Guyana Times - Thursday November 19, 2020

ERC to launch national conversation on P13 ethnic relations Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4474

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

President Ali initiates talks with UWI to train 20,000 Guyanese in 5 years ...for Guyana’s economic, social, cultural development See story on page 12

Teen shot Businessman to head points by best finger friend during at PNCR member sleepover El Paso residents call out contractor on unserviceable $5.1M water well EBD land scandal

Page 10

Page 7

…tells Police James Bond told him of lease, arranged buyer, collected over $60M

Page 9

…GWI will not accept well in current state – Minister Croal

Govt committed to inclusionary democracy

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Oil discoveries

Guyana’s P11 transformation will be “historic” — Washingtonbased CSIS

…concrete policy measures needed to avoid “resource curse”

Another P11 COVID-19 death, 24 new cases recorded GLDA warns P12 against smuggling meat, livestock

New Social Studies, Science textbooks for Grades 5, 6 students P13

Poor health facilities, lack of job opportunities among issues affecting Baracara residents P14

See story on page 3

...parliamentary committees, commissions are forms of inclusive governance

Statistics Bureau to conduct mapping P13 exercise ahead of census

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 19 – 04:30h – 06:00h and Friday, November 20 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 19 – 07:05h – 08:35h and Friday, November 20 – 08:00h – 09:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the mid-morning hours followed by thundery to light rains showers into the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:08 and 19:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.43 metres and 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 12:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

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12 17 26

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 16 17 18 22 LUCKY 3

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$44.34/barrel

+1.33

Rough Rice

$223.74/ton

-0.04

London Sugar

$416.90/ton

+0.68

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1867.00

$1868.00

Low/High

$1863.00

$1886.10

Change

-4.50

- 0.24%

Govt committed to inclusionary democracy – Jagdeo

...says parliamentary committees, commissions are forms of inclusive governance

O

ne of the most important aspects of inclusive governance is the Standing Parliamentary Committees that review the Government of the day’s work, but, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, these committees have not been functioning as they should.

Jagdeo was at the time being interviewed on the National Communications Network (NCN) about the need for inclusive governance. According to the Vice President, constitutional reforms of the early 2000s already made a number of changes for inclusive governance.

One such change was the establishment of the Parliamentary Standing Committees for natural resources, foreign affairs, economic services and social services. These Committees feature Members of Parliament (MPs) and a rotating Chair, from both sides of the aisle. Jagdeo lamented that these committees have not been functioning as they should.

“So, these are four standing committees. We agreed to rotate the chairs. We will chair two and the Opposition will chair two. In the United States and other places, if you’re in power and you have the majority, you chair all the committees.

“We decided that we will have the parties share the chairmanship and rotate it. That was one way how you have inclusion. And those standing committees have the power of reviewing Government policies in all of these areas. (But) we’ve never put those committees to full use.”

Jagdeo also cited the constitutional commissions and other changes made to reinforce inclusionary governance. He noted that notwithstanding the failure of their efforts to include the Opposition, they still have a duty to reach out.

“Then the constitutional commissions. We’ve established five rights commissions and the procurement commission; then the service commissions: the teachers, Police, judicial services commissions. We had a greater say from Parliament to name the commissions,” Jagdeo said.

“So, coming back to the point, I see the need for us as a country to settle on one agenda for the future. An agenda that progressively takes us upwards. And that parties can then subscribe, play the politics but still subscribe to the overarching economic agenda.”

Under the previous A Partnership for National

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the constitutional reform process had hit a brick wall and was stuck before a parliamentary committee.

Soon after President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in on August 2, there were calls for Guyana to undergo much-needed electoral and constitutional reform.

Days after the swearing-in, the US-based Carter Center, which was one of the international observer missions here to monitor the elections, said the 2020 election was a true test of Guyana’s democracy and urged the new Government to move quickly to undertake these reforms.

Constitutional reform is one of the main issues outlined in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) 2020 elections manifesto.

The Party has promised that it would advance constitutional reform with the input

of the citizens themselves.

In its manifesto, it was noted that it was important that the people participate in something as critical as revising the supreme law.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Ministers, President Ali committed to having this done. He had boasted that his team of Ministers have skillsets and experience that are of immediate importance, as his Government moved to tackle imperative issues such as constitutional and electoral reform,

among other things. That commitment was reiterated by the President last month, during the 28th anniversary of the return of democracy.

“My Government remains committed to upholding and protecting democracy. We intend to fashion a more inclusive system of governance and, especially, to fortify our democratic institutions so that never again will our people’s freedom be subject to the threat of being hijacked,” Dr Ali had said.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said that the Government would use the standing committee on constitutional reform and conduct nationwide consultations, in order to drive forward the reform process.

“Our approach to constitutional reform will not be Government-driven. It will be Government in partnership with the parliamentary Opposition, in partnership with civil society in a multi-stakeholder drive and it will be driven by the people of this country, who will be consulted nationally,” Nandlall had said during the budget debates. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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

The elderly T

his year (2020) marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 30th Anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons. This year has also been quite a challenging one as it has seen the emergence of COVID-19, which has caused an upheaval across the world, more so on older populations.

The WHO has stressed the importance of recognizing older persons’ contributions to their own health and the multiple roles they play in the preparedness and response phases of current and future pandemics.

International Day of Older Persons 2020 which was observed on October 1, highlighted the role of the health care workforce in contributing to the health of older persons, with special recognition of the nursing profession, and a primary focus on the role of women - who are relatively undervalued and, in most cases, inadequately compensated.

The 2020 observance also promoted the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) and helped to bring together UN experts, civil society, government and the health professions to discuss the five strategic objectives of the Global Strategy and Action plan on Ageing and Health while noting the progress and challenges in their realization.

According to the WHO, the global strategy is well integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while ageing issues cut across the 17 goals, especially Goal 3 which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being of all at all ages”.

As stated by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (DirectorGeneral, WHO) “acting on the strategy, is a means for countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensure that every human being regardless of age will have an opportunity to fulfill their potential in dignity and equality” There is no doubt that among the more pressing issues affecting older persons are health concerns and the quality of care being provided to them on a daily basis. According to who by the year 2050, 1 in 5 people in the world will be aged 60 and older. It is therefore crucial for governments to put systems in place which would allow for older persons to obtain the health services they need.

WHO’s new Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend ways community-based services can help prevent, slow or reverse declines in physical and mental capacities among older people. The guidelines also require health and social care providers to coordinate their services around the needs of older people through approaches such as comprehensive assessment and care plans.

Director of the Department of Ageing and Life course at WHO, Dr John Beard, noted that older adults are more likely to experience chronic conditions and often multiple conditions at the same time. Yet today’s health systems generally focus on the detection and treatment of individual acute diseases.

He reasoned that if health systems are to meet the needs of older populations, they must provide ongoing care focused on the issues that matter to older people – chronic pain, and difficulties with hearing, seeing, walking or performing daily activities. He noted that this will require much better integration between care providers.

According to Beard, integrated care can help foster inclusive economic growth, improve health and wellbeing, and ensure older people have the opportunity to contribute to development, instead of being left behind.

Considering the higher risks confronted by older persons during the outbreak of pandemics such as COVID-19, policy and programmatic interventions must be targeted towards raising awareness of their special needs.

Here in Guyana, there is need for more to be done in terms of raising awareness about the issues affecting the older population and/or to lobby for more support for them. There is need for effective and targeted programmes aimed at ensuring our elderly are well taken care of. For example, there is need for more special care homes, retirement homes, special transportation and priority treatment for our elderly.

Of importance too is the need for increased focus on longterm health care of older adults suffering from mental disorders, as well as to provide caregivers with education, training and support.

That said, we are pleased that the Government has recognized and taken the necessary steps to ensure that pensioners receive a decent and livable monthly pension. It is also encouraging to note that the water subsidy was restored. We urge the Government to continue exploring ways in which the older folks would live a healthy, satisfying and comfortable life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Guyana, Jario Valverde Bermudez signing the visitors book at Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown during a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir (standing left). During the visit, various issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening relations between the two organisations and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals were discussed (Parliament of Guyana photo)

Violations of children’s rights can lead to death Dear Editor, The story about the 16-year-old teen who was brutally stabbed to death by a 34-year-old was one of the most shocking stories in the past week.

While there are many questions that have arisen from the situation, the underlying issue of the protection of this young girl is another matter that connects to the story and the rest of Guyana at large, signalling a deficit in the policies made, the services offered, and the communities’ willingness and knowledge on reporting violence against children in our land.

A popular newspaper presented the harrowing tale of the stabbing to death of Sanesha Subrina Lall of Richmond Housing Scheme. Some alarming details uncovered about the story included the fact that the 16-year-old Sanesha refused to continue being in a relationship with her murderer because he was married. The newspaper was keen to mention the name of this teen girl, but omitted to name the al-

leged killer.

At some point, it may have occurred to a keeneyed reader and member of the Richmond Housing Scheme, where Sanesha had lived, that the abuse of this young girl (and eventual death) by an adult man was one that highlighted serious violations of her protection rights from abuse as a child.

Another observation is that the teen’s parents had died, and she was clearly without adequate adult supervision and guidance.

ChildLinK has, over the years, recognised and identified that children growing up without adequate parental care are most at risk of all forms of abuse.

Sanesha’s right to life was cut short, and her right to an education was denied. We wonder when she stopped arriving at school; did someone notice? Were any enquiries made? When this alleged killer visited her or met with her, did her neighbours and/or community members notice?

Did they know whom to call to stop this abuse, or did

they think she was “hot” and looking for “it”? At 16 years old, did Sanesha know where to find help to escape from the abuse? Did she reach out to any service providers, and did she receive any response?

We spoke to a group of young children a week ago, to discuss how they learn about child rights and protection, and they said that most children don’t know where to find help. They said such information is not easily available, and that children don’t really know that they have a right to protection from abuse.

This Nov 20th, as we celebrate 31 years of the UNCRC, we must acknowledge that significant efforts are still needed to ensure that, across our country: • All children have rights to protection from all forms of abuse • All children know about their rights, and where to report abuse • Adults know how and where to report child abuse • Services’ provid-

ers and community members know that their roles are imperative in ensuring the protection of children in their communities.

The various agencies of the state, and those that originated in private bodies to deal with matters like this one, need to pay greater attention, and promote their mandates in such a way that the regular people on the street are motivated to be involved, although they are not formally employed there.

This would eventually create a general environment of safety and accountability that would trickle into the lives of any person having issues like this teen had faced (or even people that are near such people), and assist them with the knowledge that would help them to come to a place where speaking out on these issues are second nature. Guyana needs to do better; Guyana can do better!

Yours sincerely, Khadidja Ba ChildLink

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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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

A comparison of PPP/C’s 100 days with APNU/AFC’s 100 days (Part 1) Dear Editor, After 100 days of President Ali and his Cabinet in Government, every Guyanese has had the opportunity to compare our People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government’s outstanding achievements made through their vision for Guyana’s future, as outlined by the President and his Cabinet - with those of the previous APNU/AFC administration in their 100 days.

Guyanese, let us compare the PPP/C’s 100 days with the APNU/AFC’s 100 days.

The People’s Progress Party Civic’s (PPP/C’s) 100day review features visionary leadership and demonstrated commitment to the development of Guyana and every Guyanese citizen; and every Guyanese has been given an opportuni-

ty to see for themselves the trajectory our newly-elected President has set for his Administration.

In his first month in office, it was immediately impressed on Guyanese that this was a President who intended to connect with every Guyanese, with him visiting as many communities as possible and hearing from the people themselves what their concerns are. Our President took up this challenge himself. On August 30, 2020, President Ali, in partnership with several civil society groups, paid a visit to Tiger Bay in Georgetown, where hampers were distributed and he listened to the concerns of residents.

Other places he visited include Canal Number 1, West Bank Demerara, where he did a walkabout that attracted scores of residents.

Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill and Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues also used the first month to visit communities across Guyana, where attention was paid to concerns over infrastructure and adequate housing and water.

Other Ministers who did visits across the country include Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, alongside members of the GFF and Tiger Bay community; Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Junior Public Works Minister Deodat Indar; Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall; and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, among others who hosted several outreaches.

It is clear that while the PPP/C ministers were on the road working in 2020, the

then APNU/AFC ministers and president were too busy celebrating and increasing their salaries in 2015 after 100 days in office. As a matter of fact, the score secured by the APNU/AFC administration for its first year in Government is 11 out of 21!

That score was calculated on what that Government had promised to do in its first 100 days in office; whereas, 365 days in, only 11 of the 21 promises had been kept.

As promised, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill immediately began examining proposals for the Parika-WBD road link, as our President had promised an amazing future for Guyana with the new fourlane highway linking WBD to Parika, construction of which has begun.

The PPP/C’s signature

Purpose of marking fuel imported is to identify legal fuel from illegal or smuggled fuel Dear Editor, The simple answer to the question posed by Mr. Reggie Bhagwandin, as to whether fuel smuggling is still a threat to legitimate dealers, is yes.

The purpose of marking fuel imported into Guyana is to identify the legal fuel from illegal or smuggled fuel, and, in the process, curb fuel smuggling and the resulting losses in revenue to the Government.

Notwithstanding the situation in Trinidad and Venezuela, it is important to note that diesel continues to be sourced from Venezuela.

As recent as last week, the captains of two separate fuel vessels reported sourcing their diesel from Venezuela.

The actual cost of marking the fuel to the individual consumer is miniscule, G$0.60 per litre for large fuel importers. Today’s (Nov. 18, 2020) price for gasoline at GuyOil is G$155 per litre.

The marking fee represents 0.39% of the cost per litre.

The point should be emphasised that the intent of smugglers is to avoid payment of local taxes. The fuel-marking programme utilises forensic technology to identify taxed and untaxed fuels.

The GEA’s record has shown that with the advent of the marking programme, the ‘percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank’ has reduced from 34% in 2006 to <1% in 2019. This has, among other things, contributed to: - the collection of appropriate taxes by the Guyana Revenue Authority. It is estimated that the sustained collection of taxes from legitimate imports will move from over US$40M in 2021 to nearly US$60M by 2025.

The loss of this collection of taxes may not only end up in the pockets of fuel smug-

glers, but rob the country of vital revenue needed for development.

- The fuel imported being of an appropriate quality.

Smuggled fuel is notorious for being of low and substandard quality. This causes more harmful emissions.

- The prevention of adulterated fuels ending up on the open market. Damage to machinery and equipment can lead to downtime in many important sectors across the country. The various fuels imported need to be monitored to ensure they

are not being adulterated – something which is supported by the marking programme.

It should be noted that the fuel-marking programme provides direct employment to over 50 employees of the GEA, not to mention the many other indirect forms of employment as a result of the goods and services required by the fuel-marking programme.

Sincerely, Guyana Energy Agency

achievement after coming to office is the less-than-90 days it took to liberalise the telecommunications sector and bring an end to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT’s) 30-year monopoly in Guyana. This has allowed for other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to receive the requisite licences, paving the way for them to expand, ushering in a new age of telecoms competition.

More than 25 other companies have since expressed an interest in Guyana.

The PPP/C entered Government with ExxonMobil’s US$9 billion investment in Payara offshore Guyana perched in a precarious position.

The former APNU/AFC Government had contracted British firm Bayphase to conduct an assessment of the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP), but that was since 2019.

The project had not moved past assessment, and Exxon was getting impatient. Our Government, soon after it took office, proceeded to turn the situation around by negotiating a Payara licence that contained environmental safeguards and provisions for natural gas that would tie in with the Government’s long-term vision for a gas-to-shore project.

A comparison of the Payara licence and the licence for Liza Fields 1 and 2 will show that the PPP/C Government was able to se-

cure fair, improved terms, unlike the previous APNU/ AFC administration.

Improvements include stiffer fines for flaring, and Exxon has to submit its development and operating cost estimates for the Payara field within 90 days from the date the licence is issued; and Exxon is also required to provide US$400,000 annually for the various audits. The Payara licence, complete with improved terms over the Liza field licence, was signed within two months of the PPP/C being in office.

The most transformative project the PPP/C has on its agenda is the gas-toshore project, which would see gas pipes from Exxon’s offshore Liza field being brought onshore and used to process natural gas for local energy consumption.

The Government has set up an advisory committee for this project within the 100 days, while also setting itself a target of 2023 to make the project a reality.

Guyanese, we must stop spending so much energy on negativity, and look into the future, look into the potential of our country under the leadership of the PPP/C Administration, and embrace positive energy that will move this country forward. There is no other way we are going to build an amazing future here in Guyana.

Sincerely, David Adams

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

Y

ou have learnt the customary units for measuring liquid volume in a container. However, if you want to know how many customary units a solid figure contains, or its volume, the units are called cubic inches, cubic feet or cubic yards. The metric equivalents are cubic centimetres, cubic metres or cubic kilometres.

1) A playfield measures 105 metres long and 68 metres wide. If a construction company is told that it needs 1 metre of gravel under the field for proper drainage, how many cubic metres does it need to order?

Example:

2) A shoe box has dimensions of 30 cm by 25 cm by 18 cm. What is the volume?

To find the volume of a rectangular solid, multiply its length x its width x its height.

Exercises: Convert

3) What is the volume of a cube with sides of 15 cm?

4) A shipping box has dimensions of 12 cm by 10 cm by 8 cm. If a kilogram of candy takes up a cubic centimetre, how many kilograms of candy can you put in the box?

5) A cube with sides of 200 cm has how many cubic metres of volume?

6) What is the volume of a rectangular solid with sides of 20 cm, 86 cm and 12 cm?

Wednesday’s answers

Volume = 7 x 2 x 3 = 42m3

1) 16m2 2) The rectangle with an area of 40cm2 3) The square with an area of 196cm2 5) 15cm2 6) 1720cm2 4) 32cm2

O

ne cold stormy day a goatherd drove his goats for shelter into a cave, where a number of wild goats had also found their way.

The shepherd wanted to make the wild goats part of his flock; so he fed them well. But to his own flock, he gave only just enough food to keep them alive. When the weather cleared, and the shepherd led the goats out to feed, the wild goats scampered off to the hills.

"Is that the thanks I get for feeding you and treating you so well?" complained the shepherd.

"Do not expect us to join your flock," replied one of the wild goats. "We know how you would treat us later on, if some strangers should come as we did."

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen shot to head by best friend during sleepover A

15-year-old boy is now dead after he was shot to the head during a sleepover at his best friend’s home.

Dead is Rockey Sawh, of Lot 45 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He was a student of Cummings Lodge Secondary.

Police investigations revealed that the 16-yearold suspect invited Sawh over to his home and the two friends had a meal about 18:00h. After eating, the teen suspect reported-

ly breached the lock of a locked wardrobe where a licensed .32 Taurus Pistol owned by his father was secured.

Police said that after retrieving the gun, the teen then showed it to the victim and accidentally pulled the trigger. As a result, Sawh was shot to the right side of his head and fell to the ground. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition. He died about

17:00h on Wednesday.

According to Police, at the time of the incident, the suspect’s parents were not at home.

A .32 Taurus pistol, along with seven live matching rounds, a spent shell and 149 .32 rounds, was retrieved from the scene, Police said.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the teen’s mother, Amrita Panday, she said her son asked her to sleep over at his best friend’s home at Sandy

Oil and gas investors looking to establish regional offices here – GO-Invest

I

nvestors in the oil and gas industry have signalled their interest to establish their regional headquarters in Guyana.

This was disclosed by Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Ramsaroop in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Ramsaroop said the gap analysis being undertaken by GO-Invest mapped out the developmental areas where Guyana needed to focus. He said this would help investors match their interest with Guyana’s areas of development.

The CEO pointed out that “many of these companies supporting the oil industry are moving their regional headquarters to Guyana. They are no longer trying to work out of

Trinidad or Brazil to do their repairs of equipment; they now want to set up their regional headquarters in Guyana and that again is a significant boost for our investment climate”.

Oceamar, a leading Mexican offshore agency, is one of the companies that have since signalled interest in Guyana. The company knows there are numerous oil blocks that are yet to be auctioned and wells to be dug, and it is trying to capitalise on the investment opportunities here, Ramsaroop said in the interview.

“They would be looking at things like helicopter pads, bringing in helicopters, bringing in vessels in support of the oil industry. They have a large catering operation… A lot of these companies are not

Dead: Rockey Sawh

GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

waiting for a contract to come out; they realise that our growth is aggressive, so they are saying we want to come in now, we want to invest, here is what we plan to do,” the CEO is quoted

by DPI as saying.

To date, Guyana has made 19 oil discoveries offshore of approximately eight billion barrels of oil.

Babb Street, Kitty on Tuesday night, which she agreed to, since it was not the first time the boys had sleepovers.

The mother recalled that her son messaged her when he got to his friend’s home, telling her that he had arrived safely.

However, on Wednesday about 02:00h she said she received a phone call that her son was shot and that she should go to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The grieving

mother said that upon arrival, she was informed by

doctors that her son was badly wounded.

“The boy’s parents are not saying anything to me; nobody is saying nothing to me. It was only the doctor was cooperating with me,” she said.

“I don’t know what took place, they are best friends, they grew up together,” the grieving mother said, adding that her son had so much life left in him, with great potential.

Sawh was scheduled to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations next year.

“I want justice for my son … he is not a bad child: he doesn’t drink, smoke, or nothing; he is very obedient and he listens to me... he is my last son,” the grieving woman said.

Sawh’s body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem while the suspect remains in custody.

(LaWanda McAllister)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC asks High Court to declare Tourism Minister’s appointment unlawful

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition has moved to the High Court asking that Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond to be removed from Parliament, as the Coalition claims she was still a citizen of the United States of America when she took the oath as a member of the National Assembly and Government Minister.

In a Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed at the High Court on Wednesday and directed to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, and Walrond, APNU/ AFC MP attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde is seeking a declaration that Walrond is not a lawful member of the National Assembly.

He is seeking another declaration that she is not a lawfully appointed Government

APNU/AFC-aligned lawyer Roysdale Forde

Minister. Also, he is asking the court for an Order directing the Speaker of the National Assembly to prevent the Tourism Minister from sitting in and/or participating in the business of the 12th Parliament of Guyana.

The court action was instituted by Opposition Chief

Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

Whip Christopher Jones, who is currently under investigation by the Police for making a false representation to acquire over $4M in barbershop equipment under a programme executed by the then Ministry of Social Protection during the tenure of the APNU/AFC Administration.

In the grounds for his application, Jones stated that on August 5, 2020, three days after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declared the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) winners of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Walrond took the oath of office as a Cabinet member and non-elected minister.

Walrond was appointed a technocrat minister, as her name was not on the List of Candidates presented by the PPP/C for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

According to Jones, on September 1, 2020, she took the oath of office of a Member of Parliament while being a citizen of the US. Minister Walrond had previously said she was mindful of the constitutional provision which prohibits dual citizens from sitting in the National Assembly, and, as such, had sought le-

gal advice on the matter. The minister had said that even though she was informed that that provision did not apply to her, out of an abundance of caution, she had decided to renounce her US citizenship.

“I wrote to the US Consular Office on August 18, 2020, renouncing my citizenship to the United States of America with immediate effect. I was thereof informed of the administrative procedure I must comply with to obtain a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States. I complied with that process by August 27, 2020. I have since received the Certificate of Loss of Nationality. I took the oath to the National Assembly on September 1, 2020. That was after I renounced my citizenship of the United States of America,” the minister had said.

Nonetheless, APNU/AFC MP Roysdale Forde wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, on October 30, 2020, requesting documents submitted by

House Speaker Manzoor Nadir

Walrond as proof of her citizenship renunciation. He said the Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States that was in Walrond’s name informed that she took the oath of renuncia-

Moving on Y Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

tion, an expatriating act, on September 4, 2020.

Forde added that the Chief of the Consular Section of the Embassy of the United States of America in Georgetown subscribed her name and seal of her office on September 04, 2020. According to the lawyer, Walrond’s Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States was approved on September 08, 2020 by the Overseas Citizens Services of the Department of State.

As such, Jones contends, Walrond is not a valid and legal member of the National Assembly, and she is not a validly appointed minister.

The House Speaker was previously reported as saying that Walrond’s renunciation was “acceptable,” but the Coalition is insisting that Walrond must resign.

Speaking with reporters shortly after the FDA was filed, Forde was specifically asked if the APNU/AFC would be satisfied if Walrond resigns and then be sworn in again as minister and Member of Parliament. He, however, said that decision is up to Government.

Guyana’s High Court and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) have already ruled that a dual citizen cannot be appointed as a member of the National Assembly. The Constitution provides a penalty for dual citizens sitting as Members of Parliament which is the daily imposition of a fine.

The FDA is still to be assigned to a judge for a Case Management Conference (CMC).

Already, US Embassy spokeswoman Violeta Talandis had explained in the media that loss of citizenship occurs when an American citizen takes the Oath of Renunciation before a consular officer, not when the Loss of Nationality Certificate is issued.

“When they appear before the consular officer (loss of citizenship occurs). It’s under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, Section 349, Section 5 (a),” Talandis had explained.

United States’ Immigration and Naturalization Act Section 349 (a)(5) states that “a person who is a national of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization, shall lose his nationality by voluntarily…making a formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State.”

…to where? our Eyewitness has learnt that Barbados is going to sever all links with Britain and its Monarchy and declare itself a Republic. Oh dear…just when the new season of “The Crown” opened on Netflix, and we’re learning how Thatcher reversed the Mother Country’s slow descent into the Third World it once created and ruled.

Now, Barbados and us both received independence back in 1966, and Burnham had quickly thrown out the Crown by 1970. Barbados is therefore a full half-century behind us.

We know that even though Burnham had been shoehorned into office by the Brits, he insisted on doing his own thing: he didn’t like the latter looking over his shoulder as he did the dirty to the ballots. But, under Mia Mottley, what’s Barbados’ motive for cutting the old umbilical cord? Don’t they like being called “Little England” anymore? Seems not.

The “Governor General”, who represents Queen Elizabeth as Head of State, while reading the “Throne Speech” written by PM Mottley last September, revealed it was because the Bajan people wanted to cut the old “colonial ties”.

Now, various Bajan Governments have been making these noises over the years, but, this time, it looks like the Mottley Administration mean business. They signalled this by removing the statue of Lord Nelson - the British Naval Commander - from their Square of Heroes a couple of days ago. Now, this is serious stuff, since the monument’s been there since 1813, fully 30 years before the one in Trafalgar Square in London went up!! But then, Nelson’s battles had been fought against the French, and had been mostly in the Caribbean, to drive off the Frenchies under Napoleon.

Your Eyewitness is still a tad curious, however, as to what exactly does Mia (your Eyewitness feels he can be on a first-name basis, for some reason!) hopes to gain for Barbados with this move? Had they rather have been ruled by the French and eat snails? Is it to signal that Britain is definitely not “Great” any longer? Is it to send a message to the Barmy Army that, when regular cricket resumes, they just can’t descend upon Barbados like locusts to make the locals into a minority?

Among the “Big 4” in the old British Caribbean, in TT and Jamaica, Republicanism still remains the road not travelled. Guyana’s the only one that took the plunge; and after what Burnham and the PNC did here, we certainly aren’t a ringing endorsement of the Republican ideal!!

Does Mia realise that, the next thing you know, she might have to call on Caricom to stop some Sanctimonious Gangsters in her opposition from stealing their elections in plain sight?! …from our trauma Did you realise, dear reader, that our last election was a near-death event for our fledgling democracy? That’s right. The last time we allowed the PNC to get away with rigging in 1968…it took 24 years to get them out - years during which they took our country from being among the top in the region - by whatever criteria you choose - to clinging just above Haiti. The challenge for us going forward is to ensure we don’t allow that to recur.

So, what exactly can we do? Well, for one, we have to see through Burnham’s ruse when he cut ties with Britain: it wasn’t about ending colonialism at all; it was all about exchanging the foreign colonial masters for his domestic version. He, Burnham, of course playing the role of Queen Elizabeth 1 - not the one who we see scrounging around at Balmoral Castle in “the Crown”, but the one who could and did - have anyone who disagreed with her beheaded.

We gotta make sure the PNC plays by the rules of the (democratic) game! …from COVID-19 Your Eyewitness once again raises his hands to the heavens and pleads with his fellow Guyanese to follow the guidelines on the COVID-19 virus.

If COVID-19’s gotten out of control in the US, what about here?

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

9 El Paso residents call out contractor on partially serviceable $5.1M water well NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…GWI will not accept well in current state – Minister Croal

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he Region Eight (Potaro – Siparuni) community of El Paso is now being forced to wait longer to access potable water, because a well recently drilled by a contractor for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) can supply only the school, not the residents.

Residents reached out to this publication and reported that the well that was drilled

well) after a couple of minutes (is that) the water dies down and you are not getting enough flow,” Adams said.

The Mayor added that, at this point in time, the Mahdia Town Council is not in a financial position to contribute money to another such project. He noted that that is the reason why GWI officers now have to seek funding, and he explained that it was promised that the process of seeking fund-

The water well that cost $5.1M

in the community encountered very little water, and cannot service the community. In fact, they are claiming that the project, which cost over $5 million, was a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.

When contacted, Mayor of the township of Mahdia, David Adams, said the municipality had contributed several million dollars to the project from its Government subvention. He said that despite the Council contributing funds to the project, the council had no oversight thereof, since the work was being executed by a contractor employed by GWI. “The guys did dig a well there, but when they dug the well, it was not producing the amount of water that was needed to serve the community. My last information was that GUYWA (GWI) was looking at acquiring additional funds to see if they can dig another well, because the one that is there can’t service the community,” the mayor said.

Adams told Guyana Times via telephone that the GWI- hired contractor had informed the Council that he would repurpose the well to service just the school.

“What they plan to do is to see if they can use the water there to serve the school alone. They will do something with it so that it can service the school when it is in session, but to service the whole community, it is not producing enough water to do so. What happens when you pump (water from the

ing would have commenced about a month ago.

He further explained that GWI had also recently drilled a well at the 7-Miles area, and that is working just fine.

When asked about feasibility studies being done before the commencement of drilling at the El Paso/ Tumatumari location, the mayor said that since the Mahdia Town Council is a relatively new and small one, they do not have an engineering department, and as such would rely on executing agencies to do the technical groundwork.

“We still desire a well to be completed in El Paso, but presently we do not have any funds to direct (towards) digging another well,” the mayor said, while stopping short of stating whether the Council would accept the well in its present form.

Will not accept well

Meanwhile, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal told Guyana Times that the Mahdia Town Council provided $4.5 million to GWI for a new well, with the total cost for the facility being $5.1 million. He explained that the water authority contracted Fox Services to execute the project.

Croal said the well was drilled to a depth of 90 metres with little production, which cannot feed the community, and Fox Services encountered some challenges with its equipment while drilling, and had to return

to Georgetown to have it addressed.

The equipment was repaired and they were requested by GWI to mobilise to complete a well in Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima–Waini) within the next three weeks. This was because of the availability of the vessel to transport the drilling equipment. Fox Services is expected to return to drill a new well in El Paso after completing the well in Port Kaituma.

“GWI has not accepted the well, nor has made any payment, since the well is intended to be drilled to a maximum depth of 150 metres. After the well is com-

pleted, GWI will be working with the Town Council to connect it to the system,” the Minister said.

The residents have said they undertook the initiative to keep a watchful eye on this project following the call of the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to be the watchdogs of the community. They said that had a proper feasibility study been conducted, taxpayers’ money would not have been wasted.

“While it is good that the school will be getting water, there are only about 20 students at the school. The community is small, and daily attendance is not even 20,”

Housing and Water Minster Collin Croal

one resident stated.

Another commented, “Spending millions of dol-

lars just to supply the school with water in such a small community is absolutely unbelievable. It’s a total waste of the Government’s money.

The contactor must be held accountable.”

“I am happy that the Minister said that GWI will not be accepting the well in its current state. The area has never had potable water…we depend on rain water, river and creek water. There are a few natural springs in the area also. So, when we heard of the GWI project, we were very excited as a community, but this well that the contactor gave us is disappointing,” another resident said.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EBD land scandal

Businessman points finger at PNCR member …tells Police James Bond told him of lease, arranged buyer, collected over $60M

A

valon Jagnanan, one of the businessmen at the centre of the questionable transfer of state lands on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), voluntarily went to the Police and pointed the finger of accusation at former People’s National Congress (PNC) member James Bond.

Bond’s name had previously been mentioned as the recipient of US$1 million in payments on documents connected to similar land transactions.

According to well-placed sources close to the investigation, Jagnanan gave a statement to the Police in which he claimed that it was Bond who asked him to apply to the National Industrial and

Attorney-at-Law and member James Bond

PNCR

Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for the land.

According to the source,

Jagnanan told Police that upon Bond’s request, he wrote an Expression of Interest (EoI) and gave it to Bond, who subsequently informed him that the lease had been granted.

Jagnanan also told Police that after he went to Bond’s office and signed the lease, Bond then found a buyer and the state land was sold for $117 million. Jagnanan reportedly received $60 million out of the transaction.

According to what he told Police, this money was given to the former PNC executive.

It was revealed last month that Life 1 Pharms Incorporated, which Jagnanan heads, leased a total of 15 acres of land at

Businessman Avalon Jagnanan

Peter’s Hall, EBD for the sum of US$11,700. This land, referred to as plots ‘A17’, ‘A18’ and ‘A19’, was subsequently transferred to one individual for $100.

Similarly, A-Z Pharmaceuticals also leased three plots of land at Peter’s Hall for US$11,700 a year from NICIL. The company then transferred the land to the same individual for a mere $100. Police had detained, and subsequently released, Eddie Doolall, the principal for A-Z Pharmaceuticals, last week. Doolall has since claimed there was no intent to defraud the State.

Implicated

Last month, Bond was named as the recipient of US$1 million in payments for 20.8 acres of flipped State lands at Peter’s Hall. The revelation was made by Attorney General and Minister of

Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall in a video statement providing an update on the Government-promised investigation into the land giveaways by the David Granger Administration.

He had said that over 50 acres of land at Peter’s Hall were given away through three different agreements by the then Government through NICIL. The PNCR member at the centre of the questionable transactions, now identified as Bond, was listed as the lawyer on record for the drafting of the three contracts.

The AG had revealed that in one instance, 20 acres of land were leased for 20 years for an annual fee of US$16,224 to a company with its address listed as Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. The land, referred to as Plots A1, A2, A3, and A4, amounted to 20.8 acres, which were not valuated prior to the signing of the lease on May 9, 2018.

The land was later sold to a company connected to the oil and gas industry for US$1 million, the proceeds of which did not go to the owner, but rather to the attorney on record. The payments were disbursed in two parts at a commercial bank.

Nandlall had said at the time that the address of the company is the same address that the PNCR member has listed on his bank account as his place of residence.

When last contacted by

Sacked NICIL Heath-London

CEO

Colvin

this publication for a comment on the land deal, Bond had said that he has nothing to say on the issue.

Land grab

There have long been reports of a land grab on the EBD in the vicinity of the Ogle/Diamond bypass road.

Now sacked former NICIL Chief Executive Officer Colvin Heath-London and former Finance Minister Winston Jordan also continued to vest land to multiple persons in the midst of the controversy that followed the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

It had previously been announced that Government had sought legal advice, and would be initiating legal proceedings against Jordan and recently sacked NICIL head Colvin Heath-London over their involvement in the giveaway of prime state lands.

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Oil discoveries

Guyana’s transformation will be “historic” — Washington-based CSIS …concrete policy measures needed to avoid “resource curse”

T

he transformation of a small country such as Guyana owing to its massive oil discoveries will be “historic”, with some experts referring to it as potentially the “new Qatar”, of South America.

According to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in a recent report, Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025 and has the potential of becoming one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the hemisphere within the next generation.

The report “The Guyanese Diaspora”, which was authored by Michael Matera, Linnea Sandin and Maripaz Alvarez, highlights that Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to increase significantly in 2020 as a result of its first exports of oil.

It notes that Guyana is expected to have an average annual growth of 28 per cent between 2020 and 2024, doubling its GDP to US$8.1 billion and per capita income to over US$10,000 over the same period.

“With this projected growth in national income, the country will have the opportunity to develop modern

health and education systems, construct other major public infrastructure projects, and potentially develop new sectors of energy and non-energy related industries.

“There is even the possibility of reviving the country’s agricultural sector and developing agro-industrial production and export of both basic food commodities and value-added food products,” the report states.

However, the authors were quick to point out that Guyana was likely to face the same kind of difficult challenges that other countries have faced and must, therefore, implement the kind of policy measures needed to ensure that citizens prosper from the oil windfall.

Part of the challenge, according to the authors, will be to avoid the “resource curse” – a malady that has left many countries rich in oil and gas resources such as Venezuela, Nigeria and others with “authoritarianism, corruption, and poverty”.

For the authors, the predominant challenge is to wisely manage this new wealth by “carefully planning a sensible development strategy and ensuring that this new wealth is not misappropriated by a few,

but shared equitably with the entire population and with future generations of Guyanese”.

They note that the experience of many resource-rich countries indicates that huge reserves of energy resources are not in themselves a guarantee that national prosperity will be achieved.

“It would be naïve to assume that Guyana will be immune to the resource curse, and in fact, some of the historic characteristics of the political experience in Guyana since Independence indicate that the country could be easily susceptible to this condition.

“Divisive politics, weak political institutions, persistent corruption, and high levels of tension and latent conflict in the population mostly over ethnic divisions are a very quick indication of how Guyana could easily move in this direction. The problems surrounding the March 2, 2020 national election are a reminder of this reality.”

The authors. Therefore. suggest that the authorities include concrete public policy measures in many areas of development and governance, with specific attention being paid to avoiding the resource curse.

According to the CSIS report, some connection needs to be drawn between the Diaspora communities and the country with regard to this challenge. What is clear, they highlight, is that significant human, social, and economic resources are present not only in Guyana but also in the formidable Guyanese Diaspora.

They observed that although the local population in Guyana can provide a workforce and certain skills on the ground, the Diaspora offers many of the specialised skills and expertise that could contribute to the successful management of the new oil and gas sector and consequent downstream industrial development.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is taking steps to put in place stiff measures, including robust legislation, that will seek to ensure that monies garnered from Guyana’s oil and gas sector will be channelled towards its intended purposes – development of the country and improving the quality of life for every citizen.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the Government was working assiduously to minimise the contact between politicians and oil companies, and

would ensure that technical agencies were involved in the process.

Jagdeo had explained that while intercessions would be made from a policy perspective by a Minister or the Cabinet, all negotiations would be facilitated at the technical level.

The Vice President had further posited that the Government would implement legislation which would criminalise persons involved in the non-disclosure of revenues or receipts from oil companies.

“We made it clear that the Minister of Finance or the Secretary to the Treasury would have to gazette every cent collected from the oil companies, big or small… so that the country can read the official gazette and know how much we collected and in which month,” the VP had said.

Jagdeo had also expressed that once the monies were paid into the Sovereign Wealth Fund or the Treasury, it had to go through the budgetary and audit processes.

in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated that monitoring was ongoing at dormitory schools countrywide as senior secondary and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students settled into the school term.

He said when the Education and Health Ministries took the decision to reopen schools, they decided to test everyone, anticipating that there would be some positive COVID-19 cases. “[We] wanted to make sure that everybody who would be living in the dorms, would be free of COVID and because they were coming from different places, we weren’t sure of their status.

So, the important thing was once they get into the dorms, test everyone …test the persons who would be working along with them, teachers included,” he said during Wednesday’s COVID-19 update.

All of the cases at the dormitories are asymptomatic. “…we only knew that they were positive, because we actually did the PCR tests and so, we are monitoring. There are a few students whose parents have opted to take them back home, and we have allowed

for that, because in our discussions with those parents, we have given them the option of going to an institutional isolation or they can go back home and, of course, observe the guidelines that we have given to them,” the Minister said.

He said the Ministries’ strategic plan to deal with these cases is being followed, with support in every region from Regional Health and Education Officers.

Dr Anthony also gave assurances that both Ministries were working together to ensure the safety of students and teachers at schools.

Another COVID-19 death, 24 new cases recorded

A

66-year-old man of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) has succumbed to COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

His death now brings the total number of deaths from the viral illness to 142. In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said that it would make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to render any assistance needed. The Ministry also said that officials have contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed to the now-deceased person.

On Tuesday evening, the Ministry announced that an 11-year-old girl, who had cancer and died after testing positive for COVID-19, has been classified as a COVID-19 related death.

The child, who lived in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital on November 4 and died on November 6.

Initially, health officials had said that the child’s death would not be listed as a COVID-19 death, but on

Tuesday the Ministry said that in keeping with guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the case has been re-classified as a COVID-19 related death.

The section of the WHO guidelines relating to the classification of deaths states that “a death due to COVID-19 is defined for surveillance purposes as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness, in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID disease (eg trauma)”.

New cases

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 24 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, bringing the total confirmed cases to 4914 as of November 18. Three thousand, nine hundred and sixty-two persons have recovered from the virus.

According to the Health Ministry’s daily update dashboard, eight persons are currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Fifty-three persons are in institutional quarantine, 105 in institutional isolation, and 697 in home isolation. To date, 25,756 tests have been conducted locally.

Contact tracing in Bartica

Health officials are now conducting contact tracing in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) following a reported rise in COVID-19 cases in the mining town.

In early November, there were 39 reported cases in the region, with Bartica reporting 10 positive cases at the time.

On Tuesday, the region reported 49 active cases, of which 42 are from Bartica.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions in Bartica. We are doing contact tracing. We are monitoring these patients who have tested positive, and

that’s being done by the Regional Health Task Force.

Most of these persons are either going to be isolated at home, or they’re going to be in our isolation facilities, the two options that we offer to patients who have tested positive,” Minister Anthony said during Tuesday’s COVID-19 update.

Of the remaining positive cases, two were recorded in Issano, one each in Byderabo, Eteringbang, Kaikan and Arau. The origin of the case in Arau is still being determined.

Monitoring at dormitory schools

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali initiates talks GLDA warns against with UWI to train 20,000 smuggling meat, livestock Guyanese in 5 years T ...for Guyana’s economic, social, cultural development he Guyana Livestock D e v e l o p m e n t Authority (GLDA) is urging importers to adhere to the established guidelines for importing meat and live animals to safeguard the country from diseases.

GLDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Dwight Walrond made this appeal, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported, after a quantity of undocumented and expired duck meat was seized from a local business.

According to the report, Dr Walrond recalled that in 2019, Guyana discovered the presence of duck hepatitis. The disease, which had been suspected locally,

lands in the Essequibo River and along the coast.

“The challenge that we still face as a country is that we have vast borders. Because of that, for us to police the entire system, it is difficult. So, I just want to implore to all stakeholders, let us do the right thing when it comes to importation of biologicals,” Dr Walrond is quoted by DPI as saying.

Meanwhile, the GLDA is intensifying its public awareness and surveillance exercises at meat centres and supermarkets countrywide.

The Deputy CEO said Guyana was currently in a “good state” concerning

The expired duck meat which was dumped on Monday

was confirmed by Cornell University, USA. That outbreak was first discovered in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and subsequently spread to most of the is-

the duck industry. There is no widespread mortality to date, and more tests are being done to avoid a recurrence of the disease.

On Monday, 219 kilo-

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dwight Walrond

grams (483 pounds) of undocumented and expired packaged duck meat was seized from a local business. The GLDA discovered the product during a routine surveillance exercise.

The goods were confiscated under the Animal Health Act and the Public Health Ordinance.

GLDA CEO, Dr Grayson Halley had emphasised that importers or prospective importers must apply for permission to import meat. He said there was an established procedure which the Authority followed.

“The GLDA [does] a general risk assessment to identify what disease may be prevalent in relation to that particular meat and if we are satisfied, and there is no risk to our local population or animals, we issue the ‘no objection letter’.”

The letter is then submitted to the Health Ministry’s Public Health Department for follow-up and feedback to the GLDA, which then issues the permit.

T

President Irfaan Ali

he University of the West Indies (UWI) is currently negotiating an agreement with the Government of Guyana to help train up to 20,000 nationals over the next five years, through the UWI Open Campus.

UWI has been invited

by Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, to help drive forward Guyana’s human resource (HR) development strategy.

UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles held a virtual meeting with Dr Ali earlier this month in which they discussed a strategy for the country’s future described as “exciting, sustainable, and on the cutting edge of Caribbean governance”.

“This represents an opportunity not only to help build a fellow Caricom nation’s capital infrastructure for economic, social and cultural development, but also to bring the University’s internationally-recognised brand of excellence into the country,” the UWI said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The diversity and richness of the UWI’s academic programmes, which have been carefully curated over decades, is well suited to help support the people of Guyana during this phase of their development,” the University added.

Dr Ali, a graduate of UWI himself, has called upon the University to be “very aggressive” in producing the business plan that will allow it to deliver. The President has identified all areas of human resource development that Guyana urgently needs.

In response, Professor Beckles has assured the President that UWI saw Guyana as part of its environment.

The UWI Vice Chancellor said he was excited by this “grand invitation” to enter Guyana to assist with its rebuilding process, thus helping its people to meet their full potential as members of one of the most dynamic States in the Region.

“This is as exciting as anything we have done in any region in the world, because we are on the margin of one of the largest societies, one of the biggest economies and, arguably, one of the most dynamic going forward,” Professor Beckles posited.

The University said it was greatly honoured to be part of Guyana’s roadmap to development. A meeting is being planned between UWI and relevant Ministers of the Government of Guyana.

VC Beckles is confident that the Council of the UWI would endorse this worthwhile and much-needed project. He has already spoken with the UWI’s Chancellor, Robert Bermudez, who agreed that it must and should be undertaken.

It was noted that the collaboration between UWI and Guyana was particularly exciting in the context of the University’s Triple A Strategy, which focuses on revitalising Caribbean development through the ap-

course of the next few years to transform the country from one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere to one of the most prosperous in the Region.

The country anticipates a significant increase in demand for skilled labour in many sectors beyond energy, as increased GDP translates over time into an increasingly prosperous country and population.

The Government is now exploring several options to

plication of three areas of focus: Access, Alignment, and Agility.

“At a point in Caribbean history when the Region is facing significant challenges due to the global economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and political upheaval in countries that are major trade partners, such as the United States, the relevance of The UWI’s input and influence is even greater.

“In the words of Vice Chancellor Beckles, the Caribbean is at “a moment of convergence”, a point in its collective history in which intra-regional collaboration and mutual support will be the key to successful nation-building. The UWI’s role in propelling the people of the Region along a progressive path to prosperity has never been more important,” the University stated.

Guyana’s recent discovery of massive oil resources has the potential over the

train Guyanese to take advantage of the opportunities available and to help push this development forward.

For over 70 years, the UWI has provided service and leadership to the Caribbean Region and wider world. The UWI has evolved from a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948 to an internationally-respected regional university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and an Open Campus.

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport.

UWI Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Social Studies, Science ERC to launch national conversation textbooks for Grades 5, 6 students on ethnic relations

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has announced that it was working in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the University of Guyana (UG) to begin a national conversation on ethnic relations.

According to the ERC, this will be done on December 14 and December 15, 2020, with the general intent to have frank and open discussions to capture diverse views on factors that impede ethnic harmony and recommendations for the compilation of a report to be submitted to the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders for implementation.

The conversation, the ERC said in a statement, will be launched with a general discussion on “How can we improve ethnic relations in Guyana”. The fully virtu-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand receiving copies of “Social Studies Made Easy” and “Science Made Easy” textbooks from authors Jonathan and Brisshana Benn

al forum, it pointed out, is intended to facilitate presenters drawn from Guyanese residing here and abroad and will reflect diversity.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon are invited to address the opening segment, the ERC said, which will also include presentations by ERC

Chairman, Reverend Dr John Smith along with UN Resident Coordinator among others. The ERC noted that a special segment would be held to facilitate the views and recommendations of young people.

Additionally, the event will be live-streamed, with some aspects broadcast on national television.

Educational worksheets distributed in Sophia

A

uthors of “Social Studies Made Easy” and “Science Made Easy”, Jonathan and Brisshana Benn met with Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday, and presented

Statistics Bureau to conduct mapping exercise ahead of census

T A guardian collecting worksheets from education officers on Wednesday in Sophia

T

he Georgetown E d u c a t i o n Department distributed worksheets and other learning materials to parents and children of Sophia in Georgetown on Thursday.

The exercise was a collaborative initiative between the Education Ministry’s Welfare Department, Cadet Officers, Headteachers and teachers. The distribution drive targeted primary and nursery level learners.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Education Ministry said that the distribution started at A Field Sophia as officers went from house to house inquiring about school-aged children.

Some parents indicated that they have received the Education Ministry’s worksheets while others said that they had not.

In addition to the distribution of the worksheets, the Education Ministry also distributed vitamins and tonics to homes to assist with the fight against COVID-19.

During the exercise, edu-

Eager to learn: This child collects her worksheets

cation officers went through the worksheets with the parents to ensure that they could assist the children in completing the exercises successfully.

The Headteachers and teachers who were a part of the exercise told parents that when the children have completed the worksheets, they (parents) should return them to the schools in the

community to be marked and to get further guidance.

Principal Education Officer (PEO) Immanuel Bridgewater led the team on Wednesday which included Education Officers Stembiso Grant and Deborah Hutson.

The distribution of worksheets will be done every Wednesday in a different community for the remainder of the year.

copies of the textbooks that they have written for Grades Five and Six students.

The content focuses on the Grades Five and Six curricula in Guyana and is presented in a way that helps students prepare for

their examinations. It is user friendly and promotes greater interaction between teachers, students, and parents in each lesson, the Education Ministry reported.

Minister Manickchand in receiving the books said that the work done by these two young people was brilliant and summarised the curriculum beautifully.

“It is extremely encouraging to see young people create with a view to contributing to our students.

The Ministry is pleased to be buying the copyright to these books so that all public-school students could enjoy and benefit from the good work therein. This is a good example of how one can use their talent and learning to earn,” Minister Manickchand added.

he Bureau of Statistics has initiated a fourweek mapping exercise to update its maps in preparation for the 2022 Population and Housing Census.

In a statement, the organisation announced that this activity will be executed in Regions One (Barima-Waini);

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five ((Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

For easy identification, the Bureau of Statistics mapping field staff will be

outfitted with their Bureau of Statistics identification cards and jerseys with the organisation’s logo printed at the front. The staffers will be engaged in mapping from November 20 to mid-December 2020.

The Bureau of Statistics is requesting cooperation from the general public.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Poor health facilities, lack of job opportunities among issues affecting Baracara residents

Baracara Chairman Eustace Joseph

By Andrew Carmichael

P

oor health facilities and the lack of adequate infrastructure for those in the agriculture sector are some of the major issues affecting residents of the riverine community of Baracara in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The community of fewer than 500 inhabitants is also being plagued with a lack of job opportunities, especially for the youth population.

Situated 52 miles up the Canje River, Baracara is the only Maroon village in Guyana. The village is equipped with a health centre and a secondary school, and the residents there are of the view that the services being offered by the Baracara Health Centre is below the standard that should be offered.

Earla Caesar told this publication that since the medic left early last year, the medical supplies have

been reduced to the extent where it is considered insufficient.

“We are not getting enough drugs (medication), and when anybody get sick, we have to take them to New Amsterdam, because they don’t have enough drugs here for the patients. So, we need more drugs in the Health Centre,” she said.

Caesar noted that the Baracara Health Centre is staffed with health workers and a midwife who is in training.

Village Chairman Eustace Joseph emphasised the urgent need for medical supplies at Baracara, saying that the situation has

even worse for them. Joel Thomas related that diarrhoea and vomiting are common during the rainy season. He noted that the only medical service available to them is at Baracara.

Access to those communities is possible only by boat.

Agriculture assistance

Meanwhile, the residents of Baracara are calling on the Government to intervene and provide needed assistance in the agriculture sector.

According to Carlene Joseph, insects are rampant and cause extensive damage to crops.

that some had been attacked by animals. In fact, some were bearing and others were less than two feet in height.

“That is because the sheep, goats and cows come and eat then. So, we are asking the Government if they can come in and dig the canal where they are staying, so that the cows can live in the pasture and not come out to eat our things, because we are going to punish if they do this,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Thomas, who is a cattle and cash crop farmer, explained that some of his cattle have died after experiencing neck swelling.

Baracara Health Centre

ants program wherein acushi ants bait is being given to farmers in hinterland communities.

At Baracara, the ants are making farming a nightmare for residents. The chairman noted that on occasions an entire crop is destroyed by these ants.

Community development

The riverine community of Baracara in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

been existing for close to two years.

Meanwhile, with some 100 residents living at Acura, 12 miles further up the river, the lack of adequate health facilities is

“Also, the animal owners would leave their cows, sheep and goats in the savannah, but they would come into our farms.”

She pointed out the difference in the size of some of her sucker plants as proof

He also pointed out that the lack of access to pesticides leaves them vulnerable to vegetable-eating insects.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustafa recently rolled out an anti-acushi

However, Joseph, in focusing on the brighter side of things, has said he wants to see development in the community, of which more than half the population are considered youths.

“In Baracara, there are a set of young people without any jobs, so I would like to see this developed so that the young people can have jobs, because they are not doing anything. We do not have a payday in Baracara, because we do not have anywhere we can get jobs,” the Village Chairman ex-

plained.

However, he added that 24 persons are employed for 20 days each to cut the grass from the edges of the Canje River.

“We depend on the grass work and we do a little bit of farming,” he explained.

But, as already pointed out, farmers there are faced with challenges. However, Joseph is of the view that there is scope for farming to be extended.

“But we need some assistance in the farm, because during the rain, our crops die out. If we can get some assistance with farming facilities, something to dig a canal so that we will be able to get into the back dam…

During this rainy season, the road is terrible to go into the farm. So, if we can get a canal to go where we are farming, we will be grateful for that,” the Village Chairman appealed.

AG sues James Bond, Jaipaul Sharma for libel

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has filed a lawsuit against former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change Minister Jaipaul Sharma and Peoples National Congress (PNC) Executive member and Attorney-atLaw James Bond.

In a Statement of Claim, Nandlall is seeking damages above $25 million from each of them over libellous posts they made about him via Facebook. On November 17, 2020, Sharma, a former junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, referred to the PPP/C Government as “hypocritical” for going after Bond and others for questionable land deals using the office of the Attorney General.

In the publication, Sharma claimed that Mohabir A. Nandlall & Associates, in which Nandlall was the senior and managing partner before he was appointed Attorney General, was involved in some of these land transactions in which a large plot of land was transferred a few days after David Granger was sworn in as president in 2015.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

Nandlall’s lawyers had written to Sharma, informing him that his post was not only libellous, but malicious and completely false, and is causing damage to the standing, integrity, and reputation of the law firm and to Nandlall’s reputation.

The Attorney General had demanded that Sharma retract the offensive publication and issue an apology immediately to him and the law firm. He had further informed Sharma that he reserves the right to institute legal proceedings against

him; however, the apology may mitigate the quantum of compensation the firm is seeking.

Sharma, however, did not even bother to issue the apology. Instead, Nandlall said, Sharma aggravated the libel by publishing another post reciting a conversation he had with him about the source of the information contained in his statement about the land transfer.

Nandlall insists that the law firm played no part or role whatsoever in the manner or form in which Navigant Builders Inc., which has its listed address at South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, which is the office of the law firm, conducted its affairs or business endeavours, including, but not limited to, its acquisition of lands.

On the other hand, Nandlall stated, shortly after Sharma had published the offensive posts, Bond published a post containing libellous remarks about him. According to the court action, Bond referred to the law firm as “Anil Numbskulls Chambers”, and, like Sharma, stated that it was involved in land transfers.

PNC Executive Member James Bond

Former APNU/AFC Jaipaul Sharma

Minister

According to court documents seen by this publication, Bond referred to Nandlall by certain derogatory remarks, and said he knows for a fact that clients gave the law firm millions of United States dollars to facilitate the transaction purchase of land and equipment.

The PNC Executive member then made another post in which he claimed that Nandlall likes to make threats and carry them out.

Bond further went on to say that Nandlall slanders and libels him daily.

According to the Attorney

General, the ordinary meaning of the publications complained of gives the impression that he is dishonest; unprofessional; engaged in corrupt land deals and criminal activity; is violent; that the law firm engages in dishonourable and unlawful activities; and that he has taken steps to intimidate and threaten Sharma.

As a result of the publications, Nandlall submitted, he has suffered public humiliation, ridicule, odium and anguish. He added that the law firm has also suffered irreparable financial loss and damage resulting

from the damage to his and its reputation.

The Attorney General argues that he has been working over the past two decades to build his reputation by investing time, energy, and money into his education and career. Apart from being a Senior Counsel, Nandlall pointed out, he has been a Parliamentarian in Guyana since 2006, and previously severed as Attorney General from 2011 to 2015.

He added that he is also a Central and Executive Member of the ruling PPP/C. Having regard to the foregoing, the Attorney General is seeking a court order compelling Sharma and Bond to remove the defamatory post. He is further asking the court to grant an injunction barring them from publishing any similar libel. He is also asking the court to award costs and such further or other orders it may deem just and proper.

The Attorney General is being represented by lawyers at the prominent London House Chambers including Devindra Kissoon, Manoj Narayan, Pratesh Satram, Sasha MahadeoNarayan, Rajendra Jaigobin, and Aanuradha Deodasingh.

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Uncertain future ahead as hinterland radio stations face many challenges

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adio stations in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo) are being driven towards an uncertain future as they are faced with many challenges affect their development.

Over the weekend, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy met broadcasters of the Aishalton, Lethem and Paiwomak radio stations in Region Nine.

The Minister was given guided tours of all the radio stations; he also conducted interviews and listened to concerns raised by staff with a view to finding solutions.

According to the staff, three of the major issues they face are the loss of power during the rainy seasons with no backup source, no Wi-Fi, and a lack of training for broadcasters.

“There is still space for more panels. During our dry season, we can use the AC and all that but during the rainy season it has really been affecting us, and this has been the second year now, and it is the same thing… we keep asking for Wi-Fi, but we haven’t gotten since,” Leah Casimero, a broadcaster said.

The staff at the radio station related to the Minister

Minister Kwame McCoy during his visit to the Aishalton radio station

that they were required to send reports to Georgetown, but they were unable to do so accurately with their limited data plan.

On the issue of training, Casimero told the Minister: “We just had like two-day training. At one time we were told that we would have it annually but it has not happened. I don’t feel comfortable being a local broadcaster and I have only had a few days’ training and nothing more after that. I also think that it is not fair that we have been on for more than two years, and we are at the same level.”

There were also suggestions of having educational programmes aired more often on the radio station, since the radio played such an im-

portant role in the community. They revealed that since the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE); the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the National Grade Six Assessment examinations, educational programmes have not been aired.

The broadcasters said since the community is faced with electricity challenges, and many students may not have devices to join the virtual classrooms, having educational programmes aired would benefit students in the community tremendously.

They added that the station was maintained by the Village Council, and it would be great if they could start

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

airing advertisements, to assist the radio station in whatever way was needed.

For his part, Minister McCoy said the Government’s mandate was to rebuild and fix problems that have been affecting Guyanese.

“We would be working towards improving and rebuilding what went wrong in the station. We have already started by granting the company a subvention of a hundred and something million dollars in subventions for this year in our emergency budget, and we have given them monies for capital items. I am sure that they are procuring some items for the regional stations … this is definitely something that we need to work on…” he said.

Inquest into death of man killed in 3-vehicle collision continues

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coroner’s inquest into the death of 22-year-old Collin Bourne, who was killed in a three-vehicle smashup along the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara, is scheduled to continue on November 24 before City Magistrate Annette Singh.

This is according to a notice published by the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Sueanna Lovell.

Twelve persons are listed to testify in the proceedings before a three-member jury.

Police Headquarters, in a statement on the accident, said that on March 31, 2019, minibuses PHH 3467 and BVV 5802 and motorcycle CH 6758 were involved in an accident. Bourne was riding the motorcycle.

Investigations revealed that minibus PHH 3467 was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, whilst minibus BVV 5802 and motorcycle CH 6758 were proceeding in the opposite direction. The motorcycle was at the

Dead: Collin Bourne

back, but overtook BVV 5802, and, while on the eastern carriageway, collided with minibus PHH 3467.

As a result of the impact, Bourne fell onto the western carriageway and into the path of BVV 5802. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Diamond Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The alcohol level of the driver of PHH 3467 was found to be above the legal limit.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

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

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GMC, Hope Estate get new Board of Directors …Teshawna Lall appointed GMC General Manager

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha recently met with, and appointed, members of the Board of Directors of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) and the Hope Coconut Industries Limited.

During the meetings, Minister Mustapha informed the new boards of the task ahead and of Government’s commitment to working with the boards to achieve their new mandates.

While addressing members of the New GMC Board of Directors, Minister Mustapha said Government has reposed confidence in the new members to turn around the agency by developing innovative policies.

“This is a very important organisation in the Ministry of Agriculture. As Minister, I would like to see the agency embark on new and innovative ways to market Guyana’s products and (deal) with our farmers’ produce. As the persons involved in making critical decisions relating to this agency, we have to ensure that we have the trust of the farmers.

GMC Board Chairman David Fernandes, collecting his letter of appointment from Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

We also have to ensure we make the sector attractive.

I want to see a revamping of the policies of the New GMC,” Minister Mustapha is quoted as saying in a press release from the Agriculture Ministry.

Minister Mustapha further stated that the agency would have to develop new ways of finding markets for farmers’ produce.

“As challenging as it may be, farmers are looking forward to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist them with finding markets for their produce. I think that, over the years, many farmers would have produced significantly, but due to the decline in mar-

kets and prices for their produce, many farmers would’ve downscaled or come out of agriculture altogether. We are now tasked with encouraging them to get back into the fields and show that markets are, and will be, available,” the Minister stated.

David Fernandes, appointed Chairman of the Board, said he plans to work to ensure the New GMC is able to execute its mandate while coming up with innovative ways to market farmers’ and agro-processors’ products.

Meanwhile, Teshawna Lall has been appointed new General Manager of the New Guyana

Marketing Corporation.

Further, while addressing the newly appointed Hope Coconut Industries Limited’s Board of Directors, Minister Mustapha said members are expected to develop the entire estate, adding that both coconuts and other cash crops are cultivated there.

Minister Mustapha suggested that the Board set up subcommittees to address the issues faced.

Newly appointed Chairman of the Board, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud, while addressing the Board, said Hope Estate should be a model for other estates in the country.

“In the past, resources were not adequate enough to take Hope Coconut Industries where it was supposed to be. Now we have a Board with persons who are specialised, we have the resources and, most importantly, the enthusiasm to push the industry. So, I’m happy to be working along with each and every one of you, because I know for a fact (that) each and every one of you has something to bring to the table and make sure

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handing over the letter of appointment to new General Manager of GMC, Teshawna Lall

we excel in every capacity,” Persaud said.

The new members of GMC Board of Directors include David Fernandes (Chairman), Brian Sears, Gerald Gouveia Jr., Rajeundra Singh, Syied Ibrahim, Venkat Narasan, George Jervis, Natasah Beerjit-Deonarine, Aditya Persaud, Faizal Jafferally, Jaideo Sookhoo, Yvonne Pearson and Teshawna Lall (GM/ex-officio mem-

ber).

The new members of the Board of the Hope Coconut Industries Limited are Pandit Rabindranath Persaud (Chairman), Teshawna Lall, Javed Shadick, Rickford Sue, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Bissesar Persaud, George Jervis, Dhanpaul Sukhdeo, Gordon Thomas, Bissesar Chantamanie and Rickie Roopchand (GM/ex officio member).

Construction worker on $250,000 bail over gun charge

Guyana’s tourism sector has unique advantage post COVID-19 - Tourism Dept

G

uyana’s tourism product will have a distinct advantage over others after the COVID-19 pandemic, because of the need for less populated safe spaces for visitors.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information, Director General of the Department

of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, said Guyana is better placed to capitalise on this than some other tourism destinations.

Reopening the local tourism industry will take time, and several factors need to be considered.

“You have to market bearing in mind that your market, meaning the peo-

ple who want to come, are very sensitive about what you are inviting them to.

The first (thing) they want to know is: ‘will I be safe?

Am I putting myself at risk in coming to Guyana or any other country?’” he is quoted as saying by DPI. To this end, he said “tourism bubbles” can be created to ensure a safe space for activities. This entails ensuring that “the transportation they use is according to COVID-19 protocols. The hotel that they will be staying in, they will not put themselves at risk. The tours that they go on, those tours will not compromise their health in any way; so, you create a safe bubble.”

In marketing Guyana, Sinclair said, it must be made clear that Guyana is a place where you can enjoy unique experiences.

“Tourism with smaller numbers - those destinations with thousands on a beach, those destinations are in trouble. That kind of tourism is not going to thrive, maybe in the short to medium term, because that is not what people are going for. Our product, where you can take small numbers to an interior location or remote location for a special experience, for

a special package and enjoyment of nature, that is the kind of tourism that is well accepted,” he said.

As the sector gradually opens, activities that entail avoiding crowds and wearing masks are what will be expected. Domestic tourism and diaspora markets are also expected to kick off first, so that is where efforts are directed, Sinclair revealed.

“We don’t want to put the communities at any risk. We don’t want to put the visitors at any risk, so the GTA is trying to ensure that the lodges are fully compliant with the COVID-19 protocols so that persons who go (there) are safe,” he said.

Many persons from the diaspora may also travel to Guyana for Christmas.

“I suspect that in the days and weeks ahead, we are going to be seeing a slow reopening, because we know that Christmas is coming. Many folks from the diaspora (are) itching to come back home, but those things have to be done safely, we cannot rush a reopening,” Sinclair said.

In keeping with this, the Director General is urging tour operators and the public to take the necessary precautions.

The firearm and ammunition

A

construction worker of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) was on Wednesday placed on a total of $275,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Retina Singh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Dameon Southwell, 35, of Lot 55 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam is alleged to have had an unlicensed .38 revolver and two matching live rounds of ammunition in his possession.

Southwell pleaded not guilty to the charges, one of which alleged that on November 15, on Main Street, New Amsterdam, he had in his possession a firearm without being a licensed firearm holder.

The other charge alleged that on the same date and at the same place, he had in his possession two matching live rounds of ammunition without being in possession of the requisite licence.

He was placed on $200,000 bail on the illegal gun charge, and $50,000 bail on the illegal possession of ammunition charge. The cases will continue on January 20, 2021.

Charged: Dameon Southwell

Additionally, Southwell was charged with malicious damage to property and assault. The offences were committed against Seon Halley on November 15 at Bermine Housing Scheme in New Amsterdam. He was fined $15,000 and $10,000 respectively for those offences.

The prosecution contended that a mobile patrol in New Amsterdam intercepted a white 212 motor car on Main Street, New Amsterdam. The driver and five occupants, inclusive of two females, were searched and the firearm and ammunition were found under the driver's seat. Southwell was the driver of the car.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana to join International Coconut Community …as Agri Ministry providing support to boost cultivation

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uyana will soon join the membership of the International Coconut Community (ICC) as the Agriculture Ministry advances plans to increase cultivation countrywide.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made this disclosure during an outreach to a coconut farm in Laluni on Monday, the Department of Public Information has reported.

The Minister said representatives will not only be looking at the industry from the Government’s perspective, but to identify ways of providing the necessary support to farmers.

“Over the years, we have

seen our coconut industry neglected; now we are trying to get it back on track. In the next two to three years, I intend to take coconut nurseries across the country, so that farmers can have that kind of facility where they can have these coconut plants, they can have this guidance from the extension officers,” the Minister is quoted by DPI as saying.

He explained that while provisions had been made in the recent Emergency Budget for the establishment of coconut nurseries at Kiruni and Charity, this would eventually include other areas.

Both the Hope Coconut

Estate and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will be taking steps to support the industry.

The Minister also encouraged farmers to incorporate intercropping in their farming practices.

Meanwhile, he commended Haresh Tewari on his farm in Laluni, noting that it provides employment for the residents.

“Coconut has the potential to bring in a lot of foreign exchange and, at the same time, use coconut…to do a lot of other things,” he explained.

Tewari said he cultivates coconuts primarily for their

water. However, if they pass the due date for harvesting, coconuts can be used for copra or oil production.

He also revealed plans to cultivate one million trees.

Added to that, Tewari has researched the coconut market and has found that “there is tremendous amount of potential for this product. I don’t believe if we have 100,000 acres of coconut production in this country that we will have enough to supply the world market.”

Coconut is the third major crop cultivated in Guyana, after rice and sugar cane.

The ICC is an intergovernmental organisation of

Farmer Haresh Tewari tells Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and his team about farming coconut at Laluni

coconut producing nations which was organised in 1969 under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and

Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

The ICC Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Region 3 Road Safety Association hosts St Lucia to introduce drivers’ outreach tourism levy

T

he Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Road Safety Association, in collaboration with the region’s Police Traffic Department, on Wednesday held a community and drivers outreach programme at Wakenaam, Essequibo River.

According to the association, the outreach was seen as timely, as most residents of the island use motorcycles as their primary source of trans-

portation.

During the outreach, riders and drivers were urged to practise defensive driving, and were warned not to use alcohol or narcotic substances when driving. The issue of speeding was also discussed during the outreach, as it was cited as the main cause of road fatalities in Guyana.

The Police Traffic Department addressed the issue of the road traffic laws and rules during the outreach.

Members of the Guyana Police Force, in association with the Region Three Road Safety Association, spoke with drivers on the island of Wakenaam on Wednesday

US sees highest COVID-19 death toll in months

…as deaths top a quarter of a million

T

he United States saw the highest Covid-19 daily death toll in more than six months Tuesday, with at least 1,707 fatalities, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The coronavirus is now killing at least one American every minute of the day, bringing the country to another horrific milestone on Wednesday: At least 250,029 people in the country have died of Covid-19 since the first death on February 29 in Washington state.

And it's only going to get worse, said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a professor at George Washington University School of Medicine.

"The horrible death count that we saw yesterday in the United States ... reflects the number of people who were being infected three weeks ago -- two to three weeks ago, because that's the lag," Reiner said Wednesday.

"On average, two to three weeks ago, we were seeing 70,000 to 80,000 (new) cases per day. Yesterday, there were about 155,000 (new) cases. So if you're alarmed at the 1,700 deaths today, two to three weeks from now, we're going to see 3,000 deaths a day."

And while some hospitals are running out of health care workers, the US once again set a new record for hospitalized Covid-19 patients -- 76,830 on Tuesday, according to the Covid Tracking Project. As of Wednesday, 47 states had at least 10% more new daily cases than this time last week, according to Johns Hopkins data.

Two states are relatively steady compared to last week -- North Dakota and Iowa -- but that's not saying much, since both states have recently had abysmal rates of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Only Hawaii has seen at least a 10% decrease in new cases.

This surge in nationwide infections isn't just due to more testing.

While new cases have increased 29% over the past

week, according to Johns Hopkins, testing nationwide has increased only about 11%, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said that at his state's current rate, "1,000 Arkansans could die of Covid-19 between now and Christmas."

Texas officials have deployed two mobile refrigerator trucks to Amarillo to handle the rise in fatalities.

In Illinois, Covid-19 is now the third leading cause of death in the state, behind heart disease and cancer, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday.

"ICU and non-ICU hospital occupancy by Covid-19 patients could reach as much as five times our previous records from the spring," Pritzker said earlier.

"We will continue to see a

rise in both hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 for weeks ahead because of the infections that have already happened," he said. "But we can change our longer-term outcome. We can save potentially thousands of lives in the next few months if we make changes right now to stop this in its track."

A stay-at-home advisory started this week in Chicago, where city officials also urged residents not to have guests in their homes, to cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations and avoid traveling.

Similar measures have been announced across the US in recent days.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a statewide curfew starting Thursday that will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In Maryland, the governor issued an emergency order effective Friday requiring bars and restaurants to close between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for carryout and delivery services.

"We are in a war right now," Gov. Larry Hogan said. "And the virus is winning. Now, more than ever, I'm pleading with the people of our state to stand together, a while longer." (CNN)

T

he St Lucia government Wednesday signalled its intention of introducing a tourism levy that it said will help finance the marketing and development of the industry here.

Government said it has been holding extensive consultation over the past two years with key stakeholders in the tourism industry and that the implementation of this tax follows the introduction of the Tourism Levy Act and amendments to the St. Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) Act. According to the authorities, as of December 15 this year, guests staying at registered accommodation service providers will be required to pay a prescribed nightly levy on their stay.

In the two-tier system, guests will be charged either three or six US dollars per person per night, depend-

ing on a room rate below or above US$120. A rate of 50 per cent of the tourism levy will apply to guests who are 12 to 17 years at the end of their stay. The fee will not apply to children under 12 years.

In addition, the government will from December 1, reduce the Value Added Tax from 10 to seven per cent for tourism accommodation service providers.

The government announcement states that the levy will strengthen the ability of the island as a tourism destination to increase its marketing and to support tourism development with a tax that correlates to visitor arrivals.

Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee said the island is well placed to continue along the trajectory of increasing its visitor arrival capacity. (CMC)

news@guyanatimesgy.com

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Regional

Storm Iota breaks up over El Visitors on yacht test positive for Salvador, major flood risk remains COVID in Grenada, while more

S

torm Iota unleashed flash floods in areas already waterlogged with rain, forcing more than 200,000 people across Central America to flee their homes with at least a couple dozen confirmed dead by Wednesday afternoon.

The strongest storm on record ever to hit Nicaragua, Iota struck the coast late on Monday, unleashing Category Five magnitude winds and inundating villages still reeling from the impact two weeks ago of Eta, another major hurricane.

Iota had largely dissipated over El Salvador on Wednesday, but authorities across Nicaragua and Honduras were still battling to cope with the devastating flooding the weather front had left behind in the deeply impoverished region.

Some of the hardest-hit communities were still inaccessible.

Central American authorities have confirmed 24 deaths so far. The majority of the victims are in

measures for entry into Bermuda

T Some 160,000 Nicaraguans and 70,000 Hondurans have been forced to flee to shelters

Nicaragua, where authorities say a mother and her four children were swept away by a river that overflowed its banks, while a landslide in the north of the country killed at least eight people, with many more missing.

In Honduras, five members of a family, including three children, were buried alive after a landslide swept away their home in the western department of Ocotepeque near the border with El Salvador and Guatemala, according to Police.

Two deaths have been

confirmed in Panama and one in El Salvador.

In Colombia, authorities say two people died when the storm battered the islands of the country’s Caribbean archipelago near the coast of Central America, bringing the storm’s total death toll to at least 26 people.

Despite the dissolution of Iota, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm’s remnants could trigger more flooding and mudslides across Central America. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados still owns Harrison’s Cave, Minister reaffirms

T

ourism Minister, Senator Lisa Cummins stressed that Harrison’s Cave has not been sold.

At a press conference Wednesday morning to introduce the new operators of the cave, Chukka Caribbean Adventures from Jamaica, she said that company was given a 25-year lease, but the attraction remained the property of Barbados since it lies under properties owned

by Barbadians.

“Harrison’s Cave has not been sold,” Cummins told the media.

“The Barbados Hilton, what is being done there, owned by the Government and People of Barbados,

managed by a third party, is the model being used for the management of Harrison’s Cave. Caves of Barbados Limited, therefore, will have a successful company which will remain owned by the Government of Barbados, it will be managed by a team which remains under the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport . . ,” Cummins said.

That team will “work closely” with the management of Chukka Barbados Limited to ensure that the development plans, budgets and resources “are consistent with the policy position” of the country.

Chukka Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marc Melville

said they had plans for massive extension of the operations of the cave that would include activities such as zip-lining, fun slides and entertainment for children.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Caves of Barbados, Ralph Thorne, said Chukka won the bid to operate the cave over three local contenders in a process that was transparent and fair.

The decision to go with Chukka was made by a committee which was specially set up to look at all the bids. He said all 60 employees were paid severance and their services would be retained by Chukka in a new employment arrangement.

(Nation News)

wo individuals who are quarantined on a yacht in the Grenadine island of Carriacou are among the latest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases there, while Bermuda has announced new test requirements for entry into the British Overseas Territory.

“Today, Wednesday, November 18, the Ministry of Health confirmed three new cases of COVID-19.

This brings the total number of laboratory-diagnosed cases in Grenada to 36. Thirty of those cases have been medically cleared and only six are active,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It said that one of the cases is a 62-year old male, who arrived from

the United States on an American Airlines flight on November 14. He was PCR tested and remains in quarantine, while the two males on the yacht, ages 63 and 64, are the first known cases in Carriacou.

“They arrived at the Carriacou Marina on November 12 from Martinique and have been quarantined on their yacht, with two others. They were tested on the 16th and found to be positive. The entire yacht remains in quarantine,” said the release, urging residents of Carriacou to be cautious in their daily activities and practices.

“There is no reason for public panic,” the Ministry added, noting that six of the active cases are asymptom-

Re-envisaged education system key to COVID-19 recovery — LaRocque T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) cannot achieve economic recovery and resilience in the post-coronavirus era without an education system designed to foster innovation and strengthen workforce capacity, the regional body has said.

“We need a regional system that is responsive, technologically enabled, and geared towards nurturing the skills and dispositions needed to reshape and advance the society,” said Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque.

He was addressing Education Ministers participating in the 25th Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on Education that ended on Tuesday.

Caricom Secretary Irwin LaRocque

General

“This is a difficult time for the sector. No one anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic nor the sustained impact it would have on our daily lives. Pundits are predicting that we will be living with COVID-19 as far into the future as 2022,” LaRocque said.

He said this situation has presented challenges and op-

A

boats was intercepted Tuesday near Trump’s private property.

Head of the border patrol in the Miami area, John Modlin said that 10 Haitians were arrested as well as two Bahamians accused of smuggling people and handed over to “Customs and Border Protection for legal consequences, while the illegal migrants will be repatriated to Haiti”.

He said that this was

the second case of human trafficking near the coast of Palm Beach in two days, adding that last Sunday, another boat loaded with immigrants, including 14 Haitians, had been intercepted.

The authorities have said that for the period October 2019 to September 2020, the US Coast Guard has intercepted more than 2500 Haitians who tried to enter the United States illegally. (CMC)

portunities for the education system, noting that schools have been closed, affecting more than five million students in Caricom states.

“It has created new practices with respect to remote tuition and hastened the development of new information technology-related methods for learning, and new skills for our students and teachers,” he said, noting also that concerns have been expressed about the effect and the effectiveness of online tuition.

He said that the lack of in-person interaction between student and teacher, and among students themselves are serious issues which could affect both the learning process and the development of young people.

(Excerpt from CMC)

T&T Education Ministry makes adjustments to SEA exam for 2021

Haitian migrants arrested near private property of US President

t least 24 Haitian nationals and two Bahamians were detained Tuesday after being intercepted trying to illegally enter the United States near the Mar-a-Lago club, which is owned by President Donald Trump.

US immigration authorities said that they intercepted two boats near the coast of Palm Beach County in separate operations on the weekend.

They said one of the

atic, and remain in quarantine awaiting further testing and medical clearance.

All yachts entering Grenada must register on Sailclear.com, which is the region-wide advance notification system for yachts developed and run by Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council.

In Bermuda meanwhile, visitors to the island already facing a battery of COVID-19 tests, will now have to produce a negative result no more than five days before their departure to the island, Health Minister Kim Wilson has announced.

Non-residents were earlier required to have a negative test inside seven days before departure. (Excerpt from CMC)

Students will see a reduction in the number of questions in Mathematics and English Language Arts Papers

T

he Education Ministry of Trinidad and Tobago has made changes to its Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) for 2021.

The examination will be held on June 10, 2021 and students will see a reduction in the number of questions in

Mathematics and English Language Arts Papers.

However, the time for the exam remains the same.

The Ministry said: “There have been changes to the number of items in the Mathematics and English Language Arts Papers.

However, the time for administration remains at 75 minutes.

“The adjustments to the written papers are as follows: Mathematics – The number of items has been reduced from 45 to 40. English Language Arts – The number of items has been reduced from 43 to 36. English Language Arts Writing – Narrative Writing will be assessed for 2021 ONLY. There has been a reduction in the number of objectives being assessed for the Mathematics Paper….

“The Office of the Chief Education Officer has disseminated this information to all primary school principals and teachers to facilitate the preparation of students for the placement examination.”(Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

US imposes sweeping sanctions on Iran, targets Khamenei-linked foundation

T

Oil prices under pressure as oil and gasoline inventories build

O

il prices fell slightly on Wednesday morning after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a moderate 800,000-barrel increase in crude oil inventories for the week to November 13, a day after the American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated a 4.17-millionbarrel inventory build.

The EIA estimate for last week compares with analyst expectations for a build of 1.95 million barrels, after last week the authority reported a considerable increase in inventories, at 4.3 million barrels that capped oil’s gains at the time.

In gasoline, the EIA reported an inventory build of 2.6 million barrels for the week to November 13, compared with a decline of 2.3 million barrels for the previous week.

Gasoline production averaged 9.1 million bpd last week, versus 9.3 million bpd a week earlier.

In distillate fuels, the authority estimated an inventory decline of 5.2 million barrels, which compared with a hefty 5.4-million-barrel draw a week earlier. Distillate fuel production went up last week, averaging 4.3 million bpd.

Oil has been trending higher overall since last week after Pfizer announced potentially promising early results from its Phase 3 vaccine trial. This week, Moderna followed suit, announcing potentially strong efficacy results from its own late-stage vaccine trial.

In further support for oil prices, OPEC+ agreed it may be best to extend the current level of production cuts – 7.7 million bpd – until at least the end of March 2021, although a longer extension, until the end of June, was also discussed.

At the time of writing, Brent crude traded at US$44.51 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate traded at US$42 a barrel, both slightly up from opening. (Excerpt from oilprice.com)

US election: Trump campaign seeks partial recount in Wisconsin

President Donald Trump's supporters rallied outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison as the election results were counted

P

resident Donald Trump is to seek a partial recount of votes in the state of Wisconsin which his rival Joe Biden is projected to win by 20,000 votes.

Hours before a Wednesday deadline, the Trump campaign said it wanted a recount in the counties of Milwaukee and Dane, alleging irregularities. Trump has been making unsubstantiated claims of fraud and refused to authorise a handover.

Biden says delaying the transition will damage the US’s pandemic response.

The Trump campaign has filed a flurry of lawsuits contesting the results in key states, although election officials say there is no evidence of widespread irregularities.

President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, is projected to have won the popular vote by more than 5.6 million ballots – 3.6 percentage points. In the US electoral college system that decides the presi-

dency, he has 306 votes to Trump's 232.

The President would have to overturn results in at least three states to win the election, which analysts say would be unprecedented. A recount is currently under way in Georgia, where Biden is 14,000 votes ahead.

Under Wisconsin law, Trump has the right to request a recount because the margin of Biden's win was less than one per cent, but greater than 0.25 per cent.

However, his campaign must first cover the expenses of the operation.

State officials said on Wednesday they had received US$3 million from the Trump campaign to cover the costs of the recount, which is expected to take about two weeks.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission said on Monday that a full recount would have cost an estimated US$7.9 million. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a virtual speech, on the occasion of the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, in Tehran, Iran, November 3, 2020

he United States on Wednesday imposed broad sanctions targeting Iran, blacklisting a foundation controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and taking aim at what Washington called Iran’s human rights abuses a year after a deadly crackdown on anti-Government demonstrators.

The sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department, which also targeted Iran’s Intelligence Minister, are the latest action to reinforce the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran pursued by President Donald Trump’s Administration. They come little more than two months

before Trump is due to hand over power to Joe Biden after losing the November 3 election.

The Department imposed sanctions on what it described as a key patronage network for Khamenei.

It said it blacklisted the Bonyad Mostazafan, or the Foundation of the Oppressed, which is controlled by Khamenei, in a move also targeting 10 individuals and 50 subsidiaries of the foundation in sectors including energy, mining, and financial services.

The sanctions freeze any US assets of those targeted and generally bar Americans from doing business with them. Anyone who

engages in certain transactions with these individuals and entities runs the risk of being hit with US sanctions.

The charitable foundation – an economic, cultural and social-welfare institution – has amassed vast amounts of wealth to the detriment of the rest of the Iranian economy and controls hundreds of companies and properties confiscated since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, insiders say.

The Treasury Department in a statement accused Khamenei of using the foundation’s holdings to “enrich his office, reward his political allies, and persecute the regime’s enemies”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID-19 vaccine: Ethiopian troops push Pfizer says “94% for regional capital, effective in over-65s” rebels promise “hell”

T

he coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech appears to protect 94 per cent of adults over 65 years old.

More data released from their continuing phase three trial suggests it works equally well in people of all ages and ethnicities.

The companies say they will now apply for authorisation for emergency use of the jab in the US. The trial involved 41,000 people worldwide. Half were given the vaccine, and half a placebo.

Last week, Pfizer and BioNTech published preliminary data suggesting the vaccine offered 90 per cent protection against Covid-19 and said there were no safety concerns.

This was followed by data on a vaccine made by US company Moderna suggesting nearly 95 per cent protection and similarly promising results from trials of another developed in Russia, called Sputnik.

Wednesday's data from Pfizer and BioNTech, which builds on last week's data, suggests the vaccine is 95 per cent effective based on 170 cases of COVID-19 developing in volunteers.

Just eight were in the group given the vaccine, suggesting it offers good protection. The rest of the cases were in the placebo group given a dummy jab.

In older adults, who are most at risk from the virus and have weaker immune systems, the vaccine worked as well as it did in younger people.

Scientists said the data was further encouraging news, with Professor Trudie Lang from the University of Oxford describing it as "a remarkable and very reassuring situation".

"To go from identifying a new virus to having several vaccines at the point of applying for regulatory approval is an incredible milestone for science," she said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Members of Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) prepare to head to mission, in Sanja, Amhara region near a border with Tigray, Ethiopia, November 9, 2020

E

thiopia predicted swift victory, but northern rebels promised them “hell” on Wednesday in a two-week war threatening the vast nation’s unity and further destabilising the Horn of Africa.

The war has killed hundreds, sent 30,000 refugees into Sudan, and called into question whether Africa’s youngest leader can hold together Ethiopia’s myriad fractious ethnic groups.

Rebuffing appeals for talks, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Government says its forces are marching on Tigray’s capital Mekelle and

will soon triumph over the local ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which he accuses of revolt.

The rebels say they have captured tanks and artillery and held off the offensive despite being massively outnumbered.

“Tigray is now a hell to its enemies,” they said in a statement.

The TPLF says Abiy, their ex-military comrade and one-time political partner, has removed Tigrayans from senior security and Government posts since he took office in 2018 and now wants to dominate them completely. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Senators seek to stop Trump's US$23B arms sales to UAE

T

hree US Senators on Wednesday said they would introduce legislation seeking to halt the Trump Administration’s effort to sell more than US$23 billion of drones and other weapons systems to the United Arab Emirates, a showdown with the President two months before he is due to leave office.

Democratic Senators Bob Menendez and Chris Murphy and Republican Senator Rand Paul announced they would introduce four separate resolutions of disapproval of President Donald Trump’s plan to sell more than US$23 billion worth of Reaper drones and other munitions, F-35 fighter air-

craft and air-to-air missiles to the UAE. The lawmakers said the Trump Administration, seeking to rush the sale of the sophisticated weaponry, circumvented the normal congressional review process. They said the State and Defence Departments also refused to respond to inquiries about how the

Administration would deal with national security risks associated with the proposed sales.

The weaponry involved includes the world’s most advanced fighter jet, more than 14,000 deadly bombs and munitions, and the second-largest sale of US drones to a single country, the Senators said. (Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Go about your business.

Don’t make promises or let someone rope you into something you don’t want to do.

Pace yourself, take care of your responsibilities and spend time with a loved one.

If you don’t like someTAURUS thing, make a change. Take (April 20control instead of being conMay 20) trolled. An adjustment you make will give you the freedom to do something that brings you joy.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

A change someone makes will end up benefiting you. Look over contracts or documents that are about to expire. A unique idea that someone presents will lead to a monetary gain.

An adventure will entice you. Be careful not to overstep your limits or put yourself in harm’s way.

Planning and preparation will be vital if you want to avoid a mishap.

Your enthusiasm and desire to learn will encourage others to join in and support your efforts. A last-minute change will benefit you.

Proceed with passion and gusto.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Mull over the past, and come to terms with anything that is holding you back.

Personal growth, physical improvements and lifestyle changes are favored. Don’t give in to demanding people.

SCORPIO

Live and learn.

Sometimes a little force is necessary to get what you want. Sharing your experience with another will change the way you move forward.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

YESTERDAY'S WORD - MANIFOLD

Consider what is possible and set attainable goals.

Don’t let someone lead you astray. Stick to what you know and do best. Romance and personal growth are favored.

Don’t take anything or anyone for granted.

Someone from your past will disrupt your life if you are too revealing. Pay more attention to home and family, and nurture a meaningful relationship.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Keep up the momentum.

Positive change is heading your way. Don’t let personal uncertainty stand in your way; focus on what’s doable.

Personal growth is encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t rely on others to do things for you. Stick to the rules and follow through with your plans. If you hang around waiting for someone else, you’ll miss out on a chance to show your stuff.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Be effective. More significant resources will give you the freedom to expand your interests, skills and potential. Helping others will lead to opportunity.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

21

MotoGP champion Joan Mir can make history in Portugal Grand Prix J

oan Mir wrapped up the MotoGP championship last weekend, and could make history when the Portuguese Grand Prix brings the curtain down on an electrifying season.

Placing seventh in the second race at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, where Mir claimed his maiden win the week before, was enough to ensure the Suzuki Ecstar rider would finish the campaign at the top of the standings.

Should he get beaten to the top step of the podium when MotoGP heads to Portimao for the first time, the Spaniard would become

the first rider in history to take the premier class title despite winning only one race.

‘Lights out’ is scheduled for 14:00 local time on Sunday.

held off Jack Miller in a thrilling last-lap battle to claim his third win of the season. It is a tally that only Morbidelli and Quartararo have managed to reach in 2020.

Last time out

Having guaranteed their place at the top of the riders’ and teams’ standings, Suzuki can complete the Triple Crown in Portugal.

The Japanese manufacturer last won the constructors’ championship in 1982, and head to Portugal level on points with Ducati at the top of the standings, with Yamaha 13 points behind,

With Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins failing to get on the podium at the Valencia Grand Prix, finishing seventh was enough for Mir to seal championship glory.

Quartararo’s title challenge ended when he crashed out, while Petronas’ Yamaha team-mate Franco Morbidelli

What to look out for in Portugal

England to visit Pakistan for 1st time in 16 years – for 2 T20 matches in October 2021

E

ngland will visit Pakistan for the first time in 16 years when they play two Twenty20 internationals in October 2021.

England have not toured since 2005 following an attack by gunmen on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in 2009.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited England to tour in early 2021 after Pakistan toured the UK this year and played matches in a bio-secure bubble, but that visit could not be arranged.

However, two T20s will be played in Karachi on 14 and 15 October. Those matches will form part of the preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup, with both teams departing for India on 16 October.

Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has said: “As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans.

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount.

We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols, and, of course, the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19

pandemic.”

No international cricket was played in Pakistan for 10 years following the attack on the Sri Lanka team, and Pakistan have held most of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates. However, touring teams have slowly returned. Zimbabwe visited last month, and a number of English players have taken part in the Pakistan Super League T20 competition.

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan has said: “The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure. Importantly, this announcement speaks volumes for the relationship that we have with the ECB, and I would like to thank the ECB for their strong will and desire to make this short tour a reality.

“The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence.”

England’s next Test matches away against Pakistan are scheduled for the end of 2022.

The ECB has also announced a provisional home schedule for the summer of 2021, with men’s and women’s international matches taking place across the UK after the coronavirus pandemic forced all of 2020’s fixtures to be played behind closed doors in Southampton, Manchester and Derby.

England’s men will play five Tests against India and limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. An additional two-Test series against an unnamed opponent could also be staged in the early part of the summer, depending on the scheduling of the World Test Championship final, which is due to take place in England in June.

England’s women are planning to meet New Zealand and South Africa, while the visually impaired team will take on Australia.

“While COVID means there’s still a great deal of uncertainty, we really hope to be able to welcome fans back into the grounds safely next year, to bring that unique atmosphere to stadia across the country,” said Harrison. (BBC.COM)

having been docked 50 for breaching technical regulations.

Ducati will no doubt hope that Andrea Dovizioso can help lead them to the title in his final race before taking a sabbatical in 2021. He has one podium in five MotoGP races in Portugal.

There will also be team farewells for Valentino Rossi, Jack Miller, Pol Espargaro, Johann Zarco, Danilo Petrucci, Tito Rabat and Cal Crutchlow; while Iker Lecuona will be replaced by Mika Kallio after testing pos-

itive for coronavirus.

Miguel Oliveira, the only Portuguese rider in premier class history, would hope to give the home fans – though none will be in attendance – something to cheer as MotoGP returns to the country for the first time since 2012.

Top five opta stats

Yes, Joan can – Mir has the chance to finish the season with twice as many points as he accumulated across 17 races in his debut MotoGP

campaign (92). He heads to Portugal with 171 from 13 grands prix.

New ground - Only six riders raced in the last Portuguese Grand Prix in the top category in 2012: Rossi, Dovizioso, Crutchlow, Petrucci, Stefan Bradl and Aleix Espargaro.

A tough campaign – Rossi has retired from five races in 2020, and has never had six in any of his 25 seasons in all categories. The Italian is also guaranteed to finish with less than 100 points for the first time.

A landmark race Quartararo will contest his 100th grand prix in all categories. In the previous 99, he has reached four wins, 14 podiums, 13 pole positions, and five fastest laps.

Barren run - Vinales has failed to finish on the podium in his past six races, and if he fails to do so at the Portuguese Grand Prix, it will be his worst run since his first 22 MotoGP races between 2015 and 2016.

(Sportsmax)

Powell stresses need for consistent WI performance in New Zealand

W

est Indies T20 all-rounder Rovman Powell has stressed the need for the regional team to be consistent during their forthcoming three-match T20 International series away to New Zealand.

The WI, reigning ICC T20 World champions, will meet the hosts on November 27 at Auckland, and on November 28 and 30 at Mount Maunganui, before playing two Tests: from December 2-6 at Hamilton, and from December 10-14 at Wellington.

In an interview on the Cricket West Indies (CWI) website, Powell commented, “We have to be consistent and precise in everything we do. Consistency (at) the international level is very important, not just from an individual perspective, but from a team perspective. We have been a bit inconsistent, but consistency is definitely what is going to get us this series.”

Powell, the 27-yearold who captained the Jamaica Tallawahs at the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), expressed delight that the team have

been able to resume training, after they were barred for three days last week for COVID-19 breaches at their quarantine base in Christchurch.

“I’ve been in quarantine for the last two

weeks,” Powell s a i d .

“Quarantine was good, the team (came) up with exercises at training, a little football here and there. It’s always good to come out of quarantine.”

Powell has played 34 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 23 T20 Internationals since making his international debut in 2016.

Asked about the vibes in the team camp, Powell replied, “It is a very good mood. The guys are gelling pretty good. At nights we

lime together as a team, that builds good camaraderie. It’s just the other to join

f o r guys us.”

Powell is expected to feature in the pair of redball warm-up matches at Queenstown from November 20-22, and from November 2629. What does he hope to achieve?

“I’m looking forward to it, just looking to show m y allround capabilities,” Powell responded.

He also issued a message to the WI fans. “It’s an important time in West Indies cricket. All we can tell the fans is: ‘keep supporting us, keep rallying behind us, and at the end of the day, I’m sure we will deliver.”

(Adapted from TT Newsday)

22

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

RIDGETOWN, Barbados – The 10-point plan to rescue the game in the Caribbean has becomes a list of 16 outcomes, which Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt has said are achievable over the next decade, if he has his way.

Skerritt has said he firmly believes that sticking to the “Cricket First Philosophy” and implementing the “West Indians First” policy that helped to sweep him and Vice President Dr Kishore Shallow to victory in March 2019 will produce results.

The CWI President was speaking on the topic “Reforming Cricket West Indies for Improved Onfield Results” during the 20th annual Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture, which was virtually hosted by the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies through its Faculty of Sport.

“The ‘Cricket First’ philosophy and the ‘West Indians First’ policy, which are interconnected and inextricable, together mandate that the revival of West Indies cricket should be developed around West Indian talent, culture, and heritage,” he said, “and (they) should aim to always achieve excellence and pride in the best of what it means to be a West Indian.”

He added: “All of CWI’s key cricket decisions must be designed to develop that sense of pride and aspiration for our representative West Indies teams; that has been too often absent over these past 20 years.

“In order to achieve a renewed sense of purpose and excellence within CWI, difficult choices and challenging decisions will have to be made,” he said.

Skerritt listed high among the outcomes “a modern and fit-for-purpose corporate governance system which is consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable, inclusive, and results in the best decision-making”.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt reveals 16 desired outcomes for the game in the Caribbean He also envisaged: “CWI, all of its cricket teams and its various technical intervention programmes (being) led by competent and empowered professionals, mostly of West Indian origin, with respect for our proud history and culture, and with strategic minds and winning attitudes”.

Skerritt has said he expects to see “a well-organised grassroots programme in every member territory, jointly funded by Government, private sponsors, and the local cricket association, with technical inputs and standards from CWI as needed.

He also anticipates children “wanting to play and enjoy cricket, and getting opportunities to do so through relevant school, community and club leagues and programmes – with young boys and girls enjoying and learning the game with technical oversight by committed and competent coaches, trained centrally through CWI’s own coaching education and development programmes”.

Skerritt has, moreover, said he hopes to see cricket-loving children “encouraged to do well academically, with access to cricket and other sports activities being used as rewards and platforms for learning”.

He also identified “CWI – in partnership with private sponsors – delivering regional age-group tournaments commercially branded as the future stars and rising stars of West Indies cricket, with mentoring inputs from past players, and a busy overseas tours’ programme for emerging players being exposed to international environments and good competition in advance of selection to the senior team as important outcomes.

Skerritt said, “Closer monitoring and improved collaboration with the regional franchise system, to ensure adherence to minimum standards for coaching and for player fitness and health; and territorial boards committed to improving communication, teamwork and regional cooperation, minimising insularity and focused less on cricket politics and more on local grassroots development and growth of the sport”, was also vital to success.

The CWI President has said another important outcome would be “a player remuneration and contractual system that rewards outstanding performance, recognises future potential, and frowns on mediocrity”. He noted that “player welfare must also be at the

foundation of such a remuneration system”.

Skerritt said, “A modern research and science-based high-performance programme, delivered through a network headquartered at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, and operated in partnership with regional higher learning institutions focused on preparing and up-skilling individual players and coaches, and preparing representative teams for winning performances”, was another intended outcome.

He said he also wanted to see in the future “head coaches commencing strategic planning, team building and technical preparation for competing in ICC Cricket World Cup events a minimum of 18 months ahead of the actual event”.

Skerritt said a target of “achieving at least 60 percent of winning results in

all three formats, with ICC rankings never lower than the top five, and with several elite male and female West Indian players ranked within the top 20 players in the world” was also a desired outcome.

He said, “CWI and its subsidiary, CCG, to be transformed into a sustainably financed and efficiently led and operated corporation, employing the best available professionals, adhering to global standards of governance at all levels of operation, and engaging productively with all shareholders and stakeholders”, was another outcome.

Skerritt said it was important that “cricket fans of all ages (be) engaged and re-energised to love West Indies cricket, with the establishment of a highly motivated and organised supporters club” and “an efficient, creative and modern public c o m -

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munications system producing and delivering relevant and interesting stories of past, present, rising, and emerging West Indies cricketers and team performances” were two critical outcomes. (CMC)

Church’s Chicken bats for Big Man Cricket tournament – 12 teams interested in participating

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uyana’s current number one and fastest growing fast-food chicken outlet, Church’s Chicken, has joined the growing list of sponsors for the Big Man Cricket tournament scheduled to commence in Guyana on Sunday, November 22, 2020.

When approached by the BMC-G Committee, Church’s officials readily agreed to sponsor such a noble and worthwhile venture, and absolutely loved the theme of the tournament.

They indicated their happiness that this tournament would be featuring teams from across the country, and that matches would be held countrywide.

Church’s Chicken has many outlets. In Georgetown, these can be found at Camp and Middle St; at Avenue of the Republic, and at Mandela Avenue.

Then there are restaurants in New Amsterdam, Linden and at Vreed-enHoop, WCD. Most recently, with the advent of COVID-19, Church’s has opened drive

thru- operations at the former JR Burgers Building in Sandy Babb St, Kitty and at the corner of Aubrey Barker Road and David Rose Street (Former Royal Castle location) in the South Ruimveldt area. Both locations offer curbside pick-up services which are also available at most Church’s Chicken locations.

The 12 teams that have so far indicated their interest in participating in the Big Man Cricket tournament are: Upper Corentyne; Jai Hind; East Coast Strikers; GT Royal

Rangers; Sarjoo Tigers; Regal Masters; Everest Masters; West Bank Warriors; West Dem Vipers; Essequibo Eagles; Ras Tafar Eye Patriarchs and The Godfathers.

The BMC Committee, having originally targeted 10 teams, will now have to decide on whether to run a 10-team competition or a 12-team one. The format will see each team playing the other teams once in the round-robin preliminary round, and then the top four teams will advance to the semifinals. The winning semifinalists will then battle for the inaugural BMC championship.

In regard to the onset of inclement weather, the BMC-G is looking closely at that situation, because it does not want to run a disjointed tournament.

The BMC tournament will be contested among players who are over 45 years old, and has already attracted sponsorship from Game Xpress and Banks DIH. Tournament updates are also available on its Facebook page.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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RHTY&SC cricket teams launch Christmas Outreach programme – donate to Police B Division, Williamsburg Health Centre, among others

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he ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, (RHTY&SC) MS, last Monday launched their 2020 Christmas Outreach programme by making donations to several organisations across Berbice.

The ten teams: Poonai Under 12 and Under 13; Farfan and Mendes Under 15; Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division; Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate; Metro Females; and Namilco Thunderbolt Under 21 and First Division teams, have handed over donations to the Berbice River Cricket Association; Police ‘B’ Division; Williamsburg Health Centre; St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, and the Little Angels Feeding Programme.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is heading the RHTY&SC Christmas programme along with his deputy Simon Naidu and Organising Secretary Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, has said that this year’s edition of the Christmas Outreach programme would be the largest in the event’s history dating back to 1990, the year that the club was

founded by the St. Francis Community Developers.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the teams would be unable to host their annual Christmas Village in its full glory, but would be distributing 1000 food hampers and 5000 Christmas toys, besides clothing, footwear and educational materials, including school bags. Additionally, 500 single-parent households would each receive a Christmas package, hundreds of senior citizens would benefit from a special Christmas breakfast, and hundreds more would each receive a warm meal in a box, along with other refreshments during a Christmas Feeding of the Poor programme.

The Berbice River Cricket Association received on request a donation of cricket balls and scorebooks from the RHTY&SC, while the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division received a donation of cricket balls, batting gloves, football, batting pads, scorebooks, youth information booklets, and a quantity of COVID-19 educational posters.

The Williamsburg Health

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over the donation to the Williamsburg Health Clinic

Centre, which looks after newborn children in the area spanning from Rose Hall Town to Albion, has benefited from a donation of items that include electric fans, toilet covers, bucket, small water dispenser, weight scale, paint, clocks and scotch tape among others things, while the Little Angels Feeding Programme, based in Albion, received a financial contribution towards providing toys to less fortunate kids.

The St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant also benefited

from a financial contribution of Gy$50,000, made towards two projects the church is undertaking in its compound.

Foster, who is also President of the Berbice Cricket Board, used his influence to obtain a donation of white sand for the church’s projects from a New Amsterdam-based businessman.

Foster explained that the RHTY&SC is quite passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others, and as such, every year, the ten cricket teams are mandated to undertake a combined total of 320 personal developmental programmes under a wide range of sub-headings, including charity, youth development, community development, educational, social, religious, anti-drugs, anti-crime,

and environmental.

Foster has hailedx the outstanding work of the teams and the executives of the club, noting that despite the eightmonth-long pandemic, the RHTY&SC is well on its way to achieving its target of 700 activities for 2020.

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu has said that donations would be made to several organisations over the next month, including orphanages, cricket clubs, the Berbice Umpires Association and senior citizens homes.

Representatives of the recipient groups have expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC for the timely contribution received.

Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup set for Everest ground from Nov 27-29

– will there be a crowning of a new champ or will Regal retain

13 young cricketers benefit from BCB Vickram Bharrat Patron’s Fund

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to push ahead with its developmental programmes despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has brought a standstill to all sporting activities since March 2020.

Over the last week, the proactive Berbice Cricket Board, under the newly established BCB Vickram Bharrat Patron’s Fund, donated an item of cricket gear to each of 13 youth cricketers across the county.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said the Vickram Bharrat Patron’s Fund was established immediately after Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat was inducted as the first Honorary Patron of the BCB on November 7. The main objectives of this Fund are: to make sure that every talent in the county is allowed to develop by providing assistance wherever possible; to assist clubs to fulfill their mandates to their membership; and to make sure that every cricketer in Berbice has an opportunity to complete his/her educational training.

Foster noted that, in the past, too many young cricketers with great talent were forced to leave the sport due to the simple reason that their parents were unable to stand the cost of gears needed to play the game. Poverty, the BCB President stated, should not be the reason why

The trophies that will be up for grabs

By Timothy Jaikarran

Four of the players posing with their gear after the presentation

youths drop out of the game, as others can assist.

Foster has said that once he remains head of the BCB, every effort would be made to assist every youth to fulfill their potential on and off the cricket field. Since February 2018, more than 200 youth cricketers in the Ancient County have received cricket gears and bicycles from the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS. Hundreds more have benefited from donations of educational items, including school bags, footwear, exercise books and stationery.

Cricket gear donated to the needy include bats, batting pads and batting gloves. Recipient players were drawn from clubs like RHTY&SC, Albion, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne, Edinburgh, Rose Hall Canje, Achievers and Bush Lot United. The gear was donated to the BCB by Minister Bharrat, who also contributed $1M towards the hosting of the historic Berbice Semi-

Professional League in 2021.

In brief remarks to some of the players, Foster urged that they remain focused, and not be distracted by the evil ways of Satan. He cautioned them that to be successful on the cricket field, they need to develop a culture of discipline, hard work, and dedication. He also spoke on the importance of education and the need to stay in school, even as he called on the attentive youths to take care of the gear they received and pledged that the BCB would continue to invest in their career.

He advised them to approach the BCB whenever they need any form of assistance, and expressed gratitude to Minister Bharrat for the gears and for the role he was playing as BCB Patron.

In December, the BCB would assist dozens more cricketers under a special project with former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman Clayton Lambert.

T

he Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup reaped much success last year, and it is anticipated that the tournament would reap greater success as it gets underway this year from November 27-29 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Participating squads have been announced, and some of Guyana’s top softball teams will take to the field.

However, the question that lingers is: will three-peat champions Regal be able to retain their crown?

Despite some foreign teams not being included in this year’s fourth edition because of the novel coronavirus, much is still expected of the competition. It has been months since any official form of cricket has been played, and with permission from the COVID-19 Task Force, the players are expected to make good on their opportunity.

In 2019, the Regal team won the legends, all-stars and over-45 categories of this

competition; however, in this new dispensation, the challenge will be stiff, as all the teams would be hunting for the trophy in their respective categories.

The Regal team are expected to employ all their considerable experience to retain the trophy they won last year. They stand a 60 percent chance of retaining the trophies they won in the respective categories. One would ask why 60 and not 100 percent, but 7 months without cricket would affect hand-eye coordination and other factors of the game.

Training would boost those hand-eye skills, but training is nothing compared to the actual game, so this leaves a 40 percent possibility that new champions would be crowned, or for Regal to stand their ground and walk away with all of the prizes.

Regal would, no doubt, not be a walkover as they are one of the standout softball cricket teams in Guyana. One would go as far as to say that they are probably the best softball team; but whatever the outcome, everyone will

know that all participants gave their best in a shot at the title. All that is left to say is: “May the best team win.”

The teams participating in this year’s competition are as follows: Masters over 50: Regal Legends, Savage Legends, Presidents XI, Floodlight Legends, Parika Defenders, Rockway Legends.

Over 45: Regal Masters, Wellman Masters, Hs Masters, Fisherman Masters, Success Masters

Allstars

Regal Allstars, Speedboat Allstars, Bartica Rangers, Cosscutter Allstars, Spartan Allstars, Payless Allstars.

The top four teams with the highest points would qualify to participate in the semi-finals; the top two teams remaining would then qualify for the final, which would be held at the Everest Cricket Ground. Fans will also have the opportunity to witness their teams play across three media platforms, namely Facebook, NCN and YouTube.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Church’s Chicken bats for Big Man Cricket tournament

– 12 teams indicate interest in participating Pg 22

Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup set for Everest ground from Nov 27-29

RHTY&SC cricket teams launch Christmas Outreach programme

– donate to Police B Division, Williamsburg Health Centre, among others

See story on page 23

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