Guyana Times -- Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Chuck E Cheese's to open P in Guyana 15

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4854

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

Interviews for new GECOM CEO completed …decision likely to come down to vote by Commissioners

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Teleperformance aims to create over 1000 new jobs next year

P10

Page 7

Harvard Business School to support LCDS See story on page 3

2017, 2018 P8 AG Audit Reports to be merged – PAC

…as President Ali invites int’l community to partner with Guyana

Gold exports increase to 500,000 ounces Guyana, Ghana push All adults for closer economic now eligible ties between Private for COVID-19 booster shots Sectors See story on page 2

See story on page 16

See stories on page 14

…as 2 more …red tape, bureaucracy will be COVID-19 deaths, 57 removed – President Ali assures new cases recorded

China gives UG $7M to improve P15 infrastructure

Cutlass-wielding suspect

OPR P8 investigating Police shooting in Linden Trained teachers P16 to receive permanent certificate

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gold exports increase to 500,000 ounces …27,000 metric carats of diamond exports estimated by yearend

G

uyana’s mineral exports are up after a rollercoaster year, with 500,000 ounces of gold estimated to have been exported so far for this year and over 27,000 metric carats of diamonds expected to be exported by year end.

These figures were revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his keynote address to a Harvard Business School virtual workshop on Monday where he addressed representatives from hundreds of faculties all around the world.

“Our country is blessed with tremendous deposits of gold. Our volume of exports for 2021 is estimated at 500,000 ounces. So, I’m presenting to you the diversified economic portfolio of our country, the revenue

generation opportunities,” the President informed the gathering.

“In diamond, for the period of January to September 2021, we exported approximately 20,000 metric carats. And the estimate for October to December of this year is a further 7500 metric karats,” President Ali said.

According to the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year report for 2021, diamond declarations had improved in the first half of 2021. It grew by 166.3 per cent, to an impressive 18,432 metric carats.

Gold has also been on the increase over the past couple years. Last year, small- and medium-scale miners were able to up their production to 485,552 ounces of gold– representing 75 per cent of the country’s total produc-

Gold exports are estimated at 500,000 ounces for 2021

tion. 584,291 ounces of gold were declared to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) in 2020.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’

Association (GGDMA) had highlighted the contributions made by these stakeholders, noting that it amounts to US$808,587,118

in export earnings, compared to US$619 million earned in 2019. The achievement was especially laudable, the organisation said, given the challenges brought on by the

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

COVID-19 pandemic.

“This production accounts for more than 75 of the country’s total gold production. The production figure, while slightly below 2019, is especially significant and noteworthy, given that the mining industry, in 2020, faced severe challenges caused by the global pandemic, financial and infrastructural constraints, and a difficult tax regime,” the Association shared.

The GGDMA insists that small and medium-scale miners have maintained their commitment to the production target, and continue to perform. The Association continues to lobby the Government for additional reliefs and tax support for the local industry, to increase productivity and mobilise additional investment.

“The 2021 target for gold production has not yet been announced, but the GGDMA remains confident that given the additional reliefs and tax support, our local miners will not only rise to the challenge, but exceed them.”

While 2020 saw reduced gold declarations compared to the previous year, it did see a number of gold finds.

For instance, Australiabased mining company Alicanto Minerals made its first-ever gold find in Guyana in November, only days after another mining company, Troy Resources, had announced that it had found gold deposits underground. (G3)

NEWS

3

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Dec 7 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, Dec 8 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

Harvard Business School to support LCDS

…as President Ali invites int’l community to partner with Guyana

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Dec 7 – 06:30h – 08:00h and Wednesday, Dec 8 – 07:15h – 08:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to West NorthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:31h and 18:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 12:15h reaching a minimum height of 0.73 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

10 11 14

16 17 22

FREE TICKET

23 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 05 12 14 19 LUCKY 3

0

3

4

6

Afternoon Draw

9

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 12 13 14 18 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021

01 02 09 11 12 13

05 09 10 11 14

5

3 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

3

2 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$73.08/barrel

+4.38

Rough Rice

$257.49/ton

+0.05

London Sugar

$486.90/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1779.90

$1780.40

Low/High Change

$1775.40 +0.90

$1786.40 +0.05%

President Irfaan Ali delivering his keynote speech to Harvard and its global network

I

mmediately following President Dr Irfaan Ali’s keynote address to Harvard Business School’s Virtual Microeconomics of Competitiveness workshop on Monday, the institution pledged its support for Guyana’s ambitious developmental trajectory as outlined by the President.

During his address to the attendees, which included representatives from 120 institutions around the world, President Ali detailed Government’s development plans. He spoke about Government’s renewable energy plans, strategy for agro-processing, infrastructure goals and the housing programme.

President Ali also made an appeal to the universities to partner with Guyana, particularly when it comes to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The President recalled the way in which Guyana was able to forge an international partnership with Norway on the LCDS. “My Government is keen to work with the international community. One of the areas is applied research and development, as part of the LCDS 2030, we establish an international centre for biodiversity research. And this is linked to the improvement of our competitiveness, dealing also with human capital, research and development and innovation, as part of what we will offer.”

“To achieve this, we’re seeking partnership with universities and research organisations, to make this a cutting-edge centre of excellence, with focus on ecosystem services, forests, biodiversity and watershed. At this point, I wish to extend to Harvard University and the network of universities in attendance today to work with us in this area of ecosystem service, as we implement LCDS 2030,” President Ali said during his address.

Meanwhile, Director for Harvard Business School’s (HBS) Project in Guyana Dr Jorge Ramirez-Vallejo, committed the institution to supporting Guyana’s LCDS agenda. According to him, this will be done through the HBS. “Thank you very much for sharing the potential of Guyana and what you and your team have done so far

and also what you’re planning to do. This demonstrates a huge commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous Guyana,” Ramirez-Vallejo said.

“President Ali, we’re committed to supporting your work through GDI and the institute for the instructive and competitiveness of HBS. We’re also willing to collaborate in helping identify and exploring the opportunities to shape and advance projects within the LCDS agenda.”

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is positioning hydropower to serve as the most significant renewable contributor to Guyana’s clean energy transition. And hydropower forms an important component in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The strategy states that Guyana has 8.5 gigawatts of hydropower potential from

33 hydropower plants. From this lot, the 165 MW Amaila Falls Hydropower plant will be built, as it has been identified as the best option to begin Guyana’s energy transition.

Building on Amaila, the PPP/C Government will seek to build a second largescale plant. This will be identified by 2025, and will be purposed to provide more than double the capacity Amaila will provide.

Hydropower plant #2, LCDS 2030 states, should provide 370 megawatts of capacity by 2035, and another 150 MW by 2040. The Government sees hydro as uniquely positioned to provide a cheaper solution than any other technology, due to its long average lifespan of 100 years.

It is projected that 67 per cent of Guyana’s capacity will come from renewable sources by 2035.

The comprehensive di-

verse energy mix will provide cleaner energy at a globally competitive cost, reducing the cost of living and making Guyana a more attractive investment destination.

Natural gas will power Guyana’s economic revolution in the short to medium-term, through the gas-to-energy project, while investments into renewables will build traction. However, over the medium- to longterm, the Government’s vision is for hydropower and other renewable energy options – solar, wind and biomass to take over.

Last month, President Ali was invited by Harvard to speak to the microeconomic workshop on the Government’s developmental plans for Guyana.

Representatives from over 120 faculties in more than 65 countries, including the University of Guyana, attended the President’s keynote address. (G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

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

Agro-processing supercharging agriculture

T

he discipline of economics and economic development started in the 18th century with the insight that would later be labelled the “comparative advantage” of countries in the production of commodities. It has, therefore, been long known that one of Guyana’s comparative advantages was – and remains – in agriculture. We are blessed with land, water, sunshine and, most of all, a populace that includes large swathes of individuals who are inclined towards agricultural pursuits. In fact, the reason for no large-scale starvation during the Burnhamite destruction of the economy in the 1970s and 1980s was because we still had comparatively cheap local foodstuff available.

But the question raised is why we have never used that comparative advantage to become a food-producing powerhouse.

And the answer was given almost two decades ago when President Bharrat Jagdeo was responsible for agriculture among Caricom Heads of Government. He picked up on Caricom’s Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which had been a work in progress since the organisation’s formation in 1973 and transmuted it into the “Jagdeo Initiative” as a concrete proposal.

This Initiative identified 10 constraints that had to be overcome if the Region were to be successful in feeding itself and even become an exporter of food to a hungry world. The constraints were limited financing and inadequate new investment in agriculture, outdated and insufficient agricultural health and food safety systems, inadequate research and development, a fragmented and disorganised Private Sector, inefficient land and waterdistribution management systems, deficient and uncoordinated risk management measures, inadequate transportation systems, weak and non-integrated information and intelligence systems, weak linkages and participation of producers in growth market segments, and lack of skilled and quality human resources. The Initiative was, however, stillborn, because as usual, Caricom became mired in its parochialism since Guyana would benefit most because of its comparative advantage.

Noting the perennial complaints about Caricom’s food import bill – now US$5 billion and counting, President Dr Irfaan Ali in October, during Agriculture Month themed “Transforming our Food Systems: Achieving Food and Nutrition Security”, implicitly picked up on the Jagdeo Initiative – but with Guyana going on its own – and promised to reduce that bill by 25 per cent with the transformative plans he outlined. “The envisaged transformation of the local agriculture sector will involve an inclusive approach, which will include the active participation of the Government and the Private Sector, and continued engagements with farmers, agriculturalists, agronomists, veterinarians, food exporters, importers, academia, the scientific community and other stakeholders.”

His Minister of Agriculture had also reiterated some elements of the Jagdeo Initiative that will be addressed in the new dispensation now that Guyana has revenues from oil coming into play, but is simultaneously seeking to avoid the dreaded “Dutch Disease”. “Transforming the agri-food system will require significantly greater public financing as well as private capital from national, regional and international partners. International support, institutions, and bilateral partners will be critical to ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector through financing, technology and creating an enabling environment,” asserted the Minister.

To emphasise the seriousness of the Government, directly after returning from his gruelling overseas trip to CELAC in Mexico and UNGA in NYC, President Ali took an on-the-ground tour of the 115-acre soya bean and five-acre corn pilot projects in Ebini, Upper Berbice River, where he was able to closely inspect the crops and evaluate their growth. The Private Sector joint project, which is aimed at providing all raw materials for the production of livestock and poultry feed for the local sector, is a critical component of the agricultural drive, since it opens up the vast Intermediate Savannahs.

But he did not stop there and pointedly noted the diversification of the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). This newspaper has long called for some of GuySuCo’s lands to be leased to sugar workers using the Rural Agricultural Infrastructural Development (RAID) model. This in combination with infrastructure, identification of markets for crops for which seedlings are supplied, and agro-processing of crops would supercharge the agriculture sector.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo visiting the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday where members of the local and Ghanaian Private Sectors met during a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Ghana’s Vice President ,Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (Office of the Vice President photo)

Be reassured: the world is not as divided as we might think

By Stephan Shakespeare and Joel Rogers de Waal

T

oday’s widely accepted narrative is that we live in historically divided times. Voters are routinely described as “polarised”, while analysts compete to identify the essential schism of the age, whether this is metropolitan versus traditionalist, people versus democracy or anywheres versus somewheres.

For a third year running, however, the YouGovCambridge Globalism Project supports a different interpretation: that extreme views are given greater visibility by social media, which in turn creates an especially dynamic climate of opinion – in that, for example, it can change quickly – but one whose underlying forces are defined more by cohesion than division. Released annually by the Guardian, the Globalism Project is an international survey and the largest of its kind on the public relationship with globalisation, produced by YouGov in partnership with academics at Cambridge University.

Its findings have consistently challenged popular stereotypes of public opinion in this so-called polarised age.

It turns out, for instance, that there is no deep divide between the mindsets of “open versus closed” societies. In fact, few voters support radically open or closed societies, while most tend to favour varying degrees of continued integration with the wider world. Academic theorists of “authoritarian populism” may perceive a new, mass disdain for liberal pluralism, but we found little evidence of this in public sentiment. Instead, majorities

around the world maintain a determined belief in the superiority of democracy, with little partisan difference on the issue.

Nor has modern society been overwhelmed by demographic schisms. When we compared those who feel generally more permissive or restrictive towards net migration, for example, we found some discernible patterns on average – between younger and older, metropolitan and provincial, graduates and school-leavers – but hardly to the extent of rival demographic blocs, or splintering, parallel societies.

This is not to doubt that many countries have experienced an intensifying atmosphere of partisanship over the past decade. Strange as it might sound, however, partisanship and substantial division on policy can be two quite different things, as the Guardian recently reported. For example, in Britain, most respondents who described themselves as either leftwing or rightwing said they dislike others for identifying with the opposite camp (87 per cent and 73 per cent respectively). The same kind of partisan divide extended to other labels of political identity: a majority of leftwingers considered themselves feminist (62 per cent) while a majority of the right did not (70 per cent).

Yet when it comes to opinions on underlying issues, a different picture emerges. The same respondents were next shown a list of three jobs – cleaner, nurse and politician – and asked if each one was more suited to either women or men, or equally suited to all genders. This time, overwhelming portions of the left and

right agreed, answering “equally suited” for every job (94 per cent and 89 per cent for cleaner; 90 per cent and 74 per cent for nurse; 88 per cent and 83 per cent for politician). Majorities on both sides also shared the view that it is unacceptable for a man to whistle at a woman he doesn’t know in the street (85 per cent, 58 per cent), and that “promoting equality for women” should take some level of priority in modern society (98 per cent, 88 per cent). A similar pattern was evident for other progressive objectives of “combating racism of all kinds” and “moving the economy away from carbon-intensive industries towards greener alternatives”.

In other words, when we compare these groups by their attitudes to specific issues, rather than by markers of identity, we find a considerable amount of common ground, rather than polarised clusters of opinion or clashing visions of what contemporary society should look like. In political science, this is being increasingly recognised as the gap between “issue-based” versus “affective” polarisation, and supports a thesis that the latter is decidedly more prevalent than the former in numerous western publics.

Indeed, the study finds comparable patterns outside the UK, where notable levels of partisan antipathy coexist with significant overlap in views on gender and race equality and decarbonising the economy. This was found to be true among the rival voting camps of: Joe Biden versus Donald Trump in the United States; Emmanuel Macron versus Marine Le Pen in France; the Greens versus Alternative

for Deutschland in Germany; the Left versus the Law and Justice party in Poland; Vox versus Podemos in Spain; and New Democracy versus Syriza in Greece.

This all hints at perhaps the most surprising – but also reassuring – finding of our research into populism and globalisation over recent years: that in countless areas of life, far from being poles apart, people tend to cluster somewhere in between – that is, they fall on a generally moderate “bell curve”.

In fact, this newspaper spotted a similar pattern when it first unveiled the Globalism Project in 2019, namely that the study was remarkable for how most respondents seemed so, well, “normal”.

Large-scale studies of IQ and personality tell a similar story – of a bell-curve distribution in which most of us are unexceptional, statistically speaking, and often share our strongest traits with the majority.

Social science researchers can be understandably keen to focus on what divides populations, or what marks out one type of person as being at odds with another. What is more striking is how much people tend to have in common, when you scratch beneath the surface of political labels and loyalties. Social media may be amplifying the role of identity markers in politics, but people are much more likely to agree than disagree on the underlying trends of what is acceptable behaviour, and what our priorities should be. Stephan Shakespeare is CEO and co-founder of YouGov. Joel Rogers de Waal is academic director at YouGov. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

New York Guyana Democracy Project writes US pols on Burke’s advocacy of violence

Dear Editor, The New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) sent out a letter to members of Congress and NY State legislature informing them of advocacy of violence and overthrow of the democratically elected government of Guyana by one Rickford Burke, a Guyanese American supporter of the opposition APNU. He reportedly resides in Brooklyn. NYGDP, founded to advocate for and champion democracy in Guyana, is led by academician Dr Tara Singh who is also a Caribbean community advocate in America.

The letter states: “We … bring to your attention a pressing matter of grave importance to the Guyanese people and to our country, Guyana, … a very troubling development in the political perception by a Brooklynbased Guyanese group of the new emerging oil producing country. At a time when our country is moving towards prosperity the first time in its history (mainly because of discovery of 10 billion barrels of oil by Exxon) and where investors from the United States and other countries, are pouring into Guyana to seek out investment opportunities, Guyana’s stability as a

democratic country must be upheld. Destabilisation efforts and calls for violence including revolution, will destroy not only Guyanese dreams but also wreck the new road to prosperity that is being laid out by the Government.

Unfortunately, this small group of Guyanese whose political party lost power in the 2020 Regional and General Elections, cannot come to grip yet with this reality. It should be noted that all the western diplomatic missions, including the US, Caricom and Latin America agreed that the PPP/C party won the elections fairly. The Caricom high level oversight team certified the viability of the conduct of polls and the legitimacy of the election results. And because their findings ran counter to what the Brooklyn group had harboured; they quickly vilified this esteemed team of Caricom professionals. In fact, this Brooklyn group has demonised the entire Caribbean leadership because of its staunch support for democracy and the legitimately elected PPP/C Government.

We cannot emphasise enough, our deep concern over this Brooklyn group’s incitement of violence

against the legally elected Government of Guyana.

Mr Rickford Burke, an AfroGuyanese supporter, and advocate of the official opposition party (PNCR) in Guyana, is the leader of this group. He has called for war against the democratically elected Government, including violence against the PPP/C’s supporters (mostly Indo-Guyanese), and for partition of Guyana.

While we recognise a person’s rights to free speech and his right to defend his group for any perceived wrong, such outbursts go beyond the norms of civility, especially since the basis of his allegations lacks empirical support. He has distorted the situation in respect of race discrimination and his frequent claims that the PPP/C Government killed 420 black men is mere speculation. The PPP/C killed no one.

The reality is: 75 per cent of the public service workers are Afro-Guyanese, 90 per cent of the army are Afro-Guyanese, 75 per cent of the Police Force are Afro Guyanese, 70 per cent of nurses are Afro Guyanese, 65 per cent of teachers are Afro-Guyanese, and 80 per cent of the academic staff at the University of Guyana are Afro-Guyanese.

The proportion of the AfroGuyanese in the general population is 29 per cent.

The ethnic composition of the Government and its agencies are representative of the pluralist nature of the population. How could Burke and associates make out a case for race discrimination? Unbelievable!

As to the killings, those were murders committed during the PPP/C’s governance in the early 2000s, not by the Government.

The respected national daily newspaper, Stabroek News, did an analysis of the murders and published the results for public consumption. First, of the 420 persons killed were not all black men; 119 for example (28 per cent), were IndianGuyanese and some were Amerindians and some of mixed racial ancestry.

Second, many of those killings took place in confrontation between the Police and criminal gangs; others were killed by gang members in gang warfare; some were killed in family/domestic problems; while a few were killed when they tried to topple the Government.

Above all, the PPP/C Government did not kill anyone or ordered anyone killed. it is just like blaming the US President for

Does Vincent Alexander care to explain this contradiction?

Dear Editor, In a letter carried in the December 1, 2021 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption “Hits and Jams socialises African youths to the worst of dancehall music”, Vincent Alexander wrote as follows: “The likes of Hits and Jams socialises the youths of African descent to the worst of dancehall music and the acquisition of loans for clothing to attend Jam Zone and the likes thus contributing to the potential denigration of the youths of African descent.”

In light of Alexander’s

contention as alluded to above, I’m forced to ask the rationale behind the use by the APNU/AFC while in Government, of $50 million of our taxpayer dollars to purchase tickets for the Buju Banton concert which were then distributed freely to its mostly Afro-Guyanese supporters. Buju Banton is a Reggae/Dancehall artiste who was convicted in the US for drug trafficking and is known for his composition of several controversial songs, one of which has lyrics which advocate for the killing of persons of a particular sexual persuasion. To

top it off, while performing at the $50 million concert in Guyana he showered praises on an individual whom the APNU/AFC says is responsible for the death of hundreds of Afro-Guyanese.

In light of his claims against Hits and Jams with respect to the denigration of

Afro-Guyanese; can Vincent Alexander explain the obvious contradiction in the action of the APNU/AFC of which he is a part, and which purports to represent the interests of Afro-Guyanese?

Yours truly, Adron Pires

all those murders committed in the inner cities. This Brooklyn-based extremist group has soared above reason and logic in their effort to build a political fortress on sand from which they could shoot a barrage of lies and deception.

The language used by Mr Burke is “seditious” and racially hostile. (We will be happy to provide you with the tape if so requested).

We are shocked and disappointed that such hateful remarks and language of violence could emanate from a group in the USA that professes its love for Guyana.

And while America grants freedom of speech, hateful speech and advocacy of violence are not protected.

The Guyana Government regards the calls by Mr Burke for violence and revolution seriously and has issued a wanted bulletin for Mr Burke to answer several charges. (copy is attached) We join with fellow Guyanese in the USA, Canada, and other parts of the diaspora as well as those in Guyana to strongly condemn such advocacy of violence and hate speech against fellow Guyanese.

We are heartened that Guyanese at home have ignored such chilling calls for violence against a democratically elected Government. Guyana is a pluralist nation and our people have learned to respect one another, despite our diversity. Creating ra-

cial hostility and advocating partition, are symptoms of losers.

Under the “One Guyana” initiative, we must continue to build on this (societal cohesion) and thus paving the way for the good life for all Guyanese, irrespective of race, religion, gender of disability. We must continue to support each other and ignore and isolate those with radical and racist motives.

As a nation, Guyana faces incredible obstacles to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of jobs, and the devastating flooding that ravaged the agriculture sector. All our energies should be directed onto rebuilding our economy and getting students back to school, as well as getting the unemployed back to work. Guyanese should not allow the calls for violence and the spewing of incendiary rhetoric to derail the country’s development trajectory, where every person of every ethnic group is expected to play a vital role.

Guyana needs builders and not destroyers or detractors.”

The organisation appeals to the Members of Congress to send a Congressional team to Guyana to gather firsthand information on the Government’s programmes and policies.”

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

6

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Ratios A ratio compares two numbers by using division.

Example: Six people want to share one pizza. Of course, each person wants a slice of the same size. To find out what part of the pizza each person gets, set up a ratio.

Divide: 1 pizza ÷ 6 people.

Step 1: Express the problem as a fraction: (1 pizza)/(6 persons) .

Step 2: Remove the words: 1/6.

By using a ratio, you found that if you cut one pizza into six equal parts, each person gets 1/6 of the pizza.

Exercises: Solve 1) A group of 8 friends has 10 4) It took 16 tonnes of dollars to share. What is each crusher run to cover 3 kilomeperson’s share? tres of road. How much gravel was used for each kilometre?

2) John rode his bike 7 kilometres in 3 days. How many 5) Sunil puts nine litres of kilometres did he ride every gasoline in a 36-litre tank. How day? much of the tank did he fill?

W

hen you picture video games, you probably picture realistic figures, a lot of colours, and a lot of detail, right? Those descriptions do not really describe video games from the early 1980s. So why do video games today look better than video games from the 80s? One major change between then and now is the number of pixels, or dots on the screen, used to represent video game objects.

When Nintendo® first introduced the Super Mario Bros game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, Mario was no more than 16 pixels tall and 12 pixels wide. Decades later, the Mario in Super Paper Mario WiiTM has more than 15 times as many pixels! Could the increase in pixels explain why Mario looks better on the Wii than he did on the NES? Materials and equipment Computer with internet access and a printer Custom graph paper (six sheets); you should print graph paper for your project from Incompetech.com's free graph paper website

3) Henry uses 4 kilograms of 6) At Mario’s, 3 friends want butter in a recipe for 20 loaves to share 2 pizzas. If there are 12 of bread. How much butter did slices in each pizza, how many he use for each loaf? slices does each person get?

Pen or pencil Ruler Coloured pencils, crayons, or markers Lab notebook

F

ractions are in use all around us. Choose one sentence illustrating a common use of fractions, eg “I would like a half chicken lowmien”, and imagine a scenario where such a sentence would be uttered.

Instructions In this experiment you will draw the same character at two different resolutions: 32-by-32 pixels, and 8-by8 pixels. In both cases, the size of the character will remain the same.

Using the computer, print out two sheets of graph paper for your project from Incompetech.com's free graph paper website.

For the first piece of graph paper, set the "Grid Spacing" to 2 lines per cm. This paper will be for your high-resolution (32-by-32 pixels) drawing. You can leave all the other settings as they are.

For the second piece of graph paper, set the "Grid Spacing" to 0.5 lines per cm. This paper has larger squares (pixels) and will be for your low-resolution (8-by-8 pixels) drawing. Again, you can leave all the other settings as they are.

Using a ruler and a pen or pencil, draw a box on the first piece of graph paper (the one with more squares) that is 32 pixels wide and 32 pixels high.

Each small square on the graph paper will represent a single pixel.

There will be a total of 1024 pixels within the box you drew.

This will be the space where you draw your high-resolution character.

With coloured pencils, crayons, or markers, draw a character inside the 32-by-32 pixels box.

It can be any character you want. You can draw something from your own imagination, or try to copy an existing character.

Add as much detail as possible to your character.

Each pixel can only contain a single colour.

The character does not have to take up all 1024 pixels; you can leave pixels blank if you want. For example, you may want to have blank pixels in between the legs of a character.

If you are going to colour in a pixel, you must colour the entire pixel. Remember, because pixels are the smallest measurable unit in an image, you cannot use only part of a pixel!

On the second piece of graph paper (the one with fewer squares) use a ruler and pen to draw a box that is 8 pixels wide and 8 pixels high.

There will be a total of 64 pixels in the box you drew.

This will be the space where you draw your lowresolution character.

Using the coloured pencils, or other drawing tools, draw your character in the 8-by-8 pixels box.

Draw the same character as in step 3.

Try to keep as many of the details the same between the two resolutions.

Compare the high-resolution (32-by-32 pixels) drawing of the character with the lowresolution (8-by-8 pixels) drawing of the same character.

Which drawing has more detail?

Which drawing looks better?

Repeat steps 1-6 two more times using different characters, monsters, or objects. Are your results always the same? (Sandra Slutz, PhD, Science Buddies)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Interviews for new GECOM CEO completed …decision likely to come down to vote by Commissioners

T

he interviews of the two candidates shortlisted for the position of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer (CEO) have been completed and according to a reliable source, the decision is likely to come down to a vote.

On Monday, former GECOM Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud and former Jamaican electoral official Leslie Harrow were interviewed for the position of GECOM Chief Election Officer. The interviews were conducted before the seven-member Commission, during which the candidates were asked questions about their academic qualifications and

experience and tested on their electoral knowledge.

The seven-member Commission, composed of Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Manoj Narayan on the Government side and Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman on the Opposition side and Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh acting as the tie breaker if necessary.

Former GECOM Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud

Based on their responses, the candidates were scored by each Commissioner.

These score sheets will now have to be submitted by each Commissioner to GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

According to the source, the decision on the next CEO is likely to come down to a vote. All that is left now, the source further explained, is for Harrow and Persaud to submit their academic certificates to GECOM. “I think it will come down to a vote. I think so from how this is shaping but that’s only my

thoughts. The Chairman doesn’t want the decision to take long,” the source further explained to this publication.

Reports are that in the past, appointees to the CEO or DCEO post were hired based on an interview with the Commission, during which they would be evaluated and ranked based on a score sheet. The candidate with the highest score would be appointed.

Meanwhile, it is understood that GECOM will have a further meeting today at 13:00h, where the appointment of a Deputy Chief Elections Officer for GECOM is likely to also be addressed.

Persaud, who was employed as GECOM’s DCEO from 2014 to 2017, was overlooked for appointment when he sought to return to the position in 2018. In fact, his non-appointment sparked controversy and even an investigation by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which had concluded six months after that he was overlooked and was more qualified than the person who was chosen over him for the position, Roxanne Myers.

On the other hand, news reports in Jamaica revealed that Leslie Harrow was up until May employed as Head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica. He previously served in several junior and senior positions at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica over his 18-year tenure there.

Former Jamaican electoral official Leslie Harrow

When GECOM had put out the advertisements to fill these positions in October, over a dozen persons – both local and foreign – had applied for the post of CEO. With the shortlisting of Persaud

and Harrow, GECOM Information Technology Manager Aneal Giddings; GECOM Assistant Registration Officer and former ERC Commissioner Deodat Persaud, Dr Kurt Clarke from Texas, and Eugene Godfrey Petty from St Kitts were removed from the race for the new GECOM CEO. Meanwhile, the electoral body is also looking to fill several other key senior positions within the Elections Secretariat including Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Officer, and Civic and Voter Education Manager.

These posts are being filled following the removal of CEO Keith Lowenfield; his Deputy, Roxanne Myers, and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

They were on August 12 dismissed from their respective posts at the Elections Commission.

The embattled trio is currently before the courts facing a number of electoral fraud charges for their alleged attempts to sway the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. (G3)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2017, 2018 AG Audit Reports to be merged – PAC H

ours of locked horns between the Opposition and Government sides at the Public Accounts Committee on Monday resulted in a decision to merge the 2017 and 2018 audit reports for scrutiny.

This decision was taken at the recent meeting - a move which was heavily opposed by Government members on the basis that the reports should be properly ventilated. Opposition Committee Members were initially arguing for the years 2017 to 2019 to be consolidated.

Government Chief Whip and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira argued that the Committee must properly comb through the concerns raised in these reports to provide answers and ensure accountability. She noted that in a bid to clear the backlog which currently exists, this process should not be rushed.

“I understand the issue that the members are raising about haste and getting through the three reports but it is also a responsibility to do what is correct. We now have work to do with compiling a report that reflects our concerns, whether by sector or by general recommendation, general observations.”

On the 2016 report, she noted, “We have a lot of work to do in putting forward a proper report that reflects the concerns of 2016…We have several weeks’ work to do with 2016. I don’t want this to be a matter which we seem to be ignoring our

PAC Chairman Jermaine Figuera

responsibilities under the constitution and the procurement act. To try to rush through is not the issue. It’s to do good work and reflect our responsibilities.”

However, Opposition Member David Patterson opined that they are competent enough to cover all three reports at once through the merger. He highlighted seven instances where there were mergers in previous PACs in his arguments.

“We are competent enough to do it…It is undesirable but it is not an uncommon challenge that has faced previous PACs in the past. They have, for whatever reason, been times the work of the PAC has been some years behind. We have done, seven times, combined reports whereby PAC would combine reports for the audit office in a matter to address the backlog,” he contended.

Nevertheless, Attorney-

at-Law and Government Member Sanjeev Datadin pointed out that while reports have been merged before, it is a decision of the current Committee to decide. He did not support the position to merge the reports, since it would not present the opportunity for proper scrutiny.

“Whether we do in a conflated, consolidated way or not is really a matter that this Committee must consider. To say that it has been done in the past and to say this has been done in previous years is a matter that Committee would have decided would have been appropriate. But we have to decide what we are doing and how we are going to scrutinise what is being done.”

Datadin also contended, “If it is that we have several years to get done and we need to get through that process, we still need to do it in a way that is not simply paying lip service to say that we’ve done it…Saying that we’re conflating it in expediency so that people who have not left the job will be there or people who are needed or maybe be required, that’s not the concern. The concern is to do the job we’ve been tasked to do.”

A decision was subsequently carried after consulting with Auditor General Deodat Sharma, who suggested that the Committee consider merging two years instead of three.

“With regards to the lengthy decision we would have had, I believe a decision has to be made…The decision has already been

Government PAC Member Gail Teixeira

unanimously consented to by this Committee and so carries,” Figuera informed.

The PAC is currently in a backlog of several years, since the 2016 Auditor General report is being examined in the 2021 fiscal year. Earlier this month, a motion that the parliamentary Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had been seeking to increase sittings of the PAC to twice per week, was defeated by the Government side of the Committee.

At the time, Government Chief Whip and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira had noted that making two meetings per week statutory not only goes against tradition, but would be an inconvenience for the PAC’s workload. However, the Government side has been willing to have extra meetings whenever the need arises. (G12)

Cutlass-wielding suspect

OPR investigating Police shooting in Linden

T

he Police Office of Professional Responsibility of the Guyana Police Force (GDF) is conducting investigations into the shooting of 36-yearold Marlon Brewster of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, who was shot by Police during their efforts to arrest him.

On Monday, the Police said that two uniformed cops responded to a report of alleged simple larceny of a generator on December 1.

According to Police, when the two officers arrived at Brewster’s residence, he was informed of the allegation against him but he began to verbally threaten the officers. The Police said that Brewster then armed himself with a

cutlass, which he used to attack the officers, causing them to retreat and seek backup.

Ranks of a Divisional Anti-Crime Patrol then responded to the scene, and subsequently managed to take the cutlass away from Brewster but he started to hurl beer bottles at them.

“Marlon Brewster subsequently broke two bottles and attacked one of the ranks during which he was shot to his body, but managed to escape,” the statement from the Police on Monday read.

The Police added that officers searched Brewster’s premises and discovered the generator he was accused of stealing along with two brushcutter machines and a

stereo that are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Some 115 grams of marijuana and a utensil used for smoking marijuana were also found at the man’s premises.

Brewster was later found at the Linden Hospital Complex as a patient and was placed under Police guard.

This is not the first time that Police have attempted arrest but was faced by cutlass-wielding suspects.

Earlier this year, this publication reported that a Police officer was on a motorcycle patrol on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, when he pulled over a minibus which had overtaken a line of traffic.

It was reported that

the cop asked the driver of the minibus he pulled over to provide him with his licence. The driver of the minibus then drove off after being told of the offence and was pursued by the policeman, who again intercepted him on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

At that point, the driver exited the bus, proceeded to the left passenger side of the vehicle, retrieved a cutlass, and chased after the Constable, who ran away.

Nevertheless, the driver was eventually arrested at his Sophia residence.

The 32-year-old minibus driver, Terrance Lynch, was later charged with four offences, including assaulting a Police officer and resisting arrest.

Look back in anger… …with Cheddi Jagan Contrary to what some Guyanese may believe, Amitabh Bachchan – who hit the big time in Indian cinema and, therefore, Guyanese consciousness in the 1970s – wasn’t the original “angry young man”. Of course, in Guyana there was plenty for young men to be angry about! What with Burnham banning basic foodstuff, ruining the economy, putting his picture on exercise books and forcing school kids to march up and down in the hot sun and University Students into the National Service!!

The phrase actually originated from a realist John Osborne play from the 50s about the life of a young working-class bloke in post-war Britain, dealing with classism in his family circumstances. Richard Burton, as the star of the movie of the same name, stamped the phrase in the minds of the literati. But here in Guyana, we had an angry young man who preceded Osborne –- Cheddi Jagan, who’d returned from the US in 1943 while WWII was still going on.

Cheddi had plenty to be angry from his life in Guyana and his stay while at university in the US. Your Eyewitness has been following the hot and sweaty debate about Cheddi’s role in Guyanese early politics that’s playing out in some of the newspapers. He does believe that in ignoring the critical point about Cheddi’s anger at the circumstance in which he found himself in his early life, the debaters are missing the crucial point. To wit, that while history may be driven by underlying structural contradictions, those contradictions work through people. And most critically, PERSONS. Persons like Cheddi.

We have to start with Cheddi in the plantations where the White manager’s wife threw coins for the boys to scramble for on the ground. Decades later when he wrote about it, you can feel his anger. Then there was his twoyear stint at Queens where he would’ve been the country bumpkin among the elite upper-crust white/Coloured 1930s Georgetown before the open scholarships. As he said, he was now a small fish in a big pond. Then to his chagrin, he felt he faced CASTE DISCRIMINATION from his own ethnic group in Georgetown!!

Then, of course, he studied in segregated America, where even though as an East Indian he slipped through the cracks of racial discrimination he couldn’t remain unmoved by the inhumanity of White America. The problem, however, is that unlike Osborne and his anger at the British Class system within his family, Jagan decided to channel his anger at the entire colonial system.

The advice from the old-line middle-class political types he found in Guyana to “Pat tiger head when yuh haan in tiger mout’” didn’t resonate!! …at racist provocateurs Moving back into the present, Guyanese have to see that we’re facing a critical inflection point in our race relations. We’ve got to ensure that it doesn’t head further south. Granger did what he had to do as a new PNC leader brought in to be the face of a “kinder, gentler” PNC to coalesce with the multi-racial AFC. But he destroyed all of that within a couple of years. Your Eyewitness doesn’t have to reprise all the times he shot the PNC in the foot – all the way to the West Berbice ethnic riots.

Now, as the PNC once again tries to reinvent itself in the fast-evolving political landscape, there are some political Neanderthals still fighting battles from the Stone Age. Not trying to eke out some lessons for the present as the debaters on Jagan are doing – how we should view the US’s involvement in our politics once again.

But actually, using clubs of racial boycotts of Black Pudding vendors, etc, to fight for “Justice”. …at recolonisation The Neanderthals will ensure that we’re so divided in our country that the old Imperial “divide and conquer” strategy will once again play out.

By the time the oil’s all gone, we’ll be left holding “wood”!

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

9

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS Teleperformance aims to create over 1000 new jobs next year TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

eleperformance is aiming to create over 1000 new jobs in 2022, its Chief Executive Officer revealed on Monday.

CEO Luis Baretto was at the time addressing Teleperformance’s 5th Anniversary ceremony at the Pegasus. He pointed out that Teleperformance currently employs 1200 persons in Guyana. This is an increase from 846 employees in August 2020. Of this amount, he added that 50 per cent work remotely.

According to Baretto, Teleperformance’s recipe for success is built on high technology, including reliable

and redundant Informational Technology architecture and the company’s focus is on hiring the right people along with continuous training and development.

During the ceremony, on behalf of President Ali and the Government, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh congratulated the efforts of Teleperformance Guyana, even as the country continues to combat the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also welcomed the projected expansion plans of the company, including its plan to add approximately 1000 new jobs by the end of 2022, with the possibility of even more jobs as

Teleperformance CEO Luis Baretto and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh exchange a handshake at Monday’s anniversary celebrations

the company explores options for a second facility. He highlighted that the BPO industry currently employs 4135 persons, an increase of 1229 new jobs for Guyanese countrywide when compared to August 2020.

The Minister pledged the Government’s continued support to the development of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry in Guyana, recognising Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as key to building an economy for the future and also as an enabler for job creation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

11

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teleperformance aims to create...

FROM PAGE 10

Dr Singh expressed his satisfaction that Teleperformance, the global leader in the BPO industry recognised Guyana’s unique advantages and competitiveness as a destination for BPO businesses, including a highly educated workforce, strate-

gic geographic location and the county being a native Englishspeaking one.

While welcoming Teleperformance’s expansion plans in Guyana and the Caribbean, Minister Singh also urged the company to expand its regional footprint to areas

such as Linden, Berbice and Essequibo. Teleperformance has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic both globally and here in Guyana, where employees who work from home account for 50 per cent of total employees. This not only creates employment in hard-

to-reach areas, but also facilitates employment of persons

who, due to domestic circumstances, cannot attend a phys-

ical office set-up. It also lays the groundwork for the development of the resource pool in new areas/regions where new expansion is planned.

Government has expressed its intention to continue to work closely to build and support the BPO industry, creating the necessary enabling environment and improving the ease of doing business.

The Minister was accompanied by CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop.

13

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS All adults now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots T TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Health Ministry has opened the booster doses, currently being rolled out in the vaccination campaign, to all adults.

In Guyana, some 2774 persons have already taken their booster dose. Initially, only health workers, persons over the age of 50 or those with comorbid conditions were eligible for the shot. But this has now changed as of Monday to include anyone 18 years and above.

“Those previous requirements that we had, where you had to be 50 years and older, we have now lowered that requirement. So, once you have received the twodose primary regimen and six months after that two dose, you can come and get a booster dose. We want to encourage everybody who meet that requirement to make sure they get that booster dose,” announced Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during Monday’s COVID update.

A person immunised with Sputnik V can take the

Johnson and Johnson vaccine as their booster dose.

Meanwhile, those with Pfizer, and Sinopharm are required to take the same vaccines respectively. Since Moderna booster shots are unavailable, Pfizer doses can work. For the AstraZenecaimmunised subset, a recommended Pfizer shot can also be taken. These shots are to be taken six months after.

Persons completely immunised with Johnson and Johnson vaccines can get the same vaccine as a booster dose two months after.

Since protection from the virus is shown to wean after some time, it is important to take the booster doses in order to restore immunity. This is especially important for persons with comorbidities, who stand a greater chance of developing a severe form of the virus.

Comorbid conditions include cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, chronic lung diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, men-

tal health disorders, neurological conditions, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell anaemia, tuberculosis, solid organ transplant patients, smokers or those with sub-

some people who would get the milder form of the disease but there are lots of other persons, because of their underlying conditions, who would then develop a more severe form of the disease and then get hospitalised. As we enter the holiday season, it is important that we remind ourselves of how to behave appropriately in this COVID pandemic”.

Guyana started offering the booster shots last week. Authorities arrived at this decision after compelling data suggested that six months after the first dose, immunity starts to wean. To

stance use disorder.

Dr Anthony also reiterated that people react differently once they are infected with the virus.

He shared, “There are

avoid the chance of breakthrough infections or risk compromised protection, the booster shot was mulled.

Vaccination statistics show that 738,995 vaccine doses have been administered in Guyana. A breakdown for the adult population reflects 403,537 first doses and 282,567 second doses. As such, 55.1 per cent of this cohort is full vaccinated.

For children, 29,458 first doses or 40.4 per cent were administered along with 20,659 or 28.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, booster doses are at 2774. (G12)

2 more COVID-19 deaths, 57 new cases recorded

T

he Health Ministry on Monday announced that two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 1008.

Latest fatalities are two males - a 71-year-old from

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD DECEMBER 6, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

57

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

52

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

872 17

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

20,203

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

18,014

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

38,217

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

36,628

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

403,537

FULLY IMMUNISED

282,567

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1008

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1679

REGION 2

1565

REGION 3

5134

REGION 4

17,886

REGION 5

1432

REGION 6

3409

REGION 7

1783

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

5475

REGION 10

2234

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and an 83-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). One was fully vaccinated while the other

ducted 398,500 tests thus far, of which 36,268 positive patients have recovered.

There were two new cases in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); four in Region

was unvaccinated.

The country has recorded 57 new cases of the virus, taking the total positives recorded to date to 38,217.

There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 52 in institutional isolation and 872 in home isolation.

Another four persons are being monitored in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has since con-

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 30 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

There were no increases in the other regions.

Meanwhile, active cases have reduced to 1018 across the country – the majority of which are in Region Four with 427, Region Six with 261 and Region Three with

148.

Protect oneself

Speaking on this decline in both deaths and active cases, Health Minister, Dr

Frank Anthony expressed, “We just came out of a Delta wave where we had a spike in hospitalisation and deaths. We have to be careful as we go forward in the holiday season with how we interact with each other. We still have a lot of active cases and these are persons that have been confirmed with a COVID-19 test.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

China gives UG $7M to Chuck E Cheese's to improve infrastructure open in Guyana

China’s Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan (right) hands over the cheque to Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin

C

hinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan along with the First Consul of the Embassy and Director of Trade and Development in the Embassy paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana and members of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

During the meeting, UG was gifted a cheque to the value of $7,000,000 from the People’s Republic of China to aid in the refurbishing of a generator and the construction of an access road at the institution’s Turkeyen Campus, East Coast Demerara. This gift was negotiated by its Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE).

UG’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma MohamedMartin received the cheque on behalf of the University, noting that that as UG continues to push its preparations for an impending return, it will go a far way in enhancing the services being offered to staff and

the over ten thousand students who are slated to begin returning to face-toface classes for Semester 2 of the 2021/2022 academic year. “This is the continuation of very close relations between the University and the Embassy of China in Georgetown […] We have a Confucius Institute on the Campus that trains hundreds of Guyanese every year in Mandarin Language, and we look forward to growing that and to the continued support of the Embassy for the University,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

“Additionally, almost two full years of disuse of buildings including the terrible weather we have had, and the ages of the buildings is really placing a strain on the infrastructure. So, this will certainly contribute.”

The Chinese Ambassador, in her remarks, said that her country was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to partner with the University of Guyana

and will continue to explore other avenues in which the Embassy and the University could further enhance collaboration so that both students and staff and the country as a whole would benefit great.

The Ambassador noted that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities around the world have experienced severe challenges in finance, teaching, and management. “This situation provides opportunities and convenience for improving campus infrastructure. I am happy that the Embassy can be of some help, within our capacity, to create a sound environment for teachers and students in the post-pandemic era, and to assist UG to nurture more students who are the bearers, leaders, and architects of the future,” Ambassador Haiyan expressed. UG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Prof Emanuel Cummings also expressed thanks on behalf of the entire UG community for the gift offered by the People’s Republic of China.

He noted that it is a timely initiative that will boost the institution’s capacity to improve the level of services offered to students. “Guyana has a long-standing relationship with China and this specific contribution is in the right direction as it is an investment into education.

That is, any investment in education will be felt by several generations to come […]

We are grateful for this contribution as it will go a far way in enhancing our roadways and more so our infrastructure.” Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Vice Chancellor (Institutional Advancement) Dr Mellissa Ifill; Deputy Chief of Mission, Chen Xilai; and Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer, Wendy QI.

2 more COVID-19 deaths...

He outlined that it is important to protect oneself, since persons in public can be asymptomatic, and as such, are undetected.

“There might be other persons who have a milder form of the infection that we have not captured in these numbers. Therefore, there are still persons out there and if you don’t abide by wearing your mask and keeping distancing and so forth, then you can become exposed unknowingly to someone who has COVID. Then you can get COVID.” Before travelling to Guyana, there must be proof of full vaccination and a negative SARS-CoV-2 antigen test or a negative SARsCov-2 PCR test, not older than 72 hours. Children under two years of age are not required to be tested.

Any mix-and-match

combination of approved vaccines administered at seventeen days apart is permissible. Fully vaccinated also includes persons who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus fourteen days to three months ago.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)

FROM PAGE 14

C

huck E Cheese, the global family entertainment brand, has announced that it is expanding to Guyana.

On Monday, the company said that it continues to “drive international expansion and has successfully signed development agreements in three new countries across South America and in the Middle East”.

“Investors and entrepreneurs continue to recognise Chuck E. Cheese as a high ROI opportunity within their local markets,” COO & SVP of international development for CEC Entertainment, Arun Barnes is quoted in a release from the company as saying.

According to the statement, one of the most effective avenues of growth is through existing franchisees who see success in their own regions, such as franchise partner Joanna Rostant of Yay! Entertainment in Trinidad & Tobago, who has

signed to expand the brand through sub franchising into Guyana and Suriname. The first site at Suriname is under construction and scheduled to open in the first half of 2022.

Joanna Rostant stated, “We are thrilled to partner through a sub franchise arrangement with Sasja Lie Pauw Sam and his team at Blue Falcon N.V. to bring the joy of Chuck E. Cheese to families in Suriname.

We note with confidence Suriname’s recent discovery of substantial volumes of hydrocarbons, and in keeping with the recent IMF forecasts, believe that Suriname will experience strong positive economic growth in the next couple of years. For these and other socio-economic reasons, we believe that the world’s leading family entertainment brand will be thoroughly enjoyed by children and families in Suriname.”

“It makes sense for Caribbean markets, and we

are thrilled that Joanna’s strong operating model has positioned her company well to achieve and lead this exciting expansion. We look forward to her success in Suriname, and later in Guyana,” added Arun Barnes.

In addition to the Caribbean, Chuck E. Cheese has also partnered with new franchise partners, Benchmark Hospitality Services, to expand new locations across Qatar throughout the next few years.

CEC Entertainment is a recognised leader in family entertainment and dining with its Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza and, delivery only, Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings brands. The company and its franchisees operate a system of nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese and 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues, with locations in 47 states in the United States and 17 foreign countries and territories.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Ghana push for closer economic ties between Private Sectors …red tape, bureaucracy will be removed – President Ali assures

W

President Irfaan Ali

ith Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia currently in Guyana on a three-day visit, President Dr Irfaan Ali is using the occasion to push for closer economic and private sector ties between the two countries.

President Ali and Dr Bawumia were joined at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday by Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and other members of Cabinet along with members of the Ghanian Government and the private sectors of both countries.

During his address to the attendees, President Ali noted the importance of moving beyond just grow-

Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

ing individual businesses in either country, to the point where the private sectors of both countries can come together and pursue opportunities on the global market.

He noted that the private sector in any country is the engine of growth, adding that red tapes and bureaucracy will be removed from the process of reaching business opportunities between the two countries.

“There is no need for interlocutors. This is your opportunity in the two private sectors to have direct, meaningful engagement and advancement of the opportunities you seek to pursue. And it is our intention, that you would understand how important this is. And that you would make good

use of this opportunity that exists on both sides.”

“It is not only about the opportunity that exists in Guyana. Or the opportunities in Ghana. It is how do we combine the twin power of the opportunities to become a dynamic and major player. And this is the level of engagement and thinking we want at the private sector.”

Some examples Ali cited were mining, agriculture and food security and transportation. Meanwhile, Bawumia endorsed the President’s sentiments when he went to the podium and further said that the enabling environment in both countries now exists for such increased ties.

“Trade figures indicate that trade between our two countries over the past two

Trained teachers to receive permanent certificate

T

he Education Ministry has announced that a decision was taken by the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, and conveyed to the Chief Education Officer to grant a waiver for the issuance of permanent certificates to all teachers who have completed five years of post-training.

The Ministry said on Monday that it has become increasingly difficult to use the normal procedure to issue permanent certificates due to

the COVID-19 pandemic, the rotation system employed by schools and the bureaucracy involved in teachers applying and then being issued with the certificates.

These hindrances, the Ministry said, have resulted in an untold number of teachers not being issued with their permanent certificates.

According to the Ministry, it sees this waiver as another step in simplifying access to its services, adding that dis-

cussions have been initiated in having the process to attain the permanent trained teachers’ certificate simplified.

It is expected that this waiver will benefit more than 400 teachers. Head Teachers were advised to prepare a list of all teachers who have completed five years after training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and have not been issued with their permanent certificates.

years has not been very encouraging, due to a number of varied reasons. However, the recent upsurge in economic growth in our respective economies has provided the enabling environment for the private sector to enhance commercial ties between our two countries.”

“It is our expectation, therefore, that the private sector through an innovative approach would partner with Government to create sustainable growth by focusing on the pillars of development for economic prosperity,” Bawumia said.

Bawumia noted that Ghana itself has undergone a restructuring of its economy and has been seeing commensurate economic growth. The Ghanian economic agenda includes flagship strategies such as “one district, one factory” and “one village, one dam”, among others. He also noted that agricultural products are also key in the development of its industrial strategy.

The Ghanian Vice President arrived in Guyana on Saturday, and was greeted by a military guard of honour and Prime Minister Phillips.

Dr Bawumia, who will be in Guyana from December 4 through 7, also arrived with an 18-member official delegation as well as members of the Ghanian private sector.

“While in Guyana, His Excellency Dr Bawumia and delegation will en-

gage in high-level bilateral discussions at both the Government and Private Sector levels, including engagements with President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips (retired), Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other Ministers of Government.

Vice President Bawumia will also meet with members of the Ghanaian diaspora and pay a visit to the University of Guyana,” a press release revealed.

“The two sides will also sign a framework bilateral cooperation agreement and further advance the conclusion of agreements in areas of mutual interest.

Prior to departing Guyana, Vice President Bawumia is expected to co-host a press conference with his Guyanese counterpart, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,” the release added.

Vice President Bawumia’s visit follows on the heels of the three-day visit Jagdeo paid to Ghana in October, where he had held talks with his Ghanian counterpart.

Following these discussions, he had announced that Ghanian experts would be reviewing Guyana’s draft local content legislation.

During Jagdeo’s meeting with the Ghanian Vice President, they had also spoken about the initiatives that Ghana implemented to further its industrial agenda and develop its non-oil economy.

True to the talks Jagdeo held with Bawumia,

Ghanian experts have been helping with Guyana’s local content efforts. In fact, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said that Ghanian support and influence is proving integral to Guyana as it crafts its own Local Content Bill that draws on the experience of those who have walked that road before.

Last week, Nandlall met with Professor Joe Amoako-Tuffour of the Economic Management Team in the Office of the Vice President in Ghana.

In a press release following the meeting, Nandlall noted that strenuous efforts are being made to pilot the Local Content Bill.

Ghanian support for Guyana’s local content efforts was garnered through the bilateral efforts of the Guyana Government. In October, Vice President Jagdeo visited Ghana where a commitment was made to provide this support. Before that, President Ali had held discussions with Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Ghana has been producing and exporting crude oil since 2011, having discovered the resource in commercial quantities back in 2007. Guyana begun producing oil in December 2019 in the Stabroek Block offshore, where there is said to be some 9 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The two countries officially established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979. (G3)

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US diplomats to boycott 2022 ExxonMobil receives Beijing Winter Olympics award for social T responsibility in Guyana E

xxonMobil has received the World Petroleum Council Excellence Award (WPCEA) for Social Responsibility.

The objective of the WPCEA is to distinguish companies, institutions or any public or private organisation engaged in the oil and gas industry for promoting or operating with high excellence standards.

Community Relations Manager, Suzie De Abreu accepted the award on the company’s behalf at the ongoing 23rd World Petroleum Congress in Houston, Texas, on Monday.

“We are pleased to be recognised for our work in building Guyanese capabilities to support oil and gas and the broader economy,” De Abreu indicated.

“This work to accelerate local content and our social responsibilities started with economic and industrial baseline surveys and engagement with key stakeholders to identify priorities, leading to the establishment of the Centre for Local Business Development in 2017 be-

Community Relations Manager, Suzie De Abreu and Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie display the award

fore the final investment decision was made for Liza Phase 1 project.”

To date, more than

3000 Guyanese companies have registered with the Centre and accessed training in several areas.

he US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

The White House said no official delegation would be sent to the Games because of concerns about China's human rights record.

But it said US athletes could attend and would have the government's full support.

China has previously said it will take "resolute countermeasures" in the event of a boycott. US President Joe Biden said last month that he was weighing up a diplomatic boycott of the event.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the boycott on Monday, saying that the administration would not contribute to the "fanfare" of the Olympics. "US diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC's [People's Republic of China] egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang," she said. "We simply can't do that." The Biden administration's diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics falls far short of a previous US boycott in 1980, when it pulled its athletes out of the Moscow Olympics to protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan the previous year. The Soviet Union and its allies, in turn, boycotted the following 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles.

Ms Psaki said the US government did not feel "it was the right step to penalise athletes

who had been training for this moment", but that not sending an official US delegation to the 2022 Games "could send a clear message". The US is itself due to hold the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for the boycott as a means to protest against Chinese human rights abuses. The diplomatic boycott was quickly praised by politicians from both sides of the political spectrum. Republican Utah Senator Mitt Romney tweeted that the Biden administration was "right to refuse" a diplomatic presence at the Olympics. Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she applauded the administration's decision. "While we must support and celebrate our athletes, America - and the world - cannot give our official imprimatur to these games or proceed as if there is nothing wrong with holding the Olympics in a country perpetrating genocide and mass human rights violations," Ms Pelosi said.

Some US politicians, however, said they believe that the diplomatic boycott is not enough. Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, called the diplomatic boycott a "half measure" and argued that the administration should have opted to "fully boycott" the games. "American businesses should not financially support the Chinese Communist Party and we must not expose Team USA to the dangers of a repugnant

regime that disappears its own athletes." Congressman Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat, said that while he is "glad to see the Biden administration take steps to hold China accountable", the diplomatic boycott "does not go far enough". "China has demonstrated again and again that they do not deserve the honour associated with hosting the Olympics, and the Games should be hosted elsewhere," Mr Ryan said. The US has accused China of repression of the Uighurs and other Muslim minorities living mostly in the autonomous region of Xinjiang. Tensions have also risen over the way China has acted to suppress political freedoms in Hong Kong, and because of concern for the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who has accused a top government official of assault.

The Women's Tennis Association last week suspended all tournaments in China because of "serious doubts" about Ms Peng's safety. Other countries, including the UK and Australia, are said to be considering boycotts.

The Biden administration's diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics falls far short of a previous US boycott in 1980, when it pulled its athletes out of the Moscow Olympics to protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan the previous year. The Soviet Union and its allies, in turn, boycotted the following 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. (BBC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

Regional

3 missionaries released in Haiti Caricom, CDB aim to build following October kidnapping economic opportunities

Max Leroy Mesidor, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-auPrince, hands off a placard that reads “You cannot kidnap my faith”, which he received as an offering from worshippers during Sunday Catholic Mass at the Chapelle de l’Immaculee Conception de l’HUEH in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, October 31, 2021

T

hree missionaries who were kidnapped in Haiti in October have been released, the US State Department and the Ohiobased missionary group that organised the group’s trip to the Caribbean nation said

on Monday.

“We are thankful to God that three more hostages were released last night.

Those who were released are safe and seem to be in good spirits,” Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries

said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Ned Price on Monday confirmed the release, adding that the United States is continuing to work to secure the release of the others.

Haitian National Police spokesman Garry Desrosiers said the three were released on Sunday night. He declined to give additional details, citing the security of the remaining hostages.

Sixteen Americans and one Canadian, including five children, were abducted after visiting an orphanage.

The incident has highlighted Haiti’s dire kidnapping problem, which has worsened in recent months amid economic troubles and political upheaval.

Two other ministry group members were released last month. (Reuters)

Mexico auto output, exports fall again on semiconductor shortage

C

aricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett said she was looking for ways in which the regional integration movement can work with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to build economic opportunities for Caricom nationals.

Dr Bennett visited the Barbados-based CDB last week for the first time since her appointment to the post in a return to familiar ground.

She previously served as country economist at CDB between 1989 and 1990 and Vice President of operations between 2012 and 2014.

During her visit to her former employers, Barnett met with CDB President, Dr Gene Leon, Vice President Yvette Lemonias-Seale, and their advisors.

During the meeting, they discussed further opportunities for collaboration between the two entities and ways to further their common goals of building economic opportunity and prosperity for the people of the Caribbean through deeper regional cooperation.

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Bennett (left) and CDB President, Dr Gene Leon during their meeting last week in Barbados

“CDB and Caricom are certainly partners in progressing the Caribbean,” Dr Leon said. “We share mutual goals of advancing the Region through economic and social integration.

“The Secretary General, of course, understands both institutions incredibly well and we spent some time discussing the unique and promising synergies that we can bring to bear on tackling the Region’s issues.

“It was a pleasure meeting with Dr Barnett, and I’m looking forward to us continuing and strengthening the partnership between our institutions.”

Dr Barnett described the meeting between the hierarchy of the two regional institutions as “a fruitful one”.

“It was a pleasure visiting the bank and beginning a conversation with President Leon on how best our two organisations can work together to advance the development of the Region,” she said.

“The skills and intellect available at all our regional institutions must be harnessed as we seek to build an economically and socially resilient Caribbean Community.” (Excerpt from CMC)

Former Colombia FARC leader killed in Venezuela – local media

A

M

Cars are parked at used autos platform Kavak in Mexico City, Mexico, August 25, 2020

exican automotive production and exports fell for the fifth month running in November, figures from the national statistics agency (INEGI) showed on Monday, as ongoing shortages of semiconductors put the brakes on the industry.

Mexican automotive production plunged by 20.25 per cent from November 2020 to 248,960 vehicles, while auto exports declined by 16.46 per cent to 240,341 units, the INEGI data showed.

A global semiconductor shortage has prompted automakers in Mexico and the rest of North America

to implement rolling shutdowns, curtailing production and hitting workers hard.

“The stoppages are due to the shortage of semiconductors, and yes, production decreased due to the shortage,” a spokesperson for the Mexico operations of Detroit-based General Motors Co said in response to a query about falling output.

INEGI data showed that GM Mexico’s production fell 43.7 per cent in November from a year earlier, to 40,534 units.

Nissan’s Mexico unit told Reuters the shortage was also impacting production,

after INEGI data showed its output plummeted 27.2 per cent in November to 41,525 vehicles.

Mexican auto parts industry group INA said the global semiconductor shortage could be further complicated in 2022 as fifth-generation (5G) technologies are adopted.

“We estimate the impact due to semiconductor shortage will last at least until the first quarter of next year. But this is coupled with a very important issue, which is the switch from 4G networks to 5G,” INA interim chief Alberto Bustamante said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

6-year-old girl killed in accidental shooting in Central Kingston

A

six-year-old girl was shot and killed in the Central Kingston area in Jamaica on Monday afternoon.

Preliminary reports are that the girl, a student of St Aloysius Primary, was accidentally shot while at her

Tex Lane home.

It is alleged that a man was toying with a gun when it went off hitting the girl.

She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

As news spread of the girl’s death, several of her

friends converged on the house creating an emotional scene where both children and adults wept openly.

The Police are now seeking to question the alleged shooter as he was reportedly still in the area. (Jamaica Observer)

former leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who rearmed in the wake of a 2016 peace agreement between the group and the Colombian Government, has been killed in Venezuela, according to local media.

Hernan Dario Velasquez, known as El Paisa (the Peasant), announced in 2019 that he and several well-known FARC commanders were rearming and forming a faction called Segunda Marquetalia.

Velazquez had been among the negotiators of the 2016 peace

deal.

He was killed in an attack by mercenaries seeking to cash in on rewards available for his capture, Colombian media reported on Sunday. The killing took place in the state of Apure near the border with Colombia, according to reports.

Neither Colombia nor Venezuela has acknowledged Velasquez’s death, although El Tiempo newspaper cited high-level sources who denied the Colombian Government was involved.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has long accused Venezuelan

President Nicolás Maduro of sheltering and protecting FARC dissidents, but Caracas has repeatedly denied the accusations.

An Interpol red notice, which functions as a type of international arrest warrant obliging member countries – including Venezuela – to arrest and extradite criminal suspects, was reissued for Velasquez earlier this year.

Velasquez had been connected to several high-profile attacks, including a car bombing that killed 36 people and wounded dozens of others in February 2003 in Bogota. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

19 COVID deaths, 801 new cases in T&T

T

he Health Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago recorded 19 additional COVID-related deaths on Monday.

This brings the total number of deaths to 2281.

There are currently 509 patients in the hospital.

The Ministry has also recorded 801 new COVID cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of active cases to 12,707.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad Newsday reported that Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roshan Parasram said the newest data on Omicron suggests the COVID-19

variant causes severe illness in people under five and those over 60.

During the Health Ministry’s virtual Covid-19 press conference on Saturday, he noted that Omicron was first detected in South Africa on November 22. South Africa alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the variant on November 24 and WHO designated it a variant of concern and named it Omicron on November 26.

While most of the cases are in southern Africa, there have been reports of Omicron in various coun-

ties around the world.

Listing what is suspected about the variant so far, he said it has several mutations that may allow it to evade immune responses, there may be an increased risk of infection, and the risk of global spread is high and it may lead to surges.

Also, although scientists are unsure if it is more transmissible than other variants, 74 per cent of the samples taken for genome sequencing in South Africa were Omicron while just a month ago, Delta was dominant. (Excerpts from Trinidad Guardian and Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

19

Around the World

deposed leader Suu Kyi OILNEWS OIL NEWS Myanmar's found guilty in widely criticised trial

Oil rebounds by almost 5% on Omicron hopes, Iran talks

O

il prices climbed by nearly 5 per cent on Monday on hopes the Omicron coronavirus variant would have a less damaging economic impact if its symptoms proved mostly mild and as some OPEC member countries signalled confidence in the market.

Reports in South Africa said Omicron cases there had only shown mild symptoms and the top US infectious disease official, Anthony Fauci, told CNN “It does not look like there's a great degree of severity" so far.

The White House said on Monday that the US ban on foreign nationals entering the country from eight southern African countries is something President Joe Biden's public health advisers reconsider daily.

Brent crude rose US$3.20, or 4.6 per cent, to settle at US$73.08 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose US$3.23, or 4.9 per cent, to settle at US$69.49 a barrel.

Last week, both benchmarks fell for a sixth week in a row.

"All the headlines are bullish today," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group. "The momentum seems to be jumping back in."

Global benchmark Brent has risen 38 per cent this year, supported by output curbs led by the OPEC+ group of producers, though it has fallen from a three-year high above US$86 in October.

Iraq's Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar said he expects oil prices to reach over US$75, state news agency INA reported.

He added that OPEC is trying to "positively contain" the energy market, INA said.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia raised January official selling prices for all crude grades sold to Asia and the United States by up to 80 cents from the previous month.

The OPEC+ group, comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, last week decided to continue increasing monthly supply by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, even after a slide in prices driven by Omicron concerns.

Oil was also buoyed by diminishing prospects of a rise in Iranian oil exports after indirect US-Iranian talks on saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal broke off last week.

Meanwhile, the World Petroleum Conference devoted to future technologies and low-carbon strategies kicked off in Houston on Monday with top executives from energy companies affirming the need for more oil for decades to come.

"We in fact are going into a period of scarcity. And I think that for the first time, in a long time, we will see a buyer looking for a barrel of oil, as opposed to a barrel of oil looking for a buyer," said Jeff Miller, chief executive of energy services firm Halliburton. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

court in military-ruled Myanmar found deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of charges of incitement and breaching coronavirus restrictions on Monday, drawing international condemnation of what critics described as a "sham trial".

Suu Kyi is set to serve two years in detention at an undisclosed location, a sentence reduced from four years after a partial pardon from Myanmar's military chief, state TV reported.

President Win Myint was also initially sentenced to four years as the court delivered its first verdicts in numerous cases against Suu Kyi, who led the former civilian Government in the role of state counsellor, and other leaders ousted in the Feb 1 military coup.

A

colder weather which is going to really create new challenges with the Delta variant, we've got holiday gatherings," he said.

"Vaccine mandates are the one thing that breaks through."

He said New York would be the first US city to mandate vaccines for private sector workers, affecting around 184,000 businesses.

A mandate for public sector workers which came into force earlier this autumn met vocal resistance, and led some employees to leave their jobs. However, rates of vaccination rose in response to the policy.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup against Suu Kyi's democratically elected Government led to widespread protests and raised international concern

about the end of tentative political reforms following decades of military rule.

Suu Kyi's supporters say the cases against her are baseless and designed to end her

Ethiopian forces recapture two Amid shortage, Canada taps into key towns from rebels, Govt says emergency maple syrup reserves

E

thiopian forces have recaptured the strategic towns of Dessie and Kombolcha from Tigrayan fighters, the Government said, the latest sign of the government retaking territory it recently lost.

Forces aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) had taken control of the towns, in the Amhara region, just more than a month ago.

“The historic Dessie city and the trade and industry corridor city, Kombolcha have been freed by the joint gallant security forces,” the Government Communications Service said on Twitter, the latest in a round of territorial gains claimed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Administration.

The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Abiy as saying the rebels had sustained “heavy losses and (were) unable to cope with the strike by allied forces”, AFP news agency reported. “The enemy will be hit and

New York's workers must all have vaccine by 27th December ll New Yorkers will need to be vaccinated if they want to go to work, the city's Mayor has announced.

Public sector employers already have to be inoculated, but the mandate will now be extended to all private sector employees, Bill de Blasio told MSNBC. The policy will take effect on December 27, he said.

"We in New York City have decided to use a pre-emptive strike," said de Blasio, who leaves office at the end of December.

"We've got Omicron as a new factor, we've got the

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi attends the joint news conference of the Japan-Mekong Summit Meeting at the Akasaka Palace State Guest House in Tokyo, Japan, October 9, 2018

political career and tie her up in legal proceedings while the military consolidates power.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi, 76, has been detained since the coup, along with most senior leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Others are abroad or in hiding.

"The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically motivated," UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in comments echoed by the European Union, Britain and others.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the conviction was "unjust" and called for the release of Suu Kyi and other detained elected officials. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ten cases of the new Omicron variant, which is thought to be more transmissible than previous strains of COVID, have been identified in New York City and the immediate surrounding region. de Blasio said it should be assumed that there was already community spread of the variant in New York.

Rates of the virus in the city, at around 20 per 100,000, according to the New York Times' COVID data, is lower than the overall US average of 33 per 100,000, but has been rising over the past month.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

the victory will continue,” he said.

TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Wednesday, the Government announced that pro-Abiy forces had recaptured the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela, which had fallen to Tigrayan fighters in August.

The conflict, which erupted in November 2020, took a sharp turnaround at the end of October this year, when the TPLF claimed to have captured Dessie and Kombolcha.

Since then, fears of a rebel march on Addis Ababa have prompted countries such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom to urge their citizens to leave Ethiopia as soon as possible, although Abiy’s Government says TPLF gains are overstated and the city is secure.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

G

lobal supply shortages have hit toy shops in the US and coffee producers in Brazil. In Canada, the country's liquid gold - maple syrup - is running low.

The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) - the socalled OPEC of maple syrup - has released about 22m kg from its emergency larder, nearly half the total in reserve.

Booming demand and a shortened harvest had caused the shortfall, QMSP said.

It is the first time in three years the reserve has been used.

Quebec, Canada's Francophone province, produces almost three-quarters of the world's maple syrup.

In 2021, 183m kg of maple syrup was produced worldwide and 60m kg came from Quebec's forests, according to QMSP. And the QMSP is already planning ahead to next year's harvest, where it will tap an extra 7 million trees.

Maple sap is tapped directly from sugar maple trees and boiled to concentrate it into maple syrup.

It's painstaking work and is highly dependent on the weather. Maple trees can only be tapped when temperatures are above freezing during the day, but below freezing at night. A shorter and warmer season this year caused supply to drop by nearly a quarter.

At the same time, global sales of maple syrup jumped by more than 36 per cent over the year before, according to QMSP. Worldwide thirst for Quebec's maple syrup has previously appeared to inspire sugar-stealing.

In 2012, thieves made off with nearly 3000 tonnes of maple syrup, valued at an estimated $18 million (£13.6 million). Two-thirds of the stolen syrup was later recovered. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Indonesia volcano erupts again as death toll rises to 22

A

n Indonesian volcano was active again on Monday, spewing out hot clouds of ash, two days after a powerful eruption killed at least 22 people and left dozens missing.

Mt Semeru, the tallest mountain on the island of Java, erupted dramatically on Saturday, shooting a towering column of ash into the sky that blanketed surrounding villages.

Aerial footage showed roofs jutting out of an ashen landscape, while on the ground, military officers, police and residents dug through mud with their hands to pull out victims.

The death toll had risen to 22 by Monday, while 27 were missing, Indonesia's

disaster mitigation agency said.

The volcano erupted again on Monday, Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation confirmed via its Twitter account, warning of continued seismic activity.

"Semeru is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Before and after the December 4 eruption, it will continue to be active," Liswanto, the head of the Semeru Volcano Observatory, told Reuters.

Some residents returned to their homes to check on belongings and livestock, but Liswanto urged people to keep a safe distance.

In the Sumberwuluh

area, rescue teams battled poor weather to retrieve victims from the rubble.

Complicating logistics and rescue efforts, lava flows from Saturday's eruption destroyed a bridge connecting two areas in the district of Lumajang with the city of Malang.

Public kitchens and health facilities have been set up for more than 1700 people who have been displaced.

Semeru is one of more than 100 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a country that straddles the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity that rests atop multiple tectonic plates. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

Lean on someone who is always there for you. The added reinforcement will give you an edge. Be smart about the way you handle your peers, and you will gain respect and support.

Keep an open mind, but don't take unnecessary risks.

A minimalist approach will save you time and money and help you avoid an argument with someone who can influence your status or reputation.

Assess a situation, make GEMINI your move and finish what (May 21- you start. Living up to your June 20) word will help ward off criticism and interference. A steady pace and an articulate plan will lead to victory.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Map out what you can do before committing to something that may not be feasible. An act of kindness shouldn't put you in a vulnerable position. Get your facts straight and think creatively.

Don't tempt fate. Stick to a schedule and take care of your responsibilities. Don't get involved in gossip or be gullible when dealing with peers. A resourceful approach will help you avoid wasting time.

Mull things over. Be smart by easing into any change that comes your way; things will turn out better than anticipated. A networking event will pay off. Self-improvement will give you the boost you need.

Consider what's essential and concentrate on keeping the peace and being honest about how you feel and what you plan to do next. Don't let your emotions get in the way of your happiness.

Do your part and make a difference. Look for solutions instead of complaining about what's wrong. Documenting everything will help you keep tabs on who does what and what helps the most.

SAGITTARIUS Dive in, take charge and get things done. Take the in(Nov. 23itiative, and you will turn Dec. 21) an idea into something concrete. Refuse to let someone's negativity or misleading rhetoric get in the way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- INTREPID

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

Concentrate on getting things done on time. Use your imagination, and you'll find a way to outmaneuver anyone who tries to compete with you. Use your physical attributes to your advantage.

A last-minute change will limit what you can do, causing doubt and stress.

Have a backup plan in place before you commit to someone or something that has the potential to go sideways.

Don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness and (Feb. 20generosity. Offer only what March 20) you can afford and what will not compromise you mentally, emotionally or financially.

A little romance will help.

PISCES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

21

India canter to victory as Jayant, SCOREBOARD Ashwin return four-fors NEW ZEALAND 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 540 RUNS) Tom Latham (c) lbw b Ashwin 6 Will Young c sub (SA Yadav) b Ashwin 20 Daryl Mitchell c J Yadav b Patel 60 Ross Taylor c Pujara b Ashwin 6 Henry Nicholls st †Saha b Ashwin 44 Tom Blundell † run out (sub [KS Bharat]/†Saha) 0 Rachin Ravindra c Pujara b J Yadav 18 Kyle Jamieson lbw b J Yadav 0 Tim Southee b J Yadav 0 William Somerville c Agarwal b J Yadav 1 Ajaz Patel not out 0

J

ayant Yadav struck three times in the first half hour of the fourth morning and four times in nine legal deliveries to finish with career-best figures of 4 for 49, as India wrapped up their biggest win in terms of runs – 372 – and also handed New Zealand their biggest loss. The result sealed the series 1-0 for the hosts who also regained the number one spot in International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings, with New Zealand in second place now.

Overnight batters Henry

An animated Virat Kohli leads the Indian team off the field

Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra played out the first 20 minutes against Jayant and R Ashwin, with both bowlers beating the outside edge nearly every over. Jayant was more wayward of the two and was punished for fours by

Extras (b 9, lb 1, nb 2) 12 TOTAL (56.3 Ov, RR: 2.95) 167 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Tom Latham, 3.6 ov), 2-45 (Will Young, 14.3 ov), 3-55 (Ross Taylor, 16.1 ov), 4-128 (Daryl Mitchell, 34.3 ov), 5-129 (Tom Blundell, 36.5 ov), 6-162 (Rachin Ravindra, 51.5 ov), 7-165 (Kyle Jamieson, 53.2 ov), 8-165 (Tim Southee, 53.4 ov), 9-167 (William Somerville, 55.1 ov), 10-167 (Henry Nicholls, 56.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 5-2-13-0 Ravichandran Ashwin 22.3-9-34-4 Axar Patel 10-2-42-1 Jayant Yadav 14-4-49-4 Umesh Yadav 5-1-19-0

turn from outside off to trap Kyle Jamieson lbw for a duck. Two balls later, he rattled the stumps when The Indian team pose with the winners' trophy Tim Southee danced down to miss a big heave also Ravindra whenever he pitched short outside off. for a duck, and three balls later, in his next over, Ravindra collected two fours in the third over of the Jayant bagged his fourth by getting Will Somerville morning and two more four overs later. caught at the second short-leg fielder who had just Between the first two of those fours, been brought in.

Ravindra also survived a very close lbw Ashwin then wrapped up victory in the shout when Jayant struck him in front of next over with his 300th Test wicket at middle stump, but umpire Nitin Menon home and also his 50th this year. Nicholls adjudged it not out. India didn't review had blocked plenty of deliveries from despite the close shout and ball-trackAshwin the previous evening and in the ing later showed it was clipping off for morning around the off stump careumpire's call, which wouldn't have fully by pressing forward regularly, overturned the decision anyway had but as soon as he stepped out of the India reviewed. crease to attack, Ashwin's flight and Jayant ensured India didn't have turn went past the swinging bat and to wait long for the breakthrough Wriddhiman Saha completed a quick though. As soon as Ravindra swept stumping to dismiss the batter for 44. him for back-to-back fours past Ashwin finished with 8 for 42 in backward square leg, Jayant drew the match and spinners lapped up 33 his outside edge for a catch at secof the 36 wickets that fell to bowlers, ond slip to start the march towards Ajaz Patel poses with his special trophy, apart from Tom Blundell's run out on victory. awarded for achieving the Perfect Ten the third evening. (ESPNcricinfo) In his next over, he drew sharp

Mitchell leads Jazz to 4th straight win in NBA thriller, Hornets edge Hawks Mike Conley three-pointer followed by a Rudy Gobert dunk (six points and 20 rebounds) to re-claim the advantage late in the game before Garland had the chance to snatch victory on the buzzer.

The result saw Cleveland's winning streak stopped at four games, despite Garland's 31-point display.

Bridges' Hornets edge Hawks, Rockets soar

Darius Garland missed a buzzer-beating winner as the Utah Jazz extended their winning streak to four games with a thrilling 109-108 NBA victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Garland's potential game-winner from threepoint range hit the rim, with both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley unable to tip in the rebound with 2.9 seconds remaining.

Donovan Mitchell starred for the in-form Jazz, who improved to 16-7 for the season, posting 35 points – including four three-pointers – and six assists.

It was All-Star Mitchell's third consecutive game with 30 or more points for the Jazz, who are hot on the heels of the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference.

Utah had led by 15 points at one stage, but needed a

The Charlotte Hornets overcame the absence of LaMelo Ball (COVID protocols) to win 130-127 against the Atlanta Hawks, despite Trae Young's exceptional 25 points and 15 assists. Miles Bridges scored 32 points with four assists and three steals for the Hornets. He has six 30-point games this season having only managed three in his first three campaigns combined. Bridges is averaging 20.4 points and 7.3 rebounds – one of only 14

players to be averaging 20/7 this term.

Brandon Ingram put up 40 points, but it was not enough for the New Orleans Pelicans, who went down 118-108 to the streaking

Houston Rockets. Houston have won six consecutive games to improve to 6-16.

Beal silenced by Raptors

Bradley Beal was shut down, managing just 14

points as the Washington Wizards lost to the Toronto Raptors 102-90. Beal went four of 12 from the field. It was the third game in a row that Beal has scored less than 20 points. (Sportsmax)

Olympic champion Thompson-Herah among nominees for BBC SPOTY World Sports Star award

J

amaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah has been named among the nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s World Sports Star award.

This follows her being named Female Athlete of the Year by World Athletics at their virtual award show held on December 1.

The triple gold medallist from the Tokyo Olympics this year has been nominated alongside Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Rachael Blackmore, Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Max Verstappen.

Thompson-Herah will

face stiff competition from her fellow nominees as Alvarez became the first undisputed super-middleweight champion in boxing history with an 11th-round finish against Caleb Plant last month.

Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National back in April.

Brady led the Buccaneers to their first Superbowl in franchise history and his seventh overall, having won six previously as a member of the New England Patriots.

Djokovic won three

Grand Slam titles this year – the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon to take his overall tally to 20, joining rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the alltime leader board.

Verstappen is in a fight for his first F1 title and has won nine races so far this season.

Voting is now open for the award on the BBC’s website and closes on December 14 with the winner being unveiled at the BBC Sports Personality of The Year Ceremony on December 19. (Sportsmax)

22

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ireland to tour West Indies in January for CG Insurance ODI Series and T20I in Jamaica

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday announced the match schedule for the Ireland Men’s tour of the West Indies. Ireland will play three CG Insurance One-Day Internationals (ODIs), to be followed by a one- off T20 International (T20I) at Sabina Park, Jamaica from Saturday, January 8 to Sunday, January 16.

This will be Ireland’s second full white-ball tour to the West Indies. Ireland previously toured in 2020 which included a thrilling one-wicket, last-over win for the West Indies in the second match of the 2020 CG Insurance ODI Series.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Ireland back to the West Indies in January.

They last visited the Caribbean in 2020 and we had some exciting encounters, so we can anticipate a competitive series to start the new year,” said CWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave.

“This will be the start of a very busy year for us at CWI, as we host several international teams as well as the ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup. We want to thank the Government of Jamaica and our colleagues at the Jamaica Cricket Association, who have been working closely with us to make sure that the tour can take place safely and smoothly. We’d also like to thank title sponsors CG Insurance for their ongoing support and investment in cricket, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it has been vital funding to help us to sustain the sport across our Caribbean countries and communities.”

CG Insurance CEO Naz Farrow said: “When we first began our partnership a few years ago, we would have never imagined that the teams, and the world, were about to face one of the biggest challenges of this generation.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been thrilled to see the players and teams work through the various obstacles to constantly deliver world-class cricket. Even now, as Ireland joins to play the ODIs in January, we are proud to continue to support CWI,

and this series, and look forward to these exciting matches in 2022.”

The CG Insurance ODI Series between West Indies and Ireland will be West Indies’ fifth ODI series out of the 12 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, in which the top seven teams can secure automatic qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

The CG Insurance ODIs will start at 09:30h (9:30am) local time (10:30h (10:30am) Eastern Caribbean/14:30h (2:30pm) Ireland) and the T20I will start at 16:00h (4pm) local time (17:00h (5pm) Eastern Caribbean/ 21:00h (9pm) Ireland). All matches will be available in Ireland and the United Kingdom on BT Sport on its sport channels and across its digital platforms. (Windies Cricket)

Match schedule – at Sabina Park

* January 8: 1st CG Insurance ODI – 9:30am (10:30am Eastern Caribbean/2:30pm Ireland) * January 11: 2nd CG Insurance ODI – 9:30am (10:30am Eastern Caribbean/2:30pm Ireland) * January 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI – 9:30am (10:30am Eastern Caribbean/2:30pm Ireland) * January 16: T20I International - 4pm (5pm Eastern Caribbean/9pm Ireland)

BFA female uniform kits unveiled … Marslowe confident ladies will put on a good show in Super 16

BFA President Alden Marslowe

T

The ladies’ away kit

he Bartica Football Association (BFA) launched its female uniform kits (home and away) on Sunday at the Bartica Community Centre, to coincide with the girls’ football match between the Bartica Secondary School and Three Miles Secondary School.

The ladies home kit

The kit consisting of a yellow jersey, black shorts and yellow socks has been identified as the Association’s home uniform while the away kit consists of a green jersey, red shorts, and green socks.

In the match, Bartica Secondary School, wearing the away kit, emerged

victorious by way of kicks from the penalty spot, following a nil-all result at the end of regulation time.

The two kits represent the colours of all categories of the BFA teams, and were presented to the Association by the Guyana Football Federation as part of its Members Financial

Assistance Programme (MFAP).

When asked his opinion on the chances of the female side in the upcoming Super 16, BFA President Alden Marslowe said, “We have identified a number of good talented players among our girls, so I am confident they will be com-

petitive in the Super-16 matches. In terms of their preparation, the BFA is committed to the longterm development of our female players. However, systems to prepare them for the year-end tournament are being intensified and they will be ready come December 19, for their first game.”

As it pertains to the promotion of the game

Linden, Colts, Ravens and Eagles to match-up at Rawle Toney 3X3 launch

C

ompetitive basketball will make a return to Georgetown for the first time since 2019 on Friday, December 10, when the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic will be launched at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The February 19-20, 2022 tournament will be launched with a four-way 3X3 event featuring Ravens, Colts, Eagles and Linden, which event organiser Rawle Toney explained would showcase what the game’s shortest format is about.

According to Toney, the launching of his marquee 3X3 tournament, which gets underway from 18:00h, is to give sponsors, potential sponsors, and the public a glimpse of what is in store

next February.

“Everything about the tournament next year will be different, so the idea behind the launch is to create a similar atmosphere at the Cliff Anderson Hall,” Toney said.

He added, “3X3 basketball is where entertainment and sports collide; on Friday, fans will see some of Guyana’s top talents also performing some of their most popular tracks.”

With strict COVID-19 regulations in place, Friday’s event will be streamed live via Facebook and other popular social media platforms, catering for those who might not be able to make it or have reservations about attending a live sport event.

“We haven’t had basketball being played at the club level since 2019. This is to also give those play-

Rawle Toney

ers a chance to get back into the habit of playing with officials and doing so at an event, and with trophies

and cash prizes at stake,” Toney noted.

Meanwhile, the event organiser said since the announcement of the tournament, enquiries came pouring in from several teams in the Caribbean and North America.

“Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname are very, very interested, while teams from Canada and the US would’ve also reached out to gather more details, enquire about hotels, and so forth,” Toney revealed.

Several major announcements will be made soon, including which local stars will be performing on Friday, as well as unveiling the tournament’s official uniform supplier.

among females in Bartica, Marslowe related that more could always, and should always, be done for the game, including female football. He relayed that the BFA has identified a coach who would be dedicated to the development of the female players. It will also be putting plans in place to ensure they are kept active in the new year.

The BFA boss further stated that partnership with corporate Guyana was necessary for the development of the game.

“While the GFF has been giving us unmatched support, we at the BFA look forward to engaging sponsors, because we can do a lot more if we work together,” Marslowe posited.

The Bartica Female Team are expected to be in action on December 19 at the Bartica Community Centre against the Wakapao Female Team in the GFF-Kashif and Shanghai Female Super-16 Tournament.

CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS Business Opportunity of a lifetime.

Earn extra cash. Part-time/Full-time.

Tel: 656-2682

PRODUCTS Would you like to lose weight/gain weight? Lose belly fat? Have Digestive Health? Low Energy? Improve Your Immune System? Tel.: #656-2682

TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 2264277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Pepsi Hikers, Roulettes, Scorpions are champions of ExxonMobil indoor tournament were: Second Division: Most Promising Player – Federico Cush (GCC Pitbulls) Best Goalkeeper – Raol Whittaker (Saints) Women’s Division: Most Valuable Player – Leo Berlie (GBTI GCC Roulettes) Best Goalkeeper – Donyale Nurse (Saints) Men’s Division: Most Valuable Player – Jamarj Assanah (Pepsi Hikers) Best Goalkeeper – Anthony Cole (Guyana 40s)

Pepsi Hikers, winners of the men’s first division

T

he Pepsi Hikers, GCC Roulettes and Saints Scorpions all finished the hockey year on a high with victories in the three divisions of the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships, the only local competition for the entire 2021.

The men’s final showed some promise in the early minutes as, despite Hikers Captain Randy Hope’s early goal in the third minute, Guyana 40s Captain Chris Low-Koan equalised five minutes later, making it clear that the favourites, Hikers, were in for a genuine fight.

As the half progressed, the Hikers would score a pair more by Aroydy Branford and Jason Clarke. As the 40s tired, the Pepsi Hikers would re-emerge after a refreshing half time and dominate the second half with a string of six unanswered goals. Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jamarj Assanah led the charge with five goals of his own to complete the 9-1 victory for the Pepsi Hikers.

Abosaide Cadogan was unstoppable in the women’s final as she led the score sheet with five goals supported by tournament MVP Leo Berlie with a double.

The GBTI GCC Roulettes

Saints Scorpions, winners of the second division

were relentless in their goal pursuit and managed a 7-1 victory over the GBTI GCC Spartans. While the Spartans put up a brave fight and the run-of-play was more closely matched than the scoreline, it was the clinical finishing of Cadogan and the high work-rate and skill level of Berlie that separated the teams. Spartans Captain Gabriella Xavier connected with a pass from Marzana Fiedtkou late in the match to salvage some pride with the lone goal of

the match for the Spartans.

The Garnett brothers, Shomere and Tahrea, managed five of the six goals scored for Saints in their 6-2 drubbing of YMCA Old Fort.

The final goal of the match was the most memorable moment as Tahrea sprinted up court on the left side, leaving the Old Fort defence in the dust before gently lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Paul D’Andrade and into the net.

In the presentation after the conclusion of the three finals, the individual awards

Full results are as follows:

Male Division Final – Pepsi Hikers defeated Guyana 40s 9-0 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (9) – Jamarj Assanah 5, Randy Hope 1, Aroydy Branford 1, Jason Clarke 1, Robert France 1 Guyana 40s (1) – Chris Low-Koan Pepsi Hikers defeated 50 Not Out 11-0 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (11) – Aroydy Branford 4, Andrew Stewart 3, Jamarj Assanah 2, Jason Clarke 1, Shane Samuels 1 Guyana 40s defeated Bounty GCC 4-3 Goals: Guyana 40s (4) – Devin Hooper 2, Dwayne Scott 1, Brian Asregado 1 Bounty GCC (3) – Kareem McKenzie 1, Lennox Carrol 1, Kevin Spencer 1 Female Division Final – GCC Roulettes defeated GCC Spartans 7-1 Goals: GCC Roulettes (7) – Abosaide Cadogan 5, Leo Berlie 2 GCC Spartans (1) – Gabriella Xavier 1 GCC Roulettes defeated GCC Ignite 4-1 Goals: GCC Roulettes (4) – Abosaide Cadogan 1, Alysa Xavier 1, Leo Berlie 1, Shebiki Baptiste 1 GCC Ignite (1) – Makeda Harding 1 GCC Spartans defeated Saints 4-1 Goals: GCC Spartans (4) – Marzana Fiedtkou 2, Gabriella Xavier 1, Madison Fernandes 1 Saints (1) – Nicole Eastman 1 Male Second Division Final – Saints Scorpions defeated YMCA Old Fort 6-2 Saints Scorpions (6) – Shomere Garnett 3, Tahrea Garnett 2, Shakeem Fausette 1 YMCA Old Fort (2) – Daniel Woolford 1, Theodore Thierens 1 YMCA Old Fort defeated Hikers Cadets 5-0 Goals: YMCA Old Fort (3) – Shaquon Favorite 3 Hikers Cadets (1) – Jason Clarke 1 Saints Scorpions defeated GCC Pitbulls in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw Goals: Saints Scorpions (2) – Shomere Garnett 1, Tahrea Garnett 1 GCC Pitbulls (2) – Samuel Woodroffe 1, Meshach Sargeant 1

GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup strikes gold with Dinar Trading sponsorship

Linden Deputy Mayor Bethune is new UDFA President

F

ollowing a prior postponement, the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) on Sunday was finally able to host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elections, thus paving way for new leadership in the Association.

Sunday’s AGM was hosted at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Hall in Mackenzie, Linden.

Subsequently after the protocols of the AGM, the lone slate for the elections, headed by Deputy Mayor of the town of Linden, Wainwright Bethune, was elected unopposed to lead the Association for the next two years.

Bethune’s election to the

coveted post comes after outgoing President Terrence Mitchell and acting President Claude Williams gave no indication that they wanted to run for the post.

The outgoing President was present, as were Guyana Football Federation (GFF) General Secretary Ian Alves while the Returning Officer was another GFF official, Lyndon France.

Since Bethune's slate of names was nominated unopposed, his executive body comprises First Vice President Sean Adams, Second Vice President Patrick Dey, Third Vice President Olston Thorman, Secretary Dawn McCammon Barker,

Dinar Trading Manager Clifton Singh presents the monetary donation to Aubrey “Shanghai” Major

D New UDFA President Wainwright Bethune

Treasurer Kevin DeJonge, Public Relations Officer Reycia Nedd, Assistant Secretary /Treasurer Kellon Josiah, with the Committee Members Mark Richards, Dexter Harris, and Damian Forrester.

inar Trading has thrown its support behind the Guyana Football Federation-Kashif & Shanghai Super 16 Cup, becoming the latest company to sponsor the elite year-end competition.

Clifton Singh, Manager at Dinar Trading, one of Guyana’s leading gold, diamond and currency trading firms, presented the monetary donation to Aubrey “Shanghai” Major of the K&S Organisation on Friday.

“We are happy to wel-

come Dinar Trading on board for this incredible tournament,” Major said.

“Support like this from corporate Guyana is vital for the successful delivery of the competition and we look forward to welcoming more partners into our team as we near kick off.”

Singh said Dinar Trading was proud of its long-term track record in supporting football competitions and the firm was happy to provide further resources for the development of sports in Guyana.

“As passionate football fans and proud sponsors of the sport, we are excited to see this GFF-K&S competition come to fruition as football returns to play,” Singh said. “ GFF President Wayne Forde thanked Dinar Trading for its contribution to the competition.

“On behalf of the GFF, I would like to praise Dinar Trading for providing this support. It is inspiring to see that corporate Guyana is really getting behind the GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup,” Forde said. “We encourage more companies to partner with us as we roll out what promises to be a spectacular return to senior competition over the holiday season.”

The GFF-K&S Super-16 Cup, scheduled to be held December 12-January 1, the GFF Women’s Super-16 Festival 2021 (December 11-January 2) and the GFFK&S Futsal Championship (December 14-January 8) will be played in venues across the country, including in Georgetown, Buxton, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Providence, Leonora, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, and Essequibo.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021

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

GBTI GCC Roulettes, winners of the women’s division

Pepsi Hikers, Roulettes, Scorpions are champions of ExxonMobil indoor tournament Page 23

GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup strikes gold with Dinar Trading sponsorship

Page 23

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.