern Caribbean, have also been rejected.

“We have caught attempts [being made] and blocked those before they got here. Literally one or two [have landed]; it hasn’t reached 10 persons either because of how they book their ticket. Because of IATA (International Air Transport Association), or the JAMCOVID back end, somehow they found a way to come, but those persons upon reaching Jamaica would have gone into Government quarantine,” Samuda told the Observer.

He said through the approval system on the JAMCOVID platform, persons with British passports attempting to go to Jamaica, are either blocked or heavily reviewed. The Minister argued that while no system is perfect, persons certainly have not been slipping through the cracks, as there are several tiers of monitoring that would catch anyone seeking to enter surreptitiously. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil’s Fiocruz seeks Mitchell to hand over power AstraZeneca emergency use, after next general election in step toward vaccine rollout

B

razil’s State-run Fiocruz institute has sought an emergency use authorisation for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine it plans to import, federal health regulator Anvisa said on Friday, providing hope that immunisations could begin this month.

The authorisation Fiocruz is seeking is for a 2 million dose, off-the-shelf shipment

of AstraZeneca vaccines imported from India’s Serum Institute, Anvisa said.

As part of the federal Government’s deal with AstraZeneca, the company will later send active ingredients to Brazil for Fiocruz to fill-and-finish the vaccine, and eventually produce it entirely.

The emergency use authorisation is an important

step for Brazil to kickstart its vaccine rollout, which has come in for criticism for its slow pace. Anvisa aims to determine whether to approve the measure within 10 days, meaning inoculations could potentially begin this month.

The Government has said it aims to begin vaccinations in January, with a best-case-scenario of Jan 20.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

PM: T&T will continue to participate in OAS meetings

T

&T will continue to “actively participate” in meetings, deliberations and voting with the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The country will still abstain from any resolution or motion “put forward or sponsored by or on behalf of a purported representative of Venezuela”.

That clarification came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which stated that T&T remains an active part of the OAS, but will not vote on any Venezuelan issue as Venezuela withdrew from the OAS back in 2017.

At a post-Cabinet meeting last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said T&T will go to OAS meetings but will not vote “where the people who are sitting there representing countries are not proper”.

In a text response to-

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

day on the issue, the Prime Minister said the misinformation presented by the media on this issue was “annoying”.

Rowley said this latest media statement sought to correct a misleading newspaper report.

“It is tedious but we will correct the misinformation

every time it is published.

Trinidad and Tobago NEVER made any demand for any Venezuelan representative of Maduro Govt be seated at the OAS,” he said.

Rowley said that the Government objected to “any Venezuelan representative being entertained at OAS meetings because Venezuela has withdrawn from the Organization and is NOT now a member of the OAS”.

“Can’t you all not see a difference?” Rowley asked.

Rowley said there was no change in Government position on this matter.

“What change?” he asked.

“Imagine we abstained on a vote only to have it reported that TT was absent from the meeting!! This is becoming annoying!” he said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

P

rime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has said that he will not be exiting public life before the 2023 General Election.

During the campaign for the 2018 General Election, Mitchell, who is at the helm of the ruling New National Party (NNP), then indicated that he will not contest another general election.

However, in an interview on Thursday – approximately two years before the election is constitutionally due, the Prime Minister said that he has had to change his plans about handing over leadership.

“A decision has been made, I would have preferred not to have but there are rationales based on my own colleagues’ views and general perceptions that the right time will have to be after the next election to hand over the reigns to someone.

“So, it looks likely, highly likely that I will certain-

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell

ly run, unless I have some health issues or physical problem,” said Mitchell who has served in the Parliament for almost four decades.

The Prime Minister will celebrate his 75th birth in November.

The NNP, which is currently in the process of identifying caretakers, was returned to office in the last election with voters giving

majority support to the NNP candidates. All 15 constituency seats were won by the NNP candidates.

As a result, there was not an official Opposition in Lower House of Parliament until Tobias Clement, who represents the constituency of St George’s North East, crossed the floor and became the Leader of the Opposition.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

9 killed in armed attack on wake in central Mexico

U

nidentified gunmen burst into a wake in the central Mexican city of Celaya late on Thursday and shot dead nine people, authorities said, one of the worst outbreaks of violence to hit the country during the past few weeks.

One person was also wounded in the attack out-

side a house where the wake was being held in a neighbourhood in the west of Celaya, the municipal government said in a statement.

Celaya is in the state of Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s main flashpoints of gang violence in the past few years and a major hub for the automotive industry.

Heavy, rapid gunfire

could be heard ringing out in video footage shot close to the attack and broadcast by Mexican media.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office two years ago pledging to reduce record levels of violence, but homicides have continued to test new peaks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises to highest since Feb, set for weekly gain on Saudi output cut

O

il prices hit their highest level in nearly a year and were on track for a weekly gain on Friday, supported by Saudi Arabia’s pledge to cut output and strong gains in major equity markets.

Brent crude climbed 94 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to US$55.35 a barrel by 1:25 pm EST (1825), its highest since late February, and West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) gained 76 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to US$51.59, also its highest since late February. Both benchmarks were on track for weekly gains of more than 6 per cent.

“People are realizing the market is tighter than it has been in a while and that the commitment by Saudi Arabia to cut back production is going to keep the market balanced despite the concerns about shut-ins from COVID,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

Saudi Arabia this week pledged extra, voluntary oil output cuts of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February and March as part of a deal under which most OPEC+ producers will hold production steady during new lockdowns.

Analysts said oil prices could see a correction in the coming months if fuel demand remains constrained by the pandemic.

Strict restrictions on travel and other activity around the world to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases are weighing on fuel sales, weakening the prospect of an energy demand recovery in the first half of 2021.

The pandemic claimed its highest US death toll yet this week, killing more than 4000 people in a single day, while China reported the biggest rise in daily cases in more than five months and Japan may extend a state of emergency beyond the greater Tokyo region.

A global equities rally pushed Japan’s Nikkei and US stock benchmarks to new records, as investors focused on further stimulus to mend the economic damage of the pandemic.

The US Congress may soon approve more pandemic relief, a scenario that became more likely after two Georgia Democrats won Senate seats that handed Democrats control of both houses of Congress once Biden is sworn in.

“The energy complex (is) placing particular focus on the democratic victories in the Georgia elections that, in turn, boost the likelihood of larger stimulus measures,” said Jim Ritterbusch of Ritterbusch and Associates. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pakistan jails Mumbai attacks “plotter” for “terrorism financing”

A

Pakistan court has sentenced Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi, a senior leader of armed group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to five years in jail for “terrorism financing”.

Lakhvi and the group are accused by India and the United States of being behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks – though the charges or sentence are not related to any specific incident.

He was sentenced to five years concurrently on three counts, with a fine of 100,000 rupees (US$622) on each count, an order from the court seen by Reuters said.

India has long called on Pakistan to try Lakhvi for the Mumbai attack, in which more than 160 people were killed, but Islamabad said New Delhi has not given it concrete evidence it can use in a court to try the LeT leader, who it had initially arrested in 2008 but later released on bail.

He was arrested again on charges of “terrorism financing” on Saturday.

The US welcomed his arrest but called for him to be tried for the Mumbai attacks, too.

According to New Delhi, the lone surviving gunman of the attack, who was executed in 2012 after sentencing by an Indian court, told interrogators the assailants were in touch with Pakistan-born Lakhvi, who is said to be LeT’s chief of operations.

A UN Security Council sanctions committee said Lakhvi is involved in armed group activity in a number of other regions and countries, including Chechnya, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Counter Terrorism Department said in a statement Lakhvi had been sent to prison to serve the sentence. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

WHO tells rich countries: stop cutting the vaccines queue

T

he Head of the World Health Organisation said on Friday there is a “clear problem” that lowand middle-income countries are not yet receiving supplies of COVID-19 vaccines and urged countries to stop striking bilateral deals with manufacturers.

“Rich countries have the majority of the supply,” WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in strongly-worded comments on vaccine nationalism at a Geneva news briefing.

“No country is exceptional and should cut the queue and vaccinate all their population while some remain with no supply of the vaccine,” he added.

He asked countries and manufacturers to stop making bilateral deals and called on those who have or-

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a news conference in Geneva Switzerland, July 3, 2020

dered excess doses to immediately hand them over to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility.

While Tedros did not name countries, the European Union said it reached a deal with Pfizer and BioNTech for 300 million addition-

al doses of their COVID-19 vaccine in a move that would give the EU nearly half of the firms’ global output for 2021.

The scramble for shots has accelerated as governments also struggle to tame more infectious variants identi-

fied in Britain and South Africa, which are threatening to overwhelm healthcare systems.

Emergencies chief Mike Ryan echoed comments from Tedros, stressing the need to give doses to vulnerable groups and frontline healthcare workers first, no matter where they live.

WHO officials also urged vaccine manufacturers to provide it with data in real-time in order to expedite the rollout.

Until now, wealthier nations including Britain, European Union members, the United States, Switzerland and Israel have been at the front of the queue for vaccine deliveries from companies including Pfizer and partner BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Snowstorm hits Spain, COVID-19: “Major Madrid braces for heaviest incident” declared by flurries in decades London Mayor Sadiq Khan

H

eavy snowfall from Storm Filomena put Madrid and other parts of Spain on high alert on Friday, disrupting traffic and forcing some regions to send out soldiers to clear roads to villages.

With up to 20 cm (8 inches) of snow forecast in 24 hours and temperatures hovering around zero centigrade, the south of the Madrid region was on its highest level of alert for the first time since the system was created in 2007.

Large parks in the capital, including the famous Retiro next to the Prado museum, were closed as a precaution.

“I have come out to see and enjoy the snow. There is very little else to do these days (because of the pandemic),” Juan Jose, 24, a marketing executive, said outside Retiro Park.

Troops from the Unit

for Military Emergencies helped clear roads and infrastructure across the country, the Defence Ministry said.

Castilla-La Mancha, one of the three regions put on high alert along with Madrid and eastern Valencia, closed schools.

Around 280 main roads were affected by the snow, traffic authorities said.

Authorities asked citizens to avoid non-essential travel.

Airport operator Aena urged passengers to use the subway to get to Madrid airport, and train operator Renfe cancelled some routes.

“Perhaps we would have to go back to the snowfall of February 1984 or to that of March 1971 to find similar precedents if the forecasts we are expecting are correct,” Ruben del Campo, a spokesman for the State Meteorological Agency, said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he spread of COVID in London is "out of control" according to Sadiq Khan, who has declared a "major incident".

The coronavirus infection rate in London has exceeded 1000 per 100,000 people, based on the latest figures from Public Health England.

However, the Office for National Statistics recently estimated as many as 1 in 30 Londoners has coronavirus.

Khan told BBC political reporter Karl Mercer that the figure is as high as 1 in 20 in some parts of London.

Major incidents have previously been called for the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and the terror attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

A major incident is any emergency that requires the implementation of special arrangements by one

or all of the emergency services, the NHS or the local authority.

It means the emergency services and hospitals cannot guarantee their normal level of response.

Currently, there are more than 7000 people in hospital with COVID-19, the Mayor said.

This is a 35 per cent increase compared to last April's peak of the pandemic, he added.

London's regional director for Public Health England Kevin Fenton said the current wave of coronavirus was "the biggest threat" the capital has faced in this pandemic to date.

Khan is warning that London is "at crisis point".

"If we do not take immediate action now, our NHS could be overwhelmed and more people will die," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Iran bans COVID vaccines from UK, US

I

ran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has prohibited imports of COVID-19 vaccines from the United States and the United Kingdom.

In a televised speech on Friday, the supreme leader said he has no confidence in vaccines coming out of the two Western powers since they have some of the highest mortality rates in the world.

“If the Americans had managed to manufacture a vaccine, this coronavirus fiasco wouldn’t have happened in their own country,” he said, adding that the US is now registering a daily death toll of 4000 people.

“If they can create a vaccine, if their Pfizer factory can manufacture a vac-

Iran launched the human trials of its first vaccine candidate, COVIran Barekat, on December 29 [Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]

cine, then why do they want to give it to us? They should consume it themselves so they wouldn’t have so many deaths.”

Khamenei said the same

applies to the UK, and that he does not trust the US and the UK since they may wish to test out their vaccines on other nations.

The supreme leader also

said he has “doubts” about France due to its infected blood scandal that began in the early 1990s.

At the time, Iran was among the recipients of blood supplies from France that later turned out to be infected with HIV. Hundreds of Iranian haemophiliacs were infected by the tainted blood and Iran says it never received compensation.

The supreme leader’s order led to a halt in Iranian Red Crescent Society’s plans to import 150,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that had been secured with the help of philanthropists, the organisation’s spokesman said shortly after the speech.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Invest in something that will make your life easier and your relationships with the people you care about better.

A change will lead to personal growth and a healthier lifestyle.

Self-improvement projects will help eliminate uncertainty and bring you peace of mind. Sharing feelings with a loved one will help you understand all sides of a situation.

Don't second-guess yourself because someone doesn't think or do things your way.

Believe in your ability to get things done and make your life better.

Make a positive move.

Be innovative and willing to work with the people or circumstances you encounter. Romance is encouraged. Be careful with your money.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don't let inevitable changes get you down. Consider what you have and what you are capable of doing, and you will discover a new opportunity that will help you advance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Personal and physical changes will improve your day. Taking better care of your health and well-being will bring about personal stability. Love and romance are on the rise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Discipline and hard work will help you overcome any adversity you encounter at home or with a friend or relative. Speak up, but don't start a feud. Honesty and tact will be required.

SCORPIO

Refuse to let confusion take the reins. When in doubt, make your position clear to anyone trying to pressure you into something questionable. Be innovative regarding a necessary change.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Keep your money in a SAGITTARIUS safe place, avoid joint ven(Nov. 23tures and verify informaDec. 21) tion you receive before you take action or pass it along.

Concentrate on what's important to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don't get involved in others' business. Forge ahead with your plans, regardless of any interference. Don't waste valuable time; do your best to get ahead.

Get the lowdown before you make a decision that could influence your financial status. The research you do will give you the peace of mind required to ease stress and move forward with confidence.

Discuss troubling matters. Dealing with people you've known for a long time will be taxing. An enthusiastic, fair approach is necessary.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

21

Radford worried about fallout from 2nd string Windies team

B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados – Experienced international batting coach Toby Radford has raised concerns over the potential negative impact of sending a depleted squad to Bangladesh, and fears the pullout by players could have adverse implications for the image of West Indies Cricket.

This Welshman, who spent several years as part of the West Indies coaching staff, said he would have preferred to see a full-strength side for the upcoming tour, instead of “half of a firstteam”, supplemented by inexperienced players. And while he is thrilled with the new opportunities that will be afforded other players,

Radford questioned whether the tour would enhance West Indies Cricket overall.

“I’m slightly disappointed, as a West Indies supporter, that the main team isn’t going. I’m delighted it has given opportunities for younger players, but there are quite a few big names missing,” said Radford, who was a member of the Caribbean side’s coaching staff up until two years ago.

“My real worry is: Is it good for West Indies Cricket to be sending half of a first team and some younger players [to Bangladesh]?

Will that affect how other countries view them going forward? I don’t know the answers, but I’m looking on a

little bit disappointed. I’d like to see the best team travel every time we go and play.”

Test captain Jason Holder and white ball skipper Kieron Pollard were the two biggest names in a group of 10 who declined selection for the Bangladesh tour due to “COVID-19-related concerns or personal fears”.

Darren Bravo, one of the side’s most experienced Test and ODI batsmen, along with Test all-rounder Roston Chase and exciting lefthander Shimron Hetmyer, also opted out, along with big-name ODI stars like Shai Hope, Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran.

Radford has said he understands the need

for certain players, who had been hunkered down in biosecure bubbles in various tournaments over the last year, to take a break. And without naming players, he f e l t there were others who

should have opted to tour because they had played relatively little cricket.

“I can understand one or two deciding not to go who perhaps have p l aye d a lot of c r i c ket ,” he told S ta rc o m Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket programme.

“I think someone like Jason Holder, who has played a lot of cricket and been in a lot of bubbles this year and stuck in his hotel room, I can understand him being tired and needing a break. But there are a few there I think who are taking a break who maybe don’t need a break.

“And the other thing that’s interesting is that the players who are travelling and have said they’re happy to travel are those who only get their salaries from the

West Indies Board, and are not getting any extra money playing in T20 competitions.

“A lot of those who have decided not to travel (are) obviously earning (lucratively) playing in the Big Bash or playing in the IPL, and the bank is pretty full for them and (they) probably don’t feel they have to go to Bangladesh,” he said.

Pollard, Holder, Hetmyer Pooran and Sheldon Cottrell have campaigned in the lucrative IPL last September/ October, while Holder and Pooran have featured in the ongoing Big Bash.

West Indies are scheduled to leave this weekend for the January 10 to February 15 tour, which comprises three One-Day Internationals and two Tests. (CMC)

came to visit their brother at his home, and spent the night in his spare bedroom, they told investigators. They woke up to Rivera repeatedly stabbing them with a knife, the arrest report said.

One woman told Police she tried to fight him off, but he kept stabbing her. The younger sister ran from the room, the report said. The woman told Police she was finally able to push him away and call Police.

Neighbours told officers they woke up to a loud banging sound at their front door, and they found a woman covered in blood and begging for help, the report said.

“He’s trying to kill me!

Please help my sister,” the arrest report said the woman told neighbours. As the door was opened, the neighbours saw Rivera walking by, also covered in blood, the report said.

“Shut the door!” Rivera shouted at the neighbours, according to the report. He then shouted, “Everything is okay!” He took off running when he saw the neighbours were on the phone, the report said.

Delray Beach

Police found Rivera at about 7am, the report said. He spontaneously uttered, “I killed my sisters,” according to the report.

He was taken to the Boynton Beach Police Department, where he gave Police a statement, and admitted to stabbing his sisters, the report said. He told investigators he used a brass knuckle knife to stab his sisters because a “higher power” told him it was “his purpose,” the report said.

UFC officials released a statement to MMA Weekly, a digital publication that covers the profession.

“UFC is aware of the recent incident involving Irwin Rivera, and subsequently received information from his management that he has been exhibiting behaviour consistent with mental health issues,” the statement said. The statement said Rivera’s career is on hold, pending an investigation.

A lawyer for Rivera was not listed on jail records.

(Guardian)

Lakers' winning streak UFC fighter Irwin Rivera jailed in ends, 76ers fall to Nets Florida on charges of attempted murder

A

T

he four-game winning streak of the Los Angeles Lakers was snapped in the NBA on Thursday, while the Philadelphia 76ers also fell.

Despite a double-double of 27 points and 12 assists from LeBron James, the Lakers were beaten by the San Antonio Spurs 118-109. Anthony Davis also had 23 points and 10 rebounds, but the Lakers slipped to 6-3.

LaMarcus Aldridge posted a game-high 28 points for the Spurs.

After five straight wins, the 76ers fell to a 122-109 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

Joel Embiid had a doubledouble of 20 points and 12 rebounds for the 76ers (7-2).

The Nets were without Kevin Durant (quarantine) and Kyrie Irving (personal reasons), but Caris LeVert posted 22 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as they improved to 5-4.

Lillard lifts Trail Blazers, Doncic dominates Damian Lillard's 39 points, seven rebounds and seven assists saw the Portland Trail Blazers past the Minnesota Timberwolves 135-117.

Luka Doncic dominated with 38 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks overcame the Denver Nuggets 124-117 after overtime.

Andre Drummond had a double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90.

Terrible Timberwolves After back-to-back wins to start the season, the Timberwolves have suffered six straight losses. Malik Beasley struggled against the Trail Blazers, going three-of-13 from the field for 12 points in 28 minutes.

Cool Jokic Nikola Jokic forced overtime for the Nuggets against the Mavericks with a long two. He finished with 38 points and 11 rebounds in the overtime loss.

Thursday's results Brooklyn Nets:122 Philadelphia 76ers:109; Cleveland Cavaliers:94 Memphis Grizzlies:90; Portland Trail Blazers:135 Minnesota Timberwolves:117; San Antonio Spurs:118 Los Angeles Lakers:109; Dallas Mavericks:124 Denver Nuggets: 117;

Clippers at Warriors The Los Angeles Clippers (63) and Golden State Warriors (4-4) met for the second time in three days on Friday.

The Clippers claimed a 108101 victory on Wednesday.

(Sportsmax)

n Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts fighter is accused of stabbing his two sisters early on Thursday as they slept in a spare bedroom in his apartment, because a “higher power” told him to do so, Police in Florida have said.

Early on Friday, Irwin Rivera, 31, known as ‘The Beast’, remained in the Palm Beach County Jail on two counts of premeditated attempted murder, according to jail records. An arrest report said multiple neighbours and one of the victims called 911 to report the stabbing at Rivera’s Boynton Beach home early on Thursday morning.

Arriving officers found a 22-year-old woman next to the road, covered in blood, an arrest report said. She had multiple stab wounds on her back, head and arm, and she told officers her brother had stabbed her.

She told officers her sister was still in the house, the report said. The 33-year-old woman was found inside, also with multiple stab wounds. She had two collapsed lungs, and was taken to Delray Medical Center, the report said. The sisters’ identity was not released.

The Boynton Beach Police Department said one victim is in stable condition, the other is in critical condition.

T h e women

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

RHTY&SC completes another successful year despite COVID-19 pandemic – surpasses target of 700 activities

W

hile the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the majority of youth and sports organisations to close their doors, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, was still able to complete a highly successful 2020, and even surpassed its original target of 700 activities.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said the club adopted a policy of strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines for its membership and management, while redoubling efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those badly affected by the pandemic.

A total of 707 activities were completed under the sub-headings of sports, coaching, educational, charity, religious, youth development, social, community development, personal development, publications, anti-alcohol, anti-tobacco, anti-suicide and anti-crime, among others.

The activities completed in 2020 were 36 less than the 743 achieved in 2019, but Foster has said Management was still pleased, as the RHTY&SC had a 6-week break when the pandemic started in early March.

The cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, MS, did quite well in the first two months of the year, as they won the Nand Persaud Female 20/20 tournament, Natasha Gangoo Tribute Trophy, BCB/Busta Champion of Champions, BCB/Stag Beer 50 Overs, BCB/ Ivan Madray Memorial 20/20 tournament, and the Lower Corentyne Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 league.

Additionally, they were the runners-up in the Ramnaresh Sarwan under 17 tournament and the Raffik Construction 100 balls Cup. The Namilco Thunderbolt Flour first division team has also reached the semi-finals of the Banks Beer two days’

tournament.

Kevin Sinclair made his debut at the first-class level for Guyana, after making a memorable debut for the West Indies Emerging Team at the CWI one-day level.

The highly talented Kevlon Anderson represented the West Indies in the ICC Under 19 World Cup, and scored 103 vs Scotland in a warmup match and 86 not out versus England in an impressive tour.

Sheneta Grimmond and Shemaine Campbelle toured Australia in February with the West Indies World Cup squad, while clubmate Shabika Gajnabi joined them on a tour to England in September.

Gajnabi successfully captained Berbice to the GCB female championship, and was joined by club mates Erva Giddings, Plaffina Millington, Marian Samaroo, Oma Matadin, Kimmone Thomas, Trisha Hardat, Dian Prahalad, Sherika Campbelle and Aleema Arokium.

Christopher Deroop, Nyron Hicks, Matthew Pottaya, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall and Jeremy Sandia represented Berbice during a reduced GCB junior inter county season.

All of the RHTYSC official cricket sponsors – Poonai’s Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro Office Supplies and Namilco, renewed their sponsorship during the year at a combined cost of $1.4M. Club Member Esuan Crandon continued to serve Guyana as the senior cricket coach, and was also named Asst Coach for the Senior West Indies female team, while Assad Fudadin played for the Jamaica regional team, and Akshay Homraj played for the USA at the international level.

The 10 cricket teams of the club also successfully completed more than 300 personal development activities on their own, as they

FOR SALE Fresh Organic Ginger for Sale Tel. #6884264 New Pulp Egg Tray for Sale. Tel# 6884264

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

Clean-up of the Rose Hall Town Public Beach

Outreach programme. A total of 2000 lbs of food aid and a combined $2M worth of face masks, cleaning detergents and sanitisers were distributed, along with large amounts of clothing, footwear,

are mandated to do each year by club management. The club distributed a total of 8,917 food hampers under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, COVID-19 Response programme, Lorenzo Johnny Memorial Fund, and the 2020 Christmas

Stations, St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Rose Hall Town Council, and the Guyana Fire Service.

A combined 213 young cricketers across the country received assistance from

Donation of cricket gears to youths in Linden

educational materials, clocks, electric fans, toys, and sports gears to over 60 non-governmental agencies, public institutions, churches and schools, including

The Namilco First Division team poses after winning the Stag Beer 50 overs title

first division tourney to date, while the other teams have reached the quarter-finals of the New Building Society 40over tournament, the finals of the Elizabeth Styles Under 21 and the overall final of the Let’s Bet Sports county-wide

CLASSIFIED ADS

the Williamsburg Health Centre, Little Angels Feeding Programme, Port Mourant and Mibicuri public hospitals, Upper Demerara Cricket Association, Corriverton Links Football Club, Berbice Police

the RHTY&SC in the form of cricket gears, bicycles, schoolbags and uniforms.

Under a special programme the Lorenzo Johnny Memorial Fund - a total of 200 food hampers plus dozens of school bags were distributed in memory of the Rose Hall Town businessman who was murdered in February, 2020.

Among dozens of programmes hosted by the club in the year were National Grade Six Award Scheme, CSEC Award Scheme, COVID-19 educational programmes, Naeem Nasir Memorial, DTV8 Mother of the Year, Walter Nero Father of the Year, Gregory Gaskin Berbice Sports Award, Busta Children’s Mash Parade, Say No to COVID-19 posters, Say No to Crime stickers, Youth Information Booklet, Annual Club Review Magazine, Rose Hall Town Public Beach Clean Up, Major Restoration of Club Office, Tribute to Medical Workers, Tribute to Retired Teachers, Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, Tribute to Teachers, Spelling Bee Competition, Essay Competition, and Republic Bank School Bags Programme.

The RHTY&SC also assisted dozens of sporting organisations, especially

cricket clubs, with cricket balls, scorebooks, trophies, medals, gears, and also co-sponsored twelve sporting events, including a female football tournament. During the year, the club also celebrated its 30th anniversary by hosting a wide range of activities from 1st August to 31st September. The highlight was the honouring of long-serving members, renaming of the RHTY&SC all time Cricket X1, Senior Citizens Breakfast, Gregory Gaskin Dolphin Awards Scheme, Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Paying it Forward Programme, and the Basil Butcher Trust Fund. The team also assisted six families whose homes were destroyed by fire or natural disasters.

The successful year was completed with the hosting of a multi-million-dollar Outreach programme and the sixth Annual Christmas Village.

A total of 1036 food hampers, 5103 Christmas toys, 500 Special Christmas packages, and 300 Senior Citizens’ breakfast were among the items shared out, while a wide range of organisations also received assistance, including three orphanages.

Foster noted that hard work and commitment of the BCB executives was the main reason for the success of the club in 2020, along with the support of the media especially NCN, DTV-8, LRTVS, CH 10, NTN, Guyana Chronicle, <<Guyana Times>>, Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, Newsroom and CH12. The work of the club would have not been possible without the support of over 400 donors, and Foster noted that over ninety percentage of them are non-financial supporters.

Special mention was made of Bakewell, Metro Pepsi, Farfan and Mendes, Namilco, Poonai Pharmacy, DDL, Guyana Beverage, Ansa McAl, F and H Printery, Nand Persaud Co. Ltd, Modern Optical Services, Panthera’s Solution, CCI, KSM Investment, Len’s Craft, Odyssey Transportation, Edward B Beharry, Andana Homes, King’s Jewellery, Food for the Poor, Star Sports, V-Net Communications, The Gift Centre, John Lewis Styles, Bounty Farm, John Fernandes Ltd, Ming’s Products Ltd, GNNL, Bissan Trading, Fitness Express, Trophy Stall, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, 4R Bearings, Ministry of Natural Resources, GuyOil, PPDI, Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank, Mike’s Pharmacy, Small Business Bureau, GO-Invest.

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

"After Gayle and Samuels, Hetmyer is the most talented batsman I've seen" - Sarwan In T20 International cricket, Hetmyer has only 379 runs in 23 innings, at an average of 18.95, with a lone fifty. The left-hander from Berbice, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Boxing Day, is widely considered one for the future.

Hetmyer is among the

By Brandon Corlette

I

t has already been established that Guyana's Shimron Hetmyer has all the talent in the world; but talent can take you only to a certain level.

Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has said Hetmyer is the most talented player he has seen after Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, his former West Indies team mates.

Consistency has been a challenge for Hetmyer since he made his debut for the West Indies back in 2017.

When asked what is needed for Hetmyer to consistently excel, Sarwan responded: "Score runs."

"He has an abundance of talent. I have seen him in Antigua and I have said this before: he is probably the most talented player I have seen after Gayle and Marlon Samuels.

I just think he needs to be consistent and hungry, and that hunger should be a l l the time. I think overconfidence is something that tends to affect him as well," Sarwan said on the recent Sean Devers Sports Watch programme.

Hetmyer played 16 Test matches for the West Indies, and after 30 innings, he is yet to register a century, although he has scored five fif-

Shimron Hetmyer

International series hosted during COVID-19. Hetmyer toured New Zealand, but has played in only played two T20 matches, scoring 00 and 25.

He had suffered a blow and was undergoing concussion protocols, hence one reason for his non-involve-

Ramnaresh Sarwan

ties. His highest Test score is 93 and his batting average is 27.93. In the One Day International (ODI) format, Hetmyer played 45 matches and scored 1430 runs at an average of 36.6, including five centuries and four half-centuries, striking at 106.8.

Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels

players who opted out of the Bangladesh tour later this

month. The left-hander had also pulled out of the England tour, which was the first

Golden Jaguars Squad and staff test for COVID-19 ahead of resumption of training

T

he Guyana Football Federation has tested members of its domestic-based senior men’s national squad and staff for the COVID-19 virus ahead of the resumption of training for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March and June and the Concacaf Gold Cup in July.

The tests, conducted at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence this week, followed the granting of approval for the resumption of national team activities by the National COVID-19 Task Force, which paves the way for the safe and responsible return of competitive domestic and international football.

The GFF, supported by professionals from the Ministry of Health, tested 32 players, who – once given the all clear – will then be free to participate in initial physical evaluations, scheduled for Saturday, January 9th and Sunday, January 10th at the National Training Centre.

Once those evaluations are completed, the squad will

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo

commence training under strict health and safety protocols.

Ten members of the national team backroom staff were also tested.

“This is an exciting moment for the players and staff as we make progress in implementing our 100day ‘Bounceback’ plan, following our engagement with the UEFA Assist programme,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and guidance of the National COVID-19 Task Force in approving our plans, and the Ministry of Health in

conducting these tests. We are taking every possible step to provide a COVIDsecure environment, so that the squad and staff remain safe and well during training.

“With several important fixtures on the horizon, it is important for us to commence our preparation as soon as possible, as long as conditions allow, to give Guyana the best chance of success i n

the 2020 F I F A W o r l d Cup qualifiers in March and June, fol-

lowed by our historic return to the Concacaf Gold Cup stage in July.”

The national squad will be split into two groups of 16 for physical evaluation on Saturday and Sunday, with weekly COVID-19 tests planned to monitor the wellbeing of the group as they progress through their training schedule.

“I would like to reinforce the importance of testing for the safety of everyone.

All of the players were present, without any absences, which proves that they are aware of this issue.

They represent the nation. We hope that the results are good and that we can continue our work,” said Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo.

ment in the Test series. He last played a Test match for the West Indies in November 2019.

Hetmyer is expected to play for the Guyana Jaguars in the upcoming Regional Super50 Cup in Antigua next month.

Zverev loses another bigname coach as Ferrer cuts ties ahead of Australian Open

A

lexander Zverev insists his latest split from a high-profile coach ended on amicable terms after David Ferrer cut ties with the US Open finalist.

Spaniard Ferrer’s decision to walk away leaves Zverev yet again, now at the age of 23, looking for a coach with whom he might establish a long-term partnership.

The German ditched former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero in early 2018, after six months together, claiming the coach had been “very disrespectful” to other members of his team.

He then linked up with Ivan Lendl in August 2018 but that lasted just under a year, with Zverev reportedly criticising the eight-time grand slam winner’s focus.

This time, Zverev and former world number three Ferrer have not hinted at any animosity or disagreements.

They teamed up in July 2020, and Zverev said of their breakup: “I would like to thank David for the months we have shared, the times on and off the court, wishing him only the best in the future.

“I also want to thank his family for giving me the chance to

spend precious weeks with David during these difficult times. I have tremendous respect for the way David played and coaches tennis.”

Ferrer helped Zverev battle through to the US Open final in September, where he led by two sets but was ultimately beaten

by Dominic Thiem.

Zverev also won a pair of titles in Cologne in October and reached the final of the Masters 1000 event in Paris.

But they are going their separate ways as the new season begins, with the Australian Open just weeks away.

Ferrer said: “At the end of the year, a decision had to be made, I spoke with Sascha [Zverev] and told him that I preferred not to continue, that we were not going to continue next season. Not for anything special, I just didn’t think it was time.”

Speaking to tennis website Punto de Break, Ferrer added: “Absolutely nothing has happened between us, everything is still fine, in fact I am very grateful to him for the opportunity he gave me to travel with him during that stretch of the season.

“During those months we had a good coexistence, everything was perfect.” (Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

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

Pg 23

Golden Jaguars Squad and staff test for COVID-19 ahead of resumption of training

“After Gayle and Samuels, Hetmyer is the most talented batsman I’ve seen” - Sarwan Pg 23

Pg 22

RHTY&SC completes another successful year despite COVID-19 pandemic

– surpasses target of 700 activities

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