Guyana Times - Wednesday November 24, 2021

P23

NEW GPC INC provides bursary awards to successful NGSA students Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4841

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PRICE

Selection of new GECOM CEO

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GECOM Chair merges Govt & Opposition nominees into combined shortlist ...3 foreigners, former DCEO still in the running

Regions P22 2, 8 & 10 record lowest vaccination rates – Health Minister

See story on page 3

Draft Local Content Bill calls for near takeover of oil operations by locals

$1M bail for driver who caused death of Linden couple P8

Page 23

50 workplace P10 deaths recorded since August 2020

Murder of British teen The Guyana Defence Force's Annual Drill Competition commenced on Tuesday on the Drill Square at Base Camp Ayanganna. Soldiers from various units are participating in the competition. The competition also provides a spectacle of drills display in observance of the GDF's 56th anniversary celebrations (GDF photo)

AFC to seek legal advice on motion against APNU Region 4 Chairman Page 9

...decision will then be taken on way forward – General Secretary

2 Berbice women die from COVID-19, death toll moves to 979 – 1837 cases remain active Page 19

after 89 new cases reported

Demerara Bank records $4.9B – to pay over record in gross profit amount in dividends

Page 7

Convicts P28 seeking to appeal death, life sentences

Better Hope man robbed P10 by lone gunman Plaisance man brutally chopped P26 during scuffle

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Nov 24 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Thursday, Nov 25 – 09:30h – 11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Nov 24 – 07:10h – 08:40h and Thursday, Nov 25 – 08:00h – 09:30h.

Selection of new GECOM CEO

GECOM Chair merges Govt & Opposition nominees into combined shortlist ...3 foreigners, former DCEO still in the running

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Westernly to West North-Northerly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 07:08h and 19:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres and 2.4 metres.

Low Tide: 12:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.94 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

08 10 15

FREE TICKET

19 20 21

25 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

08 09 15 18 23 LUCKY 3

6

3

6

4

Afternoon Draw

4

6

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05 06 07 10 12 18 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

02 06 13 15 16 13

08 14 15 16 21

8

5 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

6

9 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$79.70/barrel

+1.02

Rough Rice

$259.52/ton

-0.87

London Sugar

$508.00/ton

-0.90

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1792.50

$1793.50

Low/High Change

$1781.70 +2.80

$1811.50 +0.16%

GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

By Jarryl Bryan

A

s discussions continue on who will be the next Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh has completed the merging of the nominees submitted by both the Government and Opposition Commissioners.

During Tuesday’s statutory meeting, GECOM Commissioners were updated on the list of nominees for seven positions that include the CEO, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Legal Officer, Assistant CEO, Chief Accountant and Civic and Voter Education Manager.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed to this publication by a reliable source from the GECOM Secretariat that the merged shortlist of six candidates for the position of CEO includes the three foreigners who had applied for the position last month.

They are Dr Kurt Clarke from Texas, Leslie Oliver Harrow from Jamaica, and

Eugene Godfrey Petty from St Kitts. Of the three, this publication was able to ascertain from news reports in Jamaica that Harrow was up until May employed as head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica.

Another prominent name that has made it to the merged shortlist is GECOM’s Information Technology Manager Aneal Giddings. Also, still in the running for the CEO position is former Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud. Persaud, who was employed as the DCEO from 2014 to 2017, was overlooked for appointment when he sought to return to the position in 2018.

In fact, his non-appointment sparked controversy and even an investigation by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which had concluded six months after he was overlooked that he was, in fact, more qualified than the person (Roxanne Myers) who was chosen over him for the position.

Combined Meanwhile, when contacted, GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj explained that the Chairperson has since combined the Government and Opposition side nominees for all seven positions.

“What they’ve done is combine all the lists and send them out today. So, what will be happening is that in short order, we will be moving towards deciding how we are moving forward with the process, as to conducting the interviews and so on.”

When asked, Gunraj declined to identify the persons who made it to the combined shortlist.

Government-nominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick also declined to provide any names.

Former DCEO Vishnu Persaud

She did, however, express to this publication, her dissatisfaction with the pace at which the hiring process is going. In fact, Shadick was of the view that there were efforts afoot to delay the process of interviewing the candidates.

“I would like it to be sped up. I would like to hear, we’re going to interview on Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 1, we’re going to do it online or whatever, I’m not hearing that yet.”

“They haven’t even decided whether they’re doing the interviews virtually or not. I don’t know… what I see happening here is that we may not even get the interviews before January,” she said.

When GECOM had put out the advertisements to fill these positions in October, over a dozen persons – both locally and overseas – had applied for the post of CEO. So far former CEO Gocool Boodoo, who was one of the more prominent names to apply, has withdrawn his application.

Other prominent names who had applied but have not made it to the merged shortlist are Attorney-at-Law Saphier

Leslie Oliver Harrow from Jamaica

Hussain, who was the presidential candidate for his National Independent Party (NIP) in the May 2015 General and Regional Elections and former Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President, Omar Shariff.

The persons who are eventually hired will fill the vacancies caused by the removals of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; his former Deputy, Roxanne Myers; and former Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

After several delays and legal proceedings, Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo were on August 12 dismissed from their respective posts at the GECOM following a vote by the seven-member Commission.

The Governmentnominated Commissioners of GECOM had, on June 1, 2021, brought motions calling for the dismissal of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo from GECOM. They are also before the court on assorted electoral fraud charges pertaining to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 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

“Orange the world: End violence against women now!”

O

n Thursday, November 25, Guyana will observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Every year, this day serves as a global advocacy effort aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women. This year’s theme is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”

It is no secret that women worldwide, including those in Guyana, continue to face unacceptable levels of violence in various forms.

World Health Organization has estimated that nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to increasing risks of violence, particularly domestic violence, against women. The UN pointed to reports from countries around the world which suggest that restrictions in movement, social isolation, coupled with increased social and economic pressures are leading to an increase in violence in the home.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed had detailed the many problems women are faced with during lockdown, and made recommendations in relation to various forms of support Governments and other partners could provide to ensure women to be able to confront these challenges.

According to SG Mohammed, women bear the brunt of increased care-work during this pandemic. School closures further worsen this burden and places more stress on women. The disruption of livelihoods and their ability to earn a living – especially for those women who are informal wage workers – would decrease access to basic needs and services. This situation increases stress on families, with the potential to intensify conflict and violence.

Violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime.

If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another.

Over the years, the UN has been pushing countries towards implementing proactive measures to combat domestic violence. Those measures include criminalising gender-based violence, massive public awareness campaigns, and providing training to equip both men and women to act as first responders and to support victims of the scourge at the community level.

With effect from 25 November to 10 December, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Guyana joined the WHO and other partners in raising awareness about the global need to prevent and respond to violence against women, and provide support to survivors.

However, not many women admit to being victims of violence.

According to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, “Domestic violence remains a taboo, shuttered behind closed doors and only emerging as bloody faces, bruised limbs, broken spirits and dead bodies. Fear of societal judgement, insecurities about children and finances, family pressure and manipulation keep this a hushed conversation or results in an overwhelming silence”.

As pointed out previously by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, “Violence against women is a heinous crime and a pervasive breach of human rights. Yet, it continues to be one of the longest, hardest challenges to the world, and involves psyches, attitudes, poverty, cultures, emotional manipulation, substance abuse and lack of education”.

We had previously called for urgent action to be taken by the Government and other partners to end violence against women. We are pleased that some steps are being taken in this regard. For example, the 914-emergency hotline which links survivors to agencies, advocacy programmes, referral pathways, microenterprise industries, publicprivate skills employment database matching, and offer immediate help to extricate women from violent situations.

According to the Ministry, the 24-Hour Hotline Operators will offer support, referral to victims and survivors, family, friends and professionals via an integration of the services available at both the Domestic Violence Unit and the Childcare and Protection Agency.

It was also revealed that social workers were trained through the Survivors Advocacy Programme to offer emotional support and crisis counselling to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and act on the victim’s behalf when necessary. These are all good initiatives.

We echo the call by the Minister that better can and must be done.

Everyone must work in every home, school, office, community in every part of our country to expose violence against women where it exists, support the women, work with the perpetrators, create safe spaces, educate persons, and share solutions.

That said, we again urge the Government to reconvene a stakeholders’ engagement to tackle the issue of domestic violence. The aim should be to reassess and modify current strategies, taking into account the lessons learnt from past experiences.

President Dr Irfaan Ali joined in the birthday celebrations of two stalwarts of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at Freedom House, Robb Street on Tuesday. Harripersaud Nokta is celebrating his 84th birthday anniversary while Clinton Collymore turned 85.

The two politicians have played important roles in national development and the Party

A comparison of wage hikes

Dear Editor, There was an article in the press on November 22nd captioned, ‘Widespread condemnation of 7% hike for public servants’, and it began by stating that, “Citizens, trade unions and political parties continue to condemn the meagre seven percent increase in salary for public servants, with the lead union in the public sector – Guyana Public Service Union – deeming the imposition a violation of the constitution”.

The GTUC, in that article, made a most astonishing claim. The Union erroneously, or I should say maliciously, claimed that, “According to the GTUC, the paltry seven percent confirms the opinion of many that the Ali/ Jagdeo regime will take the taxes paid by teachers, public servants and others and lopsidedly distribute to friends and cronies, which clearly shows biases that will not augur well for the solidarity of the working class and ethnic relations.” The Union further claimed that, “officials of Government trot around the world on the workers’ taxes.”

This is hard to comprehend when taxes from Public Servants are hardly significant, given the level of wages and salaries earned. If the taxes from these workers are that huge, then 7% would not

be a mere $4,900 increase, as and if this is true, then Public Servants only contribute a paltry sum to the Treasury.

GTUC needs to understand that ‘you cannot eat your cake and have it too’. This assertion by the GTUC is contradictory.

The Union should do an analysis of taxes paid by its members, and in addition seek clarity on the humongous sums wasted by the Coalition on its useless globetrotting spree. This Government brought tangible benefits from each and every overseas trip.

Let us now do a comparison. In October 2016, former Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan, gave the Public Servants 10%, the initial proposal of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) was for a 40% across-the-board increase for Public Servants.

The Union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations. Former President David Granger announced that, based on the country’s current indebtedness, the 10% offer was the most feasible. “It is not unjust.

It is perhaps what can be afforded at the moment.”

This he said after he inherited billions of dollars in reserves, but which, by 2020, he had depleted with great alacrity.

The ‘negotiation’ between the Union and the Coalition for this 10% took

2 months to conclude. In October 2017, an 8% increase was given to the Public Servants. Again, there was ‘negotiation’ with the Union. This was followed by an increase of 8% in 2018, and then, in November 2019, the wage increase was 9%. By this time, it became pellucid that the ‘negotiations’ between GPSU and the Coalition were just a façade.

The Union cannot go against its Master. Those who are now shouting breach of the Constitution need to understand that in reality there was no negotiation.

The non-increase in Public Servants’ wages and salaries in 2020 must be attributed to the many attempts by the Coalition to rig the elections and destabilise the country. In addition, the Coalition had emptied the Treasury and run down all the reserves. They had squandered everything the PPP/C Government had left. When the PPP/C Government was sworn in in August 2020, there was little time to salvage the rapidly declining economy in the face of the growing pandemic, and later a devastating flood, but salvage it did. Every Guyanese was given some form of financial assistance to pull them through, but in addition, various tax reliefs and cash reliefs were given to combat a rising cost of liv-

ing, brought about mainly by the pandemic and the flood. I must also mention the rising global costs which cause our imports to skyrocket.

The Government indirectly and directly gave relief of more than $20 billion to every Guyanese.

Moreover, our children and our old people also benefited from cash grants and subsidies. Never in the history of this nation had everyone benefited from a Government. The Coalition only spoke about ‘good life’ for the people, but gave themselves the real good life. We must be thankful to this Government for bringing this economy back to life while other economies worldwide are facing sharp economic decline.

While the Coalition gave wage and salary increases, they took it back with skilful sleight of hand.

They taxed Guyanese to the hilt, so that any increase in wages became meaningless. They gave a little, but took more in the end. What, if the Coalition were in Government, would have been the wage increase, given the flood and the pandemic? Would it have been a lot more that 7%, when the average under the Coalition in 4 years was 8%? The Coalition would have had all the excuses to implement a wage freeze, as was done in the Burnham era.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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

Fires and more fires

Dear Editor, Fires and more fires are all taking place at strategic locations. This is a worrying trend. What is really going on? This is one of the questions occupying the minds of all right-thinking people?

Why are these fires occurring at these surgically precise locations? Is there a fire fairy at work? This is something we have to get to the bottom of. Is it a “Slowe fire scenario” creeping back into our vocabulary, or is it a “Low in the field” type of fire? Which is it?

I say this based on the utterings of a PNC Water Boy turned WPA Member, Dr David Hinds, when he said, “Undermine this Government.” So, it behooves us to come to the conclusion that there might very well be a “Low en field situation” developing here in our country. It does not require rocket science knowledge to understand where Hinds was coming from, and the subtle message he was sending. He was just telling the sitting Government and the security forces that they

need to be on high alert so that they can carefully analyse and address that “undermine” statement.

There is no question in my mind that saboteurs and their associates are at work, and The GPF needs to be on the alert. The Brickdam fire is a prime example, because, soon after that conflagration, there were vigorous enquiries from known quarters as to the whereabouts of the SOPs, whether they were destroyed in the fire?

And the constant harping of where can the SOPs be, “If

we could get our hands on them.”? This inordinate obsession with the SOPs. Again, it brings into question the true intent and target point of this recent fire. Was it to destroy documents at the offices of The OPR and DPP? Was it one, or both? Is there something stored in those two offices that they want to go up in flames? Questions and more questions. Well, we do know that there are active cases in the High Court on matters pertaining to both places, so there is already an es-

tablished motive, it is now left to us to piece together the opportunities available.

The opportunities are coming too frequently, some with near-miss frequency.

For this I say security at these locations needs to be strengthened. Let those who are bent on criminal mischief be informed that we are not going to lie back and allow vital evidence to be destroyed. Be it known that those who are to be tried will be tried, and the appropriate sentencing meet its mark.

Let it be known that all case

files will be in safe keeping for the day of trial.

In addition to stepping up security at these pivotal points, there should be the installation of security cameras. I am talking about CCTV cameras within and without these locations. The point I am making is that we must get to the real cause of these “ghost fire” thrills that are now sweeping through this country.

Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

SRDC is not representing all the people of the South Rupununi Dear Editor, I read with amazement and utter shock on Monday, November 22, that the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) is calling for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to rescind the Marudi mining agreement.

First of all, as an Indigenous resident of the South Rupununi for over

45 years, I wish to set the record straight by stating that the SRDC does not represent all the people of the South Rupununi, but only a select few, who are mostly members of the said SRDC and its affiliates.

The Council is marred by self-interest and other motives, rather than representing the people collectively in the interest of

A comparison of....

Today, this Government is condemned by the Opposition for a 7% wage increase, but when this is looked at in its true context, it is worth a lot more when all the debilitating factors affecting the economy are taken into consideration. Guyanese must look at the bigger picture, and realise that, in the near future, the dividends

from all the investments made by this Government would start to bear fruit, and the benefits accruing to everyone would multiply significantly. It’s important to note that sugar workers were given only 5% during the Coalition’s misrule.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

uniting our people for the common good of community development.

Editor, the SRDC, and its executive members are really out of touch with the realities on the ground in Marudi, and in relation to the recently signed agreement by several parties.

To alleviate my ignorance on this matter, I recently reached out to several individuals and agencies simply because the SRDC is neither trusted nor respected by the majority of residents in the South Rupununi. As such, I can safely state that small miners from South Rupununi, who were once requested to cease operations within Marudi and were compliant, have been given approval to resume mining under an agreement with a mine plan and monitoring system for regulated mining ac-

tivities. Additionally, the large-scale mining company is not engaged in any mining, with the exception of exploration activities, only exploration is permitted, as per the company’s prospecting licence, and strengthened by the agreement which was recently signed.

The SRDC is so out-oftouch with the people it claims to represent that it is unaware the residents and small miners from the South Rupununi have been pushing for the resumption of small-scale mining activities in Marudi. This will create employment and opportunities for the residents, something the SRDC has failed to do, engaging openly in self-interest activities.

Further, I was advised that the decision to resume small-scale mining was a long and consultative pro-

cess, which included the small miners who are also Indigenous, RDC, RMA, and Romanex/Aurous, and the mining regulatory agency.

It must be noted that the “small miners” are from the South Rupununi and the surrounding Indigenous communities, and they stand to benefit most from the resumption of small-scale mining activities. This will be in the form of employment and provision of goods and services that are necessary to sustain small-scale mining operations.

Finally, all I ask is for the SRDC to be more honest, diligent, and wholehearted in representing the interest of all the Indigenous people, not only in South Rupununi, but in all of Guyana. I wish to restate that the SDRC will be unmasked for its du-

plicity and self-interest by denying employment and other opportunities to my fellow Indigenous brothers and sisters. Therefore, on behalf of those not openly able to state their support, and also on my own behalf, I wish to endorse the resumption of small-scale mining and exploration activities for the benefit of all Indigenous communities within South Rupununi.

The Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, the regulatory agency, and collaboratively with other stakeholders, acted wisely in the interest of our Indigenous brothers and sisters of South Rupununi and all of Region Nine.

Sincerely, T Williams on behalf of South Rupununi

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

T

Adding mixed numbers with unlike denominators

here are two ways to do this. You could change each mixed number to an improper fraction and then add them. But an easier way to add mixed numbers is to add the whole number parts first and then add the fractions.

Example: Add 2 3/6 + 7 7/12 Step 1: Add the whole numbers: 2 + 7 = 9 Now add the fractions: 3/6 + 7/12 Step 2: Change the fractions with unlike denominators to fractions with a common denominator: 3x2/6x2= 6/12 7x1/12x1= 7/12 Step 3: Add the fractions 6/12 + 7/12 = 13/12 Step 4: If the numerator in the total is greater than the common

denominator, you have an improper fraction. Change it

to a mixed number: 13/12 = 1 1/12 Step 5: Add your two totals: 9 + 1 1/12 = 10 1/12

Materials:

2-litre plastic bottle Scissors Duct tape Sand Sharpie marker Ruler

Instructions:

Empty and wash out the 2-litre bottle so it’s nice and clean.

Take the scissors and cut off the spout top right where the taper or curve begins.

Fill bottom of the bottle with 1/2 inch of sand. This will keep the bottle from falling over on those windy days.

Pour in just enough water so you can see the water level above the sand. Yes, your sand will be wet! This is called your saturation point.

Use the Sharpie marker to draw a line at the saturation point above the sand.

Next to the line write “starting point”.

Line the ruler up (from

Take the top “cut off” spout portion of the bottle and flip it upside down.

Insert it into the bottle and use some duct tape to

Extra experiments:

Exercises: Add

1) 4 1/3+ 2/5

4) 3 4/12 + 2 4/6

2) 9 14/50 +5 1/7

5) 16 4/10 + 7 8/16

3) 12 30/40+ 7 4/4

6) 9 1/3+ 7 2/10

How it works:

The rain gauge collects water. When the water drips or pours into your rain gauge, you can accurately measure how much rainfall has occurred.

the starting/saturation point) and draw a line for every inch up to the top of the bottle.

secure it. This part will help catch and collect the rainfall by funnelling into your bottle.

Now it’s time to find a good place for your rain gauge outside and record your rain data.

Make multiple rain gauges. Place one in an open area outside, one underneath a tree, and one by edge of your roof. Are you getting different measurements of rainfall? If so, why do you think that is? And which one do you think is the most accurate reading?

Add 1/4, 1/2, 3/4-inch spots onto your rain gauge so you get a more specific and accurate reading. (scienceisfun.org)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Demerara Bank records $4.9B in gross profit – to pay over record amount in dividends

D

emerara Bank has recorded a huge gross profit of $4.9 billion in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic which translates to a 40 per cent increase when compared to the previous year and increased dividend payments for shareholders.

According to the Chairman’s Review from DDL Chairman, Dr Yesu Persaud, the net profit for the Bank once taxes are accounted for is $2.95 billion for the year ended September 30, 2021.

This net profit is an increase of 31 per cent. In his review, Persaud attributed these successes to the Bank’s resilience through its solid business strategies and prudent management of resources. Shareholders will also be collecting record dividend payments.

“The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend payment of $1.6 per share, while the interim dividend paid was $0.40 per share. This brings total dividend payments to $2.00 per share for the full year; the highest dividend payment in the history of the bank. Payment of dividend is subject to shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting,” he said.

“We are grateful to our customers, the Board of Directors, management, and staff of Demerara Bank Limited [DBL] at all

DBL Chairman, Dr Yesu Persaud

levels and will continue to work for the betterment of all Guyanese,” Persaud added in his review.

When it comes to the Bank’s financial position, the report also shows improvements. For instance, assets increased from $94.6 billion in 2020 to $114.5 billion at the end of September 2021.

Cash went from $571 million in 2020 to $726.4 million. Its deposits with Central Bank went from $7.8 billion in 2020 to $9.4 billion in 2021 (statutory), while other deposits went from $6.4 billion to $10.5 billion. Meanwhile, taxation payable increased from $404.7 million in 2020 to $1 billion this year.

Demerara Bank’s Board of Directors in-

clude Chief Executive Officer Pravinchandra Dave, Corporate Secretary Chandra Gajraj, Komal Samaroo, Hemraj Kissoon, Dr Leslie Chin, Harryram Parmesar, Garfield Wiltshire and BS Roy. This latest financial performance is consistent with the pattern recorded in DBL’s previous end-of-year report, in September 2020, when the Bank achieved a $2.263 billion profit after tax, representing an increase of four per cent over the previous year.

That performance was especially significant, since it was achieved during a period that saw the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the March 2020 General and Regional Elections’ impasse.

However, the performance surpassed all preceding years as a result of the practices implemented by the Bank coupled with efficient management of its assets and liabilities, among other strategies.

The Bank has also played its role in Central Bankguided initiatives to cushion the economy from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For instance, it was announced that as of the end of March 2021, over $28 billion in banking relief to businesses in various sectors had been provided, helping to cushion them.

Demerara Bank

According to the Bank of Guyana’s first-quarter report, businesses benefited from a total of $28.8 billion in banking relief measures as of March 2021, as part of COVID relief.

According to the Bank in the report, these measures were implemented in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Bankers Incorporated.

The report notes that the amount of relief provided represents 10.8 per cent of total loans. This is compared to 5.5 per cent of total loans last year-end. The report also includes a break-

down of the relief measures by sector. The largest beneficiary was the services sector, with 57.4 per cent.

The manufacturing sector benefited from 10.8 per cent of the relief measures, followed by mining and quarrying with 5.2 per cent and agriculture with 4.8 per cent. About 18.9 per cent or $5.4 billion in relief was granted to the real estate mortgage sector. All banks contributed to this sector, with one bank in particular providing $2 billion of relief.

Back in August of last year, President Dr Irfaan

Ali had announced a series of measures agreed with the local banking sector to ease the burden on citizens. These include lowered interest rates and an extension of the moratorium on loan payments.

The Head of State had also announced that the Bank of Guyana would relax certain requirements that would allow banks to cushion their losses and increase liquidity by $9.4 billion. In December of last year, all of these COVID-19 relief measures were extended until June 2021.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$1M bail for driver who caused death of Linden couple

F

ifty-year-old Carl Craig, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $1 million when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Craig pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that he drove in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the deaths of Nicholas Valcin and his pregnant wife, Olisa Sanderson-Valcin at Caledonia, EBD. As such, he was placed on $500,000 bail for each charge and the matter was adjourned until December 15, 2021.

Police stated that owing to Craig’s dangerous driving, the 42-year-old man and his 31-year-old wife, of Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), were killed.

Police said the couple died after a motor lorry swerved from a reversing motor lorry and hit the car in which the couple were travelling.

A 20-year-old male who was identified as Shaquel Williams of Blueberry Hill Squatting Area, Linden, remains hospitalised.

It was reported that the accident

Dead: Nicholas Valcin and his wife, Olisa Sanderson-Valcin

involved motor lorry GWW 4922 that was driven by Craig and motor car PXX 8815 that was driven by the now dead man.

It was reported that motor lorry GWW 4922 was proceeding north along the western side of Caledonia Public Road, EBD, while motor car PXX 8815 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the said road.

Police said that as both vehicles were approaching a landfill site, situated on the western side of the road, an unknown motor lorry which was transporting sand was reversing into the site, thus causing the driver of the motor lorry to swerve to avoid a collision with the reversing truck.

In so doing, he ended up in the path of the motor car, resulting in a head-on collision.

As a result, Valcin and his wife, who was in the front passenger seat, and Williams, who was sitting in the backseat, received injuries to their head and about their bodies.

They were all taken out of the car in an unconscious condition by the Police and public-spirited citizens and escorted to the Diamond hospital.

On arrival at the medical facility, the couple were examined by a doctor who pronounced them dead while administering treatment.

Meanwhile, Williams was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was admitted. A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor lorry proved that he had no alcohol in his system.

Opposition…

T

…disarray in Guyana here’s no doubt an Opposition’s absolutely necessary in politics. The fella who said “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” didn’t just know politics, but human nature as well. And without an Opposition, any party in power’s gonna be headed down the road to corruption - and abuse of power.

We experienced all of that under Burnham, so you’d think the PNC – of all people - wouldn’t have to be reminded.

But here they are, pretty much committing political harakiri, and leaving the PPP all by their lonesome to do as they please.

Not that the latter have been in office long enough for the corruption rot to set in…but human nature being what it is, we can’t wait for the stuff to hit the fan before getting an effective Opposition in place. What to do??

Well, certainly not what’s being attempted – to resuscitate the dead. That being the state the PNC have now fallen into. They’ll need the Second Coming, and we haven’t even seen John the Baptist doing his opening act!!

Like your Eyewitness said about repairing City Hall, the money would be better spent if the “stakeholders” would rip the whole thing down and build from ground zero. So, we turn to the creation of a new political party to represent the constituency that the PNC are supposed to represent - but just can’t get their act together to do the job. Like all constituencies, those folks basically want from politics security – economic, political, cultural, etc.

The problem with their leaders up to now – all coming from the PNC – is that, rather than focusing on achieving those goals for their followers, they’re more consumed with destroying their political opponents. In a word, they haven’t kept their eyes on the (security) prize. Take the (in)famous twenty-eight years under Burnham, who founded the PNC. Everything he did was just about oneupping Jagan. You’re a communist? Well, so am I, and a better one at that!!

Never mind that even the communists insist that their system can only be successful AFTER capitalism has built up the economy to a point where the spoils can be distributed to their supporters. Burnham thought he was being clever by touting “co-operatives” – which is contrary to every known tenet of human nature. It failed then, and would’ve failed again if Granger had been allowed to “fulfill Burnham’s legacy” - as he promised.

So, all that some bright (he HAS to be bright) young lawyer (has to be a lawyer) from the PNC constituency has to do is to show that he (has to be a “he” also!) can reorient them to get off this co-operative utopian dream.

And start them lusting after money. …disarray in Venezuela So, after the storm and fury, the Venezuelan Opposition (the “Government in exile” insists the US and Co!) showed they’re nothing but a damp squib!! They talked so much about Maduro rigging elections that they appeared to’ve fallen for their own BS! So when - under the Mexican-brokered talks - Guaido agreed to participate in the elections for Governors of Venezuela’s 23 states, your Eyewitness figured this was gonna be the beginning of the end for Maduro.

Now, lo and behold! - the Governors’ elections are over, and Maduro’s Chavismos won 20 out of 23!! And Guaido now concedes he has to “rebuild”!! Anyhow, from our perspective, it was always a matter of Tweedledum vs Tweedledee – they’re both committed to seizing our Essequibo. That was the “low hanging fruit” their Mexican meeting plucked!! So, your Eyewitness says, “A plague on both their houses!”

In the meantime, we have to sort out our own territorial disputes in our Foreign Ministry.

Before the ICJ announce their decision in favour of us!! …to COVID vaccines?

Your Eyewitness wonders what happened to all the PNC-inspired protests against the COVID-19 vaccine requirements to deal with the Government.

Have the rabble-rousers realised that their supporters have more good sense than they?

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AFC to seek legal advice on motion against APNU Region 4 Chairman ...decision will then be taken on way forward – General Secretary

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) plans to seek further clarity, and even legal advice, on the validity of the No Confidence Motion (NCM) it attempted to bring against A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram.

During a press conference on Tuesday, AFC General Secretary David Patterson revealed that the party is not done with its NCM. Region 4 Chairman Daniel Seeram had disallowed the motion in October on ground that it did not conform with the law.

He noted that the adjournment of the meeting following the vetoing of the motion did not allow the AFC to seek clarity on exactly what law the motion did not conform with.

According to Patterson, the party also intends to seek legal advice on the way for-

Region 4 Chairman Daniel Seeram

ward when it comes to this motion.

“As you know, at the last RDC meeting, a NoConfidence Motion was tabled. Unfortunately, it was, one, disqualified by the Chairman; and two,

Probe launched after Port Mourant NDC allegedly allows construction on Govt reserves

…Minister threatens to fire Overseer

A

n investigation has been launched after the Johns/Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) reportedly gave permission for construction works to take place on the Government’s reserves.

The matter was raised with Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, who has since indicated that the NDC has no power to grant permission for building on Government reserves.

The Minister on Monday met with the NDC and the residents of Port Mourant and Tain to address the issue.

It was unearthed that one person even applied for permission to build on the reserve at Tain. This angered many of the residents who complained of the frequency at which new structures are going up on Government’s reserve and the NDC is silent.

One resident who had reportedly erected a concrete structure to be used as a car wash facility told the Minister that it was his way of providing for his family.

“You have no authority unless I give permission.

That is why you all create problems for people because what will happen is that you

will do for one and you will have to do for the others and that is where the corruption happens in NDCs,” the Minister stated.

Nevertheless, the Minister charged that if the matter is not addressed

by November 30, the NDC Overseer will be fired.

The Johns/Port Mourant Council met on November 11, 2021, and December 9 was set to elect new Chairperson and his deputy.

However, according to Chapter 28:02 Section 28 (2) of the laws of Guyana law, it is the Overseer who must set the date for the elections and then inform the Council.

The law also says that those elections must be held before 08:00h.

Meanwhile, staff at the Johns/Port Mourant NDC have not been paid since July but Minister Dharamlall has instructed that the Overseer use funds to ensure that the workers are paid.

However, the Overseer, Deodat Thakoordeen, told the Minister that he cannot use money from the subvention to pay the workers. The payroll for the 42 employees is $940,000 monthly while the available funds stand at $852,000.

The Overseer was threatened that if he does not pay the workers, he will be fired.

the members from the AFC could not further query the validity of this disqualification because the meeting was adjourned,” Patterson explained.

“Our position is that we will seek further clarification to see what were the errors, if any. Even if we have to seek legal opinions or ask the counsel to seek legal opinions on the validity of the motion in general, so that we can be so guided. After that, we can make our decision on what is to be proceeded with.”

The motion in question was moved by AFC member on the RDC Amarnauth Chinkan, and seconded

by Bryan Nobrega. It has declared that they have no confidence in the Vice Chairman, and has sought for the Vice-Chairman to instantly step down from that position and for the clerk to make arrange-

Region 4 Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy

ments for a new Vice-Chair to be elected.

The AFC has vented its disagreement over what it says is APNU reneging on an agreement the two parties made for the AFC to get the Vice-Chair posi-

tions in Regions Seven and Four following the General and Regional Elections.

True to that agreement, AFC had nominated its candidate Neilson McKenzie for the Region 4 Vice Chairman’s position.

However, APNU nominated Samuel Sandy and the PPP nominated Desmond Morian.

Voting along party lines, APNU and PPP had cast their 14 votes each for their candidates, and the AFC, with its five votes, backed McKenzie. Seeram then used his deciding vote to elect Sandy, overriding the AFC’s nominee.

Since it came into office after joining forces with the APNU in 2015, the minority AFC has been criticised for the submissive role it has been playing to the abusive APNU. Decisions the former Government made, such as the closure

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

of sugar estates, which put thousands of sugar workers out of jobs, were passed unchallenged and even supported by the AFC. This is despite the AFC retaining the Agriculture Ministry.

10 NEWS 50 workplace deaths recorded since August 2020 A WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

t least 50 workers have lost their lives since August last, according to data released by the Labour Ministry on Tuesday and without a doubt, this has caused some concerns.

Subject Minister, Joseph Hamilton noted that this occurrence has to be stopped.

“We have two choices in this matter. Either we continue our merry way, and we prepare to go wake houses and play dominoes and cards, and to attend funerals; or we change. For me, the first option is that I don’t want to shepherd that.”

“I have already had to issue nearly 50 death announcements since I am a Minister. Fifty is too much,” he said.

The Minister said many times people pay attention to the statistics when their

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

main focus should be the loss a family has to endure.

“For me, it is a person, a father, a husband, a son, and in many cases, persons who are leaving children behind because the breadwinner is gone. That cannot continue.”

For the year 2020, 35 persons have died in workplaces accidents, while 300 persons were injured.

“Some people lost limbs, some are still incapacitated, many couldn’t continue to feed themselves, and all of this has been happening silently in this country where no one apparently was paying attention,” he said.

In addition, the Minister related that there were nine officers who were managing the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act in Guyana, and it was increased to some 30 when he took office.

He said now, every region in Guyana has about two OSH officers with the aim of saving more lives in the workplace.

“When people go to work, they can go back to their families alive every afternoon,” the Minister reiterated.

He pointed out that most times, emphasis is placed on

occupational safety in factories and construction, but more emphasis should be placed in offices as well.

“In offices, you can have safety hazards, and they have many that we have to change in this country. They have many people putting up buildings, how many stories high, and has no elevator, has no sprinkling system, and they are just there to kill people,” he said.

Further, Hamilton noted that most of the people who are dying due to accidents that occur at workplaces are those who are in the prime of their lives. With this in mind, he said the Ministry is working to have this issue curbed as soon as possible “While the others are important, this one is becoming more important, and I dare say that it will become most important…”, he posited.

Only earlier in the month, 22-year-old Sudesh Charran, a labourer of Lot 3964 West Minister, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was crushed by a metal lift while working at a supermarket at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The now dead man was

reportedly walking under the metal lift to enter the supermarket when it fell from the upper flat and pinned him to the ground.

As a result, workers rushed to his assistance and used a piece of wood to lift the metal structure from the man’s body. They managed to pull him out but by this

time, he was motionless and a large wound was seen to the top of his head.

The Police were summoned, and the injured victim was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation is underway.

Better Hope man robbed by lone gunman

A

34-year-old male is traumatised and counting his losses after he was robbed of his valuables on Thursday.

Police stated that at about 19:30h at South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the victim was robbed of a cellphone and $80,000 cash.

It was revealed that the victim was inside his yard when he was confronted by the suspect who entered the premises by jumping a fence.

Police stated that after entering the yard, the bandit whipped out a handgun from his waist and point-

ed it in his direction. The armed man then demanded that the victim hand over his cellphone and cash.

The victim reportedly told investigators that the suspect is no stranger to him. He said after demanding his valuables, the man held him at gunpoint and took him into the house, where he handed over the mentioned cash.

The suspect then made good of his escape in a white motor car which was parked in front of the victim’s gate. Police are now in search of the suspect as investigations continue.

FRIDAY SPECIAL

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY SPECIAL

A brief history of Black Friday

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he first recorded use of the term “Black Friday” was applied not to post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping but to a financial crisis: specifically, the crash of the US gold market on September 24, 1869.

The real history behind Black Friday is not as sunny as retailers might have you believe. Back in the 1950s, Police in the city of Philadelphia used the term to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded into the city in advance of the big Army-Navy football game held on that Saturday every year. Not only would Philly cops not be able to take the day off, but they would have to work extra-long shifts dealing with the additional crowds and traffic. Shoplifters would also take advantage of the bedlam in stores to make off with merchandise, adding to the law enforcement headache.

Many retailers see Black Friday as an opportunity to clear old inventory in order to introduce newer stock in time for Christmas. This applies to fashion retailers of course, but electronics retailers can also offer discounts on items like TVs and laptops knowing that newer models are coming soon. (salecycle.com)

Pros and cons of shopping on Black Friday

Thanksgiving is the best time to find sales before the holiday season hits in December. It started with Black Friday, a huge sale day on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

However, in response to the big Black Friday sales events, online retailers have retaliated with aggressive discounts on “Cyber Monday”, which offers bargain-bin

When and where to look for deals

As the two streams of commerce – retail stores and online stores – converge, it's hard to say where the best deals will be. And, of course, many of the stores that consumers might visit in person are the same brand names that one might go to online.

The best way to make the most of your shopping is to do some homework and know when to hunt for the best bargains.

For Black Friday, browse the local newspapers, TV and radio ads, as well as look online on Thanksgiving Day.

5 pros of Black Friday

discounts on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

The hardest part is deciding whether you want to try to get a deal on Black Friday or on Cyber Monday. Some think it's more fun and economical to line up at the mall in the early morning of Black Friday while others may want to shop from the comfort of their own homes on Cyber Monday. No matter which you choose, you're guaranteed to get some money off the original price of whatever items you're buying.

Note: Because of how popular these shopping days are, both Cyber Monday and Black Friday tend to overlap and some sales begin even before Thanksgiving.

1. You can actually see what you are buying and measure it or try it on beforehand.

2. The prices might be better.

3. Not everything that’s on sale on Black Friday will be available on Cyber Monday.

4. It's an outing. You can bring a friend or spouse for fun and advice.

5. You can browse the aisles and find sales for things you may have forgotten you wanted. Also, some stores offer bulk discounts (if you buy a certain number of items).

1.

5 cons of Black Friday

Some of the merchandise is lower-end.

2.

Prices may continue to drop as the holiday season approaches.

3.

It's too easy to overspend in the midst of a buying frenzy.

4.

It's crowded, and you'll likely be battling other people to get the item you want. You'll also have to wait in lines early in the morning for the stores to open. If you show up later, there's a good chance the best items will be sold out already.

5.

The real bargains may be limited in quantity and sold to early bird shoppers.

Whatever your personal answer is, the smart thing to do is decide beforehand not just what you want to purchase, but also your budget parameters. That way, come post-Thanksgiving Tuesday (a day for which, gratefully, there's no retailing name yet), you won't feel like a turkey with a hangover of buyer's remorse. (tripsavvy. com) TURN TO PAGE 14

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

FRIDAY SPECIAL

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY SPECIAL Common Black Friday shopping mistakes

FROM PAGE 12

With so much buzz circulating around Black Friday 2021, be sure to brush up on your shopping strategy and avoid making these mistakes!

If you intend to brave the stores on Black Friday, it’s important to have a shopping strategy so that you can spend less time standing in lines and score better deals for everyone on your gift list.

1. DON’T wear uncomfortable clothes

Yes, that dress and those heels were adorable during your Thanksgiving get-together, but no one is checking your outfit come Black Friday. Instead, swap out your party attire for cute and comfy leisurewear staples like leggings and comfortable sneakers if you’re braving the stores this year. Be mindful of layers if you plan to try on clothes (if that’s even allowed given COVID-19 regulations), though Black Friday’s not the ideal day to spend time in fitting rooms anyway.

2. DON’T go without a Black Friday shopping plan

Before you step foot out the door, make sure you’ve got a game plan. Figure out what deals you’ve gotta have and what stores you’ll want to hit up. Also, write down the store hours for each retailer that you’re planning to hit up.

Then list out the Black Friday deals with their price under the specific store, noting if it’s available elsewhere in case inventory runs out. Lastly, make a list of non-deal items to keep an eye out for if you plan on getting all of your holiday shopping covered

3. DON’T rely on eateries for breakfast

tired) going from store to storex. If you can find a sitter or sweet talk your loved ones to watch over the kiddos while you’re cruising the aisles, your sanity will thank you later. Plus, if your kids are like mine, they’d rather stay at home in their cosy jammies anyway!

4. DON’T forget to make a Black Friday spending plan

This should go without saying, but trying to complain to a store associate to get your way will get you nowhere. Most are not working because they love the throngs of excited shoppers ; they’re probably the newer employees who don’t have the seniority to request the day off.

Make their morning (and yours!) better with kindness and a smile.

in one fell swoop. Map out the most efficient route and get all your bases covered!

Don’t leave the house without eating breakfast and drinking coffee (if you’re a caffeine addict )! Every other shopper venturing out on Black Friday will likely be visiting a coffee shop, too. All this does is create a long wait to get your energy fix and cuts into your shopping time.

ty!

A spending plan is an absolute necessi-

Some people like to bring a set amount of cash to keep spending under control. But if you carry too much cash, you might just be more susceptible to thieves…or just losing it! On the other hand, if you don’t bring enough, you could miss out on the Black Friday deals that you really wanted to purchase.

The cash-only method also overlooks store card discounts or credit card cash back, which can really add up! An alternative would be to use a debit card with a set amount of money available and work in store cards and credit cards as you see fit.

Stick to your game plan to avoid overspending.

5. DON’T bring the kids Black Friday shopping with you!

Kids + high-stress environment = well… you do the math Plus; they usually don’t care about the sales and will get bored (and

6. DON’T be rude

7. DON’T buy because of “the deal”

Retailers can bump up the original price to make savings seem more significant. For big-ticket items, like TVs and computers, do your research to make sure it’s right for you.

The models promoted with huge discounts may appear as top-rated products, but if you check the model numbers they’re not the same. Black Friday offerings are typically watered-down versions and lack some of the features that give high-quality products their value.

8. DON’T use a cart if you don’t need one!

“Never get a cart if you could manage without. You’ll likely have to walk through narrow spaces of people and Black Friday deals and it will slow you down.”

If larger items aren’t a part of your plan or you just need to scoop up one or two things, consider cruising the aisles without a bulky shopping cart. You’ll be able to slip past others easily and cut down on shopping time and stress. Plus, if you don’t have a cart, you’re less likely to be tempted to throw in random non-sale items or other things that aren’t on the list.

9. DON’T go Black Friday shopping alone!

Got a friend or family member who’s also looking to hunt down all the best Black Friday sales? Instead of going it alone, bring ’em with you!

Not only do you get some moral support (Black Friday can be stressful, after all!), but there are also some other practical benefits that come along with having a shopping buddy.

10. DON’T forget to check the updated COVID-19 regulations.

It’s a good idea to stay on top of the Health Ministry’s updates.

We may see more retailers choose to change their Black Friday hours, limit their store capacity, or even opt-out of opening altogether, so it’s a great idea to incorporate the Health Ministry’s updates into your shopping game plan.

No matter how you go about your holiday shopping, remember to smile, make memories, and score the right buys that work for you, your loved ones AND your budget!

Happy Shopping and remember to STAY SAFE. (hip2save.com) CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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FRIDAY SPECIAL

9 things NOT to buy during Black Friday 2021

FROM PAGE 14

This year’s Black Friday deals are right around the corner (some are even live NOW!), but not everything’s actually worth buying during Black Friday 2021!

Can you believe the holiday shopping season is upon us again already?

Although Black Friday will likely look pretty different this year due to the uncertainly surrounding COVID and many shortages all around, one thing we already know for sure is there will be no shortage of deals to be had!

1.The latest Apple iPhone… possibly.

The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, and while we know many people will want to get their hands on it right away, we also know from past experience Black Friday probably won’t be the best time to purchase it.

While some stores may offer gift cards when you purchase the latest Apple iPhone at full price, you’ll usually be better off wait-

ing until around December to score some savings on the newest iPhone. You may also have better luck getting a deal on the previous-generation iPhone 12.

That said, if you’re looking to switch carriers, start a new plan, and/or have a semi-recent model of an iPhone, you might be able to score a great deal on the iPhone 13… if not free! Some of these offers are available now, which are often just as good (if not better) than the Black Friday iPhone deals we’ve seen in the past.

2.Linens & bedding Unless you’re having guests over for Christmas and have nothing for them

to sleep on, you’re better off waiting until the January White Sales when these items usually hit their lowest prices.

During a White Sale, retailers deeply discount sheets, comforter sets, towels, and more as a way to move inventory and entice shoppers.

These events date back

to January 1878, when department store pioneer John Wanamaker held the first White Sale to sell his extra bedding stock during a slow time of year. Back then, bed linens were only sold in a basic shade of white, thus the name of the sale!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY SPECIAL

9 things NOT to buy during Black...

3. Jewellery

Jewellery is an easy Christmas gift to give to that special someone. However, if you’re able to plan ahead, it’s actually better to shop for these items around Mother’s Day or late summer (July/August), when you’ll be able to score a better deal on your purchase.

You’ll be able to find discounted high-end TVs and electronics if you can wait until the end of December.

This is when retailers start clearing out older televisions to make room for next year’s models.

7. Toys

Believe it or not, Black Friday is not always the best time to buy toys for the holidays. You may find some good deals on this year’s most popular toys (if you can find them before they sell out), but retailers will often mark those same toys down even lower about two weeks before Christmas.

8. High-powered laptops

4. Fitness equipment

After the holidays, the New Year hits and people are motivated to get into shape. Stores know that shoppers are looking for deals on fitness equipment in January, and they tend to offer the lowest prices at this time of year. You’ll often get the best deal on a gym membership after the holidays, too!

5. Gift cards

There may be a few gift card deals during Black Friday, but if you wait until December, many restaurants, retailers, and even drugstores will offer deals on gift cards to get shoppers into the holiday spirit.

6. Latest brand name TVs

It might seem like there are a ton of deals on laptops during Black Friday, but most of the laptops advertised are basic, mainstream computers without many bells and whistles. You’ll be able to find better deals on laptops with superior graphics and faster processors during the months of July and September.

FROM PAGE 15

10 BEST things to buy this Black Friday 2021

We all know there are things you should NOT plan to buy during Black Friday if at all possible. (Usually, because there are better sales throughout the year on said items.)

However, if you’re wondering what the best things you SHOULD be buying during Black Friday are, check out our top 10 best deals to buy this year!

1. Get small kitchen appliances

Small kitchen appliances like air fryers, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, slow cookers, and stand mixers almost always go on sale during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Whether you’re wanting to take your coffee brewing to the next level, need a KitchenAid mixer, or just know someone who wants an Instant Pot for Christmas, this is a great time to shop for these items.

9. Holiday decorations

Unless there’s something you absolutely can’t live without, you’re better off waiting for the huge after-Christmas clearance events in January. Stores usually mark holiday items up to 50 per cent off the day after Christmas, and then markdowns continue until items reach as much as 90 per cent off.

When you do shop the after-holiday clearance sales, start stocking up on holiday items you may need for next year while the prices are at rock bottom.

2. Fill your cupboards with a new set of cookware on the cheap!

If you’re in need of new pots and pans for Christmas dinner, Black Friday is a great time to buy. You’ll find fantastic deals on name-brand cookware sets at every store possible.

3. Tablets and e-Readers are among the best things to buy on Black Friday

Whether you’re in the market for an Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle, or Samsung Galaxy, Black Friday is one of the best

times to score a great deal on your favourite tablet.

In fact, electronics are usually discounted up to 40 per cent off on Black Friday, so you’ll want to shop early if that’s what you’re looking for. To avoid wasting time, do your research ahead of time and be sure to know exactly what you’re looking for beforethe sales go live. These items tend to sell out quickly!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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FRIDAY SPECIAL

10 BEST things to buy this Black...

4. Watch for Amazon Devices to rival Prime Day prices

If you’re shopping for an Amazon Device, there’s no question that all retail stores will offer major savings on these and other devices during Black Friday.

5.Get a gaming console at the lowest price of the year

Shopping for a gamer? Gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox are highly sought-after holiday gifts. Since the latest PlayStation 5 was released last year before Black Friday (and there’s no talk of a newer version to come),

we expect to see some deep discounts on it this year!

6. Stock up on video games and movies

Not only can you score deep discounts on gaming consoles on Black Friday, but you can get great video game deals, too. While many stores will offer video games bundled with consoles for an additional discount, individual video games will be on sale as well. Black Friday is also a great time to snag your favourite DVD or Bluray movies.

7. Fitness trackers and

wearable tech are some of the best things to buy on Black Friday

Want to get a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions? Black Friday is a great time to shop the deals on fitness trackers like an Apple Watch, Garmin vivo series, Fitbit, and other brands.

8. Black Friday is a great time to buy a digital camera, lenses, and accessories

If you’re shopping for a DSLR or new point-andshoot camera, many times you can find nice bundle deals when shopping the

Black Friday sales. Many retailers include free accessories like lenses, bags, straps, or SD cards as part of a bundle deal at a reduced price. Shopping for a kid or tween? If you’re looking for a kids’ camera like a Fujifilm Instax, you’ll likely be able to find a nice sale on these, too.

9. High-end headphones are usually the most

affordable on Black Friday

If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones or know someone who is, you’ll be able to shop the Black Friday

FROM PAGE 16

sales and score significant savings.

10. Ride-on toys are a popular gift and a great deal at this time of year too

Ride-on toys are fun for toddlers and small children to use, which is why many retailers offer discounts on them, especially on Black Friday. Not to mention, they make great “big” gifts for kiddos!

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FRIDAY SPECIAL

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 Berbice women die from COVID-19, death toll moves to 979 – 1837 cases remain active after 89 new cases reported

T

he Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that two women who tested positive for COVID-19 have succumbed, thus taking the death toll to 979.

The fatalities are a fully vaccinated 71-year-old who died on November 11; and an unvaccinated 93-yearold who died on November 12. They both hailed from Region Six. However, new statistics provided by the Health

Ministry showed that 89 new cases were recorded. This now takes the confirmed positive cases to 36,741. Of this figure, 17,637 are males with 19,808 are females.

In addition, statistics showed that nine patients remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 69 in institutional isolation, 1672 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine. In total, 34,716 persons recovered completely. During the pandemic, 383,077 individuals were tested.

Of the new cases, one was reported in Region One (Barima-Waini); 11 from Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam); six in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 16 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 63 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

No increases were reported in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There are 1837 active cases – 58 of which are hospitalised. Some 33 patients are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, with nine in the Intensive Care Unit.

Infections in Region Three are still a concern for health authorities, according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday. The Ministry is currently monitoring 45 cases in Tuschen, 41 in Parika, 32 in La Parfaite Harmonie, 26 in Pouderoyen and 26 in Cornelia Ida. In Region Four, there are 24 cases in Grove, 22 in Diamond, 21 in Herstelling, 14 in Strathspey along with smaller pockets in

other communities. For Georgetown, 30 active cases are in Sophia, 26 in Kitty, 25 in Campbellville and 21 in Cummings Lodge.

Meanwhile, there are 28 cases in New Amsterdam, Region Six; 32 in Wismar and 25 in Amelia’s Ward, Region 10.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the

COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

Globally, there are 257,468,528 reported cases of the virus and 1,158,211 deaths. For the Americas, infections stand at 96,066,194 and 2,337,599 deaths.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 23, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

89

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

69

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1672

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

9

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,808

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,637

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

37,445

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

34,716

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

396,042

FULLY IMMUNISED

269,791

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

977

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1655

REGION 2

1540

REGION 3

5050

REGION 4

17,615

REGION 5

1387

REGION 6

3119

REGION 7

1778

REGION 8

620

REGION 9

2473

REGION 10

2208

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

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22 NEWS Regions 2, 8 & 10 record lowest vaccination rates – Health Minister WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has cautioned that areas with low vaccination coverage will see increased cases emerging, and persons are likely to contract a more severe form of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In Tuesday’s briefing, Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were identified as areas with the lowest vaccination rates.

Given this trend, Dr Anthony related that regions with high vaccination rates will see a decline in the number of positives, but on the other end of the spectrum, others will see a spike among the unvaccinated.

“What we will probably eventually see is that in the areas where there is a high level of vaccination, we will see a decline in the cases as

we have been seeing in some of the regions. But in the areas where we have a lot of people still remaining unvaccinated, unfortunately, we are going to have more cases. Some of those cases are going to be severe and

would require hospitalisation,” he outlined.

In recent weeks, the country’s active cases have dropped significantly and now stand over 1800.

This has been attributed to higher vaccination cov-

erage among the population. However, Dr Anthony warned that unvaccinated individuals should also take the vaccine to protect themselves.

“These are regions with relatively low vaccination

rates, both first and second doses. We would therefore expect at some point when we get cases from these regions, we will probably see some of the more severe cases coming out that require hospitalisation. If people remain unvaccinated, some of them would die. To prevent all of that, it’s basically to go and get vaccinated.”

According to the World Health Organisation, most people suffering from the coronavirus experience mild symptoms to moderate illness. Some 10 to 15 per cent of the cases progress to severe diseases and five per cent become critically ill.

Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses.

Most common symptoms

include fever, dry cough, and tiredness but can include aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell; and rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

The severe form can result in difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, and loss of speech or movement.

Since the launch of the vaccination campaign, 396,840 persons or 77.4 per cent of the adult population took a first dose. However, only 271,206 or 52.9 per cent are completely vaccinated.

Statistics also show 28,769 first doses and 19,946 second doses among children. This means 27.3 per cent of that age cohort is completely vaccinated. In order to achieve herd immunity, at least 90 per cent of Guyana’s population needs to be immunised.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Draft Local Content Bill NEW GPC INC provides bursary calls for near takeover of awards to successful NGSA students oil operations by locals T

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he Government will soon lay its Local Content Bill in the National Assembly, which could see Guyana setting strong targets for companies operating in the industry.

The bill’s first schedule would mandate a near takeover of oil operations by local goods and services in just 10 years.

Though local penetration of the industry at present is not significant, the schedule seeks to mandate a gradual increase in the use of local goods and services, based on the Government’s assessment of the ability of locals to provide.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the legislation will be introduced in Parliament before year-end.

“Local content must be a means to promote economic development by creating opportunities for the Guyanese labour force and business sector in defined area of work where the skills are available,” the draft bill states.

The Department of Information (DPI) reported that the schedule sets out local content levels to be met by licenced oil companies from the date of effectiveness of their petroleum agreements or licences.

These would include companies like ExxonMobil and Tullow Oil, which have entered directly into agreements with Government

Guyanese laboratory technician Shivnarine Outar

to explore and develop oil blocks.

In the case of sub-contractors, their clock starts ticking from the moment they have entered into an agreement or partnership.

These include companies sub-contracted by ExxonMobil and Tullow, like Saipem and Schlumberger.

The draft bill contains multiple tables, outlining the percentage of local penetration necessary in the beginning, after three years, after five years, after seven years, and after 10 years.

In employment, the schedule sets out the percentage of posts at different levels, which should be given to Guyanese in companies’ upstream, midstream and downstream operations.

Quotas are set for management, supervisory, technical core and profession-

al support staff, along with semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

For instance, a company’s upstream management posts should be 10 per cent Guyanese from the beginning of its agreement, and should move to 45 per cent at the 10-year interval.

Guyanese are to be given 100 per cent of posts involving unskilled work from the inception, since this constitutes low-hanging fruit.

Using a similar system, the schedule seeks to set quotas by sector, for the provision of goods and services throughout the 10year period and onward.

Most sectors’ quotas for the utilisation of local goods and services stand at 85 – 100 per cent at the 10-year target. Guyana’s draft local content legislation is currently in its consultation stage.

he NEW GPC INC on Tuesday provided bursary awards to four of its employees’ children who were successful at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The students who received awards are Amelia Griffith, Clairmone Browne, Usain Austin and Niesha Khan.

Each child will be given a cash prize of $25,000 for a period of five years, providing that they have a minimum pass rate of 60 per cent each term.

Additionally, those who choose to proceed to the sixth form will be supported for that twoyear period.

In addition to the cash, students were given electronic devices which will aid in their online learning activities.

In a statement on the initiative, the NEW GPC INC said, “It is our sincere hope that the recipients of these awards will aim to enter the University of Guyana and qualify themselves in areas where the company is short of skill”.

During a simple handing over ceremony, Secretary Sean Noel said the organisation is aware of the struggles the students went through this year to pass the NGSA, in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We know that the final leg of your journey was very challenging as your schooling came to a screeching halt in March 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected your Grades 5 and 6 preparation schedules. It was only after several months that you were able to have a mixture of online and eventually, some in-person classes,” Noel acknowledged.

As such, he extended a

The bursary awardees with their parents

huge congratulations to the students for performing well in spite of the difficulties. He also urged them to continue to work hard.

“Your primary school education is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of various subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics, history, geography, and arts. At your primary school, you also learn the skills you will use throughout your life such as how to listen effectively, how to think critically, how to be creative, how to socialise and make friends, how to cooperate with each other, how to have respect for one another, how to treat each other and how to discipline yourself.

These skills are important in building your character as you grow older. We want you to develop and grow these skills and to know that a bright future awaits you in many different career fields.”

Meanwhile, one of the company’s pharmacists, Shaqueon Scott, who was a recipient of a bursary from the NEW GPC INC shared his experience and some advice with this year’s recipients.

“I, myself, was a bursary awardee of the NEW GPC INC, and like you, I felt overjoyed on having finally made it to high school. One of the

most important things, I will stress, is that your school does not define you. Some of you may have scored in the top five high schools or other high schools. But it matters not the uniform you wear for the next five years, only where you plan to be in the next five years,” he explained.

“I may indeed be looking at some future engineers, future accountants, future teachers and maybe even a few pharmacists or chemists. It’s always good to keep your minds open to all possibilities and always be ready to learn,” Scott added.

“I was fortunate to have my very first work attachment experience at the NEW GPC INC and through exposure to the work environment in the laboratory, I found a love for chemistry. From there I was motivated to continue my studies at the Government Technical Institute to obtain a diploma in the sciences of chemistry…at this point is where I truly found my profession, thus, I decided to pursue a degree in pharmacy at the University of Guyana. It was only while studying that I found what I really held a passion for and as students I advise that you never close your mind off to any possibilities while studying,” he expressed.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

26 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reg 1 CSOs undergo water & sanitation training with the UNDP for the implementation of Phase Two. This funding is geared towards providing greater access to sustainable potable water supply and safe sani-

tation, whilst strengthening capacity both with GWI and the hinterland communities for the operation and maintenance of the newly established facilities.

Plaisance man brutally chopped during scuffle

GWI officials and participants following the completion of the training in Mabaruma

E

ighteen Community Services Officers (CSOs) from Region One (Barima-Waini) are now better equipped to operate and maintain water and sanitation facilities in their communities.

This is as a result of a two-day training seminar facilitated by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in Mabaruma from November 19 to 20 which was funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The training included both theoretical and practical components and was

done as a part of Phase Two of the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) programme. Phase One was launched in hinterland communities in 2019.

Focus areas of the capacity-building training exercise were photovoltaic systems, the operation and maintenance of pumping systems, maintenance of water distribution systems, sampling and analysis of water parameters, and the construction of basic sanitation systems.

The participants were taken from several villages including White Water, Kamwatta, Baramita, Arakaka, Falls Top, Canal Bank, Sebai and Koberimo.

Training in handwashing and menstrual hygiene was also done with Venezuelan migrants in White Water.

WASH is an initiative aimed at improving sanitation, hygiene, and access to potable water and is being rolled out among residents and Venezuelan migrants who have settled in villages in Regions One, Two, and Seven.

Phase One of the programme saw a number of WASH interventions that included the drilling of a potable water well at Whitewater, Region One, and the construction of rainwater harvesting facilities in several villages within

the region, namely: Khan’s Hill, Imbotero, Smith Creek, Yarakita and Whitewater.

On the sanitation side, more than 30 Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (VIPs) were constructed, while in the area of hygiene promotion, several sessions were held with the migrants and residents of the host communities. The programme also entailed the distribution of water purification units to Kurutuku, Region Seven, and the distribution of hygiene and food packages to Regions One, Two and Seven.

The success of Phase One birthed further funding through a collaboration

A

28-year-old man of Sparendaam Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), managed to escape death on Sunday evening after he was attacked and brutally chopped about his body by a 36-year-old man.

The injured man has been identified as Jevon McPherson. Police stated that the incident took place at around 19:10h.

Based on reports received, on the day in question the victim was seated on a chair next to a nearby wooden stall when he was attacked by the suspect who was armed with a cutlass.

As a result, a scuffle en-

sued between the two men, and they ended up in a nearby trench.

It was then the suspect dealt the victim several chops about his body, causing him to receive injuries.

The suspect subsequently made good his escape.

Following the incident, the victim was picked up

by Police and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday this publication reached out to Regional Commander Khali Pareshram, who said the suspect remains at large but the Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.

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28 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CXC mulls new Convicts seeking to appeal technical certificate death, life sentences Murder of British teen

…redesigning structure to reduce dropouts, enable 21st Century education

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Convicted murderers Aaron Hing and Stayman George

F

ollowing a death sentence handed down

by Justice Sandil Kissoon, Aaron Hing, who was convicted for the brutal murder of his godbrother Dominic Bernard, has approached the Court of Appeal to overturn the ruling.

Hing’s partner in the crime, Stayman George, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty, has also filed a notice of appeal.

While Hing received the death sentence, his partner in crime, Stayman George, was given the life sentence after he pleaded guilty to the murder.

The notice of appeal against the conviction was signed by Hing on November 15, 2021. Hing, in the notice, is contending that the trial was unfair, and he also indicated his intention to appeal against the severity of the sentence.

On November 6, Hing, considered the mastermind behind the killing of British teen Dominic Bernard in 2015, was given the death penalty. In handing down the sentence, Justice Kissoon said it was the best the court could do to ensure justice.

Dominic Bernard

When the trial commenced on October 13, 2021, Hing pleaded guilty to murder and told the court that he was also a victim of a crime, and it was his co-accused and friend Stayman George who murder the 18-year-old Bernard.

Hing told the court that at the time of the murder, they were all under the influence of drugs, and it was George who hammered Bernard to death over a broken cell phone. He then said he remained silent and did not report the incident to anyone because George had threatened to kill his family if he went to the Police.

As such, Justice Kissoon had entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Hing, and the Prosecution was forced to call witnesses to prove its case. In the end, the jury found that Hing was guilty of murder, and the Judge imposed the death penalty.

Earlier, George pleaded guilty to the inditement which stated that on October 14, 2015, at Kildonan Village, Corentyne, he murdered 18-year-old Bernard.

He was subsequently given the life sentence with the possibility of parole after 35 years.

George has challenged his conviction on the grounds that his guilty plea was not unequivocal, it was as a result of pressure by his Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, and that the Judge erred in accepting the plea of guilty to murder, which is contrary to Common Law, contending that based on the facts presented by the prosecution, the Judge should have accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter.

It was reported that Bernard arrived in Guyana on October 14, 2015 for a three-week vacation with his godbrother Hing. He was scheduled to fly back to England on November 5, 2015, but failed to do so.

His father Andrew Bernard had contacted his godson (Hing) about his son’s whereabouts after he did not return home. However, Hing told his godfather that he was unaware that the teen was coming to Guyana. The father then flew to Guyana.

His visit led to the intensification of the investigation, which later resulted in the discovery of the teenager’s body. On January 8, 2016, the badly decomposed body of the teenager was found in a shallow grave at Nurney Village, Corentyne.

A post mortem examination revealed that he had sustained a fractured skull and a broken neck, among other injuries.

he Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is reimagining its qualification structure that governs the Region’s education and qualifications, with talks on the establishment of new certification for technical competency.

This was revealed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Wayne Wesley on Tuesday during the inaugural Ministerial Summit on Educational Assessment. He says this comes as the council seeks to create a modernistic and progressive certification system that will see fewer students dropping out of school without a qualification. The new certification being mulled is designated the Caribbean Technical Education Certificate.

“For us in the Region, it is also necessary and important to include the awareness of regionalism as a study of the history of the Caribbean would reveal that we are one people separated by land and water.

To this end, CXC is rethinking our qualification framework to establish a progressive assessment certification system aimed at minimising the number of students leaving the secondary school system without certification,” Dr Wesley said.

“The reimagined structure for the CXC awards will see the development of a new qualification currently being conceptualised as the Caribbean Technical Education Certificate [CTEC]. CTEC will be a broad-based certification geared towards character development, technical and applied competencies for employment, entrepreneurship, and good citizenry.”

Moving forward, the CEO said steps would be taken

CXC CEO, Dr Wayne Wesley

with the intention of developing the Region’s human capital with a robust and diverse education system.

He outlined, “We’ll take decisive and deliberate actions in inspiring and delivering impactful change. In doing this, CXC is on a mission to develop the human capital of our Caribbean people through partnerships for global competitiveness. Accordingly, at CXC, we provision to become a regional enterprise. A strategic initiative is to lead educational transformation in the Region.”

It is one of the reasons for the summit, which is geared at examining the current educational structure and making positive changes that will trickle down to students.

“The CXC Ministerial Summit is geared towards providing a platform for policymakers, technocrats, institutions, and key stakeholders to deliberate on pertinent issues relevant to the transformation and advancement of the regional education system. CXC is fully cognisant that teaching, learning, and assessment are inextricably linked and represent crucial dimensions of the education system that must be sus-

tainably reconstructed and reimagined with urgency in responding to the emerging demands of the 21st Century economy.”

Just last month, Dr Wesley had posited that the packed content entwined in assessment syllabuses for the CXC should be replaced with an approach that prepared students to adopt competencies to function in society.

He had suggested that a balanced approach be implemented by reimaging and rethinking education assessment – a move that CXC is formulating. This is especially since some of the materials used have little application to the present setting.

As such, he said, the CXC must keep abreast with the changes unfolding.

“I don’t know why we can’t have a curriculum that allows students to complete what they need to know in the four years the Ministry of Education would have established for students to learn. We have an attitude now for a lot of extra lessons. We are pressuring the students, giving them an information overload, and when they’re stressed out, we wonder what is happening,” Dr Wesley was quoted as saying.

Pedestrian killed on EBD highway identified H

ours after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) sought the assistance of the general public in identifying the body of a pedestrian who was involved in an accident that occurred on Friday, it was positively identified as that of Seeram Sudaran.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 07:00h on Herstelling Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and involved a motor lorry GWW 9210.

While details about the accident remain sketchy, the Police Force in a statement has stated that man is of mixed race.

“He is slim built, in his late twenties and was wearing an orange t-shirt, and pair of gray pants”, the statement said. The body was identified by the now dead man’s brother.

Seeram Sudaran

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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Windies women beat Ireland by six wickets in World Cup qualifier SCOREBOARD

IRELAND WOMEN INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Leah Paul b Mohammed 25 Gaby Lewis c & b Mohammed 36 Amy Hunter run out (Taylor) 0 Laura Delany (c) lbw b Matthews

7 Shauna Kavanagh c Dottin b Mohammed 9 Orla Prendergast c †Campbelle b Matthews 0 Eimear Richardson st †Campbelle b Taylor 32 Mary Waldron † lbw b Connell 12 Celeste Raack c †Campbelle b Connell 6 Georgina Dempsey c sub (SS Grimmond) b Taylor 0 Jane Maguire not out 2 Extras (lb 9, w 21) 30 TOTAL(43 Ov, RR: 3.69,182 Mts) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Gaby Lewis, 20.1 ov), 2-79 (Amy Hunter, 20.2 ov), 3-82 (Leah Paul, 21.1 ov), 4-93 (Laura Delany, 26.2 ov), 5-93 (Orla Prendergast, 26.6 ov), 6-101 (Shauna Kavanagh, 29.6 ov), 7-125 (Mary Waldron, 36.5 ov), 8-156 (Eimear Richardson, 41.2 ov), 9-156 (Georgina Dempsey, 41.4 ov), 10-159 (Celeste Raack, 42.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shamilia Connell 10-1-33-2

Aaliyah Alleyne 3-0-17-0 Shakera Selman 4-1-13-0 Chinelle Henry 3-0-12-0 Hayley Matthews 10-3-20-2 Anisa Mohammed 10-0-40-3 Stafanie Taylor 3-0-15-2 WI WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 160 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Deandra Dottin c Paul b Richardson 73 Rashada Williams run out (Raack) 8 Chedean Nation c Paul b Raack 17 Stafanie Taylor (c) not out 41 Hayley Matthews b Richardson 9 Shemaine Campbelle †not out 5 Extras (lb 5, w 5) 10 TOTAL (39.3 Ov, RR: 4.12, 171 Mts) 163/4 Did not bat: Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Anisa Mohammed, Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Rashada Williams, 13.3 ov), 2-94 (Chedean Nation, 19.4 ov), 3-113 (Deandra Dottin, 24.2 ov), 4-129 (Hayley Matthews, 30.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jane Maguire 4-0-27-0 Leah Paul 6.3-0-23-0 Georgina Dempsey 3-0-14-0 Celeste Raack 10-0-40-1 Eimear Richardson 10-1-33-2 Laura Delany 6-0-21-0

D

eandra Dottin’s half-century led the West Indies wom-

T

balls to spare.

Earlier, after Taylor won the toss and inserted the Irish, Gaby Lewis (36) and Leah Paul (25) put on 79 for the opening wicket, before Shamilia Connell ( 2 / 3 3 ) made the breakthrough.

Anisa

Dottin on the go

en to a six-wicket win over Ireland Women in their opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday morning.

Chasing 160 for victory, Dottin struck eight fours and two sixes in an 87-ball

Walsh believes team off to decent start in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup …urges not to let guard down

innings of 73 to pace the West Indies to victory. The Barbadian put on 61 for the first wicket with Rashada Williams, before skipper Stafanie Taylor hit 41 not out to polish off the win with 63

he West Indies women have regis- tremely happy with the way the ladies retered their first win, over Ireland, turned and composed themselves. While in the ICC Women’s Cricket World the ladies were a bit sluggish at the start, Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Head Coach Walsh posited, a win is a win at the end of of the side, Courtney Walsh, believes his the day, and that was well deserved. side has gotten off to a decent start in Walsh relayed that with one team not the bid to qualify for the 2022 ICC in the group, it is important that West Women’s Cricket World Cup. Indies win all their group games, so In a statement, Walsh said, “It they are able to take all the points was a good game; they got off to over into the Super Six, which would a decent start, but we were able give them a better standing and ento get a couple of wickets and were sure they are in the top three. able to peg them back. We managed The Windies women will now lock to bowl them out in the end, which horns with Sri Lanka on Saturday, was very good for us, and I think and Walsh believes the Sri the batters did extremely well.

Lankans are a tough oppoDeandra did well, supportnent, but he said the ed by the skipper very team cannot take well in the batting anything for grantdepartment; we ed. “We just have were very happy to focus on our with that. I think play, keep imon the field we proving in the were a little bit departments slow, but once that we are doWest Indies Women’s Head Coach, Courtney Walsh Anisa broke the ing well in, and partnership, the keep focusing girls got into it and got a couple of wickets, on what we need to do against the opposiand Hayley bowled pretty well, I think, and tion. And once we don’t relax and drop our once we got those wickets, we were able to guards, we can give a good account of ourtake control and dominate the game.” selves,” Walsh noted.

Walsh noted that it is very important to He added that he believes the team is in always win your first game, owing to the fact good head space in terms of winning, getthat it would give the team the confidence ting good partnerships, having good bowling and, most importantly, the much-needed combinations, doing reasonably well in the points. Walsh noted that, at all times, it is field; and he opined that once they keep imimportant to get the rust out, as he is ex- proving, they would only get better.

Deandra Dottin was named Player of the Match

Mohammed (3/40) then ripped through the middle-order, with Hayley Matthews (2/20) and Taylor (2/15) also tasting success.

The West Indies women bowled out Ireland women for 159 in 43 overs to set up the victory.

West Indies women are back in action on Saturday, when they face Sri Lanka at Harare.

The West Indies women must finish in the top three of Group A to move on to the Super 6 round of the tournament.

The three top teams after the Super 6 stage qualify for the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. (TT Loop)

NBA Roundup…

Grizzlies stun Jazz with late outburst

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he Memphis Grizzlies scored the final seven points of the game for a stunning 119-118 road defeat of the Utah Jazz on Monday.

After Bojan Bogdanovic made a pair of three-pointers to give Utah a 108-112 lead with 1:28 to play, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr combined to make four free throws, and Jackson hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 5.7 seconds to play as Memphis (9-8) pulled out the win.

Utah (11-6) missed their final four shots of the game, and also turned the ball over twice in the final 20 seconds.

Morant had 32 points to lead all scorers, and added seven assists, while Desmond Bane scored 28, and Jackson finished with 26.

Bogdanovic led the Jazz with 24 points, and Rudy Gobert contributed 23 on nine-of-10 shooting, while grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds and blocking five shots.

Durant, Nets hold off Cavaliers

Kevin Durant had 27 points and nine rebounds, while James Harden chipped in 14 points and 14 assists for the Brooklyn Nets in a 117-112 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. LaMarcus Aldridge added 21 points on 10-of-14 shooting off the bench for Brooklyn (13-5), as Darius Garland led Cleveland (9-9) with 24 points and 11 assists, as he made only nine of 27 shots from the field.

Tyrese Maxey scored 24 and Andre

Drummond collected 23 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers (10-8) pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 102-94 defeat of the Sacramento Kings (6-12), despite playing without Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Seth Curry.

De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 in Alvin Gentry’s first game as interim head coach.

Jaylen Brown scored 19 points in 23 minutes as he returned to the Boston Celtics lineup after missing the previous eight games with a right hamstring strain. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 30 as the Celtics (10-8) defeated Houston 108-90, sending the Rockets (1-16) to their 15th consecutive loss as they fell to 0-11 on the road.

The Phoenix Suns held off a late charge by the San Antonio Spurs to prevail 115-111 for their 13th consecutive win. Devin Booker had 23 points to lead the Suns (14-3), while Deandre Ayton added 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Bulls draw blanks from field

The Chicago Bulls entered Monday level with the Nets for the best record in the Eastern Conference, but could not find their shooting touch in an ugly 109-77 home defeat against the Indiana Pacers.

The Bulls (12-6) made 31 of 85 shots from the field (36.5 per cent), including just six of 28 (21.4 per cent) from three-point range. They scored 30 points in the second quarter, but just 47 in the other three combined as Indiana (811) built an early lead, then ran away with it in the second half. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Rain washes out third session after West Indies avoid follow-on …Cornwall falls on last ball of the day R

ain washed out the final session and pretty much the entirety of the second session of play in the first Test between the West Indies men and their Sri Lanka coun-

3 for 38, while Dhananjaya d e Suranga Lakmal also got And despite Ramesh the pick of Sri Lanka’s the second day, being unproduce the same control he had previous evening - his 11 overs on going for 52 runs with no wickfor it - Sri Lanka neverthein firm control of But for the in the morning, had looked rath-

Silva and in on the act.

Mendis, bowlers on able to reshown the the third day ets to show less remained the Test. first hour or so West Indies er threatening.

Both

Kyle Mayers made a 62-ball 45

Mayers and Holder showed they were unafraid to use the depth of the terparts. Only four overs were completed after crease against the spinners, while lunch before the ground staff were called into Holder in particular used his extra action, as West Indies ended the third day on reach to consistently get to the pitch 224 for 9, still 162 runs behind Sri Lanka’s of the ball and smother the considfirst-innings total. erable spin on offer - two delicious Play will begin 15 minutes earlier on the drives through cover for boundaries fourth and fifth days, provided the rain stays were the pick of his shots. away.

Mayer, meanwhile, was conIn the end, the rain proved a welcome retent to rock back whenever possible, prieve for the visitors on a day that had oth- Rahkeem Cornwall plundered quick runs thrice flaying deliveries short and erwise begun rather promisingly, with Jason wide past point for four.

Holder and Kyle Mayers taking the attack to In between, the pair rotated the the home side. It ended, however, with Rahkeem Cornwall be- strike with ease, as Sri Lanka’s spinners gradually lost their ing dismissed off what turned out to be the final ball of the day. early confidence in flighting the ball, and resorted to flatter traFor Sri Lanka, Praveen Jayawickrama added to his wick- jectories. et tally from the previous day to finish the day with figures of The breakthrough eventually came courtesy of some out-

Jason Holder contributed 36

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c Nissanka b Mendis 41 Jermaine Blackwood lbw b Embuldeniya 20 Nkrumah Bonner c de Silva b Jayawickrama 1 Shai Hope c Fernando b Mendis 10 Roston Chase c Fernando b Mendis 2 Jomel Warrican c †Chandimal b Jayawickrama 1 Kyle Mayers c Karunaratne b de Silva 45 Jason Holder c Chameera b Jayawickrama 36 Joshua Da Silva † not out 11 Rahkeem Cornwall c Mendis b Lakmal 39 Extras (b 8, lb 5, nb 2, w 3) 18

TOTAL (80 Ov, RR: 2.80) 224/9 Yet to bat: Jeremy Solozano, Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Jermaine Blackwood, 20.1 ov), 2-51 (Nkrumah Bonner, 23.5 ov), 3-80 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 31.6 ov), 4-83 (Shai Hope, 33.1 ov), 5-86 (Jomel Warrican, 36.5 ov), 6-100 (Roston Chase, 39.6 ov), 7-163 (Kyle Mayers, 57.1 ov), 8-175 (Jason Holder, 60.4 ov), 9-224 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 79.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Suranga Lakmal 6-1-10-1 Dushmantha Chameera 8-0-14-0 Lasith Embuldeniya 29-10-63-1 Praveen Jayawickrama 17-6-38-3 Ramesh Mendis 17-1-75-3 Dhananjaya de Silva 3-0-11-1

standing catching - first from captain Dimuth Karunaratne and then from Dushmantha Chameera. The first to go was Mayers, who failed to get to the pitch of one from de Silva that held up a touch and bounced up off a length. Mayers, who was already through an attempted drive, could only pop it up in the direction of short extra cover, where Karunaratne threw himself full pelt to his weaker right side to complete the take.

Chameera followed suit a little later, diving forward - again at full stretch - from point, to hold on to a cut that Holder had failed to keep down. Once more, it was the extra bounce off a length that proved to be decisive.

Cornwall and Joshua Da Silva then proceeded to put on 49 for the ninth wicket, but just as that partnership was beginning to look promising, Cornwall top-edged a pull off Lakmal to square leg on the last ball of the 80th over.

The second new ball was available, but rain ensured there would be no more action. (ESPNcricinfo)

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic to return from February 19–20 …launch set for December 10

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fter a two-year hiatus owing to COVID-19, the ‘Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic’ will make a return on February 19 – 20, 2022 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3X3 is inspired by several forms of ‘streetball’ played worldwide, and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport.

Organiser Rawle Toney, made the announcement on Tuesday, while adding that complete details surrounding the tournament will be made available at the launching of the event on Friday, December 10, also at the country’s premier indoor facility.

“I’m very excited to announce the return of the tournament, especially taking into consideration the development of 3X3 basketball since I would’ve hosted the inaugural event in November of 2019,” Toney shared in a release.

Sixteen teams will be vying for a winner’s purse of $600,000, as Toney highlighted that the 100% blossom of the prize money is in keeping with the evolution of basketball’s shortest format.

“3X3 basketball is now an Olympic sport, and made its debut at the 32nd Olympiad.

We would’ve seen FIBA placing more emphasis on it as well, so it was only right that we do the same in Guyana, to not only entice players in and out of Guyana, but fans as well,” Toney added.

The sports journalist also disclosed that the tournament this year has received an en-

ship, Toney pointed out that all of the previous sponsors have already signalled their intention of returning, adding, “Of course, with a larger undertaking this year, I’ve already reached out to other companies to come on board; many of which are favourable of doing so.”

Toney said the country’s National COVID-19 Task Force will set the guidelines for the event, and he promises a safe environment.

“The entire tournament Founder of the tournament Rawle Toney

dorsement from FIBA, and will be held under the guidelines set out by the sport’s global body commendation.

The tournament, he said, is now featured on FIBA’s 3x3 website (www.fiba3x3.com), and he is encouraging players to use the platform to register and create their player profile.

He added that the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) have also given their blessings to the tournament, and would be responsible for the technical aspect of the event.

“Some countries from the Caribbean are also showing interest in participating next year, because, as it stands, participation at FIBAendorsed tournaments would give the players and the country points, which are added to their FIBA Rankings. This helps in the country’s placing in the draw for major tournaments,” Toney revealed.

As it relates to sponsor-

is being put together with COVID-19 in mind. While the country’s figures in terms of vaccination seem promising, we have to take into consideration that the world is still battling the coronavirus, and so we will be responsible to ensure that everyone follows all the protocols that will be set out by the Task Force,” Toney said.

He noted that while 3X3 is played primarily outdoors, having the tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall “is

to ensure that COVID-19 regulations are followed, and to protect players in particular.

When you get all the tournament details on December 10 at the launching, you’ll understand the importance of hosting it within a safe and controlled space,” he predicted.

Pitbulls 3.0, behind Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slatter, Ryan Gullen and Travis Belgrave, edged Team Smooth 22-12 in the finals to walk away with

ICC Under-19 World Cup…

ABCA President Rodney happy country hosting key fixtures

P

resident of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), Leon Rodney, has welcomed news that the State of Antigua and Barbuda would host the semifinals and final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, slated to run from January 15 to February 5 in the Caribbean.

Rodney has labelled the country’s hosting of both stages of the tournament as a “good thing”, reminding that right after the under-19s, the country will host the first Test of the Richards-Botham Trophy series between England and the West Indies.

“You would have eight teams coming into Antigua, because if I read the schedule correct, there will be matches in the final eight, which would encompass the quarterfinals and so forth;

so, it’s a good thing for us.

After that, we will have England, and they should be around here for just a little over two weeks, which would encompass the first Test match and a four-day warm up game; so, it’s good for Antigua,” he said.

However, although the Under-19 World Cup is an international event that would be viewed by millions across the world, Rodney has said he is looking forward to the Richards-Botham Test, as he expects the local body to derive more benefits from that match.

“The local board is the one who manages the game on behalf of CWI, so there are management teams involved. A big Test match like England, obviously you have some tickets that you can package, and they can be sold. So, there is some, or a reason-

able level of income there, and especially when you have a team like England; and not to hide that all the vendors’ fees go to the local association,” he said.

The first Test of the England vs West Indies series will bowl off here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on March 8 next year. The series will host five Twenty20s and three Tests between January and March.

The first five-match T20 series between the two sides will be played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados between 22 and 30 January.

They will then compete for the newly created Richards-Botham Trophy after West Indies return from their white-ball tour of India in February.

(Antigua Observer)

Gy$300,000 and the Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic Trophy in 2019, in a match held at the Burnham Court.

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31

Pan Am boxing team determined to return with medals W

ith the Pan American Junior Games slated to commence later this week, Guyana’s three-member boxing team is Colombiabound with high expectations for the event.

For the past month or so, Alesha Jackman, Travis Inverary and Patrick Harvey have been training locally in preparation for the first-ever Junior Pan American Games.

The camp was the brainchild of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), and received the full support of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). Taking the reins at the camp were coaches Sebert Blake and Terrence Poole, who are no strangers to the three teenAlesha Jackman agers.

The trio of boxers spoke The lone female in the with Guyana Times Sport about their training, which group, Alesha Jackman, added, “Tough but great, because, they all found favourable.

“It was alright. Our Coach, as they say, what you take in Mr Sebert Blake, he was like is what you give out. He’s been pushing we forward and mo- there giving us the work, and tivating us towards the goal. I surely know it will give out.”

“Well, far as preparation, So, it was alright,” Inverary for the past month we’ve been began.

Travis Inverary

training very hard with Coach Blake.

So, preparation was alright. Everybody motivates each other, so I think that’s the biggest thing,” Patrick Harvey said in adding his two cents.

The Pan American Junior Games will see competitors from across the Caribbean, Central, South and North American regions, opponents that most young boxers are

familiar with. With Coach Poole already expressing faith in the team bringing back medals, the Patrick Harvey same was echoed by the ecute new strategies that she group. has picked up from old op“Most obviously we’re go- ponents. “Last year, I was ing for the goal, so it’s [the ex- the only boxer that had a pectation] definitely to come fight, and I fought a girl from back with a medal,” Inverary England. I learned a lot. Most said, in sharing his expecta- of the time I fought girls from tions. the Caribbean. Normally, Jackman is looking to ex-

if I fight a person from the Caribbean, I would be the one that (is) being more aggressive, she teach me that no matter how you cuffing and punching, these girls will still be coming to you. So, my coach teach me the strategy of what I have to do.”

However, Jackman also has her eye on the medals. She disclosed, “My expectation is going there, putting my country on the map, and bringing home a gold medal and making my mom and everyone else proud.”

Harvey’s answer on the topic was short and precise.

“Everybody’s been training hard enough, as equal, so I’m very confident, cause we’ve been putting in the work,” he commented.

The Pan Am Junior Games will commence this Thursday, November 25, and run until Sunday, December 5. The boxers will be accompanied in Cali, Colombia

by Coach Terrence Poole.

Guyana’s delegation currently consists of 30 persons, inclusive of coaches, officials and athletes across 7 sporting disciplines.

Alvin Mohabir benefits from project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”

Mohabir on the go

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oung and promising all-rounder Alvin Mohabir has received a brand new E4 brand bat from the “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” project.

The E4 brand is owned by Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone, USA. Born and raised in Shell Road, Kitty, Alvin started playing cricket at the tender age of 8 when he joined the Transport Sports Club. He progressed to Guyana Under-15 team in 2019, and was also selected for the Guyana Under-17 team, but the tournament had to be called off because of the outbreak of COVID. This 16-year-old left-handed batsman who bowls right arm off spin was set to make his regional Under-19 debut, but

due to COVID, the tournament was never played.

However, he has belatedly been selected to attend trials conducted by Cricket West Indies for possible selection to the West Indies team to participate in Youth World Cup 2022, to be held in the Caribbean.

The simple ceremony in which the bat was handed over to Alvin was graced by the presence of Bissoondyal Singh, President of the Guyana Cricket Board. The recently elected President was high in praise for the initiative, and congratulated all those who have benefited so far. He also thanked the persons who have made this possible, and added that he campaigned for the Presidency of the GCB on the platform of accountability, transparency and fairness to all.

He assured all cricketers, junior and senior, that they must not be worried about selection after registering good performances.

Speaking on behalf of the initiative, Anil Beharry, long serving cricketer and administrator, said he has personally followed Mohabir’s career and was always impressed with his level of maturity, skills and discipline, and will continue to support him and others through this project.

Young Alvin Mohabir, in response, was grateful for the bat.

He also thanked his family for their support, and his coach Shawn Massiah for the role he has played in his career so far.

This project is a joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry. Cricket-related items, used or new, will be

distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

Total cricket-related items collected so far are: $40,000 cash, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, fourteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, and four cricket bags.

To date, 17 young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, Georgetown and the East Canje area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, six bats, six pairs of batting pads, and four pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club has benefited from a pair of stumps and bails, and two clubs in the Pomeroon area have benefited from two used bats.

Persons who wish to make a contribution can contact Anil Beharry or Kishan Das. Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin and Huburn Evans.

More distribution would be done as gear is received from the USA and there is an ease in the COVID 19 pandemic.

Mouth-watering final set up in Bartica All-Star Knockout

GTSC wins Inter Ministries/Government Agencies tape ball competition

T

he Georgetown Office Assistants Promotion Committee organised an Inter Ministries/Government Agencies tape ball competition that was played on Sunday 21st November, 2021 at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. This event saw the Guyana Teaching Service Commission (GTSC) dominating the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the final.

Batting first, GRA scored 58/1 in their four overs, Alex Sital top scoring with 33 (3x6, 1x4). When the GTSC batted, they scored 63/1 in 3.4 overs.

Top scoring in a winning effort was Daniel Ross with 39 (4x6, 3x4). Ross was named player of the competition, in which a total of 12 teams participated.

The competition was sponsored by GTT, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Ink Plus and Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. It was coordinated by James Lewis.

The second part of the competition would be played on December 12, 2021 at the same venue, and would commence at 09:00am.

River’s View

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rain of goals highlighted the semi-finals of the Bartica Football Association’s All-Star Knockout Showdown on Monday at the Bartica Community Centre ground.

Beacons overcame a robust first-half challenge by Wolves United to eventually put the Wolves away by 4 goals to nil, complements of strikes by Clint Kellman, Whitney Welcome, Hamley Martindale and Kyle Caesar.

Beacon FC

In the second semi-final match, one red card each to both teams did not slow down the action, though River’s View would be in the final without star defender Travis Burnette. Seventeen-year-old Kellon Richardson opened the scoring for River’s View, followed by two goals each from Andrew Simmons and Omario Lake, while Brian Brown twice found the net at the other end for Lazio.

The match ended with River’s View on 5 and on Lazio 2.

In the grand final, the two top teams from Bartica would be clashing while Beacons duke it out with River’s View.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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

Rain washes out third session after West Indies avoid follow-on

Pg 30

…Cornwall falls on last ball of the day

Alvin Mohabir benefits from project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” See story on page 31

Pan Am boxing team determined to return with medals Pg 31

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