Guyana Times Monday, October 11, 2020

Girls proving to be unstoppable in tackling national issues – First Lady Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4436

P13

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

PRICE

PPP/C Govt telecoms liberalisation

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Investors' interest growing after liberalisation of telecoms sector — VP Jagdeo ...as ... as new applications received, more expected to pour in See story on page 3

All set for reopening of airports today Page 7

— GCAA Head says might be weeks before full operation by airlines

India commits to providing technical expertise to resuscitate closed sugar estates Page 12

Corentyne River bridge to pave way for major developmental projects – Min Edghill

Sawmillers, dealers without concessions now allowed to export logs See story on page 9

– as Govt revises National Log Export Policy

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Page 11

P16 Guyana records 104th COVID-19 death, 64 new cases

— 16 persons remain in ICU

Miner allegedly confesses to murdering 2 P10 women Soldier who assaulted traffic rank must face the consequences P10 — GDF P8 US-based Guyanese sues CAL over cocaine planted in suitcase

Mother of 1 killed in motorcycle accident P16

2 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 arrested following discovery of gun, ammo O

ne man was arrested after Police discovered an unlicensed firearm along with several live rounds of matching ammunition and other items during a search at a house in

Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Based on information received, about 15:30h on Saturday, Police swooped down on the house and a search was initiated during

which a .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and seven matching rounds were found.

In addition, one black handled knife and one black toque were found under a

Items found in the house at Onderneeming, WBD during the raid

mattress in one of the bedrooms.

Following the discov-

ery, ranks took possession of the items and escorted a 23-year-old man to Parfaite

Harmonie Police Outpost, where he was questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

tion received, Cox was in his yard at B Field, Sophia Access Road, gambling when he and the 26-year-old suspect, who was also gambling, had a misunderstanding over money.

As a result, the suspect pulled out a hand gun from the waist of his pants and fired a shot which hit Cox. The injured man was

subsequently picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens.

He was admitted as a patient to the male surgical ward and his condition is listed as stable. Meanwhile, Police noted that the suspect has not yet been arrested, but an investigation is underway.

Bartender shot during row over gambling debts

A

34-year-old man was on Sunday shot to the upper left thigh during an argument over gambling debts at B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The injured man has been identified as Julian Cox, a bartender, of Lot 882 B Field, Sophia.

According to informa-

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP/C Govt telecoms liberalisation

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 12 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Tuesday, October 13 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 12 – 13:15h – 14:45h and Tuesday, October 13 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to East SouthEasterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 06:28h and 19:01h reaching minimum heights of 0.93 metre and 0.97 metre.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

05 12 14

16 17 20

FREE TICKET

26 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2020

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PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$42.85/barrel

-1.14

Rough Rice

$222.39/ton

-0.64

London Sugar

$384.90/ton

-0.23

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1923.30

$1924.30

Low/High

$1921.40

$1934.70

Change

-7.30

-0.38%

Investors' interest growing after liberalisation of telecoms sector – VP Jagdeo ...as new applications received, more expected to pour in

A

week after the Government liberalised the telecommunications sector by issuing a commencement order for the Telecoms Act, the Government already has an application from a new company and expects more applications to come pouring in.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was at the time participating in an interview with social media influencer Mikhail Rodrigues.

According to Jagdeo, liberalisation brings with it greater competition in the sector.

He noted that existing service providers such as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), Digicel and E-Networks, will now have to apply for the licences they did not previously have. Similarly, the Government has received a new application and is likely to see more applications, including for persons wishing to bring in sub-sea cables, as interest in the sector continues to grow.

“We’ve already had a new application. And we expect more applications from other people, to come in various sectors. Some with a full-fledged telecommunication company. And others with part services. So, we’ve already seen, in a few days, Digicel saying that they want to bring in a new subsea cable,” Jagdeo said.

“We might have five other persons who want to bring in sub-sea cables. And they will now have the permission to do so. What benefit does this bring for the country? It means greater bandwidth and cheaper

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

bandwidth. The more bandwidth you have, the more sub-sea cable, the more redundancy, the lower the price for bandwidth and the greater the services you can deliver on this platform.”

Jagdeo cited GTT’s pronouncement that they want to deliver 5G services. He noted that this would mean more bandwidth and faster download speeds, as much as 10GB per second and reducing the need for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for certain services.

“So you can then use your phone to do anything.

The speed is so great, you can migrate that speed to other services. So, if you have a laptop and a WiFi at home through an ISP, you don’t need an ISP anymore.”

“On your laptop or tablet or any smart device, the speed would be enough to connect your laptop, with-

out going through a hotspot in your home or bringing in a fibre cable or a modem.

You can connect directly, at massive download speeds.

Prime Minister Phillips, who is the subject Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications, last week announced that Government had issued Commencement Orders, fully bringing into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 (the “Act”) and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016. This was done less than three months after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government took office.

“It is anticipated that Guyanese will feel an immediate positive impact from the implementation of this legislation, which create a modern and competitive environment for telecommunications, and which will immediately result in

greater choices, a better quality of service and lower prices for consumers,” the Prime Minister stated.

The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had passed the Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill to liberalise the telecoms sector since 2016. They passed it with the stated intention of ending the monopoly which GTT has enjoyed.

Under the coalition Government, it was reported that the liberalisation of the sector was heavily dependent upon the settlement of a US$44 million tax claim against GTT by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

According to reports, the local telecommunication giant wanted the tax debt settled before moving ahead with liberalisation. As such, the former Government failed to bring into force the Act that they themselves passed.

During the interview with Rodrigues, however, Jagdeo hinted that there were more sinister reasons for the former Government not bringing the Act into force.

Nevertheless, following the announcement by the PPP/C Government, Digicel, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and E-Networks received their operational licences and accompanying documents from Prime Minister Phillips.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 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

Social institutions for Guyana

T

he philosopher Immanuel Kant succinctly posed the dilemma of organising a just state, two centuries ago, in these terms: “The problem of organising a state, however hard it may seem, can be solved, even for a race of devils, if only they are intelligent. The problem is, given a multitude of rational beings requiring universal laws for their preservation, but each of them is sincerely inclined to exempt himself from them, to establish a Constitution in such a way, although their private intentions conflict, they check each other, with the result that their public conduct is the same as if they had no such intentions.”

In Guyana, with good reason, there exist great suspicions in the people as to the motives of those who propose “solutions” to our national problems. Throughout our history, institutions have been tinkered with, purportedly for the “good” of the people, but invariably it was later seen to have benefited either one person or one group. Guyanese are understandably concerned about the “smartmen” who jockey for advantage on behalf of themselves or their group. Any initiative, or set of initiatives, that are offered to address Guyana’s political crisis will have to engender broad acceptance across the political, ethnic and other divisions in the people and especially among the politicians. This implies that the various groups, as they define themselves, would have to agree on the proposals for establishing the institutions to govern them.

In the opening line of his first section in his magnum opus A Theory of Justice, John Rawls boldly declared that the principle of “justice” is the standard that would generate the broad acceptability for the establishment of any institution necessary to implement any initiative for enduring stability: “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.” Recognising that Guyana does not even reach Rawls’ definition of a society as “a cooperative venture for mutual advantage, it is typically marked by a conflict as well as by an identity of interests”, his definition of “justice” is yet very pertinent to our effort to construct a democratic state in Guyana: “…a way of assigning rights and duties in the basic institutions of society and they define the appropriate distribution of the benefits and burdens of social cooperation”.

In Guyana, we all have to appreciate that the existence of the state itself is for the furtherance of the societal good – the public interest. Ultimately, we believe that all Guyanese are looking to be culturally authentic, politically secure, and economically sound. In the furtherance of these “public goods”, the people have to promulgate a constitution through which the Government directs the state through policies and programmes in consonance with the prime directives of the Constitution. In modern democracies, under the liberal paradigm, equality of treatment and equality before the law of the citizens stand at the very top of the imperatives.

In Guyana, a feeling of injustice is pervasive in all groups in the society as they struggle to live in dignity – especially within the political, economic, and cultural spheres. The history of Guyana has demonstrated the importance of context in the introduction of institutions into society – whether these are in the political, economic, or cultural spheres. The institutions will have to be seen as just. Rules that go against the values and morals of a people or lead to injustice will be observed in the breach or not at all; the institution will at best be ignored or at worst lead to dysfunctional social behaviour.

In Guyana, we would have to derive our substantive principles of justice for ourselves based on our history and present realities. Slavery and indentureship have been the two historical forces that have had the greatest impact on our collective psyche and our disparate cultures. Out of our experiences where they were denied, the values of liberty and equality are central to what we desire for the “good life”.

These values must be central to any institution that seeks to address any aspect of our national life.

President Dr Irfaan Ali was given a warm welcome by this young lady during his visit to the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Sunday (Ministry of The Presidency photo)

Unprecedented oil wealth! A dream or reality?

Dear Editor, Many news headlines read, “Guyana to enjoy unprecedented oil wealth,” following the discovery of 8 billion barrels of recoverable oil by Exxon and its subsidiary ESSO E&P Guyana Ltd and partners (Hess Guyana Exploration and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Ltd) in the Atlantic Ocean, some 120 miles+ off the Atlantic coastline. The wealth explosion will supposedly culminate in Guyana’s economy tripling its current size (of US$3.4 billion) to US$13 billion) by 2025, according to Myers Jaffe. Should anyone take these “wonderful” figures and wait for the oil economic nirvana to happen? Or should one become sceptical and also continue to embrace the growth of the other sectors of the economy?

I have done a crude calculation on estimated oil revenues for Guyana by 2025. My calculation is based on a few assumptions: (i) $35 per barrel; (ii) daily oil production at 750,000 barrels; (iii) 14.5 per cent profit sharing; and (iv) 360 workdays, and it yields an estimated US$1.37 billion in 2025. From a negative perspective, the magnitude of the oil revenue lost because of poor PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) negotiations between Exxon and the Guyana Government, has been given as US$ 50+ billion over the life of the project.

Having reviewed several pieces of information on the oil sector, and taking

into consideration the negative impact of COVID-19 on current oil production, as well as other factors, I will not allow these “exciting” figures to dull my intellect or play havoc with my emotions. At this point, I remain apprehensive about the lofty assertions of wealth flowing into Guyana from oil proceeds. Also, if there is an agreement to install gas pipelines from the Stabroek Block to onshore location(s) to produce electricity, that would add around US$ 400 million to Exxon's cost recovery bill.

I admit that my initial exuberance about oil discovery has been later tempered by my introspection into this matter. I know that segments of Guyanese society embrace, with great expectation, the oil sector’s massive potential contribution to the country’s economy. Apart from embracing the mantra of unprecedented oil wealth, they are also probably influenced by the US$300 million investments injected into the economy

by Exxon in 2020, combined with the employment of 2000 local workers and the development of 70 joint ventures between Exxon and local companies.

Impressive as these figures suggest, I still believe that the impact of the oil sector on the national economy will not be that spectacular for the first 5 years in particular; rather it will be gradual but incremental during the 2020s (depending on production and pricing levels), and probably be-

come exponential during the 2030s as cost recovery would have amortised by then.

In 2020, profit oil for Guyana is estimated at US$200 million; in 2021, it is estimated at US$300 million. As cost recovery decreases and as more oil is produced, the annual Government revenue will increase substantially according to a few sources such as the IMF, which projects, on the basis of production at Lisa I, Lisa 2, and Payara, that by 2054 Guyana could earn US$49 billion in revenue.

Notwithstanding this rosy projection, there are factors other than production and pricing levels that could affect the rate of profit oil, such as oil spills and environmental pollution.

But the major challenge will come from alternative sources of energy (wind, solar, hydro, hybrid vehicles) especially in the 2030s and beyond.

With growing emphasis on clean and renewable energy, the force of oil in national economies will progressively decline. It is no wonder that the Floridabased NextERA Energy (wind and solar producer) whose value is US$143.8 billion, tops Exxon as the most valuable US energy company.

From a high stock value of over US$300 billion in 2016, Exxon's current worth is less than NextERA Energy by US$ 900 million.

NextERA Energy’s value is US$2 billion more than Chevron. Tom Mitro report-

ed that Texas, despite being the top US petro-state, is moving away from fossil fuel to alternative energy sources, such as wind. In New York, solar energy is being aggressively promoted and incentivised.

In addition, there is the prospect of the "resource curse." The World Bank has commended such oil-producing states like Dubai and Malaysia for having diversified their economies and for avoiding the resource curse trap. Guyana has already taken steps to strengthen its other sectors such as mining, forestry, and agriculture.

Several tax concessions were offered to these and other sectors like construction to promote growth. The sugar industry is being revitalised, while rice production and exports are on the rise. These traditional sectors employ more than ½ the labour force, while the oil sector is expected to employ 3000 workers. Most Guyanese will benefit indirectly from the oil sector through the proportion of oil revenues that will be spent on infrastructure projects, education, health, and social services.

The oil sector is a welcome addition to Guyana's economy. But it will not necessarily cure Guyana's economic and social ills. It is not anyone's economic nirvana either. Other sectors are vitally important to move the country forward.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 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

Private charges against GECOM officers are justified Dear Editor, Reference is made to an editorial in Jamaica Gleaner (Oct 1) warning Guyana’s President Ali “to tread with care the prosecution of election officials involved in attempted electoral fraud”.

The editorial is premised on misinformation.

Contrary to what the editorial insinuated, the Government is not prosecuting the election rigging accused. And it must be emphasised that those being prosecuted are known to be involved in attempts to disenfranchise voters between March 2 and August 2. That is a serious offence against a sacrosanct act of democracy, voting. Also, the accused riggers defied attempts by international observers and complaints from political parties to behave honourably and impartially in counting and tabulating votes. They cannot go unpunished. The nation believes that the law must run its course. They must be prosecuted to send a strong message against future would be potential elec-

tion riggers. Most importantly, the prosecution is not politically inclined and is not connected with the ruling party of President Ali. It does not go unnoticed that the paper has not called on the Opposition to condemn electoral fraud and for its failure to urge the Elections Commission (GECOM) to launch an investigation into attempted electoral fraud and bring the guilty to swift justice.

The paper is also conspicuously silent on the recent spate of violence of supporters of the Opposition, who were egged on by their leaders against supporters of the Government.

I agree with the argument that GECOM should have launched an investigation into electoral fraud and let the law take its course. But it is precisely because GECOM’s leadership failed to act to hold the election riggers accountable and because succeeding Governments (the preceding and current one) did not carry out a timely in-

vestigation that individuals in a private capacity filed charges against those who were publicly involved in elections fraud. These are private charges being prosecuted by private attorneys, not State prosecutors and Government.

It was well established by local and international observers that the accused facilitated fraud; their names were mentioned in the media during the ordeal to get an accurate count of ballots, and because some of them were sanctioned by the US Government. And they themselves admitted they were involved in the acts. The charges were not launched by the Ali Administration or by anyone affiliated with the ruling party. The charges were filed by individuals who are affiliated with the minor parties, TNM, ANUG, among others and Guardians of Democracy who had to keep vigil twenty-four hours a day over several weeks to prevent against tampering. Thus, it is incorrect to criticise the President

of Guyana or his party for the private charges.

If anything, the ruling party and the President could be critiqued for not pursuing or expediting an inquiry into electoral fraud.

Anyone involved in fraud must be prosecuted to send a very strong message that to those who have the intention to violate the will of the electorate.

There is no doubt there was fraud. Jamaica’s own distinguished former PM Bruce Golding testified that he had never seen such a transparent, glaring public effort to rig an election. Caricom, OAS, Commonwealth, Carter Center, results were declared were not in consonance with those of Statements of Polls. When an election agent, Mingo, called fraudulent results, The CEO, Lowenfield, who you defend, did not sanction him. Instead, he opted to use Mingo’s fraudulent results for ratification.

The Gleaner rightly contends that (the Chair of) GECOM should have

Urgent need to train Guyanese for major roles in engineering Dear Editor, With the Government looking at billions of dollars in new revenue in the future, it has indicated that it's essential to put education front and centre.

Investments in schools in rural areas are necessary to ensure a robust elementary, primary, and secondary mathematics and sciences education for all our children. Our Government will ensure that educational quality in rural areas equals that of Georgetown.

We must create opportunities for talented and high achieving students across the country.

One example of resource use likely to pay huge societal dividends in the future would be the building of infrastructure beyond Common Entrance Exams to identify exceptionally gifted math and science students; to place these highly-gifted students into special accelerated schools or courses, and to develop a system of educational tracking of these highly talented math and science students to ensure their entry into top-flight universities with strong and creative mathematics and science departments. Our human resources are indeed our most valuable resources.

The pipeline from which Guyana's geoscientists and petroleum engineers will emerge begins with the mathematical sciences. If Guyana is to succeed, we must start to this foundation now. For Guyanese

to participate in and effectively and democratically manage this new resource, Guyanese must be familiar with mathematical sciences.

However, our Government and Minister of Education's challenge now is to design and implement a programme of bold new educational initiatives to broaden participation in the mathematical sciences across our nation.

There is an urgent need to train Guyanese for roles such as production engineers, drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, completion engineers, and environmental engineers to support the oil and gas industry. The recent return of Guyanese, who had been sent overseas for training for technical roles in the oil and gas industry, points to the need to increase nationals' skills.

The oil and gas industry represents job opportunities at home for Guyanese, who have traditionally emigrated. A prerequisite for this training is a foundation in the mathematical sciences.

This opportunity is Guyana's chance to build a prosperous, technically competent, and stable society but the question we must ask ourselves is how do we accomplish this goal?

We know that our PPP/C government recognised that education is a national priority, however, we need to emulate successful national examples such as Finland, Sweden and Singapore, which provide effective instruction in the mathemati-

cal sciences to learners with varying preparation levels.

We must also exploit opportunities for connecting mathematics achievement and excellence to Guyana's cultural resources. After working in Finland for many years on various projects in the STX shipyard, I was fortunate to see firsthand the Finish educate system and how it works, science education is firmly integrated into early education, children from different backgrounds are given the same opportunity to equally adopt a scientific way of thinking which in turn benefits their society.

As Guyanese, we all remember the joy felt as a child when you realised something for the first time.

Perhaps you learned a new trick or understood how something works, it is precisely the insights that can have a great effect on how you act and make decisions today. The COVID-19 pandemic has given a perfect opportunity to learn and find out meaningful ways about our children, they will grow up to think of themselves as active agents, learners and critical thinkers, it is important now that our children practice research skills and receive science - math education before they enter school, allowing them to be more motivated, which enables them to gain better learning results later in school.

At the moment, the University of Helsinki Finland offers science ed-

ucation for children in science clubs and various courses online, this education focuses on practicing the skills of exploration, including how to make observations about the phenomenon under scrutiny with activities always using stories, play and drama to tie examined phenomenon into the children's everyday experiences. Although science education is often applied to natural sciences, it actually encompasses a discipline, at its core, science education develops scientific and critical thinking and scientific literacy which are prerequisites for becoming a full member of society making justified choices and participate in discussions about science.

Our current early education curriculum already includes topics that can make use of science education, such as making observations about one's surrounding, naming phenomena and classifying things. Our teachers and educators need to be encouraged to adopt science and maths education by offering them training and materials, conducting plenty of research about what constitutes meaningful early education. Our Government's objective is to see science education courses increasingly integrated into university education in the future, especially in early education and teachers’ education.

Sincerely, David Adams

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTER ON PAGE 17

launched an investigation into allegations of fraud.

Why the Chair, Madame Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh has not launched an investigation two months after a declaration is inexplicable. One must not forget that the Chair was held against her will, surrounded by armed guards, when the initial attempt was made to rig the election on March 4.

She has not spoken on that issue or on efforts to intimidate and silence her.

Also, nepotism within GECOM prevents any impartial investigation of fraud. Many within the Commission conspired to rig the election and were accused of being agents of APNU. In fact, GECOM was stacked with agents of APNU by Chair Patterson, who was determined by the CCJ to be illegally appointed by President Granger.

The Chair’s appointees, all considered as supporters of APNU, were not reversed, including in his appointing of a Deputy CEO, Ms Myers. She was chosen to replace the acting DCEO Mr Vishnu Persaud. Patterson claimed he interviewed Mr Persaud for the job and it was subsequently found he lied. He never interviewed Mr Persaud. He (GECOM) is ordered to compensate Mr Persaud $4 million for wrongful damages. It is the public view that Patterson should be sued for his injustice against Mr Persaud.

GECOM cannot be expected to objectively, impartially, and judicially investigate themselves. Private individuals were right to file charges. Let the accused defend themselves against the charges and evidence from the accusers. The accused

are innocent until convicted.

It should be noted that the CEO, Lowenfield, whose name your paper mentioned, gave six different election results, including one that contradicts the results certified by the Caricom high-level team.

Guyana is the country in the world that had six different election results from the same election. All the opposition parties and observes had one result that corresponded with each other’s. But the CEO managed to produce six different outcomes. Should he not be held accountable?

I was present at the counting centre and saw copies of polling statements counts that were signed by polling agents and posted outside of Polling Stations that were not the same declared by GECOM officials.

Should these fraudsters not be held accountable?

Contrary to what the editorial contends, the APNUled coalition was eking out a narrow victory before the recount. All the observers said the PPP had won a convincing victory. The narrow victory you described came from the rigging process and that led to the recount.

Contrary to what your editorial contends, the Supreme Court and the CCJ did say that Lowenfield abused his power; he acted outside of his authority. He cannot decide on what is a valid or invalid vote. Only the Supreme Court could make such a decision in an election petition.

Lowenfield defied the court courts to declare the results as per the recount. He defied the instruction of GECOM. Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

Sentencing of Anitha Qualis

Dear Editor, I think that it was Bob Dylan’s lyrics: “Steal a little and they throw you in jail.

Steal a lot and they make you king…”

This brings me to the news report (Guyana Times, October 10, 2020) of the sentencing of Anitha Qualis, that is, two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $754,000. The young woman’s crime: possessing some cannabis in her backpack.

Sure, the Narcotics Act allowed the Magistrate to sentence her. Now, what will become of her and her three children!

It is not like she was manufacturing liquor or cigarettes, and selling these ad-libs to the public, where untold physical and mental damage is constantly meted out to a huge section of the population. It is not like she was thieving large swaths of Government land, or renting a canopy for exorbitant sums of money. It is not like she was deliberate-

ly rigging an election, and undermining democracy and doing possibly treasonable acts. She was trying to provide for her three young ones. (Similarly, young people are jailed for smoking a joint.)

I know that the law comes into play. I am in no way condoning breaking the law. The Magistrate does the job as written. However, “the law is an ass” sometimes. The judicial officer has an option and latitude -- “justice must be tempered with mercy”. Surely, there can be rehabilitation, where the woman can do community service (with pay) so that she can maintain her family, and gain some degree of decency.

Concerned people of good conscience should rally and advocate for a reversal of the sentence. My heart bleeds for her and her young children.

Yours truly, Gary Girdhari

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

Page

Foundation ◄

M

Multiplying decimals

ultiplying decimals and whole numbers is exactly like multiplying whole numbers – except for one important thing. You have to count the number

Example: Multiply 36.2 x 3.22

Step 1: Set up your multiplication exercise as you would any other multiplication exercise. Do not line up the decimal points: 36.2 .362 x 3.22 x.322 Step 2: Multiply. At this time, pay no attention to the decimal points: 36.2 .362 x 3.22 x .322 722 722 7220 7220 108600 108600 116542 116542 Step 3: Count the total number of decimal places in the factors. Factors are the numbers you multiplied. 36.2 has 1 decimal place. 3.22 has two decimal places. 1 + 2 = 3.

Friday’s answers

1) 26.688

Step 4: Starting at the right side of the product and moving left, count off the same number of places. Then place your decimal point. The product of 36.2 x 3.22 = 116.542 three decimal places Step 5: But what about if you have fewer decimal places in the product than the factors? For example .226 x .321? After multiplying without accounting for the decimal points, the product is 72546. There are six decimal places in the factors, but only five in the product. You have to add enough zeros to make the total number of places in the product equal the total number of decimal places in the numbers you multiplied. Add the needed zeros after the decimal point. So the product of .362 x .3220 = .072546 six decimal places Exercises: Multiply 1) 3.2 x 85.4 2) 1.0 x 3.3 3) 14.56 x 74.9 4) 4.5 x 90.9 5) 9.8 x 980.980 6) 2.22x 46.4 3) 5.144

4)20.2 5) 100.1

6) 20.901

Try a DIY weather vane Materials

● A piece of clay ● Square piece of card board (a piece from a cereal box will do) ●Pencil with a fresh eraser ● Pin ● Straw ● Scissors ● Construction paper ● Markers or crayons ● Compass

Directions

1) Go outside to make observations about the weather. (“Are there clouds in the sky? Are the clouds moving?

Can you feel the wind? Where is the wind blowing?”)

2) Next, find North using a compass (or you can simply point out North if you know where it is). Then, write North, South, East, and West on a square piece of card-

FOR CHILDREN

of total decimal places in the numbers you multiply. When you multiply decimals, you don’t have to line up the decimal points.

2) 3.3

A change in seasons is a great time to think about the weather.

Æsop’s Fables

board. This is a great time to remember the order of directions to help find our way in the world.

Try mnemonic devices like Never Eat Sour Wheat, or remember that West and East spell WE on a compass.

3) Cut a notch into each end of the straw.

4) Cut an arrow and a tail out of construction paper, then slip them into the slits on the straw.

5) Place a piece of clay in the centre of the cardboard, and stick the tip of the pencil into the clay.

6) Use a pin to fasten the straw to the top of the eraser. Make sure it’s centred. You may also want to wiggle the pin back-and-forth a bit to make sure the arrow can spin easily.

7) Now observe! The arrow will point to the direction the wind is blowing. To get a sense for how weather changes, try recording the wind for a week in a journal. (“Did the wind change direction? Did it blow in one direction more often than others?”) (Adapted from pbs.org)

H

ares, as you know, are very timid. The least shadow, sends them scurrying in fright to a hiding place. Once they decided to die rather than live in such misery. But while they were debating how best to meet death, they thought they heard a noise and in a flash were scampering off to the warren. On the way they passed a pond where a family of frogs was sitting among the reeds on the bank. In an instant the startled frogs were seeking safety in the mud.

“Look,” cried a hare, “things are not so bad after all, for here are creatures who are even afraid of us!”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

All set for reopening of airports today – GCAA Head says might be weeks before full operation by airlines

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s of today, Guyana’s two international airports – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri and the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast of Demerara – have reopened to facilitate commercial flights.

Guyana closed its borders including the airports back in March, days after the country recorded its first COVID-19 case. Since then local authorities have granted approval for special repatriation flights to be operated out of CJIA to bring home Guyanese stranded overseas as well as to take home foreign nationals stuck here.

However, Government has announced the reopening of the two main ports of entry to international commercial flights but not without the necessary accreditation from the international oversight bodies and strict guidelines to guard against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In addition to the mandatory protective gears that have to be worn onboard the aircraft, passengers will also have to be in possession of a negative PCR test which can be done in two categories.

The first is within 72 hours of the flight which, if negative, will see the pas-

senger being processed and allowed to leave freely; while the second is within seven days of travelling. In the latter case, persons will have to undergo a second test upon arrival in Guyana, which they will have to pay for, and until the results are available, they will have to remain at the airport.

The processing of the tests will take about four hours and if the results are negative, then the passengers will be allowed to leave – otherwise, they will have to be subjected to 14 days’ quarantine/isolation at a Government facility.

In addition, upon arriving in Guyana, passengers will also undergo screening at the airport through temperature checks, sanitising, and an interview on medical data and existing conditions.

All of these measures

were put together by the airport authorities along with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ministry of Health among other stakeholders.

When contacted on Sunday, Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field told Guyana Times that all systems are in place for the reopening of the airports. In the same breath, however, he noted that there might not be a resumption of full commercial activities for weeks.

In fact, at the time, he indicated that he is not aware of any flight scheduled to arrive today.

According to Field, while Guyana has indicated that its airports are reopened, the airlines will take some time to get their “mechanisms in gear” to recommence commercial operation here. He explained that the

reopening announcement was more of an indication to the airlines to start training their personnel and setting their operations in Guyana to recommence flights.

“Airlines have started to wine up and start cranking their operations back into gear, that is, making sure your people are well trained and if you had laid off people, you have to bring them back and train them in order to have a safe operation.

So, it might take a couple of weeks but we have sent the signal out that Guyana is open for business, for commercial traffic,” the GCAA Head explained.

Nevertheless, he disclosed that while he is awaiting some applications from airlines to restart operations here, he has already received applications from others and is currently reviewing their schedule.

Guyana’s major aviation operators are Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), American Airlines (AA) and COPA Airlines.

While both CAL and American Airlines have indicated that they will resume flights to Guyana in November, there has been no indication from COPA which is currently operating on a limited basis out of its Panama-hub – as to when it will resume operations here.

Meanwhile, over the past

weeks, Eastern Airlines – which commenced operations in Guyana back in March just days before the airport closure – had been operating repatriation flights from New York and Miami to Guyana.

The GCAA had created a schedule of repatriation flights for the airline and the next such flight is expected on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

DG Field further explained that the passengers on that flight will be subjected to the new protocols in place for the reopening of the airport.

However, he pointed out that Eastern Airlines has since submitted an application to increase its schedule.

“These flights were repatriation flights so it was a limited amount in the week but now that we’re open to commercial traffic, we won’t label them repatriation flights. They will be scheduled commercial flights.

But they have submitted an adjusted schedule which is now being reviewed,” he noted, Meanwhile, on the reopening of the airport, President Irfaan Ali said that Guyana, like the rest of the world, now has to learn to both live and deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are doing everything within our means with the

GCAA Director General Egbert Field

assistance of the international community to bring it under control. In the meantime, however, we must be able to keep our economy functioning and growing. We must be able to put our country back to work…

Like the rest of the world, we have entered into a new means of international travel. We have taken our time in order that we do it professionally and that we do it right,” he posited.

On the other hand, both airport heads, Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir and CEO of the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Anthony Mekdeci, have welcomed the move to reopen the airports.

8 NEWS US-based Guyanese sues CAL over cocaine planted in suitcase MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

US-based Guyanese man, who was arrested in 2018 at the JFK International Airport with more than four pounds of cocaine in his suitcase, has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

According to the New York Post, Simeon Wilson, 50, had spent a week in Guyana during October 2018, celebrating his father’s birthday. Upon his return at the JFK Airport, he was arrested after the drug was detected in his suitcase.

According to the lawsuit, due to his exhaustion from the overnight flight, he did not notice that a necktie was placed around the handle of his suitcase.

However, Wilson claimed that there was no necktie on his suitcase when he was checked by Caribbean Airlines agents at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

He was subsequently arrested by customs agents and detained after two bags containing the cocaine were found inside his suitcase.

In the court documents filed, Wilson

Simeon Wilson (NY Post)

claimed that “[I] had never touched, handled, sold or even seen drugs in [my] life, and was sure I did not put them in my suitcase.”

The prosecutors eventually dropped the charges against Wilson after ten weeks in custody since it was determined that Wilson’s bag had been tampered with while in the sole custody of Caribbean Airlines.

But by this time, his family had bailed him out of jail. However, the

man said that his reputation in the Queens, New York, Guyanese community had been ruined, and he lost his job as a janitor.

In the lawsuit, the man accused the airline of negligence while noting that since the incident, he is frequently being pulled aside by Customs agents at various airports because his name is flagged. He also said that he now has to carry proof that his case was dropped.

“I travel with my two hands. I don’t bring no suitcase at all. Nobody can screw with me anymore,” he said.

His lawyer, Amy Robinson, said, “What Mr Wilson, went through was a terrible ordeal, and he should be compensated for the airline’s negligence.”

Robinson cited the 2012 case of Roger Levans, who sued Delta Airlines after someone allegedly inserted drugs into his bag after he handed it to the airline. “It is particularly outrageous since this has happened to other passengers before,” she said.

Wilson is seeking unspecified damages. The New York Post added that Caribbean Airlines declined to comment.

Convicted rapist appeals 19-year jail sentence

A

convicted rapist, who was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of the offence, has now moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge the ruling.

George Robin, 67, of No 30 Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), was found guilty of the indictment, which stated that on February 6, 2017, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

On June 25, 2019, the father of 12 was sentenced

to 19 years’ imprisonment by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Sexual Offences Court of Demerara High Court, after he was found guilty by a 12-member jury.

In his document filed with the Court of Appeal, Wilson argued that he was given an unfair trial. As a result, he claimed that Justice Reynolds imposed a severe sentence on him.

A probation report presented to the court before his sentencing revealed that the convicted man was known in his community for

being a leader and contributing to the area. It was further disclosed that Robin is a former rank in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF).

However, the report investigations had found that Robin was also well known in the community for his perverted behaviour towards young girls in the area. It added that when teenage girls would visit the grocery shop owned by the convict, he would usually make sexual remarks that would make them uncomfortable.

Jailed: George Robin

Similar incidents also occurred in school environments, where Robin worked as a vendor.

Meanwhile, the victim's impact statement revealed that the affected teen has suffered from depression and emotional trauma.

“I feel depressed and angry. I would like for him to go to jail. He deserves to be punished. I would like to forget about it, but I don’t know if I ever can” the impact statement noted.

Defence Attorney Maxwell McKay in his plea of mitigation asked the court to consider the contributions Robin has made to the community, along with his age and medical status, since he suffers from hypertension and diabetes.

As such, in handing down his sentence, Justice Brassington Reynolds stated that considering these factors, Robin will spend the next 19 years in prison where he will benefit from medical services and religious teachings and will also grant him time to reflect on what he did.

The road to...

Y

...utopia or dystopia? our Eyewitness’s attention was caught by yet another letter to the press from a bevy of seemingly well-meaning citizens. They insisted they have the silver bullet to destroy the cancer that’s been eating away at the innards of our body politic even before independence. They concede that – like in the fight against cancer – there have been many initiatives taken over time by other well-meaning folks; they accept it’s been for naught. They cite the latest upheavals as a symptom of the “underlying disorder” that’s been with us since the 1950s.

Even before getting to their silver bullet – electoral reform, which would see “civil society” (read “themselves”) playing a “pivotal role in negotiation and design” – your Eyewitness must point out the fatal flaw in their approach. Which is that they’re beating around the bush with all sorts of nice-sounding turns of phrases without ever saying as to what’s causing the “political distress” – race. How can you solve a problem if you either don’t want to talk about the cause or you really don’t have an idea as to what It is?

After talking about the present (see above), they talk about the past – Guyana’s at “the bottom rungs of the development ladder in spite of its well-recognised economic potential”. They turn to the future: “It will continue to rob citizens of their due benefits and rewards of their labours”, but just won’t talk as to what is “IT”!! Could it be someone like Voldemort whose name can’t be mentioned?? What they then do is offer their CONCLUSIVE solution out of thin air: “It is therefore imperative that Guyanese people find an electoral formula that fosters unity and cooperation...”

Conceding that there might be some other non-political problems, they reiterate, however, “electoral reform is first priority for intervention”.

Really?? Where in the world has an “electoral formula” ever fostered “unity and cooperation” in a society as divided as ours?? Not to worry! They say, “local and foreign commentators, election observers and others familiar with political conditions in this country have recommended and urged constitutional and electoral reform for decades.“ Well, wasn’t it “local and foreign commentators” who changed our “electoral formula” back in 1964 that got us into this mess to begin with??

The British who introduced “PR” back then even gave us the reason why it would solve our problems that had exploded in the greatest “disorder” in our history!!

Interestingly, it was identical to what our “civil society” representatives proposed: “a system characterised by inclusivity, that seeks to eliminate winner-take-all, zerosum politics”.

We’ve come a full circle. Or is it a downward spiral? ...Suriname The PPP’s certainly on a roll...and it’s scaring the bejesus out of the PNC!! The first President Ali’s budget brought “Father Christmas” to Guyana early – there were goodies for one and all!! All it seems the PNC can do under Granger and Harmon – as their founder/leader Burnham always did – is play the race card. They did it in Berbice...they did it with the nurses’ wildcat strike, and then with the request for Volda Lawrence to show up at Police HQ to be “confronted” on the elections fraud charge. Standard Police procedure.

Well, the plan for the Bridge across the Corentyne River to Suriname looks like it’s moving from the “talk” to the “walk”. The Ministers from the two countries actually went to the site on the Guyana side where the Bridge will land and marked it off. Can you imagine what a transformative effect this will have on Upper Berbice? Not just during the construction phase when thousands will be employed...but in the synergies from the Suriname connection.

Expect another PNC race card! ...hubris There was some PNC scuttlebutt about a PPP Minister contracting a company associated with his son for a thousand pictures of himself. He denied the connection, but not the contract.

But what’re the pictures for?

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sawmillers, dealers without concessions now allowed to export logs

– as Govt revises National Log Export Policy

this resource for their livelihood. At the same time, the GFC, a once profitable and efficiently run agency, has, under the APNU/AFC Administration, become financially distressed – be-

The Guyana Forestry Commission

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has announced changes to the National Log Export Policy, paving the way for licensed timber dealers and sawmillers with Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to also export logs, regardless of whether they own a concession.

According to the GFC, the changes take effect from today and will not negatively impact on the sustainable management of the forests, for which Guyana has in the past earned carbon credits and global plaudits.

The GFC explained that the previous clause of “only concession holders will be allowed to export logs” has

does not apply to concession holders, who are exporting logs from their own concessions.”

Back in September when he was presenting the 2020 emergency budget, Public Work Minister Juan Edghill had announced that the Government would amend the log export policy to allow sawmillers to export logs. According to Edghill, this will be a boost to the industry’s production and revenue.

Edghill had announced that during the period of 2014 to 2019, the forestry sector contracted by more than 30 per cent. He had noted that at the end of 2014, the GFC had a surplus of some $211 million.

By 2019, after four years

been replaced by “concession holders, sawmillers and timber dealers will be allowed to export logs.”

In order to qualify, these operators must be in good standing with the GFC and have an export value of forest products of at least $10 million over the last three years. New operators will be eligible when their forest products reach an export value of $10 million over a period of one to three years.

“All legal requirements are to be strictly followed and all revenue owing to the GFC in terms of royalties for production and export levies have to be paid prior to export,” GFC went on to explain in a notice.

“GFC will charge an annual licence fee of US$500 for the granting of a log export licence to applicant who meet the requirements for such a licence. This clause

of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, this had plummeted to a surplus of $2.3 million. The depleted state of the GFC is coupled with the reduction in exports, from US$53 million in 2014 to US$34 million in 2019.

“The downturn in this industry over the last five years, caused by poor policies, has, in turn, resulted in the deterioration of logging roads, since investors, like Barama Company Limited, that maintained some key hinterland infrastructure, exited the industry, due to bad policies under the previous Administration,” Edghill had said in his budget speech.

“The complete disregard for this industry by the APNU/AFC has crippled many hinterland communities that are dependent on

ing unable to pay basic salaries and other operational expenses,” he had also said.

This is a reference to the situation the GFC found itself in when APNU/AFC finally left office in August.

The Commission was unable to pay staff or fund critical operational costs for several months. In addition, workers were not paid their 2018 bonus, in 2020.

Soon after taking office,

the President Dr Irfaan Aliled Government was forced to disburse $350 million to support the GFC, while also promising that outstanding bonuses will be paid by this year-end.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soldier who assaulted traffic rank must face the consequences — GDF a Police Constable who had pulled him over for a traffic offence.

The incident occurred on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Guyana Times understands that the Police Constable was on anti-crime

T

The GDF rank holding the cop in a chokehold while punching him

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday condemned the actions of one of its ranks who appeared to be involved in a physical altercation with a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department in a video that went viral on social media.

According to the GDF, the rank’s actions were a direct contravention of expect-

ed conduct.

“All members of the GDF are subjected to the laws of Guyana and so the Force stands ready to support the GPF in their investigations and expects that the soldier is held accountable for his actions,” a release from the GDF noted.

On Friday, the Lance Corporal was arrested after he physically assaulted

patrol duties at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and while directing eastbound traffic which flowed along two lanes that merged into one on the Meer-Zorgen Public Road, he observed a dark grey motor car trying to change lanes, causing congestion of traffic in the process.

He told his superiors that he approached the car, that was driven by the GDF rank, of Parfaite Harmonie, WBD. The Policeman then instructed the soldier to pull over, to the corner of the road.

Upon pulling over, the seemingly annoyed driver exited the vehicle and shoved the Constable. He

then choked the lawman and dealt him several punches to his face and body, causing him to sustain injuries.

The GDF rank was subsequently arrested, while the GPF rank was escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he was treated for the injuries and sent away.

Miner allegedly confesses to murdering 2 women

A

28-year-old miner on Saturday confessed to the murder of Rosella Smith, 28, of Bamford Point, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) whose body was found at an abandoned mining pit at Three Miles, Karrau Backdam, three months ago.

He also admitted to the murder of Dimas Emilia Lezama Fermin, a Venezuelan cook.

It was reported that Fermin was raped, beaten,

strangled to death and thrown into a mining pit at Big Hope Backdam, Cuyuni, Region Seven.

A miner and dredge owner were arrested following the discovery, since it was reported that the now dead woman had shared an intimate relationship with the dredge owner and a miner with whom she worked.

On the day the woman met her demise, the dredge owner said he had left her at the camp cooking while he and the workers left to go to the landing, where they began consuming alcohol at a shop.

The miner that was arrested was also among the group consuming alcohol. He then left the gathering and claimed that he was going to take a bath. The dredge owner was subsequently released, but the miner was further detained for questioning.

However, as Police continued their interrogation on Saturday, the miner told the investigators that when he returned to the camp site, he took a “pill” and became “de-

Dead: Rosella Smith lirious”. He said at that time he had seen Fermin and had asked her for sex, but she refused.

The miner further told Police that he then attacked and raped the woman, strangling her in the process. After realising that Fermin was dead, the miner dumped her body in a pit aback the camp.

Fermin’s body was discovered the following day clad in a blue jersey, without any underwear. Multiple marks of violence in the form of hematomas were seen about her body, the Police said.

Meanwhile, investigators told Guyana Times that during

the investigations, they found striking similarities between Fermin’s murder and that of Smith, whose body was found on May 15 in a mining pit at Karrau Backdam, Mazaruni.

On the day in question, Police had found the woman’s camp ransacked and persons claimed that they saw a man leaving the backdam with a bag and bucket.

An autopsy performed on her remains proved that she died as a result of asphyxiation due to drowning compounded by compression injuries to the neck.

In the midst of the interrogation, the miner also admitted to killing Smith. He told investigators that he strangled the vendor to death during an argument over some raw gold that she had allegedly stolen from him.

At the time she met her demise, she was selling goods from a make-shift camp at Three Miles Backdam. The suspect is expected to be arraigned on two murder charges when he makes his court appearance this week.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne River bridge to pave way for major developmental projects – Min Edghill

I

n light of recent concrete commitments to bridge Guyana and Suriname over the Corentyne River within five years, this move is expected to open up the pathway for other major developmental projects including the much-anticipated deepwater harbour project in Guyana.

boasts to multiple millions.

Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina because it’s all interlinked,” he noted.

The Public Works Minister further stated that apart from infrastructural growth, there will also be the incentivising of agriculture mainly for corn and soya beans. He added that

A map depicting Long Island, one of the points where the Corentyne River bridge will land

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who along with his Surinamese counterpart on Saturday planted flags at the sites in both countries where the Corentyne River Bridge will land.

There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Longs Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname. The entire Corentyne River belongs to Suriname.

Minister Edghill had posited that the bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guyana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

“This bridge, when it is complete, will form part of a network of roads, where the proposed deepwater harbour is to be built at Berbice – which is not in the too much distant future…,” he posited.

Only last week, President Irfaan Ali disclosed that an upcoming high-level visit with Brazil will see discussions with investors on the deepwater harbour project and the Guyana-Brazil road network.

According to Minister Edghill, even French Guiana is now also showing interest in the Corentyne River Bridge.

“When you link the Linden-Lethem road with the Takutu Bridge and you link then Suriname, Corentyne Bridge into French Guiana, the markets that are now 750,000 now

with cheap reliable and renewable power generation for electricity expected in the future, agro-processing and manufacturing will definitely take off in a big way.

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 attraction, malls and farmers’ markets.

Head of the Project Cycle Management Division within Guyana’s Finance Ministry, Tarachand Balgobin explained that the bridge will be much more than a physical connection between Guyana and Suriname but will also accrue economic and social benefits.

According to Balgobin, while there are other design options that could have been considered with shorter routes, the substantial thinking process – both on the Guyana and Suriname sides – to use Long Island is to create a long-term free zone for the operation of the two countries.

“We have perpetually argued that the trade between Guyana and Suriname is not

regularised. But imagine a situation where Surinamese produce and products can come on this Island and Guyanese products and produce can come on this Island and be traded evenly with each other – the backtrack would die immediately. The intent we should forward with this bridge is not just to build the physical edifice but to create the economic benefits that bridging the two countries would allow for,” he contended.

Balgobin further pointed out that through this twopart design, the cost of the bridge would be cheaper.

Finance Ministry Head of the Project Cycle Management Division, Tarachand Balgobin

Moreover, he too recognised the bigger picture of hemispheric integration that the Corentyne River Bridge will facilitate.

He noted that the three Guianas – French, Dutch and British – have always been mooted to be connected by bridge to each other and this is the first step in that direction.

Acknowledging that financing has been a major impediment to the project, Balgobin posited that the major task now will be to generate the capital for the project.

Surinamese Public

Works Minister, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, who along with his delegation also participated in Saturday’s site visit, disclosed that next week a Ministerial delegation from Suriname will be coming to Guyana to finalise key aspects of the bridge.

This will be followed by a State visit by President Ali to Paramaribo next month for Suriname’s Independence anniversary celebration. Minister Edghill is expected to be part of that visiting delegation where a formal agreement on the bridge project is expected to the signed.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo communities to see major investments, transformation – President Ali – millions earmarked for development in infrastructure, health, education, agriculture

P

resident Irfaan Ali on Sunday continued his community engagements across the country, visiting several areas along Essequibo, including Leguan, Wakenaam and Suddie.

The President was accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and several Government Ministers including Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia. The con-

cilities; $1.5 million was earmarked for the Enterprise Ground in Leguan. $3.5 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Leguan Post Office, which will significantly enhance the facility used by the pensioners there. In Wakenaam, $3 million has been earmarked for improvements to be made to the G-Square Centre Ground while an additional $2 million has been allocated for works along the Essequibo Coast.

"We realise that sports and physical education are an important part of community life," the President

A young sportsman received sporting equipment from President Ali during a visit to Leguan

tingent was later joined

by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat.

The contingent visited three playgrounds located in the three areas. While there, the President announced that the Government will be investing resources which will see the rehabilitation and maintenance of these fa-

stated.

During his address to the residents of these communities, the Head of State reminded that his Government is one for all of the people and he will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is included in the national development plans of the country.

"Whether you are nurs-

President Irfaan Ali addressing residents of Wakenaam, Region Three, on Sunday

es, teachers, public servants, rice farmers, labourers, sea defence workers... you are all equal in the eyes of your President and Government, and you will be treated equally. I am a president for all the people.

And I say to you here, as I will say it again anywhere else, whether you are nurses or doctors, whether you are farmers or builders, whether you're a fisherman, or a dentist or a teacher... Everyone will have a better life. You will have better prospects; your family will be better off. But I asked you to give us a chance. We have already delivered so much," the President noted.

President Ali also reminded of the sweeping measures in the 2020 emergency budget, which will result in the improvement of the livelihoods of all citizens in communities in several key areas.

"In just four short

months, we have removed the vat on electricity and water. We have brought back drainage and irrigation support. We have cut back the cost of land lease and rental. We have reduced the costs of licence fees. We are going to give a $25,000 cash grant to every household. In addition to this, we have been able to return the cash grant. You will see an increase of $15,000 from January [2021], and we are not stopping until we reach $50,000 per child before the end of the five years. In the less than four months, we have already increased the pension to $25,000, but we are not going to stop until we have it at $40,000 within these five years; this we are doing for our pensioners.”

He also announced that the residents can look forward to a reduction in electricity costs by as much as 50 per cent.

More importantly, the

Head of State also pointed to the benefits to be derived from the removal of VAT on equipment and machinery which will go a long way towards alleviating the burdens placed on residents in predominantly agriculture-based communities.

President Ali also assured of more investment in other critical areas in addition to agriculture; these include education and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

"There are certain growth polls that we have to identify all across the country, which will have special incentives for persons who want to invest in those areas. We know there is great potential for agriculture, for export purposes. This Government will be creating those incentives to motivate investment to come to this region so that we can create jobs, and we can create jobs and better opportu-

nities for people. We know that the cost of electricity has inhibited growth and development. That is why we have started aggressively to work on a number of programmes. One such is the gas to shore project," President Ali explained to the residents.

The Head of State also pointed to major investments in drainage and irrigation works in the various communities as well as investments into research and development which will lead to improved yields, which he said is critical for "productivity and profitability."

He emphasised that investing in the people of the communities is equally as important as investing in roads, lights and water.

This holistic development, he said, will complement the Government's overall development agenda.

President Ali reminded the residents in these communities to follow the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. He also presented sports equipment to several sports clubs in the various communities.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill and Minister Dharamlall pointed to the massive allocation of millions of dollars in the communities from the Ministries of Infrastructure and Local Government. They assured that the residents will start seeing the results of these initial investments before the end of the year.

India commits to providing technical expertise to resuscitate closed sugar estates

G

overnment is seeking to have the Private Sector partner with it in ensuring that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) becomes a success. In doing so, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana His Excellency Dr K J Srinivasa has signalled his willingness to promote Guyana’s sugar industry to India.

On Saturday, the High Commissioner visited the four sugar estates in Berbice; Blairmont in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and the three estates in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Rosehall, Albion and Skeldon.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. He has committed to providing technical experts from India to look at both the factories and the cultivation aspects of the operations.

According to the Agriculture Minister, he is hopeful that the High Commissioner’s visit to the estates would see Expressions of Interest from Indian nationals who are looking to invest in the local sugar industry.

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, His Excellency Dr KJ Srinivasa at the Blairmont Estate Packaging Plant

GuySuCo is currently seeking both local and foreign investors. Mustapha said his Ministry is hoping to have a public-private partnership for GuySuCo, which would ensure not only the Government’s but also the Private Sector’s involvement in the industry.

The Minister has since met with both the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), which have both expressed interest in investing in the local sugar industry and GuySuCo. “We are looking at the

works that are going on especially at Rosehall and Skeldon. Physical works have already commenced to have both the Rosehall and Skeldon sugar factories reopened,” the Minister told this publication.

Both factories are being cleaned and engineers are looking at the mechanical aspect to see what needs to be replaced and what could be repaired.

At Skeldon, more than one hundred persons have been reemployed to do fieldwork while Rosehall has re-employed one hundred and seventy-five persons in

the field. This is in addition to factory workers. That estate is expected to re-employ a further two hundred persons to carry out fieldwork by the end of the year.

At Skeldon, in excess of two hundred and fifty punts has so far been resuscitated and are ready for use when the factory recommences operation.

Meanwhile, field workers at Skeldon are engaged in removing cans from fields which were abundant when that estate was closed. “The ratoons will be preserved so that they can be used for planting as we rehab those fields,” Mustapha told this publication.

Over the next two months, a further two hundred persons are expected to be reemployed to plant and carry out crop husbandry including fertilising of the new canes. According to the Agriculture Minister, it is hoped that in the coming year that estate will have planting material to cultivate other fields.

Meanwhile, the High Commissioner was told that the Skeldon sugar factory should start producing sugar by early 2022. However,

Blairmont Estate Manager Hutton Griffith shows the Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and GuySuCo CEO Sasenarine Singh around the Blairmont Estate

Rosehall is predicting that sugar production will start on the estate by the end of 2021.

Meanwhile, budgetary funds for the reopening of the four sugar estates have started to be disbursed to those estates.

At Rosehall, the abundant estate fields are currently being tilled with the aim of planting fresh cane next month. After it is tilled, the land will have to be flooded for a period.

The President Dr Irfaan Ali Government had reached out to the Indian Government last month, for help in reopening the sugar estates.

Mustapha had informed the two main Unions repre-

senting sugar workers - the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association for Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) - that Terms of Reference (ToR) had been submitted and India has agreed to send specialists to provide assistance.

The Indian Government had, in the past, offered technical assistance to Guyana in the sugar sector. However, this offer was never capitalised on by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, which closed the Rose Hall, Skeldon, Wales and Enmore sugar estates in the first place.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Girls proving to be unstoppable COVID-19 severely impacted in tackling national issues – turnaround times for First Lady GPL’s services – DCEO

“W

e have seen r e m a r k able achievements in the advancement of rights of girls over the last few decades. Girls are proving to be unscripted and unstoppable, organising and mobilising themselves to tackle national issues such as education inequality, gender-based violence and the climate crisis.”

This is according to First Lady Arya Ali in her message to mark the occasion of International Day First Lady Arya Ali of the Girl Child, which was celebrated on Sunday, ases and lack of training, October 11, 2020. continue to stunt efforts to According to the First narrow the gender gap, deLady, as girls from Guyana spite the achievements and and the world continue efforts made to date. to assert their power as “This year, the COVID-19 change-makers, shifting the pandemic has compounded dynamics of gender and pow- many of these issues, disproer relations, it is important portionally affecting womto reflect on their position in en and girls in many ways. today’s society.

Essential services such as Noting that internation- access to sexual and reproal Day of the Girl Child pro- ductive health services have vides this unique opportuni- been disrupted. Economic ty, especially at a time when hardships due to the pangirls are being disproportion- demic are also greater for ally affected by a global pan- women according to the demic, the First Lady said World Bank, since informal that this year’s theme “My workers, most of whom are Voice, Our Equal Future”, women, face greater employallows for attention to be ment risks and uncertaindrawn to the rights of girls. ties.”

Among them, she said, is In addition, the First the right to be free from gen- Lady said that the United der-based violence, harm- Nations has revealed that ful practices, and HIV and reports of violence against AIDS; the right to learn new women have increased in skills towards the futures many countries as security, they choose; and to lead as a health, and financial worries generation of activists accel- create tensions and strains. erating social change.

In this regard, she implored She, however, pointed out that now more than ever, that she is cognisant that “we must redouble our efmultiple barriers including forts to ensure our women systemic discrimination, bi- and girls are protected.”

In fact, she added, “We must continue to support the implementation of targeted policies and programmes geared towards bolstering gender equality and empowerment across all sectors including health, education, ICT, and social services.”

According to the First Lady, with persisting conditions of global economic crisis and uncertainty, there must be a firm resolve to re-commit to the goals of social progress and social justice in shaping a world where girls find their rightful place – on equal terms with boys.

“In so doing, we must also amplify leadership and actions which inspire solutions to positive change. Together, we can do this!” Ali said in conclusion.

In 1995 at the World Conference on Women, in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Tropical Rhythms launches “Cash in You Rhythm” promotion

T

ropical Rhythms launched their “Cash in your Rhythm” promotion on Friday last at the TWEE Gourmet Shoppe, Giftland Mall.

A grand prize of $1 million will be up for grabs on the final drawing, which is set for November 25, 2020, while consolation prizes will be up for grabs on the drawing dates prior to the final drawing of the promotion.

At the launching, Business Unit Head (BUH) for NonAlcoholic Brands, Nigel Dodson was keen to note that Tropical Rhythm is the juice to drink this Christmas season.

“In keeping with the culture of ANSA McAL we want to give back to our consumers and they will have that chance when they drink Tropical Rhythm throughout the Christmas season.

“The promotion is the first of its kind being that it is a WhatsApp promotion, which makes it accessible to anyone with a smartphone. What makes it unique is that you don’t need a coupon to enter the promotion,” Dodson high-

Business Unit Head for Non-Alcoholic Brands Nigel Dodson (second left) and Brand Coordinator for Tropical Rhythms Triston Freeman (second right) flanked by Tropical Rhythms brand ambassadors during the press launching on Friday

lighted.

Brand Coordinator of the Tropical Rhythm brand Triston Freeman added that “it’s very simple to enter, just snap a photo of your receipt and send it to the WhatsApp number that will be on our flyers and in the press. “We know that at this time things are not easy on everybody and this is our way of spreading some cheer by giving our consumers a chance to have that extra cash in hand,” Freeman noted.

The promotion will be conducted in all major supermarkets countrywide and only the purchase of the Tropical Rhythm bottles will be accepted during the promotion.

In addition, should persons be unable to access WhatsApp to submit their receipts, there will be agents at supermarkets to assist consumers.

The drawing dates for consolation prizes are October 14, 21, 28 and on November 4, 11, 18 and 25.

T

he ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has in many ways affected the daily operations of the Guyana Power and Light Corporation (GPL), according to its Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DECO) of Strategic Operations, Samaroo Ramtahal.

During a recent interview, Ramtahal revealed that the pandemic has affected the turnaround times for many of GPL’s commercial services.

As such, he urged consumers to be patient since GPL is currently working with limited human resources due to a rotation system that is in place to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ramtahal revealed that GPL has taken extensive measures to protect the health and well-being of its staff and customers.

“At GPL, we are ensuring that our staff are properly sanitised. Once you enter the compound, our staff temperature is screened and once you pass that test, that is when you are allowed access to the building,” the DECO added.

Further, he said that sanitising agents are available and the company has enforced social distancing of six feet apart.

He pointed out that there is a rotation policy within core divisions of the company to avoid having a shutdown. It is against this backdrop, he highlighted, that there are times when persons would apply for a new meter service and GPL, in the past, would have responded much faster than it is doing now.

Besides issues with manpower, Ramtahal further explained “now we have other problems with materials; to get materials now, the time period is much longer. We are waiting for materials for various types of meters. We are low on stock. So, our response rate to replace meter or to put in a new meter service is much

longer as a result.”

GPL has now moved most of its services online. The GPL official added that if persons log on to the company’s website there is a chatline which has now replaced some of the front desk services.

“All of our customer services, you now have the option to do them online.” Regarding the application process for a change in meter, tenancy or a new meter, Ramtahal disclosed that these are all available online.

Ramtahal indicated that “it is very clearly laid out. The application process is easy for you to upload documents.

Typically, when you apply for a new service you have to provide ownership of property, certificate of inspections and your ID.” According to him, there are instances where customers have complained about GPL being slow in handling their applications for new services in which proof of ownership of the property is not provided.

However, he assured that this can be easily dealt with.

“GPL has a process to deal with that. If you can walk in with your water bill or if you have rates and tax bills those will help to replace proof of ownership. Beyond that, your Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) can give you a letter that you are living there, that would work in place of the ownership document.”

Pursuant to the COVID-19 gazetted orders, GPL has made a number of modifications to its service delivery.

These include reduced business hours. GPL said that its offices will only be accessible to pay bills and purchase prepaid tokens.

For queries, customers are encouraged to engage GPL via its customer service centre or through the live chat available on its website. Customers applying for various services must commence the application process online. Customers

GPL Deputy Chief Elections Officer Samaroo Ramtahal

attempting to facilitate the process at its commercial offices will not be facilitated.

In addition, customers are encouraged to utilise GPL’s wide network of payment agents to avoid a cluster at commercial offices. Financial transactions conducted through its authorised agents are secured and remitted to GPL within 24 hours of the transaction.

They include Bank of Boroda, Citizens Bank, Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Republic Bank, Scotiabank, Surepay, Bill Express, Guyana Post Office and Mobile Money Guyana.

GPL has announced that the disconnection of service remains suspended and that there are special arrangements in place for customers facing financial difficulties. Customers who are unable to pay bills are encouraged to contact GPL via revenue@gplinc.com to discuss with Customer Service Representatives, payment options suited to their circumstances.

The power company further said that it will provide adequate notice prior to the resumption of disconnection activities. GPL is, therefore, urging customers to continue paying their monthly bills and to settle current charges to avoid an accumulated sum that may be unmanageable when disconnection activities resume.

14 NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Young architect pioneering new construction techniques

Mikhail Ahmad

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rchitecture is the reason we live in a world today that consists of many different designs of

Ahmad but came to Guyana at the age of five since his parents wanted to connect with their Guyanese roots.

This young man grew up in Good Fortuin on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) and attended the primary school in his neighbourhood.

He would then embark on higher learning at the Zeeburg Secondary School from 2007-2010 and was later transferred to West Demerara Secondary from where he graduated in 2012.

Questioned why he chose this career path, Ahamad explained, “I grew up being exposed to construction

the arts and design was still there.

“I was well-rounded in all things architecture, from history to design to construction. I always took time learning about new and innovative technologies that could improve my designs which would, in turn, improve the livelihood of those using my spaces,” he said.

However, during his third year at university, he related that he had an epiphany that in a year he would be graduating and would be on the verge of job hunting. He admitted that the thought of being an un-

in home designs and consultancy. Ahmad, in great detail, informed <<<Guyana Times>>> about the processes his company follows regarding architecture designs and construction.

According to him, “Clients engage us in designing their home or building, we produce a design, structural drawings and illustrations. Our renderings and animations are popular with the locale. When requested, we provide an engineer’s estimate which gives a good sense of the cost of the project.”

“After designs have been

LA Architecture offers services to the builders and suppliers involved both dependently and independently. The young entrepreneur explained that his company works with contractors, fabricators, joiners, furniture builders, and landscapers on in-house projects, but also independently in making proposals on their behalf to companies and agencies when contracting for works.

When asked what makes his company different from competitors, he replied, “It is our love for the process of getting to that end product,

sign, build and sell our very own LA homes to the lovely people of Guyana.”

He believes that architecture can definitely improve the livelihood of our people.

“I have seen it done in many places across the globe, take Denmark for example. I’m hopeful and looking forward to more youths pushing my cause of making architecture more prominent in Guyana as it is needed so much. So many of our everyday problems can be resolved easily if only we put some architecture into it.”

no matter how many times we go from design to construction. The love for the process remains, as clichéd as that is. A repeated gesture from our clients is how enjoyable it was to work with us from paper to concrete. I believe we stand tall in building happy homes and relationships.”

In terms of expanding his company, Ahmad is highly interested in growing more in construction supplies, services and even real estate. He alluded that “it is my hope to soon enough de-

He encouraged budding architects to stay committed to their art and to always deliver the best quality of work as it is very important when you would like to create a good reputation for yourself.

For anyone who may be interested in learning more about LA Architecture or to have their own architecture designs done, visit www. laarchitecturegy.com. The company can also be contacted on Facebook at L.A architecturegy or an Instagram at Laarchitecturegy.

Two designs done by Ahmad

buildings and environmental landscapes. It can be described as an art, science and profession.

Mikhail Ahmad is a young Guyanese entrepreneur who is very passionate about architecture. In fact, the architect is pioneering new construction techniques with the use of technology.

He was born at the Scarborough General Hospital in Toronto, Canada, to Guyanese parents Indira and Naseer

as my dad Naseer is also an architect and my brother Xyzfaohn is an engineer.

Between spending time on construction sites and taking an interest in arts, I pursued architecture.”

Immediately after leaving secondary school, he enrolled at the University of Guyana (UG) where he pursued the Civil Engineering programme. Within a year, Ahamad decided that he wanted to major in architecture as his passion for

employed graduate was a scary one.

Against this background, he related, “I wanted to stay ahead of the curve. At the start of my final year in 2016, between working part-time with my uncle selling carpets and working on final year projects I birthed LA Architecture; my own Architecture company.”

LA Architecture or LA as called by many is a Guyanese-based and operated company that specialises

given the green light by the relevant authorities, we are often contracted to stay with the project through the life of the construction as an in-house consultant.

Our job as the consultant is to ensure that our design goes from paper to reality as it was meant to be. We also check that proper construction techniques and methods are used so as to have a successful and happy end product building,” he concluded.

In addition to design and supervision of homes,

Ariel launches Christmas Cash promotion

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riel soap powder launched its Christmas Cash promotion on Friday last at the TWEE Gourmet Shoppe, Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Customers will have a chance to win a grand prize of $500,000 on four separate occasions with the first drawing set for October 30, 2020.

At the launch, Business Unit Head (BUH) for Procter and Gamble Padma Kunjbeharry posited that the company was pleased to give back to Ariel’s loyal customers.

“We know every time around Christmas persons always expect the cars in our promotion but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to do the necessary events to really showcase it to our customers so with that in mind we thought having cash in hand would really boost our customers

From left: Corporate Communications Officer Treiston Joseph; BUH Procter and Gamble Padma Kunjbeharry and Brand Coordinator Ariel Atina Samad during the press launching of the Ariel Christmas Cash promotion

for the Christmas season.

Brand Coordinator of the Ariel Brand, Atina Samad added that “we have also included consolation prizes at each drawing with our customers having a chance to win $250,000, $100,000 and $50,000 outside of the $500,000 grand prize.

“All you will have to

do is submit one packet of Ariel soap powder, except the 95 grams, with your name, number and address and you will have a chance to win big with us,” Samad noted.

The drawing dates are October 30, November 20, December 11 and the grand drawing on December 18.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PM joins COVI-CURB campaign to bring awareness to Guyanese

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rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips on Saturday took to the streets of Georgetown in an effort to sensitise Guyanese on the COVI-CURB operation that was implemented to bring awareness about COVID-19.

Phillips was joined

by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd to share information with the public and distribute masks in the Stabroek Market Square and its environs.

“Most of the people, maybe 99 per cent of the people that we interacted with had on a mask, and I am heartened by that,” the Prime Minister related after the exercise.

PM Phillips distributes masks to a vendor

The Prime Minister noted that several Government Ministers are conducting similar exercises across the country.

He said that since the

launch of Operation COVICURB on October 1, 2020, there has been a significant increase in awareness activities to ensure that the public complies with the COVID-19 guidelines.

“I think we are doing well and the message is being passed on to the people … it is gaining momentum and that is what we want-

ed.”

Minister Todd, who had contracted the virus a few weeks ago, encouraged people to never get too comfortable or complacent. He noted that the virus does not discriminate and people should be hyper-vigilant in protecting themselves and their loved ones.

“You have to always keep your guard up; sometimes you’re in environments where you think that you don’t need to wear a mask, but it’s not offensive to keep your mask on. I think people need to understand that even if you’re around people that you endear and you feel comfortable with, it’s a mark of respect to wear your mask and to ensure that others wear their masks also,” Todd highlighted.

Operation COVI-CURB is an initiative by the Government in collaboration with the Private Sector,

Minister Todd spreading awareness on the COVID-19 pandemic

civil society groups and volunteers. It uses education, moral suasion and enforcement to ensure that the public complies with the COVID-19 gazetted order.

During the launching, Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie reminded that his Force is on the frontline behind this fight in terms

of enforcement of the regulations. He added that they will embark in continuous public sensitisation campaign in a “community-minded” approach.

Ranks have been assigned across the region to specifically ensure that the national measures are upheld by citizens.

ute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, moderate local climate by providing shade, regulate temperature extremes, conserve on water, preserve our soil, and support animal life. In the case of fruit trees, they provide fruits that can be consumed by their benefi-

public spaces as it engages other stakeholders. The Chambers is also hopeful that it can convince every homeowner to plant a tree as collectively our efforts will reduce the impact of climate change and help to save planet Earth for our children and future generations to come,” they ex-

Govt injects over $500M in Region 2 economy via COVID cash grant GCCI commemorates Agriculture – Min Bharrat Month with “Plant a Tree” initiative

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat at a meeting with Region Two leaders on Saturday in Anna Regina

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ver $500 million will be injected into the economy of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) with the distribution of the $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat made this disclosure in his address on Saturday during a meeting with the Region’s leaders at Anna Regina.

The Minister said while the sum is being criticised by some sections of society, it will help to stimulate the regional economy.

“It will be over half [a] billion dollars that will be coming in to Region Two. That is a significant boost for your region, that is a significant boost for the local economy because that will now be used to kick-start the economy so that Region Two can start progressing once again,” Minister Bharrat said.

In a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, the Minister noted that the grant, which was first announced by President Irfaan Ali, is a clear demonstration of the Government’s care for the people. The grant, coupled with the other budgetary measures and the reopening of the economy, is designed to safeguard livelihoods and revive the economy.

“If we remain closed, it means we will not be sav-

ing people from COVID, soon we will be saving people from starvation because people are suffering… it has a domino effect. That is why we decided to extend the curfew, but they do not understand that so many of our people are farmers and the police harass these people when they come out 4 o’clock in the morning with their greens,” the Minister said.

It was careful consideration of the plight of farmers and other workers that compelled the Government to act.

“People are not thinking about those kinds of people, but we are always thinking about every single Guyanese. That is why we said not six o’clock but four o’clock, so that people can go to the market and sell their produce… These people have to live and we know because of the state of the economy people live almost on a day-to-day basis or from one paycheque to the other,” he explained.

Minister Bharat highlighted that President Ali has already asked world leaders to place Guyana on the priority list when a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available. However, for now, the most the Government can do is ask people to follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to prevent transmission.

I

Tree-planting at Queen’s College

n commemoration of Agriculture Month, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education launched the “Plant a Tree,” initiative.

During the launching of the initiative, members of

Fruit trees planted included mango, cherry, pear, gooseberry and cashew.

According to the Chambers, the initiative aims to bring greater awareness to the importance of plant life in balancing the ecosystem. It

Tree-planting at St Joseph High School

GCCI along with representatives from the Education Ministry planted several fruit trees at schools around Georgetown. Some of these schools include Bishops’ High School, Queens College, David Rose Special Needs School, St Joseph High and North Georgetown Secondary.

explained that plants not only aid in reducing the carbon footprint through carbon sequestration but importantly also provide a home to many of nature’s animal species including birds, butterflies, etc.

“It is important for our school children to understand that trees contrib-

Tree-planting at David Rose Special Needs School

ciaries with many health benefits,” they said.

The Chambers said it looks forward to the assistance of above-mentioned schools in taking care of these plants to maturity.

“It is the intention of the Chambers to continue with this initiative at some other schools and other

plained.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Month 2020 is being observed under the theme: "Investing in Agriculture for Poverty Reduction & Sustainable Development."

Due to the pandemic, the celebrations will be virtual to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.

16 NEWS Guyana records 104th COVID-19 death, 64 new cases MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– 16 persons remain in ICU

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he Health Ministry on Sunday announced that another person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died, thus taking the death toll to a whopping 104.

The latest fatality, the Ministry noted, was a 40-year-old female from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Guyana recorded five COVID-19 deaths on Friday – the highest number within 24 hours. Over the past week, the coronavirus fatalities increased by 15. The week began with the death toll at 89 cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also reported on Sunday that 64 new COVID-19 cases were detected over a 24-hour period.

Junior Housing and Water Minister Susan Rodrigues encouraging a young boy to wear his mask properly at La Penitence Market

COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 1032 in isolation, that is, 113 in institutional isolation and 919 in home isolation.

Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy distributing pamphlets to vendors at the La Penitence Market on Sunday

According to the updated COVID-19 dashboard, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has gone up to 3469 – 1841 males and 1628 females.

Of these, however, only 1048 cases are currently active, with 16 patients in the

Additionally, there are 60 persons in institutional quarantine. To date, some 2318 persons in the country have recovered from the life-threatening disease.

Guyana has tested 15,963 persons thus far for the novel coronavirus.

A breakdown of the 64 new cases recorded on Sunday showed increased cases in eight of the 10 administrative regions across the country.

This includes a whopping 20 new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini), seven cases each in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 17 cases in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), eight cases in Region Eight (CuyuniMazaruni), and two in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The figures in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) remain the same at 54 and 367, respectively.

Authorities have been pleading with and reminding Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9) which are in effect until October 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of face

masks when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positive cases, especially asymptomatic cases, are detected.

Moreover, Government has since launched “Operation COVI-CURB” – a countrywide campaign by the Joint Services and other key stakeholders, using an education and persuasion strategy, to elicit adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures.

According to Public Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, this initiative has been garnering positive feedback.

“We’re very pleased with the comments that we’re getting back… we’re trying a softer approach of talking to people and distributing masks, giving out flyers and educating people,” the Minister said last week.

Meanwhile, sever-

Mother of 1 killed in motorcycle accident

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former teacher was on Sunday killed after the motorbike on which she was travelling slammed into a metal rail along the Seawell Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is 29-year-old Radha Shivcharran of Lot 86 North Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice. She was reportedly the pillion rider at the time of the accident.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at about 10:45h and involved motorcycle CK 4094, driven

by Kenny Teakadharry, 36, of Albion Road, Corentyne.

Teakadharry was reportedly driving at a fast rate of speed and lost control of the motorcycle while negotiating a turn. As a result, he collided with a steel rail. Both Shivcharran and Teakadharry were flung from the motorcycle and landed on the roadway.

They were picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where

Dead: Radha Shivcharran

Shivcharran was pronounced dead on arrival. Teakadharry, on the other hand, was admitted with a fractured right leg.

At the home of the dead woman, her mother, Nandranie Shivcharran,

explained that she left home without having breakfast but told her that she would be back shortly. However, after she had her breakfast, she was informed of the accident and her daughter’s subsequent demise.

“I didn’t know that she was going out with the boy because she know I don’t want her to go with him so, because of that, she did not tell me. She has her boyfriend in Trinidad. She tell her boyfriend that she was not going anywhere and was going to sleep. So, he think that she was sleeping.”

She noted that details surrounding the accident are sketchy but noted that based on information received, Teakadharry was racing with another motorcycle. The dead woman is the mother of a 9-year-old.

She was in the process of making arrangements to marry her boyfriend.

She leaves to mourn her mother, child and siblings. An investigation into the fatal accident is underway.

al Government Ministers have been participating in the initiative. In fact, on Sunday, Public Affairs Minister Kwame McCoy and Junior Housing and Water Minister, Susan Rodrigues, conducted a COVID-19 awareness walkabout at the La Penitence Market.

The Ministers and their teams fanned out from the Toolsie Persaud parking lot to distribute masks, T-shirts with the advisory slogans “COVID-19 Kills Stay Alive” and “Wear Your Mask, Wash Your Hands And Keep Your Distance” to vendors, shoppers and others.

Operation COVI-CURB stickers with the slogan, “No mask, No ride,” were also given to drivers and minibus operators traversing the area.

This activity follows closely on the heels of a similar exercise held on Saturday at the Stabroek, Skeldon, Leonora and Kitty markets. The initiative is another activity to complement the Joint Servicesdriven Operation COVICURB. On Saturday, October 3, a hotline was set up for persons to call and report breaches of the COVID-19 measures.

Wanted man shot while allegedly attempting to disarm Police

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36-year-old man identified as Randy Joseph, also known as “Buxton” of Lot 64 James Street, Albouystown, was shot to the left thigh by a police rank after he allegedly attempted to disarm the rank.

The incident occurred on Sunday at about 11:00h.

Based on reports received, a party of policemen, acting upon information, visited the home of Joseph, and conducted a search.

According to Police, Joseph is a known character to the police and was wanted for questioning in relation to several armed robberies.

However, during the search, the police found Joseph hiding under a bed.

He was ordered to come out to which he complied.

However, as one of the policemen was attempting to restrain Joseph, he allegedly held onto the rank and attempted to disarm him of his service revolver.

However, in the process, Police said a round was discharged, hitting Joseph to his upper left thigh.

Following the mishap,

the man was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted under guard.

Investigations are ongoing.

On the other hand, the injured man’s wife, Natoya Tappin, explained that her husband was in his bed when the police ran into the bedroom and attacked him.

She noted that at the time of the incident, the man’s seven-year-old son was with him.

Nevertheless, she noted that her husband attempted to inquire about the offence he committed but was told by the arrogant police ranks to “shut up”. Soon after, the woman claimed that one of the police ranks discharged a round that hit Joseph.

After the gunshot went off, the man’s son became traumatised and made efforts to jump off the verandah. “Meh son left traumatised…there was blood all ova and after the gunshot went off, the lil boy just went hysterical,” she noted.

After the shooting, the police ransacked the house before taking the injured man to the hospital.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 10 records improvements in English, Science, Social Studies at NGSA – notable decline in Maths

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chools in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) have recorded improvements in the subject areas of English Language, Science and Social Studies at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, however, there has been a notable decline in Mathematics.

This is according to acting Regional Education Officer (REDO) LaShanna Anderson, who delivered a report on schools’ performances during the statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) last Thursday.

“We have improved in all of our areas but we had a little decline in Mathematics.

Though above the national average, we have declined by 4.8 per cent. And so, we need to work to improve in this area,” Anderson related.

She noted that English Language saw an improvement of 6.3 per cent, while Science saw an improvement of 2.5 per cent and Social Studies an improvement of 5.2 per cent. Schools in areas of Sub Region 2 (along the Berbice River) have also recorded exemplary results,

according to the REDO. “In Sub Region 2...we did well. We had schools that secured a hundred per cent passes in overall performance,” Anderson stated. These schools included Calcuni and Atonement where 100 per cent passes were obtained as it relates to students who gained 400 marks and above, while DeVeldt recorded 66.6 per cent passes. Meanwhile, the Howell Wilson Primary School at Ituni also saw 100 per cent of students gaining 400 marks and above with the school recording 56.3 per cent passes. The Aroaima Primary School saw a pass rate of 44.4 per cent, while Kimbia saw a pass rate of 57 per cent where students gained 400 marks and above. With these results, Anderson said there is still room for improvement, as she urged the continuous support from regional stakeholders.

“So though we would have had improvement, we also need to improve even more. Also, I’m very happy that we have all of our stakeholders on board to help us to achieve,” she said.

Anderson indicated that

the Regional Education Department is now looking at suitable ways in which it can reopen schools for students in Grades Five and Six in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines.

“The Department would have completed all our survey early last month and we have been strategising to see how best we could safely reopen schools for this Division - that’s Grade Five and Six; and we hope to put all the necessary precautions in place, all the guidelines and so on - that we would have implemented when we had our National Grade Six Assessment...and the CSEC. We hope to reinforce those so we can have them seated in keeping with social distancing...because we know that we would not be able to have the whole school...”, she said.

The Department is also seeking to improve internet access in schools along the Berbice River, including Howell Wilson Primary, Aroaima and Hururu.

Anderson noted that the satisfactory performance of the schools serves as reason to improve internet access.

“Those schools along the

Acting Regional Education Officer (REDO) for Primary, LaShanna Anderson

Berbice River where the signal is weak...we are working feverishly to have those put in place at the shortest possible time because we expect our students to be gainfully engaged as we seek to improve the performance of education in the Region...

We would have analysed our results, we saw where our weaknesses were and so we are putting extra resources to improve performance at those schools,” she said.

The REDO also boasted that there are 100 per cent trained teachers at Mabura Hill. According to Anderson, overall, 150 students from across the Region were allotted plac-

es at Mackenzie High, while 35 students gained places at National Sixth Form schools in Georgetown, with 10 of those students requesting to be placed at the Mackenzie High School.

In the area of CSEC matriculation, Harmony Secondary, which is the only Grade C school in Linden, came in for high praise.

“I’m happy to report that Harmony would have gotten students that matriculate from zero per cent - they have moved to 3 per cent.

Harmony is on the rise and we expect even better results come 2021,” Anderson said.

She also congratulated the New Silvercity Secondary School, which she related has consistently excelled, noting this year the school did exceptionally well in terms of matriculation with a significant increase of 58.7 per cent.

“They had a 27 per cent increase. Linden Foundation (Secondary School) did well in double-digits too - they had 12 per cent increase.

Christianburg Wismar Secondary, 10.49 per cent increase, Kwakwani Secondary, 11.37 per cent

increase”, Anderson said.

She noted, however, that the Mackenzie High School, which is a Grade A school, had a decrease of seven per cent given that it had achieved a 79 per cent matriculation rate while this year the school achieved 72 per cent.

In light of this, she urged that more support be given to the educational institution. Anderson said overall, 72 per cent of the general population that wrote CSEC at that school matriculated.

Additionally, the Wisburg Secondary School secured 10 per cent pass rate at double digits.

The students’ performances across the Region came in for high praise by Regional Councillors and Regional Chairman Deron Adams. Councillor Norris King in his remarks urged continued support.

“At this time, I would like to encourage all of us on the RDC to keep pushing, keep supporting our education sector because those children, as they mature, are the future and those are the ones that we can depend on to build or to continue building this Region,” he said.

Hinduism is pro-environment Dear Editor Over the last few weeks, a number of volunteers began cleaning the seawalls.

This most commendable effort must be supported by all, as keeping the environment clean is not only a civic duty but one as a human being. As a Hindu priest, I am disheartened by the remains of “Pooja” (ritualistic worship) paraphernalia, murtis and other items scattered on the seawall and beaches across the country.

Many visits to the beaches, I am saddened to see persons walking, driving and even imbibing on these items. This reflects negatively on the entire Hindu community. Desecrating Mother Earth is not a Hindu value.

Generally, all Pooja items are biodegradable. However, with recent inventions such as foil, plastic, etc, our Poojas are churning out unnecessary waste. In fact, a Pooja usually concludes with a Havan (fire offering), which purifies the atmosphere. As such, we should always be cognisant of any waste materials we leave behind.

Dwipedi (1993) in Human Responsibility and the Environment: A Hindu Perspective explained that Hindu scriptures defined humanity's relationship to nature and noted that an important part of that conduct is maintaining proper sanitation. As a deterrent to polluting the environment, persons engaging in unsocial activities and in acts of

polluting the environment were cursed from a scriptural viewpoint: “A person, who is engaged in killing creatures, polluting wells, and ponds and tanks, and destroying gardens, certainly goes to hell” (Padmapurana, Bhoomikhananda 96:7-8).

In 2009, the Convocation of Hindu Spiritual Leaders adopted the inaugural Hindu Declaration on Climate Change at the Parliament of the World Religions, which was later re-introduced in the lead-up to the Paris Climate Conference in 2015.

Within the declaration, Hindu leaders made specific references to teachings from religious texts to highlight how Hindus have an inherent duty to protect the environment.

Indeed, in the midst of various global discourses on pollution, religious leaders in Guyana need to become vocal advocates for changing certain practices with a view to protecting the environment. We, as priests, must be the drivers for this much-needed societal change. We must explain that no bad omen will befall if things are done differently - more so, in keeping the environment clean.

Given the religious importance of keeping the environment clean, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, the country’s largest Hindu organisation has been appealing to Hindus to use only biodegradable items in Poojas and that no foil papers, mur-

tis, plastic or cloth should be dumped into the waterways.

Other recommendations from the said body included placing leaves, flowers, fruits and other biodegradable materials into deep waters. Many Hindus opt to dispose of broken and old murtis into the waterways.

Pandit Rajin Balgobind explained, “Visarjanam” (immersion) forms part of the conclusion of every Pooja and items such as murtis, flags, sarees should not pollute our environment. To this end, he recommended that: 1. Sari (used in Pooja) should be gifted to someone, or a mandir, or used by the individuals themselves. 2.

Fruits, including coconuts, can be consumed as “prasadam.” 3. Broken murti can be fixed and this is completely acceptable. 4. Pindas from Shraadh rituals can be fed to cows. It is important to note that it is not compulsory to hoist flags. Alternatives to this can include hoisting small flags or hoist same at home.

Pandit Roop Sukhram, a Guyanese-Hindu scholar based in Florida wrote extensively on disposing after-Pooja items. For Bhümau-nikhanatim or disposing of Pooja items, he recommended burial. He cited Yajur Veda - Taittireeya Braahmana as the authority. He explained by the performance of Yajña (worship), that Lord Shiva, through the features of both Prithivee Mother Earth and Ambikaa

Maa is being worshipped.

Hence, since the Earth is Rudra, subsequently, upon the completion of this blissful Yajña all items are committed to the Earth. From this standpoint, it is proper and acceptable to bury all Pooja items upon the completion of any Pooja.

Apart from the issue of disposing used Pooja items, Hindus have been asking that areas be designated for their worship. To this end, I urge the local NDC and municipality to work with Hindu leaders to allocate places for worship. This can help in controlling the waste since it is no secret that non-Hindus also use the waterways for worship.

I urge my Hindu brothers and sisters that for their next Pooja, no waste should be left behind and there must be a disposal plan, which factors in environment care.

Further, I urge that pandits and mandir devotees use Vasant Panchmi, Phagwah, Ganga Dusshera and other Earth themed occasions to explain the value of keeping the environment clean to their congregation.

Additionally, I am appealing to devotees to desist from disposing domestic wastes into the waterways.

Every time we desecrate the environment, think of it as hurting the same Goddess, to whom we offer reverence.

As outlined above, there many alternative methods which can be employed to guide our conduct. It must

be pointed out that using any above methods will not reduce the benefits derived from the Pooja nor will it bring any harm to you and your family. These are all superstitious constructs which must be rejected.

Lastly, I urge all citizens

to play their part in keeping our environment clean, and free from pollution.

Yours in Dharma, Pandit Deodat Persaud Reliance Settlement Sanatan Mandir

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

Regional

Caricom decries latest Mexico takes down Columbus statue ahead of protest EU blacklisting

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T

he 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping says it “deplores the ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent blacklisting strategy” employed by the European Union (EU) to Caribbean countries.

“The most recent inclusion of Caricom States to the blacklist of alleged non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and jurisdictions identified as being deficient in the area of Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), underscores the EU’s unwillingness to take into account the substantial progress made by Caricom Member States at compliance with global standards,” Caricom said in a statement.

It said moreover, the unquestioned use of ratings from other international bodies as a determining factor in the decision to list a jurisdiction along with the absence of meaningful prior consultation with the affected States “negates the spirit of partnership and multilateralism that has characterised the relationship between Caricom and the EU”.

Barbados, The Bahamas

Caricom Member States must take a clear position on foreign policy coordination

and Trinidad and Tobago were included in the latest EU list of 22 countries that have currently been identified as high-risk third countries for money laundering and terrorist financing. The list was released on October 1.

“These countries are identified as having strategic deficiencies in their national anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regimes that pose significant threats to the EU’s financial system,” the EU said in a statement, adding “you must apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) measures in any transaction or business relation-

ship with a person established in a high-risk third country”.

In its statement, Caricom said that along with the unprecedented task of staging a post-COVID-19 economic recovery, “these Caricom States now have the added burden of being subjected to the EU’s discriminatory tactics disguised as tax policy and governance.

“Blacklisting severely affects the economic prospects of the listed states and the Community, in general, at a time when all of our members are already faced with the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

first death was recorded in March, and 5,082,637 infections, the Ministry said.

It is the second-highest national death toll in the world, after the United States, which has recorded more than 213,000 fatalities from COVID-19; and the third-highest number of infections after the US and India.

Officials and other health experts say the actual number of fatalities is likely to be higher.

In Latin America, Brazil is followed by Colombia, with 894,300 cases and 27,495 deaths; Argentina with 871,455 cases and 23,225 deaths; and Peru

with 843,355 cases and 33,158 deaths.

Mexico, although it has fewer cases at 809,751, has suffered a high number of deaths – the fourth-highest in the world – with the toll currently 83,507.

Brazil’s tally has been falling slowly since it plateaued earlier in the year, when it saw an average of approximately 1000 deaths per day for two months.

But experts said recent months have been slow compared with countries in Europe and Asia, which saw a steeper decline, suggesting Brazil may still be in its first wave of the virus. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

in other places, researchers have yet to understand what their effect on humans is.

“Earlier this week, the number of people testing positive in Magallanes was the same as here in the capital, except that Magallanes has the lowest population density in the country, 170,000 versus eight million in Santiago,” said Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from the Chilean capital, Santiago.

“Experts say there could be many reasons, including the weather, but they can’t rule out that the new strand of the virus is mainly

to blame.”

Studies outside Chile have also indicated that the coronavirus can evolve as it adapts to its human hosts.

A preliminary study that analysed the virus’s structure following two waves of infection in Houston, United States, found that a more contagious strain dominated recent samples.

Scientists say the mutations may make the virus more contagious but do not necessarily make it more deadly, nor do they necessarily inhibit the effectiveness of a potential vaccine.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brazil’s coronavirus deaths pass 150,000

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razil has surpassed 150,000 deaths from coronavirus, according to the country’s Health Ministry, but there were signs that the rate of infections continued to slow in the South American country.

The toll came as Latin America and the Caribbean marked 10 million cases on Saturday and more than 360,000 deaths. The Region is the worst hit in terms of fatalities, according to official figures.

With 212 million inhabitants, Brazil has accumulated the majority of the Region’s deaths: 150,198 from COVID-19 since the

Scientists investigate possible coronavirus mutation in Chile

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cientists in Chile are investigating a possible mutation of the coronavirus in southern Patagonia, a far-flung region near the tip of South America that has seen an unusually contagious second wave of infections in recent weeks.

Questions have arisen as the remote region of Magallanes, which accounts for only one per cent of the country’s population, reported nearly 20 per cent of Chile’s total cases so far, suggesting a potential mutation of the novel virus.

While such mutations have already been observed

exican authorities on Saturday removed a statue of Christopher Columbus that stood in the capital, two days before protesters planned to knock it down during events commemorating the Italian navigator's arrival in the Americas.

The Culture Ministry said the statue was removed from Reforma Avenue in Mexico City on the request of city officials, adding it was taken down for restoration.

Activist groups had organised a protest called "We're going to knock it down" for today, October 12, the date marking Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

In Mexico, the date is commemorated as Dia de la Raza (Day of the Race), in recognition of the country's mixed indigenous and European heritage.

Activists in various cities in the United States have torn down and vandalised statues honouring Columbus in recent months,

Tents set up by members of the National Front Anti-AMLO (Frena) to protest against Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador – AMLO – at the Zocalo Square, in Mexico City, on October 8, 2020, amid the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic

claiming they symbolise the genocide and exploitation of Native American people.

Mexico City's statue, which had been damaged in 1992, was the first monument installed on Reforma Avenue in 1877.

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said it could be returned after the restoration work was complete.

"Maybe it would be worth... a collective reflec-

tion on what (Columbus) represents, especially towards next year," Sheinbaum said at a press conference.

The controversy came the same day as the release of a letter in which Mexico's President asked Pope Francis for an apology for the Catholic Church's role in the oppression of Indigenous people in the Spanish conquest 500 years ago. (Excerpt from AFP)

smuggles tonnes of cocaine into Europe.

His release was the result of a controversial order by Judge Marco Aurélio Mello, one of 11 justices on Brazil's Supreme Court.

Judge Mello granted Macedo's release from the São Paulo prison on the grounds that the amount of time he had spent in detention awaiting trial had exceeded the legal maximum. He was arrested in September 2019, and had been detained since.

After his release, Macedo was ordered to go into house arrest.

The order to release him was controversial. São Paulo state Governor Joao Doria called it "an unacceptable condescension to criminals".

Within a few hours, High Court President Luiz Fux had suspended the decision and ordered Macedo to be re-arrested and returned to prison immediately.

However, by this time he was already gone – with some local reports suggesting he fled the country.

Investigators in São Paulo have not provided details on the search. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazil crime boss goes on the run after release from prison

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ne of Brazil's biggest crime bosses has gone on the run after being briefly freed from prison the previous day.

André Oliveira Macedo, also known as André do Rap, was released from a high-security prison on Saturday – but this decision was revoked just hours later.

He has been missing since.

Macedo is a senior member of the São Paulo-based First Command of the Capital (PCC) gang, which holds power in jails across Brazil and Paraguay and

Grenada: Man breaks leg trying to escape after visiting quarantine facility to see partner

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n investigation has been launched following an incident in which a man, who sneaked onto the compound of a safe quarantine facility to spend time with his intimate partner, broke his leg when he jumped from the room as the Police and health officials conducted a search for an intruder.

According to Police reports, security guards at the property, along with others, saw a man, who was not registered as a guest, enter a specific room late one night.

Law and health officials were later called, and they began searching the room.

The man who was hiding in the closet emerged from the closet and proceeded to jump out of the hotel room.

Unable to move after the

jump, he was caught by authorities who then called an ambulance to the scene.

According to Grenada's Quarantine Act regulations and entry health protocols, the mingling of incoming travellers with nationals is prohibited until they are released from quarantine.

As of last Wednesday, more than 5000 people were

tested for COVID-19; however, the country's numbers remain at 24 with the last case registered in mid-July.

However, due to confirmed quarantine breaches, the Health Ministry will be employing contact tracing of several persons who failed to comply with all the requirements under the new protocols. (CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US energy companies begin restoring oil and gas output after hurricane

U

S energy companies were returning workers and restarting operations at storm-swept production facilities along the US Gulf Coast on Sunday, two days after Hurricane Delta barreled through the area.

Chevron Corp, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and BHP Group all said workers were headed back to production platforms in the USregulated northern Gulf of Mexico.

BHP expected to complete the return of workers to its Shenzi and Neptune production platforms on Sunday, spokeswoman Judy Dane said, adding that resuming flows will depend on how quickly pipelines return to service.

It can take several days after a storm passes for energy producers to evaluate facilities for damage, return workers and restore offshore production. The companies that operate oil and gas pipelines and process the offshore output also shut ahead of the storm.

On Sunday, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said 91 per cent of offshore crude oil production remains shut in the US-regulated northern Gulf of Mexico following Hurricane Delta, which made landfall on Friday night.

In addition, 62.2 per cent of natural gas output remains shut in the Gulf following the storm that made landfall near Creole, Louisiana, and weakened into a low-pressure system over Mississippi on Saturday.

Through Sunday, a cumulative total of 8.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production and 8.3 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas output from the Gulf has been shut because of Hurricane Delta.

The area produces about 17 per cent of total daily US oil production and 5 per cent of daily natural gas production.

Still remaining shut are the Calcasieu Waterway in Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes in Louisiana and the ports of Lake Charles and Cameron, Louisiana, near where Delta made landfall.

The ports of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas, including the Sabine Pass, which serve major oil and liquefied natural gas processing plants, were reopened with restrictions on Sunday, the US Coast Guard said.

Total SA continued restarting its 225,500 barrel-per-day Port Arthur, Texas, refinery on Sunday. The refinery, which is about 65 miles (100 km) west of Creole, Louisiana, lost power on Friday.

Fast-moving Delta swept over Louisiana on Saturday and became a low-pressure system over the US state of Mississippi later that day.

It was south of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sunday morning and moving northeast at 16 mph (25.7 km per hour).

Remnants of Delta were forecast to drop 3 inches to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) of rain on parts of Tennessee, the Appalachian region of northeast Georgia, western Carolinas and western Virginia, the National Hurricane Center said on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nigeria's Police disbands controversial anti-robbery Squad after protests

T

he Head of Nigeria’s Police dissolved its Special Anti-Robbery Squad with immediate effect on Sunday, a police statement said, prompted by days of protests across the country against alleged brutality by the controversial unit.

The protests broke out after a video circulated last week allegedly showing members of the unit - known as SARS - shooting dead a man in Delta state. It also prompted a globally-trending social media campaign to abolish the squad.

Demonstrators also alleged that Police shot dead another man while marching in the southwestern city of Ogbomosho on Saturday.

Police did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

“The dissolution of SARS is in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people,” the police statement said.

It added that the police was redeploying unit members

and would announce a new strategy to tackle SARS’ remit of fighting armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crime.

Protesters and rights groups met the announcement with scepticism and calls for justice. Police officials and politicians have said they were disbanding or reforming SARS multiple times in recent years, with little visible change, critics say.

For years, Nigerians have accused SARS of heavy-handed methods, particularly the young, who say officers regularly target, beat and extort them. An Amnesty International report in June documented 82 alleged cases of SARS mistreating, torturing and extra-judicially executing detainees.

On Sunday, Nigerian Police used teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters in the capital Abuja, a repeat of what witnesses said were similar events on Friday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID virus “survives for 28 days” in lab conditions

T

he virus responsible for COVID-19 can remain infectious on surfaces such as banknotes, phone screens and stainless steel for 28 days, researchers say.

The findings from Australia's national science agency suggest SARS-Cov-2 can survive for far longer than thought.

However, the experiment was conducted in the dark.

UV light has already been shown to kill the virus.

Some experts have also thrown doubt on the actual threat posed by surface transmission in real life.

The coronavirus is mostly transmitted when people cough, sneeze or talk.

But there is also evidence that it can also be spread by particles hanging in the air.

It is also possible someone could get COVID-19 by touching infected surfaces such as metal or plastic, according to the US Centers for Disease

Bangladesh mulls death penalty for rapists as protests rage

These results highlight the need to wash hands as well as touchscreens regularly

Control. This is believed to be much less common, however.

Previous laboratory tests have found that SARS-Cov-2 can survive for two to three days on banknotes and glass,

and up to six days on plastic and stainless steel, although results vary.

However, the research from Australian agency CSIRO found the virus was "extremely robust," surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on mobile phone screens and both plastic and paper banknotes, when kept at 20C (68F), which is about room temperature, and in the dark.

The study, published in Virology Journal, also found SARS-Cov-2 survived for less time at hotter temperatures than cooler temperatures; it stopped being infectious within 24 hours at 40C on some surfaces. (Excerpt from BBC News)

COVID: Trump “no longer a transmission risk to others”

U

Protests erupted after a video showing the gang rape of a woman went viral in Bangladesh

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s protests flare across Bangladesh over a series of rapes and sexual assaults, its Government said it is considering the death penalty for the offenders.

Law Minister Anisul Huq told Al Jazeera that his Ministry is set to place a proposal before the Cabinet today to make urgent amendments to the laws dealing with sexual assault.

In the past week, Bangladesh, a Muslimmajority country of 170 million people, has seen unprecedented protests and rallies across the capital Dhaka and other cities as angry demonstrators demand justice and stricter punishments in rape cases.

Protests led mainly by women erupted after a video emerged this month showing several men stripping and attacking a woman in the southern district of Noakhali.

In her statement, the

woman said she was first raped by one of the accused at gunpoint last year. He assaulted her at gunpoint several times over the year, threatening her with gang rape if she resisted.

Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.

Days before the Noakhali video went viral, anger had already been brewing after several members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League – the student wing of the governing party – were arrested and charged with gang-raping a woman in the northern town of Sylhet last month.

This is the first time in Bangladesh that such largescale protests against sexual violence have been organised for a prolonged period.

In January this year, a large day-long protest was held after a student of Dhaka University was raped in the capital. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S President Donald Trump is no longer a COVID transmission risk to others, the White House physician has said.

Sean Conley's memo is the first update on Trump's health since Thursday.

There had been concerns that he might still be contagious following his threeday hospital stay. However, the statement did not say whether Trump had tested negative for COVID-19.

He is due to face Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the presidential election in less than a month, on November 3.

Polling suggests Biden has a 10-point lead over Trump nationally. However his lead in some key swing states is narrower - he is 7 points ahead in Pennsylvania, 3.7 points ahead in Florida and less than a point ahead in Ohio, according to an average of polls collated by Real Clear Politics.

There is also unprecedented uncertainty over mailed ballots. Some states want to expand postal voting as a public health measure against the virus but Trump has claimed without evidence that postal voting is vulnerable to fraud.

Donald Trump took off his mask as he prepared to address his supporters on the lawn below

Meanwhile, an ABC News/ Ipsos poll found that just 35 per cent of Americans approved of how the President has handled the coronavirus crisis.

More than 214,000 Americans are known to have died with COVID-19.

In the memo, Dr Conley said President Trump had been given sensitive lab tests that detect how much of the virus is still in his system and that "by currently recognised standards, he is no longer considered a transmission risk to others".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Nagorno-Karabakh truce frays as both sides allege attacks

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zerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of serious violations and crimes against civilians, and Azerbaijan also said it had launched airstrikes as a dayold humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh looked increasingly frayed on Sunday.

The Russian-brokered ceasefire, clinched after marathon talks in Moscow, was meant to halt fighting to allow ethnic Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and Azeri

forces to swap prisoners and war dead.

The talks were the first diplomatic contact between the two since fighting over the mountainous enclave erupted on Sept 27, killing hundreds of people. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

Both sides accused one another of breaking the ceasefire almost immediately, and

Azerbaijan gave the impression in public comments from top officials that it saw it as only a brief breathing space anyway.

Azerbaijan, making the first claim of an attack since the truce, said on Sunday it had carried out airstrikes against an ethnic Armenian regiment, inflicting heavy losses.

A spokesman for the leader of Nagorno-Karabakh told Reuters he did not have infor-

mation about the alleged attack.

Earlier on Sunday, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of heavily shelling a residential area in Ganja, its second-largest city, in the early hours of the morning, and of hitting an apartment building.

The Azeri Prosecutor General’s Office said nine people had been killed and 34 wounded in the attack.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 , 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Push negativity aside.

Make a to-do list, and don’t stop until you have finished every item. Your accomplishments will lift your spirit and soothe your soul.

Celebrate what you achieve.

Refuse to let sentimenTAURUS tality stand in the way of (April 20doing what’s best for yourMay 20) self. A change of attitude will influence a partnership.

Assess what’s important and focus on your goals.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

You’ll face opposition if you share your intentions.

Preparation will be vital if you want to gain support.

Time and patience will pay off; being impulsive will lead to a loss.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Make adjustments as you gain information. A change of attitude will surface when dealing with a friend, relative or colleague. Make partnerships priorities.

LIBRA

Intelligent reasoning when dealing with no-win situations will help you put your energy where it counts.

If you want to help others, be ready to offer honesty, tough love and wise suggestions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

LAST PUBLISHED WORD - DERANGE

Opportunity is within reach. Discipline mixed with innovative ideas will separate you from the pack. Lastminute changes will keep others guessing. Romance is in the stars.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Carry out changes at home that make you feel safe and secure. How you handle outside interference will dictate what happens to you professionally, financially and physically. Don’t follow the crowd.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Use charm, not force. Be willing to make allowances if they will help you get what you want. A change of plans will lead to an unexpected opportunity.

Live and learn. Don’t rely on someone to take care of your responsibilities. Put greater emphasis on home, family and better health.

Fix whatever is troubling you and move on.

Be realistic regarding what you can accomplish.

Not everyone will agree with a decision you make, but that doesn’t mean you should deep-six your plans.

Romance is on the rise.

Consider how you handle and earn your money. Make adjustments to ensure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck. Physical fitness will help you overcome a frustrating situation.

Change the way you live, and it will improve your relationship with a loved one.

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21

Tewatia, Parag star as Rajasthan Royals pull off another heist a six in the fourth over, RR lost Steve Smith in the same over via a run-out. Buttler was the

Rashid Khan ended Robin Uthappa's innings

R

ahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag, who was brought back into the side, came to the party as Rajasthan Royals (RR) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and returned to winning ways in the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Bowling first, RR did not let SRH openers – David Warner and Jonny Bairstow – make a flying start, conceding just six runs from the first three overs.

While Shreyas Gopal conceded seven in the fourth over, RR dismissed Bairstow in the fifth over.

The right-hander, who had hit a six over square leg, went for another big hit, but was caught by a diving Sanju Samson as Kartik Tyagi gave RR their first breakthrough.

Warner and Manish Pandey pushed SRH past fifty in the 10th over and completed the 50-run partnership for the second wicket in the 11th over.

SRH were looking to up the ante and in that process lost Warner in the 15th over after Jofra Archer disturbed the timber to dismiss the SRH skipper for 48. RR almost had their third wicket in the next over, but Pandey managed to survive as Tyagi misjudged the catch. The SRH batsman then hit a six in the same over to move into the 40s and take SRH closer to 110.

Pandey, who had earlier in the day completed 3000 IPL runs, brought up his halfcentury in the 17th over. But, he departed in the next over as Jaydev Unadkat got the SRH batsman out for 54 with a slower delivery. SRH though scored 34 off the last two overs, with Kane Williamson hitting two sixes and Priyam Garg contributing a six and a four to take their team to 158-

4 at the close of 20 overs.

In the chase, RR opted to open the innings with Ben Stokes, who was playing his first game of the season after serving the mandatory quarantine, and Jos Buttler.

While the England all-rounder hit a four in the first over, he chopped one back onto the stumps in the next over as Khaleel Ahmed struck. SRH kept things tight, giving away not more than 14 runs in the first three overs.

While Buttler hit a four and

n e x t man to get out in the next over as Khaleel picked his second wicket after Bairstow took a good low catch.

Robin Uthappa and Samson then added 37 runs together to take RR past 60, but the partnership was broken in the 10th over as Rashid Khan trapped Uthappa before the wicket.

Rashid picked his second wicket of the match as he had Samson caught behind the wicket for 28. RR were 94-5 at the end of the 15th over and needed some big hits to score 65 runs to secure a win, and Parag and Tewatia did just

SCOREBOARD SRH INNINGS DA Warner (c) b Archer JM Bairstow †c Samson b Kartik Tyagi MK Pandey c Tewatia b Unadkat KS Williamson not out PK Garg run out (Archer/†Buttler) Extras (nb 1, w 2)

48 16 54 22 15 3

TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.9) 158/4 Did not bat: V Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, KK Ahmed, T Natarajan Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Jonny Bairstow, 4.4 ov), 2-96 (David Warner, 14.4 ov), 3-122 (Manish Pandey, 17.4 ov), 4-158 (Priyam Garg, 19.6 ov) BOWLING JC Archer S Gopal Kartik Tyagi JD Unadkat R Tewatia BA Stokes

4-0-25-1 4-0-31-0 3-0-29-1 4-0-31-1 4-0-35-0 1-0-7-0

RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (TARGET: 159 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) BA Stokes b Ahmed JC Buttler †c †Bairstow b Ahmed SPD Smith (c) run out (Shankar/Natarajan) SV Samson c †Bairstow b Rashid Khan RV Uthappa lbw b Rashid Khan R Parag not out R Tewatia not out Extras (lb 4, w 2)

5 16 5 26 18 42 45 6

TOTAL (19.5 Ov, RR: 8.21) 163/5 Did not bat: JC Archer, S Gopal, JD Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Ben Stokes, 1.2 ov), 2-25 (Steven Smith, 3.4 ov), 3-26 (Jos Buttler, 4.1 ov), 4-63 (Robin Uthappa, 9.1 ov), 5-78 (Sanju Samson, 11.6 ov) BOWLING Sandeep Sharma KK Ahmed T Natarajan Abhishek Sharma Rashid Khan V Shankar

4-0-32-0 3.5-0-37-2 4-1-32-0 1-0-11-0 4-0-25-2 3-0-22-0

that.

While Parag tonked a six and two fours, Tewatia hit a

L

six as RR scored 29 runs in the course of the next two overs.

The 18th over saw Tewatia going after Rashid, hitting three fours – two of which were reverse-sweeps. The lefthander also enjoyed a stroke of luck in the same over as he survived a stumping after the bails did not fall after the ball ricocheted off Bairstow’s feet onto the stumps.

RR needed 24 runs from the last two overs and Tewatia hit a four and a six as the team scored 14 off the penultimate over bowled by T Natarajan.

RR required eight in the final over to win the game and it all came down to 2 from 2.

But Parag closed out the game with a six as RR registered their third win, with a ball to spare. (IPL)

Eifel Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton equals Michael Schumacher record with 91st win

ewis Hamilton equalled the all-time record for career Formula 1 victories by winning the Eifel Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver's win was the 91st of his career and he will surely break Michael Schumacher's record soon. Hamilton extended his championship lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas to 69 points after the Finn retired.

Behind Max Verstappen's Red Bull in second, Daniel Ricciardo scored Renault's first podium since returning to F1 as a constructor in 2016.

"It's going to take some time to get used to it," Hamilton said of equalling Schumacher's record. The race had been poised for a close fight between Hamilton and Bottas before the second Mercedes hit trouble at the Nurburgring.

Hamilton, second on the grid, made a better start than Bottas and dived for the inside at the first corner, pushing him wide, but Bottas held his ground and recovered the lead on the inside of the second corner.

That gave Bottas control of the race, but Hamilton pressured him hard and in the end the leader buckled.

Bottas handed the advantage back to Hamilton on lap 13, locking a wheel into Turn One and running wide, allowing Hamilton to close in and pass for the lead around the outside of Turn Two. Three laps later, the race fell further into Hamilton's lap when a virtual safety car allowed him and Verstappen to pit for fresh tyres and retain their positions ahead of Bottas, and two laps after that Bottas retired with a suspected failure of the MGU-H, part of the hybrid system.

Although Verstappen stole the point for fastest lap from Hamilton on the last lap of the race, Hamilton's lead is close to three clear race victories with only six races remaining. A seventh world title – which would equal another Schumacher record – is beckoning.

Schumacher's son Mick presented Hamilton with one of his father's old helmets, from his last F1 season with Mercedes in

2012, to recognise the achievement.

"I don't know what to say," Hamilton said. "When you grow up watching someone and you idolise them, really, for the quality of the driver they are and what they are continually able to do as a driver and with his team week on week.

"Seeing his dominance for so long and I don't think anyone – especially me – thought he would get close to this record. " It's an incredible honour, but I could not have done it without this incredible team. A big thank you and huge respect to Michael."

Ricciardo's podium was made possible by Bottas' retirement, as the top two had almost lapped the field before a late safety car was called to recover Lando Norris' McLaren, which had stopped with an engine failure.

But the Australian's result was well deserved.

Renault has been making steady progress and Ricciardo, who has been outstanding this season, held off Racing Point's Sergio Perez in a battle over the closing laps.

A bet with team principal Cyril Abiteboul means the Frenchman has to have a tattoo in a design of Ricciardo's choosing. Abiteboul can choose size and placement. Ricciardo said he did not know what the design would be, but probably "something with a German flavour".

Norris had been fighting with Perez for fourth on divergent strategies for a while, but the early development of his ultimately terminal engine problem cost him time and he was running fifth before he stopped.

Norris' McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz took fifth instead, ahead of Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly, who was able to pass Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for sixth place as a result of Ferrari's decision not to stop for fresh tyres at the late safety car.

Nico Hulkenberg took an impressive eighth for Racing Point after starting last, following his late substitution for the ill Lance Stroll on Saturday morning. And there were the first points of the season for Haas' Romain Grosjean and Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi in ninth and 10th places. (BBC Sport)

22 All-round Mumbai Indians ease their way past Delhi Capitals to the top of the table A

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

top-of-thetable clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals stretched to the last over, but it wasn't quite the nail-biting thriller that had been expected. Mumbai eased past the Capitals by five wickets, riding on excellent bowling and proactive half-centuries by Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav. Both de Kock and Yadav made 53 and though each fell somewhat against the run of play, the Capitals – excellent bowling side that they are themselves – did not have enough to defend.

De Kock was already motoring by the time Yadav faced his first ball. He opened up in the fourth over, against R Ashwin – who had a favourable match-up against de Kock coming into the game – with a six and a four. Yadav, coming into this game on the back of a match-winning 79* against the Rajasthan Royals, ensured there was no sagging of momentum when de Kock eventually did fall to Ashwin. Yadav himself was caught off Kagiso Rabada with five overs left, but by then he had brought the equation down to almost a run a ball. The depth in Mumbai's batting meant that despite two further wickets, they were always in control of the chase.

The Mumbai bowlers' excellence had given their batsmen a relatively easy chase. They tied down the Capitals right through their innings. "Intent" perhaps has been discussed to the point of being a cliché, but intent is exactly what the Mumbai batsmen showed and the Capitals seemingly lacked. Shikhar Dhawan batted through the innings for the Capitals, but made only 69 off 52.

The Capitals were also hurt by the absence of two key batsmen. Rishabh Pant was injured, which meant they had to bring in Alex Carey to don the gloves, and Carey's entry meant Shimron Hetmyer had to sit out too. Ajinkya Rahane got his first game of IPL 2020 as a result.

Dhawan-Iyer stand gives Capitals the platform

Prithvi Shaw chipped Trent Boult to cover in the first over and Rahane's start to IPL 2020 didn't go too well – he was trapped lbw by Krunal Pandya for a run-aball 15. Shreyas Iyer joined Dhawan at 24 for 2 in the fifth over, and the duo set about building steadily.

While their initial tactics seemed to be to knock the ball around without taking risks, they did punish errors in line and length so that the run rate didn't stagnate.

That worked up to a point,

but where Capitals felt the pinch was that neither of the set batsmen could accelerate in the second half.

They still ended up putting on a good stand

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Dhawan reached his first fifty of the season

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of 85 in 10.2 overs.

When Iyer was out, they were 109 for 3 in 14.4 overs and it looked like a good finish could happen with the inform Marcus Stoinis walking in. He was the one batsman in the line-up who was in excellent boundary-hitting form, and though he did hit a couple during his stay, he was run out in a mix-up

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Mumbai Indians goes to the top

and also gave nothing away, dangling the ball out of the hitting arcs of both batsmen. The control the two spinners exerted meant Iyer and Dhawan didn't have any big overs in the middle, and they also had to contend with Jasprit Bumrah.

While he didn't pick up a wicket, Bumrah was on point

wrought.

De Kock, Yadav tee off

If there was an attack in the tournament capable of defending 162 against a batting line-up like Mumbai's, it was the Capitals’. But unlike the Capitals’ batsmen, de Kock and Yadav didn't let the opposition bowlers settle into rhythm quickly, or at all. Both men actively looked to go over the in-field, and throw the bowlers off their lengths by using the crease.

De Kock lifted Ashwin straight and then swept him square to start things off, and then took down Anrich Nortje with a couple of audacious sixes in the last over of the powerplay.

One of the features of their batting was how seamlessly the baton passed from de Kock to Yadav. While

de Kock was at the crease, he had the majority of the strike and made the majority of the runs too. He kept finding the boundary regularly, moving around in his crease to create angles.

When a nicely-flighted ball from Ashwin had de Kock miscuing, Yadav had faced only 11 balls. But he ensured the middle overs weren't going to be controlled by the spin duo of Ashwin and Axar Patel. He used his wrists to whip Ashwin into the legside regularly, and swept Patel with authority.

In the 15th over, with Rabada brought back to conjure a wicket, Yadav started with 4, 2, 6 to swing the balance of the match decisively.

He was out on the last ball of that over, but, by then, Mumbai were in safe territory. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Suryakumar Yadav and Quinton De Cock scored half-centuries

with Dhawan, which seriously impacted the Capitals' ability to finish big.

Krunal, Bumrah to the fore

Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya was brought on as early as the fifth over, despite there being a lefthander in Dhawan at the crease and only two fielders allowed outside the circle.

The confidence invested in Pandya was not misplaced, with Rahane out to his second ball. Pandya stuck to stump-to-stump lines, accurately targeting a back-oflength spot across his four overs.

His spin-bowling partner, Rahul Chahar shared the middle overs with Pandya

with his bowling in the manner Mumbai have come to expect almost as a matter of course. He bowled the hard lengths to Dhawan, slipping in slower balls liberally to deny the batsman the pace to get the ball away. When Carey came in after Stoinis was out, Bumrah bowled every ball to him from around the wicket, an angle that the wicketkeeper-batsman hasn't had success against much when facing pacers.

Between them, the three bowled 12 overs for 79 runs, an economy rate of 6.58.

While the Capitals did manage to pick up more runs against the other bowlers, it was not enough to offset the strangulation that Bumrah, Pandya, and Chahar had

CAPITALS INNINGS PP Shaw c KH Pandya b Boult 4 S Dhawan not out 69 AM Rahane lbw b KH Pandya 15 SS Iyer (c) c Boult b KH Pandya 42 MP Stoinis run out (Yadav/ Chahar) 13 AT Carey †not out 14 Extras (w 5) 5 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.1) 162/4 Did not bat: AR Patel, R Ashwin, HV Patel, K Rabada, A Nortje Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Prithvi Shaw, 0.3 ov), 2-24 (Ajinkya Rahane, 4.2 ov), 3-109 (Shreyas Iyer, 14.4 ov), 4-130 (Marcus Stoinis, 16.3 ov) BOWLING TA Boult JL Pattinson JJ Bumrah KH Pandya KA Pollard RD Chahar

4-0-36-1 3-0-37-0 4-0-26-0 4-0-26-2 1-0-10-0 4-0-27-0

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (TARGET: 163 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) RG Sharma (c)c Rabada b AR Patel Q de Kock † c Shaw b Ashwin SA Yadav c Iyer b Rabada Ishan Kishan c AR Patel b Rabada HH Pandya c †Carey b Stoinis KA Pollard not out KH Pandya not out Extras (w 4)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

5 53 53 28 0 11 12 4

TOTAL (19.4 Ov, RR: 8.44) 166/5 Did not bat: JL Pattinson, RD Chahar, TA Boult, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Rohit Sharma, 4.6 ov), 2-77 (Quinton de Kock, 9.5 ov), 3-130 (Suryakumar Yadav, 14.6 ov), 4-130 (Hardik Pandya, 15.2 ov), 5-152 (Ishan Kishan, 17.3 ov) BOWLING K Rabada A Nortje AR Patel R Ashwin HV Patel MP Stoinis

4-0-28-2 4-0-28-0 3-0-24-1 4-0-35-1 2-0-20-0 2.4-0-31-1

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

in the three-day Under-19 tournament, including a helmet trick (four wickets in four balls), along with 196 runs. The leg-spinner achieved that rare feat against the Windward Islands in the youth tournament played in 2013.

Additionally, he was the best all-rounder in the

experience and I was able to bring back some knowledge," he added.

Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the resultant extended break to competitive cricket, Pereira has been keeping himself match-ready with intense training at the Fit4aking gym spearheaded by trainer Radley King

23

among players from India and high-profile Guyanese stars.

"The conditions were different; I gained some knowledge from that and that was helpful. I had some good performances: some fifties and five-wicket hauls and I am looking forward to play again," Pereira explained.

Shawn Pereira rocking his look

By Brandon Corlette

T

here is life after cricket and there is life outside cricket. In the case of former Guyana Under-19 Captain Shawn Pereira, he opted for the fashion industry, and is balancing

ney and revealed his aspirations in business and cricket. "I always have a passion for fashion; I believe people express themselves through the clothes they wear. My business not only create that avenue, but it allows me to connect and build my networking," Pereira de-

to expand into baby clothing and female clothing along with cosmetics.

The leg-spinner, who has been playing for the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for over a decade, has emerged as a natural leader, captaining teams at all levels. "That's a very good club; they always encourage the youths to say no to drugs and stay in school."

Pereira said his years at the illustrious RHTY&SC have changed his life, not only in cricket but the club established

Pereira leading the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club

Caribbean when he played for Guyana in the threeday tournament back in 2012.

Reminiscing on that experi-

and Coach Ryan. Pereira said he was focusing on his fitness and his diet, and he was also engaging in spot bowling drills.

Having gained recogni-

When asked about his aspiration of playing for the Guyana Jaguars, Pereira said anything is possible with God once there is hard work on a

A smooth operator: Pereira bowling in his Under-19 days

his business while playing cricket.

The leg-spinner is also

clared.

He further highlighted the products he offers at Shawn Pereira's

Throwback! Guyana Under-19 Captain Shawn Pereira bats

Pereira rocks one of the shades he offers at Shawn Pereira's Clothing

hoping to fulfil his lifelong dream by rekindling that national fire when he plays for the Guyana senior team (Guyana Jaguars).

In a recent interview, Pereira shared his jour-

Clothing: blazers, shoes, shades, Express T-shirts, and Express dress pants among a wide range of products. Sharing his aspirations for his business, Pereira said he was aiming

Pereira showcases blazers he stocks

the discipline he has maintained.

Pereira has been a consistent performer during his time representing Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth teams, having a tally of 20 wickets

ence, Pereira described playing in Barbados and St Kitts and Nevis as great.

"Playing with players like Chandrapaul Hemraj and Shimron Hetmyer, captaining them; it was a good

tion as a natural leader, he continues to encourage young and upcoming cricketers and share his wealth of cricketing knowledge. In addition to playing cricket in the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) franchise league and playing club cricket for the RHTY&SC, Pereira has plied his trade in Canada.

That stint in Canada allowed Pereira to gain great exposure playing

consistent basis, and he remains disciplined with a strong mind. Those are the ingredients that he believes will earn him that senior call-up in the near future. Pereira thanked all those who supported him in his career, especially his family and his brother, Pastor Kevin Pereira.

Contact can be made with Shawn Pereira's clothing business on 691-5642.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020

Sport is no longer our game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

Balancing business and cricket: Pg 23

hoping to rekindle national fire Pg 21

Pg 22

All-round Mumbai Tewatia, Parag star as Indians ease their way Rajasthan Royals pull past Delhi Capitals to off another heist the top of the table 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.