Guyana Times - Sunday February 14, 2021

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4559 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

Budget 2021: transformative, pro-business; people-focused – PSC, GMSA and AmCham

See story on page 3

Public sector workers will get salary increases – Jagdeo Page 7

…says Opposition deliberately misleading public servants

6 homes destroyed; 2 injured, dozens homeless on fiery Saturday

Abram Zuil Secondary School to be rebuilt …as $60.7B earmarked for

PRICE

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

225 COVID-19 cases detected in 1 week P25 Bandits rob patrons at WCD bar P26

Persons will be monitored after taking COVID-19 vaccine – Health Minister …alert system in place to detect unauthorised vaccines P28

Page 24

Armed bandits posing as customers P26 hijack taxi Man busted with ganja at NA home P27

world-class education system

AG moves to recover lands improperly sold to GL&SC board member under APNU/AFC Govt Page 28

See story on page 27

Forever love: Motie and Nalini Singh talk about staying in love after 48 years of marriage Page 15

Senate votes to acquit Trump at impeachment trial P28

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, February 14 – 04:30h – 06:00h and Monday, February 15 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

Budget 2021: transformative, pro-business; people-focused – PSC, GMSA and AmCham

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, February 14 – 05:50h – 07:20h and Monday, February 15 – 06:20h – 07:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:11h and 18:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.67 metres.

Low Tide: 12:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.58 metre.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021

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PSC Chairman Nicholas Boyer

B

udget 2021 has attracted praise from the business community including the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana, with the policies contained in the $383.1 billion budget being lauded for their economically and Private Sector friendly measures.

The budget, which amounted to $383.1 billion, was presented by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Friday.

In a statement on Saturday, the PSC lauded the budget for being both pro-business and pro-working class, with the creation of new social programmes.

“The PSC, prior to the budget consultation, would have made written submissions regarding its proposals for the national budget 2021. The PSC is pleased to see that those proposed measures were largely considered and reflected in the national budget for 2021,” a statement from the Private Sector body stated.

It noted that the budget is indeed a people-focused budget, which is healthy to facilitate broad-based and inclusive growth of the economy in terms of job creation, encouraging private investments and more entrepreneurial activities. “Dr Singh should also be commended that while being pro-business, this budget is also pro-working class and factors in a number of new social programs,” the statement read.

Among the budget highlights the PSC identified were the $6 billion allocation for housing, $53.5 billion for health and $15.3 billion for public security. The budget also includes $25.6 billion for public infrastructure and has removed Value Added Tax and duty on data and ATVs for use in the hinterland.

“Budget 2021 estimates totalled $383.1 billion; $22.6 billion allocated for the agriculture sector, Zero-rating of construction and homeownership (building materials), reduction of duty on industri-

al cement from 15 per cent to 5 per cent, increase in low-income mortgage ceiling from $10 million to $12 million, removal of VAT on data for residential and individual use, removal of duty from ATVs for use in hinterland,” the Commission said.

According to the PSC, Budget 2021 also provided for the “reinstating of the capital gains tax whereby the sale of assets that were owned for more than 25 years will not attract capital gains tax will not attract capital gains on their disposal and restoring VAT zero rate on basic food items and household necessities.”

The PSC also noted that the budget seeks to fuel the construction boom, by including policies like the resuscitation of the housing drive and targeting 10,000 house lots for 2021. Added to this is the massive infrastructure development that includes hotels, new roads and bridges, shore-based facilities and public and private infrastructure.

Additionally, the Commission noted that by reverting basic food items to the pre-2015 zero-rated status such as on flour, bread, biscuits, cooking oil etc, the reduction of water tariffs to 5 per cent; reducing the cost of construction and homeownership to achieve the 10,000 house lots target, will all assist in lowering the cost of living particularly for the working class. It also welcomed the Government’s focus on the gas-to-shore project and the reduced energy costs it would bring.

“Taken together, Budget 2021 contains sufficient fiscal measures and public investment programmes that will encourage the growth and expansion of the private sector thus creating more job opportunities for Guyanese, lowering cost of living, homeownership becoming more affordable and more disposable income in the hands of Guyanese working class,” the PSC said.

GMSA

Meanwhile, the Guyana

GMSA President Shyam Nokta

Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) congratulated Government on delivering the budget. According to the GMSA, Budget 2021 will help usher in much-needed growth and development, especially for the manufacturing sector.

The GMSA said that it recognises that the $383.1 billion budget, deemed the largest in the history of Guyana, is not financed from any new taxes, and in line with earlier commitments, there will not be any new taxes in the budget. “The Association commends the Government for crafting a budget that is visionary, comprehensive and spans every sector of the economy.”

In fact, the GMSA revealed that the budget measures are in line with many of the recommendations they submitted to the Government. It welcomed, among other things, the announced incubator for agro-processors, $832 million for agricultural infrastructure and $250 million for the small business bureau.

“Among the many measures presented by the Finance Minister, the GMSA welcomes: Government’s commitment to establish new industrial estates; The $6 billion to be spent on enhancing infrastructure; The allocation of $25.6 billion for the building and upgrading of roads and bridges country-wide; The allocation of $135 million for the procurement of the single window system,” The GMSA also lauded

AmCham President Zulfikar Ally

the reduction in duty on industrial-grade cement and the zero-rating of VAT on local pre-stressed concrete and other materials. Additionally, it welcomed the announced investments in research and skills training, as well as the renewed focus on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and investments in renewable energy.

AmCham

American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana, meanwhile, released a statement in which it lauded the Government for the increased investments in health, education, security and public infrastructure. It also singled out the $235 million allocated to improve Guyana’s ease of doing business, as well as $250 million to assist small businesses.

“AmCham is especially pleased and encouraged by the allocation of G$250M to assist micro businesses and aid in their growth. The continued support to SMEs is critical as it will help to mitigate the economic downturn from COVID-19 and contribute to faster and stronger economic recovery,” the Chamber said.

Additionally, AmCham welcomed the projection of 20.9 per cent economic growth, with the non-oil economy accounting for 6.1 per cent. They pointed out that Guyana remains one of the few countries in the world with strong growth projections.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 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

A visionary budget

T

he Irfan Ali Government has just laid its first “full year” budget before the National Assembly - and the Guyanese people. Since the administration has another four budgets to go before the end of its term, we should be able to get a sense of what is in store for us within that time frame from this inaugural effort. While the Government has followed tradition and consulted a wide cross-section of the society through their institutions, a budget should not be a series of disjointed ad hoc measures.

Rather, it should be a comprehensive plan that takes into account a forecast of revenues into the Government’s coffers and how it will be spent to satisfy the objectives the Government has set for itself. One of the problems of the now departed PNC-led coalition Government was that they never articulated a clear and coherent plan for the development of the country through their budgets. But while a budget should be “visionary”, this certainly does not mean that it should be some airy-fairy dream, but rather should take into cognizance the ground realities.

As far back as the 19th century, then British PM Gladstone had pointed out that budgets: “are no longer affairs of arithmetic but in a thousand ways go to the root of prosperity of individuals, the relations of classes and strength of kingdoms”. Very broadly, the objectives of a budget in a free enterprise economy fall under six headings: The various objectives of government budget are: the reallocation of resources among the various sectors; reducing inequalities in income and wealth through redistributive policies: stabilising the economy: managing public enterprises; fostering economic growth and reducing regional disparities. In the case of Guyana, the PPP Government had to take into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic, which has curtailed economic activities in every country in the world.

We can start with the revenues that the Government is expecting to generate to cover its historic $383.1billion spending. We have to appreciate that while Government expenditures are designed to improve the public welfare, the revenues come mostly from taxes that lighten the pockets of individuals and businesses. Last year, for instance, we were informed that 98% of the Government’s revenues came from taxes, which means that the average citizen’s spending power was severely diminished. Unlike the PNC coalition - which was clearly a “tax and spend” Government - the Minister of Finance declared that not only would there be no new taxes, but that a host of taxes that fell on citizens and businesses have been curtailed.

This was to deal with both the ravages of the pandemic in restricting income and the need to stimulate business activity in a bleak global economy.

In the event that Government expenditures exceed revenues, the shortfall or “deficit” (9% projected) is usually covered by governmental borrowing from domestic and external sources. Fortuitously, we now have income accruing in our Natural Resource Fund (NRF) - presently some US$208M - that can be tapped. However, the legislation governing the use of the Fund - which is lodged at the NY Fed - needs to be amended, and the fund would therefore not be immediately available. But the Minister projects that the oil production is now at its optimum output from Lisa 1 and revenues from oil - with prices rising - should be significantly larger. The projected growth of the economy at 20.9% includes total oil production and not just our 14.5% share and ought to be factored in with that caveat. However, the non-oil economy is expected to grow by 6.1%, which is very significant in light of the COVID-19 challenges and last year’s 7% contraction.

In its allocative function, the budget caters for some $2B to be spent on recapitalising the sugar industry; in its distributive function, in addition to the removal of VAT on basic foodstuffs and data, there are a welter of measures to assist the lower income citizens. As far as stabilising the economy, the inflation rate has been targeted at a mere1.6%.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Govt must address senseless loss of lives on border crossing Dear Editor, This is in reference to your news reports on the Corentyne River drowning.

It is a senseless loss of multiple lives. The drowning made the news internationally. There is so much sadness. It hurts very badly.

It is awful, terrible. Three families and communities are devastated.

Government must take a proactive position in patrolling the Corentyne River, or Guyana-Suriname border, to save lives, and not to have patrol officers merely to deter illegal trade. Patrols must also take measures to protect lives, and not just to “harass passengers” or “hustle” boat captains for a “small piece”.

The tragedy could have been avoided with the speedboat simply going to shore, quickly dropping off the passengers, and then heading back to Nickerie coast. Travelling in the night is perilous, especially during dark moons. Indeed, the captain of the speedboat was reckless to drop off the passengers far from shore in waist deep water; his assessment of the depth of the water and the tide was off; this led to the

drowning of the three individuals.

There was carelessness and blame to be shared.

One needs to look at how such tragedies could be avoided, and take appropriate measures to save lives, and not punish people who make the perilous journeys.

The captain of the speedboat and a colleague, a relative of one of the victims who made that fatal journey, are being held in custody for violating COVID-19 regulations that prohibit cross-border travel. That is the source of the problem.

The governments of both countries, law enforcers or patrols, and objective analysts must pay attention to how attempts at enforcing the COVID rules and bribery cost the lives of the three innocent passengers.

The authorities did not plan for those who would break the rules putting lives at risk. The authorities should have expected people to defy the rules, and plan accordingly to put a life-saving plan in place as coast guards do off the coast of Florida for Cuban and Haitian refugees, and on the Mediterranean Sea between Africa and Europe.

Back-track transporta-

tion has been going on for millenniums. It can’t be stopped. It should be regulated. Speedboats ply the route all the time. Just last month I visited Skeldon and interacted with boat captains. In spite of COVID regulations stopping cross border movement, people still cross the border, preferring the evening hours, when there are no patrols on the coast line. Night travel is riskiest, and not unexpectedly, it was in the evening that the three victims lost their lives.

The hazards of cross-border travel have to be reduced or removed altogether. Had the authorities been a little liberal with enforcement of the rules, closing their eyes to passengers, allowing boats (not goods) to come to shore illegally when the ferry is out of service, lives would not have been lost. In spite of travel ban, people would still cross the border. Would it not have been better to allow the boats to land to avoid loss of lives and making global news headlines that describe Guyana as uncaring towards people wanting to visit families.

One must not completely absolve the Coast Guard

of this incident. The captain of the boat of that ill-fated incident dropped off the passengers far from coast to avoid detection by Coast Guard patrols seeking to squeeze money from them. Some patrol officers seize at opportunities of illegal plying of waters for their self-enrichment, allowing boats to dock if the money is right. They, some police in tow, squeeze the boat captains. They demand big bribes, rather than a small thing, to close their eyes to boats landing illegally. That is a cause of the drowning that no one wishes to address. Instead, all blame goes to the two captains of the speedboat that dropped off the three ill-fated passengers on a sand reef in high wave, turbulent water. The deaths don’t satisfy the sense of purpose of the Coast Guard patrols, or the customs officers that are posted to deter illegal trading between the borders. Why weren’t patrols on duty in the evening for such ill-fated incidents?

White man plan for such eventuality in America and Europe.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Bread and more bread Dear Editor, I recently saw a news item indicating that a Surinamese company, with the assistance of an investment by the IDB, would be opening a bakery(ies) in Guyana.

My immediate thought went to the fate of the bakeries, large and small, in Guyana. While I know that competition is good, and invariably bring down prices, in the “long run” that is NOT ALWAYS a universal truth.

There is always the possibility that monopolies, when allowed, control the supply and therefore, prices. With restrictions, however, eg. price controls; laws against monopolies especially regarding consumer items like food items, etc. can serve to mitigate against serious repercussions, mainly price increases.

I suggest these should be bread, in the form of “food for thought”.

The food item in question also brought back memories, hilarious and otherwise.

I remember the story of a political speech being

given by a former Regional Chairman of Region Two, telling his supporters (to justify Burnham banning wheat) that man shall not live by bread alone, and for emphasis spelt the food item, BRED, whereupon someone reminded him that he left out the “a” and he quickly corrected himself by re-spelling it BREDA. I remember traders bringing in bread by bag loads through the ports of Guyana, mainly from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

I remember having friends who worked at one port of entry and boasted of having lived on bread and sardines (also banned) chasing it done with Johnnie Walker (also banned) all seized from incoming passengers.

During the years of the Burnham bans, many persons became exceedingly rich as a result of the banned items being smuggled into the country and selling them at exorbitant prices. I have personal knowledge of this, as the food cooked at my wedding

(as well as thousands of others) comprised of potatoes, flour, split peas, channa, onions, etc. etc. ALL banned items.

It is debatable if this was the period that bribery and corruption of politicians, police and customs officers and others, became a cancer in Guyana, that has persisted to today.

Those who are still around today remember “perceived” supporters of the two political parties being treated differently by law enforcement officers.

While some were given a “free pass” other were irrationally penalized. I distinctly remember a known supporter of the PPP being convicted for selling a box of matches for ONE cent above the controlled price. Imagine the price of matches having to be “controlled”!!!

While I know I have strayed from BREAD, they all relate to the repercussions (and the resulting repression) of the banning that took place under the PNC administration, and as information for those too

young to know of this period in Guyana’s history Getting back to BREAD, and on a lighter side, I firmly believe that in days gone by, in the sixties, those in jail enjoyed the best tasting BREAD. I lived in Regent Street in a tenement yard, where a tenant was a person who transported BREAD to the prison from a bakery, and would “drop off” a couple of loaves to his family, and shared with my family, which I recall was the best tasting bread I ever had (with the exception, of course, those my wife baked, later) and possibly those sent by my mother (also later) to be baked in Gonsalves’ ovens at his bakery at Hardina and Bent Streets.

Finally, I can only hope that the Venezuelans stop seizing our fishermen’s boats so that with the Surinamese bread, Guyanese would be able to replicate Jesus’ bread and fish miracle, sorely needed at this time of the pandemic.

Respectfully, HN Nawbatt

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Atrocities at Ethnic Relations Commission (Pt 1) Dear Editor, In light of the recent article, “Commissioners disassociate themselves from ERC letter,” published in the February 10th, 2021 edition in the various print media, I wish to further highlight some disturbing issues within the Ethnic Relations Commission that can lead to serious catastrophe, all of which contradicts with its mission and purpose to serve and unite the Guyanese people.

Do not get me wrong; I, the undersigned, truly believe in the wisdom and philosophy that created the ERC. However, in recent times, I cannot help but express my utter displeasure with what the ERC has become. In my view, since the “no-confidence” motion and leading up to the March 2020 elections, along with the political master-minders in place, the principles and philosophies that the ERC should uphold have rapidly deteriorated. It is known that some within the ERC were and are clandestinely working with political operatives from the Opposition to control the Commission. Because of this,

the ERC has lost its way and has not managed to find a way back to its original mandated purposes.

In its current state, I am of the opinion, like most Guyanese, that the ERC has been a total letdown to the Guyanese nation, and is not deserving of the funds it receives. In my opinion, the commissioners have accomplished very little. I believe what was done was insignificant and extremely limited to what could have been achieved. I was even amazed when the Chairman sought to push the “National Conversation” coming to the end of our term to make it look as though the ERC is doing something. However, much like the so-called “diagnostic team,” it is too little too late. While the “National Conversation” was a great initiative, the recognition must be given to none other than Commissioner Neaz Subhan for being the brain behind it; he, along with bits of input from others.

At this juncture in the current state of the ERC, I am of strong belief that we should resign ‘en bloc’ and let the Government, via Parliament,

put in place a proper patriotic Commission. I say this because I initially had high hopes and immense feelings of motivation to serve, but on a closer look, I saw egotistic, religious and ethnic prejudices, and manipulations by some appointees who are only interested in name, position, money, and who put their faith in areas where they are not concerned, all for just allowances. Some commissioners, even though they are more than well compensated and earn exceptionally high remuneration in about any and every conceivable thing imaginable, are still not satisfied. Some also wanted a risk allowance to fly on a plane.

They wanted risk allowance to go in the jungle. They wanted high-quality boots, which I declined, as the boots were provided at the virtual end of our term.

As with the Christmas bonuses, some commissioners decided to grant themselves $200,000. However, they received $150,000 even though the Government had advised that all statutory bodies should receive $25,000 as a Christmas bonus. Further, all of the ERC staff were

given one $100,000 each.

I, Commissioner Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan, declined to accept this abuse of taxpayers’ dollars. This to me is utterly wrong and a waste of money of tax payers. On several occasions, I expressed my displeasure to them in writing.

Because of these malpractices and others too numerous to mention within the ERC, my heart broke. Do not get me wrong, I still believe in the philosophy of the ERC, albeit under proper administration.

I would also like to respectfully add that, in the future, commissioners should not be sworn in and left to drown in the ocean, but should attend three days of preparatory training as an induction training. I even suggested this to the diagnostic team.

Recently, we have also seen His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali pronouncing his displeasure with the ERC for being in “hiding” following the March, 2020 elections. I concur with His Excellency the President, and I think we, as the ERC, led by the Chairman, General Bishop Reverend Doctor John

Oswald Smith, needs to apologise to the nation for pussyfooting during and after the recount of the March, 2020 elections.

Also, the ERC needs to apologise for not being brave enough to condemn the murders, rapes, “feelup” of Indian women, and the beatings, lootings, chopping, burning of persons, homes, businesses, and vehicles; theft of paddy and personal items. People were also being blocked from travelling on the West Coast Berbice to and from Georgetown by a particular political group of Guyanese.

The ERC had the opportunity to prove its relevance in Guyana for the large amounts of money that were given for the sake of goodwill, harmony, and peace. It would have been a great credit to the ERC to step out and meet the people in the heat of these moments, as it would have solidified its relevance in Guyana. However, despite being an ERC Commissioner myself, it was a great disappointment to note that the Chairman, of what was supposed to be a powerful constitutional body, was as quiet as

a door mouse, and in my view, functioned as an ornamental appointee of the nation.

Rather than taking the lead to stand for what is right: for unity, democracy, and peace, he went, as the President rightfully put it, into “hiding” and hauled much of what seemed to be some opportunistic and cowardly commissioners in the corner doing nothing. I wish to take the opportunity to give credit to retired Brigadier and Chief of Staff, Mr. Norman McLean, a true human resource specialist, for having arranged a special convoy of police and military, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. What broke the heart of many of us as Commissioners was the fact that the Chairman decided against it, without a meeting or even a round robin of Commissioners for their opinions. Instead, he cancelled the trip, much to the amazement of the decent Commissioners.

Sincerely, Commissioner Roshan Khan Snr Islamic Constituent

2020 experience must never again be allowed a repeat Dear Editor, An abundance of evidence exists in the public domain, which highlights the massive state of contamination among senior administrative ranks in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Personnel who have controlled the nation’s electoral machinery, over time, facilitated incremental compromise of the accepted tenets of fairness, transparency, and accountability, resulting in an eventual systemic loss of confidence in GECOM as a whole.

It necessitated the interventions of the international community, together with an almost national uprising, to overwhelm the catastrophic thievery they attempted to unravel on our nation. Many of these persons remain rooted in the base of the operational framework of the organisation, although their roots of discord have been woefully exposed. Rationally, therefore, one would conclude that their spores of suffocation remain dispersed in those connected under a controlling influence of key compromised players and justifies the need for an absolute purging.

The connected internal remnants have been hard at work attempting to inveigle a stay of execution, for the involved cahoots who are desperately attempting to re-network. The now obvious target points to the advancing a delay of the Local Government Elections constitutionally due in 2021.

Albeit, the existing charges

to those justifiably placed before the Courts by Police, there is hardly any reasonable consideration why these tyrannical souls should even be considered to still have a presence in GECOM. It is important and necessary that we must have the LGE Elections. There would have been massive protests of GECOM had it not been for the unfortunate Global COVID-19 Pandemic. In the circumstance, the widespread condemnation by the General Public and the recent call by the PPP’s General Secretary Dr. Bharat Jagdeo for GECOM to cinders all relationships with CEO Keith Lowenfield and his Deputy Roxanne Myers must be strongly supported. Certainly, those in the Commission of GECOM cannot now reasonably expect that some pious intervention would cleanse the lewdness or at the wave of a wand, make the organization acceptable.

We must have Local Government Elections following the legally recognized Cycle. Therefore, the PPP/C must be complimented for ensuring the availability of appropriate allocations for the holding of these Elections in the 2021 budget. However, the PPP/C Government must be fully cognizant of the fact that GECOM held National and Regional Elections in 2015, Local Government Elections in 2016 and 2018, and again National and Regional Elections in 2020.

That the limited examination of the financial records

fice and forgery. All those fraudsters who are still on the GECOM pay-role must be sent home and forthwith.

We must also not lose sight of the fact that the Statements of poll, are among the most significant instrument used for validating the results of our elections. In finalizing same, the preparation and the signatures on the SOPs must be authenticated by the Presiding Officers and the Poll clerk’s signatures together with those of representatives for participating Political Party representatives.

In 2015 there were wielded allegations by CEO Lowenfield of fake SOPs. while no real evidence of the same was ever put forward. Given that the PPP’s Election Petition was never called, there is now a stronger confirmation that sinister roles acted out by GECOM staff resulted in the cheating of a winning Government. Ever since the PNC’s plan to derail the Elections was hatched and largely dependent on the use of the ‘infamous broadsheet”.

by the Auditor General’s Office realized very serious allegations of fraud while requests for some documents were met with unacceptable resistance from the CEO. While GECOM as an independent constitutional body enjoys a measure of financial, functional, and operational autonomy. The total loss of trust and credibility along with the unpardonable behavior of the Chief Elections Officer and several members of the GECOM Secretariat justifies a more detailed approach. The time is most opportune for a comprehensive forensic audit at GECOM, as well as the necessary steps MUST be taken by the Commission to address the compromised election machinery in responding to our Citizen’s call.

It is very important that we not forget the dirty roles of Region 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo together with several others involved in the plot. These scamps are charged and they are before the courts for misconduct in public of-

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$62.43/barrel

+2.07

Rough Rice

$230.63/ton

-0.60

London Sugar

$469.60/ton

-0.09

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1824.30

$1825.30

Low/High

$1809.90

$1832.00

Change

0.00

0.00%

The 2020 experience must never again be allowed to succeed, given the level of duress imposed on this nation. It is with immediate effect that GECOM must put on its agenda Local Government Elections and address the shifting out of the high-risk staff.

Further, I advocated for an International Commission of Enquiry to be assigned to examine the wide infiltration of the fallen institu-

tion and to provide the relevant recommendations for appropriate remedial actions. We need an elections Commission that will continuously oversee its constitutional Mandate and Purpose, in a truly professional manner thereby realizing free and fair practice for the deserving citizens of our nation.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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Foundation

5 Ways to Find and Sustain Healthy Relationships

By: Carla Shuman, PhD

W

e are all going through a very difficult time. The everyday stresses of life, complicated by an enduring pandemic make it harder to feel like we are experiencing anything other than survival mode. This is especially true for our relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. I have found myself snapping at people I love and not as interested in talking to people. Even though relationships are typically challenging at times, they seem much harder to maintain these days.

We all need connection, though. So, even though relationships are tough to maintain under the best of circumstances, we must keep trying to build and maintain healthy connections with those around us. The good news is that there are strategies that make sustaining relationships more doable. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or romantic partner, these strategies can keep us communicating and feeling more emotionally connected.

1. Give others the benefit of the doubt. It seems that everyone is fighting a battle these days. Whether they are struggling to manage working from home, juggling the responsibilities of work and family, or struggling with loneliness and social isolation, there is, undeniably, a great deal of stress for all of us. People may withdraw or seem less present in our interactions, and it’s not about us. Sometimes, our misperceptions can lead to emotional distancing. But, we don’t want to tell ourselves stories about how others feel about us. Give people the opportunity to tell us the real story.

2. Extend kindness to others. This may seem too simple, but showing kindness to others can grow and deepen relationships. Call to check in with friends or family who you haven’t talked with in a while. Order someone food who lives alone. Give your spouse or partner some encouraging words when they look like they’re struggling. Seemingly small acts of kindness demonstrate to others that we care about them, and it can put them at ease when they’re having a rough time 3. Give yourself space when you’re upset. It’s easy to take our frustrations out on others around us when we are struggling. But it can damage our relationships. When we’re having a hard day, have received bad news, or generally feel angry, the best thing we can do is give ourselves space and ask others to give it to us. Taking time to reflect on how we are feeling and why gives us the opportunity to calm down

and to feel like we are regaining control over the situation and over our emotions. While many of us are at home much of the time, we may not have much physical space to take.

However, we can go to another room, or even sit in the same room while asking others to give us some time to ourselves.

We can return the favour when those around us need space.

4. Keep communication open. Often, it is tempting to shut down when we are upset, or when others treat us badly or unfairly. For those relationships that we value, however, it’s important to keep discussing our concerns and sharing our feelings. Otherwise, people do not know how we feel or how to proceed. Similarly, we must give others the chance to express their feelings. Actively listening to what they have to say and letting them know that we are listening can greatly enhance communication and improve the relationship overall.

5. Establish and maintain good boundaries. If you feel like you are not getting enough physical or emotional space from others, it’s important to let them know. Even more important is determining for yourself what your boundaries with others are. None of us should be constantly available to others because we all need our own time to take care of ourselves. Text messaging and social media can often make it feel like we are constantly available, or that we ought to be. But it’s okay to wait until later to respond to a text that requires more emo-

tional energy than we currently have. It’s okay to have a time at night when we stop responding to emails, texts, and social media. For those with whom we are sharing physical space, it’s okay to close a door so that we have some alone time, or to take time away from engaging with the people who are in the same house Not only is this acceptable, but it’s necessary to maintain good mental health for everyone.

The common denominator for these strategies is respecting ourselves and others. Showing each other mutual respect, as well as displaying tangible acts of kindness and concern are the keys to a healthy, successful relationship. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

7 Public sector workers will get salary increases – Jagdeo NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…says Opposition deliberately misleading public servants

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed “false claims” being peddled by the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) that there will be no wage and salary increases in 2021 for public servants.

During an appearance on an online programme hosted by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Sherod Duncan on Friday shortly after the presentation of the

2021 National Budget in the National Assembly, former Finance Minister Winston Jordan claimed public servants got nothing in the budget.

“There is nothing in the budget for public servants…

They are in for a rough ride over the next four years if the Government continues…They got nothing in 2020 and nothing in 2021,” Jordan posited.

However, refuting this, VP Jagdeo in a statement on social media pointed out that the APNU/AFC continues to mislead their supporters and the Guyanese public.

“The latest episode of this is the false claim that there will be no wages and salary increase in 2021 for public servants,” he noted.

On the contrary, the Vice President went on to disclose that billions of dollars have, in fact, been set aside for wages and salaries for the public sector.

“The fact is that over $10 billion has been budgeted in the estimates under the

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

head, ‘Revision of Wages and Salaries’. A huge part of that sum will go towards salary increases for public sector workers,” Jagdeo explained.

Meanwhile, during his presentation of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s first fullyear budget on Friday, Senior Minister with responsibility of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, contrary to the Opposition’s claims, highlighted that the 2020 Emergency Budget pro-

vided immediate protection and relief to the long-suffering People of Guyana and breathed some life into the then moribund Guyanese economy.

“Budget 2020 provided for $7 billion of COVID-19 relief cash grants to households across Guyana, $2 billion of one-off grants to public sector employees, and $1 billion in year-end bonuses to front-line workers in the health sector and the Disciplined Services.

It reversed punitive and draconian tax measures, such as the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, water, and cellular phones, and it restored a subsidy on water charges for senior citizens,” Dr Singh noted.

Further, the Finance Minister outlined that in recognition of the hardship of COVID-19, Government has also been clear and unwavering in its commitment to place frontline responders first as the country combats the pandemic.

“In 2020, we put $1.1 billion in the hands of over 19,000 health workers and members

of the Disciplined Services.

Additionally, a one-off payment was made to all public sector employees, benefiting more than 60,000 at a cost of almost $2 billion. Additionally, while some countries around the world reduced working hours and associated salaries

for their workers as part of their pandemic response, this Government retained all public servants at full pay while allowing a rotational work system and work from home systems, where applicable, to mitigate disease transmission,” Minister Singh reminded.

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Hope...

U

…in the Budget nlike the trauma of PNC budgets back in the day, the populace has gotten used to the PPP presenting “Budgets of Hope”. And, Lord knows, we, the longsuffering Guyanese public, certainly need some hope after the double blow whammy of COVID19 and the PNC. We still don’t know how those threats will play out: what with the former mutating and the latter still pushing its “we wuz robbed” spiel. Rowley’s grim prognostication, that “this won’t end well”, is still apropos.

But back to the Budget. Unlike the recent PNC budgets presented by Jordan, playing the role of “The Grim Reaper” with his scythe of taxes, Ashni Singh’s effort was singularly spectacular in announcing simply, “NO NEW TAXES”! What a relief! But that wasn’t all - he continued with REMOVING VAT on many of the items that go into the food basket of the poor. Their dollars will now go much further - especially since those dollars won’t be additionally eaten away by inflation, as they were during the PNC’s stint. The projected 1.6 rate is merely a blip.

The Budget also let it be known that, on the COVID-19 front, we’re not just depending on handouts, since the rich counties have cornered the vaccine market with their big bucks. Citizens were certainly pleased to hear that $750M is set aside for PURCHASING vaccines. Now we just have to elbow our way past those rich (but cynical) countries to get to the counter.

Another positive move was to remove VAT from “data” plans. Data is now another signifier of those who’ll move ahead and those who’ll remain stuck in poverty.

Think about it: most teaching and research by students are now done over the Internet, and with the cost of data so astronomical, any relief is welcome. Maybe the Government ought to consider data as a “public good” the price of which ought to be regulated.

But the best news was about the projected growth of the economy - without the hype. The man (and woman) in the street have already gotten jaded and blasé about all the high, double-digit figures, growth rates bandied about on our growth rate. They realise that most of this “growth” is from oil revenues, but the PNC has stuck us with that obscene contract where 85.5% of the revenues from oil don’t stay in Guyana, but go to the foreign oil company!! And the eventual 3000 jobs from “local content” in the oil industry isn’t even half of the 7000 persons who were thrown into the streets by the PNC closures.

No…the good news is that the non-oil industries where Guyanese are employed - will grow by 6.1%!!

Hope is alive and kicking! …on Valentine’s Day Thank goodness for Ashni Singh’s Budget just before Valentine’s Day! For five years, all the romance and joy had been sucked dry from that traditionally happy day, set aside for love, by the Valentine’s Day Cummingsburg Accord signed by the AFC with the PNC! That exercise in sheer calculated greed for “pelf and power” was so cynical that even prenuptial agreements went out of style in Guyana!! Which man or woman wants to become guaranteed “dead meat”?!

So, your Eyewitness wonders whether the AFC and the PNC biggies will kiss and make up today. He doesn’t expect them to exhibit the exuberance and wild abandon of Nagamootoo and Granger “wining” down on campaign stages from Abary to Whim - and not forgetting Zeelugt!

After all, even by 2020, the shine had obviously worn off THAT apple! But they do say with matters of the heart - and the Valentine’s Day 2015 Accord was about the heart, wasn’t it? - hope beats eternal.

So, are Nagamootoo and Granger going to surface? …and throwing mud Harmon’s fighting for his political survival. But does he have to remain in the gutter? Breaking all the venerable Parliamentary proprieties surrounding the Speaker, he accused the gentleman of siccing the police on PNC MPs. Couldn’t he have enquired?

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

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The Balanced State

I

n light of the assurance that “constitutional change” is in the cards, we continue fleshing out the federalist integrative state framework we have proposed as being most suitable for Guyana. The comments are also applicable to the Liberal unitary state which, even though “assimilationist”, purports to be “neutral”. Such a state privileges “unity”, and would take a purported complete hands-off position on the cultures of the citizens, and would only work to create an environment wherein the various groups would be able to express their cultures. The citizens would merely agree on a minimum programme for the state to deliver, and the state would have a procedurally neutral mode of operation in executing that programme.

The problem, of course, is that there can be no such thing as a “neutral” state, and there is the ever-present danger of a dominant cultural community imposing its cultural standards over the operations of the State.

Ravi Dev Firstly, even procedures are embedded in some moral premise; and secondly, the state itself – in terms of its structure and its allocation of authority – would arise out of some conception of the good life. This conception, which would include political life, may be oppressive or contrary to the values of some cultural group in the society, and should be re-examined in light of other contributions.

While this model seeks not to privilege either unity or diversity, the inevitable systemic continuities of our historical development mean that the status quo would be maintained – and this means dominance of the old hegemonic culture and the withering away of the other cultures as each generation continues to try to “fit in” by changing its behaviour. In the case of Guyana, the white-bias Creole culture dominates the operations of the state, which inevitably becomes its promulgator and protector.

The proposal we favour is the “balanced state”, which is the position of most Liberals, in that the state seeks to give unity and diversity an equal status. The state would insist that all citizens must share a common political culture – in which all individuals, qua individuals, would share common political institutions, values etc, and a commitment to the political community. Groups that do not share the dominant culture would have to assimilate to the extent that they would have to accept the premises of the political culture to engage in its practices, but would be free to practice the other tenets of their individual cultures. Politics is seen as a public realm in which everyone engages and constitutes a “unity”, while “culture” occupies a private realm that accommodates diversity and in which everyone “does their own thing”. The culture of each culture would have to be given space and respect and protection.

“Balanced”, however, does not mean that the state has to be oblivious to inequities and inequalities in the cultural sphere. Affirmative action does not have to be confined to the economic realm alone, culture is as much a primary “social good” as anything else. The fact that each group has a cultural history that shapes its place in the social order, often marked by inequalities of power, can obviously negate the doctrine of pluralism implicit in the balanced state by giving the previously privileged groups an advantage. Secondly, the democratic values of liberty, equality etc. embedded within a constitutional order, should give the community the commitment to ends.

Unfortunately, the neat compartmentalisation of public and private spheres never works that way in practice; the political public sphere is inevitably embedded in the cultural practices of one segment. The prestige that the public imprimatur and acknowledgement of these practices bestow on that segment puts other groups at a severe disadvantage.

They are seen as marginal and second rate – something to be hidden from the public gaze.

The balanced state would ensure that no culture is treated as second rate, by ensuring that none is treated like second class. Therefore, it is proposed that we adopt a post-modern federalist frame of reference that includes factors that would enhance diversity. In fact, the most powerful idea of the new cultural framework is that a decent respect for the principle of diversity, the integrity of the diverse groups, and the equality among them would provide the basis of a truly democratic society. To the extent that this notion is reflected in law and in social practice among groups and individuals, the basis of a new democracy will be laid.

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14 FEATURE FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

G

etting engaged may sound exciting but the afterthought of spending an entire lifetime with someone can seem intimidating.

For engaged couple Timothy Jaikaran and Rachael Stoll, it is a stepping stone to a new journey and one that they are eagerly waiting for. Timothy and Rachel are now planning for their wedding in August and spent some time with Guyana Times, where they spoke about their aspirations for the future.

But to give a little insight, we heard a little about how it all began. The couple shared that they have known each

other for several years. In fact, they were initially members of the same church and it was during activities at these services that they connected years later.

“It was a Sunday morning service when we officially spoke in person and thereafter, we continued to meet every Sunday after church service while waiting on our parents, just spending a little time talking and growing our friendship as it would grow to be more than we know. After months went by and our interest in each other grew, we decided that we would enter into a relationship. A few days later he suggested that we come forward and tell our parents,

pastor and friends,” Rachael recalled.

As their relationship progressed, Timothy proposed in 2019 and now they are all set to have a happily ever after, beginning with plans for a wedding.

He expressed, “We knew that from there we were going to get married and there was no turning back when we entered into a relationship, hence when I proposed we both knew that answer was going to be yes.”

According to the bride-tobe, they had already committed to the relationship, having been influenced by their religious upbringing. Of course, trust and understanding for

each other would have made it an easier decision.

“At the start of our relationship, we made that choice that we are leading our relationship into marriage, there will be no room to entertain space or a break-up. Because it’s a choice to stay together and maintaining our relationship requires understanding, trust and love. One of our main influence is having a Christian background, parents that guide and encourages us about marriage and the importance of living a Godly life.”

As they draw the blueprint of their wedding, it has been challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They

were forced to reduce gatherings and modify some traditions in order to make it a safe celebration. Rachel said they have entrusted responsibilities to loved ones, in ensuring all goes according to plan. Even with a venue in place, safe distancing and protecting their guests remains important. The plan is to keep the celebrations limited to family and close friends.

“We had to make decisions to reduce the number of invitees and make changes to certain traditional activities given the current restrictions.

But we are trusting God that all goes well with a little planning and dedication. However, we are on the right path as we have managed to secure a place for the event and decided on the tasks each person is assigned,” she expressed.

They are hoping that ev-

ies, starting a family and most importantly, never losing interest in each other.

“Our goal is to be financially stable and having/started the process of a home of our own before starting a family. Though we can never tell what’s in store, we put it in the hands of God. As married couples grow old together, they sometimes stop showing interest in each other and they eventually fall out of love. Our goal is to keep the fire burning. There are many ways a couple can show their affection for each other,” they said.

At present, they have learnt a few lessons and are making changes that will positively impact their relationship.

Timothy, who is a Sports journalist with Guyana Times expounded, “Never let anger

erything materialises successfully so that they can embark on fulfilling their goals as a married couple. Timothy shared that they are not expecting it to be all good times, since challenges do arise.

However, both of them are committed to making it work.

“Marriage is not a bed of roses and you never know everything about a person no matter what you assume you already know were the words of inspiration from our elders.

As we take this journey into marriage I can only say, that I will be looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my best friend and soul mate.”

When asked about their goals, the young couple said they are looking forward to starting a business to support their income, building a house, furthering their stud-

be the key that drives you apart, forgiveness is more important, be adults and forgive and move on. Any relationship is vital and if you hold bitterness and anger you will never be able to move forward.

Don’t spread your business with anyone but your better half, your friends, neighbours etc do not need to know what is going on in your relationship.”

“It is better to separate the issue from the individual. And from that we have learned to communicate better so if a disagreement arises, we are able to communicate in a better way as compared to both getting angry and not talking to each other. We have learnt over time that forgiveness is the key and moving forward is best so as to avoid the same situation as we learn from our mistakes,” they advised.

FEATURE

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Forever love:

Staying together requires compromise, trust – Motie and Nalini Singh talk about staying in love after 48 years of marriage

Flanked by their children and grandchildren

By Rupa Seenaraine

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together since. We moved to Parika later in 1976 and since then we are still there.”

With the economic situation in the country at that time, they noted that many persons had chosen to migrate overseas to seek better oppor-

gether when others were trying to separate so that one party could migrate and the other can remain here with the family. We’ve seen many marriages destroyed as a result of that. That’s one of the major reasons why we’re

alentine’s Day celebrates love, and staying together in love is another element of a successful relationship.

Nalini and Motie Singh got married 48 years ago.

Four children and six grandchildren later, they have shared their take on building a successful partnership and what it takes to cultivate a lifelong bond.

Growing up in the Bonasika Creek area, the two were avid churchgoers and met during these engagements.

After some time, they got married on February 23, 1976, and moved to Parika on the East Bank of A shot from their trips and outings together Essequibo. still together beIn conversation with tunities and provide for their cause many of our family and Guyana Times, they re- families. Despite receiving friends were separated and all membered, “We grew up in offers to pursue such, Motie of that. We never did in all of the same neighbourhood in said he remained in Guyana those 48 years,” he expressed.

Bonasika Creek and we at- because he knew there was Shortly after in the 1980s, tended the same church. A a possibility their marriage the couple launched a busicouple years after we met, we would be compromised. ness together which they still got married and have been “We basically stuck to- operate. They refer to each

other as partners and noted that each of them has a specific role in this professional circle.

Asked what has kept them together throughout these years, Nalini said it is due to their faith in God and their commitment to religion.

However, her husband said it also relates to building trust in the other person.

“It’s because of our belief in marriage. We believe that marriage is God’s most important institution on the earth. That has been the foundation of everything else that there is. The home and the family is very important. It’s not to say that we don’t have struggles. Every marriage has struggles. It’s two people and different backgrounds and it’s important for them to adjust.

One of the most important things that we have learnt is to build trust. Without it, it would not be there. Because of that faithfulness, we have confidence in each other.”

Throughout the years, the two said they have found compatibility in their love for travel. In fact, they make it a tradition to visit somewhere new whenever their wedding anniversary approaches. This month, they are planning to visit Lethem to keep this custom alive since the extant pandemic circumstances prevent any international travel. Last year, they recalled spending time in Panama and in 2019, Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini).

“We do a lot of stuff together. We run the office together.

We travel the world and take long drives. There was a time when we drove for days to Brazil and another time from Miami to Texas. We both like driving so it’s something we enjoy. Every anniversary we take a trip.”

Motie and Nalini Singh

Asked whether there are any arguments in the marriage, they chuckled and responded “all the time”.

“Just like we do all these things together, we argue over simple things like the colour of tiles that we should put in the house. Sometimes, if I say I like something, she will like the opposite but we

have learnt over the years to adjust to each other, appreciate each other and love each other for the uniqueness that person is,” Motie described.

To date, the Singhs are still committed to their tradition of attending church, where Motie is a pastor. In fact, it is where they spend most of their Sundays.

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Utamu Belle

E

veryone dreams of having a life partner - someone who complements and completes our very existence in a loving, fulfilling and healthy way.

One who we can share our life experiences with and create memorable, meaningful and cherished memories, as we progress along our life’s journey.

For Lindeners Sean and Juel Howell, that healthy fulfilling journey started over twenty years ago. The couple, who are parents to a son has been together for 24 years and has been married for twenty-one years. They continue to be an inspirational example to many, with the perfect example of healthy love, relationship and friendship. The couple recalled that their decades-long journey together commenced when they met and built on their friendship.

They admitted though, that like with any friendship or relationship, their union had its fair share of challenges earlier on, but they continue to evolve and overcome those challenges with their faith and trust in God.

Howell related to Guyana Times.

He told this publication that working through issues on their own has also been an effective method throughout the years. That, coupled with their religious beliefs.

“

The journey of marriage is a process that only those who enter it can experience. That’s why we always advise any young couple to be themselves and try not to impersonate anyone.” – Linden couple

“Our journey during the many years have been quite challenging for the earlier years, but as time went by it all smoothed out... It has its little ups and downs, but by God’s grace all’s well,” Sean

“During the many years, we have not turned to anyone for advice in any aspect but we always try to work things out on our own... It has been effective throughout the years.”

“The key elements for our togetherness throughout the years are our honesty and openness to each other,” he added.

Howell re-emphasised that the couple has managed to stay grounded, due to their Christian beliefs which they utilise for the basis of a healthy relationship. Sean Howell told this publication that a healthy relationship can be considered as one which is mentally, emotionally and physically stable. He said in some cases, the lack of stability and honesty in a relationship can lead to issues such as domestic violence.

As such, he advised couples to work on these aspects in their relationships and marriages.

“The journey of marriage is a process that only those who enter it can experience.

That’s why we always advise any young couple to be themselves and try not to imper-

share a and Juel Howell Lindeners Sean ge ria ar m d an e toast to long lif

sonate anyone,” Howell said.

He shared that trying to evaluate situations and coming up with positive solutions together is also one of the keys to a longstanding relationship.

“To begin with, giving up

is not the only solution to your day-to-day problems.

When problems arise, it is always wise to step back for a few to see what may be the cause and then look to come up with a positive solution together,” Howell advised.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Jemima Holmes

I

n this modern age of technology, Disney and Pixar have painted many a love story for all the world to see. But those things do not happen in real life. Or do they?

Many people like to think that love has its reservations. Love does not just knock on your door and step in, nor does your soulmate appear in your Facebook messages ready to enamour you for a lifetime. But one thing you will learn is that love knows no bounds, location, age nor race and this is one love story that has trumped all boundaries of doubt.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching Shimron Hetmyer out in the 22-yards, one thing that is certain is the determination and zest that the young man has to play the gentlemen’s game. One should not find it surprising to discover that the 24-year-old West Indian batsman has transferred this same resolve to his personal life.

“Well, it was basically from talking on Facebook really. I would

message and message and she never replied until once about a couple months after,” a cheeky Hetmyer said, as he reflected on how he met and pursued his wife.

Maybe the young man was sure even before the first message that she was “the one” and although it is difficult for this writer to ascertain, one feature that played a huge role in his infatuation was the eyes. It seems Hetty and Scarface’s Tony Montana had the same thought…

“The eyes, chico. They never lie.”

“She is smart, super funny, has gorgeous eyes and a magnificent mind,” were Shimron’s choice of words in describing his wife, who is now Nirvani Hetmyer.

The times when they are together, physically, are passed in lovers’ bliss, engaging in their favourite activities, alone or with family.

Hetmyer shared some of their go-to pastimes, saying,” “Playing cards, partying, travelling and sometimes swimming.”

But alas! The life of an international cricketer is a hectic one, filled with lots of travel and time playing abroad. Without question, this type

of obligation can strain a relationship but Hetmyer has found the “je ne sais quoi” to remedy it.

“It is very difficult, to be honest, I get her to travel with me, so that helps. And we talk a lot too (When I’m away),” he commented on their way to combat the distance.

When it comes to cricket, Nirvani plays an enormous role in his career. We can even go as far as to say that she plays the most instrumental part and by the looks of the faithful wife who sits contentedly in the stands of the National Stadium, Providence (Even when the boisterous crowds are missing at Regional Games), Nirvani is most likely Shimron’s biggest fan.

“She plays a massive role. She pushes me to my limit and helps me to be a better person,” an enraptured Hetty shared.

The Guyanese batsman added, “By helping me to work harder with my game. And on my game.”

The Hetmyers are not the type to show off or boast, in actuality they enjoy the familiarity of being together and privacy; but their social media accounts are quite the

documentary of their love.

“That love is worth fighting (for) no matter the odds,” Shimron answered when probed about what this relationship has taught him.

When hit with the question of what life lessons the couple has learned while being together, Hetmyer answered, “That you shouldn’t be ashamed to put your love life up for the world to see. And to love unconditionally because nobody knows what tomorrow brings.”

A lesson that every young couple may hope to learn in the comfort of each other’s embrace.

FEATURE

HEALTH TIPS

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SHOULDER PAIN - ROTATOR CUFF SYNDROME

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Med, Endocrinology/ Diabetes

T

he rotator cuff is the group of four tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. The tendons hook up to the four muscles that move the shoulder in various directions. There are four muscles, the tendons of which form the rotator cuff: the subscapularis muscle, which moves the arm by turning it inward (internal rotation); the supraspinatus muscle, which is responsible for elevating the arm and moving it away from the body; the infraspinatus muscle, which assists the lifting of the arm during turning the arm outward (external rotation); and the teres minor muscle, which also helps in the outward turning of the arm.

ROTATOR CUFF SYNDROME (DISEASE) Rotator cuff disease is damage to the rotator cuff from any cause. It can be from an acute injury or from repetitive strains. This can lead to minor strain injury; partial tear of the tendons; or complete tear of tendons, with loss of shoulder-joint function. Rotator cuff injury is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.

The rotator cuff can be injured because of degeneration with aging, or inflammation due to tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is commonly injured by trauma (such as from falling and injuring the shoulder, or overuse in sports). Rotator cuff injury is particularly common in people who perform repetitive overhead motions that can stress the rotator cuff.

These motions are frequently associated with muscle fatigue.

RISK FACTORS Risk factors for rotator cuff disease include any activity that involves sudden strain movements of the shoulder against resistance.

These include: * Lifting weights * Lifting objects overhead * Tennis, * Swimming, * Sports wherein objects are thrown (baseball or softball pitchers, football quarterbacks, etc.) * Taking luggage off of racks, etc. * Work - carpenters, masons, joiners, teachers * New mothers having to lift babies SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS Rotator cuff injuries cause chronic shoulder pain.

Symptoms are due to inflam-

mation and swelling in the rotator cuff. Signs of an injury include: * Pain in the shoulder and upper arm. Pain is felt often at night, when lying on the affected shoulder. * Pain may also be felt when moving the arm in certain ways. The pain stops before the elbow. * If the injury is acute, (sudden) pain will be intense and immediate. * If the injury is degenerative (damage occurs over time), the pain may be mild at first. * Weakness or loss of motion in the arm or shoulder. * A grating or snapping sensation or cracking sound when moving the shoulder.

The most common symptom of rotator cuff disease is shoulder pain. The pain is often noticed gradually and may be first noticed even a day after the actual event that may have caused the injury. Sometimes a sudden pain occurs during a sport activity. The pain is usually located to the front and side of the shoulder and is increased when the shoulder is moved away from the body. The pain is usually noted to be more intense at night, and sometimes increases when lying on the affected shoulder. The pain can diminish range of motion and movement of the arm. The inflammation from the rotator cuff disease and the lack of movement due to pain can result in a FROZEN SHOULDER. There can also be tenderness in the area of the inflamed tendons of the injured rotator cuff.

People with rotator cuff disease usually find it difficult to lift the arm away from the body fully. If the rotator cuff disease involves severe tears of the rotator cuff tendons, it can be impossible for the patient to hold the arm up because of pain and decreased function of the tendons and muscles.

DIAGNOSIS Rotator cuff disease is suggested by the patient’s history of activities and symp-

toms of pain in the shoulder.

In making a diagnosis, signs of increased pain with certain movements of the shoulder are explored. The pain is due to local inflammation and swelling in the injured tendons of the rotator cuff.

Additionally, with severe tendon tears of the rotator cuff, the arm falls due to weakness (positive drop arm sign) when moved away from the body.

The diagnosis of rotator cuff disease can be confirmed by radiology testing.

Sometimes X-rays can show bony injuries, which suggest long-standing severe rotator cuff disease. An arthrogram involves injecting contrast dye into the shoulder joint to detect leakage out of the injured rotator cuff.

The MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a magnet and computer to produce detailed images of the tissues of the shoulder. An MRI has the added advantage of providing more information than either X-ray or an arthrogram, especially if a condition other than rotator cuff disease is present.

TREATMENT The treatment of rotator cuff disease depends on the severity of the injury to the tendons of the rotator cuff, and the underlying condition of the patient. * Mild rotator cuff disease is treated with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, Diclofenac). Generally, physical therapy using gradual exercise rehabilitation is instituted. Exercises are used that are specifically designed for rotator-cuff strengthening. * Patients with persistent pain and motion limitation can often benefit by a cortisone injection around the rotator cuff. Repeat injections may be necessary. * More severe rotator cuff disease can require surgical repair. * Subacromial decompression is the removal of a small portion of the bone (acromion) and soft tissues (bur-

inflamed joint, and leads to loss of range of motion and function of the joint.

sa) that surround the rotator cuff. This removal can relieve pressure on the rotator cuff in certain conditions, and promote healing and recovery. This procedure can be done by arthroscopic or open surgical techniques. Both methods have been reported to be equally successful. * The most severe rotator cuff disease, complete full-thickness rotator cuff tears, usually requires surgery for the best results.

These procedures, which can also be done by either arthroscopy or open surgery, involve mending the torn rotator cuff by suturing the tissues back together. Ultimately, recov-

ery from rotator cuff disease often requires extended physical therapy and rehabilitation.

HOME REMEDIES Mild rotator cuff disease is treated with cold packs, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. It is essential to avoid reinjuring the shoulder by avoiding activities that stress the joint.

COMPLICATIONS The most serious complication of rotator cuff disease is frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a result of scarring that occurs around the

PROGNOSIS Without treatment, the shoulder can permanently lose full function from rotator cuff disease. Minor rotator cuff injuries cause mild to moderate dysfunction; severe rotator cuff injuries can cause complete dysfunction of the shoulder joint. Scarring around the shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can lead to a marked restriction of the range of shoulder motion (frozen shoulder). Extensive need for rehabilitation and physical therapy is the norm with significant rotator cuff disease. Some patients never recover full function of the shoulder joint.

PREVENTION Rotator cuff disease can be prevented by avoiding injury to the tendons of the shoulder. Rotator cuff disease can also be prevented by strengthening the rotator cuff muscles with exercises designed for this purpose.

Repetitive strains, especially arm movements over the head, should be limited.

The following week’s article would discuss frozen shoulder.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Staying on track during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Focus on chronic health conditions

Dr. Indira Bhoj Coordinator- Chronic Disease Unit Ministry of Health

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ife has changed. In less than a year so much has happened around us. The very process of interacting with other human beings has been changed. We adapted to the changes without even realizing some of the fundamental implications.

Routines are different.

Persons are now working from home, working online or have lost jobs. Even the family members who were used to being at home before the pandemic find themselves having to change their routines to accommodate other relatives who are now in the home. Without realizing it, these changes have significant impact on stress levels, activity levels, sleep schedules and relaxation opportunities.

Relationships have changed. The fundamental way we interact as human beings has been reshaped.

Family gatherings, outdoor trips, eating out, going to movies etc. have been curtailed. Hugging, high-fives and other basic human methods of communication and socialization now have to be thought out. How we support each other in times of sadness, distress and need has been impacted in a way never before experienced.

Dealing with a medical condition or simply staying healthy during these times can seem overwhelming.

But, as they say, “How do you eat an elephant?” There is only one answer: One bite at a time.

A good starting point is self-evaluation. This would include making a list of all the activities/routines/goals etc. that you were working on before the pandemic hit.

Also make a list of what you are doing currently. As you evaluate, you may realize that you have lost focus of important priorities, gone off track with certain goals, lost opportunities for meaningful activities. You may also need to evaluate how you were feeling before the pandemic (e.g. happy, hopeful, ambitious, positive, excited, stable, peaceful, fulfilled, optimistic) and how you are now feeling ( e.g. bored, exhausted, sad, tired, frustrated, angry, worried, hopeless, hurt).

Next, you can decide to move forward. It’s important first of all to have a positive/productive mindset.

We often focus on difficulties. It is a good idea to talk about the problems in our lives with persons who are in a good position to provide solutions. We should also ask our very own selves, “What can I do? How do I solve this problem? What are opportunities I have now with my new routine that I didn’t have before?”. You will have to set new goals and find ways of achieving them.

Challenge yourself to stay active. Staying active and exercising are major components of preventing as well as treating Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Arthritis, Stroke, Heart Disease and may other medical conditions. You can try exercising at home, doing bodyweight exercises, stretching exercises, threadmill walking, stationary bike or weights. You can make weights by filling small plastic water bottles with stones or sand. A fun exercise is dancing. There are many Youtube exercise videos that you can choose based on your activity level. There are even routines for bedridden and wheelchair bound patients. Just set the time every day and stick to it! Household DIY (do it yourself) projects are sometimes physically exhausting. Gardening, repainting, reorganizing etc. are good ways of getting in physical activity. Outdoor activities and exercises are a great option if possible.

The change of environment also improves mood and a sense of wellbeing. Above all, set realistic goals for exercise and be safe.

Eat well. Being at home provides more opportunities for snacking and breaking mealtime schedules. It is important to stick to the basics - use lots of vegetables, fruits and high quality proteins. If you are less active during the pandemic, you have to consider that you will not need as much energy. The main foods that we use to provide energy are starches (rice, flour, whole grains and ground provisions), fats (butter, cheese, avocado, oils) and proteins (peas, beans, meat and fish). You can cut back your portion sizes of starches and fatty foods if your activity level is lower, and especially if you notice an

increase in body weight (clothes are fitting tighter, waist measurement is increasing). Don’t skip meals.

Support and encourage others in similar situations.

Partner with someone you know who has similar goals and issues. Talk with them frequently, set common targets and keep each other on track. Celebrate each other as you make progress. This will keep you focused and maintain a mindset.

Document your progress and keep monitoring. Use a notebook and keep track of your blood pressure levels, blood sugar levels, body weight and waist measurements. This will allow you to detect when something new or unusual happens.

It will also help the medical team to understand how you have been coping between visits to clinic.

Follow your treatment plan. Skipping days and doses of medications can be dangerous. If you feel you are having drug side effects or wish to make changes to your treatment, contact your doctor about it.

Minimize unhealthy habits such as alcohol and tobacco use, long periods sitting and extended screen time.

Keep Learning. If you have a question about your condition, write it down in your notebook or seek answers right away. Often, we let the question go and never bother to find out the answers. By writing things down, we can later ask someone e.g. community health worker or find the answers from books, pamphlets or internet. Most of us have friends or family members who can help us to find information online or otherwise. Use trusted patient care sites online (e.g.

WebMD, Mayo clinic) if you must use the internet.

Stay encouraged and establish balance. Find new and creative ways to break your routine if you are becoming tired or bored. Try to spend some time outdoors every day. Connect with family and friends online or by phone. Try looking at a new type of show, listen to a new type of radio program. Include comedy and inspirational shows in your day.

Learn how to interact with the health system in this new situation.

Establish some way of always being in contact with your clinic. Try your best

to keep your appointments.

Prepare for your visits by taking along all information that might be useful-e.g. notes you are making at home. Get their phone number. Call the clinic and seek advice if something happens. Avoid turning up unannounced if you can.

Health centers and clinics usually have schedules for different services. Find out

what are the different services/clinics offered at the health center as well as the schedules. Persons with chronic diseases have regularly scheduled appointments for the CHRONIC DISEASE CLINIC but can also be seen on an OUTPATIENT visit for new or urgent matters that cannot wait until the next clinic appointment. If you are

going to the clinic as an OUTPATIENT, I would suggest that you find out which are the days and times set aside for OUTPATIENT visits. The exception to these tips would be an emergency situation, in which case, you should seek attention as soon as possible.

For those who have not been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, it is still important for you to get your health checks, especially if you have not had a check-up for over 2 to 3 years or if you have a risk factor that requires follow up. Consider contacting your nearest health center or primary care doctor to discuss when you should get you next check.

Article submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme

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SKIN AILMENTS – CONTINUED MANGE

uyanese and Caribbean pet caregivers and, I dare say, pet owners all over the English speaking world use the word “MANGE” to mean any skin condition the dog or cat may have. Of course, such opinion is quite incorrect. Obviously, if the diagnosis is incorrect, the ensuing treatment may also be very counter-productive.

For example, if the ailment is caused by a fungus growing on the skin, the treatment with an anti-biotic ointment/cream would have a lesser chance of success, especially when the malady is caused by a mite living in the skin.

Having made this brief introductory comment. Let us now turn to the causes, symptoms and preventative and actual therapeutic interventions associated with specific skin problems.

SCABIES (Sarcoptic Mange)

Q: What is “Scabies” in our pets?

A: The best definition would be that Scabies is a perennially occurring highly contagious skin infection caused by dog specific, (Sarcoptes Scabiei, variant canis) burrowing mites, which create an intense itch-scratch condition. So, Scabies it is caused by mites

living deep in the skin.

In cats (Feline Scabies or “Head Mange”), the mites causing the itching and scratching are of a different variant (from those infesting dogs), and these mites tend to infect the head and around the ears of adult male cats mostly. But I have seen entire litters of kittens infected as well.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: Well, the major answer is to be found in the preceding paragraph, namely: Scratching.

Also, in both cats and dogs, the edge of the ears become thick and crusty; then the face; then the mange spreads to the entire head and neck – eventually covering the entire cat’s body.

Of course, with all this scratching, there will be a lot of hair loss in both cats and dogs. In dogs, the limbs, the underbelly and the chest seem to be the prime target, while the back is spared.

I should tell you that we (old vets) used to scratch the ears of the presented animal, and in so doing, within seconds, we would have unleashed a reaction with the hind legs moving furiously scratching the ear. At that point, the diagnosis was pretty certain.

Q: Can humans get Scabies from dogs and

cats – and vice versa?

A: The answer is yes, but it occurs relatively rarely; and it is not a heavy infection. As soon as we kill the mites in the pets, the bumps and the scratching subside.

And yes, the dog can be infected by the human Scabies mites. This, fortunately, is also a rare occurrence.

Q: What is the best treatment?

A: The best answer is to ask whether this Scabies infection has just begun (acute) or it has been going on for some time (chronic) before the owner decided to bring the animal with its encrusted, scratched and bleeding skin to the vet. Also, let me hasten to add that many caregivers would have listened to the well-meaning advice givers, whose treatment rec-

ommendations may be totally wrong, even worsening the ailment. Over the many years of practice and discussing skin ailments with colleagues, we have heard the assurance of neighbours that their methods against scabies have always been successful. For example, old engine oil (‘waste oil”) from an automobile is the most common “therapy”. Actually, the “waste oil” is toxic and might kill the dog/ cat, if it is licked off the skin or if it is absorbed into the animal’s body through the lesioned skin. The same goes for Seven Dust, Malathion,

Triatox, lime-sulphur and organo-phosphates in general. Don’t use these toxic substances on your dogs (and never on your feline wards).

There are so many products on the market – all producing a successful rate of recovery. I know that Neem bush, and many other natural products can effect a total recovery for the animal with sarcoptic mange mites; but these remedies are themselves becoming expensive. Besides, not all-natural products have a great curative capability.

Finally, especially if the infection has been going on for weeks, the caregiver may need to deal with the secondary infections and the concomitant redness of the skin, etc. Allow your vet to advise you on the use of anti-inflammatory medication, and which antibiotic you should use, and which dandruff shampoo is best and how treatments should be implemented (if at all), and most importantly – which mite killers works best and quickest.

Look, the basic objective in this fight against Scabies

mites is to permanently eradicate the mites from the surrounding areas in which your animals frequent. Of course, that is easier said than done. If it is possible for the caregiver to fence the sand heaps away from dogs, then do so. Also, you may wish to sanitize the environment with strong disinfectants like Jeyes Fluid or bleaches; obviously ensuring that these strong sanitizers do not come in contact with the pet’s skin. Using the pleasant pine-smelling chemicals will not do the job.

The other method that can be used to keep the mites away is to kill them while they are on the dog or cat. In so doing, you will be constantly diluting the mite population. This method of treatment and prevention clearly will take a longer time to have a mite-free animal; but, in the end it is worth it.

Next week we will discuss another mange mite, which is almost as destructive as the Scabies mite.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all Pet Lovers!

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Abram Zuil Secondary School to be reconstructed …as $60.7B earmarked for world-class education system …COVID-19 preparation tops agenda

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tudents attending the Abram Zuil Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be outfitted with a new school as Government has made budgetary allocations for the reconstruction of the school.

This was announced by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during his budget presentation on Friday where he explained that overall, an amount of $5.2 billion has been allocated for construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of educational facilities countrywide.

He noted that in order to begin the process of building a modern, world-class educational system in the country, Government has set aside $60.7 billion to be expended towards this cause in 2021.

“To develop a world-class education system, we intend to ensure equal access to quality education, at all levels, for all children, regardless of their background, to increase and improve the quality and quantity of trained teachers, learning resources and materials, and to increase the use of innovation and technology in order to improve education delivery and learning outcomes,” Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh explained during the budget presentation on Friday.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the public education system to reconfigure how it delivers its mandate, Dr Singh said the immediate focus of the Dr Irfaan Aliled Administration is pandemic preparedness, including the provision of PPEs

for all students and teachers and to retrofit all schools with troughs, sinks and water systems to provide a safe learning environment across all levels.

Further, he said in order to deliver “world-class education” over the next five years, access to education will be improved with the construction and equipping of nursery, primary and secondary schools across the country with the necessary resources, inclusive of quality teachers, updated curricula and STEM laboratories that can match international standards.

The Finance Minister said a review and mapping exercise will be conducted with a view of increasing the number of schools across the country.

In the interim, the Government intends to com-

mence with two secondary schools in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Additionally, he said works will begin on a secondary school at Prospect, East Bank Demerara, to address the growing demands on the East Bank of Demerara.

UG, CPCE, scholarships

The Finance Minister went on to reveal that the PPP/C will ensure that the Cyril Potter College of Education transforms to a fully online-compatible modality from application forms to tutorials and courses being offered online.

“If we are to modernise our national education system, one of the first steps we must take is to modernise the way our teachers are trained,” he emphasised.

Moreover, Dr Singh highlighted that as the economy evolves, the education sector must be positioned to respond to the demands of the labour market. As such, he said an amount of $884 mil-

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

lion has been allocated to equip and retool technical and vocational training centres.

The University of Guyana will also be refashioned to better respond to the needs of a modernising Guyana. Budget 2021 provides a total of $3.3 billion to finance the operations of its two campuses to achieve just that.

The Finance Minister added that a hallmark of the PPP/C Administration’s vision for a top-tier education system is the establishment

of an online learning institute that will deliver 20,000 scholarships over the next five years.

Dr Singh said in 2021, “we plan to begin execution of this initiative, catering for the provision of over 4500 scholarships, through a multi-agency formulation including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Labour.”

Further, he said a sum of $1 billion is budgeted to support online scholarships to be granted in 2021. (G11)

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The value of meaningful stakeholder engagement

ublic participation involves you! This was the theme of last week's article. Public participation is integral to the operations of the Environmental Protection Agency, and as we had learnt last week, this can take various approaches. This week, we want to focus on the value of stakeholder engagement, a critical approach to public participation.

What is stakeholder engagement?

This is the process by which companies communicate and get to know their stakeholders. By getting to know them, companies are able to better understand what their stakeholders want; when they want it; how engaged they are; and, more so, how the companies' plans and actions will affect both long- and short-term goals of stakeholders.

In the environmental arena, stakeholder engagement is an important ingredient for successful project delivery.

However, it is often regarded as a fringe activity, or one that can be outsourced to business-as-usual functionaries.

Project managers depend on people to respond to the outputs and benefits that they deliver. People will respond only if they are engaged. Stakeholder engagement includes ways to attract and involve individuals, groups, and organisations which may be affected by a project, or may affect the project. Engagements can take many different forms, including print media, television and radio programmes, virtual platforms, physical engagement, focused group meetings, public scoping and disclosure meetings, one-on-one consultation etc.

How does Stakeholder Engagement differ from Public Participation?

Stakeholder Engagement is the practice of influencing a variety of outcomes through consultation, communication, negotiation, compromise, and relationship building, thus making an arrangement for stakeholders to be present and involved. On the other hand, Public Participation allows individuals, groups and organisations’ involvement as optional. In other words, stakeholder engagement is more thorough and intentional.

225 COVID-19 cases detected in 1 week

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n one week, Guyana recorded a whopping 225 cases of the novel coronavirus in addition to six fatalities.

The Health Ministry shared on its updated dashboard that 26 cases were reported on Saturday, which raised the total confirmed cases to 8207. These new cases emerged from 327 swab samples.

Apart from the 186 deaths, there are eight patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit with 40 persons in institutional isolation, 594 in home isolation and 28 in institutional quarantine.

From the 4268 males and 3939 females that contracted the virus thus far, 7379 have completely recovered. Consequently, there are 642 active cases remaining. Guyana has man-

aged to test 54,873 people since the virus was detected locally. In one week, 2398 tests were sent for analysis.

New cases

A breakdown showed that new cases were recorded in six administrative regions. This translates to one in Region One (BarimaWaini), three in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 17 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), three in Region

The importance of stakeholder engagement The successful completion of a project usually depends on how the stakeholders view it. Their requirements, expectations, perceptions, personal agendas and concerns will influence the project, shape what success looks like, and impact the outcomes that are to be achieved.

Meaningful stakeholder engagement is an essential part of professional project management. It not only applies to projects, but even when you are starting a business, the feasibility study is important; connecting with your potential partners, suppliers and customers would help to determine the success of failure of your business. Stakeholder engagement provides for several benefits, including: 1. Clear communication and education; 2. Effective decision making; 3. Building trust and capacity; 4. Economic and cost-efficient management; 5. Risk management; and 6. Accountability.

Join us next week as we examine stakeholder engagement and the Environmental Protection Act.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) remain at 233, 455, 412 and 638 respectively.

Guyanese have been asked continuously to follow the outlined national measures, which were implemented by Government

to curtail widespread infection.

While some may experience little to no symptoms, others can contract the worse form of the virus that lingers months after recovery. Data shows that the infection can affect the brain, digestive system, respiratory system, kidneys and skin.

The World Health Organisation has pointed out, “For some people, some symptoms may linger or recur for weeks or months following initial recovery. This

can also happen in people with mild disease. People are not infectious to others during this time. Some patients develop medical complications that may have lasting health effects.”

Additionally, mostly older persons have been succumbing to the virus since comorbidities increase the risk of developing a worse form of the virus. Persons in this bracket have been asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. Next, the preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement. If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy. (G12)

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Armed bandits posing as customers hijack taxi

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taxi driver of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was on Friday robbed by an armed bandit who was posing as a customer, with the help of his two accomplices, on Mandela Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Fazio Khan, 42, a taxi driver attached to the City Taxi Service on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, was robbed of a silver/grey Toyota Allion, HD 1117, a Samsung cell phone, a radio set and his driver’s licence.

According to Police reports, the suspect went to the taxi service base at about 23:25h and requested a car to West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Khan took the hire and proceeded to the location as directed by the suspect and upon arriving at the location, the two other suspects approached the driver’s door, while the passenger, who by then pulled out a

handgun, placed the weapon to the victim’s head and ordered him out the car.

The driver complied after which the two suspects joined the other male in the car and made good their escape east on Mandela Avenue.

Only last month, a 39-year-old taxi driver was robbed by two men who had hired him to take them to La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WCD).

The taxi driver, of Anna Catherina, WCD, told Police that he would usually operate his Toyota Spacio, PNN 2814, at New Road, Vreeden-Hoop. He said that he picked up two masked men opposite the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and they asked to be taken to La Parfaite Harmonie.

When he arrived at the destination, one of the men directed him to stop near a heap of sand, and the suspect in the front seat of the

car exited. The other suspect, who was in the back seat of the car, held Narine’s neck in a tight grip and aimed a gun at him.

The driver was ordered to remain quiet while the other suspect, who had exited the car, pointed another gun at him and searched him for valuables.

Narine was robbed of his Toyota Spacio car that cost just over $1.4 million, along with one gold wedding band valued at $75,000, his $86,000 Samsung Galaxy cellular phone and $10,000 in cash. He was left stranded, but raised and alarm and subsequently reported the matter to the Police. (G9)

Bandits rob patrons at WCD bar

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even persons were robbed of cash and other valuables at a

West Coast Demerara bar by two armed men.

Reports are that the robbery occurred at about 22:00h at the “Anytime Guinness Bar”, La Union, WCD. According to Police, the patrons were at the bar imbibing when the two suspects, one armed with a gun and the other with a cutlass, walked in and demanded that they hand over their valuables.

Police stated that the suspect with the firearm pointed the gun at the victims, while his accomplice relieved them of their belongings. The armed suspect then discharged one shot in the air as he and his accomplice ran onto Crane Old Road and made good their escape.

Those who were robbed were Imran Rahaman, a 48-year-old taxi driver of Anna Catherina, WCD, who was relieved of a Samsung J2 cell phone and $30,000 cash; 23-year-old Munesh Paul, a labourer of La Grange, West Bank Demerara, who was robbed of a Samsung S8 cellular phone and $60,000 cash; and Bishram Lakhan, 25, a taxi driver of Belle West, WBD, whose Samsung S6 cell phone and a gold ring were taken away.

The bandits also took an LG cell phone and $10,000 from Fazal Khan, a 23-year-old labourer of Patentia, WBD; a cell phone from 38-year-old Sarwan Persaud, a businessman of La Union; $10,000 cash from Ashley Austin, a 22-year-old a serviceman of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, and $16,000 from Shinkar Lutchman, 40, an operator of Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Following the incident, the matter was reported to Police, who retrieved a suspected spent shell at the scene. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

Budget 2021 in perspective – responding to Winston Jordan, former Finance Minister, on budget 2021

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ormer Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, on his social media page, posited that the budget 2021 did not contain any increases for public servants. Let’s understand why by examining the situational context of the budget.

The national budget for 2021 is the largest budget: $383.1 billion. This budget did not increase taxes, neither did it introduce any new tax measures. It instead dismantled some additional burdensome tax measures instituted by the former Finance Minister during his tenure. Budget 2021 allocated, for example, $53 billion for the healthcare sector, which includes healthcare infrastructure and $25 billion for transformational infrastructure, to name a few key projects. These two critical allocations alone represent 20% of the entire budget, which indicates a complete reorientation of the national budget towards focusing more on capital projects or productive activities. This is necessary to advance the Government’s ambitious transformational agenda.

Now, in order for public servants to be granted increase in wages and salaries, one has to first understand and appreciate where the money comes from to pay public servants’ wages and salaries in the first place. In this regard, public servants’ wages and salaries are essentially paid from the taxes earned in revenue by the central Government, which is paid by the private sector businesses.

In this regard, private sector corporate and income taxes account for approximately 70% of total Government revenue, and this represents approximately 7.3% of total private expenditure (total private expenditure includes private consumption and private investments). Hence, for there to be increase in public sector wages – which needs to be a sustainable juxtaposition with the fact that the non-oil economy contracted by 7.1% in 2020, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the political impasse in 2020.

The resultant effect of this is such that income and corporate tax revenues from the business sector had contracted, and therefore, an increase in public servants’ wages would not be practical in the 2021 budget. As such, the 2021 budget therefore needs to focus on economic recovery, which is in fact the thematic focus of the budget.

Economic recovery means putting the productive sectors back to work. By doing so, this will encourage more investments within the private sector and private sector expansion, which will in turn generate more taxes in the form of income tax paid by employees who are employed by the private sector firms, and more corporate taxes from the private sector through wealth creation. It is therefore crucial that this is facilitated through the 2021 budget, after which, in 2022, the central Government can be in a better position, having repaired the productive sectors and diversified the economy. In so doing, any increases granted to the public sector can then be sustainable in the form of increased revenue through corporate and income taxes, among others paid by businesses operating within the productive sectors.

The summary of this quick analysis is this: wage increases need to be sustainable. Public servants’ wages come from taxes paid by businesses operating in the various productive sectors. Therefore, to facilitate public sector wage increases, it is imperative to rebuild the productive sectors and diversify the economy in which private investments can be facilitated. Then this will generate new wealth from which taxes are paid.

The transformative infrastructure projects will be financed largely by borrowing from the domestic capital market and from external sources. It is not prudent to borrow to pay wages and salaries, borrowing to finance, simply because it would not be sustainable. Borrowing to finance developmental projects, on the other hand, is necessary because it can, in turn, contribute to job creation and wealth creation through commercial and industrial activities.

This analysis will be continued next week, and the data in the table will be expounded upon in context…

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is the Chief Financial Advisor/ Analyst of JB Consultancy & Associates, and lecturer at Texila American University. 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.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6 homes destroyed; 2 injured, dozens homeless on fiery Saturday

Fire victim: Lennox Jones

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ive homes in Georgetown and one on the East Coast of Demerara have been left in ruins after they were destroyed in separate fires on Saturday.

Three houses at Castello Housing Scheme, Cemetery Road, Georgetown, includ-

Munroe, the fire victim, is pleading for help

the destroyed homes, said he was at home relaxing when he started to smell smoke.

Upon inquiring, he said he saw smoke emanating from the neighbour’s house.

“I run down the stairs and I run over. By the time I run over by Brother John, nobody was there all of his

The aftermath of the fire

ing one that housed a famous “soup shop”, were completed destroyed, rendering three families homeless.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, Lennox Jones, an occupant of one of

tenants started to break down the gate and they wasn’t getting through, so I run back home… I get a heart problem so I bend and I catch myself, and then I came back home…” he said.

Fire victim: Orin McKenzie

Within minutes, the man said the fire started to spread to other houses.

Meanwhile, Orin McKenzie, one of the owners of the house where the fire allegedly started, said he was at church when he received a call that his home was on fire.

“I came over and all I get to do is go upstairs, take the gas bottle off of the stove, and come down back. I get to grab my bag but the smoke was so much I couldn’t get to do anything else. I live here, me and my dad, and we didn’t get to save anything… the fire started somewhere upstairs… downstairs is rented, we have tenants living downstairs,” the distressed man related.

Meanwhile, in another fire at 19th Street Dazzel Scheme, East Coast Demerara, a two-storey concrete building was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday morning around 03:00h.

That fire left a family of eight homeless and two injured.

According to the owner, James Osborne, he was asleep in the lower flat of the home when he was awakened by loud noises coming from the upper flat.

He said that on investigating he noticed that the house was engulfed in flames. The man told this newspaper that he along with his family formed a bucket brigade, but they were unable to extinguish the fire.

Among those injured was Osborne’s 12-year-old grandson, who sustained minor burns to the back of his neck, while his son received injuries to his leg after jumping from the upper flat of the building to save himself.

The family was unable to save anything from the

Three homes along Cemetery Road, Georgetown, were destroyed by fire

When this publication arrived on the scene, one of the occupants of one of the homes, who gave his name only as Munroe, was seen

The Dazzel Housing Scheme, ECD home on fire

home.

Meanwhile, at Lot 28B Shell Road, Kitty, two houses were also destroyed by fire, leaving a family of three without a home.

lying on a piece of plastic in front of the completely destroyed house. He related that he was in his house relaxing when he was saved by his neighbour.

“I had to save my life… if that Rastaman that living over there didn’t come and kick down my door, I don’t know what would have happened. I picked up a cutlass after I heard somebody kicking the door, and the man said “Jonesy” get out of this house, fire!”.

The man said he immediately dropped everything he had and began running for his life.

He said when he got outside, he saw that the fire had completely consumed his sister’s house and had caught onto his home.

“I have nothing more, I had to borrow these clothes I am wearing from my neighbour. Since the fire, I lying out here all the time…lost everything…I went and I bought two garbage bags and I spread it out here and I will stay here.”

“When I fed up staying here, I will move closer to the house and sleep tonight. I bought some food with the little money I have left… my son is in the hospital,” the tearful man said.

(LaWanda McAllister)

Man busted with ganja at NA home

A

young man of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) was on Friday evening found with more than one kilogramme of cannabis at his Tucber Park home.

In a release, the Police have said a search was conducted at the young man’s home for arms, ammunition, narcotics and stolen articles, and according to Regional Commander Jairam Ramlakhan, the cannabis was found hidden in several sections of the house.

During the search, officers checked in the bathroom ceiling and found one brown pillowcase with 49 transparent Ziplock plastic bags, and one brown ice-cream container with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Further checks were carried out, and a transparent container and a

brown ice cream container were unearthed with several Ziplock plastic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems of what is suspected to be cannabis.

The officers also found, in a bedroom, a basket with a quantity of tobacco leaves, and they discovered a string bag with a quantity of Ziplock plastic bags, one black parcel wrapped with transparent plastic wrap, one black garbage bag containing one black plastic bag and one transparent

plastic wrap, all containing quantities of leaves, seeds and stems.

The 20-year-old suspect was thus cautioned and arrested.

Meanwhile, the narcotics, weighed at 1.9 kilogrammes, were seized.

The ranks also discovered two electronic scales and seven pairs of scissors during the search.

Investigations are ongoing as the Police attempt to ascertain the source of the illegal drugs.

28 NEWS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AG moves to recover lands improperly sold to GL&SC board member under APNU/AFC Govt

G

overnment has moved to reclaim parcels of land sold to one individual under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government without following the legal process, warning him that failure to give up the land will result in civil and even criminal consequences.

In a letter from Attorney General (AG) and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall on behalf of the State and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), the AG revealed that a GL&SC board member bought the land for a mere $13.5 million, drastically lower than an initial valuation, as well as comparative valuations of similar pieces of land in the area.

The agreement of sale was executed between the

GL&SC board member and then Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) Commissioner Trevor Benn, dated March 23, 2020. The AG pointed out that the GL&SC board member, who himself once sat on the G&SC Board, was issued with a certificate of title for two parcels of land at plantation Ruimveldt, dated April 15, 2020.

“The parcels of land were sold to you for a total purchase price of $13.5 million.

A review of this transaction and similar such transactions reveal that similar-sized parcels of land in that very vicinity were sold by the Government for as much as $150 million, more than 10 times the price you paid,” the letter from the AG to the GL&SC board member stated.

“This was a fact within the peculiar knowl-

AG Anil Nandlall

edge or ought to have been within the peculiar knowledge of both you and then Commissioner as both of you served on the Board of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission,” he wrote.

Additionally, Nandlall revealed that the Commissioner had gotten two valuations for the

very land the GL&SC board member received. One valued the land at $60 million, while another valued it at $13.5 million.

Additionally, Nandlall pointed out that at the time the former Commissioner entered the agreement, the then President David Granger had not conferred a power on the Commissioner of GL&SC to sell State lands.

That power remained vested in the President, thus rendering his title null and void.

In the letter, the GL&SC board member was given a choice - give up the land and be refunded a portion of his money, or be taken to court for compensation, cancellation of the title and to take possession of the land.

Additionally, he would face a criminal investigation.

“While you may not in the circumstances be entitled at law to the return of the pur-

chase price paid, in the interest of avoiding legal proceedings… we are prepared to refund an appropriate sum of money to you on the condition that you relinquish all your purported rights, title and interests in the said parcels of land over to and in favour of the State,” Nandlall wrote.

“If you are so inclined, kindly make contact within 14 days of the date hereof, with the Commissioner of GL&SC to finalise the terms of settlement. If you fail to (take up) this offer, civil proceedings will be instituted against you… additionally, the documents will be transmitted to the Guyana Police Force for the commencement of criminal investigations.”

Trevor Benn, who was appointed by the former Government back in 2016, was given his marching orders soon after the new

Government took over last year and was terminated with effect from February 4, 2021.

He had been in the spotlight for a slew of land transactions done by the GL&SC under the former Government, which resulted in certificates of titles being issued to persons for lands sold under market value, currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

One of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government’s first acts in August was to revoke Benn’s powers to approve and issue leases and licences, or to grant permission for occupancy of State lands. He was then sent on leave, after doing a handover statement to his successor Enrique Monize. This publication was unable to contact Benn for a comment on the transaction. (G3)

Persons will be monitored after taking COVID-19 vaccine – Health Minister …alert system in place to detect unauthorised vaccines

A

dministration of the COVID-19 vaccines recently commenced in Guyana and after persons took their shots, monitoring commenced as part of the Health Ministry’s mandate to have a successful rollout.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated during a forum on Saturday that there will be daily and weekly reporting of vaccine

coverage across the country, as the programme expands.

For now, healthcare workers are the first to benefit, followed by the elderly and persons with comorbidities.

After the first dose is administered, a vaccination card will be given with the date to return for the second jab. After receiving the doses, monitoring occurs for any minor symptoms which may appear.

Dr Anthony highlighted that they have established a National COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force along with a technical working group, facilitating discussions on the types of vaccines that are available.

This will ensure that there is an efficient mechanism to deploy vaccines to the different regions. He noted that the national vaccination deployment plan, rec-

ommended by COVAX, has already been completed and has been submitted to the body for review.

The Minister assured that these vaccines are “really good” and will especially prevent persons from contracting a worse form of the virus. In the past, a subset of persons who would have contracted the coronavirus had been put on ventilators after showing severe symp-

US Senate acquits Trump of inciting deadly Capitol riot

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he US Senate acquitted Donald Trump on Saturday of inciting the mob that stormed the Capitol last month, sparing him from conviction in his second impeachment trial in a year despite broad condemnation of his role in sparking the deadly siege.

The Senate voted 57-43 in favor of convicting the former president, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to do so, on a charge that he incited the insurrection that left five people dead, forced lawmakers to flee, and put his own vice president in danger while overseeing the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s election win.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who voted “not guilty,” in the trial, offered scathing remarks about Trump after the verdict.

“There is no question that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day,” he said.

“The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president.”

In the vote, seven of the 50 Senate Republicans

Former US President Donald Trump

joined the chamber's unified Democrats in favoring conviction after a week-long trial in the same building ransacked by Trump's followers after they heard him deliver an incendiary speech on January 6.

During the trial, senators viewed graphic video of the assault, including scenes of a police officer screaming in pain as he was crushed in a door, the mob chanting “hang Mike Pence” as it hunted the vice president, and lawmakers having near-misses with rioters as security officers hurried the elected officials into hiding for their own safety.

Trump left office on Jan. 20, so impeachment could not be used to remove him from power. But Democrats had hoped to secure a con-

viction to hold him responsible for the siege and set the stage for a vote to bar him from serving in public office again.

“The bottom line is that we convinced a big majority in the Senate of our case,” said Representative Jamie Raskin, the lead Democratic prosecutor from the House of Representatives.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Republicans’ refusal to hold Trump accountable would be remembered “as one of the darkest days and most dishonorable acts in our nation’s history.”

The swift end to the trial allows Biden to move forward with his agenda to bolster the economy with a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill and further confirmation of his cabinet members.

But divisions on Capitol Hill and around the country over his controversial predecessor will remain.

“This has been yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our country,” Trump said in a statement after his acquittal.

Trump, 74, continues to hold a grip on his party with a right-wing populist appeal and “America First” message. The businessman-turned-politician has considered running for president again in 2024.

Republicans saved Trump in the Feb. 5, 2020, vote in his first impeachment trial, when only one senator from their ranks - Mitt Romney voted to convict and remove him from office.

Romney voted for conviction on Saturday along with fellow Republicans Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Ben Sasse, Pat Toomey, and Lisa Murkowski.

“His actions to interfere with the peaceful transition of power – the hallmark of our Constitution and our American democracy – were an abuse of power and constitute grounds for conviction,” Collins said after the vote. (Reuters)

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

toms.

Since vaccines are temperature sensitive and can lose their potency if stored incorrectly, mechanisms are already in place to ensure that it is effective when administered.

Meanwhile, Director of the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department, Dr Marlan Cole said his agency has an alert system to ensure that only vaccines that are authorised are being used.

Through the Pan American Health Organisation, they have been alerted of three unauthorised vaccine usage in Mexico. He said there are mechanisms to detect when vaccines are falsified or unauthorised. Only the Ministry of Health has been given approval to administer the vaccine.

Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertinesa Hamilton also gave some clarity on immunity, sharing that it refers to the ability of a multicellular organism to protect itself from harmful organisms.

Vaccines are part of active immunity and some normal side effects include swelling, redness, fever, headaches and feeling tired.

She said this is since the body is mimicking the vaccine so the person will have a reduced activity mimicking the effects of the virus.

It teaches our bodies to trigger an immune response to the spike proteins on the coronavirus and make antibodies.

Herd immunity is whereby a lot of persons are vaccinated so the disease cannot spread very far. It allows containment so that the population can stay safe and Guyana is aiming for this achievement.

With new variants emerging, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh noted that the mutation of a virus is expected to occur over time. This may affect the transmissibility, replication frequency, viral load or protection from immunity. By January, there were 300,000 variants of the coronavirus but less than five are of clinical significance.

Guyanese officials are concerned over two variants emerging in Brazil, and he noted that monitoring will continue at the border regions. He said they will continue to send samples for genomic sequencing in order to determine if any of the new strains are circulating locally. (G12)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

29

WI vs Bangladesh: 3rd day, 2nd Test…

West Indies stretch lead despite wobble — after Cornwall’s five-for

Rahkeem Cornwall (left) picked up his second five-for in only his fifth Test

L

iton Das and Mehidy Hasan starred with the bat for Bangladesh, while Rahkeem Cornwall earned his second Test five-wicket haul as the third day of the Dhaka Test see-sawed right until the close of play.

At stumps, West Indies were 41 for 3 in their second innings, leading by 154 runs.

While they do hold the advantage, Bangladesh have enjoyed the greater success in the last two sessions of the day.

Starting the day on 105 for 4 in their first innings, well behind West Indies' 409, Bangladesh's overnight batsmen Mohammad Mithun and Mushfiqur Rahim had to survive a barrage of short balls from Shannon Gabriel first up.

But when Gabriel - who overstepped thrice in his first three overs - went fuller, he was put away by the two for fours through the covers.

Jomel Warrican, the leftarm spinner, had his opening spell cut short as he drifted too often to the leg, allowing easy runs on the on side. Cornwall then replaced Warrican, and created the first chance of the morning when Mithun mistimed a whip off his toes that went just beyond midwicket. In his next over, Cornwall got Mithun's wicket with an unorthodox field

placement. Trying to flick off his boots, Mithun - on 15 - was through his shot too early, and the ball went in the air. Kraigg Brathwaite lurking at short midwicket, where he had placed himself for that very shot - dived to his right to take the catch at full length.

Mushfiqur Rahim, meanwhile, reached his 22nd half-century in Cornwall's first over. He tried not to let

and Mehidy got together for 12 overs before lunch. After the session break - and against the older ball - they displayed exemplary concentration to block, leave and duck. The balls that were wide on either side of the stumps were punished for the occasional boundary.

While Cornwall's turn from the rough outside off kept both batsmen in two minds, Warrican failed to

Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan kept Bangladesh in the game with a century stand

the off-spinner settle in from the first ball he faced, but was almost caught at short leg soon after his half-century. He then survived a close lbw call off Cornwall after missing a sweep, but soon paid the price of being overly aggressive. On 54, he tried a reverse sweep, only to toe-end a simple catch to cover.

At 155 for 6, and still more than fifty short of avoiding the follow-on, Das

build pressure like his partner. Mehidy often rocked back against Warrican to cut with the turn, while Das eyed the midwicket boundary. That period of play took the stand past fifty, and ensured Bangladesh had avoided following-on, which had seemed like a distinct possibility at the start of the session.

When Alzarri Joseph came into the attack, he preferred the shorter lengths.

Both Das and Mehidy were happy to duck through that challenge, and when Joseph bowled full, they punished him down the ‘V’. With Joseph and Gabriel failing to get any purchase with the older ball, Brathwaite went to part-time spin to count the overs down, so that the pacers could return fresh with the new ball.

That's when Das and Mehidy pounced. Nkrumah Bonner's leg-spin was struck by Das for consecutive fours, enabling him to reach his seventh Test fifty. Brathwaite's off-break, too, allowed easy singles.

And when the new ball was taken, both Das and Mehidy looked to go on the offensive.

The first over with the new ball, from Gabriel, was wayward, conceding six, including four byes, and brought up the stand of one hundred. They went for their shots, often successfully, which made Gabriel impatient. The fast bowler showed it too, by saying a few words to the batsmen on his follow through, which forced the umpires to have a chat with him.

Mehidy then got his own fifty, to back up the century in Chattogram. Having lost no wicket in the session, the period after lunch belonged completely to Bangladesh.

It was the first session since the first one on the first day - that they could call theirs, as they added 91 for no loss.

The post-tea session started with both batsmen looking to attack the tired West Indian bowling attack that had now gone wicketless for over 40 overs. But Cornwall put the brakes on soon after, when he removed Das for 71, for his fourth scalp, after the batsman got an edge off a paddle sweep.

Trying to play fine, Das went across the stumps to sweep, but Jermaine Blackwood - at first slip anticipated the shot and ran around behind the wicketkeeper. The ball took an inside edge, hit the back leg, and popped in the air for Blackwood to take a simple catch.

A few balls later, Cornwall removed No 9, Nayeem Hasan, after the

batsman edged a defensive shot to Blackwood at slip, earning him the five-wicket haul.

From the other end, Gabriel had the last laugh over Mehidy. The allrounder fell for 57 when his attempt to drive through the off side went straight to cover for a catch. Gabriel earned another wicket to end the Bangladesh innings on 296 when he rapped No 11, Abu Jayed, on the glove for a simple catch to gully.

Bangladesh had lost their last four wickets for only 15 runs in under six overs.

With 21 overs to go in the day, Bangladesh started with spin, and struck thrice before stumps. Brathwaite was first to go, when he tried to flick Nayeem, only for it to go to wicketkeeper Das off the gloves. Mehidy then en-

tered the record books when he became the fastest (and youngest) Bangladesh bowler to 100 Test wickets with Shayne Moseley edging to second slip. Mehidy reached the mark in 24 Tests, beating the previous record of 25, set by Taijul Islam.

Islam then removed the other opener, John Campbell, late in the day in an unusual manner. As Campbell played defensively, the ball appeared to spin back after dropping on the pitch, and turned back to hit the stumps.

The final few minutes saw Bonner and nightwatchman Warrican trying to survive with soft hands.

Bangladesh surrounded the batsmen with as many players as they could, but there was no further damage.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS Tamim Iqbal c Moseley b Joseph 44 Soumya Sarkar c 0 Mayers b Gabriel Najmul Hossain Shanto c Bonner b Gabriel 4 Mominul Haque (c) c †Da Silva b Cornwall 21 Mushfiqur Rahim c 54 Mayers b Cornwall Mohammad Mithun c Brathwaite b Cornwall 15 Liton Das † c Blackwood 71 b Cornwall Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Brathwaite b Gabriel 57 Nayeem Hasan c Blackwood b Cornwall 0 Taijul Islam not out 13 Abu Jayed c Bonner b Joseph 1 Extras: (b 5, nb 10, w 1) 16 TOTAL (96.5 Ov, RR: 3.05, 466 Mts) 296 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Soumya Sarkar, 0.6 ov), 2-11 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 2.2 ov), 3-69 (Mominul Haque, 14.6 ov), 4-71 (Tamim Iqbal, 15.5 ov), 5-142 (Mohammad Mithun, 45.1 ov), 6-155 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 49.2 ov), 7-281 (Liton Das, 91.2 ov), 8-281 (Nayeem Hasan, 91.5 ov), 9-283 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 92.4 ov), 10296 (Abu Jayed, 96.5 ov) BOWLING Shannon Gabriel (21-3-70-3) Rahkeem Cornwall (32-8-74-5) Alzarri Joseph (17.5-3-60-2) (8-2-15-0) Kyle Mayers (13-2-48-0) Jomel Warrican Nkrumah Bonner (3-0-17-0) Kraigg Brathwaite (2-0-7-0)

WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 6 John Campbell b Taijul Islam 18 Shayne Moseley c Mohammad Mithun b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 7 Nkrumah Bonner not out 8 Jomel Warrican not out 2 TOTAL (21 Ov, RR: 1.95) 41/3 Yet to bat: Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva †, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 3.3 ov), 2-20 (Shayne Moseley, 8.3 ov), 3-39 (John Campbell, 16.4 ov) BOWLING Taijul Islam (7-2-13-1) Nayeem Hasan (10-3-14-1) Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-0-14-1)

30 “He can make it right up to West Indies” CLASSIFIED ADS - says Minister Vickram Bharrat of Rampertab Ramnauth GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

LEARN TO DRIVE

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, as Patron of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), recently presented a bat to West Indies youth player Rampertab Ramnauth during a recent inter-county match at La Bonne Intention.

“I know that these youngsters at the under-19 level will need some kind of motivation and support. Being a Berbician myself, I know the situation in Berbice, and I know the encouragement that is needed at this tender age,” Minister Bharrat has said.

Classy and highly talented, the left-handed batsman Rampertab Ramnauth has already represented the West Indies Under-15 team in England, and is tipped to further represent the West Indies youth teams.

“He is one of many bright prospects in Berbice, someone we can nurture and we can ensure he explores his

full potential, possibly making it right up to West Indies cricket. This is just a way of motivating him,” Minister Bharrat has said.

Minister Bharrat has promised to continue supporting Rampertab in any given way. He also noted the importance of education, and has said he would be seeking help to assist Rampertab financially, since it is important to balance academics and sport, because there is life after cricket.

“At the same time I am encouraging him (Rampertab) to do well on the cricket field, I am encouraging him to do well in education,” the Minister has said.

Earlier, when Minister Bharrat was named Patron of the BCB, he donated $1M to the BCB, along with cricket gear to small clubs in Berbice.

“We have made significant contri-

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Minister Vickram Bharrat presenting the cricket bat to Rampertab Ramnauth

butions to BCB already, and we will continue to do that. There is a semi-professional cricket league that should start later in the year, so we are working to ensure that is successful. This

is all part of my way of giving back to Berbice, since I am originally from Berbice, and cricket has always been the game I love,” Minister Bharrat disclosed. (Brandon Corlette)

“We are pretty much there” Golf mania is — Asst Coach/Manager Shivnarine sweeping the nation Chanderpaul says of Guyana Jaguars

— Leonora Secondary leading way in expansion of golf

Teachers of the Leonora Secondary School

I

n every misfortune there’s a silver lining, and in this case, the Guyana Golf Association is capitalising on the fact that golf is among the few fully COVID-19 guidelines-compliant activities to grow the game across Guyana.

From the Essequibo Coast to the easternmost recesses of the Ancient County of East Berbice, and from Linden to Georgetown and the communities in between, golf is the topic of conversation in a surprising turnaround, as this sport was once viewed as “only for the ‘big shots’.” But with easy and extremely affordable access being provided by the Guyana Golf Association, hundreds of new players are now attracted to the sport.

This reaction is evident from the various Regional Education Officers, Head Teachers, Ministry of Education, and Regional Leadership around the country, but especially so in Region 3, where massive planned development is underway, as indicated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently as he unveiled plans for the new mall, highways, and gas-to-shore facilities.

Leonora Secondary School is leading the way in the expansion of the game behind the strong support of REDO Annesta Douglas, Head Mistress Gittens, all of the teachers, PTA president, and members of the RDC, all of whom are actively involved in creating the facilities for the children (and parents) to play the game.

“This is a dream come true for our region, and I am extremely happy that we are in a position to offer a sport that would promote discipline, outdoor physical activities, and mental toughness, especially during the pandemic,” said Douglas.

“West Coast Demerara is the new growth area, and this will bring attention to our region and provide meaningful activity for our families, and I am happy to throw my support behind this wonderful effort.”

At the official launch of the schools pilot programme on Friday, the REDO and Head Mistress faced off in a putting contest, to the delight of the school assembly and teachers who were present to also say farewell to Miss Letoya, a 15-year veteran who was recently promoted. In the keenly contested putting match (4 playoffs), Ms. Gittens delivered the winning putt for her school.

“The total feeling of excitement, accomplishment and focus is unlike anything you have ever experienced, and I am very pleased to be the first school in Region 3 to have this wonderful opportunity!” said the Head Mistress as she praised the receptive attitude of her Deputy HM, staff and students.

In launching the programme, Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit said the unwavering support of the Ministry of Education and his department head, Ms Barker-King, made the programme possible, and the focus on golf, because it fully complies with COVID-19 guidelines, is a blessing in disguise for students, who had been deprived of physical activity.

President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, explained that development of the sport is the most important thing at the moment, and he thanked all involved for their support.

“As the force behind the development of the game in Guyana, we are focused on guiding our partners on the manner in which they can use their dormant facilities to benefit our kids.

The GGA does not own or operate facilities, but simply provides access to training, equipment and competitions for participants,” he said.

With Copa Airlines, Assuria General Insurance, Nexgen Global Marketing Services, Macorp, AR Printery, the Shafura Hussain Foundation, and many other corporate supporters on board, the GGA feels that golf can, and will, become one of the prominent sports in the country in the coming months.

With close to 1,000 new players in less than a year, a 900% increase, it certainly seems that they are on the way to making that a reality.

In addition, Copa Airlines will continue its HOLE-in-ONE challenge around the country, holding events in Linden, Essequibo, Berbice and Leonora.

Third Publication Childcare and Protection Agency.

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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.

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— Jaguars oppose Scorpions in today’s fixture

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars’ Assistant Coach/Manager, the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has said the Guyana Jaguars have been putting in the work behind closed doors, and are focused in this CG Insurance Regional Super50 Cup. “With what’s going on with COVID around, it’s been very tight working together. It’s not much you can do, but we still find ways to get things done. We did some research in room and a lot of zoom meetings to prepare ourselves, and being at home, the guys have been doing a lot of work. I am thinking we are pretty much there,” Chanderpaul told Cricket West Indies media in a recent interview.

The Guyana Jaguars would be concentrating on registering a winning performance against the Jamaica Scorpions, whom they confront today (Sunday February 14) from 13:30h. Going into this encounter, Leon Johnson and his team would be confident of victory after recording two wins in as many matches, while the Scorpions would be searching to chalk up their first win in this Regional Super50 Cup. With eight points on the board, table leaders Jaguars are fresh from a 5-wicket win on the back of Johnson’s century and Gudakesh Motie’s player-ofthe-match performance of 4-45. The last time Jaguars and Scorpions met in a Suer50 contest, Johnson scored a century; and with confidence behind him, he will be looking to extend that form.

Of the last five matches played between these teams, Scorpions won three while Guyana won two. The Jaguars have had some good batting performances, and openers Assad Fudadin and Chandrapaul Hemraj would be aiming to build on their starts and contribute significantly.

Shimron Hetmyer has looked sublime in the first match, Johnson is fresh from a century, Christopher Barnwell is finding his usual groove, and Romario Shepherd is yet to be dismissed in this tournament. These are ominous signs, and given all these batsmen click, the Scorpions would be mauled.

Anthony Bramble has been out of form, but he would be looking to ‘come good’ in this match.

Jaguars’ bowling has held its own, with pacers Shepherd and Nial Smith showing good signs, while the spin group of Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis and Chandrapaul Hemraj have had good outings.

Meanwhile, the Scoprions would be relying on the likes of Brandon King, who is fresh from a 97; senior players in Rovman Powell, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre McCarthy, Fabian Allen and out-of-favour pacer Oshane Thomas.

Fudadin would be well acquainted with the Scorpions outfit, and after ordinary performances in the two previous matches, he would be aiming to score some runs.

Jamaica Scorpions squad reads: Rovman Powell (captain), Derval Green (vicecaptain), Aldaine Thomas, Oshane Thomas, Brandon King, Paul Palmer, Fabian Allen, Jamie Merchant, Jeavor Royal, Odean Smith, Sheldon Cottrell, Dennis Bulli, Javelle Glenn, Romaine Morris, and Andre McCarthy.

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.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

“Corridor of Unity andOneness” programmetofoster cohesioninECDcommunities, says President Ali — Cricket to be rolled out, followed by football and volleyball

President Ali delivering his speech on his visit to Enterprise

The President speaking to members of the community

is Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that several communities along the East Coast of Demerara would benefit from a pilot project to enhance unity as Guyana moves forward with the singular objective of growth and development for all.

The communities targeted are Lusignan, Enterprise, Buxton, Foulis and Golden Grove.

The Head of State has made it his mission to personally inform residents of the plan.

His first stop was at Lusignan, where he highlighted the uniqueness of the programme.

Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr; and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues.

The President also presented sports gear to the various clubs in the communities as he announced another project, ‘The Republic Unity Cup’. For the communities visited by the President, the first sport that would be rolled out is cricket, and shortly after, with football and volleyball to come.

The President noted that sport brings the

H

“These villages will be part of a pilot programme that we’re referring to as a Corridor of Unity and Oneness; that oneness will be stretched all across our country as we build a future that is sustained on unity and respect for all.”

President Ali was joined by several Government officials, including Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Anil Nandlall; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd; Minister or Culture,

communities together in a non-contentious way. He said that, in addition to a trophy which would be up for grabs, the winning team would the opportunity to benefit from community development projects.

“So, you are playing for your community,” he declared. He reiterated that the programme would give meaning to the message of oneness, and he reminded the residents of his address in Parliament on Thursday, when he spoke about his Government’s intention to unify the country.

$320M for pro athletes, coaches in Sport’s $1.5B budget

G

uyana will be stepping into a new age of sport, as local athletes may soon have the opportunity to ‘go pro.’ This is following a whopping allocation for professional athletes and coaches in Sports’ $1.5B 2021 budget.

For 2021, Sport has seen its largest ever allocation after Dr. Ashni Singh announced a mammoth sum during Friday’s Budget Presentation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The Budget, focused on the development of sport in all areas - such as training, infrastructure and administration - sees $915.5M being allotted to the improvement of community grounds countrywide, to expand their use as parks and create premium, multipurpose sporting facilities of international standards, commencing in Regions 2, 6 and 10.

A new venture being seen in the budget is the $320M

allocation for professional training of athletes and coaches as part of a “Sports Academy” programme.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr expounded on the venture, noting that it is geared at fostering talent.

“You may have heard me speak on a number of occasions on what’s the method to develop sporting talent, which incidentally is no different from the development of any talent for young

people. The application of their craft! That’s the first part,” Ramson indicated.

He continued explaining the initiative by stating, “ T h e

opportunity to apply your craft and learning how to develop your craft; and the second part, which is about the finisher. It’s about your coaching and training and access to really exceptional facilities. That is the combination that we’re going to be applying, (which) is different, coming out of this budget.”

“Hopefully we’ll see that translate into a lot of sports development talent,” the Sport Minister added.

Another $618M was budgeted to support sport associations, maintain facilities, a n d

to host tournaments. This, Ramson explained, will not be distributed in a willy-nilly fashion, as he expects accountability from the sports associations.

“And that’s why we’re pressing for better accountability in administration from sports associations. Having regular elections and that they’re able to present their financial statements etc, having constitutions, have regular meetings, that they know their membership and that the engage their membership quite frequently,” Ramson stated.

“A number of those things we’ve been doing so that we could build the capacity of sport administrations,” the Minister declared.

Other plans on the agenda include the hosting of a sports conference for associations, athletes and officials.

(Jemima Holmes)

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