Guyana Times Thursday August 27, 2020

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New neurological ground broken with Guyana’s 1st partial skull transplant Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4390

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

Exxon says it can take investment elsewhere in company’s portfolio if Payara …comments will not change Govt’s deal unfavourable decision to review – senior Govt official Page 3

As electoral fraud probe widens

Senior GECOM Secretariat official hires lawyer for Mingo’s assistants

…no permission given by Commission Ponzi scheme

See story on page 16

DPP faults Police for not submitting evidence Page 2

NICIL was never audited under APNU/AFC Govt – Jagdeo Page 7

Chinese company Joseph Harmon taking over Goldfields now to re-employ over Opposition 200 workers — Minister Leader Page 15

See story on page 17

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GDF rank shot on Soesdyke Highway P10

As testing increases

P12 33 new COVID-19 cases recorded

DPP asks court to dismiss P11 $50M lawsuit against her …as Magistrate accuses her of injuring his credibility, reputation

Ex- GDF Captain appeals life P8 sentence, asks for less jail time

6 Barticians fined for breaching P7 COVID-19 restrictions …2 sentenced to 90 hours of community service

Local banking sector wants to fund “major projects” in P9 Guyana

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ponzi scheme

DPP faults Police for not submitting evidence

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DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

irector of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack has defended her role in clearing the Cuban national at the centre of a suspected multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme, saying that the Police failed to present any evidence of illegal activities to her when they sought her legal advice.

The DPP Chambers on Wednesday in a statement admitted that the Police did send Ali-Hack a file last year seeking her advice on how to treat with Cuban national Yuri Garcia-Dominguez, who was at the time seeking naturalisation at the Ministry of Citizenship.

But Dominguez was at the time in the cross hairs of the Guyana Securities

Council (GSC), which had written to then Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, warning him that Dominguez was involved in suspected illegal activities through his firm Accelerated Wealth Incorporated.

The Police file, the DPP’s statement said, was first received in November 2019, and based on the statements contained therein, the file was returned to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for further investigations on the immigration status of Dominguez. It further stated that after the further investigations were completed, the file was to be returned to the DPP’s Office for further legal advice.

Ali-Hack noted that when the Police did return the file to the DPP Chambers in February 2020, it was without any evidence of Dominguez’s supposed illegality. The DPP, therefore, laid responsibility for the legal advice that was eventually provided at the feet of the Police Force, which was at the time headed by Police Commissioner Leslie James.

“This was done and the file returned to these Chambers in February 2020; legal advice was given based on the information contained in the statements.

We herein state categorical-

Police Commissioner Leslie James has proceeded on preretirement leave

ly, the statements in the Police file did not disclose that Mr Garcia was involved in any unlawful activities,” the statement said.

“The complaint which sparked the investigation was made through an anonymous report and based on the investigations conducted by the Police, there was no evidence of the commission of any offence by Yuri Garcia-Dominguez.”

Clearance

This comes after Felix, under criticism for granting Dominguez citizenship even after the GSC warned him, released a statement in which he claimed to have gotten clearance from the

Former Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

Police, who in turn received clearance from the DPP. “In response to my letter to the Commissioner of Police dated September 4, 2019, I received guidance from the Commissioner of Police in a letter dated 2020-04-17, seven months after the investigation commenced, that following advice from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), … stated, “this matter be treated as closed and that Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and Laicy Garcia Pedroso continue the process of applying for citizenship.

“In accordance therewith, there being no other restraining circumstances to necessitate official ac-

tion to prevent the naturalisation process, Dominquez’ naturalisation form was signed on 12th June, 2020, just about two months after the DPP ‘treated the matter as closed’,” Felix wrote in his statement.

Dominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael ran the company Accelerated Capital Firm Incorporated (ACFI), where they enrolled thousands of Guyanese citizens in an alleged Ponzi scheme where the company claimed that it used a foreign exchange platform to trade.

Reports indicate that all aspects of the scheme operated online via training webinars, WhatsApp and emails.

The pair were arrested on Thursday last by Police, who are currently investigating the company. Social media has been flooded by complaints from persons who invested money with the couple and never got back their capital, much less the profits.

Persons have complained on social media that they invested varying sums ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, but now they do not know if they would ever recover their hard-earned money. There are reports that businessmen have invested well over $50 million and in one case as much as $150 million.

Cuban national Yuri GarciaDominguez

The methods of payment used to invest and trade are credit cards or by wire transfer. Further, investigations have revealed that local banks terminated the accounts of both Dominguez and Ishmael, and refused their request to open a corporate account as a result of their due diligence and the public notice by the GSC in the print media.

However, the company has claimed that it has the money ready to refund investors and had asked, among other things, to be allowed to set up a bank account. As such, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has offered to facilitate the opening of an account at a local bank, so that customers can be repaid. (G3)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, August 27 – 10:30h – 12:00h and Friday, August 28 – 01:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, August 27 – 11:50h – 12:50h and Friday, August 28 – 12:50h – 14:20h.

Exxon says it can take investment elsewhere in company’s portfolio if Payara deal unfavourable …comments will not change Govt’s decision to review – senior Govt official we’re looking for in Payara, the investment money will go elsewhere on ExxonMobil’s portfolio,” Routledge said.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Fully committed

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: North-Easterly to West NorthWesterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 11:32h and 23:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.15 metres and 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 17:23h reaching a minimum height of 1.12 metres.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

13 18 19

20 27 28

17

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DAILY MILLIONS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

02 08 18 20 21 LUCKY 3

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020

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DRAW DE LINE

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

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PAY DAY

21 SUPER PAY DAY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020

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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

$45.64/barrel

-0.48

Rough Rice

$221.45/ton

-0.08

London Sugar

$367.90/ton

-0.57

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1942.10

$1943.10

Low/High

$1939.90

$1944.80

Change

-12.60

-0.72%

Exxon’s Country Manager in Guyana, Alistair Routledge

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s the Government reviews the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP), ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Alistair Routledge has said the company can take its investment money elsewhere, if it does not get the deal it wants.

This was communicated during a conference call between Routledge and members of the media, wherein he stressed the need for maintaining the sanctity of the much-criticised contract that ExxonMobil signed with Guyana’s former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government back in 2016.

“We have had little discussion with the Government. They have said they are reviewing the contract, not renegotiating it.

And I think that’s really important for the country longterm, because internationally, contract sanctity is very important,” he said.

“If we enter into contracts with a country and they are changed down the road, then it’s very difficult for us to make commitments on projects that typically have 20-, 30-year investment lives.

So how can we make those investments if we’re unsure whether the terms will change?” Routledge added during the conference.

On the matter of the production-sharing agreement (PSA), Routledge denied that the contract is skewed in Exxon’s favour.

This is despite the generous terms of the contract: guaranteeing that Guyana pays Exxon’s taxes; that expenses incurred during development are treated as cost oil; and that Guyana will get a 50 per cent share of profit oil but a mere two per cent royalty.

“I think our interests are aligned. If the contract was more challenging for us, then, to be honest, I don’t think (that) in this environment, investment dollars would be coming to Guyana.

It is a global business, and specially in these days where commodity prices have fallen, the investment dollars would flow to where it is competitive.

“And as I mentioned earlier, the Guyana portfolio is one of the better opportunities for us, but it’s not the only one. And indeed, if we don’t get the agreement as

In a subsequent release on Wednesday evening, ExxonMobil said Routledge was asked by media about delays for the approval of its Payara project which is currently under review by a Government-appointed panel. Routledge, the statement said, noted that Guyana was a top priority in ExxonMobil’s development plans, and that Payara was an important project in its Guyana portfolio.

“He noted that there are benefits that a steady and strategically phased approach to developing the oil resources can have for Guyana. Some media reports have taken out of context his statements that the funds currently not committed could be invested elsewhere should the Payara project approval not be forthcoming,” the ExxonMobil statement added.

The company said Routledge was referring to the impact further delays could have amidst the current weak oil market conditions, due to the global pandemic that has tightened available funding for projects worldwide.

“We and our industry are facing unprecedented market challenges. We are fully committed to Guyana; have been here for decades, despite numerous risks, and when other companies left.

We have (worked), and will continue to work closely with the Government to develop the country’s resources for the long-term bene-

The Stabroek Block

fit of the people of Guyana.

We strive to be transparent in our dialogue, and want to work to progress positive development in the best interests of all stakeholders,” the statement quoted Routledge as saying.

It added: “The timely approval of additional proposed projects, including Payara, will ensure that the local workforce and the utilisation of local suppliers will continue to grow. ExxonMobil’s development concept for

its discoveries in Guyana meets our objective to maximise value for our partners, which includes the people and Government of Guyana.

“Key enablers have been the support from Government and the people of Guyana and the dedication and hard work by contractors and ExxonMobil employees. We look forward to continuing to work together to safely and responsibly develop Guyana’s natural resources.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 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

Taking a tough stance on mask-wearing

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or some time now, in spite of the COVID-19 cases going up daily, persons have still not been taking seriously the health guidelines issued by the authorities. In some case cases, persons just go about their daily routine as if they are not bothered at all.

In this regard, we support the recent move by the Government to make it mandatory for persons to wear masks while out in the public. The revised emergency protocols for August 16-31, 2020, provide for persons found flouting the measure to be fined, and even imprisoned.

The Health Minister has made it clear that it is not the Government’s intention to have persons locked up or fined for not wearing a mask while out in public. He said that all efforts are being made to educate persons about the need to safeguard themselves and their families from being infected, and to have them voluntarily comply with the guidelines.

Of note, too, is that even in cases where persons choose to wear a mask, they do not do so properly. A face mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. When not in use, the mask should be safely stowed away, or discarded, and not be placed on any other part of the face or neck.

Mandatory mask-wearing along with the other preventative measures: handwashing or sanitising, and social distancing, are the key measures to halt the severe impact of COVID-19. With the rise in COVID-19 cases, the Government, along with the various health partners, has wasted no time in stepping up the national response to contain the spread of the virus. However, citizens also have a role to play, and they must take that role seriously, or else the country would not be able to win the battle to control the virus.

The fact is that once the health guidelines to contain the spread of the virus are not taken seriously by citizens, the infection rate would continue to climb, and it would take an even longer time for the country to be fully reopened. This, we know, would have severe economic and social impacts on the country.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. CDC explains that this is called source control.

“This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth,” CDC explains.

CDC notes that COVID-19 is spread mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other, or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

CDC has recommended that all persons, 2 years of age and older, wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

It must be noted, too, that COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. For this reason, it is important that everyone wears a mask in public settings, and practise social distancing.

However, while masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recognises there are specific instances when wearing a mask may not be feasible. In these instances, adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible.

Everyone wants the virus to be contained, so that they can get on with their daily lives, but this would not be possible if citizens are complacent or continue to ignore the health guidelines. For this reason, we believe that making it mandatory for every person to wear a mask while in public is a step in the right direction.

A volunteer carries a clay of Hindu elephant-headed deity Ganesh for immersion on the third day of the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Chennai, India (AFP)

Can oil contracts be renegotiated?

Dear Editor, There are calls for renegotiation of the Exxon contract signed in 2016, which gives Guyana 2% royalty and 12.5% profit-sharing, for a total of 14.5% paid in oil at site of exploration.

Guyana has to get market, negotiate price, and transport the oil, further reducing the benefits to the country.

Contracts with other oil companies give Guyana less than 14.5%.

The preceding percentages have to be adjusted for cost of sale of the oil; profit taxes of the companies, which may be about 5%; and other costs. After adjustment of these expenses, actual amount is substantially less than 10%. In terms of dollar value, for six months, Guyana received US$90M, and the projected oil revenues for the remaining six months of the year is another US$60M, for a total of US$150M; of which, after deduction for estimated associated costs, Guyana may net about US$120M, which is hardly enough to cover capital costs of infrastructure investments for various planned industries.

The international standard for royalty and profit-sharing is about 40% net, and the companies pay all the expenses, plus taxes. This means Guyana gets about a third of global trends. Guyana should be getting about three times the amount it presently receives from Exxon if the right percentages were demanded,

negotiated, and agreed upon by APNU+AFC. The regime did not seek expertise of its diaspora, and the country has to pay a hefty price for Government’s arrogance.

Global Eyewitness says Guyana stands to lose US$55B from a bad contract negotiated by the preceding APNU+AFC regime. Those numbers present a compelling reason why the contract should be renegotiated. But can the contract really be renegotiated, having been signed and consummated? And if so, how? What precedents exist for renegotiation?

Those of us who study economics or constitutional law would know that citing low royalty and profit-sharing numbers is not enough to get Exxon or any oil company to the renegotiation table. An agreement is a binding compact or accord. One cannot simply ignore it, or throw it out the window and say we want renegotiation.

Unless an agreement contains provisions for further agreements or actions, which should have been included in the pact, the text is legally binding.

Had the Government consulted those of us who studied the behaviour of multinationals, Guyana would not have found itself in this fix.

To renegotiate a business agreement between Government and a private multinational corporation like Exxon, which has tentacles all over the world, one has to cite relevant law or practice or precedent. One cannot just de-

mand a renegotiation and expect Exxon to agree to the request. The law does not work that way. Those of us who study international law, or even domestic law, know it is almost impossible to break a signed agreement unless one wants to be an outlaw country like our neighbour or countries in the Middle East or Africa.

The Government can request renegotiation, citing at a minimum the one-sidedness of the contract. But Exxon does not have to agree; it wants the best agreement and maximum revenues for shareholders.

According to international law, if it can be shown that Exxon misled the Government negotiators, or withheld information, or was involved in some illegal or underhand activity, or acted in bad faith, a legal case can be made for renegotiation. None of these claims was made by pressure groups calling for renegotiation. There was an agreement in 1999 for 1% royalty by the PPP Government; it was unknown what was under the ocean and therefore excusable.

But in 2016, after it was announced that over 12 billion barrels were found, the coalition Government was granted an opportunity to reset the contract when Exxon came to the table for negotiation for a final deal. The Government settled for 2% royalty and 12.5% profit. Why? What took place in Houston? Oil Minister Trotman said he was instructed to sign the contract. By

whom? Were there other factors at play? Could those be sufficient reason to seek renegotiation? The Government could have demanded up to 15% in royalty and 25% in profit. The public was not consulted about the arrangement, or informed about the deal until a year later. Information came to light inadvertently in 2017 and then the public applied sustained pressure, forcing the Government to make public details of the contract.

The Government defended its secrecy by claiming it agreed to Exxon’s request that the public should not be informed about the contract. That is a violation of the spirit of open, responsible governance that was promised in 2015.

Had the public been informed, the country may well have received close to 40% of recovery of oil or $450M this year and billions every year thereafter when extraction increases beyond the present 120K barrels a day. Exxon production is expected to go pass 1M daily in two years’ time, and a similar amount by other companies is expected.

Guyana stands to lose some US $100B in total over the course of extraction of the discovered oil. That is only in oil; it does not include gas revenues.

Under what legal clause are pressure groups asking the Ali-led Administration to seek renegotiation?

Dear Editor, I would like to express my profound delight at the tempo of the new Government which is of, by, and for the people of Guyana - as it seeks to fix our broken country.

As its officials move forward with their bold plan to deliver a better deal - with better jobs, better wages and a better future for all Guyanese - I would like to wish them well.

Every morning, the people of Guyana are met with the good tidings of the various cabinet members working around the clock to

protect workers’ rights; modernise and professionalise the Public sector; ramp up COVID-19 testing and treatment; develop a sports policy; seek to reopen the shuttered sugar estates; ensure the safety of schools and their opening at the earliest possible time; improve water and housing services etc.

Indeed, the President, the Prime Minister and the Ministers have begun their term like the proverbial house on fire.

More recently, there have been multiple appointments

within the Foreign Affairs Ministry; where, again, good judgement was shown as we seek to create the best diplomatic service in the region.

Undoubtedly, these persons would do well in pushing our national interests and supporting our economic and commercial interests.

However, here’s a word of caution: There should be no rush by the new Government to remove and replace highly trained and experienced diplomats. This would be a mistake of monumental proportions.

Additionally, I suggest that urgent consideration be given to tapping the resources of our foreign service experts of the likes of former Director General and former Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, who is a brilliant diplomat and skilled negotiator with unique skills and tremendous institutional knowledge, and whose outstanding skills in diplomacy are not being currently utilised.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Delighted at new Govt’s tempo

Sincerely, Kishore Das

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

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

Let’s not encourage the “Dutch Disease” to take up residence

Dear Editor, The national and international community played a pivotal part in securing the restoration of democracy to this beautiful land that, heaping praises perpetually would not exhaust a Guyanese indebted list.

But it was the Americans who drove the final nail in the APNU/AFC Party’s coffin that sent them to the land of no return, bringing on the sanctions that applied the pressure for Mr. Granger and his vengeful mob to desist resistance. Indeed, the cabals were out to destroy a Guyanese way of life with their deceitful ways and arrogant activists. Guyanese thanks and appreciation will forever be echoed many years to come for all the key players and stakeholders who risked their lives to confront the dangerous APNU/AFC Party to defend the popular will of the people.

The West on trial continues to manifest a different pot of tea because, this time, Exxon has its knee on the back of Guyanese and its arms around the neck, controlling the inflow of air as there is an exacerbation to

gasp for survival. Agreed, the deceitful APNU/AFC party created and contracted this diabolical situation. But, in the interest of truth and honesty, Exxon should not have gone along and encouraged this unforgiveable agreement and should have perpetrated good governance and fairness to justify their decisions in the interest of the poor, suffering, illiterate Guyanese who are treading on unchartered water and looking for a big brother to extend a helping hand in the name of humanity. No man is in business to make a loss but to gain a profit, but, the honor of decency and integrity amplifies the principle of morality and is existential to the brotherhood and sisterhood of comradery that embraces mutual friendship, cooperation and understanding. How proud can Exxon be for boasting that they took advantage of Guyanese stupidity because we lacked the knowledge of the technical knowhow in the oil industry and its management and operation! The United Nation and all the world organizations that represent the protection of human suffrage must

be astonished at the appalling behavior of Exxon and sympathizing with the oppressed and depressed people of Guyana who are clawing their way out from a deep hole, after being sabotaged and thrown in a dungeon

by Granger and his collaborators. The entire universe is now witnessing for themselves the corruptions from these villains as they are being slowly discovered and unfolded by the PPP/C government. Exxon must be ashamed of its decisions to rob the impoverished and helpless Guyanese in their defenseless situation, wanting to deny the basic bread and butter from the famished children and the handicapped parents, knowing fully well that the ruthless people they went into partnership with, was engaging in a contract to deceive the man in the street and add to the miseries of this nation. Forget appealing to the spiritual awareness that rouses the guidance of religious behavior, is there a conscience that exists on the Exxon’s management team that knocks with guilty?

It is not too late for Exxon to rectify this lopsided and

COVID-19 is real!

Dear Editor, As the infections for the coronavirus pandemic mount, regions around Guyana must introduce measures to reduce the spread, raise awareness among communities, and gain citizens’ compliance.

The potential contribution of traditional leaders has mostly not been considered. This is despite the role they have played in addressing health crises. Government must now rely heavily on mass communication and educational efforts within all the sectors to ensure that citizens comply with measures to control the pandemic.

Recently, the Police have taken up this task. However, this must be a comprehensive effort made by every Guyanese; the Police may, on occasion, have to use extreme measures to enforce COVID-19 regulations, which may bring a level of distrust for the Police. We all are aware that in the past five months, the efforts of the previous Government officials and agencies were often thinly spread or ineffective, especially in rural and peri-urban areas; and in these areas, information, safety-related resources and healthcare were scarce or absent.

That is why the PPP/C Government’s pandemic control efforts must include actors in the form of persons whom the communities trust and respect, and who interact closely with the general public.

Our traditional leaders are ideally positioned to respond in a culturally relevant way to people in the rural and peri-urban areas. Indeed, it has always been revealed that traditional leaders have more popular legitimacy than elected leaders in many communities.

Based on work we have done with filariasis over the past year: educating every region and community (both

male and female and children), encouraging them to comply with health directives, and intervening to help people get healthcare, our Government must take that same approach with the COVID -19 pandemic, using similar teams, visiting every home, educating and sharing leaflets with health guidelines and consequences.

As our population continues to be at risk throughout Guyana, I suggest we embark on a one-month exercise similar to the one taken for filariasis, in which health workers and volunteers visited homes and workplaces in all regions throughout the country.

The Government needs to dismantle all the regional COVID-19 task forces created under the APNU/AFC caretaker Government in all the regions, and take a new approach and establish new task forces as the Government intensifies the lockdown and expands testing, where locally transmitted cases have increased in many areas. This new approach and requirement made by our Minister of Health asks a little bit more of our residents who are up and about the community in order to protect their health and safety and that of our frontline workers.

If everyone would wear their mask in public, keeping reasonable distance from one another, we can reduce infections and deaths in a short period of time, and keep them low until the vaccine or treatment is discovered and widely available, which I think we all believe can happen in a reasonably short period of time. But if these guidelines are not followed, then there must be an increase in the penalties because of the continuing lackadaisical attitude of some people towards compliance of the SOPs to flatten the pandemic curve.

Certain quarters may feel

that the proposed increase is too steep, while there are those who opine that a heavier fine was needed to send a message that the Government is serious in its fight against COVID-19.

But the underlying message for suggesting an increase in fines is to show that the authorities are very serious in fighting the dreaded disease. As responsible citizens, we must do our bit to achieve the same goal; the sooner the better.

Another deterrent measure that could be enforced to discourage people from breaching the law is to adopt the “blame and shame” approach. It could be done through the imposition of punishment like compulsory community service, where the miscreants would be exposed to the public. Our Government must stress on strong enforcement of the current or possible amended laws, and ensure enforcement on all strata of society, as weak actions would only result in negated effects to the potential increase of fines.

To earn public respect and confidence, the law must be equally applied to all: from the man in the street to the office worker, to the businessman, to the civil servant and the politicians. Currently, there have been inconsistencies in fines imposed, leading to much criticism in the social media. To some extent, the disparity can be explained by the fact that not all court officials think alike, and since the discretion is theirs to determine how much fine to impose, the sentences are likely to vary in severity. It is therefore proposed that a specific sum be stipulated for a specific offence, instead of just stating a range, like ‘up to’ or ‘not less than’,”.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is real, and it kills.

Sincerely, David Adams

horrible agreement and initiate adjustments that can modify all those outrageous clauses that seek to bleed the last drop of blood from this nation and carve the last ounce of flesh from its body to expose the naked skeleton and its fragility. Guyanese hands are indeed in a lion’s mouth but the PPP/C government has an available hand that can still stroke the head of the lion with its diplomacy and bargaining power to free us from this death trap. Renegotiation remains a favorable and valuable tool on the bargaining table and must be used to negotiate compensative deals.

Come on Exxon, 2 percent, really? What you’re doing is gouging the eyes of an already blind and oil illiterate nation and that is being heartless and merciless. The Vice-President, Dr Bharaat Jagdeo is right, if Guyana cannot profit meaningful-

ly from the oil industry, we may as well call it a day. It is better to cut an early loss rather than to sink later in a deeper mess and a hole with no way out. Going forward for further exploration and development, Guyana needs to revisit the oil industry afresh, with transparency, diversified technocrats who are specialists and professionals, keeping politics out and guided by the principles and practices of good governance, technology, ethics and prudent financial management. This government should not feel pressured to make early and rash decisions nor should the government be influenced by cosmetic appeals disguised in propaganda and false promises. Oil don’t spoil and we can still eat and drink local. Guyana’s agriculture remains the food basket for the Caribbean and sugar is still king with rum flowing like

black wata! Rice is always nice and plenty, just don’t remix it. Our forestry is still full of timber, gold and diamond, just declare dem you seekers! Bauxite is precious and available. Let our waterfalls develop the hydro projects to save on fuel consumption. Last time Guyanese checked with the Atlantic Ocean, wind remains free, so, landscape our shores with windmills. Harness it for horse power. For solar energy, the sun keeps pouring its brilliant sunshine on us and begging us to take advantage of it, unlike Exxon.

Mother nature still graces our land and tourism is attractively scenic, waiting on COVID-19 to make its grand exit. The pandemic is hard to handle, let’s not encourage the “Dutch Disease” to take up residence.

Dear Editor, The recent update from the Ministry of Tourism was very informative on the sector, and shows the beginning of a very thorough approach to improving tourism of Guyana.

Reflecting on the last five years, the incident that saw a cruise ship passenger robbed while touring Georgetown brings to mind the importance of having increased safety within the key tourist locations. Many other countries create what can be referred to as a safe economic and tourism zone. Establishing such an area in each region by having in place increased Police presence, guaranteed health and safety inspections, and improved infrastructure with the appropriate high levels of hospitality will go far in attracting

increased tourism of our beautiful country.

Many foreigners enjoy the new sights, experiences and environment, but expect the same high level of familiar comforts they are used to in the developed world.

As mentioned to some extent by the minister of the sector, a strong partnership between her ministry and the ministries in charge of business, security, infrastructure and health will boost the potential success of any new tourism campaign to be undertaken during this difficult economic environment.

However, streamlining the pandemic screening process would also be necessary.

While each region recovers and prepares for the reinvestment into the sector, there is

an opportunity to export some of the Guyanese experience to increase the appeal of touring Guyana. Using prescreened and certified teams that can offer the Guyanese experience on cruise ships and at other developed world locations, such as Disney in Orlando Florida, are near-term opportunities that should be explored.

I can already imagine the excitement to be had to see a traditional Amerindian dance troupe followed by an authentic dinner of fine Guyanese cuisine at one of these high-traffic tourist locations in the developed world. This is a great, safe way to develop new partnerships and attract future arrivals to our ports.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Near-term tourism opportunities that should be explored

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Coronavirus: no to lockdown

Dear Editor, From the very inception, we, as a country, have failed to take control of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were doing all kinds of other things instead of controlling the virus.

For a small population as ours, it should never have been a challenge to control the spread of the virus. Simply put, you need to trace everyone who had come into contact with the virus, and take them out of circulation so that they do not spread the virus further. That is it!

None of this requires special skills or qualifications or expertise. For it to become a challenge simply means we are doing something wrong.

Public Health already has the reputation of maltreating people in isolation or quarantine. The result is that people will not volunteer to come forward, even if they know they were in contact with a COVID19-positive person. We have to change how we treat people during isolation, so they will be encouraged to come forward.

If I were to become a positive case, I would not be able to identify all the persons I have

been in contact with over the previous 2 weeks. It is fantasy to believe that you can retrace your movements directly for over two weeks and report that accurately. This has not been effective thus far.

You have to involve the public in having them come forward and voluntarily identify themselves. People will have to be educated to understand that it is their public duty to come forward and identify themselves, as it is the only means we have to control the spread.

Additionally, there should be some form of penalty for persons who fail to respond; they could be knowingly be infecting others, and that is not right.

At this point, we can either control the few thousand who have been in contact with a COVID-19- positive case, or we can lock down 750,000. I say no to lockdown.

Lockdown will not stop the spread. Lockdown will not reduce the deaths or the hospitalisations. We have to get serious with the contact tracing.

We have to hire staff. We have to have the faces of all new COVID-19 cases for at least 1 week in all media as follows:

1. All the daily newspapers 2. Facebook pages 3. All the TV stations every hour on the hour 4. All the radio stations every hour on the hour 5. All the churches have to be involved in education and contact tracing 6. Every Guyanese has to be encouraged to help with contact tracing. After all, we are our brother’s keeper.

It does not matter if the number of persons capable of spreading the virus is 10 or 10,000. We need to get them under control and stop the spread.

The COVID-19 gazetted orders gave the Government so much power that they may even have the right to take your firstborn in the name of COVID-19; so, I don’t know what is holding back the Government.

Lockdown is an admission of failure. It’s too early in the life of this Government to admit failure over something as simple as contact tracing and isolation.

Yours respectfully, Sase Shewnarain

6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

◄

Æsop’s Fables

T

o change mixed numbers into improper fractions, find the fraction part of the mixed number. Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction.

Then, add the numerator to that product and place the total over the denominator.

Example: Change 41/5 into an improper fraction Step 1: Multiply 4 x 5 = 20 Step 2: 20 + 1 = 21

FOR CHILDREN

Exercises: Change to improper fractions 1) 95/3

4) 122 6/12

2) 15 7/8

5) 176 3/7

3) 38 1/2

6) 318/27

and the remainder becomes the fraction.

Step 3: 21/5 So 41/5 = 21/5

E Great for: the whole family together; or adults canset the challenge and enjoy hearing what the kids have discovered. (You might want to state some ‘no-go’ areas!)

You have a 10-minute time limit – Get hunting for history!

You are looking for...

• The oldest object • The newest object • The most interesting object When the time is up, compare what you have discovered • Who has found the oldest and newest objects?

• How do you know how old something is? Think about the colour, the texture, the decoration, the stories youknow about the object.

• If you aren’t sure, how could you find out more? You could visit a local library, archive or research your object

online.

• Discuss the ‘interesting’ objects you’ve found – what makes them interesting to you?

arly one morning a hungry wolf was prowling around a cottage at the edge of a village, when he heard a child crying in the house. Then he heard the mother’s voice say: “Hush, child, hush! Stop your crying, or I will give you to the wolf!”

Surprised but delighted at the prospect of so delicious a meal, the wolf settled down under an open window, expecting every moment to have the child handed out to him. But though the little one continued to fret, the wolf waited all day in vain. Then, toward nightfall, he heard the mother’s voice again as she sat down near the window to sing and rock her baby to sleep.

“There, child, there! The wolf shall not get you. No, no!

Daddy is watching and Daddy will kill him if he should come near!”

Just then the father came within sight of the home, and the wolf was barely able to save himself from the dogs by a clever bit of running.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NICIL was never audited under APNU/AFC Govt – Jagdeo D

uring the five years the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition was in Government, there was never any audit conducted into the operations of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Government’s privatisation arm.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent radio programme “Guyana’s Oil and You”.

Jagdeo was at the time discussing measures that the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration would be putting in place to ensure high levels of transparency and accountability of Government’s operations, especially as it relates to the spending of oil funds.

“NICIL, in five years of the (APNU/AFC) Government, with all the

talk of transparency, never had an audit,” Jagdeo noted.

He explained that when the new PPP/C Government took office in August of this year, it found “horror stories” of highly questionable transactions under the previous Administration.

“With all the criticisms of NICIL under us (PPP/C Government), we ensured that in 2012 we published a list of every privatisation transaction … and showed the process through which they were privatised,” Jagdeo said.

According to Jagdeo, that process involved the Privatisation Unit, under NICIL, going to the Privatisation Board; which is made up of three persons from the Government, one from the Private Sector, one from the labour movement and one from the consumers’ affairs sector.

He noted that once this process was completed, a recommendation was then

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

presented to Cabinet for consideration.

However, Jagdeo stated that in the case of the APNU/ AFC Government, NICIL, in some cases, made decisions on its own about the sale of assets and so on without going through the necessary procedures that would allow for transparency.

According to the Vice

President, the coalition Government destroyed and undermined the institutional settings for the awarding of contracts.

He said when the PPP/C took office recently, it found “stacks of contracts which were dealt with outside of the tender board scrutiny”.

“When you undermine the procedures for award-

ing contracts, you don’t advertise and you go to selective tendering … then there is room for corruption, enormous corruption,” Jagdeo declared.

He said the PPP/C Government was taking immediate steps to ensure that proper systems were put back into place that would discourage corrupt practices.

“So, we have to go back rigidly to put in place the safeguards we had in relation to tendering, etc, and the regulations would be in place and then audits,” Jagdeo said.

In this regard, he noted that the Auditor General’s capability would have to be built up enormously to carry out the necessary audits.

Jagdeo also noted that President Dr Irfaan Ali has already made it clear to Ministers and other Government officials that they must act transparently.

The rapid assessment

team that reviewed 19 agencies, including NICIL, had made some disturbing discoveries that State lands may have been sold by NICIL to cronies of the former Government at undervalued prices.

A source familiar with the contents of the report had told <<<Guyana Times>>> that land was being sold by NICIL at rates akin to “con” prices.

“There’s a consistency in that the land was being sold at ‘con’ prices. There’s an urgent need for every land transaction post the No-Confidence Motion, to be reviewed, investigated and where undervaluation happened, the Executive President needs to use his executive powers to reverse those transactions,” the source had said.

Radha Krishna Sharma was recently appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of NICIL.

5 Barticians fined for breaching COVID-19 restrictions

…2 sentenced to 90 hours of community service

F

ive persons were each ordered to pay fines of $100,000, while two were given 90 hours of community service after they were arrested and charged for breaching the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines.

Rickey Benny, David Williams, Anthony Henry, Travis James, Harry Tularam, Montana Nurse, Leonard Surrey, Loraine MacGregor, and Alecia MacGregor all appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

During the virtual hearing, seven of the nine persons appeared pleaded

guilty to the charges. Nurse and Surrey were given 90 hours of community service, while Benny, Williams, Henry, and James were fined $100,000. The charges against Loraine MacGregor and Alecia MacGregor were dismissed.

Simone Lindore and Tesha Kenswil, who were also charged with the breaching of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, were absent, and the case was adjourned to September 14, 2020.

In addition, Jemina Alexander was charged for being an unlicensed driver and for breach of insurance.

She was fined $50,000.

Meanwhile, Cloudine and Jermaine Thornhill were charged with assault.

They both pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison until September 14, 2020.

Also appearing before the court was Oden Harvey, who was charged with simple larceny. He denied the allegation and was instructed to pay $60,000 bail. He is expected to return to court on September 14, 2020.

Recently, 40 persons were arrested for flouting the COVID-19 restrictions as gazetted by the Public Health Ministry to curb the spread of the virus.

On Tuesday last, ranks from the Guyana Police

Force (GPF), acting on information received, conducted an operation at Khan’s Hideout at 100 Second Street, Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where 17 persons were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 orders. They were all taken into custody and placed on

bail pending their court appearance.

Also, at Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three Police Commander Errol Watts and a team of ranks swooped down on Mary’s Bar, where a number of vehicles were playing loud music and a

gathering was being hosted inside the bar.

According to reports, when Police ranks descended on the bar, no one was wearing a mask nor were they practising social distancing. They were all arrested for flouting the restrictions. (G9)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-GDF Captain appeals life sentence, asks for less jail time F Go Fund Volda…

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Orwain Sandy, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his reputed wife, Reona Payne, has filed an appeal against his sentence.

Arguing that the sentence is manifestly excessive and severe in all the circumstances of the case, Sandy, who shot the woman 14 times with his service revolver, is asking that the sentence be set aside and a lesser one imposed.

Sandy, who was indicted for the murder of Payne, which occurred on March 31, 2018, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared virtually before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Georgetown. The prosecution’s case contended that Sandy and Payne, a mother of three, were in a motor car proceeding along First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, when an argument ensued about her alleged infidelity.

According to reports, Sandy suddenly stopped the car, and as the woman exited, he shot her 14 times.

After the incident, Sandy – who was a Special Assistant to the GDF Chiefof-Staff – turned himself in at the Ruimveldt Police Station. He was later charged for murder. His lawyer had told the court that his client was mentally unwell to stand trial.

As a result, the court ordered that Sandy be evaluated by a psychiatrist; he was later deemed fit to stand trial.

Payne worked as a Travel Agent at the Muneshwers’ Travel Service for a num-

Former GDF Captain Orwain Sandy and his reputed wife, Reona Payne in happier times

ber of years. She and Sandy were not married, but lived together for about three years.

During Sandy’s sentence hearing on August 4, 2020, the father of Payne’s three children, Richard Bevany, as well as the children, shared how the death of their loved one has impacted their lives.

The woman’s daughter and son told the court that they miss their mother, and ever since her demise their lives have been filled with sadness.

Meanwhile, Sandy’s lawyer, Ravindra Mohabir in a plea of mitigation, told the court that on the day of the killing, his client had a “sudden and temporary loss of self-control due to provocation” .

Mohabir related that Sandy asked Payne to call the person she was having a relationship with and demanded that she ended it. In response, Mohabir claimed, Payne threw his client’s gun out of the car window, which angered him.

During his address to the court, a remorseful Sandy said, “I do understand the

severity of my actions and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am pleading with you for a second opportunity into society so that I can ensure that men do not fall prey to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, depression, and suicide. I am sorry.”

The former Army Captain explained that the ordeal has increased his advocacy against domestic violence and intimate partner violence. He described Payne as “his first love”, and said that her untimely death has left a hole in his heart

that could never be filled.

According to Sandy, he has disappointed himself, family and friends, the Chief-of-Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He recounted that on the day of the killing he suffered a mental breakdown, and that after the killing, he was haunted by suicidal thoughts.

Meanwhile, State Prosecutor Lisa Cave strongly condemned the killing, and urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to like-minded individuals.

The Prosecutor noted that no form of violence against women would not be tolerated.

Justice Kissoon reprimanded Sandy and told him that his conduct did not reflect the expectation of society or the disciplined forces.

Having considered all the circumstances, the High Court Judge imposed a life sentence on Sandy, and ordered that he only become eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years behind bars. At the announcement of the sentence, Sandy burst into tears.

Community service for COVID-19 restrictions violators

F

our residents of Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) were sentenced to serve community service by Magistrate Wanda Fortune after they were found guilty of violating the COVID-19 restrictions.

Five violators were initially charged and appeared at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, including Jermaine Young, Sheldon McAlmont, Lerron Greaves, Ronald Tulsie and Inderjeet Dhanna; howev-

er, all except Dhanna were sentenced to three hours of community service at the Kwakwani Police Station.

Dhanna is scheduled to return to court on September 4 for the commencement of his trial.

The prosecution’s case indicated that about 22:00h on July 4, the defendants were observed drinking in a yard by Police on patrol.

They were all told of the offence committed and transported to the Kwakwani Police Station and subsequently charged. (G13)

Cement thieves jailed for 6 months

Jailed: Randy Boucher

Jailed: Kester Chase

wo Lindeners were sentenced to six months behind bars by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Wednesday after they were found guilty of simple larceny at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Jailed are 19-year-old Randy Boucher and 25-yearold Kester Chase, both of

Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The court heard that the duo stole 39 sacks of cement from Godfrey Yearwood at his Central Amelia’s Ward property between August 24 and 25, 2020. The stolen items were valued $66,000.

T

(G13)

A

…to panhandle?? nother day and another surprise in the wild and wacky world of PNC politics!! This morning, your Eyewitness woke up to find a notice placed by Volda Lawrence – whom I presume is still the chairman of the PNC, even though the leader, David Granger, isn’t sending her to Parliament – indicating that she’d signed up with “GoFundMe”. Yep! That’s right - the crowdfunding site you normally hear about when folks want to get help with their tuition, or to take care of their spastic child or something - cause they’re down and out!!

Oh, how low has the mighty fallen!! Isn’t this the same Volda Lawrence who’d sole-sourced that $632 million pharma contract to ANSA McAL right after the PNC slid into office, and she was the Minister of Public Health?? Last when you Eyewitness looked, Volda had garnered a measly US$223 towards her goal of US$20,000, even though it had been shared 1700 times. 1700 of the faithful, and all they could come up with is US$223?? He was shocked, to say the least.

Couldn’t the Country Manager of ANSA have chipped in with even US$1000??

Then there was the (in)famous incident wherein she blurted out to her PNC audience, “The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC; and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese, and ah want one that is PNC”!! Can’t all the PNC people she found “wuk” for – especially the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking ones - pass around a hat to get a collection for poor Volda??

In the plea for funding via GoFundMe, Volda explained that she’d be using the US$20,000 to expose the nefarious PPP Government and their shifty ways in the days ahead. But hold it!! Isn’t that the work of the Opposition PNC, which, as a Constitutional office, receives funding for both an office and salaries for the Opposition Leader?? Is Volda implying that Lil Joe Harmon, the Opposition Leader and heir apparent, isn’t capable of doing his job when he gets into Parliament??

Jeez!! Look how pugnacious he was during the fivemonth war of attrition!! Almost as fierce as Volda was when she’d stormed the barricades at Red House to pull down that Cheddi Jagan sign!! But talking about Lil Joe, your Eyewitness is reminded about the US$40,000 PER MONTH that gentleman was able to get so easily from “PNC supporters” to pay those Washington lobbyists. Couldn’t Lil Joe pass on his list of those supporters to Volda, and spare her the embarrassment of electronically “panhandling”??

Brother, can you spare a dime?? …to take on Granger??

But seriously, folks…your Eyewitness doesn’t think it’s the PPP that Volda Lawrence has in her sights – that honour goes to nobody else but Granger!! Her having to resort to GoFundMe means that not only has he locked her out of Parliament, but also out of the PNC’s kitty. She realises that he’s out to wipe out not just her, but all the old-line PNCites who really have more legitimacy to PNC leadership that he has, being the outsider.

This is a battle for survival, dear readers, and no holds will be barred nor would any mercy be shown.

Granger has a big surprise in store for him: unlike his experience in “this man’s army”, the backbone of the PNC has always been women. And not just any “women”, but women of a certain breeding and rambunctiousness, which Lawrence represents to a “T”. Those “females” whom Granger sent to Parliament just don’t cut it; Volda’s brigade will chew them up and spit them out for breakfast!!

Did Granger see the mob on Monday in front of the Magistrate’s Courts?

Beware!! …and strategy Granger was trained in tactics that those seeking to overthrow him will start on the outskirts, like Norton did in 2011 from Linden.

But Volda will be going directly for his jugular – Georgetown!!

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

NEWS

9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local banking sector wants to fund “major projects” in Guyana T he local banking sector is looking to capitalise on the many opportunities coming Guyana’s way and has even expressed interest in funding major developmental projects here.

This was indicated to Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, during an engagement with representatives from the Bankers Association of Guyana on Tuesday. The team from the Bankers Association included: Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Executive Director Richard Isava; Guyana/American Merchant Bank General Manager Pauline Singh, and Bankers Association of Guyana Executive Director Steven Kissoon.

Along with Minister Indar, the Legal Advisor to the Ministry, Kiran Mattai, and other Ministry staff attended the meeting.

The representatives told the Junior Public Works Minister that they were keen on providing financing options to borrowers who intended to pursue infrastructure and other projects in the future. They said finances were available to fund local infrastructural projects in the form of bridges, roads and infrastructural projects in the oil and gas sector.

Minister Deodat Indar meeting with the representatives from the Bankers Association of Guyana on Tuesday

“So, they are just letting us know that they have the capital to fund some projects,” Minister Indar stated when contacted by Guyana Times.

In a statement from the Public Works Ministry on Wednesday, it was noted that a list of some major projects that are to be funded in the near future was floated to the banking officials.

However, Minister Indar explained that the financial institutions would have to determine how they would tap into these opportunities that were available.

“Right now, the details are sketchy; I can’t tell you anything specifically… The financing will be based on the project size. If it’s large projects, it will be difficult for them to fund it, so the

banks will have to come together to fund it. So, it will depend on the projects,” the Minister posited.

According to the missive, Minister Indar told the visiting delegation that he appreciated its proactive approach in this regard and would continue engagements with the Association with regard to infrastructure. The Minister also highlighted a number of major projects that are on the agenda of the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government that may require funding.

The Bankers Association has been reaching out to the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government over the past days.

In fact, officials had a virtual meeting with President Ali and Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

on Monday.

During that engagement, the Head of State used the opportunity to outline the Government’s vision on health, infrastructure and other areas of development while discussions were also

held on the COVID-19 pandemic, i’s effects and measures that could be taken to make life easier for citizens during this period, particularly in the banking and financial sectors.

Just last week, President Ali announced a number of measures to cushion the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households as well as the various business sectors.

These include commercial banks agreeing to waive all bank charges especially ATM/local merchant charges to encourage more out-of-bank transactions as well as charges for transactions by senior citizens.

They have also agreed to offer general concessional reductions of interest

rates of 1 per cent and up to 2 per cent on consumer loans below $10 million until December 31, 2020. The existing lending rate ranges between 6.5 per cent and 16 per cent.

Additionally, the banks have agreed to continue supporting businesses with short-term working capital needs to meet payroll and other short-term funding requirements at concessional rates between five and six per cent to encourage businesses to remain open.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Guyana will relax stringent statutory measures in order to allow direct benefits to customers of banks by giving the financial institutions the ability to operate with more flexibility. (G8)

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) over a period of time. He appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

Guyana Times understands that during a threemonth period, Persaud allegedly drained the fuel from several loaders and resold it to other operators at

the Capoey Sand Pit. After realising that the fuel was missing on several occasions, the owner and other employees set up a sting operation whereby Persaud was caught in the act. He was detained by the businessman and later handed over to the Police.

The case will continue on September 16, 2020.

Operator caught stealing employer’s fuel on bail

A

front-end loader operator was on Wednesday released on $150,000 on a simple larceny charge brought against him.

Mohinder Persaud was accused of stealing fuel worth $1,050,000 belonging to Caricom Rice Mill located at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF rank shot on Soesdyke Highway

P

olice are on the hunt for two men who shot a 30-year-old soldier on Tuesday night, at First Street, Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Injured is Taidell Methand, a Lance Corporal in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and a resident of Kuru Kururu. Reports are that the shooting occurred about 20:00h on Tuesday.

According to Police, the GDF rank was standing at the corner of First Street, Kuru Kururu with a group of friends, when he received a phone call. As he walked across the road to speak to

Injured: Lance Corporal Taidell Methand

the person on the phone, two men clad in hoodies pounced on him. Police noted that one of the suspects, who was armed with a handgun,

fired a single shot, striking the soldier to the right side of his chest. He collapsed at the scene, and was taken to the Medical Unit at GDF’s Timehri Base. He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remained a patient.

When cops arrived at the scene, they were told by eyewitnesses that the soldier ran about 60 to 70 feet after he was shot before collapsing. The suspects then made good their escape on foot. Up to press time on Wednesday, no one had been arrested.

Investigations are ongoing.

(G9)

I

Clarification

n an article headlined “Absence of JSC hinders administration of justice – Bar Association” on August 26, 2020, this publication inadvertently referred to Attorney-at-Law Teni Housty as a Senior Counsel. This publication apologises for the misdescription.

Attorney-at-Law Teni Housty

Exxon says it can take...

But Routledge’s comments come at a precarious time for the company. It has made 16 oil finds offshore Guyana, and those have more than six billion recoverable barrels of oil equivalent. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, oil prices have plummeted, and the compa-

ny has been forced to downsize its operations.

In an unprecedented move on Monday, it was announced that Exxon would be delisted from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

This would mark the first time in 92 years that Exxon has not been a member of the Dow Jones.

Meanwhile, a senior Government official on Tuesday told this publication that Routledge is speaking on behalf of his company’s shareholders, and therefore his comments cannot alter the Government of Guyana’s decision to review the project in a timely manner.

In April, ExxonMobil had said that Guyana’s oil reserves are an integral part of its growth plans.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon, Darren Woods, had said developing Guyana’s offshore deepwater discoveries would be an important aspect of Exxon’s long-term growth plans.

In July, Exxon reported an expected $2.63 billion second-quarter loss, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, on sharply lower prices and weaker production. This, according to a Reuters report, is the first back-to-back quarterly losses in at least 36 years. Shares are down 35% so far this year, as the coronavirus pandemic has crushed fuel demand.

PSA

The PSA between Guyana and Exxon’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, was signed on October 7, 2016. The former Government was heavily criticised by civil society and experts for its generous terms, with international watchdog Global Witness releasing a report which found that Guyana lost billions due to the poor representation the country received from the then Government in its negotiations with ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block were able to secure exemptions from paying corporation, excise or value-added tax on their earnings from petroleum. Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s income tax.

To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government.

Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has. This therefore puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees or charges out-

FROM PAGE 3

lined in the contract.

Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

The 50 per cent profit oil and two per cent royalty are already below international average, but during the cost recovery phase of oil production, Guyana will only see 14.5 per cent of revenue until Exxon can recoup its initial investment. Indeed, Exxon has already laid out a cost recovery figure of US$460 million in its PSA, a figure yet to be fully audited.

Payara

Payara, which was discovered in 2017, is Exxon’s third potential development project within the Stabroek Block, after Liza Phases 1 and 2. The discovery well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering more than 29 metres of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The Payara Development Plan includes a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel named Prosperity. It is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day, supporting up to 45 wells, including production, water injection and gas injection wells.

Under the former Government, the Energy Department contracted Bayphase to conduct a review of the FDP in December of 2019. The review was completed, but in the wake of the controversies that followed the March 2 2020 elections, little progress was made on approving the plan. Exxon’s Final Investment Decision (FID) hinges on gaining approval for the development.

Exxon has complained that further delays in granting approval for the project could result in less revenue for Guyana after the project starts up in 2023. But experts have argued that unless Exxon is able to give proper environmental and local content assurances, and even improve the terms of its contract with Guyana, approval should be withheld.

As such, the current Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government tapped into an existing Canadian grant to recruit independent experts who would review the work done on Exxon’s Payara project FDP, before granting final approval for the project.

Those experts include Allison Redford, a former Attorney General and Premier of Alberta, Canada, who has worked with other groups around the world to conduct reviews similar in nature. It is expected that their work will be completed by this weekend. (G3)

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DPP asks court to dismiss $50M lawsuit against her …as Magistrate accuses her of injuring his credibility, reputation L

awyers for Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Senior Counsel Shalimar AliHack have asked the High Court to dismiss a $50 million defamation lawsuit filed against her by Senior Magistrate Alex Moore.

Her lawyers, Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, former Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas and Jamela Ali are contending that the lawsuit was not only an abuse of the court process, but also vexatious as it disclosed no reasonable ground for bringing the claim for millions in damages.

Magistrate Moore, a practising Attorney-atLaw for 14 years, alleges that he was defamed in a letter dated December 5, 2019 titled “Re: Conduct of Magistrate Alex Moore in the charge of the Police vs Marcus Bisram for the offence of murder, Contrary to Common Law”. The letter, Magistrate Moore, said was falsely and maliciously written by the DPP and sent to acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and the acting Chief Justice.

In a Statement of Claim, the 42-year-old Magistrate said that the letter sent to the acting Chancellor and acting Chief Justice suggest-

and reputation. He further noted that it has subjected him to public ridicule, causing him to suffer mental anguish, distress, and depression.

Dismiss

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

ed that he was not acting impartially in the matter, and, was, therefore unfit to sit as a Magistrate in a murder trial against Marcus Bisram by the State, for which Preliminary Inquiry (PI) proceedings were being held at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The letter was penned after the court’s substantive Magistrate Renita Singh went on leave, resulting in Magistrate Moore sitting at that court. Magistrate Moore, in court documents, through his lawyer, Arudranauth Gossai noted that the contents of the letter have greatly injured his character, credibility,

In response, the DPP has asked the court to dismiss the case on the ground that it disclosed no reasonable reason for bringing the claim. Ali-Hack argues that the case is scandalous, frivolous, vexatious, an abuse of the court process, and seeks to obstruct the just disposal of the proceedings.

Having regard to the foregoing, her lawyers are asking that the case be thrown out with fixed costs awarded and such further or other reliefs the court deems just.

According to Ali-Hack, the letter at hand refers to her acting in her professional capacity as Director of Public Prosecutions, and not in her personal capacity. She contends that the title of the action against her in her personal capacity “is.

Therefore. a colourable device, to seek to escape the effects substantially and procedurally suing [her personally] instead of in her office as Director of Public Prosecutions”.

Her lawyers submit, “The

said office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent constitutional office of the State as recognised under Articles 116 and 187 of the Constitution for which [she] would be patently entitled to the protection of Sections 8 and 4 of the Justice Protection Act Cap 5:07, and the benefits of the operation of Section 3(4) of the State Liability and Proceedings Act Cap 6:05.”

The DPP’s lawyers said their client’s letter was addressed to the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary in her official capacity as pursuant to Section 12 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrate) Act Cap 3:05.

The lawyers outlined that the letter requested the removal of Magistrate Moore as the Magistrate conducting the PI into the capital charge of murder against Marcus Bisram at the Whim Magistrate’s Court following a report by State Prosecutor Stacy Gooding.

The lawyers further submitted that the Chancellor was entitled to carry out, in accordance with the aforementioned Section, for reason of “the Magistrate’s personal interest in that cause or matter or for any other sufficient reason”. It is against this backdrop, the

Magistrate Alex Moore

DPP’s legal representatives argue, the letter did not constitute or display nor intend any malice against Magistrate Moore.

According to the lawyers, the acting Chancellor was also the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission under Article 198 (a)(1) of the Constitution, and the said Commission is the supervisory authority for the Magistracy of Guyana including [Magistrate Moore] against whom by virtue of Article 199 of the Constitution the Commission is entitled to exercise discipline or remove.

The DPP said that her re-

port to the acting Chancellor contained allegations of misconduct against Magistrate Moore in his professional responsibility and not in his private capacity, and were capable of being investigated by the Chancellor for the purposes of invoking the disciplinary procedures set out in the Judicial Service Commission rules.

Moreover, the DPP contends that Magistrate Moore’s case is contrary to public policy by seeking through defamatory claims to intimidate or prevent the process of complaints against the conduct of Magistrates, and particularly in relation to disciplinary considerations by members of the Judicial Service Commission of the actions of any member of the Magistracy, including him.

Moore has been a sitting Magistrate for nine years assigned to Georgetown, East Demerara, Berbice and Corentyne Magisterial districts. He was admitted to practise law in the courts of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada and the British Virgin Islands where he practised before being elevated to a magistrate.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

As testing increases

33 new COVID-19 cases recorded …PAHO/WHO Rep assures of integrity of tests done in Guyana

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s the Health Ministry continues with increased testing across the country, another 33 new COVID-19 cases have been detected in 24 hours.

This now brings the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Guyana up to 1,093, with 542 being males and the remaining 551 females, according to the Ministry’s updated COVID-19 Dashboard on Wednesday.

Of the total cases, 528 are currently active cases – nine persons in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and the other 519 in isolation; that is, 95 persons in institutional isolation and 424 persons in-home isolation.

Additionally, there are also 71 persons in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death toll remains at 31. On the other hand, the number of persons who have recovered from the deadly disease has gone up to 534 – an increase of 11 recoveries from the previous day’s figures.

Of the 33 new cases recorded on Wednesday, there were increases in Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

With the exception of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), which saw a re-

duction in COVID-19 cases, the figures in the other three regions – Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo) – all remain the same.

According to the Health Ministry, to date, the number of persons tested for the coronavirus in Guyana has exceeded seven thousand.

Since taking office earlier this month, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has embarked on a mass testing campaign in all 10 regions of Guyana, and has said that hundreds of positive COVID-19 cases have gone undetected over the past months, given the limited number of tests conducted.

There has been circulating of recent an allegation that the COVID-19 test kits that Guyana has procured are contaminated, but the Health Ministry has already debunked this allegation.

Test kits

Adding its voice now to dispel the rumours, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) has, through its Representative to Guyana, Dr William Adu-Krow, assured that the test kits have

met all the necessary standards before being dispatched to countries for use.

“I can assure the public that the tests being done in Guyana are secure, safe, and quality-assured; so, if you get a positive, it’s a true positive… All the testing kits that we have (had) to go through a quality assurance first, then go through PAHO, and then it comes

here monitored, temperature-sensitive monitored.

So, by the time we get them, we know they are in good stead,” he explained in a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI).

According to Dr AduKrow, “To the best of my knowledge, the kits that were graciously given by the Government of China came to us about 6-8 weeks

ago. Those were used, and we did not have any problems. Now, there is someone suddenly saying we are getting increases because of that; that is a lie.”

In fact, in order to ensure the accuracy of test results, PAHO/WHO has advised the Government that in every 50 tests, the 50th sample be sent to a laboratory outside of Guyana to be re-processed. This is to verify the initial result produced locally, and ensure there is a match.

Meanwhile, Dr. AduKrow addressed the notion some persons may have: that being re-tested at private health institutions would produce a different result.

He said, in the DPI report, that the testing provided by the Government is a PCR test; which is a molecular test with about 99 percent accurate.

“If you go and test at a private institution, with an antibody-antigen test they may use, it is not as sensitive as a PCR test; and that is why the Government is sticking to PCR. That is also why WHO has not pre-approved any of the antibody-antigen tests as yet,” he explained.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has repeatedly urged persons to go out and get tested, and not let the rumours circulating become a deterrent. Since widespread testing has been

increased, the number of positive cases being identified is a true reflection of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

As such, steps are being taken now to enhance the country’s capacity to deal with the spiking number of COVID-19 cases.

Safeguarding the nation

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, President Irfaan Ali convened a virtual, emergency multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss urgent issues related to strengthening and advancing the National COVID-19 response. The meeting discussed the need to ensure that there is a balance between the health of the economy and the health and wellbeing of citizens.

It also examined how to enhance the capacity of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control at Liliendaal to function as an isolation facility, as well as the reopening of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for commercial travel.

President Ali noted that while such a step is integral to the stabilising and re-energising of the economy, a decision will not be taken without considering the safest and most practical model moving forward.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who also attended the meeting, emphasised the importance of a comprehensive analysis of the situation to the creation of sound policies to guide the National COVID-19 Response.

Private Sector representatives and members of the media also attended the meeting. These stakeholders were given the opportunity to offer their suggestions and input on key aspects to be included in a coordinated plan moving forward. These suggestions centred around strengthening the enforcement of safety measures and protocols that enhance the training of health personnel; access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); the importance of strengthened inter-agency communications among all stakeholders; and adoption of the best strategy moving forward.

Following the discussions, the President pledged to continue engaging all stakeholders as his Government moves towards formalising a concerted strategy to take the country forward. He also assured that all the concerns raised in the discussions would be examined. The President also informed the meeting that sub-committees will be established to tackle pressing COVID-19 related issues head on. (G8)

13 Govt to pass law for regularising bail – AG NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Guyana needs more streamlined process – Bar Association

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has said that he has taken keen note of the inconsistencies in the granting of bail and has committed to having the issue addressed with the implementation of a new piece of legislation – the Bail Act. The new piece of legislation will be aimed at bringing uniformity in relation to the granting and refusal of bail. It is expected to bring some level of consistency in this regard. According to Nandlall, there seems to be a discernible trend at the level of the magistracy in the granting of bail, presumably, to reduce pre-trial incarceration in order to, ultimately, not contribute to the unfortunate overcrowding of the prisons during the COVID-19 period.

While he described this as a “quite laudable ideal”, the Attorney General noted that Guyana has long been plagued with a very high incidence of crime, especially, violent crimes for which there has not been any reduction even in light of a pandemic. Nandlall pointed out that it appeared as though bail was now readily being granted by the magis-

trates’ courts, even in cases where the legislation prohibited the granting of bail unless some special circumstances exist.

For instance, he said that on August 17, 2020, Lindele Freeman called "Skull" was charged with illegal possession of firearm without licence contrary to Section 16 (2) (a) of the Firearm Amendment Act No. 17/2007. He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was immediately placed on $50,000 bail.

Nandlall said that on the same day, Kaven Kellon Barrow alias "Bonny" was charged with robbery under arms committed at Smiling Supermarket, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. He appeared at Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts and was placed on $150,000 bail on his first court appearance.

In analysing the two cases, Nandlall said, “While I recognise that the grant of bail is discretionary, this discretion is not, however, absolute. Like every other discretion, it must be exercised reasonably and in accordance with law. If the law says that bail can only be granted for a particular offence, if special circum-

ters, while they are currently on bail.

Bar Association lauds move

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

stances permit it, then those special circumstances must exist. If a Magistrate chooses to take into account the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues, then it must be balanced against countervailing factors such as prevalence of the offence and public safety.”

The Legal Affairs Minister added that recognition also must be given to the fact that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) does not have the facilities or resources such as electronic monitoring bracelets to track the movements of these persons who are known criminals pending the hearing and determination of their mat-

UG mourns death of 2010 valedictorian …cause of death given as blunt trauma to head

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cores of past and present students and lecturers of the University of Guyana (UG) took to social media to mourn the death of 2010 UG valedictorian Michael George, who drowned on Sunday at the “Parika Back”.

The incident occurred just two days before George’s 32nd birthday.

George, a father of two, hailed from La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Reports are that he went to the waterside on Sunday with three of his friends for a pre-birthday hangout. He went into the water, but never resurfaced. George is said to have drowned some time between 16:00h hours and 17:00h.

A family member told Guyana Times that the father of two was at home when his friends came and invited him out. Shortly after, his family received a phone call that he went under water just minutes after he entered the water.

After rushing to the scene, the family found his motionless body, and the Police were immediately summoned.

Dead: Michael George

This publication understands that before George went out with his friends, his brother told him not to go into the water since he did not know how to swim.

According to Police, when they arrived on the scene, the dead man’s friends told them that as soon as he reached the location, he took his clothes off and walked into the water. Shortly after, he disappeared.

His friends said they went in search of him, and found him about 10 minutes

later. They told the Police that they tried to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but he remained motionless.

An inspection was conducted of the man’s body, and no marks of violence were evident. A post-mortem examination done on Wednesday revealed that he died owing to drowning compounded by blunt trauma to the head. A report is currently being prepared to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

George was the valedictorian of the West Demerara Secondary School 2005 class, and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at UG. He graduated with distinction and earned the President’s Medal.

He also had a PhD in Biochemistry Engineering from the University of Alberta and was working as a lecturer at the Texila American University.

He also taught fifth and sixth form classes at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School.

George was described as “a true genius” who impacted many lives. (G9)

Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Guyana has lauded the move to implement the new law. When contacted, its President, Teni Housty said that for far too long Guyana has been in need of a process to streamline bail.

Housty noted that the passage of the Bail Act would strengthen the principles regarding the granting of bail. According to him, “What you find is that there are inconsistencies among the Magistrates and even the High Court when it comes to the granting of bail.

So, what the Act should do is create certainty and predictability in granting bail.”

Like Nandlall, Housty highlighted that certain laws prohibit the granting of bail for some types of offences such as those related to narcotics, firearms and murder, with such being available only in cases where special circumstances exist.

Expounding on the matter, Housty made reference to a judgment handed down in 1994 which gives lawyers certain circumstances under which they can argue for bail in relation to those types of offences.

However, the Bar Association President pointed out that the consultation process for the Bail Bill could have been more engaging. According to him, the Bar Association only received a correspondence asking for comments on the Bail Bill on June 10, 2020.

In light of the foregoing, Housty said, “The tim-

ing was off. We thought that the process could have been a little more engaging in its execution. We are happy that the Attorney General [Anil Nandlall] has indicated a process of greater consultation in this regard.”

Consultations

When contacted on Tuesday, Nandlall informed that consultations on the Bail Bill were currently ongoing with relevant stakeholders such as the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Bar Association of Guyana, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, the Berbice Bar Association, and lawyers who have been named Opposition parliamentarians.

He disclosed that the Bail Bill was drafted since 2014. The consultant hired to draft the Bill is Senior Counsel Peter Pursglove, who was contracted under the Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme (SCJS), and has been closely working with the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Moreover, Nandlall noted that interpreting and applying the laws are functions of the Judiciary, while ensuring public safety of citizenry and enforcing laws are functions of the Executive. So, in order to effectively combat crime, Nandlall emphasised that the Judiciary and executive must work in harmony.

Lack of trust, confidence in Judiciary

A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme

Guyana Bar Association President Teni Housty

(UNDP) found that lack of trust and confidence in Guyana’s Judiciary stemmed from the inconsistent approaches to bail and sentencing as there is no bail and sentencing guidelines or legislation.

The report, which assessed judicial systems in nine Caribbean territories, recommended that a Bail Act be implemented as it would assist in the dispensation of criminal justice and provide a more streamlined approach in terms of those who are qualified for bail.

According to a most recent Report by the Improve Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT), there are five Caribbean States that have a Bail Act. These are Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis.

Those without include Guyana, Grenada, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New neurological ground broken with Guyana’s 1st partial skull transplant …24-year-old single mother now pain free …to be discharged by Friday

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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uyana’s neurosurgery landscape is rapidly increasing with the advent of new groundbreaking procedures being performed by its lone local neurosurgeon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi.

The latest feat in Dr Dukhi’s catalogue is the successful partial skull transplant performed on a 24-year-old single mother from Lima, on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam).

The surgery was hailed as historic because it is a First World procedure done in a developing Third World health sector. It was done on Saturday last at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown by Dr Dukhi and his mostly female team.

The pain would be so intense that she would just sit in her room and cry. She thought it was due to her receding eyes, so she visited an Ophthalmologist, who tested her eyes and told her that her vision was good in spite of the receded left eye. The doctor, nevertheless, ordered a CTScan, which showed very little abnormalities with her eyes.

The headaches never stopped, and only intensified.

This led to Latchman’s cousin – Dr Sarah Lall Khan – advising her to travel to the city and meet with a neurologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She did so, and even consulted another ophthalmologist, who indicated that her vision was good. The neurologist ordered a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

brous dysplasia usually start appearing by the time the child is two years old, and indentation of the forehead and skull commences by 12 years old.

As the person matures, the indentation becomes more pronounced, and by the time they are in their 20s, the pain would begin.

The neurosurgeon noted that following the epidemiological review of the case, Analisa fitted perfectly into what he would refer to as classical diagnosis.

“It was really painful to see a young lady with a small child suffering so much. This is my first experience in diagnosing this issue here in Guyana, and I knew that we had to put a lot of things in place to resolve what was happening,” the doctor noted.

Treatment plan

Analisa Latchman post-surgery

Dr Dukhi explained that it is necessary to give women the recognition in a field that is considered traditionally male-dominated. His assistant surgeon during the 6-hourlong procedure was Dr Anna Singh, whom he has been training for over five years. His team also included his female surgical nurses – Nurse Sharma and Nurse George, and Nurse Anesthesiologist Martina Abrams; the only other male was Dr Fernandao Ramirez Head of Anaesthesia.

The neurosurgeon said that, for the surgery to be done, it included planning even the minutest of detail, so as to avoid any difficulty during the procedural aspect of the intervention.

Patient’s background

Analisa Latchman, mother of young Arianna Mansie, has been unable to give her daughter the attention due, owing to her constant debilitating headaches. From a young age, Latchman had an indented left forehead, and her eyes were receding into her skull. As she matured, it became more pronounced.

She had, at that time, no pains or anything that really warranted immediate medical attention. However, as she matured and reached her 20s, she started to experience constant headaches.

Again, there was no definitive diagnosis, and the headaches began to intensify to the point where Latchman was losing consciousness. At that point, Dr Khan intervened again, but suggested that they consult Dr Dukhi in an effort to get to the root causes of the headaches and treat the source of the pain.

Diagnosis

Dr Dukhi first saw Latchman back in June, and he was immediately able to diagnose her with craniofacial dysplasia. However, after he looked at her scans and records, he went a step further to diagnose her with one of the rarer forms of craniofacial bone disorder craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.

According to the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, fibrous dysplasia is a non-malignant condition in which normal bone and marrow are replaced by fibrous tissue and haphazardly distributed woven bone.

In Latchman’s condition, her skull and facial bones were affected, and were not as hard as normal bone; and because those ‘bones’ were soft and stringy, they were more fragile and prone to break.

Dr Dukhi explained that Latchman’s case is one of the rarer ones, because of the fact that it occurs in every 10-15 babies out of every 100,000. The symptoms of craniofacial fi-

Throughout her life, Latchman has been treating the symptoms of her condition, but after Dr Dukhi’s diagnosis, she was now able to concretely address the root of the problem.

Dr Dukhi crafted a treatment plan that was suited to her condition.

He began by ordering fresh scans, and then using the CTScans to recreate a three-dimensional (3D) model of the scans, so as to assess the level of surgical intervention that would be required.

“The most initial aspect of things was to create a replacement for 40 per cent of Analisa’s skull. I did a CT Scan and reconstrued it in 3D, and realised that almost 40 per cent of Analisa’s skull was sick. That osseous (bony) structure of her actual skull vault has now become fibrous, and it was pulling her facial structure into the brain, hence why she had an asymmetric facial look, where her left side was more into the brain than her right side of her face was where it should be,” Dr Dukhi explained.

The scan allowed him to conclude that an implant was necessary, so that commenced the process of sourcing one. He partnered with NeuroSpine Services Inc – located in the St Joseph Hospital’s compound – and they reached out to the parent company in Trinidad, and then to KLS Martin in the United States.

NeuroSpine Services Inc is Guyana’s premier agency for advanced spine and brain gear in Guyana, and over the years they have successfully partnered with Dr Dukhi to perform cutting edge surgeries – such as the country’s first minimally invasive brain aneurysm resection, among others.

KLS Martin then asked for a 3D reconstruction of the scans, which were provided, so that they could have begun constructing the implant to suit the specific features of Latchman.

“We were able to send that to KLS Martin, and they actually reconstructed the 40 per cent of deficit that we would have provoked during surgery in Analisa’s head. That was amazing, because that is very difficult to do without actually seeing the patient’s head, but thanks to technology and CTScans and MRIs, this is possi-

Dr Amarnauth Dukhi and his team during the surgery

ble.

“Because we have these resources in Guyana, it is important that we use them and we use our human resource capacity as we continue to develop health care both in the public and private sectors,” the neurosurgeon related.

Financial hurdles

Brain surgery is generally expensive because of its particular approach as well as the risk involved. So, when Latchman was told of the surgery, she was worried about the costs, since, as a single mother, she did not have access to the level of financial resources that were required.

According to her cousin, following the initial consultation with Dr Dukhi, Latchman went home and cried because she knew her financial position did not allow for such a complex intervention.

Dr Dukhi is noted for his generous approach towards patients with financial difficulties, and in this case, he did not fail. He offered his services pro bono, and even went a step further to seek financial assistance for Latchman, so that she could have this surgery done locally at a fraction of the cost.

According to Dr Dukhi, had Latchman been forced to go overseas for treatment, he cost would have stood at a minimum of US$200,000. During this procedure, she paid only US$11,000 (just over Gy$2 million) for the implant, and the rest was covered by donations.

“I am very happy to do this surgery pro bono for Analisa, because it is what I love doing,” he said.

Dr Dukhi approached the Administration of St Joseph Mercy Hospital for assistance, as well as local businessman and Vice-Chair of the Hospital’s Board, Chris Fernandes, who offered to cover the hospital costs for Latchman’s surgery.

Fernandes related that he was contacted in July by a friend seeking assistance for Latchman, and he immediately contacted Dr Duhki to find out about the process. He hailed the relatively young doctor as one of the gems in Guyana, as well as his knack for pushing the surgical capabilities of the country’s health sector.

He explained that his role was getting the hospital to give them the minimal cost for doing the surgery, and then getting that funded by anonymous donors and himself.

“Thanks to Dr Dukhi for doing that, and for setting the bar

as high as you have for others to emulate,” he said.

Other donors and private sector bodies pitched in to make the historic surgery a reality.

Additionally, Dr Dukhi got his assistant surgeon and anesthesiologist to perform the surgery pro bono.

Surgical intervention

“The issue with Analisa’s reconstruction, replacement of her skull, was that it involved 3 bones; it involved the frontal bone, the parietal bone and the temporal bone of her left side of her head. Three major issues, and her symptoms were due to the involuting or convoluting reduction of her skull, which was squeezing the frontal lobe of her skull,” he said.

He explained that the frontal lobe is responsible for behavioural patterns, and it is one of the lobes that provoke the Jacksonian type of seizures, so Latchman was likely to have permanent brain damage over the next couple of years. While he could not have gauged how long before onset of the permanent brain damage, Dr Dukhi said Latchman would have been prone to ischemic changes to the brain due to the continuous pressure from an involuting or convoluting skull vault.

During the six-hour-long surgery, Dr Dukhi and his team were able to remove the 40 per cent sick skull from Latchman, and transplant the implant.

The implant arrived in Guyana on Thursday last, and the surgery commenced on Saturday at 07:00h.

“It was a very technical surgery, because we had to go all the way on the eye at the orbit.

Imagine part of her eyes is now into her brain, and we were able to reset her orbit where it was.

So, if you look at Analisa now, she actually had a nice-looking forehead, not that indented forehead anymore. Her orbit is back in place, and she has good vision. It was tedious for me, because it has two very important nerves that come out, which is the facial nerve and the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve. We were able to dissect that very carefully, and protect it so there were no injuries to her nerve, so there were no repercussions in terms of who she was and her normal functions,” he noted.

There is a thin layer that usually covers the brain, it is called the dura, and Dr Dukhi, even before surgical intervention, knew that he had to tread carefully around the dura.

When he opened Latchman up,

he discovered that the dura was already thinning owing to the compression of the skull.

This presented somewhat of a challenge, since he had to be extra careful in removing the skull, because if the dura is damaged, then that leads to brain damage.

“We had what we called a bicoronal approach to her skull, and we were able to expose, due to that approach the frontal bone, the periorbital bone and the temporal bone, and that was resected so all of her sick skull was removed,” he said.

The implant was transplanted with minor adjustments.

Overall, Dr Dukhi said, the entire process was a smooth one, with no surgical complications.

Risks

Brain and spinal surgery carries a heavy risk, with the worst-case scenario being death. In Latchman’s case, Dr Dukhi had to be extremely careful with the nerve damage, particularly facial nerve damage.

Had he been unable to resect the upper branch of the V1 branch of the trigeminal nerve, then she would have ended up with trigeminal neuralgia which would have left her with pain for the duration of her life.

Additionally, nerve damage would have also caused paralysis on the left side of her face.

“So, I had to find those nerves and dissect it away from the surgical approach, and that was done successfully” he noted.

Healthy life ahead

Latchman is now making a full recovery, and has already expressed that she no longer has headaches. She is expected to be discharged today or Friday the latest, according to Dr Dukhi.

He noted that he cannot foresee any complications with Latchman at this time, and that she can experience a healthy, normal life now.

The single mother, speaking with the media via Zoom, expressed her gratitude to Dr Dukhi, the surgical team, the hospital, as well as businessman Fernandes. She added that donations locally and from overseas were able to cover her end of the costs, and for that she is grateful.

Latchman is now on the path to making a full recovery, and says she cannot wait to get back to work, so that she can provide for her daughter and herself. (G2)

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese company taking over Goldfields to re-employ over 200 workers – Minister Bharrat Minister Bharrat, he had a virtual meeting with Guyana Goldfields’ Senior Vice President and former US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, as well as an executive from the Chinese company, and the issue of the hundreds of laid off workers was raised.

Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat

Minister

By Jarryl Bryan

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hinese mining company Zijin Mining Group Co., which will be taking over Guyana Goldfields, now that it has completed the acquisition process, has plans to rehire between 200 and 300 workers who were laid off from Aurora Goldmines.

This was revealed

by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in an interview with this publication on Wednesday. According to

“That was one of the major issues raised with them, as to the employment of the workers. They promised that on a short term, almost immediately after the transition, that at least 200 to 300 persons would be employed by the Zijin Mining Company. They have plans for expansion,” Bharrat explained.

“They mentioned to me that their plan for expansion is underground mining, which will be a first for Guyana. Our Government’s position is that we are pro-investment. We don’t have a problem with a company coming and investing in Guyana. We see this as a positive step.”

However, Bharrat made it clear that the company

Guyana Goldfields Vice President Perry Holloway

would have to first gain approval of regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

“Definitely, they will have to go through the regulatory agencies: EPA, GGMC. They will have to fulfill all the requirements in terms of safety, in terms of environment, before that permit is granted,” the Minister explained.

“Once these agencies are satisfied and recommend that we grant the approval, we will do so in the inter-

est of the country. Because it means that hundreds will be employed and it means more revenue for the country,” Bharrat added.

According to the Minister, Holloway will be retained as the company completes its transition. Moreover, Bharrat said executives of the company plan to travel to Guyana for meetings with the Government when COVID-19-imposed flight restrictions are lifted.

It was announced on Tuesday that Zijin Mining Group Co completed the process for acquisition of Guyana Goldfields.

According to a brief statement from Guyana Goldfields on Tuesday, the two companies had completed the transaction following the receipt of all the necessary regulatory approvals and all closing conditions being satisfied.

Guyana Goldfields had also announced that its shares, which were trading at approximately C$1.84 a share price as of Tuesday, are expected to be delisted from the Toronto Stock

Aurora Gold Mines

Exchange within one to three business days.

This publication had reported earlier this month that Guyana Goldfields had gone to court in order to secure a final order to close their deal with Chinese company Zijin, citing the interference of an unnamed third party and the need to resolve their claim.

The Canada-based Guyana Goldfields, which operated local subsidiary Aurora Gold Mine (AGM), had moved to downsize its operations since May 2020, after facing constraints from

the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with other financial woes. It was also linked to the company’s transition into underground mining.

Hundreds of local workers were also laid off by Goldfields in the process, their job descriptions ranging from attendants to electricians to heavy-duty equipment operators and blasters. Workers were paid their severance, however, breaking from a track record in which workers had to take strike action over severance. (G3)

Labour Ministry, ExxonMobil to develop protocols for inspection of offshore operations

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s the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration continues to streamline its policies in the various sectors, it is maintaining that Guyanese in the oil and gas sector must benefit equally with other nationalities.

To this end, the Labour Ministry will be working with US oil giant ExxonMobil – the largest operator offshore – to establish protocols that would facilitate inspection of both offshore and onshore operations.

This was among a series of issues discussed during a meeting between Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and senior officials of ExxonMobil Guyana. The Minister has insisted that Labour and Occupational Health and Safety officers must be facilitated to conduct their inspections of the company’s operation.

“Exxon has a department that deals with these matters in the industry, and we will have them sit down at the technical level with our people; that is: Labour Department and with the Occupational Health and Safety Department, so that they can together work out the protocols (regarding) how this will happen. And I indicated to them (that) I need for this to happen expeditiously,” Hamilton told the Department of Public Information.

The Minister noted that Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle will very shortly be meeting with representatives of Exxon to begin developing these protocols concerning visitation on the offshore vessels, as well as training.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton met with officials of ExxonMobil Guyana on Wednesday

Minister Hamilton explained that there may be need for more training, since the Occupational Health and Safety Department has been trained for land-based assessments.

Only last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that Exxon, which operates in the oil-rich Stabroek Block with its partners, has to play a greater role in assisting Guyana to develop a core team of Guyanese professionals to manage the local petroleum sector.

Jagdeo posited that the paltry US$3000 that the company currently gives is not only insufficient generally, but is not adequate for the training Guyana intends to undertake.

“Now, the company pays millions of US dollars for its bureaucracy, and we share half of the cost; that is, the cost oil. So now they, too, must provide enough funds for Guyana to build a great capacity, its own capacity, to monitor the sector,” he contended.

Equal pay

A similar position was represented by Minister Hamilton during his meeting with the Exxon officials on Wednesday, when they discussed the payment of Guyanese workers and adherence to local labour laws.

The Labour Minister posited that ensuring equal pay for local workers in the oil-andgas sector is a priority for his Ministry.

“I expect that workers must be paid equal pay for equal jobs, and I have indicated to ExxonMobil that there are allegations in the industry that expatriate employees are presently being paid more than Guyanese employees,” Minister Hamilton told DPI. The Labour Minister said he learnt that the allegations were often in reference to Exxon’s sub-contractors, but noted, “I have said to them, ‘You have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that the sub-contractors and contractors follow the principle of equal job-equal pay’.”

Meanwhile, the other matter raised by the Labour Minister was the ability of workers to form unions, which the Constitution of Guyana allows.

“They have to facilitate the employees to be unionised if they want to be unionised; to join unions if they want to; or if they just want to have workers’ representative organisations within the company, so that their interests can be represented to the company,” Minister Hamilton noted.

He posited that rather than having all the workers

meeting with the manager to address issues, it is more prudent to have one organisation meeting with management quarterly or monthly to address any unresolved matter; hence the need for unions.

The Labour Ministry is investigating the allegations and seeking ways to resolve the matter amicably.

Minister Hamilton noted that Wednesday’s meeting with Exxon was the first in a series of engagements he will be having with all the companies in the oil-and-gas sector in Guyana. (G8)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

As electoral fraud probe widens

Senior GECOM Secretariat official hires lawyer for Mingo’s assistants …no permission given by Commission

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s the Guyana Police Force continues probing the alleged electoral fraud, embattled Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and three staff members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) who worked with him during the March 2 General and Regional Elections remain in Police custody assisting with the investigation.

Mingo was arrested on Tuesday at his Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and escorted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary, Kingston, where he is being questioned in relation to the well-documented attempts to alter the results of the recently concluded election.

Three election officials who worked closely with Mingo have also been taken into Police custody. One of these officials has been identified as 42-year-old Carolyn Duncan, a registration officer attached to the Better Hope Office of the Elections Commission.

She was taken into custo-

Embattled District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo

dy on Tuesday along with Mingo. According to the Police Force, Duncan was also attached to Mingo’s Secretariat, which was located in the Ashmin’s Building at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.

The other two persons are: Sheffern February and Michelle Miller. They were arrested on Wednesday.

Guyana Times understands that a senior official at the Elections Secretariat has allegedly retained a lawyer to represent these

three staffers. However, that lawyer, Attorney Eusi Anderson, in a letter on Wednesday, denied being retained by GECOM. “No one at GECOM is paying, or has paid, or has retained me to represent my three clients. Each of my three clients has personally retained me,” he disclosed.

However, a GECOM Commissioner has confirmed otherwise.

The Commissioner contended that it was a senior official from the Elections Secretariat who retained the lawyer on behalf of the three GECOM staffers.

The Commissioner also lamented that the Secretariat continues to operate on its own, taking decisions without the consent of the seven-member Commission. The GECOM Commission has not met since August 2, when its Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, declared the Dr Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C party winner of the March 2020 elections.

On the other hand, APNU/AFC lawyers

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Roysdale Forde and Darren Wade are now representing Mingo. In fact, Forde is on the Coalition’s list of Members of Parliament submitted to GECOM. He confirmed during an interview on the APNU+AFC Coalition’s social media page that he and Wade are trying to have the embattled Returning Officer released from Police custody.

“We’re in the process of taking steps to ensure that he is released. It seems as if we’ll have to resort to court to obtain relief from the court in relation to Mr. Mingo’s liberty,” Forde said.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that more persons would be detained for questioning as the investigation widens.

Mingo, who served as the Region Four Returning Officer, has been accused of attempting to alter the results of the March 2 elections in Guyana’s largest voting district in favour of the APNU/AFC, which was refusing to accept electoral defeat and has been accused of attempting to undermine

Deputy Returning Officer Carolyn Duncan

the will of the people.

Last Friday, the Police Force announced that it was investigating alleged criminal conduct by Mingo and others, including Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who is currently facing private criminal fraud charges before the courts.

Only Monday, Volda Lawrence, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR) – the leading party of the APNU faction of the

Coalition – and Mingo were charged in relation to the unverified declaration of results for Region Four. They are being accused of forging official electoral documents in an effort to defraud the country.

While Lawrence was placed on $100,000 bail during her arraignment before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Mingo did not make a court appearance, as he was never served with the private criminal charges filed against them.

It was Mingo’s attempts to alter the results of the elections that led to the National Recount exercise, which ultimately proved the major differences in the figures being called by the RO compared to the actual numbers of votes cast.

The difference was noted by the Head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Guyana, Bruce Golding, who had stated that he had never seen such a “transparent effort to alter the results of an election”. (G8)

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

17 Joseph Harmon now Opposition Leader P NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Central Executive Committee member Joseph Harmon has confirmed that he will be Opposition Leader of the APNU/AFC Coalition when the 12th Parliament convenes.

During an interview on a live programme on the APNU/AFC Facebook page, Harmon explained that while the Leader of the Opposition position is obtained in the Parliament,

the party has already decided that he would assume this position.

“The Opposition Members of Parliament, they vote for you in the Parliament…but internally, among all our MPs (Members of Parliament), I have been nominated and seconded by our MPs to be that person… There is still a second phase it has to go through, which is when the Parliament convenes, then the MPs will actually make that nomination and elec-

Joseph Harmon

Improved livelihood for Region 3 farmers

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armers residing in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) have been assured that with the installation of the PPP/C Government, their livelihoods would be improved, and dilapidated and unsatisfactory working conditions that currently exist would be a thing of the past.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha gave the farmers this assurance when he led a technical team to several communities within Region Three on Wednesday. The Department of Public Information has reported that the Canals Polder numbers One and Two were among the communities visited and inspected by the team.

The need for proper drainage and irrigation at several canals was brought to the Minister’s attention, as well as the lack of water to farmlands. One resident spoke of the terrible infrastructure on the main thoroughfare which provides access to farms.

While some of the burning issues highlighted could not have been addressed immediately, given their magnitude, others issues received immediate intervention by the Minister.

Listening to questions regarding the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the Minister indicated that works have already begun on the revamping of the sector. He said that with establishment of a new board at the entity, management would be reorganised to allow for effective production.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during one of the meetings on Wednesday (DPI photo)

Minister Mustapha said Government is committed to fulfilling all of its manifesto promises. “In the Agriculture sector, we have to ensure that our farmers get the kind of infrastructural work and support that are needed, so that there will be massive production,” he was quoted by DPI as saying.

Pointing out that agriculture as an industry is significant to the nation, the Minister stated that he would be putting “all hands on deck” to safeguard food security in Guyana. He also relayed that the extension services at the Ministry of Agriculture would see major improvement.

“When I took over the Ministry, I found that there was a lack of leader-

ship. The Ministry had no direction.

Now we have to focus our attention on certain objectives. One of those objectives is to ensure that we have maximum production,” he explained.

The Minister reminded that until there is a budget in place, some issues will not be addressed. He said a proposal was submitted to the Finance Ministry in preparation for an emergency budget.

“Hopefully, if those projects and our estimate are granted, we will have more resources to assist our farmers,” the Agri-Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry plans to stretch its resources to make life better for farmers.

tion in the Parliament,” Harmon disclosed on the social media programme.

This comes just over two weeks after Harmon, an attorney-at-law and former army officer, was co-opted to serve on the PNCR Central Executive Committee (CEC) along with Simona Broomes.

The former Minister of State in the APNU/AFC Administration had to give up his post and his parliamentary seat in the National Assembly last year, after the courts had ruled that dual citizens cannot sit in the National Assembly. He had a dual United States citizenship, which he has since relinquished.

Shortly after, Harmon was appointed Director General of the then Ministry of the Presidency - a post created just for him, with a salary of $900,000 and over $500,000 in non-taxable allowances as well as other perks and benefits.

Following the change of Government early this month, he had refused to vacate his post, even after receiving a termination letter from the new administration.

Since losing the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the APNU/AFC Coalition has been trying to keep its wits together. In fact, the PNCR, which is the leading party in the APNU faction of the Coalition, has been embroiled in disunity and power struggles among its members.

Reports are that senior members within the PNC are dissatisfied with the performance of current Leader and former President, David Granger.

Only recently, there was

uproar over the APNU/AFC formulated list of Members of Parliament. The list was handpicked by Granger with little to no consultation within the coalition, and has been intensely criticised.

In fact, former MP James Bond went on a tirade against Granger on social media. Bond criticised the PNC and its current leadership for not consulting with the party’s membership before making its decision on the parliamentarians.

Bond went further to blame Granger’s leadership for making the party lose the March 2 General and Regional Elections, as he threatened to rewrite the former President’s legacy and dismantle Granger’s “cabal.”

Following this, a former PNCR Executive Committee Member on Tuesday wrote a stinging rebuke against the party leader, and blamed him for the current disunity and power struggle within the party.

According to that member, Lurlene Nestor, under Granger’s leadership, the party has been beset with power struggles; an aloof leader, who failed to reconnect with those who put him in power; and an unwillingness to accommodate criticism from within the party.

Meanwhile, the process for selecting the Parliamentary list was cited as one of the reasons why the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) broke away from the five-party APNU coalition.

In fact, one of the partnership’s remaining four member-parties: Justice For All Party (JFAP), has also threatened to walk. (G8)

Education Ministry gifts Adult Education Association, Regional SEN Diagnostic Centre new vehicles

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High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa met Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday. The High Commissioner discussed various avenues of possible cooperation and exchange of best practices in the education sector between India and Guyana

he Adult Education Association of Guyana and the Regional Special Education Needs (SEN)/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre received two new vehicles from the Education Ministry to aid in their operations.

The keys to the vehicles were handed over on Wednesday by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King. He said that the provision of the two vehicles was part of the Ministry completing its 2019 capital programme. In a statement, the Ministry said that equipping the institutions with the vehicles would improve the services that they offer. King noted that both institutions allow their students the opportunity to get

the foundation necessary so that they can move on to higher levels of learning.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Adult Education Association has been doing a marvellous job at providing students who missed out on a formal secondary education a chance to recover by teaching them the various life skills.

Regarding the Regional Special Education Needs/ Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, King said that the Centre was relatively new and has been a meaningful addition to the Ministry. He said that the centre was able to diagnose individual students who have learning challenges and administer treatment

and therapy to ensure learning takes place.

Adult Education Association of Guyana Executive Director Patricia David following the handing-over exercise said that the vehicle would assist the office in carrying out its duties and also facilitate the movement of the management team to centres in outlying communities.

Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre Coordinator Keon Cheong noted that the vehicle would help to transport children to the centre so that they could access support and undergo the required therapy sessions while assisting staff to perform their duties.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

Regional

US Govt gives additional COVID-19 patients kick down doors at T&T Hospital to get fresh air US$1M in assistance S to Jamaica for COVID

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he US Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), announced Wednesday that it is providing an additional US$1 million (J$150 million) to assist Jamaica’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The USAID said it would use these resources to deliver social welfare support to vulnerable youth, families, and communities, as well as assistance to address issues such as child abuse and domestic violence.

“We realise that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the health of this country, but by extension the social and economic welfare. Recognising these challenges, the US Government is responding to the call to help the people of Jamaica,” US Ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia said.

“This additional $1 million will add to the more than

US Ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia (file photo)

US$2 million the United States has already provided to support Jamaica’s COVID-19 response.”

With these emergency response resources, USAID said it would seek opportunities to: build local partner capacity to deliver social welfare support to include food and sanitisation packages to the most affected, with a focus on female-headed households, victims of

domestic violence, unattached youth and youth in juvenile correctional facilities. Among other objectives it sought to build the economic resilience of targeted populations by supporting micro-enterprises through business development support, training, upskilling interventions, and facilitating the employability of targeted at-risk populations. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bahamas, Suriname record more COVID deaths

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he Bahamas and Suriname recorded deaths from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the past 24 hours, with Barbados recording three new positive cases, according to reports on Wednesday.

The Health Ministry in Nassau said that 15 additional confirmed cases were recorded, pushing the total number to 1813.

New Providence continues to head the number of cases among the archipelago, with 1049 cases, followed

by Grand Bahama, with 525; Abaco, with 66; and Bimini

with 53.

The Ministry also confirmed that there were two deaths and that “details about these deaths would be released once they have been properly classified”.

“Hence, the death toll currently stands at 48. Also, one death has been classified as a confirmed non-COVID related death. Hence, nonCOVID related deaths now tally at six,” the Ministry added.

The authorities in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country of Suriname, said that one person died over the

past 24 hours pushing the death toll to 61.

They said 66 new COVID-19 infections were added from the 257 swabs collected, bringing the total cases to 3698, 819 of whom are considered to be active cases.

Barbados is reporting that three visitors, two Britons and a Colombian, are the latest COVID-19positive cases.

The authorities said that there were now 164 confirmed cases and 25 people in isolation. (Excerpt from CMC)

everal disgruntled COVID-19 patients at the Caura Hospital broke down a double door, after a dispute with health officials, on Wednesday afternoon.

Newsday understands patients on the women’s ward were restricted from going outside. This led to a short argument and the women reportedly kicked the door until it broke into pieces.

A patient told Newsday via WhatsApp that they then took the chance to go outside for a walk in the fresh air.

“The fellas getting to come outside and get breeze.

We saw them come outside and get breeze and they get to climb mango tree and they have us lock up in here like prisoners.

“This would have never happened if they were letting us outside every day at least for an hour or half an hour because them girls would have gotten to come outside and get their fresh air. We have teens here and they want fresh air.”

Some patients on the men’s ward were unaware of the commotion happening a block away.

North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Davlin Thomas con-

firmed to Newsday that there had been an incident.

He said, “The reports are coming in, but it is that we had some COVID-19positive patients who tried to escape and leave quarantine.”

He said the army intervened and the situation is under control.

On Tuesday, three teenage Venezuelan girls escaped from quarantine facilities at Canada Hall on the University of West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus.

They have covid19 but are asymptomatic. Police are looking for them. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Pressure mounts to disband Brazil’s crack anti-corruption squad

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olitical pressure is growing in Brazil to disband a high-profile team of anti-corruption Prosecutors that has put dozens of former executives and politicians behind bars, despite its strong popular support and hundreds of cases still pending.

Prosecutor General Augusto Aras will decide on September 10 whether to renew for another year the mandate of the team, which has repeatedly made headlines over the last six years with its sprawling “Car Wash” corruption probe.

Aras, who has not spoken about his intentions, declined to comment for this story.

But the country’s top public prosecutor is facing pressure from influential politicians for the task force to be disbanded, as scepticism grows about President Jair Bolsonaro’s commitment to a campaign promise to tackle corruption.

The 65-year-old former army captain took of-

A woman attends a protest against corruption, in favour of the “Car Wash” corruption investigation and then Brazil’s Justice Minister Sergio Moro, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 30, 2019

fice at the start of last year amid popular anger at corruption under the former Governments of the leftist Workers Party, but has since railed at investigations of alleged graft involving members of his own family.

Senator Major Olimpio, Bolsonaro’s former righthand man in Congress, said there was a broad political movement afoot to stop the task force’s investigations

and annul ongoing trials.

“Today, there is a campaign to demonise Car Wash,” said Olimpio.

The right-wing Senator cited pressure from politicians under investigation to shut it down, by opening a parliamentary inquiry that has questioned its work and appeals to the Supreme Court to terminate its probes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

PAHO concerned about COVID-19 spikes as Caribbean reopens Mexico’s military examining possible ‘excesses’ in P probe of killing

an-American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa F Etienne has expressed concern about new Covid-19 infections as Caribbean countries reopen their borders.

Dr Etienne, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday and quoted in a PAHO release, said while Caribbean islands have avoided major outbreaks thanks to strong political resolve and a smart mix of public health measures, “Now that non-essential air travel is resuming across the Region, several countries are reporting spikes in cases.”

Two weeks ago, the Bahamas observed a 60 per cent

increase compared to the previous week, while St Maarten, the US Virgin Islands, and TT (which unlike the other countries has not reopened borders) all reported a 25 per cent jump.

“This is not just driven by tourism, but also by citizens returning home after the lockdown. We know that countries that depend on tourism can’t remain closed indefinitely, but as they reopen, they must use all the resources available to reduce risk for their people,” Etienne said.

In the release, PAHO asked countries to reinforce contact tracing and data management as they reopen.

PAHO also said the number

PAHO Director, Etienne

Dr

Carissa

F

of new COVID-19 infections reported in the Americas more than doubled from 5.3 million on July 1 to more than 12 million cases as at August 26.

Etienne also noted in the past six weeks deaths in the Region had doubled.

PAHO said despite the rise in cases in the Americas, countries have gradually relaxed restrictions, resumed commerce and some are gearing up to head back to school.

“In far too many places, there seems to be a disconnect between the policies being implemented and what the epidemiological curves tell us.

(Excerpt from T&T Newsday)

Quake shakes parts of Jamaica

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n earthquake was felt over parts of Jamaica Wednesday morning, at approximately 07:28h.

The quake was reportedly felt in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine, St James, St Elizabeth, St Ann,

Westmoreland, Trelawny, Manchester and Clarendon.

The United States Geological Survey initially reported that

the magnitude 4.5 quake was recorded five kilometres SouthSouth East of Alexandria, St Ann. (Jamaica Observer)

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exico’s military has opened an investigation into the possible killing of a civilian by soldiers in northern Mexico, the Defence Minister said on Wednesday, after a video surfaced of the incident following an army shootout with suspected cartel gunmen.

The footage, published by newspaper El Universal last week, appears to have been taken by a camera fixed atop the helmet of a soldier who opens fire from an army truck. It shows soldiers encircling an apparent survivor of the shootout as an unidentified man yells, “Kill him!”

El Universal said the video, filmed last month in the violent northern city of Nuevo Laredo on the US border, shows the aftermath of the incident in which State security officials reported 12 alleged drug cartel members were killed.

Reuters has not been able to verify the contents of the video. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called for a full investigation, saying his Government would “not allow this practice” of what appeared to be the killing a suspect. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US oil exports to China soar 139% in July

U

S crude oil exports to China grew by 139 per cent on the year in July thanks to bargain hunting among Chinese buyers, making the US the fifth-largest supplier of oil to the critical Chinese market.

Reuters reports that the United States exported a daily average of over 866,000 barrels daily, based on a conversion factor of 7.33 barrels per 1 metric ton of crude. This increase boosted the total US imports to China over the first seven months of the year by 31.5 per cent on the respective period of 2019 to 4.8 million tons, or a monthly average of some 5 million barrels.

China’s top supplier of crude in July was Russia, which shipped 7.38 tons of crude to China in July, up by 30.1 per cent on the year. Iraq came second, replacing Saudi Arabia and sending 5.788 tons of crude to China in July, a 35.7-per cent annual increase. Saudi Arabia’s shipments of crude to the key market, however, fell by more than 23 per cent last month, to 5.36 million tons. The top five list was rounded out

by Brazil, China’s fourth-largest oil supplier in July, with some 4.59 million tons, up by 27.4 percent on the year.

US oil exports to China are likely to see a further boost.

Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Chinese State energy companies had chartered tankers that can carry as much as 37 million barrels of crude for September shipments.

This would be a record-high for China, despite the latest escalation between the two, and in accordance with its obligations under the trade deal closed last year. (Excerpt from oilprice.com)

Hurricane Laura strengthens as it approaches Texas, Louisiana

Hurricane Laura approaches the coasts of Texas and Louisiana in a satellite view from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, August 26, 2020 [NOAA/Handout via Reuters]

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urricane Laura is likely to cause catastrophic damage and "unsurvivable storm surge" to the Gulf Coast near the Texas-Louisiana border after strengthening on Wednesday to a Category 4 storm, the National Hurricane Centre said.

The storm, ranked on the Saffir-Simpson scale for measuring hurricane intensity, was about 320 kilometres (200 miles) south-southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 220km/h (140m/h) and was expected to pack winds of up to 233km/h (145m/h).

The catastrophic storm surge as high as 20 feet (6 metres) from Sea Rim State Park, Texas, to Intracoastal City, Louisiana could penetrate up to 48km (30 miles) inland from the immediate coastline, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a Wednesday morn-

ing advisory.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged Texans living in the path of the deadly storm to get out of the storm's path immediately.

"All the people who could potentially lose their life, if they know – number one in a hurricane – that's to make sure that you save your own life. It doesn't do you any good to save your property if you're going to lose your life.

Property can be replaced.

Your life cannot," Abbott said in an appearance on Fox News television on Wednesday.

More than 420,000 Texas residents and another 200,000 people in neighbouring Louisiana were under mandatory evacuation orders on Wednesday. Buses were being sent to evacuate people who are also being asked to wear masks and maintain a physical distance because of the coronavirus pandemic.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

More reinforcements sent to quell Wisconsin unrest

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ore reinforcements are being sent to the US city of Kenosha, Wisconsin, following unrest sparked by the Police shooting of a black man.

Jacob Blake, 29, was shot and injured by Police on Sunday as he leaned into his car and as his children watched.

Protests since have turned violent, with two people killed and one injured on Tuesday night. A 17-yearold youth has been arrested.

Blake is recovering in hospital and is conscious, his family say.

But his lawyers say it will take "a miracle" for him to walk again.

The protests over Blake's shooting have at times turned violent, causing damage to property.

Tuesday night's incident

Protests since have turned violent, with two people killed and one injured on Tuesday night. A 17-year-old youth has been arrested

was believed to have involved protesters against Blake's shooting and armed men guarding a petrol station.

Hours after Blake was shot on Sunday, hundreds rallied outside Kenosha's

Police headquarters. As the protests went on, cars were set alight, armed robberies were reported and a nighttime curfew was eventually put in place.

Protesters said Police and troops used tear gas, rubber

bullets, and smoke bombs.

On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters marched through the city again. A small group threw fireworks and water bottles at Police, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas.

A spokesman for the Wisconsin Professional Police Association told the BBC individuals and groups were exercising their own form of vigilantism because law enforcement was spread very thin across the city.

On social media, footage showed a man with a rifle being chased by a crowd before he fell to the ground and appeared to fire at them.

Other videos show armed civilians, many dressed in military fatigues, congregating outside businesses they said they were protecting.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Coronavirus cases pass 24 million globally

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ore than 24.0 million people around the world have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, and 15.6 million have recovered. More than 821,000 have died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, Myanmar has reported the highest single-day surge in coronavirus

cases. The country has expanded a lockdown in conflict-racked Rakhine state which registered most of the infections.

Doctors in South Korea have been ordered to return to work because of the continued surge in coronavirus cases after they began a three-day strike on Wednesday over

Government plans to train more medical students.

The 2021 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) summit of business leaders and politicians has been postponed from January to summer 2021.

Meanwhile, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention narrowed its guidance for who should

get tested for COVID-19 this week, saying those who were exposed but are not symptomatic may not need to be tested.

That is a reversal from its previous recommendation, which said testing is recommended for all close contact of people diagnosed with COVID-19. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

EU Trade Commissioner resigns after COVID-19 breach claims

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U Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, a key figure in Brexit talks, resigned on Wednesday, after making a recent trip across Ireland in an apparent breach of three sets of coronavirus guidelines.

"This evening I have tendered my resignation as EU Trade Commissioner to the President of the European Commission, Dr Ursula von der Leyen," Hogan said in a statement.

"It was becoming increasingly clear that the controversy concerning my recent visit to Ireland was becoming a distraction from my work

as an EU Commissioner and would undermine my work in the key months ahead."

The Irish Government said Tuesday that Hogan flouted a trio of coronavirus guidelines during a recent trip to his home country, although the Commissioner himself insisted he broke no laws.

According to a statement, Hogan broke a 14-day quarantine after arriving in Ireland and failed to limit his travel in a county in the midst of a localised lockdown.

He also attended a parliamentary golf club dinner

on August 19, in breach of coronavirus restrictions on social gathering numbers announced just 24 hours earlier in a bid to curb a surge in cases.

The evening was attended by around 80 diners — including a Cabinet Minister, a Supreme Court Judge and lawmakers from Ireland's Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament.

It is now being investigated by Police and has prompted a series of high-level resignations in Irish politics, including Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary and Deputy Chair of the Upper

EU Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan arrives for his hearing at the European Parliament in Brussels (file photo)

House of Parliament Jerry Buttimer. (Excerpt from AFP)

Kremlin says does not want Navalny illness to damage ties with West

T

he Kremlin said on Wednesday it hoped Opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s illness would not damage Russia’s ties with the West and that it was keen to find out why he fell ill despite declining to open an investigation into the incident.

Navalny is in a medically-induced coma in a Berlin hospital where he was airlifted on Saturday after collapsing during a flight.

The German clinic said its initial medical examina-

tion pointed to poisoning, though Russian doctors who had treated Navalny in a Siberian hospital have contradicted that diagnosis.

Germany, the United States, and other countries have called on Russia to investigate the circumstances that led to Navalny’s illness, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the diagnosis so far was inconclusive.

Replying to a question on the possible worsening of relations between Moscow

and the West, Peskov said: “Of course, we would not like this (to happen), that’s the first thing.

“Secondly, there is no reason for that.”

President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte later on Wednesday in which they discussed Navalny’s health.

“The Russian side stressed the inadmissibility of hasty and unfounded accusations in this regard,” the Kremlin said in

a statement about the call.

It said Moscow wanted the circumstances surrounding Navalny’s condition to come to light.

Peskov’s comments and Putin’s phone call come a day after the speaker of Russia’s Lower House of Parliament said a committee would launch an inquiry to determine whether foreign forces had played a hand in Navalny’s illness in order to fuel tensions in Russia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU

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Complete unfinished projects before you move on to something new. Don’t let emotions interfere with your progress. It’s up to you to avoid confrontations.

Stick to your plans.

Time is on your side.

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Taking your time is in your best interest. Romance is featured.

Keep your opinions to yourself. The less others know about your beliefs, the better. Gather information that will help you assess important relationships. Leave nothing to chance.

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Joint ventures will work only if everyone plays fair.

Don’t get caught in someone else’s fight.

Be rational. If you let your emotions take the reins, you will make poor decisions. Aim to lower stress by eschewing no-win situations. Distance yourself from manipulative people.

Take care of matters that others have ignored. Refuse to let others put demands on you without offering something substantial in return for your efforts. Pick up the pace.

Ask for help, and you will get what you want.

Schedule something special for yourself and someone you love to encourage a closer bond. Personal growth and enlightenment are featured.

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Take advantage of an offer that can help you get ahead.

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Take hold of whatever situation you find yourself in, and you will gain the respect of your peers. A personal change will turn out better than anticipated.

Romance is on the rise.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

21

WFCC expects “great things” from Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Windsor Forest Cricket Club (WFCC) has seen success over the many years, but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, all its activities have been brought to a standstill.

Club Secretary/Vice Captain Avinash Ganesh is, however, leading from the front in ensuring his club mates keep fit while observing all COVID-19 protocols.

Speaking recently with this publication, Ganesh said his club is doing its best to remain active, and is anxious to see what newly appointed Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, would do when “all is clear”.

Q: How is the club coping at the moment?

A: Our club is trying to cope with the whole situation at the moment. We try our best to follow regulations during the pandemic. We have played 2 matches, but since the rise in the number of COVID cases, we have decided once again not to play.

Currently, a few of us play tape-ball on the tarmac by our ground just to try to remain active. However, we still try to follow COVID-19 regulations.

Well, for sure we are looking forward to playing a lot of cricket, both friendly and competition games. We also hope the West Demerara Cricket Association resumes cricket after the pandemic.

play? Cricket is a part of our lives, and right now that part seems to be missing, but there isn't much we can do at the moment. Every day we check the news, or whenever there is an update in the COVID regulations, to see if organised sports can resume.

Nevertheless, we have not given up hope, and we hope to be back on the fields as soon as possible.

Q: How challenging is it not to play any cricket for so many months?

A: It has been a challenge. When talking to some of our players, their desire to play cricket is there. They always ask, almost every week, when we will be playing, or can we organise a game and

Q: What do you feel can be done for cricket to be resumed?

A: Currently, I don’t see a solution for cricket to be resumed at the second division level, since it would be hard to implement some sort of crowd control at some of the grounds. And this is mainly

The Windsor Forest Cricket Club team

Windsor Forest Club Secretary/Vice Captain Avinash Ganesh

because they do not have a fence, or because persons aren't taking this virus seriously.

But I think that if we want to resume cricket, this is the first step: Just have the two teams alone and the officials present for the match. I still think it is difficult, though, because players can still spread the virus unknowingly to each other, and even to the opponents.

I do hope the higher authorities can figure some way to have cricket playing as soon as possible. We encourage all our fans to try their best to remain safe during these times; not only safe for themselves, but also their families and friends.

Take all precautions necessary to stay safe.

Cricket will return in time, and you can once again come to the ground and support us. Also, we are grateful for your support.

Q: With a new Minister of Culture, Youth and

Sport, what expectation do you have of him in terms of taking cricket to another level?

A: We have all faith in Mr. Ramson. He is a sportsman, and we are sure he will be thinking along the lines as a sportsman. (We anticipate he would) ensure all the cricket grounds and parks are in top condition to allow cricket to play at a high level, whether it be second division, first division, or even regional cricket.

Also, if a lot of recreational facilities are up-tostandard and are maintained, it would encourage youths to visit them and come off the streets. We would like to also ask for assistance for our ground, too. It is not in the best of state, but we try with it.

(It has) plenty holes and is in (a) rough (condition).

We would be grateful for any assistance (to rehabilitate the ground).

Weekend action in the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL)…

Guyana’s Marvan Prashad enjoys success in "the Big Apple" G

Marvan Prashad

uyana’s youth batsman Marvan Prashad has enjoyed a fruitful weekend in the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL). He scored a “player of the match” 113, and contributed a brilliant 70 while opening the batting for Everest/ ACS in matches played against the Long Island XI and Hunters Cricket Club.

A local cricketer for the Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club in West Berbice, Region 5, the classy righthanded stroke-maker began his dream weekend in the USA in style: with a 72-ball 113, which included 11 fours and four sixes. His innings led the Everest/ACS team to 228-6 in their allotted 23 overs.

Importantly, Prashad crafted a 113-run partnership

with Wasim Haslim, who scored an even 50.

Bowling for the opposition Hunters Cricket Club, Bashir Noory and Jugraj Singh each picked up two wickets.

However, in their reply, the Hunters were restricted to 1179 in 23 overs.

Chris Patandin took 4-24; Marvan's brother Deveshwari Prashad claimed two wickets, and Jamaica and former West Indies ‘A’ team spinner Damion Jacobs claimed 2-22.

Only Arwinder Singh, with 37, offered any resistance on behalf of the Hunters CC, who were defeated by 111 runs.

In the second match, a collective batting effort from the Everest/ACS saw the Long Island XI suffer a heavy 193-run defeat.

Batting first, Everest/ACS

posted 333-7 in their allotted 30 overs. Jetendra Sookdeo top-scored with 93 from 53 balls, which included eight fours and six maximums.

The talented Marvan Prashad scored a 39-ball 70 to follow up his century scored in the first match. His innings was decorated with nine fours and two sixes. Troy Halley chipped in with 50, while Marvan's brother Deveshwari scored a 24-ball 42.

In response, Long Island XI were rocked to 140 all out in 26.2 overs. Hardeep Sangha, however, scored 87 in a losing effort.

Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs starred with the ball, ending with figures of 3-26, while Deveshwari and Chalton Senior each took two wickets.

(Brandon Corlette) Damion Jacobs

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

No Narine? No problem for Bravo-inspired TKR D

arren Bravo eased the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) past the St Lucia Zouks in a run chase adjusted by the Duckworth Lewis System (DLS) to keep intact the TKR’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 record of 100% wins in all matches thus far contested.

On a day when his elder brother Dwayne made T20I history - DJ Bravo becoming the first bowler to reach 500 T20 wickets, of which 100 are Hero CPL wickets - the Knight Riders amply demonstrated that, even without Sunil Narine, they are a formidable team.

The Zouks started the match aggressively, with Andre Fletcher lofting Ali Khan for a Hero Maximum. His wicket fell the next ball, though, when Pierre took a fine catch at third man.

Unfazed, the fit-again Rahkeem Cornwall hit the ball after Fletcher’s dismissal for six, and the Zouks flew to 32/1 after three overs.

But then Cornwall drove aerially, and Munro took a good catch; and on his home ground, DJ Bravo became the founding member of T20 cricket’s 500 Club.

He soon made it 501 a portentous number on a ground with a pavilion named for Brian Lara - by yorking Roston Chase, and after a strong start, the Zouks had

stuttered to 43/3 off the Powerplay.

To keep the pressure on, Pollard went with Fawad Ahmed and himself after the Powerplay. They did so with aplomb, conceding only 15 runs in four overs, and not giving up a single boundary. At halfway, the Zouks were 58/3, and hadn’t found the fence for 32 balls.

The first Indian to play the Hero CPL, 48-year-old Pravin Tambe, was given only one over, but it was an eventful one. Najibullah Zadran hit him

for a Hero Maximum and a four, but Tambe had the last laugh.

Najibullah misread the googly, and gave Pollard a simple catch at cover, and Tambe had his own little moment of history.

Mohammad Nabi was busy, cutting Pollard for four, but with Mark Deyal scratchy, Fawad’s over went for just four, and Pollard finished his spell tightly, leaving the Zouks searching for rhythm at 93/4 off 14 overs.

Nabi tried to provide that rhythm, sweeping Fawad for four and launching him for a

Dwayne Bravo creates T20 history

— becomes 1st bowler to pick up 500 wickets in this format

W

est Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has become the first cricketer to pick up 500 wickets in T20I cricket.

Bravo achieved this feat on Wednesday while playing for the Trinbago Knight Riders against the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League 2020 tournament. He got to the milestone when he dismissed St Lucia Zouks opener Rahkeem Cornwall in his very first over of the match.

No other bowler in the history of T20 cricket has even crossed the 400-wicket mark, but Dwayne Bravo achieved this spectacular milestone in his 459th T20 match.

Having made his T20I debut in 2006, Bravo has been a true T20 globetrotter. While he has wielded magic for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been part of some of the biggest T20 franchises, including the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars and Renegades.

Notably, Dwayne Bravo had retired from international cricket in 2018, but made a U-turn in December 2019 and announced he would be available for selection for West Indies in T20Is, although he made it clear that he won't play Tests and ODIs for the Caribbean.

Bravo returned to the West Indies side after a 4-year absence in 2020, and played 5 T20Is against Ireland and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga is second on the list of most wickets taken by a bowler in T20 cricket. He has taken 390 wickets in 295 matches, while West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine is third on the list with 383 wickets taken in 339 matches.

Amit Mishra is the only Indian in the top 20 ranking of this list; he has taken 253 wick-

Hero Maximum, but Fawad finished strong by ending Deyal’s struggles.

Zouks captain Daren Sammy decided the situation required his personal attention, and brought himself into play; but Pierre returned with another good over, and the Zouks entered the last four overs at 109/5.

Sammy had a few lusty swings, but missed them all, and was eventually trapped LBW by Pierre. That was the last action before the rain came, and one wonders how many runs Nabi, being starved of strike, took off the Knight Riders’ adjusted target.

Nabi sparked hope with the ball, trapping Lendl Simmons LBW for a second-ball duck.

Munro, though, was positive, sweeping for four, then a Hero Maximum, to get the Knight Riders up and running.

Scott Kuggeleijn didn’t help matters for the Zouks, firing down five wides in an over that

went for 11.

Kesrick Williams was on the money, as both Munro and e m e rg e n c y opener Tion Webster found long-on, to leave the Knight Riders three down, and with Pollard and Darren Bravo yet to face a ball.

Pollard didn’t last long; he got off the mark with a classy flick for four off Chemar Holder, but the young Bajan responded with one that jagged back off the seam, to take an inside edge that was very well caught

by Fletcher.

After four overs, the Knight Riders needed 35 off 30 balls, but were four down.

Nabi returned, but Bravo and Tim Seifert managed five singles off him, to keep the Knight Riders ahead of the DLS par. Seifert had only faced three balls in the whole tournament before today, but was busy and inventive. A flick over his shoulder off Kuggeleijn raced for four, and the Knight Riders needed 22 off the last three overs.

Darren Bravo brought up a milestone of his own off Williams, his 100th Hero CPL six, to reduce the equation to a run a ball. Holder was excellent at the death in the Zouks’ own DLS victory against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and was trusted with the penultimate over here, but Bravo hammered Hero Maximum no.101 to make victory a formality.

Seifert drove for four, to finish it with an over to spare and send the Knight Riders clear at the top of the table.

(CPL T20)

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SCOREBOARD ST LUCIA ZOUKS BATSMEN ADS Fletcher † c Pierre b Ali Khan RRS Cornwall c Munro b DJ Bravo M Deyal c DM Bravo b Fawad Ahmed RL Chase b DJ Bravo Najibullah Zadran c Pollard b Tambe Mohammad Nabi not out DJG Sammy (c) lbw b Pierre Extras (lb 2, w 5)

10 18 16 7 21 30 2 7

TOTAL (17.1 Ov, RR: 6.46) 111/6

ets in 229 matches. Chennai Super Kings' new recruit, Piyush Chawla, has taken 251 wickets in T20 cricket.

Following his commitments with the CPL, Bravo will be heading to the UAE to take part in IPL 2020. Bravo has been an integral member of the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the recent past. He is among the top 5 wicket-takers in all-time IPL history, with 147 scalps in 134 appearances. Malinga is on top of the list with 170 wickets in 122 matches.

(India Today)

Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Andre Fletcher, 2.3 ov), 2-32 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 3.4 ov), 3-42 (Roston Chase, 5.5 ov), 4-73 (Najibullah Zadran, 10.6 ov), 5-106 (Mark Deyal, 14.6 ov), 6-111 (Daren Sammy, 17.1 ov) BOWLING Ali Khan K Pierre DJ Bravo Fawad Ahmed KA Pollard PV Tambe

2-0-21-1 3.1-0-19-1 3-0-7-2 4-0-21-1 4-0-26-0 1-0-15-1

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (TARGET: 72 RUNS FROM 9 OVERS) BATSMEN LMP Simmons lbw b Mohammad Nabi T Webster c Kuggeleijn b Williams C Munro c Kuggeleijn b Williams DM Bravo not out KA Pollard (c) c †Fletcher b Holder TL Seifert †not out Extras (nb 1, w 7) TOTAL (8 Ov, RR: 9.0) Did not bat: DJ Bravo, K Pierre, Ali Khan, Fawad Ahmed, PV Tambe

223-7230-1 (Ext 55) 0 5

NOW!

17 23 4 15 8 72/4

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Lendl Simmons, 0.2 ov), 2-27 (Colin Munro, 2.3 ov), 3-27 (Tion Webster, 2.5 ov), 4-34 (Kieron Pollard, 3.3 ov) BOWLING Mohammad Nabi SC Kuggeleijn KOK Williams CK Holder

2-0-15-1 2-0-19-0 2-0-17-2 2-0-21-1

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

How will the Warriors fare against the undefeated TKR today?

By Brandon Corlette

T

his has been an unfamiliar season for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW).

Consistent in their play in the Hero CPL tournament in 2019, after five matches in the 2020 tournament, they have recorded three defeats and two wins.

This condensed tournament is about to get more challenging for the Warriors, as the Trinbago Knight Riders’ challenge awaits.

The two heavyweight teams will clash from 17:30h today (Thursday August 27) at the Queen’s Park Oval.

A review of the Warriors' performances this season would reveal that the batting has been inconsistent and incomplete.

Shimron Hetmyer scored half-centuries in the opening matches, but has since been overtaken by inconsistency. The aggressive Hetmyer has scored 143 runs in five innings, with a high-score of 71.

Nicholas Pooran, who came to the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) party with a fine 68 against the St Lucia Zouks, is the only other batsman from the Warriors camp to surpass 100 runs. Pooran has scored

Anthony Bramble celebrates on his first outing

105 runs, but his average is just 21.

Ross Taylor is struggling.

He has scored 87 runs in an inconsistent batting group thus

far in the season.

The opening duo of Brandon King (40 runs) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (58 runs) have failed to replicate their 2019 season

performances. The explosive Sherfane Rutherford has thus far been misfiring in this tournament, having scored 35 runs in five innings.

In the bowling department, the veteran Imran Tahir has led a spirited effort, taking nine wickets this season while Keemo Paul has taken seven.

Chris Green, Ashmead Nedd, and Naveen Ul Haq have each produced the goods at some point in the tournament thus far.

Following the Warriors latest defeat, captain Chris Green said early wickets had cost the Warriors the game.

Green credited as quality the efforts coming from the bowlers and fielders, but is calling on the batsmen to quickly come better with the bat as the tournament progresses.

In contrast, the TKR have done exceptionally well in this tournament, and different players have stepped up and produced match-winning efforts. The TKR have recorded four wins in four matches, and will be an acid test as the Warriors seek redemption.

For TKR, Colin Munro has the most runs: 133; while Darren Bravo has 121 runs.

Sunil Narine scored 111 runs

Imran Tahir is the leading wicket-taker for the Warriors

in the three matches. Ali Khan has five scalps, while Narine, Bravo and Jayden Seals each have four. Fresh from his 500th T20I wicket, Dwayne Bravo will

proverbially have his tail up.

It will be a match for the ages, and the Warriors must compete with a do-or-die attitude.

Mayers rises above the fray as spinners strangle Jamaica Tallawahs SCOREBOARD

B

arbados Tridents' Ur Rahman. spinners turned the And with Jason Holder screws on Jamaica having two leg spinners and a Tallawahs to complete a slow left-armer at his disposal convincing victory at Queen's against a team containing 11 Park Oval, after Kyle Mayers's right-handed batsmen, the career-best 85 had laid the match-ups always looked likely platform in the first innings. to work in the Tridents' favour.

The Tallawahs came into Tallawahs never got going the game on a high, after in their run chase, as the beating Guyana Amazon required rate soared and Warriors last night, while the wickets tumbled. Mitchell Tridents had lost their last Santner, who took 2 for 10 three; but news that Andre from his four overs, was the Russell would miss the match standout performer. due to a flare-up of his longstanding Mayers makes hay knee injury Mayers came into this served as a game averaging 14.77 and major blow. with a strike rate of 110.7 in R o v m a n his T20 career, but tucked Powell, the into the Tallawahs' paceTa l l a w a h s on options early on. He captain, has said hit four sixes in he hopes to have the space of him back "for the 14 balls back end" of the faced CPL. "It's a little bit of pain (in his knee) and some swelling in his foot," he said. between Mayers obliterated the fifth the Tallawahs' seam and eighth attack, hitting eight overs, lofting sixes in his innings, and Ve e ra s a m my hitting the final five balls Permaul insideof Carlos Brathwaite's out over cover, 18th over for 28 runs, as he heaving Fidel made a maiden T20 halfEdwards over century despite struggling midwicket, to rotate the strike against and slapping the spin pair of Sandeep Mitchell Santner R o v m a n Lamichhane and Mujeeb Powell for two

in the space of three balls.

He looked utterly bemused by mystery spin, managing a combined 11 off 24 balls against Lamichhane and Mujeeb, and completely failing to pick either of them out of the hand, but the carnage resumed as soon as the medium pace returned.

Brathwaite started with a wide and a dot in the 18th over, but was then carted for four sixes and a four, to concede 29 from the over and take the Tridents up to a competitive score. He holed out to deep cover at the start of the 19th, but a total of 148 looked slightly above par.

Mystery spin at it again Mujeeb and Lamichhane's combined figures across the tournament are now 19 for 170 in 40 overs, with a collective economy rate of just 4.25. They were at it again here, ripping through the Tridents' batting line-up as they both displayed their full range of variations: Sandeep bowled 18 googlies and only six legbreaks, while Mujeeb was keen to use both his googly and his carrom ball.

Given their vast experience in leagues around the world, it is easy to forget that they are only 19 and 20 years old. There could be few better adverts for the global T20 circuit than two spinners born in the 21st century, one Nepalese and one

Afghan, bowling in tandem for Jamaica.

Tallawahs fluff lines Powell had slammed his side's "atrocious" batting performance against the Amazon Warriors at the start of this week. While they showed some improvement in the return fixture last night, they were hopeless here against a side that matched up well against them.

It is a damning indictment of the Tallawahs' team construction that they again fielded a side made up exclusively of right-handed batsmen, not least against a Tridents attack featuring two leg-spinners and a slow leftarmer.

Mitchell Santner struck in his first over to remove compatriot Glenn Phillips, and Holder's two early wickets left them reeling at 26 for 3 after the Powerplay. Hayden Walsh Jr. managed his first scalps of the tournament, while Rashid Khan bowled better than his figures suggested.

Jermaine Blackwood and Nkrumah Bonner attempted to rebuild, but chewed up too many dot balls as the required rate skyrocketed.

The Tallawahs faced 85 dots in that defeat against Guyana last week - the joint-most ever in a major league - and managed another 76 tonight.

(ESPNcricinfo)

BARBADOS TRIDENTS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) J Charles c Powell b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3 SD Hope † lbw b Mujeeb Rahman 8 KR Mayers c Asif Ali b Edwards 85 JO Holder (c) c Walton b Brathwaite 15 Rashid Khan c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Lamichhane 0 CJ Anderson b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1 AR Nurse b Lamichhane 2 MJ Santner not out 20 RA Reifer not out 3 Extras (lb 3, w 8) 11 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.4) 148/7 Did not bat: NRJ Young, HR Walsh

JAMAICA TALLAWAHS INNINGS (TARGET: 149 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) GD Phillips † b Santner 0 CAK Walton c †Hope b Holder 10 J Blackwood c Holder b Santner 28 R Powell (c) c †Hope b Holder 4 Asif Ali c Charles b Walsh 2 NE Bonner c Anderson b Rashid Khan 31 CR Brathwaite lbw b Rashid Khan 1 V Permaul c Young b Reifer 3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman lbw b Reifer 18 S Lamichhane not out 4 FH Edwards not out 2 Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 5.6)112/9

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Shai Hope, 1.5 ov), 2-20 (Johnson Charles, 3.5 ov), 3-83 (Jason Holder, 10.5 ov), 4-84 (Rashid Khan, 11.4 ov), 5-87 (Corey Anderson, 12.5 ov), 6-90 (Ashley Nurse, 13.3 ov), 7-140 (Kyle Mayers, 18.2 ov)

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Glenn Phillips, 0.5 ov), 2-11 (Chadwick Walton, 1.5 ov), 3-22 (Rovman Powell, 4.4 ov), 4-27 (Asif Ali, 6.6 ov), 5-66 (Jermaine Blackwood, 12.5 ov), 6-68 (Carlos Brathwaite, 13.3 ov), 7-84 (Nkrumah Bonner, 16.3 ov), 8-105 (Veerasammy Permaul, 18.1 ov), 9-107 (Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 18.6 ov)

BOWLING FH Edwards Mujeeb Ur Rahman V Permaul R Powell CR Brathwaite S Lamichhane

4-0-25-1 4-0-14-3 3-0-23-0 2-0-22-0 3-0-45-1 4-0-16-2

BOWLING MJ Santner JO Holder HR Walsh Rashid Khan AR Nurse RA Reifer NRJ Young

4-1-10-2 2-0-18-2 4-1-17-1 4-0-33-2 2-0-5-0 2-0-13-2 2-0-13-0

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

How will the Warriors fare against the undefeated TKR today?

Pg 23

Pg 23

No Narine? No problem for Bravoinspired TKR Pg 22

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