Guyana Times - Tuesday, November 17, 2020

P14 COVID-19 cash grant strengthening economy – Teixeira Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4472

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Still no “honest interlocutor” – VP Jagdeo on talks with Opposition Page 2

Another int’l mining company makes large gold find in Guyana’s interior

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GNBS now capable of testing P13 concrete hollow blocks

Page 9

Page 2

Guyana pledges support for UN’s work, SG’s reform initiatives

…as Rodrigues-Birkett presents Letters of Credence

Teen found raped, murdered after drinking spree

Page 7

Over 60,000 acres of ECD, EBD land being accessed for development – President …800 house lots for Region 9 Pages 7&9

Another AFC Executive resigns …says leaders have lost their way, consumed by PNC Page 5

ECD pensioner killed in P8 suspected hit and run

Parole Board reconvened P13 9-year-old boy drowns in Cane Grove canal P17 Baramita P16 woman dies mysteriously EBD land giveaway

Avalon Jagnanan P15 ready to cooperate with Police – lawyer

Ministry P16 threatens to prosecute miners in Potaro buffer zone P8 51 new COVID-19 cases recorded

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana pledges support for UN’s Still no “honest interlocutor” – VP Jagdeo work, SG’s reform initiatives …as Rodrigues-Birkett presents Letters of Credence on talks with Opposition

M

onths after the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Administration has taken office there have been no formal talks between the Government and the APNU/AFC Coalition, but Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said his Government could not find an “honest interlocutor” in the political Opposition.

According to a Department of Public Information report, Vice President is adamant that Guyana needs to settle on one agenda for the future.

However, the Government is challenged to identify a single Opposition official, who can speak on behalf of that team.

“We still have to, notwithstanding the fact that all efforts made have failed, we still have to reach out to have that done. The problem now is that we do not have an honest interlocutor on the other side,” Jagdeo said in an interview with National Communications Network (NCN).

To have an “honest interlocutor”, the Vice President said, there must be some-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

body across the table who will agree to go through “bumpy times with you,” but would still give a commitment and keep that promise.

“So, the question remains. Who do we speak with on the other side? At this point in time, I cannot see a single individual who can stand up and say I speak for the collective and we are going to make some commitments here about working together and that person has the ability to defend, and have the party defend those commitments,” he is quoted by DPI as saying.

Jagdeo said the

Government has a progressive agenda and interested parties must subscribe to the overarching economic plan.

The issues in the political Opposition range from its current “infantile” internal turmoil to its continued defence of illegalities. The VP said many people who were not part of the coalition parties’ structure were handpicked for the 12th Parliament, leaving the more seasoned people behind. Further, the Opposition Leader continues to deny the legitimacy of the PPP/C Government.

Jagdeo said the Government is finding it difficult since dialogue is something promised in its manifesto.

“Even now it is very important to us, talking about the future, but you have to have people to talk with, who are not more concerned about defending illegalities,” he explained.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said there could be no talks unless the Coalition leadership recognised his Government as legitimate.

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett presented her Letters of Credence to United Nations Secretary General António Guterres

G

uyana’s Permanent Representative to United Nations, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, on Monday formally presented her Letters of Credence to the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres.

RodriguesBirkett is the first female and first Indigenous person to be appointed as

Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN with the rank and quality of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

During the accreditation ceremony, RodriguesBirkett extended greetings from Guyana’s President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister,

Hugh Todd. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also pledged Guyana's support to the work of the United Nations and the Secretary General's reform initiatives.

Monday’s ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, finalises the accreditation process following a virtual accreditation held on October 2, 2020.

3 Over 480 pounds of expired imported duck meat seized, destroyed NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 17 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, November 18 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 17 – 05:35h – 07:05h and Wednesday, November 18 – 06:20h – 07:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light rain showers and thundery showers during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies and light rain at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.82 metres.

Low Tide: 11:26h and 23:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.41 metre.

Director of Veterinary and Public Health, Dr Ozaye Dodson

T

he Guyana Livestock D e v e l o p m e n t Association (GLDA) in collaboration with the Health Ministry’s Department of Veterinary and Public Health seized and destroyed 481 pounds of expired imported duck

tered into the country. He informed that the GLDA and the Veterinary and Public Health Department are the “competent” authorities which play a major part in the import and export of products of animal origin.

“What would have transpired from few days - I can say from last Friday - the GLDA would have notified us through their normal surveillance activities of produce that were still sold in our major supermarkets which were products they weren’t aware of the import and products they assume would have passed the shelf life date or the best before, that were considered not to be wholesome for human consumption. In this activity, we realised that we would have had to take steps of which seizure would

The expired duck meat being transported to be dumped

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$43.82/barrel

+2.37

Rough Rice

$221.85/ton

+0.08

London Sugar

$420.80/ton

+1.94

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1888.80

$1889.80

Low/High

$1863.50

$1897.20

Change

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meat.

Director of Veterinary and Public Health, Dr Ozaye Dodson told the media that the meat was past the expiry date and was also undocumented when it en-

have to be activated, a condemnation and a destruction and this morning we are here to carry out that activity or those activities,” he said on Monday.

He added that the two

A package of the expired duck meat which was seized

bodies are hoping that the activity would allow consumers to know that their safety is paramount especially when it comes to importing produce. The produce was stored in the city.

He noted that the duck meat was imported by one of the country’s major importers but stopped short of naming the importer for “confidentiality” reasons.

However, he urged consumers to remain vigilant of what they purchase especially around the impending Christmas season. Dodson added that the activities were undertaken in accordance with the mandate outlined in the Animal Health Act and the Public Health

Ordinance 145.

Dodson informed reporters that there are possibilities of the expired duck meat being on the shelves of supermarkets throughout the country and noted that the authorities intend to intensify their surveillance activities in an effort to safeguard public health. He added that they would have also discussed the need for a centralised database of importers of animal products.

He explained that the database would allow the Department and GLDA to monitor all animal products entering the country, its distribution network and storage capabilities.

TURN TO PAGE 5

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Save our women I

t is quite heart-breaking every time to read in the media that one of our women was killed simply because of her decision to end a relationship and move on with her life. Within a matter of days, the nation was greeted with shocking details of two females, one of whom was as young as 16, being brutally murdered by their male partners.

First, it was the teen from Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, who was brutally stabbed some 21 times by her 34-year-old ex-boyfriend. The suspect, from all indications, forced himself into the home of the teen and demanded to see her. He then ran into the bedroom where she was sleeping, whipped out a Rambo knife, and dealt her several stabs about the body.

It was reported that the teen ended her relationship with the man due to his abusive and jealous behaviour and this may have angered the attacker. What is even more shocking is that the teen reportedly shared a relationship with the man since she was 14 years old.

Then, mere days after, a 28-year-old mother of three was stabbed to death by her reputed husband at their Rosignol, West Coast Berbice home. It was reported that the suspect accused his reputed wife of infidelity. This led to an argument and the woman threatened that she would leave the house. That, of course, resulted in her demise.

These two most recent cases are just a few of the long list of women who have been murdered over the years, most times during domestic disputes. Over the years, there have been countless stories reported in the media of some form of gender-based violence; with women especially being at the receiving end of the beatings and in some cases, even ending up dead.

The victims’ stories have been heart-breaking as many of them were killed after years of abuse and perhaps with very little help from those who should have provided the much- needed support mechanisms.

For example, in the case of the Essequibo teen, we are forced to ask where was the community and family support for the victim.

Being 14 at the time and having a relationship with someone who is more than twice her age, she could not have easily escaped the attention of neighbours, relatives, and community leaders. Why did they not intervene, especially since they were fully aware that both parents of the three siblings had died. It is clear that the children were left to the mercy of predators without anyone taking the kind of action that was necessary to protect them. There are many questions which remain unanswered about this particular case and it is hoped that going forward, the authorities will dig to the bottom of it to ensure that situations such as this do not reoccur.

Similarly, in relation to the Berbice victim, it was reported that the woman faced years of abuse. Were relatives and neighbours aware of this and if so, why did they choose to remain silent?

The bottom line is that something must be done urgently to arrest the situation as it is clear that what currently obtains has not been very effective. While protection orders have been effective to an extent; quite often, the abusers do not abide by them, hence the need to undertake an urgent review of mechanisms currently in place to protect women from being killed.

Violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another. Numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming.

Over the years, the United Nations has been pushing countries towards implementing proactive measures to combat domestic violence. These measures have included criminalising genderbased violence, undertaking massive public awareness campaigns and providing training to equip both men and women to act as first responders and to support victims of the scourge at the community level.

Additionally, this newspaper had stated before that one of the greatest challenges Guyana faced in countering domestic violence was in changing the attitudes of the Police, Magistrates, social workers, and health-care providers.

Importantly, too, the lackadaisical attitude of neighbours, relatives, and community leaders who are, in most cases, aware of domestic abuse cases, but yet choose to remain silent also needs to change. Everyone needs to be proactive in their response to the scourge.

We urge the Government to reconvene a stakeholders’ engagement to tackle the issue of domestic violence. The aim should be to reassess and modify current strategies taking into account the lessons learnt from past experiences. We need to pool our efforts and resources together to save our women.

A person dressed as a Santa Claus meets with children while sitting in a “Santa Claus bubble” as he opens Christmas season at Aalborg Zoo, amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Aalborg, Denmark (AFP photo)

We need to stop and eradicate intimate partner violence Dear Editor, Within the past few days, the media has reported on the deaths of three women, at the hands of men. The first woman was burnt to death by her husband, who set their home on fire, the second woman was a sixteen-year-old girl who was stabbed 20 times by a man with whom it is alleged she was in a relationship with but which she recently severed and the third woman was stabbed several times by her husband. In the first case, the man committed suicide by burning himself in the fire and the second case the man attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance and it is not certain what is his current medical condition.

Editor, in all three of these deaths, these helpless women were brutally and violently killed by a man who they trusted and were in a relationship with except for the sixteen-yearold, who it is reported had severed the relationship.

And then these cowardly men, after committing their evil act, decide to commit

suicide or attempt suicide.

These women do not deserve to be slaughtered like that or to be victims of any kind of intimate partner violence. Women are human beings too that deserve love, respect, comfort, and protection. It is high time now that these types of violence against women stop.

Women should not have to live in fear for their lives.

Editor, the intimate partner violence situation in Guyana is out of control and there needs to be immediate urgent interventions to curb this behaviour and wipe it out completely. I am sure many persons will be looking to the Government to initiate such interventions but we cannot rely on the Government to do everything. We need to start initiating these interventions by ourselves. We need to start within ourselves first and by ourselves here I mean we men need to start acting to change this behaviour.

Intimate partner violence is a learned behaviour and therefore it can be unlearnt.

We men need to start initiating this behavioural change

from within ourselves. We men need to recognise that it is not a macho thing to hit or kill a woman. Rather hitting and killing a woman is a cowardly and evil act. It is a manifestation of our own insecurities and low self-esteem that we feel the need to hit a woman to soothe our bruised ego. We men must act now to stop intimate partner violence.

Editor, I believe it is time that we men start doing some self-evaluation and introspection of ourselves and our actions. Traditionally we are supposed to be the maintainers and protectors of women but rather we have become the biggest threat to their existence. It is like we are at war with our womenfolk. Imagine a man taking a knife and stabbing a woman, who he is supposed to have loved, 20 times. What kind of rage and hate would make a man do something like that? Are we men out of control? Is the pacifying of our ego so much more important than the lives of the women who we have killed?

No, it cannot be. Men cannot survive in this world

without their better half.

And it is time now that we take stock of our actions and work to create a better society for our women.

We also need to be our brother’s keepers and talk to or stop other men who we see ill-treating women.

When we men hang out, whether it is in the rum shop, the workplace, the church, the mosque, the mandir, the golf club, the cricket ground, the football ground or just liming on the street corner, we need to bring up the topic of intimate partner violence. We need to talk about it all the time. We need to talk about it so much until it has become ingrained in our psyche that we must not hit women. We need to counsel our sons and nephews that they must not hit women.

In every ‘gaff’ that we have, we must talk about intimate partner violence. We men have a huge responsibility to ensure that we stop and eradicate intimate partner violence.

Kind regards, Shazad Sookram

Sheron Duncan’s fallacious, misleading statement Dear Editor, I am extremely disturbed at the unfounded allegations posted on Facebook by Sherrod Duncan – an unquestionably irresponsible Opposition Member of Parliament, that are outright lies seeking to besmirch my good name.

Mr Duncan averred, in his Facebook posting, that I was seen on Sunday,

November 15, voting at the Local Elections in Bonfim, Brazil.

I, therefore, hereto set the record straight; that I do not vote or participate in Brazil elections because I am not a Brazilian citizen, but am instead a Guyanese Government Member of Parliament.

Additionally, hundreds of persons at the location, and many more

through my pictorial posts on social media, witnessed me accompanying the Honourable Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on the day in question as he engaged in outreach programmes among our Amerindian people in North Rupununi.

Mr Duncan’s fallacious and misleading statement will not be taken lightly since his intention is to de-

grade me by impugning my character and destroying public trust in me as an elected Government functionary representing a hinterland constituency.

I am currently being advised by my lawyers and Mr Duncan will soon hear from them.

Sincerely, Alister Charlie, MP

NEWS

5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Another AFC Executive resigns

Over 480 pounds of...

FROM PAGE 3

…says leaders have lost their way, consumed by PNC

Resigned: Vladimir Glasgow

P

rominent Linden Alliance For Change (AFC) party member Vladimir Glasgow has become the latest high-ranking official to tender his resignation from the party, citing that the party has lost its way and become consumed by the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Glasgow, who has been with the AFC for the past 15 years, tendered his resignation with immediate effect last Thursday. During his time in the party, he served as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chapter.

He also went on to serve as an Executive Member on the National Executive Committee (NEC) for some years, and in 2015 when the coalition Government went into office, he was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Representative for Region 10. In the resignation letter seen by this publication, Glasgow said: “I leave behind a record of my hard work, always working to

the best of my ability to promote and model the values that have always been of utmost importance to those of us who devoted ourselves to the principles which our party was built on: ‘‘honesty, integrity, fairness and transparency”, it noted.

He went on to state in the letter, however, that for the past four years, he has become convinced that the party leaders “lost their way” and became “consumed by the PNC”. “...while there are many persons who still feel as I do and their voices have been drowned out by our leaders’ hateful, bigoted, narrow-minded rhetoric that only promotes fear for their personal agenda. I have seen members of my party that feel as I do swallow their opposition and provide their tacit approval of such behaviour. Therefore, I can no longer consider myself a member of this party”, Glasgow alleged in the letter. On that note, Glasgow tendered his resignation with immediate effect.

Glasgow’s resignation comes hot on the heels of AFC member and former Region Five Councillor Abel Seetaram’s resignation late last month. In his resignation letter, Seetaram had also cited the party having lost its way and being subsumed by PNC. “For five years we the members had to keep our mouths shut and allow the AFC failed leadership to handle matters which were of importance and they were all overcome by the APNU/ PNC leadership. For five years the AFC leadership allows the APNU/PNC to do what they want without voicing their concerns. For

Chief Executive Officer GLDA, Dr Grayson Halley AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

AFC Executive Member Raphael Trotman

five years the AFC leadership had failed to address several matters raised by its members concerning the overcoming and overpowered by the APNU/PNC,” Seetaram wrote.

“The AFC I join since its formation is no more. The PNC swallows the AFC. The AFC cannot stand anymore to represent its members nevertheless the public.

It’s my firm belief that the AFC has lost its footage and strength to continue in the political arena and the leadership seems to be sucking up to everything that the PNC wants,” he also said in his letter.

Former AFC Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford also resigned in October of this year. He had also said that the AFC has lost its independent voice and with it, its principles.

“I would have joined the party shortly after its formation, because the party principles and vision coincided with mine. I was comfortable with my decision then as I am comfortable with my

decision now. This decision is after much consultation with my family and friends, who all fully understand,” Rutherford wrote.

“The AFC seems to have no independent (voice) – the party has lost its way and seems comfortable being subservient to PNCR. This attitude is particularly pronounced in Region 10,” he added.

However, while former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson did not resign completely from the AFC, he did resign as General Secretary of the party following a fallout with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

His resignation came after the larger party once again bullied the AFC, this time to install its own candidate into the Vice Chairmanship position of the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

This happened despite an agreement with APNU that AFC would have its own candidate as the Vice Chair.

No compromise

of

Meanwhile, GLDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dwight Walrond, informed that all importers are aware of the penalties outlined in the Animal Health Act as it relates to the illegal importation of products. He noted that a refresher course was conducted with members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) members.

Walrond said that the GLDA would not be compromising when it comes to public health, adding that they would have to do whatever it takes to ensure that the population is protected.

“This is a part of our work programme. It so happens that this time it’s unfolding now but we always have incidents popping up here and there with new importers but in this case, we saw the need to move in and move quickly because we realised the magnitude of this one. It can have a far-reaching effect not only for public health but the economy of the country because we are self-sufficient when it comes to ani-

Deputy CEO of Dwight Walrond

GLDA,

Dr

mal protein and should we have a reoccurrence with what we would have experienced last year with the duck viral hepatitis I don’t think that will auger well for us moving forward,” Dr Walrond stated.

Additionally, GLDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Grayson Halley, said his department plans to intensify inspections as the Christmas season approaches.

He explained that the GLDA is responsible for issuing the “no objection letter” if a request is made to import meat product or live animals. The application includes the country of origin and quantity.

“The GLDA will analyse the procedure. We do a general risk assessment to identify what disease may be prevalent in relation to that particular meat and if we are satisfied, and there is no risk to our local population or animals, we issue the ‘no objection letter’. The letter will then go to the Public Health Department of the Health Ministry and they will do the additional requisite procedure,” Dr Halley explained.

6

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

S

ometimes you want to know the perimeter.

The perimeter is the distance around a figure.

To find the perimeter of a figure, add the lengths of all of its sides.

Example: The perimeter of this triangle is 5 + 7 + 10 = 23

Step 1: Add the lengths of all sides: 20 + 9 + 20 + 9 = 58 Step 2: Write your answer using the correct unit: 58 cm Step 3: If you need to, you can change the unit to a larger or smaller one, using the required conversion as needed.

For example, 58 cm = 0.58 metre.

Exercises: Convert 1) What is the perimeter of a 2-cm square?

2) Which has a longer perimeter, a 7-cm square or a rectangle with sides of 5 cm and 8 cm?

3) Which has a longer perimeter, a 14-cm square or an equilateral triangle with sides of 8 cm?

4) A triangle has sides of 8 metres. What is its perimeter?

5)A right triangle with sides measuring 4, 5, and 6 cm has what perimeter?

6) What is the perimeter of a rectangle with sides of 20 cm and 86 cm?

Find the figure’s perimeter.

Monday’s answers

T

he idea is to build little boats, exclusively out of found natural materials (leaves, twigs, flowers, grass, etc) – any design you can think of, put them in a canal or trench or pond or lake, and watch them drift away. You can upload pictures of your designs to facebook: summerofreading. (Adapted from makezine.com)

1) 320 ounces

2) 1,003,520 ounces

3) 15.62 pounds

4) 0.0009 tonne

5) 48, 501.2 pounds

6) 1080 ounces

7) 0.159 tonne

8) 0.17 tonne

A

farmer walked through his field one cold winter morning. On the ground lay a snake, stiff and frozen with the cold. The farmer knew how deadly the Snake could be, and yet he picked it up and put it in his bosom to warm it back to life.

The snake soon revived, and when it had enough strength, bit the man who had been so kind to it. The bite was deadly and the farmer felt that he must die.

As he drew his last breath, he said to those standing around: Learn from my fate not to take pity on a scoundrel.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 60,000 acres of ECD, EBD land being accessed for development – President A

s part of the PPP/C Government’s ambitious plan to make available over 50,000 house lots over the next five years to citizens, the Housing and Water Ministry has commenced steps to access 6356 acres of lands to help satisfy this demand.

In addition to other areas in the country, the lands are being sought between Golden Grove and Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and between Ogle to Cummings Lodge on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), for the development of additional housing schemes.

This information was disclosed recently by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a recent speech detailing his Government’s first 100 days’ achievements and future plans for development.

“Housing is a basic need which we intend to satisfy.

We have begun to prepare the groundwork to deliv-

er on our promise of 50,000 house lots over the next five years…We want to ensure affordable housing for all,” he promised.

According to the President, land clearing works have already commenced for new housing schemes at Mon Repos and Cummings Lodge. He further noted that the “Dream Realised” housing drive has provided legal titles to hundreds of Guyanese.

In terms of potable water, the President said that unserved areas such as at Lust-En-Rust are now receiving water supply for the first time. Also, water supply has been restored to residents of Red Village and Onderneeming and a new well has also been installed at Kurutuku, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

He noted that the Government’s housing programme will create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction and home im-

President Irfaan Ali

provement sectors.

The President highlighted that the construction sector will be key to driving growth in Guyana’s nonoil sectors, and for this reason, the Government has made several critical interventions to facilitate this growth.

“The cost of housing construction is expected to be lowered with the removal of VAT on building materi-

Teen found raped, murdered after drinking spree

T

he motionless body of a 16-year-old girl was on Sunday morning found behind their dwelling place at Coanna Backdam, Five Star, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

The identity of the now dead teen, who resided at Return Village, Baramita, (NWD), was withheld but according to well-placed sources, she might have been sexually molested and strangled to death.

Police preliminary investigation revealed that on Saturday at about 12:00h, the now dead teen and her mother turned up at a shop where they purchased alcohol and started to consume same. They were reportedly in the company of several persons.

However, at about 15:00h on the said day, the

mother and daughter become heavily intoxicated but insisted on purchasing more booze. They reportedly bought a quarter bottle of alcohol and some rice after which they left in the presence of a male with whom they were imbibing.

According to the owner of the shop, the deceased mother returned to the shop later in the day and spent some time. Nevertheless, on Sunday at about 07:30h, the body of the teen was found lying in a motionless state behind the place she shared with her mother. An alarm was raised and the police from the Matthew’s Ridge Police Station were contacted.

The dead teen was picked up and escorted to the Port Kaituma Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. The police have since

made efforts to contact the male with whom the victim and her mother left the shop but this proved futile. An investigation is underway.

Earlier in the month, Jonah Williams called “Wammick”, of Cassie Creek, Baramita, was discovered lying in a trail at Cassie Creek, Baramita, North West District (NWD), Region One. It was reported that Williams’s body bore one chop wound to his left arm and another to his left lower abdomen.

He was taken to the Baramita Health Centre where the body was further examined before being transported to the Port Kaituma Hospital’s Mortuary. The prime suspect in the murder has been identified but he remains on the run.

als. Homeowners are also being provided with interest relief. They will now be able to reclaim, from their taxes, the interest on mortgages up to a ceiling of $30 million. Persons will now be able to borrow an additional $2 million (up from $8 million to $10 million) at low-interest rates,” he explained.

He added that the availability of stone is a vital input into the construction sector but supply constraints are affecting production. On this basis, he instructed that taxes on imported stone be waived so as to allow for the availability of adequate supplies.

Meanwhile, the President also detailed his Government’s plan to implement a transformative infrastructural development programme.

He reminded that the PPP/C Administration has

in the past created a wave of impressive infrastructural projects which transformed this country’s landscape. These projects, he outlined, included the construction of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the National Stadium at Providence, the National Aquatic Centre, the Marriott Hotel, the Berbice River Bridge, the extension of the country’s main road networks, and the creation of a new airport at Ogle.

“The second wave of modern infrastructural transformation is unfolding”, he declared, adding, “over the past 100 days, my Government has begun to lay the groundwork for transformational infrastructural change.”

Providing a brief update on some of the key infrastructural projects in the pipeline, he highlighted that the Government has: finalised the location for and advertised invitations for Expressions of Interest for the new Demerara River Crossing, commenced discussions with the Republic of Suriname about a bridge link between Guyana and Suriname and has taken steps to reformulate plans for the construction of a four-lane road from Ogle to Haag Bosch.

President Ali also outlined that the Government is in the planning stages for a road link between the new Demerara Bridge crossing

and Parika.

He further noted that the Government is hoping to begin work on a 250 MW gas-to-shore project as part of his Administration’s plan to have a mix of energy-generation projects, including hydro and solar power.

Dr Ali had previously disclosed that Government was exploring various financing options to undertake these massive infrastructural development projects.

Citing the Government’s housing drive, he had said that this would require an investment of about US$500 million to be completed within the timeframe of five years. He explained that this sum would be needed in order to put the necessary infrastructure in place so as to open up new lands and to build new houses.

The $3 billion allocated in this year’s budget to the housing sector is being utilised for various activities, including infrastructural development in existing housing schemes, land preparation for new housing schemes, and land acquisition.

According to the Government, young professionals, individuals with an immediate need, and persons with adequate disposable income will be facilitated to commence construction. Private developers are also included as part of the comprehensive housing strategy.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

51 new COVID-19 cases recorded T he Health Ministry has announced that Guyana has recorded 51 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total number of confirmed cases to 4894.

However, of this amount, 3791 persons have recovered.

Based on the statistics from the daily dashboard published by the Ministry, nine persons are housed in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while 68 persons are in institutional isolation.

The Ministry said that thus far, 2548 males have been tested positive while 2326 females form part of the total number of confirmed cases.

Some 25,088 COVID-19 tests have been administered based on the statistics. According to the daily dashboard, 887 persons are in home isolation and 67 in institutional quarantine. The death toll stands at 139.

The regional breakdown showed that three of the new cases were recorded in Region One (BarimaWaini); three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 18 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), 20 in Region

How fast...

S Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); three in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The Health Ministry continues to urge all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which will guarantee the safety of all.

Persons are asked to ensure they are wearing face masks when leaving their homes. Also, they are asked to pay keen attention to the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Persons displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or in need of any additional information are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

St Cuthbert’s Mission

Meanwhile, as the cases in St Cuthbert’s Mission raise, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the COVID-19 update on Monday said that with more testing being done, it is expected that the number of positives cases will increase.

The cases in St

Cuthbert’s Mission has risen to 239.

“A lot of them are asymptomatic, they have no signs or symptoms, but we, nevertheless, are monitoring them…we are monitoring, and anyone who develop any signs or symptoms, then we’ll bring those persons down to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The team on the ground has been paying attention to what is happening and they will continue to do so and today we will continue with our testing,” the Health Minister said. He also confirmed that two doctors are now permanently stationed in St Cuthbert’s Mission.

ECD pensioner killed in suspected hit and run

T

he lifeless body of a pensioner, who is suspected to have been the victim of a hitand-run accident, was on Sunday evening found lying along Third Street, Mon Repos Pasture, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The dead man has been identified as 65-year-old Astraf Ali of Lot 173 Mon Repos Pasture, ECD. Based on reports received, the man’s body was discovered by passersby who immediately contacted the police. He was reportedly found lying in a pool of blood with several injuries to his body.

As the police arrived at the scene, the ranks, in turn, contacted an ambulance and paramedics. The medical team reported promptly and upon checking, the victim had no pulse.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was seen and pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. His body was taken to the mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

The police are, however, treating the incident as “body found” and are awaiting the PME report to determine the way forward.

When contacted, Imran

news@guyanatimesgy.com

Dead pensioner: Astraf Ali

Baksh, a nephew of the dead man related that he was informed of the fatal accident at about 22:00h on Sunday evening. He noted that without hesitation, he went to the scene where he saw his uncle lying in a pool of blood.

“From what we see and the impression of the wheels, it looks as though he was run over by the vehicle… so there were no vehicle parts, just the double wheel print on his chest,” Baksh related.

However, he stated that earlier in the night, at about 20:00h, his now dead uncle reportedly fell into a trench, and he was assisted out by persons in the area.

The aggrieved nephew explained that after he was pulled from the trench, he might have remained on the roadway where he dropped to sleep. At the time, he was heavily intoxicated.

Baksh further stated that his now dead uncle collected his pension on Thursday and started to “sport” at a shop close to his house.

The young man pointed out that his uncle had one daughter who lives on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) but he had lived with him since 2017.

He recalled that his now dead uncle, who was his mother’s brother, was seriously ill back in 2017. “After he could not walk and so, we make up a lil place for him to stay and ever since then, he lived with us.”

Baksh explained that after his uncle got better, he started to work and sustain himself while, adding that he drank a lot. Nevertheless, the young man is calling on the police to investigate the matter thoroughly to bring the perpetrator to justice.

...to pump our oil? eems there’s a grudging acceptance that the contract Raphael Trotman signed on behalf of the PNC Government with Exxon won’t be unilaterally abrogated and renegotiated – a la Chavez and the Venezuelans. Not that the “Renegotiation Brigade” actually saw themselves following in the footsteps of the Caudillo of the West. They were basically a bunch of well-intentioned souls with absolutely no idea of how the world works. But it’s been remarked that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”, as all Venezuelans – especially the 6 million who have fled on foot – know.

But the “Renegotiation Brigade” haven’t actually given up – just shifted their tactics. They’re now raising objections over how fast we should allow the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to “pump” our oil from our offshore reserves. On one extreme, one faction has actually insisted we halt production altogether and leave the oil under the seabed. They’re not as wacko as their proposal might sound. While not pushing Eric Williams’s old dictum that “oil doan spoil” and we should wait for better prices, they insist that because we won’t be contributing to pollution, we’ll be paid for our forbearance.

As to who’ll pay us and the oil companies the estimated US$100 billion or so that’ll be forgone, they don’t actually say. And that’s the catch, isn’t it? There were all sorts of schemes from up north like REDD and REDD+ and Carbon Credits to encourage decreased pollution, but we’ve seen how they all petered out, haven’t we? With an end to the world recession that started in 2008 nowhere in sight – and in fact exacerbated humongously by COVID 19 – it’s very, very unlikely any of the usual suspects have ending pollution through spending from their treasuries on their agenda.

The other argument being made is we should stretch out the rate of extraction rather than, as the VP has declared, actually accelerate production, since we need the money NOW! Your Eyewitness can’t really understand the rationale for the reduced pumping rate. Are they expecting oil prices to actually increase in the long term??

Have they been following developments in the area of “renewables”? And this has nothing to do with the major oil users being virtuous: China and India, for example, are going big time into solar energy because of their own desire to be more in control of their energy future.

Lowered demand will push prices downwards, exacerbating the hit caused by COVID-19 to deliver the long expected “Peak Oil” effect, which occurs when the cost of oil extraction exceeds the price consumers will pay.

Demand will fall as will supply/production!

Let the oil – and the good times – flow!! Now!

...will the PNC accept democracy?

The PNC had insisted that “democracy isn’t just about voting”. Well, sure it ain’t – but that’s where it all starts, doesn’t it? You can’t start out by attempting the biggest and most blatant political heist in history and then start demanding the “substance” of democracy. Which, they insist, is to share the Executive with them!! Now this sounds suspiciously like the PNC’s old mantra: “if you don’t succeed at first (to “rig in” through the front door) then try again (this time, surreptitiously through the back door)!

But even if they want to sit at the table to run Guyana, what about their power in Parliament? Isn’t this why David Granger said he wanted “young blood” as PNC MPs? To shake up the PPP Government? What happened now?

Cat got their tongues? And wasn’t the table enlarged to accommodate them after they rioted and created mayhem after disputing the 1997 elections?

What happened to the Sectoral Committees, two of which they Chair? Ah...no monies to loot!!

...they change!

PM Mark Phillips had the perfect riposte to the PNC when they “threw talk” that he was “Window dressing” in the PPP Administration.

He told them they had to be projecting from how they treated Moses Nagamootoo! Ouch!!

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

9 Another int’l mining company makes large gold find in Guyana’s interior A NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ustralia-based mining company Alicanto Minerals has made its first-ever gold find in Guyana, only days after another mining company, Troy Resources, announced that it had found gold deposits underground.

The company made the announcement on Monday.

According to Alicanto, it has discovered a maiden resource of 500,000 ounces of gold at its Arakaka gold mine, which is located in Region One. According to the company, this works out to 1.8 grammes per tonne (g/t) of milled ore.

“Resource runs from surface to a maximum vertical depth of 150m; Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth. The estimate includes a maiden resource for the Purple Heart area of 338,000oz at 2.4g/t gold,” the announcement also said.

“Strong metallurgical recoveries averaging 94.4 per cent. Purple Heart, with average gravity recovery of gold at 48.5 per cent with a maximum of 64.5 per cent,” Alicanto added in their announcement.

According to the company, previous exploration work done by Newmont and

Alicanto Managing Director Peter George

Barrick Gold Corp provided them with the necessary data inclusive of geochemistry, geophysics, and camp infrastructure.

According to Alicanto, this all provided them with an excellent platform for discovering the gold.

Meanwhile, Alicanto Managing Director Peter George was quoted as saying that the 500,000-ounce maiden find was just the start of what he believed would be a rapidly growing inventory at Arakaka.

“This resource is shallow,

the mineralization remains open in all directions and we already have numerous intersections outside the resource which will form part of the next estimate,” George said. “We also have multiple walk-up targets with multimillion-ounce bulk tonnage potential that remain to be drilled.”

Alicanto’s discovery follows on the heels of fellow Australian mining company Troy Resources, which announced a few days ago that it had found some 15 grammes per tonne of milled ore or g/t, at its Karouni, Smarts Underground mine in Region Two. This was according to an investors’ report printed by Troy and dated November 13. According to the report, the mining company encountered 7.08 g/t from a drill hole named SDD191, with a depth of 172 metres.

That drill hole also produced findings of 2.26 g/t at 52.7 metres, 12.98 g/t at 144 metres and 2.35 g/t at 234 metres. A second drill hole assay, labelled SDD192, saw the company encounter 6.58 g/t of gold at 104 metres and 2.59 g/t at 111.

According to Troy Resources, updated information on the Smarts

800 house lots for Region 9

T

he Housing and Water Ministry through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is expected to commence the block and topographic survey for in excess of 130 acres of land at Poke Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The site is earmarked for a new housing development, which will see the establishment of some 800 house lots according to the Government.

On Saturday, subject Minister Collin Croal led a team consisting of Lethem Mayor John Macedo, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, and Regional Member of Parliament Alister Charlie on a site visit.

The current surveying project is being undertaken by CH&PA surveyor Shaquelle Mayers.

Mayers and a team from the housing agency are expected to commence their work in the area on Thursday. After the surveying is completed, the CH&PA is expected to proceed with the design and layout of the scheme. This will also pave the way for the kick-starting of the process with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).

“2021 will be an exciting year for the housing sector; we are looking to start allocation in 2021, and when we make an allocation, citizens can look forward to being allocated lots in schemes with all the necessary infrastruc-

Poke Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) which is earmarked for the housing development

ture,” Minister Croal said.

According to Croal, the establishment of the new scheme is part of the Ministry’s commitment to providing adequate and affordable housing for all Guyanese. Simultaneously, the Minister said, the Ministry is working along with other State agencies for the acquisition of lands to realise the Government’s vision of providing 50,000 house lots over the next five years.

The Minister added that access to affordable housing would translate into building village economies while creating employment. He noted that with the allocation of lots, employment would be boosted in the area of construction which is expected to directly benefit villagers.

“The housing and construction sector can further strengthen village economies, the opening of new housing development would mean people will be given house lots and can start construction,” he said.

Residents were also told of the Government’s plan to reintroduce a vibrant hinterland housing project in 2021. This programme will ensure that vulnerable families in hinterland regions are adequately housed.

The Minister also led a team from the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to several villages in the region where they discussed improved access to water. Meetings were held in Shulinab, Wowetta, and Aranaputa, where discussions were held on the development plans for the respective villages.

At Shulinab, Croal commissioned a rig which will be drilling a well in that village. He also visited pump stations in Wowetta and Aranaputa where he made a commitment to improving water delivery.

Additionally, a commitment was made to improve the water supply to Annai.

The Minister also commissioned a $120 million well drilling rig for hinterland regions through funding from the Government of Guyana.

Underground mine and its Ore Reserve is expected to be completed late in late December.

Besides gold, however, the company reported that it has a nine-hole diamond drilling campaign currently ongoing at the Smarts NW site. The company reminded that previous drilling had shown promising results.

“In previous announcements to the ASX, Troy Map showing the location of Alicanto’s Arakaka gold project has released the results of diaSDD191 and SDD192 – that the intersections would mond drill holes SDD183 with all assay results now be far less spectacular than to SDD189, the majority received.” those received from drillof which encompass spec“These two holes target- ing the core of the depostacular intersections. The ed the extremities of the it. Nevertheless, good inCompany has now comknown mineralization, so tersections were received,” pleted the infill at Smarts the expectation was always Troy resources had said.

Underground – drilling

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo man attacked, A by lone gunman

T

wenty-year-old Brad DeSilva is now nursing a gunshot injury to his back after he came under attack by a gunman on Sunday evening at Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Based on information received, about 20:30h on the day in question, DeSilva was entering his yard when he heard three loud explosions that sounded like gunshots. Soon after, he felt in pain to his back.

As he turned around,

he saw someone standing about 15 feet away and the person was wearing a dark coloured hoody and a face mask. The person was about six feet tall and slimly built.

The shooter reportedly escaped into the bushes. The injured man was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was admitted. A report was made to the Police and an investigation was launched.

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting incident.

Prison officer busted with ganja granted $150,000 bail

Lusignan Prison

O

ne of the two prison officers attached to the Lusignan Prison, who was arrested after a quantity of ganja was found in his living quarters, was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 Quincy Jemmott, 34, of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 11, 2020, he had 894.5 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

He will make his next court appearance on December 21, 2020, for statements. Guyana Times was unable to ascertain the reason for the other officer not appearing in court.

It was reported that on the day in question between 22:00h and 22:15h, a team of prison officials conducted a search at the Cecil Kilkenny Training College during which a black plastic bag was unearthed in a cupboard hidden under a sink.

The bag was opened in the presence of the two prison officers and two large transparent ziplock bags of cannabis were found within.

The ganja was reportedly handed over to the police and weighed – amounting to 894.5 grams – in the presence of the two officers.

Contraband smuggling has long been a perennial problem within the local prison system, and this is compounded by the fact that both prison wardens and police officers are facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

While the authorities have been struggling to curb the illegal practice, there has been a breakthrough in the apparent network among rogue officers. In fact, in 2018, two prison wardens were implicated in contraband smuggling at

two separate facilities.

One of the officers was caught on camera with a parcel containing 1032 grams of marijuana and 39 packs of cigarettes, which had been thrown over the fence at the New Amsterdam Prison and then hidden in the facility’s kitchen. He later admitted to committing the act.

The other officer was taken into custody after an inmate at the Timehri Prison was found with a container of 584 grams of marijuana in the compound. The prisoner said he was given the illicit substance by the officer, who has since denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, last month, four prison officers were arrested after they smuggled a bottle of rum and a pack of cigarettes into the Lusignan Prison the weekend prior.

These officers were subsequently charged and interdicted from duty.

Furthermore, five other prison officers were relieved of duty back in July after they were implicated in an incident wherein a parcel containing cannabis had been thrown into the Lusignan Prison Holding Bay area.

Following this development, the Guyana Prison Service had offered incentives worth as much as $25,000 to expose criminal activities and elements in the prison system.

Prison Director Gladwin Samuels had stated then that “the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Prison Service would like to see officers speak out on corruption at all levels. As such, officers are encouraged to help in this fight. For all those officers who come forward with details that can result in detection and prosecution, they will be given an incentive of between $15,000 (and) $25,000”.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parole Board reconvened C

abinet considered a Memorandum presented by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, and has approved the reconstitution of the Parole Board. Justice (Rtd) Oslen Small has returned as Chairman with the Board Members being Dr Bhiro Harry; Sylvia Conway; Assistant Commissioner of Police; Director of Prisons as an ex-officio member.

Also, on the Board are Chairman of the Timehri Visiting Committee, Deoram Timram; Chairman of the Georgetown Prison Visiting Committee, Rabindra K Chand; Chairman of the Lusignan Prison Visiting Committee, Ayube Mohamed; Chairman of the Mazaruni Visiting Committee, Joseph Bharat; Chairman of the New Amsterdam Visiting Committee, Indranauth Persaud and secretary, Gordon Smith.

According to a notice published in the Official Gazette recently, the Board will serve for one-year, effective November 5, 2020, to November 4, 2021.

After the life of the Parole Board expired in June 2020, Cabinet began having discussions on having the Board reconvened to deal with prisoners who have requested early release.

In a recent interview with this publication, the Minister had declined to reveal the number of applications pending before the Board, and confirmed only that persons were paroled this year.

Parole and alternative sentencing are among the key factors in addressing overcrowding in the prisons.

After completing the mandatory one-third period of the sentence imposed as prescribed by law, a person be-

comes eligible for parole consideration.

Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5(1) of the Parole Act states that the Minister may, if recommended to do so by the Board on a reference made to it by him, release on licence a person serving a sentence of (a) imprisonment, other than imprisonment for life; or (b) detention imposed under section of the Juvenile Offenders Act in respect of any offence of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Once the Parole Board is reconstituted in accordance with Section 3 (1) and (2) of the Parole Act, its members would sit and deliberate on applications made by inmates for early release from prison.

The last Parole Board came into effect on July 1, 2018, and was also chaired

by Retired Justice Oslen Small. It approved the early release of a number of persons who had been convicted of various offences and were serving time.

Relatives of convicted persons seeking early release from prison recently reached out to this publication and bemoaned the slothfulness in having the Board back up and running to serve the overcrowded prison population.

Inmates serving time in various prisons across the country have for far too long been complaining of overcrowding, and have highly

criticised the inhumane conditions under which they are forced to live.

To this end, they would post on Facebook, videos highlighting their plight, among which is being unable to get a trial within a reasonable time. In fact, several studies done on Guyana’s prisons have found that overcrowding is largely due to a backlog of pretrial detainees.

This current state of affairs puts prisoners at risk of contracting contagious diseases.

Just recently, over 200 inmates at the Lusignan prison had tested positive for the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

However, most of them have recovered.

In light of the deadly pandemic, new prisoners are subjected to two weeks in quarantine before being placed with other inmates.

They are also examined by medical practitioners for signs and symptoms associated with the virus.

In July 2020, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels announced that over 350 prisoners were released due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or other reasons which satisfied grounds for early release, such as remission and reduction in bail/self-bail.

These persons were released from the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown; the Mazaruni Prison in Bartica, and the Lusignan Prison on

the East Coast of Demerara.

The list of offenders released showed that most of them had been jailed for possession of narcotics, assault, and larceny; while others who were found guilty of more serious offences had served one-third of their sentences.

Like in every sector of the country, COVID-19 has not spared the justice system.

The presence of the disease has forced the Judiciary to implement new ways to ensure the efficient dispensation of justice, while balancing the health and safety of judicial officers, court staff, prisoners, lawyers, witnesses, and all those who might come into contact with the court system.

Prisoners are seldom being transported to courthouses. Instead, they are making court appearances virtually via platforms approved by the Judiciary. As far as possible, the courts are using video links such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams to ensure prisoners attend court.

Recently, the Ministry of Legal Affairs announced that, in an effort to establish the required physical and technical infrastructure for criminal litigation to take place on virtual platforms, retrofitted containers would be installed at the various prisons.

The Ministry explained that the containers would be air-conditioned and equipped with the necessary technical apparatus that would provide a link to the prisoners and the various courthouses. It said that once implemented, this measure would obviate the need for prisoners to be transported physically out of the prisons and taken to the various courts to have their cases tried.

GNBS now capable of testing concrete hollow blocks

T

h e Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is now fully capable of testing the compressive strength of locally manufactured concrete hollow blocks.

This, according to the GNBS will help to determine whether blocks available for construction are conforming to the r e qu i r e me n ts of the Guyana S t a n d a r d Specification Concrete block testing for Load ed to batch size or purpose.

Bearing masonry Concrete units (GYS Stakeholders are encouraged 215:2003). The GNBS said to contact the GNBS to ason Monday that the testing certain the sample size needof concrete hollow blocks by ed for testing,” GNBS said in the GNBS is now possible af- a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, under ter its Industrial Metrology and Testing Services its Product Certification Department acquired the Scheme, the GNBS is lookrequisite training, equip- ing to expand its service toment, and facility. As such wards the Certification of the GNBS is encouraging lo- concrete hollow blocks.

National Standard recal manufacturers, domestic block makers, contractors, quires that an individual and homeowners, who have unit (block) have compreslong awaited this service, to sive strength not less than commence the submission of 5.5 Megapascals (Mpa) (798 their concrete hollow blocks PSI), or the average of three to its testing laboratory for units must not be less than 7 initially or routinely testing. Mpa (1015 PSI).

For many years, homeThe results provided would be an accurate indication owners and contractors have of the quality of blocks be- expressed concerns about ing manufactured and used the poor quality of concrete during construction; and a hollow blocks provided by certificate would be provided some makers. It is anticipated that the new testing and for tests conducted.

“Importantly, the sam- certification services of the ple size of blocks to be tested GNBS will help to concretewould range from one to five ly address these quality conblocks; depending on indi- cerns and reduce complaints vidual circumstances relat- of users.

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 cash grant strengthening ICT Centre for Excellence to be converted to Caricom ICT Centre for Excellence – diplomat economy – Teixeira

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he $4.5 billion set aside by the Government for COVID-19 relief cash grant distribution is finding its way back into the economy.

This is according to Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira, who, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, stated that while the Government’s initiative was bringing relief to the most vulnerable, it was also strengthening the economy.

“Every time a person gets money, they will spend it. Instead of giving the business community the money, we give the people the money. The people decide how to spend it and that money circulates in the economy, it allows the spending power of the people to be improved, business people to open up and buy more and rehire workers sent off because of COVID,” she told residents of Mahaica Creek, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Friday.

The Government started the distribution of the

$25,000 per family cash grant back in September to assist people adversely affected by the pandemic.

Minister Teixeira said between March and August of this year, more than 5000 people lost their jobs owing to the slowing of the economy.

While many countries around the world have provided support to their citizens, Guyana is among the few, especially within the Caribbean Region, to offer financial assistance.

“We have finished 99 per cent in Region Seven, all the mountainous and riverine areas. We have finished Region Nine and Region One and Eight, so we are moving on to the coast now, with Region Three and Region Five,” Teixeira is quoted by the DPI as saying.

The Minister explained that the Government started the distribution exercise in the interior regions, since the vastness of the hinterland adds to the challenges there. There are instances, she said, where the closest shop is miles away.

T

Parliamentary Affairs Governance Minister Teixeira

and Gail

The grant is, however, making a significant impact in people’s lives. In Georgetown, a family may use it to pay an electricity bill, while in a farming community like those in Region Five, persons may choose to buy things like seeds and pesticide.

Meanwhile, earlier in the month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said the cash grant distribution was moving smoothly, with residents in most of the farflung regions already receiving their monies.

Linden woman fined for violating COVID-19 restriction

A

woman who hails from Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, was fined $16,000

by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Monday after she was found guilty of breaching the COVID-19 restriction on social activities.

She appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court where the prosecution successfully proved that Drucilla Williams hosted a private party on April 16 at a Blueberry Hill, Linden residence. As such, she was fined

$16,000. However, failure to pay the fine will result in a two months’ prison sentence.

he Centre for Excellence in I n f o r m a t i o n Technology (CEIT), an initiative between Guyana and India’s Governments, is expected to take another turn in an effort to cement Guyana’s place as the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre for the Caribbean.

Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa told <<<Guyana Times>>> that the state-ofthe-art facility, which was commissioned back in 2019, had some issues in relation to utilisation.

“There were some issues - the utilisation was about 50 per cent because of the issues so we had requested the Government of Guyana to consider getting the Private Sector and the autonomous industries and institution centres and the Government of Guyana to join the training there.

“One of the other requests was that the Government of India is willing to upgrade that centre into the Caricom Centre for

Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa

IT. So that will enlarge the scope of the project, we will upgrade the centre with further investment and that will attract people from the Caricom and Guyana will be the IT centre for the Caribbean and that will be a big thing. We are very happy that the Government of Guyana has agreed to that proposal and we are going to start working on that,” he informed.

The Indian diplomat said that they are happy that the Government agreed to the proposal and work is expected to commence soon.

The US$1.5 million facility, which is located at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus, houses two laboratories as well as a classroom and is an initiative between the Guyana and Indian Governments.

The establishment of the CEIT is intended to allow Guyana to lean on India – a leading ICT innovator, in its quest to improve public service delivery.

At the time of commissioning of the centre, former Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam noted that the initiative served as a part of his country’s drive to boost the ICT sector within friendly bilateral States.

The Centre for Excellence is the second that India has aided in setting up in the Caribbean region. A 2016 MoU signed between the two countries saw the Indian Government contributing US$1 million into the project including the provision of hardware for the labs and classroom.

The first batch of training commenced in April of 2019.

Duo injured during brawl at Den Amstel

F

ifty-eight-year-old Royston Walcott, a butcher of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and another man are nursing injuries following a brawl during an argument on Sunday.

The incident reportedly took place at about 13:30h at Back Street, Den Amstel, WCD. Based on information received, Walcott and the suspect had an argument earlier in the day during which

Walcott armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt one blow to his head. In addition, the now injured man cuffed the suspect to his face.

In retaliation, the suspect, who was armed with a cutlass, dealt Walcott a chop to his left thumb and another to his left wrist. Dripping blood, Walcott went to the Den Amstel Police Station where he made a report thus resulting in the arrest of the suspect.

Both men were tak-

en to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they were treated. Walcott was transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was further treated but subsequently took self-discharge.

He was, nevertheless, arrested while the injured suspect remained a patient at the Leonora Cottage Hospital where his condition is being monitored.

An investigation into the brawl is underway.

NEWS

WCB teens’ murders

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition submits motions calling for parliamentary condemnation

…wants CoI into deadly Lusignan Prison unrest

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) on Monday submitted two motions in regards to the gruesome murders of three teenagers at West Coast Berbice and the deadly unrest at the Lusignan Prison, to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The motions were submitted in the name of shadow Home Affairs Minister, Geeta Chandan Edmond.

The first motion is seeking to have the National Assembly condemn the gruesome killings of West Coast Berbice teenagers – Joel and Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh and express condolences to their relatives.

It is also seeking to have the National Assembly call on the Guyana Police Force to expedite the investigations into the deaths of the teenagers and ensure justice is served swiftly.

On September 6, 2020, the badly mutilated bodies of Isaiah and Joel Henry were found in the backlands at West Coast Berbice

EBD land giveaway

Avalon Jagnanan ready to cooperate with Police – lawyer ...says not in hiding

A

valon Jagnanan, who was the principal behind a company that received 15 acres of land from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) under questionable circumstances, stands ready to cooperate with Police whenever he is called upon.

Attorney-at-Law Hanoman

Glenn

This is according to Jagnanan’s lawyer, Glenn Hanoman, who related that his client is ready and available and at home. He also said that when he reached out to the police after it was reported that he was being sought for questioning, the police informed them that they were not ready for him.

“They have his workplace and his phone numbers. They’ve never contacted him… he’s at home and he’s at work. He’s not hiding at all and the police don’t want to see him at this point.

They say they might want to see him later. But not right now,” Hanoman informed this publication.

It was revealed last month that Life 1 Pharms Incorporated, which Jagnandan heads, leased a total of 15 acres of land at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), for the sum of US$11,700. This land was subsequently transferred to one individual for $100.

Similarly, A-Z Pharmaceuticals also leased three plots of land at Peters Hall for US$11,700 a year from NICIL. The company then transferred the land to the same individual for a mere $100. Police had detained and subsequently released Eddie

Doolall, the principal for A-Z Pharmaceuticals, a few days ago.

The massive conspiracy to give away prime State lands by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, came to light late October with documents showing that People’s National Congress (PNC) member, James Bond collected US$1 million for lands at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall revealed that Bond, who was at the centre of the questionable transactions, was listed as the lawyer on record for the drafting of three contracts.

The AG revealed that in one instance, 20 acres of land was leased for 20 years to a company with its address listed as Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

The lands referred to as Plots A1, A2, A3, and A4 amounted to 20.8 acres, which were not valuated prior to the signing of the lease on May 9, 2018, for an annual fee of US$16,224.

The land was later sold to a company connected to the oil and gas industry for US$1 million, which did not go to the owner, rather to the attorney on record.

Nandlall said that the address for the company is the same address that the PNC Executive has listed on his bank account as his place of residence.

Sub-leased for $100

The State Lands Act of Guyana stipulates that when State lands are leased, the lease must state that the lessee must not part with possession without the consent of the landlord (the State) or shall not assign the interest in the lease without the consent of the landlord. If the lessee acts in contravention of that clause, then the State reserves the right to step in and repossess the lands.

However, in the case of the three agreements at Peters Hall, the PNC Executive, in drafting the lease agreements, changed that to state: “the lessee may assign, sub-

Avalon Jagnanan

let, grant any licenses or otherwise part with the possession and/or purpose and/or dispose of the whole or any part of the demised property or any building or other erection at any time standing thereon or any right or privilege in relations thereto conferred by this agreement.”

A total of 30 acres was leased, in 15-acre blocks, to two companies – Pharms Incorporated, and A-Z Pharmaceuticals – with both companies having identical leases for identical blocks of land at an identical rental fee of US$11,700 per year for an identical 20 years. Both leases were signed on the same date – May 17, 2018.

The Attorney General revealed that both companies, by way of Deed of Assignment, sub-leased the land to a Chinese national of Wellington Street, Georgetown, for just $100.

As of October 6, 2020, five companies had announced that they surrendered to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), large tracts of land that were vested to them under controversial and non-transparent circumstances by NICIL and former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

The companies that have since reverted lands to the State are Navigant Builders Incorporated – the developers of Windsor Estates; Cardiology Services Incorporated; the Corum Group; American Marine Services Incorporated and Supergraphics Enterprise.

In all of those cases, the firms had expressed a desire to work with the new Administration to get the necessary approvals needed to pursue their respective developmental goals.

(WCB) after they had left their Number Three Village home to pick coconuts but did not return home. Then, on September 9, 2020, 17-year-old Haresh Singh was found murdered at the Number Three Village backlands in what was dubbed a retaliatory killing.

Speaking on the issue of the first motion, former Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman said it has been 71 days since the killing of the Henry boys and just about 68 since Singh was slain but the police seem to be getting nowhere in their investigations.

Already, there have been several days of protests as a result of the murders. Debris and tyres have been burned at several villages along the East Coast Demerara and West Coast Berbice corridor. Vehicles were destroyed, persons were attacked and robbed by protesters.

Trotman noted that the buck does not stop with Parliament rather the APNU/AFC intends to table such motions at the level of every Regional Democratic Council and municipality throughout Guyana.

The police, earlier this month, announced a $3 million reward for any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murders of Isaiah and Joel and Singh. Just last week the police said that they had received information which led to the arrest of five men.

The police did not say whether the men were released but to date, no charges were brought against any one for

Isaiah Henry

the murders.

Lusignan Prison unrest

Joel Henry

Meanwhile, the other motion is calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the shooting to death of two Lusignan prisoners and injuring of five during the September 19 unrests at the facility.

Earl Graham, 51, who was serving three months’ jail time for malicious wounding, assault and resisting arrest and Winston Herbert, 21, who was facing a rape charge, were shot and killed.

On September 19, the prisoners had refused to accept meals as they called for a meeting with the Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony to discuss their concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation at the prison. The call for the meeting had stemmed from the announcement that two inmates at the facility tested positive for the virus.

The Ministers had met with the prisoners but during the subsequent discussion with the Ministers and the inmates of Holding Bay One, some prisoners from Bays Two, Three and Four became aggressive and began throwing missiles. The Ministers left and the situation rapid-

Haresh Singh

ly degenerated and became riotous with some prisoners scaling the inner fence of the Holding Bay, thus entering the restricted area, and launching attacks on the prison officers within the compound, who had to flee to safety. In response to the situation, and in a bid to contain same, ranks posted within the towers discharged several shots in the general direction of the gate, which resulted in the injury of seven inmates and restoration of relative calm to the situation.

Meanwhile, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs promised to get it to Speaker Nadir with great urgency.

“As Clerk of the National Assembly, I am required under Standing Order 27 to receive motions. I receive them, read them as we say in Parliament, against the Standing Orders and then submit them to the Speaker with my views. The Speaker would then determine whether they are in order or not. I wish to assure you that I would do this with dispatch. I would look at them immediately. Mr Speaker is out of the country, he is out of the jurisdiction, he is expected today so I will get it to him tonight or tomorrow,” Isaacs said.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ministry threatens to prosecute miners in Potaro buffer zone T he Natural Resources Ministry has come down in condemnation of mining in what is supposed to be a buffer zone in the Potaro River in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), warning that persons involved in these activities will be prosecuted.

According to the Ministry on Monday, it has come to their attention that there are mining operators in the area who do not have permission to be there and

The Potaro River, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

are causing the degradation of the river banks.

It was further explained

that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) conducted an in-

vestigation.

While the Ministry did not name the mining operator, this publication understands that it is a well-known figure in the gold mining industry.

The Ministry further informed that these acts constitute a breach of the Mining Act Chapter 65:01 and that the operators were issued with cease and removal orders. The Ministry, therefore, threatened them with prosecution.

The Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat,

Former Police Officer now Attorney-at-Law

By Jemima Holmes

F

or many attorneys-at-law who gain admission to the Bar, a success story lays somewhere in their journey, leading up to the fateful day that they gain admission. In the eyes of Shareefah Parks, her entire journey is that success story, as she worked day in and day out to break free of other’s perception of her.

The 28-year-old, who recently graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), was admitted to the Bar before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

What is special about Parks, is her background and her reluctance to settle for less than she envisioned for herself. The former student of St John’s College excelled at her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and went on to complete her education at the Bishops’ High School.

Thereafter, while being employed as a law enforcement officer, she pursued a

Former Police officer Shareefah Parks after she was admitted to the Bar

diploma in Communication Studies at the University of Guyana before going on to join the University’s Law programme, where she attained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2018.

Her journey then took her to Trinidad and Tobago, where she completed her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at HWLS. Speaking following her

admission to the Bar, the new attorney-at-law explained that her unique journey has perfectly shaped her for the one she is about to embark on.

“Well, I think my journey was an extraordinary one because I was a former police officer attached to the immigration department and I think that shaped several things for me. It shaped the need to do law and also for me to build myself as a person and a professional and so on,” Parks stated.

She further reiterated that someone’s current position in life does not determine where they are destined to go; a philosophy that has helped her personally.

She explained, “And I

think St John’s College also shaped me because it says that where you come from is not where you’re destined to stay but it depends on how you feel you want to portray yourself and you have to make that push.”

Parks went on to share a piece of advice that was given to her years ago that stuck with her and even became the young lawyer’s personal mantra. She shared, “I remember my former Headmistress from St John’s College; she said it’s not what they call you but what you answer to that’s important in what you do.”

What does Shareefah bring to the table? The new attorney sees her background in law enforcement as a positive addition to the densely-populated career path in Guyana.

“I’m someone who is dedicated to bringing integrity, confidence; so much things I can offer. I’m disciplined as a former police officer and so on,” she commented.

Parks does not intend to settle as a lawyer. In fact, the young woman has her heart set on becoming the Minister of Home Affairs or the Attorney General in years to come.

“I’m just excited to start this journey, I have so much to offer both in a public and a private capacity,” she said, eyes twinkling with excitement.

a statement from the Ministry said on Monday, has envisioned a renewed strategic approach for the extractive sector, one which ensures proper regulation of mining coupled with high environmental standards.

Subsequently, he has mandated intense monitoring and compliance within the sector to ensure sustainable legal extractive activities, the statement said, noting that the Ministry recommits itself to upholding its mission statement of developing, implementing and overseeing policies for the responsible exploration, development and utilisation of the country’s natural resources.

Buffer zones are designated areas where no mining activity is allowed.

Micobie is one such community in Region Eight with a buffer zone, which allows for the environmental impacts of mining on the environment and infrastructure to be reduced.

However, there have been long-standing issues with miners carrying out their activities in buffer zones. Back in 2016, GGMC had rescinded all permissions to mine in buffer zones, without specific authorisation from the agency.

“Please be advised that mining of river banks (buffer zones) is against the law,” the order had stated.

“Any breach of river banks for access to claims or mining permits, or for prospecting, mining and quarrying operations require specific permission from GGMC,” the GGMC had said in a notice.

Recently, the Government has been clamping down on illegal extraction of natural resources, conducting operations that have resulted in the destruction of illegal mines and illegal logs being seized.

There was even a joint operation conducted by the army, police and GGMC, which unearthed a massive tunnel mining operation in the New River Basin some 50 miles east of Masakenari, South Rupununi.

Investigators believe that the persons who were conducting the mining operations may have been utilising an illegal airstrip in Brazil, located some two miles south of the GuyanaBrazil border. The New River Basin is designated a Rare Earth Mineral Reserve and as such, mining is strictly prohibited in the area.

Baramita woman dies mysteriously

P

olice are investigating the mysterious death of a Baramita, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) woman who collapsed and died while on her way to purchase groceries.

Dead is 22-year-old Vanessa Davis. Police said on Monday night that the housewife/gold miner of Golden City Backdam, Baramita, died sometime after 17:00h on Sunday. According to Police, the dead woman’s reputed husband said that at about 17:00h, he and David along with their two children – a six-year-old and an eightmonth-old – went to purchase foodstuff.

Police said that the man reported that whilst making the journey, his reputed wife complained of a severe head-

ache and shortly after complained of shortness of breath and then collapsed. He said that she started to froth.

After collapsing, the man said that he picked her up and took her to a relative’s house where she became motionless. Police said that the reputed husband left to seek transportation to the hospital. According to Police, on Monday at about 07:45h, he went to the Baramita Police Station and reported the matter. The body was escorted to the Baramita Health Centre and pronounced dead at about 11:00h by the resident medex.

The body will be transported to the Port Kaituma Mortuary for storage and a post-mortem examination, Police said as they continue their investigations.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

9-year-old boy Govt to address squatting on Herstelling river dam – Edghill drowns in Cane T Grove canal

P

olice have launched an investigation into the death of a nine-yearold boy, who is suspected to have drowned in a canal near his Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara home.

According to Police, the Virginia Primary School student drowned sometime between 15:00h and 16:00h on Monday.

Investigation revealed that the boy, who is differently-abled, was at home with his father and sister but unknowing to them, he left the home.

Police said that about 17:30h an alarm was raised after the child was not seen in the home and

as a result, a search party was activated and later went into a canal on the southern side of the road where they carried out a search and he was found without clothes.

The child was taken from the water and placed on the dam where Police observed a cut on his left hand which had stitches. His father was interviewed, Police said, and he told investigators that the child was jumping a fence in the area about a week ago and his hand was cut by a zinc sheet in the process. The child was taken to the CC Nicholson Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations are continuing.

he Public Works Ministry will utilise an inter-agency approach to address squatting along the Herstelling river dam, which has led to erosion and other infrastructural challenges.

Minister Juan Edghill made this disclosure during a walkabout of the East Bank Demerara community on Monday.

“I have asked that the Sea and River Defence Board, whose Chairman is Brigadier Gary Beaton… We will have to work out an inter-agency approach of first of all trying to relocate them with the help and support of the Ministry of

Some of the squatters’ houses along the Herstelling river dam (DPI photo)

Housing,” the Minister is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information.

Squatting has been identified as one of the main challenges affecting the community, as it heightens the

likelihood of floods there.

Minister Edghill, the DPI report said, noted several instances where the squatters erected shacks beyond the river dam where the high tide meets, endangering them-

selves. Many of the persons dwelling along the dam are said to be remigrant Guyanese and Venezuelan migrants, who fled economic hardship in the Bolivarian Republic.

There are also plans to address matters related to two kokers in the area, one damaged, the other abandoned, and the narrow entrance to the scheme, which has been blamed for several accidents.

The Minister was accompanied by a team of technical personnel from the Ministry and the Chairman of the Herstelling/Little Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

SSYDR teams up with ExxonMobil for job readiness camp

S

pecialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR) Inc has partnered with ExxonMobil Guyana once again to host a job readiness camp for young people, this time virtually, given the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“Employment Attack 102” targets 150 participants from secondary schools within Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara; Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

SSYDR Founder and Executive Director Magda Fiona Wills in a statement on Monday said this initiative is aimed at reducing poverty and its negative impacts among the Guyanese youth population.

“Helping one child can change the faith of a family, a community and a nation. The potential transformation from engaging 450 youth is unimaginable,” she said. Some 300 youth have benefitted from the camp.

Employment Attack 102 has two components: coaching towards livelihood opportunities and work-ready training.

As such, participants are

assigned coaches and together they develop an “individual livelihood plan” which allows them to identify short and long-term goals and map out the process of achieving these goals. Concurrently, participants will also be exposed to seven modules for work readiness: personal development, interpersonal communication, work habits and conduct, leadership and teamwork, safety and health at work, rights and responsibilities of workers and employers and financial fitness over a one-month period.

“Employment Attack 102 is exactly the type of trans-

formative programme that ExxonMobil Guyana seeks to support,” said Community Relations Manager Suzanne De Abreu. “The future of Guyana’s development is heavily dependent on the ability of our young people to become job-ready and position themselves well in the job market place.”

Meanwhile, participants will have the use of smartphones and data plans to facilitate online training. SSYDR Inc has partnered with GTT for subsidised data plans that will allow youth to have uninterrupted online learning.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

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

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Regional

Crisis-hit Peru names Hurricane Iota, a climate “bomb” terrorising Central America centrist lawmaker as 3rd President in a week I

P

eru’s Congress on Monday chose legislator Francisco Sagasti as the Andean country’s caretaker President, in an attempt to defuse a sharp political crisis after angry protests and the departure of two Presidents in the past week.

Sagasti, 76, from the centrist Morado Party, won enough votes to head Congress, which means he will constitutionally assume the presidency of Peru ahead of national elections called for April.

The move makes Sagasti Peru’s third P resident in a week, after interim leader Manuel Merino resigned on Sunday, five days after being sworn in following the ousting of centrist Martin Vizcarra.

The removal of Vizcarra, who was popular with many Peruvians, but angered lawmakers with his push for

Francisco Sagasti from the Centrist Morado Party leaves Congress after he was elected Peru’s interim President, in Lima, November 16, 2020

anti-corruption measures and attempts to curb parliamentary immunity, sparked days of protests that led to the deaths of two men.

“Today is not a day of celebration,” Sagasti said, striking a sombre tone in his first words after taking office in Congress. “We cannot

go back, bring them back to life, but we can take action from Congress, from the Executive, so that this does not happen again.”

Sagasti, a former World Bank official and engineer, faces a formidable challenge to bring stability to the world’s number two copper producer, which was already hard hit by COVID-19 and heading for its worst economic contraction in a century.

Shortly after the vote, Sagasti stepped outside the Congress building, raising his hand to the cheers of onlookers. Crowds in Lima’s central plaza also greeted his election with jubilee.

Though the vote appeared to defuse tensions, underlying anger at Police and elected lawmakers continues to simmer. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazilians ignore Bolsonaro endorsements in local polls

B

razil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has suffered a setback as most of the dozens of candidates he backed for municipal elections failed to secure victories or spots in runoffs.

In more than 5500 cities, Brazilians voted for mayors and city councillors on Sunday.

The wave of political renewal that two years ago catapulted Bolsonaro to the presidency appeared to ebb in the face of well-known candidates and traditional parties, which scored the most votes in the two most populous cities.

Of the nearly 60 candidates who the leader backed, only nine advanced, according to a tally by newspaper Estado de S. Paulo.

Bolsonaro, who is currently not affiliated with any political party, had said he would not get involved in the election campaign, but in recent weeks he turned to social media to promote a dozen candidates for mayor as

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro leaves a polling station after voting in municipal elections in Rio de Janeiro [Ricardo Borges/ AP photo]

well as councillor candidates.

The Associated Press news agency quoted Bruno Carazza, a professor of economic law at Brazil’s Ibmec business school, as saying Bolsonaro had not made a concerted effort to rally supporters in the municipal elections and had lost an opportunity to “prepare the ground for the 2022 elections?.

The President deleted a social media post with a list of the candidates he had sup-

ported and sought to distance himself from their poor performances. Only two Mayors backed by the President secured a spot in the second round.

An adviser to the president, Filipe Martins, was more forthcoming with his disappointment, writing on Twitter that the Opposition had scored significant advances. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Barbadian Education Minister issues statement on teacher-student video exchange

B

arbadian Education Minister Santia Bradshaw promised “appropriate professional intervention” for the parties in a video making the rounds on social media.

It showed an exchange between a male teacher and a male student in the classroom at a secondary school and Bradshaw said she “shared the outrage” of all who saw it, noting the situation was exacerbated by laughter from the

other students.

“First, I must point out that while we are only privy to a small part of what could possibly be a longer video, I must say that the type of behaviour witnessed is not acceptable.

It was neither funny nor demonstrative of who we are as a people, or who we must allow ourselves to be or even to become,” Bradshaw said in a statement.

“Secondly, I commend the firmness of the teacher even

though I would have preferred a better choice of language used in engaging with the student.

“Thirdly, I absolutely condemn the tone and the attitude of the student and wish to reaffirm that while this Ministry would always seek to protect the rights of students at all time, so too do we denounce any implicit threats to the well-being of our teachers. ( Excerpt from Nation News)

ota exploded into a catastrophic Category Five hurricane bearing down on remote Central American coastal provinces on Monday, with the Region’s leaders blaming climate change for destruction that has pushed millions closer to hunger.

Iota was due to smack into north-eastern Nicaragua overnight, packing maximum sustained winds of 260 kilometres (160 miles) per hour, having reached Category Five on the Saffir-Simpson scale, the US National Hurricane Center said.

Central America and southern Mexico are still reeling from Hurricane Eta, which

devastated crops and washed away hillsides two weeks ago, killing dozens. Many towns are still partially flooded, and the land is already waterlogged from the earlier storm.

Governments from Panama to Guatemala rushed to move people away from hillsides, volcanoes and bodies of water, fearful that Iota will bring similar destruction.

The World Food Programme said millions of people urgently needed food aid in the wake of Eta. “What’s drawing closer is a bomb,” Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez told a news conference, speaking alongside Guatemalan

President Alejandro Giammattei.

The Presidents described Central America as the Region worst affected in the world by climate change, and said tens of thousands of families had lost entire crops to Eta’s destruction.

Iota will leave Honduras and its neighbours in “a very difficult situation”, Hernandez said.

Since records began being kept in 1851, this is the first time two major hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic basin in November. Iota is also the first Category Five storm of the hurricane season.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

UTT to shut down 4 campuses

T

he University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) is moving to shut down four of its 11 campuses before year’s end.

The campuses to be closed down are the ones in Valsayn, Chaguanas, Arima and Corinth.

Confirmation came from UTT Chairman, Professor Clement Imbert during a recent interview with Guardian Media about the operations of the beleaguered university, which has been struggling to keep afloat owning to financial difficulties.

UTT is currently facing a cash deficit of TT$57 million for the fiscal year 2021.

In the 16 years UTT has opened its door, Imbert said the university successfully managed 13 campuses.

“We have 11 campuses right now, including Tamana.

UTT’s Corinth campus is among those being closed

So we have four campuses we think we can readily give up. We don’t need to have all of them particularly as the Tamana campus which has been building, oh lord, for over 16 years.”

He said the university can accommodate 1500 students at its incomplete flagship building – the Tamana campus, but could not say when they will enrol since they were

seeking approval from the Accreditation Council of T&T to teach.

Questioned if the consolidation will lead to job losses and relocation, Imbert replied: “Certainly we will relocate staff.”

He said merging campuses will save on janitorial services, security and maintenance fees. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Guatemalan President warns of “hordes” of migrants unless rich nations help

G

uatemala’s President on Monday cautioned that Central America would need help from rich countries to stave off more migration, with powerful Hurricane Iota hours from wreaking destruction in the poor region still reeling from recent storms.

“If we don’t want hordes of Central Americans looking to move to other countries with better living conditions, we have to make a wall of prosperity in Central America,” President Alejandro Giammattei said at an event in Honduras with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration.

In 2018, the first of a series of migrant caravans set off from Central America aiming to reach the United States, despite strict migration policies under US President Donald Trump, who has called for building a wall along the US-Mexico border.

Along with the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, experts have warned the aftermath of hurricane season could fuel a new round of migration from the region.

Catastrophic rainfall from Hurricane Eta earlier this month has already destroyed entire crops, and Hurricane Iota, a Category five storm set

to roar into Nicaragua overnight, is expected to bring further flooding.

“A physical wall isn’t going to hold back the needs of the people,” Giammattei added, speaking alongside Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez.

Both said Central America has been the worst affected region in the world by climate change, itself spurred by “industrialised” countries.

Giammattei also called for ending a “vicious cycle” of taking on debt every time natural disasters strike Central America. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaican Govt extends nightly curfew, other COVID measures

T

he islandwide nightly curfew that the Jamaican Government implemented as one of the measures to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) will be extended until December 1.

The curfew hours will re-

main at 21:00h to 05:00h daily.

The Government also extended all other protocols in place to limit public gatherings and promote social distancing to November 30.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime

Minister, the Cabinet is currently assessing and reviewing the situation and will advise on the measures applicable for December 2020 and in particular the Christmas period, in another two weeks.

(Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil settles higher, boosted by latest COVID-19 vaccine progress

O

il prices settled up more than 2 per cent on Monday after trading higher earlier in the day as Moderna Inc said its experimental vaccine was 94.5 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19.

Brent crude futures for January settled up 1.04, or 2.43 per cent, at US$43.82 a barrel, after earlier rising more than 4 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate crude for December was up US$1.21, or 3 per cent, at US$41.34.

“There was a little bit of excess buying pressure, which pushed us ahead of where the fundamentals supported us, so we only partially held the gains,” said Gary Cunningham, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford. “We have an overhanging concern over global demand as COVID-19 outbreaks continue around the world.”

The announcement by Moderna comes after Pfizer Inc reported last week that its vaccine was more than 90 per cent effective, raising hopes that pandemic-driven damage to the global economy could be reduced.

Prices were also buoyed by data showing a rebound in China and Japan, with figures showing that Chinese refineries processed record daily levels of crude in October.

Both WTI and Brent gained more than 8 per cent last week on hopes of a vaccine and expectation that the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, including Russia, would maintain lower output next year to support prices.

The group, known as OPEC+, has been cutting production by about 7.7 million barrels a day (bpd), with compliance seen at 96 per cent in October, and had planned to increase output by 2 million bpd from January.

OPEC+ is set to hold a ministerial committee meeting on Tuesday that could recommend changes to production quotas when all the Ministers meet on Nov 30 and Dec 1.

“There is no denying that the oil market is fully in the hands of OPEC+,” said SEB chief commodity analyst Bjarne Schieldrop.

“The organisation is the only reason why oil prices today are not $20 a barrel. As such, their upcoming meeting on Nov 30-Dec 1 is no less hugely important.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa issues arrest warrant for fugitive Malawi “prophet”

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective

F

or the second time in as many weeks, there is promising news from the race for a COVID-19 vaccine as infections surge across the United States and Europe.

US biotech firm Moderna Inc on Monday said preliminary data from a continuing phase three study of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine showed it to be 94.5 per cent effective.

The news follows on from last week’s announcement from US drug giant Pfizer that phase three trial results for the COVID-19 vaccine it is developing with Germany’s BioNTech showed it to be more than 90 per cent effective.

The results of both trials place Moderna and Pfizer on track to seek authorisation from the US Food and Drug

Administration in the coming weeks for emergency use of their vaccines.

If they get the green light from the FDA, supplies of both vaccines would be limited and rationed before the end of the year. Both vac-

cines require people to get two shots, several weeks apart.

Moderna’s study, known as the COVE study, enrolled more than 30,000 participants in the US and is being conducted in collaboration

with the National Institutes of Health.

Moderna’s first interim analysis included 95 participants who had confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those, 90 cases of the disease were observed in the placebo group versus five cases observed in the group that received its two-dose vaccine, resulting in an estimated efficacy of 94.5 per cent, said the company.

The vaccine announcements from Moderna and Pfizer are falling against a grim backdrop of soaring infections.

There are more than 54 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally and restrictions have been ratcheted up across the US and Europe to curb spiralling infections. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

quite a lot to do."

His EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, said he wanted "future cooperation to be open but fair" with the UK. Sticking points between the two sides focus on competition rules and state aid for businesses, as well as fishing rights.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said there was still a "very, very wide

gap" on fishing, with no progress on the issue since the summer.

He told RTE: "Until we can find a way of doing that, there isn't going to be an agreement."

The UK left the EU on January 31, but continues to follow the bloc's rules until the end of the year while negotiations take place.

Any deal between the UK and EU would need to be

ratified by Parliaments on both sides, so time is running out for an agreement to be reached and to get the sign off before December 31.

If there is no agreement at that point, trade between the two will default to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules - with tariffs set to be introduced on many imports and exports, which could push up costs. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Moderna said on Monday its COVID-19 shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus that is surging in the US and around the world [Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters]

Brexit: PM confident UK “will prosper” without EU trade deal

B

oris Johnson has reiterated he is "confident [the UK] will prosper" outside the EU if a post-Brexit trade deal is not agreed with the bloc.

Talks began again in Brussels on Monday, with the UK's chief negotiator saying there had been "progress".

Lord David Frost told reporters: "We're working very hard to get a deal but there's

Ethiopia resists mediation as it bombs Tigray capital

E

Media reports claimed that Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, fled the country with Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera, who was visiting South Africa [Frennie Shivambu/Gallo images]

S

outh Africa has issued an arrest warrant for a controversial millionaire preacher who faces fraud charges after he fled to his native country, Malawi, in breach of strict bail conditions, Police said.

Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet known for his “miracles” and wildly extravagant lifestyle, was granted bail in South Africa where he lives, in a case of alleged fraud and money laundering. He is co-accused along with his wife, Mary Bushiri.

Bushiri had said on Saturday he had fled South Africa as he feared for his life.

In recent days, media reports claimed that the Bushiris fled the country with Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, who was on a two-day official visit to South Africa during which he held talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Both the Malawian and South African Governments

have refuted the claims, saying that immigration officials verified the identities of all passengers on the presidential flight on Friday.

The couple’s bail has been cancelled and they will each forfeit the 200,000 rand (US$13,000) they had individually posted.

South Africa has initiated a process to extradite them from Malawi, the Government announced at the weekend.

The Malawian President said he would not intervene in the case.

“He will leave it to state institutions to do their job,” Chakwera’s spokesman Brian Banda told AFP news agency.

The preacher has made his wealth from donations from followers of his Enlightened Christian Gathering church in Pretoria.

He also has investments in the mining, telecommunications and luxury sectors.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

thiopia resisted international pressure for mediation in a war in the country’s north on Monday as its air force bombed the Tigrayan capital Mekelle, according to diplomatic and military sources.

Hundreds have died, 25,000 refugees have fled to Sudan and there have been reports of atrocities since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered airstrikes and a ground offensive on Nov. 4 against Tigray’s local rulers for defying his authority.

But Africa’s youngest leader, who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, has

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks during a media conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, October 29, 2018

so far resisted pressure for talks to end a conflict that has spilled into neighbouring Eritrea and threatened to destabilise the wider Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia’s air force dropped bombs in and around Mekelle on Monday, four diplomatic and military sources told Reuters. They had no word on casualties or damage and there was no immediate information from the Ethiopian Government.

Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), said at least two civilians had been killed and a number wounded. He said in

have been criticised for violating democratic standards enshrined in the EU's founding treaty.

The EU is currently investigating both countries for undermining the independence of courts, media and non-governmental organisations. The clause threatens to cost them billions of euros in EU funding.

EU states had already agreed on the €1.1 trillion budget for 2021-2027, and the coronavirus stimulus

package after a marathon four-day summit in July.

The ambassadors had voted through the clause that made access to EU funds conditional on adherence to the rule of law, because it only required a qualified majority, the German EU presidency said.

But the budget and the rescue package needed unanimous support and were then blocked by Poland and Hungary.

"We cannot support the plan in its present form

a text message to Reuters that while Mekelle had been bombed, the town of Alamata in southern Tigray had been hit by a drone attack.

Ethiopia’s task force said earlier that federal troops had “liberated” Alamata from the TPLF. The Tigray flare-up could jeopardise the recent opening up of Ethiopia’s economy, stir ethnic bloodshed elsewhere around Africa’s second most populous nation, and tarnish the reputation of Abiy, 44, who won his Nobel for pursuing peace with Eritrea. (Excerpt from Reuters)

EU budget blocked by Hungary and Poland over rule of law issue

H

ungary and Poland have blocked approval of the EU's budget over a clause that ties funding with adherence to the rule of law in the bloc.

The package includes €750 billion (£673 billion; US$888 billion) for a COVID recovery fund.

Ambassadors of the 27 member states meeting in Brussels were unable to endorse the budget because the two countries vetoed it.

Hungary and Poland

to tie rule of law criteria to budget decisions," said Zoltan Kovacs, a spokesman for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki threatened a veto last week.

On Monday, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro said the rule of law issue was "just a pretext".

"It is really an institutional, political enslavement, a radical limitation of sovereignty," he said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Digest what’s happening. Choose reason, to avoid jeopardizing your position, health or a meaningful relationship. Excess will lead to uncertainty. Slow down and savor what you have.

A change of heart will TAURUS lead to a new direction. Don’t (April 20waste time; put your plans May 20) in motion. Be receptive to suggestions from friends and family. Seize a chance to improve your position.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Keep moving. If you dawdle or let someone interfere with your plans, you will miss out on a chance to do something that will lead to self-improvement. Learn from your mistakes.

Don’t disregard an offer or chance to bring about change. You may not relish learning or trying something new, but stick with it.

Listen to good advice and proceed with confidence.

Concentrate on fitness, health and getting along with others. Give people the freedom to do as they please.

Romance is on the rise.

Choose love over discord.

Problems will arise if someone uses emotional manipulation to get their way.

Be open and honest regarding your plans, and if someone doesn’t want to join in, don’t apply pressure.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t take sides. The people who love you will stand behind you no matter what.

Take time to enforce better health decisions. Implement a fitness routine. Don’ forget to take it easy.

SCORPIO

Abide by the rules and avoid trouble. Use common sense in risky situations.

Make adjustments where needed. Moderation will be your saving grace.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Make home improvements, help others and keep an eye out for opportunity.

An intimate relationship will require open, honest discussion.

Take your time, verify facts, talk to experts and focus on practicality. Keep your life simple, moderate and peaceful. Offer others the same freedom you want for yourself.

Don’t let a change of plans disrupt your world.

Happiness is the perquisite of doing what you enjoy to the best of your ability.

Don’t look back.

You’re on a roll. You can accomplish whatever you set out to do as long as you give your all and do your research. Preparation and fortitude go hand in hand.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

21

Cardinals hail Murray, NFC South backs run wild K

yler Murray's remarkable rise continued in Week 10 of the National Football League (NFL) season as the Arizona Cardinals quarterback authored an unbelievable finish in their win over the Buffalo Bills.

The diminutive quarterback, who eschewed a baseball career to head to the NFL, produced an astonishing last-gasp throw to DeAndre Hopkins, who rose above several defenders to pluck the ball out of the air and give Arizona a victory that moves them to 6-3.

Murray's performance was a historically significant one as he once again thrived throwing and running the football.

The dual-threat superstar unsurprisingly leads our look at some of the best statistics from a wild Sunday as the fight for the postseason heats up.

Hail Murray

Murray produced arguably the play of the NFL season so far with his incredible game-winning Hail Mary pass to Hopkins against the Bills to

give the Cardinals the division lead in the National Football Conference (NFC) West.

Almost as impressive as that throw are Murray's continued exploits running the football. He rushed for two touchdowns in the defeat of Buffalo, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era – and first since 1956 – to run for a touchdown in five consecutive games.

His 10 rushing touchdowns put him tied with Johnny Lujack for the most by a quarterback in his team's first nine games of a season in NFL history.

With 6097 passing yards and 1 1 4 8 rushing yards in his career, Murray has joined Cam Newton as only the second quarterback to pass for at least 6000 yards and run for 1000 in the first 25 games of his career.

Next for Murray and the Cardinals is a trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Thursday. Arizona can take command of the division with a win at CenturyLink Field and, after another two-interception display from Russell

Wilson in Week 10, it is Murray who looks a better bet to contend for the MVP award than the man previously considered the frontrunner.

Adams on pace with receiving greats

Davante Adams's cisive grab against t h e

de-

Jacksonville Jaguars may not receive the acclaim of Hopkins' remarkable catch, but it was no less important as the Green Bay

Packers claimed an unconvincing win to move to 7-2.

His stunning spinning reception was Adams's ninth touchdown catch of the season. With 61 catches for 741 yards, he joins Marvin Harrison (1999) and Randy Moss (2007) as the only players with at least 700 receiving yards and nine scores in their first seven games of an NFL season.

Those numbers are why many consider Adams the top wide receiver in the NFL. Averaging 105.9 yards per game, Adams is on pace for his fine s t

s e a son yet and his reputation will only be enhanced if he can deliver another influe n tial

performance against one of the league's toughest defences when the Packers visit the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11.

NFC South running backs show their worth

The New Orleans Saints overcame a 10-point deficit to beat the depleted San Francisco 49ers thanks to three touchdowns from running back Alvin Kamara.

Kamara ran for two scores and added another as a receiver, meaning he now has 17 career games with at least two touchdowns, tying him with Chuck Foreman for the second-most in his first four seasons in NFL history. Larry Johnson (18 games) is the only player to have more.

His prolific day also saw Kamara move level with Foreman in another category, as he recorded his eighth career game with both a rushing and a receiving touchdown. Christian McCaffrey (nine) holds the record for the most by a player in his first four seasons in league history.

With Drew Brees suffering a rib injury that kept him out of the second half, Kamara may have to take

on an even larger role if the Saints have to switch to a backup quarterback, with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill both ineffective in Brees' absence.

Another NFC South running back, Ronald Jones of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, demonstrated his value with an incredible 98-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of their clash with the Carolina Panthers.

It gave the Bucs a ninepoint cushion in what had until then been a tight game, with Tampa going on to ease to a 46-23 win.

Jones's score made him the fourth player in NFL history to record a rushing touchdown of at least 98 yards, following in the footsteps of Tony Dorsett (99 yards in Week 17, 1982); Ahman Green (98 yards in Week 17, 2003) and Derrick Henry (99 yards in Week 14, 2018).

If Jones can deliver more game-breaking plays down the stretch, it will help diversify a Buccaneers offence loaded with weapons in the passing game as Tom Brady and company look to become the first team to play in the Super Bowl at their home stadium. (Sportsmax)

Kane Williamson and Trent Boult rested for West Indies T20Is D evon Conway has earned his first senior New Zealand call-up as part of the T20 International squad to face West Indies, with Colin Munro not considered owing to his Big Bash League (BBL) deal with the Perth Scorchers.

Tim Southee will captain the side, with Kane Williamson to focus on preparing for the Test series.

Trent Boult has also been left out of the T20I side in favour of Test preparation as that squad retains a familiar look, although injury concerns remain over Colin de Grandhomme (right foot) and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (left calf).

Kyle Jamieson, who has been in outstanding Plunket Shield form this season, has also earned his first T20I call-up. But along with Southee and Ross Taylor, Jamieson will only be available for the first two matches before linking up with the Test team.

Conway, the South Africa-born batsman who qualified for New Zealand this August, has been a prolific run-scorer across all

formats in domestic cricket – he led the run charts in the Plunket Shield, OneDay Trophy and T20 Super Smash last season. Over the weekend, he also scored 157 for Wellington against Auckland.

Conway is also part of the New Zealand A squad to face West Indies across two three-day games in Queenstown, although his opportunity in the Test squad will have to wait for a bit longer.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Devon into our environment for the first time and I’m sure he’ll soak up the experience,” New Zealand Coach Gary Stead said. “With Colin Munro heading to the Big Bash and therefore unavailable for the Pakistan T20 series pre-Christmas, the selectors are keen to look at other batting options at the top of the order.

“We’ve had to make a decision on Kane and Trent to prioritise the Test matches, given how important they are to our red-ball team and the fact they both played such big roles in the recent [Indian Premier League]

IPL while also managing injuries.

“There’s no secret we’re right in the hunt for the World Test Championship final following our 2-0 win over India [in February], and having Trent and Kane fully fit and focused for the upcoming series will be crucial.

“Colin and Ajaz have quite different injuries which are requiring different return-to-play protocols. It’s too early at this stage to definitively say what their chances are, but we’re hopeful the next two weeks will make that clearer.”

The T20I series against West Indies starts on November 27 in Auckland just a day after the players who have returned from the IPL will have completed their managed isolation.

“The season schedule is complex and for the first time, we’re going to have a Test squad assembling on the same day we’re playing a T20 international in another city,” Stead

said. “We’ve got players at quite different stages, with some having played almost a month of domestic cricket, some in managed isolation following the IPL, and others battling injuries.”

When the Test players gather in Hamilton on November 30, Mark Chapman, Doug Bracewell, a n d Scott

Kuggeleijn will come into the T20I squad for the final match of the series. Glenn Phillips, who had an impressive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign, has also been recalled.

The u n capped W i l l Young remains the spare batsman i n

the Test squad. Henry Nicholls returned to action this week in the Plunket Shield after recovering from a calf strain and will also be playing for New Zealand A. Tom Blundell, who replaced Jeet Raval at the top of the order during the Australia series late last year, will retain the opening berth.

New Zealand last played international cricket in March with a behind-closed-doors One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Sydney before the emerging COVID-19 pandemic forced the series to be cancelled.

(ESPNcricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Pooran to stake claim for Test spot it g o t very tiring.

A

fter not being considered for selection on the West Indies Test teams for the tour to England in July as well as the ongoing tour of New Zealand, West Indies T20 Vice Captain Nicholas Pooran maintains his desire to represent the regional team on the Test stage someday soon.

However, those exclusions have generated heavy debate at home and abroad about the player’s future at what is regarded as the highest level.

For the most part, Pooran, who was recently named the regional side's T20 Vice Captain for the New Zealand series, has maintained silence on the matter, until now.

He said, “I haven’t answered the question because

“Look, I made myself available for Test cricket in the summertime. The selectors had to make their decision and they obviously have their criteria.

But I am still available.”

Pooran was only named in the T20 squad for three matches against New Zealand on November 27, 28 and 30, but has agreed to stay in New Zealand beyond those dates to play in two First-Class four-day matches which the West Indies A team will play against New Zealand A next month. This, he hopes, will once and for all make a clear statement of intent.

However, on Thursday, doubt was cast over Pooran’s involvement with the West Indies A team when it was revealed that he had signed with the Melbourne Stars for Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), which begins on December 10.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports from Christchurch, New Zealand, where Pooran and the other West Indies players joining the team from the Indian

Premier League (IPL) are serving a 14-day quarantine, he explained that he would only join the Stars when his West Indies duties are completed.

"I’m just going over (to Australia) for six games.

That is my availability. My first game is on December 26 and I fly across (to Australia) after that last First-Class game,” he said. “I made myself available for those two First-Class games and I am sticking to it.”

His rising demand by T20 franchises globally is not a new phenomenon and similarly to players before him, his willingness to capitalise on those opportunities rather than graduate more quickly to Test player status has divided public opinion.

He responded, “Everyone would want Pooran to say he’s not going to play Big Bash, he’s not going to play in Bangladesh or England.

They want to see Pooran come back home and play First-Class cricket, because they want to see him play Test cricket, but what if I play a whole First-Class season and don’t perform, they will say Pooran not good and is not ready for Test cricket.

So regardless of what I do, people will have their own opinion.”

Looking ahead to the First-Class matches in New Zealand, Pooran acknowledges that they represent a huge opportunity to address

the selectors, who insist that he and others need FirstClass experience before becoming eligible for Test match selection.

The 25-year-old has only played three FirstClass matches in his career so far, which all came for T&T in 2014 when he was just 19 years old. In his second match of that season, Pooran made his highest score to date – 55, in the second innings versus Jamaica.

Currently, he averages 23.83 in First-Class matches.

Since then, he has steadily emerged as a talented and often destructive top-order batsman in the shortest format of the game, becoming highly sought after by teams around the world and as a result, has seen fewer and fewer opportunities to make a name in the longest version.

“I play T20 cricket around the world. I had to make a decision and I had to live with it. The time has changed now and the decision I made back then is obviously different to now. I had to compromise with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and now the opportunity has arisen,” said Pooran.

As far as recent tours go, however, First-Class arrangements such as A team matches for West Indian players are rare.

And Pooran explained, that like many before him, making oneself available for

Nicholas Pooran excited to be suiting up for Melbourne Stars

A

fter being lauded

by Melbourne Stars Head Coach David Hussey, West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran says he is eager to suit up for the team during this season of the Australia Big Bash League (BBL).

Pooran had a solid season with the Kings XI Punjab in the just-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored 353 runs and averaged a healthy

35.30. He scored two 50s in his 14 innings and hit 23 fours and 25 sixes. His overall stroke play also impressed pundits during the IPL. “Nick is an impressive player with some big gears who has been in demand in the IPL, the Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League in addition to his West Indies duties for some time. I’m looking forward to having

his talents on our side this season,” Hussey said on news of the acquisition of Pooran’s skills for the season.

The 25-year-old lefthander will play six matches in the BBL between December and early January 2021 as he will be on duty for the West Indies for at least three T20 Internationals against New Zealand beginning on November 27 at Eden Park.

He says he can’t wait to get going for the Stars.

“The Melbourne Stars have a very strong team and I’m happy I can be part of that for a few matches this season,” Pooran said.

“I’m also excited to be part of the BBL and heard many good things from Glenn Maxwell. I will keep playing my natural game for the team and hope it helps get the Stars some positive results.” (Sportsmax)

ATP Finals 2020: Novak Djokovic beats Diego Schwartzman in straight sets

T

op seed Novak Djokovic started his bid for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title with a classy win over Argentine debutant Diego Schwartzman.

The 33-year-old Serb, who has not won the event since 2015, eased to a 6-3 6-1 victory at the O2 Arena in London.

"The second set I started swinging through the ball more and with less hesitation," Djokovic said. "I was very pleased with the way I played."

Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev meet in the same group later on Monday.

The season-ending event is being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

That has led to a flat and

eerie atmosphere at the near 18,000-seat arena, meaning London has been unable to wave farewell to the event – which moves to Turin in Italy next year – like tournament organisers would have intended.

Nevertheless, the lack of atmosphere did little to disrupt Djokovic in what proved to be a high-quality performance.

Perhaps there was a touch of nerves from the 17-time Grand Slam champion as he lost serve in the third game of the opening set, but he quickly settled to break straight back and then tighten his grip on the match.

Now hitting metronomically and moving freely, Djokovic

wore down Schwartzman's service game again for a 5-3 lead and held his own serve to take the opening set.

Schwartzman, 28, has enjoyed a fine season in a disrupted 2020, reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open in October and cracking t h e world's top 10 for the first time.

While h i s game is built

on reliable hitting from the baseline and

athleticism, it was not enough for the 5ft 7in Argentine to find a way past Djokovic.

Schwartzman knew he had to take some risks to break down Djokovic, but that translated into 10 unforced errors and just four winners in the opening set.

Sustaining his level and forcing Schwartzman into more mistakes was made to look easy by Djokovic in the second set as the S e r b broke twice for a 4-1 lead and went on to clinch a straightforward win in one hour and 18 minutes.

(BBC Sport)

the regional First-Class season is easier said than done.

“A season now is six or seven games. And during the season, we also usually have 50-Over cricket for the West Indies. So to play First-Class cricket, I may have to forego playing ODIs (One-Day Internationals) for the West Indies as well. So, when do they want me to play FirstClass cricket? That is the question,” he said.

“I am also putting myself at risk as well, because rest and recovery are also very important.”

The left-hander called for the selectors to be more compromising and understanding of players’ circumstanc-

es.

As for his impending showcase before the Test match selectors, Pooran is relishing the challenge.

“First-Class is a new challenge for me. I last played about six years ago and didn’t do too bad. But at the end of the day, FirstClass, Test cricket, ODI cricket, T20 cricket, it's all the same. I just need to challenge myself to try to bat longer, score runs and be consistent. If I need to do good in First-Class cricket, then I need to challenge myself.

But I don’t need to prove anything to anyone." (Trinidad Guardian)

Shamarh Brooks eagerly anticipates New Zealand challenge

A

s the West Indies squad continues to prepare to take on New Zealand in three T20 Internationals and two Tests later this month, West Indies batsman Shamarh B r o o k s said he was eagerly anticipating the challenge.

The 32-year-old Barbadian and his teammates are just a few days away from their first warm-up match against New Zealand A at the Queenstown Events Centre on Thursday and then another at the same venue on November 25, two days before the first T20I at Eden Park on November 20.

Brooks, who has a Test century against Afghanistan and three half-centuries in his sixTest career, said the Windies are simply looking forward to playing quality cricket against their formidable opponents.

“When I look at Test cricket here, I know that New Zealand is a tough team to beat at home, but we are definitely looking forward to the challenge,” Brooks said.

“ W e are a u n i f i e d unit a n d basical-

l y looking to play good cricket and make the region proud.”

With that in mind, the warm-up games are going to be very important to the team’s preparation.

“Just for the guys to get that mileage in their legs again; the bowlers getting some overs under their belts and the batsmen spending some time in the middle. I think that will be key,” Brooks said while revealing that so far things have been going relatively smoothly.

Preparation, he said, has been “very, very good”.

“It has been a different experience in terms of the pitches we have practised on. I am actually enjoying them and looking forward to our practice game coming up in the next couple days,” Brooks said.

(Sportsmax)

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Local athletes make impressive return

By Jemima Holmes

O

n Sunday, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) jumpstarted its planned return to athletics action with two cross-country events in Linden and Berbice.

De Challengers Athletics Club (DC) dominated the Girls’ 6-12 1km race as Marissa Thomas crossed the line first in 3:17:59 and her team-mate, Ayanna Thomas second in 3:42:01. Mellinda Grant of New Amsterdam United (NAU) was third with a run of 4:22:18.

Jennifer Dias of NAU was the victor in the next female category, the Girls’ 13-15 2km, as she clocked 12:03.96 for first place.

Cherissa December and Chantel Thomas, both of DC, clocked 12:37.79 and

13:03.27 respectively for second and third place.

Rurallites’ Zackery Favourite took top honours in the Boys’ 6-12year 1km race with a time of 3:11.97. He was followed by NAU’s Allister Amsterdam, who clocked 3:18.62 and his clubmate, Royan Comptain, who finished on 3:23.77.

Rurallites’ Samuel Henry and Timothy France bagged first and third in the Boys’ 13-15 1km with times of 5:55.80 and 6:37.19.

Johnathan Seedath of DC was the man in the middle with 6:05.62.

The 16-19 males contested a 2km run, in which Joshua Lam of NAU clocked 6:01.52 for first place.

The podium was completed by another NAU athlete, Nicholas Rudder and Jamal Warde of Rurallites, who posted times of 6:16.18

and 6:17.63 respectively.

The 16-19 males also had the opportunity to compete in a 6km run, in which NAU swept the podium. Antwone Wright was first in 23:19.59, Jaleel Marks second in 24:20.26 and Joshua Thomas third in 28:54.29.

Georgetown and Police Progressive Youth Club’s Johnathan Fagundes dominated the Open male 8km run with a flat 30:17.00 run. Linde Phillips of DC finished five minutes later with a time of 35:42.34, but still made it home second while another Police athlete, Calvin Thomas grabbed third place with 36:39.25.

Over in Linden, Cleveland Thomas of Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) thumped his usual rivals to reign supreme in the men’s 10km race.

A glimpse of the Girls’ cross-country run

Competing at the Bayrock Community Ground, Thomas clocked 43:08.67s to beat his next opponent by just seconds. Upper Demerara Schools’ Ronnell Newton crossed the line second in 43:47.28. The usual suspect in Winston Missingher, also of PPYC, completed the top three in 44:39.03, leaving the likes of Cleveland Forde in the dust.

Sprint sensation Akeela Dover showed she was equally as good at distance running as she blew away the competition in the Girls’ 6-12 1km race.

Running Brave Athletic Club (RBAC) eventually swept the race with Athaleyha Hinckson and Shaquna Redmond finishing second and third.

The male participants in action

In the next female race – the 13-15 2km, Upper Demerara Schools’ Hannah Joseph crossed the line first before Running Brave could dominate again. Nevertheless, RBAC clinched the second and third spots, with representation from Rosmond Jeffrey and Ashanti Josiah respectively.

The usual suspect in Shaqua Tyrell (Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School) copped first place in the Girls’ 1619 6km run with a time of 18:53.02. Meanwhile, Adriel Austin missed the podium as Atoya Harvey of RBAC finished second while Aaliya Headley of RBAC finished third.

In the boys’ categories, Kiadan Persaud (Upper

Demerara Schools’) made great representation on home turf to win the Boys’ 6-12 1km event. Kevon Stephens and Jameel Cornette rounded up the top three.

The 13-16 Boys’ 2km race saw Running Brave’s Samuel Booker crossing the line first. Upper Demerara Schools’ Omar James and Carmelo Manson-Hing completed the podium.

PPYC’s Courtly Bobb was the victor in the Boys’ 16-19 6km run while Omari Walcott and Odida Parkinson of Titans and RBAC were second and third respectively.

The next event on the AAG’s calendar is a 10K run, followed by another cross-country event.

Matarkai Sports Council elects new Chairman … former Chairman Sherlon Rodrigues to serve as Assistant Public Relations Officer

The new Matarkai Sports Council executive body

M

atarkai Sports Council held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Port Kaituma Community Centre to elect new office bearers.

It should be noted that former Chairman Sherlon Rodrigues did not contest the elections, but was elect-

ed as the Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Ryan James, Culture and Youth Officer 1, was the Returning Officer for the elections. The new Executive comprises Micquel Perez – Chairman; Janice Moses –Vice Chairwoman; Linden Green – Secretary and Assistant Treasurer; Anetta

The executives visit the Citrus Grove Playfield

Blair – Assistant Secretary and Public Relations Officer; Rohilda Mendonca – Treasurer; and Rodrigues.

One Committee Member was elected from Baramita, Matthews Ridge, Arakaka, FallsTop, 4 Miles, Oronoque, 1 Mile, Citrus Grove, Canal Bank, and Sebai. The elections were witnessed by the

Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman Orlando Thorne and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Councillor Margaret Lambert as the RDC has a vested interest in sports in the region.

After the elections, former Chairman Rodrigues took to social media and vowed his

support for the young Perez: “Congratulations to Micquel Perez and team. I fully support young leaders 100%. A team for all Matarkai, wow, I pledge to do my best as the Assistant Public Relations Officer. Love doing this.”

According to Rodrigues, the new Executive hit the ground running as the

team visited Citrus Grove Playfield – along with the Regional Engineer and NDC Overseer – where works are expected to commence soon as $1 million was given to the community by the RDC for ground enhancement.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Matarkai Sports Council Chairman Micquel Perez

The new Matarkai Sports Council executive body

Matarkai Sports Council Local athletes make impressive elects new Chairman … former Chairman Sherlon Rodrigues to serve as Assistant Public Relations Officer return Pg 23

See story on page 23

Shamarh Brooks See story on page 22 eagerly anticipates New Zealand challenge

Pooran to stake claim for Test spot Pg 22

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