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TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LIBERALISED Pg2

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selling interest in Shenzi GPL to obtain power Hess field to fund Payara Project from Giftland Mall by month end Pg2

A 28-year-old mother of three is killed by her estranged reputed husband Pg3

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Another GECOM official dragged Pg4 in by CID

COVID-19 Update October 6 1

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LIBERALISED

Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has announced that the Government of Guyana issued Commencement Orders to fully bring into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016 The commencement of these Acts is described as historic. It will be aligning Guyana’s telecommunications regime to those found

in other countries in the world and ending a thirtyyear-old anti-competitive telecommunications monopoly. The implementation of these pieces of legislation will create a modern and competitive environment for telecommunications, greater choices, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers and will ensure that all operators continue to enjoy the same benefits provided by the previous

legislature. The Prime Minister also said that this step is consistent with the government’s vision of furthering national and regional social and economic development. The Telecommunications Act will address the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new

universal access and services programme. It will create a level playing field for the sector with a clear framework. There will also be transparency and nondiscrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licences and authorisations to use the spectrum, seamless interconnection and access between telecommunications networks and services, and price regulation. It will also guarantee equal

treatment of stakeholders and benefits and protection for consumers. T h e Telecommunications Act 2016 was first laid out in the 9th Parliament in August 2011, and again in the 10th Parliament in 2012. The Act was finalised before the 2015 elections. It was enacted by the Coalition Government in 2016 by Minister Catherine Hughes, with bipartisan support.

However, only a few sections of the Act were put into force. Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that these legislations straddled administrations, and were the subject of extensive negotiations with stakeholders which lasted nearly a decade. The Prime Minister continued to point out that universal and competitive access to telecommunications is pivotal to Guyana’s developmental trajectory especially in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. The Government of Guyana remains ready and willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every Guyanese has affordable access to quality and modern services which they so badly deserve, as well as ensuring that the existing operators suffer no disadvantage whatsoever as they continue business in the sector.

Personnel are currently on the ground working on the connections, and GPL expects to see the project completed by the end of the month. Once it is competed it will help to mitigate blackouts on the East

Coast Demerara corridor. Ramtahal also stated that preliminary works are beginning for another 30 megawatts of power for the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System. The third project is a “dual engine for Garden of Eden to 46.5 megawatts.”. This project is expected to be implemented by the second quarter of 2021. “By that time, we should be able to be in a better position to manage our reliability of electricity in this country,” Ramtahal said. The DCEO explained that since his appointment he has uncovered a number of inconsistencies in the company’s previous management. “I’m there for just two weeks, but I’ve discovered

[that] over the last four to five years, investments to generation was under five per cent, [which is] merely seven megawatts.” He said that there is a very low generation reserve. There are not enough “spinning reserves” or spare reserves to ensure that the grid continues operating in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System when there are problems. The reserve is intended to allow reliable connections and ensure supply capacity is always above the demand. When the reserve is too low and power consumption in an area is above normal, bl ackout s or power out ages occur.

GPL to obtain power from Giftland Mall by month end

Giftland Mall

Samaroo Ramtahal, the new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strategic Operations at Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL), has said that the company will be looking to secure power from the Giftland

Mall, through a Power Purchase Agreement. GPL has several projects in train to maximise the potential of power generation in both the short and long term. Obtaining power from Giftland is one of three avenues the

company is considering. GPL is looking to obtain an additional five megawatts of power from the Giftland system which has a 6.7 megawatt output capacity but only uses 1.6 megawatts during prime operations.

Hess selling interest in Shenzi field to fund Payara Project U.S. oil company, Hess, has agreed to sell its 28 percent interest in the Shenzi field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to BHP for $505 million. It proposes to use the money for operations in Guyana. The Shenzi field is operated by BHP with a 44 percent stake. 28 percent is owned by Hess and the remaining 28 percent is owned by Repsol. The sale to BHP will add around 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production, of which 90 percent is oil. John Hess, CEO of Hess, said the sale was

BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery

aligned with Hess’s strategy to preserve cash “and preserve the longterm value of our assets in the current low oil price environment.” The proceeds would be used to fund their investment in the Payara development project that was recently approved for Exxon. BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery, said, “This transaction aligns with our plans to enhance our petroleum portfolio by targeted acquisitions in high quality producing deepwater assets and the

continued de-risking of our growth options. “We are purchasing the stake in Shenzi at an attractive price, it’s a tierone asset with optionality, and key to BHP’s Gulf of Mexico heartland. As the operator, we have more opportunity to grow Shenzi high-margin barrels and value with an increased working interest.” The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2020 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

A 28-year-old mother of three is killed by her estranged reputed husband

Clarabel Yolanda Johnson

Domestic violence is one of the most common features in Guyanese life. It is only surpassed by child abuse. Another woman, Clarabel Yolanda Johnson, died horribly at the hands of her estranged reputed husband, in Albouystown, Georgetown. The killer was 45-yearold Nicholas Shawn Williams. Clarabel Johnson was 28 years old and a mother of three. Alvin Johnson, a brother, was not around but he learnt of the murder. “I see she and she children father in a talking. He chop she in the street. I get a call and I went to the

hospital. That was when I know that she dead.” He said that at the hospital he saw his other relatives in various states of distress. He spoke of the clashes between the two and these have been ongoing. “The last time when they fight I wasn’t around. I was working in Suriname.” Yolanda’s Brother A friend of the now dead victim, Candacy Leung, was near to the crime scene. “Me son was awake. So when I wake up he seh Aunty Bella went to you. He didn’t open the door. Me phone ring and

I answer it. Was me friend who tell me to come quick to carry Bella at the hospital. She just get chop up.” In tears she spoke of the friendship she shared with the woman she called Bella. “We does go and sell on the market. We go from Parika Market to Mon Repos. We always deh hustling.” She said that there were constant conflicts with the assailant to the extent that the victim moved out to live with her mother. She spoke of the marks of violence her friend bore. “When I ask she how

Yolanda Johnson Mother he jaw; all over.” The dead woman’s mother, Patricia Johnson, recalled the events leading up to the killing. She said that she saw her daughter early in the morning. It was a ritual that the now dead Clarabel would awake and greet the household. Sometimes she would return to bed. “About 6:00 she come in my room and sehe, ‘Morning Mommy.’ I sehe ‘Morning’. I think she gone back in she room because she does normally come out and tell me and she father

Clarabel Yolanda Johnson’s Mother explaining what happen

call about 6:20 ansd sehe that her daughter started ‘Uncle Aunty, look you the relationship with daughter get chop up. Nicholas Williams from “By the time we coulda the time she was 15, and run out; my husband run going to school. out. I had on my night She too spoke of the dress. I get so confused. constant abuse. She said I looking fuh clothes that her daughter moved and can’t find anything. My clothes deh right in front of me.” At the hospital, she was told that the doctors were trying to save Clarabel’s life. Not long after Yolanda Johnson’s Brother explaining she got the news that her back into her home almost you get all them marks? ‘good morning.’ I didn’t daughter had died. The seven years ago. When He give she all them know that she gone out on killing ended a long and she moved back in her last marks. Me friend get a the road. abusive relationship. child, a seven-year-old “Is when somebody long mark cross s Patricia Johnson said was just a baby.

Min

COVID-19 Update

October 6 The Ministry of Health recorded 95 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, October 5. 12 cases were recorded in Region One, four in Region Two, six in Region

Three, 37 in Region Four, one in Region Six, 11 in Region Seven, three in Region Eight, seven in Region Nine and 14 in Region Ten. The total number of cases in Guyana is now at

feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This order will remain in effect until October 31st, 2020.

3,188. The death toll has risen to 93 with the deaths of a 38-yearold man and an 84-year-old woman, both from Region 4 As of October 5 15,078 persons have

been tested for the virus. 1,972 have recovered leaving the number of active cases at 1,123. The Ministry continues to remind Guyanese to observe the protocols of

the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9) emphasising the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six

been dismissed for no reason other than their political affiliation. Then there is the political targeting of people attached to the Guyana Elections Commission. Just today, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, was forced to respond to a wanted notice posted by the Criminal Investigations Department. She chose to remain silent in the presence of her lawyer, Nigel Hughes. The result is that the police have detained her at the Beterverwagting Police Station Lockups. The police contend that by her silence she was obstructing justice.

Some of the people were supposed to face private criminal charges. The absence of evidence led to the state intervening and conducting a series of investigations by arresting and detaining people. A m o n g those arrested outside of the private criminal charges are Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Health Minister Volda Lawrence, and four other

officers employed by questioned by the police. the Guyana Elections None has even been invited by the police. Certainly, they are facing no private criminal charges. The one person who faced charges other than the obviously Black elections officers to be hauled before the courts on electoral fraud charges has been Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh. Commission. Almost immediately, All of these have appeared in court. Director of Public However, those elections Prosecutions, Shalimar agents who were Ali-Hack, nolle prosequi responsible for missing those charges. There are other such poll documents from ballot boxes have not been cases

Another GECOM official dragged in by CID

Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers

Charged with government has been obstructing justice by presiding over what some remaining silent people say is rampant The Irfaan Ali persecution. Some have

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HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

It might be challenging dealing with those who are closest to you today. Best to ask yourself if what you are doing is useful. Go slowly and stick to practical tasks. If you work carefully, you won’t have to do the same job again. As the wise carpenter said, “Measure twice, cut once.”

Whatever you do today, proceed slowly, carefully and cautiously. If you try to rush anything, you will regret it. Furthermore, if you are hasty about pushing something through, authority types might try to block you. Easy does it – steady Eddie.

Whatever you do at work today (or for whatever task you’re doing) might be a bit of a slog. The secret is to slow down and be observant. Do things bit by bit. Do each task carefully. Don’t let others discourage you. Expect small gains but proceed in a slow, steady way.

You might be frustrated today because whatever you try to do (likely from behind the scenes) you will meet with opposition. It might be in the form of rules and regulations. It might be in the form of a strong opinion from social media? Be careful.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

If you try to coordinate the efforts of others today, it will be like herding cats. Expect some opposition. Others might object because of financial reasons or because they think you’re moving too fast. Any advance will have to be slow and steady.

Parents might find it frustrating dealing with their kids today. There’s no point in throwing your weight around. Accept the fact that you can only make small advances and achieve small results. It’s easy for people to feel discouraged. Respect that and don’t be demanding.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Expect opposition to whatever you try to do today, especially from authority figures and possibly from a partner or close friend. It’s as if you’re trying to do the impossible? Two steps forward, one step back. In fact, it feels more like one step forward and two steps back! Go gently.

Whatever you attempt to do at home or within your family might meet with resistance and opposition. Don’t overreact. Be calm. Today is full frustrating little moments that can be overcome with quiet perseverance. Do not engage in angry confrontations. (Definitely!)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Travel plans might be blocked today. Likewise, your efforts to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law will be discouraging. Be satisfied with small successes. Everything is relative.

It will not be easy for you to get your way today so the sooner you can grasp this, the easier this day will be for you. Remember the game where you say please take a giant step? Or please take a baby step? Today is full of baby steps – at best.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Do not try to force financial matters today or purchases. There might be a reason that you meet with obstacles and objections from others. Maybe you need to take a moment and listen? If something is important, you will still be able to do it later.

Disputes about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with others (including debt) might be tough to deal with today. It’s hard to get cooperation. Whatever you do today, you will have to do carefully and pay attention to detail. One step at a time.

Patrol attacked along Guyana/Venezuela border

joint patrol being done yesterday by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force came under fire from the Venezuelan shore while patrolling the Cuyuni River.

A release from the GDF said it is believed that the gunfire came from Syndicato gang members. The ranks returned fire and none of them were injured. The GDF said that “aggressive” joint patrols by the Guyanese security forces have since been

intensified in the Cuyuni River area. The Guyana/ Venezuela border is more than 1,000 kilometres long and patrols are conducted on a routine basis. This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred and several new measures are being Guyana’s Border Patrol explored by the GDF.

47 new case of COVID-19 over the weekend FOLLOW US ON https://www.facebook.com/Guyana-Post

Amerindian & Foods GUYANA’S AMERINDIAN Guyana’s Amerindian population consists of several tribes, including the Caribs, Wapisianas, Arawaks, and Warraus. Anthropologists believe that Amerindian tribes were Guyana’s first inhabitants, arriving around 11,000 years ago. They settled lowlying coastal regions of the country, where they fished, hunted, and used a variety of plant species to produce fibers, oils, dyes, and a variety of different dishes. Over the centuries, Guyana’s Amerindian population migrated inland, penetrating the dense jungle via the country’s extensive river system, constructing temporary and permanent settlements. While Amerindians dwelling in coastal regions lived on turtles, fish, crabs, and snails, those inhabiting the savannahs hunted various types of mammal, including deer, monkey, and sloth, as well as various types of waterfowl. Guyana’s indigenous eetay palm is an important source of flour in Amerindian cuisine, while the country’s interior is also rich in cashews and wild honey.

CASSAVA BREAD

Amerindian cuisine remains incredibly popular in Guyana, both within traditional indigenous villages and in towns and cities. In 2014 Tuma Sálâ opened in Georgetown, establishing itself as the country’s first Amerindian restaurant.

PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH

Image courtesy International Institute of Tropical Agriculture | Flick Next, the fully dried cassava root, resembling off-white flour, is poured into circular forms to cook over a fire. It is hung to dry and is soon ready to eat. While cassava bread is one of Guyana’s best known and loved foods, its preparation can require days of travel to obtain the right ingredients.

Made from just cassava and salt, farine can be mixed with sugar and milk, creating a nutritious drink. It can safely be stored over long periods, and it is an effective thickening agent for stews and soups. Farine can also be used as a stuffing for chicken or fish, and it forms a key component in several sweet dishes, such as white pudding, coconut rock buns, and black cake. PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH G u y a n e s e Pepperpot is an Amerindian dish popular in Guyana and sometimes called pepper pot stew by the locals. It is traditionally served at Christmas and other special events; it is also Guyana’s national dish. Pepper pot is typically a stewed meat dish, strongly flavored with cinnamon, hot peppers, and Cassareep – a special sauce made from the Cassava root. Beef, mutton, and pork are the most popular meats used, though some have been known to use chicken. Pepperpot is popularly served with dense bread and butter, though it is equally as good with rice or roti