61 minute read
apartment P
Guyanese art teacher found murdered in apartment
Guyanese teacher: Rhonda Thomas
AGuyanese teacher that taught art at the Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) identified as Rhonda Thomas was reportedly found stabbed to death on Monday. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha confirmed that a female was found in a home at White Sands Road Beacon Hill stabbed to death.
Several persons who knew the victim reported that the victim is a wellknown art teacher that hails from Guyana. They said Thomas taught art at the Methodist Agogic Center for over a decade. Reports are that Ms Thomas just recently obtained a divorce which some described as a “bitter divorce procedure”. However, there is no indication if the divorce has any relation to the brutal murder. Friends of the deceased teacher described her as a hard worker. They said besides her teaching job at the MAC School, Thomas was a security guard and later became a part-time employee of Maho as an interior decorator.
As soon as more information is released by Police this article will be updated.
SMN News extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the late Rhonda Thomas.
The Police Patrol and Ambulance department were sent to White Sands Road in Beacon Hill, on Monday, February 15th, 2021, at approximately 12:00 pm where they encountered a female victim who was lying on the ground in her home and not showing any signs of life.
After conducting a brief investigation on the scene it was concluded that the victim died of foul play. The doctor, who arrived later on the scene pronounced the death of the victim. The body of the victim has been confiscated for further investigation.
So far, the Police have no clear picture of what had taken place up to now. If you or anyone you know may have information as to what took place do not hesitate to contact the Police Detective Department at +1 721 54 22222 or the anonymous tip line on 9300 (free of charge).
You can also visit the website at www.policesxm. sx to report crime anonymously via the tip contact form, or you can leave a private message via our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten - Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know the suspect something.
This investigation is currently ongoing, more details into what took place will be provided as soon as they become available. Police Force would like to express its condolence to the family of the deceased. (St Martin News Network)
Corentyne fisherman on $150,000 bail for raping housewife
ACorentyne, Berbice fisherman was on Monday released on $150,000 bail when he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court charged with rape.
Shamkumar Ramnarace of Number 60 Village, Corentyne, is accused of raping a housewife in September 2020.
The 35-year-old man was charged under the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03 and was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore. The case will continue on March 8. (G4)
The 914 hotline operators
Colombia will begin COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesday following the arrival of the country’s first vaccines, from Pfizer Inc, President Ivan Duque said in his nightly broadcast on Monday.
The government had planned to administer the first dose this coming Saturday, following the Monday arrival of the country’s first vaccine doses. The health ministry last week said it was expecting more than 5.7 million doses from different providers in February and March.
“Today we received this first batch,” Duque said. “The vaccination process will begin the day after tomorrow, on Wednesday, Feb. 17.”
The first vaccinations will take place in the cities of Sincelejo and Monteria, capitals of Colombia’s Sucre and Cordoba provinces respectively, Health Minister Fernando Ruiz said during the broadcast.
Vaccinations will begin on Thursday in capital city Bogota, as well as other large cities.
The goal is to vaccinate 1 million Colombians in the first 30 days and Monday’s shipment is the first of a block of 1.65 million which will arrive over the next three weeks.
The country has the capacity to conduct up to 100,000 vaccinations per day, the health ministry added. Front-line healthcare workers will be the first to be vaccinated, followed by those over 80 years old.
Colombia has recorded just under 2.2 million cases of coronavirus and 57,786 deaths. (Reuters) The Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Monday hosted an orientation exercise for 17 domestic violence hotline operators. The operators will be manning the 914 toll-free hotline, which was established to be a safe space where men, women and children suffering abuse could seek help.
During brief remarks at the event held at the Palms Geriatric Home, Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud told the operators that the 914 hotline would play a critical role in providing support to victims of domestic abuse.
“The way in which violence goes and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many persons experiencing violence are in very close proximity with the perpetrators of the abuse and violence and it is extremely difficult to not only get that strength to call, but to find that space, to seek help and when they do find all of those things, to call 914, we must give them help,” the Minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.
The Minister added that it is imperative that trust is built between the persons calling and the operators. The Ministry would be hosting continuous training, and assessment and evaluation of each operator on a regular basis.
“Trust is very critical, so your intervention will be in many different ways. There will be need for immediate intervention. Someone’s in the throes of a violent situation right now, and is calling for help. That help should be forthcoming because you have the list of first-line responders who you should be calling to get that help, don’t just call and leave it, follow up,” Persaud explained.
According to the DPI report, Persaud said in addition to help such as shelter and counselling, people must be able to access support through the Difficult Circumstances Unit as well as Public Assistance. Through the Ministry’s Cottage Industry Skills initiative, training would also be provided to adults, including single-parents, since poverty is a contributing factor to domestic violence.
The orientation was conducted by Akilah Doris of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Policy Unit. The operators were also exposed to training in conflict management and resolution in the workplace.
The Ministry launched the 914 hotline in December in collaboration with UNICEF, Digicel Guyana, GTT and the Guyana Telecommunications Agency. Budget 2021 provides for a significant increase in the subvention to the organisations providing support to victims of domestic violence, including Help and Shelter, which will benefit from over $50 million this year.
In addition to the establishment of a court superintendent department, which will be equipped with a cadre of lawyers to lead prosecutions in each regional division for cases of domestic violence, a Survivors Advocates Programme will also be implemented to offer emotional support and crisis counselling to victims of violence and abuse.
Driver hospitalised after hitting teen on Corentyne highway
On person is now hospitalised with a fractured pelvis after the car he was driving hit a teenager and slammed into a parked vehicle on Valentine’s Day.
Injured is Tateram Karan, 42, of Meida Farm Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
According to the Police, Karan was driving his motor car, PYY 5425, at a fast rate of speed on Friendship Public Road heading in the same direction as the 18-year-old pedestrian when he hit the teen’s left arm, causing her to fall onto the roadway. The car then collided with a lorry parked on the parapet. Both Karan and the teen were taken to Port Mourant Public Hospital. Karan was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient suffering from a fractured right pelvis. (G15)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Congress will estabIndependent commission to investigate Capitol riots A JetBlue spokesman has confirmed that the airline is investigating reports that one of its flight attendants who, Derek Dombrowski, a JetBlue spokesman, said the airline is aware of reports that Collier, who was vacationing in Jamaica, Monday. "We hold each JetBlue crewmember to the highest standards when it comes to personal integrity and we JetBlue probing actions of worker after kidnapping allegations lish an "outside, indepen- after testing positive for the had been required to quar- are conducting an urgent dent" commission to inves- novel coronavirus, report- antine due to coronavirus investigation into the actigate the 6 January attack edly faked that she was kid- health regulations and that tions of our crewmember." on the US Capitol by sup- napped in Jamaica and was she has safely returned to Collier left the island porters of Donald Trump. being trafficked by a local the United States after her after both the Jamaica
In a letter to lawmak- hotel accompanied by her quarantine expired, a NBC Constabulary Force (JCF) ers, she said the commission mother. News report said. and the Jamaica Tourist would be modelled on the in- The United States "We have full confi- Board (JTB) strongly refutquiry into the 11 September flight attendant, Kalina dence in Jamaica's health ed the claims that surfaced 2001 attacks on New York Collier, yesterday departed protocols and it is import- on social media that she and the Pentagon. the island on a flight from ant everyone follows the was kidnapped. (Jamaica "We must get to the Sangster International rules," Dombrowski is quot- Observer) truth of how this happened," Airport. ed as saying in a statement she said. Former President Trump was acquitted by the Senate of inciting the violence. But Democrats and some Republicans have backed an independent probe into the police and other branches of law enforcement. She also said that, based on Lt Gen Honoré's initial findings, Congress needed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stitutional grounds, but after the vote declared Trump "responsible" for the assault on the Capitol. "President Trump is A woman about to pick up her vehicle at a Queens car wash Monday was killed when an attendant driving Woman killed outside Queens car wash riots, which left five people to allocate additional fund- still liable for everything he a Jeep out of the car wash bay mowed her dead. ing to "provide for the safety did while he was in office," down, police said.
Pelosi said that US of members and the security McConnell told the cham- The 54-year-old victim was outside the Army Lieutenant General of the Capitol". ber. "He didn't get away Crossbay Car Wash & Lube on Cross Bay Russel Honoré had, over the Trump survived his sec- with anything yet." Blvd. at Gold St. in Ozone Park just before 2 past few weeks, been assess- ond impeachment trial - the Other Republicans have p.m. when she was struck. ing the security needs of the only president to face the also expressed support for A 43-year-old car wash attendant was Capitol in light of the at- process twice - on Saturday, an independent inquiry pulling a Jeep out of the car wash bay and tack. after Democrat prosecutors into the riots, including a lost control, hitting the woman and a parked A 43-year-old man working as a car wash "It is clear from his find- failed to secure the two- close ally of Trump, Senator car, cops said. The woman was not the Jeep’s attendant was pulling a grey Jeep out of the car ings and from the impeach- thirds majority needed to Lindsay Graham. He told owner, police said. wash bay and lost control, hitting the woman ment trial that we must get to the truth of how this hapconvict him. The vote split largely Fox News Sunday that the former president bore some Workers at a nearby towing and junkyard watched the scene in horror Monday. and a parked car York Daily News) (Theodore Parisienne/for New pened," she said. along party lines, with the culpability for events on 6 “She was standing right there, waiting “Her family came, and they were a mess.
The commission, she seven Republicans joining January. for her car. The guy driving the Jeep sud- You could see it in their faces,” the tow yard said, "would investigate and the Senate's 48 Democrats "His behaviour after the denly hit the gas and he rolled right over worker said. report on the facts and caus- and two independents in election was over the top," her and crashed,” one worker told the Daily The gruesome scene was caught on sures" of the attack; "the in- voting to convict. Sen Graham said. "We need News. veillance video, police sources said. terference with the peace- The senior Republican a 9/11 commission to find Her car, a red Ford Escape, pulled out Police took the attendant into custody. ful transfer of power"; and in Congress, Senator Mitch out what happened and right after the Jeep, the worker said. Charges against him were pending while the "preparedness and re- McConnell, had voted make sure it never happens Medics rushed the woman to Jamaica the crash investigation continued. (New sponse" of both the Capitol against conviction on con- again." (BBC News) Hospital but she couldn’t be saved. York Daily News)
Body cameras for special T&T Police units
Special units within the T&T Police Service (TTPS) will soon be equipped with body cameras.
National Security Minister Stuart Young said yesterday that during a meeting with Police Commissioner, Gary Griffith, he was told that the units include the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), the Inter-Agency Task Force and Guard and Emergency Branch.
“They are going to be some of the next units to be provided with body cameras by the Commissioner of Police and administrative arm of the Police Service.”
Speaking on the issue, Griffith said did not think there would be any objection to body cameras as they will be equipped to protect the officers.
“The body cameras will now defend my police officers when they are wrongfully accused,” Griffith said.
Officers of SORT are among those now subject to an investigation into the deaths of two suspects in the Andrea Bharatt kidnapping and murder.
The minister, meanwhile, maintains that no external agencies are needed for an investigation into the deaths of the two suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Andrea Bharatt, Andrew Morris and Joel Balcon.
The two men died while in police custody.
Young addressed a media conference yesterday and responded to calls made by the Law Association of T&T (LATT) to bring in foreign investigators to ensure that the investigation is entirely independent.
Young said he is well aware that Morris and
National Security Minister Stuart Young
Balcon passed away while under police responsibility.
“As I’ve always said as the Minister of National Security, it is my position that no one is above the law.”
“There should never be a cover-up and everyone is subject to the parameters of the law,” he added.
Young said if there are video recordings of what is alleged to have taken place with Morris while in police custody, he expects whoever is in possession of those recordings will take it to the proper authorities for proper investigation.
He said he had a meeting with Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith and the three acting deputies – McDonald Jacob, Beverly Lewis, and Joanne Archie – to ask them and get an account on the allegations.
“As the Minister of National Security and a government, I will never encourage or condone any lawlessness. So from my meeting this morning with the CoP and three acting deputies, I asked them what was taking place with respect to the death of these two individuals whilst in police custody. I was informed firstly, that there was an active ongoing investigation by the PCA (Police Complaints Authority),” Young said.
“I was also told of the following steps taken by the TTPS; 1. The PSB is an active participant in the investigation and has also appointed investigators from the two divisions - these gentlemen were the Northern Division and the North Eastern Division - so investigators from those separate divisions are also part. Officers from Homicide have also been appointed to be part of the body of police officers investigating these incidents,” Young said.
He also disclosed that as of yesterday morning 10-12 reports have already been generated by the police coming out of this investigation which has been sent to the PCA.
“They’ve been provided with all reports coming out of this investigation by what I’ve called a multi-divisional, multi-unit investigation in the TTPS. I was told that police officers also sustained injuries in the circumstances surrounding it. At this stage I cannot say what took place nor can I provide any report in writing.”
He said he was told by police that they were not in possession of the videos from which the allegations stemmed.
“The powers of the authority are sufficient in my respectful opinion, and the PCA has the power to do what we the population is requiring them to do,” he added.
Young reiterated that there has been absolutely no justification for why the PCA isn’t the body that should carry out this type of investigation.
“So at this stage, I don’t think there is any need for foreign aid. Let’s see what the PCA does and if it has further requests, cause the PCA can bring people in and so on, but at this stage, there is no need for it and I was a little surprised to see that suggestion by the law association.”
Police Commissioner Gary Griffith also said yesterday that a full-scale investigation is being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of suspects Andrew Morris and Joel Balcon while in police custody. (T&T Guardian)
Ebola: DR Congo launches Butembo vaccination campaign
An Ebola vaccination campaign has been launched in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo after an outbreak earlier this month, the WHO has said.
DR Congo has confirmed four cases of Ebola since a resurgence of the virus was announced on 7 February in Butembo.
Health workers at a medical centre, where the first Ebola patient was treated, were the first to be vaccinated, the WHO said.
The news comes a day after Guinea, in West Africa, declared an outbreak.
A previous Ebola outbreak in DR Congo was declared over in June 2020. It had claimed the lives of 2,287 people since August 2018. About 8,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which were kept after the outbreak, are being used in the latest inoculation campaign, the BBC’s Emery Makumeno reports from the capital Kinshasa.
Ervebo was the first Ebola vaccine to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019. Separately, Guinea on Sunday declared a new Ebola outbreak, following seven confirmed cases and three deaths.
They fell ill with diarrhoea, vomiting and bleeding after attending the burial of a nurse near the south-eastern city of Nzérékoré. “The WHO is on full alert and is in contact with the manufacturer [of a vaccine] to ensure the necessary doses are made available as quickly as possible to help fight back,” the AFP news agency quoted Alfred George Ki-Zerbo, the WHO representative in Guinea, as saying.
Between 2013 and 2016 more than 11,000 people died in the West Africa Ebola epidemic, which began in Guinea.
Liberia’s President George Weah has put the health authorities on heightened alert to prevent the spread of the virus.
The BBC’s Umaru Fofana in Sierra Leone says there is far more fear of Ebola in the country than Covid-19.
He says the existence of new vaccines does provide some sense of relief - there is a global emergency stockpile of 500,000, made available through Gavi, the international vaccine alliance.
The three countries have a joint population of 22.5 million, prompting concerns that manufacturers would have little time to produce more if needed at a time when Covid vaccines are their preoccupation, our reporter says. (BBC)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM New York should have released care home death data faster – Cuomo
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
The governor of the US state of New York has said his administration should have released information faster on coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes, after reports emerged that thousands more residents died of COVID-19 than the state’s official tallies had previously acknowledged.
In a news conference on Monday, Andrew Cuomo said he took “total responsibility” for creating an information “void” that contributed to confusion and misinformation.
“We should have done a better job providing more public information” about nursing home deaths, said Cuomo, calling it a “mistake” that allowed “scepticism, cynicism, conspiracy theories” to take hold.
“We made a mistake in creating the void when we didn’t provide information,” he continued. “I take total responsibility for that.”
State legislators have called for investigations, for stripping Cuomo of his emergency powers and even for his resignation after new details emerged this week about why certain nursing home data was not disclosed for months, despite requests from lawmakers and others.
Cuomo admitted that accurate information should have been provided more quickly but insisted the state was not intentionally underreporting the death toll.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) for months dramatically underreported the statewide number of COVID-19 deaths among long-term care residents. It now stands at nearly 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James published a report on January 28 that “a larger number of nursing home residents died from COVID-19 than the [DOH] published nursing home data reflected.”
The total may have been “undercounted by as much as 50 percent”, the report found.
“The investigations also revealed that nursing homes’ lack of compliance with infection control protocols put residents at increased risk of harm, and facilities that had lower pre-pandemic staffing ratings had higher COVID-19 fatality rates.”
James’s office is continuing its investigation, looking into more than 20 nursing home facilities.
Also on Monday, Cuomo addressed a news report that Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa told Democratic state legislators that the Cuomo administration held off on providing the legislature data on nursing home deaths because it feared that information would be used against them by then-President Donald Trump.
DeRosa, according to a phone call obtained by the New York Post, said the state “‘froze’ out of fear that the true numbers would ‘be used against us’ by federal prosecutors” amid Trump’s calls for Cuomo’s COVID-19 response be investigated by the US Justice Department. Cuomo said his staff had told legislators about a request from the Justice Department for nursing home data and that they were told the Cuomo administration would prioritise the Justice Department request over the legislature’s.
The New York governor, whose administration received accolades for its handling of the pandemic after an initial outbreak in March and April of last year, has long faced criticism for a March 25 order to send infected nursing home patients back to elder-care facilities to make space in hospitals.
The DOH released a report mid-last year that claimed the policy, which was reversed in May, was “not a significant factor” for the death toll.
Cuomo said on Monday that “COVID was already present in 98 percent of nursing homes where COVID patients were sent”. (Al Jazeera)
Regional
More unrest in Haiti over presidential term dispute
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and other cities for renewed protests against the Government.
They lit barricades of burning tyres and debris, demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse.
Some demonstrators were reportedly injured as Police fired rubber bullets to disperse them.
The cause of the Caribbean nation's fresh unrest is a bitter dispute over Moïse's legitimacy.
Haiti's Opposition says that Moïse's five-year term should have ended on February 7, 2021, five years to the day since his predecessor in office, Michel Martelly, stepped down. Moïse, however, insists he has one more year to serve as he did not take office until February 7, 2017.
The year-long delay was caused by allegations of electoral fraud which eventually saw the result of the 2015 election being annulled and fresh polls being held, which were won by Moïse. Moïse's time in office has been rocky as he faced repeated accusations of corruption and was challenged by waves of often violent anti-Government protests.
He has been ruling by decree for the past year after his Administration failed to hold scheduled legislative elections in October 2019.
On February 7, the day his opponents said his term should have ended, he said that a "coup to overthrow his government and assassinate him" had been foiled.
Twenty-three alleged coup-plotters were detained including a senior Supreme Court Iudge, Ivickel Dabresil. Dabresil had reportedly been chosen by the Opposition to act as "provisional president" to replace Moïse.
With Dabresil in detention, the Opposition named another Supreme Court Judge, Joseph Mécène JeanLouis, as interim leader. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Fresh anti-Government protests erupted in various cities on Sunday
Power cuts hit 4.7 million users in northern Mexico after cold snap
Acold snap knocked out power for 4.7 million users in northern Mexico early on Monday, triggering a scramble by authorities to restore service and bring in extra fuel, with parts of the neighbouring United States also hit hard.
Frozen pipelines and a squeeze on natural gas deliveries from Texas roiled several northern states, though by midday, service had been restored to 58 per cent of the affected, Mexican national electricity grid operator CENACE said.
The outage hit about 6950 megawatts of load, CENACE said, urging people in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tamaulipas to curb power usage.
The freeze also knocked out electricity for more than two million customers in Texas.
Guillermo Nevarez, a senior executive at State power utility the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), said 4.7 million users had initially been affected by the outage and by around midday, service had been restored to almost 2.6 million of them.
The CFE vowed to use energy from other sources to help cover shortfalls, and said the recent spike in natural gas prices caused by the crunch would add 20 billion pesos to its costs. But users’ electricity rates should not be affected, it said.
To help offset the US natural gas shortfall, two shipments would arrive in the ports of Manzanillo and Altamira in the next few days, said Miguel Reyes, another senior CFE executive, speaking at a virtual news conference with Nevarez. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Better ties with US must come with freedom, Cubans say in letter
An end to "political repression" in Cuba should be a prerequisite for any talks on normalising relations with Washington post-Donald Trump, a group of activists from the communist-run country said Monday.
In an open letter addressed to the Governments in Washington and Havana, the authors said they wanted Cuba to advance towards better ties with the rest of the world, "but first and foremost with its own people". "Let Cuba insert itself in the world as a truly sovereign and democratic country, respectful of human rights... All negotiations must focus on this objective," said the letter signed by 331 Cuban nationals and expats.
During his term, Trump tightened sanctions that have been in place against Cuba since 1962, and reversed many of his predecessor Barack Obama's moves to ease tensions with the island nation.
The new US President, Joe Biden, has promised to bring back some of Obama's policies to normalise ties, while also paying attention to human rights concerns in the country of some 11.2 million people.
Monday's letter listed a set of "minimum and essential conditions" for any talks, including the immediate release "of more than 100 political prisoners unjustly convicted for exercising their rights".
Furthermore, "the end of political repression and economic restrictions on citizens must constitute an imperative for the continuation of negotiations".’
The group demanded broad, public participation in any normalisation talks, which must be transparent and overseen by independent mediators. "All negotiations should have as its main premise the recognition of civic, economic, and political rights of the Cuban people," said the letter. (Excerpt from AFP)
A woman walks near graffiti with the Cuban flag
in Havana, on January 12, 2021 (Photo: AFP)
Dead kidnap victim's father appeals for T&T to fight for women
“I hope everyone stay out and stay up and fight for women in this country.”
These were the words of Randolph Bharatt, father of kidnap and murder victim Andrea Bharatt, as he addressed a crowd of hundreds gathered at Eddie Hart Grounds, Tacarigua on the evening of her funeral on Friday.
Bharatt thanked those who came out and said he was overwhelmed by the number of people.
“I’m thankful to see all these people, I never expected to see all this, it is overwhelming. This is history in Trinidad and Tobago. And this is for Trinidad, and the world, this is the beginning.”
He said the Government was taking too long to make legislative changes which could protect women and bring perpetrators of crime to justice. He had harsh words for those who kill women.
“All the men who are killing women, they have no children, no mothers, who made them?”
Surrounded by his family, an emotional Bharatt walked through the crowd, pausing to talk to people and exchange greetings, many of whom wore pink, his daughter's favourite colour. People hugged him and gave him small gifts and tokens. Others gave him their condolences and called him a hero. Parents brought their children to say hello and take photos with him.
People turned up singly, in groups, as families, adults, children of every creed and race. The mood was sombre, with many holding candles and pink balloons. As more and more people streamed in, they spread over the savannah. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Peru’s Foreign Minister resigns over COVID vaccine scandal
Peru’s Foreign Minister has resigned, the second top official to step down amid a growing scandal over politicians receiving COVID-19 vaccinations well before the general public.
Elizabeth Astete tweeted on Sunday that she had been vaccinated last month, calling it a “serious mistake” and saying she would not get a second dose.
Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti also stepped down last week following a newspaper report that ex-President Martin Vizcarra had received a shot of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine in October.
Peruvian media said that Attorney General Zoraida Avalos had opened a “preliminary investigation” against Vizcarra and others responsible for the early vaccination of senior officials.
Public resentment over officials receiving vaccinations – despite there being no date for a wider immunisation drive – has grown. The Government has said it intends to inoculate 10 million people by July.
The Latin American na-
Peruvian Foreign Minister Elizabeth Astete resigned amid a political scandal after the complaint that former President Martin Vizcarra and other Government officials were vaccinated months
before immunisation started in the country [File: Luis Iparraguire/ Peruvian Presidency/AFP]
tion has been badly hit by the pandemic, with its hospitals overwhelmed and a targeted vaccination programme for health workers rolling out only from February 8 after it received 300,000 doses of the vaccine.
Vizcarra, 57, received the jab just weeks before being impeached and removed from office on charges he was “morally incompetent”.
The ex-President – who is now campaigning for a seat in Congress – admitted last week he and his wife had taken part in a vaccine trial, adding he had kept quiet about it as “volunteers have to maintain confidentiality”.
Lima’s Cayetano Heredia University, which is leading clinical tests of the Sinopharm vaccine, on Sunday denied Vizcarra had been a trial volunteer.
Vizcarra expressed “great surprise” at the university’s statement, reiterating he had received two doses as a trial subject. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Desperation to migrate grows in battered Honduras
Poverty, gang violence, the COVID-19 pandemic and devastation wrought by hurricanes are driving migration out of Honduras.
The second-largest city in Honduras, San Pedro Sula, is the economic engine and the departure gate for thousands of Honduran migrants in recent years. There, many families are caught in a cycle of migration. Poverty and gang violence push them out and increasingly aggressive measures to stop them, driven by the United States Government, scuttle their efforts and send them back.
The economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation wrought by November’s hurricanes have only added to those driving forces. Word of a new administration in the US with a softer approach to migrants has raised hopes, too. In his first weeks in office, US President Joe Biden signed nine executive orders reversing Trump measures related to family separation, border security, and immigration. But fearing a surge in immigration, the Administration also sent the message that little will change quickly for migrants arriving at the southern US border.
The Sula Valley, Honduras’s most agriculturally productive, was so heavily damaged by hurricanes Iota and Eta that international organisations have warned of a food crisis. The World Food Programme says three million Hondurans face food insecurity, six times higher than before the hurricanes. The dual hurricanes affected an estimated four million of 10 million Honduran people. The area is also Honduras’s hardest-hit by COVID-19 infections.
“It’s a vicious cycle,” said Dana Graber Ladek, Head of the International Organisation for Migration office in Mexico. “They’re suffering poverty, violence, the hurricanes, unemployment, domestic violence, and with that dream of a new [US] Administration, of new opportunities, they’re going to try [to migrate] again and again.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
19 Around the World
OILNEWS
Oil hits 13-month highs as market rebalances
Oil prices soared to their highest in about 13 months on Monday as vaccine rollouts promised to revive demand and producers kept supply reined in.
Brent crude was up 70 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at US$63.13 a barrel at 12:15 pm EST (1715 GMT) after hitting a session peak of US$63.76, its highest since Jan 22 last year.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 63 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at US$60.10 after touching US$60.95, the highest since Jan 8 last year.
Oil prices gained about 5 per cent last week.
US markets were closed Monday for the Presidents Day holiday.
Prices have rallied over recent weeks on tightening supplies, largely due to production cuts from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied producers in the wider OPEC+ group of producers.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the global oil market is on a recovery path and prices this year could average US$45-US$60 a barrel.
“We’ve seen low volatility in the past few months. This means the market is balanced and the prices we are seeing today are in line with the market situation,” Novak was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has pushed for the first major legislative undertaking of his term, turning to a bipartisan group of local officials on Friday for help on his US$1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan.
“The long-awaited US$1.9 trillion package has not been passed. As the latest US job data hints at a struggling labour market the relief package cannot come soon enough for some,” said Tamas Varga, oil analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates.
“The stimulus will likely be approved in some shape or form,” he added.
In a move that could tighten supply further, workers will decide on Monday whether to strike this week at Norway’s largest oil loading terminal. A strike could disrupt production at fields responsible for a third of the country’s crude output.
US production could be affected this week as well by unusually cold weather in Texas and Oklahoma. Temperatures in Midland, Texas, the heart of the US Permian Basin, the country’s largest shale region, dropped into single digits Fahrenheit.
Millions of people were without power and some refineries curtailed processing as well due to the cold, which ranged from 21 to minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 to minus 22 Celsius). (Excerpt from Reuters)
US seeks to defuse diplomatic spat with Turkey
The United States has attempted to de-escalate a diplomatic dispute with NATO ally Turkey, which had earlier summoned the US ambassador about a statement on the killing of 13 kidnapped Turks in Iraq.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had lashed out at the State Department’s initial hesitance to blame the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) for the deaths, calling the initial US statement “a farce”.
Turkey said on Sunday fighters from the outlawed PKK executed the 13 captives, including Turkish military and police personnel. The PKK blamed Turkish air raids for the 13 deaths.
The US initially said it condemned the killings if it was confirmed that responsibility lay with the PKK.
Ankara, already angered by Washington’s partnership with Kurdish fighters in neighbouring Syria, was infuriated by the conditionality of the US statement and summoned the US ambassador to Ankara to convey “in the strongest terms” its reaction.
Later on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed condolences and said Washington believed the PKK was responsible for the deaths.
“The Secretary expressed condolences for the deaths of Turkish hostages in northern Iraq and affirmed our view that PKK terrorists bear responsibility,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
Turkey this month launched a military operation against PKK bases in northern Iraq that Erdogan said on Monday was designed in part to free the 13 hostages.
At least 48 members of the Kurdish armed group were also killed during the operation, according to Turkey’s defence minister.
The PKK, dubbed a “terrorist” group by the US and Turkey’s other Western allies, has been waging an armed rebellion against the Turkish state since 1984 that is believed to have left tens of thousands dead. (Al Jazeera)
Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala makes history as Head of WTO
Three months after the Trump Administration rejected her, former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received unanimous backing on Monday to become the first woman and first African Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
A self-declared “doer” with a track record of taking on seemingly intractable problems, Okonjo-Iweala will have her work cut out for her at the trade body, even with Donald Trump, who had threatened to pull the United States out of the organisation, no longer in the White House.
As Director General, a position that wields limited formal power, OkonjoIweala, 66, will need to broker international trade talks in the face of persistent USChina conflict; respond to pressure to reform trade rules; and counter protectionism heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She told Reuters in an interview on Monday that her top priority would be to ensure the trade body does more to address the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the disparities in vaccine rates between rich and poor countries “unconscionable” and urging members to lift export restrictions on medical items.
China’s delegate pledged “full support” for her.
A 25-year veteran of the World Bank, where she oversaw an $81 billion portfolio, Okonjo-Iweala ran against seven other candidates by espousing a belief in trade’s ability to lift people out of poverty.
She studied development economics at Harvard after experiencing civil war in Nigeria as a teenager. She returned to the country in 2003 to serve as Finance Minister and backers point to her hard-nose negotiating skills that helped seal a deal to cancel billions of dollars of Nigerian debt with the Paris Club of creditor nations in 2005. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Incoming World Trade Organisation President (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Myanmar coup: Protesters face up to 20 years in prison under new law
Protesters are defying a clampdown on opposition
Myanmar’s military has warned anti-coup protesters found to incite “hatred or contempt” towards the coup leaders, the military said. across the country that they could face up to 20 years in prison if they obstruct the armed forces.
Long sentences and fines will also apply to those The legal changes were announced as armoured vehicles appeared on the streets of several cities. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests in recent days.
The demonstrators are demanding the release from detention of their elected leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
On Monday, Suu Kyi’s lawyer said she would be detained for a further two days. She will then be tried via video link at a court in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, Khin Maung Zaw added.
Suu Kyi was rounded up with other members of the Government on February 1, but her detention was due to end on February 15, according to Reuters news agency.
The charges against her include possession of unlawful communication devices - walkie-talkies used by her security staff.
Her party was elected in a resounding victory last November, but the military has alleged voter fraud without providing proof.
Internet access in Myanmar is being blocked for a second consecutive night, an internet service provider has told BBC Burmese.
The military government on Saturday gave itself the power to make arrests, carry out searches and hold people for more than 24 hours without a court ruling.
It has also told journalists not to describe the military’s takeover as a coup. (Excerpt from BBC News)
UK’s Johnson says world needs pandemic treaty to ensure transparency
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that world powers should clinch a global treaty on pandemics to ensure proper transparency after the novel coronavirus outbreak which originated in China.
Johnson said he would be keen to agree a global treaty on pandemics where countries agreed to share data, amid British and US concern over access given to a World Health Organisation (WHO) mission to China.
Asked by Reuters about any action he wanted to improve transparency, Johnson said: “I think what the world needs to see is a general agreement on how we track data surrounding zoonotic pandemics... and we want a joint agreement on transparency.”
“I think one of the attractive ideas that we have seen in the last few months has been a proposal for a global treaty on pandemics, so that signatory countries make sure that they contribute all the data they have and we are able to get to the bottom of what’s happened and stop it happening again,” he said at a news conference.
“That is the sensible thing to do.”
The COVID-19 outbreak, which was first detected in China in late 2019, has killed 2.4 million people, tipped the global economy into its worst peacetime slump since the Great Depression and upended normal life for billions of people.
Britain’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday he shared US concerns about the level of access given to a World Health Organisation COVID-19 fact-finding mission to China, while Johnson has said he supports US President Joe Biden in the need for more data from the investigation. (Excerpt from Reuters)
DRC: Dozens killed, hundreds missing in Congo River boat disaster
At least 60 people have died and hundreds are missing after a boat capsized in the Congo River in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a Government official.
Steve Mbikayi, Minister for Humanitarian Action, told Al Jazeera on Monday 700 people were on board the vessel that sunk near the village of Longola Ekoti, in Mai-Ndombe province, the previous night.
“So far the rescue team has recovered 60 lifeless bodies and 300 survivors. There are still several missing after this shipwreck,” Mbikayi said.
The vessel had departed from the capital, Kinshasa, and was heading to Equator province.
“The main cause of the sinking remains the overload of goods and the excess number of passengers in the whaling boat,” the Minister said, adding “that night navigation also played a role in the sinking”.
Boat accidents are common in the vast mineral-rich country because vessels are often overloaded with passengers and cargo. Most of the passengers travelling on vessels also often do not wear life jackets.
Last month, at least three people, two children and one woman, drowned after a passenger boat sank in Lake Kivu. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
ARCHIE
DILBERT
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
SUDOKU
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS
(April 20May 20)
Keep your eyes on your objective. It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing; what does matter is that you take care of your responsibilities and forge ahead relentlessly.
Update a license, contract or personal identification. Don’t take an unnecessary risk that may leave you in a precarious position at work or with an organization or group. Control your temper.
You stand to get ahead if you share your ideas and follow through with your plans. Be aware that someone will be eager to take credit for what you do; be prepared to stick up for yourself.
Put your creative imagination to the test at work, and you’ll come up with a great idea that leads to a transformation. Education and preparation will help you take on a profitable challenge.
Do what’s best for you. Help yourself instead of putting your time and effort into something that benefits someone else. Pledge to do your own thing and to work alongside people who have as much to offer as you.
Open your mind to change. Look for ways you can use your skills and knowledge to open a conversation that can lead to an exciting position. Don’t sell yourself short. Have your resume ready to go.
Be creative without overspending. You can find a way to overcome any obstacle. Laziness and relying on others will be your downfalls. Pick up the slack by doing the work yourself.
Use your charm to avoid getting into an argument. Listen attentively, and go about your business. The less fuss you make, the easier it will be to get things done your way.
You’ll spin heads with your outgoing, spirited nature. Others will take notice of what you bring to the table. A romantic encounter will encourage you to nurture a meaningful relationship.
You will be tempted to make a change. Take precautions before you spend money. Refuse to buy into someone’s plans. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want.
Spend more time taking care of personal matters. How you handle domestic responsibilities will affect the way others treat you. Be willing to compromise when faced with a dilemma.
Keep your secrets to yourself. An emotional incident can affect your reputation and your chance to advance. Look inward, then make the necessary adjustments.
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
CANCER (June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20- Feb. 19)
PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)
Mohammed's 122 takes TT Red Force to 3-wicket victory over Barbados Pride
Jason Mohammed scored a timely hundred and Evin Lewis, 61 as the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force battled to a three-wicket win with five balls to spare over the Barbados Pride in the CG Insurance Super50 tournament in Antigua on Monday.
Chasing a relatively-modest target of 254, Trinidad started out well despite losing the wicket of Kjorn Ottley for four in the second over of the innings. His dismissal brought Mohammed, who provided a well-needed backbone to the Trinidad line-up. He and Lewis put on 117 for the second wicket in 19 overs.
When Lewis got out to Roston Chase for 61, Mohammed and Denesh Ramdin added 29 over the next eight overs as the bowling tightened.
Then came the slide that saw Trinidad fall away from 150 for 2 to 158 for 5 as Ramdin fell for 10 and Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran went without scoring.
However, Mohammed found a useful partner in Sunil Narine, who scored 18 in a partnership worth 49.
Akeal Hosein helped Mohammed add another 45 before the latter fell for 122 that included 10 fours and two sixes and brought Trinidad to within sight of
Kieron Pollard bagged a fifer
Bishop hails Brathwaite "Captain Fantastic" following series win
Interim Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been branded a “general of the highest proportions” by Ian Bishop, with the outstanding former West Indies fast bowler contending the seasoned opener had moulded the side into “national heroes”, in the wake of the series whitewash of Bangladesh.
The 28-year-old was thrust into the role of leading an inexperienced 15man squad for the two-Test series after regular Captain Jason Holder declined selection over COVID-19 fears.
Holder was joined by Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, and Shimron Hetmyer in opting out, resulting in the backbone of the Test side’s batting disappearing for the series.
On Sunday, however, Brathwaite produced a captaincy masterclass as he presided over a thrilling 17run victory in the second Test, snatching three wickets with his unpractised offspin to play a key role in bowling Bangladesh out for 213.
“When you look at the way the opening partnership [for Bangladesh went], 59 for that opening partnership, to have this capitulation instituted by a brilliant move from the Captain to bring himself on [was outstanding],” Bishop gushed following the result at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
“Kraigg Brathwaite is a general of the highest proportions. His captaincy today has been spot on. There were times you could’ve thought – and I’m sure he would’ve thought – [to bring Shannon Gabriel back].
“Shannon Gabriel was loosening up for about an hour. Every time he started loosening up, someone got a wicket.
“Jomel Warrican [was] brilliant in the end, [he] struggled a little bit early, [but finished] with three for 47.
“Brathwaite [got] three for 25, Rahkeem Cornwall [got] nine wickets in the Test match – national heroes all.
“They braved the pandemic when others didn’t make it and to win this twomatch series two-nil has been a tremendous, tremendous accomplishment for the West Indies team.”
He continued: “It is a series victory for the ages, given all that has been stacked against them coming on this tour to Bangladesh. These men have achieved what many thought impossible.
“”Captain Fantastic” Kraigg Brathwaite has made his men national heroes.”
The fairytale started in Chattogram when West Indies, fielding three debutants, stunned the hosts by three wickets after chasing down an improbable 395 on the final day.
Kyle Mayers, on debut, struck an historic unbeaten 210 and in concert with another debutant, Nkrumah Bonner (86), put on 216 in a fourth-wicket stand to underpin the run chase.
When West Indies collapsed from 41 for three overnight to 117 in their second innings on Sunday’s fourth day and set Bangladesh 231 for victory, a series win seemed set to elude them.
However, Brathwaite proved inspirational with field settings and the rotation of bowlers, and his players responded favourably to upset the hosts again.
The 53-year-old Bishop, who claimed 161 wickets from 43 Tests and has since become a well-respected international TV analyst, said Brathwaite had left a firm imprint of his own leadership and industry on the touring side.
“The team reflects Kraigg Brathwaite’s leadership. Kraigg is industrious, hard-working, and has a great work ethic and the team reflects that personality,” Bishop argued.
“They are coachable. A friend of mine told me years ago that if a team has players that are always willing to learn and are coachable, there is no limit as to what they can achieve.
“I’m not saying this team is the number one team suddenly in the world or they are the number three team – that is the ultimate goal. This team is on the road on that journey. They’ve taken significant strides on this tour.
“How many would have given them a chance to win two-nil coming here? I don’t know of any. Their self-belief is so aspirational.”
Bishop dismissed any notion that the quality of opposition had diminished the significance of the side’s achievement.
“People may say it is only Bangladesh, but Bangladesh at home have proven to be a difficult opponent for even higher-ranked teams,” Bishop pointed out.
“So, with the inexperience in this West Indies batting line-up, this is a tremendous achievement.” victory at 252 for 7. Hosein was unbeaten at the end on 20 as Trinidad managed to get to 256 without further loss.
Chase, who also got the wickets of Pooran and Ramdin, finished 3-21 from his 10 overs and Dominic Drake 2-47.
Earlier, half-centuries from Justin Greaves, Johnathan Carter, and Roston Chase were undermined by a five-wicket haul from Pollard as Barbados Pride scored 253 for 9 from their 50 overs.
Greaves hit six fours and a six in his score of 62 and featured in an opening stand of 44 with Zachary McCaskie (16) and 42 with Shamarh Brooks, who made 20.
However, it was Carter and Chase, who came together at 106 for 3, who managed to push the score along producing a fourth-wicket stand of 102 before Carter got out to Hosein for 56.
Red Force Captain Pollard then went to work taking the next five wickets including that of Chase for 56, as the Pride slumped from 208 for 4 to 253 for 9.
Chase and Holder had managed to put together 33 runs between them before the latter was dismissed for 18 with the score at 241 in the 48th over.
Pollard finished with 5 for 17 from three overs while Hosein took 2-44. (Sportsmax)
Jason Mohammed scored a timely 122
SCOREBOARD
Barbados
Zachary McCaskie lbw b Hosein 16 Justin Greaves Ramdin b Rampaul 62 Sharmarh Brooks run out 20 Jonathan Carter c Ottley b Hosein 56 Roston Chase c Pooran b Pollard 56 Jason Holder c Phillip b Pollard 18 Ashley Nurse c Rampaul b Pollard 8 Dominic Drakes c Ottley b Pollard 0 Tevyn Walcott c Pooran b Pollard 3 Joshua Bishop 0 Chemar Holder 0 Total: 253-9 off 50 overs
Bowler
Akeal Hosein 10-1-44-2 Ravi Rampaul 9- 0-39-1 Anderson Phillip 5- 0-35-0 Imran Khan 8-0-57-0 Sunil Narine 10-0-37-0 Jason Mohammed 5-0-22-0 Kieron Pollard 3 0 17 5
Trinidad and Tobago
Evin Lewis c Nurse b Chase 61 Kjorn Ottley lbw b Drakes 4 Jason Mohammed c Chase b Holder 122 Denesh Ramdin c Bishop b Chase 10 Nicolas Pooran c Greaves b Chase 0 Kieron Pollard c Brooks b Drakes 0 Sunil Narine c & b Bishop 18 Akeal Hosein 20 Imran Khan 0 Total: 256 -7 off 49.1 overs
Bowler
Jason Holder 10-1-47-1 Dominic Drakes 7-0-47-2 Ashley Nurse 9-0-47-0 Joshua Bishop 6-0-35-1 Chemar Holder 6-0-55-0 Roston Chase 10-2-21-3 Jonathan Carter 1-0-2-0
GUYANATIMESGY.COM Chairperson Bethune and members promise to advance community game
…as GFF delivers official appointment letters and ToRs
Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) President Terrence Mitchell on Saturday last delivered letters of appointment, along with the Terms of Reference (ToRs), to the Chairman, Secretary and Committee Members of the Region 10 Sub-Region 2 Football Committee at Kwakwani.
This move was a direct follow-up to the historic outreach the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde undertook at the end of November 2020 to Kwakwani ,where he promised to work with the elected members to advance and rekindle the development of the game there.
Mitchell, in expressing delight that the GFF was happy to be present in the community once again but this time to deliver official letters of appointment, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic continued to be a challenge for the nation. However, he was happy that the Committee has been interacting and putting things
UDFA President Terrence Mitchell (third left) and GFF’s Keeran Williams (right) with some members of the Region 10 Sub-Region 2 Football Committee after the Committee received their appointment letters
in place for the future.
He noted that the Federation was committed to finding the best strategies towards the continuous growth and development of Guyana’s football while expressing optimism that the contribution of the Region 10 Sub-Region 2 Football Committee would be valuable towards the overall
AIBA Virtual Forum in America slated for February 21
growth of the sport.
“On behalf of the GFF and President Forde, I would like to once again thank you all for taking on the challenge of re-energising the game in this area. Like the GFF, we at the UDFA level would be working along with you to ensure that you succeed as an extension of our Association. You’ll receive every bit of assistance you need to return the game to the glory days,” Mitchell declared.
Region 10 Sub-Region 2 Football Committee Chairman Harlan Bethune, in response, expressed thanks on behalf of the Committee to Mitchell and the GFF for the level of efficiency shown ever since the inaugural visit last year.
“We here in Kwakwani are very excited to receive the official letters of appointment, along with the Terms of Reference which will guide the way we operate. We are committed to functioning in an effective way to grow the game here and by extension, Guyana. We will be working along with the COVID-19 committee here to get the game back up and running once again when it is appropriate and safe.”
Bethune also stated that they were currently working on putting together their work programme which would guide how things are done in a uniform way.
The Region 10 SubRegion 2 Football Committee appointment letters took effect from January 1, 2021 and the Chairman would be required to report to the GFF Executive Committee on their work on a regular basis.
The full committee reads: Harlan Bethune (Chairman); Ann Gordon (Secretary) and Members: Dean Gordon, Dion Ross, Winslow Mc Curdy, Stephon Profit, Royston Hytmiah, Dave Causway, Dellon Patoir, Hubert Williams, Dereck Daniels, Carl Pitt and Jimmy Mc Clean.
Among the objectives of the Committee are to: develop and implement strategic plans for football development and competition in Sub Region #2, Region 10; develop strategic plans for the inclusion and participation of Clubs in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Tournaments, and Players in the National Team Programmes; and develop and implement competitions, fundraising events, and other football activities.
…to develop NFs through experience exchange
Th e Federations on a regular basis. We do not avoid International tough questions, B o x i n g we are here to Association hear and solve (AIBA) will it,” he added. be hosting its On February Continental 7, AIBA held its Forum for African Forum America virtu- with 40 counally this year tries participaton February ing virtually. 21, owing to the coronavirus pandemic. AIBA President Umar Kremlev Nairobi, Kenya became the capital of the event;
AIBA President Umar Kremlev visited the country Kremlev claimed that to hold official meetings and the developing National to train and communicate Federations (NFs) will learn with the national team. a lot from their experienced During the Forum, the colleagues. AIBA leadership and the
“American continent is National Federations of the full of talented athletes and continent discussed a number coaches who dedicated their of key issues, including relife to boxing. They have forms, new AIBA Committees shown their passion for box- and competition calendar, deing during competitions, no velopment plan for National matter winning or losing. I Federations, communication am confident that the lead- strategy, report from the leers of the continent, being gal group, and took part in the role models, will help the Q&A sessions. They also their developing colleagues held an anti-doping semiand share their considerable nar with the International experience. Thus, we will Testing Agency (ITA) Head be more united and strong,” of Testing, Matteo Vallini. Kremlev said. The AIBA President had
“We are actively imple- a training session with the menting reforms and we will Kenyan national team and discuss them with National presented to athletes boxFederations of America to ing equipment. The decision build our future together. We to build a boxing academy appreciate feedback from our in the country was also takmember countries; it helps us en. Kremlev expressed conto improve a lot in each direc- fidence that it would help to tion. Our big initiative, AIBA develop boxing not only in Forums, is helping us to be the country but in the whole in touch with the National region.
Simone Biles “would not feel comfortable” allowing daughter to be part of USA Gymnastics
Simone Biles says if she was a mother she would not allow her daughter to be part of USA Gymnastics following the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal.
USA Gymnastics' ex-doctor Nassar was jailed for up to 300 years in 2018 for abusing more than 250 athletes, including Biles.
Biles has previously called for an independent investigation. "It's far from over," Biles, 23, told CBS. "There's still a lot of questions that still need to be answered."
When asked on the 60 Minutes programme if she had a daughter, would she allow her to join the programme, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said: "No. Because I don't feel comfortable enough, because they haven't taken accountability for their actions and what they've done. "And they haven't assured us that it's never going to happen again."
Biles, who has won 19 world titles, said she felt personally let down by USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic Committee.
She added: "We bring
Simone Biles
them medals. We do our part. You can't do your part in return? It's just, like, it's sickening."
Asked what questions remain unanswered, she responded: "Just who knew what, when? You guys have failed so many athletes. And most of us underage. You guys don't think that's a bigger problem? Like, if that were me and I knew something I'd want it resolved immediately."
In January 2020, USA Gymnastics announced a plan to pay a US$215 million settlement to the group of athletes abused by Nassar.
In a 2018 interview with the BBC, Biles said she was "relieved" after speaking out about Nassar after feeling "a lot of pressure" to keep the truth to herself for so long.
USA Gymnastics President and chief executive Li Li Leung told CBS they "recognise how deeply we have broken the trust of our athletes and community, and are working hard to build that trust back".
She continued: "Everything we do now is aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and positive culture for everyone who participates in our sport."
US Olympic and Paralympic boss Sarah Hirshland wanted to "repeat" their apology "to all those who have been harmed and underscore our commitment to uncovering and addressing the organisational failures that contributed to an environment in which Nassar preyed on athletes". (BBC Sport)
CLASSIFIED ADS
LEARN TO DRIVE
Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek You can also obtain an International Driving Permit covering over 134 Countries. Contact us: 227-3835 / 627-6155. WhatsApp: 619-0106. Join us on FaceBook.
PUPPIES FOR SALE
Mix Breed Puppies For sale Contact : 253-3114/692-0126
TAXI SERVICE
Elegant Cabs 231-1494 / 226-4277 Cell #: 623-6600 24 hrs.
GR Taxi 227-1982, 225-7878
219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars
Tel: 614-6202
2237230-1
(Ext 55) NOW!
Leslain Baird loads up a throw Teaching moment! Leslain Baird passes on some javelin knowledge to a youngster
Baird, Archibald happy with returns at 1st meet
The nation’s athletes were gifted with perfect weather on Sunday as they set out for a day filled with activities, marking their return to the synthetic track after a year. For two athletes in particular, it was a great start to their Olympic 2020 hopes.
The male side of the competition saw quite a few turn out, causing a number of heats to be run off in feature events, but the same could not be said for the female contest, where the participation of the Linden athletes was dearly missed.
For Emmanuel Archibald, who emerged from the Open 100m sprint with the best time, clocking 10.21s was a personal record and a great way to start his Olympic campaign.
“It wasn’t a bad performance, I got a PR for the first meet. I was glad with the performance. I feel I could’ve done better, but it’s the first meet,” an ecstatic Archibald told Guyana Times Sport.
He added optimistically, “’I’m right there. To open the season with a PR (personal record) which is 10.21s, I feel I could run at least 10.05 the next one.”
Archibald, who had an exceptional outing on Sunday, also sprang to 8.10m in the long jump event. He led the competition by a distance, with the next best jumper, Micaiah Washington, managing 7.50m. Wesley Tyndal completed the top three with a jump of 7.00m.
Another athlete who met a personal goal on Sunday was javelin specialist Leslain Baird, who was quite content with a season-opening throw of 77m.
“Coming into this competition here, I was very confident. I throw above my coach’s expectations, which was between 73 and 75 he had given me to throw, but, actually, I got 77, which is very great. He told me to just come out, enjoy the competition, and see where I’m at. I got a season best which is 77, just a metre away from my best and the national record, which is very good,” the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank told this publication.
The Athletics Association of Guyana is slated to host another two developmental meets before the National Seniors on April 17-18. After which, the South American Senior Championships are scheduled for May 14 to May 16.
(Jemima Holmes)
Emmanuel Archibald
Rajpat's unbeaten 91 hands Belle Vue victory over West Side Warriors
The victorious Belle Vue
In recent cricketing action at the Belle Vue Ground, the home team defeated West Side Warriors, a Tuschen-based team, by nine wickets and 24 balls in a 25-over contest.
Belle Vue were led by Demerara's current wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Rajpat, who smashed five sixes and seven fours in his 91 not out.
Earlier in the match, West Side Warriors won the toss and batted first. They posted 175-7 in their 25 overs; top-scoring was Akeem Mullin with 52 not out (3×4) (2×6), with Orlando Giddings making 48 not out (6×6). The Warriors as their name suggest showed great will and fought to the very end. Despite a few wickets falling, they pushed on to post a total worth defending. Bowling for Belle Vue were stand-in skipper Ryan Seecharran, who had 3-28 in his five overs, and Daniel Roberts, who supported with 2-18 in his five overs. The Belle Vue bowlers did nothing wrong as they were tight in their line and length and gave much effort in this match-up.
In reply, Belle Vue scored 177-1 in 21 overs. The innings was dominated by Rajpat, who scored freely and played top-class shots to all parts of the ground. It was a great sight to see the 17-year-
Nicholas Rajpat handed Belle Vue another win with a fluent 91 not out
old left-handed batsman smashing balls all over the ground. But Rajpat was not left to do all the work as Krishna Singh supported with 43 not out (3×4) (1×6) and the duo put on 167 runs in 118 balls. The lone batsman whose wick et fell was Dingo Fredricks 5 (1×4), who was bowled by Satesh Ramdeen. While the Warriors picked up an early wicket, the partnership of Rajpat and Krishna frustrated them as the pair continued to eat away at the total. In the end, Belle Vue registered yet another comfortable win as they continue to impress in the 2021 cricket season.
Sri Lanka tour to West Indies to go ahead
With the PCR tests carried out on the 35 cricketers in the Sri Lanka squad along with the coaching staff, net bowlers, and the HPC staff returning negative COVID-19 results, Sri Lanka’s cricket tour of the West Indies is once again back on track to go ahead.
The tour was thrown into jeopardy when two members of the training camp – batsman Lahiru Thirimanne and Head Coach Mickey Arthur tested positive and the training for the tour came to an abrupt halt last week.
But following the negative results returned on the rest of the training squad, the players returned to training Friday after first undergoing a fitness test to ascertain their fitness levels.
“The players underwent a fitness test yesterday and again today. They started training yesterday. We have not got the results of the fitness test yet. The reports will be submitted to us by today,” said Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashley de Silva on Saturday.
“We were waiting for the PCR tests to come out, so now all of them have been tested negative. We are seeking the views of the cricket committee and hopefully, we might get a feedback. When we spoke to them verbally, they sounded positive for us to go ahead with the tour after pushing it back by about a week,” he said.
De Silva said that the itinerary would remain the same without any reduction in the number of matches.
“There will not be any changes to the number of matches, but the only change will be in the order of matches. Earlier, it was 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is and the 2 Tests, but we have shown our preference to play the 3 T20Is first and then the 3ODIs and the 2 Tests. We are waiting for a confirmation from Cricket West Indies,” said De Silva.
“We were supposed to go to the West Indies on 18 February, but we have requested Cricket West Indies to push the itinerary back by about four to five days so that there will be enough time and when the team goes there, they will have some time to carry out their training. We haven’t finalised the itinerary as yet,” he said.
According to De Silva, Head Coach Arthur will go with the team, but Thirimanne’s selection will be based on medical advice.
“Arthur is only a trainer, so there is no issue with him, he would be released in another four days’ time. Thirimanne has to train and practise physically, so we have to get the doctor’s advice on him whether he will be fit enough to undergo strenuous physical activity,” said De Silva. (Cricket Sri Lanka)
