Guyana Times - Wednesday November 25, 2020

Baker Hughes to build US$8M oil field facility at Land of Canaan P18

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4480

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

PRICE

Bridging of Corentyne River symbolises transition to new era

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Suriname- P2 based Guyanese busted with over 1.9kg cocaine at CJIA

See story on page 3

– Surinamese, Guyanese Presidents …Guyana, Suriname sign MoU formalising project …Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform agreement also inked

James Bond arrested as probe into land giveaways deepens

…lies about being asked to take polygraph test – Police

Guyana records 148th COVID-19 death, 35 new P16 cases – Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina latest victim

Page 7

Guyana Lands & Surveys Commissioner P12 let go …Dr Vincent Adams also terminated as EPA Head

Essequibo P12 man chopped to face during drinking spree His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali received military ceremonial honours as he arrived at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday during his first State visit to neighbouring Suriname. Also in photo are HE Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname along with First Lady HE Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry

CJ shoots down Over 500 Guyanese reobjections employed at Aurora Gold Mine against application to strike out election petition – as processing plant recommissioned

Page 20

See story on page 9

– case adjourned to November 30

P7 Missing Haitians linked to human trafficking – Minister Benn

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Suriname-based Guyanese busted with over 1.9kg cocaine at CJIA

F

orty-two-year-old Tommy Ann Bunbury, a Suriname-based Guyanese, was on Monday intercepted by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) with 1.948 kilograms of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The cocaine was neatly concealed in cavities in a book, make-up, personal items and office stationaries.

According to CANU, the mule is a food vendor at Downtown café Wiek Straat Paramaribo, Suriname, and

The items which the cocaine was extracted from

resided at Condor Straat #1 Paramaribo, Suriname. She

is also from Lot 10 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast

Demerara (ECD).

The mother of seven has been residing in Suriname for the past six years and periodically returns to Guyana to fulfil immigration obligations.

However, on the day in question, CANU officers carried out a search on the suspect, who was an outgoing passenger on an Eastern Airlines flight to JFK International Airport, New York.

During the search on her two suitcases and a carry-on, the cocaine was found concealed in a number of objects including a hardcov-

Cocaine mule: Tommy Ann Bunbury

er book, handbag, make-up kits, deodorants, nail polish

offence and arrested.

She and her belongings were subsequently transported to CANU’s Headquarters where the substance was extracted, weighed and amounted to 1.948 kilograms.

The woman, who travelled from Suriname to Guyana recently to continue her journey to the United States (US), remains in custody and is expected to be charged shortly.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) said

Cocaine being removed from the hardcover book found in Bunbury’s suitcases

covers, mascara and permanent markers.

Upon the discovery of the illegal substance, the woman was cautioned, told of the

that it will continue to monitor the various ports of entry with the aim of cracking down on narcotics trafficking.

Cuban doctor terrorised, robbed by knife-wielding bandits

Skeldon Hospital

A

Cuban doctor was left traumatised after he was terrorised and robbed by armed bandits who broke into his living quarters at the Skeldon Hospital in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Monday.

The victim has been identified as 49-year-old Evardo Gutierrez Alvaeer. The doctor was relieved of two gold chains valued $510,000, two Smart television sets valued $75,000 and $150,000 in Guyanese currency.

Based on reports received, Gutierrez Alvaeer was awakened by a strange noise emanating from his living room and went to enquire. As he opened his bedroom door, he came face to face with the two men.

Upon seeing the victim, one of the bandits reportedly whipped out the knife and held the victim hostage during which he was relieved of the gold chains.

They then took the victim's other valuables before making good their escape. After the suspects left, the doctor raised an alarm, and persons rushed to his aid. The matter was subse-

quently reported to the police and an investigation was launched.

Just recently a trio was arrested and charged for committing a $3 million armed robbery on a businessman in Corentyne, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

It was reported that on the day in question, the businessman went to a bank in Corriverton, Berbice, and withdrew the cash. He subsequently placed the money in his haversack in which he already had a quantity of Suriname Dollars.

Police reports said the man proceeded to another bank in Corriverton and withdrew another sum of money, and placed it in the same bag and went to conduct business.

He told Police that he parked his car on the eastern side of the Number 66 Public Road and left the haversack with the money in the front passenger seat but upon returning he discovered the haversack with the money missing.

The perpetrators were subsequently arrested and charged.

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 25 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 12:30h – 14:00h and Thursday, November 26 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, November 25 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Thursday, November 26 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

Bridging of Corentyne River symbolises transition to new era – Surinamese, Guyanese Presidents

…Guyana, Suriname sign MoU formalising project …Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform agreement also inked

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers will prevail during the day.

There will be partly cloudy skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to East SouthEasterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 06:54h and 19:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 0.93 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

05 09 10

13 18 26

FREE TICKET

8 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2020 DAILY MILLIONS

05 15 16 18 22 LUCKY 3

6

3

1

7

Afternoon Draw

9

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

04

11

14

17 20

PAY DAY

21 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

02 05 08 09 17

03 07 12 18 20

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

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $47.86/barrel $223.70/ton $408.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +3.76 +0.15 -0.70

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1810.50

$1811.50

Low/High Change

$1798.70 +1.50

$1833.30 +0.08%

Guyanese President, Dr Irfaan Ali with Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he bridging of the Corentyne River – the border between Guyana and Suriname – has been alluded to for a number of years but it is only recently that concrete measures were put in place, paving the way for it to become a reality.

The site has already been marked by both Guyanese and Surinamese authorities and on Tuesday, the prospects of bridging the border became a closer reality with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations.

The MoU was signed by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin, at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo. Todd is in Suriname as part of the Guyanese delegation being led by President Dr Irfaan Ali on his first overseas visit since his inauguration in August.

Back on October, Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, said that financiers are ready to back the bridge, while promising that it will be completed during his term in office. Shortly after that, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who along with his Surinamese counterpart, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, planted flags at the sites in both countries where the Corentyne River Bridge will land.

There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Long Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname.

The entire Corentyne River belongs to Suriname.

President Ali, at the signing event on Tuesday in the neighbouring country, related that the construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River will not only serve as a permanent physical link between the people of Guyana and Suriname but more importantly it would link to the rest of the South American continent.

“We recognise the enormous benefit this can bring in the areas of tourism, transport and trade. To this end we have even expanded our discussion in areas where we

can jointly promote business opportunities and tourism opportunities. It is, therefore, expected that the proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity the possibilities for free trade zones, enhanced land values and this, of course, will reduce the cost of business and increase the ease of doing business,” Ali said.

Meanwhile, President Santokhi posited that President Ali’s visit is the materialisation of both countries’ aspirations to energise collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

“We use this occasion to continue our plans on the bridging of the Corentyne River with designing a MoU in this regard which will be signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. This bridge in the Corentyne is not only important to facilitate the movement of persons and goods, trade and cross operation but it also symbolises a transition to a new era. The era of wellbeing and prosperity of our people’s freedom, de-

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin

mocracy and rule of law,” the Surinamese leader said.

He also noted that as small border nations, both Guyana and Suriname have recognised the importance of maintaining good relations and joining efforts in hopes of forming strategic alliances to achieve maximum success for the development of their people. He said that he is optimistic that “massive steps” would be achieved in the development of their respective countries in the coming years.

While the Corentyne River Bridge is currently in the developing stages, that is,

with the designs being done, it will be a flat bridge from Guyana to Long Island in the Corentyne River and then a high-span bridge from there to the Surinamese mainland to allow for heavy marine traffic. This bridge is expected to promote the safe movement of people and products.

Moreover, it is anticipated that Long Island will become an economic hub and free zone that will also see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls and farmers’ markets.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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

The Corentyne Bridge

P

resident Irfaan Ali is currently in neighbouring Suriname, where he is engaging his counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, on many of the issues which were brought to the fore when the Surinamese leader visited Guyana back in August. Working groups have been established to follow through with these issues, to ensure that they are dealt with in a speedy manner to the benefit of the people of both countries.

Among the highlights of the President’s visit is the issue in relation to the bridging of the Corentyne River, linking the two countries. There were discussions and a subsequent signing of the formal agreement that would now pave the way for the two sides to begin exploring financing options for the construction and operation of the facility.

It could be recalled that this transformational project had been in the pipeline for some time now, and we are very pleased that the two leaders have decided to place it back on the agenda. From both sides of the river, many persons have expressed the need for such a bridge to physically link the two countries, and it is now expected that serious efforts would be made to ensure it becomes a reality.

It is well known that many Guyanese have taken up permanent residence in Suriname over the years, and there is some amount of trade/business being done between the two countries. Thus, the bridge across the Corentyne River would considerably enhance trade and economic relations, as well as cultural exchanges, between Guyana and Suriname.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have recognised the enormous benefits the bridge can bring in the areas of transportation, tourism and trade. Important to note, too, is that once constructed, the bridge would not only serve as a permanent physical link between Guyana and Suriname, but also to the rest of the South American continent. This in itself will allow Guyana to access a whole host of opportunities relative to commerce etc.

That said, Guyana and Suriname have a history of enjoying good neighbourly relations, and there are many areas which both sides can explore to the benefit of all.

For example, now that both countries have proven to have vast resources of oil and gas, it would be in their interest to develop synergies and work collaboratively, especially considering the fact that they are both relatively small.

President Ali has already revealed that the two countries have recognised the need to develop synergies in relation to the oil and gas sector. He was quoted as saying: “In terms of shore-base and deep-water harbour, we are exploring synergies, and this is where we are when we talk about local content. Because of how the industry would emerge, you can either be in direct competition with each other, or you can be supporting each other with synergies that bring benefits to both countries.”

Additionally, there is need for both countries to work more collaboratively to tackle the issue of cross- border crime. The fact that criminal elements are using the borders between the two countries to carry out criminal activities poses a serious threat to both countries’ national security.

We had previously called for the borders between the two countries to be tightened up so as to prevent the level of illegal activities that are taking place.

Also, in view of the many robberies at sea, it is crucial that both countries share information and work together to address this challenge, which has been having a severe impact on the fishing industries of our countries. Over the years, many of our fisherfolks have been attacked at sea, most times in Surinamese waters. Sometimes law enforcement officers seem lost as to how to tackle the problem, and one may even assume that there is limited collaboration between the two sides to catch the perpetrators.

It is our hope that the current engagements between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname would bring about positive results, as it is clear that both sides are eager to move ahead with various projects that would see a better quality of life for their citizens.

Heads of State, HE Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and HE Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname along with First Ladies HE Arya Ali and HE Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry pose for an official photograph

Is Guyana a copycat of America, or vice versa?

Dear Editor, You bet, Trump is heart, mind, soul and psyche Guyanese. He is one hundred percent Guyanese, that is why, he ain’t coming to Guyana; he’s probably going to Russia or some other safe haven country, and that’s a smart Guyanese! He knows about the extradition agreement here; Williams is his advisor. Trump copied all of APNU/AFC’s election tactics.

From skullduggery to tongue-twisting, he lied on every single conceivable topic.

His bullish attitude painted an embarrassing picture both at home and abroad. The election result is overwhelmingly in favour of Biden by more than seven million votes, yet he refuses to accept defeat, and instead started to shout, “Fraud!” much to the amusement of the world at large.

Similar to the APNU/AFC party, he has resorted to seeking redress in the court.

Unfortunately for him, the

courts are denying him any win, and they simply regard him and his team as a laughing stock. Chris Christie said Trump’s legal team, headed by the sweating Rudy Giuliani, a past US attorney general, is a national embarrassment.

Remember the outcome of all of the past Guyana attorney general’s cases he had fought with the CCJ? What a shame and disgrace! All of Giuliani’s attempts were “brutally dismissed.” Trump’s “very sad coup” is humiliating, and his legal choice reflects incompetence. He was advised to “stop golfing and concede.” Missing in action, he is playing hide-and-seek, a popular game being played by Guyana’s past president.

Granger was asked by America to step aside and stop undermining democracy.

Is America opening the door for reciprocation? The world looks to America for democratic protection. Is America

faltering as a big brother and failing to uphold its moral obligation? What kind of precedent is America setting for the other countries, especially the small nations known for political corruption? How much mischief is Trump creating for Biden to be involved in damage control?

Most Republicans are now worried over this torment, and are beginning to realise that this is not about protecting Trump anymore, but, more so, this is now about protecting the Republican Party. It is slowly dawning on Americans that trump does not mean well for them, and he does not care about their interest. He is only concerned about self-preservation and retaining power at any cost, even if he has to sacrifice his own people.

Like Granger, Trump’s own son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is asking him to concede because the results show that he lost the election. Even

his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, is asking him to come to terms with President-elect Joe Biden.

Tomorrow, US Presidentelect Joe Biden is set to announce a slew of history making picks, describing his new hires as the “crux” of his plan to “reclaim America’s seat at the head of the table.” Biden said, “These individuals are equally experienced and crisis-tested as they are innovative and imaginative.”

President Irfaan Ali’s choicest picks make his cabinet full of diversity. The cabinet picks are certainly not aligned or limited to only past stalwarts, but embrace refined enthusiasm with the novelty of talented youth and the touch of feminine flamboyance.

Again, is Guyana a copycat of America; or, curiously, it is now a case of vice-versa?

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Dual citizens can represent us at the Olympics but not in Parliament. How medieval!

Dear Editor, Most of the national athletes who represent our country at the Olympics are dual citizens. Our national football team Lady Jaguars and men senior football teams have majority overseas-based players who are dual citizens.

Ambassadors who represent our country are sometimes dual citizens. Individuals who represent us at important world bodies like the UN and in Brussels are, for the most part, dual citizens. Beauty queens who represent our country in international pageants are sometimes dual citizens.

Yet, when it comes to our Parliament, our law prohibits dual citizens from being

members. The main reason for this archaic law is that a person holding dual citizenship might have divided loyalty in terms of their true allegiance if they have to mediate on a situation involving the two countries of which they are both citizens.

Another reason is that they do not participate in the day-to-day life of the country and pay their taxes, hence they have not earned the right to be our representatives in Parliament.

Progressive sporting bodies like the Olympics and FIFA accommodate dual citizens to represent the country of their choice with the firm conviction that once an athlete wears a country’s flag

above his heart, he would at all times give his complete commitment, skills, integrity and talent to that flag.

If a Guyanese who holds US citizenship is representing Guyana at the Olympics, do you think that athlete would deliberately go easy on the US athletes? On the contrary, that athlete would put all his efforts into securing glory for self and flag. The same would apply to a dual citizen in our Parliament. There is no reason to believe they would not represent themselves with integrity and patriotism.

We are a nation that has lost a lot of skilled countrymen during the PNC dictatorship and ensuing years. If we are to propel ourselves into

the gilded age, we need to harness as much talent in the diaspora, and allow these dual citizens full participation in all the decision-making bodies of the country, inclusive of the Parliament.

To weed out the carpetbaggers and allow for dual citizens to participate and pay their taxes, a five-year mandatory residency in the country should be the precursor for entitlement of dual citizenship Guyanese to enter Parliament.

It is time to revoke this medieval law that bars dual citizens from participating in Parliament.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

5

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

Multi-ethnic leadership and good governance Dear Editor, A number of concerned citizens have written on the state of affairs in the country, and have made observations on a number of interrelated issues, such as the need for inclusionary governance, the reduction in corruption, and improving governance, to name a few.

The engagement of the populace, and the press freedom being preserved are very encouraging. The long-term commitment, independent of political affiliation, of many of our fellow Guyanese in the unselfish service of our country is to be applauded, and it would be a disservice to both them

and our country to not acknowledge and appreciate their willingness to contribute to the building of our young nation.

Guyana does have a limited pool of talent available for the numerous critical tasks ahead. However, the level of integrity and honesty with which we build our Government and nation is more important than the speed with which we accomplish our objectives. The underlying moral fabric upon which our society is built must take precedence over expediency, in order to ensure the gains made are lasting over the centuries, and can be supported & fur-

ther augmented by generations to come. Setting the example today of what we hope to have continued and achieved in the future is indispensable, and will attract like minds, thus re-enforcing the underlying culture of the society we hope to establish.

As the saying goes, "Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are", which also goes for the multi-ethnic dimension of our society. Investment in national institutions which provide non-discriminatory access to all ethnicities, religions and genders within our society helps lay the foundation for the development of

all Guyanese. This is what institutions such as the University of Guyana have been accomplishing over the years, and our University's mission continues to be "To discover, generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical enquiry".

The issue, then, becomes how to ensure that those helping to build our national community reflect those within the community.

Ability & merit must be the key standard used for ensur-

There will be no change in the American foreign policy Dear Editor, The question is asked: What would the relationship be like between an incoming Democrat President in the United States of America and the present PPP/C Administration in Guyana?

This is one of the hottest topics being discussed right now; that is: How would the incoming Biden Administration view relations with the PPP/C? And would there be a change in the good friendship and cooperation that presently exists between the two countries?

These are cold hard facts that confront us. Besides, some hardliners within the Opposition camp are trumpeting the call for the immediate removal of the PPP/C Government and a reinstatement of the illegal PNC regime here. The first view held by the Opposition calls for an immediate cessation of friendly relations between the two governments and a possible overturning of the election results to facilitate the re-institution of an illegal Granger-led Coalition Government.

Now, this may seem a

far stretch of the imagination, but history does show that A PPP-led Cheddi Jagan Government was indeed forcibly removed from office by a Democrat President of The United States of America. That Jagan-led Government was removed by President John F Kennedy in consultation with the British Colonial powers of the day under the guise that Jagan was a communist and that he was building a communist state in Guyana. The British would not have it, and neither would the Americans, which led to the ouster of the democratically elected government of the PPP. So there is some truth to the story peddled by the PNC that a win by a democrat might somehow spell good luck for them again.

But there are certain hurdles the would-be power-hungry PNC must surmount. In the first place the removal of Cheddi was the American's Foreign Policy focus of the day, the British going along in tandem.

Clearly, with such political might aligned against him, Dr Jagan hadn't the ghost of a chance by way

of survival, so the inevitable did take place. However, the ushering in of the new era saw a new look at hemispheric affairs and a fresh approach to governments and governance in the Caribbean. The disgraceful history of the PNC in the rigging of elections became a glaring anomaly, something that was not going to be tolerated by the USA nor any of the other major power blocs in the world; something had to be done about it.

In this regard, free and fair elections and installation of legitimate regimes became the order of the day as the watchful eyes of the American Superpower took over. Once this was put in place, the PNC was history.

To make a drastic turnaround of this foreign policy issue would certainly spell doom for the Americans themselves, who are threatened by Trump's madness in trying to overturn more than two hundred years of the history of democratic rule in the USA itself. It just wouldn't happen. It means that, as a bastion of democracy, the Americans are not about throwing that away now.

So, I can safely tell my friends in the PNC camp that a change in administration in the USA does not necessarily mean a change in its foreign policy; that will not happen.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

ing that we provide access to leadership opportunities for our best and brightest, while also retaining top talent.

If this is done, and its management is efficacious, without bias, then each subsequent level of our socioeconomic structure will continue to be strengthened in both its moral capacity and competence.

The disconnect that we have witnessed over the decades has been the departure from sound management practices in favour of expediency and nepotism, which in many cases can be linked to political affiliation.

This has created a gap between the needs of our national institutions and the current talent in place. By implementing a strong performance management system that holds each level accountable for not only their

results, but also for how they accomplish those results, our institutions will begin to cleanse and replenish the talent pool with the most capable individuals available.

Thanks to the University of Guyana and our larger unbiased education system, that talent pool will be multi-ethnic. The commitment to establish such effective national institutions must be important to nonpolitically appointed leadership, and it must also be of utmost importance to our political leaders; the latter being the more complex of the two to accomplish.

For this and several other reasons not mentioned, we must achieve increased cooperation in Parliament.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Congrats to PPP/C on 1st 100 days in office Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate and salute our relatively new President, H E Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and his PPP/Civic Government on the “trail-blazing 100 days” of resounding progress and successes in and out of office to the country and people of Guyana.

To date, I cannot think of any country which had any such parallel. Certainly not any of the Caribbean islands in the past two decades.

Mr President, may you and our Government continue to strive in fulfilling your

manifesto mandates in progressing our green and great land and wonderful, hospitable people to prosperity and happiness the likes of which were never seen and achieved before in Guyana!

I close with a very notable quote to remind all of us, not excluding myself in the least, mind you: “When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign; that the dunces are all in confederacy against him”.

Thank you, SMS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

6

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

Æsop’s Fables

T

he basic metric unit of liquid volume is the litre (l). There are also millilitres (ml); centilitres (cl) and kilolitres (kl).

You can probably figure that: 1 litre = 1000ml 1 kilolitre = 1000l You may have noticed that metric units are based on the powers of 10. So they are easy to work with.

Remember All metric units are powers of 10 Examples: How many millilitres are in 4.5 litres?

Step 1: Think: 1000ml = 1l Step 2: Multiply 1000 by 4.5 = 4500ml.

Exercises: Calculate

Supplies: At least two large boxes Duct tape (lots of it!)

Packing tape Hot Glue Gun (with glue of course!)

Plywood (for the base, it adds stability) Xacto knife Box cutter Decorating supplies (scrapbook paper, fake flowers, or whatever suits your tastes) push button lights Instructions Note: The project should be done with adult supervision.

Start by figuring out how you’d like to orient the boxes. After you have the orientation you like, start taping the flaps of the boxes together to make the fort big enough to stand or sit in. Make sure the seams are taped completely together on the inside and outside of the box to add more stability.

Then collapse the box down and decide on the location of the door. Use your ruler or straight edge to

FOR CHILDREN 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

1.1l = ______ml 0.69l = ____ ______ ml 300ml + 1200l = __________ l 10l + 100ml = _____ kl 10kl + 10ml = ____ ______ l 45l + 55l = ___ _______ ml

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Tuesday’s answers 375cm = _0.375_____m 6.9km = ___690,000_ ______ cm 300cm + 1200cm = ____15______ m 10cm + 100 mm = ____0.2_ m 10km + 10 cm = __10,000.1__ ______ m 45m + 55m = ___1,000,000 _______ mm

make a nice rectangle on the seam of the box. The seam will be your hinge.

Cut out the rectangle with the box cutter and then cut out the door handle.

Next, cut out a window in the smaller of the two boxes with the box cutter.

Put both boxes right side up again and next to one another. Next tape the two boxes together using lots of tape.

Once the boxes are taped securely together, crawl inside the house and cut out a hole between the two boxes.

The flower box is made using scrap cardboard and scored into a long rectangular cube and taped to the window sill of the smaller box (use hot glue to really tack the box in place).

Before you begin decorating make sure all seams are taped on both the inside and on the outside of the box.

For added stability you can hot glue the entire base of the fort to your ply wood piece.

Then, decorating the cardboard box fort as you like.

(Adapted from handsonaswegrow.com)

A

poor woodman was cutting down a tree near the edge of a deep pool in the forest. It was late in the day and the woodman was tired. He had been working since sunrise and his strokes were not so sure as they had been early that morning.

Thus it happened that the axe slipped and flew out of his hands into the pool.

The woodman was in despair. The axe was all he possessed with which to make a living, and he had not money enough to buy a new one. As he stood wringing his hands and weeping, the god Mercury suddenly appeared and asked what the trouble was. The woodman told what had happened, and straightway the kind Mercury dived into the pool. When he came up again he held a wonderful golden axe.

“Is this your axe?” Mercury asked the woodman.

“No,” answered the honest woodman, “that is not my axe.”

Mercury laid the golden axe on the bank and sprang back into the pool. This time he brought up an axe of silver, but the woodman declared again that his axe was just an ordinary one with a wooden handle.

Mercury dived down for the third time, and when he came up again he had the very axe that had been lost.

The poor woodman was very glad that his axe had been found and could not thank the kind god enough. Mercury was greatly pleased with the woodman’s honesty.

“I admire your honesty,” he said, “and as a reward you may have all three axes, the gold and the silver as well as your own.”

The happy woodman returned to his home with his treasures, and soon the story of his good fortune was known to everybody in the village. Now there were several woodmen in the village who believed that they could easily win the same good fortune. They hurried out into the woods, one here, one there, and hiding their axes in the bushes, pretended they had lost them. Then they wept and wailed and called on Mercury to help them.

And indeed, Mercury did appear, first to this one, then to that. To each one he showed an axe of gold, and each one eagerly claimed it to be the one he had lost. But Mercury did not give them the golden axe. Oh no! Instead he gave them each a hard whack over the head with it and sent them home. And when they returned next day to look for their own axes, they were nowhere to be found.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

James Bond arrested as probe into land giveaways deepens …lies about being asked to take polygraph test – Police

A

ttorney-at-Law James Bond was on Tuesday taken into Police custody in relation to the part he played in the giveaways of State lands at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

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

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

Attorney-at-Law James Bond

consent of the State.

However, in this case, both Life 1 Pharms Incorporated and A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc – which both leased 15 acres of land each from NICIL at an annual rate of US$11,700

– flipped those lands to a Chinese national for just $100.

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

However, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Tuesday confirmed that Bond was arrested. This newspaper was informed that the arrest was made acting on information provided to the police from their sources.

Bond, via his Facebook page, however, said that he was taken into custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

Avalon Jagnandan

Headquarters at Eve Leary and would remain in custody until the 72 hours have expired.

He noted that he had been asked to take a lie detector test in relation to allegations made against him

by Eddie Doolall and Avalon

Missing Haitians linked to human trafficking – Minister Benn …evidence shows 33,000 not in Guyana

Haitian nationals after arriving in Guyana last year

T

he 33,000 Haitians who came to Guyana within the past three years and are missing are reportedly linked to human trafficking.

This is according to Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who told media operatives on Monday that these persons are still unaccounted for and evidence suggests that they are not in Guyana.

Information has suggested that they used the country as a transit point to enter other countries.

“There are 33,000 persons of Haitian citizenship who have come to Guyana over the last three years and 2020 to date. Those who arrive are missing. We know that they are not in Guyana. We know many reports of them going over the Corentyne River, perhaps to French Guiana. We know that many of them are said to be going to Brazil. We believe that there are strong elements of human traffick-

ing and people smuggling in relation to this matter,” the Minister shared.

He went on to say that since taking office a few months ago, there were requests for persons of Haitian nationality to enter Guyana using charter flights.

However, these were denied but these persons have found other alternatives.

“I had refused the landing of a charter flight some time ago surprisingly from the Dominica Republic and Haiti, which was consisting of all Haitians. It appears that after that refusal, there have been attempts to come through Barbados on smaller planes and through Caribbean Airlines to continue what we view as trafficking.”

Minister Benn went on to say among the list of persons are seven children, and information suggests that they are not related to the persons they were travelling with. However, an in-

vestigation is in full swing.

Government is looking at measures which can be put in place, including the issuance of visas to curb these discrepancies.

“It does not appear that any of these children have any relation to the persons who they were travelling with. The investigations are underway and we anticipate that we will have these people return to their homes. We will have to institute a system with visas being issued before persons from any of those countries can come to Guyana,” Benn shared.

Up to August 2019, information showed that 8476 Haitian nationals arrived in the country, but the data showed that only 1170 have left, leaving more than 7000 immigrants unaccounted for.

While the issue of foreign nationals overstaying their time in the country is not a new one, the numbers have significantly increased since 2015. In 2013, 188 Haitians arrived in Guyana with 99 departures; and in 2014, 227 arrived and 113 departed But in 2015, there were 770 arrivals and only 136 departures; in 2016, 722 arrivals with 451 departures; in 2017, 3515 arrivals and 291 departures; and in 2018, 1237 arrivals with only 85 departures.

While the then APNU/ AFC Administration had contended that the immigrants may be leaving Guyana illegally to head to Brazil or Suriname (to head to French Guiana), no concrete moves were made to monitor the situation or attempt to put a stop to the illegal movement of people.

The legislative adjustment to Schedule II of the Immigration Act, Cap 14:02 was amended to include

Haiti as a beneficiary to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which facilitates free movement within the region and automatic entry and stay of six months in Caricom countries.

Prior to the amendment, the Act had facilitated the six-month automatic stay to other Caricom member states including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago with the exception of Haiti, whose nationals had required a visa and were only allowed to stay for up to 90 days or three months.

Since then, Haitians no longer need a visa to travel to Guyana and are afforded the same treatment and welcome that other Caricom nationals have enjoyed.

Jagnandan in relation to the flipping of the lands.

However, the Guyana Police Force has denied Bond’s statement which purported that he was asked to take a polygraph test. In a statement, the Force said Bond was arrested and is in custody, adding that no request for a lie detector test was made nor does it have any intention to make such a request.

Jagnandan, proprietor of Life 1 Pharms Incorporated and Doolall of A-Z Pharmaceutical Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc were already questioned by the police in relation to the flipping of the lands. Both men, in their statements to Police, implicated Bond as the person who arranged the sale of the lands. Both men have similar stories of being told by Bond to apply to NICIL for the land, after which a buyer was found by the former Member of Parliament.

The issue of sub-leased lands came to the fore after Attorney General Anil Nandlall revealed that A-Z Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Equipment Inc with its address listed at 1321 EE Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Life 1 Pharms Incorporated listed at Grove, EBD, leased 15 acres of land each at Peters Hall, EBD, from NICIL for 20 years at a rate of US$11,700 per year.

Both companies, by way of Deed of Assignment, subleased the land to a Chinese national of Lot 43 Wellington Street, Georgetown for just $100.

The State Lands Act of Guyana stipulates that when State lands are leased, the lease must state that the lessee must not part with possession without the consent of the landlord (the State) or shall not assign the interest in the lease without the consent of the landlord.

If the lessee acts in contravention of that clause, then the State reserves the right to step in and repossess the

Eddie Doolall

lands.

However, in the case of the two agreements at Peters Hall, PNC member and Attorney-at-Law James Bond, in drafting the lease agreements, changed that to state: “the lessee may assign, sublet, grant any licenses or otherwise part with the possession and/ or purpose and/or dispose of the whole or any part of the demised property or any building or other erection at any time standing thereon or any right or privilege in relations thereto conferred by this agreement.”

Since then, the police have been called in and an investigation is underway.

The AG had revealed that 20 acres of land was leased for 20 years to Arken Group with its address listed as Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

The lands referred to as Plots A1, A2, A3, and A4 amounted to 20.8 acres, which were not valuated prior to the signing of the lease on May 9, 2018, for an annual fee of US$16,224. The land was later sold to a company connected to the oil and gas industry for US$1 million, which did not go to the owner, rather to the attorney on record, which is Bond.

Nandlall had said that the address for the company is the same address that Bond has listed on his bank account as his place of residence.

Bridging of Corentyne River...

Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform Agreement

Another one of the agreements inked between the two countries is the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform Agreement, which outlines areas of mutual interest and provides a platform for investment and collaboration.

President Santokhi related that the importance of bilateral engagements was underscored during his initial dialogue with President Ali. “During our deliberations today, we have reiterated the importance of further deepening of the political dialogue at the highest level and to give direction to and monitor the bilateral negotiations and future undertakings in or-

der to achieve tangible development results. With the recent oil findings in both countries and the mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic, the momentum is there to target our focus on sustainable development solutions and the common existing challenges of the two developing countries,” Santokhi noted.

President Ali told those at the signing event that several areas for possible cooperation were discussed between the two countries and that the formalisation of the new cooperation mechanism is integral to advancing those discussions.

“This [Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform Agreement] establishes a framework for dialogue and cooperation which will guide our future collaborative ef-

FROM PAGE 3

forts aimed at improving the lives of our people in every possible way. We expect that the joint working groups meet expeditiously to agree and activate the work programme,” Ali said.

He noted that both Guyana and Suriname recognises the importance of engaging the private sector in the strategic plan for development and explained that in that regard, both countries have agreed to the creation of a Guyana-Suriname Business Facilitation Unit to manage and facilitate collaborations between the private sectors.

The Unit would also provide investment and business opportunities for agriculture, tourism and fisheries among other sectors.

8

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Disappearing…

I

…GuySuCo’s assets n a year of astonishing events, your Eyewitness is yet astounded by a statement he just read in the newspapers made by the GuySuCo Operations Manager: all the “field machinery in the three estates that we are reopening have ‘disappeared’”! You read that right: “DISAPPEARED”! Now, sugar estates’ “field machinery” aren’t little “hoes and shovels” any longer…that was done away with after slavery and indentureship.

After WWII, GuySuCo – then still privately owned by British firms like Bookers – introduced a move to increase the “mechanization” of its field operations. Scads of huge TRACTORS were purchased to plough the fields – and, in one stroke, displaced thousands of workers who used to fork the soil - going much deeper than before to increase the aeration of the cane roots. Some smaller tractors were also used for pulling punts filled with workers to the fields in the mornings, and punts filled with cane to the factories in the afternoons. The huge tractors for “mechanical tillage” were a revolutionary step in the sugar plantations, to increase productivity – and of course cost a bundle.

Leaving nothing to the imagination as to what the Manager was talking about, GuySuCo announced they were requisitioning $1.5 BILLION for the replacement of tractors. Even though they explained that these latest tractors were more specialised for cane farming, and were costlier…we’re yet talking about BILLIONS for just replacing tractors that “disappeared”!!

But the point your Eyewitness wants to emphasise is that if TRACTORS could disappear, what about other pieces of equipment and assets of GuySuCo?? Are the ploughs that the tractors pulled also gone? Have the EXCAVATORS and dredges (draglines) that kept the canals clear also disappeared? What about all the computers and other equipment in the estates’ offices? Or vehicles that all managers and supervisors were supplied with? Gone with the wind?

Well, we know that was just a figure of speech, don’t we? These things just don’t “disappear” in the wind: they were LOOTED and sold for a pittance on the QT. And don’t let’s hear about being “given away”. GuySuCo never authorised any “giving away” of its property - that was the work of the SPU which took control of GuySuCo’s shuttered estates’ assets. And we come to the man who has to explain what the heck happened: Heath-London, the same fella who went into a frenzy of giving away GuySuCo’s lands!

London must be made to account for the disappearance of GuySuCo’s assets. Even if he didn’t steal them, he was made responsible for their assets - he was GuySuCo’s bailee, so to speak, and had a fiduciary duty to secure their safekeeping. The Opposition PNC will now make much political hay about new investment in the sugar industry.

They should also ask what happened to GuySuCo’s assets! …licences to steal After letting him swing in the wind for a month, the Police finally arrested PNC-affiliated lawyer James Bond for questioning in his role in the lands’ giveaway at Peters Hall. Like good strategists, the law enforcement officials started on the outside and slowly worked their way to the centre - the bag man!! And as with all good bag men, we know that he knows who the intellectual authors of this massive looting of Guyana’s wealth are.

Don’t for a moment think that a fella was in reality is no more than Volda’s Lawrence’s purse carrier planned all of this. This is waaaay above his pay grade! As your Eyewitness has already pointed out, the five-month delay occasioned by the PNC’s rigging attempt was driven by many desperations. And covering their tracks in their looting of state assets in all its forms was one of those “desperations”.

The Police just have to follow the money.

To get info from Bond, he must be shaken AND stirred! …rig tactic After WWI, the French built a wall where the Germans had invaded - and thought they were invincible. In WWII, the Germans simply circled AROUND the wall to defeat the Frenchies in a romp.

The PPP just wheeled around the PNC’s old “rigging” wall!

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJ shoots down objections against application to strike out election petition – case adjourned to November 30

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson

By Jarryl Bryan

petitions… grant what he’s asking, strike my own out and strike out the two petitions.

Myself and [Senior Counsel Douglas] Mendes will gladly assist you, your honour,” the Attorney General added, to chuckles from other assembled attorneys.

ed out that service of the petition on the second named respondent in the matters – APNU/AFC’s leader David Granger – was “out of time”.

She had pointed out that according to the rules, the petition must be served within five days of filing on the respondents, but the court records show that the petitions were served until September 25, 2020, when they were filed on September 15. The coalition’s side has, however, denied that service of the petition breached the rules.

T

he hearing of the two election petitions filed by persons associated with A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has been adjourned until November 30, 2020, with acting Chief Justice Roxane George shooting down objections against an application to strike out the petitions.

During Tuesday’s virtual hearing, Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson contended in his preliminary objections that Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s interlocutory application in the case was improper and should not be allowed.

He contended that the Case Management order previously issued should have been obeyed and that the AG should have only made the required submissions, rather than file his November 10 application seeking the dismissal of the election petitions.

“That CMC order is specific in its terms. In paragraph two it says permission is granted for the fourth named respondent to serve and file an application and submissions in relation to the petition, on or before October 29th,” Robertson said.

“And it is ordered that petitioners in both petitions serve and file affidavits in answer and submissions on or before November 12th. It is further ordered that the Attorney General be permitted to file submissions in relation to this application on or before November 12th.”

According to Robertson, Nandlall, therefore, could not have been allowed to file a different application. He reminded that the only reason they were at the hearing should be to hear oral arguments.

According to Nandlall, however, his application is merely an interlocutory application. Moreover, he noted that Robertson, who is appearing for Heston Bostwick, also deviated court orders and that therefore, his latest contention should either be rejected as frivolous and vexatious, or be used to strike out his own petition. In fact, Nandlall invited the Judge to entertain Robertson’s contentions.

“I want to emphasise that my friend is guilty of the same thing. So, if I am wrong, he is even more wrong. My application is simply an interlocutory application, so if my application is struck out it doesn’t really affect me. But his own, both petitions go,” Nandlall said.

“I didn’t mind the court upholding my friend’s submissions and striking out all the applications, including the two

Prejudicial

When it comes to Robertson’s objections that Nandlall’s application is from left field and prejudicial to the proceedings, the Attorney General rejected this.

According to him, all contentions in the petition are material facts of the case that Robertson should be acquainted with.

“There is nothing extraneous, in my application. No factual assertion that is alien to the record of this court. All the facts recited in that application are from the record of the court and from the court’s own pronouncements. There is not a single contention of fact Mr Robertson can point to, that could have caught him by surprise. I know the principles of law may have caught him by surprise, but not the facts,” Nandlall said.

Chief Justice George, meanwhile, expressed the view that Robertson’s objections were without merit, since Nandlall’s applications do not prejudice the proceedings. George was also of the view that Robertson, having also breached court orders previously, could see his election petition being struck out if he insisted on pressing his contention.

“You are also in violation since I said do not file anything that is not absolutely necessary, do not exhibit documents that are already before the courts. And you, Mr Robertson, have two sets of submissions in which you do have exhibited affidavits that have been filed,” the Chief Justice said.

“I could strike out what you have, similarly, since you also did not comply with the court’s order,” she said, to which Robertson apologised to the courts. It was ultimately decided to have the matter adjourned until November 30.

Nandlall’s application, filed on November 10, had requested the dismissal of the election petition on the grounds that the petition was served in breach of the requirements under Section 2 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. Previously, Justice George had also raised concerns regarding the timing of the service of the petition during the previous case management hearing. In fact, she had point-

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Better for Guyana and Suriname to find synergies than to compete in O&G development – President Ali

G

uyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali and his delegation on Tuesday made a site visit to Staatsolie; the State oil company in Suriname, where he underscored the need for both countries to work together rather than to compete regarding the development of their oil

and gas resources.

“It is important that we bring synergies with what we do especially with the oil and gas sector. Yes, we are small counties, small populations, small human resource base, small investment portfolios but if we bring synergy to what we do we can have greater ben-

efit, greater local content and more resources flowing inward into the local economy,” Ali posited following the site visit.

With both Suriname and Guyana making massive oil finds in recent months, President Ali said that while there are questions about a shared shore

base project or deep water harbour, at this time both countries are exploring synergetic benefits. He added that discussion would ultimately progress from there but reiterated that identifying and aligning synergies remain the top priority of both Governments.

“When we talk about lo-

President Irfaan Ali at the Staatsolie site on Tuesday

cal content because of how the industry would emerge you can either be in direct competition with each other or you can either be supporting each other with synergies that bring benefits to both countries and that is the type of decision we have to make. That is the type of policy framework and formulation that we have to discuss.

“That is why these working groups are set up so that we are making decisions critical for the advancement of our countries long before we get to that point. So, we are hoping towards those synergies and that is why establishing and creating the necessary infrastructure that will enable us to achieve these goals are so essential and not only essential, but important to be accelerated if we are serious about making those synergies a reality,” the President posited.

President Ali acknowledged that it is true that both countries have shared challenges, shared threats and shared circumstances but posited that it is equally true that they also have shared opportunities ahead. He added that they are also looking beyond the oil and gas sector and seeking to bring synergies in the agriculture and tourism sectors among others.

“Opportunities that could only be realised if we have greater cooperation, greater collaboration and greater integration. This is what is going to lead to lasting sustainable relationships that will ultimately benefit the people of our country. Relationships based on mutual respect, shared values, development focus, people focus, focus on the integration and regionalisation of our people in an open and transparent manner, results-oriented forward-looking whilst recognising our individuality based on trust and joint action. This is what we are achieving together,” Ali said.

Guyana and Suriname, two emerging nations on the oil and gas front, have committed to lending support to each other to build capacity within the sector.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony, shares with its neighbour the offshore

Guyana-Suriname Basin, which the US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates to hold almost 14 billion barrels of oil and 32 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to Oilprice.com.

Oilprice.com recently stated that the part of the basin is under-explored and energy companies have not experienced the same degree of success as Exxon, Hess, and Tullow in Guyana. It is, however, believed that the US Geological Survey has underestimated the basin’s hydrocarbon potential, and recoverable oil and natural gas resources could substantially exceed its original estimates.

The Guyana-Suriname Basin’s considerable hydrocarbon potential is demonstrated by ExxonMobil’s multiple significant oil discoveries in Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block, Oilprice.com had stated.

Exxon has estimated that the total recoverable resource of Guyana’s Stabroek block to date amounts to more than 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Meanwhile, President Ali explained that the cooperation talks go way beyond the oil and gas sector to include other critical areas of development including agriculture and tourism.

President Ali was accompanied by the Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and members of his Government.

President Ali is on his first overseas visit since taking office. He will make an address to the Surinamese National Assembly in an extraordinary public meeting today.

The Surinamese Head of State had visited Guyana back in August for the inauguration of President Ali. In an update on their meeting in August, President Ali had indicated that the engagement between the two Heads of State was extensive, covering multiple sectors, and was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between Guyana and Suriname.

The President is accompanied by a high-level delegation who are also engaging in discussions in several other areas of cooperation.

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Suriname to resolve issues surrounding ferry service

President Santokhi to Guyana last August.

The two leaders on Tuesday finalised agreements to advance the proposal for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge and establish a new mechanism for enhanced dialogue and cooperation.

The President and First Lady are being accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Affairs

The Canawaima ferry

T

he authorities in Guyana and Suriname are working to have the ferry service between the two countries resumed as early as possible and are exploring a temporary arrangement to fill the gap.

During a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo on Tuesday, both Presidents Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi related that the issue was part of the agenda during engagements between the two sides and it was agreed that the working group will implement steps to have the matter resolved.

It has been months since the Canawaima ferry has been out of operation. There was also no meeting recently by the two Boards to work to find a solution.

“There will be change on that situation,” President Santokhi declared.

The Suriname Head of State disclosed that it was agreed that the issue of the Canawaima ferry will be on the agenda for some time and the working group will start discussions in the coming

Caricom congratulates Suriname on 45th Independence Anniversary

T

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) has congratulated the Government and people of the Republic of Suriname on the country’s Forty-Fifth Anniversary of Independence, to be celebrated today.

“The diligence, unity, creativity and innovation of the people of Suriname have been key to the continued development of the nation,” Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said in his congratulatory message to President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

“The values enshrined

The crossing at Moleson Creek

days.

“The direction the two Presidents have provided is firstly; that is there is a technical report designed by the Maritime Authority of Suriname which had carried out an examination of the vessel; so the two Boards should come together in the coming week, and to look at the report and based on the report, set out a timeline to bring that vessel to the dry dock in Paramaribo.

He added that once it goes to the dry dock, the two leaders will have to get advice from the Boards as to how they should move forward.

President Santokhi further revealed it was agreed that efforts will be made to involve the public and private sectors of both countries to look for solutions. This includes having a temporary vessel resume operations until a decision is made regarding the Canawaima ferry.

President Ali is currently on an official visit to the Republic of Suriname over the period November 23 to 26, 2020.

The Head of State has been engaged in discussions with his Surinamese counterpart to build on the issues advanced during the visit of

Minister Hugh Todd and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill. This is President Ali’s first oversees State visit since his inauguration.

The Republic of Suriname will celebrate the 45th Anniversary of its Independence on November 25. An Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly will be convened at which time President Ali will deliver a congratulatory message.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname were established on November 25, 1975.

in the motto on the coat of arms, Justitia Pietas Fides (Justice Faith Loyalty), have become a guiding light and will no doubt continue to fuel the country’s quest for continued success,” the Secretary General said.

He noted that Suriname continues to make significant contributions to the progress of regional integration.

“Caricom, therefore, looks forward to its ongo-

Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

ing leadership in the crucial areas of community development and cultural cooperation (including culture, gender, youth and sport) for which you, Excellency, have portfolio responsibilities in the Quasi-Cabinet of the Caricom Conference of Heads of Government,” the Secretary General told President Santokhi.

“I join with the Caribbean Community, in celebrating this anniversary with the Government and people of Suriname and extending best wishes for the continued advancement of the nation and the well-being of its people,” the Secretary General added.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Lands & Surveys Commissioner let go …Dr Vincent Adams also terminated as EPA Head

G

uyana Lands and Surveys Commissioner Trevor Benn, who has been on leave since September amid the revelations of a slew of questionable land sales emanating from his agency, has finally been given his marching orders.

It was confirmed that Benn has been terminated with effect from February 4, 2021, well ahead of when his contract was scheduled to end. In a letter from the Office of the President, he was informed by the Permanent Secretary that he was being given advanced notice of the termination of his contract.

Benn, who was appointed back in 2016 and formerly worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was

Terminated: Former GL&SC Head Trevor Benn

also asked to return any property belonging to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Under various pieces of legislation, the President of Guyana is allowed to delegate a number of pow-

ers vested in him. These legislations include the State Lands Act and the Lands Department Act in respect of sanctioning of renting and granting of leases, licences and permission of occupancy of all public lands, to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, exercisable by the Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

After assuming office in 2015, former President David Granger in 2016 had delegated his powers of approving and issuing leases and licenses of State lands to Benn, in his then capacity as Lands and Surveys Commissioner.

One of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government’s first acts in August was to revoke

Benn’s powers to approve and issue leases and licences, or to grant permission for occupancy of State lands. He was then sent on leave, after doing a handover statement to his successor Enrique Monize.

This publication had reported a few days ago that a slew of land transactions done by the GL&SC, which resulted in certificates of titles being issued to persons for lands sold under market value, are currently under review by the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

These cases bear similarities to the distribution of land by another agency, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Already, a number of persons have been arrested and questioned regarding the sale of land under similar circumstances by NICIL. It has been revealed that the former APNU/AFC Government vested almost 100 acres of prime State land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to eight different companies. All told, the total value of the lands is some $2.9 billion, but NICIL received only approximately $64 million in payments.

NICIL is also taking flak for the leasing of several plots of land at Peters Hall by two companies, A-Z Pharmaceuticals headed

by Eddie Doolall and Life 1

Meanwhile, Dr Vincent Adams, who for-

merly worked as the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has also been terminated from the agency as of Monday.

It was confirmed that Dr Adams received his letter of termination on Monday.

He had been on leave since August, following the change of Government.

Dr Adams, an executive member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), is an energy expert and scientist who has a PhD in Environmental Engineering and is a PhD Candidate in Petroleum and Geological Engineering, among other oil-related qualifications.

He acquired 30 years of service in the US Department of Energy (DoE) Environmental Management, including 10 years as a member of the Senior Executive Service Corps (highest ranking civilians, equivalent to the military Generals running the daily operations of Government) heading offices in both headquarters and the field.

When Dr Adams was first sent on leave, President Dr Irfaan Ali had indicated his interest in having the Government engage him at a professional level. At the same time, however, Ali had reminded of Adams’ political links with the former governing coalition.

Coast, is reportedly known to the suspect, a 57-yearold miner and on the day in question at about 16:45h, they were seen imbibing.

However, in the midst of them drinking, an argument broke out between them during which the suspect pulled out a knife from his waist and dealt the victim one chop to his left side face.

Following the incident, the victim visited the Anna Regina Police Station where a report was made. He was then issued with a medical form and escorted to the

Suddie Hospital by the police, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty.

He was later treated and admitted as a patient in a stable condition.

The suspect was later contacted by the police and arrested after the knife reportedly used in the crime was found on his person.

After interrogation, he admitted to chopping the victim but claimed that he acted in self-defence. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Terminated: Former EPA, Director Dr Vincent Adams

Pharms Incorporated headed by Avalon Jagnanan.

These lands were leased and then flipped for a profit.

Of interest too is the fact that in both lease agreements, a clause was deliberately modified to state that “the lessee may divest the land, may part with possession, may assign it to a third-party interest”.

However, Guyana’s State Lands Act stipulates that whenever State lands are leased, the lease agreement must indicate that the lessee “shall not” part with lands (possession) or “shall not” assign the interest in the said agreement without the consent of the State.

EPA

Essequibo man chopped during drinking spree

A

labourer of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Monday chopped to the face by his drinking buddy during an argument at Anna Regina Squatting Area.

Mortimer Sooknanan, 29, of Centenary Street Queenstown, Essequibo

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cabinet approves proposal to diversify Law Reform Commission

– Nandlall says APNU/AFC’s focus on lawyer commissioners “myopic”

W

hen the former Government passed the Law Reform Commission Act in 2016, it structured the body so that only lawyers could be on the Commission.

But Attorney General Anil Nandlall has described this as a “myopic” decision, one the Cabinet has approved changes to.

During a press conference on Monday at the Umana Yana, Nandlall revealed that he had tabled a proposal to Cabinet to have the Law Reform Commission Act amended to allow persons with varying expertise, whether in finance or law enforcement or in the social services sector, to sit on the Commission. “’All the persons who are to be appointed must be legally-trained persons’ – that is a most myopic and unfortunate view of how a law reform commission should be constituted. Yes, the Commission must have persons of legal and judicial qualifications and experience.

“But a law reform commission and law-making are much more than technical law. There are social, financial, ethnic and cultural components. There are rights components. So when the Commission sits, it sits as an organisation that not only represents the entire society, but is qualified to canvas the interest of the entire society.”

But according to the Attorney General, the Cabinet has approved the proposed changes and as

Seated from left: Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels and Attorney General Anil Nandlall during the press conference at Umana Yana

such, it would be tabled in the National Assembly.

Nandlall also explained that the amended bill would mandate that certain sections of society must be consulted in order for them to provide nominees to be appointed.

“Cabinet has approved certain amendments to the Law Reform Commission Act that will see the appointments of persons other than lawyers: persons that are trained in finance, natural science, social sciences, law enforcement and law,” Nandlall explained during the press conference.

“The Law Reform Commission reforms the laws of the country and the laws cater for much more than the executive government of the day. It caters for every single person in

the country. So, to monopolise that appointment power only in the executive and for

the executives to determine by themselves who should constitute that commission,

in my humble view, that is not what should be reflected.”

The Law Reform Commission Act, which was piloted by former Attorney General Basil Williams, was enacted in January 2016 under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

According to that 2016 Act, the Law Reform Commission is a statutory body which shall consist of three to seven members including a Chairperson, who is appointed by the President, following consultation with the Legal Affairs Minister.

The amended Law Reform Commission Bill is just one of several bills the Government plans to table by this year end.

Other bills to be laid in the

National Assembly are the Small Business Bill, which will cover small businesses through financing and a regime of protection, as they move from stage to stage.

The Bail Bill, which is currently in circulation for consultation, will also be placed before the National Assembly. Nandlall had previously revealed that the Hire Purchase Bill would also be tabled in the National Assembly. He added that the legislation would give wider latitude and cover consumers who are making purchases on credit.

The Legal Affairs Minister had also revealed that an amendment to the Insurance Act was being crafted. The amended Act will allow third parties in a motor-vehicle accident to have greater coverage.

Albion man gets 3 years for ganja possession

A

39-year-old man was arrested and charged on Tuesday after he was found with a quantity of marijuana in his possession.

Khemraj Ramlall, of Lot 2 Doctor Bush, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was arrested after he was found with 20 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on the same day he was arrested, and pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was subsequently sen-

tenced to 36 months in prison for the offence.

Just days ago, a 44-yearold salesman of Church of God Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested after a quantity of ganja and methamphetamine was discovered in his haversack at Itaballi Checkpoint, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Guyana Times understands that Police ranks intercepted a truck and instructed the occupants to disembark with their belongings.

At the time, the occupants were the driver, the salesman, and a porter. During the operation, the Police con-

Khemraj Ramlall

ducted a search of a camouflage haversack belonging to the suspect and the ganja and the methamphetamine were found hidden in a multi-coloured hammock.

As such, the salesman was told of the offence, cautioned, and later admitted ownership of the drugs.

He was subsequently escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where the ganja and the methamphetamine were weighed. They amounted to 791 grams and 26 grams respectively.

Lawmen have since instituted charges against the salesman.

14

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Thomas’s insulting demand that Bharrat Jagdeo “go back to farming” is reprehensible

M

s Adreyanna Thomas last week penned a most reprehensible demand. I doubt Bharrat Jagdeo read the diatribe; he does not waste his time reading nonsense.

I read the nonsense because someone highlighted it in a response. Among the many things Ms. Thomas said was that Jagdeo’s time came and went; and, essentially, he is now old news. But her demand that Jagdeo should just “go back to farming” most raised my ire. It is insulting to Jagdeo for sure. But Bharrat Jagdeo is more than capable of dealing with Thomas. He needs no help in that regard.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy I am certain he simply laughed and dismissed it.

However, Thomas insulted farmers by insinuating that farmers have nothing useful to contribute, that farming is something that has no meaningful contributions to make in the development of our country. I will just leave this here: Farmers invest between $50B and $100B annually into Guyana’s economy. They should be celebrated, not denigrated.

A few weeks earlier, Ms. Thomas announced to the nation she would be a Presidential Candidate in 2025. I have always said that those who believe they can do a better job than those persons in leadership right now should run for leadership roles, including the presidency. I therefore encourage Ms. Thomas to pursue her ambition, but making a name for yourself by insulting others is the most reliable way to reduce and eliminate your chances of making any impact. Ms. Thomas has made an inauspicious start in her campaign for the presidency.

As for Bharrat Jagdeo, no politician at this time is more admired, liked and respected. It is an understatement to say he is a hero among the majority of Guyanese people. He is definitely a hero among PPP supporters. But even among non-PPP supporters, even among many diehard PNC supporters, Bharrat Jagdeo is respected.

This much we do know: that had Bharrat Jagdeo been able to run for the Presidency in 2020, he would have won hands down.

Everybody knows that were it possible for Bharrat Jagdeo to run for the Presidency anytime in the future, no one would be able to beat him.

This much we also know: that Ms. Thomas has never been, and never will be, able to match Bharrat Jagdeo.

Bharrat Jagdeo led Guyana as President for 12 years. Those 12 years remain today as the most productive years in Guyana’s entire history. This is in spite of the heinous efforts of the PNC to make Guyana ungovernable, to create chaos in our country. It was a period in which Guyana’s reputation internally grew, and in which Guyana’s modernisation began. Guyana began its march as a leader of the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and for this, Jagdeo earned the UN title as Champion of the Earth.

But lest we forget, as Minister of Finance and then continuing as President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo had one of his greatest successes, something people have often tended to overlook - his management of Guyana’s debt crisis. He took one of the world’s most indebted countries and created one of the most stable financial macroeconomic platforms. When he became Finance Minister, the country’s debt was more than 900% its GDP. Few countries have ever experienced such a debilitating debt crisis. He managed Guyana’s economy with this albatross around our collective necks.

When he left office, Guyana went from one of the worst debt crises to one of the countries in the Caribbean and in the world with the lowest debt as a percentage of its GDP. From a debilitating 94% of Guyana revenue annually needed to service Guyana’s debt, Guyana moved to a country with among the lowest debt servicing %.

It was Jagdeo who spectacularly led the PPP’s comeback to Government after just a single term in Opposition. Not long before the PPP’s no-confidence motion against David Granger’s APNU+AFC Government on December 21st, 2018, Jagdeo led the PPP to one of the most resounding local government victories anywhere in the Caribbean ever. But that followed Raphael Trotman’s bellicose outburst in Parliament calling Jagdeo a relic of the past, Dr. Gloom and Doom etc. Jagdeo, I remembered, was not angry, was not dismayed; rather, he laughed at Trotman. And Thomas is no Trotman. The truth is Thomas is going nowhere in her ambition to be President. Nice try, trying to use Bharrat Jagdeo’s name to gain fame.

But this same Thomas had not a word to say when David Granger and his hapless crew tried clumsily to thief an election.

When Granger’s gang tried to introduce voodoo mathematics in Guyana, trying to persuade the world that 33 is not more than 32, where was Thomas?

When Mingo, Lowenfield, Volda Lawrence and others were openly thieving the election in front of the world and in the presence of several former Prime Ministers from CARICOM and Africa, where was Thomas? I know where Guyana’s farmers were. They stood in solidarity and rejected Granger’s and APNU’s effort to thief the elections. When Ms. Thomas runs for the Presidency in 2025, she must know farmers stood for freedom and democracy, which allows her the honour of running for the Presidency.

Unidentified pedestrian killed after walking into path of truck

A

n unidentified pedestrian met his demise on Monday after he was struck by a truck along the Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown. The accident reportedly occurred at about 07:10h and involved a truck driven by a 33-yearold man of Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Police investigations revealed that the truck was proceeding towards Georgetown along the Agricola Public Road at the time when the third lane for northbound traffic was activated.

However, in the vicinity of Agricola road head, the driver claimed that he observed a man standing on the median but he suddenly attempted to cross the road without paying attention to the southbound traffic.

As such, he walked into the path of the truck, thus causing a collision. As he fell onto the roadway, the truck’s rear right side wheel ran over both of his legs.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and

Linden man robbed of motorcycle at gunpoint

M

oments after arriving at home, 30-year-old Clifton Halley, a plant operator of Buck Hill, Wismar Squatting Area, Linden, was on Monday evening robbed of his motorcycle by a lone gunman.

Based on reports received at about 19:00h on the day in question, after picking up some documents with his sister, the man parked the motorcycle in front of his home and went inside to pick up his working bag to head to work.

As he exited his home and approached his motorcycle, he was confronted by the perpetrator who was wearing a mask and dark coloured clothing. The perpetrator reportedly held the young man at gunpoint and demanded the key to the motorcycle.

Out of fear of being shot, Halley handed over the key after which the suspect jumped on the motorcycle and drove off. The matter was reported to the police but no arrests were made.

The motorcycle is a Black XR bearing registration number CJ 9299. The value of the motorcycle is estimated at $450,000.

There has been an increase in armed robberies throughout the country, resulting in persons being injured in the process. The police have not released any statistics of the crime situation of recent.

Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram

rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was attended to by a doctor on duty and admitted in a critical condition. He would have suffered severe head injuries, internal bleeding and broken legs.

The pedestrian, nevertheless, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning at about 07:30h while being treated in the Emergency

Unit. Following the accident, the driver of the truck was taken into custody and he is assisting with investigations.

On Monday, at the launch of Road Safety Week, Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram disclosed that fatal accidents in Guyana for the year thus far have increased by a whopping 37 per cent when compared to the same time in 2019.

“When we look at the comparison of last year and this year to date, we see clearly that there is a increase in fatal accidents,” Senior Superintendent Ashram noted.

For the year 2020, there were 115 accidents, resulting in 125 deaths. From the fatalities, five were children.

In comparison, the same period in 2019 recorded 84 accidents and 94 deaths. A significant amount of these accidents was caused by speeding and intoxicated drivers.

Meanwhile, the Traffic

Department has made a total of 46,266 cases against errant drivers thus far 19,179 of the cases were for speeding, 786 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1924 for breaching traffic light signals and 986 for failure to wear seat belts.

Some cases were made out against persons who were using their mobile phones while driving.

He reiterated that the loss of so many lives for the year thus far is unacceptable while stressing that in order to enable safer roadways for both pedestrians and drivers, the traffic rules must be adhered to.

“We as road users need to change our attitude and driving habits, follow the traffic rules and guidelines and adopt disciplined road safety measures, which is important in promoting safe driving practice which play an effort in achieving safer roads, streets and highways,” the Traffic Chief noted.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 148th COVID-19 death, 35 new cases – Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina latest victim

T

he Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina, Rudolph Williams is reportedly the latest victim to have succumbed to the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), after he tested positive and was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

This is one of two deaths to be reported on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 148.

Williams died on Tuesday afternoon while receiving treatment. Guyana Times understands that he was diagnosed about two weeks ago and admitted to the Suddie Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to GPHC. His family has been placed in home quarantine.

Meanwhile, the second death was an 87-year-old man of Siparuta village, Corentyne River, Region Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne). The man

Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina, Rudolph Williams

died while receiving medical care at one of Guyana’s medical facilities. He was the second victim to have succumbed to the virus from the Amerindian settlement.

In addition, the Health Ministry reported that 35 new cases were recorded as of Tuesday, taking the total number of persons infected with the virus to 5189, which comprise

2693 males and 2496 females.

The Ministry reported that seven persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while another 72 are in institutional isolation, 766 are in home isolation and 36 patients are in institutional quarantine.

The total number of active cases is 843.

Out of the grand total, 4204 persons have recovered from the virus. So far, Guyana has tested 28,160 persons since the first case of the virus was detected in March.

Nevertheless, new cases were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

An update on the situation in Siparuta showed that 35

positives have been confirmed.

A team has been sent into the community to bring the situation under control. The Health Minister said while there isn’t any lockdown, the Regional Health Office is considering such actions should the cases increase.

Meanwhile, health teams are also monitoring 52 cases in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has urged businesses and the general public to ensure full compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines, as the upcoming Christmas season takes effect.

He shared this position during Tuesday’s update, noting that Operation COVICURB will be strengthened in some areas, to sensitise the public. Stakeholders are urged to comply with all of the guidelines, since Christmas brings a host of activities.

“We want to talk to responsible citizens and businesses to really come on board because we are going into the Christmas season and if we behave responsibly, we will be able to stabilise the number of cases that we are having,” Dr Anthony emphasised.

He noted that irresponsible behaviour could cause the situation to spiral out of control, in-

fecting many people and overwhelming the health system.

“We want to urge people and businesses to put in place measures to help us with a reduction in these cases. Those measures would include to ensure people coming to your business wear a mask, sanitise their hands and that you try to have social distancing. If you have too many people crowding

up, they can easily get infected because we don’t know who are the carriers of this infection, who might be asymptomatic.”

He said some of the business outlets have been doing a “fantastic” job with the implementation of measures to protect the employees and customers but more people must come onboard with compliance.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuySuCo to miss 90,000-tonne production target due to weather conditions – CEO …as entity forges ahead with plans to infiltrate value-added markets

T

he entire week of rainfall at the beginning of November is being blamed for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) potentially missing its production target of 90,000 tonnes sugar.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Sasenarine Singh, on Monday stated that the unprecedent rainfall is to be blamed for the potential miss in the production target, and added that GuySuCo intends to work around the clock to recover from that loss.

“Even if the weather going forward is good, it would be difficult for GuySuCo to surpass 90,000 tonnes in 2020. That was a real possibility at the end of September 2020, and after the November rains, it blew away that opportunity and we have at best three weeks left. So far, we have about 80,670 tonnes of sugar produced, and we are pushing to have (90,000) by the end of the three weeks (remaining for the crop),” Singh said.

He explained that the

sugar workers are working beyond the call of duty to ensure that as much sugar is produced as is possible.

Singh related that due to the rains, the Corporation lost the opportunity to produce almost $354 million in sugar across the three functional estates – Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, and Rose Hall and Blairmont in Berbice.

“This is a serious situation, because that is $354 million that we could have been using to invest in the sugar industry and pursue the 2021 plan. So, this situation is heart-rending since it affected the approximately 8,800 sugar workers, but we have accepted it and we are planning for 2021, to ensure that we do not lose the available opportunity days,” he said.

He noted that one of the biggest challenges that GuySuCo has been facing for the past five years is that its opportunity days in tillage have now moved from about

and Rose Hall estates by 2022. It is expected that the Rose Hall factory would be the first to become operational, while the Skeldon factory would be returned to operation by 2023. The Wales Factory would be divested.

Value-added markets

Sasenarine Singh

120 days per year to about 70 days a year. That means that the Corporation needs to work extra hard and around the clock on those days in an effort to achieve its tillage programme and increase yield.

In an effort to ensure that maximum use is made of the favourable days, the Corporation needs to ensure it has the right equipment for the job, according to the CEO. “If GuySuCo does not have the right equipment in the field at the start of the

first crop in February 2021, then this entire 2021 plan to produce 97,000 tonnes of sugar in 2021 is in clear and present danger. If we do not have the right tilling machines in February, then the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate and the Enmore Estate in 2022 is also in clear and present danger,” he warned.

Back in 2016, the former APNU/AFC closed the Wales Estate, and, the following year, shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates, putting over 7,000 sugar workers on the breadline. The downsizing of the sugar industry saw only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion estates being in operation. The assets of the closed estates were put under the control of the Special Purpose Unit of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for divestment.

The Corporation is eyeing the reopening of Enmore

Meanwhile, the CEO has said the vision is to take the sugar industry up the value chain by placing more emphasis on value-added products, which means more revenue.

“We (are) not talking about fish farming or milk production, we are talking about diversification along sugar-related products: things that have a base in cane; speaking to things like ethanol production, industrial grade white sugar, glucose production, liquid sugars, distillery, packaged sugar and agro heritage tourism.

When you visit some of these estates, you fall in love with how they are beautifully crafted, and there are opportunities there for families of Guyana to spend some time understanding what it is all about.

“The short-term focus remains moving away from bulk sugar that we dump on the world market to putting more sugar in bags and packages. We (are) talking about lots of packages,” he explained.

He noted that the process of moving up the value chain has already commenced with the restarting of the Enmore Packaging Facility. Singh informed that there are currently two production lines working, and the parts for the third one would be in the country by early next year. He added that, by mid2021, the Enmore Packaging Facility would be operating at maximum capacity, with all 4 production lines in operation.

Singh had told this publication in September that the revenue stream has to go up, and the only way that can happen is by moving to higher -value sugar-related products.

“Packaging sugar! We have to go more into pack-

aging sugar, because we get a greater value. We can get packaging sugar as high as US$700 a ton, and we sell

sugar on the bulk sugar market and we get almost US$300 less than that.

“We are moving every-

thing up the value chain: bagged sugar, packaged sugar, a refinery is a big focus,” Singh had said.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

NEWS

Guyana Metal Recyclers Association calls for swift reopening of trade …says 90% of workers on breadline …Min Benn says trade will resume when protocols are in place

T

he Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA) is calling for a resumption of the scrap metal trade after it was suspended by Government following the discovery of cocaine in a shipment to Belgium.

GMRA General Secretary Steven Bourne told Guyana Times on Tuesday that a meeting was convened with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn where it was communicated that all scrap metal dealers should not be affected by the recent drug find.

Bourne explained that with the closure of the trade, about 90 per cent of workers in the sector were on the breadline.

“This situation, with drugs in exports, is found in many cargos leaving Guyana and it’s not specific to scrap metal export. We pleaded with the Honourable

Minister to ensure that systems are in put in place so we can continue exporting.

The losses are tremendous, because hundreds of people are employed and they look forward for their daily bread. Most of the exporters would have to lay off about 90 per cent of them,” the General Secretary said.

It was contended that when the trade reopens, it must benefit all stakeholders involved. This pub-

lication understands that the licences for scrap metal shipment have been suspended since September 30 – this was prior to the drug bust in November.

However, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond had resolved the causative issue, indicating during a recent meeting that trade would resume by December 15.

The Home Affairs

Ministry would also have to greenlight the resumption.

Minister Benn told media operatives on Monday that the scrap metal trade would resume once protocols were in place to oversee the loading of containers and other surveillance measures.

He said stakeholders were eagerly anticipating the resumption of the trade.

For them to be given the greenlight, collaboration between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is necessary.

“I had a meeting with some scrap metal traders last week, who were anxious to get back into business and I said we couldn’t support that decision, because new protocols have to be put in place and some joint arrangements have to be put in place between the CANU, GRA and others in respect of surveillance, packing of the

containers and movement from the place of scanning to where they are loaded onto the vessels,” the Minister expressed.

Drug bust

It was reported that Belgian authorities had intercepted a vessel that allegedly left Guyana in October with a whopping 11.5 tonnes of cocaine – the largest drug bust ever.

The estimated street value of the narcotic was pegged at €900 million or US$1.06 billion. The drug was disguised as scrap metal and placed inside a steel container, which was, in turn, packed into a shipping container and loaded onto a transatlantic vessel.

According to the report, the massive load of cocaine left Guyana in late October.

CANU Head James Singh told this media house that investigations have so

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

far revealed that the huge quantity of cocaine was imported into Guyana from another country after which it was stockpiled and then loaded into the container and ultimately onto the vessel, which reportedly left Guyana in September.

Images of the scanned container had disappeared thus leading to the arrest of several employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). CANU has since issued a wanted bulletin for businessman Marlon Primo in connection with the Belgian drug bust.

Baker Hughes to build US$8M oil field facility at Land of Canaan

U

S energy technology company Baker Hughes is looking to invest over US$8 million to build an oil field service facility in Guyana that will support upstream operations.

That information was revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which previously announced that the company had sub-

mitted an application for the facility which is expected to be constructed at Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara.

Construction of the facility is expected to take between six to eight months.

Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial custom-

ers worldwide and has operations in over 120 countries.

According to a recent report by BNamericas, the oil field facility will be supported by multiple product lines and serve as an assembly maintenance and overhaul centre to clean, inspect, disassemble, and assemble tools for completions, wireline and drilling services.

Baker Hughes highlights the Guyana Government’s push for oil and gas operators to develop and utilise supply bases in Guyana.

Other international service providers such as Halliburton, Saipem, Schlumberger and TechnipFMC also have stepped up efforts to establish a presence in the country and hire local professionals.

In a recent presentation, TechnipFMC highlighted

US$500 million-US$1 billion in subsea opportunities from the Payara development at the offshore Stabroek Block

US energy technology company Baker Hughes

that Guyana approved some weeks ago.

Guyana is expected to significantly ramp up oil production in the coming years. US

oil giant, Exxon has estimated that there are eight billion barrels of recoverable reserves in the Stabroek Block.

The Payara project is expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day and contain up to 45 wells inclusive of production, water and gas injection wells.

Payara is the third Field Development Plan (FDP) from Exxon to gain approval. The first FDP that the Guyana Government approved was for Liza Phase One, while Liza Phase Two is expected to start up in 2022.

Several investors in the oil and gas industry have already taken steps to establish their presence in Guyana.

Former Guyanese Ambassador to China passes on

F

ormer Guyanese Ambassador to China, Peter Winston on Tuesday passed away at his home, at the age

of 79.

Winston, who is also a retired Foreign Service Officer, served in several countries, including Russia, China and Jamaica. After his stint, he returned to his homeland to continue working with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, until he reached the age for retirement.

In March 1980, he received his accreditation as Ambassador. From 1982 to 1989 he was Ambassador in Moscow. He was also President of Guyana Amateur Radio Association.

Peter Winston

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

19

NEWS

GPSU rewards 23 NGSA students with bursary awards

Guyana’s NGSA top student, Samuel Barkoye being awarded for his performance

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Monday presented Bursary Awards to 23 students who wrote the 2020 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). These were students whose parent or legal guardian has been a member of the GPSU. Nevertheless, a special award was given to Guyana’s NGSA top student, Samuel Barkoye of the North Georgetown Primary School.

As a result of his academic achievement, he joined his siblings at the prestigious Queen’s College. Barkoye expressed his passion for problem-solving and believes in the theme of “balance”.

He would have represented his alma mater in table tennis and cricket tournaments, and gave firm support in an inter-school Jeopardy competition.

Among the others who were awarded are Sotana

Trial for murder of footballer to commence on Thursday

Accused: Alvin “Hot Skull” Jones

T

wenty-eight-year-old Alvin Jones pleaded not guilty to the 2017 murder of footballer Paul Daniels when he appeared before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court on Monday.

Jones, also known as “Hot Skull” of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was ordered to stand trial in the High Court for the February 2017 murder.

On Monday, a 12-member jury was empanelled to listen to the case, which will commence on Thursday.

The accused is being represented by Attorney Stanley Moore while Prosecutor Shawnette Austin is representing the State.

It was reported that during a robbery on February 2, 2017, at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown, Jones murdered Daniels.

Reports are that on the day in question, Daniels was at his girlfriend’s house when two armed men entered the house and relieved him of his gold chain and an undisclosed sum of cash.

As the men were escaping, Daniels reportedly attempted to chase after them, but instead, he was shot to the chest after which they left on two separate bicycles.

Daniels was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Following Police investigations and information received, Jones was arrested and charged for the murder.

A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was held into the fatal shooting during which the prosecution presented sufficient evidence against him to warrant a High Court trial.

Singh, Rondrey Lewis, Dimetra Gordon, Siddiqah Nizamudeen, Havish Singh, Karsten Amsterdam, Nailah Morgan, Chris Hicks, Rihana Parker, Careem Garraway, Aaliyah Parris, Shequlla Franklin, Punraj Yogashur, Kyla Gordon, Tyrell Nedd, Kyle Wayne, Kimberly Norton, Keanna Russell, Ria Rampaul, Jadon Mahadeo, Mekhi Beckles and Keira Roberts.

The parents and legal guardians were also recipients of awards.

In her address to the awardees, Education Officer Vera Naughton recognised the tremendous support provided by parents and teachers to the awardees while highlighting the long history of the Guyana Public Service Union in providing support to its members and

The awardees and their parents at the bursary award ceremony

their dependents.

She noted that the support by the GPSU often goes unnoticed, nevertheless, she added, the Union will be steadfast in its recognition of members’ needs and their achievements, and that of their dependents.

The feature address was

delivered by First Vice President of the Union, Dawn Gardener, who underscored that the parents of the top performer at NGSA are senior public servants, and that the Union was keen to approve all twenty-three applications received.

She commended the

awardees for the exemplary level of discipline demonstrated during this unprecedented challenging time brought about by COVID-19, and the challenges faced by parents who are subjected to risky work environments and then have to go home to attend to their children.

GPF, business community partner to bring relief to St Cuthbert's Mission

T

he Guyana Police Force Regional Division 4 C in collaboration with members of the business community on Saturday last handed over a total of 100 food hampers to be distributed to residents of St Cuthbert's Mission, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The items were handed over by Commander of Region 4 C, Senior Superintendent Khali Pareshram to Toshao of the Amerindian Reservation, Beverly Clenkan and Regional Councillor Pierre Andrews.

The Commander, during the handing over, noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected more than 208 persons of the community, a decision was taken to collaborate with the business community to provide assistance to the community which is currently on lockdown.

"The community is currently on lockdown, there is a joint service operation carrying out Operation COVICURB, everyone is in home isolation and hence there is a restriction on movements to and from the village, with that we've decided that we will assist" the Commander noted.

Also at the handing over were Division Welfare Officer, Assistant Superintendent Shevon Jupiter; Sub-Divisional Officer, Assistant Superintendent Alli and other ranks of the Division.

The businesses which assisted in the initiative were A&S General Contractors Inc, GSK Excavating Services, Choke Service Station, Panko Fabrication,

Members of the Guyana Police Force and the business community along with members of the Village Council at the handing over

Imran Ally & Sons General Hardware and P Ramroop & Sons.

The administration of the Force expressed gratitude to the businesses and en-

couraged others to come on board as the country combats the dreaded virus.

20

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020

News

Over 500 Guyanese re-employed at Aurora Gold Mine – as processing plant recommissioned

S

ome 587 Guyanese have been re-employed by Aurora Gold Mine, after being laid off earlier this year when the previous Guyana Goldfields, under management of the Canadians, had packed up shop and exited Guyana.

This was disclosed by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who, along with a team of Ministry officials and union representatives, visited the mining operations on Monday to recommission the company’s processing plant.

“This is quite outstanding, because, at our first meeting a few months back, a few weeks after we took office, the company reported that they would re-employ before December, but only two to three hundred Guyanese. So today we

are happy to learn that the company has already re-employed 587 Guyanese,” the Minister said.

Minister Bharrat said Aurora Gold Mine, which was recently acquired by Zijin Mining Group Company Limited, a Chinese company, will start full operations soon. “This is a positive step forward in creating employment for Guyanese, and to re-employ those who would have been laid off by Guyana Goldfields previously,” he said.

Minister Bharrat pointed out that Zijin Mining is also hoping to get approval to start regulated underground mining in Guyana.

The company is seeking to start operations by mid2021. This will see almost 200 additional Guyanese being employed, bringing the total close to 700.

However, Minister Bharrat noted that Guyana lacks the capacity to regulate underground mining.

He added that they have had discussions on building local capacity and bringing in experts to regulate the operations.

He also disclosed that the Natural Resources Ministry is seeking to partner with the company to develop the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC’s) mining school.

“If we are going to speak on local content as a country, and a Government demand employment for Guyanese, we need to build technical capabilities; we need to build capacity among our locals,” Minister Bharrat said.

Meanwhile, safety remains a primary concern for the Ministry. Consequently, an agreement was reached

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat greeting a Guyanese employee at the Aurora Gold Mine. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Joslyn McKenzie, is pictured at left

with the company for “two GGMC Mines Officers who will be permanently placed here at the Aurora Mines, to ensure that the regulations are followed, and to advise and guide the company as

to daily operations.”

Meanwhile, the Minister said the Environmental Protection Agency would be engaged to address any environmental matter.

Permanent Secretary

of the Ministry, Mr. Joslyn McKenzie; Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Dr. K. J. Srinivasa; and officers from the GGMC also attended Monday’s exercise.

Recent crimes against women in Guyana shocking – GRHA – as GPSU calls for elimination of gender-based violence

T

he Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has labelled as shocking the recent increase and regularity of violent crimes against women in Guyana, with reports of women being killed or facing the brunt of abuse.

This is the position of the GHRA on the commemoration of United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on November 25 (today).

“Elderly women living alone are targeted in robberies, and younger women and girls in crimes of passion involving deaths,

physical and verbal abuse, and extreme brutality by men. A concerted response to violence against women and girls by men must be prioritised over all other forms of criminality,” the GRHA has stated in a release.

According to the rights body, surveys and reports have not yet resulted in collaborative institutional protections to provide the care, support, advice and protection needed by a high percentage of women in Guyana.

“For over two decades, the GHRA, Red Thread and other community-based groups have

called for women-focused Police stations staffed by Policewomen trained in domestic violence and sexual offences, where women could be assured of a sensitive hearing by trained staff. While Health and Police services have separately improved their responses to women victims, they fall well-short of the joined-up response required”, the GHRA has said.

The GHRA statement contends that the extent to which victims have to go to prove the validity of accusations of violence is a good indicator of the gulf between need and response,

and charges that many women are killed because their complaints to law enforcement officials are not taken seriously.

“If someone claims to be a victim of a robbery, there is an instinctive belief that what they are saying is true. By contrast, women who end up murdered, stalked or badly beaten by males too often have failed to convince the Police when making previous complaints about the individual who eventually killed them…On review, relying on Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Guyana Police Force to develop a more thorough victim-oriented approach was misconceived,” the GRHA explained.

The GHRA statement goes on to say that the type of services needed to assist women needs to be massively expanded or multiplied across the country, providing official support services which women need to combat legal and medical challenges.

“Such service centres, if properly resourced, can influence their legal and medical colleagues into best practices, progressively reducing the isolation and autonomy which sustains many outdated and even inhumane practices. In other words, creating a network of safe havens staffed by professionals would focus on the health, welfare and safety of women and girls as a priority. Under current arrangements, too much energy is required simply to resist generations of prejudicial attitudes and institutional inertia.”

The statement also

referred to the $1 billion grant that has been made available to Guyana under the UNDP and EU Spotlight programme, and acknowledged that this volume of resources should make the approach sketched out above a realistic goal.

“This grant is sufficient to build capacity in the medical, Police and other services specifically geared to redress violence against women and girls.

Forensic health and criminal services are particularly woeful in this area”, the statement charges.

Eliminating genderbased violence

Meanwhile, the Guyana Public Service Union has shared some light on this commemoration, noting that this date came from the brutal assassination in 1960 of the three Mirabal sisters by political activists in the Dominican Republic on orders of the ruler Rafael Trujillo.

The General Assembly of the United Nations, on 20th December 1993, made a declaration on the elimination of violence against women. Now, the Union said, more should be done to address violence against women, recovery efforts, and gender-based violence.

“The Guyana Public

Service Union stands firm with the global movement which is devoted to ending gender-based violence. Everyone has a role to play; beyond that, it is imperative that we, as a Union, and we, as communities, undertake the challenging work of transforming the structures and cultures that allow and encourage sexual harassment and all other forms of gender-based violence to occur,” the GPSU said.

The Union has pledged to continue advocating for stronger institutional changes and thinking; promoting a culture of respect, care and protection; and fostering cohesion in times of despair.

“Domestic violence is prevalent, and saturates our social structures in societies, especially here in Guyana. These are conditions that would drastically affect workers in the world of work, and constitute a human rights violation that (affects every) fundamental protection of rights and dignity that all citizens of this world are entitled to. We will continue to support and fight for this just cause. Not until women and girls can live free of fear and from everyday insecurities can we truly say we live in a fair and equal world.”

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Put everything in perspective and follow the path that suits you best. Offering equality and appreciation will help you get what you want. A contractual or legal matter will be beneficial.

Spend less time worrying TAURUS about what others are doing (April 20and more time working toMay 20) ward your goals. Anger will not be helpful. It’s up to you to bring about the changes required for you to excel.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Being mysterious will be to your advantage. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable or risky position. If you keep your opinions and intentions to yourself, you’ll accomplish what you set out to do.

Spend more time developing your ideas and focusing on what will help your financial situation. Argument will be a waste of time.

Thinking ahead will lead to positive results.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t feel that you must agree with someone who is making decisions you don’t like. Do your own thing, and concentrate on honing and updating your skills. Be energetic and enthusiastic in all things.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change of scenery will help stimulate your mind.

You will get a tip on how best to use your skills to keep up with the latest trends and economic climate. Romance is favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Refuse to let anyone drag you down. An energetic approach to life, love and happiness will pay off. Embrace the future with an open mind. You will discover a new way to use your skills.

SCORPIO

Make personal changes that will improve your life.

Researching alternatives will help you make a better decision about where you want to live and how you want to spend your time.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Set up an area at home conducive to achieving your goals. Whether you are working on fitness, learning something new or expanding your interests, an allotted space will encourage success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Keep your opinions to yourself to avoid getting into a debate with a friend, peer or family member. Spend your time making positive changes. Personal growth and physical fitness are favored.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Pour your energy into getting ahead. Send out resumes, upgrade your skills or make professional or lifestyle changes. Take control of your life, and learn the lessons of the past.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Spend more time sorting through documents, legal paperwork, contracts or financial investments. Once you know where you stand, you’ll be able to make positive changes.

Take better care of yourself.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

4th Edition of Prime Minister’s T20 Cup…

Players excited and eager to showcase their skills, – says GSCL boss Ian John

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he 4th edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup, the premier softball competition in Guyana, is set to be held from Friday November 27 to

S u n d a y November 29, and its staging would be in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Despite the lack of spectators, President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL), Ian John, is optimistic that the tournament would generate the excitement it usual does.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, John was asked what this tournament brings to the table, and his response was: “We detect a sense of excitement as per

norm, with the build-up of this tournament.

W e were

hoping to have a bigger tournament this year, but because of COVID-19, that was not to be. Nevertheless, we are going ahead with what we have in our three categories.

“With the weather looking gloomy, we are still confident that the tournament will go ahead as planned. In terms of the preparation, the teams are preparing as per norm, as we know softball is played in all sorts of weather, but we still prefer that ideal weather to host our tournament. Despite that, the teams have been preparing themselves and getting ready for the tournament.”

John disclosed that, from the first ball bowled, things will be very e x c i t ing and competitive in all three categories of the tournament being contested.

He also noted that several players are coming in and going out of Guyana when he cautioned

W

playing cricket internationally.

“Sometimes it’s tough winning two World Cups and ranking at 9th in t h e world.

I t ’ s k i n d of unbalanced, but we will get back up there with the ranking as long as we continue to play our

FOR SALE Fresh Organic Ginger for Sale Tel. #688-4264 New Pulp Egg Tray for Sale. Tel# 6884264

PUPPIES FOR SALE Mix Breed Puppies For sale Contact : 253-3114/692-0126

that players must do their utmost to stay healthy and safe from the

VACANCY Forklift Operator - Able bodied. Basic Knowledge operating forklift - Mima Décor , 8 Sheriff Street Subryanville. mimadecor06@gmail.com - 2270176/86 Sales Representative - 2 Years experience - C.X.C passes (Maths and English included) - Mima Décor, 8 Sheriff Street. mimadecor06@gmail. com - 227-0176/86 One (1) Receptionist/Clerk Must know to read, write and speak Spanish fluently.

One Cook Must know to prepare Cuban dishes. Both positions require Valid Food Handlers Permit and Police Clearance. Call or WhatsApp : 681-8140

President of the GSCL Inc, Ian John

COVID-19 pandemic.

John has highly praised the COVID-19 Task Force for permitting the tournament to take place, and has pledged that the GSCL would do its best to ensure the protocol is completely followed and to the best standard.

Asked about the new format being employed in this edition, John said, “This new format is not the ideal situation, but we have to follow the guidelines and compete. Although the crowds would be lacking, the players are still excited to go out and show their skills. We are hoping that the plans we

Windies not worried by low T20 world ranking – Fletcher est Indies T20 opener Andre Fletcher insists the team does not sweat about its current position in the world rankings, which stands at 9th despite being two-time world champions.

Heading into the series against New Zealand, which bowls off on Friday, the Windies will stand a full three places below their hosts on the global charts. In terms of world titles in the format, however, it is the West Indies who lead, having claimed two, with New Zealand yet to win one.

Fletcher does not believe the rankings will influence the team in terms of the way it operates

CLASSIFIED ADS

brand of cricket,” Fletcher told members of the media.

“I don’t think anything will change, we’ll continue playing our brand of cricket,” he added.

Of course, one disparity that could account for the difference between the titles and w o r l d ranking is the fact

that the West Indies often has key players missing for T20 internationals, due to other T20 league commitments or injury.

They remain the only team to have claimed the title on two occasions. (Sportsmax)

have on stream would become reality in 2021 and beyond.

“I should note that the teams are happy, no matter the restrictions; they are extremely happy, and I pray that God grants us great weather so we can run off a successful tournament.”

John has also declared that he would like to thank

all the sponsors for coming on board. He urged the teams to please be on time as, with the year drawing to a close, darkness quickly descends on activities.

Further, he stated that the law governing the competition is that each team knows what it must do, and be ready and prepared to so do on time. The games will commence at 09:00 hrs. daily, while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Club ground during the course of the day.

Thompson-Herah among five shortlisted for Female Athlete of the Year recognition

J

amaica sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah has been included in a shortlist of five athletes in contention for the World Athletics 2020 Female Athlete of the Year recognition.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the international track and field calendar, the Jamaican has managed to record a series of strong performances. Thompson-Herah ran unbeaten over seven races, and also set a world-leading 10.85s over the 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Rome. Moreover, she closed the season with a strong 10.87s in Doha.

Making the final five with Thompson-Herah are Letesenbet G i d e y (Ethiopia); Sifan Hassan (Netherlands); P e r e s Jepchirchir (Kenya), and Yulimar Rojas

(Venezuela). Gidey set a World record of 14:06.62 over 5000m, and was second in the 5000m at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Monaco. Hassan also set a World record in the one-hour run, besides setting a European record of 29:36.67 over 10,000m, the fourth-fastest performance in history. Jepchirchir won the World half-marathon title and twice broke the World half-marathon record; while Rojas was undefeated in four triple-jump competitions indoors and outdoors, and broke the World Indoor triple-jump record with a leap of 15.43m.

The male and female World Athletes of the Year will be announced live at the World Athletics Awards 2020, to be staged as a virtual event on Saturday 5 December, and streamed live on the World Athletics YouTube channel, its Facebook page, and via Twitter.

(Sportsmax)

Jamaica sprinter Elaine ThompsonHerah

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

GCB/Tropical Springs Water 0-40 T20 tournament…

Regal Masters, WD Mavericks, RP Construction Legends script 3rd round wins

By Brandon Corlette at Enmore and Everest

I

n the third round of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Tropical Springs Waters Over-40 tournament, matches were played at two venues: Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club ground and Everest Cricket Club ground. Regal Masters, West Demerara Mavericks, and RP Construction Legends have each recorded a win. Details of the respective matches are as follows:

Regal Masters

Playing against the Bel Air Rubis 'Ultra Tec' team in sunny conditions at the Everest ground, Regal Masters registered a four-wicket win in the first match played.

Batting first, Bel Air Rubis scored 74-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Chandrika Jeenarine, batting down the order, top-scored with 16.

Regal Masters’ collective bowling effort saw Chien Gittens, Conrad Boele, David Dick and Eon Abel

Elroy Fernandes looks on as Lalta Suknanan cuts during his unbeaten 40

each claiming a wicket.

In reply, Masters completed their chase in 15.2 overs, ending on 75-6.

Roy Persaud led the batting with 21 from 20 balls.

Anthony Ifill made 15 at the top of the order, while Ejaz Mohammad contributed 12.

Shaun Messiah, seaming the ball around, was impressive with 2-6 in three overs, including one maiden.

In the second match at Everest, Sandpiper Masters were due to oppose KV Construction Masters, but the latter team withdrew

from the tournament.

West Demerara Mavericks

Despite the effects of slight early morning showers and overcast conditions at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, ECD, West Demerara Mavericks earned a thrilling six-wicket win over the West Demerara Masters.

Batting first, Mavericks piled up 106-4 in 17 overs, principally due to Lalta Suknanan, who was among the runs in the opening round, top-scoring with an

unbeaten 40, which was decorated with three fours and one six. He was supported by Munishwar Balgobin who scored a shot-filled 30, laced with two fours and one six. Ramesh Thakur, Steve Haripal and Sudesh Persaud each picked up a wicket.

In response, Masters ended on the losing side at 100-4 when their 17 overs expired. Thakur led the batting with 32, while Chabiraj Ramcharan (25) and Ram Tulsie (06) failed to see Masters over the line, having required 12 runs in the final over.

Suknanan capped off a fine all-round effort with 1-9 in three overs, while Mohan Chatram, Sohan Badasi and Navindra Kissoon supported with one wicket each.

RP Construction Legends

In the second match played at Enmore, an exciting contest saw RP Construction Legends defeating Everest Masters by 10 runs. The Legends scored 110-7 in 20 overs, with

Ronald Jaisingh appeals against Dindyal

Parmanand Dindyal leading the way with an unbeaten 36, which included two fours. Dindyal rotated the strike and displayed sharpness between the wicket, running a rare three as well.

Ramchand Jailall contributed 27.

Bowling for Masters, Ronald Jaisingh, with a lowarm action, was the standout bowler, taking 4-13 in three top overs. In what looked like a controlled chase in the initial stages, Everest Masters fell away after only the top three batsmen had made useful contributions.

Sahed Mohamed top-

scored with 23, while Sokedeo Hardaiow contributed 18 and Basil Persaud made 16. Everest were 56-2 at one stage, but tight bowling from Seemangal Yadram (3-7) saw the final eight Everest wickets falling for 44 runs.

With Everest requiring 21 runs in the final over, play started off in eventful fashion with a boundary off a no-ball, but the promise was lost for Everest as they ended on 100 all out in 20 overs.

The fourth-round matches will continue tomorrow, Thursday November 26.

GFF hoping to ramp up CWI to send inspection team to Bangladesh ahead of work at Providence scheduled tour in January 2021 …National team preparation to benefit from commissioned lights

By Jemima Holmes

F

or the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to adequately prepare local players for the Gold Cup qualification process next year, continuous training at a proper facility would be needed.

For this reason, the GFF is looking to hasten work at its National Training Centre at Providence, EBD. This Centre has greatly aided the Federation’s planned events, and even its tournaments. Officially unveiled in 2019, the National Training Centre has been part of the FIFA Forward plan and is Guyana’s first astro turf (synthetic field). However, delay in completion of the surrounding infrastructure has greatly hindered this facility from performing at its intended capacity.

Prodded for an update on the facility, GFF President Wayne Forde shared that while he is not contented with the pace at which work is being done, he is focused on ticking some boxes on the to-do list before 2021.

“We’re moving steadily, (although) I think we could do much more. Only recently, we had a very candid discussion with all the

Flashback: The astro turf at Providence being commissioned in 2019

stakeholders, and I made my sentiments very clear: that I wasn’t happy with the pace, and I needed to see certain things done.

So, there’s now a ramping up of the pace. There are certain things I believe we must achieve before we exit 2020, because we simply have one year,” Forde shared.

On that note, the GFF boss shared some of the aspects of the project that he hopes to complete within the coming weeks.

“And that is: we must, at a minimum. We must commission our lights, or be very close to commissioning our lights. We must have the final engineering designs completed.

We don’t have that yet, but that is also in train,” the GFF President divulged.

In the matter of Gold Cup preparation, Forde is of the view that the local players’ preparation can be more holistic if they can train continuously, irrespective of day or night.

Forde posited, “If we get our lights in before we get out of 2020, then it means that we can accelerate National Team preparation, because we’re not restricted by daylight alone.

So, I’ve made my thoughts very clear on those, and the people that are responsible for making those things happen, they have their marching orders.”

Meanwhile, according

to Forde, the GFF’s facility at Durban Park requires more governmental and international support, and the expectation is that it would be undertaken in 2021.

“We require a little more support from our international partners around Durban Park. It’s always been said that that’s a 2021 project, but there are still a few things we’re going to try to do before we get out of 2021,” Forde explained.

Sharing some of the plans in the pipeline for the Durban Park land, Forde said, “We want to clear Durban Park and we want to create a playable space for the community. And in the meantime, when people are enjoying it as a football venue, the final details of the engineering takes place in consultation with the Government, because they have to play a part in the final design.”

The plot of land at Durban Park was acquired through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Guyana (GoG) in February, 2019.

The 7.3 acres of land have been given on a 30-year lease, and are expected to house a state-of-the-art football facility.

S

T JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) will, this week, send a two-member inspection team to Bangladesh to conduct a detailed assessment ahead of the scheduled ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) tour in January next year.

The tour is due to feature matches in both the ongoing ICC Test Match Championship and the ICC One-Day International Super League.

The recce will be conducted by CWI Board Director Dr Akshai Mansingh (member of the CWI and ICC Medical Advisory Committee) and Paul Slowe, CWI’s Security Manager.

While in Bangladesh, they will visit all the proposed facilities for the tour in both Dhaka and Chattogram, attend matches in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup, and get a first-hand look at the country’s COVID-19 response protocols.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave said: “We would be the first international team to visit Bangladesh since the onset of the pandemic, and acting always with the health and safety of our touring party at the forefront of our minds, we have decided to conduct a pre-tour recce by sending two highly experienced professionals to assess the BCB’s bio-secure plans and protocols.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

“Our respective medical and operations teams have held a number of positive meetings over the last few weeks, and following receipt of the report from our inspection team, a recommendation will be made to our Board of Directors on whether it is safe to tour Bangladesh early next year.”

The tour of Bangladesh would be the third tour for the West Indies Men’s team since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are presently in New Zealand for three T20 Internationals, two Test matches and two ‘A’ Team Four-Day matches. Earlier this year, they visited England, where they played three Test matches in a bio-secure environment, which marked the return to the game on the international stage.

The West Indies Women’s team also toured England in September for five T20 Internationals.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB/Tropical Springs Water 0-40 T20 tournament…

Regal Masters, WD Mavericks, RP Construction Legends script 3rd round wins

Pg 23

Pg 23

GFF hoping to ramp up work at Providence …National team preparation to benefit from commissioned lights

CWI to send inspection team to Bangladesh ahead of scheduled tour in January 2021

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

Pg 23