Guyana Times - Tuesday January 27, 2021

P15

World Bank pumps US$13.5M into Guyana’s education sector Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4541

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

PRICE

Greater inclusion leads to greater prosperity – President Ali tells politicians

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Wife, hitman plead guilty P8 to murdering block maker

See story on page 3

Duo arraigned for murder of Sophia youth

...parties praise Govt’s “inclusivity” in Budget 2021 engagement

OAS Permanent Council to discuss rising tension between Guyana and Venezuela

P20

See stories on pages 7 and 19

– French envoy condemns Venezuela's detention of Guyanese fishermen – wife of detained Boat Captain appeals for release of husband, crew

CDC activates Corentyne fishermen to receive licences to National operate in Surinamese waters – Min Mustapha Oil Spill Response Plan – as PM charges Committee to be proactive See story on page 11

Guyana P14 records 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 29 new cases – teachers, students at St Cuthbert’s Mission test positive

8-Y-O hospitalised after being struck by speeding P17 motorcycle Police intercept car with gun, ammo and suspected P10 stolen items

See story on page 16

India High Commission observes India’s 72nd Republic Anniversary

Page 12

No further delay in LJP’s request for Councillor change – GECOM P17

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 27 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Thursday, January 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 27 – 15:20h – 16:50h and Thursday, January 28 – 16:00h – 17:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail during the day. There will be clear skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.54 metres.

Low Tide: 09:25h and 21:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.63 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021

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Greater inclusion leads to greater prosperity – President Ali tells politicians ...parties praise Govt’s “inclusivity” in Budget 2021 engagement

H

is Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday reiterated his commitment to engaging all stakeholders to ensure that Government’s plans and programmes reflect the priorities of the people.

The Head of State gave this assurance during a meeting at State House with representatives from Guyana’s small political parties. Its members were invited to discuss Budget 2021 preparations.

“You are all stakeholders in this process. And as we have embarked on Budget 2021, I thought it necessary that at least we have a working lunch and examine some of your thoughts, some of what you see as priorities, so that we can have a discussion, so that we can consult, so that we can arrive at a programme in which all of Guyana feel as if they're part of it,” President Ali stated.

Present at the engagement were representatives from A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), the Citizenship Initiative (TCI), the New Movement (TNM), United Republican Party (URP) and Change Guyana.

The Head of State was joined by several members of his Cabinet, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

President Ali pointed to the importance of “collective ownership” of the development trajectory, which he said will not only lead to greater prosperity and prospects but will pave the way for the opportunity to unify the people of Guyana.

“And that is the greatest project we have that is utmost on my mind… We can build a country that is strong, prosperous and economically viable. That takes critical thinking, that takes vision, that takes clarity, that takes action, but coming together and unifying re-

President Irfaan Ali in discussion with members of the various political parties

quires a bit more.”

The President emphasised the need to break down “selfish barriers” and to embrace new ways of thinking and behaviours in order to achieve this goal.

He related that Government’s approach moving forward will be to engage in an innovative manner, which is being initiated by the Budget 2021 discussions.

President Ali reminded the politicians that his Government had reached out to former President David Granger to discuss inclusivity.

“We have been reaching out and trying our best…

I invited former President Granger to a meeting that he did not attend and then we have the one component of the Opposition who are still mischievously peddling the agenda that the Government is illegitimate so we have to deal with things in context… that narrative has to be corrected.”

In his remarks, Dr Ashni Singh emphasised the importance of the engagement in finalising Budget 2021.

“In order to ensure that

we outline that vision in the most comprehensive way possible and in order to ensure that we identify the most critical interventions that are needed now and that are needed to lay the foundation going forward, we want to ensure that you get the widest possible

cross-section of views. You are important stakeholders and we would like to hear from you.” The Minister further asked those in attendance to share their visions of Guyana’s future and to highlight the critical needs of the country.

TURN TO PAGE 7

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$55.91/barrel

+0.05

Rough Rice

$239.4/ton

-0.02

London Sugar

$445.20/ton

+0.09

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1849.10

$1850.10

Low/High Change

$1845.40 -1.50

$1860.90 -0.08%

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 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

T

Equal access

he annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

World Disability Day was observed last month under the theme “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

The United Nations (UN) Flagship Report on Disability and Development 2018 – Realising the SDGs by, for and with persons with disabilities – shows people with disabilities are at a disadvantage regarding most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also highlights the growing number of good practices that can create a more inclusive society in which they can live independently.

The UN has issued an urgent call for global efforts to ensure that the more than one billion people worldwide who live with some form of disability can reap the benefits of development and fully participate in society. For this to happen, the UN has said it is necessary that we remove all barriers that affect the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society, including through changing attitudes that fuel stigma and discrimination.

People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower educational achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives.

It is no surprise that children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled children, according to a systematic review published in the medical journal The Lancet in July 2012.

Globally, children with disabilities are estimated to be 5.1 per cent of the total population. These are the ones more than likely to be at a disadvantage where educational opportunities are concerned. For example, while we here in Guyana can boast of a good track record in relation to providing quality education for persons, irrespective of geographic location, race, religion, gender or social status, there is still much work to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to acquire an education.

At the moment, there are very few teachers in the school system equipped with the necessary skills to impart knowledge to persons with disabilities, and as in almost every sector, COVID-19 has made matters worse. Of note too is that the majority of our public schools do not have the necessary facilities to cater for such persons; eg, ramps and rails, etc. All of this makes it more difficult for persons with certain disabilities to ‘fit in’. There are also very few schools in the country which cater for special needs children.

To be fair, some steps are being taken to improve and expand what currently exists as it relates to education for special needs children; but they are inadequate and the benefits are not easily accessible to all.

We urge all stakeholders here, including political parties and the international development partners to continue supporting policies that would realise all children’s right to quality education as one way to reduce inequities created by social exclusion. Certainly, when persons with disabilities are given a chance of acquiring a good education or taught a skill, they are in a better position to secure a job and in turn break the cycle of poverty that normally defines such situations.

In a more general sense, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is necessary for countries not only to adopt, but to implement fully because it is a tool for ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the same rights and opportunities as everybody else. As explained by the World Health Organisation (WHO), rather than considering disability as an issue of medicine, charity or dependency, the Convention challenges people worldwide to understand disability as a human rights issue.

The Convention covers many areas where obstacles can arise, such as physical access to buildings, roads and transportation, and access to information through written and electronic communications. The Convention also aims to reduce stigma and discrimination, which are often reasons why people with disabilities are excluded from education, employment and health and other services.

Acting High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana, His Excellency Ross Denny paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd on Monday. During the courtesy call, among mutual areas of interest, they discussed development, climate change, and the deepening of trade and bilateral relations. Guyana established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966

Take immediate steps to mitigate effects of ingested poison

Dear Editor, The recent arrest of a young person for attempted suicide drives home the need for suicide to be decriminalised. It is moot to reiterate that were it not for the politicising of this issue, decriminalisation would have been a done deal since 2016.

May we also once again point out that, last year, the International Association for Suicide Prevention embraced the call for suicide to be decriminalised everywhere in the world where that is still not the case. And so TCV hopes that the intent to get this done, expressed by the Minister of Health recently, would finally come to fruition.

Many nations have mandated that anyone who verbalises suicide ideation or exhibits signs of suicide be immediately reported, so that that person can be provided with the necessary help. The Caribbean Voice (TCV) believes it is time for Guyana to join those nations. Of course, mandatory reporting would entail a national campaign to sensitise the population about warning signs and suicide ideation language, as well as to emphasise that no sign or ideation should ever be treated as a joke, no matter how many times an individual may have exhibited same, and no matter how drunk a person may

be when exhibiting same.

As well, given that ingestion of poison in the leading means of suiciding in Guyana, we strongly urge that immediate steps be taken to mitigate the effects of ingested poison.

In 2016, the then Government had announced plans to establish poison control centres in various areas across the country. Those plans are still on paper.

Meanwhile, in a May 2019 discussion with TCV, Toxicologist Verrol Simmons, of the University of the West Indies’ St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago, informed that he was willing to travel to Guyana to impart training with respect to steps that can be taken to immediately mitigate the effects of poisoning while medical help is sought.

According to Dr. Simmons, he was told in 2014 by a Guyana Government representative that he would in fact be facilitated to provide that training, but the invitation never materialised. That invitation should now be sent.

This training can be a component of a pesticide suicide safety and prevention programme. Many such successful programmes have been implemented around the world, with the World Health Organization-supported Sri Lanka Hazard Prevention Model being highly touted.

We suggest that a “train the trainer’s” programme be implemented in both respects, and those so trained can then fan out across the nation to pass on the training.

With respect to media guidelines for reporting suicide, training sessions had been held for journalists in Guyana, but the effects of such training are non-existent in media reporting. Thus, for example, media still writes ‘commit suicide’, instead of dying by suicide or suiciding. This is only one example of suicide-inappropriate language still being used by the media. As well, photos of suicide victims are still published in some instances; suicide reportage is still somewhat sensationalised and given too much prominence; consideration is still not being given to privacy concerns of victims and their families; inclusion of appropriate prevention messages and information in all reportage is still lacking, and so on.

The best media guidelines for reporting suicide MINDFRAME - have been put together in Australia, and TCV suggests that the related Government ministries collaborate with the press association to make this training pervasive, and then set up a monitoring committee to work towards the implementation

of appropriate media guidelines, as Trinidad & Tobago, for example, has done.

Also, there is need for an upgraded support mechanism that includes counseling across the board, instead of selectively. As well, a national campaign needs to be launched to make the general public aware of this mechanism, and how to access the help without having to jump through hoops.

Again, it is suggested that the suicide helpline be revamped, taking cues from the domestic violence hotline recently launched, among them easy and quick access to counseling, trained phone responders, and linkages with Police to ensure help is quickly available for those in need. Of critical importance is the need to build trust in those who operate the hotline and those who provide the necessary counseling and other interventions, and to ensure those who call are comfortable confiding in whoever is assigned to help them.

Finally, as with the domestic violence hotline, we urge that suicide helpline with an appropriate message be also sent to all mobile phone users on a regular basis.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

India’s Test win the talk among Guyanese Dear Editor, I don’t think cricket enthusiasts missed that final day’s play of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane a week ago. It was the talk among Guyanese everywhere; they did not expect an India victory.

Every Guyanese, African

and Indian, was very excited, with almost every Indo-Guyanese expressing pride in the performance of the young, inexperienced Indian team. Some even commented they wish West Indies would play like the Indians.

The Indians came back from a debacle of being

bundled out for 36 in the third innings in Adelaide in the first Test to win the series 2-1, with the previous Test being drawn (the Indians also played with character to save that Test). It would go down in the history books as one of the greatest Test matches, as even those who did not

cheer for India stated.

That early Monday morning, January 18, a flurry of texts and phone calls came in from Guyanese (at home and in America) and others on whether I saw the Test match between India and Australia at Brisbane.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

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

Investment summit points to new horizon for Guyana Dear Editor, The Guyana Finance and Investment Roundtable held on January 20, 2021 highlighted the need for continuous improvement in infrastructure and human resources to attract new investment. As the country looks to reap the benefit of oil and gas development, companies in this sector are a crucial investment gateway.

Countries and companies far and wide are assessing Guyanese to see if they want to make the kinds of investments that will drive jobs and drive economic growth for the next several decades.

Investors are eager to stake their claim on the boom now

underway but are keeping a keen eye on risk and political stability.

The tumultuous general elections of 2020 eroded confidence in our institutions and drew widespread criticism from our neighbors and allies. Investors were paying attention. When assessing countries for investment, some of the most important areas are political stability and infrastructure. I am sorry to say Guyana has rarely fared well on these fronts.

A favourable, stable business climate is more important now than ever before. As the world economy slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the need for energy is likely to increase and

with it the market share of Guyanese oil. In less than a decade Guyana saw foreign direct investment balloon from an anemic US$270 million to over US$1.7 billion.

This is real, tangible wealth and welcome news for the thousands of Guyanese vendors, suppliers and businesses poised the reap significant benefits in the near and long term.

This kind of investment can also be a gateway for so much more. Dollars pouring into hotels and real estate and restaurants will be critical to bringing us out of the economic crisis of COVID-19. Those jobs will create more wealth and more opportunities down

India’s Test win the talk...

Of course I did! It also appeared that the whole of Guyana was up that Sunday night to watch the match, because it was the subject of conversation everywhere I travelled around Georgetown and on the coast.

As I gathered from their conversations, almost the entire world expected India to be defeated. Scoring over 300 runs in the fourth innings was rarely achieved in hundreds of Test matches.

And in Australia it was almost impossible, because the pitch is bouncy, with bowlers getting swing on the cracks.

I had not given up, as India entered the final day with all ten wickets in hand. I was hoping that India would be defiant and would play for a draw. Instead, the young players played for a win, taking the challenge to the Aussies, pulling off what can be described as a miracle.

Besides texts and phone calls to me, social media and chat groups were abuzz with comments, suggesting that the entire West Indies and her diaspora watched the match. Friends and acquaintances sent me comments, and I read so many in the media from around the globe.

It could very well be the most watched cricket match for a final day.

The whole of South Asia, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the cricketing world would likely have watched that final day’s play.

And most would not have given India much of a chance, because India had a young, inexperienced team, with some players making their debut in that Test. The Indian batting line-up was severely weakened with injuries, and there were young replacements. Sports enthusiasts were expecting an India defeat, as it was almost impossible to score over 300 runs in a fourth innings and against the world’s best bowlers. And the last time Australia lost a test at Gabba was in 1988 to West Indies, then skip-

pered by Vivian Richards.

The weakened Indian team stunned Australia.

Some of the words I heard or received in texts used to described the win were: “historic, unthinkable, incredible, brilliant, memorable, unforgettable, remarkable, monumental”. I overheard a man telling his friends, “That was a match to watch”.

Another commented: “The boys played with courage, grit, and determination.

That is how players should bat. West Indies should emulate them, rather than throw away their wickets when the going gets tough”. Exemplary performance was an understatement. The young players displayed character and skill not recently seen in the game of Test cricket, and they did so in the last three Tests.

Balls kept hitting about the body, but the players stayed focused. Racist comments were made against them. They took the body blows and racist remarks, and they delivered.

Brisbane is a beautiful, sprawling, cosmopolitan city known as the gold coast. I visited there a few times, most recently two summers years ago, on my way home from Fiji. I encountered many Indo-Fijians there.

Racist comments were made against the Indian players. Non-white players are known to experience racial outbursts in Australia, but Brisbane was not known for racism. I had pleasant experience in my visits. I was rather surprised that racial comments are made at sporting events in this century. The racism would have motivated the Indians to play tougher, and they delivered an unbelievable performance, crushing the Aussies.

As Guyanese and others commented, it was a thrilling, unexpected finish. It was a shock defeat to Australia in what was a decider of not only the series, but which team would be ranked on the top

of the Test playing nations.

Everyone seemed very excited that India won the game, and they also seemed to have been rooting for India, who was the underdog throughout the entire four-Test series. They did not expect an Indian victory, and were very pleased with the outcome.

Glowing tributes poured in from fans and legendary present and former cricketers everywhere.

Saurav Ganguly, President of India’s cricket board, described the victory as “nothing short of historic”. He announced a bonus of US$680K for the players.

Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar, holder of countless records, now a Member of Parliament, described it as “one of the greatest wins.

Every time we got hit, we stayed put and stood taller.

We pushed boundaries of be-

the road as a generation of Guyanese sees new opportunities here at home. Every oil dollar we invest now in infrastructure or education helps build that cycle and could help us attract investments in sectors far beyond oil and gas.

An attractive investment climate is a signal to the markets that Guyana is open for business. As we chart a new course as an oil producing nation and regional power, let us continue to call for good governance and smart investment of oil money to open the gates to more wealth for Guyanese.

Sincerely, Donald Singh

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lief to play fearless but not careless cricket/Injuries and uncertainties were countered with poise and confidence”.

India’s Prime Minister tweeted: “The team’s remarkable energy and passion was visible throughout. So was their stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination”.

A former England cricket captain described the final day’s play as “once in generation type match performance”. Indeed it was!

The win has almost secured India’s place in this year’s final of the Test championship series to be played at Lord’s in June. Australia must defeat South Africa in order to get into the final.

Otherwise, it would be New Zealand and India playing the final.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

WI’s dismal performance in Bangladesh

Dear Editor, It pains me to see the West Indies team’s performance in the recent series in New Zealand and the present One-Day series in Bangladesh. It is so poor that we have become the laughing stock among pundits in the cricketing world, and until something drastic is done to improve our cricket, I would like to recommend that we stop playing One-Day and Test cricket and play only T20 cricket.

And make no bones about it, Bangladesh will crush us in the two Test matches that are coming up. There are so many areas in which we are deficient, but I will focus only on the catching and batting. When you can’t bat and put big scores on the board, you should at least hold your catches. In New Zealand, we dropped about 20 catches. We gave one batsman alone five chances, and this has been the trend for the longest while now.

For heaven’s sake, hold your catches! And this is an indictment on the coaching staff. As the saying goes, catches win matches, and this is one area where there is no excuse. As for the batting, there are so many technical flaws in our batsmen that they should not be playing international cricket, and the fault lies in the standard of our domestic cricket.

Players are averaging be-

tween 15 and 25 in regional cricket and are playing for the West Indies in international cricket. Give me a break!!! In all other countries, a batsman has to average over 40 or 50 before he makes the national side. When you look at our batsmen, many of them do not know where their off stump is, and would play at balls that they should have left alone. The result most times is that they are caught in the slips or by the keeper when they are facing high-quality fast bowling.

Also, many of them cannot handle short-pitched bowling. When it comes to spin bowling, many of them are hopeless. They are caught in the crease pushing their bat hoping to make contact, not knowing which way the ball is turning; and most times they are either LBW, bowled, or caught bat-pad. They hardly use their feet to the spinners and get to the pitch of the ball and drive down the ground.

And, as I said, batting and catching are our biggest problems, and until we can find another Lara or Chanderpaul, we should not be playing OneDay and Test cricket, and embark on more A team tours to bring our batsmen up to international standard. I hope Rickey Skerritt and his band of merry men will heed my plea.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

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aths can be as creative and exciting as any other subject. Maths can even create art. On the grid below, using a ruler and pencil, draw a line from 14 on the y axis to 1 on the x axis, then a line from 13 on the y axis to 2 on the x axis. Continue in that pattern drawing lines that connect 12 to 3, 11 to 4, 10 to 5, 9 to 6, 8 to 7, 7 to 8, 6 to 9, 5 to 10, 4 to 11, 3 to 12, 2 to 13, 1 to 14 .

Repeat for every side ignoring the minus sign. Shade every other square.

Æsop’s Fables

FOR CHILDREN

Graphs and art

Tuesday’s answers

1) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97

A

watershed is the land area that collects water and channels it into a body of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean.

The shape of the land affects how and where the water flows.

Water flows very slowly in a lake and quickly in a river.

Flowing water can transport things.

Whatever the source, your water ultimately comes from rain or snow that falls on your watershed.

Where does the water go when it rains? Find out by making it rain, right in your own home! In this activity, you will build a simple model of a landscape to see how water droplets flow and how the shape of the land helps collect water.

What you’ll need • 1 large plastic tray or shallow tub • 4 tall containers (16-oz cups or soda bottles, oatmeal container, milk bottle, etc) • 1 large sheet of clear or light-coloured plastic (eg, tarp, shower curtain, or cut-open garbage bag) • 1 spray bottle • 2 bottles of food colouring (in different colours to represent pollutants) • cooking oil

• glitter, spices, cake sprinkles, or other small particles to represent “litter” • towels for cleaning up spills Instructions Stack the containers onto a large tray into a pile that’s 1 to 2 feet high.

Make an irregular mound with peaks, ridges, and valleys by draping a tarp or large plastic sheet over the containers.

TIP: Be sure that the edges of the sheet are contained within the tray to prevent water from pouring onto the ground when you spritz the tarp with water.

Make it rain Begin spritzing the model with the spray bottle, and watch where the water goes. As it begins to flow downhill and collect, ask yourself: Can you find some lakes? Any rivers?

Choose a lake in this landscape. Which rivers flow into it?

Then think of how you might use the glitter, cooking oil, cake sprinkles, and food colouring to show what happens when pollution occurs. Experiment with these materials. If you drip food colouring or glitter into one of the rivers, where does it go when it rains? How quickly does it spread? Are there any places in the landscape where it doesn’t go?

Finally, think about what this all might have to do with the water that comes out of your faucet. Where does that water come from? It comes from a watershed – which is why it is important to try not to pollute land and water. (Adapted from pbs.org)

A

shepherd, watching his ass feeding in a meadow, was alarmed all of a sudden by the cries of the enemy.

He appealed to the ass to fly with him, lest they should both be captured, but the animal lazily replied, “Why should I, pray? Do you think it likely the conqueror will place on me two sets of panniers?’

“No,” rejoined the shepherd.

“Then,” said the ass, “as long as I carry the panniers, what matters it to me whom I serve?’

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

OAS Permanent Council to discuss rising tension between Guyana and Venezuela

– French envoy condemns Venezuela’s detention of Guyanese fishermen

T

he Organisation of American States (OAS) has put the rising tensions between Guyana and Venezuela on its agenda to be discussed at the level of the Permanent Council, in the wake of Venezuela’s recent intrusion into Guyana’s territory and detention of Guyanese citizens.

said that the Venezuelan vessel was illegally sailing within Guyana’s EEZ and contiguous zone when it intercepted and boarded the vessels, whose captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria where they were detained.

According to the Ministry, the Guyana Government was not notified of the de-

President Nicolás Maduro’s recent presidential decree which reinforced his country’s illegal claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.

French condemnation

Meanwhile, NonResident French Ambassador to Guyana Antoine Joly paid a courtesy call on Attorney General

The OAS Permanent Council will discuss the Guyana-Venezuela controversy today

According to a short statement from its Twitter account, the OAS Permanent Council will be meeting today, at 10:30h, to discuss the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and “developments relating to the Guyana-Venezuela controversy.”

The OAS did not specify what developments it would discuss. However, the Permanent Council meeting comes just days after two Guyanese-registered fishing vessels that were operating off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) were intercepted by the Venezuelan naval vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24.

In fact, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry

tention of its nationals, in contravention of established norms.

The crew of one of the ships, the Lady Nayera, include Captain Richard Ramnarine and his crew members Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph. The other ship, the Sea Wolf, was captained by Captain Toney Garraway, while the crew members included Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry.

They have since been brought before a Venezuelan court and reports indicate they will be kept in custody for some 45 days pending an investigation.

The detention of the two vessels also comes on the heels of Venezuelan

and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall. Among the things discussed were legal assistance in criminal matters and the use of Guyana as a transhipment point for Haitians travelling to French Guiana. But during the meeting, the GuyanaVenezuela controversy formed an integral part of the discussions.

According to a statement from the AG Chambers, Joly condemned Venezuela’s intrusion into Guyana’s territory during the meeting, as well as the arrest and detention of the Guyanese fishermen in the Spanishspeaking country.

“Ambassador Joly indicated that his country will be issuing a statement supporting Guyana and the responsible position the Government of Guyana has

Greater inclusion leads to...

Dr Singh also used the opportunity to express appreciation and a sense of “indebtedness” to those present for their role in ensuring that Guyana remained a democratic country. He noted too that the victory is one that must be preserved going forward.

Meanwhile, Minister Teixeira expressed her appreciation to the representatives present for acknowledging the invitation by the President. She noted that the engagement was integral for the country to move forward in an inclusionary manner.

“For me and my sector – governance - this is a very important meeting in terms of inclusion, in terms of involvement and in terms of being able to sit down and to come up with what is in the best interest of our country and our people. And so, this forum, I believe, offers that opportunity, particularly around the 2021 bud-

get. I'm sure, knowing the President, this will not be the only such forum that we will be creating for dialogue discussions with various civil society bodies, political parties.”

Meanwhile, following the remarks by the Head of State and Ministers present, Dr Vishnu Bandhu of the URP said the discussions provided the platform for all parties to collaborate, to move the country forward and to bring the people of Guyana together.

Dr Abedin Kindi Ali from Change Guyana added, “I am here on behalf of our party to participate and to give some input on the 2021 budget… we are looking forwards to a meaningful discussion.”

Aruna Budhram of a New and United Guyana stated, “I am very heartened that there is this will to reach out … I understand that there is a duty and an obligation and because of that I am very

FROM PAGE 3

happy that we have a voice and that we are able to participate in this process.”

ANUG member, Kian Jabour expressed appreciation for being included in the process and towards the Government for reaching out.

Representative of the joiner parties in Parliament, Lenox Shuman said he was looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the Government on aspects of Budget 2021.

Finally, Asha Kissoon of The New Movement related “I must say that the efforts that we have seen so far to kickstart the economy have been fruitful … we look forward to the discussions today, we have some inputs and we are happy that we are able to voice our concerns.”

Along with budget discussion, the small parties were also briefed on the development in Venezuela.

taken in dealing with the latest act of aggression by Venezuelan authorities,” the statement said.

“The Ambassador condemned the use of force by that country including their latest incursion into Guyana’s territorial waters and arrest and detention of two fishing vessels with Guyanese fishermen.

He recognised the support Guyana has received from the Caricom Community (Caricom) and the global community and commits to lend a voice to the same.”

Even as the crew remain in custody, the Government of Guyana has made it clear that it is working to get the men back as soon as possible. Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd conducted a virtual meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza on Monday. During the meeting, Arreaza had assured that the men’s human rights were being respected and that he would pursue their early release.

In addition, on Monday, the Minister also called in the Chargé d’Affaires of the

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Non-Resident French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly locked in discussions

Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Moses Chavez, to transfer a protest note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.

The protest note firmly condemned the illegal detention of the captains and crews of the Guyaneseregistered fishing vessels and called for their immediate release. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also stated

that the Government is using all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of the 12-member crew and vessels to Guyana.

In a statement issued, Minister Todd took the opportunity of the meeting with Chavez to voice his concerns on the matter.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted the regional zone of peace and called for Venezuela to operate in a manner consistent with international rule of law.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wife, hitman plead guilty to murdering block maker

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ifty-two-year-old Beverly Persaud and her 27-year-old hitman, Oswald Yaw, have pleaded guilty to murdering her husband, Nathan Persaud, a block maker formerly of Lot 66 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The duo entered the guilty plea one day after their trial commenced before Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.

State Prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Tiffini Lyken presented a murder indictment against the duo which stated that on September 10, 2015, they murdered Nathan Persaud.

In light of the guilty plea, they were further remanded and will return to court on

Beverly Persaud

February 16, 2021, for sentencing.

It was reported that on September 10, 2015, Yaw, called “Meow”, a Barbadian, murdered Nathan Persaud pursuant to a financial agreement made by the man’s wife

Oswald Yaw

with him.

According to reports, a neighbour heard screams from the residence but did not think to investigate until a man was seen leaving the home several minutes later, rousing his suspicions. The neighbour alerted others and they proceeded

to the man’s house where they discovered his battered body.

A brick and a hammer were found at the crime scene, leading investigators to believe that they were the murder weapons. The man had several stab wounds about his body and his head was bashed in. It was reported that the man’s killing stemmed from a bitter property dispute he was having with his wife.

Reports are that Yaw confessed to killing the man and told detectives that Beverly Persaud promised to pay him $1.7 million to kill her husband. He reportedly told investigators that the woman paid him part of the money in advance and promised to pay the balance in weekly payments.

Playing stupid…

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…on gifts he AFC came out in defence of David Patterson’s venality after he was outed as receiving millions and millions of dollars’ worth of bling as “gifts” from State corporations - all under his Public Infrastructure Ministry. Incestuous? This circling of the wagons was expected, since Patterson was their General Secretary, but more so because birds of a (felonious) feather better stick together, lest they be picked off one after the other by the eagle-eyed PPP and their audit teams!

It took a week for the PNC to weigh in, as the noose tightened and Patterson was hauled in front of the courts on corruption charges. This time, the infraction went waaaay beyond beds and (gold) bands and (most pertinently) there was a smoking gun with the PNC fingerprints all over it.

It was the “Case of the Sole-sourced DHB Design” contract that detailed the purloining of a cool $148 million for a desk-study that couldn’t have cost a quarter of that sum. Turns out the purloining was facilitated by no other than Joseph Harmon. His John Hancock signed off the Cabinet authorisation for that sum to be drawn out of the Treasury!! It’s like having an “Inside Man” in those bank heist movies!!

Harmon and some of his PNC faction turned up in front of the Court, along with some AFC remnants. After Patterson and the DHB General Manager (of the $800,000 gold bracelet fame!) were placed on bail, Harmon pronounced on the matter of gift-giving. “I think there should be a clear policy…I trust in the fullness of time, with the strengthening of our democracy, we are able to have clear guidelines on gifts and to what extent you can receive gifts in public office, and what ought to be done with gifts above a certain level when you leave that public office.”

As we say in Guyana, he was just “playing stupid”.

He wants to tell us we need a POLICY to tell ministers that accepting $500,000 gold bands isn’t kosher? We need a policy to say stealing is forbidden? Wasn’t he the man who justified the 50% salary raise to immunise the same Ministers from corruption? It was clear he already knew the (corrupt) measure of the folks the PNC were appointing to high office! Didn’t Patterson’s own AFC leader Raphael Trotman ostentatiously come out with a Code of Conduct for Ministers that pronounced on accepting gifts?

But that was on gifts from outsiders seeking favours.

Who woulda thought folks needed to be told that accepting from your own employees gifts bought with taxpayers’ money wasn’t right!

What about the venerable “smell test”? Didn’t those beds and furniture gifts stink to high heavens? …on the border controversy Your Eyewitness returned to the issue (above) of PNC’s greed (Ow man, stick to a tie pin and earring bought by employees who want to curry-favour, na!) and on the madman to the west - because these are systemic challenges. Maduro is mad all right - mad with power. He wants to tell the world that fishing boats in the middle of the Atlantic must never veer over an (imaginary) border line - no matter how rough and turbulent the said sea might be!

We’ve heard the owners of the two seized boats complain that our Coast Guards don’t seize Venezuelan fishing boats operating in our waters! Well, your Eyewitness thinks our captains are merely exercising common sense! As the Venezuelans normally do!! We just witnessed a deliberate action taken by the Venezuelan Navy on the orders of Maduro, who wants to intimidate us.

He mistakes the will of the Guyanese people. We may have our differences, but when it comes to our border: NOT A BLADE OF GRASS! …on audits The Georgetown Mayor doesn’t want the Local Govt Ministry to conduct a “forensic audit” of the City’s books.

He claims only an “extraordinary audit” is permitted.

Wasn’t it he who complained about endemic City Hall financial hanky-panky? Too close to home?

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police intercept car with gun, ammo Decomposed body of Cane Grove man and suspected stolen items found in sheep pen

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Some of the items found in the car

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The shotgun that was recovered

olice are now on the hunt for two occupants of a motor car, which was found on Tuesday in the vicinity of Weldaad Police Station, West Coast Berbice (WCB), with a gun, ammunition and several items believed to have been unlawfully obtained.

Based on information received, Police ranks were conducting a stop and search operation at about 16:30h when they observed a silver-grey motor car making a diversion upon seeing the roadblock.

The ranks observed the move-

ments of the car and went in the same direction. They found the car on the back street with the lights off. As they approached the car, two men exited and fled the scene, thus leaving the driver behind.

As such, the ranks conducted a search in the vehicle in the presence of the driver when two boxes containing a total of 35 12-gauge cartridges; one slasher; one Yamaha outboard engine; one gasoline bottle; one RB battery; one power bar; one blender; and one tool kit with tools were un-

earthed.

In addition, a Remington 12-gauge shotgun was also discovered in the car. The driver was immediately taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

he decomposed body of a Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident was found in a sheep pen at Rotterdam, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Monday.

The body has been identified as that of 50-yearold Ramkarran Ramnarine of Virginia Village, Cane Grove, ECD. Reports are Ramnarine was discovered at about 10:00h by his employer.

Based on reports, earlier in the month, the now dead man and his employer left Cane Grove and ventured out to the Rotterdam backlands, WCD, where they would usually cultivate rice.

Ramnarine was at the time employed as a farmer.

According to the man’s employer, he had left Ramnarine at the backlands to look over the crops when he left for home the said day.

He alleged that he has been in constant contact with the man, and last spoke to him

about four days before the discovery.

He revealed that sometime last week, he thought something was amiss after telephone calls to the now dead man’s number went unanswered. As a result, he decided to visit the area to check on him.

Upon his arrival, he made several checks but Ramnarine was nowhere to be seen. The employer told Police that he decided to check around the sheep pen and it was there he found the decomposing body.

He immediately raised an alarm and a report was made at the Sister’s Village Police Outpost. Guyana Times was informed that due to the decomposed state of the man’s body, Police were unable to detect any marks of violence.

The body is currently at the Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem as Police launched an investigation.

11 CDC activates National Oil Spill Response Plan NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– as PM charges Committee to be proactive

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has operationalised the National Oil Spill Response Plan (NOSRP) and the National Oil Spill Committee, in mobilising contingency plans and policy direction dealing with the management of national oil spill events.

The National Oil Spill Response Plan was drafted in 2018 by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and further strengthened by a working group which was led by the CDC. Last October, it was handed over to Government and the final plan was developed from comprehensive consultations, reviews, testing and support from national stakeholders.

International partners such as the United States Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organisation also played important roles.

The inauguration on Tuesday set the pace for the implementation of the plan.

“The Committee is the body that is now mandated to oversee the policy development, revision of the plan, drafting of legislation and regulations, and making recommendations on relevant international conventions that will increase the nation’s capabilities to deal with and minimise incidents of oil spills pollution in our environment,” the CDC said in a statement.

Some of the capacitybuilding requirements are new and technical, therefore requiring specialised training and appropriate equipment not readily available in Guyana. To this end, the Commission already initiated discussions with the United States of America State Department

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

and Coast Guard for support.

At the launch, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips charged the National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC) to be proactive in finding and dealing with potential threats emanating from the oil and gas industry.

“Recognise the individual and institutional responsibilities which have been entrusted upon you, I urge that you prioritise proactivity in both your plans and actions, so that Guyana can aggressively and effectively manage the threats of our oil and gas industry, and attain the fruitful benefits to our economy, citizens and national development.”

Prime Minister Phillips added that notwithstanding the vast potential the oil and gas industry possesses to Guyana’s growth, it brings with it additional environmental risks that must be taken seriously.

“It cannot be ignored that this industry also presents

new threats and risks for our nation which need to be effectively managed to ensure that our resources and ecosystems remain safe… This National Oil Spill Committee, therefore, has an immense task at hand, which is to oversee and coordinate the national efforts of ensuring that these negative impacts are avoided at all costs.”

Additionally, the PM called for improved collaboration among stakeholders.

“I urge you to consider the merits of collaborative execution and commence the vital process of establishing strategic partnerships with each other.”

Among the stakeholders present were representatives from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Ministry of Legal Affairs (MOLA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Marine

Conservation Society (GMCS) among other agencies.

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said that the orientation is the first step in the process of operationalising the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. He said that among the objectives of Tuesday’s meeting was to establish the Committee’s work plan for 2021.

The CDC Director said that throughout the year, the CDC will be conducting several training sessions in

addition to prepositioning and testing equipment already acquired.

“Notably, the Commission will be propositioning very soon, three containers of equipment comprising oil containment booms, biological and chemical dispersants, and personal protective equipment to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard to assist in the execution of their duties outlined in the Plan.”

The Head of the CDC added that there is still need for capacity building,

but some of the technical necessities to do so are not readily available locally, while some still need to be identified.

He said in that regard, the CDC has already initiated discussions with the US State Department and the US Coast Guard to assist with the conduct of a capacity needs assessment.

The CDC also intends to seek further support from the International Maritime Organisation and the Regional Maritime Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

India High Commission observes India’s 72nd Republic Anniversary

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ndia celebrated its 72nd Republic anniversary on Tuesday and in doing so,

the National Flag of India was hoisted to mark the occasion in Guyana.

The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Guyana at

Invitees singing the National Anthem of India as part of the Republic Day activities

the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year, the celebration was restricted to a minimum number of persons. The event was livestreamed on the social media of the High Commission and Swami Vivekananda

Cultural Centre. The event featured few cultural items performed by Shri Amjad Ali Warsi, music teacher and students of SVCC. India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Dr K J

cation and continued health care.

“Despite the serious calamity, we have succeeded in taking forward our activities in many spheres. The pandemic threatened to derail the young generation’s

The National Flag of India being hoisted on the SVCC lawns

Srinivasa, hoisted the tricolour National Flag and shared the message of President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

“This day has come to mean a lot to all Indians living within the country and abroad. Seventy-one years ago, on this very day, we the people of India adopted, enacted and gave to ourselves a unique Constitution. For all of us, then, this is the day to also pause and ponder over the core values that the Constitution propounds. These values – Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity – outlined in the Preamble of our Constitution are sacred to all of us,” the Indian President underscored in his address.

President Kovind would have also shared some insight on the current coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the progress made in ensuring food security, edu-

learning process, but institutions and teachers quickly adopted new technology and ensured that there was no break in education… The adversities of the previous year have only reminded us of what we have always known deep in our hearts - that care and concern for humanity and the feeling of fraternity is what kept us together for millennia.”

Dr Srinivasa emphasised the warm and friendly bilateral relations existing between India and Guyana.

He conveyed that despite the current difficulties owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the High Commission has been able to work closely with the Guyana Government and take forward many developmental projects of India. Collaboration is also on stream for new projects for collaboration between Guyana and India, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Foreign Affairs Minister lauds efforts to promote peacebuilding …as Guyana contributes to UN Peacebuilding Fund

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd representing Guyana at the High-Level Replenishment Conference

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inister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd on Tuesday recommitted Guyana’s position on peacebuilding, citing the need for it to be sustained on a global scale.

He made these comments at the High-Level Replenishment Conference for the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund, in which several countries participated. Todd adequately represented Guyana by focusing on the importance of mobilising support to prevent conflicts.

Reflecting on the Peacebuilding Fund’s Strategic Plan for 20172019, he noted, “I was encouraged by the levels of support and investment that Member States and other stakeholders committed to ensuring that peacebuilding efforts around the world were sustained. I was also heartened by the achievements in the established priority windows, particularly the steps taken to advance youth participation in public policymaking and to advance gender-sensitive peacebuilding.”

Despite successes within the last three years, he said that the Government of Guyana remains cognisant of the need to scale up investments in the Peacebuilding Fund for the full implementation of the 2020-2024 Strategy. This critical support is highly needed, with the devastating impact which COVID-19 has imprinted around the world.

“It has become increasingly evident that there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. As we have entered the Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development with the attendant challenges brought

on by the pandemic, investments in development and peace have become even more critical to ensure that countries build back better and address, in particular, the reversal of gains made over the years.”

On this note, Guyana has made a voluntary contribution towards the 2020-2024 Strategy in response to calls for a quantum leap in peacebuilding financing. This is after recognising the persistent underinvestment in peacebuilding.

“Moreover, the increase in violent conflicts globally since 2010 thrusts upon us, the United Nations Member States, a greater responsibility to respond with the appropriate level of commitment to address this worrying trend and its implications for international peace and security. The level of ambition reflected in the PBF’s 2020-2024 Strategy is precisely what is needed at this time and my Government is pleased that it could play a role in this respect,” Todd added.

For this, Guyana has welcomed the successful conclusion of the review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture and was pleased with the decision to convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly at the seventy-sixth session to deliberate on peacebuilding financing.

“Our hope is that together, we the Member States can craft concrete ways to take forward this important issue in the interest of the world’s people. Allow me to renew the enduring commitment of the Government of Guyana to the principles and purposes of the United Nations and to assure you that we will continue to do our best to contribute to advancing the United Nations’ peacebuilding efforts,” the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 29 new cases – teachers, students at St Cuthbert’s Mission test positive

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he Health Minister has confirmed that as of January 26, 2021, two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. This takes the death toll to 174.

The latest fatalities were two males – a 74-yearold from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 58–year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

They died while receiving care at a medical facility.

In addition, the Ministry also reported that of a total of 201 swab samples for COVID-19, 29 have returned positive results.

Thus far, Guyana has recorded 7346 confirmed coronavirus cases.

New statistics provided by the Health Ministry showed that some 47,096 persons have been tested thus far, of which 3778 males and 3568 females were positive.

Five persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit

(ICU), 42 persons in institutional isolation, 672 in home isolation and eight in institutional quarantine. In total, there are 719 active cases with 6455 recoveries.

Of the new cases, three were from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), nine from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); eight from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); one from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and four from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There are 992 reported cases in Region One (Barima-Waini), 224 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 405 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and 409 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Hotspots

However, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, during his daily update on Tuesday, stated

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

that there were some 20 active cases in St Cuthbert’s Mission – inclusive of two teachers and several students.

A majority of them are in home isolation and being monitored by the medical team on the ground. Apart from one person with mild symptoms, the others are asymptomatic.

For caregivers and parents tending to positive students, the Minister advised, “They would have to isolate them properly so that they don’t keep mingling with the rest of the people at home, because that’s how you are going to get spread.

Although these persons are at home, they need to wear masks and maintain distances and so forth…If people are relaxed around the person who is positive and they don’t take these precautions, then they themselves will get infected.”

It was indicated that a

community of concern was Waramadong, where 34 persons have tested positive. Because of this development, a special team was also sent in to the location.

“That’s an area of concern, because we have 34 cases there now. We’re going to continue monitoring that area to ensure that we are able to contain the spread,” Dr Anthony noted.

Meanwhile, in Moraikobai, he indicated that persons were discharged and the situation was manageable.

Right now, the cold chain storage capacity is being enhanced at regional facilities to add to the existing vaccination programme.

Contracts have been awarded for expansion at Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Suddie, Parika, Vreed-enHoop, Friendship, Melanie, Bush Lot, New Amsterdam, Bartica, Kamarang, Lethem, and Linden.

Indian High Commissioner donates new instruments to several mandirs

High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa making a donation of instruments to the temples

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he Indian High Commission in Guyana has intensified its efforts to sustain Indian culture in Guyana by visiting and donating instruments to several temples and artistic institutions.

High Commissioner, His Excellency, Dr K J Srinivasa participated in the outreach to Regions Three (Essequibo IslandWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) where the visits spanned out to the Ruimzeight Sanatan School of Arts, De Willem Hindu Temple, Meten-

Meer-Zorg East Vishnu Mandir, Zeelught Shiva Mandir, Tuschen South Shiva Mandir and Kailash Yaatra Ashram.

The High Commissioner interacted with the worshippers and members of the various communities.

He also donated three harmoniums, two sets of tabla drums and one dholak drum.

He also took the opportunity to educate residents about the initiatives undertaken by India including the scholarship programme which is open to all Guyanese.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations World Bank pumps US$13.5M Vaccine injustice – time has come for Guyana to look to India, China and Russia for help

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e are told we would be given financial support for COVID-19 vaccines, but we would benefit only from those vaccines developed in the UK or the US, when developed countries have had their needs met. On the other hand, we are told we must not access vaccines developed in countries such as China, Russia and India. We must note that the vast majority of vaccines developed in the US, the EU and the UK are manufactured in India.

India produces as much as 70% of all vaccines used around the world today, that is why India is called the world’s pharmacy. Like most Guyanese, I want the COVID-19 vaccine now. I do not have a preference for which vaccine I could get; I would willingly take the vaccine developed in the US, the UK, India, China, Russia or Cuba, as long as the evidence of Phase Dr Leslie Ramsammy 1 to Phase 3 is published. From what I know, there are COVID vaccines produced in India, China and Russia that are as good as the ones coming from the UK and the US. It is now public health and scientific wisdom that the COVID-19 vaccine is the only way to stop the SARS-CoV-2 in a short time from now. Without the vaccine, Guyana and the world face a long future of agony, with COVID-19 leaving a long trail of death and destruction. We would win the war against COVID-19, but for us to win in a short period of time, having the COVID-19 vaccine is an imperative.

Vaccines are already available. Thus far, almost 70 million people have received vaccines in 56 countries. Israel has already vaccinated more than 41% of its population, the UAE more than 24%, the UK almost 12%, America just over 7%. Russia, China and India have been vaccinating their population with vaccines developed and made in their own countries, but they have vaccinated less than 1% of their people. Outside of Israel, the UAE, the US, and the UK, none of the 56 countries where people are receiving the vaccines has passed 1%.

In the meanwhile, the people living in almost 150 countries, including every single low-income and low-middle-income country and most of the high middle-income countries, are waiting for arrival of vaccines in their countries. With help from the WHO and GAVI, together with the Gates Foundation, the Clinton Foundation and with more than 160 countries, a global consortium called COVAX was established to ensure that poor countries would not be left behind. COVAX was established to ensure that a significant amount of the vaccines produced and registered and granted emergency use approval (EUA) by one or more of the global Stringent Regulatory Authorities or the WHO would flow at affordable prices to these low income and middleincome countries.

But COVAX has not yet been able to receive and distribute a single dose of vaccine. COVAX is still confident that it would begin distribution sometime after March. But whether it is March or June or sometime later, COVAX is only guaranteeing maximum 20% of the population in these countries by the end of 2021. This is insufficient to stop the death and destruction of COVID-19 in the COVAX countries.

Guyana and many countries around the world must not allow themselves to be victimised. The present situation is one of discrimination, victimisation, and is wholly an injustice. For that reason, Guyana must look outside of its traditional vaccine source.

Given that the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca vaccines appear a distance away, and that when these become available for Guyana, we might be able to vaccinate only up to 20% of our people by the end of 2021, the time has come for Guyana to begin looking at the vaccines developed and manufactured in India, Russia and China.

I have been following carefully the development of vaccines in the US, the EU, the UK, India, China, Russia and Cuba. Vaccines have been one of the global best practices, and no medicine or public health intervention, other than potable water, has contributed to global health improvement more than vaccines.

For more than 70 years, vaccines have been saving lives and have contributed significantly towards the increase in life expectancies.

For all this times, vaccines have been developed and distributed by countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, other EU countries, India, China, Russia, South Korea, Japan and Cuba. For more than 70 years, there is no story of any vaccine being marketed by any of these countries that has killed people.

Most of the vaccines used in China, Russia and India are made right in those countries.

Guyana has had one of the world’s most successful vaccination programmes. Guyana’s Expanded Program for Immunization use almost 20 different vaccines. Our people must trust our Government to make the right decision. My recommendation to our Government is to look towards the manufacturers that are willing to make their vaccines available as soon as possible. If it is a manufacturer in the USA, great. But if we must access vaccines from Russia, China and India, it is better than having no access.

into Guyana’s education sector

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S$13.5 million has been made available to Guyana by the World Bank to support the ongoing Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project and a number of projects intended to enhance education delivery.

The project aims to improve teaching in mathematics and increase enrolment in secondary schools. It will also provide equipment and training to support innovative technology-assisted education delivery methods. Another chunk of the funds will be used to complete construction of two secondary schools, supply resources for those schools, and build a new secondary school.

Speaking on the development, World Bank Resident Representative for Jamaica and Guyana, Ozan Sevimli pointed out that the country’s education system has shown significant progress but strengthening the sec-

tor during this pandemic remains crucial.

"Strengthening learning outcomes remains a priority and the pandemic is hitting the education sector hard.

Through the ongoing project, we are pleased to support the Government in piloting use of technology and innovative ways of teaching, which are particularly relevant during distance learning. The new financing will support the pilot of a “smart classroom” initiative to help the sector build back better from the pandemic," the representative directed.

In a statement from the World Bank, it said that the financing will provide more resources to an existing pilot programme that

uses adaptive learning software on tablets for mathematics education. The project emphasises the use of technology and higher quality math education, both of which are important to prepare Guyanese students for future employment.

Capacity building for teachers is an important component of the project to improve the quality of secondary education.

The project is also supporting the construction of secondary schools in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) since these areas include almost 30 per cent of the country’s secondary school population and over 40 per cent of the

population living in poverty.

It went on to say that accessing high-quality secondary school programmes can reduce overcrowding, improve learning conditions, and contribute to increasing enrolment.

The Guyana Secondary Education Project was approved in 2014 and has been extended to 2023 so that all projects can be completed.

The original project has already developed mathematics standards for secondary school teachers, supported training for over 600 teachers, and distributed 200 mathematics teaching kits.

The World Bank Group is regarded as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It has helped developing countries strengthen their pandemic response, enable public health interventions, ensure a proper flow of critical supplies and assist the Private Sector to sustain jobs.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne fishermen to receive licences to operate in Surinamese waters – Min Mustapha

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orentyne fishermen are soon to secure their licences to ply their trade in the Corentyne River following an agreement between Guyana and Suriname.

This announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday after engaging the newly installed Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Guyana Fisheries Limited Board (GFLB). The correspondence issued by the Surinamese Government signalled that fishermen will be licensed directly by their authorities to operate without any challenges.

This will eradicate issues where significant fees were charged for fishermen to obtain licensing and is regarded as a first in history.

“We’ve had some very positive feedback from the Surinamese Government.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Director General of the Agriculture Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj during the meeting with fishermen

We are on the verge of securing licences for Guyanese fishermen. Two days ago, I received a correspondence from the Surinamese Government and I’m optimistic that this will be the first time in the history of our country that our fishermen might be licensed directly by the Surinamese authorities. So, the prob-

lems that we’ve been faced with, where the middlemen normally charge large fees for small fishermen to have licences could be abolished,” the Minister stated.

In the past, Guyanese fishermen have been intercepted by Surinamese Coast Guard for allegedly fishing in the country’s waters.

Meanwhile, the fisheries industry is on the cusp of realising its full potential, as Government focuses on crafting policies to ensure sustainability in the sector. Over the past years, the sector has evolved into one of the largest income earners for the economy, raking in some $16 billion in 2020.

As part of Government’s efforts to further develop the industry, the Agriculture Minister charged the officials within the agencies to examine issues facing the sector and provide recommendations. He verbalised that as a country with border relations, there is a need for solutions when crises arise. Presently, over 15,000 persons are directly employed in the sector.

“We all know the importance of the fishing industry in supporting the economy of our country and Government has been put-

ting a lot of effort and resources into the sector. It contributes almost 12 per cent to the agriculture GDP, provides employment with over 15,000 persons directly employed in the industry, and is a large income generator, especially in the rural areas across our country.”

Sustainable policies

As these entities work to craft policies for the industry, the subject Minister reminded that it should enable the fisherfolks to sustain their income.

The Fisheries Advisory Committee, he said, must also ensure that it advises on the development of the fisheries sector by devising plans and programmes to guide Government’s vision.

“One of those measures is to enhance support for fishermen and corp societies, and you know we are now looking to resuscitate the National Fisherfolk Organisation. We also have to look at the promotion of commercial fisheries, which should include partnerships with investors who already have established markets.

It is also important for you to look closely at ensuring that fishermen displaced by activities in the oil and gas sector are compensated, if any,” he shared.

Newly-appointed Chairman of the Fisheries Advisory Committee, Seepaul Narine added that the magnitude of fisheries in Guyana cannot be downplayed while adding that thousands of people and their families depend on this trace for an income.

Challenges

In relation to issues in the sector, President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and

Chairman of the Fisheries Advisory Committee, Seepaul Narine

Seafood Processors (GATOSP), Ruben Charles said he is looking forward to a study on the effects of oil exploration on the low level.

“Lots of things have happened and I’m glad that I’m in a position to say something about the future of the industry. Our organisation, the Trawlers Association, is experiencing some difficulty now in terms of catch levels and members of that association are, without any scientific guidance, are attributing that to the drilling of oil out there. One of the things we would be seeking is to see how we can mount some investigation to prove whether that is so,” Charles related.

In response, Mustapha said that issues such as factors contributing to low catches will be addressed.

He added that the Board and the committee have the Ministry’s full support to make representation for studies to be conducted to determine whether oil exploration activities are indeed affecting the sector and determining a sustainable way forward for the sector.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No further delay in LJP’s request 8-Y-O hospitalised for Councillor change – GECOM after being struck by speeding motorcycle

T

he Guyana Elections Commission has clarified that there is no delay in the process concerning the Liberty and Justice Party’s (LJP) request to change its Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Councillor.

Amid media reports suggesting this conclusion, the Commission on Tuesday stated that the party initially wrote to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) in September 2020 indicating that due to COVID-19 restrictions, persons in the region were unable to attend RDC meetings and as a consequence, the party would have selected a named alternate candidate from its Region Eight List of Candidates.

In this regard, the Representative of the List, John Flores, was contacted via telephone and was advised that the law does not make provision for the appointment of alternate Councillors and therefore a revised letter must be submitted clearly stating the party’s request to have the gazetted Councillor replaced.

Subsequently, an email was sent by the Leader of the LJP, Lenox Shuman in

Leader of Shuman

the

LJP,

Lenox

November 2020 informing him that the party had been advised by its counsel that there is no such guidance in electoral laws and insisted that the previous correspondence stands.

GECOM contended that the matter was discussed extensively at the level of the Commission and it was agreed that the LJP must submit proper documentation requesting a change of the Councillor and provide a justification for its request.

“That information was communicated to Flores and GECOM was awaiting the submission before it acts.

The correct letter as request-

Jimmy James

John Flores

ed was delivered to GECOM on 26th January, 2021. The agency will now take all the necessary steps to effect the change as it is the usual protocol,” the Commission said in a statement.

Last week, the LJP expressed in the media that their first representative, Jimmy James was no longer willing to serve in the capacity as an LJP representative, which prompted these actions. Contained on the party’s initial regional candidate list were James as primary and Claris Francisco for District Eight.

Against the COVID-19 backdrop and cognisant of

the effects of the disease on the healthiest of individuals, the LJP submitted a change of candidate request to GECOM, replacing James with Francisco. The party contended that until present, all attempts to address the issue were rebutted by Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers.

It added, “Mr James, who has the respect of the LJP’s executive, no longer enjoys the confidence of the LJP, and, by his own admission, is not aligned to the LJP, is no longer willing to serve in the capacity as an LJP representative, and is aligned to the PNC.”

A

n eight-year-old boy is now nursing a fractured leg after he was struck down by a speeding motorcycle on the Henrietta Access Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), on Monday.

Regional Commander Crystal Robinson confirmed that the accident involved motorcycle CK7763 driven by a 24-year-old man of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, and the now injured lad, Jeremiah Nelson, 8, of Lot 46 Henrietta, Essequibo Coast.

Based on Police information, on the day in question, at about 17:30h, the motorcyclist was proceeding along the roadway at a fast rate of

speed when the accident occurred.

According to Commander Robinson, the child was in his yard at the time, when he suddenly ran out onto the roadway and into the path of the speeding motorcycle, thus causing a collision. As a result of the impact, the lad fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.

He was picked up in a conscious state and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient.

Nelson is being treated for a fractured leg and lacerations about his body.

Meanwhile, the driver was taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations.

18

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

News

Teen injured in Port Mourant accident Lindener remanded for possession of illegal firearm A

A

Lindener was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Magistrate Wanda Fortune for the possession of an illegal firearm when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court The defendant, Kirk Adams, also called “Kirky” was charged with the offence of possession of a firearm without a licence.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison

Kirk Adams

until February 16, 2021.

According to prosecution facts on the matter, on January 22, 2021, Police conducted a sting operation where they trailed the defendant from Wismar to Mackenzie, Linden.

Ranks then intercepted a motor vehicle in which he was travelling and found a garbage bag containing a shotgun behind a seat in the vehicle. He was arrested and charged.

17-year-old pedal cyclist is now hospitalised after he collided with a vehicle belonging to the Local Government Ministry along the Port Mourant Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The accident is said to have occurred on Monday at about 16:30h. The injured teen has been identified as Dave Bipchand of Babu Jaan, Corentyne, Berbice.

Based on reports received, the driver of the vehicle was proceeding along the said public road at a moderate speed when the cyclist rode into the path of the vehicle.

The driver reportedly told Police that he attempted to

bring the vehicle to a stop but the cyclist was already in close proximity, thus resulting in a collision.

The teenager reportedly fell onto the roadway and received multiple injuries about his body.

He was picked up in a con-

scious state and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was examined and transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted.

The driver has been taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

Linden teen robbed at gunpoint

A

n 18-year-old was on Monday relieved of his mobile phone by two armed men at Fox Hill Foot, Half Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

A friend of the victim was also injured during the ordeal.

According to information received, the teenager

of Valley Wismar, Linden, was sitting at the corner of Fox Hill Foot with his friend when the two gunmen approached them and instructed them to remain silent.

The young man was reportedly relieved of his ZTE Android cellular phone. Upon seeing this, the young man’s friend

threw his phone into a neighbouring yard.

Consequently, one of the armed men dealt him several lashes with the gun to his back, resulting in him sustaining injuries. The bandits made good their escape on foot, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Police.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

19

News

Detention of crew members in Venezuela

Wife of detained Boat Captain appeals for release of husband, crew – crew members charged in Venezuela, to be illegally held for 45 days

S

eeta Ramnarine, the wife of one of the fishing vessels’ Captains detained by Venezuelans who trespassed into Guyana’s waters, has made an emotional appeal for the safe return of her husband and all the crew members currently being held in Venezuela.

Mrs Ramnarine’s life turned upside down on Friday last when her husband, Richard Ramnarine, called to tell her he had been detained by Venezuelans.

Ramnarine was Captain of the Lady Nayera, one of two fishing vessels that were conducting their business

Ministry had revealed that the two Guyana-registered fishing vessels were operating off the coast of Waini Point in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) when they were intercepted by the Venezuelan naval vessel, Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24.

Lady Nayera Captain Richard Ramnarine

and that the Venezuelans were given 45 days to investigate, during which time the men would be kept in

Kumar Lallbachan, the owner of Lady Nayera, was one of the vessel owners who attended a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd on Monday

in Guyana’s waters when a Venezuelan ship accosted the crews.

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times, the wife said that she, like the rest of families left behind, was worried for her loved one and frustrated at the brazen actions of the Venezuelans.

“I’m frustrated, because they were not illegal at all.

And I’m sad about it, because he is so far away and we can’t hear from him now or see him. I just hope that everything works out and everyone returns home to their respective families,” she declared.

The couple have two daughters aged 22 and 19.

According to Mrs Ramnarine, they too are worried for their father. She made an appeal for the Venezuelans to release the men, who – reports suggest – are being held in the neighbouring country pending a court hearing. “(Our daughters) are sad also; they love their father very much and this is the first time something like this happen. But they’re holding up,” the 42-yearold said, adding that they would get updates on the situation from the Government and specifically, the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“All the crew members that are there, they have families who are depending on them… they should release the crew members to come home, because their family – all of us – are worried. Let them come home.”

This publication also spoke with Kumar Lallbachan, the owner of Lady Nayera. He confirmed that the men were taken to court on Monday

custody. But he noted that the men are completely innocent.

“They went to court (Monday) and they came back late. And when I spoke to them last night, they told me they gave them [law enforcement] 45 days to investigate. I don’t know what they’re investigating for or what they’re going to do with them,” he stated.

He explained that the Lady Nayera has been in operation for less than two years, with Captain Ramnarine at the helm of the vessel from day one.

Lallbachan noted that the Captain had always ensured the vessel stayed within the boundary lines.

“I spoke to them before they leave and told him that my boundary line Is Anna Regina and the farthest is Waini. And he said OK, he will go with that. And he kept within that. I was contacted on the Friday. When they picked them up in Guyana waters, he (Captain) sent the coordinates to me and he said that they delete his GPS, but he has it on his phone.”

The Government of Guyana has meanwhile made it clear that it is working to get the men back as soon as possible. Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd conducted a virtual meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Jorge Arreaza on Monday.

During the meeting, Arreaza had assured that the men’s human rights were being respected and that he would pursue their early release.

In a statement on January 23, the Foreign Affairs

In fact, the statement said that the Venezuelan vessel was illegally sailing within Guyana’s EEZ and Contiguous zone when it intercepted and boarded the vessels, whose captains were instructed to chart a course to Port Guiria where they were detained. According to

the Ministry, the Guyana Government were not notified at the time of the detention of its nationals, in contravention of established norms.

The crew of the Lady Nayera include Captain Ramnarine and his crew members Ramlakan Kamal,

Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo, and Joel Joseph. The other vessel the Sea Wolf was captained by Toney Garraway, while the crew members included Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil, and Randy Henry.

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Failure to meet payment schedule not a fundamental breach of contract” – Datadin ...as CCJ hears longstanding dispute over Kayman Sankar rice land

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday heard arguments in the case of Blairmont Rice v Kayman Sankar, with Blairmont’s lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, urging the Court not to treat his client’s failure to make payments as a fundamental breach that repudiated the entire contract.

Blairmont had entered into an agreement back in 2006 to purchase land from Sankar at Von Better, Berbice, on the condition that the land would be paid for in six-month instalments. But When Blairmont failed to make two payments, Sankar deemed the agreement repudiated and went to court.

According to Datadin, however, the contracts the two parties entered into did not include a provision for all payments to become due when one payment was missed. While Datadin acknowledged that there

was a breach, he argued that it was not a breach of such a fundamental nature that would entitle the respondents to deem the contract at an end.

Datadin told the court said that there was no clear indication from the appellant, Blairmont Rice Investments, that he was unwilling to pay. Rather, there was correspondence between the two and efforts to make good on the payments.

“He had in fact engaged them in an effort to make good his payments that were outstanding. And that process was an offer he was trying to have make that payment,” the attorney-at-law told the court.

“The substance of the dispute arose following the agreements being entered into in 2006. And in 2010 when payments were due, they were not made. That is not disputed. The appellants were required to

make payments under that contract every six months over a period of 10 years.

And they did not.”

Datadin stated that the respondents subsequently wrote a letter in which they made it clear they considered the contract at an end and that they commenced legal proceedings.

He said there was an exchange of correspondence in October 2010 and an understanding that payments would be made in instalments.

“All three contracts are identical. And there was no provision in the contract that the failure of one instalment rendered all the instalments payable. That is not disputed. In fact, as can be seen from the response on October 6, what was being sought by the respondents was that clause be inserted into the new arrangement.”

“So, it is my humble submission that at that stage

The CCJ virtual hearing into Blairmont Rice v Kayman Sankar Investments

the amount that would have been due to the respondents would be the amount that should have been paid, whatever was the instalment… the three contracts provided for payment by instalments over a lengthy period of 10 years.

And there had been payments made. The reason for the half-yearly instalments was because it coincided with the rice crop. That’s when funds would be available.”

Datadin further explained that Blairmont, which has been struck off the Companies Register since 2010 over its failure to file annual returns, is trying to get itself reregis-

tered as a company, pending the retroactive accounting of its accounts.

Appearing for Kayman Sankar were Attorneys-atLaw KA Juman Yassin and Teni Housty. Yassin pointed out that the correspondence between the two parties included a letter that spoke to the bank agreeing to Blairmont Rice paying US$50,000 payments per month and a change in the contract specifying that if Blairmont failed to make even one payment, everything becomes payable.

“The evidence in this matter is that there was no response to this letter. And because of the non-payment of the instalments, [for in-

stance] a bank would have been able to come down and take possession of the property,” Yassin explained.

“The payment clause was fundamental. And let’s suppose no payments were made to the financial institution in 2010, 2011 and they come down and take possession of the property.

That would have been calamitous. It is my submission that the failure to pay the instalments was a fundamental breach.”

Following submissions

by Housty and closing submissions, CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders indicated that the Court will reserve judgement at a later date.

Duo arraigned for murder of Sophia youth

E

Kaprese Norbrega

ighteen-year-old Kaprese Norbrega, also known as Kaprese Richmond, a mechanic, of C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown and 26-year-old Shay Carter, also known as “Shawn”, of B Field, Sophia, were on Tuesday jointly charged for the murder of 20-yearold Kevin Campbell.

The two accused appeared before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court and were not required to plead to the indictment which stated that between March 21, 2020 and March 27, 2020, they murdered Campbell.

Guyana Times had re-

ported that Carter was initially charged for the murder on December 21, 2020, but on Tuesday, he was slapped with the joint murder charge.

It was reported that Campbell was chopped and stabbed several times about his body at his home by members of a gang.

The Police stated that on March 21, 2020, two men had attacked Campbell’s younger brother, Brandon, while he was standing in their yard. He was stabbed twice with a pair of scissors, once to his abdomen and once to his chest.

After hearing the commotion, Campbell rushed to his brother’s assistance and managed to get the attackers out of the yard.

The two attackers, however, returned later in the day in the company of 11 others. The gang members were armed with knives, cutlasses, and a pitchfork.

Police stated that six men went into Campbell’s house and dragged him outside.

The men then allegedly chopped and stabbed Campbell until he collapsed to the ground, be-

Murdered: Kevin Campbell

fore making good their escape.

Campbell was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state where he succumbed to his injuries seven days later. The matter was reported and the Police launched an investigation into the incident.

Several months after, Carter was arrested and charged for the heinous crime. Police stated that Norbrega was arrested on January 21, 2021 and slapped with the murder charge.

The two men will make their next court appearance on March 23, 2021.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

21

CG Insurance Super50 Cup…

Jaguars’ Griffith, Pride’s Hope brothers test positive for COVID-19 A

head of the Guyana Jaguars’ scheduled departure for Antigua & Barbuda on Saturday (January 30) to contest the CG Insurance Super50 Cup, opening batsman Trevon Griffith has tested positive for COVID-19.

This was confirmed by a source at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), who also disclosed that Griffith would be replaced by wicketkeeper-batsman Kemol Savory.

It was also disclosed that Keemo Paul will sit out the tournament in order to adequately recover from an injury, while Sherfane Rutherford, who was considered for selection, has opted to play T10 and T20 cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively.

Upon arrival in Antigua, the Jaguars would have

– Savory named to replace Griffith

to subject themselves to a 2-day room isolation, after which they would un-

dergo COVID-19 testing on February 2, with another test scheduled for February

6, between which players would be allowed to practise as a group.

The Guyana Jaguars team will be captained by the experienced Leon

Johnson, with West Indies’ batsman Shimron Hetymer being his deputy.

In other news, brothers Shai and Kyle Hope have tested positive for COVID-19, and have been replaced in the Barbados Pride 15-man squad for the CG Insurance Super50 Cup. According to a release from the Barbados Cricket Association, they will be “placed in isolation in accordance with Government of Barbados’ protocols”.

They were replaced by top order batsman Zachary McCaskie and wicketkeeper- batsman Tevyn Walcott, who will have to undergo the required testing and protocols.

The Guyana Jaguars’ first game will be against the Barbados Pride on February 8.

Simmons: Hosein a WI Blake rues lack of local meets to help with preparation for his final Olympics player for the future W W est Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons are doing something right; so, he is someone has said TT’s Akeal Hosein is “a for the future.”

Asked what he learned from the series, player for the future” after West Indies were swept by Bangladesh 3-0 in the Simmons said, “That we need to play spin three-match One Day International (ODI) better, we need to be able to rotate strike and series, which ended in Bangladesh on Monday. score boundaries in Bangladesh a lot better.

Left-arm spinner Hosein, playing in his There is work to be done.”

More than ten West Indies players chose first ODI series, was one of the standout performers for the West Indies. His best not to tour Bangladesh because of COVID-19, personal fears or personal reasons. Two outing was in the opening contest, when he of the players who opted not to tour grabbed 3/26 in ten overs. He could not were West Indies ODI captain Kieron continue that productivity for the rest of the series, but he still ended as the most Pollard and Test captain Jason Holder.

Jason Mohammed was given the job successful bowler for West Indies, with of captaining the ODI team. four wickets at an economy rate of 3.98.

Despite his struggling with West Indies were comprehensively the bat, Simmons was satisfied defeated in all three matches, with the with Mohammed’s leadership regional batsmen struggling to deliver the during the series. goods. West Indies posted scores of 122, 148 and 177 in the series.

“I think he has done well…he has commanded Rovman Powell showed some things well on the field. consistency with the bat for West Indies, Unfortunately, he did scoring 116 runs in the series. He had not get as much runs scores of 28, 41 and 47 to end with an average of 38.66. as he wanted to get, Following the final match of the but I think as a captain series, Simmons said, “I think our on the field he has definitely done very performance has been under par. I well.” think we didn’t bat as well as we can do. Bowling wasn’t that bad, (and) on Simmons has said the West Indies must this wicket, to limit them under 300 improve in all areas, (in the last match) has been good, but our batting has been poor throughout especially in the batting department. the series.”

K r a i g g Simmons said Hosein’s effort during the series has been noticed.

Brathwaite will “He is definitely a man of the future. To captain West make your debut and to get a three-for Indies in a twomatch Test series on your debut and then have the kind of WI Head Coach against Bangladesh respect that you’ve gained and you have Phil Simmons been shown in the last two games it from February 3-15. (TT Newsday) means that you are improving and you

hile revealing that this year’s Olympic Games will be his last, Yohan Blake has voiced his disappointment with the lack of urgency being placed on the resumption of sports, and track and field in particular.

Although Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, recently gave a two-week timeline for a possible return, stating that her ministry and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are working to find solutions and expedite matters, Blake believes more could have been done on the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s (JAAA) part to get athletes back on track at an earlier point, notwithstanding the health and safety protocols in place by the Government.

To date, the Velocity Fest, which was a series of five or seven meets staged in July, August and September – limited to a few senior athletes – as well as the Tyson Mills Classic, which accepted both senior and high school athletes, have been the only meets held locally.

A few others on the calendar have since been postponed or cancelled.

“We have a big problem in Jamaica, because there are other meets going on around the world and we don’t have any meets here to prepare, and we need to get prepared, and prepared soon,” Blake told journalists during the opening of his YB Rehab and Wellness Centre on Old Hope Road yesterday.

“Even before we get to (national) trials, Champs is going to be in May and the athletes are not running.

How are they going to perform to the

magnitude of how they would like to perform come May?” he questioned.

Blake, who became the youngest World Champion in 2011, argued that the lack of local meets is stifling athletes’ preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed last year and are now scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 8.

“I believe they can sanction some games or something for it to go along, so I am very upset, but I guess we have to work with the guidelines.

But Ian Forbes and all those guys must say to the Government, ‘We have everything in place, let us run some meets’, and we do need the meets, because we are struggling in Jamaica.

“Meets are going on in the United States, cricket is going on and spectators are there; we don’t have to have any spectators, just help the athletes,” Blake pointed out.

That said, the sprinter, the second fastest man ever in both 100m and 200m, behind former training partner and sprint legend Usain Bolt, declared his intentions to venture overseas for competition to aid his readiness for the big multi-sport event.

“That is definitely on the agenda, because if there is no alternative here in Jamaica, we have to look elsewhere, and there are wonderful competitions going on overseas.

Christopher Taylor ran really well [at a meet in Arkansas] on Sunday, and I am looking at that as well,” Blake shared.

(Jamaica Observer)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

Guyana is known for gold and gas, but golf as well?

– as the economy booms, one sport is set to change perception of Guyana on the world stage

By Timothy Jaikarran

F

ew sports have the ability to impact a nation and capture its attention as does golf, which has always been considered a sport for a certain sector of the population. And, in fact, it was a sport that was rarely uttered by the lips of many Guyanese; but that has all changed with one man’s quest to make golf one of our country’s top sports.

Most persons laughed when Aleem Hussain, current President of the Guyana Golf Association and NexGen Golf Academy, made known his intention; but, in a short time, he has created opportunities for those far and wide to play the game by creating a platform where everyone with an interest could have access to play the game, and it doesn’t matter what your social status is.

It is now clear from the remarkable response to his efforts that the game of golf has a place in Guyana, as there is opportunity for our nation not only to be recognised for its cricket and football, but its golf successes. Based on current results, one would go as far as to say that golf has the potential to challenge and even surpass many of the core sports in the country.

Through his company, NexGen Global, Hussain has not only improved the facilities at the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue, but has acquired land to open another course on the West Coast of Demerara, and is, moreover, eyeing a location in Essequibo. What this means to the Guyanese public is that golf is on the rise, and will soon be in your area, so everyone can participate.

And what is even more important is the manner in which Nexgen Global is building the sport: from the ground up, with a keen eye to future generations, starting with the school system and planning major competitions between schools, regions and neighbouring countries with the goal of eventually fielding an Olympic team.

While there may be naysayers sprouting opinions about his efforts and the sport’s true potential,

The new plot of land acquired by the GGA and NexGen Golf Academy

there is undeniably a lot golf can do for Guyana, especially in the form of Sports Tourism, wherein there are endless possibilities. Golf tourism is the term used to describe trips undertaken by persons with the main purpose being to play golf.

With countries s u c h

as Cyprus and Saudi Arabia - seriously short of water - developing 30 new courses to save their troubled tourism industry, one has to open one’s eyes to golf’s potential. To look at more factual data, there are now 32,000 courses around the world; up from 25,000 in the mid-1990s, which at that time would have covered an area the size of Belgium.

The UK has the highest density in the world: about 0.6% of the land

is covered by 2,600 courses, a 40% increase in the past 30 years. In Japan, there are over 20 million players, and they pay a high price to travel the world for their golfing holidays.

According to a 2015 Links report, Links readers have an average annual spending on golf travel of $3,965, out of a total spending on all travel of $10,560. 52% of the Links readers surveyed said they planned to take between 4 and 9 golf trips in the next three years. SRI estimated that golf generated a total economic impact of $176.8 billion in 2011.

Further, according to the report, golf supported approximately 1.98 million jobs, putting $55.6 billion of wages into American pockets.

The SRI report also estimates that sales of existing homes in golf communities “generated $1.6 billion in increased real estate value or premium (the premium is the additional amount a buyer is willing to pay for a home or property located on a golf course or within a golf community).” In other words, living on or near a golf course is good for property values, which increases the net worth of those homeowners.

So, think about it, with Maraiko Bay Golf & Country Club and at least 3 other courses in development stage, sooner rather than later Guyana would have courses on par with the rest of the world, then you can imagine the influx of tourists that would want to take a crack at our courses, and imagine the amount of revenue Guyana would receive.

If you need more convincing, let’s take a dive into some more data, and look at the figures and ask ourselves why Guyana should not be benefiting from the golf tourism platform. The global golf tourism market is worth

over $17 billion, according to the International Association of Golfing Tour Operators (IAGTO) as 56 million people play golf worldwide.

The leading market in terms of golf as a sport is the United States - it is thought to contribute over $60 billion to that economy. Europe (aside from the UK) is not a mature golf market; it is still mainly pursued by the elite few (worth $20 billion). The UK, Japan, and Australia all have mature golfing markets. Golf is more than just a game, it’s a thriving business that grows the economies of the promoting countries.

The golf tourism market is poised to grow by $5.36 billion during 20202024, progressing at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. The market is driven by the growing emphasis on golf infrastructure worldwide and rising Government support for the promotion of golf tourism. This study identifies the increasing popularity of pro-golf tournaments as one of the prime reasons driving the golf tourism market’s growth during the next few years.

One of the most important benefits of golf tourism is that lovers of the game do not think twice while spending money on the travel and hospitality services pertaining to the game. In developing countries like India, golf tourism is proving a boon for revenue generation, creating economic growth through hotels, restaurants and retail establishments.

Apart from its economic benefits, golf tourism can create new tourism destinations and can also help develop new infrastructure. It also creates good opportunity to increase community support for sport and sport events. Golf tourism also attracts high end visitors, especially repeaters, and this improves the organisational, marketing and bidding capabilities of a country seeking to host major televised events.

So, think about it, or debate with me, but there are no arguments against these figures and facts that prove themselves. With COVID-19 creating havoc with contact sports, and likely to continue to do so in the foreseeable future, Guyana, like many other countries, should turn to the game of golf, as it is one sport that meets all of the COVID-19 guidelines criteria.

And finally, the dream of one man will become the reality of many Guyanese, as, in a matter of 3 to 5 years, Guyana will be on that level, as many golfers will come to have a taste of what we have to offer, and take their battles to our greens.

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Lampard sacking shows "brutality" of football – says Jose Mourinho

J

ose Mourinho feels Chelsea’s decision to sack Frank Lampard highlights the “brutality” of football.

The Blues on Monday ended Lampard’s reign after just 18 months, with former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel poised to replace him.

Mourinho has had two spells as Chelsea manager, both of which ended mid-season, and he is well aware of the pressures at Stamford Bridge.

The Tottenham boss regrets any managerial sackings, but felt particularly sad for his former player Lampard.

“I don’t think Frank wants to speak to me, or with anyone apart from his close circle of family and friends,” Mourinho, who turned 58 on Tuesday, told reporters. “But I am always sad when a colleague loses his job, and Frank is not just a colleague, he is an important person in my career, so I feel sorry he did [get sacked].

“But it is the brutality of football, especially modern football; so, when you become a manager, you know that sooner or later it is going to happen to you,” Mourinho has said.

Mourinho was speaking after a late surge gave Tottenham a 4-1 away win over Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup. Spurs are fifth in the Premier League, four points and four places ahead of rivals Chelsea, who have won only eight of their first 19 top-flight games this season.

In a statement after his sacking, Lampard said he was disappointed at being prevented from taking Chelsea to the next level, but the former Derby County boss expressed pride at the emergence of several academy players during his tenure. (Sportsmax)

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We’ll be ready for CARIFTA Games 2022 T

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– says AAG President Aubrey Hutson

he Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games will this year not be held over the customary Easter weekend, but would be staged from July 2-4 in Bermuda.

With the CARIFTA Games being still on course for a 2021 staging, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will now anticipate their opportunity to host the Games next year.

While AAG President Aubrey Hutson welcomes Guyana’s opportunity to stage the Games, there is some lingering disappointment over the athletes who would become ineligible to compete because of age constraints.

“We’ve had some great athletes who would have qualified last year, but sadly, a lot of them would’ve passed the age. They would’ve either moved up in category, or passed the age of 19 years old,” Hutson told this publication.

In a candid exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Hutson explained that the month being initially looked at was June, but objections were made in respect to student athletes having to be accommodated to sit their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced

Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

In the interest of giving the Association, parents and athletes some peace of mind, it is Hutson’s hope that there would by then be some vaccine protocol in place.

“We’re really and truly being optimistic that either a vaccine or immunisation of some sort takes places, so we can have athletes travelling just like they do with yellow fever and all the other ailments when we have to travel,” the AAG President explained.

Confirmation that the event is taking place in July of this year means that Guyana is next due to host the Games. Being the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games, the AAG is bent on executing perfectly.

The AAG Boss shared that modifications would be made to the Leonora Track and Field Facility at which the games are slated to be held. In addition, subject Minister for Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, is completely on board.

Detailing the Minister’s involvement, Hutson told this publication, “He, so far, is on board with us in hosting this meet. I must say that he is very, very enthusiastic about CARIFTA Games coming to Guyana, and he really and truly wants to play a major role in us putting on a good show for the rest of the world.”

Hutson informed that the AAG is, in the meanwhile, working along with the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) in order to iron out the kinks in anticipation for 2022.

“Most of the subject areas covering the CARIFTA Games have been submitted. There are still a few of them that we have to clear up with NACAC as to how we will go about getting this done.

“We have to bear in mind that they are still the custodians of the meet, but they’re asking us to execute the meet on their behalf; so, we’re looking at the different budgetary allocations and how the funding (is) coming from them, and the demands that they’re making, how do we balance that,” Hutson said.

Initially, Guyana was supposed to host the Games in 2021, but this was pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As such, the regional meet for schoolage athletes was called off in 2020, and Bermuda, who were supposed to play hosts in 2020, got the 2021 slot.

“It’s a work in progress, but we’re very optimistic that we’ll be ready for it,” Hutson has declared.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

WI spinner Rahkeem Cornwall grateful for long lead-up to Test series “Extra time helps us prepare for ‘difficult’ conditions”

W GASA, Ramson working on swimmers’ access to facilities T he Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), through its President Dwayne Scott, has hinted at the possibility of having several more venues to facilitate competitive swimming.

This announcement was made on the heels of Scott meeting with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, in an initiative involving the Minister meeting with Sports Association heads every month.

“Additionally, the Minister, along with his team, is working on some improvements at both the Aquatic Centre and Colgrain, and he is currently working on allowing us access again to the Castellani House,” Scott shared in an invited comment.

Giving a more in-depth update on how this move is going, Scott explained, “Colgrain should be up and running before the end of the month.

He specifically wanted us to use Colgrain for our clinic programme, which is for young swimmers’ development; and he’d indicated that, maybe by the end of March, we should

have access to Castellani House.”

Expectedly, these facilities will see some rehab work before the GASA begins to utilise them.

“Both facilities will undergo some level of rehabilitation, which is good for swimming, because now it will allow us access to more facilities within Georgetown. We’ve also discussed with the Minister the possibility of expanding swimming activities outside of the Georgetown region or boundaries,” Scott revealed.

He continued by saying, “We’ve looked at the possibilities of Region 3. We’ve discussed the possibility of revisiting the pool facility at the Uitvlugt Estate. We’ve discussed the Linden Facility, and we discussed the Berbice Facility. The Minister gave us assurances that he will work to have a facility available in Region 3, and he will also take a look at the Uitvlugt Facility to see what can be done, so that we can have access to it, perhaps after the passing of the next budget.

“For the Linden situation, we are supposed to be working to get a ded-

icated time slot for the Linden athletes to use a facility. This’ll have to go through NICIL, because it’s under their management. The Minister will take the lead in that, with our support, in ensuring that athletes have access to the facilities (so) that they can train. Of course, some of these will happen after the COVID restrictions.”

Scott went on to share plans for a new swimming facility at Linden, which would go a long way in assisting the mining town to produce more competitive swimmers.

“More importantly, he indicated that there is a plan to put a new pool at Linden, only for competitive swimming. These plans will be unveiled to you by the Minister at some point, based on what is available and how the plans roll out.

“Obviously, it should be launching at some point in time, along same lines with the synthetic track that has been developed at Linden. Again, the location and the details on that will be provided to you by the Minister,” Scott said.

est Indies spinner Rahkeem Cornwall believes the unusually long preparation time before the start of the Bangladesh Test series has been beneficial for players needing to get used to ‘difficult’ conditions.

The regional team arrived in Bangladesh on January 10, and was required to quarantine for 7 days, based on that country’s COVID-19 protocols. Since clearing that hurdle, however, the Test team has been free to train, and will not play the match until February 1.

Bangladesh The Asians, known for being particularly difficult to beat on their home turf, easily dispatched the West Indies 2-0 on their last visit in 2018. One of those advantages is said to be the team’s pitches.

“It (extra time) has helped. You have to adapt to these conditions. These conditions are difficult to play in, so the more time we get to understand the conditions, the better it is for us,” Cornwall said. “It spins a bit more here. It is always going to be drier than the Caribbean. So, we just have to adapt to it and play to the best of our ability,” he added.

The inexperienced West Indies team will be hoping for a better showing than in the recently concluded One Day International (ODI) series, in which the team was summarily swept aside 3-0.

The ODI batting line-up found the top-class Bangladesh spinners a difficult task to cope with on the surfaces.

(Adapted f r o m Sportsmax)

Rakheem Cornwall

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

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

WI spinner Rahkeem Cornwall grateful for long lead-up Jaguars’ Griffith, Pride’s to Test series Hope brothers test Pg 23

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CG Insurance Super50 Cup…

“Extra time helps us prepare for positive for COVID-19 ‘difficult’ conditions” – Savory named to replace Griffith

Guyana is known for gold and gas, but golf as well?

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– as the economy booms, one sport is set to change perception of Guyana on the world stage

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Simmons: Hosein a WI player for the future

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