Guyana Times - Thursday November 11, 2021

Many local tourism packages cost under $40,000 – Walrond tells Guyanese to explore Guyana P17 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4828

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

PRICE

Sod turned for US$32.2M Hyatt Place hotel at Providence

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Father of 4 sues Bosai for $85M over worksite P13 injuries

…Guyana’s tourism & hospitality sector facing finest moment – Finance Minister See story on page 3 …over 300 persons to be employed

WBD miner charged for killing DJ P14

Climate change

Urgent for Guyana to start talks on relocating vulnerable communities – World Bank

See story on page 7

Proposed electoral reform

Major disaster averted at Duncan Street 4-storey building

Govt wants feedback from Opposition, GECOM …despite difficulties accessing water, firemen control blaze Case filed by non-existent PSC defective, should be struck out – AG to court See story on page 11

Speeding, roaming P15 animals, cattle rustling among challenges in Region 5 – Police Police unearths 13.6kg ganja P15 in car at Vlissengen Road

Page 9

…says matter cannot continue on autopilot

Page 8

P16 Death of Region 6 man takes COVID fatalities to 952 …134 new cases recorded

Region 4 P14 closer to herd immunity – Health Minister …but says low uptake in other regions hindering Guyana’s COVID-19 fight

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, November 11 – 10:00h-11:30h and Friday, November 12 – 00:30-02:00h and 11:00h-12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, November 11 – 09:40h-11:10h and Friday, November 12 –11:15h-12:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected during the day, with partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 09:44h and 22:06h reaching maximum heights of 2.11 metres and 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 15:34h reaching a minimum height of 1.17 metres.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021 DAILY MILLIONS

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$82.83/barrel

+0.23

Rough Rice

$251.514/ton

+0.47

London Sugar

$507.20/ton

-1.42

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1846.00

$1847.00

Low/High Change

$1822.20 -3.90

$1869.30 -0.21%

Sod turned for US$32.2M Hyatt Place hotel at Providence …Guyana’s tourism & hospitality sector facing finest moment – Finance Minister …over 300 persons to be employed

C

onstruction of another internationally-branded hotel – Hyatt Place – will commence soon at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and the Guyana Government has lauded the US$32.2 million investment that will boost the country’s tourism and hospitality capacity at a time when the global industry is still facing the devastation caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The sod-turning ceremony for the 4-star hotel was held on Wednesday morning at its Providence location, between Qualfon and Texila American University. It will sit on three acres of land – part of a five-acre parcel that was purchased by the investor SIR Investments Guyana INC. The Hyatt Place Georgetown will feature 125 rooms and modern amenities such as meeting rooms, restaurants and bars, social lounge, fitness centre, spacious parking, and also disability- outfitted rooms.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh pointed out that Guyana’s tourism potential has long been spoken of, and now there is tangible evidence, such as the construction of high-end hotels to reaffirm this.

This, he noted, is coming at a time when tourism industries around the world are reeling from the impact of the pandemic.

“The tourism industry worldwide is facing perhaps its most difficult time in living memory. Yet, today, in this moment of tremendous global challenge encountered by the tourism industry, Guyana’s tourism industry is facing perhaps its finest moment, with an unprecedent level of investment being made in the sector,” the Finance Minister stated.

According to Dr Singh, the foundation for this takeoff of Guyana’s tourism sector was laid by the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) governments, which saw the potential of the industry as part of the country’s expanding economy pre-oil and gas.

He posited that since coming into office just over a year ago, the Dr Irfaan Aliled administration has been placing emphasis on promoting this sector, which has tremendous potential for job creation.

“There are real, tangible and visible manifestations of how exciting the moment in which we live really is…

And so, more than ever be-

(L-R) SIR Investments Chairman Imtiaz Ahamad; CEO of GO-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond; Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy and an SIR executive at Wednesday’s sod-turning ceremony

fore, Guyana’s tourism sector is poised for take-off,” Dr Singh contended.

The Finance Minister has lauded the investors for recognising Guyana’s tremendous potential as a destination for investment.

Room capacity

“It’s an open secret that international visitors coming to Guyana can’t find a hotel room. We have international delegations saying to us they cannot get a hotel room… Notwithstanding the upgrading of so many hotel properties right now, the international visitors saying they cannot find a

hotel room. In particular, we are living in an era when international standards matter, and so the presence of worldclass international brands, I believe, is an extremely positive event,” Minister Singh outlined.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond pointed out that with the addition of the Hyatt Place Georgetown, approximately 3,070 high-end hotel rooms have been added to the local capacity with the commencement of construction for internationally-branded hotels.

This, she said, represents 80.3 per cent of the overall five-year target of add-

ing 2,000 high-quality rooms, “and we assure you, the people of Guyana, that more is yet to come.”

On this note, the Tourism, Commerce and Industry Minister posited that Government would continue to provide a facilitative environment for such investments to take form.

In the same breath, however, Walrond posited that the development of these internationally-branded hotels are viewed as just one component of an integrated strategy for the development of the local tourism and hospitality industry.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 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

Domestic tourism N

ovember is dedicated Tourism Awareness Month in Guyana.

This year’s theme is: “Preparing for a new Frontier – Stimulating Innovation Within the Tourism Sector”, and as expected, there have been, and will continue to be, several activities, including the Restaurant Week, Industry training, and Tourism sector awards, among others, to spread more awareness and market the country as a unique tourism package for both Guyanese and foreign nationals.

There is no doubt that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on Guyana’s tourism sector. The Government has acknowledged these challenges, and has put a number of measures in place to revive the sector.

In many countries across the world, the pandemic’s impact on tourism has been the same, or even worse. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimates that world tourism declined by 65 per cent in the first half of 2020, resulting in the loss of more than 850 million jobs and as much as US$1.2 trillion in earnings.

As pointed out by President Dr Irfaan Ali, in Guyana’s case, the tourism sector is believed to have suffered an estimated decline of 46 per cent of its revenues from the COVID-19 pandemic for the first half of last year.

Since taking office, the new tourism Minister has laid out her vision for the sector, and the policy interventions are being made while addressing the challenges confronting the sector.

We have noted that efforts were made to encourage locals to take advantage of the opportunities to experience what is on offer here.

Over the weekend, Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond said affordability should no longer be an excuse for locals to explore Guyana and enjoy domestic tourism, as many packages are below $40,000.

To quote her: “We, as Guyanese, ought to find the tremendous values that foreigners find in our tourism products in coming out to resorts like these (Lake Tapakuma), where it’s so peaceful, tranquil.

Experience the farm, the flora and fauna, the birds, and enjoying nature.”

This is a good was to start reviving the sector, considering that due to the pandemic, foreign tourists are not as many to these shores. In any case, for Guyana to be successfully marketed abroad, there is need for the country to be promoted locally in a more aggressive manner.

It is no secret that quite a lot of Guyanese choose to go abroad for vacation, as against enjoying what obtains locally, and this may be so for various reasons, including cost, standard of services locally etc. For this reason, much more needs to be done by local stakeholders, so that citizens would begin to understand and appreciate more of what Guyana has to offer, so that they in turn can become “ambassadors of tourism”.

Our tourism potential is huge; the challenge is for stakeholders, including Government and Private Sector, to pool their talents and resources and create more packages that would be affordable and attractive to both Guyanese and foreigners.

Guyana’s tourism industry is considered to be one of the most attractive and unique destinations in the world. Unlike our Caribbean counterparts - typical sun, sand and sea tourism – Guyana has a different type of tourism product with our irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty, pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, a vibrant Indigenous culture, and a rich cultural heritage.

Certainly, there is still much more work to be done, as there are some impediments that pose a threat to the development of a thriving tourism sector. Issues such as expensive air travel, lack of trained personnel in the tourism and other related sectors etc, continue to pose challenges. These are issues that must remain on the front burner to be addressed, as they have a direct impact on the quality and affordability of the tourism package we offer.

With Guyana now being an oil producing nation, more persons, both Guyanese in the diaspora and foreign citizens, will be coming here either to work, visit, or for academic purposes. The focus should be on putting in place systems aimed at projecting a positive image of our country.

To begin with, there is need for citizens to start cleaning up their surroundings, especially those living in the capital city, towns and major centres where tourists traverse. The capital city is a main centre of attraction for visitors, and on any regular day, a walk around the city streets and surrounding areas would leave one ‘sick’ of the huge pile up of garbage and other refuse at certain points.

A thriving tourism sector would benefit all Guyanese, as more persons would be able to secure employment, our country’s revenue would be boosted, and many other related industries would prosper, among other benefits.

People gather around “Little Amal”, a 3.5 metre-tall puppet depicting a young Syrian refugee girl, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland (Reuters)

To fight poverty, we need more climate action

By Joe Cerrell and Khalifa Al-Kuwari

W

ith COP26 ongoing, much of the global climate discussion focuses on efforts to reduce and curb greenhouse gas emissions by turning to cleaner and more efficient energy. And rightly so – we have an opportunity to dramatically mitigate the damage that will be inflicted on our planet in the years to come.

But as we continue to witness the devastating effects of climate change play out across the world, we need to pay closer attention to the solutions that will help us adapt to changes that are already taking place – and consider how to ensure that people everywhere have access to them.

The global climate crisis already impacts many people who depend on agriculture to survive.

As the world gathers for COP26, this demands urgent action.

In almost all emissions scenarios, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expects global warming to hit 1.5C in the early 2030s, and we can be certain that the impact of this change will not be felt fairly across the world. One of the most concerning outcomes of rising temperatures is the very high risk of undernutrition in communities that are dependent upon dryland agriculture.

Drylands are home to more than 2.5 billion people and cover 40 per cent of the world’s land surface.

In many dryland countries, such as Botswana or Burkina Faso, popula-

tions face a large number of environmental challenges, from water scarcity and droughts to temperature extremes and floods. They are particularly vulnerable to climate change and suffer some of the largest concentrations of food insecurity and poverty in the world.

One of the most vulnerable dryland regions is Sub-Saharan Africa, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing populations, many of which have been grappling with food crises for years. Now agricultural communities in the region will feel the effects of climate change more severely than developed countries even though they have done very little to cause the problem. Some experts predict that we will see a nearly five per cent decrease in agricultural production for every degree of global warming.

To avert even more serious hunger crises in the region, we need to build stronger food systems for smallholder farmers. They are the anchor for food systems that feed billions.

But often they face barriers to entering or engaging effectively in markets for their agricultural production, which limits their ability to realise a profit from agriculture. Many are constrained by inadequate systems and policies that make it difficult for them to be profitable or to grow enough nutritious food. And now hundreds of millions who depend on agriculture to survive are losing their crops and livestock to a surge of climate extremes.

Investment in agricul-

tural research and development will help provide the tools needed to adapt to changing weather patterns and build resilient food systems that can produce more and better nutrition for communities as well as greater economic stability.

While the world is developing cutting-edge technologies, tools, and best practices for climate-smart agriculture, these assets are not consistently developed or shared broadly with small-scale producers in the Global South. In fact, despite significant progress in agricultural development in recent decades, a majority of farmers on the African continent remain smallholders with limited access to critical resources, systems, services, and technologies.

Addressing the negative impact of climate change on developing countries should start with driving innovation through significant investments in agricultural research.

Importantly, we must find ways to connect global innovation to local knowledge. Productivity and prosperity will be achieved through climate-smart agricultural innovation that is adapted and applied to local contexts while contributing to a growing body of evidence for transformation at scale.

And as we invest in innovation, we need to guarantee that the solutions produced are inclusive. This means ensuring small-scale producers in Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions in the Global South have access to the tools that enable agricultural productivity under

changing weather conditions as well as access to thriving markets. It also means a special focus on women and young people to ensure that they are empowered to contribute to the challenge as well.

Ultimately, supporting smallholder farmers will not only build more resilient food systems. It will also strengthen economies in the countries that are being left behind.

Smallholder farmers provide most of the employment in fast-growing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. And agriculture is effective in reducing poverty and improving food security for 65 per cent of the world’s poor, who work mainly in farming.

Empowering smallholder farmers and tackling all aspects of climate change, including adaptation and resilience, is of growing importance to all global partners present at COP26 today and an increasing interest for both the Qatar Fund for Development and the Gates Foundation. It will help boost the economies of the region and improve the ability of people to respond and adapt to climate change. If we do not invest in inclusive adaptation solutions, we risk missing the full picture on climate, but also losing the global fight against hunger and poverty. (Al Jazeera) Joe Cerrell is the Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia (EMEEA) at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Khalifa Al-Kuwari is the Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 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

Guyana will continue to have double-digit growth in GDP

Dear Editor, Reference is made to a letter to the editor on November 8, 2021, in which the former Finance Minister has expressed grave concerns over Guyana’s borrowing spree.

The former learned Minister said “the 2021 Mid-Year Report records the stock of public debt as US$2.905 billion, which can easily rise to $5.3 billion within a few years, if one were to factor in the $1.5 billion from China and the undrawn $0.9 billion from the Islamic Development Bank.”

The former Finance Minister’s statement is suggestive that Guyana will not be servicing its national debt for the next few years. What do I mean by

this statement?

The former Minister adds the total level of national debt, which is US$2.9b, to the US$1.5b loan from China and the US$0.9b from the Islamic Development Bank to say that, in a few years, total debt will reach (2.9+1.5+0.9 = 5.3b). Now, this is cause for worry indeed, because $5.3b in a few years represents 96% of today’s GDP. However, the former Minister did not consider two fundamental variables in his analysis – that is, (1) over the next few years, Govt will continue to service its national debt annually, thereby reducing the principal balance, thus creating fiscal space to take on new borrowings;

Joinder parties must have representation at GECOM

Dear Editor, As it stands, the members who form the GECOM Commissioners consist of three members from the Government side and three members from the Opposition benches, and the Chairwoman as the casting vote. After The 2020 General Election, there has been a change in the electoral landscape of Guyana, in that there is the presence of the smaller parties.

These parties together form an Opposition group commonly called The Joinder Parties.

A small group of parties, some may say, but together they play a significant role in a Guyana body politic today. In this regard, I am putting forward the argument that this joinder party grouping be represented in GECOM. The point is: the Commission should now be the overarching conglomerate of individual parties, which should accurately represent the democracy that now exists, and a reformed GECOM should do just that. It must be a body that reflects our political landscape in a just and meaningful way.

Now, to place all parties on an even keel, there

should be a coming together of these individuals to elect two (2) persons to the post of Commissioners on the GECOM Board. The chosen figure of two is arrived at so that when you sum up the total number of Commissioners, there would be a total of 8 persons, representing all the political parties, with the chairwoman coming in as a casting 9th vote, being an uneven number.

The configuration should read 3+3+2 + 1 = 9.

The one casting vote of the Chairwoman brings the total to the required uneven number of 9, in the event that there is a tie.

I hope this would be an eye opener for a reconstituted and more democratic GECOM. The point I am making is that the joinder parties were that influential to gain a seat in Parliament, and I do not see why they cannot be represented at GECOM. That cluster of parties, by virtue of its presence, has earned itself a place in Parliament, and, as such, must be seen on A Guyana Elections Commission committee of persons.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

and (2) GDP will continue to grow, thus maintaining a low to moderate debt-toGDP ratio, which is sustainable. Currently, debtto-GDP ratio is about 53%, well below the 60% benchmark.

Now, let’s make the analysis a bit more interesting.

The former Minister did not quantify how many years he considers to be “few years”. So, let’s quantify this and assume that he is referring to the next three years.

What is the country’s projected growth in GDP over the next three years, and what would be the total sum of principal and interest payment on the national stock of debt by then?

According to the Bank of Guyana Report 2020, total debt service was significantly higher, by 32.6 percent to US$420 million, and represented 38.5 percent of Government’s current revenue. For this purpose, it is safe to say that annual debt service

is US$420 million; so, in three years, the country will have repaid US$420m X 3 = US$1.3 billion. This means if the Govt borrows another US$1.5b + US$0.9m and adds to today’s stock of debt, effectively only an additional US$1.1b will be added to the stock of debt, which would bring the total to US$4b, and not US$5.3b.

At the same time, GDP is projected to grow by 20% in 2021, and according to IMF forecasts, GDP is projected to grow by 26% and 30.6% in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

If we are to be a bit more conservative and project year-on-year growth rates of 15%, instead of 20% and 30% as projected by IMF, GDP will move from US$5.5b to US$8.4b, which means the debt-to-GDP ratio in three years, with the additional US$2.4b loan in the pipeline, will be about 48%, well below the 60% benchmark, and this is project-

ing growth of GDP at moderate levels.

It is worthwhile to mention that Guyana’s debtto-GDP ratio is perhaps the lowest in the region.

For example, Trinidad & Tobago’s debt-to-GDP ratio is about 83%; that of Barbados is 133.6%; Suriname’s is 111%; and notably, projected GDP growth for these countries is in the lower single digits, while Guyana will be experiencing double-digit growth in the medium term.

Altogether, the additional borrowings of some US$2.4 billion will virtually have minimal or zero impact on the country’s total stock of debt in three years’ time, thus resulting in the debt-to-GDP ratio remaining below 60%.

Moreover, Guyana will continue to have double-digit growth in GDP over the next three years, and current debt service is about 38% of current revenue, or US$420 mil-

lion, which will effectively reduce the stock of debt while the Government continues to borrow moderately to facilitate the country’s development agenda.

Or, put differently, an additional US$2.4b in debt in three years will result in a movement of debtto-GDP ratio from 53% (where it is currently) to 48%, reflecting a decline by 5 percentage points, based on the analysis presented herein.

Importantly to note, I did not factor in the projected oil revenues in this analysis, as I opted to keep the discussion and analysis simple.

I do hope that this essay brings some needed clarity for your readers to understand the full context of the national debt and its growth trajectory in the full context of the development agenda that Guyana is embarking upon.

Yours faithfully, JC Bhagwandin

Corentyne farmers welcome agriculture access road Dear Editor, I would like to say a big “thank you” to the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, and his Ministry for ensuring that farmers on the Corentyne are given a brand-new access dam in the Number 52 Village area, so they can traverse on a timelier and safer manner.

Over the years, that dam was in a very deplorable state, especially when

the rains were upon us, and farmers had to struggle to get to their fields and back. Farmers used to have a very hard time taking their paddy, workmen and machinery to the backlands, because of the condition of the Number 52 dam.

I have visited that onemile stretch of dam that is under construction, and am very pleased with the work being done by Associated Construction

Services. I must also commend Mr Peter Lewis for ensuring that the road is done to specifications and standard.

When that one mile stretch of dam is completed, it would be fully asphalted, and farmers are going to have better access to their farms, and therefore it will become easier for them to traverse with their produce, workers, machinery, etc.

I would again like to

thank the Minister for ensuring that access to farmlands in Region 6 is being made easy by providing such dams to farmers, and I am sure all the farmers using the dam would be very happy and welcome that new dam.

Thanks to the PPP Government for caring for our farmers.

Yours truly, Indira IbrahimJaffarally

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Page

Foundation

Materials: Straight stick about two feet long small rocks or small seashells a watch chalk (optional) Sand (optional) Bucket (optional)

s h adow of your s t i c k f a l l s .

C o m e back at 08:00h (8:00am); 09:00h (9:00am); 10:00h (10:00am), and so on until there is no more daylight in the day.

You may want to mark your pebbles with the time they were placed using chalk.

By the end of the day your sundial will be complete.

How it works: The sun’s light will make your long stick cast a shadow. The shadow will change its angle depending how the sun’s light is hitting the stick, because our earth is constantly rotating and revolving around the sun.

By Rita Dove Snow would be the easy way out—that softening sky like a sigh of relief at finally being allowed to yield. No dice.

We stack twigs for burning in glistening patches but the rain won’t give.

So we wait, breeding mood, making music of decline. We sit down in the smell of the past and rise in a light that is already leaving.

We ache in secret, memorizing

Instructions: Find a sunny spot and push the stick perfectly straight into the grass or earth. If your backyard doesn’t have any grass or earth, fill a small bucket with sand and place your stick into the bucket.

Start in the morning when the sun is up. At 07:00h (7:00am) use a small rock or seashell to mark where the

Extra experiments: Measure how long the shadow that is cast by the stick is. Measure it in April and December. Are the measurements different? Which season has the longer shadow?

Make a second sun dial after we reset our clocks each year. How are the two sundials similar? How are they different? (scienceisfun.org)

a gloomy line or two of German.

When spring comes we promise to act the fool. Pour, rain! Sail, wind, with your cargo of zithers!

November 1981

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Climate change

Urgent for Guyana to start talks on relocating vulnerable communities – World Bank

…Silica City among several strategies being pursued – Govt

W

ith rising sea levels brought on by climate change, it is important for Guyana to begin talks with vulnerable communities on relocating inland. This is the view of a World Bank official, one of the authors of the Bank’s latest report on climate change.

During a recent press conference, World Bank Senior Economist Julie Rozenburg was asked about the issue of relocation. Guyana was one of the countries the World

Bank’s 360-degree resilience report assessed to be vulnerable to climate change.

Rozenburg explained that it was particularly important for Guyana to begin talks with most at-risk communities about relocating.

In Guyana, this would likely include communities most susceptible to flooding.

“I would say it’s particularly urgent for Guyana.

So, for the report we’ve modelled sea level rising impacting every country and clearly Guyana is a bit of an

outlier in terms of how vulnerable it is to sea-level rise.

“And I think right now the priority is to start talking to the most vulnerable communities that live in these areas. And see what could be options for them. See if there are resources to protect those areas. Or if people need to start thinking about moving elsewhere.”

But while Rozenburg highlighted the urgency of the problem, she also cautioned that this was not something that could hap-

Sod turned for US$32.2M...

FROM PAGE 3

A US$32.2M Hyatt Place Georgetown hotel will be constructed at Providence

“That strategy seeks to make Guyana a leading destination in the Americas, and we envisioned that the traveller who seeks the assurance of these internationally-known facilities as their base of operations will venture out to experience the serenity of the Eco-Lodge, the majesty of Lake Tapakuma, or the beauty of the Orinduik Falls. The inclusion of the world-famous

Kaieteur goes without saying,” she declared.

Jobs for Guyanese

Construction of the firstever Hyatt Place hotel in Guyana will commence soon, and is expected to last for 20 months and target a 2024 opening. The project is being undertaken by Trinidadowned SIR Investments Guyana INC, and according to

pen overnight. Rather, it is a process that must ensure the involvement of the affected communities.

“You don’t relocate communities in a few years. It’s a very long process, for it to be fair to everybody and equitable. And sustainable. So, I would start this process now, even if se- level rises impacts will be seen in 20, 30 years,” she explained.

The fact that relocating communities could not happen overnight or even in a few years was under-

it Chairman, Imtiaz Ahamad, Guyanese can expect to benefit from this initiative. “[The Hyatt Place Georgetown will create] employment for approximately 300 persons during the 20-month construction phase.

At the time of opening, we expect another 80 to 100 persons to be fully employed, and without a doubt - and you can remember I said this today –

there will be opportunities for local partnerships.

Partnerships which will result in huge dividends for the country and the people of Guyana,” SIR Investments’ parent company – Universal Investments Limited – is owned by the Ahamad family in Trinidad, and is an investment holding company with subsidiaries in the automotive, financial and real estate sectors there.

With the franchise agreement already executed, project manager contracted, architecture and other services and finance arrangements approved, Ahamad declared on Wednesday that “…we are ready for take-off!”

Already, construction has commenced for a second hotel under the Marriott brand – the Marriott Courtyard – and a Best Western Hotel. (8)

World Bank economist Julie Rozenburg

scored by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, who in an interview with the media on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, was asked about Government’s plans in this regard.

“The coast comprises the vast majority of Guyana’s population, economic activities, the vast majority of Guyana’s administrative structures – Parliament, Government and so on. So, moving away from the coast in a wholesale manner is going to be prohibitively costly and complicated. So, we are pursuing this question of coastal vulnerability on multiple tracks,” Dr Singh explained.

According to the Finance Minister, this includes Guyana’s continuing advocacy on the global front against climate change. He explained that Government would also continue to in-

vest in robust sea defence structures capable of protecting the coastline.

Simultaneously, he said the Government would also continue to invest in drainage and irrigation. Additionally, the Minister spoke of Silica City.

“You would know that the President, in fact in his previous life as Minister of Housing, had initiated the very visionary concept of Silica City – a city that was going to be built in Guyana’s Hilly Sand and Clay Region, representing Guyana’s first major urban development in decades, outside of the coastal plain.

“So, we’re going to increasingly pursue developments inland, like, of course, developments on the East Bank where the altitude is a little bit higher unlike the frontline of the coast. And further inland, like the Soesdyke-Linden Highway… but this is a long-term endeavour,” Dr Singh said, noting that the Government would pursue short-, medium- and longterm options against climate change.

Since its return to office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has resurrected talk of building Silica City as a secondary city up the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. In fact, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that international investors were eager to invest in the concept. Active planning on the city is also ongoing. (G3)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Case filed by non-existent PSC is defective, should be struck out – AG to court …says matter cannot continue on autopilot

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

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ttorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, is contending that, given that the life of the Police Service Commission (PSC) expired on August 8, that Commission has no legal authority to continue the judicial review proceedings it filed, challenging its suspension by President Dr Irfaan Ali. Among other things, the PSC is asking the High Court to declare its June 16 suspension unconstitutional.

With the Head of State removed as a party to the proceedings, following a ruling

by Justice Gino Persaud that the President enjoys absolute immunity from the judicial process, the PSC is looking to proceed with its case against Prime Minister Mark Phillips, the Attorney General, Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, and the Commission’s Secretary.

But Nandlall has filed a Notice of Application in which he is asking that the case be dismissed. During another hearing on Wednesday, Nandlall, while noting that the life of the PSC has ended, argued, “As a result of that fact, these proceedings cannot be proceeded with by this court.”

He explained that the PSC is a body constituted in a manner prescribed by the Constitution, and how it functions is also subjected to constitutional provisions.

He pointed the court to Article 226 of the Constitution and its various sub-articles, and said that a reading of the article concludes that decisions of the PSC are made by way of votes, and that it can act only if there is a quorum.

Autopilot

“The Commission can only act if it has a quorum. Despite vacancies, decisions may be made, but provided that there is a quorum. Inferentially, if the Commission is not constituted, it cannot have a quorum in law, and therefore it cannot act,” the Attorney General contended.

He went on to say that legal proceedings, when launched, cannot continue on autopilot.

The Senior Counsel said the proceedings must be “continued as a result of the presence of the parties who have

a capacity in law to continue those proceedings. That submission is twofold: one, it affects the validity of the proceedings themselves; and secondly, it affects the capacity of the lawyers to continue appearing in the proceedings.”

According to the Senior Counsel, the case was filed ex post facto the expiration of the PSC. “Therefore, at the time this application was filed, the Commission was already dead and non-existent in law,” he said, while adding that lawyers Selwyn Pieters and Dexter Smartt who “purport” to appear for PSC “cannot and could not have been authorised to appear.”

“Their [the lawyers] contract came to an end upon the expiration of the life of the Commission,” he said.

Addressing the effects of the expiration of the life of the Commission on the proceedings, the Attorney added, “We submit that when the life of the Commission expired, it has the same effect as when a party who is before the court in the form of a human being dies. The proceeding in such an instance is not defeated, but it is abated, and unless someone is substituted, the proceedings become defective.” This, he added, was decided by Guyana’s Full Court in 1956 in the case of Spence against Hoppie.

Because the PSC is a constitutional creature, he said, the court would be unable to appoint a substitute.

“This Commission is uniquely and peculiarly constituted in a particular way and by a particular legal process; that is, by a process that involves the Executive and the Parliament - the two other arms of Government.

The Judiciary has no part to play in the constitution of the Commission.”

This fundamental principle, he noted, “would prohibit this court from doing what this court may have had the power to do were the parties ordinary regular citizens; that is, to entertain an application from either party to substitute as we all know can be done…”

Legal defect

In advocating his point, Nandlall cited several case laws that address the issue of legal defect affecting proceedings, and the legal consequences of those defects if they are not rectified or remedied in the appropriate way or within the prescribed time.

He said case laws dictate that should proceedings continue with legal defects, the judgment that comes after is void.

Relying on a specific case law, Nandlall said, “Lord Justice Upjohn conferred that fundamental defect in proceedings will make the whole proceedings a nullity…”

While Attorney-at-Law Dexter Smartt conceded that the life of the PSC had expired, he urged the court to go ahead and hear the case

Getting it right…

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Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe

on its merits, since it is a public interest matter that concerns the Constitution. “The matters to be dealt with are matters that need finality.

It touches and concerns the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, and the powers of the President.”

According to Smartt, while doing research, he found no case laws concerning the fate of legal proceedings filed by a constitutional body that has now expired. In light of this, he described the case filed by the PSC as “peculiar”, and noted that the court should consider the effects of not giving a decision in the matter.

“The court had jurisdiction when this matter started, and the court continues to have jurisdiction moving forward, as this is a matter of public importance. To terminate these proceedings would leave certain constitutional issues unaddressed, and leave room for constitutional violations.”

After listening to the submissions, Justice Persaud said it is unlikely that he would rule on Nandlall’s application to strike out the matter this year. He therefore reserved his decision.

Legal proceedings

In July, the PSC commenced legal proceedings in which it contended that its suspension was unconstitutional. President Ali suspended the PSC after its Chairman Paul Slowe and Commissioner Clinton Conway - both retired Assistant Commissioners of Police - were slapped with fraud charges.

They, along with other retired and serving members of the Police Force, have been implicated in a $10 million fraud over duties delegated to them for revising the Police Force’s raft of Standing Orders. It is alleged that they collected payments amounting to $10 million, but never provided the Force with a raft of revised Standing Orders.

Slowe is also facing three counts of sexual assault. It is alleged that on three occasions in 2019, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Slowe sexually assaulted a senior Policewoman by rubbing her left leg and foot without her consent.

President Ali suspend-

Attorney-at-law Dexter Smartt

ed the PSC weeks after the Prime Minister had written to Slowe and Conway, asking them to show cause why the fraud charges against them should not result in their removal from the Police Service Commission.

In that letter, the Prime Minister had said he was exercising powers vested in him by Article 225 of the Constitution, which mandates that a person shall not be removed from a constitutional office except for inability to discharge the function, or for misbehaviour.

That article further provides that a constitutional office holder can be removed by the President if an appointed tribunal recommends the removal of that person. The tribunal is to be appointed following the advice of a prescribed authority, in this case the Prime Minister, and is to be constituted in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The JSC is currently not functioning. The last JSC was appointed by former President Donald Ramotar on September 11, 2014. The tenure of each appointed member is for three years; therefore, the tenure of the last Commission expired on September 12, 2017.

The PSC is vested with the authority to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in high offices within the Police Force, or even remove them from office.

The PSC also deals with the promotion of Policemen above the rank of Inspector.

The Government, on June 28, rejected as unlawful and illegal a list of purported promotions of members of the Police Force issued by the PSC. In so doing, Nandlall reminded that the PSC was suspended by the President in the exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Constitution.

The Attorney General had made it clear that the decision of the President can only be rescinded, revoked, set aside, or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“No person, let alone a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury, and executioner in our constitutional democracy.

The rule of law simply does not permit it,” he said. (G1)

…with GECOM he question, of course, is: Will be EVER get it right with GECOM?? While we may say “never say never”, our history on setting up impartial Elections Commissions isn’t exactly stellar, is it?! But the problem with GECOM is the problem with every other institution in divided Guyana. Cause institutions have to be run by people, and as some wise (and now dead) philosopher said, we’re all created out of “crooked timber”. Whether we like it or not - that’s the “human condition” - exacerbated by our ethnic divisions!

Did we ever think an American President would lie like Trump - after their ideal was George Washington, who couldn’t lie about cutting down that apple tree? But when you come to think of it, Trump just did it more OPENLY than his predecessors!! Surely you don’t still believe that Saddam Hussein had “Weapons of Mass Destruction”??

Anyhow back to GECOM, and its seeming quandary in hiring replacements for Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo (sounds like one of those ambulance-chasing law firms, doesn’t it?!) and company.

Those PNC paragons of impartiality on the Commission - Messrs Alexander, Trotman and Corbin - figure there’s no way the body on which they sit can be impartial! So they’re suggesting that an “impartial panel” be established to make the decisions from the list of applicants for the positions.

Sounds reasonable, on the surface, doesn’t it? But remember this is Guyana - where NOTHING is reasonable or simple! The fly in this ointment is - who’ll choose the panel?? The GECOM Commission? Well, they’re biased!!

So, we’re back to square one in a sort of infinite regression of selections!!

But Good Golly, Miss Molly, aren’t the Opposition fellas speaking from THEIR truth? So, what’s the big deal? They and the PPP Commissioners were chosen to represent the PNC and PPP respectively, weren’t they? They’re SUPPOSED to be biased - biased towards the point of view of their respective parties!! And isn't this an illustration of the fundamental principle of seeking the right decision through an adversarial process - like in the courts, for instance? The lawyers for the two sides - read Commissioners - go at each other hammer and tongs - an out of that duel comes JUSTICE!!

But, dear reader, you might say there’s a judge to make the call between the diametrically opposite positions of the two sides. Go to the head of the class!! And in our GECOM scenario, isn’t this the role of the Chair?? Isn’t this why she has the “casting vote”? And more to the point, isn’t this why she was chosen by a process that involved the leaders of the said two sides??

The problem is that the PNC - having chosen Justice Claudette Singh - don’t think they can control her!!

…on borrowing Looks like the PNC - via its former Minister Winston Jordan - have their bucktas in a knot about the PPP Government’s borrowing. From one angle, you have to sympathise with them. They’ve been scarred by the billions of dollars of debt their “genius” founder-leader had taken.

Leaving us OFFICIALLY bankrupt and unable to finance even subsidised wheat purchases from the US PL480 program.

We were left literally without bread!!

But a fella like Jordan - who served for donkey’s years under Jagdeo at the Finance Ministry - would know that Jagdeo wiped out that US$2.1 billion debt! And put Guyana in a position where our reserves-to-debt ratio was able to comfortably service rising debt!! The amount of debt a country can handle depends on the size of its economy and its cash flow/reserves to service the debt. We’re NOT any longer the Highly Indebted Poor Country that Burnham left us!!

Like rich people, we can get richer by USING OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY!!

…on male-on-male rape If you thought having to decide whether 33 was the majority of 65 was ridiculous - and subjected us to ridicule, the CCJ has just been asked to decide on whether a male can rape another male!!

Mama Mia!!

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Proposed electoral reform

Govt wants feedback from Opposition, GECOM – Teixeira …wide consultations before reforms taken to Parliament – AG Get acquainted

Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

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hile the Government has draft electoral reform laws and wants to take them to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity, it also wants to have the widest possible consultation on the changes that would be made to the Representation of the People’s Act. These consultations include with the various political parties. In fact, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira recently revealed that copies of the draft amendments were sent to the main parliamentary Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

Particularly, Teixeira noted, Government is hoping for feedback from representatives of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), former President David Granger, and incumbent Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon.

“Of course, GECOM itself has the opportunity to submit its recommendations as well, if it so wishes as a unit in itself, or individuals in the Commission…

I’ve sent to Mr Granger, I’ve sent to Mr Harmon, I’ve sent to Mrs Lawrence…I have sent to the AFC as a

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

distinct [party]. I’ve tried to ensure that no one would say from that grouping that they weren’t met. I wanted to recognise each in their own right,” Teixeira explained.

According to Teixeira, the consultation will be held over a six-week period, allowing stakeholders and the public to make comments and give suggestions via email or posting on the Ministry’s social media page.

She also urged persons to view the proposed amendments in the context of avoiding a recurrence of the events which followed the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“We want people to look at those and see what they feel, and ask themselves, ‘Are the recommendations sufficient? Are there areas in terms of the process of elections from registration through to proclamation?’

“Have we covered all the corners in terms of what may be ambiguities or opportunities for people to do things that would harm or undermine the rights of the Guyanese people to vote and elect the representatives of their choice?’ So, we are trying to prevent what happened in 2020 (from) happening again,” the Minister reiterated.

During a special edition of his programme ‘Issues in the News”, Attorney General Anil Nandlall encouraged all Guyanese to acquaint themselves with the reforms. He noted that Government wants to consult on the reforms as widely as possible before they are brought to Parliament.

He also urged the persons they consult with to put forward suggestions and proposed amendments of their own if they feel the need to, noting that his party does not have a “monopoly” on knowledge.

“The (amendments) are all intended to strengthen the democratic process.

They are all intended to make the process transparent. They are all intended to make the machine accountable. So, discretion, as I said, is being eliminated or reduced. Things that are blurred or ambiguous are clarified… these amendments are not intended or designed to give any political party an electoral advantage,” Nandlall said.

One issue the reforms deal with is the Chief Election Officer’s (CEO’s) issuance of manuals to GECOM staff. In theory, the manuals are issued to supplement and clarify existing laws. In practice, the CEO would often issue manuals that run counter to the law.

According to Nandlall, the reforms would ensure greater scrutiny of the practice. Additionally, the reforms will address the issue of polling station locations. Indeed, during the 2020 General and Regional Elections, GECOM caught flak for their choice of polling station locations, which in some cases were inaccessible or difficult to find. In Eccles, East Bank Demerara, there was one case of GECOM putting a polling place in a muddy

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

Former President David Granger

pasture that was used for grazing cows.

“We have had the situation where the CEO determines by himself almost where polling stations are going to be located. And there are no clear criteria that guide the exercise of that discretion of the number of polling stations in one locality or electoral division, nor is there consideration of how many people are likely to vote there. Those issues have been clarified.”

Proposed changes to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) were released to the public last week – just over a year after the unprecedented fivemonth-long election last year, which was marred with instances of fraud and other electoral offences.

Among the changes in the proposed reforms are stiffened penalties. For in-

stance, if the CEO posts false statements of poll on the website, he/she has committed an offence and can be fined $10 million as well as face life imprisonment. In fact, if the CEO fails altogether to make the copies available electronically via the GECOM’s website, he can be charged.

Another responsibility of the CEO is to prepare a final report on the nationwide votes which are to be submitted to the Elections Commission to declare the winner of the elections. If he fails to do this within the established timeframe, or if he falsifies any of the data, he can also be jailed for life and fined as much as $10 million. (G3)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regional policing districts gearing up to launch Christmas security plans

Region 4 B Commander, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine

Region Five Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) regional districts are currently gearing up to launch their Christmas security plans that are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens during the festive season.

The policing plans will see intensified focus on crime and traffic in all policing divisions, with increased Police presence in communities and on roadways.

During an interview with GPF Public Relations Officer Stan Gouveia, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon said his district was currently in the process of rolling out their plans.

“Coming down to the

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Region 4 C Commander, Khali Pareshram

Christmas period, we know it will be a very busy period in terms of both foot traffic, vehicular and commercial activities. That will pose a challenge for us. As a matter of fact, we are in the process of fine-tuning our Christmas policing plans. We are hoping to have that launched on Sunday coming…” he underscored.

The Commander said he was also hoping to have collaboration with the Health Ministry’s Task Force within the Region, so that they can also do sensitisations during this time.

In addition, Commander of Region Four B, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine told Guyana Times that the East Bank District would be launching its policing plan on Monday, November 15.

He said that they would be kicking off their operations with the placement of booths along the East Bank corridor that will be occupied by Police Officers from 08:00h to 20:00h (08:00am to 8:00pm) daily.

A formal presentation of this plan will be done on Tuesday.

Also, Regional Commander of Region Four C, Khali Pareshram told this publication on Wednesday that his district would also be launching its policing plan on Monday, November 15.

The Commander is positive that this plan would ensure the security and safety of all citizens within Region 4 C as they go about their activities during the Christmas season.

As the intelligence-led operations heighten, ranks will be involved in foot, bicycle, vehicular, mounted, canine and marine patrols, roadblocks and traffic control while maintaining vigilance in relation to the continued enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations.

The Police Force is also urging members of the public to be alert while shopping, conducting business activities, and carrying large amounts of cash during the Christmas season. (G9)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Major disaster averted at Duncan Street 4-storey building …despite difficulties accessing water, firemen control blaze

Smoke billowing from the Duncan Street 4-storey building on Wednesday afternoon

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he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) came in for high praise on Wednesday after its members successfully battled a blaze which erupted at a four-storey building on Duncan Street, Georgetown.

The firefighters managed both to control the flames from spreading to nearby structures and extinguishing the fire in record time, despite facing many challenges in accessing water.

Divisional Office-inCharge of Operations at the GFS, Andrew Holder, admitted to media operatives that his team took longer than expected to get into firefighting mode, due to the difficulties faced in finding a reliable source of water.

Holder explained that firemen initially accessed water from a nearby canal, but this was exhausted within minutes. The closest water source was located on Laluni Street, which according to Holder was a “considerable

distance” away.

“We had some major difficulties accessing water… [but] after prolonged efforts to access water, we were able to arrest the situation, brought it under control,” Holder said.

He further bemoaned the inoperable fire hydrants in the area. “I must say today the fire hydrants failed us,” he expressed, noting that the GFS is currently inspecting and operationalising fire hydrants throughout the city.

Meanwhile, Holder was proud to say that the firemen arrived on the scene of the fire within four minutes of receiving the distress call.

“When we got here, the top floor of the building was well alight. Our initial response was to contain the blaze,” he explained.

Moreover, Holder underscored the need for high-rise buildings to install proper fire safety features.

“I continue to stress the need for proper fire protec-

tion in high-rise and semihigh-rise buildings in terms of fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and in some instances water sprinkler systems,” he noted.

Prepared to move on

The fire caused damages mostly to the upper flat of the building, which houses a tyre shop on the ground floor and apartments on the other levels. There were no deaths or injuries reported. The cause of the fire, which was detected at around 13:30h, is unknown.

The estimated losses suffered are also not known, but according to the owner of the building, Forbes Garraway, the destruction caused is minor, and he is prepared to move on.

“This is a part of the game…nobody ain’t die. This is just minor matter, this is a fixable problem…the Fire Service did a good job…at least they out the fire… we just gotto pick it up from

here and see where it going…we gotto move on,” the owner contended.

He explained that when he arrived at the location after being informed of the fire, it made no sense for him to go into the building to try to salvage anything.

“The fire like it already in there carrying on, so the steam was too much for me, and it make no sense injuring meself fuh this,” he pointed out. Garraway further noted that the building is insured.

Investigations into the cause of the fire have been launched.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13 Father of 4 sues Bosai for $85M over worksite injuries NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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30-year-old father of four who was employed with the Linden-headquartered Bosai Minerals Group for over a decade is suing the company for damages in excess of $85 million for severe head injuries he sustained after he was hit by an object which was dislodged from a crane.

Fabian Anthony, who worked as a heavy-duty mechanic, filed the suit, claiming that numerous complaints about the crane and its operation and poor op-

erational safety practices over the months leading up to the accident on February 2, 2020 were ignored by the company.

His lawyer Eusi Anderson has said his client received severe head injuries, including a massive puncture to the skull, left temporal epidural hematoma, right occipital laceration, left temporal bone open depressed fracture, cerebral contusion, and post-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

According to the lawyer,

the bones in Anthony’s skull were visibly open, and he was knocked unconscious immediately. Anthony underwent emergency surgery on February 2, 3, and 5, 2020 at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, where Dr Amarnauth Dukhi was one of his primary caregivers.

Severe pain, other injuries

Notwithstanding treatment, Anthony deposed, he still experiences bouts of fainting, severe headaches, extreme forgetfulness, spatial displacement, and am-

nesia of over 85 per cent of his life before the accident.

He has said that many nights, including up to the date he filed the lawsuit, he would wake up violently screaming while being in severe pain.

Further, he has said that there were moments in the first few months of the accident when he could not recall his children, his mother, his wife, or who he was and which schools he had attended. In a Statement of Claim, he disclosed that he has had to be reintroduced

Fabian Anthony

BV man caught growing ganja plants fined

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Michael Clarke Osafo Kasy

resident of Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara who was charged with cultivating cannabis plants has been fined $25,000 and ordered to do six months of community service at the BV Police Station after pleading

guilty to the offence before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Michael Clarke Osafo Kasy, 42, was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, contrary to section 8 (1)(a)(I) of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. The Police have said that Kasy, who is unemployed, was arrested on Monday at around 15:00h after ranks swooped down on his home at Quamina Road, Beterverwagting and conducted a cordon-and-search search exercise that unearthed two plant pots containing four green plants which had leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The tallest plant measured about three feet three inches in height.

The Police have further said that the man admitted to owning the plants, claiming that it was for his personal use. He was arrested and placed in custody, while

The marijuana plants found at the home

the prohibited plants were lodged at the station. (G1)

to his children and told who they were, because he had forgotten all of these significant events.

The father of four noted that his sexual performance has also suffered by as much as 75 per cent, and that as a married man aged only 30, this is a serious issue with consequences that would last for decades.

He has also said that he is financially embarrassed and unable to afford overseas medical care to restore his brain and bodily functions to the state they were in before the accident.

According to him, his salary did not exceed $240,000 per month working six days per week on 12-hour shifts.

His lawyer has said that he is unable to afford whether through insurance, employer’s compensation offers, or National Insurance Scheme - the specialist medical care available in

the developed world to help restore his life to some semblance of normalcy.

Noting that his client’s injuries are lifelong and will require complete retooling if he is to be able to support his young children and wife, counsel submitted that on the day of the incident, his client was exercising all the skills, care, and duty a reasonable person would take in a similar situation.

The lawyer argues that under the Common Law of England, which is applicable in Guyana, Bosai Minerals Group owes a duty to Anthony to take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which can reasonably be foreseen as likely to injure its employees.

Further, or in the alternative under the Common Law, he argues also that the company owes his client a duty of care, to ensure that his work environment is free of all harms and hazards.

Once the matter goes to trial, the lawyer has said, he would contend that the negligent breaches of the company resulted in his client suffering severe head and general injuries.

Anthony’s lawyer noted that Bosai Minerals Group has not accepted liability, but has made a two-million-dollar offer of settlement. A letter seen by this publication shows that the company offered Anthony $2 million as “full settlement” for his claim. (G1)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 4 closer to herd immunity – Health Minister …but says low uptake in other regions hindering Guyana’s COVID-19 fight

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ith over 50 per cent of the adult population in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) being already fully vaccinated, the region is on its way to achieving herd immunity; but according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, this could be countered by low uptakes in other regions that are currently lagging.

Speaking during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update, Dr Anthony explained that regions across Guyana have varying levels of vaccination against the novel coronavirus. He pointed out that in Region Four – the country’s most populated district – there has been a high uptake of first dose vaccines, while second doses are lagging. However, the Health Minister said current trends show that will change, hence there will be more fully immunised persons in the region; but this progress could be countered by low vaccination uptake in other parts of the country.

“So, Region Four is on the way to getting closer to herd immunity. On the other hand, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has seen very slow uptake of the vaccine, and they are very far away from getting to herd immunity. So, we will have regions where people are going to be fully protected, and there are going to be regions where people are going to be unprotected, and we will

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

still see lots of cases in those regions, lots of hospitalisations and possibly deaths,” Dr Anthony explained.

According to the Health Minister, there have already been reductions of hospitalisations and deaths in the Demerara-Mahaica region, due to the high vaccination number.

Unfortunately, he noted, the people who are being hospitalised with COVID-19 are predominantly unvaccinated.

“So, the unvaccinated are getting a more severe form of the disease, and they’re ending up in hospital. And of those, a subset of them, the disease would be so severe that they’re dying from COVID. Most of the people who have died from COVID now are those who are unvaccinated,” he highlighted.

To this end, Minister Anthony took the opportuni-

ty to remind the public that Government’s vaccination exercise is still being rolled out across the country, with fixed vaccination sites offering a range of vaccines to choose from. These include AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V components 1 and 2, Johnson and Johnson; and Pfizer, which is now available to persons 12 and above.

He also reiterated the importance of persons getting immunised in order for the country to achieve herd immunity. In fact, the Health Minister stated that Government can only do so much, it is up to the people to take personal responsibility for getting vaccinated.

“The Ministry of Health and the Government of Guyana can only do so much, and what we can do is to create the environment and create access to the vac-

cine. But in the final analysis, it is up to persons to go and get vaccinated. I really want to urge those who have not been vaccinated as yet to please go out and get vaccinated,” he pleaded.

Recent figures show that since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in February, 75.7 per cent, or 388,444 persons 18 years and older, have received a first dose vaccine; while some 255,650 persons or 49.8 per cent of the adult population, are fully immunised.

Additionally, some 28,045 persons, or 38.5 per cent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and

17, have received their first dose; while 26.2 per cent, or 19,138 persons of that age cohort, are now fully vaccinated.

But according to Dr Anthony on Wednesday, while there has been a positive response, with more persons wanting to get inoculated, there is still a large number of persons lagging.

He disclosed that this is especially evident between the 12 to 40 age groups.

“We’re seeing relatively low uptake [in the] 18-to-40 age group because the numbers are relatively low in that age group. Also, while we have made the vaccines

available for 12-to-17 age group…the uptake there has been relatively slow,” the Minister said.

Regarding adolescents, he noted that while the Ministry has been able to target the cohort that is in school, there are difficulties in reaching out to those outof-school teenagers.

“The out-of-school youth, we have been struggling to get them to get their vaccines. I think one of the things we have to do is to get parents or guardians more involved, so that these young people can come and get their vaccines,” the Health Minister stated. (G8)

WBD miner charged for killing DJ

Dead: Andre Collison

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26-year-old miner has been remanded to prison after being arraigned on Wednesday before Bartica Magistrate Crystal Lambert on a charge of murder of a Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) disc jockey (DJ).

Represented by Attorneyat-law Bernard DaSilva

at his arraignment, Kurt Simeron of 1968 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on November 5, he murdered 38-year-old Andre Collison, also known as “DJ Chappy”. Simeron’s next court date is December 3.

A Police report has said that Collison was stabbed to death last Friday at around 01:30h at Puruni Landing, Middle Mazaruni during a row over money. Reports are that Collison had left his room in search of food, and had gone to the “Two Blessed Sisters Restaurant” and made an order. While waiting to collect his food, Simeron allegedly went to the establishment and an argument ensued between the duo about monies owed.

“The argument became heated, and the suspect drew a knife from the waist

Murder accused Kurt Simeron

of his pants and stabbed the victim to his abdomen, and thereafter made good his escape,” the Police have said in a statement.

The injured man was picked up by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Puruni Health Post, where he died while receiving treatment. (G1)

Kwakwani logger jailed for wounding teen

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shmir John, called “Boy”, a logger of Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, Region 10, was on Monday jailed for 12 months for wounding 18-year-old Nathaniel Gordon, called “Buck boy”.

It has been alleged that on October 30, at a shop in Kwakwani, Gordon and John, who are known to each other, were each hanging out with friends and imbibing. Gordon was engaged in “rhyming words and making jokes with his friends” when 25-year-old John reportedly felt as though he was being mocked and laughed at by Gordon and his friends.

This led to a confrontation, which led to John stabbing Gordon to the back of his neck with a pair of scissors. Reports are that Gordon became enraged, and began lacing John’s face with punches.

Lawmen were summoned to the scene, and both men were apprehended and taken to the Kwakwani Hospital, where they both received medical atten-

Ishmir John

Nathaniel Gordon

tion. Gordon received several stitches to his neck, and was subsequently taken into custody, while John was transferred to the Linden Hospital Complex.

The duo appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court via Zoom, and John, who admitted that he had stabbed Gordon, was jailed for 12 months.

Gordon, on the other hand, has been charged with felonious wounding and was released on $60,000 bail. As a condition for the granting of his bail, Gordon is required to report to the Kwakwani Police Station every Monday until the conclusion of the case. The matter has been adjourned to November 30.

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Speeding, roaming animals, 700 small businesses to cattle rustling among receive grants next year challenges in Region 5 – Police

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hallenges faced daily by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are many, and include spreading motorists, unbranded roaming animals, and cattle rustling.

This is according to Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, who, during the GPF’s programme “Police and You”, said the district is currently in the process of trying to curb these activities.

Speaking on the previous fatal accidents that occurred in the district, the Commander said drivers should adhere to the speed limits on the roadways in order to avoid accidents.

“The West Coast Berbice road is a very technical road to drive, and if you don’t know it, then you shouldn’t be speeding. You should try as much as possible to comply (with) the speed limit of the road…there are certain parts of the road where the speed limit is 55km per hour…if you are gonna drive within the prescribe speed limit, it gives you ample thinking time, breaking time…,” he said.

The Commander further underscored that because a major activity in the Region is cattle-raring, there would be animals on the road, which can cause accidents.

He said if drivers adhere to the traffic laws, there would be a reduction in road accidents.

“Adhering to the speed limit, knowing your surroundings…if you are going through a built-up area, there is no need for you to be

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

speeding. You have to cater for someone who is not catering for themselves”, the Commander posited.

In addition, Commander Simon said a Stray Catchers Unit operating out of the Home Affairs Ministry had been responsible for impounding animals roaming on the roadways. However, he is unaware whether that unit is still active.

In this light, he said his ranks would usually inbound stray animals caught on the road, and the owners are required to pay a fee before the animal is released.

“If the animal is involved in an accident, the driver is permitted to bring the animal to the station…most times, many of these animals are unbranded, and as such, you cannot establish ownership… we are having this problem in our region,” he said.

Speaking on the is-

sue of cattle rustling, the Commander said this has become the most prevalent crime in his district. He said all cattle farmers have their ranches off the main access road, and one limitation of the Police is accessibility to the areas that are located in the back dam.

“This is because of not having a mounted motor vehicle to traverse the back lands; so, you find at least two, three, four times a week you have reports at the stations about cattle rustling, or persons losing their animals”, he explained.

The Commander said his ranks try to be as diligent as possible in monitoring cattle transiting, and checking for brands along with the establishment of ownership.

“In terms of cattle rustling, the main complaint is that ‘this person brand my animal, or sold it’, and when you get the vet to examine the previous brand, there is none. You cannot claim ownership because you failed to brand your animal within the stipulated period, which is six months”.

According to Commander Simon, to deal with such issues, the animal in dispute is lodged, and a report is drafted and sent for legal advice.

“Based on what evidence you are able to unearth, it might come back as charged, or sometimes it says ‘let the parties take private legal action…,’ or they say to ‘keep the animal in Police care, and put it up for auction sale’.”

The Commander is urging persons to avoid these illegal activities, and adhere to traffic laws. (G9)

Police unearth 13.6kg ganja in car at Vlissengen Road

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anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrested three men on Wednesday after they were busted with 13.6kg of marijuana in a motorcar.

The discovery was made at around 09:10h at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Brickdam in Georgetown.

Investigations revealed that Police, acting on information received, intercepted a silver-gray Toyota Sienta motorcar, HC 4153, at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Brickdam. At the time, the driver and two other occupants were in the vehicle.

A search was conducted on the car, and cops unearthed 28 parcels wrapped in transparent plastic containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Police said the items were found in the back seat and the trunk of the vehicle.

The men were told of the offence committed and were cautioned, arrested and escorted to Brickdam Police Station, along with the can-

The ganja that was found in the car at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown

nabis and the motor vehicle.

The cannabis was weighed in their presence, and amounted to thirteen

kilograms, six hundred and eighty grams.

The suspects are in custody, pending charges. (G9)

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ourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond has announced that some 700 small businesses are set to benefit from grants to enhance their capacity in the coming year.

She made the announcement on Tuesday during the launch of the Who’s Who in Guyana magazine at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown.

“Since returning to office, Government has already assisted 700 small businesses with grants to enhance capacity. I am pleased to say that an equal and possibly higher number will benefit in 2022. We will continue to offer training and support to our small businesses, so that their capacity to undertake larger projects is enhanced,” the Minister relayed.

She said Government is proactively working to improve the ease of doing business by reforming policies.

“These policies include funding of major infrastructural works, regulatory reform, and investing in human capacity,” she said.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

With respect to regulatory reforms, the Minister said Government continues to enhance systems and processes to align with modern global expectations of the business environment.

To this end, she said single windows for trade and construction permit remain key priorities of the Government as it seeks to significantly reduce the time and cost of doing business.

The Minister commended the production of the

Who’s Who in Guyana magazine, noting that it gives valuable information to the international community about local businesses, and encourages investment, which she noted is something the Government is seeking for the agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and financial sectors, and other services for a truly diversified economy.

“The fact that the Who’s Who publication covers all these sectors, and indeed many more, is testimony to the breadth of opportunity that awaits the serious investor here in Guyana,” the Minister said. “You will notice that I do not differentiate between foreign and local investment, for we believe that there is no sustainable development without deep and meaningful participation in the economy by local businesses.”

She expressed her desire to see local businesses become globally competitive, and said the Government stands ready to work with anyone committed to Guyana’s sustainable development.

16 NEWS Death of Region 6 man takes COVID fatalities to 952 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…134 new cases recorded

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uyana’s COVID-19 death toll has gone up to 952, after another person who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus died on Wednesday.

According to the Health Ministry, this latest fatality is a 52-year-old male from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) who was unvaccinated at the time of his death.

While the country’s death toll has increased, the COVID-19 fatalities recorded thus far in the month of November have consequently climbed to 26.

Meanwhile, 134 more persons have contracted the deadly virus, taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana to 36,439.

However, only 2,390 of these are currently active cases. This include 16 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 2,374 persons in isolation; that is: 57 in institutional isolation, and the other 2,317 in home insolation.

There are 14 more persons in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 33,097 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease – 44 more recoveries than the figure previously reported.

Moreover, 367,060 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus to date in Guyana, and of this amount, 17,198 males and 19,241 females were found to be positive.

Of the 134 new cases detected on Wednesday, six were from Region One (Barima-Waini); 41 were from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 43 were from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 13 were from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); 38 were from Region 6 (East BerbiceCorentyne); three were from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); five were from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and the remaining 11 were from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Wednesday.

The Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February, and continues to roll it out across the various regions in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the number of COVID-19 infections.

So far, some 388,444 persons, or 75.7 per cent of the adult population, have re-

ceived their first dose of the vaccine, while 49.8 per cent, or some 242,000 persons who are 18 years and older, are fully immunised.

As it relates to adolescents, some 28,045 persons, or 38.5 per cent of children between the ages of 12 and 17, have been administered first doses, of which 26.2 per cent, or 19,138 persons, are fully vaccinated.

Persons are encouraged to get immunised, since the COVID-19 vaccine provides a layer of protection against severe symptoms of COVID-19. As more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitising.

The measures also include vaccination requirements to access any public building such as restaurants, places of worship, schools, as well as Government buildings.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as at Wednesday, some 250,715,502 confirmed cases were reported globally, along with 5,062,106 deaths.

The WHO also reported on Wednesday that, in the Region of the Americas, that

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 10, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

134

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

57 2317

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

16

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

14

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,241

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,198

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

36,439

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

33,097

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

388,444

FULLY IMMUNISED

242,000

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

952

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1633

REGION 2

1469

REGION 3

4941

REGION 4

17,221

REGION 5

1343

REGION 6

2855

REGION 7

1765

REGION 8

609

REGION 9

2453

REGION 10

2150

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.

is to say Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to

94,582,502, while the death toll in the region has gone up to 2,311,232.

Recent figures show that

a total of 7,084,922,999 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide.

(G8)

Deepwater drill companies Maersk, Noble merge …eyeing Guyana, other growing oil & gas markets

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eepwater drill companies Maersk Drilling and Noble Corporation have agreed to a merger that will position them to better pursue opportunities in growing oil and gas exploration hotspots, including Guyana.

According to a statement from S&P Global, an agreement was made on Wednesday to merge and would see them holding one of the youngest and highest specification fleets of drill ships in the world. Already, they, pro forma, had 33 of their combined 39 deepwater floaters and jack-up rigs working under contracts.

It was explained that combined, the companies' average utilisation from 2015 to 2020 was 76 per cent, nearly 10 per cent higher than their nearest rival driller. This is according to an IHS Markit study featured on a presentation slide accompanying the webcast that announced the merger. Additionally, their average fleet age was 10 years, several years younger than their nearest peers.

Noble Corp President and

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Eifler further explained in the statement that each drill ship is a top performer on its own, according to several key metrics and that combined, they lead the pack among drill companies.

"A high level of utilisation is extremely important when it comes to generating free cash flow. Both companies have a history of keeping rigs contracted,” said Eifler, who will be CEO of the combined company after the transaction closes in mid-2022.

One location the companies hope to grow their operations in is the Guyana-Suriname Basin.

In Guyana, oil giant ExxonMobil has made more than 20 major discoveries as the operator in the Stabroek Block.

In all, six ExxonMobiloperated Guyana producing projects are predicted by 2027, with plans for an eventual 10 in total. The current estimated resource potential on the Stabroek Block, where all the discoveries are sited, is 10 billion barrels of oil. Meanwhile, Total Energies and APA Corp have made four

big discoveries in neighbouring Suriname.

Noble currently has four contracted deepwater drillships active in Guyana. One, the Tom Madden, has a contract that runs until January 2027. In addition, Noble recently inked a deal for a drillship with APA Corp in Suriname for one firm well and two well options. In addition, Maersk currently is running one deepwater rig in Guyana.

Guyana, with ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being banked in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

Developmental drilling has started on Exxon’s second development, the Liza Phase 2 project. Back in May 2019, Exxon was granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 development offshore Guyana.

The oil company had said that the project would have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of

The Noble Tom Madden, one of Noble Corp’s drillships that have been operating in Guyana

oil per day. Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. For the Phase 2 development, six drill centres were planned, along with approximately 30 wells – 15 production, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

The US$9 billion Payara de-

velopment, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was, at one point, considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

The Yellowtail development, which will be ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. (G3)

17 Many local tourism packages cost under $40,000 – Walrond tells Guyanese to explore Guyana NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

admitted, is a work in progress.

“The Ministry has taken on the mandate of bringing awareness to how valuable Guyana is as a tourist destination and I think as Guyanese find value in it, they will no longer gripe about the money…

We want Guyanese to see that there is value in going into the Rupununi, enjoying the Indigenous communities, supporting their

By Amar Persaud

W

hile not getting into the specifics, Tourism, Commerce and Industry Minister Oneidge Walrond says affordability should no longer be an excuse for locals to explore their country and enjoy domestic tourism.

She made the remarks during an interview with Guyana Times following a visit to the Cinderella County of Essequibo, to visit some of the tourism hotspots in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Among the places explored are Lake Mainstay, Lake Capoey, Lake Tapakuma, Adel’s Resort, and the Pomeroon River (during a river tour). There are other famous attractions along the Essequibo Coast which the team did not get to visit including Mashabo Lake and the popular Jagdesh Duck Curry Restaurant.

While not making reference to any tourist loca-

A scenic shot of Tapakuma Lake

tion in particular, Minister Walrond contended that many places are affordable as she encouraged Guyanese to support local tourism.

“We as Guyanese ought to find the tremendous values that foreigners find in our tourism products, in coming out to resorts like these where it’s so peaceful, tranquil. Experience the farm, the flora and fauna, the birds and enjoying nature,” she expressed.

“Foreigners find such value in it, they pay tremendous amounts of money to come to experience these kinds of things, especially those that live in big cities and don’t have access to all these species of birds that we do and we take it for granted.”

Minister Walrond lamented that many citizens prefer to spend their money to go overseas for a vacation, when they can do so right in Guyana.

Convict recaptured shortly after escaping from Lusignan Prison

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20-year-old man who was serving time at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD) for armed robberies was recaptured shortly after he escaped from the detention facility on Wednesday.

Shamar Prince, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is serving two five-year sentences for two counts of robbery under arms.

Police said around 10:00h on Wednesday, while working on the prison’s farm, the inmate escaped when a truck entered the compound through an open gate.

“It is alleged that the accused was working on the prison farm when a truck entered the prison compound through the eastern gate and the suspect exited the said gate and made good his escape into the backlands,” a statement from the Police said.

An alarm was raised and ranks from the Vigilance Police Station responded and searched the backlands where they recaptured the suspect.

periences. Adventure, nature, eco, birding, so every Guyanese, depending on their taste, can come and find something of value that they will be willing to pay for.”

Meanwhile, a significant portion of the country’s local tourism fall within Indigenous communities, which, oftentimes, do not have the resources needed to develop their tourism products.

Recaptured: Shamar Prince

He was then told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Vigilance Police Station and later handed over to the prison authorities.

Investigations are ongoing.

This is the second escape from the prison within the last two weeks.

On October 28, Kapildeo Gangadin, 24, escaped from the Lusignan Prison, about a week after he was remanded on two counts of

murder.

Gangadin, of Annandale, ECD, was discovered missing after a routine check was conducted.

It was reported that Gangadin was housed in the quarantine section of the prison, and based on preliminary investigations, he escaped after tampering with the housing unit.

Officials stated that from there, he ventured to the back of the prison, where he used a cloth-pole to scale the fence and proceed into the farms, from where he scaled another fence and made good his escape.

A day after his escape, he was recaptured in a minibus in the vicinity of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Gangadin had reportedly confessed to the murder of 20-year-old Chris Persaud of Strathspey, ECD, and was subsequently remanded to prison. Persaud had owned an electronics store which was located at his home.

The murder accused was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison for the escape. (G9)

“Some of the tour packages, most of them are below $40,000 a person, and I often say that Guyanese are willing to pay for a visa application to America, which is $40,000 and that doesn’t even guarantee you access to America, it just gives you a chance of getting into the United States,” she said.

“They do that at a tremendous sacrifice, these same people who are complaining about the cost of travelling around Guyana, because they see value in going to America,” the Tourism Minister added.

Nevertheless, making domestic tourism more affordable to Guyanese, she

Part of the trail to Tapakuma Lake

arts and craft, supporting our local culture,” Walrond said.

“We will continue at the Ministry to build out more tourism products as we are here in Region Two, to build out the Essequibo circuit, the Rupununi circuit, Region Five, and so there will be different ex-

Minister Walrond said this was something which the Government intended to address. In fact, she noted that in the next budget, monies would be set aside to develop roads and other infrastructure needed to help Indigenous communities promote their tourism.

gans monndre

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Regional

Biden signs bill on Nicaraguan Officials repeat call for sanctions after contested vote Trinidadians to take virus jab U T S President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill calling for more sanctions and other punitive measures against the Government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who at the weekend secured a contentious fourth consecutive term in office.

Sunday’s elections took place after a month-long Government crackdown during which dozens of Opposition Leaders, including seven presidential hopefuls, were arrested and others were forced into exile.

The so-called RENACER Act that Biden signed on Wednesday “imposes sanc-

tions on the Government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, to restrict multilateral bank lending, and to target regime corruption”, the White House said in a statement.

The bill was adopted in the US House of Representatives earlier this month after being approved by the full Senate in August.

It calls for sanctions on Nicaraguans deemed responsible for unfair elections, increased coordination of such measures with the European Union and Canada, and expanded US oversight of international lending to Managua.

“Proud to see the US

match Ortega’s tyrannical tactics with targeted actions & our uncompromising support for those crying out for freedom & basic rights,” the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Democrat Bob Menendez, who introduced the bill, said on Twitter.

The White House announcement comes as members of the Organisation of American States (OAS) gathered in Guatemala for a previously-scheduled meeting where the US is working with other countries on what they hope will be a strong resolution against Ortega. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

rinidad and Tobago health authorities Wednesday pleaded with nationals to get vaccinated, reiterating earlier concerns that unvaccinated patients were occupying, most, if not all of the beds in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at hospitals across the country.

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 1794 deaths and 59, 963 positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) since March last year and the country is now experiencing an increase in the number of critically-ill people as it deals with the impact of the Delta variant of the virus.

Principal Medical Officer – Institutions, Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards, speaking at the Health Ministry’s COVID-19 news conference, told reporters that over the past 23 days the number of patients seeking ICU treatment had increased significantly.

She said that of the 52 ICU beds occupied in Trinidad, 46 were claimed by unvaccinated patients or patients who were not fully vaccinated.

“In the Intensive Care Units, this morning, there are 52 beds out of a total of 60 beds that are operational and activated in Trinidad. In Tobago, two

out of five beds are currently occupied.

“We continue to see a significant percentage of unvaccinated or persons who are not fully vaccinated requiring intensive unit level care and this morning out of the 52 persons in Trinidad and Tobago who are in the ICU, 46 of them – which is 92 per cent – are not fully vaccinated,” she said.

The senior medical official said Trinidad and Tobago had crossed a threshold of hospital occupancy, reaching a high of 427 patients, the highest noted within the past 113 days. (Excerpt from CMC)

Panama’s ex-President gets 2nd Jamaica ranked 15th out of 30 acquittal in phone-tapping case countries in Global Drug Policy Index

Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli celebrates after he was found not guilty in an espionage trial in Panama City on November 9 [Luis Acosta/AFP]

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ormer Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has been acquitted on charges he tapped the phones of political opponents and Journalists when he was in power.

Martinelli, who served as President from 2009 to 2014, went on trial in July after he was acquitted of similar charges in 2019.

He was also accused of embezzling public funds to

spy on his opponents when he led the country, and the prosecution accused him of wiretapping more than 150 people, including politicians and Journalists.

But the court ruled on Tuesday that the prosecution’s evidence against Martinelli was insufficient.

“Justice, finally, was applied,” the 69-year-old said as he left the court. “Seven years of this torture. I thank God and the Panamanian

justice system. I suffered a lot.”

Carlos Herrera Moran, a lawyer for one of the victims of the alleged wiretapping, said the decision was “outside the law and the evidence presented”.

Martinelli was extradited from the United States in 2018 to stand trial in Panama.

In August 2019, he was acquitted on espionage and embezzlement charges and released from custody. The court found that Prosecutors had violated due process after a five-month trial and also criticised the prosecution’s evidence.

But the Panamanian Government won on appeal, arguing there were sufficient elements for a new trial, which started in July.

As President, Martinelli allegedly spent millions of dollars on sophisticated spying equipment from Israel, including the spyware Pegasus. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

J

amaica ranks 15th out of 30 countries in a new index comparing drug laws based on health and human rights.

The Global Commission on Drug Policy launched the Global Drug Policy Index (GDPI) on Monday, November 8.

The index breaks away from conventional measures such as number of arrests made and hectares of drug crops destroyed, but instead focuses on the extent to which national drug policies align with the core United Nations principles of human rights, health, and development.

It provides each coun-

try with a score from 0 to 100, where 100 represents full alignment of a selected core of drug policies and their implementation with the UN recommendations on human rights, health, and development.

Jamaica had an overall score of 48 out of 100. The island scored 19, 35 and 39 respectively in the areas of ‘harm reduction’, ‘access to medicines’ and ‘development’. For ‘absence of extreme responses’ and ‘proportionality and criminal justice’, Jamaica scored 76 and 65 respectively.

Speaking on Jamaica’s ranking, local representative And Vice Chair of

C

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the Government would not allow “the persistent aggression by the United States Government, its intense and constant attempts … to create conditions for internal destabilisation, to alter the citizens’ calm and security”.

Last month, Cuba rejected the protest organisers’ request to demonstrate, claiming the so-called “Civic March for Change” would be a “provocation” supported by the US with the aim of leading to regime change.

“There have been 29 statements from the United States Government and influential figures in that nation’s congress since

September 22 alone … all aimed at encouraging, guiding, instigating destabilisation actions in our country,” said Rodriguez.

Havana’s public prosecutor’s office has warned protest organisers about the “criminal consequences” they face if they go ahead with their plans – but the Opposition remains unbowed and has promised to hold the demonstrations.

Monday’s protests will coincide with Cuba reopening its tourism sector and primary schools after months of disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the capital will celebrate the 502nd year since its foundation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Hanson said Jamaica still lagged behind in developmental policies, adding that it was high time that the cannabis policy was pulled from under the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2015.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Caricom, Pacific Islands express concern at lack of commitment by developed countries

Cuba accuses US of “destabilisation” ahead of Opposition protests uba has accused the United States of seeking to destabilise the island, as Cuban Opposition groups plan to hold protests next week despite a Government ban on the demonstrations.

The outlawed Cuban Opposition has said it will defy the ban to protest for change and against violence in the capital, Havana, and six other provinces on Monday.

The country was rocked by rare public protests in July, as demonstrators took to the streets for two days in anger over the rising cost of living, food shortages, and the continuing US embargo, among other issues.

On Wednesday,

the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), Vicki Hanson, noted that the country’s position was in keeping with what she said was the fact that little had been done in terms of development, pointing to ongoing issues surrounding the island’s ganja industry.

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett and her Pacific Islands Forum counterpart, Henry Puna (Caricom photo)

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he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have agreed on the urgency for the developed countries to fulfil their pledge of providing US$100 billion a year to help developing countries, including Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States (SIDS) deal with the impact of climate change.

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett,

and her PIF counterpart, Henry Puna, who are both attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26), held discussions there and according to a statement issued afterwards, financing for adaptation to climate change was a major focus of their deliberations.

The statement said that apart from the call for the developed countries to meet their financial commitment to SIDS, Dr Barnett

stressed the importance of limiting global warming to a minimum of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

She expressed concern that there were early warning signs of leaving COP26 with limited ambition from major emitters to avert the current trajectory which would take global temperature rise well over two degrees by the end of the century.

Puna, in agreement, identified sea-level rise as a potent threat to security and well-being of the Pacific Islands, citing a number of examples in recent years where entire islands were submerged or rendered uninhabitable owing to rising sea levels.

The two Secretaries General focused attention on financing for climate resilience and mitigation initiatives, specifically the challenges of accessing climate financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a means of funding adaptation. (Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

19

Around the World

US, China unveil deal to ramp up cooperation on climate change

T

he United States and China, the world's two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, unveiled a deal to ramp up cooperation tackling climate change, including by reducing methane emissions, protecting forests, and phasing out coal.

The framework agreement was announced by US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua at the United Nations climate conference in Scotland, and was billed by both as a way to tip the summit toward success.

"Together we set out our support for a successful COP26, including certain elements which will promote

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) site in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, November 10, 2021

ambition," Kerry told a news conference. "Every step matters right now, and we have a long journey ahead of us."

Speaking through an interpreter, Xie told reporters that the deal would see China strengthen its emissions-cutting targets and

develop a national plan on methane. He also said both countries wanted to do more to stop deforestation.

"Both sides will work jointly and with other parties to ensure a successful COP26 and to facilitate an outcome that is both ambitious and

balanced," Xie said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement between China and the United States.

"Tackling the climate crisis requires international collaboration and solidarity, and this is an important step in the right direction," Guterres posted on Twitter.

Britain has organised the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, which aims to secure net zero carbon emissions pledges and keep the Paris Agreement target of a 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature rise within reach to curb the impact of global warming. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Uber sued by Justice Department for overcharging disabled people

T

he US Justice Department (DoJ) is suing ride-hailing app Uber over allegations it has been overcharging disabled people.

The DoJ claims Uber's "wait time" fees are discriminating against disabled passengers who need more than two minutes to get into a car.

It says Uber needs to comply with the Americans with

UN rights chief urges “de-escalation” of Poland-Belarus crisis

Human rights groups have criticised Poland and Belarus for their treatment of migrants and refugees stranded at the countries' shared border, who face subzero temperatures and a lack of food and medical attention [Leonid Scheglov/BelTA/Handout via Reuters]

U

nited Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has called on Belarus and Poland to de-escalate the “intolerable” migrant crisis on their shared border and said those stranded at the frontier should not spend another night without shelter in freezing temperatures.

Bachelet’s remarks on Wednesday came after Warsaw said it had moved thousands more troops to the border after hundreds of people tried overnight to cross from Belarus into Poland.

Minsk accused Polish security forces of illegally pushing asylum seekers back into Belarus.

Hundreds of people are currently camped along the border, a fraction of the estimated 4000 migrants and refugees gathered in areas near the frontier, including nearby forests.

“I urge the States involved to take immediate steps to

de-escalate and resolve this intolerable situation in line with their obligations under international human rights law and refugee law,” Bachelet said in a statement.

“These hundreds of men, women, and children must not be forced to spend another night in freezing weather without adequate shelter, food, water, and medical care,” she said. “Under international law, no one should ever be prevented from seeking protection, and individual consideration must be given to their protection needs.”

Bachelet called for access for aid workers, lawyers, and Journalists to those stranded.

She said that actions by both Warsaw and Minsk “including through the increased deployment of troops – and accompanying inflammatory rhetoric” had increased the vulnerability and risks faced by the migrants.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Disabilities Act (ADA).

But Uber said wait time fees were not intended to apply to disabled riders and that it had been refunding fees.

Kristen Clarke, Assistance Attorney General for the DoJ's civil rights division, said the lawsuit aimed to send a "powerful message that Uber cannot penalise passengers with disabilities simply because they need more time to get into a car".

Uber and other companies

that provide transportation services "must ensure equal access for all people, including those with disabilities," she added.

However, Uber said it disagreed that its policies were in violation of the ADA. A spokesman said the company had been in talks with the DoJ before the "surprising and disappointing" lawsuit.

Wait time fees were "never intended for riders who are ready at their designated pickup location but need more time to get into the car", he said.

Uber had a policy of refunding wait time fees for disabled riders whenever they alerted the firm that they had been charged, the spokesman said.

"After a recent change last week, now any rider who certifies they are disabled will have fees automatically waived," he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ethiopia rounds up highprofile Tigrayans, UN staff

E

thiopian authorities have rounded up high-profile Tigrayans – from a bank CEO to priests – as well as United Nations staff in a mass crackdown on suspected supporters of rebellious northern forces, according to people linked to the detainees.

Police denied targeting the Tigrayan ethnic group, saying those arrested were believed to have links to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has fought Central Government for a year.

The war has killed thousands, forced more than two million people from their homes, sucked in troops from neighbouring Eritrea and left hundreds of thousands in famine. Fighting has spread into neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions, threatening the stability of Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia declared a state of emergency last week as

Tigrayan forces pushed south towards the capital Addis Ababa. That allows for indefinite detentions and requires citizens to carry ID cards that can indicate ethnic origin.

The United Nations said on Tuesday at least 16 Ethiopian staff and dependents were detained, but has not specified their ethnicity. On Wednesday, it said nine were still in custody.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said the arrests of Tigrayans –- the latest in repeated waves documented by Reuters – were at least in the hundreds, including elderly people and mothers with children.

The detentions were "out of control", one senior Ethiopian official told Reuters. He asked for anonymity for fear of retribution.

Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Oil prices plunge into close, roiled by inflation fears

O

il prices slumped on Thursday, hit by a surge in the dollar after US President Joe Biden said his Administration was looking for ways to reduce energy costs amid a broader surge in inflation.

Brent and US crude futures dropped sharply at the end of the session as traders sold out of riskier assets, including stocks and commodities, driven by expectations that central bankers would take steps to curb rising prices.

Consumer inflation data on Wednesday showed US prices were rising at a 6.2 per cent year-over-year rate, their fastest rate in three decades, and may spur both the White House and US Federal Reserve to take action to head that off. That boosted the dollar, which often trades inversely to oil.

Brent crude futures settled down US$2.14, or 2.5 per cent, to US$82.64 a barrel. That contract hit a high of US$85.50 on the session before retreating. US crude settled down US$2.81, or 3.3 per cent, to US$81.34 after reaching a high of US$84.97 a barrel, just off seven-year highs touched in the last few weeks.

"There's, no doubt, more pressure on the Administration after the inflation reading numbers today," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group. "There’s a growing concern the Fed may have to go back to acting more aggressively on a rate increase, so that’s given the dollar a rally."

Inflation is heating up as the economic drag from the summer wave of COVID-19 infections fades and supply bottlenecks persist. The Federal Reserve is expected to try to stave the ongoing increase in prices, which has lasted longer than originally anticipated.

That sparked a rally in the dollar, which undermines the price of oil as it raises the cost for other nations because oil is largely transacted in dollars.

Biden said he asked the National Economic Council to work to reduce energy costs and the Federal Trade Commission to push back on market manipulation in the energy sector in a larger effort to reverse inflation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine patent dispute headed to court, US NIH Head says

U

S National Institutes of Health scientists played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine and the agency intends to defend its claim as co-owner of patents on the shot, NIH Director, Dr Francis Collins told Reuters on Wednesday.

In a story first reported by the New York Times on Tuesday, Moderna excluded three NIH scientists as co-inventors of a central patent for the company's multibillion-dollar COVID-19 vaccine in its application filed in July.

"I think Moderna has made a serious mistake here in not providing the kind of co-inventorship credit to people who played a major role in the development of the vaccine that they're now making a fair amount of money off of," Collins said in an interview ahead of the Reuters Total Health conference, which

will run virtually from November 15-18.

Moderna expects 2021 sales of US$15 billion to US$18 billion from the COVID-19 vaccine – its first and only commercial product – and up to US$22 billion next year.

In a statement emailed to Reuters, Moderna acknowledged that scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) played a "substantial role" in developing Moderna's messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, but the company said it disagreed with the agency's patent claims.

Collins said the NIH has been trying to resolve the patent conflict with Moderna amicably for some time and has failed.

"But we are not done.

Clearly, this is something that legal authorities are going to have to figure out," he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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)

Dig in and get things done.

Move forward with confidence and do what you do best.

Don't overspend or exaggerate if you want to maintain a stellar reputation. Your performance can make a splash.

Look for bargains and avoid promising more than you can deliver. Too much of anything will lead to unnecessary stress. Uncertainty or inconsistency will not help you win support or favors.

An intellectual approach, hard work and a positive attitude will help you excel.

The research you do and the information you offer will boost your reputation and build your confidence.

Participate in a cause that concerns you. You will face opposition but, in the end, it will give you a sense of satisfaction that you stood up for your beliefs.

A change at home results from your professional goals and the people you deal with daily. Don't exaggerate or procrastinate. It's essential to keep everyone updated and to balance your objectives.

Make positive changes.

Don't get involved in someone's lofty scheme. Look out for your interests and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Discard what is no longer of use to you.

You need to relax. Having downtime, getting back to basics and letting go of things you cannot change will help you realize what's important. Go over your budget and make some lifestyle changes.

Research will pay off.

Diversity is the spice of life and will help you stay balanced and informed. Be an observer and a reluctant spender. Listen to experts, but let your gut lead the way.

Don't get ahead of yourSAGITTARIUS self. Take a moment to (Nov. 23look over the logistics and Dec. 21) expenses of your plans.

Evaluate the pros and cons, and revamp your project before you move further.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Pay attention to how you feel, look and handle emotional matters. Adjust your time and focus your energy on what makes the most sense. Keep up with your responsibilities.

Keep a tight rein on money matters. Having an unrealistic view of what's possible will cause you to fall short. Stick to basics, and you'll manage to get what's necessary out of the way.

Take a creative approach to work, and you will stand (Feb. 20out. Keep expenses in mind, March 20) and you'll come up with a cost-efficient and popular plan. A change of status looks promising.

PISCES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

21

New Vision Labs conducts free COVID-19 testing for Guyana’s FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams

N

ew Vision Labs Inc (NVL) has partnered with the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) to provide free PCR COVID testing for GABF members who would be participating in the International Federation of Association (FIBA) Americup 3x3 Championships in Florida.

Slated for November 1214, the tournament will see GABF members Timothy Thompson, Ryan Stephney, Nikolai Smith and Travis Burnett playing for the Guyana males, while Joy Adams, Petal Leacock, Kesann Charles and Jada Mohan would compete for the Guyana females.

GABF President Michael Singh has said he is happy to have NVL as an official

GABF Singh

President,

Michael

COVID-19 testing partner in these critical times, wherein sports must coexist with a deadly disease.

“Future programmes of this nature will ensure further collaboration. Testing of athletes plays a vital role in safety,” Singh posited.

Meanwhile, NVL’s Marketing & Sales Manager Shemar Alleyne explained that this venture is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

“New Vision Labs is proud to support the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation by providing…

COVID-19 testing. This gives us much greater confidence

for the team to participate in the championships,” he said.

The inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup will feature 18 men’s and 15 women’s teams. In the Men’s category, Guyana will face St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago in Group C, while the women’s team will face Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Jamaica in Group A. The tournament features countries with extensive international 3×3 experience, and some who are wearing their country’s colours for the first time in the competition.

The top-25 ranked national federations will compete directly in the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2021, or in a qualification tournament to advance to the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2021.

As at November 1st, 2020,

Guyana has been ranked 23rd in the Americas zone of 43 national federations in 3×3 basketball.

Qualifying Draw (Men) * Group A– Uruguay, Haiti, Jamaica * Group B– Guatemala, Barbados, Aruba * Group C – Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Guyana Should Guyana top Group C in the qualifying draw, Guyana would earn a spot in Pool D, alongside the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Qualifying Draw (Women) * Trinidad and Tobago * Guatemala * Jamaica * Guyana The winning team will qualify in Pool D alongside Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

ICC T20I World Cup…

Hayden says being a “warrior for Australian cricket” can give Pakistan an advantage

M

atthew Hayden has said the fact that he was a “warrior for Australian cricket over two decades” can help Pakistan reach the T20 World Cup final.

Legendary former Australia opening batsman Hayden was appointed as Pakistan’s batting consultant for the tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The 50-yearold has been trying to plot Australia’s downfall ahead of a semi-final showdown

at Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, and thinks his insights can be key for Pakistan.

He said: “It is a very unusual feeling. I was a warrior for Australian cricket over two decades, so that does give me the benefit of having wonderful insights, not only into these players, but also into the culture of cricket in Australia.

“From my point of view, there is the challenge of the heart, the challenge of the mind in terms of

what’s going to happen over the next 24 hours; but I’ll also say very proudly that it’s been wonderful to be a part of Pakistan cricket.”

Hayden says it will not be a case of him pitting his wits against Australia Head Coach Justin Langer – with whom he had had such a successful opening partnership.

“Justin Langer and myself are in similar positions, insofar as a national coach or a batting coach

Pakistan Coach Matthew Hayden squares off with Australian Coach Justin Langer

never wins a game of cricket,” Hayden has said. “The 11 that take part in the game win the game, and we are back-up only.”

Pakistan have won six consecutive T20Is, their longest winning run in the shortest format since a nine-game streak in 2018, which included five straight wins against Australia.

However, Australia have come out on top in the previous two T20Is between the nations.

(Sportsmax)

Aminata Diallo of Paris St-Germain arrested as Caribbean Cricket Club, Invaders Masters part of investigation into attack on team-mates advance to final in ESCL tourney

C

A

minata Diallo, a 26-year-old midfielder with Paris StGermain’s women’s team, was arrested by French Police on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into an attack on teammates on 4 November.

The France international played in PSG’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League on Tuesday.

In a statement, the club said they were working with Police “to shed light on the facts”.

As well as strongly condemning “the violence committed”, the club also added they had “taken all the necessary measures to guarantee the health, well-being and safety of players” since the attack took place.

Reports in France suggest that one assault-

ed player was Kheira Hamraoui, who was allegedly dragged out of her car by two masked individuals, who beat her legs.

Diallo, who has been capped seven times for

France, joined PSG in 2016, and has made more than 60 appearances for the club. She spent time on loan at Atletico Madrid last season. (Adapted from BBC.COM)

aribbean Cricket Club (CCC) and Invaders Masters are the two finalists for the 2021 inaugural Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) over-40 20-over competition.

The championship game is set for November 21 at Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast.

In the semi-final matches, played last Sunday at Zorg Beach, CCC beat Ravens Sports Club (RSC) by 46 runs, while Invaders got the better of Sunrisers by four wickets.

CCC made 193 all out Naresh Narine in their 20 overs, while RSC replied with 147 all out in the penultimate over. from his four overs, and Skipper Naresh Narine led Glendon Smith captured two the way for CCC with 63, for 39 off four overs.

When RSC batted, no one and got good support from made an impression with Eshwar Singh, who made the bat.

Yaseer Mohammed 58. Daniel Bholo captured grabbed three wickets for 22 three wickets for 12 runs

runs from his four overs, and Skipper Narine returned with the ball to prove his all-round capability by taking three wickets while conceding 23 runs off his four-over outing.

Sunrisers posted a challenging total of 2048 off their overs, while Invaders, responding, surpassed the target with six balls to spare.

Fazeer Khan hit an impressive 70 to lead Invaders, and received solid support from Patrick Rooplall, who scored 51.

Shivsankar Bissoon snatched three wickets for 36 runs from his four overs.

In Sunrisers’ innings, former senior Essequibo Inter-County batsman Ravi Beharry slammed 68, and Bissoon chipped in with 63.

Gopaul Deen took two for 31 from his maximum four overs.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

ICC T20I World Cup semi-final…

Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham pull off heist as New Zealand storm into final J

ames Neesham contemplated retirement in 2017, but he didn't. Daryl Mitchell never contemplated opening the batting, but he did.

Together, they dragged a New Zealand side adamantly trying to lose all the way to a T20 World Cup final.

It was utter madness, and it came from outta nowhere.

England, much like they did five years ago on a sparkling night in Kolkata, had the game in their hands, and not one, but two big-hitting allrounders took it away from them.

The equation was 57 off 24. More than two runs a ball.

As much as conditions in this tournament have favoured the team batting second, here there was no dew; the single biggest thing that made run-scoring easy on these dry UAE pitches was nowhere to be found.

That's why Mitchell - the best T20 six-hitter in New Zealand's domestic circuit for the last five years - could find only one boundary in the first 10 overs of a 167 chase.

That's why Martin Guptill

19th over - two over the ropes and one onto it - brought sweet, unbelievable and everlasting victory.

England change it up

The New Zealand dugout erupted as victory was secured

This semi-final had all the feels of two heavyweight boxers sizing each other up. But there was no real KO punch.

Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow were rather cautious at the top, their gameplan dictated in equal parts by the early swing on offer and the big occasion they found themselves

The New Zealand dugout erupted after the winning hit

Kane Williamson congratulated his hero of the evening, Daryl Mitchell, after the win

and Kane Williamson were dismissed for single-digits.

That's why Liam Livingstone could bowl four overs of his part-time all-sorts for just 22 runs. When he finished his spell - after taking out New Zealand's then top-scorer Devon Conway for

46 - England's chance of victory, according to ESPNcricinfo's forecaster, was nudging 80%.

Neesham has had enough of these games. His Twitter timeline is a tribute to his wit - yes - but also to how badly that 2019 World Cup final broke him. He was out there in the Super Over. He hit Jofra

Archer for a six. He ignited New Zealand's hopes when they really shouldn't have had any on that night, only for them to fall so agonisingly short.

Just as Neesham and everyone watching were reeling from the deja vu, Chris Jordan came up to bowl, and leaked a monster six over square leg.

That shot became the centerpiece of New Zealand's breathtaking resurrection, 23 runs coming off an eight-ball 17th over - including a relay catch that quickly morphed into another monster six - as one of England's go-to men just crumbled under pressure.

Suddenly New Zealand needed only 34 off 18 balls.

And it was Mitchell's cue to wind up. He set up deep in his crease, his front leg having the good sense to keep away. Chris Woakes missed his lengths.

And three brutal hits in the

in.

England went away from their typical T20 template attack every ball - to a more nuanced one - respect every ball. For the first time since 2014, they had to wait till after the 15th over of the game to pick up their first six.

Malan and Moeen adapt

England's approach protected them from early wickets, but that left a lot on the middle-order's shoulders - a middle order that hasn't had too much time in the middle at this tournament.

But Dawid Malan controlled things beautifully.

If you're in any doubt about that, pull up clips of his cover drives. With flowing hands and sublime timing, he guid-

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Deandra Dottin lbw b Anam Amin 132 Rashada Williams b Anam Amin 15 Kyshona Knight c Iram Javed b Fatima Sana 3 Stafanie Taylor (c) c †Sidra Nawaz b Nashra Sandhu 6 Hayley Matthews c Nashra Sandhu b Anam Amin 57 Shemaine Campbelle †b Anam Amin 23 Kycia Knight c Muneeba Ali b Anam Amin 6 Qiana Joseph c Nashra Sandhu b Fatima Sana 3 Shamilia Connell not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 6) 8 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 5.06) 253/8 Did not bat: Shakera Selman, Anisa Mohammed Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Rashada Williams, 11.5 ov), 2-72 (Stafanie Taylor, 17.4 ov), 3-191 (Hayley Matthews, 41.2 ov), 4-235 (Deandra Dottin, 46.5 ov), 5-243 (Kycia Knight, 48.1 ov), 6-247 (Shemaine Campbelle, 48.5 ov), 7-253 (Qiana Joseph, 49.5 ov), 8-253 (Kyshona Knight, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Fatima Sana 10-1-65-2 Anam Amin 10-2-35-5 Sadia Iqbal 10-0-45-0 Nashra Sandhu 10-1-43-1 Aliya Riaz 3-0-22-0

ed England through the middle overs, and was unlucky to miss out on a half-century.

Moeen Ali didn't make that mistake. Playing the world's most elegant leg-side slogs, his 51* off 37 provided the finishing kick that took a good total to a defendable one. With most of England's batting tonight revolving around left-handed blades, New Zealand's best spinner Mitchell Santner bowled only one of his four overs.

No dew

Guptill was caught off a flick. Williamson was caught off a scoop. Now those shots come off when there's pace in

Life of Harper-led Selection Panel extended until end of 2021

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave has confirmed on the Mason and Guest radio programme in Barbdos on Tuesday that the Roger Harper-led Selection Panel will continue to perform selection duties until the end of 2021.

While many are calling left, right and centre for the selection panel to be dismissed after that T20 World Cup disaster for the West Indies, Grave shares a different point of view. "Both the team management and selectors are coming up to the end of their contract (two-year contract), and we have extended for the end of the year. They are going through a review period,” he said.

"We did not want to review performances and extending or not extending contracts during the World Cup

CWI CEO, Johnny Grave

CWI Selectors Miles Bascombe and Roger Harper

with the amount of cricket we got going on, we just extended to the end of the year. Once we go through that review system, we will be making some announcements," Grave disclosed.

Former West Indies off-spinner and coach Roger Harper is among four men chosen by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to be on

the Senior Selection Panel for the regional team, and Grave has said it is not about chopping and changing, but about making long-term structural changes to produce winning teams.

Currently Lead Selector, Harper is a Guyanese, while the others on the panel are former Windward Islands batsman Miles Bascombe and

Windies Coach Phil Simmons.

Harper's international career lasted for 13 years, from 1983 to 1996, during which he distinguished himself as a brilliant fielder. His Test bowling average of 28.06 is superior to that of Lance Gibbs, giving him the leading average among all West Indian spinners with at least 25 Test wickets.

After his playing career

Harper became a coach, taking over the West Indies Team between 2000 and 2003, and also managing the West Indies Youth Team in 2005.

However, in late December 2005, Harper was approached

by Cricket Kenya with an offer to take over stewardship of the Kenya team. After this, he went on to coach the West Indies team.

Bascombe is a Vincentian cricketer who played a single Twenty20 international for the West Indies in 2011. In West Indian domestic cricket, he has played for the Windward Islands and the Combined Campuses and Colleges.

With another T20 World Cup looming in a year's time, only time will tell if the duo of Harper and Bascombe, along with Head Coach Phil Simmons, would be able to rebuild the side after a poor T20 World Cup campaign.

(Brandon Corlette)

Kainat Imtiaz

7-0-41-0

PAKISTAN WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 254 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Muneeba Ali c Taylor b Mohammed 28 Sidra Ameen c Taylor b Selman 2 Ayesha Zafar lbw b Selman 17 Kainat Imtiaz c Connell b Matthews 24 Iram Javed c & b Matthews 40 Aliya Riaz run out (Selman) 46 Sidra Nawaz (c)† c Mohammed b Joseph 23 Fatima Sana b Matthews 3 Nashra Sandhu not out 11 Sadia Iqbal run out (Kyshona A Knight) 2 Anam Amin not out 3 Extras (lb 1, w 8) 9 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 4.16) 208/9 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Sidra Ameen, 1.6 ov), 2-37 (Ayesha Zafar, 7.6 ov), 3-51 (Muneeba Ali, 12.1 ov), 4-108 (Iram Javed, 23.3 ov), 5-121 (Kainat Imtiaz, 27.5 ov), 6-164 (Sidra Nawaz, 40.4 ov), 7-176 (Fatima Sana, 43.1 ov), 8-198 (Aliya Riaz, 46.2 ov), 9-202 (Sadia Iqbal, 47.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shamilia Connell 9-0-35-0 Shakera Selman 10-0-35-2 Anisa Mohammed 10-0-44-1 Qiana Joseph 10-0-52-1 Hayley Matthews 10-1-31-3 Stafanie Taylor 1-0-10-0

the pitch. And there's always pace in the pitch, if there's dew around. New Zealand expected it to come, but it stood them up instead.

Woakes - who before this World Cup was left in T20I wilderness for five-and-a-half years - picked up both those wickets, and set England on their victory march. This team pride themselves in being on the cutting edge of both batting and bowling, but in Abu Dhabi - where cricket takes a time machine back to the 90s - they realised knocking it around for 160 and building on scoreboard pressure with tight Test-match lengths had the better chance of success.

And all of that would have worked a treat if a big-hitting allrounder hadn't decided to turn everything on its head again. (Adapted from ESPNcricinfo)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

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23

NSC throws support behind GABF for FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) on Wednesday supported the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) with $875,000 towards sending a male and female team to the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament, which runs from November 12 to 14 in Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida.

Guyana’s male team is drawn in Group C of the qualifying round, alongside St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, while the women’s side will have to face Guatemala, Jamaica, as well

as Trinidad and Tobago.

The team departed Guyana yesterday.

According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the NSC is committed to “raising the attitude, altitude and aptitude of sports in Guyana.” Ninvalle reasoned that the support is in keeping with the mandate of the NSC, the Ministry of Sport and the Government of Guyana to ensure that every national team and national federation is assisted in its quest to compete, both locally and internationally.

“Over the last six

months, we’ve extended assistance to several sport disciplines. It is the belief of the Government of Guyana that we need to keep injecting this sort of support, and that is what we will be doing. Even though sometimes, coming down to this part of the year, finances are not so readily available, we thought it’s appropriate to dig deep in order to help the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation,” Ninvalle said.

Basketball is listed as one of the ‘core sports’ identified by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

“We expect them to do well, and we hope that, come next year, we can assist in a much more robust way,” the Director of Sport added.

Michael Singh, president of the GABF, lauded the NSC for their continued support, while reminding of their tangible assistance in April when Guyana competed at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 PreQualifiers in El Salvador.

“These two players, over a period of time, have been assisting basketball tremendously at various levels.

It basically shows the lev-

el of financial injection the Government is capable of doing,” Singh said.

Guyana’s male team will come from Ryan Stephney, Tyron Hamid, Travis Burnett, and Timothy Thompson.

Spain-based professional Joy Adams will lead Jada Mohan, Kesann Charles and Tamara Hunter into action for the Guyanese women.

The men’s team will bounce into action on November 13 against Trinidad and Tobago from 11:25am, followed by St

Lucia at 12:15pm on the same day.

If successful, Guyana will then move on to face Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the tournament’s main draw.

Meanwhile, the women’s team will play on Friday November 12; first against Trinidad and Tobago at 10:15am, followed by Jamaica at 11:40am and Guatemala at 1:05pm.

The Guyanese women will be hoping to join Brazil and the Dominican Republic in Group D of the main draw.

Bartica, GT lead group stage after week 3 of GFF Inter-Academy Boys’ U13 Challenge Trophy

T

he Bartica Football Association’s Academy Training Centre (ATC) U13 Boys Team have beaten their Rupununi counterparts to

to pole position in Group B. The 3-1 away win for Bartica on November 6, with a brace from Michael Joseph making all the difference after Rockcliff

Coast Demerara triumph 3-0 over the competition’s guest side, the National U17 Women’s Team, at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence. Goals in that

ball philosophy and delivered consistently throughout the GFF’s nine regional associations.

The competition involves all nine associations, with teams coming from their respective U13 ATC groups playing alongside the domestic-based National U17 Women’s Team, who participate as a guest side. A primary purpose of the tournament is to identify players to participate in the Caribbean

Football Union Boys’ U14 Challenge Series in 2022.

On Saturday, November 13, in Group A, Bartica take on West Demerara at 1 pm at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, and Essequibo/ Pomeroon play East Bank at a venue to be confirmed. In Group B, on Sunday, November 14, Upper Demerara face the domestic-based National U17 Women’s Team, while Berbice go up against East

Coast Demerara.

Apart from talent identification for the upcoming CFU tournament, the U13 tournament provides opportunity for the GFF to assess the quality of work being carried out by the ATCs in all nine associations, and to test logistics for future inter-academy and intra-association tournaments, which will be a key feature of the 2022 national football season.

“Possibility” exists that Permaul would play in Sri Lanka Tests, says Harper

By Brandon Corlette

C

Team Bartica in action

The ECD goal-scorers (left to right) Brandon Gonsalves, Isaiah Ifill and Jaden Harris beat the National U17 Female side

climb to the top of Group A of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Inter-Academy Boys’ U13 Challenge Trophy.

This was done last weekend, when the Georgetown team’s victory over their Upper Demerara counterparts ensured they hold on

Adamson’s opening strike was cancelled out by Rupununi’s Josh Glasgow, took their tally to six points from their first three games.

The result took Bartica above Group A rivals East Bank, who did not play in week three.

Saturday also saw East

match came from Isaiah Ifill, Brandon Gonsalves and Jaden Harris.

That result had given East Coast temporary bragging rights at the top of Group B, before Georgetown’s slim 1-0 win over Upper Demerara on November 7, courtesy of an early Omarion Lewis strike, put the capital city team back in first place on goal difference.

In Sunday’s second game, a goal from Mickel Castello shortly after the half-time break gave West Demerara their first win of the new youth development competition, as they beat Essequibo/Pomeroon at Leonora in a closely-fought match to go level with East Bank in joint second place in Group A. The U13 boys’ tournament is part of the GFF’s ground-breaking ATC programme, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. This programme was launched in 2017.

The ATC is an elite and selective national youth development programme that gives girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 19 years a weekly, structured training curriculum that is anchored in the GFF foot-

ricket West Indies Lead Selector Roger Harper has indicated that the possibility exists that his countryman Veerasammy Permaul, who last played Test cricket in June 2015, would be able to play in the Sri Lanka Test matches, starting on November 21.

While Harper did not specifically give the assurance that Permaul would play, he said: “Of course it’s a possibility! When the team look at the conditions in Sri Lanka, and whatever is felt is the best bowling line-up to give the team the best opportunity of success, I think that would be the bowling lineup we choose to go forward with, going into the Test match. If that means playing three spinners, then I would like to think that is the decision that we will come to.”

Sri Lanka’s happy hunting ground, Galle, is known to be spin-friendly, and West Indies’ last visit in October 2015 saw them crashing to defeat by an innings and six runs there. In that match, Sri Lanka’s legendary leftarm spinner Ragana Herath claimed 10 wickets, while Permaul’s Albion club-mate Devendra Bishoo had 4-143 in 40 overs of toil.

On that occasion at Galle, West Indies played Jerome Taylor, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder, while Sri Lanka played three spinners. This time around, West Indies would want to read the con-

CWI Lead Harper

Selector,

Roger

ditions better and stack the spin department.

“The selection of Veerasammy Permaul for the tour…you heard the captain speaking earlier and drawing similarity with the conditions in Bangladesh.

We feel that the conditions in Sri Lanka, just as it was in Bangladesh, could be very spin-friendly, as we have seen (in) previous series (the Sri Lanka vs England series), and so we expect spin will play a great part…,” he continued.

He went on to explain that whether the decision is to go with two or three spinners, the team would want to ensure that a spinner is available in case something happens to one who is playing. This would facilitate the available spinner being called on to fill in, as was done in Bangladesh. This would ensure that the spin department is strong, having three spinners in the party.

Harper made this disclosure in a recent media briefing.

Explaining the rationale behind the overall composition of the squad, Harper declared: “The squad is well balanced, with good depth in all departments. The composition is very similar to the squad that brought us success in our last away tour to Bangladesh, with a few changes in personnel. There are a number of players who are familiar with Sri Lankan conditions, and most of the others have good experience in the Indian sub-continent, so they know what to expect, and are gearing themselves for it.”

Both Test matches will be played at the Galle International Stadium. West Indies will have a four-day warm-up match in Colombo from November 14 to 17.

The Tests will follow from November 21 to 25 and from November 29 to December 3.

The series is the second of six series, three at home and three away, that West Indies will play in the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championships.

WEST INDIES FULL SQUAD FOR SRI LANKA TESTS: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jeremy Solozano and Jomel Warrican.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

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

Junior Jaguars suffer disappointing 5-0 loss to Nicaragua T

he run of Guyana’s under-20 men’s football team, the Junior Jags, in the CONCACAF Qualifiers came to a disappointing end on Wednesday night when they lost to Nicaragua 5-0.

With Captain Omari Glasgow, Ronaldo Blair, Sealon Sue, Jerome Harrigan, Devon Padmore, Brandon Solomon, Alex Davidson, Kehance Scott, Darron Niles, Yohance Douglas and Ravi Coates getting the nod from Coach Wayne Dover for the starting XI, Guyana looked good in their opening minutes, bringing a certain intensity to their opponents.

After being deadlocked for quite some time, Nicaragua’s Widman Talavera got close enough to the front of the goal to effect his country’s first strike. Six Guyanese players huddled in the area, as well as Goal-keeper Ronaldo Blair, were not enough to stop Talavera’s strike, which came in the 32nd.

However, with a few near misses of their own, the Junior Jaguars were able to fend off their opponents for the remainder of the 45 minutes of the first half.

The Nicaraguans meant strictly business in the second half, as Talavera opened with another goal. In the 48th, contrary to the up close

and personal plays the Nicaraguans were attempting, Talavera finally took a long shot, well outside the 18-yard area, and connected successfully.

Wily play Keylon Batiz handed Nicaragua their 3rd goal in the 54th.

A series of plays found the ball airborne in front of the goal, and recognising this as opportunity, Batiz moved around the back of the Guyanese defender to perfectly position himself to tuck the ball into the opposite corner from where Blair was positioned.

By this time, the Guyanese were noticeably frustrated, missing key opportunities to find the back of the net. A similar volley to their previous goal afforded Nicaragua their fourth, coming off the boot of William Palacios.

Palacios made it a brace to his Guyana’s U20 national men’s team the Junior Jags name with another goal in the 77th.

One of Guyana’s standout opportuball went awry in the 80th. nities was a play created by Captain Omari A victory on Wednesday night was cruGlasgow, which would have resulted in an cial to Guyana’s participation in not only the assist to his name. However, the other strik- CONCACAF U20 Championships, but also er failed to find the back of the net, as the FIFA’s Under-20 World Cup and the 2024

Olympic Games in Paris.

Having topped the group, Nicaragua will be the lone team from Group D to seal their qualification to the CONCACAF Championships next year.

NSC throws support “Possibility” exists that behind GABF for FIBA Permaul would play in Sri AmeriCup 3X3 teams Lanka Tests, says Harper Page 23

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, making the NSC’s contribution of $875,000 to GABF President, Michael Singh

Page 23

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