Guyana Times - Sunday, February 7, 2021

P30 Do not let marriage keep you from following your dreams - young entrepreneur urges women Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4552 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Back on home soil:

PRICE

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

52 new COVID-19 cases recorded P27 in 24h

Places of worship can now operate at 40% capacity P5

All 12 Guyanese fishermen detained by Venezuela arrive home See story on page 3

20-year-old P8 stabbed to death in front of WBD home

…go into quarantine as they await COVID-19 test results

Govt seeking to retrieve Flood-affected Kingston lands after BK Pomeroon farmers Group breaches contract get Govt aid Page 9

Gunmen kick woman off P27 motorcycle …fire shot after robbing her

CXC completes 96% of CSEC, P26 CAPE reviews …top performers cannot be determined from incomplete process – Education Ministry

Motorcyclist P29 hospitalised after crashing into car

…takes Winston Jordan, BK, former Page 7 NICIL Head to court

Budget 2021: Govt consults with Private Sector, labour reps Page 5

Man seriously injured after P29 mining pit caves in

2

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, February 7 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 12:00h – 13:30h and Monday, February 8 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, February 7 – 13:00h – 14:30h and Monday, February 8 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud and thundery showers during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 12:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Back on home soil: All 12 Guyanese fishermen detained by Venezuela arrive home …go into quarantine as they await COVID-19 test results

T

he 12 Guyanese fishermen who were detained and subsequently released by Venezuela following international pressure have since arrived home in Guyana, making landfall in their vessels - Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf - at Charity, Essequibo Coast, on Saturday and subsequently going into quarantine.

The fishermen arrived at Charity at about 02:30h Saturday morning. It was verified when the fisher-

Some members of the crew at Charity on Saturday

Ramnarine and his crew members Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph.

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

Low Tide: 06:23h and 19:11h reaching minimum heights of 1.05 metre and 0.87 metre.

TURN TO PAGE 5

The Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf docked at the Charity wharf

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

03

10

11

26

27

28

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

03

06

04

15

17

LUCKY 3

8

2

9

7

Afternoon Draw

3

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

06

11

12

PAY DAY

13

16

19 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

04 05

08 11

13

15

04 07

09 11

17

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

men arrived that they were not harmed or mistreated during their ordeal/detention in Venezuela.

Their relatives told reporters that the fishermen were given food by the Venezuelans during their detention and just before they departed Port Guiria, Venezuela. However, the Venezuelan navy confiscated the fishermen’s catch, amounting to over $3 million worth of fish.

It was explained that the fishermen took COVID-19 tests in Venezuela prior to their departure. When they arrived in Guyana, they had to conduct further COVID-19 tests. They are currently awaiting those test results, while remaining in isolation. Those results are likely to be delivered by Monday.

On January 21, the two Guyanese-registered fishing vessels and 12man crew were operat-

ing off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s EEZ when they were intercepted by the Venezuelan naval vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24, which was illegally traversing Guyana’s waters.

The Venezuelans boarded the vessels and the captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria, where they were detained and kept.

The crew of one of the ships, the Lady Nayera, included Captain Richard

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Our Ambassador to India

O

ne week ago, the Government of Guyana confirmed that they had nominated Charrandas Persaud as their new Ambassador to India.

Governments are free to select any person of their choice to ambassadorial postings, accepted international practice being that they do not have to be career foreign service officials. Persaud needs no introduction to the Guyanese public, but it might be useful to provide his background, since it is now being raised by the Opposition APNU/AFC to reject that appointment.

An executive member of the AFC, Persaud was selected as a Regional MP from Reg 6 by the APNU/AFC coalition.

During the No Confidence Motion (NCM) brought by the then Opposition PPPC on Dec 21, 2018, he voted in favour of the motion, which was therefore carried, since the oneseat majority on which the Government had assumed office was then removed. The designated leaders of the Government in Parliament, PM Moses Nagamootoo and APNU Chair Volda Lawrence, immediately conceded the fall of their government in accordance with the stipulations of our constitution. They hailed the event as a “triumph of democracy”.

After following suit, the next day, President David Granger then reversed his position after it was suggested by an ex-Chair of the AFC that the 33 votes of the 65 that carried the motion were not the required majority. A long and contentious legal process was then initiated, and was fought all the way to the CCJ - the apex court of our Judicial system.

They confirmed that Persaud had the right to vote as he did, and that 33 was in fact the majority of 65. The Government was ordered to resign and hold elections, which was dragged out by the APNU/AFC - then a “caretaker government”. After much drama, elections were held on March 2, 2019, but the announcement of the results were dragged out for a further six months as the APNU/AFC coalition blatantly attempted to rig the process.

The PPPC finally took office on Aug 2nd, 2019.

In the meantime, fully cognisant of the modus operandi of the PNC - which totally controlled the APNU/AFC coalition - Persaud had fled to Canada in fear for his life, after he had been branded as “Judas” by the former. However, he had become a hero to those Guyanese who accepted Persaud’s stated rationale for voting against his coalition. To wit, that the latter’s unilateral and precipitate closure of four sugar estates - throwing 4000 persons on the breadlines in Berbice alone - was unwarranted and against the interests of his constituency. In a word, he stoutly maintained that he had voted his conscience in the time-honoured tradition of Parliamentary democracy.

Now, however, Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Joseph Harmon, has written to the Government of India, declaring, “...we are of the view that the appointment of Mr. Persaud to such an important portfolio is likely to be viewed by the Guyanese people as a reward for and an endorsement of his treasonous act.” He is hoping that India would reject the nomination of Mr Persaud as Guyana’s Ambassador.

But in the view of this newspaper, the LOO - and his entire coterie in the coalition - fundamentally misrepresent Mr Persaud’s action in the NCM, but which any Indian Government, including the incumbent, will reject because of their long history with NCM’s in their Parliament.

India has had 27 NCMs introduced since its independence, the first one in 1963 and the last as recently as 2018. More pertinently, in 1999, the BJP-led NDA coalition Government of Atal Vajpayee was removed by an identical majority of 1, when several members of parties in alliance with it voted against him. The BJP accepted the results, resigned immediately and called elections within the stipulated 6 months. Unlike the PNC, which had to be dragged to the polls kicking and screaming, they won.

The PNC are only further sullying what remains of their tattered democratic credentials. India will accept Mr Charrandas Persaud as Guyana’s Ambassador.

We wish him well.

Impressions of the 17th Sitting of Parliament Dear Editor, The recent sitting of the Parliament - on February 4 - was very informative, helpful, and clear on the macro level as to the intent of the current Administration and the perspective held by the Opposition. However, many details are yet to be clearly outlined and discussed.

The Ministers over Infrastructure and Finance have outlined a much-needed long-term developmental agenda, and I agree that the financial markets do currently provide a very attractive line of credit with their respective interest rates.

Similarly, attractive rates were available prior to the pandemic and the current global economic crisis, as indicated by discussion on the $30 billion loan undertaken by the APNU+AFC. It is clear that such an enormous blunder, which will probably be investigated, will not recur under the PPP/C. There does appear to be a linkage with the mismanagement of the Airport expansion project.

The point made about the lack of cash flow in the produce markets, buttressed by the example given of a vendor’s inability to sell vegetables which are usually $100 a parcel, is very telling, and is an experience that has been shared across the country for quite some time.

Keeping this perspective in mind, we must accept that the building of a new Demerara River

bridge would lead to an increase in toll, which would drive fares up and ultimately hit the pockets of workers.

Fixing of bus fares to prevent an increased burden upon workers would require a reduction in the prices of various fuels at the gas stations. Becoming a net exporter of oil & gas does provide room for some flexibility in prices at the pump. However, this could lead to an income shortfall for the country, if not properly managed.

On the contrary, allowing free market forces to continue would require salary increases, and most likely an increase in the minimum wage accompanied by improved tax collection. The underlying factor at risk is inflation.

Thus, the discussion on currency strength comes into play once again.

Alternatively, the approach of placing more money in the pockets of workers first, via employment and investment in the revenue-generating sectors, would increase cash flow and reactivate the village economy. This would shore up the revenue streams available, and then provide the income via taxes to invest in development, while maintaining free market forces in the oil & gas sector. The question being answered is whether to build it and then wait for business to come, or build the business and then build the additional developmental

Dear Editor, An opinion poll conducted by this writer in mid-January has found that the population wants (is supportive of) the Government investing in agriculture and energy (oil and gas), to ensure sustained long-term growth and to transform the economy of the country.

The poll’s findings (of 470 respondents) reflect the views of the demographics of the diversity of the population. According to the findings of the poll, when asked whether Government should invest in agriculture for sustained growth,

86% said yes, 9% said no, and 5% offered no response, or said “Not Sure”.

Queried whether Government should invest in oil and gas for long-term growth, 83% said yes, 11% said no, and 6% were not sure. The public feels that energy investment would help to transform and modernise the economy.

The public is very supportive of the re-opening of the closed sugar estates.

81% of those polled were in support, with 12% opposed and 7% offering no opinion.

Invest in agriculture & oil and gas

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

infrastructure to support the expansion of a growing business. The latter is CRG’s preferred approach.

Some very good examples of the late President Jagan’s philosophy on spending were shared, and should give pause to taking a more aggressive approach to development, especially during uncertain and fragile economic times such as this current period. Obtaining key long-term agreements/contracts in the productive sectors, such as agriculture, would allow for guaranteed revenue streams to be established with known margins and required capacity, for which developmental plans can then be designed to support without the risk of becoming a financial burden upon the nation.

To put it simply: get the customer, agree on the business, and then build the infrastructure to support delivering the goods to the customer at the agreed-upon terms, while ensuring a profit is made.

The current proposed approach being taken does leave quite a bit of room for risk. Japan’s experience with the Olympics is a great example of what can go wrong by placing infrastructural development ahead of sales. The Japanese have built up their infrastructure to support an economic boom that was expected from the Olympics, and, unfortunately, the economic shock and restrictions due to the pandemic has altered the financial success of the endeavour.

The experience of Brazil with the Olympics is also very telling, and resulted in a massive financial loss for that country. What the Ministers have mentioned: concerning containers being able to move easier to Brazil and reduced travel

time to the airport, is good; but it is unclear from the discussion how much additional income these improvements would generate for our economy.

CRG’s recommendation: to first strengthen the revenue streams of the productive sectors, increase the cash flow of the village economy, and place more earned income into the pockets of the workers, would help avoid the pitfalls faced by placing infrastructural expansionary development ahead of securing earnings.

A lot of the current infrastructure we have in place today would require massive investment to be returned to a high standard, and obtaining supply contracts at profitable prices for sugar, bauxite and agricultural products would require significant direct investment in those industries in order for them to become competitive; and therefore we should, as a nation, make this a higher priority.

Those infrastructure projects that directly aid in reducing the cost of goods sold in our productive sectors should then be considered, with a clear link showing the financial impact that such an investment would make on the sector and the long-term agreement/contract which it supports.

These considerations do not exclude other productive sectors, such as forestry, fishing, mining, etc.

The discussion in the last Sitting of Parliament does show an improvement in the communication between both sides of the House.

Congratulations on a giant step forward towards an improved discussion concerning the future growth of our nation.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Congratulations for early Budget Dear Editor, The new PPP/C Administration has really hit the road running. The Budget will be presented within the next few days, and, by mid-March, it would have received Parliamentary

scrutiny and final approval.

The passing of the Budget allows the country to move on apace in development.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

5

News

Budget 2021: Govt consults with Private Sector, labour reps

A

s work continues on preparation of the 2021 National Budget, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira met with Private Sector and labour representatives on Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) where dis-

cussions were held on the main issues of interest to those stakeholders.

At the engagement, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasised the Government’s commitment to deliver its manifesto promises, several of which have already been initiated in Budget 2020. He indicated that Budget 2021 and the budgets for subsequent years will continue to build on these.

Meanwhile, Minister

Singh emphasised that the Government’s approach to development is one of continuous engagement. He elaborated that the PPP/C manifesto has outlined the vision for our country and the key interventions to be implemented, which include significant investment in physical infrastructure to improve connectivity and unlock economic potential, substantial investment in social services including a

Places of worship can now operate at 40% capacity

T

he Government on Saturday evening announced that places of worship can now operate at a 40 per cent capacity.

In an interview with this publication, Head of the National COVID-19 Taskforce, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said that a decision was taken to have places of worship operate at a higher capacity.

However, all other

Head of National COVID-19 Task Force, Prime Minister Mark Phillips

Back on home soil...

The men were subsequently brought before a Venezuelan court, after which reports had emerged that they could be kept in custody for some 45 days pending an investigation.

However, Venezuela came under immense diplomatic pressure to release the men.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) Permanent Council met two weeks ago to discuss, among other things, the tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. At the meeting, a number of countries on the Council took a firm stance against Venezuela, including the United States (US), Canada, Trinidad, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda and Belize.

The Permanent Council is one of the two main political bodies of the OAS, the other being the General Assembly. The Permanent Council keeps vigilance over the maintenance of friendly relations among the member states and, for that purpose, effectively assists them in the peaceful settlement of their disputes.

Caricom and the OAS issued statements in which they urged Venezuela to release the men and cease its acts of aggression against Guyana. Statements also came from the new Joe Biden Administration in Washington, in the form of acting US State Department Assistant Secretary Julie Chung. French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly, also spoke on the issue.

COVID-19 guidelines are still in effect. These include that religious leaders are to ensure that where there are multiple services, there should be no less than 45 minutes between the session to allow for sanitisation. Prepackaged food is to be used instead of portions from communal containers.

When applicable, persons should bring their own rugs or fabric for daily prayers.

Ministry also released a statement of its own, in which it attributed the release of the men to the intermediation of specific Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. (G3)

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$59.34/barrel

+0.84

Rough Rice

$234.18/ton

-0.19

London Sugar

$474.80/ton

+2.02

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1815.20

$1816.20

Low/High

$1793.20

$1817.00

Change

0.00

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

well-educated and skilled workforce to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are arising.

He also added that it is important that the physical transformation is accompanied by improved delivery of quality services both at the level of the Government and the Private Sector.

Also addressing stakeholders and listening to their concerns and the issues faced by their sectors

was Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, who emphasised the Government’s consultative and inclusive approach to policymaking as illustrated by this and many other engagements.

The stakeholders present expressed strong appreciation of the opportunity to meet and discuss issues of interest, and advanced several recommendations to the Government

team for consideration.

Stakeholders were thanked for the many valuable suggestions that were made, and noted that many of these suggestions were very closely aligned with priorities previously identified by Government.

The meeting saw participation from a wide range of umbrella and sectoral representative bodies, including several from the small business sector.

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 3

On February 2, the fishermen were released on the orders of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro himself.

According to Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, the men were released and the legal proceedings against them discontinued.

The Venezuelan Foreign

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

0.00%

6

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

Page

Foundation HEALTH TIPS

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Dr Tariq Jagnarine FAM MEDICINE, ENDOCRINOLOGY/ DIABETES

C

arpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful, progressive condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed. Also known as median nerve entrapment or median nerve compression, it may happen when a nerve swells, the tendons become inflamed, or something causes swelling in the carpal tunnel.

The median nerve is located on the palm side of the hands (also called the carpal tunnel). The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, long finger, and part of the ring finger. It supplies the impulse to the muscle going to the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur in one or both of the hands.

Swelling inside the wrist causes the compression in carpal tunnel syndrome.

It can lead to numbness, weakness, and tingling on the side of the hand near the thumb.

CTS affects between 3-6% of adults in the world.

It normally develops between the ages of 45 and 64 years, and the prevalence increases with age. It can appear in one or both wrists. It is more common in women than in men.

Without treatment, CTS can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.

Eventually, the median nerve can become severely damaged, and there may be permanent numbness in the fingers and permanent weakness in the muscles that are innervated by the median nerve.

RISK FACTORS OF CTS

• Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 60.

• Underlying medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.

• Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome include smoking, high salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, and a high body mass index (BMI).

Jobs that involve repetitive wrist movement may

be at higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome including: • Manufacturing • Assembly line work • Keyboarding occupations • Construction work.

• Barbers and salons

CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

The pain in the palm is due to excess pressure in the wrist and on the median nerve. Inflammation can cause swelling. The most common cause of this inflammation is an underlying medical condition that causes swelling in the wrist, and sometimes obstructed blood flow. Some of the most frequent conditions linked with carpal tunnel syndrome are: • Diabetes • Thyroid dysfunction • Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause • High blood pressure • Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis • Fractures or trauma to the wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly. Repeated motion of the wrist contributes to swelling and compression of the median nerve. This may be the result of: • Positioning of the wrists while using the keyboard or mouse • Prolonged exposure to vibrations from using hand tools or power tools

• Any repeated movement that overextends the wrist, such as playing the piano or typing

SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

The symptoms are usually found along the nerve path because of compression of the median nerve.

A person’s hand may “fall asleep” frequently and drop objects. Other symptoms include: • Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb and the first three fingers of the hand • Pain and burning that travel up the arm • Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep • Weakness in the muscles of the hand

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome using a combination of clinical history, a physical examination, and tests called nerve conduction studies.

• A physical examination includes a detailed evaluation of the hand, wrist, shoulder, and neck to check for any other causes of nerve pressure.

• Examine the wrists for signs of tenderness, swelling, and any deformities.

• Exploring for sensation to the fingers and strength of the muscles in the hand.

• Tinel’s test: tapping the median nerve at the wrist lightly to see whether the patient feels numbness

or tingling in one or more fingers.

• Phalen’s test for wristflexion: The patient presses the backs of the hands against each other so that the wrist is bent. If tingling or numbness occurs within one minute, there may be damage to the median nerve.

• Nerve conduction studies are diagnostic tests that can measure the conduction speed of nerve impulses. If the nerve impulse is slower than normal as the nerve passes into the hand, this may indicate persons have carpal tunnel syndrome.

TREATMENT

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on how severe the pain and symptoms are, and if there is weakness. In 2018, the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons released guidelines for the effective treatment of carpal tunnel. The recommendation was to try to manage carpal tunnel pain without surgery, if possible.

Nonsurgical options include: • Avoiding positions that overextend the wrist • Mild pain medication and medications to reduce inflammation • Treatment of any underlying condition, such as diabetes or arthritis • Steroid injections into the carpal tunnel area to reduce inflammation

Home Remedies

The following may help reduce discomfort: • Resting the hand and wrist: The more rest the hand and wrist get, the greater the chance of relieving the symptoms.

• Cold compress: Placing an ice pack on the wrist may help when the problem flares up, but ice should not be applied directly onto the skin.

• Occupational therapy: A therapist can teach a person how to do repetitive tasks differently.

• Wrist splints: These keep the wrist in the same position, and prevent it from bending. They can be worn during sleep, but also during the day if they do not interfere with daily activities.

Most patients with mild symptoms who follow these strategies will notice an improvement within 4 weeks.

Surgery may be necessary if there’s severe damage to the median nerve.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome involves cutting the band of tissue in the wrist that crosses the me-

dian nerve so as to lessen the pressure on the nerve.

Factors that determine success or failure are: age of the patient, duration of symptoms, diabetes mellitus, and if there is weakness (which usually is a late sign). The outcome is usually good.

PREVENTION

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented by making lifestyle changes that reduce the risk factors for developing it.

• Treating conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis reduces the risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Paying careful attention to hand posture and avoiding activities that overextend the wrist are also important strategies for reducing symptoms.

• Physical therapy exercises may be helpful as well.

• Not gripping too hard when performing manual tasks • Not over-bending the wrist; for example, all the way down or up • Sleeping and working with the wrists straight • Avoiding repeated flexing and extending of the wrists • Redesigning the workstation to reduce unnatural and awkward wrist positions • Resting and taking frequent breaks when performing routine tasks to protect against the longterm effects • Keeping the hands warm by wearing gloves in a cold environment, as having cold hands can increase the risk of developing CTS According to the National Library of Medicine, there is no evidence that using a computer increases the risk of CTS, but ergonomic keyboards with an elevation or curve may reduce strain by helping to keep the hands in a neutral position.

Some people recommend hand movement exercises, including yoga, and massages, but research has not confirmed that these are effective.

PROGNOSIS

Treating carpal tunnel syndrome early with physical therapy and lifestyle changes can lead to significant long-term improvement, and eliminate symptoms. Although unlikely, untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, disability, and loss of hand function.

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt seeking to retrieve Kingston lands after BK Group breaches contract …takes Winston Jordan, BK, former NICIL Head to court

T

he Government of Guyana has moved to the High Court to retrieve prime waterfront properties in Kingston, Georgetown, from the BK Group after the company breached contractual obligations.

In addition to BK Marine Inc, former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited Colvin Heath-London, NICIL and the Registrar of Deeds were also named respondents in legal proceedings filed

by Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The AG is claiming that sale of the lands located at Water or Mudlots 1 and 2; Lot F of Mudlot 3 and Lots A, B and D, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, in July 2020 to BK is illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant and contrary to public policy.

It was noted that the lands were first leased to Brian Tiwarie, the owner of BK International Limited, on December 4, 2006, by NICIL. However, there were certain conditions upon which the lease was granted.

The lease was for a term of (20) years with an option to purchase for the sum of $110 million. But this sale option was conditional. BK had undertaken certain investments on the lands for which the property was leased. The agreement noted that the company had to complete the construction works of the investment plan within four years of the Mayor and City Council’s approval. Failure to complete the works at the end of the four years would result in NICIL issuing a six months’ notice of default for BK to complete the works within that period.

If that date passed, without substantial completion, then the option to purchase and the price listed in the agreement “…shall become null and void and the option price thereafter will be subjected to mutual agreement.”

According to the lease agreement, BK was supposed to develop, construct and renovate on the lands, a modern wharf facility.

Included in this Business Plan was the construction of: a hotel; a skybridge; restaurants and bars; a facility for docking of cruise liners/floating hotel/ocean-going vessels; roof garden with a view of the river/ocean and city; offices including customs department; a mall; Guyanese craft shops; warehouse to handle import/export trade; facilities for purchasing/processing export of agricultural produce.

The works were scheduled for 12-36 months to the tune of US$6 million and at

the end of the project, some 300 persons were to gain direct employment.

However, this was never done hence BK lost the “Option to Purchase” clause.

Moreover, the AG disclosed in the legal documents that the company had racked up arrears in leasing fees.

According to the lease agreement, BK had agreed to pay an annual rent of $10 million with monthly instalments of $833,333 plus tax commencing immediately upon signing. The company was also required to pay all rates and taxes.

However, as of March 2017, BK had owed the sum of $81,360,158 in lease rental fees, interests included.

Additionally, the company owed another $6,372,156 to the M&CC for property taxes.

In 2009, BK wrote NICIL alleging that its breach of the Agreement of Lease was due to “a global financial crisis” and requested an amendment to the business plan to instead set up a stone depot and general stores, fertiliser storage, cold storage for vegetables, paddy and rice storage, steel and galvanised pipes storage, modem containerised port with heavy lift, PVC pipes and pipe fittings factory, cement depot, portage ready mix concrete plant on the said property.

NICIL, in October 2011, then agreed to transfer the property at the sale price of $110 million upon completion of the revised business plan but this was conditional on the company settling the arrears of lease payments along with some other requirements.

However, that purported Deed of Amendment was never executed.

As such, in 2013, NICIL initiated legal proceedings against BK International Limited in the High Court after the company continued to remain in possession of the property without paying the rental fees.

However, after the change of Government in 2015, rather than pursuing the claim for arrears or terminate the lease agreement for breaches, NICIL under the APNU/AFC Administration went ahead and sold the property to BK International. The sale price

was $202,602,759.

According to the AG in the court document, NICIL accepted the company’s offer to purchase the property in October 2017 for the sum of $191.9 million, in addition to settling all other outstanding rent from December 2011 to August 2017, plus half the total interest sum of $21.2 million, that is, $10.6 million for a new total purchase price of the sum of $202.6 million.

“The property was sold at a gross undervalue and way below market value in relation to comparable and competitive facilities of a similar nature, form and usage which was sold consistent with the market value,” he contended, adding that the management of NICIL, “… acted recklessly and without obtaining a Certificate of Value for the property in order to ascertain the current market value.”

As such, citing instances of fraud, malfeasance, conspiracy and negligence, the Attorney General is asking the High Court for a series of orders and declaration.

The court is being asked to declare the October 2017 Sale Agreement as illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant and contrary to public policy and declare that the transport dated July 2020 – during a time when the country was embroiled in a political deadlock from the contentious March 2020 elections which was resolved until August 2020 – was obtained unlawfully, illegally and by fraud.

Nandlall is also seeking an order to set aside the transport.

Further, he asked the court to set aside and declare that the Vesting Order made by former Minister Jordan in the Official Gazette in March 2020 is null and void and incapable of effecting Transfer of Title of the said properties.

The AG also wants the court to declare that BK Marine Inc has been unjustly enriched in the sum of approximately $5 billion which is the true representation of the value of the property situated in Kingston.

An order for restitution to the State of the property is also being sought from the court along with an order for disgorgement of sums paid

The property in question at Kingston (Kaieteur News photo)

by the company and another order for restitution to the State as well as for BK to give up possession of the property in question.

In addition, the AG is also claiming damages in excess of $300 million against Jordan, Heath-London and

NICIL for: loss and damage suffered as a result of negligence and/or breach of the duty; loss and damages suffered as a result of conspiracy and/or breach of the duty, and loss and damage suffered as a result of breach of fiduciary duty.

Another $100 million in damages is being claimed for misfeasance in public office committed by Jordan.

Damages of $100 million is also being claimed for loss and damage suffered as a result of fraud committed by the defendants. (G8)

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20-year-old stabbed to death in front of WBD home

A

20-year-old man of Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD), lost his life on Friday evening in front of his home during a confron-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

tation over an old grievance.

Dead is Emanuel Solomon. Reports are that Soloman and the suspects – a juvenile, a 26-year-old and a 23-year-old – had an eight-month-old grievance over a game of football.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday said they have since launched an investigation into the murder which occurred at about 18:30h.

Reports are the suspects went to Solomon’s home, after a further confrontation over the old grievance on Friday.

The dead man’s mother told investigators that her son was sitting in front of their home when the suspects approached and rushed towards him.

According to her, they were all armed with knives and they began stabbing about his body. This caused him to fall to the ground, as the trio made good their escape

Dead: Emanuel Solomon

on foot.

Solomon was picked up by his mother with the help of public-spirited persons and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The body was then escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a

post-mortem examination (PME).

Based on further information provided, Police went to the homes of the suspects at Belle West, WCD, where one of the suspects was told of the allegation and he admitted under caution that on Friday Solomon had hit him with a piece of wood, causing him to receive injuries to his face and left hand.

In his confession, the man claimed that he went home and complained to his two brothers, who went with him to Solomon’s home and confronted him. He was subsequently taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was examined by a doctor. He remains in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Shortly after his arrest, the other two suspects were handed over to the Police by their mother. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Hustling…

Y

…with the touts our Eyewitness mentioned yesterday the PNC’s refusal to adhere to democratic norms in so many areas of national life on account of their authoritarian and anti-democratic DNA; the latest one being their insistence on using the unfortunate murders in West Berbice to stir up tensions in the society. Not satisfied with the racial violence accompanying WEST Berbice “protests” following incendiary statements made by Granger and Harmon, they moved a motion to call for “action for justice” in the murder of the two Henry cousins and Harish Singh.

Now, we know that Granger decapitated most of the old heads from the PNC and AFC in his MP list. But the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) is constitutionally funded, so that he can hire legal counsel, no? As the Speaker informed them, aren’t they aware of Standing Order 26 (G), which precludes a motion relating to any matter which is under adjudication by a court of law? That the National Assembly cannot violate the sub judice rule? Weren’t they aware that three men were charged and placed on remand for the said murders? And that the requisite preliminary inquiry has been scheduled to be heard?

But rather than following the clear statement of the law, the PNC decided to break that law by holding what they called “The People’s Parliament” in front of the Stabroek (Big) Market! So, what else was new? It was most fitting, since that area is one of the most lawless in all of Guyana as far as “choke and rob” and other personal crimes are concerned. Birds of a feather were flocking together!

Well, a video of the occasion ended up in your Eyewitness’s feed, and it unfortunately was simply a continuation of the earlier incitement of Granger and Harmon. The hypocrisy that characterised the event was epitomised by one of the speakers continuously addressing a “Mr Speaker”, who was probably getting a good night’s rest in his home!! So, what were some highlights of the speakers, heard as your Eyewitness skimmed the video?

Figueira (the fella who elbowed the now nominated Ambassador to India!) led off, and regurgitated the PNC’s criticisms of the GPF, calling for the Argentine Forensic Team to be solicited even as he invoked Che Gueverra. He was followed by Mahipal, who brought up the Lusignan, Bartica and other massacres from 2008, and connected them with the West Berbice murders. The Police should question them on that “connection”!

Then came “Lampy”, who insisted that the PNC coalition was “on the move”. They were moving all right - permanently out of Parliament!

One Gita Chandan-Edmond ended by misquoting MLK in speaking of an “arch” of the “moral universe”. It’s “arc”, dear…pronounced like “ark”!

It was a Confederacy of dunces! …with the race card It doesn’t surprise your Eyewitness that all these “woke” columnists, who were silent as a grave when the PNC tried to pull off their blatant rigging of the March 2 elections, just can’t stop railing against that poor young artist who painted the First Family along with some persons they had reached out to with gifts. This was “racist” they insist, because it showed African-Guyanese as needing to be helped. Well, your Eyewitness knows that all of us see through lenses that are coloured with our own experiences; but shouldn’t what we see be consistent?

But regarding the point about putting African-Guyanese in a position where they are being helped, was Vincent Alexander being racist when he claimed in a recent letter to the press that, “it is my firm conviction that the enslavement of Africans along with the post-slavery institutionalization of their subjugation, in Guyana, has left them economically disadvantaged and psychologically scarred.”

And that they should be helped? …the COVID-19 restraints Your Eyewitness loves his beer as much as any redblooded Guyanese. But opening up the bars to allow 40% capacity? Who’s kidding who?

So, the 40% will REMAIN spaced out as they BECOME spaced out?

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Flood-affected Pomeroon farmers get Govt aid

F

armers from the Pomeroon, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), who were affected by prolonged flooding over the past few weeks on Saturday received assistance in the form of fertilisers, chemicals and other planting materials from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The Agriculture Ministry on Saturday said that the relief is subsequent to a meeting between Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and a number of the affected farmers last week. At the meeting, Mustapha had committed to assisting the affected farmers after several requests were made for items such as chemicals, fertilisers and planting materials to help restore their farms after the prolonged flooding caused extensive damage to their crops.

CEO of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth said that the agency had expended close $3 million to procure the fertilisers, chemicals, seeds and other planting materials that were distributed to the farmers.

Mustapha, while offering a comment on the exercise,

Some of the affected farmers collecting supplies on Saturday from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)

said that Government will continue to support the nation’s farmers.

“When I visited the Pomeroon, those farmers who were affected said that they really needed help with these items since most of their crops were destroyed. I made a commitment to have these items distributed among the farming community and today we were able to fulfil that commitment. As Minister of Agriculture, I will continue to work to address the needs of our farmers. With the renewed interest we have

seen in the agriculture sector over the past six months, the Ministry and the entire Government will ensure we play that facilitating role to promote agriculture and support our farmers,” Mustapha is quoted as saying in a statement from the Ministry.

Extension officers from NAREI had conducted farm visits over the last few days to assess the losses and get a general idea of the need of each farmer affected. A number of farmers also benefited from a quantity of Acoushi ants bait.

10

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Republic Day; not Mash Day

F

ebruary 23rd is not “Mash Day”, but Republic Day, period. While Independence was given to us by Britain, Republic Day was chosen by us as the day that we cut all formal ties with the British Crown. We were on our own – supposedly captains of our fate and masters of our destiny, and all that.

“Republic” comes directly from the Latin “res publica” – the public thing. We, the public, the people, were now responsible for governing ourselves, and conducting our affairs in such a manner as to achieve the goals that we ourselves would set for our country. The day itself – February 23rd - was selected to help remind us what Republic Day was all about. February 23rd was supposed to be the date of Cuffy’s great effort to overthrow Dutch rule over Berbice, and remove the shackles of slavery back in 1763. It was a landmark event in the entire Western Ravi Dev Hemisphere.

Mashramani began as an event in Linden to commemorate Republic Day. This is perfectly in order, and is commendable. Any group of citizens have the right to commemorate Republic Day based on how they feel it’s appropriate. However, several problems arose when the Government promptly decided to adopt Mashramani and make it the official way to celebrate Republic Day. Firstly, by also mandating that all Government entities (at a time when the Government controlled eighty percent of the economy), including schools and Ministries, had to get involved in the Mash, the Government sent the message that Mash was the Guyanese way to commemorate Republic Day. To commemorate Republic any other way was in some way to be outside the pale… literally marching to a different drummer.

Now, Guyana is a land of several cultures, and each may have different perspectives on how to commemorate or celebrate events. When the Government selects a particular cultural expression as the official expression, it explicitly privileges that expression to the exclusion of others. This is an unacceptable policy in a multicultural state. In its excursions in the cultural realm, the Government has to be balanced in its promotion of values and activities.

Mashramani and its carnival antecedents in the Caribbean come out of the cultural encounter between Europe (France) and Africa during and after slavery, as an aspect of Creole culture.

Its particular expressions of unrestrained exuberance, ebullience, gaiety and exhibitionism come out of a specific historical experience, most literally brought out by the Barbadian label for its version: Crop Over. The African people were allowed to let off steam after the furious intensity and rigour of the grinding season on the plantations, in order to forget for a while the degradation that they would be forced to return to with the start of a new crop. This was the old “bread and circus” routine perfected by the Romans so many centuries ago; but, here there wasn’t even any bread.

The second problem is implicit in the first. By making Mashramani the official celebration of Republic Day, the Government was telling the population that the values demanded by Republican status were going to be reinforced or inculcated by the Mashramani activities. And this is where I part company with the promoters of Mashramani as the Republic Day commemoration activities. I would like anyone to tell me how back-balling in the streets of Georgetown would help us to be self-sufficient or protective of our country, or securing good government or any other Republican goal. Again, I restate my point: private individuals can back-ball to their waist’s content, but a Government has to promote activities that are consonant with what they seek to promote; in this instance, Republicanism.

And it’s not as if we’ve had hundreds of years of imbibing and practising Republican values, like America has had, so that we can afford to “throw back”. Look at the racial, political and economic mess we’re still in, with our citizens committing the greatest barbarities against each other at periodic intervals.

Some Republic! One would have thought that at a minimum, on Republic Day, we could have reflected on why Cuffy’s rebellion on February 23rd 1763 failed. It might even teach us something about why we can’t get anywhere today.

But then that might make us demand change in ourselves that some politicians certainly don’t want: real independence.

12

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years of history and is the longest holiday of the year.

In the 21st century, the national holiday begins on the first of the Lunar Calendar and lasts u n t i l the 15th of t h e first month.

This year it is b e ing Friday, February 12.

I n China, all stores are closed during the first five days of the Spring Festival, with some not opening until the very end. People must stock up on New Year beforehand and many begin on the Laba Festival.

Kitchens will also show the first signs of Spring Festival

dishes with the preparation of cured meat, salted fish and other preserved

food.

However, in the traditional sense, the Laba Festival of the lunar December (January 20, 2021) marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. Memorial ceremonies are held on this day to pray to ancestors and gods (such as door gods) for fortune and a successful harvest. Though paganist in nature, the festival has become integrated into religions such as Daoism and Buddhism.

The main food for this festival is the Laba porridge. It includes seven types of grains, such as red bean, red dates and husked rice. There are many different myths regarding this porridge, but all teach the

lesson of being grateful and not taking what you have for granted.

In addition, the Laba menu includes Laba tofu, noodles and wheat kernel

nar New Year, is also known as the Festival of the Kitchen God), with the Spring Festival officially beginning on February 12 and ending with the Lantern Festival

The Ox is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地 支 / dì zhī) Chǒu (丑) and the hours 1–3 in the morning. In the terms of yin and yang (阴 阳 / yīn yáng), the Ox is Yang.

rice. It is also said that eating ice on this day will prevent any stomachaches for the year.

Kicking off the main festivities is the Little Year - February 4 (which falls about a week before the lu-

on February 26. The Spring Festival is long and has specific activities and traditions for each day. As usual, they vary between regions in China.

In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.

Year of the Ox

The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride.

Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

Years and types

There are five elements that give the Ox specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Ox include 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2021 and 2033. (Excerpts from chinesenewyear.net and chinaeducationaltours.com)

FEATURE

Kamuni Creek

T

he Kamuni Creek (Kamuni Creek) is a stream found in Demerara River. It is located at an elevation of 2 meters above sea level. Kamuni Creek is also known as Kamuni River, which cuts across the left bank of the

British Guiana. A Christian missionary in British Guiana known as O Tye Kim (Wu-Tai-Kam), recognised the dissatisfaction among them and devised a plan to encourage them to stay.

O Tye Kim’s solution was to establish a “Christian

A Chinese immigrant family (no date). The Chinese immigrants are said to have originated mainly from areas such as Hong Kong, Canton, Amoy and Whampoa

Demerara River and is flanked on both sides by amazing greenery and rich vegetation .

The Hopetown settlement at Kamuni Creek (a creek more well-known for the present-day Santa Mission and Santa Aratak villages) began in 1865 as an effort by colonial authorities to induce Chinese indentured labourers to remain in British Guiana after their contracts were up.

Chinese settlement” not only to spread Christianity but also to create a place where the former indentured labourers could work and live independently to accumulate their wealth and improve their future prospects.

He petitioned then Governor Hincks for a free land grant at Camoonie (Kamuni) Creek- approximately 30 miles up the Demerara River, and a small loan to establish the

Travelling up the Kamuni Creek

Many had heard of the Chinese in Trinidad accumulating wealth from engaging in rice cultivation and commerce there, and saw no prospects for this in

settlement on the left bank of the creek, a tributary of the Demerara River.

Enthusiastic about the idea, Governor Hincks granted the request and the

petition was carried in 1865.

Immediately, some 25 settlers were taken to the area, and by the end of the year there were about 70 Chinese settlers. Some historians put the original settlers at 12, with about 170

by year end.

The decline of the settlement came soon after. In 1866, just a year after the settlement was created, allegations of improprieties

by O Tye Kim arose with regard to the settlement’s ac-

15

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

counts and his own financial enterprises.

In 1972 it was agreed by Dr. Alan John Knight, then Bishop of Guyana, who was also the Archbishop of the West Indies, that the land should be leased for 99 years

to the Chinese Association.

At its peak in 1874, Hopetown is said to have a population of about 800 Chinese. By 1891 that number was reduced to 240; by 1901 it had dwindled to 198, mostly the old and infirm.

16

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FEATURE

17

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

M

of Chinese Heritage

any of the Chinese indentured immigrants who came to Guyana, then British Guiana, became citizens and worked as shopkeepers, laundry, restaurant and supermarket owners or workers, and merchants in the import and export business. Many of their descendants became civil servants and professionals. Today, Sunday Times Magazine highlights a few ‘landmarks’ of Chinese heritage that also remind us of their invaluable contributions to the country.

St. Saviour’s Church St. Saviour’s Chinese Church – formerly a branch of St. Philip's Church, St. Saviour's Church – was raised to the status of a Parish Church of the Anglican Diocese on Jan. 1, 1939 when it was given its own priest, the Reverend E. C. Lampriere. The word “Chinese” was omitted from the

church’s name to become simply St. Saviour’s Church, but it still continued to be the focal worshipping building for the Chinese community.

The church is situated at Broad and Saffon Streets, Charlestown in Georgetown, on land formerly owned by a Frenchman named Pierre Louis de Saffon, (1724 – 1784) who had fled to Guyana to escape arrest after he killed his brother in a duel over a woman at the time when duelling was banned in France.

When Saffon died in 1784, he was buried on his La Penitence estate in what is now the churchyard of St.

Saviour's Church, with the Saffon Monument marking his grave. In his will he left his money to a fund for the upkeep of poor orphans up to the age of 16.

The cornerstone of the “old” St. Saviour's Church was laid Aug. 14, 1874 to provide a place of worship for the Chinese community of Georgetown where services could be conducted in the Chinese language by a Chinese catechist. A chancel was added in 1911. In June 1921, on St. John's Day, a dispensation was granted to the Freemasons of Silent Temple Lodge (Chinese) to hold its first Divine Service at St. Saviour's Church. The present St. Saviour's Church was dedicated by the archbishop of the West Indies, Dr John Alan Knight on Sunday, Oct.14, 1951.

The Chinese Sports Club The Chinese Sports Club (Cosmos) started informally in 1924, and when it acquired its own sports pavilion and ground at Thomas Lands in 1931, it formally began as an off-shoot of the Chinese Association at Lot 3, Brickdam, where billiards and other indoor games and meetings were still held.

In 1932, it was decided to amalgamate with the Narcissus Tennis Club of La Penitence, which had been started in 1909 comprising Chinese lawn tennis players.

Cricket, tennis, hockey and basketball were the club's main outdoor games, but the club shone at hockey. In 1961, eight of its members were selected to tour with the nation-

al hockey team which won the first and only Quadrangular Hockey Tournament between British Guiana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. By 1974, it had the leading hockey team in Guyana, winning all the hockey tournaments that year.

In May 1945, a larger pavilion was built and all indoor activities were now transferred from the Chinese Association to the Chinese Sports Club at Thomas Lands. In 1963, it was decided that membership of the club should no longer be restricted to Chinese but should be opened to all races.

The club's name was also changed to Cosmos Sports Club.

By 1984, most of the Chinese members of the club had migrated, and it was decided to merge Cosmos Sports Club with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and to rename the club the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club.

Central High School Founded in 1927 by a Chinese immigrant’s son, Joseph Clement (J.C) Luck, Central High School was one of the best private secondary schools of its time. It became a government-aided secondary school in 1969 and it became fully government-owned in 1976 when all secondary schools were taken over by the government.

J. C. Luck served as principal of the school from 19271956, as did two of his children: Stella Lowe (1956-1961) and Joseph Rudolph (Rudy) Luck (1972-1974).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

18 FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he following is a listing of a few surnames of Chinese in Guyana who trace their ancestry to the original batch of indentured immigrants during the period from 1853 to 1879.

This list includes the names of some of the original immigrants and their descendants who are known at the time of printing (2003). The spellings of the names are those that have become the more generally acknowledged versions although variations in spelling do exist.

Chee-A-Tow: An immigrant from Poon Yu who arrived on the ship Bucton Castle in 1865, Chee A-Tow was allotted to Plantation Peter's Hall. He became a shopkeeper and acquired property and land at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, in the 1880s where he raised a family of 16 children.

Chung-A-Ming: Family history has it that the orig-

inal immigrant Chung-AMing arrived in the 1870s and was given the personal name James. He married an Indian girl named Lakia and had two sons, Richard and Thomas James ChungA-Ming. James opened up a liquor store, hotel and grocery in the Corentyne district. Some of his descendants are known by the surname James.

Foo: This surname can be derived from different Chinese written characters that have Fu as the Mandarin equivalent. Some people with the Foo surname are descended from Tong Foo. Fung: There are several families with the surname Fung: the Cantonese version of the Mandarin surname Feng, which is among the top 50 Chinese surnames.

Among those bearing this surname are the descendants of Fung A-Pan, an immigrant on the Whirlwind in 1860, and Fung A-Man,

who arrived on the Arima in 1865. There are also other Fung families whose surname is equivalent to the Mandarin name Hung which in Hakka dialect is pronounced Fung.

Fung-A-Fat: The family traces its ancestry to the Hung clan, this surname being made famous by the exploits of Hung Hsiuch’uan, Heavenly King of the Taiping Rebellion. The Hakka pronunciation of Hung is Fung and thereby generated the inscription Fung for the family. One of the immigrants to British Guiana was Hung Kungfat, a passenger on the Dartmouth in 1879, whose name was transformed into Fung-A-Fatt and from whom the family name is derived. Most of the descendants are now known by the simpler spelling Fung-AFat and some others have resumed the use of the root Hakka surname Fung.

Hing: The Hing fami-

ly name is derived from different immigrants including Phang Hing, U-Hing (on the Chapman in 1861), and Wong A-Hing.

Low: Also written as Lau, Lowe and Loh, this Cantonese name is commonly associated with Liu, one of the top ten Chinese sur-

names. The descendants of Lau Shiu-t’ong are known

by Low. Low-A-Chee: Lau Unche (also written Lau Yunchay) was a native of Thong Kun who traveled aboard the Dora in 1860. He married Mary Kok and had seven children who carried the

surname Low-A-Chee.

For more information on other Chinese surnames, visit the National Library and ask for “Cane Reapers – Chinese Indentured Immigrants in Guyana”

by Trev Sue-A-Quan

of Chinese Heritage ...

J. C. Luck's youngest son, Donald Luck, was the school's first and only Guyana Scholar in 1950, at a time when only one Guyana Scholarship per year was awarded. J. C. Luck also started the Central Book Shop next door to the school to supply its students and those of other schools, with textbooks.

The Windsor Forest Monument The Windsor Forest Monument was erected in 1986 by the Guyana-China Friendship Society, to commemorate the coming of the

first Chinese immigrants to Guyana on the Glentanner from Amoy in China. They were all assigned to work on the West Coast Demerara at Windsor Forest (105), Pouderoyen (103) and Union

FROM PAGE 17

(1). Nine had died on the journey to Guyana. The monument still stands today. (Research done by Marlene Kwok Crawford and Rosemarie Choo-SheeNam

19

RECIPE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

Waste not, want not

s the art of cooking evolved over the ages, the Chinese ancestors boldly experimented with available foodstuffs in order to make the most of their natural resources. By the time of the Spring and Autumn Warring States period (770221 BC), a scientific theory of balanced nutrition had been developed.

The ideal diet was considered to consist of the five staple grains, supplemented by the five fruits and the five domestic animals and completed by the five vegetables.

The Chinese concept of what can be eaten is very broad.

Edible plant products include not only common grains and vegetables, but also numerous herbs, fruits, flowers and fungi.

In the case of watermelon, not just the flesh is eaten. The rind is also used in cooked dish-

es, eaten cold with seasonings or pickled and the seeds are dry-roasted for a popular snack.

All parts of the animals are used, including ears, tongues, wings, webs and internal organs. Skin is dried and deepfried, and coagulated blood is used in various dishes and soups.

Modern Chinese society possesses and enhanced awareness of environmental issues, including the humane treatment of animals.

The hunting of endangered species is prohibited and enlightened dietary habits are promoted throughout the country.

Importance of vegetables It is said that people around the world eat in three different ways- with their hands, with knives and forks and with chopsticks. Why were chopsticks invested in China? Perhaps the most important reason concerns the traditional Chinese

diet. The most common food in ancient China was geng, a type of thick soup made with grains, vegetables and meat.

Chopsticks were ideal for lifting pieces of vegetables and meat out of the broth. Statistics indicate that over 600 different vegetables are eaten in China.

Yin-Yang and the five elements

Ancient China’s holistic philosophers created a unified model of the universe that incorporates all aspects of existence, both material and spiritual. The theories of Yin and Yang and the Five elements have had a major influence on the Chinese people’s attitude

towards food. Yang represents the active force, heat and light, while Yin represents the receptive force, cold, and darkness.

The ancient Chinese people believed that meat was Yang and grain was Yin. Therefore, meat and grain were storied in separate containers that together formed a complete set.

(Excerpt from Food in Chinese Culture, published by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China) From dumplings to spring rolls and Kung Pao use Chinese New Year as an excuse to try some authentic Chinese recipes

Jiaozi – boiled Chinese dumplings shoots (shredded) Jiaozi Dough • 2 slices fresh • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 cups all-purpose flour ginger (finely minced) • 1 clove garlic • Up to 1 1/4 cups cold (peeled and finely water minced) Filling Directions • 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1. Stir the salt into • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon Chinese the flour. Slowly stir in the cold water, adding rice wine (or dry sherry) • 1/4 teaspoon freshly as much as is necessary ground white pepper (or to to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough taste) • 1 cup ground beef (or into a smooth ball. Cover the dough and let it rest for at desired meat) • 3 tablespoons sesame oil least 30 minutes.

2. While the dough is • 1/2 green onion (spring resting, make the filling; onion, finely minced) • 1 1/2 cups Napa cabbage add the soy sauce, salt, rice wine, and white pepper to (finely shredded) • 4 tablespoons bamboo the meat, stirring in only one

direction. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring in the same direction, and mix well.

3. Divide the dough into 60 pieces. Roll each piece out into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.

4. Place a small portion (about 1 level tablespoon) of

the filling into the middle of each wrapper.

5. Wet the edges of the dumpling with water. Fold the dough over the filling into a half moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Continue with the remainder of the dumplings.

6. To cook, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add half the dumplings, giving them a gentle stir so they don't stick together. Bring the water to a boil, and add 1/2 cup of cold water. Cover and repeat.

7. When the dumplings come to a boil for the third time, they are ready. Drain and remove.

8. If desired, they can be pan-fried at this point.

20 RECIPE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Spring Roll til vegetables are wilted. Add cornflour, soy sauce and Oyster sauce, cook for 1 minute until the liquid is gone. The Filling should not be watery, it should be kind of sticky.

FILLING

• 1 tbsp oil • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced • 400 g / 13 oz minced meat • 6 dried shiitake mushrooms soaked in boiling water OR 8 fresh • 1 1/2 cups shredded carrot • 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts • 1 1/2 cups (packed) shredded green cabbage • 1 tsp cornflour/cornstarch • 1 1/2 tbsp Oyster Sauce • 2 tsp soy sauce

SPRING ROLLS

• 15 – 20 spring roll wrappers • 2 tsp cornflour (for sealing rolls) • 1 tbsp water (for sealing rolls) • Oil for frying

SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

• starch •

2 tsp cornflour/corn2 tbsp water

SPRING ROLL

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar • 1/3 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) • 2 tbsp ketchup • 2 tsp soy sauce

Instructions FILLING

Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic, stir quickly, then add meat.

Cook, breaking it up as you go. Add carrot, bean sprouts, cabbage and mushrooms.

Cook for 3 minutes or un-

Mix cornflour and water in a small bowl (for sealing the rolls).

Carefully peel off one spring roll wrapper, keep the others covered under a damp tea towel. Place a very heaped spoon of filling on the bottom.

Roll up halfway, fold sides in, then finish rolling. Use cornflour sludge to seal.

Heat oil and fry spring rolls for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer, stirring regularly, then simmer until it thickens to taste (about 3 - 5 minutes).

Kung Pao Chicken

INGREDIENTS

Chicken: • 28 ounces (800g) boneless/skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes • 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine or dry sherry • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon cornstarch / corn flour Sauce: • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock (or broth) -- water can be used • 5 tablespoons light soy sauce • 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar (or substitute good-quality balsamic vinegar) • 2 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) • 2 teaspoon dark soy sauce • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon cornstarch / corn flour Stir Fry: • 4 tablespoons cooking oil divided • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic (4-6 cloves) • 1 tablespoon ginger • 1/2 red bell pepper (capsicum) seeded and diced • 1/2 green bell pepper (capsicum) seeded and diced • 8-10 dried chilies cut into ½-inch pieces (adjust to taste) • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns lightly toasted

and ground • 4 green onion / scallion stems cut into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup roasted/unsalted peanuts • 2 teaspoons sesame oil optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients for the chicken in a shallow bowl; cover and marinate for 10 minutes (if time allows).

2. Whisk sauce ingredients together until sugar dissolves; set aside.

3. Heat a large skillet, pan or wok over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, allow to heat up, then add marinated chicken. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes while occasionally stirring, until edges are browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Add remaining cooking oil into the same pan/wok.

Stir in garlic, ginger, chili diced peppers (capsicums) and Sichuan peppercorns and stir fry for 1 minute.

5. Give the prepared sauce a mix, then pour it into the pan and bring it to a boil while stirring.

6. Once it begins to thicken slightly, add chicken back into the pan/wok and mix all of the ingredients through the sauce until the chicken is evenly coated and sauce has thickened, (about 2 minutes).

7. Stir in green onions, peanuts and sesame oil. Toss well and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes to infuse all of the flavours together.

FEATURE

T

empus fugit.

Time flies. Would you believe it is more than a year since we began this column! The “fan following” is surprising. Pet caregivers call and write to us about the column – mostly thanking us for the edification (mostly), but also questioning certain matters regarding advice provided. We very much appreciate such conversations.

Having gone through most of the preliminary messages related to companion animal care, let us today commence a discussion on actual maladies which our pets encounter throughout their lives and which, as pet owners, we must address.

The foremost of these ailments could be those associated with skin problems.

Let me begin today by pronouncing that, here in the tropics, I have seldom witnessed an animal without varying degrees of skin lesions. Cats, who constantly clean and groom themselves, are less prone to develop skin sicknesses; nevertheless, they do, and we will be dealing with those specificities in later columns.

Within this context, let me make some cursory and introductory remarks.

There can be no doubt that living in an environment of physical warmth, constant sunshine, high humidity levels, and below sea level will surely contribute to the nurturing of parasites which will eventually live quite happily on and in the skin. In addition to these factors, one has to recognize the animals’ vulnerability to the relentless effect of ultraviolet light rays on the skin of dogs and cats – especially those with predominantly white coats of hair. Further, we must accept that the actual surrounding area, in which our pets live, may contribute to the skin ailments.

Often, the general hygiene in the area(s), in which the pet spends most of its outdoor life, may not be optimal – even if many pet owners are convinced that they are keeping their yards clean and “bug” free. Also, let us face it: the pet’s existence, on average, is between 6 inches to just 2 feet off the ground. It is in this very locality that parasites and sundry contaminants exist and flourish. Additionally, many parasites (or their developmental forms) live on grass stalks and leaves; and as the dog’s body brushes past the stems, the parasites transfer on to the dog.

Our focus on skin care, therefore, must be directed at keeping malevolent invaders away from the skin, while simultaneously ensuring correct coat care.

Q: What is the main function of the skin?

A: In jest, I can give a schoolboy answer: “Miss, it surely is to keep the dog together”. However, as humorous as this answer may

SKIN AILMENTS be, it is not too far off the mark. If, for whatever reason, the skin is damaged, this situation must be considered as serious. After all, the skin represents a major defence to keep germs and other foreign bodies from entering the animal’s body.

Also, it helps in the production/ composition of important vitamins and is a great insulator and temperature regulator.

Q: Do dogs perspire?

A: No. Dogs and cats do not possess sweat glands.

(Some rudimentary glands are found in the paw pads).

Q: How often should the caregiver bathe the puppy/kitten dog/cat?

A: My instinctive response is “never”. However, that is an extreme response, and the pet owner will not adhere to and accept such advice. The caregiver will immediately answer that the dog would “smell stink”.

Well, no. The dog will have the scent of a dog. It is the owner who considers the scent to be malodorous. Of course, if the animal has fallen into a dirty gutter/trench, then yes, the pet must be cleansed.

There are glands in the skin which produce essential oils. One should not be constantly washing off these oils. Combing and brushing the animal’s coat, twice a week not only stimulates blood circulation in the skin, but it allows you to bond with your pet. And you will agree that the first thing a self-respecting dog does after a bath is to rub its body into the nearby grass or soil –just to get rid of that unwanted odour inherent in the shampoo/chemical which you have just placed on its skin. In fact, I can guarantee you that if there is carrion nearby, the animal would rub itself in the carcass.

I know that some of you will argue that there are so many anti-parasitic shampoos, on the market, that proclaim what a wonderful action the contents have.

Well, there are other medications which can be used with even better results.

Your veterinarian can advise you about alternative prophylactic interventions which can be given orally, by injection, and/or by rubbing a bit of specific solution on one spot on the skin – monthly, and without any deleterious effects.

Since this column is about advice, allow me to suggest that you try-out my suggested routine. After a short while, your dog will have a healthy shiny coat for its entire life. Cats clean themselves, and may probably leave your home in a huff, and may never return, if you try to give it constant

baths.

Finally, in passing allow me to state – with a clear conscience and after years of research and empirical observation – “nutritional” supplements are truly not necessary in improving and maintaining your pet’s health and coat sheen. I also know how much you love your pet and how vulnerable/susceptible you are to the

bombardment of advertisements on pet-product. Just believe the independent researchers who have concluded that advocating added supplements to an already balanced diet are, at best, highly questionable, if not false and misleading.

Q: Is profuse hair shedding normal?

A: My first reaction to that question is that the

21

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

caregiver need not worry too much unless hairless patches are emerging.

Then I begin my “lecture” on possible reasons for hair/coat shedding emerging. (i) Dogs and cats do shed their coats perennially. During some periods more. (ii) Female dogs and cats tend to shed hair after their heat, period during pregnancy, during and after nursing. Clearly there is a hormonal influence taking place. (iii) Many dogs (especially long-haired dogs, e.g., the new favorite Husky breed and German Shepherds) have two layers of hair on their bodies – an inner coat with soft/wooly hair, and an outer coat with hard, long protective hair.

The inner coat does not shed evenly, and as a result the entire skin looks dishevelled

and patchy (one professor of mine spoke of a “moth-eaten appearance”, while another colleague referred to “Rasta Dreadlocks”). (iv) Hair loss is not necessarily associated primarily with seasons or temperature changes. It seems that the light intensity is the great precipitator of hair loss.

More surrounding light → more shedding (remember that we live in the tropical Caribbean). (v) Stress factors (moving to a new home; bringing in another dog/child/relative into the family; leaving the animal for long periods; etc.) tend to precipitate hair loss.

So, you see, combing and brushing away the loose hair (daily if necessary) is much more advantageous than bathing. Also, dead hair close to the skin may result in an itch-scratch reaction, therefore ergo skin damage, ergo possible skin ailments.

22

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

24 FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Discipline plays a great role in moulding one’s character” – Principal Rajkumarie Singh serves 50 years as an educator

T

he idea of teaching is not just about the academic pursuit and scholarly achievements, but the cultivation of sterling attitudes and conduct, which are essential in creating rounded students.

Principal of the Hindu College at Cove and John, Rajkumarie Singh has spent 50 years of her life in the profession, and trademarks this perspective in her classroom.

On the note of this achievement, she spoke with <<<Guyana Times>>> on how her teaching profession has evolved, after the deep desire of being an educator sparked at a tender age. Singh recalled growing up at Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara, where she attended the Hindu College.

Shortly after graduating, she applied for the job and was placed at the Dharmic Rama Krishna Primary in Georgetown. She would then leave to attend the Government

Training College, now Cyril Potter College of Education, for two years as a career move to develop her skills.

Thereafter, she was sent back to the Hindu Primary School, this time as a teacher before being transferred as Principal to the Cove and John Secondary. The 66-year-old has served as Head Teacher of the Hindu College since 2008.

Throughout her career, Singh attended the University of Guyana where she completed a degree in Literature and a diploma in education.

The Head Teacher explained that in her earlier days, she was influenced by the seniors at the school and this prompted her to follow in their footsteps, particularly Swami Purnananda after whom a primary school in the compound is named after.

Speaking in the interview, she described, “As a child, I have always saw myself becoming a

Principal of the Hindu College, Rajkumarie Singh

teacher and at age 16 when I finished secondary school, I applied for a job and was placed at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. I always wanted to teach and serve but I think it has to do with the life I have embraced…I knew that staying here was the best thing

for me.”

Now, with five decades of experience, Singh said discipline is still the cornerstone of educating children. There are other aspects of general well-being which she has adapted in order to ensure that children are healthy as they learn. She noted that most of the children were not as academically inclined as others but they were able to develop cognitively through this technique.

“Maybe it was my fortune but I have always worked with those children that weren’t the high flyers. When they come here, they begin to realise that they have the potential to work.

The discipline and all that goes into making a child realise his or her dream is done. One of the things I have learnt is that discipline plays a great role in moulding one’s character,” the educator expressed.

The educator added, “As I teacher, I worked with get-

ting the values right like punctuality, regularity, adherence to truth, believing in one’s self, honesty, integrity and just working to realise one’s dreams.”

Additionally, she said nutrition has always been a pivotal part of her students’ lives and ensuring they practice healthy habits. This entails a healthy diet and including physical exercises in their daily activities.

High emphasis is also placed on reading.

“With packed curriculum, we never get to do everything that we want to so I always emphasise that they walk rather than taking a taxi, riding their bicycles. Every single morning at this school, the gates are opened at 07:30 and everyone comes in and they read. I would be there with the teachers and then at assembly, they share what they read. That has been going on for a very long time and it helps tremendously,”

Singh shared.

Looking back now at her journey, the educator described her experience as “challenging but enjoyable”. She said the most important aspect of being a good teacher is dedication and sincerity to the job.

“You have to know that the children that you have in front of you are going to be tomorrow’s generation and have the patience to take them through.

Whatever values you are going to impart in them will take them through. You have to always encourage them that they have the potential to do what they want to. Sincerity is a great part of it,” was her advice to young teachers.

For now, Singh plans on continuing to teach at the institution. She also serves as a Commissioner at the Ethnic Relations Commission and is part of the Rights of the Child Commission. She is also a tutor in education management.

FEATURE

25

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The science of COVID-19 HIV and COVID-19

Dr Mallika Mootoo, MD Pediatrician/ HIV Clinician St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

T

HIV and COVID-19

he Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus which causes HIV infection. The abbreviation “HIV” can refer to the virus or to HIV infection. The virus targets a person’s immune system and attacks and eventually destroys the infection -fighting CD4 cells. As more and more CD4 cells are destroyed the immune system becomes

weakened, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and lead to AIDS. A c q u i r e d Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

HIV is transmitted through contact with HIV infected bodily fluids. It is spread mainly by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV, sharing a needle with an HIV infected person and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery and/or breast feeding.

HIV infection is a lifelong disease for which there is still no cure. There is, however, effective anti-HIV medication which when taken correctly, allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines every day.

their HIV-negative partner through sex.

COVID-19

ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV. ART prevents HIV from multiplying, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body (called the viral load).

Having less HIV in the body protects the immune system and prevents HIV infection from advancing to AIDS. ART can’t cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer,

healthier lives.

ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. A main goal of ART is to reduce a person’s viral load to an undetectable level.

An undetectable viral load

means that the level of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a viral load test.

People with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organisation (WHO) first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

In March 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

CONTINUED ON MONDAY'S EDITION

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CXC completed 96% of CSEC, CAPE reviews …top performers cannot be determined from incomplete process – Education Ministry

T

he Education Ministry has responded to the frustrations of parents and students about the delayed CSEC and CAPE results, which are currently under review by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). To date, some 96 per cent of the grades have been reviewed across the region.

Following numerous concerns raised on the issue, the Ministry on Saturday said that it does not review these results, but such responsibility lies solely with the Examinations Council.

As such, an official release cannot be done until the review is completed.

this level of uncertainty regarding the finality of the results brings… CXC is still in the process of reviews, saying to date they have completed approximately 96 per cent of reviews Caribbeanwide…The Ministry of Education, through the Examinations Department and indeed through the person of the Minister herself, has been continuously demanding a timely and expeditious end to this process, as have all the other Caribbean territories,” a statement on the issue from the Ministry said.

“We know for each student who wrote these exams this is probably the most important thing happening in their lives and they want closure and to move on even to higher education. We are working closely with CXC and being very firm in our recommendations and advice and our vote whenever we are asked to exercise one, with a view to ensuring our students never have to face this level of uncertainty again,” – Education Ministry quest for their grades to be rechecked, owing to inconsistencies. The Council had committed to complete the process by January 2021, but failed to do citing the present lockdown at the Barbados headquarters.

Untimely completion

“We understand the frustration of parents and students about the delayed results and the anxiety

This review initiated after students across several countries across the region, made a formal re-

Students received their preliminary results through the CXC Students’ Portal since September 2020. The Ministry, from the inception of queries and challenges to grades, has been updating and advising all stakeholders of CXC’s decisions and outcomes of this process.

Immediately after the preliminary release of CAPE and CSEC results for June 2020, request for queries and reviews were made and demanded by candidates and other stakeholders across the Caribbean.

Guyana was no exception and may have been one of the first countries that engaged the regional examinations body officially, taking a public stance on Government’s position.

The review process has since continued and a decision was taken to reexamine “borderline” cases.

This category includes candidates with scores that fell

Guyana’s examination division has raised the concern of untimely completion of this process and CXC has since indicated that the last update to the results was made on

January 29. Candidates can access the Student Portal to view their results but the top performers cannot be named as yet.

“Again, it must be noted that as a result of this incomplete process, top performers from Guyana and the Caribbean cannot be determined and released officially. For us to do same, we may end up being reckless if when the review is completed, other students are shown to have done better.”

within a small range to attain a better grade. These were done even for candidates who did not request a review.

“The Examinations Department, Ministry of Education, is committed to bring closure to this process and to ensure all stakeholders are informed as updates are received from CXC. One must appreciate, however, that it is the CXC body that has to both finish the process and award grades. Not the Ministry of Education of any part thereof…We know for each student who wrote these exams this is probably the most important thing happening in their lives and they want closure and to move on even to higher education. We are working closely with CXC and being very firm in our recommendations and advice and our vote whenever we are asked to exercise one, with a view to ensuring our students never have to face this level of uncertainty again,” the Ministry said.

NEWS

27

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

52 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 24h

A

nother 52 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Saturday, raising the total confirmed positives to 7939.

These emerged after 263 samples were collected and sent for testing.

The new statistics provided in the Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that there are still 180 deaths.

In the facilities, five patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 54 in institutional isolation, 14 in institutional quarantine and 738 in home isolation. Some 6982 of the 4124 males and 3815 females have recov-

Gunmen kick woman off motorcycle …fire shot after robbing her

T

wenty-seven-yearold Munifa Erskine of Liliendaal, South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Friday robbed of her motorcycle, CK 1906, by two armed bandits. One of them was armed with a handgun.

The woman was robbed at about 18:00h at Dennis Street and Stone Avenue, Georgetown, by two men on a motorcycle.

According to the woman, she was proceeding east along Dennis Street on her motorcycle, but while approaching Stone Avenue, the perpetrators rode up alongside her on a red motorcycle.

She told Police that the pillion rider kicked her off of the motorbike, causing her to fall to the ground. According to the woman, the suspect

then dismounted, whipped out a handgun and discharged a round in her direction.

He then picked up the motorcycle valued $178,000 and he along with his accomplice made good their escape south along Stone Avenue. She subsequently sought help and reported the matter to the Police. An investigation has since been launched.

Just days ago, a 49-yearold vendor of Hadfield Street, D’Urban Backland, Georgetown, was robbed of his Honda motorcycle by three men, one armed with a handgun.

Reports are that the victim was relieved of his motorcycle bearing registration number CJ 5092 at about 20:45h along Duncan Street,

Georgetown.

According to Police, Rajesh Khan was on his way home from work and was riding along Duncan Street, when the three men approached him from behind.

He told investigators that the men approached him on two motorcycles and held onto his bike, causing him to come to a halt.

The pillion rider from one of the motorcycles then came off the bike and whipped out a handgun from his waist and demanded that Khan hand over his bike.

The man complied, and the men took the motorcycle and made good their escape east along Duncan Street.

Police reports said the motorcycle was valued at some $185,000. (G9)

ered completely. To date, Guyana has tested 52,263 individuals.

An analysis of new cases showed that three were confirmed in Region One (Barima-Waini); six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 16 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); three in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); two in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); three in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 15 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain constant at 230 and 410 respectively.

The latest death was reported on Friday after an 86-year-old male from Region Four died at a medical facility. He was the fourth person to succumb to the virus since the beginning of February.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony informed recently that health teams will randomly visit various communities and conduct testing as part of an exercise to find undetected positives. They would have carried out a similar activity back in December, where a number of positive cases were detected.

“We conducted some spe-

cific exercises in a number of villages. Those were effective because we were able to detect positives where we didn’t have positives before. It shows that we probably would have to develop a roving team to move around in random communities and do random checking. That’s something that we will be developing over the next couple of weeks.

The places where we had testing going on, I think we were able to yield positive cases,” Anthony was quoted as saying.

Presently, there are fixed sites in all the regions where persons can be tested. In addition to the antigen and PCR tests, another type was introduced using the GeneXpert machines.

One was installed in Lethem this week while Linden and New Amsterdam also received one each.

These machines were used to test persons for tuberculosis prior to COVID-19, but were recalibrated to test for the coronavirus.

“They will be able to do the testing at the hospital itself. They don’t have to send samples to Georgetown; they can do it right there and they will be able to get back results within an hour using that particular machine,” he outlined.

The curfew, which

forms part of the National COVID-19 Measures, will remain the same throughout February, that is from 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am). It clearly outlines that flights from Brazil are prohibited until further notice.

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

(G12)

28 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sussex St bridge completed 4 weeks ahead of schedule …Hunter St project also slated for early finish

W

ith the Public Works Ministry exercising keen oversight on construction projects, the Sussex and Hogg Streets, Georgetown bridge

has been completed ahead of schedule, while works on Hunter Street are also slated for an early finish.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Saturday

participated in the ribbon-cutting for the Sussex and Hogg Streets, Alboustown, Georgetown bridge. The bridge has been down for months after be-

ing damaged by an overladen truck.

But four weeks ahead of schedule and $15.9 million later, the bridge has been completed by Devcon Construction. In his remarks, Edghill urged motorists, particularly cargo hauliers, to be responsible and adhere to the recommended weight limit on the country’s infrastructure.

“This bridge was damaged on September 11, 2020… what transpired was that a containerised haulier carrying tonnes of container cargo, reversed on this bridge to turn around and broke it. Now, this is a community bridge. Not a bridge in a commercial zone,” Edghill said.

“It could carry a truckload of sand, a canter of material to build a home. But to have an unconscionable act of a container truck, with a 40-foot container on it, using a community bridge to turn around, is something that must be addressed in a very public way.”

The Minister noted the chances that even while they are fixing the Sussex and Hogg Streets bridge, the very same thing could be happening at another location in the country.

According to Edghill, development is held back when the Government has to repair what was already built but not maintained.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill also paid a visit to nearby Hunter Street, where works are being executed by Vieira 66 Logistics.

While there, contractor Mark Vieira revealed that

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine were among the officials who participated in the ribboncutting exercise for the new bridge

works are over a month ahead of scheduled and that he and his team will work 24/7 to get the work done.

“We took on this project a few months ago. We had a lot of issues with rain. But right now, we’re ahead of schedule. And we’re going to finish at least a month and a half or two months before the contract was supposed to be finished.”

“Right now, we’re just waiting for some materials. And we’re going to work 24/7. Because I know to eliminate that bottleneck we have with the traffic, it’s very difficult. So, we’re going to get it done as fast as possible,” Vieira said.

In his remarks, Edghill noted the importance of completing Hunter Street, relative to the current fourlane upgrade taking place on Sheriff-Mandela. According to the Minister, if Hunter Street is not fixed in a timely manner, it can exacerbate the traffic congestion on and off the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister Edghill was nevertheless pleased with the progress made by Vieira 66 Logistics. According to

him, his technical officers are constantly meeting with the contractor and any issues raised are addressed as quickly as possible.

“I’m happy that work is moving apace, because of my instructions and the importance of getting this road done ahead of time, because I said to the contractor, I want this road done ahead of time,” the Minister explained.

“Twice a week, my senior technical people are meeting with the contractor to manage, monitor and ensure things are moving well.

And this is how we intend to manage all major projects.

Because we just can’t have people on work, they have issues to resolve, it’s not being resolved and the people are suffering.”

When functional, Hunter Street is a popular connection for persons looking to get onto the East Bank of Demerara while avoiding traffic on Saffon Street. The previous contractor, Surrey Paving and Engineering, was contracted in 2019 but despite several extensions did not complete work on the street. (G3)

29 Man seriously injured after mining pit caves in NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former Finance Minister’s argument on increase of debt ceiling comical and disingenuous (Part 2)

T

o clarify the $92 billion deficit the former Minister was referring to - he was actually referring to the overdraft balance on the Government deposit accounts at the central bank - from examining the data presented in the table for the period 2010–2020, one would observe that the deposit account balance stood at a surplus of almost $70 billion in 2010, which then fell to a surplus of $21.4 billion by the end of 2014. Notably, during the period 2010 to 2014, the Government’s deposit accounts were never allowed to reflect an overdraft balance.

Now, importantly to note - which Jordan and none of his colleagues in the previous Government and the now Opposition will tell the public the reason those balances in the Government deposit accounts started to slide in 2011 from $70 billion in 2010 to $60 billion in 2011 and through to $21.4 billion in 2014 is this: Following the national elections of 2011, which induced for the first time an unusual political dispensation of a minority Government under former President Ramotar – and where the political Opposition controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat majority, the political Opposition at the time, which is in Opposition again, used their one seat majority during that period to stymie development and slash budget proposals by the then Government and/or, in some cases, not approving the Government’s budget.

It was this period of deadlock that triggered snap elections in 2015. The reason mention is made of this historic fact in this argument is because it is for these reasons – where the Government had an extremely difficult time to pass the national budgets – that former President Ramotar had to revert to those deposit accounts in order to run the country’s affairs. This is why those balances were reduced during the period 2011–2014. Then, in 2015, when the new Government took over, those deposit accounts, for the first time in decades, started to be overdrawn: from a position of $2.3 billion by end of 2015, to a whopping $92 billion by the time that Government demitted office in August, 2020.

Now, this is the $92 billion deficit that Jordan is referring to, but he is grossly misleading the public because he did not tell the full story.

Now, let’s understand some of the basic rules governing Government spending. The official Government Account from which monies are withdrawn is the Consolidated Fund (CF) which comes under the scrutiny of the National Assembly. So, let’s look at the CF balance for the period 2010–2019. In 2010, the balance stood at $41.7 billion in overdraft, and it went up to $81.2 billion overdraft by end of 2014. However, if one were to net this off with the surplus balances in the deposit accounts for the period, the data shows that the net balance between the CF and the Deposit accounts were surplus balances of $28 billion in 2010, and $8 billion net surplus position by end of 2013, before reaching a net deficit position of $60 billion by the end of 2014.

Contrasting this with the period under which Winston Jordan served as Finance Minister – combining the balances in the CF and the Deposit Accounts amounted to a net deficit of $45 billion by the end of 2015, which reached a whopping net deficit position of $148.2 billion, which is the highest in this country’s economic history post-1992. While the figures for 2020 are not yet revealed to the public, by this trend, it is almost certain that the combined net deficit position in the CF and Deposit accounts would have reached $200 billion, thus cementing the argument that it is the highest net deficit position on the national treasury in Guyana’s post historic economic recovery period since 1992.

In fact, it should be mentioned that what Jordan did with those deposit accounts for five years was in breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, which states that any overdraft balances on official bank accounts by the Minister of Finance must be cleared at the end of the fiscal year. The former Minister never did this, and there is a reason why he never complied with the Act to clear those deficit balances, apart from the reason cited by the Hon. Minister Dr. Ashni Singh. That is, the other crucial reason is, whether intentionally or by default, the fact that the overdraft balances are not captured in the reporting of the country’s official stock of public debt would have effectively resulted in the understatement or underreporting of the true state of the country’s public debt. This is what the current Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, is now correcting by raising the debt ceiling so that those balances can now be cleared by the issuance of the appropriate debt instruments, which would allow the deficit to be reflected in the official stock of public debt.

Further, not only were the former Minister of Finance, and by extension the previous Government, engaged in reckless spending, the evidence would show that there was huge misallocation of resources, which resulted in the underperformance of the country’s many productive sectors. The former Minister’s philosophy in administering fiscal policy was one that was contractionary, rather than expansionary, and was devoid of any transformative developmental trajectory of the country. In this regard, as can be seen from the data presented, during the period 2010-2014, capital expenditure accounted for more than 30% of Government’s total expenditure.

Capital expenditure are those expenditures allocated in productive activities such as infrastructure development, which in turn leads to the creation of employment and opportunity for businesses to grow, inter alia, new investments based on how and where Government allocates resources towards such productive activities. During the period 2015– 2019, on the other hand, capital expenditure declined from a high of 35% of total expenditure to as low as 23% of total expenditure. Thus, more monies were expended on unproductive activities, which resulted in excessive wastage of public funds – many of which are being uncovered almost on a daily basis. As such, one can conclude that the former Finance Minister’s position on these developments is simply lacking in substance and economic sensibility.

In the next column, the author will examine further the rationale for increasing the debt ceiling, and explain in greater depth the importance of this measure, which is necessary to be aligned with the projected growth of GDP driven by the oil economy and the Government’s transformative developmental agenda. Those forthcoming analyses will demonstrate that the increased debt ceilings, coupled with the projected growth in GDP, the debt-to-GDP ratio will still remain at sustainable levels; that is, below or equal to 70% of GDP. About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is a financial analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@ gmail.com.

A

Region One (Barima-Waini) miner is nursing serious injuries after the mining pit in which he was working caved in and mud completely covered him.

Injured is Terence Anthony of Unity Square, Aruka River, North West District (NWD).

Reports are the 28-yearold gold miner was working

on a land dredge in a pit at Iyana Backdam, Barama River, NWD, on Friday when at about midday the pit caved in and covered him.

He was rescued by his colleagues and rushed to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where he was admitted a patient. An investigation has since been launched into the incident.

Motorcyclist hospitalised after crashing into car

A

motorcyclist is now hospitalised following an accident which occurred in the wee hours of Saturday morning on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Reports are the accident occurred at about 02:05h in the vicinity of the Housing Ministry along Brickdam.

Police have since said that the motor car, PJJ 9225, driven by a 28-year-old resident of Section B Patterson, Turkeyen, was proceeding west along the southern side of Brickdam, while the motorcycle, CK 5497, which was driven by a resident of Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was proceeding in the same direction, in front of the car.

It was reported that the car attempted to overtake the motorcycle, when the

35-year-old motorcyclist allegedly swerved into the path of the car, causing them to collide.

As a result, the motorcyclist fell onto the roadway where he received injuries to his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remains a patient.

Meanwhile, the driver

of the motor car was arrested and a breathalyser test showed no trace of alcohol.

He nevertheless remains in custody as investigations continue.

Just weeks ago, a motorcyclist was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital following an accident along the Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

He was identified as 20-year-old Zebbelon Cadogan of Middle Street, Pouderoyen, WBD. Reports are the cyclist was heading in the same direction and closely behind a motor pick-up driven by a 27-yearold male of Goed Fortuin, when the driver of the pickup reportedly attempted to make a right turn and, in the process, the motorcyclist collided with the right-side front door of the vehicle.

Cadogan was reportedly knocked off his motorcycle and crashed into a parked motor car. He ended up in a nearby trench. He was picked up in a conscious state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, but he was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted. (G9)

30 FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Do not let marriage keep you from following your dreams – young entrepreneur urges women

By Jarryl Bryan

A

t age 27, Romona Singh is the proud owner of her business Coco Crafts and Custom Party Decors. She is living her dream of being an entrepreneur, but she has met many women who had to give up on their dreams due to life's circumstances.

Singh, who was born in Black Bush Polder, Berbice, but now lives in Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara, has a passion for social causes such as women empowerment. And during an interview with this publication, she had words of encouragement for women with unfulfilled dreams.

The businesswoman noted the importance of women holding on to their aspirations and dreams, even when life's responsibilities seem to be holding them back – responsibilities she knows all too well.

“Many times I have met women who have dreams or a passion they want to follow but they don’t because of

duties or responsibilities towards family, especially married women and I respect that but I feel a woman should not be confined to what society accepts as a good wife or mother,” she said.

“Being married for seven years, I understand some of the challenges myself but

I’m thankful for the support and encouragement I get from my family and friends especially my husband and my mother because they believe in me and my business. Sometimes all we need is the little encouragement.”

The entrepreneur is very

cognisant of the disadvantages people in Guyana, especially women, face in the world of business. In her journey to Coco crafts, she faced them too. This is why she considers it a duty to encourage her friends to start their own businesses and use her personal Facebook page to pro-

mote them.

Romona also has plans on the horizon, to organise events that will provide young women with opportunities to network and launch businesses of their own. She explained that these plans were in the pipeline for some time, but the COVID-19 pandemic put them on hold.

Singh explained that the plans are back on and likely to be executed next month, in observance of her business's second anniversary.

She's also enlisted the help of other like-minded entrepreneurs, including the owners of Aleesha Sweet Treats and Tiffany’s Beauty Salon.

"Some of the challenges women face are acquiring capital, the need to focus on a 9-5 job for financial security, uncertainty, self-doubt and fear of failure among other things. Straight Outta 592, The Buzz and others are doing an amazing job in sharing the business experiences of so many women and I think we need more of this."

"So what we’re trying to do is get a few women who own or operate small businesses to come together to host an event and invite women who might be interested in starting a business or learning a new skill. We will share our experiences and give advice or even financial help to a few women," Singh said.

On the rise The businesswoman gave this publication a glimpse into her experiences in business, recounting that while she always loved crafting, she never saw it as a viable business. Rather, her idea of businesses involved salons, boutiques and restaurants.

However, it was the encouragement of family and friends that got her started.

“I would make handmade gifts and decorations for my friends and family. After seeing my work they encouraged me to start selling my creations. While I loved the idea, I thought my work wasn’t professional enough to be sold," she explained.

For a while, Singh trod the conventional path of a young professional. After leaving Cove and John Secondary in 2010, she completed several computer courses, worked as a part-time teacher and then spent the next two years as a customer service representative.

“After I got married I planned on helping my husband with his small business.

He owns a gym but I realised I wanted something that was mine and I enjoyed doing. So I started thinking of business ideas but my main issue was getting capital. Fortunately, the start-up for Coco Crafts was manageable and I worked and invested,” she said.

“February 2019 I got my first order from a friend and I was thrilled because I was getting paid to do something I actually love and that’s when I decided that I will start a craft business. I created a page on Facebook and informed friends and family of my new venture,” Singh further explained.

Despite her initial success, Singh went several

Romona Singh months without any sales.

The drought even led to her questioning herself and her business venture. But when the chips were down, she decided to go all in and increase her investment… something she still does today, in a quest to expand and offer new and better services.

“I decided to make more products and used paid advertising to promote my page because I was determined to make it work. The paid advertising and new products worked because Coco Crafts got a lot of new followers and I was super excited when I started getting orders right away.”

“There are so many new and exciting ideas that I would love to try and introduce to my customers but a lot of the materials and tools are not available in Guyana and the cost of shipping is high especially for my small business that tries to make affordable crafts for everyone. I am working on opening a craft store so I can provide tools and materials for other crafters as well.”

According to Singh, her ultimate goal is to open a craft store this year. She has also started to offer wedding decor services, with aspirations of becoming a wedding planner at some point in time.

Whenever Singh is not working, she is spending time with her family. Her other activities include reading, painting or binge-watching her favourite shows. She had some parting advice for anyone looking to start a new business.

"Don’t give up on your dreams, you will have doubts and insecurities when it comes to starting your business or going through with it and that’s okay but don’t let fear and uncertainty keep you from the amazing future of being a businesswoman. I am happy I took the step but I needed a lot of encouragement before I did, so I am hoping this inspires you to keep working on your dreams."

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

31

GBA’s new Referee/Judges Commission dominated by women T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is now fully compliant with the mandate of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), following the recent appointment of a Referee/Judges Commission which has a composition of 60% females.

The five-person Commission, appointed last month, is made up of three females and is chaired by Guyana Defence Force Warrant Officer and AIBA One Star referee Lawrence Assanah. The three females are Sherece

Agard, Denoila Bristol and Nicola Yhap, all of whom are Committee Members.

Richard Braithwaite, also an AIBA One Star referee, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission.

Selecting females to be a part of the decision-making processes is in keeping with the aim of AIBA and other sporting bodies in the world, to institute balance between the genders. GBA President Steve Ninvalle has explained that the association took it a bit further, since 60% of the Commission is made up of

females.

“We have taken it a bit further in the fact that we have placed the majority in the hands of the females. We will try to see how much we can continue in this vein, to ensure that women have their fair share and play their part in the development of boxing in Guyana,” he said.

The Commission was previously chaired by a female, Ramona Agard, another AIBA One Star referee. Assanah and other members of the R/J Commission will hold office for two years.

CGI honours academy contracts — despite impact of pandemic

C

ricket Guyana Inc has honoured its commitment to contract promising players during the latter part of the 2020/2021 cricket season.

This commitment has been honoured despite speculation from some sections of the cricket sphere in Guyana that the academy players may have to be kept in the doldrums for the complete 2020/2021 season.

Such speculations have since been dispelled with the CGI administration continuing to uphold its 3-tier contract structure, which awards the respective players with contracts ranked A, B and C. This season, four players have been awarded rank ‘A’ academy contracts, another four have been awarded rank ‘B’ contracts, while six have been awarded rank ‘C’ contracts. This brings to 14 the number of players contracted, which indicates that an additional two players from previous seasons have been contracted.

Noticeable among the rank ‘C’ contracted players are talented youths Mavendra Dindyal, Matthew Nandu, Isai Throne and Rampertab Ramnauth, all of whom are currently under the watchful eyes and nurturing system of CWI as specific player development initiatives take root

with the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup, which is planned to be held in the West Indies in 2022.

Rank ‘C’ contracts have also been awarded to two players whom many persons have their eyes on for future success, fast bowler Qumar Torrington and opening batsman Kevlon Anderson.

The four rank ‘B’ contracted players include two with first class exposure: Bhaskar Yadram and Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed. Richie Looknauth has been rewarded for his continued commitment, as he remains an academycontracted player, while all-rounder Quinten Sampson has been given his first opportunity to be involved with the academy structure, and is expected to stimulate an increased level of competition among players.

Leading the rank ‘A’ contracted list is the experienced Assad Fudadin.

He is joined by the promising w i c ke t ke e p e r / b a t s m a n Kemol Savory, outstanding left arm spinner at the domestic level Antony Adams, and the talented right-arm leg- spinner Steven Sankar.

Both the current academy contracted players and the available CWI/CGI contracted players are required to report to Academy coach Julian Moore at the LBI ground by 09:00 hours on Monday, 8 February 2021, unless otherwise engaged in CGI national duties.

CLASSIFIED ADS LAND FOR SALE

NOTICE

PUPPIES FOR SALE

Residential Land for Sale at Eccles Public Road. 0.1205 Acre/5,248 Sq Ft. Price: $150 mil. Negotiable.

Serious enquires only. Call – 2332152

Second Publication Childcare and Protection Agency Ministry of Social Protection, Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Telephone: 225-7450, 227-4082 or 225-1257.

Email: addoptioncpa@gmail.com Mr. Mohan Singh, last known address is Queens, New York, U.S.A. is asked to urgently contact the Childcare and Protection Agency.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Mr. Mohan Singh, is asked to bring this notice to his attention.

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

LEARN TO DRIVE Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek You can also obtain an International Driving Permit covering over 134 Countries.Contact us: 227-3835 / 627-6155. WhatsApp: 619-0106.

Join us on FaceBook.

SERVICE Solutions to All problems such as – Domestic, Job, Relationships such as: Marriage, Love Relations.

Removal of blockages and Bad Luck. Call for Appointment – 592 696 8222. Address: Georgetown or Vreed-en-Hoop.

TAXI SERVICE GR Taxi 227-1982, 225-7878 219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars Tel: 614-6202

Sherece Agard

Denoila Bristol

Sydney Sixers beat Perth Scorchers in final of Big Bash League

T

he Sydney Sixers have beaten the Perth Scorchers to defend their Big Bash crown. Their win has been inspired by 95 from England batsman James Vince.

Controversially denied a century when the two sides met earlier in the playoffs, Vince propelled the hosts to 188-6. Although his England team-mate Liam Livingstone made 45, the Scorchers were rarely in the chase, and ended their innings on 161-9.

The Sixers' 27-run victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground gives them a third title, level with the Scorchers.

Between the Sixers and the Scorchers, six of the 10 editions on the men's BBL have been won, with both

teams beating each other in two finals.

After these sides finished in the top two in the league table, the Sixers defeated the Scorchers in the play-offs to advance directly to the final.

Vince made 98 not out, and was denied a century when Andrew Tye bowled a wide to concede the winning run.

After the Scorchers won the toss and asked the Sixers to bat, Vince played some glorious strokes, striking 10 fours and three sixes in his 60-ball innings.

The Sixers' scoring slowed following his dismissal at the beginning of the 16th over, only to be boosted by late cameos from Dan Christian and Carlos Brathwaite.

Perth were without

England's Jason Roy because of ankle injury, with his replacement, Cameron Bancroft, giving them a swift start.

Livingstone initially struggled, but while he was at the crease, the Scorchers had slight hope. His was the first of three wickets to fall with 22 runs on the board, and though Bournemouthborn Aaron Hardie swiped two sixes, the Scorchers fell further behind.

Left-arm seamer Ben Dwarshuis picked up 3-37, Jackson Bird and Sean Abbott each took two wickets, and 37-year-old Christian picked up two wickets, and has now won the BBL with a third different team. (Adapted from BBC.COM)

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

CG Insurance Regional Super50…

Panko Steel Fabrication Golf Heavyweight battle looms Tournament set for today

A

in Guyana JaguarsBarbados Pride clash

fter the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the Windward Islands Volcanoes complete their clash today, February 7 in Antigua, match two of the CG Insurance Regional Super 50 Cup promises to be a cracker, with Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride locking horns.

The two teams will meet on Monday February 8 from 13:30h in a blockbuster day/night encounter.

Not since 2017 have these two teams played in a Super50 clash. In the last five outings, Barbados Pride won four of those matches against Guyana Jaguars’ lone recorded win, which came in 2015.

However, the world has evolved, players have grown, and the team that plays better on the given day will come out on top. Both sides

boast some senior Regional players and regular members of West Indies sides, with the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, and Shamrah Brooks.

However, the Pride will be without the classy Shai Hope and Kyle Hope. Vice-captain of the Jaguars, Shimron Hetmyer, has said this clash would be filled with bragging rights between the West Indies regulars.

Jason Holder, meanwhile, has said: “We are really looking forward to the first tournament of the year.

It’s great to be back, and there is a lot of excitement in our camp.

We are focused on winning. It will be important to hold our nerve under pressure and execute under pressure.

“The team that is most

consistent always wins, and we have to look at being consistent and win for our country and our fans.”

Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Shimron Hetmyer (vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

Barbados Pride Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Joshua Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Tevyn Walcott, Zachary Mc Caskie, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton and Ashley Nurse. (Brandon Corlette)

— intense competition expected

LGC President Pur Persaud standing alongside sponsors and members of the LGC

T

he Lusignan Golf Course will come alive today as the Panko Steel Fabrication Golf Tournament is staged.

Reportedly, there will be featured much fun in the sun as, for the first time in almost a year, a golf tournament can be played.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many sporting disciplines have been forced to cease activities, but being one of the few COVID-19 compliant games, golf has made the necessary breakthrough, and fans can now enjoy healthy fun while following the COVID-19 restrictions.

This tournament will tee-off at

09:00am, and the format will be 9 holes, better ball. Non-members can participate, but must pay green fees ($2000 for 9 holes) and tournament fees of $3000.

To avoid congregating (against COVID-19 guideline) participants must come in early, thus giving themselves adequate time to pay the relevant fees, collect score cards, and proceed to their respective teeoff areas in preparation for a prompt 9am start (sound of the horn would indicate start of play).

In this format, both partners will tee-off and then decide which player’s ball is in a better position to

continue from. They will both play from that position, and continue like that, choosing the better ball until they hole out. Handicaps will be a quarter of the combined pair (A-10, B-15) total 15+10=25; 25/4=6.25 HC for the pair will be 6. Participants must ensure that their score cards are properly completed and signed.

The first-place prize is a $20,000 voucher redeemable at the club, along with $40,000 to be paid to a charity selected by the winner.

Second-place prize is a $15,000 voucher together with $30,000 being paid to a charity of choice; while third-place prize is a $10,000 voucher along with $20,000 being paid to a charity of choice. Trophies accompany all these prizes.

The 4th and 5th positions attract trophies as well as $5000 vouchers, as do the NTP winners. Moreover, $10,000 would be awarded to the pair with the lowest gross.

The Lusignan Golf Club is hoping that everyone would come out and participate in the tournament, and enjoy a great game of golf.

Mayers gives West Indies hope — despite Hasan’s 3-for

T

hree quick strikes from Mehidy Hasan Miraz left West Indies precariously placed on the fourth evening, before Nkrumah Bonner and Kyle Mayers’s unbroken 51-run stand for the fourth wicket took them to 110 for 3 at stumps.

West Indies require another 285 for victory, but, more realistically, need to survive another day on a pitch that is offering both turn and bounce to spinners, with even the odd ball keeping low.

The star of the day, though, was Mominul Haque, whose tenth Test hundred helped Bangladesh set a daunting 395-run target. Continuing his love affair with the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium - the Bangladesh Test captain had 1056 runs at 75.42 in nine Tests at the venue before this game - Haque brought up yet another century, his seventh in 19 innings there. During the course of his 115, he also went past 3000 Test runs and overtook Tamim Iqbal as the leading century-maker for Bangladesh in the format.

Liton Das, also, struck 69 as Haque and he added 133 for the fifth wicket, the only century stand of the Test so far, as Bangladesh declared on 223 for 8.

Having survived a tricky seven-over period before tea, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell showed positive intent in the final session. While Brathwaite treated each ball on merit, Campbell trusted his strokeplay and didn’t hesitate in sweeping spinners from outside off. Campbell had a slice of luck when he feathered a scoop to the wicketkeeper, but Bangladesh, having already burnt a review against Brathwaite, were hesitant to ask for another.

Campbell couldn’t make use of the reprieve, though. The sweep, which had brought him three boundaries, also led to his downfall, when he failed to connect one against Miraz and was lbw for 23.

Brathwaite used his feet well against the spinners, before deploying hard hands to defend against Miraz, only to pop a bat-pad to short leg, where substitute Yasir Ali took a diving, one-handed catch to his left.

Shayne Moseley didn’t last long either, as he became Miraz’s third victim when he went deep in his crease to defend, only for the ball to keep low and trap him lbw.

That brought Bonner and Mayers together. The two adopted contrasting approaches, with Bonner trying to bat out the day and Mayers keeping the scoreboard ticking, and it seemed to work.

Mayers, who hit seven fours in his unbeaten 37, offered a chance on 28 when he miscued a lofted shot against Miraz. Mustafizur Rahman ran backwards from mid-off, got his hands to the ball, but could not hold on.

In the morning, Haque looked much more comfortable than in the third evening, when he had come in at 1 for 2 and had been peppered by the short stuff from Shannon Gabriel. That, in part, also had to do with the pitch slowing down further and offering very little to fast bowlers.

Gabriel, too, realised that. While 86% of his deliveries were short on the previous evening, he tried to mix it up today. In the first over of the day, after pushing Haque on to the back foot, he bowled one full. The batsman, though, was up to it and found the boundary with a perfect ondrive.

Later, when Kemar Roach tried a short ball, Haque ramped him for another four.

In general, though, both Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim preferred playing percentage cricket, dealing mostly in ones and twos. Given the time left in the match, there was no need to take undue risks, but one reason behind that could also be the unavailability of Shakib Al Hasan, who has been out with a left-thigh injury.

Rahkeem Cornwall eventually broke the 40-run stand when he trapped Rahim lbw for 18. The batsman tried to cut a ball that was too full and too close to the stumps, and was rapped on the pads. The umpires allowed the review, even though it seemed the batsman was late to opt for it. A potential controversy, however, was avoided when replays found Rahim out.

West Indies were strangely reluctant to turn to Jomel Warrican, especially when he was their go-to and most successful bowler in the first innings. When he was finally brought on, the left-arm spinner immediately found help from the surface. His fifth ball of the day pitched outside Das’s leg stump, and spun past to beat the outside edge and brush the back thigh on its way to Cornwall at first slip. He soon after drew an outside edge, but this time the ball fell short of Cornwall.

Seeing Warrican getting assistance, Brathwaite deployed leg-spinner Bonner from the other end, but he lacked control, and Haque took him for two fours in his first over. He then collected another four off Warrican, and took his side to a commanding position along with Das. They extended their association after lunch, and the stand was broken only when the duo looked for quick runs with an eye on the declaration. Das was caught at backward point while going for a reverse sweep against Warrican. Haque, meanwhile, holed out to deep square-leg off Gabriel.

Warrican picked up two more wickets, of Miraz and Taijul Islam, before Bangladesh declared their innings. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS Shadman Islam c †Da Silva b Gabriel 5 Tamim Iqbal lbw b Cornwall 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Blackwood b Cornwall 0 Mominul Haque (c) c Roach b Gabriel 115 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Cornwall 18 Liton Das † c Mayers b Warrican 69 Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Warrican 7 Taijul Islam b Warrican 3 Nayeem Hasan not out 1 Extras (nb 4, w 1) 5 TOTAL (67.5 Ov, RR: 3.28, 300 Mts) 223/8d Did not bat: Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Tamim Iqbal, 1.4 ov), 2-1 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 1.6 ov), 3-33 (Shadman Islam, 14.1 ov), 4-73 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 29.1 ov), 5-206 (Liton Das, 63.5 ov), 6-214 (Mominul Haque, 64.4 ov), 7-222 (Taijul Islam, 67.2 ov), 8-223 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 67.5 ov)

WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 395 RUNS) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c sub (Yasir Ali) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 20 John Campbell lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 23 Shayne Moseley lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 Nkrumah Bonner not out 15 Kyle Mayers not out 37 Extras (b 1, lb 2) TOTAL (40 Ov, RR: 2.75)

3 110/3

Yet to bat: Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva †, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-39 (John Campbell, 16.1 ov), 2-48 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 18.3 ov), 3-59 (Shayne Moseley, 24.2 ov) BOWLING Mustafizur Rahman 4-11-4-0 Taijul Islam 13-8-12-0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 16-2-52-3 Nayeem Hasan 7-1-29-0

BOWLING Kemar Roach 7-11-7-0 Rahkeem Cornwall 27-2-81-3 Shannon Gabriel 12-0-37-2 Jomel Warrican 17.5-0-57-3 Nkrumah Bonner 2-0-13-0 Kraigg Brathwaite 1-0-7-0 Kyle Mayers 1-0-11-0

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 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.