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10NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Preparations for COVID-19 vaccine administration underway – Dr Anthony

…23 new cases recorded

Out of 262 COVID-19 swabs that were sent to the Health Ministry on Monday, 23 returned with a positive result.

The new statistics were provided in the Health Ministry’s dashboard showing that deaths remained at 170.

According to the daily dashboard, four patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 33 in institutional isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine. There are 551 persons in home isolation. Some 6173 of the 3551 males and 3380 females have recovered completely. To date, Guyana has tested 44,500 individuals.

Meanwhile, an analysis of new cases showed that one was confirmed in Region One (Barima-Waini), two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 10 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), nine in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) remained constant at 219, 569, 228, 404 respectively.

Vaccine preparation

There are a number of factors which need to be considered, in order to effectively provide vaccine administration against the COVID-19 virus.

Given that, with the newly-introduced programme, the Health Ministry had to embark on a plan to ensure that all regional facilities are equipped with adequate space and machines for storage. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony provided a detailed update of their efforts, bolstering the physical and human capacity across the country.

He informed during the COVID-19 update, “The Ministry currently has a network of facilities. So, in every region, we have a facility for cold chain and that’s where we have been storing our vaccines for regular vaccination programme. What we are doing currently is expanding the space that we have at these centres. By expanding it and adding new freezers, we’ll add capacity. This will be a new programme where we start the immunisation for COVID-19 so we need more space and capacity to store the doses.”

He shared that the vaccines received from COVAX could require storage at varying temperatures, cementing the need for proper storage facilities. Apart from expanding the physical space, freezers have to be procured. These orders were submitted since last year.

“We still have not received a firm commitment from COVAX about the types of vaccines that we will be getting but by a large, COVAX has been talking to all the countries and they have been saying by a large that probably we’ll get a mix of vaccine.”

Another aspect of the plans for vaccination is the national preparedness plan, under the guidance of the World Health Organisation.

“We have completed that document which talks about every single aspect of rolling out vaccines in Guyana. That has been the blueprint that we’ve been working with. Among the things that we have to do is training. We have completed training manuals, started training the trainers. Now the trainers would be going out to the different regions,” he shared. (G12)

Rum shop brawl

Life sentence for killer reduced to 12 years

The Guyana Court of tween him and the man. In examining the facts to have been given to the Appeal on Monday Mangal, who was present of the case, the Chancellor weapon used to inflict the shortened a life sen- at the shop, armed himself said it would appear that injuries, and the fact that tence imposed on a 23-year- with a bottle and confront- the now dead man was the crime was not gang-reold man, who was convicted ed Bisnauth. In retaliation, “picking up fire rage” or go- lated. According to the of manslaughter by a jury. Bisnauth picked up a piece ing to Bisnauth to “instil court, the principles of senNoting that trial Judge of wood and dealt the now discipline.” But given that tencing, especially retribuNavindra Singh erred when dead man several lashes to he approached the teenag- tion, deterrence, and parhe imposed an indetermi- the head, causing him to er with a bottle, she noted ticularly the opportunity for nate sentence on Deosarran collapse to the ground. The that the latter seems not to rehabilitation for integraBisnauth, who was just 16 injured man was rushed be the case. tion into society should be when he committed the of- to the Georgetown Public The Judge reminded considered when passing a fence, the Appeal Court Hospital where he was pro- that Bisnauth said that he sentence. agreed that a sentence of nounced dead. was afraid of Mangal given Moreover, the Court of 12 years was appropriate in Government Pathologist, his age. Appeal underscored that a the circumstances. Dr Nehaul Singh had given “This is not a case of a different policy must be tak-

Initially indicted for his cause of death as cere- conviction for murder. We en to the life sentence and murder, Bisnauth was bral haemorrhage due to are dealing with a young whether it is applied to chilfound guilty on the less- blunt perineal trauma to person [Bisnauth], a juve- dren and young persons as er count of manslaughter the head. Another doctor nile, and consideration must opposed to adults. for the unlawful killing of had testified that the inju- be given to that because Quoting from a disser37-year-old Robert Mangal ries Mangal sustained were that is considered as a mit- tation made in a ruling called “Trevor”. The kill- life-threatening. igating factor; the offend- by the Privy Council, the ing occurred on July 6, er’s youth,” the Chancellor Chancellor said: “Protection 2013, at a liquor restau- “Picking up fire rage” of the Judiciary pointed out. and welfare lay at the heart rant at Enmore, East Coast For his part, Bisnauth Convicted: Deosarran Bisnauth of the statutory provisions Demerara. Facts of the case are that on July 6, 2013, Bisnauth went to the liquor shop inquiring about a man who had owed him money. A quarrel ensued behad testified that he acted in self-defence after Mangal charged at him with a “rum bottle.” In a caution statement, he had told the Police that he went to the shop and he and one “Richmond” had a fight because he asked him for his money. He had told detectives that “Trevor” walked up to him with a bottle and he picked up a piece of wood and dealt a lash at him and he fell. The convict said that he went away. In the appeal against conviction and sentence, Bisnauth’s lawyer, Stanley Moore, SC, proffered several grounds in his bid to have them overturned. Delivering the court’s ruling was Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. Among other things, Moore contended that parts of the trial judge’s direction to the jury amounted to a “misdirection” which resulted in his client having an unfair trial. The court, however, noted that this ground had no merit. In doing so, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards held that the trial Judge provided the jury with ample directions on the law, facts, and their role. Further, the court held that the evidence was sufficient for the jurors to arrive at the verdict - which they did. According to Justice Cummings-Edwards, one complaint that had merit is the issue of provocation, especially given the contents of Bisnauth’s caution statement. The Appeal Court said that while the trial Judge did not go to lengths to explain the defence of manslaughter to the jurors, they did conclude that Bisnauth acted under distress from provocation. Turning its attention to the ground of appeal on sentence, the appellate court settled that “it had merit”. Not justifiable “We are of the view that the sentence should not have been life imprisonment given the circumstances. It was not a case of the worse of the worst; this is not a worst-case scenario and should have allowed for a determinate period of imprisonment with an opportunity for review. Such a sentence is not justifiable…,” the Court of Appeal held. In passing sentence, the court pointed out that the trial Judge should have considered the following mitigating factors in favour of Bisnauth. They include the fact that he was a first-time offender, his age, he cooperated with Police investigation, there was no degree of premeditation. “It would seem that it was spontaneous,” the court said. Further, the court added that consideration ought that remain under the Children Act.” “The convention on the Rights of a Child advises us that we must bear in mind that a child by the reason of his physical and mental immaturity needs safeguard and appropriate legal protection.” Having regards to the circumstances, the Court of Appeal set aside the life sentence and imposed a sentence of 12 years on Bisnauth. The court ordered that the prison authorities are to deduct the time he spent in pre-trial custody. It was also ordered that if any time remains after the deduction is made, it is subject to revision by the Chief Justice or trial Judge. The other Judges deliberating on this matter were Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud. (G1)

Border controversy

Oil exploration main basis for Venezuela’s claims to Essequibo – AG

Exploration for oil petroleum production, we solidarity and support from and natural gas off see this ugly allegation, the region and we got that the coast of Guyana baseless as it is, being in the form of a statement is the main attraction for raised by Venezuela… I from Caricom, the United Venezuela’s claims to the believe that was the initial States Government and I Essequibo region. trigger and continues to have no doubt that in due

This was the position be the underlying reason course, other international shared by Attorney that is driving this action organisations like the General Anil Nandlall in on the part of Venezuela,” Commonwealth, the OAS, conversation with TV6 Nandlall illustrated. the UK Government, the in Trinidad and Tobago, A significant portion Canadian Government, in light of the Nicolás of the oil blocks is located will also issue similar Maduro-led Government’s offshore the area in statements. We consider renewed claims to Guyana’s question, driving these this a grave act of maritime border located attempts to take control. aggression against our west of the Essequibo Coast. In 2014, when the blocks territory and we’re taking Attorney General Anil Nandlall appearing on TV6 for an interview on the Guyana-Venezuela border

Outlining that this is were being mapped out, this as seriously as we controversy a serious abrogation of Venezuela endeavoured to possibly can.” international laws, the prove that the Essequibo As Trinidad and other the Minister contended that It was highlighted The ICJ found that both Legal Affairs Minister belonged to them. countries continue economic Guyana has resources to that Venezuela has taken Guyana and Venezuela pointed out that these He reiterated that while trade with Venezuela, detect any form of incursion a stride that they are consented to judicial claims are bound to surface the Venezuelan counterpart Nandlall said Caricom will from the Spanish-speaking not prepared to abide by settlement when they signed when economic activities has violated international have to make an important neighbour. democratic principles or the Geneva Agreement are ongoing in the disputed practices, Guyana has decision of whether it will The Senior Counsel the rule of law. Because of since the judicial process via area. However, he reminded always taken a path of stand “with one of its own added, “I think we have the this, he said they must have the ICJ is one of the means that possession of the diplomacy and accordance in a matter of fundamental requisite resources to detect concerns. available to the Secretary Essequibo county has never with universal laws. As national importance and any incursion. Our army is The World Court has General in determining left Guyana’s hands. such, Government has territorial sovereignty or fully briefed. The President already ruled that it has the controversy. Hence, the

“All the maps show that confidence in its allies and whether it will bend and bow is leading from the front jurisdiction to entertain Court’s decision is binding the Essequibo belongs to international entities, for to commercial interests”. In as the Commander-in- the case filed by Guyana. on both parties. Guyana. It forms part of continued support in the such a situation, he said it Chief and is viewing this The case management However, last week, our territory. Every time border controversy case. It is expected that the first matter closely, receiving conference before the the Maduro regime issued there is economic activity is expected that other bodies position would be taken as reports. Army personnel International Court of a decree claiming for in Guyana, in relation to will also join in solidarity. opposed to the latter. are strategically placed in Justice (ICJ) has been Venezuela, sovereignty and petroleum exploration and “We sought and solicited In light of recent threats, the appropriate locations.” postponed for January 25. exclusive sovereign rights Guyana approached in the waters and seabed GO-Invest, AmCham ink agreement the World Court seeking a final and binding adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River to promote local content, int’l trade judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding – a move which President Dr Irfaan Ali has staunchly rejected.

The Guyana Office noted local businesses have on all parties, and legal The Guyanese leader for Investment (GO- experienced frustration affirmation that Guyana’s declared last Saturday Invest) and the in accessing support and Essequibo region, which that Venezuela’s maritime American Chamber of incentives. contains much of Guyana’s border claim is a “legal Commerce (AmCham) have “Considering the focus natural resources, belongs nullity” that will not be forged a new partnership, being placed on local to Guyana and not recognised by Guyana in establishing mutual content, we are keen to work Venezuela. or any other State in the grounds to benefit from with GO-Invest to ensure Guyana’s March 2018 world. He added that while trade and economic activity there is partnering of application to the ICJ this latest move by the in the country, while also foreign investors with local was filed based on the Spanish-speaking nation is looking at local content. businesses. Importantly recommendation of the “deeply disturbing,” it will

The Memorandum of too is the need to address United Nations Secretary not deter Guyana’s resolve Understanding was signed the uneven playing field General, António Guterres, to seek a final and binding by AmCham President, in the oil and gas sector following a failed good resolution at the ICJ. Zulfikar Ally and Chief where Guyanese businesses offices process between the Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Executive Officer of GO- have not been able to fully neighbouring states. action has also been Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop. benefit from the concessions In a majority decision on widely rejected here by the

It seeks to promote and incentives that foreign December 18, 2020, the ICJ parliamentary Opposition, mutually beneficial companies are able to ruled that it has jurisdiction other political parties, international trade, local benefit from,” Nokta said, to adjudicate over the border civil society bodies and content development, adding that this is a major controversy case. This was bilateral partners as well. Indigenous-international area of concern the GMSA after Venezuela, which In fact, Opposition Leader business partnerships, will be taking up with has refused to participate Joseph Harmon on Friday investment conferences and GO-Invest so as to allow in the legal proceedings, reiterated the APNU/AFC Foreign Direct Investment Guyanese businesses to wrote the court to say that Coalition’s condemnation (FDI). compete in oil and gas and the UN SG exceeded his of the recent decree, adding

“Both AmCham and GO- not be displaced in other authority under the 1966 that it is illegal and can Invest remain committed sectors. Geneva Agreement when only serve to ferment to shared prosperity and With Guyana on the he referred the case to tension in a territorial the development of Guyana GO-Invest CEO Peter Ramsaroop with AmCham President Zulfikar cusp of unprecedented the ICJ, and therefore the controversy that is being through mutual beneficial Ally at the signing ceremony economic growth, the court lacks jurisdiction to peaceably resolved at the cooperation,” a joint promote investments. With (GMSA) as a mechanism People’s Progressive Party/ adjudicate the matter. World Court. (G12) statement indicated. that, we have discussed of cooperation to facilitate Civic (PPP/C) Government

Within the past few and partnered with the business development is pushing to diversify months, GO-Invest has Private Sector to ensure support including timely the economy. Against this signed onto varying that our local companies access to incentives for the backdrop, President Dr partnerships with the know about what incentives manufacturing and services Irfaan Ali had announced Private Sector community, Government can give to sectors, promoting joint that his Government enabling local investments the Private Sector; how we ventures and partnerships will give more incentives to flourish. Just over can bring them together for between local and foreign to push Private Sector one week ago, a similar the international foreign investors, and undertaking investments in the health MoU was signed with the direct investors coming joint activities aimed at tourism sector. Private Sector Commission in; how we can promote investment promotion. It was at the Canada(PSC), aimed at better joint ventures, how we can GMSA President, Shyam Guyana Chamber of positioning local businesses promote different activities Nokta had indicated then Commerce launch that he to capitalise on investment within the Private Sector,” that these partnerships urged foreign investors opportunities that will Ramsaroop was quoted as are timely, considering to explore opportunities emerge in the petroleum saying. the imminent expansion of outside the oil and gas sector economy. In December, another Guyana’s economy and the for investments. He posited

“Our agenda is to work was formed between the opening up of the country that his Administration very closely with the local Guyana Manufacturing to investments, both local will create “new types of entities in Guyana to and Services Association and foreign. In the past, he businesses”. (G12)