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GUYANA AND THE US SIGN MULTIPLE AGREEMENTS, ONE IS TO PURSUE DRUG TRAFFICKERS Pg3

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POLICE FIND NO EVIDENCE IN SEARCH FOR THE LOCATION OF HENRY Pg3 MURDERS

COVID-19 Update September 17 Pg8

Why visit Guyana now, Pompeo? Asks WPA Pg5

Previous administration spent $1B on expired drugs Pg5 â€”Dr Frank Anthony

Editorial

Mike Pompeo is visiting The visit of United States Secretary of State, Michael ‘Mike’ Pompeo hit Guyana like a meteor. It was sudden and earth shaking. The Secretary is third in line to the United States Presidency.

When he speaks he does so with the authority of the president. No US President has ever visited Guyana although they have come as close by as Trinidad. Readily coming to mind was the visit of Barack Obama in 2009. One former president has visited in the person of Jimmy Carter. Congressmen have visited to the extent that Guyana created history when it became the first country in which a US Congressman, Leo Ryan, was killed. Other Congressmen who came

represented the Black Caucus. No vice president has ever visited Guyana so Pompeo will be he highest ranking United States official to land on these shores. According to the United States embassy, such visits do not take place overnight. Planning with the administration of the host

country and the United States embassy in that country begins months before the visit. There are security concerns, the need to arrange for accommodation and of course, the venues where the meetings will take place. Many Guyanese, including some Cabinet members were unaware of the visit. If he is to be believed, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and Minister of Works Juan Edghill knew nothing of the visit.

To think that the government has been in office for just over a month and plans are in place for a visit by the Secretary of Stare speaks volumes. The Guyana Government was dictated to. So much for the independence of the government and Guyana’s sovereignty. We shift from Guyana to the United States. Elections in that country would be held on November 3. For all it is worth the country’s most high

profile president and perhaps its most controversial is expected to be voted out of office. The polls place his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, ahead by double digits. There was a slight narrowing after the Republican National Convention but whatever gains there were have dissipated. The United States has an interesting

history. Whenever it has problems it starts a war or it attacks some foreign country that it knows it could roll over. There was Grenada in 1983; the raid and arrest of Panama’s President Manuel Noriega in 1989; the attack on Iraq, once to liberate Kuwait and the other because Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, and even the war in Vietnam. In each case the war effort benefitted the United States economy and the re-election of the President. Reports of successes boosted the image of the president. F a i l u r e often sank his chances as was the case of Jimmy Carter when he ordered a raid in Iran to free some hostages. That raid failed and Carter was ousted in the next elections after serving one term. The Vietnam War, when the death toll of the Americans mounted, so too did pressure on the president. That war spanned five presidents. It even caused one, Lyndon Johnson, not to seek re-election to the White House. Now there is

Venezuela, Guyana’s southern neighbour and once an oil-rich country. Its President, Nicolas Maduro, is not liked by the United States administration. Instead, the United States is leading many countries in supporting the Opposition Leader Juan Guaido. The new Guyana Government is one of them. From the time of its independence Guyana has always preached and practised the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country. It became a member of the Non-aligned Movement— demonstrating that it was neither aligned to the East or the West (The United States of the Soviet Union) But within days of coming to office the Irfaan Ali government announced that it was anti-Maduro, something that shocked the entire country. The visit by Pompeo is being seen in this light. He was the man when the Granger administration remained in office pending a declaration of the March 2 elections, who ordered visa revocations against people who supported Granger. Granger had denied Pompeo’s approach to have the Voice of

Editor Adam Harris

America broadcast into Venezuela from Guyana shores. Donald Trump seems destined to lose the elections unless something dramatic happens. The attack on Venezuela could be that dramatic thing. An attack on Venezuela would not be far-fetched. Such an attack could be staged from Guyana because of its border with Venezuela. Trinidad is not being contemplated, neither is Suriname. Any such attack would leave a vulnerable Guyana to almost total destruction. I anticipate attacks on the power stations, on the sea defence and on other infrastructure. There would be no power, no communication and of course, the kind of destruction that would make the internal violence that this country experienced, pale into insignificance. Is the government contemplating committing this country without the support of the people? Even in the face of any commitment, there are hundreds of Venezuelans now living in Guyana. Will they support Guyana? However, by his visit many do not believe that Pompeo would leave emptyhanded.

GUYANA AND THE US SIGN MULTIPLE AGREEMENTS, ONE IS TO PURSUE DRUG TRAFFICKERS

Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo signing

United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, landed in Guyana last evening on a two-day visit. He became the highest-ranking United States official to visit this country. However, his visit is different from any other state visit. In this case, the Opposition was not invited. One of the first assignments was a

dinner at State House. This morning he signed a bilateral agreement at State House. Ms. Audrey Waddell of the Foreign Ministry described the event as an exchange of notes between the governments of Guyana and the United States. “(They concern) cooperation to suppress illicit traffic by sea and air

as well as the signature of a framework agreement to strengthen relations between the two countries in the context of the growth of the Americas initiative.” This ship rider agreement on cooperation between Guyana and the United States is to suppress illicit traffic by sea and air. It is intended to provide mechanisms to streamline

communication between law enforcement officers and the United States. (12:56 — It also allows for the overflight of aircraft ostensibly to combat drug trafficking. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd signed on behalf of Guyana. Pompeo signed on behalf of the United States. They also signed another document to facilitate collaboration between Guyana and the United States to further their joint interest in infrastructure. “Infrastructure within the context of the framework refers to facilities and systems serving the public, including but not limited to water, energy and hydrocarbons, buildings,

airport, basic sanitation, information technology, logistics infrastructure, roads, railways, bridges, ports, and tunnels.” President Irfaan Ali addressed the forum after the signings. “This historic visit sends a powerful signal that Guyn is regarded as a responsible member of the hemispheric and international communities.” He thanked the United States for what he described as its unwavering support and constitutional order in Guyana. Pompeo said that he was proud to support the people to have the results of their vote respected. “I was proud to publicly support the Guyanese

people in their quest to have the results of the election respected. The results certainly took longer than any of us would have wished or hoped.” He said that it was worth fighting for. He spoke about the conversations that have made the United States ready to be a partner with Guyana. Pompeo said that the United States Agency for International Development has committed US$3 million for a locally-led programme for citizens’ involvement in the government. There is also a further $1.5 million so that young people could be involved in democracy.a

Forensic evidence from the area was collected and submitted to the Guyana Forensic Laboratory. DNA samples were also collected from arrested suspects to be tested. The police expect results in about three weeks. The seven suspects who were arrested have all been released on station bail following the end of the 72-hour holding period. The police have said that they are still pursuing

two suspects and will “exhaust all leads” in the investigation. Finding the location of the primary crime scene “would greatly assist in the probe as the primary crime scene will have an abundance of evidence linking the perpetrators to the crime.” The police Force is calling on the public to come forward with any information which can assist in the investigations.

POLICE FIND NO EVIDENCE IN SEARCH FOR THE LOCATION OF HENRY MURDERS

A search conducted on Thursday in the backlands of Number Two and Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice, brought police no closer to finding the initial scene of the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry. The search was done by 75 ranks drawn from Region Five, the Major

Crimes Unit and the Guyana Defence Force led by Region Five Divisional Commander and a Lt. Colonel. G o v e r n m e n t Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh was among the investigators. Aerial support was provided by a helicopter from the Guyana Defence Force.

A statement from Police Headquarters noted that the “methodical search” was conducted between 07:00 hrs. and 14:00 hrs. and that “nothing of evidential value was found.” It was previously determined that the teens were murdered at one location and their bodies

were dumped in the Cotton Tree backlands. The bodies of the teens were found on September 6, one day after they went into the backdam. The post-mortem examination showed they died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised injuries and Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh severed spines.

THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NIXES QUESTIONS ON POMPEO’S VISIT

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

News of the visit by United States Secretary of State was broken by the media. The government remained mum to the point that the Department of Public Information reported that there was no agenda for the visit. The Parliamentary Opposition was not even contacted about the visit. In the wake of the secrecy and

the slight Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon sent some questions to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. The first set of questions was reworked on the advice of the Speaker. Yesterday, Harmon said that the Speaker refused to have the issue dealt with as urgent.

“The Speaker of the National Assembl y announced that he would not allow an oral question without notice. This question had to do with the visit to Guyana by United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.” Harmon explained that the questions were laid before the National Assembly two days earlier, on Monday. He said that the Speaker then requested some adjustments. Harmon then proceeded to read the question to the media. “Can this administration guarantee the

people of Guyana that our national interest would not be compromised?” He said that the question was submitted Mr Christopher Jones Harmon said, yesterday, that the Speaker ruled that while he considered the question to be important. He did not consider it to be urgent. He proceeded to disallow the question. “What can be more urgent than this? We have a visit of the highest ranking member of the United States administration ever to visit Guyana.

“Today is (September 16). Tomorrow is September 17. How much more urgent can this be?” Harmon said that this is bad for the people of Guyana. They will not accept this behavior. “The question in our view was urgent enough and important enough for the Speaker to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs to say to the House and to the Guyanese people, what is it you are talking about.” He said that his party considers the Speaker’s decision to

disallow the question as reeking of bias and unfair. “We are Members of Parliament. We have to deal with the Parliament. Outside of this, the political parties that make up the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change may probably take another set of actions to get that determination.” Mike Pompeo in expected today and some mystery still surrounds aspects of the discussion. The political opposition has not been invited to any meeting with Pompeo

Pompeo to discuss Venezuela during visit

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

A senior US State Department official has confirmed that the crisis in neighbouring Venezuela will form part of Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo’s discussions with President Irfaan Ali and Foreign Minister of Guyana, Hugh Todd. The Secretary of

State will discuss the impact Venezuela’s situation has on the country. The Venezuelan crisis is considered the hemisphere’s largest refugee and humanitarian crisis. During his visit the Secretary will also sign a Growth in the Americas

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). That MOU will permit Guyana to improve its investment enabling environment so that the country can benefit from transparent infrastructure investment that respects Guyana’s

sovereignty, Vice President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, assured the nation on Wednesday that the Government will represent Guyana’s interests during the meeting with the Secretary of State. “We will defend Guyana’s interest and what is good for our people, Guyanese. That is what is foremost in the minds of this Administration.” Guyana and the United States would also be activating a 19-year old Shiprider Agreement that would allow the two countries to interdict drug traffickers, the US State Department

Vice President, Dr. Bharat Jagdeo

said. “Following the Secretary’s visit, a bilateral Shiprider Agreement will come into force, enabling joint maritime and airspace patrols to interdict narcotics. “This joins recent donations of $200,000 in equipment and interceptor boat parts to strengthen Guyana’s ability to patrol its territorial waters.” The Secretary

will also be meeting with the CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque on Friday to discuss U.S.Caribbean issues. Pompeo will arrive in Guyana on Thursday from Suriname and will leave on Friday for neighbouring Brazil. It will be the first time that a US Secretary of State will be visiting since Guyana’s independence.

Why visit Guyana now, Pompeo? Asks WPA WPA believes that the arrival in Guyana of the USA Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on the heels of the active role of the US diplomatic operatives and the Secretary himself in the recently concluded General and Regional elections is not accidental. The fact that the Secretary is also visiting neighboring Suriname is also noted. Further, the evasiveness of the government regarding the purpose of the visit lends credence to the view that it has national security implications for Guyana. WPA finds it difficult to accept the government and the US State Department’s explanation that it is merely a routine visit

to show solidarity with “democracy “in Guyana and the region. Why now? Why Guyana? What democracy? If history tells us anything, such high-level US presence in a small Caribbean country hints at a larger agenda. The USA and other First World countries have not disguised their interest in Guyana in the wake of its substantial oil discovery. And the USA’s interest in Guyana as a potential ally in its attempt at regime change in Venezuela has not been denied by Washington. It is against that background that WPA is forced to speculate that the solicitation of Guyana’s assistance in a potential

or imminent American offensive in Venezuela is high on the USA’s agenda. If this is indeed the case, WPA feels compelled to warn the Guyana government against entangling our country in the US-Venezuela conflict. It is a high-risk endeavor that is pregnant with outcomes that would be detrimental to Guyana’s territorial integrity and the country’s security, including its economic security. While we fully understand that having benefited from regime change, the PPP government is under pressure to repay its benefactors, Guyana’s

safety is too high a price to pay. WPA, therefore, calls on all Guyanese stakeholders including those supportive of the PPP to put pressure on the government to resist the temptation to go in that direction. Guyana’s geographical proximity to Venezuela puts it at risk even without active support for the USA. It follows that should we become embroiled in the conflict, Guyana and Guyanese would most likely end up as collateral damage. That is an outcome that we could ill afford. Finally, WPA notes that many of those local and regional forces which wittingly and

United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

unwittingly supported the recent regime change in Guyana are silent on the Pompeo visit and the possibility of the country’s support for interference in Venezuela’s internal

affairs. Should the government take Guyana into the conflict, these forces must bear equal responsibility for the consequences.

Previous administration spent $1B on expired drugs —Dr Frank Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

At the budget debate on Thursday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that the former APNU/AFC Administration had spent almost one billion dollars on expired medicines and supplies for the country’s health sector. “Another travesty is that in the midst of shortages and stockouts, is that drugs that have been expired (are) sitting at the bond.

“Just an example; from January to August of this year, about 1,663,032 items, valued at $732 million, have expired. Another $200 million is scheduled to expire by the end of December, which would mean that close to $1 Billion would’ve been wasted on expired medicines and supplies,” Minister Anthony said. The Minister also noted that it would cost almost $3million for the

Materials Management Unit (MMU) to move it to a dumpsite. Around 60% of the MMU inventory was filled with expired medicines and medical supplies or items deemed unfit for human use. This resulted in staff

being unable to do stocktaking and locating the needed medicines. A survey was conducted at the MMU on August 5, 2020. It revealed that a total of 206 medical drugs and supplies were not purchased. These included drugs used

for hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. These drugs are normally provided at no cost to patients of public health centres and hospitals. The Minister also

pointed out that there was a shortage of antibiotics. The Ministry of Health now has a budget of $14.3B to ensure that an adequate stock of medicines and medical supplies is obtained.

Commentary

Internal strife making Guyana a continuing regional problem (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The view expressed are entirely his own) By Sir Ronald Sanders

Once again, Guyana is causing regional and international worry following two sets of killings of young men (two of African origin and two of Indian origin) that have sparked the flames of communal violence and threaten to engulf the country. The facts of these killings are yet unknown and unestablished. As this commentary is being written, the Police are still in the process of investigating the crimes. What should be a period of national support to find the perpetrators and deliver justice, has been misused to promote violence and civil disturbance. Justice for the four persons who have been killed is necessary, but justice is not about assuming facts, acting lawlessly and exploiting emotional sentiment to further the ambitions of a few politicians. Following the first killings of the African-Guyanese teenagers, Isaiah and Joel Henry, supporters of the opposition, APNU-AFC, blocked main highways and confronted Police. Hooligans took advantage of the protests to commit atrocities which included beatings. The following day, two Indo-Guyanese

were killed – one of them a 17-year old, Hareshi Singh, and the other Prettipaul Hargobon who was beaten to death by a crowd. C o m m e n d a b l y, Volda Lawrence, the Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main party in the opposition APNU, made a public statement, saying: “I am calling on every single member of the People’s National Congress Reform, irrespective of your status, I am saying that we cannot continue. This carnage must stop.” Similar strong statements from the Opposition leader in Parliament, Mr Joseph Harmon, and former President David Granger, would be the responsible thing for them to do. Guyanese, who lived through Guyana’s destructive and haunting racial violence between 1962 and 1964, worry that a similar disaster is being promoted, which could not be controlled or stopped without foreign military intervention. In the 1962-64 period, Guyana was a British Colony and British troops intervened. Nonetheless, the considerable loss of life and property wounded the country and scarred the society.

Addressing the present situation, Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, assured the Guyanese people that his government “will work to bring justice to every single person who has been affected in these circumstances”. He announced that he would be approaching the British Government and the Caribbean Regional Security System for help in investigating the killings. He should include a forensic investigator in his request. An external qualified investigator would help to give confidence to the thoroughness of investigations. President Ali also said that he is “exploring the commissioning of an International Commission of Inquiry to look at every aspect of this situation”. However, he should also consider how, as a nation, Guyana will, internally, address the racial issue that has been exploited for so long. International Commissions might be helpful, but as in South Africa and Northern Ireland, it is in Guyana that solutions to communal strife must be found. In this, he should follow the lead of a remarkable Guyanese

– Mr. Gladstone Henry, the father of one of the murdered boys. Mr. Henry has publicly declared, “I am not supporting immoral protesting. As a family we want justice (but) we as a nation cannot be fighting each other”. Therefore, consideration might be given to the creation of a “One Guyana Commission”, to explore practical steps that can be taken to cement Guyana’s one society. The work of the Commission should be countrywide, listening to the free contention of all voices, concerning ways in which every Guyanese can honour the strands of their ancestral heritage while celebrating their uniquely blended Guyanese civilization, with equal opportunities for all. An observation made by Joshua Hyles in his book, ‘Guiana and the Shadows of Empire’ is compelling: “Country studies of Guyana point out that the country’s disparate ethnic groups have come to resemble one another culturally and physically more than those of their (racial) countries of origin”. In other words, what Hyles is saying is that a person of Indian or African origin

living in Guyana often exhibits more cultural and physical similarities to a person of Indian or African origin in Guyana than another Indian or African abroad. This is a truism for any Guyanese of Indian or African origin who has travelled to India or Africa. Those, who have visited the lands of their ancestors, recognize that their visceral homeland is Guyana. The challenges of language of tribe, of cast, of culture set aside Guyanese, except Amerindians, from the distant lands of their ancestors. Guyanese – of all races – have resided together for almost two centuries. In doing so, a Guyanese civilization has been woven from strands that originated in other lands – in India, Africa, Europe, China and in Guyana itself. What has been created is a unique blend that is Guyanese. Together, the two main groups in Guyana – people whose ancestors came from Africa and India – are a formidable force. The British colonizers and plantation owners knew that very well, which is why they employed the strategy of divide and rule; a strategy continued by self-serving local

politicians. In the words of Lord Varys in the television series, Game of Thrones: “He would see this country burn if he could be King of the ashes.” Guyanese should free themselves from the ‘race’ trap if they are to avoid despoiling their country and robbing themselves of the very high quality of life that their recent oil and gas production offers. In the past, violence in Guyana has led to refugees, migration, and instability in the region. Neither the countries of the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM) nor the nations of the Americas would sit-by and watch Guyana descend into civil strife and violence now. Such a development would have consequences for them, and they will undoubtedly act if circumstances demand it. For the time being neighbouring states will keep a watchful eye, hoping that good sense will prevail among all the politicians in Guyana to calm emotions and maintain stability. Guyana must become part of the solution to the region’s challenges, not continually be part of its problems.

Not Wearing Face-masks Can Result In Fines, Prison Time

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that persons found failing to wear facemasks in public are now liable to fines and can face time in prison. In the COVID-19 measures published on August 14, it states that persons failing to follow the orders will be liable to

punishment. According to Paragraph 17 of the order, any person who fails to comply with the order commits an offence under the Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that section.

Section 152 of Public Health Ordinance states that “any person who contravenes any of the provisions of the Ordinance made by the government, or who fails, neglects or refuses to execute any work or to do anything which he is required to do by virtue of any of the provisions of the ordinance shall be guilty of an offence and shall, unless some other penalty is provided therefore, (be) liable to a penalty with or without hard labour for any term exceeding two months.” The Minister noted that it is not the

government’s wish for persons to be imprisoned for not wearing facemasks but he implores citizens to follow the guidelines that are put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, addressed concerns over the Public Health Ordinance which was passed in 1934. He admitted that there is a need for penalties regarding violation of C o v i d - 1 9 guidelines but there have been discussions within the Ministry to deliver suitable punishments.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

“The legislation is very, very old, a relic from colonial times and one that unfortunately was never updated.” Nandlall said

that the Ministry of Health currently has a proposal for a new Public Health Bill which will be reviewed when Parliament resumes.

Govt. to begin use of antiviral drug on COVID-19 patients

Minister of Health, said on Friday that will begin using Remdesivir, Dr. Frank Anthony, medical professionals the antiviral drug, critical patients.

The Minister said, “As we know, with the use of Remdesivir in the United States, one of the things that we have seen is it has been able to shorten the severity of the disease. People who have benefitted from this treatment, many of them have been able to recover. Hopefully, we can get the on same results here in

Guyana.” Remdesivir is an antiviral drug which limits the replication of viruses. A federal study has found that it can hasten the recovery in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. A report based on data collected from 53 patients who received Remdesivir in the United States, from January 25, 2020, to March 7, 2020 showed clinical improvement in 36 (68%).

ExxonMobil Announces Redtail Discovery Offshore Guyana

ExxonMobil Oil Rig

ExxonMobil has made its 18th discovery offshore Guyana at the Redtail-1 well which will add to the previously announced estimated recoverable resource of more than 8 billion oilequivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block. “Our Stabroek Block exploration programme continues to identify highquality reservoirs in

close proximity to previous discoveries, establishing efficient opportunities for new projects in Guyana,” said Mike Cousins, senior vice president of exploration and new ventures at ExxonMobil. “Developing these projects remains an integral part of ExxonMobil and our co-venturers’ longterm growth plans and a source of significant

value for Guyana.” R e d t a i l - 1 encountered approximately 232 feet (70 meters) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone and was drilled in 6,164 feet (1,878 meters) of water. The well is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northwest of the Yellowtail discovery. In addition to the Redtail-1 discovery,

drilling at Yellowtail-2 encountered 69 feet (21 meters) of net pay in newly identified, high quality oil bearing reservoirs among the original Yellowtail-1 discovery intervals. This resource is currently being evaluated for development in conjunction with nearby discoveries. Approximately 80 Guyanese employees, contractors and subcontractors took part in Redtail activities offshore, and more than 2,000 Guyanese and 600 local suppliers are supporting E x x o n M o b i l ’s activities in country. Guyanese staff have completed more

NEWS

Tel: 592-623-9971 or 641-2501

Liza Unity FPSO. A third production vessel for the Payara development, with production capacity of 220,000 barrels a day, is on hold pending government approval. The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block.. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a whollyowned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 percent interest

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 62

BREAKING

Come REPORT with ADAM

than 350,000 hours of training in Guyana, Brazil, Canada, Singapore and the United States. ExxonMobil made the first commercial discovery in Guyana in 2015 and started production in December 2019 from the Liza Destiny floating production and offloading vessel (FPSO), which can produce up to 120,000 barrels per day. ExxonMobil continues to advance the Liza Phase 2 project, which is expected to startup in 2022 and produce up to 220,000 barrels per day. Construction activities are underway in Singapore on the

The Ministry of Heath recorded 43 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday September 17. Seven cases were recorded in Region One, one in Region Two, three in Region Three, 25 in Region Four and seven in Region Seven. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 2,027. The death toll reached 62 with eight deaths

recorded in the last five days. During his budget presentation, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, claimed that the former government did not test all deaths between March and July for COVID-19 although some of the persons who passed away had symptoms of the disease. Twenty deaths were

recorded during that period. As of Thursday, 11,511 persons have been tested for the virus. A total of 1,302 have recovered leaving the number of active cases at 665. There are 584 persons in home isolation; 65 are in institutional isolation and 16 are in the COVID-19 ICU.

Letters

Govt signals a lack of confidence in local police Dear Editor,

This letter, in no way seeks to question the good intentions of the President, when he announced that his Government will be seeking the help of UK experts to help solve the heinous murder of the young men in West Coast Berbice, that occurred in the Cotton Tree – No.4 areas. There are some worrisome aspects of this proposal. First, it displays a lack of confidence of our Guyanese law enforcement

and crime-cracking personnel, fifty-four years after becoming independent and fifty years after being a Republic. We have available competent Police Officers, present and some retired, who given a free-hand and none interference, are capable of doing a good job. This expression of ‘no confidence’ in our Police Force is not good at a time when there is an environment of distrust in sections of our security forces and sections of the

judiciary. Such an initiative reminds us of the time when efforts were made to impose a foreign Police Officer in a command position of the Police Force. What I would like to hear from the President, is a sincere undertaking that no one in the administration would be allowed in any way to interfere with the investigations. We’ve had experience, in an earlier era, when citizens lost confidence in certain

sections of the Police Force to act professionally. Second, if the request of overseas help is granted, how long will it take for the personnel and their accoutrements to arrive in Guyana? Further, I know of instances where overseas experts experienced difficulty even understanding our local dialect. Next, has the murder scene and contiguous areas been completely sealed off? Necessary, whether true or false, there is

the perception that this may be a race – politically inspired hate crime. I have lived through the worse days of the 60s and urge if we really want Peace, let the good, competent and professional Police Officers be allowed to complete their investigations without anyone compromising the evidence and scientific data. In an earlier letter, I reminded Guyanese that peaceful protest is lawful and has been part of democracies everywhere.

Finally, may I remind the powers that be, how inappropriate it is, if not foolish, to have our Army used to deal with peaceful protest. Our military can better serve this nation if their energies are utilized to protect our east, west, north and south borders, what with Covid-19, not being the only threat to our sovereignty and integrity. Hamilton Green

Has The Crime Chief has taken over the private criminal charges brought by PPP surrogates Dear Editor,

The installation of the PPP/C in Government has seen a flurry of activities post haste, not least among them the reassignment of Police Officers. It has also seen actions being undertaken by the Police Force that brings into question the professionalism of the Force and the motives behind some of the Force`s actions. As Commissioners of the Guyana Election Commission, we see the actions being taken against GECOM employees and more particularly, the demands being made on GECOM as reeking of ulterior motives; targeting of GECOM employees; and disregarding the Rule of Law. We are also concerned that these occurrences

are following on from political pronouncements. The Chairperson of GECOM has been written to, by the Crime Chief, as follows: “ I do hereby write with reference to the above caption matter to inform you that upon receipt of formal reports together with the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the exercise of her constitutional powers under Article 187 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Guyana Police Force has initiated criminal investigations against Keith Lowenfield, Clairmont Mingo and others who are alleged to have been criminally responsible for the post 2nd March 2020 Regional and General Elections incidents.”

Our concerns are many-folds: Is the Crime Chief following up on the private criminal charges or is he responding to quite distinct allegations? If he is following up on private criminal charges, how is that possible since those who initially made the allegations have done so without presenting an iota of evidence to support those charges? That would be tantamount to abuse of the justice system and the perpetration of injustice against Lowenfield et al. Private criminal charges are premised on the presentation of evidence by those bringing the charges. If they are not following up on the private criminal charges how does the DPP come into the

picture without first receiving a file from the Police, requesting advice on a matter on which investigation has already been undertaken? The reference to “the post 2nd March, 2020 Regional and General Elections incidents” has no specificity. Is the Crime Chief referencing the riotous behavior at the Ashmin Building or the accusation of assault leveled at the current Minister of Home Affairs or the attack on the Police in Region 5? How does the Crime Chief request information from GECOM, which is clearly protected from such requests? Section 102 (2) enacts that “the Chief Election Officer shall keep all parcels received in pursuance of subsection (1)

in safe custody and, subject to the provisions of this Act and any law made under article 163 of the Constitution, allow no person to have access hereto.” The said material being requested is that which was “received in pursuance of subsection (1)”. Section 140 (2) also specifies that “no evidence of any deliberation of the Elections Commission regarding its business shall be admissible in any court.” Reference to “and others” in the Crime Chief`s assertion seems to suggest that the others are any persons who the Police may wish to so treat. That sets the scene for possible arbitrary action, by the Police.

Isn’t it the jurisdiction of the High Court, arising out of the hearing a Petition, to determine if fraud was committed, during the course of an election? Is an attempt being made here to preempt a petition and to otherwise tie-up the documents which are required for the hearing of a petition? We bring these matters to the attention of the people, the final arbiters of democracy, whose freedom can be threatened if the Police is allowed to act capriciously and flout the Rule of Law. Yours truly, Commissioners: Alexander, Corbin; and Trotman

HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you feel good about yourself! (Even your health seems to be more vigorous today.) Enjoy working with groups because whatever you do today will make a great impression on bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. People admire you!

You have a warm feeling in your tummy today because life feels good even though you want to be low-key or maybe “hide” in the wings. You’re not being antisocial; you just prefer to work alone or do things by yourself. Nevertheless, Mercury in your sign will encourage chitchat with someone.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This is a playful, fun-loving day! Accept invitations to party. Enjoy the arts, sports events, fun activities with kids plus any kind of social outing that is pleasant and enjoyable. You might make plans for future vacations, especially in another country.

This is a good day to enjoy the company of close friend, probably a female. You might be more involved than usual with a class or a group or an organization because any kind of group activity will be positive experience for you today. Good day to think about future goals.

This is a pleasant day to cocoon at home or hang out with family. You can enjoy your own solitude or enjoy the company of friends and family. Your choice. Possibly, someone will do you a favour or give you a gift? (Something good is coming your way.)

You are high viz. today, which is a good thing because people see you as positive, confident and even affluent (whether you are or not). Since appearances are everything — you can take this to the bank! Enjoy making a great impression on the boss.

You’ll love schmoozing with others, especially relatives, siblings and neighbours. You might have some news to share, or in turn, you want to hear what others have to say. Any gathering will be a rich source of news and juicy gossip! (My lips are sealed.)

Both the Sun and the Moon are in a part of your chart that makes you want to travel or do something different. You want change and adventure! You need to get out of your rut, even if it’s a velvet rut. Enjoy talking to people who are different. Explore chances to learn something new!

This is good money day! Look for ways to boost your income or make a little money on the side. Financial negotiations will likely favour you. Meanwhile, if you are shopping, you might be interested in big-ticket items because your prepared to spend big.

Discussions with others will benefit you today because if you need to decide how to share something, you’ll be favoured. This is a good day to ask for a loan or mortgage. Keep your pockets open because people might give you money, gifts in addition to favours.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You will enjoy helping a close friend today. Possibly, the situation is reversed and someone is helping you? Either way, interaction with close friends and partners will be enjoyable and they will be mutually beneficial.

This is a feel-good day! Both the Sun and the Moon are in your sign; furthermore, the Moon is dancing with lucky Jupiter! Yes, everything is coming up roses because you will attract happy, positive people to you. You will also be concerned about the welfare of others.

AmerindianRecipes Cassava Farine Ingredients: • •

2lbs cassava, grated finely 2tsp salt

Method: 1. Peel and grate the cassava. 2. Place in a cloth and squeeze out the water. 3. Rub between your hands to make fine crumbs. Add the salt and mix. 4. Spread a cloth and place the cassava to dry in the hot sun for at least 3 hours. 5. Parch over a low fire stirring continuously until golden. Allow to cool. 6. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

Farine White Pudding Ingredients:

2 lb farine • 3 coconuts, grated • 5 pt water to make coconut milk • 8 oz salt beef • 4 tbsp chopped thyme • 2 tbsp chopped eschalot • 2 tbsp chopped celery • 4 yards runners (cow or pig offal) • 2 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Make coconut milk with the grated coconut and water. Soak farine in 2 pints of the coconut milk. Allow to swell. 2. Cut salt beef in small pieces and fry with thyme, eschalot, celery and salt to taste. 3. Add meat to farine. 4. Fill runners with mixture using a funnel. Tie ends and boil in the remaining 3 pints of coconut milk. Boil for about 10 minutes. 5. Prick for air to escape. 6. Cool and brush with oil. Slice into desired size. Note: For white pudding only coconut milk is used, no blood is added. You can also make farine fish fritters, farine black cake, farine coconut rock buns, just to name a few. 12

SPOT The difference They are 5 differences