60 minute read
Joe Singh P
14NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Joe Singh appointed Chairman of NAREI Board
…develop strategies to boost Guyana’s coconut industry – Agri Minister
Major General (ret’d) (ex officio). We’ve had budgetary alloca- dress the areas identified by Joe Singh has been Agriculture Minister tion last year to develop two Minister Mustapha. appointed Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha on new coconut nurseries and “The Minister has given of the Board of Directors of Tuesday encouraged the new this year we are proposing us a very comprehensive outthe National Agriculture Board to work together in or- an additional seven nurser- line of his and Cabinet’s exResearch and Extension der to lay the groundwork to ies for other areas around the pectations of the Board and Institute (NAREI). take the agency to the next country. We are optimistic direction on what is consid-
The other members are level. that we’ll have those projects ered priorities as it relates to Dr Dindyal Permaul; Anjanie Mustapha said the approved by the Ministry of NAREI’s mandate. I don’t exNarine; Andrew Forsythe; Board is expected to devel- Finance so that we can begin pect us to only be sitting in a Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine; op programmes aligned with constructing these nurseries. boardroom, but we’ll also be Bibi Shadick; Jainarine Government’s policies, as The coconut industry, for me, visiting other areas across Narine; Suresh Amichand; were outlined in its 2020- is probably the third most im- the country. In this way, we’ll Pooran Seeraj; Ricky 2025 manifesto. portant crop in our country be able to see the results of Roopchand; Christopher The Board was also tasked and has the potential to be a NAREI’s research as well as Vandeyar; Dr Garvin Cummings; Porandatt with developing guidelines to expand import substituMajor General (ret’d) Joe Singh very large foreign exchange earner for Guyana. We’ve interact with farmers. I really would like us to think Narine; Raymond Ramsaroop tion crops and other crops in Mustapha noted that in last centives were given in the also made great progress from a national perspective – and Dr Oudho Homenauth the hinterland savannahs. year’s emergency budget, in- soya bean and corn industry with joining the International how is what we’re doing as a and that the Board should Coconut Community (ICC),” Board is not only supporting, work to promote the cultiva- Mustapha said. tasking and monitoring what tion of these two crops. The Board was also asked NAREI is doing but what it Further, he encouraged to pay close attention to the is that we can bring to the the Board to pay special at- development and implemen- Board. I don’t expect persons tention to developing strate- tation of the mangrove devel- to just be rubber stamps,” gies to boost Guyana’s coco- opment plan for 2021-2025. Singh said. nut industry. Newly appointed The Chairman further “You know for a fact that Chairman of the Board, stated that there are a numour coconut industry is about Major General (ret’d) Joe ber of outstanding issues that to take off and we’ve been Singh, while offering re- the Board will be dealing putting a lot of emphasis on marks stated that the Board with during their statutory its success and development. will work together to ad- meetings.
Ramsammy’s Ruminations Delusional Granger cannot ever sugar-coat APNU/AFC’s attempted electoral theft
January 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 Yana days before nomination Dr Leslie Ramsammy 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. NEWS15 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Floodwaters in Black Bush Polder recede
Residents 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 One of the drains that were dug to drain the water rate, three small excavators Authority (GLDA) is assess- Institute (NAREI) is meet- had promised assistance for and two large ones were de- ing the losses to livestock as ing with cash crop farmers those affected in the form of ployed to the area, and two a result of the flooding, while to ascertain the damage to fertilisers, chemicals, feed, draglines have also been as- the National Agricultural crops. and by providing technical sisting in clearing the drain- Research and Extension The Agriculture Minister assistance. age 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)
16NEWS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Benn encourages Moruca youngsters to join GPF, GDF
…as CPG gets ATV, engine
Home Affairs can lift the load together in tivities. Minister Robeson securing our country and Even though the equipBenn has encour- villages. For better rela- ment were donated for aged young men and wom- tions and understanding to crime-fighting purposes en of the Amerindian com- deal with diverse matters they should be utilised to munity of Moruca, Region we need to have a good mix make the lives of residents One (Barima-Waini), to up,” Minister Benn stated. better. become members of the These were his senti- “If we work together we Guyana Police Force and ments while delivering re- can make a better counGuyana Defence Force to marks at an interactive try. We need to be undercreate a balance in devel- meeting with the newly standing about people’s oping Guyana. formed Moruca Community challenges. So if someone
“I am glad to see young Policing Group (CPG) and needs to transport seeds men and women join the members of the Village for their farms, or cassava Community Policing Group. Council. sticks or a sick person, the The CPG should be used as The Minister also hand- CPG should assist. We rea vehicle for training to join ed over an All-Terrain ally need to work together the Police Force and GDF. I Vehicle and a 40-horsepow- to ease the burden and imstrongly feel we need more er engine to the group to fa- prove the quality of life,” he balance in our forces so we cilitate their patrolling ac- Minister Robeson Benn handing over the ATV to members of the community added. Police yet to arrest suspect for murder of clothes vendor
Police are yet to make was shot dead during a row The 32-year-old father of tially arrested for the muran arrest for the mur- over a female on New Year’s four of Bent Street Werk-en- der. der of Paul Anthony Day at the East Coast mini- Rust, Georgetown, was killed The suspect, Shawn Smith, a clothes vendor who bus park. in cold blood, and Police are 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 headWanted: Shawn Jones ing to his parked car carrying a cutlass in his hands. Dead: Paul Anthony Smith, aka “Blacka” still making stringent efforts Soon after, the suspect, rival. to apprehend the suspect. who is also a clothes ven- Following the shooting Regional Commander dor, whipped out a gun and incident, Police had arrested for Georgetown, Khail discharged a round, hitting a 21-year-old man, but after Pareshram on Tuesday said Smith. investigators received new no arrests have been made Due to the injury, Smith information, their focus had and that the detectives are reportedly fell onto the shifted to the man’s 54-yearstill working to locate the front passenger seat of his old father. shooter. car but he was picked up Police confirmed that One week after the in- by public-spirited citizens several checks were made cident, the Guyana Police who rushed to his aid and for Jones at his residence Force (GPF) had issued a took him to the Georgetown but all came up empty-handwanted bulletin for the fa- Public Hospital, where he ed. Police investigations are ther of a man who was ini- was pronounced dead on ar- ongoing.
NEWS17 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM GECOM Chair debunks Opposition Commissioners' claim she refused to meet PNCR
Chairman of the more meaningful engage- jor stakeholder, and as such Guyana Elections ment at that level. In any we consider it discourteous, Commission, retired event, as Chairperson, I re- at least, for her not to have Justice Claudette Singh, iterate that it is appropriate entertained their presence. has debunked Opposition to engage political parties at The current environment Commissioners’ claims that the level of the Commission, in the Commission is not she refused to meet with so that their concerns may conductive for a briefing of Peoples National Congress be discussed, and where the sort sought. Presently, Reform General Secretary necessary, action taken. It GECOM is on the verge of Amna Ally. is for these very reasons major decision making with She was at the time responding to a statement issued by Opposition that I extended an invitation to Ms. Ally to meet with the entire Commission, as I GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh regards to voter registration, a matter that was litigated and requires serious Commissioners Vincent would to any other political Commissioners claimed and in-dept consideration Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, who claimed that they walked Opposition GECOM Commissioners: Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin party expressing a desire to meet with me singularly,” Justice Singh said. that they walked out of the meeting since Singh had refused to meet with Ally. In before a decision is made. In that regard, at least, a briefing of any major stakeholdout of the GECOM meeting by the Commission, and the Commission, of my in- Earlier on Tuesday, a statement, the trio said, er should be useful, if not after Singh refused to meet recommended that pro- sistence that the team meet the three Opposition “The APNU-AFC is a ma- essential.” with Ally and a delega- posals should be forward- with the “full Commission, tion from the APNU+AFC ed in writing so that they as is customary when meet“on the ground that such a may be dispatched to the ing with Political Parties”. meeting is unprecedented”. Commissioners for their pe- I explained that “this meth-
In a statement on rusal and consideration pri- odology has been quite Tuesday evening, Justice or to the meeting,” Justice useful in ensuring all Singh said Ally wrote to her Singh said in her statement. Commissioners collectiveon January 7, 2021 request- On January 11, 2021, ly benefit from the issues to ing to “engage you singular- Justice Singh said, in re- be addressed for later delibly as the Chairperson of the sponse, Ally reiterated her eration and decision,” the Commission to proffer our request to meet singularly statement on Tuesday eveproposals of the matters at to discuss “matters in rela- ning read. hand before participating in tion to registration”, noting The claim made by the Commission’s meeting.” that “it is public knowledge Commissioners Alexander,
According to Justice that you have facilitated Corbin and Trotman, Singh, in her response to meetings with other stake- Justice Singh added, is Ally, dated January 7, 2021, holders both foreign and do- grossly misleading at the she extended an invitation mestic without major for- very least. for the team to meet with malities…”. She expressly “As Chairperson of the Commission at 14:00h opined that a meeting with GECOM, I have never enon January 12, 2021. the full Commission can be gaged with any political
“In a separate commu- held subsequent to a meet- party on my own. Proposals nication on the same day, I ing with the PNCR. made by stakeholders are also requested that any is- “I further advised Ms always welcomed, and sues likely to be raised are Ally on the 12th January, being heard by the full matters to be addressed 2021, prior to the meeting of Commission allows for a
18 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 Regional
Mexico publishes medicinal cannabis Brazil trial finds efficacy of Mexico’s Health Ministry on Tuesday pubregulation, creating new market A coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac Biotech was found to be just 50.4 per days ago that generated unrealistic expectations. The confusion may add to scepticism in Brazil about the Chinese but did not require clinical assistance. Ricardo Palacios, a medical director for clinical reSinovac vaccine at 50.4% lished rules to regulate the cent effective at preventing vaccine, which President Jair search at Butantan, said on use of medicinal cannabis, symptomatic infections of Bolsonaro has criticised, ques- Tuesday that the new lower a major step in a broad- COVID-19 in a Brazilian trial, tioning its “origins”. efficacy finding included data er reform to create the researchers said on Tuesday, “We have a good vac- on those “very mild” cases. world’s largest legal can- barely enough for regulatory cine. Not the best vaccine in “We need better communinabis market in the Latin approval and well below the the world. Not the ideal vac- cators,” said Gonzalo Vecina American country. rate announced last week. cine,” said microbiologist Neto, a professor of public
The new regulation was The latest results are a Natalia Pasternak, criticising health at the University of signed off by President substantial disappointment Butantan’s triumphant tone. Sao Paulo and former head Andres Manuel Lopez for Brazil, as the Chinese vac- Last week, the Brazilian of Brazilian health regulator Obrador, and would now cine is one of two that the fed- researchers had celebrated re- Anvisa. allow pharmaceutical com- eral Government has lined up sults showing 78 per cent effi- Piecemeal disclosures panies to begin doing med- to begin immunisation during cacy against “mild to severe” about Chinese vaccine trials ical research on cannabis the second wave of the world’s COVID-19 cases, a rate they globally have raised concerns products. second-deadliest COVID-19 later described as “clinical ef- that they have not been subThe cannabis reform taking place includes the The new regulation was signed off by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and would now allow pharmaceutical companies outbreak. Several scientists and obficacy”. But they said nothing at ject to the same public scrutiny as alternatives developed recreational use of mar- to begin doing medical research on cannabis products servers criticised the Butantan the time about a group of “very by US and European manijuana, 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 legal 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) Institute, a biomedical centre for releasing partial data just mild” infections among those who had received the vaccine, ufacturers. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) Tourism 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 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 Urgent steps being taken to ramp up Jamaica’s COVID-19 testing capacity largest tourism source mar- the strain this will place on Fire on Mexico City metro kets – the United States of America (US). the resources of Jamaica’s health care system and the causes overcrowding “Like all other nations, we understand the need to protect citizens and to put meaTourism Minister Edmund Bartlett general economic recovery of the island, Bartlett is up for the challenge. There 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) sures 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 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 “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)
Vincentian man wanted Trinidad: Boogsie, Paul Keens-Douglas get honorary doctorates in US gets bail Veteran pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and storyteller Paul “He has amazed audiences on every continent and each Carnival season, received Honorary Doctor of Letters for his contributions to Culture and the
The Vincentian that stop notices be placed tempted to initiate a traf- Keens-Douglas added yet aficionados from across the Arts. man who is on the at ports of entry and exit, fic stop on a vehicle driv- another accomplishment globe make the pilgrimage Described as one of the most wanted list preventing Mayers from en by Kern Mayers. In an to their names on Monday to his panyard to experi- most talented and beloved in the American state of leaving the jurisdiction. attempt to flee from the as the duo received hon- ence first-hand the miracle poets and storytellers in the Pennsylvania was grant- According to the Police, Kern Mayers struck orary doctorates from the of his genius,” she said. region, Keens-Douglas, in ed bail when he appeared Pennsylvania Crime several vehicles and in- University of the West She told the story about his performance, narrated in court in St Vincent on Stoppers website, Mayers, jured Police Officers. After Indies. how the cultural icon’s tal- how he followed his dreams Monday. who also goes by the aliases a vehicle and foot pursuit, During the virtual grad- ent was identified by his even without his parent’s
Chief Magistrate “Yellow” and “Cuz”, is one Kern Mayers was captured. uation ceremony, public parents from birth. approval. Rechanne Browne, sitting of the ten most wanted peo- Kern Mayers was released Orator Professor Christine “His mother Grace “One thing I can tell you at the Serious Offences ple in the state. from the Luzerne County Carrington highlighted claimed that his nick- to be a success in anything Court, granted Kern Z The website says he Correctional Facility and why these men received the name came when she held you do you must love it, you Mayers bail in the sum of is wanted for aggravat- then failed to attend his honour for their respected him up to get a view of must have a passion for it,” EC$40, 000 (US$14,800) ed assault, fleeing or at- scheduled court hearing on fields. Symphonettes practising, he said. with one surety. tempting to elude Police January 25, 2006,” it stat- Sharpe was awarded the she ‘felt an angel pass’ and The storyteller said
She further ordered Officers, recklessly endan- ed. Honorary Doctor of Letters the angel said “Boogsie,” when growing up parents him to surrender his trav- gering another person, in- His last known address for steelpan composition, she told the graduating did not support their chilel documents and to report stitutional vandalism, and was given as Brooklyn, arrangement and perfor- class. dren becoming comedians to the Questelles Police accidents involving dam- New York. mance. And how even with ob- or comics, but instead lawStation on Mondays be- age to attended vehicles, Mayers, who currently Carrington described stacles he persevered and yers and doctors. tween 06:00h and 18:00h stemming from an inci- resides in Campden Park, Sharpe, who started his today has arranged for at “Anything with “er” is until the outcome of his ex- dent on January 4, 2006, St Andrew, was taken into steelband in 1972 Phase least 30 other steel bands alright so I became to stotradition hearing, set for at the Home Depot and custody in his homeland II Pan Groove, as someone across Trinidad and Tobago. ryteller and here I am,” April 4, 2021. Burlington Coat Factory. on December 10, 2020. people from all over rec- Poet and storyteller he said. (Excerpt from
Browne also ordered “Law enforcement at- (Excerpt from Nation News) ognised for his craft. Paul Keens-Douglas also Trinidad Guardian)
OILNEWS
Oil hits 11-month high near US$57 on tight supply expectations
Oil 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
Aleading Israeli hu- and the Mediterranean Sea. man rights group As part of this policy, has begun describ- Palestinians are denied ing Israel and its control many rights, including the of the Palestinian territo- right to self-determination, ries as a single “apartheid” the report added. Government, using an ex- The four areas of Israeli plosive term that the coun- control are the occutry’s leaders and their sup- pied West Bank where porters vehemently reject. Palestinians live in dozens
In a report released on of disconnected enclaves Tuesday, B’Tselem said under rigid military rule; Israel has created a sys- occupied East Jerusalem tem in which Jewish cit- where Palestinians are izens enjoy full rights, permanent residents but but Palestinians living in not citizens; the blockadIsrael’s four areas of con- ed Gaza Strip which Israel trol have different levels continues to control exterof rights – depending on nally; and Israel itself. where they live – are al- Israel has long presentways below the Jewish peo- ed itself as a thriving deple. mocracy and purported that
“One of the key points in its Palestinian citizens, who our analysis is that this is make up about 20 per cent a single geopolitical area of its population of 9.2 milruled by one government,” lion, have equal rights. said B’Tselem director However, these Hagai El-Ad. “This is not Palestinians suffer from democracy plus occupation. being treated as second- or This is apartheid between third-class citizens at the the river and the sea.” institutional level, with
The report said Israel some 60 laws that actively seeks to advance and ce- discriminate against them ment Jewish supremacy in sectors such as housing, throughout the entire area education and healthcare. between the Jordan River (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 19 Around the World
Report reveals grim infant death toll, cruelty at Church-run homes in Ireland
Thousands of infants through traumatic labours died in Irish homes without any pain relief. for unmarried moth- One recalled “women ers and their offspring most- screaming, a woman who had ly run by the Catholic Church lost her mind, and a room from the 1920s to the 1990s, with small white coffins”. an inquiry found on Tuesday, Relatives have alleged the an “appalling” mortality rate babies were mistreated bethat reflected brutal living cause they were born to unconditions. married mothers who, like
The report, which covered their children, were seen as 18 so-called Mother and Baby a stain on Ireland’s image as Homes where over decades a devout Catholic nation. The young pregnant women were hidden from society, is the latest in a series of Governmentcommissioned papers that 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 inquiry said those admitted included girls as young as 12. Government records show that the mortality rate for have laid bare some of the mothers is formally published, in Tuam, Ireland, January 12, 2021 children at the homes where 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 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 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
People in central Spain Aragón and Teruel, in moun- perature was recorded, is ital's hospitals - already unare struggling as a deep tains east of Madrid - Spain's 197km (122 miles) north- der great pressure because of freeze follows the week- coldest night for at least 20 east of Madrid. It lived up to Covid-19 - struggled to cope end's heavy snow, leading to years. its nickname, "the Spanish with patients who had slipped treacherous conditions. Deep snow left by Storm Siberia". on the ice, breaking bones.
Officials have warned the Filomena has turned to ice, Besides the two deaths in Medical sources told El elderly to stay at home. disrupting transport. There Barcelona, at least five others Mundo daily that there
At least seven people have has been an extraordinary are known to have died due to were 1,200 fracture cases on died due to the weather - the quantity of snow and ice for the cold: two in Madrid, two in Monday in the Madrid retwo latest victims were home- Spain, where winters are usu- Málaga and one in Zaragoza. gion's hospitals, caused by acless people in Barcelona. ally quite mild. The overnight tempera- cidents on the ice - an average
The temperature plunged Molina de Aragón, where ture in Madrid itself fell to of 50 an hour. (Excerpt from to -25C (-13F) in Molina de the coldest overnight tem- -16C, and on Monday the cap- BBC News)
Canada's Justin Trudeau reshuffles top Cabinet officials
Canadian Prime Secretary to the Minister of His unexpected departure Minister Justin intergovernmental affairs. prompted the Cabinet reTrudeau announced Winnipeg MP Jim Carr is shuffling, as these top spots a Cabinet reshuffle on returning to Cabinet after are generally held by officials Tuesday, including a new stepping aside in 2019 fol- who will participate in the Foreign Minister who is a lowing a cancer diagnosis. next election. former astronaut. He has been named special In his announcement on
Trudeau also named new representative for the Prairie Tuesday, the Prime Minister Industry and Transport provinces. thanked Bains "for his friendMinisters following the sur- Bains, 43, said on Tuesday ship, support, and counsel prise resignation of cur- PM Justin Trudeau announced the he was resigning due to fam- over their many years workrent Innovations Minister new appointments on Tuesday ily reasons. He had served in ing together in Parliament". Navdeep Bains. the role since 2015. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Trudeau could face an election this spring over a budget row, analysts say. India delivers COVID jabs for His Liberals failed to win a majority of seats in “world’s biggest vaccination drive” Parliament in 2019 and must rely on the support of other parties. Indian airlines have started delivering batches of COVID-19 vaccines across Saturday. First to get the vaccine will be 30 million health and othvaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, to buy its Covishield shot – more than a
Transport Minister Marc the country, getting ready for er front-line workers, followed week after approving the vacGarneau was named the new the launch of a campaign to by about 270 million people cine developed by Britain’s Foreign Affairs Minister. He offer shots to 1.3 billion peo- aged more than 50 or deemed AstraZeneca and Oxford is Canada's fourth Foreign ple in what officials call the high-risk. University.Minister in the last five “world’s biggest vaccination Airlines were due to deliv- Serum is supplying some years. drive”. er 5.65 million vaccine doses 11 million doses of the shot
He will now be tasked The vaccines rolled out from on Tuesday to various cities, to the Government at 200 with working with a new the Serum Institute of India’s Aviation Minister Hardeep rupees (US$2.72) a dose, a US Administration as well facility on Tuesday in tem- Singh Puri said on Twitter, source said. as managing disputes with perature-controlled trucks to calling the shipping of vac- India’s drug regulator has China. the city’s airport from where cines a “momentous mission”. also approved for emergen-
François-Philippe they were loaded into private In Prime Minister cy use a homegrown vaccine, Champagne replaces Bains air carriers for distribution all Narendra Modi’s home state Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. as Minister of Innovation, over the country. of Gujarat, officials said vac- But medical groups and Science and Industry. Authorities hope to inoc- cine distribution was their top others have raised concern
The Transport Department ulate 300 million high-risk priority. about the drug being apwill be headed by Omar people over the next six to Modi’s Government on proved with scant evidence Alghabra, who was current- eight months. Vaccinations Monday signed purchase of its effectiveness. (Excerpt ly serving as Parliamentary are scheduled to begin on agreements with Pune-based from Al Jazeera)
ARCHIE
DILBERT
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
YESTERDAY'S WORD -- GRUELING
SUDOKU
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS
(April 20May 20)
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
CANCER (June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-
Dec. 21) (Dec. 22-
Jan. 19)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-
Feb. 19)
PISCES (Feb. 20-
March 20)
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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CAPRICORN
lenge.
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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tainty ruin your day.
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.
Coronavirus in the UK… Elite athletes must not abuse exemption – Emily Diamond
British sprinter Emily taken for granted,” she told BBC don’t ruin it for all elite sport, exemption to just not take that Diamond has urged elite Sport. football”. for granted, and to not ruin it for athletes not to abuse the Diamond, 29, has said she Crawley players were also the sportspeople out there who exemption that allows them to worries that if the exemption is seen breaking protocols as they aren’t taking it for granted and train and compete during the removed it could impact on her celebrated beating Premier are being super strict with what national lockdown. ability to perform at her best at League side Leeds United. they’re doing,” Diamond has
The Olympic bronze medallist the Olympics. “It would be such a shame said. fears several examples of recent She believes the dressing if these minority videos stop “Yes, you can still go to the breaches could “ruin it” for room celebrations in the FA it then for everyone,” said the track, or still go to the gym or others. Cup last weekend were “not 200m and 400m runner. “I didn’t football pitch to train and have
In recent days, there has necessary”. mean to put all the emphasis your match, but once that is been heightened scrutiny of the In response to the scenes of on football, but I think because done, you are back to nonelite sport dispensation from the Chorley’s players singing together football obviously is such a big elite and the guidelines and the UK Government. following their 2-0 FA Cup third- sport in the country, and it’s got lockdown.”
“It is disappointing to see round victory over Derby, she such a massive fanbase and it Emily Diamond (left) is hoping to represent Great Britain at the Diamond, who won 400m things that look like they’re being posted on social media: “Please gets most of the headlines.” delayed Tokyo Olympics later this year relay bronze at Rio 2016, said Elite athletes have also faced she feels in a “very privileged criticism for mid-season trips to position” to be able to travel the United Arab Emirates, where away from the UK and continue Diamond is currently on a British with her preparations for Tokyo. Athletics training camp. In response to some negative The UAE was on comments from fans claiming Government’s exemption list, that track and field athletes had although it is being removed from not been following protocols the UK list of travel corridors. in Dubai, she said: “I know Scottish champions Celtic some people have been a bit faced criticism from First Minister disappointed seeing Instagram Nicola Sturgeon after a turbulent stories and photos being visit to Dubai. The warm weather published of athletes out in training trip brought a positive Dubai. test for defender Christopher “I haven’t seen these Jullien, which left 13 other personally myself. I want to players - along with manager apologise on behalf of the Neil Lennon and assistant John athletes out here that, if these "Critical importance" of Kennedy - needing to selfisolate when they arrive back in Glasgow. videos have been posted and have upset people back home, then I don’t think that is A number of Women’s Super acceptable.” COVID-19 rules reinforced – as Premier League boss sends letter to clubs 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 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)
Premier League’s Chief is expected of players and staff for all parties, and we appreciate to be upset, given the original
Executive, Richard on match days. It includes the clubs’ ongoing flexibility in match was called off with Masters, has written to clubs to “stress the critical importance of adhering” to banning of shirt-swapping after matches, and “unnecessary contact, particularly between helping us achieve our collective objectives.” The Football Association less than three hours’ notice, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho said: “Are you serious? I had “Inexperienced strengthened COVID protocols. Clubs have been reminded opposition clubs”. Face coverings “must also wrote to member clubs on Tuesday to “strongly reiterate the news I was not going to play them two hours before the Windies can that “handshakes, high fives and also be worn at all times by the importance of complete game started.” hugs must be avoided”, he has underscored. players, coaches and staff whilst travelling, arriving at the compliance with the relevant FA Cup protocol”. Parker, whose side are 18th in the Premier League, said win series,” In the letter, seen by BBC Sport, Masters said the league stadium, and within the stadium, including in the dressing room”. Parker angry at Monday’s he spent “numerous hours on Sunday trying to explain it says Sunil was “fortunate to be able to Dressing-room celebrations fixture reshuffle wasn’t feasible” after being told continue to play and bring our competition to fans”. are known to have concerned Government ministers, and Fulham manager Parker has said it was “scandalous” that the game may be rearranged for Wednesday. The Cottagers last Ambris
He described images of referees will now remind Wednesday’s match against played on Saturday, when they some players ignoring social Premier League captains and Tottenham was only confirmed beat QPR 2-0 after extra time in
distancing rules in the FA Cup as coaches of the need to avoid on Monday. the FA Cup third round. ODI vice-captain backs missing, Ambris, who has so “concerning scenes”. unnecessary contact, such as The Premier League game “The people making these team to spring surprise far played 13 ODIs, will rank
“This brings justified handshakes and hugging during was originally scheduled for 30 decisions don’t understand in Bangladesh among the senior members additional scrutiny, and the goal celebrations. December, but was postponed players. We have had it tough. West Indies stand-in of the squad. In fact, eight league must take the lead in “We have the benefit at short notice because of a We thought they had six days’ vice-captain Sunil Ambris players will be first-time callsetting the right example,” he of Government support to coronavirus outbreak at Fulham. recovery time. It is madness, has joined those expressing ups for the format. added. continue playing while the In a fixture reshuffle on really,” he said. optimism ahead of the team’s “It is obvious that we have
He also said that Premier country as a whole is facing Monday, it was rescheduled The postponement of upcoming tour of Bangladesh, a very inexperienced team League clubs should plan for severe restrictions,” Masters after Spurs’ match at Aston Villa the Villa game - because of a despite admitting the unit travelling to Bangladesh, but more matches being postponed wrote, but said that was was postponed. coronavirus outbreak in the is likely to be impacted by having said that, I think it is or rearranged at short notice “conditional”. “I am angry because it is not Villa camp - left Spurs needing inexperience. a talented bunch of guys,” because of the virus - something In the letter, Masters also right! It is wrong! That is why I to rearrange three matches The 27-year-old native Ambris told Searchlight. Fulham manager Scott Parker told clubs, “We must do all am so angry,” said Parker. “The in a cramped fixture list that Vincentian was appointed “Once we stay positive and called “scandalous” earlier on we can to efficiently utilise possibility of playing Spurs on also included Europa League second-in-command of the do what we know we can do, Tuesday. all available calendar slots, Wednesday came on Saturday. commitments. One Day International (ODI) we should be okay…Once we
So far this season, several given there have been three We didn’t think that was Mourinho said the Premier squad, with Jason Mohammed play some good cricket, we Premier League matches have significant outbreaks at clubs realistic, and we were informed League’s decision to rearrange named as captain, after can win the series,” he added. been postponed following to date, we should therefore Monday morning at 9:30. their game with Fulham for several regular players pulled Ambris, who made his COVID-19, including Aston Villa realistically plan for the fact that To confirm that on Monday Wednesday is a “positive” out of the tour. debut in 2017, has scored v Tottenham on Wednesday. there may be more. morning is scandalous. I accept solution. With regulars like captain 448 runs at an average of
The Premier League “Inevitably, requests for we have to play the game, but “The biggest impact is to Jason Holder, Shai Hope, 44.7. He has two fifties and also issued new, enhanced postponements will be at short it’s the notice.” have matches postponed,” he Shimron Hetmyer, Darren one hundred to his name. guidelines and graphics on what notice and present difficulties Asked if Fulham had a right said. (BBC Sport) Bravo, and Nicholas Pooran (Sportsmax)
Nexgen Golf Academy plans unveiled for updated golf course
“Question everything, change some things,” says Aleem to players, especially new ones,” Hussain volume of new players and influx of remigrants and expats, the demand for as many as 10 Hussain, President of the Guyana has said. courses will be created by the Golf Association and Nexgen Strategically end of 2022, since courses can Golf Academy, as he outlined an placed elevated only accommodate 300-500 alternative to the normal design tee boxes and players per week. and layout of golf courses that challenging Hussain emphasised that the have shaped golf worldwide. greens would role played by the media and
Hussain has said that two allow players support of longtime sponsors things have always made golf to experience such as Giftland Mall, Macorp, expensive - the size and cost of a different Assuria General Insurance, land close to populated areas, course every Guyana Beverages, AR Printery, and the high maintenance of time they play, The course that the Academy is Banks DIH, Vivaanta Spa, Trophy 100-200 acres of land, leading to effectively giving striving to create Stall, Nesha’s Flowerland and exclusion from the game by the players more of great scholarship and Copa Airlines, among others majority of the population, due a challenge than a traditional excellent networking who have been firmly behind to affordability. course. The greens, which would opportunities for the development of the sport
“The fact that we are be as much as 8 feet above the young players, who for many years, are among the accustomed to playing golf fairways, would be well guarded can use the sport reasons the GGA is confident it courses with 9 or 18 fairways by bunkers, and would pose to meet and mingle NexGen Golf Academy President Aleem Hussain would be able to deliver on its 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 challenging approach shots across water hazards which would test the skill of every Tiger Woods wannabe! Already one of the few COVID- compliant sports, Golf has the added advantage of providing with top managers and executives of the burgeoning oil & gas industry. Boldly predicting that golf would become one of the most recognised sports in Guyana, Carl 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 Frampton to fight Herring for WBO belt on February 27 Hussain has said that partnerships with many organisations and companies would help to realise this dream. He declared, “The Scouts Association of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers Union 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 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. scheduled to take place in the middle of 2020, before being delayed because of the Exciting T10 format COVID-19 outbreak. Frampton fought once last year, stopping Darren Traynor in August Frampton stopped Darren Traynor in an interim fight in decorated Nonito Donaire at the SSE Arena in April 2018. for Carl to reinforce his position as the top Irish fighter of his or could be best fit for August, and Herring overcame Jonathan Oquendo after a disqualification in Las Vegas. In August of the same year, he fulfilled a childhood dream of boxing at Belfast’s Windsor any other generation. “Carl has been, and is, a tremendous ambassador Olympics – Sunil Narine
“I’m delighted to finally get Park, and his Interim status was for the sport, and his huge
a date nailed down for this fight, maintained with a ninth-round following is testament to the West Indies spinner few overs before starting their that has now been talked about stoppage of the Australian qualities he shows in and out Sunil Narine attacking skills; however, in for over a year,” said Frampton. Olympian Luke Jackson. of the ring. The only downside believes that T10, the batters probably look “I have the utmost respect Four months later, to this fight coming about now cricket’s T10 format could be for only one or two balls,” for Jamel as a fighter and as Frampton lost to Josh is that he will be going into the best choice for inclusion Narine told the Daily Times. a man, but there is nobody Warrington, who retained his battle without his legion of at the Olympic Games, as it is “There’s always a possibility stopping me on becoming the IBF world featherweight title at Belfast fans roaring him on. even more exciting than the to attract new fans through island of Ireland’s only ever the Manchester Arena. “For Carl to become a T20 version. a shorter format of cricket three-weight world champ, After considering his future, three-weight world champion Cricket has not been and more exciting cricket. one of Britain’s only ever three- Frampton decided to go again would really be something played at the Olympic Games It (would) be an exciting weight world champions, and at super-featherweight and got else, and in many ways a fitting since 1900, when Britain thing if cricket is included in potentially, (I) have one foot in back to winning ways with a finale to a magnificent career, and France were the only the Olympics as well; and the Hall of Fame,” he said clear points victory over Tyler although it might not quite be two teams that participated. hopefully, maybe T10 could
Frampton became McCreary in November of last the end of the story.” There have, however, been be a part of the Olympics,” he world champion at super- year in Las Vegas. numerous discussions geared added. bantamweight in September "The biggest fight of towards reviving the sport at The 10-over format of the 2014, when he defeated Herring "upsets the my career to date" the Games in recent years, sport was introduced in the Kiko Martinez at the Titanic odds" to claim belt Herring commented: “I’m with T20 cricket identified United Arab Emirates in 2017. Quarter, followed by successful Herring, 34, carries a record really excited that the fight as the best format. It is, however, yet to be widely defences against Chris Avalos of 21-2 (10 KOs), and he upset is finally happening. More Narine, however, adopted. and Alejandro Gonzalez. the odds in May last year by importantly, it’ll be an honour believes that T10 Narine will be among
The Belfast boxer unified defeating the defending WBO to share the ring with a true could also be a a number of West Indies his IBF belt with Scott Quigg’s world super-featherweight warrior and class act such as consideration. players taking part in this WBA title in Manchester, champion Masayuki Ito in Carl Frampton. It may be the “The T10 season’s edition. The where Frampton prevailed on Florida. biggest fight of my career to format is more spinner will represent the points. Prior to this, his only title date, but I’ll be more than exciting than Deccan Gladiators, alongside
The 33-year-old was then action came with a challenge ready for the task ahead. the T20 format. West Indies T20 captain involved in two memorable for the vacant USBA title in “There’s a lot on the In T20s, the Kieron Pollard. encounters with Leo Santa Cruz September 2018, when he line, and I know he’s batters (Sportsmax) at featherweight. Frampton beat John Vincent Moralde on aiming to make history, take became a two-weight world points. but he’ll have to wait a champion at the Barclays Southpaw Herring another day, because I Center in Brooklyn, only to defended his world title in plan on returning home come off second best in the November 2019 against with my title in hand. rematch at the MGM Grand in mandatory challenger Lamont “I’ve been training Las Vegas. Roach, and won comfortably very hard for this fight,
Frampton set about to via decision. and went back to what rebuild following his Santa got me to my world title Cruz setback, and teamed up Absence of Frampton from sparring the likes with promoter Frank Warren. fans ‘only downside’ of Terence Crawford and He was quickly back in the title Promoter Frank Warren has other top talent across the mix, and won the WBO interim said: “I am thrilled we are able nation. I can’t wait to put on a world featherweight title with a comprehensive defeat of the to deliver this huge opportunity great show!” (BBC Sport) Sunil Narine hasn’t been in WI colours in a long time
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…addresses claims of damage to Providence pitch
By Jemima Holmes
As 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 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
Archery Guyana continues to make strides in the international arena, this time through Secretary-
General 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. 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 wick-
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr inspecting the pitch at Providence on Tuesday, accompanied by the grounds staff
et would need three weeks 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,”
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 Stadium more accommodating to other sport disciplines, stating, “We opened this facility a few months ago so that people can come and use this facility any time of the day to exercise. Sport in this country is more than just cricket. Cricket is loved by everyone, but so are all
A glimpse at the state of the pitch as of January 12, 2021
the other sports too, so we have to be able to accommodate all the other sports too.”
The ‘Bounce back Football Classic’ tournament was hosted at the National Stadium on December 29 and January 1. It was a collaborative 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
CWI pays tribute to Vivalyn LattyScott, pioneer of women’s cricket
Guyanese appointed to chair WAA’s Gender Equity Committee
Chair of the World Archery Americas’ Gender Equity Committee, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon
alleged damage to the pitch.
Vivalyn Latty-Scott (third left back row) with other members of the West Indies women’s team
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — for Jamaica and the West West Indies. She was a comCricket West Indies Indies, described her as a plete player with bat and ball, (CWI) today paid trib- “dedicated and committed equally adept at both skills. ute to Vivalyn Latty-Scott, cricketer and lifelong fan of Cricket was ‘her game’, she the outstanding West Indies the game”. was a dedicated and commitallrounder and pioneer Louise Browne, the first ted cricketer, and she always of women’s cricket in the West Indies women’s Test had a dream of doing great Caribbean, who sadly passed captain, hailed Latty-Scott things for the West Indies. away on Saturday. as a “passionate player with “Her legacy is that she
She was a member of the amazing knowledge of the contributed to the game at all first West Indies team to play game”. levels — boys, girls, men and a women’s Test match in “When I started as cap- women — she made a great 1976, against Australia, and tain, ‘Latty’ was one of the impact at all levels.” she also served as an inspira- senior members of that first Stafanie Taylor, the curtional 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 international 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 Vivalyn Latty-Scott 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 rent 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)
