Boat Captain drowns after colliding with wharf P

NEWS13 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Boat Captain drowns after colliding with wharf

Dead: James Bender of Sand Hills, Berbice River

Aboat captain is now dead after the boat he was operating collided with a wharf in the Berbice River.

Dead is 49-year-old James Bender of Sand Hills, Berbice River.

The accident occurred at about 01:00h on Saturday morning at Kimbia, Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), however, Bender’s body was found at about 02:00h on Monday.

At the time of the accident, there was another man in the boat, who went to Deputy Toshao of Kimbia, Rawle Walker and reported the mishap.

However, a resident of Kimbia, Debra Jones, discovered the body floating in the wee hours of the morning.

“We saw the body floating, from the tummy was out of the water and it is just swollen. I took it in the corner and I tied the body,” Jones said, adding “when somebody drowned you have to keep looking for them before they raise, float and gone…”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Toshao, Walker, noted that a villager was in the vicinity of Kimbia when he requested to operate the boat since Bender was under the influence of alcohol. The villager related that Bender refused, saying that he did not allow anyone to operate his boat.

“He told me they end up driving and they crashed into a wharf and Bender fell out of the boat. That is the report he brought to me that

Undertakers removing James Bender’s body from the boat

James fall out of the boat and he went to drive the boat and when he turned it around to check for Bender, he was nowhere around. The rain was falling and the place was dark when he came to me at around 1 o’clock (01:00h),” the Deputy Toshao related.

He added that he immediately made arrangements for a message to be sent to relatives of the missing man.

“We tried to use the internet to get on to his relatives at Sand Hills but the internet was not working because of the rain, so I told him to take the boat and go to Sand Hills and tell them.”

After the body was found it was taken to New Amsterdam. However, relatives have since requested that the body be removed from the funeral parlour where the Police took it as a result of a previous unpleasant experience.

The man’s sister-in-law, Simone DeCouna, said that in April 2020, her brother, Julian McKenzie, who was among four persons who lost their lives in a boat mishap, was taken to the very parlour but by the time he was ready to be buried, his body was decomposing.

“They spoil a body before, not again I am pleading with them and they are still carrying the body there,” the grieving woman said.

An investigation has been launched into the drowning. (G4)

Qatar field hospital expected today

…to boost COVID-19 fight

Guyana’s COVID-19 have the beds required for fighting capacity is set COVID-19 patients and will to be boosted with the also have things like ventiarrival of a field hospital from lators and monitors so if it’s Qatar today. necessary to intubate some-

Minister of Health, Dr one that will be able to do Frank Anthony said the mo- that. They will have all the bile hospital will be estab- necessary equipment to assist lished in the compound of somebody who’s critically ill… the West Demerara Regional this would increase our capacHospital at Best village, and ity to respond to spikes,” Dr would accommodate 60 beds. Anthony is quoted by DPI as It would also be fully equipped saying. with the necessary equipment The field hospital is part to treat critically ill patients. of the realisation of a commit-

“This hospital would ment made by Qatar to the Guyana Government October last. President Dr Ifaan Ali and Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had held discussions on the countries’ bilateral relations.

Guyana has also benefited from COVID support from other countries including, Mexico, China, India and Kuwait. The country has received donations of several ventilators, and quantities of medication and personal protective equipment to boost its capacity. Man charged for posting nude photos of teen on WhatsApp

A33-year-old Kitty, Georgetown res- on February 15. ident was on Monday released on Based on information, Seecharran $300,000 bail after he was charged and the teenager are friends. As the with posting nude photographs of a friendship progressed, Seecharran asked 16-year-old girl on his WhatsApp status. the girl to be in an intimate relation-

Ryan Seecharran pleaded not guilty ship with him, but she declined his reto the charge which was read to him by quest. The Prosecution is contending that Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs- Seecharran then became angry, and it is Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ alleged that he posted nude photographs Courts. of the girl on his WhatsApp status.

The charge stated that on January 10, According to the facts of the case, the 2021, at Kitty, he used a computer sys- girl had sent the pictures to a female tem to publish obscene/explicit photo- friend, who, in turn, sent them to the degraphs of the young girl to humiliate and fendant. More charges are expected to be cause her substantial emotional distress. laid against Seecharran, according to the He will make his next court appearance Prosecutor. (G1)

14NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM James Bond blasts PNCR leaders for botching election petition

…calls for their resignation

party member James Bond has blasted party leaders who botched the petition and gave the court grounds for throwing it out due to its late service. Bond, who once represented the PNC as a Member of Parliament and party executive, wasted little time in taking to social media, where he released a statement urging the party leaders who played a role in organising the election petition to resign. He labelled the errors that led to the In the wake of the High Court’s Monday dismissal of the People’s National Congress’s (PNC) second election petition, Attorney-at-Law James Bond petition being thrown out as “gross incompetence.” “The entire leadership of APNU/AFC who had anything to do with the planning and execution of the election petition should Bond noted that the botching of the election petition is resign immediately. This is gross incompetence. This is madness! This is what we slaved for.” Former President and Leader of PNCR David Granger Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon symptomatic of GOGEC approves new Board a clique or cabal who want to “control every-

The Guyana Oil and Rudy Rampersad, Sean thing.” He furGas Energy Chamber Hill, Kalesh Puran, Abbas ther told his (GOGEC) on Monday Farouk, Ravindra Prashad, thousands of hosted its first official meet- Anita Ramprasad and followers on soing for this year, to formalise Shane Singh. Regional cial media that new Board and regional rep- representatives are when PNC parresentatives. The new exec- Victor Fernandes for ty leaders “come utives include President, Linden, Region 10 (Upper for your vote at Manniram Prashad; Vice Demerara-Berbice) and congress, ask President, Luanna Persaud; Krishnanand Jaichand for them what part Secretary, Mark Conway; Berbice, Region Six (East they played in and Treasurer, Kitaka Berbice-Corentyne). the election petiCraig. They are supportThe Chamber was set up in 2017 to ensure that there tion.” But the at- The post made by former PNC Executive James Bond ed by Board members: Desmond Sears, Pat Dyal, GOGEC President Manniram Prashad is inclusive stakeholder input in the oil and gas sector. torney-at-law was not done with that mess it up just so,” Bond said, going on to lambast missed the second elections petition filed by the APNU/statement. He made an- the PNC leadership as “in- AFC seeking to vitiate the other, even more person- competent.” March 2, 2020 General and al appeal to his supporters Bond has in the past Regional Elections.and recalled the sacrifices had very harsh words for In election petition he personally made during the PNC leadership and 99p2020, Chief Justice the election campaign lead- former President David George found that Granger, ing up to the March 2, Granger, criticising their the leader of the APNU/ 2020 General and Regional leadership style and the AFC’s List of Candidates Elections. fact that the party shut out and the second named re“We deserve better lead- several party stalwarts in- spondent in the case, was ership than this. Imagine cluding Chairwoman Volda not properly served accordcampaigning for months, Lawrence from the APNU/ ing to the rules outlined close down my office, spend AFC parliamentary list for in the National Assembly my money, give of my time, the 12th Parliament. Validity of Elections Act.sleepless nights… then On Monday, acting Chief CJ George also found (PNC/APNU+AFC) go and Justice Roxane George dis- that Granger is a necessary and proper party in the proceedings since the list he represents stands to be affected. As a consequence of the late service, Petition 99 – filed by Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse – was declared a nullity and dismissed. Granger was served on September 25, 2020, which is 10 days after the petition was filed on September 15. However, lawyers for the petitioners had asked the court to overlook the deficiencies in the service of the petition on Granger, who is the second respondent and Head of the APNU/AFC’s List of Candidates, hence, spare news@guyanatimesgy.com their petition from being tossed out. (G3)

NEWS15 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Guyana pushes SDGs, equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines

Foreign Affairs the Group of 77 and China ing no region or country be- Goals (SDGs). He remindand International to the Republic of Guinea. hind. It is pertinent that we ed the meeting to use the Cooperation Guyana’s Chairmanship of retain a common voice as a Decade of Action to mobilMinister, Hugh Todd has the Group came to an end group to negotiate for ur- ise financing and strengthcalled for equitable access last month, having had a gent support in combatting en institutions to reach the

Residents of Linden, Region 10, can expect improved water supply this year, as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) plans to execute major upgrades and maintenance works to the five water treatment plants in that area. GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, said currently, the Mackenzie, West Watooka, Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc water treatment plants are functioning at reduced capacity.

“We have five water treatment plants in Linden alone and there is a problem there…because nothing has been done in Linden over the last five years to upgrade and maintain the systems,” he told the Department of Public Information in a recent interview.

The CEO said funds for those works were included in the 2021 National Budget. “We have to upgrade the water treatment plants before they collapse,” he added.

Baksh said works would also be done at water treatment plants at Covent Garden and Grove, East Bank Demerara. Those plants have not been fully functional over the last three years.

Upgrades were done to the Eccles plant during the latter part of 2020. Baksh said the residents are now receiving treated water through their taps and there have been minimal complaints from those areas.

“The plants were not operating as treatment plants; that is Eccles, Covent Garden and Grove. Actually, raw water was coming through those plants. Also, the water was treated by a chemical known as Sequest and we have discontinued that because it is a huge cost. This Sequest to treat iron content in the water Goals by the target date. During Guyana’s tenure, the country sought to bring to the forefront and to mobilise support for developing countries battling the pandemic whilst trying to attain the SDGs. in August, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd been advocating for access together with negotiating while the pandemic tested to more funding for develop- partners, provided a frame- Guyana’s ability as Chair, ing countries. To this end, work to address challenges the country was able to Guyana hosted the flag- facing developing countries. adapt, successfully negotiship G77 and China event “Our Chairmanship re- ating and agreeing on multhemed: “Maintaining a Low flects His Excellency’s vi- tilateral outcomes that will Carbon Development Path sion for the continued suc- guide economic, social and towards the 2030 Agenda in cess and longevity of the environmental developthe Era of COVID-19.” Group of 77 and China, ment for the next few years. Guyana led 134 devel- carefully aligned with the Secretary General Members of the G77 and China during the virtual meeting oping countries in conver- core principles that aligned Antonio Guterres comsations on awareness, part- the Group. Core principles mended Guyana for its “exto COVID-19 vaccines, as successful year. COVID -19,” the Minister is nership building, knowledge of solidarity, unity and co- pert guidance of the Group developing countries con- “We must stay optimis- quoted by the Department sharing and lesson learn- operation. Our role as Chair during 2020, an unprecetinue their battle against tic and do our part at the of Public Information as ing on climate action amid began with many objectives dented year for the world the pandemic. national, regional and in- saying. COVID, while recovering to be fulfilled, including the and the organisation.”

Todd made these state- ternational levels to halt Todd urged the Group to toward the 2030 Agenda. third South Summit and Guinea’s candidacy was ments during a virtual cer- the spread of the COVID-19 continue working towards Guyana was also able to other UN events,” Minister endorsed during the 44th emony to officially hand virus and to ensure equita- the achievement of the 2030 maintain the Group’s soli- Todd told members. Ministerial Meeting of the over the Chairmanship of ble access to vaccines, leav- Sustainable Development darity and cooperation and The Minister said Group in November.

Major upgrades to Linden water treatment plants this year

Since taking office cost this utility over four years, $1.8 billion and we are now flushing the wells and they are minimum complaints,” Baksh explained.

Works will also be done to improve water quality at the wells in the Essequibo Islands.

These projects, Baksh said, are part of GWI’s overall plan to provide 80 per cent access to treated water by 2025, in keeping with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of 0.3 milligrams per litres of iron content or less.

Currently, 96 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to water; however, the treated water coverage that meets the WHO standard is only 52 per cent from a total of 27 water treatment

plants.

Therefore, the Government plans to construct new water treatment facilities to meet the standard and to improve and expand the transmission and distribution network to maximise coverage from existing treatment plants. There are also plans to install water meters to monitor, control demand and increase revenue.

16NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM T&T doctor accused of tricking employee loses land case at Privy Council

The privy council has er at the doctor’s office. The as an outpatient of the St “Despite the valiant efdismissed the appeal property which belonged Ann’s hospital. forts of Mr Roe, it is clear of a doctor in a land to Marchand’s mother was “In such a circumstance that this appeal should be matter in which he was ac- transferred to her and her it might also be equitable to dismissed and the board cused of tricking his former children in February 2006. void the transaction on the considered it unnecessary employee and her children Four months later, they basis that it was not only to call on Anand Beharrylal, into signing over their fami- each signed a deed convey- procured by undue influ- QC, counsel for the claimly land and home to him. ing the property to Dass. ence but that it was unfair,” ants.”

In a written decision, He paid them a total of he held. Of Rampersad’s decision, they upheld the decision $307,800. His decision was upheld the Privy Council said there and orders made by Justice Marchand said she was by the Court of Appeal. was no reason to doubt his Devindra Rampersad. offered permanent employ- At the hearing at the findings.

“Indeed, in our view, the ment until retirement, an Privy Council, Dass’s attor- “His judgment was thorjudgment of Rampersad J increase in salary, a life in- ney Thomas Roe QC, argued ough and clear and involved was an impressive one, per- terest in the premises af- that the claims of trickery a careful analysis of all the haps all the more so because of the particular difficulties he may have faced in assessing the evidence of the claimants,” Lord Burrows said. Dr Rohit Dass was accused by his former employee and patient, Rosemarie Marchand, and her children, of tricking them to sign a deed of conveyance, transferring their family home and land at Mission Road, Freeport, to him. In 2007, Marchand and her children took Dass and an attorney, Victor Hosein, to court seeking to have the deed set aside. Hosein died before the matter was determined in 2012 by Rampersad. Marchand was a cleanter the sale with a promise they will be allowed to use and occupy the upstairs portion of the building with the downstairs portion used by the doctor for his practice. She also claimed she was offered free medical care and prescriptions, but refused the offer since her children would have no place to live. Marchan also had a history of nervous breakdowns, was diabetic and received treatment from time to time at the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. The family also claimed they were told by Dass that there was a mortgage over the property, held by a bank and that in order to pay off the mortgage arrears, the bank was selling the property. They were taken to Hosein’s offices, where they were each given a cheque for their shares of the proceeds of the bank’s sale. They said they signed what they thought was a receipt for the cheques, but it was instead the deed of conveyance. Dass’s version of events was completely different. He claimed the family wanted to sell him the property because Marchand needed money urgently to pay off a loan, she had taken to settle a case involving the alleged theft by her daughter of a gold chain. He insisted she and the children knew that they were signing a deed conveying the property to him and in return, she and her children were being paid the purchase price agreed. Rampersad found the family’s version of the facts more convincing and ordered damages for the family. In his ruling, he said the court could not overlook the fact that Dass, an educated professional, sought to purchase premises from a grieving, mentally ill, employee. “Certainly the circumstances are questionable at best,” he said, adding that Dass also ought to have known about Marchan’s anxiety attacks, her mental illnesses and her status and undue influence rested on extraordinary allegations of dishonesty against two professional men, a doctor and a lawyer, who had no apparent motive, because they were not making any financial gain from the purchase of the property, and the claims were contradicted by the contemporaneous documents. He also asked the board to depart from the usual practice of not going against concurrent findings of fact of two lower courts, saying the case was an exceptional one because the judge had gone so wrong in his reasoning that it was an error in law. The Privy Council disagreed. evidence, including the contemporaneous documentary evidence,” the Privy Council held. “…There is no reason to think that the judge did not have in mind that, very obviously, the reputations of two professional men were here being besmirched and that very serious allegations were being made of a dishonest conspiracy between them,” the Privy Council judges added. The Marchands were represented by Anand Beharrylal QC and attorneys Zeik Ashraph, Krishendath Neebar, Haresh Ramnath, Simeon Wallis instructed locally by attorney Alvin Pariagsingh. (T&T NewsDay) COVID vaccine: WHO warns Man found "living in airport for of "catastrophic moral failure" 3 months" over COVID fears

The world faces a “catastrophic moral failure” because of unequal Covid vaccine policies, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was not fair for younger, healthy people in richer nations to get injections before vulnerable people in poorer states.

He said over 39 million vaccine doses had been given in 49 richer states - but one poor nation had only 25 doses.

Meanwhile, both the WHO and China were criticised for their Covid response.

An independent panel commissioned by the WHO said the UN public health body should have declared an international emergency earlier, and also rapped China for not taking public health measures sooner. So far, China, India, Russia, the UK and the US have all developed Covid vaccines, with others being made by multinational teams - like the American-German Pfizer vaccine.

Almost all of these nations have prioritised distribution to their own populations.

Speaking at a WHO executive board session on Monday, Dr Tedros said, “I need to be blunt: the world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure - and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries.”

Dr Tedros said a “mefirst” approach would be self-defeating because it would push up prices and encourage hoarding.

“Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering,” he added.

And the WHO head called for a full commitment to the global vaccine-sharing scheme Covax, which is due to start rolling out next month.

“My challenge to all member states is to ensure that by the time World Health Day arrives on 7 April, Covid-19 vaccines are being administered in every country, as a symbol of hope for overcoming both the pandemic and the inequalities that lie at the root of so many global health challenges,” Dr Tedros said.

So far, more than 180 countries have signed up to the Covax initiative, which is supported by the WHO and a group of international vaccine advocacy groups. Its aim is to unite countries into one bloc so they have more power to negotiate with drug companies.

Ninety-two countries - all of them low or middle-income - will have their vaccines paid for by a fund sponsored by donors.

“We have secured two billion doses from five producers, with options of more than one billion more doses, and we aim to start deliveries in February,” Dr Tedros said. (BBC) A man too afraid to fly due to the pandemic lived undetected in a secure area of Chicago’s international airport for three months, US prosecutors say.

Aditya Singh, 36, was arrested on Saturday after airline staff asked him to produce his identification.

He pointed to a badge, but it allegedly belonged to an operations manager who reported it missing in October.

Police say Mr Singh arrived on a flight from Los Angeles to O’Hare International Airport on 19 October.

He reportedly found the staff badge in the airport and was “scared to go home due to Covid”, Assistant State Attorney Kathleen Hagerty said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

He managed to live on handouts from other passengers, she told the judge in the case.

Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz expressed surprise at the circumstances of the case.

“So if I understand you correctly, you’re telling me that an unauthorised, non-employee individual was allegedly living within a secure part of the O’Hare airport terminal from 19 October 2020 to 16 January 2021, and was not detected? I want to understand you correctly,” she said to the prosecutor who outlined the allegations on Sunday.

Mr Singh lives in a suburb of Los Angeles and does not have a criminal background, according to Assistant Public Defender Courtney Smallwood. It is not clear why he was in Chicago.

He has been charged with felony criminal trespass to a restricted area of an airport and misdemeanour theft. He has been barred from entering the airport if he is able to post the $1,000 (£738) for bail.

“The court finds these facts and circumstances quite shocking for the alleged period of time that this occurred,” Judge Ortiz said.

“Based upon the need for airports to be absolutely secure so that people feel safe to travel, I do find those alleged actions do make him a danger to the community.”

The Chicago Department of Aviation, which oversees the city’s airports, said in a statement: “While this incident remains under investigation, we have been able to determine that this gentleman did not pose a security risk to the airport or to the travelling public.” (BBC)

NEWS17 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM UWI law valedictorian, Suraj Venezuela orders Sakal: Live life, or die trying arrest of new Citgo LIVE the best life you can! It’s a simple message but for law student Suraj Sakal it means em“There is no map to success. I don’t have the formula. You have to know yourself. There are two things you have to accept; sacrificboard member named by opposition bracing the possibility of dy- es must be made and there ing at any minute now. Some may find the 22-year-law student’s philosophy to be reckless and a bad influence on others. are consequences. If you can live with the consequence of missing a class or something then do what you want.” For Sakal, each moment Guaidó - the speaker of the opposition-held National Assembly - as Venezuela’s rightful leader. They argued that President Nicolas Maduro had rigged his 2018 You see, the valedictorian of is truly his last. He said on re-election. the 2020 graduating class of his way walking to the inter- Maduro remains in powthe University of the West view he was contended that er, and his government conIndies’ law faculty said he should he die while crossing trols PDVSA’s operations skipped classes many times the road he was dying happi- within Venezuela. His allies to lime with friends, while ly, knowing that he did what frequently accuse Guaidó classmates were study- he wanted, without fear. of trying to “steal” Citgo, ing round the clock. His “Yes, it is selfish,” he which is headquartered in free-spiritedness did not quipped when asked if he Houston. stop him from attaining full class honours and he is now enrolled at Hugh Wooding Law School. Sakal said he lives by principles adapted from a quote from late American technology innovator, Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs which made him think about life in an unconventional way. His thinking is if he were to die at any time, he wants to know he lived doing what he wanted, so if that meant not attending a class, then so be it. But Sakal warns that this mantra must be matched with a clear goal. “This is a reckless disregard for rules. Most people are seeking happiness, enjoy the moment. I say I go with the greater want, if I want to lime more than I want to be in class then I won’t be in class.” He spoke frankly in an interview at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, near where he rents an apartment. Sakal said he knows what he wants out of life but isn’t sharing what his goal is, except that, in ten years, he may not be a practising attorney. So why study law? “At this point in my life I want to do law. I don’t know if ten years down the road, I want to do something else. I love to learn, so I am a student of life. I believe that while living in the moment, I must also think about the future and that is what motivates me. I always do what is the greater want, so I am always living my best life.” From his dress style, Sakal said people may feel he belongs in a rock band. But based his conversation, he comes across as someone who belongs in a classroom, teaching others to discover who they are and to live their best life. “I missed some of my tutorial and missed classes and did not really study but that is not for everybody. I am not telling people don’t study, I am saying don’t forget to live your life,” he said in between removing his mask to laugh and light a Dunhill cigarette around the windy savannah. Sakal shared his views on life in his speech in last Tuesday’s virtual graduation, stressing that he lives to do his best, if that means winning every all-fours game in the halls of UWI, or drinking with friends the night before an exam, or writing an exam paper – each act receives his best effort. He does not want to be confined to accepted norms – his neck and arm tattoos or piercings are not who he is, and anyone who judges him for it, he hopes that they are judging him to the best of their ability and are happy. Sakal recalled on one occasion being awake for three days straight doing whatever he wanted. He laughed as he paraphrased an answer from US rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) who once said sleep is for broke people. UWI law valedictorian, Suraj Sakal found his view a bit conceited. “I am satisfied with who I am. I raise my personal standard. Do what you want. If you are miserable doing something then why are you doing it? I am not saying to have a reckless disregard for other. Everything I do, I think about others far more than they think about me.” He said the current school system needs to change in order to allow children to reshape their mentality and, more so, their mindset that there is one beaten path to success. The eldest of two boys, Sakal said his parents accept his seemingly vie-kivie attitude but they do caution him, from time to time, which he accepts. He stands by what he believes, however. “Live the best life you could live. Enjoy every single moment. Fear nothing. Go after your dreams. Always be mindful of the future, where you might end up and the people around you.” (T&T Newsday) Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant for a new member of the board of directors of U.S.-based refining firm Citgo Petroleum Corp named by the opposition this month, chief prosecutor Tarek Saab said on Monday. Saab said Jose Ramón Pocaterra was “illegally designated” to the board of Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, and announced charges against him for alleged crimes including conspiracy, usurpation of public functions, and obstruction of justice. The opposition took control of Citgo in 2019 after the United States, along with dozens of other countries, recognized Juan Venezuela’s Chief Prosecutor Tarek William Saab gestures to the media during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, May 11, 2018. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/File Photo “These are just excuses to continue the theft they have been undertaking,” Saab said during a state television appearance. Neither Pocaterra, a financial specialist, nor Citgo immediately replied to requests for comment. Pocaterra is living in Madrid, according to his LinkedIn profile. The opposition has sought to protect Citgo from creditors and others attempting to seize control of the company to collect on unpaid debts and arbitral awards from Venezuela. Saab criticized the decision in U.S. courts allowing Guaidó allies to represent Venezuela in those cases, arguing the government was denied the right to adequate defense. Saab also announced charges against Andres Yrigoyen, who he said had been named chair of Citgo’s board. Citgo has not announced that designation, and Yrigoyen told Reuters he had not accepted the role. Citgo announced last September that board chair T&T dad killed after buying items for Sunday lunch down, the first in a string of high-level departures.

Evans Ryan washes the blood off the road after Trevor Hospedales was shot dead on Sunday along the SS Erin Road, Santa

Flora, Trinidad (T&T Guardian photo) “I ain’t do nothing boy,” Trevor Hospedales cried out as he cowered under the gun of his duce from a vendor when the gunman attacked. In a matter of seconds, he was lying facedown on the got out of a car in Jacob Settlement. He saw Hospedales’ sons and approached them, asking for their fakiller on Sunday. hot asphalt with blood oozing from ther. When the sons told the man

Hospedales, 47, was walking his head. that Hospedales went down the along the busy SS Erin Road in Residents said around 11 am, road, he waited on the roadside. Santa Flora after buying fresh pro- a man wearing a hoodie and mask As Hospedales walked toward a track leading to his home, the gunman opened fire on him.

Hospedales’ neighbour Evans Ryan said he was at the back of his home working when he heard 12 rapid gunshots. When he came out, he said he saw Hospedales lying on the road.

Describing it as a sad situation, Ryan said Hospedales left home to purchase items to cook Sunday lunch. He said although the gunman approached Hospedales’ sons wearing a hoodie and face mask, it seemed normal. Even after the incident, the boys did not know their father had been killed until he told them.

“It is kind of sad but I have been telling my neighbours that Morvant and Laventille is no longer a place, it is a situation. These are things that we know happen in Morvant and Laventille. Now it is happening Luisa Palacios would step

all over the country. It is kind of sad, but ...” Ryan said.

The murder happened a short distance away from the Santa Flora Police Station. Officers responded quickly but up to late yesterday, there was no suspect in custody. (T&T Guardian)

18 TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 Regional

For his work in uplifting his brothers and sisters within the African Diaspora, ly. Beckles, a Barbadian, was among other honourees, including Black Voters who has a serious tendency to study the struggles, and the interconnecting of the struggles around the world, Sir Hilary honoured in US with Martin Luther King Jr Global Award There was no negotiation or bargaining at last Friday’s meeting gangs that any violent activity would not be tolerated, and it did not resemble preT&T CoP: Police did not negotiate with “persons of interest” the United States-based Matter founder Latosha knows of Sir Beckles and between the Police and sev- vious interactions between National Action Network Brown; Cool and Dope his work. eral reputed gang members, the authorities and suspect(NAN) has awarded the founder Cavanaugh Bell “Anyone who knows any- said Trinidad and Tobago ed gang leaders. University of the West and New York Times best- thing about cricket knows Commissioner of Police, “Unlike what you would Indies Vice Chancellor, Sir selling author and political about him too. He covers Gary Griffith. have seen in the past where Hilary Beckles with the leader Stacey Abrams. many areas, and it is our Last week, a message Prime Ministers, senior ofDr Martin Luther King Jr Civil rights activist honour that he would ac- was circulated on WhatsApp ficers would have pulled Global Award for 2021. Reverend Al Sharpton ex- cept this award this year which purported that war- in people to communicate,

Dr Martin Luther King plained that every year, and allow us to honour ring gangs in east Port of plead with them, sometimes Jr Day was celebrated on NAN looks for someone him and through him, hon- Spain and Laventille were even offer them incentives, Sunday. It is a holiday in whose life and work per- our the legacy of Dr Martin preparing for an all-out con- this was the opposite.” the US to commemorate the sonify the global fight for Luther King Jr and what flict. In September 2006, birthday of the renowned human rights and dignity, he meant to the world,” A video was also circu- Prime Minister Patrick civil rights activist. Every particularly in the African Sharpton said. lated of a man threaten- Manning met with at least year, NAN’s Washington Diaspora. Sharpton said In accepting the award, ing a reputed gang leader 21 reputed gang leaders, deDC Bureau celebrates with breakfast in King’s honthere was no doubt Beckles was that person. He said Sir Hilary Beckles Sir Hilary hailed King for the legacy he left so in Laventille, saying he had weapons to “deal with” the scribed as “community leaders,” at the Crowne Plaza our. But with COVID-19 re- among the activists in the academia. Anyone who is a that others could contin- man. Hotel, Port of Spain. stricting mass gatherings African Diaspora, Beckles serious student of activism ue to fight for upliftment. The video and the mes- In 2012, former National and travel, the Bureau be- was unmatched. in the academic world and (Excerpt from Trinidad sage prompted the Police Security Minister Jack stowed the awards virtual- “Anyone familiar with the global struggle. Anyone Guardian) to hold a meeting with sev- Warner reportedly met with eral people they described two gang leaders along with Police find 12 bodies dumped on Nominations open for young as “persons of interest” at a Police Station on Friday former Port of Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing. Warner latTwelve people believed to be members of a self-defence group were killed in the western Gulf Coast state of Veracruz and their bodies dumped on a dirt road, local authorities said on Monday. The bodies were found with their feet and hands bound, according to local media citing a violence. “The abuses and threats between them caused a confrontation between them and had this unfortunate outcome,” Garcia said. Self-defence groups are common in some parts of Mexico, where authorities have struggled to bring about law and order road in Mexico’s Veracruz state Nominations are now open for young leaders to apply to stand for positions on the Commonwealth Youth Council, the body which represents 1.4 billion young people in the Commonwealth. The Council is seeking candidates for its nine executive positions to serve from 2021 to 2023. The Commonwealth said the elected candidates will people to join Commonwealth Youth Council night. Speaking with Newsday on Monday, Griffith said the purpose of the meeting was to make it clear to criminal er claimed he was duped into attending the meeting and did not know the two men would be present. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday) Migrant caravan: Guatemala blocks thousands bound for US Police report on the incident in amid internecine cartel violence. develop and run the council, organise workshops and adthe volatile Las Choapas munic- These vigilante forces have visory panels, give recommendations for youth developipality. helped contain violence in some ment, and attend high-level, policy-shaping forums across

The area is about 363 kilo- crime-stricken areas or shielded the world. metres (225.5 miles) south of the the local population. But some of Speaking ahead of the announcement, Commonwealth port city of Veracruz, the state them have also struck alliances Secretary General Patricia Scotland said, “At a time of uncapital. with criminal gangs in exchange precedented crises rooted in disease, discrimination and

The Veracruz Security for weapons and protection, ana- disaster, young people are at a greater risk of challenges Ministry said in a statement lysts say. such as poverty, unemployment, and learning losses than the victims were “executed” and Authorities often accuse other age groups. However, they remain positive, engaged early reporting indicated they self-defence groups of being and vocal on the challenges and opportunities.” were members of “self-defence groups”, which have sprung up in Mexican regions riddled with drug cartel violence. Cuitlahuac Garcia, the Governor of Veracruz, said inicriminal organisations, or having deep ties with certain cartels. In the first 11 months of last year, Veracruz was the eighth most violent state in Mexico, with 1320 homicides recorded, “Now more than ever, we must harness their exceptional vitality, impressive talent, and unique perspective in our recovery and rebuilding efforts. “The Commonwealth Youth Council is one such platform, which gives young leaders, who best understand the challenges of their peers, a seat at tables to influence deci- A group of US-bound Central American migrants has been met across Guatemala towards its border with Mexico, they were slowed down by security forces The migrants are fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries tial reports indicate a split in one according to federal authorities. sions affecting their lives and future,” Scotland continued. with truncheons and tear gas near the south-eastern village such self-defence group led to the (Reuters) (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer) in Guatemala, where security of Vado Hondo. Brazil begins COVID-19 vaccinations forces blocked their path. Thousands of people were intercepted on a road near the border with Honduras A group of soldiers and Police Officers blockaded a road, stopping many of them from advancing. Some people amid delay of ingredient imports on Sunday. The Government said it would not accept “illegal mass movements”. still attempted to force their way through, prompting security forces to push them back. Brazil has kicked off a nationwide COVID-19 immunisation programme by distributing doses of a vaccine from China’s Sinovac Biotech following an emergency-use authorisation, although the pace of vaccination will depend on delayed imports. After weeks of setbacks, many Brazilians cheered the first wave of inoculations, from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, the hardest-hit state in the country. The Health Ministry gave states the green light to start immunising at 17:00h on Monday, although some officials lost no time in starting the vaccinations. Minutes after federal health agency Anvisa approved the Sinovac vaccine on Sunday, Monica Calazans, a 54-year-old nurse in São Paulo, became the first person to be inoculated in the country, as São Paulo Governor Joao Doria looked on. “After hearing from the Governors, we came to the conclusion that today we will distribute the vaccines to the states,” and they “can begin to vaccinate” immediately, Health Minister Eduardo A healthcare worker prepares the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine at the Hospital das Clinicas in São Paulo, Brazil [Amanda Perobelli/ Reuters] Pazuello said Monday. He made the announcement after meeting state leaders at Guarulhos airport in São Paulo, from where 4.5 million doses of China’s CoronaVac vaccine will be sent nationwide. Health workers, people older than 75, residents of old age homes, and Indigenous populations will be the first to be vaccinated. Both the CoronaVac and the Covishield require two doses. Northern Amazonas state, which has been battling record deaths and burials as hospitals run out of beds and life-saving oxygen, should receive its first batch of vaccines late on Monday and will start inoculating people this morning, the Government said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) An estimated 7000 migrants, mostly from Honduras, have entered in recent days, fleeing poverty and violence. They hope to travel on to Mexico, and then the US border. Every year, tens of thousands of Central American migrants attempt this perilous journey to try and reach the US, often on foot, in groups known as “caravans”. US President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, has vowed to end the strict immigration policies of his predecessor, Donald Trump, a Republican. But the Biden Administration, which will take office on Wednesday, has warned migrants not to make the journey, as immigration policies will not change overnight. As the migrants trekked Several people were injured. Many migrants retreated, with some waiting nearby to make a new attempt later. Others fled into nearby mountains. “Fortunately the security forces established a contingency plan... and contained this battle,” said Guillermo Díaz, head of Guatemala’s migration agency. A statement from the Guatemalan President’s office said: “Guatemala’s message is loud and clear: These types of illegal mass movements will not be accepted, that’s why we are working together with the neighbouring nations to address this as a regional issue.” The Government later said 21 migrants who had sought medical assistance tested positive for COVID-19. (Excerpt from BBC News)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 19 Around the World

OILNEWS

Oil slips on coronavirus fears, strong dollar

Oil prices fell slightly on Monday as a stronger dollar, fears over soaring COVID-19 cases around the world and the slow pace of vaccination against the coronavirus outweighed a better-than-expected quarterly rebound for China’s economy.

Brent crude was down 23 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at US$54.87 per barrel at 1720 GMT, and West Texas Intermediate US crude fell 19 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to US$52.17.

“Corona-induced economic fears, a stronger U.S. dollar and more pessimistic investor sentiment are all playing their part in the fact that Brent is trading ... around $3 lower than last Wednesday,” said Commerzbank analyst Eugen Weinberg.

The benchmarks had rallied in the past few weeks, buoyed by COVID-19 vaccine rollouts and a surprise cut in output by Saudi Arabia. But the slow pace of vaccination has raised doubts over how soon economies could recover.

A UK official said Britain’s vaccine rollout was limited by a “lumpy” manufacturing process, and Pfizer Inc said it was distributing fewer doses of its vaccine in Europe in January than originally contracted.

“Vaccination campaigns, although ongoing, are lagging the speed needed to fast-track a global recovery in the first quarter and the comeback for oil demand will be slow,” said Rystad Energy’s head of oil markets Bjornar Tonhaugen.

The US dollar strengthened for a third consecutive day on Monday to a four-week high, weighing on crude prices. Oil is usually priced in dollars, so a stronger dollar makes crude more expensive for buyers with other currencies.

Security concerns ahead of this week’s US presidential inauguration are also dragging on investor sentiment, said PVM Oil analyst Tamas Varga.

“In addition to the coronavirus running amok, this week’s tense presidential inauguration can also cause unease amongst investors,” he said.

Oil prices clawed back some losses after Chinese data showed the economy of the world’s biggest oil importer picked up speed in its recovery from the pandemic.

Prices also found support in a drop in Libyan oil output, with Waha Oil Company reducing production by up to 200,000 barrels per day because of maintenance on the main pipeline that links the Al-Samah and Al-Dhahra oilfields to Es Sider port. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Tunisia detains hundreds in protests as Amnesty urges restraint

Tunisian Police said tions will gain momentum on Monday they had or die down, as many previarrested about 1000 ous rounds of protests have people after several nights since 2011. of protests as a rights group London-based Amnesty warned against using ex- International called for recessive force and witnesses straint. It cited footage said demonstrators clashed showing officers beating and with security forces in the dragging people they had city of Kasserine. detained and said authori-

Police fired tear gas as ties should immediately reyoung people burned tyres lease Hamza Nassri Jeridi, and threw stones, witness- a rights activist arrested on es in the impoverished city Monday. said, hours after protest- A decade after throwing ers gathered in the capital off the shackles of autocratTunis to demand the release ic rule, Tunisia was heading of detainees. towards an economic crisis

The protests and clashes even before the global corowith Police follow the 10th navirus pandemic struck anniversary of a revolution last year, wrecking the tourthat brought democracy but ism industry and locking few material gains for most down other businesses. Tunisians, and anger is Protesters also gathgrowing at chronic jobless- ered on Monday in Manzel ness and poor state services. Bouzaine, near the interior

However, with no clear city of Sidi Bouzid where the agenda, political leader- self-immolation of a fruit ship or backing from ma- vendor in late 2010 trigjor parties, it is not clear gered the country’s revoluwhether the demonstra- tion. (Excerpt from Reuters) FBI vets troops amid fears of insider attack during inauguration

US law enforce- no longer relying on its usument agencies are al vetting mechanisms to screening all 25,000 ensure that those within the National Guard officers de- service are not radicalised in ployed for President-elect some way. Joe Biden’s inauguration, “The new development fearing a possible insider at- that’s been reported is that tack after it emerged that the FBI is now getting insome of those involved the volved.” deadly January 6 riot at the At least 21 current and US Capitol had ties to secu- ex-members of the US army rity agencies. and law enforcement have

The comments by the been identified as being at four-star general come as or near the Capitol riot, The the capital Washington, DC, Associated Press (AP) reremains locked down un- ported. der unprecedented securi- Members of the National Guard patrol outside the Capitol Building The US Army has also ty in the wake of the storm- in Washington, DC been investigating a psying of the Capitol – the seat chological operations officer of the US Government – Trump that the November ment of insurrection”. who led a group of people by supporters of outgoing election was stolen. Speaking from from North Carolina to the President Donald Trump. At least five people died Washington, DC, Al rally. Captain Emily Rainey, The mob wanted to prevent in the worst riot in almost Jazeera’s Shihab Rattansi who had said she acted withthe Congress from certify- two centuries, and prompted said that ahead of in military regulations, lating Biden’s election follow- the US Congress to impeach Wednesday’s inauguration er resigned. (Excerpt from Al ing repeated false claims by President Trump for “incite- day, the National Guard is Jazeera) Boeing 737 MAX can return to Canadian skies this week

Canada said on Canada said in December sumed passenger flights ing the plane if they make Monday that it will that it expected to lift its with the 737 MAX in the US certain changes and provide lift a near two-year flight ban on the jetliner after the Federal Aviation additional training for piflight ban on Boeing Co’s in January after approving Administration approved lots. 737 MAX on January 20, design changes to the air- changes that Boeing made Despite a bump in orders joining other countries like craft, which was grounded to an automated flight-con- in December, Chicago-based the United States that have in March 2019 following two trol system implicated in Boeing still reported more brought the aircraft back fatal crashes in Indonesia crashes. cancellations than new orfollowing two fatal crashes. and Ethiopia that killed 346 In both crashes, the sys- ders for the 737 MAX.

Regulator Transport people in total. tem pushed the nose down The market for new Canada also said in a re- In early December, repeatedly based on faulty planes remains depressed lease that had it issued an Brazil’s GOL Airlines be- sensor readings, and pilots by the coronavirus pandemairworthiness directive on came the first in the world were unable to regain con- ic, which has devastated air Monday, along with an in- to return the planes to its trol. travel and caused airlines terim order that outlines re- active fleet. Regulators in Europe to reconsider aircraft purquirements for airlines on Later that month, have also cleared the way chases. (Excerpt from Al additional crew training. American Airlines re- for airlines to resume us- Jazeera)

Kremlin foe Navalny held in pre-trial detention, Moscow tells West to butt out

ARussian Judge remanded countries told Moscow before the rulKremlin critic Alexei Navalny ing to let Navalny go, and some counin pre-trial detention for 30 days tries have called for new sanctions afon Monday for violating the terms of a ter earlier penalties from the EU over suspended jail sentence, ignoring calls his poisoning. Moscow told them to from Western countries to free the op- mind their own business. position politician immediately. Navalny, in a video released

The ruling, a day after Police de- on Twitter after the ruling, urged tained him at the airport when he re- Russians to protest. turned to Russia for the first time since “Don’t be afraid, take to the streets. being poisoned by a military-grade Don’t go out for me, go out for yourself nerve agent last August, could be the and your future,” Navalny said. prelude to him being jailed for years. Moscow’s prison service has applied to convert a suspended three-andRussian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny speaks as he waits for a court hearing in a Police station in Khimki outside Moscow, Leonid Volkov, a Navalny ally, wrote on Twitter that supporters would hold rallies nationwide on Saturday. a-half-year embezzlement sentence Russia January 18, 2021, in this still image Navalny, 44, called his treatment ilin the same case, which he said was from video obtained from social media legal under Russian law and accused trumped up, into real jail time early President Vladimir Putin of throwing next month. nal cases too. the criminal code out of the window in

He faces three other separate crimiThe United Nations and Western fear. (Excerpt from Reuters) Trapped Chinese miners' note sparks hopes for rescue

Twelve miners trapped Mining accidents in China they had lowered into the "There are 11 others - one underground after an are not uncommon and are mine. is injured, and the status of explosion in a Chinese often due to poorly enforced According to state media, the remaining 10 is unclear," gold mine a week ago are still safety regulations. rescuers managed to make said the note-writer. In it, he alive. The 22 were trapped at the contact with some of the asks for pain killers and says

They sent back a note Hushan mine near Yantai in miners through a long, thin they hope for a rescue, before saying "don't stop trying eastern Shandong province communication shaft they ending with thanks to the to reach us" when rescuers on January 10 after an ex- had drilled from the surface. rescue team. seeking signs of life lowered plosion damaged the exit and They later sent food, medi- Later on Monday, Chen down food rations taped to the communications system cine, paper and pencils into Fei, the deputy secretary of wire cable. of the mine, which was still the hole. Shandong's Yantai city, said

A telephone connection under construction. According to the handwrit- phone contact had also now has now been set up. The Rescuers have spent days ten note, they retrieved back been made with the trapped fate of another 10 men miss- tapping and waiting for signs from the shaft, 12 people are miners, who he said are "curing after the blast remains of survivors - until final- alive in the middle section of rently very weak". (Excerpt unclear. ly, they felt pulling on ropes the mine. from BBC News)

ARCHIE

DILBERT

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-

Nov. 22) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-

Dec. 21) (Dec. 22-

Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-

Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20-

March 20)

If you care, share. Helping a cause or someone in need will make you feel good. Keep emotional issues and personal matters to yourself. Don’t take an unnecessary risk.

Put your time and energy to proper use. Take care of unfinished business before you start something new. Look for unique ways to use your skills and knowledge. Choose kindness over conflict

Don’t let confusion take charge and ruin your day. Do your best to take care of responsibilities, regardless of what’s going on around you. A job well done will lead to financial gain.

Someone who has something unique to offer will appeal to you. Handle partnerships carefully. Don’t let your emotions lead to bad assumptions. Be a good listener.

You’ll have plenty to mull over. Get organized, and gather information that will help you make better decisions. A problem with a co-worker will develop if you cannot agree on strategy.

Explore the possibilities, but don’t make a move prematurely. An offer you receive will interest you, but consider the cost before you get involved. Make a romantic gesture with confidence.

Be reasonable when dealing with personal matters. Don’t jump to conclusions or make a fuss without having all the facts. Spend time sorting through clutter and taking stock.

Catch up with an old friend or relative via phone or email. Rethink your situation and what you are up against. Find innovative

CAPRICORN

ways to ease stress.

Make a change to how you earn your living or handle your finances. Sticking to a budget and lowering your overhead will ease tension at home and make your life better. Avoid excessive people.

Difficulty with a friend, relative or co-worker will surface if you let your emotions take control. Refuse to get dragged into someone’s dilemma. Concentrate on fitness and self-improvement.

Share your intentions, and you will resolve pending issues. Holding in your feelings will cause stress and anxiety that will affect your health and emotional well-being. Be honest.

Say what’s on your mind. Be direct, and the response you receive will be honest and reliable. The more aware you are of the people around you and how they think, the better.

West Indies ODI series v Bangladesh...

Da Silva hits 50 in warm-up, Simmons unhappy with short prep time

West Indies wicket- Simmons & co arrived from January 14. They'll have to fit in as much as keeper-batsman in Bangladesh on January five days of practice as well as we can in that periJoshua Da Silva 10 for their three-ODI, two- the intra-squad game to ac- od. It is mighty imhit 56 in the team’s one-day Test tour. They were subject climatise to conditions before portant, because one-inning intra-squad the ODI se- you have to catch match. ries starts on up in the series.

Rovman Powell hit January 20 in We don't want to 49 while Sunil Ambris, Dhaka. The get into the [World who opened the innings series, and Cup] playoffs anywith Da Silva, scored the league more. We need to 39 as the team post- points on of- start well." ed 258-9 in 47 overs. fer, is partic- Simmons also Akeal Hosein claimed ularly criti- remained in2-46 in nine overs cal for West trigued by the while Raymon Reifer Indies who'll composition of had 2-42. Rahkeem want to take Bangladesh's Cornwall had 1-20 in the less sce- 18-member West Indies Head Coach and co watch on five overs. nic route squad, which

On the eve of the in- to the 2023 has several seam is hopeful the series will see will still be there," he said. tra-squad match, West World Cup. bowlers, including Mustafizur better pitches on offer. "I am hoping that whethIndies Head Coach "It is nev- Rahman, Mohammad "They still have their four er they play four or five spinPhil Simmons had said er enough for Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, main spinners. Whether they ners, it plays into our hands, the short preparation me (prepara- and Rubel Hossain as well as use two or three fast bowlers and it plays a role in how we time in the build-up to tion time)," the uncapped Hasan Mahmud is something they might try to think about it. We seem to be the Bangladesh series Joshua Da Silva hit a half-century in the intra-squad game Simmons and Shoriful Islam. Although change to. It could mean that underdogs, so I hope it lifts was inadequate, given said on spin is well stocked in the we get much better pitches to us rather than who they are the context of the One-Day to three days of hotel room Sunday. "I think that I would form of the returning Shakib play on, from a point of view playing." International (ODI) League quarantine before beginning have liked the sort of time we Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, of better batting wickets. You The first ODI is set to play points on offer in the upcom- practice at the Bangladesh had in New Zealand, but this Mehedy Hasan and Mehidy never know. It could be a good on Wednesday, January 20 at ing three-match series. Cricket Board (BCB) academy is what we have, and we try Hasan, the West Indies Coach thing, but the four spinners 04:00h local time.

Tough ask for India as Australia set them 328 on a tricky track

Rain wiped out nearly and miscued a lofted hit off ly away at the wickets. The Eventually, Cummins all of the last session Sundar, but Siraj misjudged bowlers survived this peri- made an unbeaten 28 – his of day four soon after the catch at long-on and od largely unscathed, even highest score in 22 Test inAustralia had set India 328 to dropped it while off-balance. though Pat Cummins suf- nings, a lean run stretching win the Gabba Test. But Siraj made up for the fered a smack on his right el- all the way to India's previous

India's openers had only miss by getting a ball to leap bow from Siraj and a glancing tour of the country in 2018faced 11 balls, and still had a at Smith from just short of a blow to the back of his helmet 19 – as the last four wickets possible 23.1 overs left to ne- length soon after he'd moved from a Thakur bouncer that added 67 to Australia's total. gotiate before stumps, when past fifty. He made an impres- kept unexpectedly low. (ESPNcricinfo) rain sent the players hurry- sive effort to survive the deing into their dressing rooms for the second and final time on the day. livery, but could not pull his bottom hand off the handle before the ball had struck his SCOREBOARD

On a pitch where inconsis- glove, and lobbed to gully. tent bounce has grown into a By the time Thakur AUSTRALIA 2ND INNINGS (Tim Paine, 64.6 ov), 8-247 frequent menace, Australia sent Green back with an Marcus Harris c †Pant (Mitchell Starc, 67.3 ov), 9-274 should still have enough time away-seamer in the corridor b Thakur 38 (Nathan Lyon, 72.1 ov), 10-294 left, in theory, to bowl India out and wrap up a 2-1 series win, but the weather forecast for day five is not encouraging. India will have been the happier side at stumps – maiden Test-match five-for. Thakur had been wayward through the first innings, but Steven Smith, threatened to take the game away once more with a counterattackMohamed Siraj bagged his maiden fifer (it gave Sharma his fifth catch of the match), Australia's lead had passed 250. Inconsistent bounce was becoming more frequent, with the long, vertical cracks on the pitch now having widened significantly. David Warner lbw b Washington Sundar 48 Marnus Labuschagne c Sharma b Mohammed Siraj 25 Steven Smith c Rahane b Mohammed Siraj 55 (Josh Hazlewood, 75.5 ov) BOWLING Mohammed Siraj 19.5-5-73-5 T Natarajan 14-4-41-0 Washington Sundar 18-1-80-1 not so much from the standpoint of the match situation as much as the fact that the bowling attack they cobbled showed much better control in the second, changing the mood of the game by replacing an erratic T Natarajan and ing stand full of daring forays down the pitch to Sundar's offspin. But having raced to 25 off 21, Labuschagne had no Natarajan had got one ball to creep through at ankle height and narrowly miss Green's off stump. Thakur got one to Matthew Wade c †Pant b Mohammed Siraj 0 Cameron Green c Sharma Shardul Thakur 19-2-61-4 Navdeep Saini 5-1-32-0 INDIA 2ND INNINGS together for this Test match, testing the left-handers with answer to Siraj when he got spit up at Tim Paine and hit b Thakur 37 (TARGET: 328 RUNS) with each of their senior op- his angle from over the wick- one to straighten in the chan- his glove. Australia may have Tim Paine (c)† c †Pant Rohit Sharma c †Paine tions unavailable, managed to challenge Australia again and keep them from running away with the game. For one, they bowled Australia out. This had not et, landing the ball within the line of the stumps and forcing them to play, and drawing a series of plays-and-misses with movement off the deck. A short ball brought the nel after angling into him, and Rohit Sharma pouched a thick edge at second slip. Three balls later, Matthew Wade was caught down the leg side off Siraj, his duck capfelt they already had enough for an early declaration, especially given the danger of the erratic bounce injuring one of their bowlers. But they batted on, perb Thakur 27 Pat Cummins not out 28 Mitchell Starc c Saini b Mohammed Siraj 1 Nathan Lyon c Agarwal b Cummins 7 Shubman Gill not out 64 Cheteshwar Pujara 8 TOTAL (38 Ov, RR: 2.18) 83 Yet to bat: Ajinkya Rahane seemed likely when David breakthrough, with Harris ping a miserable series that haps wary of having their b Thakur 13 (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Warner and Marcus Harris leaving his gloves in the way has put his place in doubt. bowlers – each of whom has Josh Hazlewood c Thakur Pant †, Washington Sundar, had extended their opening partnership to 89 and of the ball while trying to duck underneath it. Washington Either side of tea, Smith – batting with adventurous played all four Tests, and all of whom have got through b Mohammed Siraj 9 Extras (b 5, lb 2, nb 4, w 2) 13 Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, T Natarajan left Australia effectively 122 Sundar, Thakur's partner use of feet and hands – and gruelling workloads in India's TOTAL (75.5 Ov, RR: 3.87) 294 for no loss some 40 minutes into the day's play. But India regrouped, with Shardul in crime with the bat on day three, then had Warner lbw with one that went with the Cameron Green – blocking stolidly with a rather mechanical-looking forward second innings in Sydney and their first innings here – get back on the field too soon. The Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Marcus Harris, 24.6 ov), 2-91 (David Warner, 25.6 ov), 3-123 (Marnus BOWLING Mitchell Starc Josh Hazlewood 8-0-25-0 8-2-22-0 Thakur breaking the partnership on his way to an impressive four-wicket haul and Mohammed Siraj capping off arm to leave Australia 91 for 2 with two new batsmen at the crease. Those two batsmen, stride – added 73 in 23.2 overs, stretching the lead past the 200 mark. On 42, Smith gave India a runs came quickly, either side of a rain interruption that almost entirely coincided with the tea break, even as Siraj Labuschagne, 30.3 ov), 4-123 (Matthew Wade, 30.6 ov), 5-196 (Steven Smith, 54.2 ov), 6-227 (Cameron Green, 60.5 ov), 7-242 Pat Cummins Cameron Green Nathan Lyon 10-6-7-1 3-1-10-0 9-3-15-0 a stellar debut series with a Marnus Labuschagne and chance when he stepped out and Thakur chipped steadi-

Victoria Scorpions receive UK kits The Victoria Scorpions Football Club has benefitted from what velopment of the Club’s players, Rex Jackson expounded on the need for the CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE has been described as a kits and the plans for the fu- Fresh Organic Ginger for Sale Tel. “much-needed” donation of ture of the Club. #688-4264 football equipment. The Club, which oper“The donation is a very timely one, since the Club is PUPPIES FOR SALE ates out of the oldest vil- in dire need of equipment, Mix Breed Puppies For sale Contact lage on the East Coast of soccer gears and other : 253-3114/692-0126 Demerara, is looking to get things that can assist in de- SERVICES into the game when the veloping this Club,” Jackson Solutions to All problems such coronavirus pandemic re- said while speaking exclu- as – Domestic, Job, Relationships strictions allow for local sively with Guyana Times such as: Marriage, Love Relations. football competitions, and the equipment donated by Sport during a telephone in terview. Removal of blockages and Bad Luck. Call for Appointment – 592 696 8222. Address: Georgetown or two United Kingdom-based When probed about the Vreed-en-Hoop. men will go a long way for vision for the Club, which the Club. is fairly new on the lo-

Michael Hamilton and cal football scene, Jackson Roger Isaacs of the AFC shared that 2020 was earWimbledon Academy (UK) marked for its ascension in conjunction with the into competitive games un“2020 Project” facilitated der the banner of the East the provision of a quanti- Coast Demerara Football ty of football clothing to the Association (ECDFA). club. Isaacs was physically However, those plans were Roger Isaacs (extreme left) and members of the Victoria Scorpions Football Club present at the handing-over halted by the ongoing panceremony on Saturday last. demic. but because of the pandem- up and the restrictions are for the professional English The clothing are replica “The vision for the Club ic that was not possible,” slackened. Association Football club kits of the AFC Wimbledon this year – I should say that Jackson shared with this He stated, “But as soon AFC Wimbledon. The Academy. before the COVID-19 pan- publication. as the restrictions are eased Academy, which focuses

While Captain Ahmad demic, the Club was hoping Nonetheless, Jackson is so to speak, I think that on youth development, has Parks expressed his grat- to embark on a tournament confident that the Club will would be the first call of Category Three status, with itude to the donors and which was supposed to have be able to get in on the ac- duty.” Under-23 and Under-18 pledged that the gear would been managed by the East tion once the pandemic lets The AFC Wimbledon squads. Michael Hamilton be utilised fully for the de- Coast Football Association, Academy is the youth team is the Academy Manager.

BCB “Year of Investment”... Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Brian Ramphal and Dr Pooran Singh renew sponsorship

– Lloyd Simpson donates photocopier

Overseas-based the 2021 Cricket Academy the county over Guyanese contin- at the combined cost of $1.4 the next five years ue to support the million. The coaching pro- at the Under-15, work of the Hilbert Foster- gramme would consist of the Under-17 and led Berbice Cricket Board hosting of eight mini acad- Under-19 levels. (BCB). emies across Berbice for a Barbados-

Three long-term spon- total of 240 youth cricket- based Dr Puran sors have renewed their ers with eight special clin- Singh, for the third sponsorship for 2021 while a ics for bowlers, batsmen, successive year, former executive of the pro- wicketkeepers, and spin- would be sponactive Cricket Board has do- ners. Additionally, the BCB soring the BCB nated a photocopier to assist Coaches would also visit 20 National Players in the day-to-day opera- cricket clubs in Berbice to Financial Scheme. tions. Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, conduct sessions with hun- Under this prohis brother Dr Puran Singh dreds of youths. gramme, junior and Brian Ramphal are At the end of these ses- and female playthe latest overseas-based sions, a total of 70 promis- ers who gain selecGuyanese to join hands with ing players would be select- tion to the national the Board to fulfil its man- ed to be part of the Annual teams would redate in 2021, which has Dr Singh Cricket Academy, ceive a financial sti-

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Simon Naidu pose with the photocopier

Dr Puran Singh

been named the “Year of Investment”.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, a Guyana-born medical doctor living in Texas, USA, has renewed his sponsorship of the BCB countywide coaching programme and also

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

which is held during the month of August. Foster, who is spearheading the massive marketing drive for Berbice cricket, stated that the objective is to have a pool of junior cricketers who would represent

Brian Ramphal

pend of $10,000 each. In the event that COVID-19 forces the tournaments to be cancelled, the funds would be used to provide educational materials and cricket gear to less fortunate Under-15 cricketers.

Over the past three years, overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, who is involved in the technology business, has invested heavily in the development of Berbice cricket. His sponsorship for 2021 includes the hosting of the annual award ceremony, the Father and Mother of the Year programmes, the 20/20 Cricket Tournament, and the ‘gears for youths’ programme as well as information posters. Foster described the Singh brothers and Ramphal as one of the main reasons Berbice cricket has been so successful since 2018 and hailed them as the county’s unsung heroes. Noting that 2020 was very successful for the BCB despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Foster disclosed that the “Year of Investment” would be the best in the 82-year history of the BCB.

Meanwhile, former BCB Committee Competition and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) Executive Lloyd Simpson fulfilled his commitment to the Board by handing over a photocopier to the President. The BCB expends vital funds annually on office expenses, and Foster noted that the donation would assist the Board to save funds. Simpson, who lives in the USA, stated that he was delighted by the positive development taking place in the county and felt privileged to contribute.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021 GUYANATIMESGY.COM 23 Good outings for Shepherd, Smith, Persaud and Sankar as Johnson's XI register win

Story and photoS By Brandon Corlette Team Leon Johnson's XI

In the first of three practice matches for the Guyana Jaguars Super50 preparation, Leon Johnson's XI won by two wickets at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) cricket facility.

Romario Shepherd claimed 4-24, Nial Smith took 3-22 for the winning team while for Shimron Hetmyer's XI, Steven Sankar grabbed 4-39 and Akshaya Persaud scored an unbeaten half-century.

Batting first, Hetmyer’s XI made 152 all out in some ear- later. Hemraj was took cen- edged one to Johnson 33.3 overs while ly-morning neatly taken at first tre stage, at slip, scoring only Johnson's showers slip by Johnson in but another two runs. XI, led by across an eventful first Jaffa by Smith Off-spinner t h e over, bowled by to make it 27-3 Ramaal Lewis Jonathan East the steaming ensured it was then trapped Foo's aggressive 35 Coast of Shepherd. not a Hetmyer Vishal Singh and Tevin Imlach's Demerara, For his show. Hetmyer at the crease solid 28, ended up Hetmyer’s s h o r t looked a bit for 15 at 53-4 victorious on 145- XI were asked time at rusty be- in 13.2 overs. 8, winning by two to bat first. the crease, fore he The promiswickets under the Chandrapaul Kevlon ing Persaud DRS method. Hemraj hit Anderson (07) was joined by the first ball looked solid, Kemol Savory Shepherd, Smith of the match but he was un- and the duo wreck wickets; Persaud, Ricardo fight back After Romario Shepherd steams in during his impressive spell for four, but he departed a few balls done by a Nial Smith special that hit the top of the off-stump and flew into the fence. At 22-2, Hetmyer Akshaya Persaud scored an unbeaten half-century took the score to 81-5 in 22.2 overs. Savory (09) fell for a short-ball trap to Smith. Bhaskar Yadram fell for Guyanese fighter shines on UFC card a duck to Gudakesh Motie at 83-5 and rain intervened at 12:43h. The match resumed at 14:30h. Persaud and Ricardo Adams added impetus to the innings Guyanese Carlston Harris ensured the Golden Vinicius de Oliveira def. Sultan Zholdoshbekov via with an aggressive 64-run partnership. Adams took Devendra Bishoo to the

Arrowhead flew proud- unanimous decision cleaners, slamming four ly on the international R i n a t sixes off the leg-spinner. stage during an Ultimate Fakhretdinov def. Adams eventually fell

Fighting Championship Eric Spicely via for a brisk 47, which was (UFC) encounter with KO (punch), 0:55 of decorated with five sixes

Saygid Izagakhmaev. Round 1 and one four. At 147-7,

At the UAE Warriors Abdurakhman Adams departed and 15 event live at the Jiu- Gitinovasov def. Shepherd cleaned up

Jitsu Arena in Abu William Starks via the tail as the final

Dhabi, United Arab unanimous decision three wickets fell for

Emirates on Friday, the M a r t u n five runs.

Berbician won by sub- Mezhlumyan def. Persaud was mission. This is his 15th Daniel Vega via left unbeatwin in his UFC career TKO (strikes), 3:07 en on 51, with four losses. of Round 1 which includ-

The 16-fight card was Avliyohon ed three fours co-promoted by Eagle Hamidov def. Louis and two sixes.

Fighting Championship, Jourdain via unani- The left-handan organisation in mous decision which UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov holds S h a m i l Magomedov def. Jayson Margallo via Nial Smith peeled off the edge of Shimron Hetmyer ownership. The event was unanimous decision advertised to be a trib- Mohamad Osseili ute to Nurmagomedov’s Carlston Harris has Saygid Izagakhmaev in a chokehold during their fight def. Elijas Paknys ed Persaud began late father, Abdulmanap via KO (spinning el- with a bit of luck,

Nurmagomedov. UFC on the card, facing Rinat UAE Warriors bow), 1:35 of Round slashing a few off

President Dana White was Fakhretdinov at mid- 15/EFC 32 Results 1 the edges, but he in attendance not only to dleweight. The Russian Bruno Azeredo def. Shakbhan Alkhasov gradually got into watch the fights, but ap- Fakhretdinov easily han- Mickael Lebout via unani- def. Vasile Suprovici via his groove. The parently to also have a dled “Zebrinha” Spicely, mous decision TKO (ground and pound), innings ended on meeting with “The Eagle”. winning by TKO in un- Shamil Zavurov def. 4:30 of Round 1 152 all out. Tucber

The card was headder a minute. Dana White Renato Gomes via unani- Leandro Gomes def. Park duo Smith and lined by a lightContender Series veter- mous decision Mohamed Karim via TKO Shepherd did the weight fight between an Jesse Arnett, howev- Jesse Arnett def. Elias (ground and pound), 4:41 demolition job with

UFC veteran Mickael er, was able to eke out a Boudegzdame via split de- of Round 1 the ball. Shepherd

Lebout and Bruno Azeredo. split decision victory at cision Ramazan Akaev def. claimed 4-24 in 5.3

Azeredo was able to take bantamweight over Elias Carlston Harris def. Reydemtor Nacionales via overs while Smith away a convincing unan- Boudegzdame. Saygid Izagakhmaev via submission (rear-naked took 3-22 in six overs. imous decision over the The full results for submission (d’arce choke), choke), 4:35 of Round 1 34-fight veteran “Ragnar” UAE Warriors 15/EFC 32 2:36 of Round 2 Imamshafi Aliev def. Sankar shines

Lebout. TUF 23 competican be found below. The Muin Gafurov def. Pim Kusters via KO With 10 overs lost, tor and UFC veteran Eric event is available on Fight Walter Zamora via unani- (punch), 3:42 of Round 2 on DRS, Johnson’s XI re-

Spicely was also featured Network. mous decision quired 141 runs to win in 35 overs. In pursuit of that, Assad Fudadin and Trevon Griffith began cautiously. Fudadin was first to depart at 23-1 when he was caught at the wicket off the bowling of Kevin Sinclair for four.

A poor shot led to the demise of Griffith, who attempted a reverse shot, but was trapped in front by the leggie Sankar at 34-2. Captain Johnson slammed Keon Joseph for a

six, but he was removed b y Sankar for nine with the score on 433. Christopher Barnwell was removed for a golden duck by the same Sankar

Steven Sankar bowls during his four-wicket haul

after he got an inside edge and was caught. Wickets kept tumbling for Johnson’s

XI, and Anthony Bramble, after hitting a six off Sankar, was removed in quick time, with the score at 54-5 in15.3 overs. Then, Imlach dropped anchor and Foo hit attack mode. Foo damaged Sankar’s figures from 4-10 in four overs to 4-39 in seven overs. The lad from Albion struck four sixes in his 35. At 114-6, Anthony Adams ended the 60-run partnership. Shepherd (15) hit two sixes off Sinclair and took the score to 135-7. Sinclair ended the eventful over with his trademark celebration. Imlach (28), who stuck around for a while, eventually gifted his wicket to Anthony Adams and Johnson's XI were 1358. Lewis (07*) and Motie (03*) ensured no further hiccups as Johnson's XI ended on 145-8 in 30 overs. For the bowling opposition, in addition to Sankar's 4-39, Kevin Sinclair took 2-20 in seven overs while Anthony Adams claimed 2-12 in four overs.

The next practice match is slated for

Wednesday, January 20 and the third and final match is on Friday,

January 22 at the same LBI facility.

Both matches are scheduled for 09:00h.