Guyana Times - Thursday, December 9, 2021

Grades 8 to 12 students to return to schools in January P18 2022 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4856

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

170 house lots distributed during “Dream Realised” housing drive in Reg 5

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPL generating sufficient power for Christmas P15 demand – says fully prepared for emergencies

PM pledges support to P15 end domestic violence – as I-CAN initiative launched

...$20M spent to upgrade access roads in Balthyock – Min Croal ...$20M ...says ... says Govt committed to delivering 50,000 house lots in 1st term in office Page 13 Fireman Lennox Crandon pulls a number, assisted by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, during the “Dream Realised” Housing Drive in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Wednesday

Gas-to-shore energy project

Guyana’s natural gas capacity will exceed local energy demand – President Ali

Int’l Anti-Corruption Day

US looking P20 forward to Guyana’s transparent Natural Resource Fund legislation

See story on page 3

...energy surplus will allow for expansion of industrial development

GPL records $5B losses annually due to electricity theft – to focus on See story on page 7

prosecuting offenders

Former murder accused files $100.6M lawsuit against State for unlawful detention Page 18

Open skies agreement signed between Guyana, Colombia

Page 12

– as Govt commits to fast-tracking similar agreement with Nigeria

Man busted with goats in car trunk P19 Investigation into Eve Leary fire completed P10

Armed bandits attack & rob sisters at WBD P18 home

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, December 9 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, December 10 – 09:30h-11:00h and 23:00h-00:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, December 9 – 08:10h – 09:40h and Friday, December 10 – 09:10h – 10:40h.

Gas-to-shore energy project

Guyana’s natural gas capacity will exceed local energy demand – President Ali

...energy surplus would allow for expansion of industrial development

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy to thundery showers are expected during the day and evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 08:16h and 20:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.35 metres.

Low Tide: 14:04h reaching a minimum height of 0.97 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

03 06 08

18 23 28

FREE TICKET

04 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 12 18 22 23 LUCKY 3

7

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2

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Afternoon Draw

9

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 06 11 15 16 17 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

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05 09 10 11 14

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$75.83/barrel

Rough Rice

$253.584/ton

+0.02

London Sugar

$505.60/ton

+1.81

Live Spot Gold

+0.01

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1783.00

$1784.00

Low/High Change

$1779.40 -0.40

$1794.50 -0.02%

P

President Dr Irfaan Ali

resident Dr Irfaan Ali is confident that when Guyana begins producing energy from natural gas, it would be in a capacity that would exceed local demand for energy and lead to an expansion in the manufacturing sector.

During his address to the Harvard Microeconomics workshop on Monday, President Ali noted that with the US$900 million gas-to-shore pipelines coming on stream, Guyana’s energy capacity is likely to exceed energy demand.

“We’ve launched our gas-to-energy project.

Earlier, I outlined to you how important energy is in terms of our competitiveness. So, the gas-to-shore energy project would use associated natural gas produced offshore Guyana, starting with Liza 1, then Liza 2, and Payara.

The estimated investment is roughly around US$900 million,” he explained.

“The natural gas production is expected to exceed the country’s current demand. More major invest-

Overhead map of the gas-to-shore pipeline route

ment opportunities will become available for the use of natural gas. As a result of this, we’re in the process of building an Industrial Development Authority in Wales,” the President said.

This excess energy, according to the President, would be used to power additional industries. The Wales Industrial Zone, he explained, would facilitate new industries, including fertiliser production for the agriculture sector.

“This would bring in new industry. Fertiliser to support our local agriculture production. And the purpose is to become the major supplier of Caricom (Caribbean Community) food requirements,” the President said.

“We’re looking, for example, at new innovations in the sector. Protein plants

using natural gas to create protein pellets that will be used in feed production and livestock. So, it is using the natural resource to enhance our competitive advantage in different sectors,” he explained.

According to Ali, over 200 Megawatts of electricity will be produced. He noted that the cost of energy is one of the greatest hindrances to the manufacturing sector. And President Ali also assured the academics present during the webinar that natural gas would not be the only source of this additional power generation.

“On the energy side, over 200 Megawatts of electricity will be produced. And one of our most inhibitive factors for manufacturing, that inhibits our competitive advantage for manufacturing and

industrial development, is the cost of energy,” he added.

With works moving apace for the much-anticipated gas-to-shore project that will fulfill Guyana’s energy demands effortlessly, Government has been looking at alternative uses for the excess gas which will become available.

Earlier this year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat told media operatives that while Government was focused heavily on energy generation in the gas-to-energy project, the excess natural resource produced represented a significant figure and could be converted to another use. Bharrat had said Government was yet to make a decision, but was contemplating several avenues.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

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

Relief from traffic jams T

he completion of ongoing works for the new alternative road connecting Diamond to Eccles, East Bank Demerara, then Eccles to Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, in order to ease traffic congestion, is highly anticipated, as eagerness grows for fewer hours spent in traffic jams.

For years, there have been calls for an alternative road to ease the build-up of traffic at peak hours during both mornings and evenings. The traffic congestion during rush hours in the mornings and evenings is also very stressful for citizens to cope with, especially those commuting to and from the city. It is normal to spend more than half an hour in the traffic when going or coming from work, especially in areas along the East Bank and East Coast corridors, where there is a huge build-up of traffic daily.

The situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is even worse. In addition to the bridge no longer being adequate to accommodate the large volume of traffic on a daily basis, many have complained that the traffic is badly managed by Police. During rush hours, there is bumperto-bumper traffic, with some drivers bullying their way through and the Police stationed there seeming helpless to do anything about it.

Certainly, over the years, traffic congestion in the city and other main thoroughfares has gotten worse, and there could be a number of factors responsible for this.

What we have noticed is that, although there has been some improvement to the road network over the years, it has not been to the required level to match the demands of road users. Within the last 15 years or so, several new housing schemes have been established and several existing ones have been expanded across the country, resulting in many more persons commuting to and from the capital city, where they go to school or work. Traffic congestion in the populated areas along the Coast has proven to be a major bugbear over the years.

Also, within the last 10 years or so, there has been a five-fold increase in the number of vehicles being driven on the roads, and the road network expansion programme, even though improving, still cannot accommodate this massive increase.

That said, traffic congestion is not a problem that is unique to Guyana, and certainly cannot be totally eliminated. However, there are ways in which the authorities here could work together to manage the situation more effectively, which would result in less hassle for road users. For example, the authorities could seek to ensure that there is a greater Police presence in certain areas, so that there can be a smooth flow of traffic, as drivers are known to break the rules and bully their way when there is no Police presence. The authorities could also designate more routes for traffic diversion, especially during rush hours and in areas where there is a heavy traffic build-up.

However, the long-term solution with the expansion of the country’s road network would take some time, and that timeline has already been cut with the current works ongoing.

The East Bank/East Coast Road Expansion Project, once completed, would bring much relief to the travelling public. The new roadway would serve as a corridor for communities on the East Bank of Demerara, including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peter’s Hall and Aubrey Barker Road. Instead of going through the hectic Georgetown traffic, the new road link would allow drivers the option of diverting from the East Coast and onto the bypass road to access the East Bank of Demerara.

We urge the authorities to continue to look at ways in which the road network in Guyana could be further expanded, improved, rehabilitated and maintained.

On Wednesday, members of the diplomatic corps joined the “I-CAN” Initiative, pledging to help eradicate violence against women and girls.

In photo are US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó; Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud and the UN Resident Coordinator Yesim Oruc

Be local, buy local, in order to reduce 40% food imports

Dear Editor, Under the stewardship of the PPP/C Government, Guyana’s exports are anticipated to grow by 25%, comprising of 17% rise in export prices and 8% expansion in the volume of shipments, after falling by 10% for 2020 under the APNU/AFC Government’s disgraceful regime. This data was released by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

According to the Bank of Guyana’s report, the Guyanese economy is projected to record real oil GDP growth of 20.9 percent, while the non-oil economy is estimated to grow by 6.1 percent.

Total receipts of foreign currency by the Bank of Guyana are estimated to increase to US$902.3 million, while total payments are targeted at US$838.9 million. Based on the Trading Economics Report, Guyana’s main imports are fuel, food, manufactured goods, and machinery. The main import partners are United States (21 percent of total imports), Trinidad and Tobago (20 per cent), China (8 per cent), South Africa (8 per cent), and Cuba (6 per cent).

The Honourable President of Guyana, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, recently proclaimed that Guyana imports 40 per cent of its food. Agriculture is an important productive sector which would help to diversify Guyana’s economy, and he hopes that Guyana

can be self-sufficient. The President was addressing a Harvard Business School forum on Monday.

Whatever happened to these slogans: “Feed, Clothe and House The Nation,” “Be Local, Buy Local,” “Produce or Perish,” “The Small Man Will Be The Real Man,” “More Jobs, Less Crimes,” “Stronger Together For A Better Guyana,” “Putting YOU First,” “My Turn,” “Sovereignty, not Subversion?” There was a time when essential foodstuff was banned by the Burnham regime, (the current APNU/AFC so-called Party), in particular targeting the Indian community, creating havoc and chaos, hardship, and depression.

This suppression by the devious dictator Burnham spawned oppression in all the Guyanese communities because the ban created a rippling effect that hurt all the races, thanks to the shortsightedness of his insensitive and discriminative advisers.

The birth of the KSI outlets to service the PNC party holders was very evident throughout the country, to accommodate the political loyalists, and the long lines were painted with pain, grief, sorrow and tears for the poor, especially the older and sickly folks. The spinoff, though, was the materialisation of overnight millionaires who emerged eventually to import (smuggle) items from overseas and caused the repercussion of black-market prices to fur-

ther strengthen poverty with the small man. Foreign currency scarcity catapulted to a nightmare bargaining stage, and the country was flung into a maize for Guyanese to seek greener pastures overseas. Bribery soared to a new height, and the price control officers and Police danced to a merry tune.

Yet, the resilience of Guyanese flourished as the initiation for innovation blossomed an invitation for improvisation, imitation, and substitution. This modern thinking rationalised a trend for new products and marketing strategies to highlight the diversity and revolutionisation of Guyanese creativity, proclivity, and serendipity.

This newfound opportunity was a blessing in disguise, but its continuity gave way to complacency, as the tide turned with the dawning of a new era and the restrictions on importation were lifted. Guyanese independence implored a dependence on “the barrels and boxes” from overseas and the fluency of currency from the saviours residing abroad. The pride of the 28-year PNC administration was not daunted, and they took refuge in the fact that corruption, the raping of the Treasury, and gross financial misappropriation formed their “Dharma.” The country sported a penultimate place of being in front of Haiti as the poorest nation on earth!

Next, Karma followed

over the 23 years of PPP/C governance as stability forged a breath of relief, and law and order were controllably restored to demarcate development from disaster.

Agriculture grew a new look and the blessings of the tilled soil from love and loyalty announced fertility. The capitalisation of full advancement was curtailed because of political imperfection. The evil input of a non-cooperative PNC regime to spike the seed of development and destabilise a progressive nation fermented many projects being sidelined and silenced. The free flow of currency allowed trade to rise to a wider horizon to include the importation of styles and tastes which unbalanced the local consumption products.

Again, an informed administration’s overconfidence, compounded with negativities and adversities smiled on the APNU to infiltrate PPP/C Party’s weaknesses to combine AFC with the PNCR and outsmarted a dejected PPP/C Party. Was Caesar surprised by Brutus?

All that hard work went down the drain with the despicable power drunks as they rampaged a journey of devastation to ravage rich to ruin and reduced a mansion to shambles.

Corrupt and bankrupt, a nation was held at ransom with the tyrants, led by a lamb in disguise and hiding, as they placed their knee on the neck of suffering Guyanese once again.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

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

Disappointed in Shuman Let’s lend a voice and eat to our friends

Dear Editor, I cannot believe that, according to Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman, “the PPP has no respect for Amerindians.”

So, I will seek to prove the opposite, and hopefully jog the memory of this leader and politician, who is very influential, and therefore must be mindful of his utterances.

I go back to February 2021, when Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, informed the nation that “The long-delayed Amerindian Land Titling Project will be expedited through the budgetary allocation of $630 million.”

He detailed at that time that “We spent the last few months of 2020 preparing the groundwork for re-energising the Amerindian Land Titling Programme to achieve its aim of providing titles to 68 villages.” Now, I am hoping this suffices to show that there is

no “disrespecting of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples by the PPP Government”.

But it gets even more convincing that Shuman’s accusations are unfounded.

I remind all that the Amerindian Land Titling Project, which is about securing lands and natural resources for Amerindians, actually began under the previous PPP/C Administration and was funded by a $2.2 billion (US$11M) United Nations Development Programme grant. However, this project was insensitively terminated in 2016, just a mere one year into the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change Coalition (APNU+AFC) Administration, leaving several communities without their titles.

So, as expected, my question rings loud as regards Lenox Shuman and his fulminations that the PPP/C Administration has no re-

spect for Indigenous peoples.

Shuman recently had to remove his Facebook post that accused the PPP/C of promising a 50% salary increase to Public Servants, when this was never so, and he has not yet apologised.

Now he adds to his unsavoury rhetoric even further.

He surmises that “In the supposedly ‘re-invented’ PPP post 2020 elections, it was my sincere belief that the PPP was a transformed organisation and that they were open to dialogue on issues surrounding Indigenous Peoples.

I can say with absolute conviction, nothing is further from the truth.” Wow! I ask that Shuman checkup on recent history and do the comparison with the recent APNU+AFC era. It is clear that under the PPP/C, Guyana’s first peoples are always treated better.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

This lawlessness must stop Dear Editor, The above caption was pontificated by the Hon. Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, a few months ago, after observing firsthand the wanton erection of shacks and other hazards on the roadways.

I wish to bring to the authorities’ attention that construction has started on a barbecue hut outside the fence of the St. Pius Church on Middle Road, La Penitence Georgetown.

Passing there this morning, I observed that a permanent concrete structure has been erected. You need to see this to believe it.

Are we suggesting that the Inspectors in the City Engineer’s Department are

complicit, lazy, or downright reckless? How can this be?

The lewd and vulgar activities that prevail their nightly; imbibing, marijuana smoking, gambling, you name it. Father Monty is at pains to keep his congregation in line, the smell of urine blowing across the church on Sunday is mind-boggling.

Bishop Edghill, I am asking you to wear the hat of the Bishop you are at this time. Be the no-nonsense campaigner you are and act. THIS LAWLESSNESS CANNOT CONTINUE! Minister Dharamlall, whom I know personally has both Christian and Hindu connections, this is disrespect of the highest order.

Sir, please act NOW. Mayor Narine and the City Council leave much to be desired in this regard.

Several of his Engineering staff traverse Cemetery Road, including City Engineer Colvern Venture and Miss Jerrick, under whose watch this sore was birthed.

It’s inexcusable to allow our places of worship to be desecrated to this extent without any redress in sight.

I am asking you two Ministers of the Government, PLEASE STOP THIS LAWLESSNESS FROM GETTING OUT OF CONTROL. Regards, Ronald Shepherd

Dear Editor, As the days go by, we are witnessing the loss of values and ethical standards for the ones who are voiceless in our society, the animals. Many have penned missives against the gruesome brutalities that are meted out daily against animals: some are killed; some in various areas are left to die on the roadways following accidents; some suffer at the hands of those who enjoy festivals by using firecrackers with no significance to any celebrations.

One must commend those who strive to make the lives of these animals comfortable by providing them with shelter and food, whether temporary or permanent, and those who support them in one way or the other. Certainly, for many, the law seems not to be on their side. While many cases have been reported, serious punitive action has never occurred because some of those in the system are of the view that there is no way the perpetrators can be held accountable for their irresponsible actions.

However, recently, Magistrate Azore imposed a fine on a man who unlawfully and maliciously killed a tomcat. The magistrate must be commended for her stance against such brutality, and others in the judicial system are encouraged to stand up and use the same legal principle and institute charges against others. No more should we allow some in the society to brutalise animals in whatever form, and let the cruel and bestial humans escape the wrath of the law.

Recently, a driver, at around three or four in the morning, ran over three

Be local, buy local, in...

FROM PAGE 4

Importation surmounted exportation, collusion at all levels corrupted administration, insularity prognosis incompetence, rules, and regulations favoured the ruling party, politics but not the people, law and order was flavored to the taste of the higher echelon who greased the palms of the wicked wolves.

The backbone of a nation was broken in half as economic stagnation perfumed an obnoxious stench.

The current Government was elected via the heavy boots of the most powerful nation and a supportive international community who refused to dance to the wild tune of a rigging APNU/AFC Party. Now, here we are with the controversy of being an oilrich maniac. Will the ruling party approve and implement some, if not all, of the aforementioned slogans to enhance the broadness and richness of this land through peace, progress and prosperity, incorporating liberty, equality

and fraternity? Will self-sufficiency support efficiency to be dogmatic? Will local products insulate local content? Will Guyana once again be the “Food Basket” for the nation and the Caribbean?

Will our taste buds prioritise local consumption and a rejection of foreign digestion?

Will the people’s Government reinforce the agriculture strategy unparalleled to chartered water and establish unprecedented accomplishments? Will the Government entice new and old farmers with incentives to amass humungous cash crop production so that they can rejoice with justified rewards? Will the Government pursue more channels to activate the exportation of excessive products from suppliers? Will the Government finally establish a canning industry? Will the Government avail more lands to farmers? Will the Government pay attention to unused lands and convert their dormancy to usefulness?

Will the Government assert transportation efficiency and effectiveness from the hinterland to the mainland?

Will the Government ensure bribery and corruption are not part of the culture of doing business for survival? Will the Government be the change that it demands?

Will the Government manoeuvre and manipulate programs to ascertain that 40% importation be a thing of the past? Will the Government improvise on oil, gold, and

lumber be the primary motives to agricultural products in order for the people and not the Government avoid the “Dutch Disease?” Will the Government give local Guyanese a striving, fighting and thriving chance to remain real Guyanese by taking care of the man in the street so that they can enjoy the luxury of “Dubai” without leaving the beautiful shore of Guyana?

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

sleeping animals with a heavy-duty vehicle in Eccles. It was gruesome and barbaric, to say the least, for a human to even think about this, much less engage in it. No company should employ any driver with such a temperament; that person is not even fit to be the holder of a driver’s licence. That driver should stand before Magistrate Azore to face the consequences of his actions. What could have gone through his heart to do that to innocent sleeping animals? I guess he would have to answer for that sometime.

Moreover, as this missive is being written, another case of brutality occurred in the same village, when a construction worker kicked an innocent dog down a 20-foot-high building. Hats off to the Tails of Hope animal activist group for saving the animal, and to the Guyana Police Force for responding to the scene and take the necessary actions. Kudos to Ms Shari Rodrigues and the team for saving the life of that animal and many other animals.

On a road trip on the coast, one would encounter many animal corpses, both large and small, with some even being in a badly decomposed state. This is unhygienic, unaesthetic, and indicates a lack of care and responsibility on behalf of the drivers. And more so, if an accident occurs and an animal dies, it is the responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to have it removed and properly disposed of.

This should be catered for in their budgetary allocation.

The animals, especially the dogs, have had terrible experiences during the last Diwali celebrations, and with the coming of Christmas and New Year festivities, this nonsense of lighting firecrackers will again result in the deaths of many of the dogs in our communities. It must be noted that these firecrackers are illegal, and persons can be charged for having them in their possession for either use or sale.

Interestingly, very many firecrackers lit the sky during Diwali celebrations, but no one was reportedly charged for using them, and as has happened, this trend might very well continue. Dogs are known for their olfactory prowess, and while the sound may not affect some, it does with others, sometimes damaging their eardrums and causing them to find any means to escape, even jumping from high buildings. These firecrackers are sold along the pavement in the streets of Georgetown, open to all and sundry; even in the presence of our law enforcement officers.

We all should understand that animals have evolved over the years to have better and more accurate senses in touch smell, sight and hearing. Hence, when you abuse them, they have feelings too, and we should show some respect for them. I believed that their experience is far more damaging than the ‘Havana Syndrome’; just that they cannot explain.

Let us join hands to protect those that are voiceless yet caring and loving.

Sincerely, Dr Theresa Jaikishun

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Rates

S

ometimes, you will be asked to solve a problem about rates. A rate is a fixed ratio between things. For example: Margot drives at a rate of 50 kilometres per hour.

How many hours does it take her to drive 75 kilometres? Notice this is really a proportion problem.

Example: Step 1: Express a proportion problem using two ratios. In this problem, let’s use h for the unknown number of hours: (1 )/(50 ) = h/75 .

Step 2: Use the proportion problem to set up an equation. Then cross-multiply: 75 = 50 x h.

Step 3:Find the side of the equation with the unknown number.

Then look at the known number on that side. (In this equation, it is 50.) Divide both sides of the equation by that known number. 75 ÷ 50 = h.

It will take Margot 1 (1 )/(2 ) hours to drive 75 miles.

W

hat are your favourite things to draw?

Pets? Trees? Flowers? Rainbows?

One of the tricks that artists use when they plan a new drawing is to break down objects into smaller parts and shapes.

So the ears on a cat break down into triangles.

Or the beak on a bird breaks down into a cone.

Shapes like circles, ovals, squares, triangles, hexagons, octagons, cylinders, and cones are the basic building blocks of any drawing.

If you look at the simplest two-dimensional (flat) shapes, you can see that some of them have angles. An angle is where a line makes a sharp turn. You can measure how sharp the turn is by using a tool called a protractor. A protractor has little marks on it, just like a ruler, but instead of measuring inches or centimetres, a protractor measures angles in degrees.

Materials and equipment

Computer with Scratch installed Adult helper Protractor Lab notebook

Internet

access

and

Procedure

P

ollution of all kinds can have negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human health and well-being. Describe how pollution of the world is damaging the environment and fuelling climate change.

In this drawing of a cat you can find many shapes, like the triangles in the ears, nose, and rug; the circles in the head and collar; the half-circles in the eyes; the oval in the body; and the rectangle in the rug

To start this science fair project, you should go to the Scratch download page at the MIT Scratch 1.4 website and have an adult help you follow the instructions there to download and install Scratch for free.

When you first start up Scratch, you'll see your artist cat come up on the screen. Meow!

It's time to program Kitty so that she can draw shapes.

Writing instructions for the Kitty

The first thing Kitty needs to learn is when to start drawing. It's a little bit like when you run a race and someone says, "1, 2, 3...go!" You need to tell Kitty when to go.

Find the symbol with the green flag (think of how green traffic lights mean go) under the Control category, and drag it to the centre panel (note: in Scratch 2.0 this block has been moved to the Events category).

Now Kitty must erase any previous drawings so that she can start out with a fresh page. It's kind of like getting a fresh sheet of paper with no marks on it. Go to the Pen category and get the Clear element and snap it onto the flag. The Clear element clears the page.

The next thing you need to tell Kitty is where to start drawing her shapes. The centre of the screen where Kitty will be drawing has the coordinates x=0 and y=0.

This is a good place to start drawing, but if you want to tell her to choose a different spot, feel free to do so, using the instructions below.

To tell Kitty to go to the starting point (indicated by the green circle) and start drawing, you need to find the Go To instruction under the Motion category: Drag this Go To element to the centre panel and snap it onto the "Clear" element.

Be sure to enter a 0 for x and a 0 for y, if those numbers are not already there and if those are the coordinates at which you want Kitty to start.

It's time to choose a colour for Kitty's pen.

Go to the Pen category and find the element that says "Set Pen Colour to..." and is followed by a coloured block (not the one followed by a white space for a number to be typed in).

Drag it over to the centre panel and snap it on to your "Go To x:__ y:__" element. Click on the colour that you want for Kitty's pen.

Now Kitty has a pretty pen, but you have to tell her to use it! Go to the Pen category, and find the element called "Pen Down" and snap it to the bottom of your growing chain of computer language commands (called blocks). This will tell Kitty to put her pen down on the page.

(To be continued) (Kristin Strong, Science Buddies)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL records $5B losses annually due to electricity theft – to focus on prosecuting offenders

T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated will be refocusing on prosecution of persons who steal electricity as an avenue to counter the company’s annual loss of approximately $5 billion to electricity theft.

During a press conference on Wednesday, GPL Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal told reporters that electricity theft accounted for about 60 per cent of the power company’s non-technical loss.

As such, he noted that while GPL has been spending billions to stop the illegal practice, there was need now to try other methods of curbing this such as prosecution.

“We recently resume focus on prosecuting people for electricity theft. That is going to be a major focus next year… We have had thousands of people who have been caught, who are in the courts, but the matters are languishing because we can’t dispense with three or four thousand cases… But we have to reintroduce prosecution,” Dindyal posited.

According to the GPL boss, there are currently some 15,000 illegal street

GPL CEO Bharat Dindyal

lights across the country. He noted too that the company was also battling the fact that persons and companies, including some large entities, were hiring private personnel and even former GPL employees to tamper with meters.

Another issue the power company is grappling with is going into communities where there is widespread electricity theft.

“That calls for a team to go into those areas and that’s a huge problem right now. We’re assessing how do we mitigate the risk of send-

ing in a team into an area where almost everybody stealing [electricity] and they’re prepared to bring harm to anybody who tries to dissuade them from doing that,” he said.

Nevertheless, the GPL boss disclosed that the power company has even rehired a Loss Reduction Director and has brought in experts to assist with its loss reduction project. That project, which costs some US$40 million, includes upgrading the network and installing ‘sophisticated’ meters among other measures.

“So, the experts who were here, they basically contended, at the end, that they have never come across a country quite like Guyana when it comes to electricity theft… It is an ongoing problem. What we are doing is going to a place where the system is so sophisticated that we can sit down in office and see what you’re doing with the meter at home.

We have that capability currently now in a pilot project in the heart of the city,” the CEO revealed.

Dindyal noted that there were currently 19,000 meters with the AMI [Advanced Metering Infrastructure] ca-

Guyana’s natural gas...

“The project would focus primarily on energy generation, because that is our biggest problem in Guyana. We need cheaper, more reliable and cleaner energy. This project would solve that problem. However, based on [what is] guaranteed now from Exxon in terms of the amount of gas coming in, there will be a few million that would remain, so we would have to find ways which we would utilise it to ensure that we may be in some small petrochemical industry, maybe fertiliser.

We have not decided,” the Minister had said.

The gas-to-shore project is a game-changing initiative that would see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power by 2024. The main objective of the initiative is to transport sufficient gas from the

Stabroek Block’s petroleum operations to supply some 200-250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs.

The Government has already issued an order to compulsorily acquire land

FROM PAGE 3

that would be used to construct the gas-to-shore project and lay the gas pipeline from Nouvelle Flanders on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) to Canal Number One Public Road on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

pability being installed as part of that pilot project.

But the GPL boss posited that even the contractors the company was hiring to carry out projects such as this were tampering with the meters before installing them.

“Right now, as we’re in-

stalling sophisticated meters costing about US$300 per meter, we’re seeing contractors vandalising them in large numbers…,” he stated.

The CEO further explained that there was another strategy available to the company, that is, infrastructure that is designed

to kill persons who attempt to access power illegally.

However, it has been advised against this by legal experts.

“We would not wish to get to that. We wish to step back a bit and see what else we can do,” he stressed.

But according to Dindyal, GPL has done enough and there was nothing much the company could do in terms of “hardening its network” against this illegal practice.

He contended that a change in attitude was what might be needed to counter electricity theft in Guyana.

“It is a huge problem and it calls for, I think, an across-the-board culture change... There is nothing we can do on our side. We have employed quiet coercion, we have done public education, we have appealed, we have brought technology.

But what we don’t have is a change in attitude… It has to be done, I am thinking, by a combination of policing and quiet coercion,” the GPL boss asserted.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tuschen mason acquitted of 2008 Agricola murder

Dead: Melissa Payne

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y l v e s t e r Vanderhyden, a mason of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Wednesday acquitted of the 2008 robbery/murder of 27-year-old Melissa Payne.

The 38-year-old was freed of the crime after a

12-member jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. He had been on trial for the offence before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara.

Vanderhyden, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw George Thomas, had initially denied the indictment, which alleged that he murdered the woman on November 6, 2008 during the course/furtherance of a robbery. The case for the prosecution was led by Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave.

Vanderhyden was only charged with the woman’s murder in May 2017.

According to reports, Payne, of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and her common-law husband were heading to Georgetown to transact business when the vehicle in which they were travelling encoun-

War or Peace...

A

Jailed: Jermaine Savory

tered mechanical problems at Agricola, Greater Georgetown. As such, they exited the Canter truck and were later accosted by several armed men, who relieved them of a bag containing some $110,000 in cash along with a quantity of jewellery. It was after Payne exhibited reluctance to hand over her handbag that she was shot by one of the perpetrators. The men then made good their escape.

Acquitted: Sylvester Vanderhyden

The bleeding woman was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Soon after the incident, several men were arrested.

In November 2017, Jermaine Savory of Agricola was found guilty of Payne’s murder and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment following a trial before now-retired Judge James BovellDrakes at the Demerara High Court.

…in Guyana lot of these (probably) well-meaning folks with their proposals for “constitutional change” etc to get our politics on a more even keel are really barking up the wrong tree. And they’re probably whistling in the dark to get their courage up, because they definitely know that politics in Guyana is not your regular garden variety type. Here, things can get really - as it has gotten so many times before - rough!

Beatings, riots, murders, home invasions, rapes - name the type of political violence you’ve heard about and we’ve suffered it here. Including a declaration of war against the state by “Freedom Fighters”, who created a state-within-astate in Buxton, and launched attacks against the Police and surrounding communities of Indian Guyanese.

So, sure, “constitutional change” might’ve worked in some locales, but that was when the parties in those conflicts - especially their leaders - were committed to a peaceful, lawful and rules-based method of settling differences. When, as in Guyana, you have some leaders who’ll break the rules of the game when they don’t get power by rules they helped draft and enact, you’re in deep doody!

Take the last few elections. In 2011, elections were held with a voters’ list that included folks who’d migrated - since the law allows this - but was cleaned up through a “claims and objections” process. The incumbent PPP squeezed into the Presidency by the hair on their chinny- chin-chin only because of Burnham’s peculiar 1980 Constitution. The PNC and AFC secured a majority in the Parliament!! The 2015 elections were held under the same rules and with the same voters’ list, and this time the Opposition - now in a coalition - captured both the Presidency and the Parliament!! No complaints!!

But, lo and behold, when they lost in 2020, suddenly they’re insisting that this was due to the voters’ list now becoming “inflated” and allowing the dead and emigrated to vote!! So, we’re asked to believe that, when in office, the PPP didn’t cook the books, but could do so from the outside!! And it doesn’t end there. Using that cockeyed claim, the Opposition have refused to accept the legitimacy of the Government, and have referred to them as an “illegal, installed cabal”!!

And moving to the conclusion of that logic, some from that camp have now called for the Government to be removed by force. Now, against the background of our most recent history, the Government can’t take this as just an expression of free speech. And even in the freest of speech regimes, it is accepted you can’t yell “FIRE!!!!” In a crowded cinema!!

And calling for violence against the state is certainly doing that!! …and Police responsibility But, are the Police Force and other arms of the law to just sit on their hands?? They’re supposed to keep “law and order”, no? Our history compels them to react to legally prohibited provocations! So, they’ve just issued a wanted bulletin for one particularly insistent NY-based agent provocateur. Ironically, among the laws the Police used to frame their wanted bulletin was the Cyber-Crime Law the PNC/AFC coalition passed over the protests of the PPP!!

Seems the cyber warrior was on a Facebook show with one of his confederates in Guyana. In the context of his usual over-the-top ranting against the PPP Government for their alleged persecution of African Guyanese, he allegedly said, “…until somebody gets run off the road or something to compensate for the things that they are doing, they’re gonna keep doing it.”

Now, your Eyewitness ain’t no lawyer, but that sure looks like he “advocate(ed) the use of force as a means of accomplishing a governmental change within the country.” …against COVID scammers?

Your Eyewitness is outraged at those two nurses who sold the COVID-19 vaccination “Blue Books”. Now, not only should they be fired, but so also should the 12 others who have been identified.

Their customers must also be booked. They risked others’ lives.

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Investigation into Eve Leary fire completed

T

he investigation that was launched into the fire that destroyed

the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) at Eve Leary, Kingston,

Georgetown has been completed, and the findings are currently with Home Affairs

A section of the building on fire

Minister Robeson Benn.

According to Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo during a telephone interview with Guyana Times, “The report is at the Minister right now, and we are waiting on him to have his information on it.”

Asked what specific information he is awaiting, the Fire Chief did not divulge.

During the investigation, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who occupied the living quarters at Eve Leary were questioned in relation to the massive fire, and a full report on the cause of the fire was expect-

ed to be laid within a week of the inferno. It is now more than two weeks since that fire occurred.

On November 20 last, the fire destroyed the OPR building, but there was minimal damage to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

It was reported that the Guyana Fire Service received a report at 13:50h, alerting them of the fire at the location. Water tenders from the Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt and Campbellville Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The fire is reported to have begun on the top floor of the western side of the building, in an area that is used as the living quarters for ranks of the GPF. It subsequently spread to other parts of the building, due to the age and combustibility of the structure and its contents.

As a result of the fire, the entire living quarters, the OPR, the Construction Department, and Stores were completely destroyed, while the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions suffered minor water damage.

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12 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Open skies agreement signed between Guyana, Colombia ...as Govt commits to fast-tracking similar agreement with Nigeria

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill; Director, Colombia Civil Aviation Authority, Jair Orlando Fajardo; and Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field

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he Government of Guyana on Wednesday signed an open skies agreement with Colombia, while also promising to fasttrack the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria that has been in limbo since 2014.

The signing of the agreement between Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Colombian Civil Aviation Authority Director Jair Orlando Fajardo took place in the Colombian city of Bogota, where they are attending the 13th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2021) event.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the open skies Air Services Agreement with the Republic of Colombia is designed to promote and facilitate airlines to operate air services between the two countries, as well as other countries.

Presently, there are no direct flights between Guyana and Colombia, despite the two countries having established diplomatic relations on December 18, 1970. However, this agreement puts in place the legal framework that opens market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport

services, trade, and economic growth between the two countries.

The agreement includes standard articles such as Grant of Rights; Designation and Revocation; User charges; Recognition of Certificates and Licences, Tariffs; Commercial opportunities and fair competition. According to Edghill, the agreement is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to increase Guyana’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

“In this agreement, we have agreed to remove all restrictions on market access, capacity, frequencies, and pricing to create for a more open market and to give route rights to our respective airlines,” Edghill said.

One part of the agreement facilitates acceptance of the ‘Principal Place of Business’ as a means of designating an airline. This is in contrast to the traditional but restrictive requirement of substantial ownership and effective control by nationals of either country.

This means that any airlines set up between the two countries could benefit from foreign share capital and investment, once they establish

Bishop Juan Edghill and the Minister of Aviation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Sirika Hadi, on Wednesday

their main economic and operating base in either Colombia or Guyana. The Principal Place of Business condition for airline designation is now a common inclusion in air services agreements and creates advantages for small states with limited capital or financial resources.

The signing of the agreement with Colombia follows on the heels of bilateral talks President Dr. Irfaan Ali had held with Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. During those discussions, the two Heads of State had agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and technical cooperation.

Consistent with the Government’s model of open skies agreements, the agreement is also in line with the more than 50 air services agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO States for the development of the airlink among States.

Nigeria

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill also held discussions with Nigerian Aviation Minister Senator Sirika Hadi at the ICAO event, which is being held from December 6 to 10. Among the matters they discussed were tourism, aviation, infrastructural development, and strengthening bilateral relations.

Coming out of that meeting, the two Ministers agreed

to expedite their respective internal procedures to allow for the signing of an air services agreement between the two countries that was negotiated since 2014.

The agreement, which is to promote and facilitate airlines of both countries to operate and connect the two continents, is intended to open opportunities for greater socio-economic benefits between the citizens of the two countries and their respective economies.

Guyana has been on a mission to upgrade its aviation facilities with a view to becoming a regional hub for air travel. And on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, Edghill had declared that Guyana has made significant progress towards becoming such a hub.

According to Edghill, the expectation is that modern facilities and services would be available to match this growth in aviation traffic, particularly at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

International Civil Aviation Day was celebrated on December 7 under the theme “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development”.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

170 house lots distributed during “Dream Realised” housing drive in Region 5 ...$20M spent to upgrade access roads in Balthyock – Min Croal ...says Govt committed to delivering 50,000 house lots in 1st term in office

Some of the residents at the event on Wednesday Two elated house lot recipients, Zaheeda Dawood and Lennox Crandon

S

ome 170 residents of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) received their house lots on Wednesday as the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) - held its final “Dream Realised” house lot allocation exercise for the year.

The exercise, held at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground, was the first in the region. Delivering the feature address, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal reaffirmed Government’s commitment to delivering 50,000 house lots within its first term in office.

The allocation of house lots to families of Region Five in Block A Balthyock will bring the CH&PA closer to reaching its target of delivering 10,000 house lots by the end of 2021.

“Block A Balthyock is ripe for development, and as the first 170 allottees, you will set the pace for others to follow… Like other regions, Region Five has a growing list of persons who want low-income housing and ac-

cess to round-the-clock potable water among other social amenities. We are doing our level best to bring this to you within this five-year period,” Croal told the residents.

He added that part of the administration’s national housing programme is to build sustainable communities that are equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage, electricity, water and recreational facilities.

To this end, since taking office in August last year, contracts to the tune of over $455 million were signed for major infrastructural works in Experiment.

Close to $20 million is being spent to upgrade access roads at Balthyock, while similar works are being done in Block D, Bath at a cost of $18 million.

In 2022, the Minister announced, $462.6 million will be set aside for additional works in the area allocated on Wednesday. These include the construction of access and internal roads, the laying of pipelines, and

drainage.

In addition, Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, said the Government’s national housing programme has not only improved the overall development of the country, but has touched the lives of thousands of ordinary Guyanese.

“The area being allocated today is an easy one

for persons to receive their documents for their land, since it is already owned by CH&PA, and so persons can approach the banks for loans to begin the construction of their homes,” she told the residents.

Minister Rodrigues has assured residents that the backlog of housing applications within the region would be cleared by 2025.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally; Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves; Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Regional Executive Officer Genevieve Blackman.

Meanwhile, after nine years of waiting, Zaheeda Dawood, a mother of six, has finally received her house lot. She, her husband who is employed at the Blairmont Estate, and their children are currently living in a rented apartment.

Dawood expressed gratitude to the Government for finally receiving her house lot, which would allow her to build a comfortable and safe home for her family.

Another beneficiary, Lennox Crandon, also re-

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

ceived his house lot after waiting nine years. The young firefighter commended the Government’s housing drive which targets young professionals.

“I feel overwhelmed.

I know that I will make the best of it to provide for my family and make them comfortable,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

First-ever LEGO Store opens at CJIA

T

he first LEGO store was recently opened in Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

This brand-new addition to the airport adds more diversity to the already great travel retail offers at the main port of entry.

Travellers can have the opportunity to explore an extended range of quality toy products for their last-minute shopping. A wide variety of LEGO products

Scenes from the opening

for all ages and budgets is available, including famous themes like Duplo, Classic, Friends, City, Technic, Star Wars, Architect, always corresponding with LEGO’s global strategy and planning.

At the opening of the store, CEO at Simextra Group, Awien Soekhoe, explained that what started as a small idea slowly grew into a fully dedicated brand store at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

“Together with the of-

ficial regional representative for LEGO, Duty Free Dynamics, and LEGO headquarters in Denmark, we worked hard towards making this a reality. An entire team of local and international professionals has dedicated their time and best efforts, and the end result exceeded everyone’s expectations. As always, we don’t consider ourselves simply a domestic wholesaler or travel retail operator, but a professional partner with market experience, willing to

work towards the long-term goals of all stake holders,” she added.

Further, she stated that LEGO is not just a toy; it is meant to be a creative, imaginative, and fun learning experience for all ages.

As such, she related that the company is always committed to supporting its stakeholders, partners, staff, community, and country of business where possible, and is always open to any suggested collaboration.

VP Commercial/

Americas at Duty Free Dynamics, Maria Villarreal, has said, “We feel really proud to be able to open the first-ever fully dedicated LEGO Airport Store within the Latin America Region.

“Duty Free Dynamics (DFD), recognised as a perfect global partner for building worldwide brands’ positioning throughout the travel retail channel, is honoured to join forces with Simextra Group, experts in the domestic and travel retail concession market,” the

official noted.

The event was attended by several Government officials, stakeholders, company staff and enthusiasts alike.

Her Excellency First Lady Arya Ali and her 2-year-old son Zayd were the very special guests of this grand opening. The First Lady was invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the store. The curtain door was raised, and the full inside of the store and entire LEGO collection was revealed.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL generating sufficient power for Christmas demand ...says fully prepared for emergencies

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s it gears up for the upcoming Christmas holidays, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. has said it would be generating sufficient power to satisfy the high demand during this season, but noted that disruptions to its distribution and transmission network could cause outages.

“Whether you get blackouts or not, it’s not going to be planned. It has to be an emergency,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharat Dindyal, said to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

He noted, “In terms of outages, we don’t see an exposure on the generation side; of course, network side we always have exposure.

What we find happening around this time is that we got people out there driving and they seem to be targeting the poles. So, we have a lot of those, and there is only so much we can do. We really have to ensure that we are ready to respond to those when they happen.”

The power company has reported that there is a generation capacity of approximately 182.5 megawatts (mw) of electricity for the Christmas holidays, and according to GPL’s Divisional Director of Operations, Bharat Harjohn, the projected peak demand is about 136mw.

This leaves in excess of 45mw of power as reserve generation, thus removing the need for any emergency generation equipment this year.

“We don’t see us going

past 136(mw), but if we do, we have enough generation… Our reserve generation is about 46.5 megawatts for the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS),” said Harjohn, who was at the time giving an update on GPL’s preparedness for the holiday’s high electricity demand.

As it relates to the isolated areas such as the Essequibo Coast and surrounding islands, including Bartica, there is also sufficient available power generation to cover the projected peak demand and also excess reserve generation capacity.

Maintenance

Meanwhile, the GPL Operations Director also disclosed that all scheduled maintenance of the company’s generating units as well as its transmission and distribution network would be wrapped up

by December 15, to reduce outages. However, emergency maintenance would be done during this period, which runs until January 15, 2022, when scheduled maintenance would recommence.

Among the works done in preparation for this high-demand period are replacing defective line hardware; replacing defective poles, service switches, and transformers; maintaining primary distribution feeders and substations.

“So, we would have touched all areas within the [generation and transmission] process in terms of

making sure that each component in that process is healthy for the holiday season,” Harjohn noted.

He added, too, that vegetation around utility poles and wires has also been cleared, while sagging conductors have been straightened to prevent tripping the network if they get too close to each other.

Despite these measures and more, however, Harjohn explained, there are certain events that could cause outages during this time, including earth faults such as vegetation touching the powerlines, power poles being struck during accidents, and wires falling.

“From a generational standpoint, we have enough reserve capacity, but where it is located [could be an issue]. For example, Garden of Eden (East Bank Demerara)…

60 per cent of the power have to go back to the control centre in Georgetown, and then move back up east.

So, if our transmission line fails us for some reason, or bringing that power to the control centre in Sophia (Georgetown) for distribution, we could have a challenge… Same for going up to Berbice, where we have one transmission line taking the power up to Berbice.

So, if something is to happen along that path there… if something should hit the pole along the Railway Embankment there, we will lose all the power going up there. So, that’s how unstable the system can be,” the Operations Director stated.

PM pledges support to end domestic violence – as I-CAN initiative launched

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

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rime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Wednesday pledged to play a greater role in ending domestic violence in Guyana.

The senior Government official made his promise while addressing the launch of the I-CAN (Community Activism Network) initiative by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in the compound of the Parliament Building.

“Violence against women and girls has no place in the 21st century, and no place in a developing Guyana. I take

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud at the event on Wednesday

this opportunity to add my voice against violence against women and girls in our society”, the Prime Minister has said.

The Prime Minister joined members of the diplomatic community, religious leaders, civil society representatives and other Ministers of the Government in signing a pledge to always stand up and speak out against domestic violence.

In her remarks, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said the

pledge is a statement of unwavering commitment to the cause.

“It solidifies our dedication and commitment to a cause… we need to not be blind; we need to not be dismissive; we need to hear the repeated cries for help…we need to hold people accountable”.

Minister Persaud also made a commitment to have over 2000 Police officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) trained to deal with domestic violence reports within the next five months.

From left: GPL’s System Operations and Planning Engineer, Kempton France; Divisional Director – Operations, Bharat Harjohn; Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal, and Divisional Director – Customer Service, Rhonda La Fargue, at Wednesday’s press briefing

Emergency response

However, vital to preparation for the holidays is GPL’s emergency response, which has been significantly boosted. Harjohn said additional teams would be dispatched to every location – in some cases, doubling of manpower – to deal with emergency situations that may arise during this time.

In addition, the power company would beef up its

customer-service facilities to include more options to contact GPL for assistance.

According to GPL’s Divisional Director of Customer Service, Rhonda La Fargue, in addition to the company’s telephone numbers, customers can also make contact via WhatsApp messaging on cell #6994882 as well as by utilising the company’s live chat feature on its website.

“So, in the event a customer wants to make contact

with GPL, we have a number of ways they can make contact. The Call Centre is 24-hours seven days per week, so you’re able to call in,” she explained.

La Fargue also related that persons who are experiencing power outage can call in on 226-2600, and instead of dialing extension 1 to speak to an agent, they can instead dial extension 9 to get automated updates for the areas where there are outages.

Govt to test for Omicron variant in Guyana at "appropriate time" – Dr Anthony

H

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday announced that the Guyana Government would test for the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in the country at the “appropriate time”.

Local authorities have already sent samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago to test for the Delta variant, and Dr Anthony has since confirmed that this deadly strain is present here.

On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the variant B.1.1.529, named Omicron, a variant of concern on the advice of its Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAGVE). This decision was based on the evidence presented to the TAG-VE that Omicron has several mutations that may have an impact on how it behaves; for example, on how easily it spreads, or the severity of illness it causes.

The WHO has since recommended that countries enhance surveillance and sequencing of cases, share genome sequences on publicly available databases, and report initial cases or clusters to WHO. When asked if the Guyana Government plans to send more samples to CARPHA to test for the presence of this variant in the country, Dr Anthony said this would be done eventually.

“We have some arrangements with CARPHA where, if necessary, we will send samples. That’s something

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

we will evaluate, and at the appropriate time we will send samples,” the Health Minister explained.

The Omicron variant has already been detected in the USA, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as in travellers to Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Reunion, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates.

Omicron cases have also been reported in Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Norway, Portugal and Spain.

With the threat of this variant, the Health Minister is urging persons to be extra cautious during the holidays.

“We’re entering the Christmas season, and people at this time of the year

would like to socialise with friends and family, and may have a false sense that all is well; and while our numbers have been on a downward trend, we have to remain vigilant,” Dr Anthony posited.

To date, 404,605 persons, or 78.9% of the adult population, have received a first dose of a COVID vaccine, while 284,174 persons, or 55.4% of adults, are fully immunised.

For children, 29,563 persons, or 40.5% of that demographic, have received a first dose, while 20,793 persons, or 28.5% of that demographic, are fully vaccinated.

To date, 3,790 booster doses have been administered. Active COVID cases currently stand at 979 with the majority of the infections concentrated in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), which has 407 cases.

Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali implored the population to get vaccinated against the new variant, since he believes it is the only way to keep out the deadly virus.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UNDP’s 2022-2026 Guyana Programme Cycle

Climate-smart agriculture, early warning systems for flooding being discussed

...as Agri Minister, UNDP Resident Rep discuss possible areas for collaboration

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ith December 2021 marking the end of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP’s) current five-year programming cycle, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday met virtually with UNDP Resident Representative Jairo Valverde to discuss areas of interest for Guyana, particularly for the agriculture sector.

The UNDP is currently developing its 2022-2026 Country Programme for Guyana, and has since engaged the Government for its input based on what was outlined and prioritised in its developmental agenda, in which agriculture plays a major role.

During the meeting, Valverde noted that, as is customary, the new country programme would be aligned with the Government’s policies and priorities as were articulated in the Government’s manifesto and 2020 and 2021 budget presentations.

“We hope that, as we look at our next five years, we can build on the history that we have in Guyana. We can also look at training farmers on entrepreneurship; for example, financial management planning. We can also continue the work with micro-grants to village councils

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the meeting with officials of the UNDP

or disaster-prone areas, as we’ve done in Regions Five, Six, and Nine,” he added.

Further, he stated that these works have been done to strengthen community resilience to natural hazards.

“We think that over the next five years, at the discretion of the Government, we could look into things that would be increasing the work of climate-smart agricultural practices: advancing community-based early warning systems, particularly with floods; issues related to the management of chemicals and waste; and the blue economy.”

Guyana, he stated, would be “a beneficiary of our re-

gional project that aids the development which aims to protect, restore, and harness the natural coastal and marine capital, to catalyse investments in climate resilience, sustainable and post-COVID economy.

For his part, Minister Mustapha said it is evident that the UNDP’s proposed Country Programme is in line with what the Government has been doing since it took office.

“As a Government, it is very important for us to move the agriculture sector forward, and we will look to our partners for assistance to further advance what we’ve started. For in-

stance, you mentioned climate-smart agriculture.

Last year, in the 2020 Emergency Budget, the Government had set aside $18.5 million to procure shade house materials to promote smart agriculture, but we’ll need help to push it and extend it to more farmers and farming groups.

“By the end of the year, we’ll see approximately 100 shade houses being constructed under that programme. In addition to smart agriculture, the Ministry will also be introducing a programme that involves promoting the cultivation of high-value crops like carrots, broccoli,

and cauliflower among the younger population.”

Furthermore, the subject Minister noted that the Ministry, through the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), has also been engaging farmers about the harmful effects of chemicals in farming. Over the years, Guyana has been able to ensure that 70 percent of the chemicals used in its agriculture sector are classified as moderate, rather than hazardous or extremely hazardous. Minister Mustapha has said the Ministry has also been promoting integrated pest management (IPM), and organic farming through the use of organic manure and natural pesticides.

While addressing Guyana’s vulnerability to flooding, Minister Mustapha said it was critical for Guyana to improve its early warning capacities. Noting that Guyana is still recovering from what is considered the most devastating flood ever experienced in recent

history, Minister Mustapha said that effective early warning systems would help policymakers and citizens to prepare for flooding.

“We are now in the process of distributing flood relief grants for the flood that we experienced earlier this year. That flood devastated Guyana’s entire agriculture sector. The early warning system will play a very critical role in ensuring things are put in place to prepare for varying weather conditions. Although the Government has invested in improving the infrastructure to combat flooding and other weather-related occurrences, Guyana’s geographical position still puts us in a very vulnerable position. We are below sea level, and depend on low tides before we can drain our lands on the coast. With 90% of the population living on the coast, it is very difficult to avoid flooding, but with an effective early warning system, we can be prepared to an extent,” the Agriculture Minister added.

GPF intensifies campaign against errant motorcyclists

Eureka Lab launches Guyana’s 1st online patient portal

I

n its quest to ensure continuous, efficient and reliable medical services to all, Eureka Medical Laboratories (EML) on Tuesday launched its online patient portal.

This new portal, which was officially introduced to clients and stakeholders by way of a virtual Zoom launch, allows patients who use the Lab’s service to view their results online.

The Board of Directors and Management of EML have recognised the need for test results to be conveniently accessible, and have therefore implemented this added feature on the laboratory’s website.

Speaking during the launching event of the portal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EML, Andrew Boyle, stated that the new portal not only allows for quick and convenient access to test results, but is also highly confidential.

“Eureka continues to stay ahead of its competitors by not only offering quality, reliable and caring medical services, but those that you can access easily”, Mr. Boyle

said.

Boyle boasted that the system allows patients to access results for tests conducted up to 20 years ago or more. “Once it’s in the system, you should be able to access all of those results; and in that case, you can compare your PSA or cholesterol levels over the years, to see how things would have evolved”, he posited.

The CEO explained that the portal is protected by cyber security technology that guards against any external threats.

According to Laboratory Manager Nazara Roach, EML is now the first Medical Lab in Guyana to introduce an online patient portal,

which she noted can be accessed 24/7.

In addition, EML’s Marketing Manager Latoya Croker, who gave a detailed presentation on how to sign up for the portal, stated that patients must first register using their email addresses at the EML office when they go to make an appointment or conduct a test. Following this, the patient would be sent a link for verification, after which he/she would need to set a password to begin viewing results.

Currently, this feature is available at Eureka’s Georgetown and Berbice branches, even as the company moves to expand this service to its other offices

countrywide.

Croker highlighted that, in some critical cases, a patient may not see their information on the portal right away. “So, you might want to know, ‘What if I don’t see my results on the portal?’”

Now, that can mean that your results may be critical and we would have to speak with you before releasing the results on the portal. For example, if it’s an HIV or a positive test result of some kind, our technicians would reach out to you first before uploading the results onto the system,” she explained.

The patient portal is currently live, and can be accessed at www.eurekalabgy. com. All results are available for download in PDF format.

It should be noted, however, that hard copies would still be made available to patients upon request.

Stakeholders in attendance at the online launch praised EML for this initiative, noting that it would greatly revolutionise the way medical results are issued and accessed in Guyana.

Motorcycles that were seized by the Police

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to clamp down on motorcyclists who do not have the necessary documentation. This has been stated in a release to the media on Monday.

In this regard, the Police have taken into custody a number of motorcyclists who have failed to produce the relevant documents when requested to do so. This exercise was implemented following increasing reports of motorcycle robberies taking place, especially in Georgetown.

“Recognising that criminal-minded persons have been riding motorcycles and bicycles in their robbery attacks on citizens, extensive campaigns are ongoing in the Police Divisions to rein in and detain these vehicles, and arrest persons where applicable,” the GPF has said.

The initiative has already been rolled out in several communities around Georgetown and on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), resulting in several motorcycles and bicycles being impounded and now being processed to determine lawful ownership, in addition to other traffic-related issues.

The GPF recently reported that there is an overall decrease in serious crimes for the year so far. Serious crimes have decreased by 29.8 per cent when compared to the same period in 2020. In addition, armed robberies involving firearms have gone down by 38.4 per cent, while robberies with instruments other than firearms have declined by 47.7 per cent.

No figures have been provided to show reports of robberies that were committed by motorcycle bandits.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDB President urges regional Region 6 to cultivate over acres of rice this crop Governments to safeguard 60,000 …as hundreds of acres still to be harvested access to climate financing in Black Bush Polder

President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr Gene Leon, addressing the attendees at the start of the CDB’s Second Annual Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance, and Cybercrime (3Cs) on December 7, 2021

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resident of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Gene Leon, is urging regional Governments to institute strong accountability and compliance mechanisms to ensure that corruption does not limit access to climate financing from multilateral and private sources, in light of the Caribbean’s extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

“As is the case with most small island developing states, the need for climate finance and favourable access conditions is a matter of life and death for Caribbean countries. However, the sizeable financing required to address infrastructural and economic vulnerabilities and to recover from shocks may also present opportunities for corruption.

At all costs, access to affordable climate financing must be protected from mal-administration and corruption,” Dr Leon has said.

Dr Leon emphasised that the issue is of specific concern to the CDB, which is spearheading initiatives to secure affordable climate financing for its borrowing member countries (BMCs).

“Given the immense need throughout the region, our member countries cannot risk any form of sanction that could limit their access to these resources. We therefore urge our BMCs to be vigilant, and to put in place strong monitoring, compliance, and accountability frameworks to not only secure climate financing, but to facilitate timely implementation of climate change interventions for the benefit of the peoples of our region,” he said.

Dr Leon made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the CDB’s Second Annual Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance, and Cybercrime (3Cs). The two-day event is at the centre of the Bank’s efforts to

promote strong governance as standard practice for regional institutions.

In his address, the CDB President also emphasised that strong governance systems are a pre-requisite for the success of the region’s sustainable development agenda. He cited a disclosure by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals can be derailed through many forms of corruption. He also quoted research from the International Monetary Fund which estimates the global cost of bribery is equivalent to a total economic loss of approximately 2% of global gross domestic product per year.

“Weak governance therefore places our economies and societies in peril, and CDB’s anti-corruption outreach is yet another means through which we can support sustained and resilient economic development in our region,” Dr Leon has said.

The 3Cs’ conference agenda for Day 1 include panels on the role of governance in the drive to end poverty and drive growth in the Caribbean; new insights on cybercrime: lessons for the Caribbean and the role of the Private Sector in curbing corruption, money laundering and cybercrime. The event continues tomorrow with discussions on corruption and climate financing and corruption and COVID-19 financing.

Conference panellists and presenters include regional and international speakers, and the audience includes participants from more than 45 countries.

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egion Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to cultivate more than 60,000 acres of land with rice for the end crop, according to Regional Chairman David Armogan, who stated that even though some farmers are well into the end crop, others are still harvesting the first crop.

Just under 50 percent of farmers in the Black Bush Polder community have already sowed for the second crop. The Chairman, who was addressing the Regional Democratic Council recently, expressed surprise that some 300 plots of rice were at that time still to be harvested in the Black Bush Polder community. He said he was under the impression that the entire crop had already been harvested by now, but he understands that some farmers went into the crop very late.

However, there are some concerns over those farmers who have not completed their harvesting but still wish to go into the next crop.

The window for sowing has

Regional Chairman David Armogan

already expired, and, like the first crop, some farmers went into the crop very late, and now are forced to harvest during the rainy season.

Armogan says this crop is expected to be hitting records in terms of the amount of land which is likely to be under cultivation.

“Based on the projection by the Guyana Rice Development Board

(GRDB), in the Black Bush Polder area, we expect to have about 21,000 acres, and in the other areas in the Region, another 40,000 acres, which will give us about 61,000 acres. This is a projection; I don’t know if we are going to meet that.

The GRBD is also projecting about 37 bags per acre,” Armogan said.

The Guyana Rice Development Board bases its ‘bags per acre’ on the variety of rice that farmers are planting. The Chairman noted that at all of the GRDB outlets, seed paddy is available for farmers.

“In almost every area which is under rice cultivation, people are requesting machines, and we don’t have an adequate number of machines to facilitate the number of requests that we are having. So, some people will have to wait while others are being attended to,” the Chairman told the RDC. Meanwhile, the distribution of flood relief grant cheques to rice farmers in the Region continues.

6 charities benefit from Ram & McRae’s $1.5M donation

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am and McRae, a chartered accounting and professional services firm, is making sure that smiles are on the faces of those in need during the festive season. As such, six charitable organisations have benefited from donations worth $1.5 million.

The beneficiaries are Uncle Eddie’s Home, the Dharm Shala, the Beacon Foundation, the David Rose Special Needs School, the Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home and the Missionaries of Charity of New Amsterdam.

Each of these organisations received a cheque for the sum of $250,000 on Tuesday, and that money is likely to go towards the furtherance of their respective operations.

The simple hand-over ceremony took place at the offices of Ram and McRae in Waterloo Street, Georgetown. There, the Managing Partner of the firm, Christopher Ram, ex-

is also the intent to target more local charities.

One of the representatives receiving the donations, Pastor Gary Erskine of the Dharm Shala, explained that the donation would aid in the functioning of the organisations.

“The Dharma Shala has been in existence for over 100 years. It’s a private home, and it is run as a charitable home, and we take in the very poor without proper documentation, without

Recipients Sis Adline Grace of the Missionaries of Charity; Joan Stephens of the Red Cross Convalescent Home; Pastor Gary Erskine of the Dharma Shala; Osilla Harte of the David Rose Special Needs School; Patrick De Groot of Beacon Foundation; and Denise Boodie of Uncle Eddie’s Home pose with Christopher Ram after receiving the donations

pressed how happy he was to be part of such an impactful gesture.

“We applaud the work you are doing, and we want you to do more (hence the

donation). We hope that society will recognise your work, and [on behalf of all of us here] we wish you all the best for the season and the New year,” Ram added.

He hinted that the Ram and McRae firm, building on a practice that has been ongoing for years, foresees many more gestures like this in the future. There

birth certificate or ID, but as long as they come to our gate, we receive them. So, we trust the Father (God) that this donation goes a far way,” he said.

The other representatives briefly stated that they consider this donation a blessing to their organisations, as it would alleviate some of the needs that currently exist with the Christmas holidays quickly approaching.

18 NEWS Former murder accused files $100.6M lawsuit against State for unlawful detention THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former Policeman Colin Bailey

Dead: Sirmattie Ramnaress

Jailed: Colin Grant

former Policeman who was freed of his reputed wife’s murder after spending almost six years on remand has sued the State, claiming that his unlawful detention violated his constitutional rights and deprived him of $8 million in income.

Ex-Sergeant Colin Bailey, who was incarcerated from February 24, 2016 before being freed on October 13, 2021 by High Court Judge Jo- Ann Barlow, said he was kept in custody even though the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, was aware that there was no evidence linking him to the woman’s murder.

The 57-year-old man was accused of murdering Sirmattie Ramnaress, 36, between August 30 and 31, 2013 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The

woman’s lifeless body was found at around 10:00h on August 31, 2013 at her 2430, 21st Avenue Diamond, EBD home. Her throat had been slit, her head bashed in, and her hip disjointed. The bottom flat of the house had been completely drenched with kerosene, and the entire house had been ransacked, which suggested that she had been robbed before being killed.

It was reported that the woman’s killers escaped in one of her motorcars.

In a Statement of Claim filed earlier this month at the Demerara High Court by his lawyers, Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels, and Konyo Sandiford, Bailey is suing the Director of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General Anil Nandlall for damages totalling $100.6 million.

Apart from seeking ex-

emplary damages for the loss of $8 million in income during his 67 months on remand, Bailey is also seeking damages for his wrongful arrest and detention, wrongful preferment of a murder charge against him when there was no basis for doing so, and his wrongful detention for a period in excess of five years.

The former Policeman also wants the court to award him damages for his unlawful detention, resulting in a breach of his fundamental right to liberty and a fair trial within a reasonable time, as guaranteed under Articles 139 and 144 of the Constitution respectively, and for malicious prosecution.

He is also seeking interest on any award for damages, costs, and such further or other order the court sees fit. His lawyers deposed

A

Grades 8 to 12 students to return to schools in January 2022

E

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand has announced that come January 2022 when the new school term begins, all Grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 students will be expected to return fully to physical allday classes once the Health Ministry approves.

The Education Minister said that using the rotation, shift and blended learning methods were not producing encouraging results and a continuation of these practices would not properly prepare children for examinations and movement to the next level.

“The school doors will not be locked to students who are not vaccinated. But, we can no longer continue with the level of distancing that we have been doing. We can’t finish the curriculum and if we can’t finish the curriculum, we are failing you. It means you are going into that examination room without knowing what is on that paper or onto the next level without competing the current level,” the Minister added.

According to Manickchand, Guyana has vaccines for all Guyanese aged 12 and over. She urged that parents who have not yet consented to their chil-

and that parents would have to take the responsibility to ensure that the material is used wisely.

As it relates to the Grade Seven students, Manickchand said that they would not be allowed back into school as yet because many of them were not yet 12 years old (the minimum age to receive the Pfizer vaccine). However, she said that when that cohort was of age, they would be expected back in the classroom fully. She said that the same measure would be applied to the five to 11-year-old pupils when the vaccine is available for them.

Education Minister Priya The Minister said that Manickchand Guyana was fortunate to have a variety of vaccines dren being vaccinated use available for free to adults the time between now and and adolescents. She said although vaccinaJanuary to do so. Even that with this urging, she made tion was not mandatory it clear that students who and Government would rewere not vaccinated would spect the choices of those who refuse to be vaccinatnot be locked out of school.

She said that students ed, the country and its eduwould continue to be sani- cation system could no lontised, and soap and wash- ger wait on the people who basins would be provided one year later could not dealong with masks to en- cide on taking the vaccine. sure the safety of students. She said that the mandate Further, the Minister add- of the Government and the ed that if a child chose not to Education Ministry was to attend physical classes, the do what was in the best inMinistry would make all its terest of the nation’s chilresources available online dren.

that he was charged with the woman’s murder on February 24, 2016, and was remanded to prison.

After a city Magistrate had ruled that a prima facie case was established against him at the close of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on November 22, 2016, the lawyers said, their client was committed to stand trial for the capital offence of murder at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

They contend that the DPP reviewed the depositions and “wrongfully indicted” Bailey for the offence of murder in the absence of any evidence against him.

According to counsel, their client’s case was listed for trial at every sitting of the Assizes from 2016 until 2021.

They said that they repeatedly asked the DPP to present the indictment against Bailey during the period of his incarceration, but she failed and/or refused to do so. According to the lawyers, the DPP finally presented the indictment against their client in early October 2021 before Justice Barlow.

The lawyers said that on October 8, 2021, during a Case Management Conference after the presentation of the indictment, Justice Barlow asked the DPP whether there was any evidence disclosed in the depositions which implicated Bailey in the commission of the crime.

The DPP, the lawyers added, indicated to the Judge that there was no evidence disclosed in the depositions which implicated him in the crime.

Notwithstanding, the lawyers said, the DPP still proceeded with the conduct of the trial against Bailey in light of this admission.

On October 13, a State Counsel appearing on behalf of the DPP conceded that there was no evidence implicating Bailey in the crime. And accordingly, Justice Barlow upheld a no-case submission made by his lawyers and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

As such, Bailey’s lawyers contend that the actions of the DPP are egregious and warrant the award of exem-

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

plary damages.

Justice Barlow had expressed much dissatisfaction at what transpired in this case.

She told the State Counsel, “I must plead to the prosecutorial arm of the State to examine the material. Examine the committal records, examine all other relevant material carefully, and fulfill the constitutional mandate that dictates that no one should be before the courts unless there is some lawful reason for that person to be there.”

Regarding the aforesaid, the Judge said, “this is not too much to ask”, given that every civilised society must have a system that ensures for its citizens that measure of security. In the absence of evidence, she lamented that a murder indictment should not have been preferred against him.

Justice Barlow added, “There is something fundamentally wrong with a justice system when a citizen can be charged, committed, and indicted when there is no evidence connecting the citizen with the commission of the offence.”

“When that happens, it sends the wrong message to society, and persons believe that the system of trial by one’s peers is broken.

Persons cast aspersions at the judiciary because these persons do not know from the inception that the case was doomed to fail,” the High Court Judge noted.

Directing her comments at the State Counsel, the Judge said, “This must not happen again”. The Judge was keen to point out that she was in no way trying to blame the prosecutor who presented the matter before her, but was rather request-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

ing the prosecutor to convey the court’s dissatisfaction to her superiors.

The Judge also said that presiding over Bailey’s matter was “a waste of judicial time”, since the former Policeman should not have been before the court from the inception.

Justice Barlow said, too, that given what transpired in this case, she would take on the task of getting familiar with depositions before starting trials. She made it clear that she would take “drastic measures” if there is no evidence.

In the end, Justice Barlow underscored that prosecutors must be able to stand and present cases that can be properly presented, presided over, and properly deliberated on by a jury if the matter gets to that point.

At a press conference following Bailey’s discharge, his lawyers called for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the Office of the DPP. They also called for an investigation into how many citizens are in or were in the same state as their client, and what is the way forward.

Another man, Colin Grant, who was jointly charged with Bailey for Ramnaress’s murder, pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter in October 2021 and was sentenced to 21 years in prison

by Justice Barlow.

Grant admitted that he and some friends planned to rob Ramnaress, who was a businesswoman. He confessed that he acted as the “lookout man”, while his accomplices sneaked into the woman’s home and robbed and beat her.

Armed bandits attack & rob sisters at WBD home T

wo sisters were on Tuesday evening attacked and robbed by two armed bandits who invaded their La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home.

The incident occurred at around 21:00h while the two sisters, aged 29 and 20, were at home.

The 29-year-old, who

works as a waitress, was on the verandah when she noticed the suspects approaching.

The woman started to scream, causing one of the bandits to discharge a round in her direction, after which he pulled her into the house and demanded money.

The bandits then lashed the woman to her head with

the gun. The other sister, a cashier, was then confronted by the bandits, who also forced her to hand over money and jewellery.

The suspects then escaped with an electronic tablet, an iPad and an iPhone, as well as an undisclosed sum of cash and important documents.

NEWS

19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CAPE launched at West Dem Secondary School E ducation Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday launched the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programme that would be offered at the West Demerara Secondary School (WDSS).

The Education Minister said during her remarks that it is important that this programme be brought closer to students in the region who are desirous of pursuing the programme. She said that, previously, the only alternative to pursuing CAPE was for students to travel the long distance to attend one of the schools in Georgetown currently offering CAPE. This, she said, puts a lot of strain on some families relative to transportation and other associated costs.

So far, 12 students have registered to pursue CAPE at the school. However, the Minister stated that the support of the Government and the Education Ministry would not end there, but scholarships would be available through the Government’s 20,000 Scholarships Programme so that they can pursue higher academic learning.

She urged the students to perform with excellence and vindicate the decision to have CAPE offered

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and the headteacher of the WDSS, after the unit was declared open

at the school. She said the Ministry would be following their progress and offering the necessary support.

Further, Manickchand related that the region currently has 14 secondary schools, but she believes that there is still need for one more. According to the Minister, though the region has managed to close many of the Primary Tops, there is still one Primary Top at Saraswat Primary School with over 300 students.

She said that in the next four years, the Ministry of Education would be working to achieve universal secondary education in the country. This would mean that students would no longer have to be placed in Primary Tops, but all secondary-age children would have access

to a secondary school wherever they are located.

She said the region also needs a primary school in Tuschen and La Parfaite Harmonie. She explained that the need for these schools is to accommodate the growing population within the two communities.

Moreover, she said that the centre for the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) would soon be completed and would accommodate 120 students, thereby making teacher training more accessible. This, she said, is being done while two teachers’ quarters are being built at Leguan and Wakenaam.

The Minister added that the Leonora Secondary School Dorm is also near completion. She said the fa-

Lethem man arrested for 7 grams of ganja P

olice ranks of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) have arrested a 25-year-old man after he was found with a quantity of ganja in his possession.

Police have said that after receiving information, they travelled to the man’s home in Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi and carried out a search, during which 12 Ziplock plastic bags containing the cannabis were found in a clothes basket in his bedroom.

He was told of the allegation and cautioned, but he remained silent.

A further search was carried out in a garbage bin, and a white transparent plastic containing another set of the illegal plant was found.

The ganja that was found by Police

He was escorted to the Lethem Police Station with the suspected narcotics,

which were weighed and amounted to seven grams.

Driver hospitalised following 2-vehicle collision

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37-year-old driver of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD), along with another man is now injured following an accident at Le Destin Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Tuesday evening.

The accident involved minibus # BWW 8626, owned and driven by 37-year-old Mohamed Nazrudeen of La Jalousie, WCD, and motor lorry GTT 3273, owned by Paul Anthony Hachey, 61, of Hyde Park, Parika, East

Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Based on reports received, the minibus was proceeding along the Le Destin Public Road while the motor lorry was stationary at the edge of the roadway. However, as the minibus approached the parked vehicle, the driver of that vehicle made a sudden turn and ended up in the path of the minibus. Upon seeing this, the driver of the minibus attempted to avoid a collision, but despite his efforts, the left side front of his vehicle collided with the

right-side front of the lorry.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the lorry and another occupant, 64-yearold Debra Hackey, received injuries about their bodies, including their heads. They were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where the female occupant was treated and sent away while the driver of the motor lorry has been transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he has been admitted a patient for observation.

Investigations are ongoing.

The Education Minister along with officials and students at the West Demerara Secondary School on Wednesday

cility would house 65 students and would cater to those students who live along the Demerara and Essequibo rivers who can attend school in the Region.

Meanwhile, Headteacher of the West Demerara Secondary School, Harrinarine, said his school is elated that the CAPE programme would be offered there. He said that this has been in the school’s improvement plan for quite some time, and is finally being realised.

He said that, initially,

the school would offer an Associate Degree in Arts and an Associate Degree in Business. He reported that the initial 10 subjects that would be offered are Biology, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics, Management of Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Communication Studies, Literatures in English and Environmental Studies.

Harrinarine said that the school has teachers for all of the subjects, and with the assistance of the

Central Ministry, will be offering additional subjects in the future. He said that his school has been consistent in its performance at the level of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), with the school achieving a 93% matriculation rate in 2020 with 18 students passing with 8 grade ones or more, the first time in the school’s history.

He said the school was established in 1965, and would continue to strive to produce well-rounded students.

Man busted with goats in car trunk

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23-year-old man was arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday at Liverpool Village, Corentyne, Berbice after two goats suspected to have been stolen were found in his car.

Based on reports received, the ranks were on patrol duty in the vicinity of Liverpool Village when they observed motorcar HB 7127, thus prompting a search of the vehicle, during which two nannies were found in the trunk.

The driver, when questioned, said three males had hired him to transport the goats from No. 35 Village. Checks were

The goats that were allegedly stolen

made for the said males, but they were not found.

The driver was arrested and escorted to the Whim

Police Station, where the goats were lodged to be claimed.

Investigations continue.

Corentyne man allegedly chopped during altercation with villager

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51-year-old man of Liverpool Village, Corentyne Berbice is now hospitalised after he was chopped by a man who was abusing his wife.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 16:30h at Liverpool Village, Corentyne.

The victim has been identified as Alphonso. The suspect is said to be a 31-yearold male who is in custody.

It was reported that on the day in question, the victim’s wife was verbally abused by the suspect.

The woman was allegedly accused of being the one to report the suspect to the Police for noise nuisance.

Following that altercation between the 31-yearold and the woman, the victim went to the suspect’s home to enquire about what had transpired.

A heated argument reportedly ensued between the two men, during which the suspect chopped the victim to his left wrist and right hand.

Following the chopping incident, the victim was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Public

Hospital.

Ranks of the Anti-Crime Patrol subsequently arrested the suspect and escorted him to the Port Mourant Public Hospital to be medically examined, since he displayed minor cuts to his left eye and right foot.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Int’l Anti-Corruption Day Active cases in Guyana US looking forward to now stand at 962 Guyana’s transparent Natural – 72 new infections detected in 24h

Resource Fund legislation

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD A DECEMBER 8, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

72

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

51

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

893 18

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,264

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,069

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,333

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

36,362

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

404,122 283,505

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1009

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1683

REGION 2

1569

REGION 3

5147

REGION 4

17,919

REGION 5

1436

REGION 6

3456

REGION 7

1783

REGION 8

621

REGION 9

2475

REGION 10

2244

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

T

he total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana to date has gone up to 38,333 after 72 more persons contracted the deadly virus.

This is according to the Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard for Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

There are currently 962 active cases in the country.

These comprise 18 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 944 persons in isolation – 51 in institutional isolation and the other 893 in home iso-

lation.

There are also two persons in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 36,362 persons have recovered from the life-threatening virus – 43 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

The Health Ministry did not report any new fatalities on Wednesday; hence, the COVID-19 death toll in Guyana remains at 1009.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country last year, some 400,878 persons have been

tested, from which 18,069 males and 20,264 females have tested positive.

Of the 72 new cases recorded on Wednesday, two were from Region One (Barima-Waini), another two from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), eight from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 18 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), three more from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), a whopping 31 cases from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the remaining eight cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

No new cases were recorded in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in the last 24 hours.

In order to curb the rising number of cases in the country, the Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February and is aggressively rolling it out across the various regions, to achieve herd immunity. It also started administering booster shots last month.

s the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration seeks to overhaul current Natural Resource Fund legislation that was implemented by its predecessor, the United States Government says it is looking forward to the new regulations.

“We continue to look forward to the Government’s initiatives to combat corruption, including Natural Resource Fund legislation that offers both transparency and clear oversight, and to a meaningful and inclusive process of stakeholder engagement,” US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, said in a statement to mark today’s observance of International Anti-Corruption Day. The US diplomat posited that a strong anti-corruption stance now would show Guyanese citizens, and the rest of the world, that the Guyana Government was committed to transparent institutions that utilise the country’s resources to the long-term benefit of all Guyanese.

The Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act was passed by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime one month after the David Granger-led Government had fallen to a No-Confidence Motion brought by the then PPP/C Opposition.

The current Administration, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, has always contended that the NRF Act, which stipulates that various committees must be established to provide oversight for the Fund, was passed during a period when the Government in power was illegitimate.

As such, the approximately US$534 million in oil revenues that Guyana has earned thus far remains untouched in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York pending a series of reforms to strengthen the Government’s regulatory infrastructure for the sector.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously stated that in its current form, the NRF Act was not insulated from political manoeuvring. Hence, there would be amendments to fix this.

Moreover, the NRF configuration under the coalition had also attracted criticism from Guyana’s development partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which had said in a detailed assessment that the objectives and design of the NRF raised several issues, including its complex formula guiding maximum withdrawals.

“The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving, but may entail fiscal costs,” the IDB stated, adding “the

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

formula for the maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world. Its design departs from good practices”.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh had argued too that the coalition’s NRF Act was very poorly conceived, and was “rammed down the throats of the nation during a period when the APNU/AFC was in a state of illegality and illegitimacy”.

Nevertheless, President Ali had reassured that the amended legislation would be laid in Parliament before the year’s end and had even brought in experts to assist in putting together the new regulations.

In fact, during this week’s edition of his programme – “Issues In The News”, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, disclosed that the new legislation could be tabled as soon as the first sitting of the National Assembly, which could be as early as next week.

In keeping with its manifesto commitments, the PPP/C Government has pledged to implement a number of measures to ensure accountable and transparent management of the country’s natural resources including establishing an arm’s length sovereign wealth fund insulated from political interference and upholding the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability, and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Combating corruption

Meanwhile, in her statement, Ambassador Lynch outlined that the observance of International AntiCorruption Day was an annual opportunity to bring attention to the continued importance of combating corruption, ensuring accountability, and fostering transparency.

“Around the world, corruption threatens security, hinders economic growth, and siphons away public and private resources. Governments and insti-

tutions around the globe cannot allow corruption to flourish. Constructing a legislative framework that deters corrupt practices and promotes transparency is an essential step in addressing corruption. Enhancing the capabilities of criminal justice institutions to investigate and prosecute corruption is also crucial to exposing malign influence,” she argued.

The US envoy went on to state that governmental operations should be transparent to allow citizens and the media to provide oversight and hold officials accountable. “Most importantly, a robust civil society and free press are critical to holding leaders responsible for their actions,” she asserted.

In addition, the diplomat noted that procurement processes that comply with international anti-corruption standards would ensure a level playing field for investors.

On this note, the US Ambassador also underscored the need for the Private Sector to also answer for any role that it played in corrupt practices, adding that it was more advisable to choose partners that were reputable over the most convenient.

Ambassador Lynch pointed out that the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has focused on training and mentoring persons in Guyana’s criminal justice sector to build their capacity to fight corruption.

In 2018, the Guyana Public Service Commission was reconstituted after a 13year hiatus, which she says was a step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in the public service system. The US diplomat also lauded Guyana for passing the Protected Disclosures (Whistleblower) Act in 2018, which seeks to protect persons making disclosures from retribution from others, including within the public service.

“These kinds of legislative reforms are necessary parts of a successful plan to fight corruption,” Ambassador Lynch posited.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden is hosting a virtual Summit for Democracy today that will see participation of more than 100 countries, including Guyana.

At that summit, which President Ali will attend, the US will be asking participating Governments to announce meaningful commitments and initiatives, and to engage with civil society and the private and philanthropic sectors, since they play a critical role in supporting democracy, fighting corruption, and protecting human rights.

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take note of what others ask of you and decide what's in your best interest before committing to anything.

A disciplined attitude and helpful suggestions will give you the leverage you need.

Situations will get blown out of proportion if you can't make up your mind. Avoid being cornered by someone impatient and eager to make you look bad. Personal growth and self-improvement are encouraged.

Don't waste time on things you cannot change. Look beyond the moment and focus on what you can do to make your life better. Be honest with yourself and those who try to stand in your way.

You'll outmaneuver any competition you encounter if you offer options that are bound to capture interest. Be sure you can deliver what you promise. Know your audience and do your research.

You'll be pulled in different directions if you let others take control. Know when to say no and when to speak up, and do your own thing. Listen to your heart and make wise decisions.

Handle internal problems diplomatically. Get along with those you live or work alongside. Embrace change and use your skills efficiently, and you will positively influence others. You will excel.

Take better care of yourself. Get involved in events that will push you toward a healthier lifestyle. Aim to lower stress and to make your life and the projects you take on easier.

Learn from your mistakes in order to avoid a problematic situation. Honesty is the best policy when dealing with shared expenses, space or plans. A minimalist attitude will help.

SAGITTARIUS An open mind will lead to new beginnings. Don't get (Nov. 23trapped in the past or by someDec. 21) one's dilemma. Concentrate on what's important to you and the best ways to achieve your goals. Speak up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Reassess your financial situation and make adjustments that help ease budget stress. A change at home can give you an opportunity to get involved in something that intrigues you.

Emotions will flare up quickly if you disagree with a peer, friend or loved one.

Pay attention to your appearance, personal growth and health. Don't try to change others.

An open mind will help you overlook flaws. Offer sup(Feb. 20port to others to boost your March 20) reputation. A chance to learn something new will encourage you to put your energy into something meaningful.

PISCES

22

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hemraj grateful to Bulls for opportunity given …among top ten highest strike rates in the league G

uyana’s very own Chandrapaul Hemraj was drafted midway of the Abu Dhabi T10 League to represent the Delhi Bulls. He came in as a replacement for South African Rilee Rossouw.

Although the Bulls lost the finals, Hemraj managed to score a brilliant 42 in the final, and at the end of the tournament, his strike rate was among the top ten in the league.

Out of the 50 players in the tournament, Hemraj ranked at number 28, having played only 5 games and scoring 101 runs at an average of 25.25, a high score of 42, and a strike rate of 210. He also smacked a total of seven boundaries and nine towering maximums, and was the fifth highest run-scorer for the Bulls despite joining the team at the halfway stage.

When Hemraj was asked about his performance, he said, “Joining the team half way and starting to play right after the quarantine was a bit challenging, but I was able to adapt quickly. T10 is a very fast-paced game; not much to think about, just go out and express yourself, and I was able to do that.”

The talented left-hander also relayed that rubbing shoulders with some of best in the

game, such as DJ Bravo and England’s white ball captain Eoin Morgan, and also competing with some international players was a big take-away for him.

Hemraj has said that he is genuinely aggressive, and before the start of the tournament, he challenged himself to be among the best strikers, and it paid off.

Hemraj came into the tournament following a successful 2021 with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. He was the third highest run-scorer for the Warriors, with 254 runs from his 11 matches. His strike rate was 133.68 and

his batting average was 25.40, with a high score of 105*. Earlier in the year, he concluded his journey in the MAQ USA T10 League, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer. He had stellar performances of 60 off 19 balls and 66 off 25 balls in convincing match-winning innings. He also ended the tournament hitting 25 sixes and scoring the most runs – 235 – at an average of 58.75 and a strike rate of 235.

This outstanding Guyanese talent has reiterated that he is very thankful to Delhi Bulls for the opportunity given to him.

Superstar Dre-Russ to make shock BBL return

W

est Indies T20 superstar Andre Russell is set for a shock return to the KFC BBL with the Melbourne Stars in a major coup for the tournament.

One of the planet's best white-ball players when fully fit, the 33-year-old Jamaican will join the Stars for a fivegame stint, beginning with their first home game of BBL11, when they host the Sydney Thunder at the MCG this Friday.

The Thunder, coincidentally, is the club Russell previously played for across three seasons from 2014 to 2017.

The news was confirmed just a day after the Stars revealed the surprise addition to Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf to their cohort.

He will play his first game on December 27, and remain with the side for the rest of the season.

Russell played 19 games for the Thunder across the three seasons, with his last BBL appearance coming in

early January 2017, when he was stretchered off Spotless Stadium in a game against the Stars.

The next month he was banned from the sport for a year for three doping whereabouts rule violations dating

from 2015, and has not been back to Australia since.

His BBL career to date has yielded 296 runs from 17 innings at an incredible strike rate of 166.29, and included 21 sixes. He has also taken 23 wickets with an

economy rate of 7.97.

The right-handed power hitter comes into BBL11 on the back of a stunning 90 not-out off just 32 balls (nine fours and seven sixes) in a player-of-the-match performance in the Abu Dhabi T10 final on Saturday night.

Prior to that, Russell went through a lean patch in the T20 World Cup, after returning from a hamstring injury he sustained early in the second leg of the IPL, scoring just 25 runs in five innings and taking three wickets as the West Indies, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were bundled out with just one win.

The injury meant Russell only played three of 10 games for the Kolkata Knight Riders when the tournament resumed in the UAE in September, and missed the final, when his side went down to Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs.

He was at his explosive best in the first half of the tournament in India in April, striking 163 runs from seven

GFF-Kashif & Shanghai visit Bartica ahead of year-end tournament

A

team of officials from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Kashif and Shanghai Organization on Tuesday visited Bartica on a mission to spur preparations for the upcoming GFF-Kashif & Shanghai Super-16 Year End Football Tournament.

The team, which included GFF's Assistant Technical Director Brian Joseph and K & S Organisation Director Kashif Mohamed, with support of local FA officials, conducted an inspection of the Bartica Community Centre Ground, where Super-16

matches are expected to be hosted on December 19 and 25th.

Visits were also made to the offices of the Police Commander of Division Seven, Mayor Gifford Marshall and Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, where discussions relating to the event were held.

On December 19, the Bartica FA All-Star Team will come up against the Essequibo Coast FA AllStar Team, with the supporting match being Bartica FA Females vs the Wakapao Females.

innings and collecting seven wickets, including a haul of 5-15.

Russell also destroyed Australia during their fivematch T20 series in the Caribbean in July with scores of 51 from 28 balls, 24 not out from eight balls, and 24 not out from 13 balls in the 4-1 series win for the West Indies.

The West Indian match winner is a veteran of T20, with 387 games to his name, 6430 runs including a highest score of 121 not out, and 343 wickets.

Russell has won T20 competitions all over the world – a boost for the title-less Stars – including two T20 World Cups, two in the Caribbean Premier League, two in the Bangladesh Premier League, a Pakistan Super League crown, and the BBL with Thunder in 2015-16.

He said the opportunity to play at the MCG is what drew him to the Stars.

"I always try to test my skills, and it's a big ground – when I signed guys were saying, 'See how many sixes you can hit'," Russell said during Channel 7's broadcast of day one of the Ashes Test at the Gabba.

"Once you're in the moment, you may hit one into the stands on one of the big sides. I'm just here to experience as well and showcase my talent. "(I'm) happy to be part of the Big Bash once more. It's been a couple of years, so I'm looking forward to it.

"The guys went down in the first game, and I'm definitely here to give the guys a boost, and hopefully I can contribute and help them

cross the line."

His inclusion comes at a welcome time for the injury plagued Melbourne Stars, who were thrashed by the Sydney Sixers in the season opener on Sunday by a BBL record margin.

"We've had a lot of injuries, a lot of guys yet to turn up," captain Glenn Maxwell said after the match. "It's just put us behind where we would like to be for round one, but you can't win the tournament from round one.

"We're hoping (Marcus Stoinis) is going to be back next week. We've got (Nathan) Coulter-Nile, Joe Burns, Qais Ahmad… another overseas signing (Russell), so we've got plenty of options."

Russell is currently completing his mandatory 72 hours’ quarantine after flying into Sydney, and will link up with the Stars at their game against the Thunder on Friday. (Cricket Australia)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

SQ unveiled as official uniform supplier of Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic …MVP Sports on board, contributes prize for 3 points’ shootout at launch I

t’s that time of the year again, and SQ, formerly known as SQUADRA, has been announced as the official uniform supplier for the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic, set for February 19– 20, 2022, while MVP Sports have now come on board as sponsors of the event.

This and more were unveiled at the MVP Sports Complex at the Giftland Mall. Delivering the feature address was Managing Director of MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo, who said, “We are happy to be here and supporting sports in another for-

Managing Director Sports, Ian Ramdeo

of

MVP

mat. A few weeks ago, it was football, but now it’s basketball, and we definitely will continue to do that for sports in general in Guyana.

“It’s actually very heartening for me to see our athletes get a chance to get back out after a very long time of little competition. We are very happy to be a part of this tournament with Mr Toney, but not only in this year, but as a partnership in the future.”

Ramdeo noted that the MVP Sports brand is also on board as a sponsor, and they have also decided to throw in

a little extra. There will be a 3-point shootout on Friday, Ramdeo noted. He related that MVP Sports has contributed the prize for that competition, which is the current “Steph Curry” shoes and a cash prize as well.

Speaking as well was founder of the tournament, Rawle Toney, who noted that the second edition of the tournament will be the first in over two years, due to the ongoing pandemic. Toney noted that while registration is free, teams must register on the FIBA 3x3 website, as it is a FIBA-endorsed game and

Kisten, Koobeer, Sukhlall among stars in BCB Tenelec U-15 tourney

- Port Mourant, RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd reach Quarterfinals

Gavin Kisten

D

espite the ongoing rainy season, the proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has taken the gamble and started preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board’s 2022 Under-15 Inter-

Akash Sukhlall

County tournament.

The BCB has started its 2022 season by hosting the Tenelec Under-15 tournament for 16 teams. Several matches, especially in the Lower and Upper Corentyne areas, have been played, while those in the West Berbice and New Amsterdam areas have been affected by the weather.

The Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 Team joined Port Mourant in advancing to the Quarterfinals after defeating arch-rivals Albion in a must-win match for both teams. Port Mourant had earlier defeated both of them.

In the match in NA/ Canje zone, Tucber Park beat

Razam Koobeer

Guymine by three wickets at Lochaber. Tucber Park’s captain Gavin Kisten had a solid all-round performance with 4-14 and a match winning 41 to help his team chase down 116, ending on 116-7 in 23.1 overs. Tucber Park had earlier bowled out Guymine for 115 in 19 overs.

Additionally, there were several promising contributions, with Yoganand Mohan and Ravin Boodwah of Port Mourant, Roshawn Crandon of RHTY&SC and Farham Ballie of Albion performing well with the ball. The promising Razam Koobeer of RHTY&SC scored a half century, while Devin Lalbeharry, Vishal Williams and Navin Boodwah impressed with the bat.

Results from some of the matches played were as follows: 1.Port Mourant defeated Albion by two wickets at Albion Scores- Albion 74 all out in 48 overs. Farhan Ballee: 12, Devin Lalbeharry: 20.

Bowling for Port Mourant, Shamul Daniels took 2 for 15, Navind Boodwah 2 for 17, Yoganand Mohan 2 for 15, and Vishal Williams 2 for 15.

Port Mourant in reply: 75 for 8 from 48.1 overs, with Shamul Daniels scoring 20. Bowling for Albion, Farhan Ballee took 3 for 9, Devin Lalbeharry 2 for 12, and T Omnauth 2 for 7.

2.Port Mourant defeated Upper Corentyne by ten wickets at No72 Cut and Load

Ground.

Scores: UCCA 51 all out in 22 overs. P. Karamchand made 11 and M. Balchand 13. Bowling for Port Mourant, Yoganand Mohan picked up 5 for 3, Ravin Boodwah 3 for 0, and Navin Boodwah 2 for 1. In reply, PMCC made 52 without loss from 11 overs, with Vishal Williams and Navin Boodwah scoring 23 and 14 respectively.

3.Port Mourant defeated RHT Farfan and Mendes by 34 runs at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Scores: Port Mourant made 108 all out in 25 overs, with Navin Boodwah scoring 23 and Vishal Williams 18. Bowling for RHTFM, Dave Prettipaul took 2 for 16, Sohil Mohammed 1 for 25, and Akash Sukhlall 1 for 19. RHTY&SC in reply made 79 all out from 28 overs, with Matthew Pereira alone reaching double figures with 13.

Bowling for PMCC, Navin Boodwah took 3 for 13, Ravin Boodwah 3 for 16 and Shamul Daniels 2 for 10.

4.RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd defeated Albion by nine wickets at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Scores: Albion made 84 all out in 28.3 overs, with Devin Lalbeharry scoring 36. Bowling for RHTFM, Roshawn Crandon picked up 3 for 12 and Rondy James 2 for 15. In reply, RHTFM raced to 85 for 1 from 16.1 overs with Razam Koobeer’s superb knock of 52, which included six sweetly timed boundaries and one maximum. Bowling

for Albion, Farhan Balle picked up the lone wicket.

5.RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd defeated Upper Corentyne by nine wickets at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Scores: UCCA made 31 all out in 13 overs, with M. Baichan making 7. Bowling for RHTFM, Akash Sukhlall picked up 4 for 4, Dave Prettipaul 3 for 14, and Alvin James 2 for 3. RHTFM in reply cruised to 36 for 1 from 5.2 overs, with the promising Razam Koobeer scoring 17 not out. Bowling for UCCA, M. Baichan picked up the lone wicket.

Founder of the tournament, Rawle Toney

this would allow for players and Guyana to gain the much need points by FIBA for the 3x3 format. This, in turn, would allow Guyana to be in good standing in regard to qualification for a number of major events, and it would determine if Guyana would be in the main draw of the qualification rounds, and even go to the country ranking.

“Each of the participating sixteen teams will be given a uniform, compliments of SQ, and I want to say a special thanks to Colin Baker, who is an executive and part owner of SQ,” Toney posited.

The Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic will be launched at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this Friday. Several

teams in the Caribbean and North America have shown interest in the lucrative tournament.

Sixteen teams will be vying for a winner’s purse of $600,000. In 2019, Pitbulls 3.0, behind Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slatter, Ryan Gullen and Travis Belgrave, edged Team Smooth 22-12 in the finals to walk away with Gy$300,000 and the Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic Trophy.

The tournament has received sponsorship from Eco Green Services; Junior Sammy Guyana Inc; Marlon Jacobs, aka Freedom Boss; Kabisa Energy Drink; Guyana Breweries Incorporated under its Mackeson Brand; and MVP Sports among others.

Grand Coastal Hotel sponsors GFFGNFWA Super 16 Women’s Festival 2021

G

rand Coastal Hotel has added its name to the huge corporate support rallying behind the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) endof-year football bonanza with the purchase of some beds for the GFF National Training Centre dormitories to accommodate more than one female team at a time for the GFF-GNWFA Super 16 Women’s Festival 2021.

In expressing gratitude to the hotel for coming on board, President of the Guyana National Women’s Football Association (GNWFA), Andrea Johnson, noted that the partnership

of not only Grand Coastal Hotel, but all stakeholders is important to effectively showcase the talent of Guyanese footballers.

“We want to acknowledge the contribution of Grand Coastal for coming on board and partnering with the GFF and the women’s association in order for us to have a smooth running of the GFFGNWFA Super 16 Women’s Festival 2021,” she said.

Grand Coastal’s Human Resources Manager Maria Khan shared the company’s interest in being part of the women’s festival and noted thus, “Grand Coastal Hotel

came on board with the GFF to further support females in sports as well as to help to fund necessities to ensure they can continue to strive.

And as such, the partnership will be ongoing whenever we can facilitate and support the GFF; be it food, accommodation, etc.”

The GFF has asked for further corporate support to ensure that all female players, match officials and coaches have the accommodation resources they need during the GFFGNWFA Super 16 Women’s Festival 2021. The theme of this year’s women’s tournament is “We Rise Against Domestic Violence”.

“We want to spotlight our commitment to educating and eliminating domestic violence in our communities,” said Johnson. “We must take note of the issues in our communities and do our part to make life better.

GNWFA stands against domestic violence.” The GFFGNWFA Women’s Super-16 Tournament commences on Saturday 11th December at the St. Cuthbert’s Ground, where St. Cuthbert’s Mission will play against Swan FC.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

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

Page 23

SQ unveiled as official uniform supplier of Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic …MVP Sports on board, contributes prize for 3 points’ shootout at launch

Hemraj grateful to Bulls for opportunity given …among top ten highest strike rates in the league

Grand Coastal Hotel Sponsors GFF-GNFWA Super 16 Women’s Festival 2021 Page 23

Page 22

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