Guyana Times - Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Joe Singh P appointed Chairman of NAREI Board 14

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

Issue No. 4527

Guyana, US sign new pact for military support See story on page 3

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Venezuelan P2 bandits attack, rob Port Kaituma businessman, wife …escape with guns, ammo, cash

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Godfrey Bess (left) and US Admiral Craig S Faller signing the new military support agreement

…GDF optimistic of armies standing against transnational security threats Venezuela’s provocation on border controversy

Caricom expresses unwavering support for Guyana

…as 34-nation OAS joins in condemning unilateral boundary extension by Nicolás Maduro See stories on pages 7&12 …GDF steps up vigilance on border

2 fuel tankers Volda Lawrence burst into flames at Parika questioned by SOCU as probe widens

Challenges to Police promotions

P11

PSC now willing to settle issue outside of court – AG

5 injured after car crashes into parked P13 truck

EBD land scandal

Page 2

Page 9

P10 65 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 24h …increase linked to holiday violations – Health Minister

11-year- P12 old sexually assaulted by stepfather

GECOM Chair debunks Opposition Commissioners' claim she refused to meet PNCR Page 17

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 fuel tankers burst into flames at Parika

Smoke billowing from the fire

T

wo fuel tankers erupted into flames near the Salem first koker at Parika, East Bank Essequibo

(EBE), on Tuesday morning – leaving one of the drivers severely injured and firefighters battling the flames for two

hours.

Based on information received, the incident occurred shortly after 10:00h.

Reports are that at about 09:00h, the two lorries were parked near the koker to discharge fuel. One of the drivers, Ramsharan Dean, indicated that he left the vehicle some 25 feet away and upon returning, he saw the smoke wafting from the cabin area.

He related that almost immediately the cabin area burst into huge fire and spread to the other lorry.

By then, the driver of the second truck, Zahir Villa, attempted to move the other truck to prevent it from burning. As he tried to turn off the engine, Villa sustained

The situation was brought under control by firefighters

injuries about his hand. He was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital and examined by doctors on duty.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that there was a sud-

den outburst of flames, which could not be contained as thick smoke surrounded the entire area, causing persons to dash for safety. Others looked on from afar as the tragic incident unfolded.

Firefighters from the Leonora Fire Station were called in to contain the blaze from spreading to a nearby gas station. Both of the tankers were filled with fuel, posing increased danger if they were not doused.

“All we noticed was that it catch afire. It was just the two fuel trucks but it’s close

to a service station and fuel boats and everything. One of the drivers get burn up and he was taken to Leonora Hospital,” an eyewitness explained.

Boat owners also mobilised to move their vessels, since the fire had spread into the waterway as the fuel leaked.

This publication understands that the tanks belong to a businessman of Tuschen, EBE. By 13:00h, the situation was under control but the vehicles were completely damaged. Losses are estimated in the millions. (G12)

Venezuelan bandits attack, rob Port Kaituma businessman, wife …escape with guns, ammo, cash …open fire on Police

A

56-year-old businessman and his reputed wife were on Monday robbed of several firearms, ammunition and other valuables at Port Kaituma Water Front, North West District (NWD), by three armed Venezuelan nationals.

Elroy Allam also called “Chinee”, a licensed firearm holder and his reputed wife, Shonna Campbell of Port Kaituma Water Front, were attacked by the three men at their business place - “Chinee and Daughter’s General Store.”

Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that the couple was relieved of one .223 semi-automatic rifle with 30 live rounds of matching ammunition along with one magazine; one .32 semi-automatic pistol with ten live rounds of ammunition and two magazines; one twelve-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, $10 million cash, a quantity of gold jewellery and two mobile phones.

After the men left, an alarm was raised and the Police along with members so the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard at Morwhanna were contacted.

Based on information received, the members of the Joint Services went in search of the three men. It was reported that while the Police were in the vicinity of the Aruka River they observed a boat with several occupants.

However, upon seeing the Police, the occupants of the boat opened fire, thus forcing them to retaliate by returning fire.

The boat, nevertheless, headed in the direction of

Morwhanna at the GuyanaVenezuela border where the men made good their escape.

The Police are reviewing the footage taken from the CCTV cameras as they continue their investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police confirmed that none of the Joint Service’s ranks was injured during the attack. The Police could not confirm if any of the suspects were injured.

Back in September, members of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force came under fire in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

It was reported that shots were fired from the Venezuelan shore, reportedly by notorious Syndicato gang members but none of the ranks received injuries.

As such, the Guyanese lawmen returned fire. At the time of the attack, the ranks were patrolling the GuyanaVenezuela border.

“Aggressive joint boat patrols by the Guyanese security forces have since been intensified in the Cuyuni River area,” the GDF had stated in a release to the press.

Guyana’s border with Venezuela is more than 1000 kilometres long and patrols are conducted on a routine basis.

The GDF had stated that the encounter was not the first and as such, several measures are being explored towards resolution.

Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court as Venezuela continues to lay claims to Guyana’s Essequibo and part of its exclusive economic zone.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 13 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Thursday, January 14 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 13 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Thursday, January 14 – 05:10h – 06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny intervals will prevail during the day.

There will be partly cloudy skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:44h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres.

Guyana, US sign new pact for military support …GDF optimistic of armies standing against transnational security threats

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has entered into an agreement with the United States (US) Department of Defense that can see Guyana benefitting from logistic support from the US, as well as supplies and equipment that will include military vehicles and ammunition.

The signing was done at State House on Tuesday, between GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Godfrey Bess and US Admiral Craig S Faller. Admiral Faller, a

The agreement between Guyana and the United States being signed by GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Godfrey Bess and US Admiral Craig S Faller

Low Tide: 10:18h and 22:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.71 metre and 0.53 metre.

Admiral Faller salutes the GDF guard of honour assembled to receive him

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decorated war veteran who heads the US Southern Command, is on a three-day visit to Guyana.

In his remarks after the signing, Faller explained what Guyana can expect from the agreement. He also noted that the visit and consequential agreement has been in the works for some time and builds on the increased collaboration between the US and Guyana.

“The acquisition and cross-servicing agreement is fundamentally about logistics. Basic things like parts, things you might need to fix your equipment, or food or fuel and our ability to trade goods and services while exercising or operating together,” Admiral Faller said.

“So what this does is it lays out that process or framework. So that when we do need to share food or basic things important to the military, we can do that very efficiently. So it sets the

conditions for us to continue with our robust exercise programme and train together, things we have been doing and look forward to continuing in the future.”

A perusal of the agreement, which was seen by this publication, showed that the scope of this support includes oil and lubricants, clothing, medical services, spare parts and ammunition, as well as the

use of facilities, ports and training services.

“The term also includes the temporary use of general-purpose vehicles and other non-lethal items of military equipment, where such lease or loan is permitted under the national laws and regulations of the Parties.

The term “Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services” refers to support, supplies, or services from any or all of the foregoing categories,” the agreement says.

Meanwhile, Article III (2) of the agreement says that the provision of this logistical support from one military to another can be done in exchange for “Monetary Reimbursement, Replacement-In-Kind, or Equal-Value-Exchange of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services to the military forces of the Supplying Party.”

Brigadier General Bess in his remarks also welcomed the signing of the agreement. He was optimistic about the continued collaboration between the two armies against transnational security threats.

TURN TO PAGE 7

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $56.58/barrel $231.71/ton $437.90/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +1.63 +0.26 +0.74

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1861.00

$1862.00

Low/High Change

$1837.50 +6.00

$1864.30 +0.32%

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 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

Revitalising small industries

T

he new National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Board was charged on Tuesday by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to pay special attention to developing strategies to boost Guyana’s coconut industry. This, like the November 2020 announcement that Guyana will join the membership of the International Coconut Community (ICC) as Government advances plans to increase cultivation of this crop countrywide - is welcoming.

The coconut industry is one which could be a moneyspinner for the country. Already, even in its neglected state, coconut is the third major crop cultivated in Guyana, after rice and sugar cane. This industry can be one which could produce scores of by-products, for which there is demand for export as well as local use. The coconut and its by-products are now in growing demand worldwide.

Coconut oil, which once used to be wrongly labelled as high-cholesterol, is now regarded as among the best cooking oils, many consumers preferring it to olive and canola oils.

Most of the old coconut-growing families who had large estates have gone out of business. In the Pomeroon area, for instance, there are only a few producers left. As a matter of fact, one of the largest producers in Laluni, Haresh Tewari, only on Wednesday reminded that the industry can provide employment for the residents of the community. This particular farmer has plans to cultivate one million coconut trees.

The economic advantages of the industry should be widely disseminated, as the numerous profitable byproducts which could easily be produced should be made known to the public, as well as the available markets should also be made known to producers.

It could be recalled that a coconut expert from India, Dr Shivarama Reddy, had come to Guyana some years ago to work with NARI and local farmers to examine ways in which the coconut industry could be revitalised, and to look at possible markets for the product. Also, a position paper

by NARI had outlined three main areas of intervention to aid in the coconut industry: increasing the productivity and production potential of the sector; assessing the state of Guyana’s coconut oil industry and its future, and considering possible support mechanisms; and exploring other coconut-derived products in terms of their valueadded and export potential. Nonetheless, over the years, the industry seemed to have contracted. Coconut oil, to a great extent, has been largely replaced by foreign imports.

Dried coconuts are still exported, but in much less quantities than formerly. Today, a great part of coconut production is used to provide coconut water. One local producer exports the commodity to Trinidad for canning. The cans carry no reference to its Guyanese origin. An infrastructure of international packaging standards already exists in Guyana.

There is, for instance, the Beharry Group, which has put on the local and export markets a number of products with world class packaging.

The coconut industry could become highly profitable within the next three or four years. This can be achieved if suitable lands are leased to prospective farmers, intensive agricultural extension services are provided, as well as soft loans and marketing exploration. The Agriculture Ministry and the Lands and Surveys Commission, with the help of experts, should be able to locate good coconut-growing lands and advertise for suitable takers. Unlike in the past, when there were talks of the massive production, giving optimistic hopes propagated to the public but were never materialised, it is time serious effort be expended in reviving the industry.

This industry has very huge potential for expansion and development, especially as it relates to processing and value-added products. Guyana could tremendously increase its earnings from exports in this industry.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo chats with US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and visiting Commander of the US Southern Command, Admiral Craig S Faller during a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence

Irresponsible to make public claims contrary to facts of what transpired Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force notes with concern the letter published in the Stabroek News on the 12th day of January, 2021 titled, “I never received an offer to view videos of autopsies on murdered West Berbice boys”, that appears to be authored by Dr Luis Fondebrider.

This letter contains glaring inaccuracies which can be rebutted and debunked evidentially. The author claims that “…at no time did I receive such an offer…” and goes on to state that, “During my visit to Guyana, a formal meeting with the Minister constituted my only contact with officials, since my efforts to meet the patholo-

gist who performed the autopsy and the Crime Chief were not successful.” These utterances are alarming, since they are simply not true. It is a fact that when Dr. Luis Fondebrider arrived in Guyana, he was invited to a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The persons attending this meeting were the Honorable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Benn; the Commissioner of Police (ag), Mr Hoppie; the Crime Chief, Mr Blanhum; the Treaty Officer and the Ambassador of Argentina; Mr Mike McCormack, along with Dr Luis Fondebrider. There is photographic evidence to contradict the claim that Dr. Luis Fondebrider did not

meet with the Crime Chief.

And what is more bizarre about this false claim is the fact that the Crime Chief himself presented a brief to Dr Luis Fondebrider in the presence of all attendees at this meeting on the status of the investigation and the work that the Guyana Police Force had conducted so far in the matter.

It was in this meeting, in the presence of all attendees, that the offer was made for the Guyana Police Force to share with him a copy of the video of the post mortem examinations conducted on the Henry boys, and, to date, the Administration of the Guyana Police Force is not in receipt of a formal response from Dr. Luis

Fondebrider as it relates to that offer.

In a matter of this nature that has national importance, it is irresponsible to make such public claims that are contrary to the facts of the reality of what transpired. This is unfortunate, and the intention behind same can easily be inferred. Rest assured that the Guyana Police Force remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in this matter.

Sincerely, Royston Andries-Junor Assistant Commissioner Public Relations and Press Officer Guyana Police Force

Meeting between Minister Benn and Dr Luis Fondebrider

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to clarify that the Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs, held a meeting on December 15, 2020, at the Minister’s Secretariat, with the Argentine Forensic Expert, Director of EAAF, Dr Luis Fondebrider, and the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Guyana, His Excellency Felipe Alejandro Gardella.

Present at the meeting were: Co-President of the Guyana Human Rights Association, Mike McCormack; Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie, and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

At that meeting, Dr Luis Fondebrider was advised that he would be provided with the video of the autopsies conducted in relation to the Berbice incidents, and the forensic re-

ports of those autopsies.

The offer was also made for him to have a meeting with Dr Nehaul Singh, the Government Pathologist, who at the time was on his way to duty in Lethem.

However, the meeting with Dr Nehaul Singh and Dr Luis Fondebrider did not materialise, because it was understood that Dr Fondebrider was departing Guyana the very next day, December 16, 2020. Dr

Fondebrider was also advised that, should the need arise for assistance from his agency beyond the normal resorts which are employed, contact would be made with him.

Sincerely, Mary C Adams Public Relations Officer Ministry of Home Affairs Guyana

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

5

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

Why are reason and truth enemies to Lincoln Lewis?

Dear Editor, Missives, replies, retorts, and rejoinders must not be personalised and replete with falsities; they must provide some useful information to readers for intellectual elevation. These qualities were missing in Lincoln Lewis’s latest (Jan 10) and earlier responses to my attempts to correct his misunderstanding of reality. He continues to pedal more misinformation and myths.

I was not surprised with the quality of his last reply, to use “a sledgehammer”, in responses to me and Freddie Kissoon; that in itself exposes the character of the man. Lewis has nothing of value to add to his defence of his contributions to issues raised, and so he delves deeply into his race. When one does not have anything of substance to contribute to an argument, one inserts ‘race’ and extraneous points into the debate.

Thus Lewis brings up Kamala Harris’s upbringing, her Indianness, her Blackness, and the contributions of Black Americans to the presence of Indians in the US. Those points have no relevance to the ongoing discourse. In addition, Lewis belittles the enormous contributions of Indian Americans and other ethnic groups to the Civil Rights Movement as well as to the development of America, and in so doing exposes his ignorance of the struggle for equality in the USA. On Kamala Harris, as I stated earlier, not ev-

eryone can be a father.

Impregnating a woman does not make one a father.

Fatherhood involves being with children and being responsible for their growth and development. As Vice President, Kamala stated that the family was abandoned when she was age 6. She praised her Indian mother and maternal kin for the progress of herself and sister Maya. She stated so publicly. And she has not mentioned her father in her speeches. What can I write about the father when Kamla herself did not mention his contribution? I will not indulge in speculation and misinformation, into which Lewis seems to revel.

I would prefer not to continue this exchange, as no amount of evidence or reasoning would enlighten Lewis. He is determined to see things only in terms of “his race” – no other factor matters. Race reductionism has become his mantra.

Nevertheless, I must comment on his lack of understanding of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

In America, every group historically had suffered varying degrees of oppression and persecution. It is indisputable that Black Americans were persecuted in America. Other ethnic groups, including several White ethnic groups and all immigrant groups (Haitians, Jamaicans, Blacks from Africa, etc.), Irish, Italians, Polish, Greeks, Jews, native Indians, Hispanics, Japanese, Chinese, Indian

Americans, were all at one time or another oppressed by the dominant White group (Anglo-Saxons). While Blacks contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement, the contribution of other ethnic groups must not be cast aside as a postscript.

Black American leaders fought against slavery, and they played a leading role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Jewish lawyers and businesses were in the thick of the Civil Rights Movement, defending Black activists in court and funding the movement; the role of Jews in the civil rights’ struggle must not be understated. Irish leaders fought against indentureship that helped enforce Black abolition rights.

Leaders from among other ethnic groups, including Indians, have also made a contribution to fighting against prejudice and ethnic abuses.

While acknowledging the major contribution of the Blacks, we must not ignore the struggle of each group that led eventually to improvement of rights that benefited all. And yes, Indians benefited from the preceding struggles of all groups, including Black Civil Rights leaders, for which they express tremendous gratitude.

But Indians have also been building upon those accomplishments of the Civil Rights and other movements, and have been distinguishing themselves particularly in such fields as medicine, healthcare, sci-

ence, technology, engineering, and business. Each contemporary generation has to continue building upon the foundations set by previous generations. Succeeding generations are literally the building blocks of societal evolution.

Various groups were excluded from America.

Although Indian soldiers made contributions to the geo-security of America going back to the 1800s, and helped to protect American troops in WWI and WWII, they were not welcome in the US. When Indians, Chinese, Japanese, etc. came to the US during the 1800s, they faced racial discrimination, against which they fought, and, in so doing, left their own imprint in early struggles for equality. They all helped to renovate, restructure and rebuild America.

Indians grew food first to help feed the American nation, and now their contribution to America in all spheres of economic activity is substantial. This does in no way minimise the contributions of other ethnic groups to the country’s development.

The Chinese and Japanese helped built the railways. Indians, Chinese, Japanese, and Blacks helped to elect the first non-Anglo Saxon and non-Protestant President in John Kennedy.

The election of the country’s first Catholic President helped to empower the Civil Rights Movement. The 1965 Immigration Act paved the way for Indian and other

Deliberate political stratagem

by APNU/AFC unleashed torrent of hardship upon farmers Dear Editor, In Region Five, a serious disaster was avoided. Most small rice farmers in this region had made up their minds that the autumn crop of 2020 would have been the last time they would be planting rice in the MMA-ADA Scheme. The very large farmers salivated at the opportunity to eliminate small farmers, which would have been disastrous, as the entire class structure would have been changed in Region 5, with many immediately falling into poverty from their solid, stable middle class.

Sycophants of the previous Government waited to see the destruction of the lives of these people with maniacal glee. It was a matter of policy, and a deliberate political stratagem, that the previous administration unleashed a torrent of hardship upon farmers. The farmer, whose humble existence is surpassed only by his industrious nature, was

placed in a position in which he was forced to abandon his own livelihood and fight for a day-to-day survival.

Enter the PPP/C Government which, upon assumption of office, immediately reversed the Drainage and Irrigation and Land Rent Charges in the MMAADA that were installed on farmers. This single measure provided disposable income upwards of one point five billion dollars that farmers might most likely spend in Region 5. The Government also removed VAT on fertilisers, agricultural machinery, and pesticides.

Significantly the Ministry provided support to the MMA-ADA to begin in the MMA-ADA Scheme critical works that had been severely dilapidated and neglected. Without this intervention, thousands of acres of rice would have been left in the fields to spoil as access dams, bridges and canals had to be rehabilitat-

ed, and, in some cases, completely rebuilt.

Hundreds of miles of Drainage and Irrigation channels were also cleaned, as those had been neglected and left very clogged. Neglect and destruction were a state of existence that the previ-

ous Government had been comfortable with, but this Government has shown no tolerance for.

Sincerely, Ryan Chitranjan Jaikissoon

ethnic professionals to settle in America. During the Vietnam War, when there was a shortage of professional labour and troops, Indians and other groups were welcomed to the US. The US opened its doors to skilled Indian and Asian labour.

Indo-Guyanese and other Guyanese are in America, Canada, UK, etc because of the racial persecution and repression that Lewis’s governing PNC party inflicted upon the people. I came to the US because JFK and others opened the door for me. And I have not been selfish. I have contributed to the Black struggle and civil rights. I was elected to student government at City College (heart of Harlem) in 1978 in my sophomore year, and was re-elected several times and served in several executive positions. I piloted funding for Black Civil Rights Movement, helped to organise Harlem Black Renaissance, participated in protests against apartheid and minority rule in Ian Smith’s Rhodesia, and against closure of Sydenham Hospital in Black Harlem, fought against tuition increases at public universities, and took part in so many other activities that redounded to the benefit of minorities, including Blacks.

Lewis tends to mask his

own racism when it comes to bauxite, sugar, elections, and land rights. He supports rigged elections to benefit a Black party. He asked President David Granger to cancel the 2020 elections, because his party lost. Poor chap! He still doesn’t know that Granger had no authority to cancel the elections. He only supports land rights to Africans, but not to Amerindians and Indians.

On bauxite and sugar, the African-based PNC closed the bauxite industry that employed primarily Africans. It was the Indianbased PPP that rescued bauxite in 1992 from collapse, yet Lewis accused the PPP of engaging in African genocide, and not the PNC that shut down bauxite!

The gravy from the Indiandominated sugar industry was diverted to revive bauxite as well as other sectors in the economy, and yet Lewis has failed to acknowledge the role of Indians and the PPP in the country’s development.

Lewis knows the history of his PNC party’s 33 (28+5) years of governance. The economy was wrecked and it required the PPP (the party he describes as Indian) to rehabilitate it.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

M

an’s vision should not be confined solely to external objects and worldly things, which are transient and perishable.

Man has been given this vision so that he may see the pure, sacred Divine Consciousness abiding in his heart.

The northward motion of the Sun (Uttarayana) is the appropriate occasion for developing this inward vision.

This is the royal road for the spiritual aspirant to realise the Supreme. From this day, the Sun wears a peaceful and pleasing aspect. It is not enough, therefore, merely to recognise the northward movement of the sun in this period. Every effort should be made to direct the vision inwards towards the pure, sacred Indwelling Self.

This is the period for cherishing sacred thoughts and performing holy deeds. The sages and seers of ancient times used to wait for the arrival of the Uttarayana to embark on their sacred tasks. (Divine Discourse, Jan 14, 1994)

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Organisation

6

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Universal Set

FOR CHILDREN

Sets cont’d

The universal set is all the integers.

When talking about sets, it is fairly standard to use Capital Letters to represent the set, and lowercase letters to represent an element in that set.

So for example, A is a set, and a is an element in A. Same with B and b, and C and c.

Subsets

When we define a set, if we take pieces of that set, we can form what is called a subset.

Example: the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} A subset of this is {1, 2, 3}. Another subset is {3, 4} or even another is {1}, etc.

But {1, 6} is not a subset, since it has an element (6) which is not in the parent set.

A is a subset of B if and only if every element of A is in B.

Æsop’s Fables

When we say that A is a subset of B, we write A B. Or we can say that A is not a subset of B by writing A B ("A is not a subset of B")

Empty (or Null) Set

As an example, think of the set of piano keys on a guitar.

"But wait!" you say, "There are no piano keys on a guitar!"

Equal sets And right you are. It is a set with no Two sets are equal if they have preelements. cisely the same members.

Ranger Rick’s Nature Notebook This is known as the Empty Set Example: Are A and B equal where: (or Null Set).There arA is the set whose members are the en't any elements in first four positive whole numbers it. Not one. Zero.

B = {4, 2, 1, 3} It is repreLet's check. They both contain 1. sented by They both contain 2. And 3, And 4. AndLots can happen in just one minute.

Or by {} (a set we have checked every element of both See for yourself with this activity. with no elements) sets, so: Yes, they are equal!

The empty set is a subset of every And the equals sign (=) is used to set, including the empty set itself. (mathshow equality, so we write: Keep aR Keep a Record!

Helpful Things sisfun.com) to Take Along A=B Ranger Rick’s Nature Notebook Stopwatch Binoculars

IN A MINUTE

Date _____

Time _____

Location _____________ Weather _____________

Magnifying glass

IN A MINUTE IN A MINUTE

(optional)

(optional) Ranger Rick’s Nature Notebook

Lots can happen in just one minute.

PLACE 1 Choose a place nature andwith set this a stopwatch Seeinfor yourself activity. for one minute. Write down everything that happens in that minute. (What do you see, hear, smell, or feel?)

Lots can happen in just one minute.

Keep a RSee for yourself with this activity.

Keep a Record!

Date _____

Time _____

Date _____

Time _____

Keep aR Keep a Weather Record!

Location _____________ _____________ Location _____________ Weather _____________

Helpful Things to Take Along

Stopwatch

Helpful Things Magnifying glass (optional) Stopwatch Magnifying glass (optional)

Binoculars

(optional) to Take Along

TRY PLACES TO

Binoculars (optional)

• City park

PLACE 1 Choose a place in nature and set a stopwatch for one minute. Write down or Lake • Pondeverything that happens in that minute. (What do you see, hear, smell, or feel?) ore

• Seash

PLACE 1 Choose a place in nature and set a stopwatch for one minute. Write down st • Foreeverything that happens in that minute. (What do you see, hear, smell, or feel?)eado w PLACE 2 Now do the same thing in another place. But also answer these questions: Is there more or less action in Place #2? Are any of the same things happening in both places?

PLACE 2 Now do the same thing in another place. But also answer these questions: Is there more or less action in Place #2? Are any of the same things happening in both places?

PLACE 2 Now do the same thing in another place. But also answer these questions: Is there more or less action in Place #2? Are any of the same things happening in both places?

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TRY PLACES TO City parkTO TRY P•LACdEoSr La ke

• Pon re paork y sh ita ••CSe r st d o Lake Fonre ••Po rew oo ad Maesh ••Se r log er a rock o ndst Ure ••Fo e Uepain doawtre ••M ck or log • Under a ro ee • Up in a tr

© 2017 The National Wildlife Federation. Permission granted to reproduce for non-commercial educational uses only. All other rights reserved.

© 2017 The National Wildlife Federation. Permission granted to reproduce for non-commercial educational uses only. All other rights reserved. © 2017 The National Wildlife Federation. Permission granted to reproduce for non-commercial educational uses only. All other rights reserved.

A

little mole once said to his mother: “Why, Mother, you said I was blind! But I am sure I can see!”

Mother Mole saw she would have to get such conceit out of his head. So she put a bit of frankincense before him and asked him to tell what it was.

The little mole peered at it.

“Why, that’s a pebble!”

“Well, my son, that proves you’ve lost your sense of smell as well as being blind.”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s provocation on border controversy

Caricom expresses unwavering support for Guyana …as 34-nation OAS joins in condemning unilateral boundary extension by Nicolás Maduro

T

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) and the 34-member Organisation of American States (OAS), two of the largest organisations in the hemisphere, have thrown their support behind Guyana in the wake of Venezuela’s recent unilateral claim to Guyana’s territory.

In a statement on Tuesday, Caricom expressed its disappointment with the decree issued by Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and the rhetoric emanating from that Spanish speaking country “The Caribbean Community is deeply disappointed and concerned at the decree and subsequent statements by Venezuela with respect to that country’s border controversy with Guyana, including intimations of the creation of a strategic area of national development called “Territory for the

Development of the Atlantic Façade,” Caricom said in its statement.

According to the regional body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the proper venue to address the border controversy. In fact, the case is currently before the ICJ and a case management conference is scheduled for Friday, although Venezuela has so far steered clear of the court.

“The Caribbean Community is in full support of the judicial process underway at the International Court of Justice which is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the two countries,” Caricom said.

“Caricom reiterates in the strongest possible terms its firm and unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. Caricom firmly repudiates any acts

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro

of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana,” the regional body added.

OAS support

Meanwhile, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro has also expressed support for Guyana. This was revealed by Brigadier General Godfrey Bess, who was at the time addressing the media at State House on Tuesday after signing a

Guyana, US sign new...

“These threats, if left unattended, can erode national security and undermine regional stability. The Guyana Defence Force, therefore, looks increasingly to defence cooperation as a means of improving the responsiveness to natural disaster and transnational criminal threats,” Bess said.

“Defence cooperation also enhances the professionalism of our military officers… the GDF is pleased to be a part of this agreement. The agreement allows for greater predictability in

our defence partnership. It establishes a formal basis for the exchange of services between the militaries of Guyana and the US.” Last year, Guyana had signed a ship rider agreement with the US which has since been operationalised with joint patrols in Guyana’s waters that currently focus on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Guyana’s Coast Guard has been working in collaboration with the US Coast Guard Cutter Stone, which is currently in the Region for

FROM PAGE 3

a multi-country tour.

Tuesday’s agreement was signed just days after heightened tension over a decree issued by embattled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, unilaterally laying claim to Guyana’s territory.

This decree has been swiftly condemned by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, the United States, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

military support pact with the United States (US) Department of Defense.

“As we speak, I am aware that the heads of Caricom government are meeting.

And the Caricom community has denounced the position that Venezuela has taken. The OAS Secretary General has also denounced that. And lots of our bilateral and international partners, have been in support of our position on the border issue,” Bess said.

Meanwhile, Bess himself conveyed the GDF’s concern with Venezuela’s posturing, particularly from President Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

“The Guyana Defence Force noted with concern the rhetoric from the President, Vice President and Defence Minister of Venezuela. This matter has been discussed with the Commander in Chief, His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and our goal is to continue to work through the diplomatic channels to ensure this matter is resolved peacefully,” Bess said.

The new decree issued

by President Maduro on Thursday last came just over a week before the world court is scheduled to hold a case management hearing on Guyana’s application for a final and binding settlement of the border contro-

The Caricom Secretariat is located in Guyana

versy with Venezuela.

Condemnation has swiftly followed the decree, with President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the nation in a special address on Saturday and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon releasing a statement the next day.

Internationally, the United States (US) and Canada also quickly came out in condemnation of Venezuela and in expressing support for Guyana. On Sunday, US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch made a statement on the issue in which she reiterated the need for a peaceful resolution to Guyana’s border controversy.

“The United States has long called for a legal, peaceful resolution to Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela and we reiterate that call today,” the diplomat had tweeted,

also sharing a post from Assistant Secretary for the US’s Western Affairs Bureau, Michael Kozak, in which he condemned Maduro’s decree.

In his tweet, Ambassador Kozak reiterated that the US supports the ICJ’s December 18, 2020 ruling that it has jurisdiction in the Guyana-Venezuela territorial border controversy case, which he contended is the “legal and peaceful way forward.”

“The U.S. supports the ICJ's 12/18 ruling that it has jurisdiction in the Guyana-Venezuela territorial border issue, which is the legal and peaceful way forward. Maduro’s aggressive claims don't change this, they only show the world his disregard for his neighbors and intl. law,” the State Department official had posited. (G3)

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Injured nurse demands justice after head-on collision

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29-year-old nurse of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), continues to push for justice three days after the car she was driving was hit head-on by a speeding driver.

Since the accident, Shellean Hope said she has not received any information from the Police about the investigation into the matter. When her husband contacted the perpetrator, they reportedly displayed no sense of remorse or concern.

According to the victim, on Saturday at around 09:10h, she was proceeding along the Diamond Housing

The head-on collision at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

Scheme Access Road when a speeding car from the op-

posite direction overtook another vehicle and collided

head-on with her car.

Hope, in an interview with this publication, said she is still in shock and is suffering from unbearable pain. “I can’t believe someone can just run into your vehicle and treat it so lightly, imagine if my children were in the car, they could’ve lost their lives,” the victim said.

She currently suffers from a broken left wrist.

The victim received surgery and is currently unable to take care of herself or her children and now has to depend on her family to assist.

(G15)

Slithering out…

G

…from oil giveaway lobal Witness just pulled back their Feb 2020 explosive report - “Signed Away” - on the contract Raphael Trotman signed away to Exxon back in June 2016. All the report had was to confirm what everyone in Guyana (and their uncle) - even hardened PNCites - had long concluded: Trotman had given away the store (of oil) and then some. Trotman, not surprisingly, immediately dashed off a letter to the press, insisting that he was now vindicated!!

What a joke! As far back as September, Global Witness had written that they had received communication from local environmental activists complaining that the “Signed Away” report had implicitly encouraged increased oil production. The activists argued that since the takeaway for most folks was that Guyana was going to lose US$55 billion over the production cycle of the field, Global Witness had tossed out their mandate to protect the environment - which production and consumption of fossil fuels damaged. The reason for withdrawing the report from their webpage and not using it in their programme was because they accepted the criticism.

At no point did they say they’re pulling the report because of its substantive content - which was scathing towards Trotman’s entire handling of the contract. After all, who in their right mind in this day and age would accept a piddling 2% Royalty when the going rate - even in beleaguered Africa - was 12%? Their detailed account of treacherous Trotman’s behaviour - from his accepting 5-Star hotel and restaurant accommodation and meals and being chauffeured around in limos to his inexplicable signing of the contract - was most damning.

On June 23, 2016, he’d emailed a consultant hired to advise the Government on oil and gas issues, saying Exxon had asked for an extension of some drilling leases that were set to expire. Trotman wrote that he saw it as an opportunity to revise some of the terms of the frontier 1999 agreement - which split profit oil 50-50 with an additional 1% royalty for the country. The consultant suggested allowing the contract to expire, then threatening to host a bidding process and a 10% royalty.

Another adviser suggested a 15% royalty and that he hire 10 or 20 experts on the renegotiation, not just the 1 he had.

But unknown to either adviser, Trotman signed the new deal with Exxon four days later on June 27, 2016. He kept the 5050 “frontier” 1999 profit sharing - after Exxon took 75% for its expenses. There was the piddling signing bonus of US$18 million - which was hidden away!

But your Eyewitness thinks Trotman in mired in his own BS. He reminded us that Global Witness had recommended an enquiry into his role in the signing.

The Govt should call his bluff! …from nationalistic response Yesterday, your Eyewitness awaited Opposition Leader Harmon’s response to the Venezuelan threat to our sovereignty. Harmon wasn’t very sanguine, so your Eyewitness wasn’t surprised at what was eventually issued. He’d specifically pointed out that Harmon and the PNC’s refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the PPP Government was one of the reasons that Maduro was emboldened to issue his decree claiming Essequibo and our oil. This is even as Maduro refuses to accept the legitimacy of the World Court, which is considering the Arbitral Award that set our boundary back in 1899.

While rejecting the Maduro Decree, Harmon careful parsed his context: “The APNU+AFC Coalition stands resolute and in solidarity with any reasonable action that the people of Guyana are likely to embark on to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty.” Notice that? Harmon and his PNC say they’re standing by “the people” of Guyana - and NOT the Government, which was selected by the people to run the state.

The PNC can’t run with the hare and hunt with the hounds! A house divided… …from local insurrection While some are revelling in schadenfreude at the US’ democratic challenge, at least we must give them credit for prosecuting the invaders and impeaching Trump.

What’s doing with Granger and the W Berbice rioters?

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EBD land scandal

Volda Lawrence questioned by SOCU as probe widens

Chairwoman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence leaving the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) headquarters on Tuesday

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s the Police continue to probe the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Administration’s giveaway of State lands, Chairwoman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence was on Tuesday questioned by investigators at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

This newspaper was told that Lawrence was questioned in relation to a transaction between herself and party member James Bond following the lease arrangement with Life 1 Pharms Incorporated and A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies After leaving SOCU on Tuesday, Lawrence, a former Health Minister under the former David Grangerled Government, told reporters that she willingly visited investigators after she was contacted.

“It wasn’t anything really. It was just a clarification of a transaction that had my name on it and that was basically it and I decided I would come in and not to speak to

people on the phone because I didn’t know who was it,” the politician told the media after being interviewed by investigators.

Investigations are currently ongoing into the massive giveaway of State lands by the Granger-led Administration.

So far, PNCR member and former Member of Parliament, James Bond has been fingered in the investigation.

Bond was the attorney who represented three companies at the centre of the Peters Hall land investigation – Life 1 Pharms Incorporated, A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc and Arken Group – in the drafting of leases by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for lands at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara.

The leases were controversial in nature since they were in contravention of State laws which stipulate that when State lands are leased, the lease must state that the lessee must not part with possession without the consent of the State.

However, in this case, both Life 1 Pharms Incorporated and A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc – which both leased 15 acres of land each from NICIL at an annual rate of US$11,700 – flipped those lands to a Chinese national for just $100.

In the case of Arken Group – the proprietor of that company leased 20.8 acres of land for an annual fee of US$16,224 and had his address listed as the same as Bond’s. It was revealed that Bond then received US$1 million for the property after it was flipped to a local oil and gas company.

Bond was detained for questing and subsequently released on $200,000 station bail by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) back in November 2020.

Implicated

Eddie Doolall of A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc and Avalon Jagnandan, proprietor of Life 1 Pharms Incorporated, were already questioned by the Police in relation to the flipping of the

lands.

Both men, in their statements to Police, implicated Bond as the person who arranged the sale of the lands.

Both men have similar stories of being told by Bond to apply to NICIL for the land, after which a buyer was found by the former Member of Parliament.

Doolall, in his statement, had told the investigators that the PNC member made all the arrangements for the land deal to take place, and in the end, pocketed more than 50 per cent of the proceeds received so far – which amounted to more than $50 million. He added that it was Bond who advised him to start up a pharmaceutical company. Doolall further claimed that it was Bond who told him to write an Expression of Interest to NICIL and that he [Bond] would take care of the rest.

This was done, and then on May 17, 2018, Doolall said Bond contacted him and in-

formed that the lease for the lands was approved and that he needed to sign the documents.

Police sources indicated that Doolall said he would have subsequently spoken to Bond about accessing finances to develop the land and construct a storage bond. The businessman detailed that it was during this conversation that the PNCR member advised Doolall that he could transfer the lands at a prime price and use the money to invest. Doolall said Bond agreed to arrange a buyer.

Doolall explained that when Bond found the buyer, an Agreement of Sale was drafted and presented to him to review. The agreement listed a sale price of $133 million and Doolall reportedly told investigators that when he spoke to Bond about the price, it was then that the PNCR member revealed that he wanted 50 per cent of the proceeds.

It was revealed that Bond

insisted that he receive his payment first from the first tranche of monies that would have been released from the buyer. According to Police sources, Doolall said he agreed to this arrangement.

Meanwhile, the same story was related by Jagnandan.

He told the Police that it was Bond who asked him to apply to NICIL for the land. Like Doolall, Jagnandan claimed that upon Bond’s request, he wrote an Expression of Interest (EoI) and gave it to the attorney, who subsequently informed him that the lease had been granted.

He would have also signed his lease agreement on May 17, 2018 – the same day Doolall signed his.

Jagnandan told investigators that it was Bond who had arranged the buyer and that the lands were sold for $117 million. Of the $60 million that was paid so far, Jagnandan reportedly told Police that all the funds were transferred to Bond. (G2)

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

65 new COVID-19 cases recorded in 24h …increase linked to holiday violations – Health Minister

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday explained that the increased COVID-19 cases recorded in recent days may be linked to the holiday season, when many persons became complacent.

He contended that there were many instances where people were seen flouting the guidelines by gathering in large numbers without the use of masks.

“We’re going to see cases going up as we do more testing but also, because people were not complying with the guidelines. Some of the things that we noticed over the holidays were that people were in close proximity to each other. A lot of people were not wearing masks so if they were doing that, then the likelihood of being exposed to someone who are asymptotic, could be high…So we might be seeing some of that uptake from what transpired over the holidays,” Dr Anthony

indicated.

Towards the ending of 2020, the active cases and positives per day were improving significantly. But the Ministry is now witnessing another surge, which is reflected in the daily statistics. While 13 cases were reported on Monday, this number reached over 60 on Tuesday.

“Over the last 24 hours, we did probably about 400 tests and we’re taking that up. We’re increasing our testing and of those tests that we did, we have [65] people who are positive, which is a big increase from the last 24 hours.”

For Regions Five and Seven where there were spikes in the cases, he not-

ed that a team was deployed to Morakobai over the weekend. From 71 samples, 33 returned positive. In total, 49 cases were detected in Region Five while Region Seven recorded about 15 positives. The Minister said they are hoping to increase testing and also develop better collaboration with the Village Council to bring the situation under control.

As it relates to the positives across the dormitories, this number has moved to 45 students across the country. He posited that when these persons are away from home, there is increased contact in the communities, which could account for some of the infections.

“My understanding is that a lot of students, when they are away from school, there is a lot of intermingling in the community and if they are doing so without observing the same rules that we have… then you’re going to get infected. And they can bring that infection home so parents need to talk to their children to ensure that they understand how transmission occurs,” Dr Anthony advised.

New cases

On Tuesday, a whopping 65 new cases of COVID-19 was reported; contributing to an overall total of 6653 cases and 170 deaths.

Active cases also increased to 436.

There are three patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit, with 55 persons in institutional isolation, 378 in home isolation and

34 in institutional quarantine.

From the 3421 males and 3232 females that con-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

tracted the virus, 6047 have recovered. To date, 42,132 persons have been tested – 391 of which were conducted on Tuesday.

The new cases were distributed across six regions, with two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 21 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 35 in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), four in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain at 976, 204, 219 and 403. (G12)

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Challenges to Police promotions

PSC now willing to settle issue outside of court – AG

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Court.

The matter was adjourned and will come up again on February 5, 2021.

On January 15, the AG is expected to meet with Slowe and the other parties as part of efforts to resolve the issue.

The matter would have started when Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus complained to the High Court that he is being bypassed for promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, even though he was recommended for promotion by the Commissioner of Police.

“It cannot be in the best interest of our country for those officers in those high positions to have the kind of grievances and disputes which have become evident. It is my hope and expectation that our efforts yield success” – Anil Nandlall, SC

E

ngagements will be facilitated between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and aggrieved Police officers who have challenged the 2020 promotion of ranks, through a process that is independent of the judicial system.

Chairman, Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe has signalled his willingness to settle the ongoing challenge via this route and this was shared by Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall as the matter continued on Tuesday before Chief Justice Roxane George at the High

In his claim, he stated that he was being overlooked for promotion owing to frivolous allegations of indiscipline levelled against him for which he has not been called to defend himself. Chief Justice George had granted an order on December 31, blocking the promotion of several Police ranks to Assistant Commissioner by PSC until hearing complaints of discrimination levelled by Brutus.

Important grievances

Speaking with Guyana

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Times following Tuesday’s proceedings, Nandlall said more officers are likely to file applications while some are joining the current case.

He regarded their grievances as important, since it is coming from within the higher level of the Force.

“The case is getting bigger…it started with one application filed by Mr Brutus.

Now, it has expanded to about seven and I’m told by the lawyers that another 20 more applications are likely to be filed. I’m also aware that there are a number of Police persons who are joining the filed proceedings…

It cannot be in the best interest of our country for those officers in those high positions to have the kind of grievances and disputes which have become evident.

It is my hope and expectation that our efforts yield success,” he explained.

He explained that while some Police officers are complaining that they’re being denied promotions unfairly, there are others who are frustrated that their promotions are being held back because of the filed proceedings.

“The Chief Justice, I think, did the correct thing and joined all the parties.

Significantly, I was able to report that I commenced a process of engagement with the Police Service Commission and all the other parties in effort to bring them to the table to try to settle the matter. It is of my concerned view that this matter is of grave importance. The issues involved are of fundamental importance and the persons involved are of even greater importance. We are speaking of the very top echelon of our Police Force,” the Attorney General contended.

Nandlall contended that it is in the best interest to settle the matter as soon as possible, noting “I already read that the one side is saying that this matter will go all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Now, that is unfortunate because we’re speaking there of several years of litigation.”

PSC Chairman, Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe

According to Brutus, he and five other officers, among them Senior Superintendents Wendell Blanhum (Crime Chief); Ravindranauth Budhram; Errol Watts and Fazil KarimBaksh (Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit) were recommended for promotion to Assistant Commissioner by the Top Cop. He said the PSC bypassed him and KarimBaksh when the decision was taken to promote Blanhum, Budhram, Watts, Edmond Cooper, Phillip Azore, and Kurleigh Simon to the rank of Assistant

Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus

Commissioner of Police.

He said the pending allegations of indiscipline were an irrelevant consideration in the circumstances of his promotion, since he is entitled to the presumption of innocence more so in light of the failure of the PSC to conclude all investigations expeditiously.

In his Fixed Date Application (FDA), Brutus said that it has been a practice for the PSC not to promote Police Officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints.

TURN TO PAGE 13

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory

GDF steps up vigilance on border …as final resolution of Guyana vs Venezuela at ICJ looms

I

n the wake of the recent renewal of Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region and its maritime space, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Godfrey Bess has assured that the army has stepped up its vigilance on Guyana’s border, while a peaceful and binding solution is pursued at the International Court of

Justice (ICJ).

Chief of Staff Brigadier General Godfrey Bess was at the time fielding questions from the media after signing an agreement with the United States Department of Defense. When asked, Bess noted that the Guyana Defence Force has indeed stepped up its vigilance on Guyana’s borders.

“We have changed our

postures on the border. And we are there, more alert and like I said, are ready to constitutionally continue to preserve Guyana’s patrimony,” the Brigadier General explained.

At the same time, he took care to remind that the Government’s position is for Guyana to first and foremost use its diplomatic channels and the International

11-year-old sexually assaulted by stepfather

A

n Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) mother said she is helpless and can do nothing to protect her 11-year-old daughter from her husband, who is her child’s stepfather.

Reports reaching this publication indicated that the matter has been reported to the Kwakwani Police Station located several miles away but according to close associates of the family, no substantial investigation has been done.

Guyana Times understands that the matter was also reported to the village’s Toshao, however, since the

stepfather is said to be a prominent figure in the community, no action was taken.

Meanwhile, a 14-yearold girl of the same community was also sexually molested by a young man, who had been working in the community for the past few months.

According to one source from the village, the teenager went missing after an evening last week and a search party was formed which went to the homes of a few young men in the village.

However, after contacting a businessman, he called his employee by phone and

instructed him to bring the teenager back to the village.

Both the teenager and the young man have given different accounts of the entire incident. The girl has since implicated an 80-yearold man from the village for the rape.

However, the Police have reportedly not pursued an investigation.

The young lady, who has no biological parents in the village, has since been sent to another community to live with relatives.

Meanwhile, the Childcare and Protection Agency has since been contacted and is said to be investigating. (G4)

Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek a resolution. Already, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and other regional and international players have thrown their support behind Guyana.

On Thursday last, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a presidential decree reinforcing his country’s illegal claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region. Additionally, the Venezuelan President announced that he has written to Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres, to lead direct negotiations between the two countries, as opposed to the binding judgement of the ICJ. That option has been exhausted, however, as the UN tried to mediate discussions between Guyana and Venezuela for years as part of an ultimately futile good offices process until Guyana activated its right to take Venezuela to the ICJ in 2018 to get a final ruling on the border issue.

In the wake of Maduro’s decree, condemnation has flowed from President Dr Irfaan Ali, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and even the United States.

President Ali, who is the Commander-in-Chief,

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Godfrey Bess

declared on Saturday that while this latest move by the Spanish-speaking nation is “deeply disturbing”, it will not deter Guyana’s resolve to seek a final and binding resolution at the ICJ. “We have always chosen a path of peaceful resolution of the Venezuelan issue within international law… I remind that sovereignty over this coast, and the land territory to which it is attached, were awarded to Guyana (then British Guiana) in the 1899 Arbitral Award, whose validity and legally binding character Guyana is confident the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will uphold unequivocally,” President Ali asserted during an address to the nation.

According to the Head of State, Venezuela has violated at least two fundament principles of international law, that is, no State can unilaterally determine its international boundaries and the fundamental principle that “the land dominates the sea”, meaning that sovereignty over the sea and seabed emanate from title to the land that forms the coast to which those seas and seabed are adjacent.

To this end, the Guyanese leader said that Venezuela’s new border claim is a “legal nullity” that will not be recognised

by Guyana or any other State in the world. The ICJ is meanwhile scheduled to hold a case management conference for the border controversy on Friday. (G3)

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 injured after car crashes into parked truck S ome five persons were injured on Tuesday morning when a car veered off the Corentyne highway at Clifton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and slammed into a parked lorry.

According to the Police, motor car HC 4909 was travelling along the Corentyne highway and in the vicinity of Clifton Village, the 46-year-old driver of Belvedere, Corentyne, lost control and collided with the front right side of the motor lorry, which was parked on the northern grass parapet.

As a result of the impact, the driver and passengers were taken out of the vehicle and rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital by the owner of the truck.

One of the passen-

gers was treated while a 43-year-old woman was admitted at the Port Mourant Public Hospital. The driver, a 38-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man of Smithfield, New Amsterdam, were transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention. Police have since said that they attempted to conduct a breathalyser test on the driver but as a result of his injuries, this was not possible.

Meanwhile, the 43-year-old passenger is suffering from trauma to the head while the 38-year-old passenger is suffering from internal injuries. Their conditions are regarded as serious. An investigation has been launched.

(G4)

The wrecked car

Region 2 to open $12M COVID isolation facility

R

egional Health Officer of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Dr Ranjeev Singh has said construction is soon to be completed on a $12 million COVID-19 facility at the Suddie Public Hospital to boost treatment at the isolation facilities at Lima Sands and Mainstay.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information on Monday, Dr Singh said the 20-room facility would comfortably accommodate two persons per room.

It would allow more positive cases to be confined, further reducing the risk of transmission, while enabling the hospital to resume its normal functions.

Dr Singh said the region continues to record low COVID positive cases because of the strict measures

in place to reduce transmission. In keeping with this goal, it has increased its testing capacity by deploying a mobile unit which targets students, residents and miners, particularly those travelling from hotspot communities like Mainstay, Kabakaburi and Capoey.

“Our testing capacity has increased significantly weekly. Sometimes, we do 200 tests in the region and because of this, it is only fair to say that our cases might increase as well. Most of these cases are asymptomatic and would not need hospitalisation,” he said.

In such instances, the region dispatches a technical team to monitor the progress of the asymptomatic patients and their families to prevent the spread of the disease. It also conducts contact tracing when a positive

PSC now willing...

FROM PAGE 11

In October 2019, Brutus stated that it was alleged by the Deputy Commissioner for Administration that he committed a breach of discipline. The PSC appointed Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor to investigate the allegation. But according to him, he was not served with a breach of discipline notice until October 2020, and the investigation has not progressed beyond this point.

In a letter dated December 17, 2020, Brutus stated that he called on the PSC to ignore the allegations of indiscipline against him in considering his appointment to Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He complained that he further called on the PSC to be heard before any decision is taken to deny him the promotion. The PSC responded in a letter dated December 21, 2020, asserting its constitutional independence and citing its commitment

in ensuring that investigations are concluded expeditiously, Brutus stated in his application before the High Court. But he claims that no meaningful attempt was made by the PSC to answer the allegations raised in his letter.

Brutus argued that the PSC committed an error of law and violated the principle of legality when it acted in a manner that was incompatible with his fundamental right to equality of treatment guaranteed under Article 149D of the Constitution of Guyana.

Also, he argued that the decision not to promote him in the circumstances is an act of punishment as the PSC has no good cause or reason to deny him a promotion.

Brutus is asking the court to grant an order overruling the PSC’s practice of not promoting officers with pending disciplinary matters. (G12)

case is recorded.

Meanwhile, Dr Singh said the region continues to appeal to people flouting the gazetted COVID-19 measures issued by the Ministry of Health to desist from this practice.

“People who are delinquent… we are appealing to them to make sure whenever they are in public that they wear a mask and sanitise. It is very important to note that those who do not have to go out, should not.

Before the Christmas season, our active cases were actually down, however, it rose as anticipated.”

The RHO reminded residents that it is every resident’s responsibility to protect themselves.

The truck which the car slammed into at Clifton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Joe Singh appointed Chairman of NAREI Board …develop strategies to boost Guyana’s coconut industry – Agri Minister

M

ajor General (ret’d) Joe Singh has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The other members are Dr Dindyal Permaul; Anjanie Narine; Andrew Forsythe; Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine; Bibi Shadick; Jainarine Narine; Suresh Amichand; Pooran Seeraj; Ricky Roopchand; Christopher Vandeyar; Dr Garvin Cummings; Porandatt Narine; Raymond Ramsaroop and Dr Oudho Homenauth

(ex officio).

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday encouraged the new Board to work together in order to lay the groundwork to take the agency to the next level.

Mustapha said the Board is expected to develop programmes aligned with Government’s policies, as were outlined in its 20202025 manifesto.

The Board was also tasked with developing guidelines to expand import substitution crops and other crops in the hinterland savannahs.

Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh

Mustapha noted that in last year’s emergency budget, in-

centives were given in the soya bean and corn industry and that the Board should work to promote the cultivation of these two crops.

Further, he encouraged the Board to pay special attention to developing strategies to boost Guyana’s coconut industry.

“You know for a fact that our coconut industry is about to take off and we’ve been putting a lot of emphasis on its success and development.

We’ve had budgetary allocation last year to develop two new coconut nurseries and this year we are proposing an additional seven nurseries for other areas around the country. We are optimistic that we’ll have those projects approved by the Ministry of Finance so that we can begin constructing these nurseries.

The coconut industry, for me, is probably the third most important crop in our country and has the potential to be a very large foreign exchange earner for Guyana. We’ve also made great progress with joining the International Coconut Community (ICC),” Mustapha said.

The Board was also asked to pay close attention to the development and implementation of the mangrove development plan for 2021-2025.

Newly appointed Chairman of the Board, Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh, while offering remarks stated that the Board will work together to ad-

dress the areas identified by Minister Mustapha.

“The Minister has given us a very comprehensive outline of his and Cabinet’s expectations of the Board and direction on what is considered priorities as it relates to NAREI’s mandate. I don’t expect us to only be sitting in a boardroom, but we’ll also be visiting other areas across the country. In this way, we’ll be able to see the results of NAREI’s research as well as interact with farmers. I really would like us to think from a national perspective – how is what we’re doing as a Board is not only supporting, tasking and monitoring what NAREI is doing but what it is that we can bring to the Board. I don’t expect persons to just be rubber stamps,” Singh said.

The Chairman further stated that there are a number of outstanding issues that the Board will be dealing with during their statutory meetings.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Floodwaters in Black Bush Polder recede Delusional Granger cannot ever sugar-coat APNU/AFC’s attempted electoral theft

J

anuary 10th was the anniversary of Nomination Day 2020. I was a part of Nomination Day 2020, as I have been for nomination days since 1992. Nomination Day 2020, last January, not only reflected a vigorous and determined response from the PPP and all the new political parties, signalling to APNU/AFC that the people of Guyana were eager to end the disastrous David Granger/APNU /AFC tenure in Government.

Nomination Day 2020, unfortunately, also provided more evidence that the Grangerled APNU/AFC had no intention to play by the rules. Significantly, Nomination Day 2020 exposed the unholy alliance between APNU/AFC and the GECOM Secretariat. The new political parties and the PPP decided to camp out in front of the Umana Dr Leslie Ramsammy Yana days before nomination day, to reserve their places for presentation of their candidate lists. At least two parties, TNM and the URP, were in line as #1 and #2 as early as Wednesday evening. The PPP and Change Guyana joined in on Thursday evening. But on Friday, Nomination Day itself, APNU/AFC showed up and proceeded to the head of the line, permitted by GECOM. While some argue we make too much of “jumping the line”, in this case, the line-jumping provided another early signal of the rigging alliance, the collusion, between APNU/AFC and the GECOM staff.

Last week, in this column, I highlighted the absolute hypocrisy, dishonesty, and frankly delusional attempt by David Granger to sugar-coat APNU/AFC’s egregious failed strategy to thief the 2020 elections. Mr. Granger, during a New Year’s message, dishonestly rewrote the entire history of events between June 2018 and August 2, 2020, equating election rigging to constitutional and democratic strengthening. That period saw overt actions by APNU/AFC to violate the constitution, take control of GECOM, and thief the 2020 elections, even going as far as openly changing the numbers of votes each party secured during the March 2, 2020 elections.

Their actions, which I listed last week, were not done in secret; their actions were visible for the whole world to see. It was a plain, old-fashion theft and rigging of an election. It happened in front of former Prime Ministers from CARICOM and Africa. It happened during live-streaming to the world. The attempted theft has been captured in videos and by the media, and is preserved for posterity. In fact, several GECOM staff and senior members of APNU/AFC have been charged by the Police for fraud, and are before the courts today. Every single local and international observer group has reported on the thievery attempt. Yet Mr. Granger, in his most delusional self, concluded that what we saw and what the world witnessed since the appointment of James Patterson in June 2018 as GECOM’s Chair was no ill-conceived rigging scheme, but a strategy to strengthen our democracy.

How could printing of an unusually large number of birth certificates without accountability by the Citizens Ministry be strengthening democracy, especially when persons who legitimately required and applied for birth certificates could not obtain any?

During that period thousands of Haitians, for example, arrived in Guyana. To this day, the whereabouts of more than 30,000 Haitians are unknown. Our sisters and brothers from Haiti deserve to live in a country, including in Guyana, where they can earn a decent living.

But our suspicion was that the Citizenship Ministry intended to use innocent people as phantom voters. Worse, we suspect the Haitians were victims of human trafficking.

How could breaching the Constitution and arbitrarily appointing the GECOM Chair strengthen democracy? On the contrary, the violation of the Constitution, as the ICJ affirmed, weakened democracy. Clearly, James Patterson was appointed to do the bidding of APNU/AFC. The first thing Patterson did as Chairman of GECOM was refusing to renew the contract of Vishnu Persaud, who was the Deputy Chief Elections Officer. He never met Persaud; he could not have read anything negative about Persaud’s work, since the only appraisals available at GECOM were laudatory of Persaud. Persaud was replaced by Roxanne Myers, a lady with no experience in election matters. The Ethnic Relations Commission, refusing to call a spade a spade, declared the appointment of Myers non-transparent. Clearly Myers’s appointment represented a conspiracy to create a rigging machinery within GECOM. Persaud was sent packing because he was going to be a roadblock to the rigging conspiracy. Today Myers is in front of the courts, together with other colleagues in GECOM, charged by the police with electoral fraud. Only Granger’s warped mind could argue Persaud’s removal strengthened democracy.

When the Constitution was breached again after the December 21st, 2018 No-Confidence Motion, with APNU/AFC refusing to dissolve Parliament and schedule election, how could such action be necessary for a stronger democracy? It is either a warped, wicked, or delusional mind that would sell such baloney. Only a hypocritical or delusional mind that is up to nothing good could conceive that 33 is not more than 32, and go all the way to the CCJ to determine the answer. But Granger brazenly want Guyanese to forget what they experience and accept that APNU/AFC was just trying to make our democracy stronger. The truth is that a steel cord binds Granger, like Burnham before him, to rigged elections. Like Burnham before him, Granger’s legacy is rigged elections.

R

esidents of Black Bush Polder can now breathe a sigh of relief because floodwaters on their farm lands and residence has receded. This was evident during a visit to the community on Monday.

Speaking with the media during the visit to the four polders, Vice Chairman of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Jamal Hussain, posited that seven machines were deployed to the area to clear the canals and drains.

The flooding was caused by the intrusion of water from the Cocorite Savannah into the Johanna and Yakusari polders. Due to the flooding, there was major damage to both crops and livestock in that area.

Vice Chairman Hussain explained that in order for the water to recede at a fast rate, three small excavators and two large ones were deployed to the area, and two draglines have also been assisting in clearing the drainage systems in the affected area.

The current drainage system has the capacity to drain only 2 and one-half inches of water within 24 hours, but over the past few weeks, more than five inches of rainfall were recorded.

Following a visit to the affected area by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on December 29, 2020, a decision was taken to clear the canals in all four Polders.

Although Lesbeholden and Mibicuri were not severely affected by the heavy rainfall, the ongoing project caters for all four Polders.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Livestock Development

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

One of the drains that were dug to drain the water

Authority (GLDA) is assessing the losses to livestock as a result of the flooding, while the National Agricultural Research and Extension

Institute (NAREI) is meeting with cash crop farmers to ascertain the damage to crops.

The Agriculture Minister

had promised assistance for those affected in the form of fertilisers, chemicals, feed, and by providing technical assistance.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Benn encourages Moruca youngsters to join GPF, GDF

…as CPG gets ATV, engine

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ome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has encouraged young men and women of the Amerindian community of Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), to become members of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force to create a balance in developing Guyana.

“I am glad to see young men and women join the Community Policing Group.

The CPG should be used as a vehicle for training to join the Police Force and GDF. I strongly feel we need more balance in our forces so we

can lift the load together in securing our country and villages. For better relations and understanding to deal with diverse matters we need to have a good mix up,” Minister Benn stated.

These were his sentiments while delivering remarks at an interactive meeting with the newly formed Moruca Community Policing Group (CPG) and members of the Village Council.

The Minister also handed over an All-Terrain Vehicle and a 40-horsepower engine to the group to facilitate their patrolling ac-

Minister Robeson Benn handing over the ATV to members of the community

P

was shot dead during a row over a female on New Year’s Day at the East Coast minibus park.

The 32-year-old father of four of Bent Street Werk-enRust, Georgetown, was killed in cold blood, and Police are

tivities.

Even though the equipment were donated for crime-fighting purposes they should be utilised to make the lives of residents better.

“If we work together we can make a better country. We need to be understanding about people’s challenges. So if someone needs to transport seeds for their farms, or cassava sticks or a sick person, the CPG should assist. We really need to work together to ease the burden and improve the quality of life,” he added.

Police yet to arrest suspect for murder of clothes vendor

olice are yet to make an arrest for the murder of Paul Anthony Smith, a clothes vendor who

Wanted: Shawn Jones

still making stringent efforts to apprehend the suspect.

Regional Commander for Georgetown, Khail Pareshram on Tuesday said no arrests have been made and that the detectives are still working to locate the shooter.

One week after the incident, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin for the father of a man who was ini-

tially arrested for the murder.

The suspect, Shawn Jones, is wanted for questioning in connection with Smith’s murder.

It is alleged that on New Year’s Day, Smith, who plied his trade at the East Coast minibus park, was shot dead at Commerce Street, Georgetown.

It was reported that the now dead vendor was heading to his parked car carrying a cutlass in his hands.

Soon after, the suspect, who is also a clothes vendor, whipped out a gun and discharged a round, hitting Smith.

Due to the injury, Smith reportedly fell onto the front passenger seat of his car but he was picked up by public-spirited citizens who rushed to his aid and took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on ar-

Dead: Paul Anthony Smith, aka “Blacka”

rival.

Following the shooting incident, Police had arrested a 21-year-old man, but after investigators received new information, their focus had shifted to the man’s 54-yearold father.

Police confirmed that several checks were made for Jones at his residence but all came up empty-handed. Police investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM Chair debunks Opposition Commissioners' claim she refused to meet PNCR

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hairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has debunked Opposition Commissioners’ claims that she refused to meet with Peoples National Congress Reform General Secretary Amna Ally.

She was at the time responding to a statement issued by Opposition Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, who claimed that they walked out of the GECOM meeting after Singh refused to meet with Ally and a delegation from the APNU+AFC “on the ground that such a meeting is unprecedented”.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Justice Singh said Ally wrote to her on January 7, 2021 requesting to “engage you singularly as the Chairperson of the Commission to proffer our proposals of the matters at hand before participating in the Commission’s meeting.”

According to Justice Singh, in her response to Ally, dated January 7, 2021, she extended an invitation for the team to meet with the Commission at 14:00h on January 12, 2021.

“In a separate communication on the same day, I also requested that any issues likely to be raised are matters to be addressed

Opposition GECOM Commissioners: Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin

by the Commission, and recommended that proposals should be forwarded in writing so that they may be dispatched to the Commissioners for their perusal and consideration prior to the meeting,” Justice Singh said in her statement.

On January 11, 2021, Justice Singh said, in response, Ally reiterated her request to meet singularly to discuss “matters in relation to registration”, noting that “it is public knowledge that you have facilitated meetings with other stakeholders both foreign and domestic without major formalities…”. She expressly opined that a meeting with the full Commission can be held subsequent to a meeting with the PNCR. “I further advised Ms Ally on the 12th January, 2021, prior to the meeting of

the Commission, of my insistence that the team meet with the “full Commission, as is customary when meeting with Political Parties”.

I explained that “this methodology has been quite useful in ensuring all Commissioners collectively benefit from the issues to be addressed for later deliberation and decision,” the statement on Tuesday evening read.

The claim made by Commissioners Alexander, Corbin and Trotman, Justice Singh added, is grossly misleading at the very least.

“As Chairperson of GECOM, I have never engaged with any political party on my own. Proposals made by stakeholders are always welcomed, and being heard by the full Commission allows for a

more meaningful engagement at that level. In any event, as Chairperson, I reiterate that it is appropriate to engage political parties at the level of the Commission, so that their concerns may be discussed, and where necessary, action taken. It is for these very reasons that I extended an invitation to Ms. Ally to meet with the entire Commission, as I would to any other political party expressing a desire to meet with me singularly,” Justice Singh said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the three Opposition

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Commissioners claimed that they walked out of the meeting since Singh had refused to meet with Ally. In a statement, the trio said, “The APNU-AFC is a ma-

jor stakeholder, and as such we consider it discourteous, at least, for her not to have entertained their presence.

The current environment in the Commission is not conductive for a briefing of the sort sought. Presently, GECOM is on the verge of major decision making with regards to voter registration, a matter that was litigated and requires serious and in-dept consideration before a decision is made. In that regard, at least, a briefing of any major stakeholder should be useful, if not essential.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Regional

Mexico publishes medicinal cannabis Brazil trial finds efficacy of Sinovac vaccine at 50.4% regulation, creating new market

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M

exico’s Health Ministry on Tuesday published rules to regulate the use of medicinal cannabis, a major step in a broader reform to create the world’s largest legal cannabis market in the Latin American country.

The new regulation was signed off by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and would now allow pharmaceutical companies to begin doing medical research on cannabis products.

The cannabis reform taking place includes the recreational use of marijuana, and will create what would be the world’s biggest national cannabis market in terms of population.

The new medicinal rules state companies which wish to carry out research have to obtain permission from the Mexican health regulator, COFEPRIS, and this research has to be done in strictly controlled, independent laboratories.

“The standard of regulation is very, very high,” said Luisa Conesa, a lawyer and pro-cannabis activist who spearheaded le-

The new regulation was signed off by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and would now allow pharmaceutical companies to begin doing medical research on cannabis products

gal challenges that led to decriminalization of medical cannabis. “(The regulation) is not aimed at patients growing their own cannabis, it is aimed at pharmaceutical companies producing pharmaceutical derivatives of cannabis which are classified as controlled substances that need prescription.”

The regulation also sets rules for the sowing, cultivation and harvesting of cannabis for medicinal purposes, which would allow businesses to

grow marijuana legally on Mexican soil.

While some cannabis plant imports are permitted for companies looking to create products, exports of Mexican-grown cannabis is prohibited.

Foreign weed companies from Canada and the United States have been looking at Mexico with interest. Many had delayed making investment decisions due to policy uncertainty and were waiting for the final regulation to be published. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fire on Mexico City metro causes overcrowding

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here has been concern in Mexico City after a fire on the capital’s metro system took out a number of lines, causing severe overcrowding on the remaining lines and the city’s buses.

Many of the city’s 20 million inhabitants rely on the metro for their everyday transport. Six lines remained

suspended on Monday following Saturday’s fire and with commuters forced to squeeze on to fewer trains, social distancing soon became impossible.

More than 1.5 million coronavirus cases have been reported in Mexico since the pandemic started, with Mexico City one of the worst affected places.

There has been a recent spike in the number of cases, with a record 16,105 daily cases reported nationwide on Saturday.

Mexican health authorities say more than 75,000 people have been given the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine so far and a first consignment of AstraZeneca vaccines is due to arrive shortly. (BBC News)

coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech was found to be just 50.4 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infections of COVID-19 in a Brazilian trial, researchers said on Tuesday, barely enough for regulatory approval and well below the rate announced last week.

The latest results are a substantial disappointment for Brazil, as the Chinese vaccine is one of two that the federal Government has lined up to begin immunisation during the second wave of the world’s second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

Several scientists and observers criticised the Butantan Institute, a biomedical centre for releasing partial data just

days ago that generated unrealistic expectations. The confusion may add to scepticism in Brazil about the Chinese vaccine, which President Jair Bolsonaro has criticised, questioning its “origins”.

“We have a good vaccine. Not the best vaccine in the world. Not the ideal vaccine,” said microbiologist Natalia Pasternak, criticising Butantan’s triumphant tone.

Last week, the Brazilian researchers had celebrated results showing 78 per cent efficacy against “mild to severe” COVID-19 cases, a rate they later described as “clinical efficacy”.

But they said nothing at the time about a group of “very mild” infections among those who had received the vaccine,

but did not require clinical assistance.

Ricardo Palacios, a medical director for clinical research at Butantan, said on Tuesday that the new lower efficacy finding included data on those “very mild” cases.

“We need better communicators,” said Gonzalo Vecina Neto, a professor of public health at the University of Sao Paulo and former head of Brazilian health regulator Anvisa.

Piecemeal disclosures about Chinese vaccine trials globally have raised concerns that they have not been subject to the same public scrutiny as alternatives developed

by US and European manufacturers. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Urgent steps being taken to ramp up Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity

T

ourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says urgent steps are being taken to ramp up Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity, amid reports of expected changes in testing requirements by one of the country’s largest tourism source markets – the United States of America (US).

“Like all other nations, we understand the need to protect citizens and to put measures in place to help reduce the spread of this deadly virus. It is for this reason the Government of Jamaica and key partners are putting measures in place to boost the COVID-19 testing capacity locally,” said Bartlett.

According to news reports by media entities such as the Wall Street Journal, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning to

Tourism Bartlett

Minister

Edmund

issue an order for all airline passengers from international destinations to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding flights to the US. The new order is expected to be announced soon, and is expected to take effect on January 26, 2021.

This comes on the heels of a similar COVID-19 test requirement by the

Governments of Canada and the United Kingdom (UK), which also require all people flying to those countries to present negative test results to facilitate entry or to avoid self-quarantine.

Though concerned about the strain this will place on the resources of Jamaica’s health care system and the general economic recovery of the island, Bartlett is up for the challenge.

“The Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, as well as private labs and other key stakeholders to have more available testing facilities in place to make the process a more seamless one,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad: Boogsie, Paul Keens-Douglas get honorary doctorates

Vincentian man wanted in US gets bail V

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he Vincentian man who is on the most wanted list in the American state of Pennsylvania was granted bail when he appeared in court in St Vincent on Monday.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, sitting at the Serious Offences Court, granted Kern Z Mayers bail in the sum of EC$40, 000 (US$14,800) with one surety.

She further ordered him to surrender his travel documents and to report to the Questelles Police Station on Mondays between 06:00h and 18:00h until the outcome of his extradition hearing, set for April 4, 2021.

Browne also ordered

that stop notices be placed at ports of entry and exit, preventing Mayers from leaving the jurisdiction.

According to the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers website, Mayers, who also goes by the aliases “Yellow” and “Cuz”, is one of the ten most wanted people in the state.

The website says he is wanted for aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude Police Officers, recklessly endangering another person, institutional vandalism, and accidents involving damage to attended vehicles, stemming from an incident on January 4, 2006, at the Home Depot and Burlington Coat Factory.

“Law enforcement at-

tempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Kern Mayers. In an attempt to flee from the Police, Kern Mayers struck several vehicles and injured Police Officers. After a vehicle and foot pursuit, Kern Mayers was captured.

Kern Mayers was released from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and then failed to attend his scheduled court hearing on January 25, 2006,” it stated.

His last known address was given as Brooklyn, New York.

Mayers, who currently resides in Campden Park, St Andrew, was taken into custody in his homeland on December 10, 2020.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

eteran pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas added yet another accomplishment to their names on Monday as the duo received honorary doctorates from the University of the West Indies.

During the virtual graduation ceremony, public Orator Professor Christine Carrington highlighted why these men received the honour for their respected fields.

Sharpe was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters for steelpan composition, arrangement and performance.

Carrington described Sharpe, who started his steelband in 1972 Phase II Pan Groove, as someone people from all over recognised for his craft.

“He has amazed audiences on every continent and each Carnival season, aficionados from across the globe make the pilgrimage to his panyard to experience first-hand the miracle of his genius,” she said.

She told the story about how the cultural icon’s talent was identified by his parents from birth.

“His mother Grace claimed that his nickname came when she held him up to get a view of Symphonettes practising, she ‘felt an angel pass’ and the angel said “Boogsie,” she told the graduating class.

And how even with obstacles he persevered and today has arranged for at least 30 other steel bands across Trinidad and Tobago.

Poet and storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas also

received Honorary Doctor of Letters for his contributions to Culture and the Arts.

Described as one of the most talented and beloved poets and storytellers in the region, Keens-Douglas, in his performance, narrated how he followed his dreams even without his parent’s approval.

“One thing I can tell you to be a success in anything you do you must love it, you must have a passion for it,” he said.

The storyteller said when growing up parents did not support their children becoming comedians or comics, but instead lawyers and doctors.

“Anything with “er” is alright so I became to storyteller and here I am,” he said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil hits 11-month high near US$57 on tight supply expectations

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il hit an 11-month high just below US$57 a barrel on Tuesday, bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s plans to limit supply, offsetting worries that rising coronavirus cases globally would curtail fuel demand.

Brent crude was up 79 cents, or 1.4 per cent, at US$56.45 a barrel by 1:38 pm EST (1838 GMT) after touching its highest level since last February at US$56.75. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 73 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to US$52.98.

Saudi Arabia plans to cut output by an extra 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February and March to keep inventories in check.

The Saudi cut is part of an OPEC-led deal in which most producers will hold output steady in February. Last year’s record cuts from OPEC and its allies helped oil recover from historic lows reached in April.

But OPEC+ compliance with pledged oil output curbs fell to 75 per cent in December, among the lowest levels since the supply pact started in May 2020, tanker tracker Petro-Logistics said on Tuesday, which could weigh on oil prices.

US crude oil production is also expected to fall by 190,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2021 to 11.1 million bpd, according to an Energy Information Administration report released on Tuesday, a smaller decline than its previous forecast for a drop of 240,000 bpd.

“Storage at Cushing is only 10.2 million barrels below the all-time record high, so there is no problem with supply here in the U.S., but the complex is responding positively to this chatter about undersupply,” said Bob Yawger, Director of Energy Futures at Mizuho.

Oil also gained on expectations for a drop in US crude stockpiles. Analysts expect crude inventories to fall by 2.7 million barrels for a fifth straight week of declines.

The market is also being supported by the prospect of increased economic stimulus in the United States. Presidentelect Joe Biden, who takes office on Jan 20, has promised “trillions” in extra pandemic-relief spending.

However, oil price gains were capped by demand concerns as coronavirus cases rise around the world.

Chinese authorities introduced new curbs in areas surrounding Beijing on Tuesday and Japan is to widen a state of emergency beyond Tokyo. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“This is apartheid”: Rights group slams Israeli rule

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leading Israeli human rights group has begun describing Israel and its control of the Palestinian territories as a single “apartheid” Government, using an explosive term that the country’s leaders and their supporters vehemently reject.

In a report released on Tuesday, B’Tselem said Israel has created a system in which Jewish citizens enjoy full rights, but Palestinians living in Israel’s four areas of control have different levels of rights – depending on where they live – are always below the Jewish people.

“One of the key points in our analysis is that this is a single geopolitical area ruled by one government,” said B’Tselem director Hagai El-Ad. “This is not democracy plus occupation.

This is apartheid between the river and the sea.”

The report said Israel seeks to advance and cement Jewish supremacy throughout the entire area between the Jordan River

and the Mediterranean Sea. As part of this policy, Palestinians are denied many rights, including the right to self-determination, the report added.

The four areas of Israeli control are the occupied West Bank where Palestinians live in dozens of disconnected enclaves under rigid military rule; occupied East Jerusalem where Palestinians are permanent residents but not citizens; the blockaded Gaza Strip which Israel continues to control externally; and Israel itself.

Israel has long presented itself as a thriving democracy and purported that its Palestinian citizens, who make up about 20 per cent of its population of 9.2 million, have equal rights.

However, these Palestinians suffer from being treated as second- or third-class citizens at the institutional level, with some 60 laws that actively discriminate against them in sectors such as housing, education and healthcare.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Report reveals grim infant death toll, cruelty at Church-run homes in Ireland

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housands of infants died in Irish homes for unmarried mothers and their offspring mostly run by the Catholic Church from the 1920s to the 1990s, an inquiry found on Tuesday, an “appalling” mortality rate that reflected brutal living conditions.

The report, which covered 18 so-called Mother and Baby Homes where over decades young pregnant women were hidden from society, is the latest in a series of Governmentcommissioned papers that have laid bare some of the Catholic Church’s darkest chapters.

Around 9000 children died in all, Tuesday’s report found - a mortality rate of 15 per cent. The proportion of children who died before their

General view of the Tuam graveyard, where the bodies of 796 babies were uncovered at the site of a former Catholic home for unmarried mothers and their children, on the day a Governmentordered inquiry into former Church-run homes for unmarried mothers is formally published, in Tuam, Ireland, January 12, 2021

first birthday in one home, Bessborough, in County Cork, was as high as 75 per cent in 1943.

Infants were taken from mothers and sent overseas to be adopted. Children were

vaccinated without consent.

Anonymous testimony from residents compared the institutions to prisons where they were verbally abused by nuns as “sinners” and “spawn of Satan.” Women suffered

through traumatic labours without any pain relief.

One recalled “women screaming, a woman who had lost her mind, and a room with small white coffins”.

Relatives have alleged the babies were mistreated because they were born to unmarried mothers who, like their children, were seen as a stain on Ireland’s image as a devout Catholic nation. The inquiry said those admitted included girls as young as 12.

Government records show that the mortality rate for children at the homes where 56,000 women and girls, including victims of rape and incest, were sent to give birth, was often more than five times that of those born to married parents. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Central Spain records temperatures of -25C after snowstorm

P

eople in central Spain are struggling as a deep freeze follows the weekend's heavy snow, leading to treacherous conditions.

Officials have warned the elderly to stay at home.

At least seven people have died due to the weather - the two latest victims were homeless people in Barcelona.

The temperature plunged to -25C (-13F) in Molina de

Aragón and Teruel, in mountains east of Madrid - Spain's coldest night for at least 20 years.

Deep snow left by Storm Filomena has turned to ice, disrupting transport. There has been an extraordinary quantity of snow and ice for Spain, where winters are usually quite mild.

Molina de Aragón, where the coldest overnight tem-

perature was recorded, is 197km (122 miles) northeast of Madrid. It lived up to its nickname, "the Spanish Siberia".

Besides the two deaths in Barcelona, at least five others are known to have died due to the cold: two in Madrid, two in Málaga and one in Zaragoza.

The overnight temperature in Madrid itself fell to -16C, and on Monday the cap-

ital's hospitals - already under great pressure because of Covid-19 - struggled to cope with patients who had slipped on the ice, breaking bones.

Medical sources told El Mundo daily that there were 1,200 fracture cases on Monday in the Madrid region's hospitals, caused by accidents on the ice - an average of 50 an hour. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Canada's Justin Trudeau reshuffles top Cabinet officials

C

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, including a new Foreign Minister who is a former astronaut.

Trudeau also named new Industry and Transport Ministers following the surprise resignation of current Innovations Minister Navdeep Bains.

Trudeau could face an election this spring over a budget row, analysts say.

His Liberals failed to win a majority of seats in Parliament in 2019 and must rely on the support of other parties.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau was named the new Foreign Affairs Minister. He is Canada's fourth Foreign Minister in the last five years.

He will now be tasked with working with a new US Administration as well as managing disputes with China.

François-Philippe Champagne replaces Bains as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The Transport Department will be headed by Omar Alghabra, who was currently serving as Parliamentary

PM Justin Trudeau announced the new appointments on Tuesday

Secretary to the Minister of intergovernmental affairs.

Winnipeg MP Jim Carr is returning to Cabinet after stepping aside in 2019 following a cancer diagnosis.

He has been named special representative for the Prairie provinces.

Bains, 43, said on Tuesday he was resigning due to family reasons. He had served in the role since 2015.

His unexpected departure prompted the Cabinet reshuffling, as these top spots are generally held by officials who will participate in the next election.

In his announcement on Tuesday, the Prime Minister thanked Bains "for his friendship, support, and counsel over their many years working together in Parliament".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

India delivers COVID jabs for “world’s biggest vaccination drive”

I

ndian airlines have started delivering batches of COVID-19 vaccines across the country, getting ready for the launch of a campaign to offer shots to 1.3 billion people in what officials call the “world’s biggest vaccination drive”.

The vaccines rolled out from the Serum Institute of India’s facility on Tuesday in temperature-controlled trucks to the city’s airport from where they were loaded into private air carriers for distribution all over the country.

Authorities hope to inoculate 300 million high-risk people over the next six to eight months. Vaccinations are scheduled to begin on

Saturday.

First to get the vaccine will be 30 million health and other front-line workers, followed by about 270 million people aged more than 50 or deemed high-risk.

Airlines were due to deliver 5.65 million vaccine doses on Tuesday to various cities, Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Twitter, calling the shipping of vaccines a “momentous mission”.

In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat, officials said vaccine distribution was their top priority.

Modi’s Government on Monday signed purchase agreements with Pune-based

vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, to buy its Covishield shot – more than a week after approving the vaccine developed by Britain’s AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

Serum is supplying some 11 million doses of the shot to the Government at 200 rupees (US$2.72) a dose, a source said.

India’s drug regulator has also approved for emergency use a homegrown vaccine, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

But medical groups and others have raised concern about the drug being approved with scant evidence of its effectiveness. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

Uncertainty will set in regarding your reputation, position and status. Listen carefully and absorb the facts you receive before you take action. Knowledge is the key to making better decisions.

Take heed of what’s trending and how to utilize your skills to fit the current scenario. You’ll discover how to avoid falling behind in an economy that’s in constant transition.

A hasty move or decision will lead to regret. Bide your time, and don’t feel the need to invest in someone’s pipe dream -- concentrate on being responsible.

Romance is favored.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A unique individual will grab your attention. Giving in to temptation will not lead you anywhere good.

Pay more attention to trying your best and less to what others do or say.

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Stick to what you know and do best. Update your skills and find out what’s trending. How you use your attributes will determine which opportunities are going to pan out for you.

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You’ll get caught in the middle of an unsavory situation if you are too accommodating. Pay closer attention to your health and financial well-being. Make domestic adjustments.

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Refuse to let someone’s confusion or uncertainty hold you back. Look for a unique opportunity and make it work. Taking a distinctive approach to social media will help you get ahead.

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Don’t feel pressured by what others do or say. Go at your speed, and leave no room for error. A bargain or offer is useful only if it’s something you need. Know when to say no.

Find your rhythm and SAGITTARIUS do your own thing. Don’t let anyone convince you to (Nov. 23invest in something that Dec. 21) will benefit others more than it will you. Test your intelligence with a challenge.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) YESTERDAY'S WORD -- GRUELING

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Fix up your place to suit your changing lifestyle. A space that allows you to work without interruption will help you discover how to help someone who has something to offer in return.

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Put more time into helping others and building solid relationships with people who share your concerns and life goals. The rewards you receive will confirm that you are doing something worthwhile.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

21

Coronavirus in the UK…

Elite athletes must not abuse exemption – Emily Diamond

B

ritish sprinter Emily Diamond has urged elite athletes not to abuse the exemption that allows them to train and compete during the national lockdown.

The Olympic bronze medallist fears several examples of recent breaches could “ruin it” for others.

In recent days, there has been heightened scrutiny of the elite sport dispensation from the UK Government.

“It is disappointing to see things that look like they’re being

taken for granted,” she told BBC Sport.

Diamond, 29, has said she worries that if the exemption is removed it could impact on her ability to perform at her best at the Olympics.

She believes the dressing room celebrations in the FA Cup last weekend were “not necessary”.

In response to the scenes of Chorley’s players singing together following their 2-0 FA Cup thirdround victory over Derby, she posted on social media: “Please

don’t ruin it for all elite sport, football”.

Crawley players were also seen breaking protocols as they celebrated beating Premier League side Leeds United.

“It would be such a shame if these minority videos stop it then for everyone,” said the 200m and 400m runner. “I didn’t mean to put all the emphasis on football, but I think because football obviously is such a big sport in the country, and it’s got such a massive fanbase and it gets most of the headlines.”

Emily Diamond (left) is hoping to represent Great Britain at the delayed Tokyo Olympics later this year

"Critical importance" of COVID-19 rules reinforced – as Premier League boss sends letter to clubs

P

remier League’s Chief Executive, Richard Masters, has written to clubs to “stress the critical importance of adhering” to strengthened COVID protocols.

Clubs have been reminded that “handshakes, high fives and hugs must be avoided”, he has underscored.

In the letter, seen by BBC Sport, Masters said the league was “fortunate to be able to continue to play and bring our competition to fans”.

He described images of some players ignoring social distancing rules in the FA Cup as “concerning scenes”.

“This brings justified additional scrutiny, and the league must take the lead in setting the right example,” he added.

He also said that Premier League clubs should plan for more matches being postponed or rearranged at short notice because of the virus - something Fulham manager Scott Parker called “scandalous” earlier on Tuesday.

So far this season, several Premier League matches have been postponed following COVID-19, including Aston Villa v Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Premier League also issued new, enhanced guidelines and graphics on what

is expected of players and staff on match days. It includes the banning of shirt-swapping after matches, and “unnecessary contact, particularly between opposition clubs”.

Face coverings “must also be worn at all times by players, coaches and staff whilst travelling, arriving at the stadium, and within the stadium, including in the dressing room”.

Dressing-room celebrations are known to have concerned Government ministers, and referees will now remind Premier League captains and coaches of the need to avoid unnecessary contact, such as handshakes and hugging during goal celebrations.

“We have the benefit of Government support to continue playing while the country as a whole is facing severe restrictions,” Masters wrote, but said that was “conditional”.

In the letter, Masters also told clubs, “We must do all we can to efficiently utilise all available calendar slots, given there have been three significant outbreaks at clubs to date, we should therefore realistically plan for the fact that there may be more.

“Inevitably, requests for postponements will be at short notice and present difficulties

for all parties, and we appreciate clubs’ ongoing flexibility in helping us achieve our collective objectives.”

The Football Association also wrote to member clubs on Tuesday to “strongly reiterate the importance of complete compliance with the relevant FA Cup protocol”.

Parker angry at Monday’s fixture reshuffle Fulham manager Parker has said it was “scandalous” that Wednesday’s match against Tottenham was only confirmed on Monday.

The Premier League game was originally scheduled for 30 December, but was postponed at short notice because of a coronavirus outbreak at Fulham.

In a fixture reshuffle on Monday, it was rescheduled after Spurs’ match at Aston Villa was postponed.

“I am angry because it is not right! It is wrong! That is why I am so angry,” said Parker. “The possibility of playing Spurs on Wednesday came on Saturday.

We didn’t think that was realistic, and we were informed Monday morning at 9:30.

To confirm that on Monday morning is scandalous. I accept we have to play the game, but it’s the notice.”

Asked if Fulham had a right

to be upset, given the original match was called off with less than three hours’ notice, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho said: “Are you serious? I had the news I was not going to play them two hours before the game started.”

Parker, whose side are 18th in the Premier League, said he spent “numerous hours on Sunday trying to explain it wasn’t feasible” after being told the game may be rearranged for Wednesday. The Cottagers last played on Saturday, when they beat QPR 2-0 after extra time in the FA Cup third round.

“The people making these decisions don’t understand players. We have had it tough.

We thought they had six days’ recovery time. It is madness, really,” he said.

The postponement of the Villa game - because of a coronavirus outbreak in the Villa camp - left Spurs needing to rearrange three matches in a cramped fixture list that also included Europa League commitments.

Mourinho said the Premier League’s decision to rearrange their game with Fulham for Wednesday is a “positive” solution.

“The biggest impact is to have matches postponed,” he said. (BBC Sport)

Elite athletes have also faced criticism for mid-season trips to the United Arab Emirates, where Diamond is currently on a British Athletics training camp.

The UAE was on Government’s exemption list, although it is being removed from the UK list of travel corridors.

Scottish champions Celtic faced criticism from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after a turbulent visit to Dubai. The warm weather training trip brought a positive test for defender Christopher Jullien, which left 13 other players - along with manager Neil Lennon and assistant John Kennedy - needing to selfisolate when they arrive back in Glasgow.

A number of Women’s Super League matches were also postponed after several players from different clubs travelled to Dubai.

“I just wanted everyone who has been given that elite sport

exemption to just not take that for granted, and to not ruin it for the sportspeople out there who aren’t taking it for granted and are being super strict with what they’re doing,” Diamond has said.

“Yes, you can still go to the track, or still go to the gym or football pitch to train and have your match, but once that is done, you are back to nonelite and the guidelines and the lockdown.”

Diamond, who won 400m relay bronze at Rio 2016, said she feels in a “very privileged position” to be able to travel away from the UK and continue with her preparations for Tokyo.

In response to some negative comments from fans claiming that track and field athletes had not been following protocols in Dubai, she said: “I know some people have been a bit disappointed seeing Instagram stories and photos being published of athletes out in Dubai.

“I haven’t seen these personally myself. I want to apologise on behalf of the athletes out here that, if these videos have been posted and have upset people back home, then I don’t think that is acceptable.”

However, she emphasised that athletes have been given the same protocols to follow as in the UK, and that their coronavirus tests have all come back negative. (BBC Sport)

“Inexperienced Windies can win series,” says Sunil Ambris

O

DI vice-captain backs team to spring surprise in Bangladesh West Indies stand-in vice-captain Sunil Ambris has joined those expressing optimism ahead of the team’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, despite admitting the unit is likely to be impacted by inexperience.

The 27-year-old native Vincentian was appointed second-in-command of the One Day International (ODI) squad, with Jason Mohammed named as captain, after several regular players pulled out of the tour.

With regulars like captain Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo, and Nicholas Pooran

missing, Ambris, who has so far played 13 ODIs, will rank among the senior members of the squad. In fact, eight players will be first-time callups for the format.

“It is obvious that we have a very inexperienced team travelling to Bangladesh, but having said that, I think it is a talented bunch of guys,” Ambris told Searchlight.

“Once we stay positive and do what we know we can do, we should be okay…Once we play some good cricket, we can win the series,” he added.

Ambris, who made his debut in 2017, has scored 448 runs at an average of 44.7. He has two fifties and one hundred to his name.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Nexgen Golf Academy plans unveiled for updated golf course

“Q

uestion everything, change some things,” says Aleem Hussain, President of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, as he outlined an alternative to the normal design and layout of golf courses that have shaped golf worldwide.

Hussain has said that two things have always made golf expensive - the size and cost of land close to populated areas, and the high maintenance of 100-200 acres of land, leading to exclusion from the game by the majority of the population, due to affordability.

“The fact that we are accustomed to playing golf courses with 9 or 18 fairways doesn’t mean that is the only way we should design a course. This innovative approach allows us to use as little as 10 acres, which will drastically reduce development and maintenance costs, allowing us to pass those savings on

to players, especially new ones,” Hussain has said.

Strategically placed elevated tee boxes and challenging greens would allow players to experience a different course every time they play, The course that the Academy is effectively giving striving to create players more of great scholarship and a challenge than a traditional excellent networking course. The greens, which would opportunities for be as much as 8 feet above the young players, who fairways, would be well guarded can use the sport by bunkers, and would pose to meet and mingle NexGen Golf Academy President Aleem Hussain challenging approach shots with top managers and Hussain has said that partnerships across water hazards which executives of the burgeoning oil with many organisations and would test the skill of every Tiger & gas industry. companies would help to realise Woods wannabe!

Boldly predicting that golf this dream. He declared, “The Already one of the few COVID- would become one of the most Scouts Association of Guyana compliant sports, Golf has the recognised sports in Guyana, and the Guyana Teachers Union added advantage of providing grounds in Georgetown on Woolford Avenue have allowed several hundred new players to be exposed to the game in just a few short months.”

The rush is on to make the game accessible and affordable now that the demand and interest is there because the sport has been introduced into the school system and golf can be chosen as a sport option for CXC/ CAPE examinations.

Even though Nexgen Global expects to complete 3 new courses in 2021, with the

Frampton to fight Herring for WBO belt on February 27

C

arl Frampton will attempt to become a threeweight world champion when he fights WBO world super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring on 27 February.

The fight, which will be staged in London, likely behind closed doors, was originally scheduled to take place in the middle of 2020, before being delayed because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Frampton stopped Darren Traynor in an interim fight in August, and Herring overcame Jonathan Oquendo after a disqualification in Las Vegas.

“I’m delighted to finally get a date nailed down for this fight, that has now been talked about for over a year,” said Frampton.

“I have the utmost respect for Jamel as a fighter and as a man, but there is nobody stopping me on becoming the island of Ireland’s only ever three-weight world champ, one of Britain’s only ever threeweight world champions, and potentially, (I) have one foot in the Hall of Fame,” he said Frampton became world champion at superbantamweight in September 2014, when he defeated Kiko Martinez at the Titanic Quarter, followed by successful defences against Chris Avalos and Alejandro Gonzalez.

The Belfast boxer unified his IBF belt with Scott Quigg’s WBA title in Manchester, where Frampton prevailed on points.

The 33-year-old was then involved in two memorable encounters with Leo Santa Cruz at featherweight. Frampton became a two-weight world champion at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, only to come off second best in the rematch at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Frampton set about to rebuild following his Santa Cruz setback, and teamed up with promoter Frank Warren.

He was quickly back in the title mix, and won the WBO interim world featherweight title with a comprehensive defeat of the

Frampton fought once last year, stopping Darren Traynor in August

decorated Nonito Donaire at the SSE Arena in April 2018.

In August of the same year, he fulfilled a childhood dream of boxing at Belfast’s Windsor Park, and his Interim status was maintained with a ninth-round stoppage of the Australian Olympian Luke Jackson.

Four months later, Frampton lost to Josh Warrington, who retained his IBF world featherweight title at the Manchester Arena.

After considering his future, Frampton decided to go again at super-featherweight and got back to winning ways with a clear points victory over Tyler McCreary in November of last year in Las Vegas.

Herring "upsets the odds" to claim belt Herring, 34, carries a record of 21-2 (10 KOs), and he upset the odds in May last year by defeating the defending WBO world super-featherweight champion Masayuki Ito in Florida.

Prior to this, his only title action came with a challenge for the vacant USBA title in September 2018, when he beat John Vincent Moralde on points.

Southpaw Herring defended his world title in November 2019 against mandatory challenger Lamont Roach, and won comfortably via decision.

Absence of Frampton fans ‘only downside’ Promoter Frank Warren has said: “I am thrilled we are able to deliver this huge opportunity

for Carl to reinforce his position as the top Irish fighter of his or any other generation.

“Carl has been, and is, a tremendous ambassador for the sport, and his huge following is testament to the qualities he shows in and out of the ring. The only downside to this fight coming about now is that he will be going into battle without his legion of Belfast fans roaring him on.

“For Carl to become a three-weight world champion would really be something else, and in many ways a fitting finale to a magnificent career, although it might not quite be the end of the story.”

"The biggest fight of my career to date" Herring commented: “I’m really excited that the fight is finally happening. More importantly, it’ll be an honour to share the ring with a true warrior and class act such as Carl Frampton. It may be the biggest fight of my career to date, but I’ll be more than ready for the task ahead.

“There’s a lot on the line, and I know he’s aiming to make history, but he’ll have to wait another day, because I plan on returning home with my title in hand.

“I’ve been training very hard for this fight, and went back to what got me to my world title from sparring the likes of Terence Crawford and other top talent across the nation. I can’t wait to put on a great show!” (BBC Sport)

volume of new players and influx of remigrants and expats, the demand for as many as 10 courses will be created by the end of 2022, since courses can only accommodate 300-500 players per week.

Hussain emphasised that the role played by the media and support of longtime sponsors such as Giftland Mall, Macorp, Assuria General Insurance, Guyana Beverages, AR Printery, Banks DIH, Vivaanta Spa, Trophy Stall, Nesha’s Flowerland and Copa Airlines, among others who have been firmly behind the development of the sport for many years, are among the reasons the GGA is confident it would be able to deliver on its promises.

Hussain explained that because of generous donations of equipment and services by overseas-based Guyanese, including Bill & Aleena Knight, The Shafura Hussain Foundation, Anwar Shaffie, Danny Ramnarain, and locally by Colin Ming, it currently costs only $500/hour for children to learn the game at the Academy, but with the fantastic response from the schools so far, there would be need for as many as 3,000 golf clubs and 50,000 balls to support the school programme.

For more information about Golf, the Academy, or lessons, interested persons are warmly invited to visit Facebook: Nexgen Golf Academy, or call 645-0944.

Exciting T10 format could be best fit for Olympics – Sunil Narine

W

est Indies spinner Sunil Narine believes that cricket’s T10 format could be the best choice for inclusion at the Olympic Games, as it is even more exciting than the T20 version.

Cricket has not been played at the Olympic Games since 1900, when Britain and France were the only two teams that participated.

There have, however, been numerous discussions geared towards reviving the sport at the Games in recent years, with T20 cricket identified as the best format.

Narine, however, believes that T10 could also be a consideration.

“The T10 format is more exciting than the T20 format.

In T20s, the batters take a

few overs before starting their attacking skills; however, in T10, the batters probably look for only one or two balls,” Narine told the Daily Times.

“There’s always a possibility to attract new fans through a shorter format of cricket and more exciting cricket.

It (would) be an exciting thing if cricket is included in the Olympics as well; and hopefully, maybe T10 could be a part of the Olympics,” he added.

The 10-over format of the sport was introduced in the United Arab Emirates in 2017.

It is, however, yet to be widely adopted.

Narine will be among a number of West Indies players taking part in this season’s edition.

The spinner will represent the Deccan Gladiators, alongside West Indies T20 captain Kieron Pollard.

(Sportsmax)

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23

"Sport in this country is more than just cricket" – Ramson …addresses claims of damage to Providence pitch

By Jemima Holmes

A

s the Guyanese saying goes, “There are three sides to every story; Side A, Side B and the spectator”.

When it comes to the controversy surrounding

such damage to the pitch currently, and it will (need) just a couple of weeks for us to get the wicket ready for playing cricket,” Ramson Jr shared.

The Minister emphasised that, in any case, the wicket would need three weeks

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr inspecting the pitch at Providence on Tuesday, accompanied by the grounds staff

the state of the 22 yards at the National Stadium, Providence, this is the Minister’s side.

A little over a week ago, football fans rejoiced at the successful hosting of the ‘Bounce back Football Classic’, only to be met on Sunday last with claims that the pitch at Providence was left in disrepair following the activity.

In a twist, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, on Tuesday afternoon, requested the exclusive presence of this publication at the East Bank Demerara venue, to show that no such damage was done to the pitch.

In refuting the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) claims, Ramson conducted a thorough walk around the pitch and its environs with Guyana Times Sport to prove that it has not been damaged, and is ready for preparation for any upcoming cricket activities.

“You can see there is no

to be fully prepared for any cricket action.

“And ordinarily, the wicket takes about three weeks to prepare in any event, because the National Stadium wicket is not kept at a stage where you can just walk on and play. The wicket preparation takes about 3 weeks generally. So, in any event, there is a period for preparation before any international cricket,” he noted, based on direction from the groundsmen at the facility.

The Minister went on to share that the request to use the facility for cricket was received on January 6, and as such, he is claiming that the time was not enough to complete preparations. He maintained that other parts of the venue could be used for the GCB’s desired purpose.

“The outfield can be used currently by whoever wants to use it, if they determine its appropriate usage. The wicket would still need time to prepare, in any event,”

Guyanese appointed to chair WAA’s Gender Equity Committee

A

rchery Guyana continues to make strides in the international arena, this time through SecretaryGeneral Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, who has been appointed Chair of the World Archery Americas’(WAA’s) inaugural five-member Committee to deal with gender-equity matters in our continent.

The creation of this committee is an important step towards enhancing equal involvement of both genders in all archery-related areas.

Its members will work in coordination with World Archery’s homonymous committee and Pan Am Sports’ Women in Sports Committee.

Chair of the World Archery Americas’ Gender Equity Committee, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon

The Committee is comprised of Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (Chair), Barbara Hernandez (DOM), Natalia Londoño (COL) Maria Andrea Mejicanos (GUA) y Cesar Otarola (CHI).

Ramson shared.

He continued by saying, “The timeframe from when the request came in from the body that calls themselves the GCB, it would not have been sufficient for them to be able to prepare for the days requested.”

Then came the issue of ownership and entitlement.

To this the subject Minister asserted that no organisation has an exclusive entitlement to the use of the venue, all sports have an equal entitlement to the use of the venue for their activities.

“The stadium is not the property of any one Association in Guyana, but rather is open to use by any Sport Association that may see it fit,” the Minister explained. “This is not a white elephant. Nobody owns the Stadium, this Stadium is the people’s facility,” the Minister of Sport said.

A very concerned

Ramson further expressed his disappointment at the orchestrators of the narrative that the pitch was damaged. He has labelled that assertion as malicious.

“So, for the persons who were claiming that it was in disrepair, it is very malicious. It’s also disturbing, and it shows that there is an orchestrated attempt to disparage the Ministry or to disparage football and to discourage the use of the National Stadium for the use of anything other than cricket," Ramson argued.

He revealed that the intention is to make the A glimpse at the state of the Stadium more accommo- pitch as of January 12, 2021 dating to other sport disci- the other sports too, so we plines, stating, “We opened have to be able to accommothis facility a few months date all the other sports too.” ago so that people can come The ‘Bounce back and use this facility any time Football Classic’ tournament of the day to exercise. Sport was hosted at the National in this country is more than Stadium on December 29 just cricket. Cricket is loved and January 1. It was a colby everyone, but so are all laborative effort between the

The alleged state of the pitch over a week ago

Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Kashif and Shanghai Organization, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. However, on January 10, a missive from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) shared a photo of the alleged damage to the pitch.

CWI pays tribute to Vivalyn LattyScott, pioneer of women’s cricket

S

Vivalyn Latty-Scott (third left back row) with other members of the West Indies women’s team

T JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) today paid tribute to Vivalyn Latty-Scott, the outstanding West Indies allrounder and pioneer of women’s cricket in the Caribbean, who sadly passed away on Saturday.

She was a member of the first West Indies team to play a women’s Test match in 1976, against Australia, and she also served as an inspirational leader in the game in Jamaica. After retirement, she served as a coach at all levels, and also as an umpire.

During her career as an off-spinner and right-handed batter, Latty-Scott played 10 Test matches and six OneDay Internationals. She was the first West Indian woman to take five wickets in a Test innings – 5 for 48 off 41 overs on debut against the Australians in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ann Browne-John, CWI’s Lead Selector for women’s cricket, and a former inter-

Vivalyn Latty-Scott national player, noted: “It is with great sadness (that) we heard of the passing of Vivalyn Latty-Scott. She was always a fierce competitor, and took her cricket very seriously. She taught us how to put our all into the game, and paved the way for what we see today. She was an excellent cricketer. She was truly one of the stalwarts of women’s cricket in the Caribbean.”

Dorothy Hobson, who played alongside Latty-Scott

for Jamaica and the West Indies, described her as a “dedicated and committed cricketer and lifelong fan of the game”.

Louise Browne, the first West Indies women’s Test captain, hailed Latty-Scott as a “passionate player with amazing knowledge of the game”.

“When I started as captain, ‘Latty’ was one of the senior members of that first West Indies women’s team, and she excelled with bat and ball. Whenever I put the ball in her hand, I had the confidence she would produce good figures, and she never disappointed. She was passionate about the game, and was always aware of the statistics and what the team required. When the history of women’s cricket is updated, Vivalyn must be mentioned among the outstanding players.”

Hobson said: “She was a great captain for Jamaica, and a great player for the

West Indies. She was a complete player with bat and ball, equally adept at both skills.

Cricket was ‘her game’, she was a dedicated and committed cricketer, and she always had a dream of doing great things for the West Indies.

“Her legacy is that she contributed to the game at all levels — boys, girls, men and women — she made a great impact at all levels.”

Stafanie Taylor, the current women’s captain and most successful women’s player in West Indies history, also paid tribute to LattyScott.

“I have known this amazing lady from when I went on my first tour with the Jamaica team, and she was very helpful to me. She set a trail in women’s cricket, and she played a very important role in my development, and inspired many young cricketers in Jamaica to play the game and to excel. We all admired and respected her.”

(CWI)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

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

“Sport in this country is more than just cricket” – Ramson

…addresses claims of damage to Providence pitch

Page 23

The current golf course

Guyanese appointed to chair WAA’s Gender Nexgen Golf Academy unveils Equity Committee plans for updated golf course Page 22

Pg 23

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