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PPP/C election Sunday Edition NEWS win not a defeat, but encouragement - Former Pres. for introspection David Granger AIETEUR

April 25, 2021

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GUYOIL fuel scandal...

Company Director caught on tape telling third party that ARI boss must ‘pay his dues’ …as senior official instructs dealer to delete evidence of WhatsApp conversation WhatsApp messages purportedly between ARI owner Jayson Aaron and a senior Guyoil official.

Time toto end the Time end secrecy Guyanese secrecy Guyanese

Why the secrecy, fellow citizens, with the OMAI deal? Why this ‘shroud’ over this rich gold contract? A shroud is what is placed on a dead body to give it some dignity. Fellow Guyanese, we are not dead, but when President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo engage in this kind of secrecy, then as far as they are concerned, we might as well be.

This absence of transparency is exactly what the PPP/C leaders did when they were in office before – bigmoney contracts were plastered over with

secrecy. Terms and conditions of deals in just about everything were hidden from sight and kept away from the attention of citizens.

The natural resources of this country cannot be a secret when deals are entered into, when contracts are signed.

We the people must know and all Guyanese should demand to know, about all of them.

The OMAI gold contract must be fully shared now. That is not negotiable. This nation should not continue living with secrecy, especially when dealing with its resource wealth.

Wanted man captured on fuel boat heading to the interior

ExxonMobil’s systemic failures frightening - Nation’s environmental credentials eroded by its unprecedented flaring - Arjoon-Martins Oppostion meets ExxonMobil, says nothing of Listen to the Glenn Lall Show substance. Puts out confusing statement. @11am, 4pm, 7pm Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Ongoing grotesque travesties We know that gold is being found by OMAI Gold Mines Limited (OMGL), as announced by the company itself, which has resumed operations after over a decade of absence. But the more we know about gold being found, and the bright prospects of more gold being found by OMGL, the less we, the Guyanese know. For all intents and purposes, the citizens of this country know next to nothing and exist in a state of darkness and ignorance, which was what was confirmed, yet again, by the headline article titled, “OMAI Contract still shrouded in secrecy as company boasts of finding more gold” (KN April 24).

Instead of taking hard editorial positions, we at this publication start out by asking some pointed questions which, though sharp, could only be considered timely and fair by any reasonable observer. First, which self-respecting leader, in this day and age, is proud to operate a national administration that he himself committed to would be about transparency? This was what President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali proudly included in his inaugural address almost nine months ago, what he promised the nation, the region, the international community, and the whole world.

It is either His Excellency has developed acute and extended memory lapses, or he is guilty of deliberately travelling down a slippery road, one that has already left him falling on his face, given the hollowness of his transparency commitment. Since, the President has sparred dangerously and deceptively with transparency, our second question can only be presented in the bluntest and most disgusted manner: what is he really up to with transparency on the OMAI Contract? What is his government all about in the department of transparency? What is he and his Vice President and his government doing, really involved in, has committed this country to, when there is so much secrecy surrounding not just the OMAI Contract (and gold, on which we focus today), but on everything that they touch? What are all three all about on contracts related to oil and gas, and the relationships, which they enter into, and the benefits (or lack of same) that they offer to the sum of the Guyanese people?

We share something with our reading audience, which should stir some sparks of memory, nods of knowing, since it should be familiar on an individual note, which is the result of wise experience. It can be ordinary citizens, or all the way to the top in the figures of heads of state across the globe.

But there is an observation and situation that prevails, and which really cannot be challenged. It is that people, regardless of what official or personal level they function, who like darkness fear the light. For light is the truth of revelation, light comes from putting things on the table, at which point, more light can be shed upon those things, once obscured by darkness. When men and women, from any culture, any walk of life, shrink from the light, they stand scarred and naked.

Men and women, who hate the light, love the darkness, because of the secrecies that they harbour and allow to flourish in quiet existence. In most circumstances, such darkness can be about leadership wrongdoings, since darkness serves as a thick and impenetrable shroud for the purpose of cover-ups. It does not matter whether it is a small man or a big man, a poor man or a rich man, a weak man or a powerful man. And the more powerful that man or woman, the higher their office, the more they have to cover-up when they go about the business of governance in an unclean and unethical manner.

It is becoming clearer and clearer by the day that the leaders of this, no longer new government, have a lot to hide. The postures of its leaders speak out against them, condemn them before one and all. The words of government leaders are dodgy and exemplary in deviousness, from what is withheld and sidestepped, in what is distanced from and avoided, as though it is some new and frightening variant of the pandemic that bludgeons the world. The very body language of PPP leaders smells to the heavens, and it conveys something else about them. They are fearful, so they study carefully, connive still more carefully, and come up with these unconvincing stories that in spite of all their great precautions

An urgent need has arisen to review the structure of the Public Teaching Service DEAR EDITOR, By now, the fluctuations of the pandemic across the world would not encourage a high degree of optimism about its cessation in the near future, even for the adult generations. The latter, must therefore be puzzling over the growth and development of their varying generations of children in a dispensation that offers individual and collective stressors at home, but possibly more critically in the school systems that continue to keep adjusting, albeit without any clear determination of a strategy that would address not only structural and technological issues, but most sensitively emotional health and safety issues.

What strategies have to be conceptualised should

logically involve all the players, the relevant administrative decisionmakers, the professional educators, and parents, with a possible injection from the older student body? It is the latter’s health more than any other that may be challenged.

Bear in mind too, that there will be future educators amongst them, but who at the same time could be attracted to new and other employment opportunities in a changing work environment that outstretches traditional borders, given the increasing competition from aggressive foreign employers.

It is against this contentious background that the need arises to review the structure of the Public Teaching Service, as a matter of urgency. Established in the

expose them as deceivers of the first order. But there is still a rancid rankness about them that attacks the nostrils, that confirms something about them: they misinform too much.

And because of all of this, they have neither moral authority nor the soundness of deep trustworthiness that recommends them for leadership of this country. Leadership that is clean, leadership that makes mistakes, but admits to those openly, and sincerely commits to making amends. Instead of that, what the citizens of this society have had is deception upon deception, trickery heaped upon trickery, and one folly and farce following on the heels of the other. We wonder how long these charades will be continued, how long the leaders in Guyana’s government think that they can get away with the secrecies and skullduggeries that they keep piling upon the heads of the people of this rich land.

If it were OMAI Gold alone, even though it could be so beneficial to the Guyanese treasury, the secrecy and possible underlying failings may (may) have been left alone, and given a partial pass, because such is the wicked and covetous nature of man. But this is representative of the scale and degree of

colonial era, the Teaching Service Commission has not served teach ers at all well; while for some unintelligible reason their representation has consistently faltered – resulting in a constipated compensation structure awarded to the only public servants who have to achieve set targets but are accountable to not only the

employer, but also their students and their parents.

To this day, every Administration has been indifferent to a fixed structure of 2 8 so-called salary grades.

Space does not allow provision of a more detailed analysis, but hopefully the sampling, which follows may suffice to portray some fundamental flaws in structure, alongside comparabilities in a 14 grade

Public Service.

(Continued on page 6)

Actually the abovementioned 28 Grades are shown in the budget as 20, made up however as follows:

the kind of chronic governance and leadership sicknesses that saturate just about every rich nook and cranny in which there is national treasure to be found. One would have thought that because we have been blessed with such vast and varied natural resource gifts that some things would have been not touched by leadership acquisitiveness and leadership rapaciousness, but we have been so cursed and comprehensively.

It is where nothing is off-limits, just peel away the leadership masks.

Without a doubt, what prevails in Guyana today, are leaders who have imprisoned themselves to the conspiratorial side of politics and governance. One man speaks stirringly about transparency, and now stands as the indecency of impotency, contented to be a mere follower and lacking in instincts to lead. We are compelled to call it for what it is, which is a naked form of democratic primitivism. There are these mounting grotesque travesties, and still an entire nation is asked to commit to a willing suspension of disbelief, and an adjournment of conscience.

Sunday April 25, 2021

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Kaieteur News

The UWI under Sir Hilary: A Phoenix soaring from the volcanic ash DEAR EDITOR, In the last few months, the UWI Chancellor’s Governance Report erupted across the region with a fury, not unlike the violent explosions of La Soufriere, which began spewing ash 25,000 feet into the air of St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia and beyond, on and after the morning of April 9, 2021.

The hierarchical structure of the UWI is itself like a conical volcano with a figurehead Chancellor at the apex and an Executive Vice Chancellor who holds the reins of power, beneath which are several managers in the form of Pro-Vice Chancellors including the Campus Principals who are supported by the various Deans and Heads of Department.

Curiously, the Report lofted its volcanic grey ash into the regional stratosphere at a time when the UWI is at its best on a global scale under the exemplary stewardship of its competent Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles. Upon assuming duties in 2015, Sir Hilary would have had to face a multitude of challenges resulting from diverging and converging tectonic plates, slowly undermining the UWI’s lithosphere.

Even as a mere alumnus and part-time lecturer, I have discerned that over the years, the UWI’s Strategic Plan was

rarely referenced resulting in policies aimlessly drifting like metamorphic volcanic rocks over the region. The operations of the institution seemed ad-hoc and incoherent where serious breaches of the governance system and financial code were the order of the day. The UWI’s capacity to forge global partnerships and secure funding was hampered severely and a cash flow crisis loomed large as government receivables exceeded US$150 million. With morale at its lowest ebb, several governments felt that the campuses were not value for money. Indeed, the UWI brand was suffering miserably as the institution seemed to have adopted the reputation of a mud volcano with useless magmatic slurries flooding the region, eroding its status as the preeminent tertiary education institution in the Caribbean.

There is, always has been, and always will be justifiable rumblings from the crust of the UWI at the various campuses, which produce a noxious gas akin to sulphur dioxide resulting in a toxic environment at the micro level. However, these may be rooted in longestablished and existing systems, structures and processes rather than on the strategies and policies executed by the Vice

Chancellor. This is the crux of the agent-structure debate and brings into stark relief the dichotomy between “governance” and “leadership” at the UWI – a distinction, which is not discernable in the Chancellor’s Governance Report.

By way of example, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves had no control over the wrath of La Soufriere as this was a structural problem beyond his control. Yet, as the agent at the helm, through superb leadership, he has so far been able to propel the bulk of his population to safety and mobilise support within and outside the region in order to manage the crisis effectively.

Similarly, in 2015, Sir Hilary came to the rescue of the UWI even as its crater was bubbling over with pyroclastic flows. These avalanches of a high-density mix of hot lava blocks, pumice and volcanic gas moved at lightning speed throughout the campuses, enveloping them in a blanket of grey ash, which seemed impossible to penetrate. But Sir Hilary fearlessly took the plunge as he was able to lead his team

and personify the critical agency needed to confront the system bringing with him the requisite leadership skills and expertise, the vision and innovative ideas essential for the reputational revolution and the transformative paradigm shift which the UWI desperately needed to survive. Like a phoenix soaring from the volcanic ash, the UWI has been catapulted

by Sir Hilary into the global area as a first class institution – amongst the best in the world.

Sir Hilary’s innumerable accomplishments as Vice Chancellor signify tectonic shifts in the UWI’s operations. Dignified and oblivious to the waves of mud and debris swirling

around him, this brilliant visionary immediately embarked upon a Triple “A” Strategic Plan (2017-2022) built upon the pillars of Access, Alignment and Agility.

He then proceeded to globalise the UWI by creating an institution fit for the 21st century. This is now buttressed by a Global Online project spearheaded by ProVice Chancellor, Dr. Luz Longsworth who has already secured US$25 million from virtual and augmented reality software developer, EON Reality, based in Silicon Valley, California.

Sir Hilary also successfully created 10 UWI Global Centres and has managed an active UWI

presence in every continent.

As he proceeds to transform reputation into revenue, he charted a path through the thick, grey ash and black smoke, which had blanketed the UWI and devised a roadmap to recovering the $US150 million owed by regional governments.

These include assets for cash swap and raising a US$50 million bond to finance the establishment of an international, for profit Medical School in Trinidad.

He is also leveraging his corporate experience as one of the longest serving Directors of a leading financial corporation, to access market intelligence for use within the UWI’s (Continued on page 6)

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

...An urgent need has arisen to review But the following samples offer some discouraging comparisons.

But there exists the following contradiction in terms of ‘permanent’ temporary positions, such as:

From page 4 Quite apart from job comparisons, how does one contemplate the illogic of a career of ‘Temporary’ promotions? But then as a ‘Non-Graduate’, one can proceed from the position of Non-Graduate Senior Assistant Master (TS4 – up to TS13) where one becomes a Non-Graduate Head of a Grade A school.

Those who are still interested might wonder further about the following disposition of Heads and Deputy Heads in the same Grades of Schools.

How it must be asked are the substantial differentials in Grades and salaries computed for the same level of responsibility? Where is the motivational factor towards productivity?

After all this, the reader would empathise with teachers’ embarrassment

with a salary structure that: Tremours from TS1 and TS2, both at the minimum and maximum of $74,184; where the scale of Grade TS 5 (B) $156, 685 - $169,341 is greater than that of the next higher scale TS5 (B1) - $153,886 $166, 544; where TS6 reach $157,443 - $174,621; while TS7 (A) reads $160,977 - $173,854; as TS 8 (A) reads $175,995 $193,169, and TS 8 (B) reads $178,147 - $191,027; TS 14 reads $227, 514 $256,920, while TS 15 reads $236,103 - $253,275 all ignored by the diligent decisionmakers over the decades.

But perhaps the greatest piece of obstinacy is the fixture of a grade boldly described as SPECIAL at simply $332,841 – a compliment to those who have risen to be Principals – CPCE, GTI, NATI, LTI. Hopefully in addition to

the Guyana Teachers Union, they would be consulted about the reconstruction process, bearing in mind how many of their products will seek entrance to the University of Guyana whose leaders as they must be, are already strategising on the way forward and upward into a new creative technological education dispensation – of virtual reality.

The value of the educator at all levels demand the most comprehensive review, bearing in mind that their performance will continue to be target oriented, and will be depended upon to produce the quantity and quality of (20,000) scholarship winners foreseen to be needed for a growing competitive economy, so much of which will be managed by non-locals.

Yours truly, E. B. John

Professor Jacob Opadeyi responds to Mr. Vincent Alexander DEAR EDITOR, Permit me space to comment on a letter published in Stabroek News of April 21, 2021. Clearly, Mr. Alexander was being himself. Besides groping for answers, the letter is littered with inaccuracies.

First, I wish to deal with the inaccuracies. It is not true that the awardees would be bonded. They would be required to do community service stints of varying lengths, based on the respective programmes, before they graduate. Clearly, they can seek jobs in any sector of the economy.

Beneath the veneer, however, Mr. Alexander seems to be querying whether the awardees of these scholarships would eventually infiltrate the public sector.

Further, the programme(s) for teachers contemplate active teachers. An integral part of these scholarships as envisaged by President Dr. Ali and his government is the training of our people in their homes and environments in remote parts of Guyana. The aim of this kind of programme,

therefore, is not to bring back teachers, but rather to upgrade the skills of those in the profession. Mr. Alexander is probably experiencing selective amnesia; he is well aware that many teachers and nurses, among others, have not been able to upgrade their skills/knowledge to their potential due in part to their locations of employment in remote parts of the country.

This is a vital point when one considers that not all teachers or nurses can achieve upward mobility or promotions.

Upgrading of qualifications provides some semblance of parity by way of increased salary.

While the BPP may not close the academic gap between O’ Level/CSEC and Advanced level/CAPE, it will sufficiently prepare the student for entry into the respective programmes.

Furthermore, it must be noted that only one institution offers this option, which is based on its own national education requirements.

Let me now explain briefly where GOAL fits into the scheme of things. The first

nationally established institution for online and distance education, GOAL functions as an intermediary, broker or clearing-house for education programmes. It identifies internationally recognised programmes that fit the actual and perceived needs of the various sectors of the economy and negotiates reduced prices for the students. Furthermore, applicants who for one reason or another may not have been awarded scholarships can still pursue their education-dreams because they will benefit from the same reduced tuition/ fees. They would, however, have to apply through GOAL. Besides connecting and enrolling students in the various programmes, GOAL monitors students’ performances and offers a range of services relating to student and academic affairs.

This letter-response, I trust would set some minds at ease on the role of GOAL in the 20,000 scholarships over the next five years.

Sincerely, Dr. Opadeyi

...The UWI under Sir Hilary: A Phoenix From page 5 planning culture. But even as Sir Hilary catapults the UWI into the international arena as amongst the finest in the world with top global rankings, some of the recommendations of the Chancellor’s Governance Report have emitted gushes of viscous, high density pyroclastic lava, threatening the very foundations upon which the UWI’s democracy is built.

The proposal to remove the University and Campus F&GPCs and replace it with “other entities” would effectively eliminate the UWI’s Parliament where the various stakeholders - from government representatives, academics, alumni, private s e c t o r, union representatives, to members of the student guild - meet, debate and vote on financial issues of critical importance to the institution.

This threat to democracy is akin to what is being referred to as

“Georgia’s Jim Crow Voter Suppression Bill,” recently promulgated by Republican Governor, Brian Kemp, to counteract the narrow loss of the rightwinged GOP in Georgia, in the controversial 2020 U.S. elections.

The same assault to democracy was noted closer home in Guyana when the Granger government first refused to call an election within the stipulated time period and then vehemently rejected valid votes counted even after they were verified by CARICOM election observers.

Today, the UWI stands at its best. It is “our finest hour” as Sir Hilary so aptly puts it. He has managed to steer the UWI into harnessing its expertise in science and technology through UWI’s Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development and the UWI’s Seismic Research Centre, to respectively analyse the

existential threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the still bubbling lava and spewing ash of La Soufriere.

But the UWI is resilient and has never been averse to positive and constructive change.

As Sir Hilary noted in a recent video to the UWI community with a most touching message of solidarity to the people of St . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines, “the ash of today like that of yesteryear, will be swept away, and the nation shall erupt from the dust.”

With Sir Hilary at its helm, the UWI too will conquer the viscosity of the pyroclastic flows which threatens its democracy and its very existence, as it continues to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, its vibrations reverberating across the region in a seismic explosion of regeneration, revitalisation resilience and renewal.

Anthony Gafoor

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Gladwyn Samuels no longer Guyana’s Prison Director

A

fter serving as Guyana’s Prison Director for more than three years, Gladwyn Samuels has been reassigned.

This information was relayed to media operatives, yesterday, in a release sent out by Samuels himself.

Samuels was sent on 132 days accumulated vacation leave on December 15, 2020; it was hinted to Kaieteur News, since then, that he would not be returning as Director of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

In the release, which he sent out yesterday, it was noted that his leave will come to an end on today, April 25, 2021.

Samuels, related in the release; in anticipation of resuming duties, he wrote the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 23, 2021 notifying Minister Robeson Benn that his leave is coming to an end.

In response, Samuels was notified by the Ministry that he will be reassigned to the post of Assistant Coordinator on People Smuggling with effect from April 26, 2021.

His reassignment, detailed the release will be on a fulltime basis until further notice.

Samuels expressed his gratitude to members of GPS, members of the Joint Services and the media for supporting and cooperating with him during his tenure as Prison Director.

Samuel was substantively appointed as Deputy Prison Director in 2017 and acted as Prison Director after his predecessor Carl Graham had retired that same year.

He received substantive appointment Prison Director in January of 2020. During his tenure as Director, Samuels was on a stormy watch. In 2017, riot broke at the Camp

Removed from his post as Prison Director, Gladwyn Samuels.

Street Prison where two inmates were wounded and a police officer shot dead.

The prison, which housed at least 1,000 inmates, went up in flames. This setback caused major overcrowding at other prison facilities, especially at Lusignan where a significant number of the prisoners were transferred.

Millions were allocated to rehabilitate, upgrade and rebuild the prison facilities.

Works started but then they were stalled. Politicians blamed the no-confidence motion and later the fivemonth elections saga. The COVID-19 pandemic also fell in the mix as one of the reasons why the prison troubles could not be fixed.

The prison escapes became frequent as did the unrests. In 2020 alone, there were two major unrests at the Lusignan Prisons.

In July, prisoners protested because contraband (Continued on page 10)

ExxonMobil’s systemic failures...

From page 2 diligently followed and reported on ExxonMobil’s continually malfunctioning gas compressor system. On December 20, 2020, it had announced that the gas compressor issue was fixed once and for all. But during that one-year period, it had already flared 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to the removal of 1.6M acres of forest. In simpler terms, this means that Exxon flared toxic Nntural gas that could have been offset by a forest the size of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

However, the issues with its gas compressor would soon return. On January 13, 2021, the gas compressor malfunctioned for a second time.

The company did not reveal the cause at that time but said

that it was fixed within a matter of hours, or so it thought.

On January 29, 2021, the gas compressor broke down completely, forcing ExxonMobil this time around to send the faulty equipment to Germany for repairs and upgrades. A detailed assessment of the compressor subsequently revealed that an axial vibration of the compressor rotor is what led to mechanical disruptions.

The equipment was back in Guyana by the second week of March where it was installed on the Liza Destiny vessel. Tests were subsequently being carried out in the early part of April, but before that could be completed, the gas compressor which was supposedly repaired and upgraded, malfunctioned for the fourth time.

Sunday April 25, 2021

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Kaieteur News

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY An overwhelming case is being brought – by this paper, by experts in good governance, by institutional papers on international best practice – that as massive a project as the gas-to-shore project, there needs to be greater transparency.

The government of Guyana is running out of excuses on why this is not happening.

MONDAY Guyana is embarking on a gas-to-shore, the most expensive venture it has ever undertaken. Yet, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is refusing to let the people have a feasibility study on this project.

This study will give Guyanese all of the information they need to determine for themselves if this project will succeed.

If this is how the PPP/C intends to run this country, then we are in for a gloomy future with our oil sector.

TUESDAY Even as the COVID hospital bursts at the seams, Government continues to operate as though it is doing a remarkable job of containing COVID19.

But in much the way the little child was brave enough to tell the Emperor he was wearing no clothes, we at this publication are bold enough to let Government know that

it is not doing a ‘perfectly splendid’ job in handling this contagion.

Although we understand, and quite well too, that a healthy economy is needed to foster development, of what use will be such an achievement when all of our people are incapacitated, or worse, dead?

People are being infected in droves and the deaths are constant.

As such, dear Government, we ask of you, isn’t it time that drastic measures are employed to save what’s left of our declining population?

WEDNESDAY Every day that we do not receive a reasonable explana-

tion from Exxon about the failure to fix the gas compressor on Liza 1 is another day that we accept an increasing level of disrespect to our national patrimony.

THURSDAY The Opposition is questioning the appointment of a communications arm of the Police Force headed by civilians.

While not condemning, once the appointment was done lawfully, we at this publication have questions too.

Today we ask only one: Is a ‘dressed-up’ communications unit part of the Force’s plan to address our escalating crime situation?

FRIDAY

Yesterday, Guyana joined over 140 countries in celebrating Earth Day. Instead of it being an occasion for Guyana to be proud, it was an event that augured feelings of utter disgust at the way in which ExxonMobil is allowed to pollute our airspace daily with the release of over 250 toxic chemicals by burning the associated gas from the Liza Phase One Project.

This despicable track record is further compounded by the astonishing fact that we have no comprehensive insurance for the Liza Phase One, Two and Payara operations.

Way to go PPP/C! Keep

up the good work on being firm with ExxonMobil!

SATURDAY The PPP/C Government says the gas-to-shore project is good for Guyana, that the pros outweigh the cons. If so, let them show us the evidence.

Show the people the financial studies you did which prove that this project is sound. Prove that you are not leading Guyanese into another debt trap.

Show the people that this will not be another white elephant like the US$200M Skeldon factory. Stop treating Guyanese like fools and earn their trust for their megaproject.

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Ramsammy calls on opposition to join call to get people vaccinated

COVID-19 immunisation campaign…

With just about 115,000 Guyanese having received their first dose of the COVID19 vaccine to date and about 1,800 of them being fully vaccinated with their second dose, former Health Minister and current advisor to the Ministry of Health, (MoH) Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is advocating for a more intense campaign towards getting every adult person vaccinated. In a lengthy, statement, Dr. Ramsammy noted that while he is pleased with the general response of the government’s call to be immunised, there is still need for the APNU+AFC, as the main political opposition, to add its voice to the appeal for entire population to take their shots to be protected from the deadly virus.

Dr. Ramsammy adds that “as many developed countries are vaccinating themselves out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guyana is endeavouring to do the same.”

According to him, there are several mischievous, fake stories in the public domain aimed at preventing people from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Among the “fake and reckless stories” circulating, Ramsammy says, are claims that the “vaccines contain a microchip to permit the government to spy on people; that the vaccines will turn people into some different kind of animal; that the vaccines will make people impotent are that they represent the ‘mark of the beast’ mentioned in the bible and that dozens of people have already died from the

vaccine.”

Despite those rumours, Dr. Ramsammy says, there is a push to roll out the vaccines to people across the country.

He noted that the country has acquired enough vaccines to fully vaccinate 261,000 persons and the President and the government are actively negotiating to procure enough vaccines for more than 500,000 persons. He added, “It is a massive undertaking, but the government is determined to keep our country safe.”

To this end, he noted that the opposition leaders and MPs must add their voice to the issue. According to Ramsammy, the leaders of the newer political parties have already been promoting the COVID-19 vaccines. He

claimed too that the APNU+AFC leaders have taken their vaccines along with their families. “…Some have even requested waivers of requirements to facilitate relatives and friends who did not meet eligibility when there was an age limitation,” he added. Yet, Ramsammy said, the main opposition party has not been very vocal about promoting the vaccines.

“I am hopeful that the leaders and MPs from APNU/ AFC are similarly supportive.

I am hopeful that all political parties reject the reckless, reprehensible campaign against the COVID-19 vaccines,” he said.

In the meantime, Dr. Ramsammy lauded the community leaders and the busi-

Advisor to the Ministry of Health, (MoH) Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. ness owners who in their robust efforts encouraged their members and staff to be vaccinated, and the religious leaders who “have come out with enthusiasm” to assist the Ministry and health workers.

He said, “The Pandits, Imams and Pastors who have supported the MOH represent a major reason for the vaccination success so far. For those leaders, business and reli-

gious, who are still on the sideline, being bystanders, I urge you to become voices for a good cause”.

Additionally, the MOH advisor said the leaders of the government and the PPP/C and the newer political parties have openly taken their vaccines and urge people to take the vaccine. Further, Ramsammy noted that public concerns over the safety of the vaccine should be quelled since after more than 115,000 persons received the vaccines in Guyana, there has been no adverse effect caused by the injections.

“Minor side effects such as a fever, chills, pain at the site of the injection are normal side effects of any vaccine. A billion persons around the world have also taken the vaccines and there is no reason to doubt the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines,” he said, adding that already, where the vaccines have been administered in any meaningful amount, the number of COVID-19 cases has dropped and the number of deaths has dropped.

Gladwyn Samuels no...

From page 8 was seized and parts of the prison were set afire. One month later, the country was under a new administration, and unrest broke out again after 120 inmates tested positive for COVID-19. Two inmates were killed in the process and several others injured. Additionally, over the past several years, a number of prison officers have been

fired and charged for smuggling contraband to inmates.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, during a recent Press Conference sought to shift the blame on poor administration. However, Samuels had continued to single out what he called the root causes of the problem: the lack of proper facilities, little resources, fewer staffers, and little or no technology.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyanese not exercising enough care for - as country breaks daily pandemic-Ramsammy infection, monthly deaths records A graph showing the five deadliest months since the beginning of the pandemic in Guyana; yesterday this month surpassed last October as the deadliest month on record.

Former Minister of Health and Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has affirmed that as it relates to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Guyanese are not exercising enough care for it and the measures put in place for their protection. His remarks came in light of the country breaking its daily case toll record on Friday, whereas, 214 new infections were reported by the Health Ministry; this month also saw the monthly record for fatalities being surpassed with the death of two more people yesterday.

Dr. Ramsammy noted, in comments made to this newspaper, that contrary to popular belief, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, yet persons continue to operate as though it is behind them. He said that in public transportation, citizens are not adhering to the relevant protocols, as well as in the markets. He spoke particularly to maskwearing in the market area, stressing that even though some persons opt to wear a mask, it is not being done correctly since many are observed wearing it below their chin or their nose. “It will not protect you if it’s there,” he stated.

Further to that, he disclosed that the Ministry has expanded its testing to communities countrywide. “The numbers are still high,” Ramsammy said, adding that vaccination is a key component in protection from the virus. “Until we are able to give every citizen 18 years and older two doses, we have to recognise the virus is not going anywhere,” he posited.

The Ministry of Health

via its daily dashboard yesterday reported some 152 new COVID-19 infections, which is also among the highest of numbers Guyana has seen since the start of the pandemic. It also shows that 16 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another 11 in institutional quarantine, 74 in institutional isolation and 1,529 in home isolation.

The total number of recoveries is now 10,702 with 83 new recoveries recorded yesterday. Kaieteur News would have recently reported on the alarming increase in infections and deaths, which Guyana has seen since last month, with an average of over 62 infections and two deaths being recorded daily. The Ministry reported four new fatalities yesterday via a Press statement. The deceased persons were listed as a 60-yearold woman from Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne); a 65-year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice); and two men, a 72year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). It was stated that all four died while receiving treatment at a Ministry medical facility.

On Thursday, April was tied with last October as the deadliest COVID-19 month, with 44 deaths.

However, with the two new deaths recorded yesterday, April is now the sole deadliest month since the start of the pandemic and with six more days left in the month and a daily average of two cases, that number is still expected to increase and can possibly touch 58. Guyana’s overall COVID-19 death toll is now 281.

Sunday April 25, 2021

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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY An overwhelming case is being brought – by this paper, by experts in good governance, by institutional papers on international best practice – that as massive a project as the gas-to-shore project, there needs to be greater transparency.

The government of Guyana is running out of excuses on why this is not happening.

MONDAY Guyana is embarking on a gas-to-shore, the most expensive venture it has ever undertaken. Yet, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is refusing to let the people have a feasibility study on this project.

This study will give Guyanese all of the information they need to determine for themselves if this project will succeed.

If this is how the PPP/C intends to run this country, then we are in for a gloomy future with our oil sector.

TUESDAY Even as the COVID hospital bursts at the seams, Government continues to operate as though it is doing a remarkable job of containing COVID19.

But in much the way the little child was brave enough to tell the Emperor he was wearing no clothes, we at this publication are bold enough to let Government know that

it is not doing a ‘perfectly splendid’ job in handling this contagion.

Although we understand, and quite well too, that a healthy economy is needed to foster development, of what use will be such an achievement when all of our people are incapacitated, or worse, dead?

People are being infected in droves and the deaths are constant.

As such, dear Government, we ask of you, isn’t it time that drastic measures are employed to save what’s left of our declining population?

WEDNESDAY Every day that we do not receive a reasonable explana-

tion from Exxon about the failure to fix the gas compressor on Liza 1 is another day that we accept an increasing level of disrespect to our national patrimony.

THURSDAY The Opposition is questioning the appointment of a communications arm of the Police Force headed by civilians.

While not condemning, once the appointment was done lawfully, we at this publication have questions too.

Today we ask only one: Is a ‘dressed-up’ communications unit part of the Force’s plan to address our escalating crime situation?

FRIDAY

Yesterday, Guyana joined over 140 countries in celebrating Earth Day. Instead of it being an occasion for Guyana to be proud, it was an event that augured feelings of utter disgust at the way in which ExxonMobil is allowed to pollute our airspace daily with the release of over 250 toxic chemicals by burning the associated gas from the Liza Phase One Project.

This despicable track record is further compounded by the astonishing fact that we have no comprehensive insurance for the Liza Phase One, Two and Payara operations.

Way to go PPP/C! Keep

up the good work on being firm with ExxonMobil!

SATURDAY The PPP/C Government says the gas-to-shore project is good for Guyana, that the pros outweigh the cons. If so, let them show us the evidence.

Show the people the financial studies you did which prove that this project is sound. Prove that you are not leading Guyanese into another debt trap.

Show the people that this will not be another white elephant like the US$200M Skeldon factory. Stop treating Guyanese like fools and earn their trust for their megaproject.

PAGE 14 The plane found with the coke and the body.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Pilot of plane found with coke, body, gets jailed A Brazilian pilot who was among three foreigners detained on December 14, 2020, after a crashed plane was found at Nine Miles, Issano, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven, with a body and 390 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The defendant, Rafael Silveira Dias, was tried at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate Court. He was found guilty for trafficking narcotics on Friday by Principal Magistrate, Crystal Lambert.

Silveira Dias was sentenced to five years imprisonment and is required to a pay a fine of over G$500M. Kaieteur News had reported on September 15, that police had located a 206 Cessna bearing registration PR-FMJ along with three for-

Jailed in Guyana for five years, Rafael Silveira Dias.

(Photo Courtesy of ITA FM 91.3).

eign nationals – one of them an injured pilot – at Nine Miles airstrip, Issano. Police reportedly made that discovery at around 23:00 hrs. on Sunday September 13, 2020.

The three foreigners were Silveira Dias (the injured pilot), Manoel Edson Pinheiro Costa, 35, an internet technician of Manaus, Brazil and Juan Ivan Fortool, 29, a Venezuelan pilot of Tumeremo, Estado Bolivar.

They had told investigators that they were heading to neighbouring Suriname but were forced to crash land after they had experienced mechanical problems. The foreigners also related to the detectives that there was another aircraft that was travelling along with them which had crashed in the jungle.

Joint Services ranks had located the second aircraft, a crashed Beechcraft, during a search they conducted on Monday September 14, 2020.

Its cargo was over 370 kilogrammes of cocaine neatly packed in white sacks. A body of a man was also found on board.

With help from International Police (Interpol), Guyanese detectives were able to identify the remains to be that of a 49-year-old Brazilian National. The detectives received further information that Silveira Dias was a

well-known drug trafficker.

According a report published by a Brazilian media house, ITA FM 91.3, on March 31, 2020, a plane he was piloting was found at an airstrip located at São Félix do Xingu, southeastern Pará, Brazil, with over US$1M in cash. A 38-caliber revolver and two containers with 50 liters of airplane fuel were found on board.

He had told the Brazilian investigators that he is a partner in a construction company and a real estate company in Balneário Camboriu (SC), Brazil, and that the plane was heading to another location within the country.

The authorities there, however, suspected that it was drug money; they also believed that the airport where the aircraft was found was used to do drug trafficking.

As a result, the cash was seized and Silveira Dias was placed under investigation.

Just a few months later in September he was under the microscope again but this time he was caught with cocaine in Guyana.

Pinheiro Costa and Fortool, the men caught with him were charged with illegal entry and remanded to prison on September 19, 2020.

Silveira Dias was charged for trafficking narcotics at a later date.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

The Global Institute of Internal Auditors …progress through sharing

By John Seeram Next month in May (10th), I will be completing 31 years membership of the Global Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), with global headquarters in Florida, USA. This is a wonderful opportunity to look back proudly at those years on the evolution of the IIA, and on the development of the internal auditing profession of which it is the global voice.

Of the 31 years membership, 10 were with the North American Chapter of Rochester, New York, and 21 with the Guyana Chapter, and my membership holds a great personal significance for me.

Guided by my interest for the internal audit profession and possession for volunteerism, it has truly been a remarkable period so far for me.

In essence, as an IIA volunteer at the national level (Guyana Chapter), it is expected that I play a role in shaping the future of our profession. From education offerings, to certification programmes and exams, to guidance development, to research, I can attest to the important role volunteerism is playing in shaping this profession’s future. In fact, without this dedication, vision and the involvement of volunteers, it can be said that our profession would not be nearly so vibrant and this organisation would not be

John Seeram nearly so strong.

I am full of pride over my 31 years for both the IIA and our profession, and to know that it is now global in nature.

Worthy of mention are the countries around the world which have embraced the IIA’s International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) which was published in year 2009, and the global conformance of the International Standards (Attribute and Performance) which are embodied in the IPPF. That being said, the IIA is focused on progress, yes, but specifically on “Progress through Sharing”– sharing with others your knowledge, best practices, and possession for the internal audit profession.

On the 30th April, the Guyana Chapter will complete 21 years existence. Its membership is yet to surpass 100.

However, with the forecast over the next five years for significant economic growth and development, especially in the Oil and Gas, Agriculture and Mining Sectors, there will be need for the establishment of more vibrant Internal Audit Units and to staff those Units effectively. Hence, in order to perform ‘outstanding’ and not the ‘best’ internal audit services, membership of the IIA is a priority, since it is providing critical leadership in making internal auditing a real profession.

And further, I will attest to the fact that our members over the years have been benefitting immensely by increasing their performance levels, and in keeping with the best practices globally.

In closing, The IIA is still meaningful to me as well as to our members, and is still a big advantage to be part of this global organisation which is in its 80th year of existence, and which is providing exemplary leadership and service to the profession. It has a solid infrastructure and its ‘3Ps’ – people, processes and positioning, place its members on the right track to further cement our status as a truly global organisation and as a profession.

Hence, Internal Auditors both present and future, now is the time to join this thriving profession that is now more respected, more valued and more recognised than ever globally.

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Sunday April 25, 2021

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Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

Rashleigh Jackson did a tiny, harmless, innocent injustice to my wife My wife laughed hilariously at what Guyana’s longest serving Foreign Minister, Rashleigh Jackson, wrote about me in the April 21 edition of Kaieteur News.

Here is what he observed; “Reading Freddie Kissoon’s column, as I do occasionally, I am struck by three things, his connection with his dog (not by the leash), his attachment to the music of Burt Bacharach and Julio Iglesias, and the unique style of his analysis. One day while reflecting on his fulminations, an image of three gods of Greek mythology crossed my mind: Eros the god of Love, Apollo the god of Music and Koalemos, the god of Stupidity and Foolishness.”

She found Mr. Jackson’s comment enjoyable the way he put it. She was not annoyed in the least. I told her I am not going to reply for two reasons. Mr. Jackson is a decent person without malice.

Secondly, I certainly have an appreciation for him.

Although Mr. Jackson served the Burnham administration longer than only Dr. Ptolemy Reid, Hamilton Green and Oscar Clark, his portfolio as Foreign Affairs Minister kept him away from domestic politics where Burnham’s demons were fertilised. The re-

searcher may find little evidence of Jackson’s fanaticism for Burnham’s demented politics and the totalitarian directions Burnham went into.

Mr. Jackson missed one of the essential motifs in my 32 years of writing; my undying love for my wife with whom I have shared 43 years of marriage.

Whether he seldom reads me, occasionally or each day, he should not have missed those consistent vibes about my feelings for my wife. I write about her often and though I think I overdo it mentioning her, I guess you can put it down to my stupidities that Mr. Jackson detected.

Frankly when the occasion arises I will mention her. My wife is one of the most patient and devoted wives of this world.

People always ask me if I have any regrets that pierce my heart and soul over my 50 years and more of social and political activism.

I would respond immediately by saying yes. I regret she had to suffer because of me. She loved her job as an Investment Officer at GOINVEST and I wished she wasn’t victimised by the PPP government. She was never and will never be a political animal. I will shock readers by

revealing something about my wife that never found a place in my columns.

It was after the PPP lost power, just in a casual conversation with me, she told me she was the project officer assigned to Fip Motilall that was building the road for the Amaila Falls project. My wife did not discuss her work with me. President Jagdeo may find that hard to believe but my wife was the perfect professional.

So Mr. Jackson if you keep reading me you will notice how deep my emotions run for my wife. Here is a song I dedicate to her. It is the only country and western song I like because I associate the country and western genre with red neck culture and white racism in the US. It was made into a smash hit by the R&B group, “All 4 One.” But strangely I like the original version. It reminds me of the soft rock and easy listening era that I grew up with in Wortmanville. Actually, the song is not purely country and western though the singer is. I hope Mr. Jackson finds the time to listen to a beautiful love song.

“I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery I see the questions in your eyes

I know what’s weighing on your mind But you can be sure I know my part ’Cause I’ll stand beside you through the years You’ll only cry those happy tears And though I’ll make mistakes I’ll never break your heart I swear By the moon and the stars in the sky I’ll be there I swear Like the shadow that’s by your side I’ll be there For better or worse

’Till death do us part I’ll love you with every beat of my heart I swear I’ll give you everything I can I’ll build your dreams with these two hands We’ll hang some memories on the wall And when there’s silver in your hair You won’t have to ask if I still care ’Cause as time turns the page My love won’t age at all I swear By the moon and the stars

Frederick Kissoon in the sky I’ll be there I swear Like the shadow that’s by your side I’ll be there For better or worse ’Till death do us part I’ll love you with every beat of my heart I swear (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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importantly, we are developing the infrastructure necessary to support and enhance broader energy and trade industry activity through the Berbice Deepwater Port Project.”

According to Professor Narine, the companies are looking forward to executing on their programs and creating value and opportunity for stakeholders.

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY GAS-TO-SHORE… MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS REQUIRE FEASIBILITY STUDY – API ECONOMIST Since assuming responsibility for overseeing the oil sector, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has been at the forefront of championing the need for major initiatives such as the gas-to-shore project, noting specifically that it would bring cheap electricity for all.

But his commentary over the past few months about reduced electricity costs have failed to mask the need for Government to answer the most crucial question at hand — is the gas-to-shore project feasible?

In spite of growing criticisms, Jagdeo has been adamant that a feasibility study is not necessary. Based on his calculations, the Vice President has argued that the project is economical and therefore, the country should move ahead with the environmental studies.

However, several concerned Guyanese have challenged Jagdeo’s approach, saying that no major capital project in the world, particularly those that are run by transparent and accountable governments is pursued without a feasibility study.

In agreement with the need for such a fundamental step to be taken for the gas project is Chief Economist attached to American Petroleum Institute (API), Dr. Dean Foreman.

In an invited comment on the gas-to-shore project, Foreman categorically stated, “Any major capital project requires a feasibility study that should encompass supply, infrastructure, processing, transportation, marketing and stakeholder relations under different scenarios, including timing, prices and financing.”

If Guyana and its industry operators are to successfully develop a gas-to-shore project, Dr. Foreman said, their views on all of the foregoing issues would need to align.

Furthermore, without more information (that is to say, studies or commentary outside of what has already reported on ad nauseam by

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

MONDAY the Vice President and other government officials), Dr. Foreman said it would be impossible for API to determine the project cost and feasibility of Guyana’s gas-to-shore project.

The Chief Economist said determining same would depend not only on the gas volume but the depth and project drilling unit configuration, processing needs, and distance for transport.

Dr. Foreman said, “Time also equates to money, so if a project like this advances it would be important for Guyana to synchronise its domestic gas market development to monetise the gas efficiently.”

He added, “If a Guyana project is executed to high standards in accordance with API’s Recommended Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines (Limited State Design), the integrity of operations should be strong.”

In general, the Chief Economist posited that Natural gas, when consumed for power generation, has been beneficial to the environment as a cleaner, lower carbon resource, supplanting coal and liquid fuels in many emerging economies.

As regards the kind of expertise the country would need for the management of a gas project, the API Chief Economist said veteran industry experience in offshore gas developments would be key in addition to an in-depth technical understanding of the potential trade-offs of different infrastructure configurations. He said too that having coordinated risk management to ensure all issues above and belowground are addressed along with financial and gas market acumen, would be in Guyana’s best interest.

Should Guyana find itself in a situation where it would end up bringing more gas-toshore than it needs, Dr. Foreman said the country could find itself doing a number of things, which

include having to build additional gas-handling capacity and finding additional markets for the gas, re-injecting the gas or limiting oil production.

Overall, Dr. Foreman’s general perspective is that Guyana should be guided by international best practices, and at the very least, a feasibility study so that it can determine the way forward on the gas-to-shore project.

CGX PLEDGES GUYANAASSETS FOR US$19M LOAN …MONEY TO FINANCE DRILLCAMPAIGN, WORKS ON DEEPWATER HARBOUR Canadian oil exploration company, CGX Inc., on Friday announced that it has secured a US$19M loan from its joint venture partner offshore Guyana.

The loan, according to the partners, is meant to finance CGX’s share of costs related to the development of its Corentyne, Demerara and Berbice oil blocks, its Berbice deepwater port project, and other budgeted spending for the year.

The agreement with Frontera dictates that the loan to CGX will be available for drawdown in tranches on a non-revolving basis until October 31, 2021 or the date on which CGX enters, or its subsidiaries enter, into a binding transaction that provides funds to repay the amounts outstanding under the loan.

It was noted by the joint venture partners that the loan, together with all interest accrued, shall be due and payable on June 30, 2022, or such later date as determined

by Frontera, at its sole discretion. Interest payable on the principal amount outstanding shall accrue at a rate of 9.7 percent annually, payable monthly in cash, with interest on overdue interest.

Additionally, under the loan agreement, if the loan is extended by Frontera past June 30, 2022, at its sole discretion, the new interest rate will be 15 percent per annum.

The loan, according to the partners “will be secured by all the assets of CGX.” The loan agreement also includes a standby fee of 2% multiplied by the daily average amount of unused commitment under the loan payable quarterly in arrears by CGX during the drawdown period.

It was noted too, that subject to the requisite approvals, Frontera in its sole discretion, may elect to convert all or a portion of the principal amount of the loan into common shares in the capital of CGX at the conversion price per common share. The maximum number of common shares which may be acquired by Frontera upon the conversion of the loan, is 26,685,393 common shares, which represents approximately 9.28% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of CGX. The loan remains subject to customary conditions, including the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements between Frontera and CGX and obtaining regulatory approvals.

Chief Executive Officer of Frontera, Orlando Cabrales, in making the joint announcement noted, “Our joint venture with CGX represents a significant growth opportunity for both companies and is rooted in a commitment to the Guyanese government to develop these world class assets with a focus on local engagement and the development of infrastructure. Completing the loan agreement with CGX is an important step forward and the Joint Venture remains firmly on-track to spud its first offshore Guyana well as planned in the second half of this year.”

Executive Co-Chairman of CGX, Professor Suresh Narine, in his remarks said, “These are exciting times for CGX, the Joint Venture and our stakeholders as we get closer to spudding Kawa-1.”

He said, “we have exciting exploration plans for the Kawa-1 and Makarapan-1 wells on the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks and, as

GOVT. WILLHEED TT EXPERT’S ADVICE TO MEASURE LOCAL CONTENT BY VALUE NOT VOLUME- VP JAGDEO After noting the advice of Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is now a firm believer that Guyana should measure local content by value and not by volume.

The former Head of State made this disclosure during one of his recent online interviews.

During the said engagement, Dr. Jagdeo demonstrated his understanding of Paul’s sage words as he said that an oil company for example, can say it hired 20 Guyanese to provide food supplies but omit the truth about the value of the contractors going to those firms.

The official said, “…when you check the 20, they’re only supplying two baskets of bora or mangoes, and the bulk of it is coming from one big supplier from abroad. So, if you measure by volume, it would say 20 Guyanese versus one foreigner supplying food. But when you look by value, you’d see that they are earning a pittance.”

Mr. Paul, a local content expert who had served on Government’s local content advisory panel last year, had told this newspaper during several exclusive interviews that one must think of local content as something that can be measured. The Local

Content Expert had said, “…If we can measure it, then we know how well we are doing. People often describe local content as the number of people employed; the number of companies engaged. But remember, every activity has to be budgeted for. As such, I like to think of local content in a monetary sense. I ask, ‘what is the v a l u e of inputs for the activities being carried out in the sector?”

Based on Paul’s advice, Dr. Jagdeo said the Government will enforce the principle of measuring what oil companies are doing, and “not to leave it just at their word.”

MATTAI’S SUPERMARKET BOSS STABBED WHILE FIGHTING OFF BANDITS Prominent owner of N&S Mattai and Company, Harry Mattai, was on Saturday night stabbed to his lower back while trying to fend off two armed bandits who attempted to relieve him of his belongings at his Bel Air Park residence.

According to the Guyana Police Force’s (G.P.F) Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), Stan Gouveia, Mattai had pulled up to the driveway of his home around 22:11 hrs in the company of his wife and daughter.

When the prominent businessman exited the vehicle and proceeded to open his gate, two men approached him from the western direction on bicycles.

One of the men then pulled out a knife and told Mattai, “Hand over what you get.”

The owner of Mattai’s Supermarket on Water Street informed the bandit that he did not have anything on him.

In disbelief, the bandits tried to search the businessman but a scuffle quickly ensued.

One of the bandits then stabbed Mattai to his lower back, after which, they made (Continued on page 25)

Sunday April 25, 2021

From page 24 good their escape. Mattai was immediately rushed to a city hospital by a relative where he received treatment for his injury while a family member reported the matter to the police. Checks were made for the duo within the area but police ranks were unable to locate them.

According to Gouveia, the police are currently checking CCTV footage within the area to identify the suspects.

Kaieteur News understands that Mattai who is in a stable condition has been released from the hospital.

AFC WANTS AUDIT OF COVID-19 CASH GRANT Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Khemraj Ramjattan believes that the recent distribution of a $25,000 payout to households across the country as part of government’s relief efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is fraught with corruption.

As such, Ramjattan would like to see an audit be conducted into the cash payout and other spending by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration after it took office.

“I certainly would like to see evaluation audits done,” Ramjattan told members of the local media corps this past week, during a party Press engagement.

Ramjattan additionally pointed to the purchase of two tractors by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) that were bought at $72M each. Taking this into account, Ramjattan told media operatives that he has since directed that the matter be raised at the level of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly.

The party’s General Secretary, David Patterson, in his remarks reminded that he too would have called for a value money audit on the COVID-19 relief.

He was quick to point out also that “it’s not just a question of checking where the money is going; it’s a question of having an audit of the system used to distribute the money.”

Patterson qualified his position by pointing out that his party is in receipt of several complaints across the administrative regions, which point to different measures being used for varying communities.

Patterson cited as an example, reports that persons in some communities were able to collect the cash grant

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Kaieteur News

by simply pointing out where they live while others were made to provide supporting documents.

He reminded nonetheless that an audit would have to be undertaken in any event, since it would be done under the Auditor General’s annual audit of government’s financial revenue and expenditure.

Patterson indicated however that an assessment of the relief package must be subjected to not only a value for money audit but a managerial audit “that can be done now.”

He noted too that it was not just a matter of uncovering wrongdoings but an attempt to identify weaknesses in the system.

This he said is crucial since the government intends to bring a second round of COVID-19 relief funding.

According to the AFC General Secretary, “it’s important that we have an audit to see what and what was done.”

According to Patterson, such audits could unearth acts of discrimination that had occurred in order to remedy the situation moving forward.

TUESDAY GPLFAILED TO MAINTAIN TRANSMISSION LINES IN PAST FOUR YEARS …WILL INTENSIFY UPGRADES AHEAD OF POWER GENERATION BOOST - PRESIDENT ALI The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) have failed to maintain its transmission lines over the past four years, a situation that has to be remedied immediately, according to Head of State, President, Irfaan Ali. He was at the time addressing a simple ceremony at the Office of the President to swear in a fourth Commissioner on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul.

According to the President, “I had cause only two days ago to make a comment that GPL did not maintain any of its facilities for almost four consecutive years.”

The lines, he emphasised, “were not maintained, their system was not maintained” and “today we have to correct that.”

Empowered by the Public Utilities Commission Act, the President said that the PUC, among other things, is required to ensure that every public utility maintains its property and equipment, “in such condition that enables service that is adequate, efficient, non-discriminatory,

affordable and safe.”

On this note, he pointed to concerns at GPL, which were recently brought to his attention.

President Ali has since reiterated his government’s commitment to support the work of the PUC and expand and improve the quality of public services provided to citizens.

The work of the PUC, he said, is expected to intensify as Guyana enters a new phase of its development, “one which has already witnessed the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and plans are ahead for boosting power generation and water supply.”

The President used the occasion to express confidence that Dr. Gopaul’s stellar record of public service and wealth of experience will be an asset to the PUC. The PUC, he reminded, is tasked with regulatory, investigatory, enforcement and other functions conferred upon it by the PUC Act and other laws, including the Guyana Energy Agency Act, the Electricity Sector Reform Act and the Telecommunications Act. The President noted that determining the effectiveness of the PUC’s service can be achieved by examining the quality of services consumers receive, examining the work done to protect their interests and ensuring that they are receiving what they pay for.

Dr. Gopaul joins Chairperson, Dela Britton and three other Commissioners, Dr. Leyland Lucas, Verlyn Klass and Rajendra Bisessar.

EXXON FORGES AHEAD WITH FIBRE OPTIC CABLE IN STABROEK BLOCK ExxonMobil Guyana, the operator with majority stake in the Stabroek Block, is forging ahead with its drive to install its own fibre optic cable to support its Guyana offshore and onshore operations.

As such, the company is currently looking to identify companies that can provide small boat and fishing liaison services locally, to complement its offshore installation of a subsea fibre cable in the near shore environment.

The company had announced the initiative some years ago, with ExxonMobil’s local operating company, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), in 2019, commencing activities for support services that will help in acquiring a permit for the network.

Dubbed, the ‘Fibre Optic

Enablement Project,’ EEPGL said at the time, it was “seeking to identify suppliers who can provide environmental and regulatory support services, for the permitting of a subsea fibre optic network connecting offshore facilities in the Stabroek Block to cable stations onshore Georgetown.”

The proposed fibre cable is being networked to the nerve of ExxonMobil’s offshore oil production platform in the Stabroek Block—the Liza Destiny.

It will allow for the flow of real time information between ExxonMobil and other stakeholders, with regards to the operations on board the production platform.

A project summary published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes that the installation activities be concluded in the third quarter of this year.

According to the available summary, the fibre optic cable will establish a foundation for “high-speed, low latency connectivity of onshore and offshore facilities to Guyana’s foundation infrastructure, allowing implementation of digital technology to improve productivity, support remote operations, and support reliability” through process monitoring and inspection.

This publication understands that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is expected to benefit from the landed cable, to aid in its monitoring of ExxonMobil’s offshore operations.

The tax agency had said that it would have a CCTV system set up — following the installation of a fibre optic cable —in order to provide the authority with a 24/7 capability with regards to its monitoring activities onboard the Liza Destiny.

The agency has had to rely heavily on vessels which come to shore for whatever reason, to report on what’s happening offshore through various forms, utilising regulations in the Customs Act. The Liza Destiny, Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, was appointed a sufferance wharf and private warehouse, pursuant to the Customs Act issued under Section 2 and Part 4 of the Act. A sufferance wharf is a place, other than an approved place of loading and offloading by the Revenue Authority, where a senior customs officer may, by discretion and under certain conditions, allow the loading and offloading of goods.

As such, the Liza Destiny

vessel is subject to all customs regulations, which concern sufferance wharves.

It is that classification that gives GRA the authority to conduct its surveillance.

Following the installation of the connection to the Liza Phase One operation, Exxon intends to connect to the Liza Phase Two operation in 2022, when the project is slated to come on stream.

WEDNESDAY GUYOIL GM RESIGNS AMIDST FUEL SCANDAL …SAYS IT WAS HE WHO REPORTED MATTERS OF CONCERN TO THE BOARD …FINANCE MINISTER CALLS IN AUDITOR GENERAL TO PROBE ALLEGATIONS Less than a year after his appointment as General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), Trevor Bassoo has resigned from the job amidst accusations of corruption involving the illegal sale of fuel.

Chairman of the GUYOIL Board of Directors, Paul Cheong, when asked earlier Tuesday to confirm the

development at the stateowned oil company, told this publication that Bassoo did in fact tender his resignation, and denied public reports that the now former General Manager was sent off the job on forced leave. According to Cheong, the man did not provide a reason for the resignation.

Contacted for a comment on the matter, Bassoo confirmed that he did in fact tender his resignation to the Board of Directors on Monday.

This, he said, was after reporting “matters of concern” to the Board. While not wanting to elaborate on the brewing issue, without speaking to a lawyer first, Basso did indicate to Kaieteur News that what is being peddled in the public domain is in fact propaganda being advocated by persons within the oil company who are in fact involved in questionable actions.

He called the reports, a smokescreen to deflect from the issue at hand.

With regards the specific allegations being made in public that he collected a suspected $600M ‘kick-back’ (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 26

From page 25 from an ex-police rank for the purchase and sale of fuel, Basso said he does not know the man. According to Bassoo, the man was in contact with some of the other GUYOIL personnel.

According to the public reports, the former police rank, who is said to be operating a real estate agency, would purchase fuel for others using letters of credit.

Cheong, subsequently sought to clear the air in a public release, where he denied the reports that GUYOIL entered into any contract to supply Aaron Realty Inc. (ARI), the company that is run by the former police rank.

According to the public statement issued Tuesday evening by Cheong, “whilst ARI was one of a number of companies which GUYOIL had discussions on the possible supply of fuel, GUYOIL has not at any time entered into a contract with ARI.” The Chairman said that the Board of Directors has since met with Senior Minister within the Office of the President with the responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who has since been briefed on the matter.

It was noted that, “the Minister has requested that the Auditor General be called in to investigate the allegations.”

Additionally, GUYOIL said it has accepted Bassoo’s resignation and that in the interim, a sub-committee of the Board has been appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Company.

Bassoo was appointed to the position in October last year, replacing Renatha Exeter. His departure comes on the heels of recent abuses said to be practised by several oil importers with regards to the Permission for Immediate Delivery (PID) system. A Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) investigation had said that the import and clearing of fuel through the PID system was flawed, since oil importers were utilising the PID exemption letters to clear fuel without regard to whom it was destined for, i.e., whether the fuel was fully exempted, partially exempted, or subjected to tax.

GUYOIL was named among the oil importers to be found culpable but had denied the allegation that it abused the PID system. GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, had said in a letter to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, earlier this year, that a 2017 investigation discovered that Rubis, GUYOIL and SOL

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Guyana, were allegedly misusing the PID system by commingling exempted fuel with fuel not exempted or partially exempted so as to avoid paying taxes owed on the required basis.

DESPITE NO REGULATIONS, ADEQUATE MANPOWER… EPAASSURES SAFEGUARDS IN PLACE FORALLCHEMICAL STORAGE/TREATMENT FACILITIES WITHIN OIL SECTOR Guyana’s petroleum industry has led to an increasing demand for facilities which can properly store toxic chemicals and/or safely dispose of hazardous waste. In response, several businesses have applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their blessings to construct chemical storage and treatment facilities.

What has left some industry stakeholders dumbfounded however is the fact that the EPA has granted approvals for some businesses without demanding Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

This has led to concerns that the EPA may be taking a lax approach to the robust regulation required for the new industry.

Upon noting these perceptions, the EPA in its latest missive categorically stated that nothing could be further from the truth. The agency explained that all projects are assessed to determine their impact on the environment and human

health. The EPA said such assessments entail evaluation of the information submitted, site inspection to validate that information and collection of baseline data.

The agency also said it has a science-based screening tool developed with the assistance of an experienced consultant under a national project, which aids in ensuring its decisions are scientifically sound. The EPA assured that the screening process is in tandem with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05 while adding that the decision is based on requirements under the Act. In accordance with Section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, where it is not clear whether a project will significantly affect the environment, the agency noted that the developer is expected to submit a summary of the project with specific information prescribed by the Act. The regulator is then required to publish its decision on whether the project will not significantly affect the environment, and therefore exempt from the requirement for an environmental impact assessment (EIA); or may significantly affect the environment and will require an EIA which is a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed project and the mitigation measures to address potential adverse impacts.

In cases where an EIA is not required, the agency said it requests various types of environment and social safeguards. The industry

regulator said one such requirement is an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). It described this to be a tool used to ensure that undue or reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the construction, operation and decommissioning of a project are prevented, and that the positive benefits of the projects are enhanced.

Further to this, the EPA said that an EMP is recognised as a tool that can be used to provide assurance that developers make suitable provisions for counteracting negative impacts that may occur through project implementation and operation.

It said too that an EMP captures baselines data, compliance monitoring, impact monitoring, reporting and record keeping as well as an Emergency Response Plan. With this mind, the EPA categorically stated that all chemical Storage/treatment facilities are required to develop and submit an EMP which includes, a Waste Acceptance Criteria and a Waste Management Plan.

Some of the companies which have submitted applications to construct chemical storage facilities include John Fernandes Limited, Ramps Logistics, Oilfield Waste Management Services, Environmental Waste Management Services Guyana Inc., and Glass Holdings Inc. The most recent project awaiting approval relates to Global Oil Environment Services Guyana Inc., a joint venture partnership between JaParts Guyana and Global Oil Management Group. The

partners intend to build and operate a waste transfer, storage, treatment and disposal facility in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

It should be noted that while the EPA ensures that EMPs are submitted, Guyana still remains without the regulations that are needed to underscore its robust management of the sector.

Equally significant, are concerns that the agency is without the manpower to properly monitor other industries yet alone these new facilities that are coming on board for the oil sector.

(To be continued …)

‘TOP-HEAVY’ GUYSUCO MANAGEMENT DISCOURAGES WORKERS — GAWU PRESIDENT WARNS – CEO SINGH SAYS COMPANY UNDERGOING HUMAN RESOURCEAUDIT President of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, is warning the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) and its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh, that the practice of ‘top-heavy’ management will soon run the industry into trouble. Narine gave the stark public warning to Singh on Monday, while a guest on a GlobeSpan24X7 panel discussion with moderators Charles Sugrim and Dr. Asquith Rose.

Expanding on his position, the GAWU President pointed to what he claims to be the recent hiring of some 30 staffers at head

office at pay scales above their counterparts in the industry.Narine told the moderators while he has no difficulty with employees getting reasonable conditions, including pay, “one has to compare the equality of it.”

Narine noted that “if we continue to employ people at higher pay than those in the system and the established pay grades, we are going to run into trouble; that is my warning.”

Narine cautioned that GuySuCo needs to be careful and said, “Mr. Singh as CEO needs to take account of that and to address it; it cannot be allow to be perpetrated; it will create unfair conditions.”

Cognizant of the need to retain skilled personnel with competitive salaries, he noted that “if you are going to bring others in, then those in the system at that level, also have that value.”

In a direct appeal to Singh, the GAWU President exhorted that the industry has to manage its human resources better and “don’t be top-heavy” since this could demotivate the entire workforce. Notably, he claimed that the employment of additional staffers at increased wages was not done by the Board.

Narine, who has been pressing the corporation to return to the bargaining table with regard to stalled wages and salaries talks, conceded that every benefit to worker is a cost to the business and as such, GAWU has been putting forward proposals to increase revenue generation.

He posited that the industry has to pursue a more diversified portfolio by turning to more value-added products such as smaller sized packets of packaged sugar, as against the 120 pounds bags sold traditionally.

Contacted for a comment Tuesday, CEO Sasenarine Singh said that it is “unfortunate” that statements related to are being made, particularly because they “are lacking in facts”.

“Those who are making the reckless allegations that there have been a number of new people making the company ‘top-heavy’ have to provide evidence,” Singh said. He related that, at present, the company is conducting a human resource and skills audit at headquarters to see whether there is in fact top heaviness, as inherited from the operations as run under the previous political administration, and whether the corporation has “the right (Continued on page 27)

Sunday April 25, 2021

From page 26 skill sets and persons are placed in the right positions.”

THURSDAY NATURAL GAS ELECTRICITY PLANTS NOW LESS COMPETITIVE THAN RENEWABLES …POWER COMPANIES SADDLED WITH BILLIONS IN ASSETS THEY CAN’T SELLBLOOMBERG REPORT Guyana is actively pursuing a gas-to-shore project to set up a gas-fired power plant but the initiative is being promulgated at a time when the cost of renewables has dropped dramatically during the past decade, making gas-fired stations less competitive.

A recent Bloomberg report documents that Natural gas is quickly falling out of favour with emissionswary investors and utilities, at a quicker pace than coal did—catching some power generators unaware and potentially leaving them stuck with billions of dollars of assets they can’t sell.

Citigroup Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are among the banks that strengthened their financing restrictions on thermal coal under pressure from shareholders wanting to avoid the fuel, and the expectation is that gas is next.

Executives at some western European companies say they’re already struggling to sell gas-fired facilities.

“If you find out somebody who is ready to offer a good price for our gas plants in Spain, then we are ready to sell,” said Jose Ignacio Sanchez Galan, Chief

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Executive Officer at Iberdrola SA in Spain. “We are not finding people.”

A drop in the cost of renewables has resulted in gas-fired stations becoming less competitive.

Phasing out gas in power generation is just a first step.

Cutting back use of the fuel in heating, transport and industry would wreak more potential damage. Europe wants to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which is at odds with plans to build numerous infrastructure projects, like pipelines and terminals.

If these are built but no longer needed, there’s a potential 87 billion-euro ($104 billion) stranded-asset risk, according to calculations by Global Energy Monitor.

In Italy, there are plans to build 14 gigawatts of new gas capacity mostly to replace coal, according to Carbon Tracker Initiative Ltd. Europe’s biggest utility, Enel SpA, is a global renewables supermajor. Still, about 40 percent of the company’s 88 gigawatts of installed capacity are made up of coal, oil and gas, but the Italian company is planning to reduce coal generation by 74 percent in 2022. Although a gas phase-out is also coming down the track, it has plans to build more capacity.

“The important thing is that the direction is clear, it will not change,” Salvatore Bernabei, head of global power generation at Enel, said in an interview. “Everyone should understand that we cannot change the world in one day.’’

Quicker Than Coal Coal has been slow and difficult to phase out in countries where mining provides thousands of jobs.

Gas will be quicker because it doesn’t have the same tradition attached, and renewables are now a costeffective alternative, according to Carbon Tracker.

“Gas will be a repeat of coal but quicker,” said Catharina Hillenbrand von der Neyen, head of company research at the London-based firm. “When we look at power generation, you can see that going really, really quickly.”

This is already happening in Britain, where it’s unlikely any further large-scale gas plants will be built without technologies that cut emissions – such as carbon capture. SSE Plc, which trades on the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index, said it can’t see a future for new gas stations that don’t incorporate carbon capture or hydrogen.

Electricite de France SA will no longer operate any fossil fuel-fired power generation in Britain after it announced the sale of its last

gas-fired power station to private equity firm EIG Global Energy Partners LLC. Historically the involvement of private equity is to squeeze the asset to extract all remaining value.

(Read more here https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/04/22/natural-gaselectricity-plants-now-lesscompetitive-thanrenewables/) CHARLESTOWN MAN EXECUTED ON DRYSDALE STREET – REPORTEDLYBEGGED FOR LIFE BEFORE BEING RIDDLED WITH BULLETS An elderly woman was last night disturbed from her rest by the sound of gunshots. A short while later she found out that it was her grandson who was executed by gunmen on Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

The slain man has been

identified as Odingo Anthony Yearwood, 25, also known as “Dingo” of Charlestown.

Yearwood was gun downed sometime after 20:00hrs.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, his body, covered with a brown cloth, was still lying on the street in a pool of blood, a short distance from his home. Three spent shells were seen near the body and a trail of even more spent shells could be seen leading to the victim’s bicycle which was found in an alleyway close to his home.

His grandmother related that he had gone home earlier that evening but received a phone call shortly after and went out.

The woman said that he did not tell her where he was heading. He reportedly locked his door and the grandmother went to bed.

A while later his grandmother said she hear “pie, pie, pie, pie (sound of gunshots).” When she came

outside to investigate, the woman said that Yearwood “was lying on the road bleeding from gunshot injuries.”

Another family member who had seen Yearwood alive, said that she saw him riding home on his bicycle just minutes before he was gunned down.

An eyewitness related that Yearwood was attacked in an alleyway leading to his yard. That person recalled him having a heated conversation with an individual.

Kaieteur News understands that Yearwood’s last words before gunshots rang out were, “Ow budday a know yuh, don’t shoot meh.”

Yearwood in a bid to escape his killer, reportedly started to run but the gunman gave chase, firing more shots at him in the process.

Some of those bullets struck Yearwood causing him to eventually collapse on Drysdale Street.

Another individual, also claiming to be an eyewitness, has alleged that there was a second gunman who intercepted Yearwood as he ran. That gunman also fired some shots at Yearwood, the eyewitness said.

Police are investigating the matter.

FIXING LIZA DESTINY’S GAS COMPRESSOR WOES COULD LAST THREE MONTHS – IN THE MEANTIME, DAILY PRODUCTION RAMPED UP BY 80,000 BARRELS ExxonMobil Guyana disclosed Wednesday that it has finally removed the discharge silencer, a component of the gas compressor system for the Liza Destiny vessel that malfunctioned on April 13, last. That aspect of the (Continued on page 28)

PAGE 28

From page 27 equipment will undergo further assessment for damage, following which, a determination will be made regarding the necessary scope of repairs and/or modifications. ExxonMobil said it estimates that repairs or replacement will take approximately three months.

In the meantime, the American oil explorer and operator of the Stabroek Block, said that production will be “slowly ramped up” to 100,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). It can also go as high as 110,000 bpd the company noted. Further to this, Kaieteur News and other media entities were told that flaring levels have increased from three to four million cubic feet of gas to 15 million cubic feet of gas. In its statement which provided justification for the increase, ExxonMobil said, “These operating parameters were defined after careful consideration of safety, environmental, technical and economic factors as well as discussions with the relevant government agencies on the best path forward while repairs and upgrades are ongoing.”

While it is extremely disappointed by its poor performance to date, ExxonMobil Guyana said it is nonetheless “proud of the team offshore that continues to work safely and manage operations efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic…”

POOR TRACK RECORD Since December 2019, Kaieteur News would have diligently followed and reported on ExxonMobil’s continually malfunctioning gas compressor system. On December 20, 2020, it had announced that the gas compressor issue was fixed once and for all. But during that one-year period, it had already flared 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to the removal of 1.6M acres of forest. In simpler terms, this means that Exxon flared toxic Natural gas that could have been offset by a forest the size of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2020/12/22/exxons-flaringthis-year-equivalent-to-theremoval-of-1-6m-acres-offorest/).

But the issues with its gas compressor would soon return. On January 13, 2021, the gas compressor malfunctioned for a second time. The company did not reveal the cause at that time but said that it was fixed within a matter of hours, or so it thought. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/07/exxonmobil-hadflared-early-january-claims-it-

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lasted-less-than-hours/).

On January 29, 2021, the gas compressor broke down for a third time, forcing ExxonMobil this time around to send the faulty equipment to Germany for repairs and upgrades. A detailed assessment of the compressor subsequently revealed that an axial vibration of the compressor rotor is what led to mechanical disruptions.

The equipment was back in Guyana by the second week of March where it was installed on the Liza Destiny vessel.

Tests were subsequently being carried out in the early part of April. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/14/exxons-repairedcompressor-back-in-guyana/ ). But before that could be completed, the gas compressor which was supposedly repaired and upgraded, malfunctioned for the fourth time.

FRIDAY US$800M FOR GAS PIPE LINE ALONE IS MONEY FOR THE BOYS…PREVIOUS ESTIMATES PEGENTIRE PROJECT AT US$200M LESS - PATTERSON The price tag of US$800M for a Natural gas pipeline alone, as part of the much vaunted gas-to-shore power project, is simply another scheme by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C), or “money for the boys.”

At least, this is according to Shadow Minister with responsibility for the oil and gas sector, David Patterson, who on Wednesday addressed the matter, since the ruling administration has now “changed its narrative from the cost of the project and the burden to our country, to, we will save US$160M per year with this project.”

Patterson was keen to note that the current proposed pipeline costs of US$800M, is some US$200M more than the conservative estimates that had been secured from the operator of the Stabroek Block — ExxonMobil Guyana.

The shadow minister qualified his outlined positions by providing, ‘conservative’ figures for the project which were secured prior to the PPP/C administration taking office.

According to Patterson, Energy Narrative, an international energy consultancy firm had estimated the cost of a 12" diameter pipeline, with 1" thick metal walls, inclusive of installation, to be US$165M. He said US$43.5M had

been estimated for the onshore plant.

According to Patterson, a 12" diameter pipeline was selected, since it has the capacity to deliver approximately 140 million cubic feet of gas (MCFD) per day to shore.

The government minister under the coalition administration noted that the maximum listed volume was almost five times the committed volume of gas of 30 MCFD that is available from the Liza development.

He explained that it had been sized up to that capacity, “in the event that additional gas became economically available in the near future.”

ExxonMobil, he said submitted a preliminary estimate for a 12" diameter pipeline landing on the East Coast, with a total project cost “as of 2018 was between US$500M and US$600M, and even these sums were preliminary and conservative and were expected to reduce with further detailed designs.”

He detailed that modifications to the Liza Destiny—Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel— was estimated at some US$10M and that this was completed before the ship came into operation.

Additionally he noted that the requisite Risers, at a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) or Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) formats, would cost some US$10M. The pipeline under same arrangements would be had at some US$220M, together with the Owners Costs of US$46M giving a total of US$308M. This, he remarked “is significantly different from the US$800M now being claimed as the pipeline costs.”

He noted too that some of the significant other costs of the project include the power plants of maximum capacity, being188 megawatts (MW) using 10 x 18MW units.

According to Patterson, inclusive of civil works, this was estimated at US$275M. Patterson used the occasion to underscore too that “even this is overestimated since on average, it costs US$1M for 1MW of dual-fuel generation.”

He said too, the new substations, transmission lines, civil works and other required activities for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company was estimated to be around US$20M. Patterson observed nonetheless that with all the significant pieces being considered, the total project

cost was between US$500M to US$600M, some US$200M less that the price tag being touted for just the pipeline alone.

The former government Minister in providing the details prefaced his position by saying, “a project cost of US$800M is very high and should be challenged, if not, the country shall end up with another white elephant.”

He posited, “…these costs will be impossible to justify for the average citizen, but for the PPP/C, it will be a walk in the park” and highlighted as an example, the changed narrative from cost to savings.

Accordingly, Patterson observed that “this was the same reasoning they used when they (PPP/C) attempted to foist the Amalia Falls (Hydro Electric) project on the country” and exhorted, “don’t be fooled.”

He reminded that, “when the spiraling costs (for the Amalia Project) were challenged, the PPP/C resorted to, don’t mind the cost or the viability of the project, we will save US$200M per year.”

According to Patterson, the party supporters parroted this version without even seeking to verify its truthfulness.

EXXONMOBIL, OTHERS SLAPPED WITH FRESH LAWSUIT FOR “SYSTEMATICALLY AND INTENTIONALLY DECEIVING” NEW YORKERS Thursday, New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio and Corporation Counsel, James E. Johnson announced the filing of a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, Shell, British Petroleum (BP), and industry lobbyist, American Petroleum Institute, for violating New York City’s Consumer Protection Law with false advertising and deceptive

trade practices.

The lawsuit which was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, calls out the defendants for “systematically and intentionally deceiving New Yorkers.” Specifically, the complaint lays out a case showing that the defendants’ product promotions which are positioned to convince consumers that the purchase and use of their products is beneficial in addressing climate change, are false and misleading because they fail to disclose the disastrous impacts associated with the use of those same fossil fuel products.

The case also states that through their aggressive and multi-pronged green-washing campaigns directed at NYC consumers, the named defendants falsely presented themselves and the oil and gas industry as corporate leaders in the fight against global warming, recognising that they can sell more products if they are viewed as environmentally responsible corporate citizens.

The lawsuit seeks relief to stop the defendants from engaging the deceptive practices alleged in the complaint and to recover civil penalties for every violation of New York City’s Consumer Protection Law. The City is represented in this matter by the Law Department and Sher Edling, one of the nation’s premier law firms on the cutting-edge of environmental and consumer protection litigation.

“When oil companies advertise their core products with words like ‘greener’ and ‘cleaner’ while failing to disclose the actual impacts of those products, it impairs consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions,” said Lorelei Salas, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Salas added, “Many New

Yorkers want to make smart, green choices and these companies have deceived them into believing they were.

We cannot allow them to continue to profit from these deceptions.”

Dave A. Chokshi, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in providing a comment said that Shell, Exxon, and BP recognise that their corporate image matters to their bottom line, and so they are spending millions of dollars to “green” their brand, but not their business. As public officials responsible for the well-being of our residents, Chokshi said New Yorkers must take a stand to safeguard the health of current and future generations.

In 2019, the State of New York had sued ExxonMobil for allegedly deceiving its investors about the cost of climate change. While it did not win that case, it has not stopped the State from bringing fresh lawsuits to prove that the oil giant along with others have not been truthful about this global phenomenon.

SATURDAY OMAI CONTRACT STILL SHROUDED IN SECRECY AS COMPANY BOASTS OF FINDING MORE GOLD Despite it being approximately six months since Omai Gold Mines Limited (OMGL) would have returned to Guyana, the nation is still in the dark about the contract signed with the Government. The company had closed up shop in Guyana in 2005 after operating since 1992, leaving its Wenot Pit operations located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) dormant.

Upon departure, its holdings passed from the Canadian company, Cambior Resources, to its parent (Cntinued on page 29)

Sunday April 25, 2021

From page 28 company, IAMGOLD, and then made its way into the hands of Mahdia Gold Corporation.

Now, a new company named, Avalon Private Investment Holdings, whose Guyanese subsidiary is Avalon Gold Exploration has picked up where they left off to find more gold. In fact, it is already showing good prospects for itself since Omai has already announced that it has found high-grade gold on separate occasions since drilling began. On December 16, 2020, the company announced a massive discovery of highgrade gold in the Wenot pit originating from unassayed core from a 2012 drilling programme that was preserved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. It had said, “Visible gold was encountered in hole 12WED11. Highest assay values include 29.19 g/t Au (grams of gold per tonne) over one meter from 460 to 461 meters. Hole 12WED13 intersected 4.5 meters of 2.93 g/t Au from 54 to 58.5 meters to the south of the Wenot Pit in sedimentary rocks, where there has been no previous exploration.”

Fast forward, on Wednesday, Omai announced another high-grade gold find at two holes, “21ODD-001” and “21ODD-002” and also confirmed that there is highgrade mineralisation continuing below the pit, at least 100 metres down.

In light of the discovery, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mario Stifano, was quoted as saying, “We are pleased with our assay results from the first two holes we drilled at Omai, which complement(s)

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the assay results we announced in February.

These results demonstrate that the grades and thicknesses of gold mineralisation continue at least 100 to 150 meters below the historically producing Wenot Pit, and remain open to depth and on strike. We look forward to updating our stakeholders with further results from our 5,000-meter drill program in the coming months.”

However, as the company boasts about its prospects, a fundamental question remains unanswered. What benefits will Guyana reap?

Surely, that question cannot be answered given that the contract remains shrouded in secrecy, which brings attention to another issue.

Since Guyana is an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) member, under which it is encouraged to publicise all natural resources contracts and licences that provide the terms attached to the exploitation of oil, gas and minerals, it would be expected that such a requirement is willingly executed. However, since no contract has been seen to date, there is a clear violation of Guyana’s contractual obligations to the EITI. It must also be noted that since its operations kickstarted in 1992, OMGL’s operations led to severe environmental damage, which included a massive cyanide spill that saw over 400 million gallons of cyanide-laced material being emptied into the Omai River and into the Essequibo River, which is the country’s largest river. That spill was said to have left Guyana to face severe environmental, ecological, social, economic and political

repercussions.

The company also benefitted from lucrative tax, fuel and vehicular concessions amounting to millions of Guyanese dollars and even as it extracted around 3.7 million ounces of gold during its succession, Guyana only raked in a mere five percent in royalties.

Given all that has occurred over the years with the nation’s natural resources and the fact that this company has yet again returned with no transparency being provided…. two more important questions linger.

When will it end? When will Guyana finally see the Government being transparent and reap its fair share?

TWO QUEEN’S COLLEGE STUDENTS TOP CSEC, CAPE The Ministry of Education Friday announced that two Queen’s College students have topped the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations.

The holder of the top spot for the CSEC examination is Bhedesh Persaud, who secured 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Speaking with Kaieteur News Friday, Persaud said he is extremely elated and grateful for his results while adding that the challenges of the COVID19 did not affect his focus.

“When the pandemic hit Guyana, my teachers transitioned rapidly online to cover the remainder of the syllabus and to do revision. It was not difficult for me to make that transition, because, for

almost all of my subjects, most of the syllabus was covered before the pandemic hit,” Persaud noted.

As for Zane Ramotar, who secured the top spot for the CAPE examination, he told Kaieteur News that he is “extremely ecstatic” about his performance. He said, “I really wanted to top an exam since forever,” adding that he would have “fallen short” at the National Grade Six Assessment where he placed 6th in the country.

He also stated that he did not push as hard as he wanted for CSEC, so he felt as though CAPE was his last chance.

Another Q u e e n ’s College student, Christian Pile, secured third place for the CAPE examination. As he spoke with this newspaper he said, “I definitely feel proud of everything I would have

been able to accomplish thus far in my academic career. I worked extremely hard over the past two years in both lower and upper sixth form at QC so I’m happy that all my effort and energies paid off in the end.” He further stated that he wouldn’t have had any of these accomplishments without God’s guidance and the support of his parents, teachers and friends.

Naomi Cambridge, the second-place student of the St. Rose’s Secondary School, stated that she was quite overwhelmed upon hearing the news but she is still grateful. She also spoke about the challenges the COVID-19 brought, saying, “With COVID, CAPE 2020 was a challenging and tumultuous period…” She is nonetheless happy to have made it through with great success.

The other top students for CSEC are as follows: 2. Duvina Seurattan –

Anna Regina Secondary School – 19 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 3. Swasti Saytoo – Anna Regina Secondary School – 18 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos 4. Geveshwar Rajkishore – Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 18 Grade Ones, one Grade Two 5. Reyan Khemraj – JC Chandisingh Secondary School – 17 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos 6. Shivnarine Chaitraim – Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 17 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 7. Shivshankar Chaitram – Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 17 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 8. Atishta Seenarine – Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 17 Grade ones, one Grade Two 9. Chaitra Singh – Saraswati Vidya Nikitan – 16 Grade ones, three Grade Twos 10. Tabitha Alves – Abrams’ Zuil Secondary School – 16 Grade Ones, four Grade Twos

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Coronavirus: Getting COVID-19 vs.

Being vaccinated. Choose wisely!

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

F

riday we had the highest recorded number of COVID19 infections in a single day in Guyana. This month is now officially the deadliest COVID-19 related month on record in Guyana. We’ve never had so many COVID19 patients hospitalised at once.

The world is going through the worse phase of the pandemic since it began.

It’s more than a year now since this pandemic started and we know enough now that we should not be in this situation. There is sufficient evidence of preventative measures that work and we are now armed with vaccines that can slow the spread and weaken the virus. Somehow, instead of choosing to become immune to the virus, we

have become immune to the risks it poses and sad tales of the suffering that it has brought on those who have been affected. Today, I wish to present to you the facts about vaccines vs. COVID-19 so that you can hopefully, help to be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem itself.

Deaths with vaccines vs. deaths with COVID-19 There have been a few reported deaths in some countries with specific COVID-19 vaccines that have contributed to vaccine hesitancy, primarily because social media has blown the situation out of proportion. In Guyana, more than 100,000 persons have been vaccinated and we have not had a single reported death from the vaccines. On the other hand, we’ve had 277 deaths from COVID-19 from over 12,000 recorded infections.

If we look at the numbers here, at this stage, you have

no risk of dying from being vaccinated while your risk of dying increases by two-fold if you are infected with COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vs. vaccination symptoms The symptoms of COVID19 can vary from mild to severe and your chances of being hospitalised if infected, hovers between 5 – 10 percent depending on where you are in the world. However, hospitalisation and death rates continue to climb with the new variants that are in circulation and your chances are higher now than they were last year.

Majority of patients vaccinated, have little or no symptoms from the vaccine and we have not had a recorded hospitalisation from vaccine related symptoms in Guyana. If you look at the evidence thus far, you can get vaccinated, be protected from COVID-19 and most likely, avoid hospitalisation. On the

other hand, if you’re not vaccinated and you get COVID19, your chances of having serious symptoms and becoming hospitalised increases by 5 to 10-fold or even more.

Life with Vaccines vs. life without If about 80 percent of our population is vaccinated, it means all of us benefits. We can get back to moving around with some amount of freedom as there would be a sufficient number of persons with a defence against the virus thus the risk of it spreading decreases.

Those that choose to not be vaccinated are putting themselves, their families and everyone else at risk because they are potential targets that can enable the virus to spread and mutate to forms that may be dangerous to everyone else. In addition, a vaccinated person dying from COVID-19 is close to zero while an unvaccinated person has a two

times higher risk of dying from COVID-19. The reality is, those who choose to not get vaccinated are the “wrench in the works” that determines how long we are stuck with this virus and how much deadlier it becomes.

Social media vs. Vaccines There was a time when the advice of doctors and medical experts carried weight and then came social media.

Now, patients refuse tried and tested treatments because of often false narratives they saw on social media.

A similar situation is occurring with vaccines which have been tried and tested for decades and have helped us to eradicate or control many diseases. Now “anti-vaxxers” are using social media to peddle untruths or magnify untoward effects of vaccines which have confused many to the point where they avoid vaccines. Most of us when we were little, took up to 10 vaccines that have protected

Dr. Zulfikar Bux us from so many diseases. It was a time when we were too little to understand social media. Now that we are “educated,” vaccines have become “dangerous” to the point where we ignore the real danger which is the disease itself.

I have given you some real evidence on COVID-19 and vaccines. Analyse the data and be the judge for yourself. Your choice on whether you should be vaccinated against COVID-19 should not be determined from some “random” social media post.

Rather, it should be made after consulting with an expert and from analysing the facts.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

What to know about eczema Eczema is a condition wherein patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types can also cause blisters.

Different types and stages of eczema affect 31.6 million people in the United States, which is over 10% of the population.

Many people use the word eczema when referring to atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type. The term atopic refers to a collection of conditions that involve the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever. The word dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin.

Certain foods, such as nuts and dairy, can trigger symptoms. Environmental triggers include smoke, pollen, soaps, and fragrances.

Eczema is not contagious.

Some people outgrow the condition, whereas others will continue to have it throughout adulthood.

This article will explain what eczema is and discuss its symptoms, treatments, causes, and types.

Symptoms ShApplying moisturizer may prevent eczema flares and ease symptoms.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary depending on the age of the person who has it.

Atopic dermatitis is common in infants, with dry and scaly patches appearing on the skin.

These patches are often intensely itchy.

Continuous rubbing and scratching can lead to skin infections. Learn how to identify infected eczema here.

In most cases, however, eczema is mild. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include: · dry, scaly skin · skin flushing · itching · open, crusted, or weeping sores Some of the symptoms of eczema are different in people with darker skin. Learn more here.

People with severe eczema will need more

intensive treatment to relieve their symptoms.

Most people with the condition develop it before the age of 5 years. However, an estimated 60% of children will no longer show symptoms by adolescence.

People with the condition will often experience periods of time when their symptoms worsen, followed by periods of time when their symptoms will improve or clear up.

The symptoms in children and adults may be different.

The following sections will outline some of these differences in more detail.

Symptoms in infants The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in infants under the age of 2: · rashes on the scalp and cheeks · rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid · rashes that can cause extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping Symptoms in children The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in children age 2 and above: · rashes that appear behind the creases of elbows or knees · rashes that appear on the neck, wrists, ankles, and the crease between the buttocks and legs · bumpy rashes · rashes that can become lighter or darker · skin thickening, also known as lichenification, which can then develop into a permanent itch Symptoms in adults The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in adults: · rashes that are more scaly than those occurring in children · rashes that commonly appear in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck · rashes that cover much of the body · very dry skin on the affected areas · rashes that are permanently itchy

· skin infections Adults who developed atopic dermatitis as a child but no longer experience the condition may still have dry or easily irritated skin, hand eczema, and eye problems.

The appearance of skin affected by atopic dermatitis will depend on how much a person scratches and whether or not the skin is infected. Scratching and rubbing can further irritate the skin, increase inflammation, and make the itching worse.

Treatments There is currently no cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flares of symptoms.

Doctors will suggest a treatment plan based on an individual’s age, symptoms, and current state of health.

For some people, eczema goes away over time. For others, however, it is a lifelong condition.

The sections below will list some treatment options.

Home care There are several things that people with eczema can do to support skin health and alleviate symptoms.

For example, they can try: · taking lukewarm baths · applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock in” moisture · moisturizing every day · wearing cotton and soft fabrics · avoiding rough, scratchy fibers and tight fitting clothing · using a humidifier in dry or cold weather · using a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing · taking extra precautions to prevent eczema flares in winter · air drying or gently patting the skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing or taking a shower · where possible, avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities that cause sweating · learning and

avoiding individual eczema triggers · keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin People can also try various natural remedies for eczema, including aloe vera, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.

Medications Doctors can prescribe several medications to treat the symptoms of eczema, including: · T o p i c a l corticosteroid creams and ointments: These are antiinflammatory medications and should relieve the main symptoms of eczema, such as inflammation and itchiness.

People can apply them directly to the skin. A range of topical corticosteroid creams and ointments are available online. Some people may benefit from prescription-strength medications, however. · S y s t e m i c corticosteroids: If topical treatments are not effective, a doctor may prescribe systemic corticosteroids.

These are available as injections or oral tablets.

People should only use them for short periods of time.

Also, it is important to note that the symptoms may worsen upon stopping these drugs if the person is not already taking another medication for the condition. · Antibiotics: Doctors prescribe antibiotics if eczema occurs alongside a bacterial skin infection. · Antiviral and a n t i f u n g a l medications: These can treat fungal and viral infections. · Antihistamines: These can reduce the risk of nighttime scratching, as they tend to cause drowsiness. · Topical calcineurin inhibitors: This drug suppresses the activities of the immune system. It decreases inflammation and helps prevent flares. · Barrier repair

moisturizers: These reduce water loss and work to repair the skin. · Phototherapy: This involves exposure to UVA or UVB waves. This method can treat moderate dermatitis. A doctor will monitor the skin closely throughout the treatment.

Even though the condition itself is not currently curable, each person should have a tailored treatment plan.

Also, even after an area of skin has healed, it is important to keep looking after it, as it may easily become irritated again.

Causes The specific cause of eczema remains unknown, but many health professionals believe that it develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has it or another atopic condition.

If both parents have an atopic condition, the risk is even higher.

Some environmental factors can bring out the symptoms of eczema. These factors include: · Irritants: These include soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables. · Allergens: Dust mites, pets, pollens, and mold can all lead to eczema. This is known as allergic eczema. · Microbes: These include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi. · Hot and cold temperatures: Very hot and very cold weather, high and low humidity, and perspiration from exercise can bring out eczema. · Foods: Dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat can cause eczema flares. · Stress: This is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can make the symptoms worse.

· Hormones: Females may experience increased eczema symptoms when their hormone levels are changing, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

Knowledge is power. Get our free daily newsletter.

Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most.

Subscribe to our facts-first newsletter today.

Types There are several types of eczema. Besides atopic dermatitis, other types include: · Allergic contact dermatitis: This is a skin reaction that occurs following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign. · Dyshidrotic eczema: This refers to irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is characterized by blisters. · Neurodermatitis: This leads to scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It occurs due to a localized itch, such as from an insect bite. · D i s c o i d eczema: Also known as nummular eczema, this type presents as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy. · S t a s i s dermatitis: This refers to skin irritation of the lower leg. It is usually related to circulatory problems.

Summary Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition.

The most common type is called atopic dermatitis.

Eczema is most common in children, but the majority grow out of it by the time they reach adolescence.

Although there is currently no cure, people can treat and prevent eczema flares using home remedies, moisturizers, medications, and lifestyle changes. (https:/ / www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/14417#summary)

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Wine selection of the week: THE HISTORY OF EYELASH The Verdi & Sparkletini family Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

EXTENSIONS

By Latoya Zephyr Much of modern fashion and style has a long and interesting history. Makeup, hair care, and beauty enhancements go back centuries and have been a part of human society far longer than most people think. The history of eyelash extensions is especially interesting, and dates back further than most assume.

History of Eyelash Extensions: The 1800s The idea of lengthening one’s eyelashes as a way of enhancing looks is not a new one. While not yet having developed a technique to do so at the time, many books and publications on fashion in the late 1800s advised on how to lengthen your eyelashes. Methods advised at the time included cutting the ends off of your eyelashes to encourage longer growth.

Other treatment methods said to enhance growth included the use of pomade and washing the eyelashes with a mixture of walnut leaves and water. In 1882 it was reported in the press that residents of Paris had started sewing hair into their eyelids to create fake eyelashes. This painful precursor to modern eyelash extensions was also reported in 1899 in the Scottish press.

History of Eyelash Extensions: The 20th Century In 1902 famous hair stylish and inventor Karl Nessler patented a method in the United Kingdom to weave artificial eyelashes and eyebrows and by 1903 was selling artificial eyelashes in his salon in London. In the United States the patent for false eyelashes was per-

The Lovely Latoya Zephyr formed by Canadian Anna Taylor in 1911. However, like many things it would be popular cultures that lead to more widespread use of false eyelash extensions. In 1916 director D.W. Griffith was working on his movie Intolerance and wanted actress Seena Owen to have long eyelashes and to have her eyes to stand out. He made use of false eyelashes that were human hair woven through a fine gauze material.

As techniques improved false eyelashes became very popular with the general public in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. The original fringe base false eyelash gave way to more advanced designs such as flares or cluster lashes which were used to thicken

specific areas of the eyelash.

The style in the 1960s was a brash and bold one with a touch of overdone to the overall style at the time.

History of Eyelash Extensions: The 21st Century By the 21st century more advanced eyelash extension methods came into use. Unlike the artificial eyelashes of the past modern eyelash extensions are far more precise.

Said to have been developed in either Japan or Korea in the early 2000s (based off of older techniques) these methods achieved widespread use by 2004. Becoming favored by celebrities and famous movies stars eyelash extensions have only increased in popularity. Modern eyelash extensions are composed of single hairs attached to your existing eyelashes with a medical grade adhesive. These eyelash extensions come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials. Materials include human hair, synthetic silk, polyester, and Siberian mink fur. Modern lashes are lightweight, comfortable, and far superior to the older methods you’ve seen in the past.

As you can see eyelash extensions have an interesting history. It is one of ever improving techniques. From the earlier methods using very primitive design, to the more effective but still somewhat fake looking lashes of the 1960s, to the lightweight and stylish eyelashes of the 21st century.

It is a very important part of the fashion industry and one that continues to evolve and grow in popularity.

To be continued …

Verdi and Sparkletini are a perfect crowd pleaser for every occasion. Its light, soft and fruity taste appeals to all… and its resealable cork closure preserves the sparkle until you’re ready for the next glass. Below, we introduce you to the members in the Verdi and Sparkletini collection.

WATERMELON SPARKLETINI This is the newest member of the Sparkletini by Verdi family.

Watermelon Sparkletini delivers true-to-fruit watermelon flavor, with a refreshing, subtly sweet kick.

STRAWBERRY SPARKLETINI This exciting flavor deliv-

ers a fruity and refreshing twist to the popular line of sparkling beverages. With just the right amount of Strawberry flavor, Strawberry Sparkletini is a very versatile Spumante that is an excellent addition to many other cocktail ingredients, including vodka (either plain or flavored).

RASPBERRY SPARKLETINI This is actually the #1 imported flavored sparkling wine in the US! A delightfully sparkling Spumante with a light, refreshing Raspberry taste that’s perfect whenever you feel like enjoying a fun, sophisticated drink. Serve chilled to enjoy its balanced,

clean taste GREENAPPLE SPARKLETINI This is a delightfully sparkling Spumante with a light, refreshing Green Apple taste that’s perfect whenever you feel like enjoying a fun, sophisticated drink. Serve chilled to enjoy its balanced, clean taste VERDI SPUMANTE Anything can happen with Verdi.

Verdi Spumante is a natural, sparkling beverage imported from Italy. Deliciously sparkling and zesty, it has a soft and fruity flavor. Serve chilled to fully enjoy its balanced, clean, delightful taste.

Remember to enjoy these selections responsibly!

Enetworks to showvase Oscars tonight on TNT The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will honor the best films of 2020 and early 2021. The event will be broadcast on TNT by

Enetworks. It is scheduled to take place tonight at 8PM in Los Angeles at both the Dolby Theatre and Union Station, two months later than originally planned, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema. The nominations were announced on March 15, 2021. Be sure to enjoy with family and friends.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

The animal shelter

Sunday April 25, 2021

Junior page

Easy Pot of Gold Craft

Leprechaun Pot of Gold Craft Materials · Paper plate ·Yellow card stock · Mix of medium/large yellow buttons · Black craft paint · Felt clover stickers · Paint brush · Scissors · Hot glue/hot glue gun or craft glue

This is the animal shelter. There are lots of pets to adopt here. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, budgies and fish.

This is the Good family. They want to adopt a pet. Which one will they choose?

‘How about a dog? Dogs are great pets. They can go for walks. They can play games in the park. They can fetch and carry things.’

‘Dogs are terrible pets. They can jump on your bed and bark all night.’

‘How about a rabbit? Rabbits are fun pets.

They can jump and hop. They can skip and run. They can stand on two legs and wiggle

their ears!’

‘Rabbits are terrible pets. They can go into the garden and eat your vegetables.’

‘How about a snake? Snakes are cool pets. They can climb and slide. They can be very small or very tall. They can also scare your friends!’

‘Snakes are terrible pets. They can bite you and swallow you whole!’ ‘Help! Help!

Stop that cat!’‘How about a cat? Cats are perfect pets. They can walk and run. They can jump and climb. They can play games and scare mice.‘Cats are the best pets. Now, what name will we choose?’

How to Make Pot of Gold Craft 1. Cut off the top 43 of a paper plate, making a straight line across the plate.

2.Cut a small triangle out of each sides of the paper plate about 1.53 from the top and round the edges leaving a rim on your pot.

3.Paint the paper plate potblack and let dry.

4.Then cut a cloud like shape with a flat bottom from the yellow card stock. I should be about the width of the paper plate.

5.Glue the flat edge to the back of the paper plate.

6.Glue yellow buttons all over the yellow cloud shape.

7.Stick a clover sticker onto the front of the black pot to complete your leprechaun pot of gold craft!

Sugaru The heavy lines indicate areas, called cages, from one to five squares in size.

Fill each cage with unique digits, counting up from 1. So for example a 2-square cage contains the numbers 1 and 2; and a 5-square cage contains the numbers from 1 to 5. Adjacent (touching) squares, even ones that touch diagonally, may never contain the same number.

RY

OET

FUN

P ITH

W

by Uncle Roy

Help others and you help yourself I know I feel nice when someone gives me something, And when others help me in some way; I know it feels good when people smile at me, And tell me words that make me feel gay.

This means that I should also try To do the same for others what I can, I should not only seek to get for myself, But do my best to help everyone.

First I must obey my parents at home, And try to keep brothers and sisters happy, Next do what I can from my friends, And then seek ways to help anybody.

The great thing is that when I try To help others and make them feel the best, I find that I myself gain so much That it makes me feel the greatest.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 25, 2021

Prepare for the Future by adopting Right Principles

TEEN TIME

N

ow that you have identified the personal qualities with which you are gifted, you need to determine how you must make use of these to succeed as you move forward to achieve your life goals.

The time comes when every young person has to leave school and go out into the wider world to start life as an adult citizen and worker.

As you would obviously be hoping that you will begin in the right way, you must realise that you will need to think about this before moving forward.

There are many people who feel that they can achieve success and happiness by means which are not honest and fair to others, even to the point of making them suffer.

The unfortunate thing is that these people may appear for some time to be

prospering in life, so much so that others are tempted to follow their example and likewise forget the principles they have been

taught, and resort to their type of behaviour.

But if you have the opportunity to check on these same people later, you will always find that they have reaped the same kind of reward that they have sown.

Treat people in a bad way, and it will come back to you when you least expect.

Bridges

Neglect your duty to others in the various situations in which you live, be dishonest in your dealings with others, and you will eventually

suffer the consequences, perhaps at the time when you can least afford it.

It is a fact that one of the laws of nature is that what goes around comes around, and this is just as true of our actions as the earth moving around the sun. Whatever you do in this world will work to

determine your future progress and happiness.

Sometimes we feel that doing good will not be observed, but you can never tell. Just knowing that you have done a right thing can be reward enough, and moreover the reward will surely come.

Whenever you are faced with a challenging situation remember that the way you react will determine what you will reap.

This must surely prompt you to ask yourself what is the right thing to do, and make a real effort to identify the principles which will guide your life, and always try to act according to these in whatever you do.

Then you can rest assured that all will turn out right in the end. Look out next week when we start discussing the principles that you will need to guide your future life.

Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number. You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses.

PAGE 41

POETS’ CORNER

How wonderful am I!

by Uncle Roy, from his book “Shape up your Personality” Sometimes I sit and think in awe On the wonder of my being, Of the countless gifts I am endowed with, That make my life such a blessing.

My physical self is so well equipped, With organs that can accomplish every function, I only need to choose to act, And my body responds with precision.

My mental faculties are even more awesome, Enabling me to reason and think, I can use my imagination to envision and create, And my memory to recall any previous link.

Still these don’t compare with my wondrous spirit, That engenders various feelings and emotions, Granting me the power to hope, desire and love, In true likeness of the God of creation.

Moreover my birthright has bought for me A special place among all creatures; My features, genetics and special qualities Make me unique in the whole of nature.

This must certainly make it clear to me That I was born for a special mission, A purpose meant for only me to fulfil, Which I need pursue with determination.

Why then should I display any dissatisfaction, When I have such richness in my power?

Not only must I celebrate these gifts divine, But I am bound to use them in the service of others.

Each of us human beings determines our own future by the manner in which we make use of our special qualities.

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contribution to this column by either giving a feedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community. Please send your contribution toroypaul2002@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s

Inkies

Kakuro

PAGE 42

How to Make Sugar Wax Ingredients • 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar • 1/8 cup (30 ml) lemon juice (preferably bottled) • 1/8 cup (30 ml) warm water Part 1 Making the Wax Place a medium-sized pot on the stove. Even though this recipe makes a fairly small batch of sugar wax (approximately enough for 2 legs), use a medium or large pot to make it. The mixture starts to bubble when you heat it, and it can overflow if you use a small pot.

• 2 Add the white sugar, lemon juice, and warm water to the pot.

Measure out the granulated white sugar and dump it into the pot.

Then add the lemon juice and warm water. Stir to combine them.[2] Use white or brown granulated sugar. Powdered sugar won’t work at all.

3 .Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Turn your burner on high and let the mixture heat up until it starts to boil.

Stir frequently. Keep an eye on the mixture, since it will start to bubble as it heats up.[3] • Take care not to burn the mixture. If you do, it will completely solidify once it cools down, making it unusable.

4 .Reduce the heat to medium. Once the mixture starts bubbling and boiling, turn the heat down to medium. Continue to stir frequently. The sugar should be completely dissolved in the liquid at this point.[4] • If the mixture continues to bubble rapidly at medium heat, turn it down to low.

5. Remove the pot from heat when the mixture turns golden brown. Keep stirring the mixture as it simmers. Once it reaches a smooth consistency and becomes a deep golden color, turn off the heat and move the pot to another burner. The consistency should be similar to hot syrup. If it’s thick like honey, heat it a little longer.

6.Pour the mixture into a bowl or jar and let it cool for 30 minutes. Unlike traditional hot wax, sugar wax should not be used hot. Pour it in a bowl or jar and give it about 30 minutes to cool down. If it still feels hot or warm enough to be uncomfortable, let it cool for several more minutes before proceeding.

Part 2 Applying Sugar Wax 1.Scoop up a small amount of wax with your fingers. The wax should still be warm but cool enough to touch, so you can use your fingers for the entire process. Scoop up a small amount and roll the wax into a ball with your hands.[6] • You can use a butter knife or a wooden popsicle stick instead of your hands, if you prefer.

2.Apply the wax to a small strip of skin. You can apply it with your fingers or a popsicle stick. Be sure to apply the wax in the opposite direction of hair growth. Spread it evenly until it’s about 1/4 in (0.6 cm) thick. Work in small sections that are only a few inches in length and width.[7] • Yields enough wax for both legs (approximately) 3.Take a deep breath and pull! Get a firm grip on the wax with your fingers and pull it off in the opposite direction of your hair growth. Make it quick, just like you are pulling off a bandage. It may hurt a little bit![8] • You can also use your fingers to roll or pull it off, but this prolongs the pain. It’s better to make it quick.

• If desired, apply paper strips on top of the wax, smooth them out, and pull those off instead of the mixture itself.

4.Continue to apply the wax in small sections until you’re done. You can reuse the same piece of wax 3 to 4 times, if you like. Or you can use a fresh amount of wax for each section of skin.[9] 5.Pour any leftover wax in an airtight container and refrigerate it. If you have leftover wax, pour it into an airtight container, like a sturdy plastic Tupperware container. Pop it in the fridge and use it within 4 to 5 weeks. Reheat it before you use it. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sugar-Wax

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 25, 2021

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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The Court Journal

By Renay Sambach

Sunday April 25, 2021

Elections Fraud Cases

…Lowenfield, Mingo and others

A

s the elections fraud cases continue in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, today we will take a look at how the matters commenced and what caused several officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be charged for their misconduct during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The persons criminally charged are: the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield; the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of GECOM, Roxanne Myers; Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont M i n g o ; G E C O M Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan; GECOM Clerks: Michelle Miller, Sheffern February and Denise Bob Cummings; Chairperson for the People’s National Congress (PNC), Volda Lawrence, and A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Smith-Joseph.

HOW IT BEGAN During the five months elections saga, GECOM officials were arrested and subsequently slapped with private criminal charges in relation to their misconduct.

The private criminal c h a rg e s w e r e b r o u g h t against them by PPP/C member, Desmond Morian; The New Movement Party (TNM) executive, Dr. Daniel Josh Kanhai, and PPP/C attorney, Charles Ramson, now Minister of Culture, Yo u t h a n d S p o r t .

Lowenfield, Mingo and Lawrence were the first persons to be slapped with private criminal charges.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h r e e private criminal charges were filed against the Chairperson of GECOM, retired Justice Claudette Singh, alleging misconduct in public office.

However, five days after those charges were brought against the GECOM Chair, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, dismissed those charges.

This then triggered Lowenfield’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes, to write a letter to the DPP asking her to review the private criminal charges against his client, take over the prosecution and possibly dismiss the cases.

Following the withdrawal of those charges against Lowenfield, the

PNC’s Chairperson, Volda Lawrence.

GECOM’s CEO, Keith Lowenfield.

Region Four’s RO, Clairmont Mingo. private criminal charges against Mingo and Lawrence were also withdrawn.

This was done after the DPP sent a letter to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, stating, “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, I hereby discontinue the charge in the above matter [for Lowenfield, Mingo and

withdrawn against the GECOM officials and Lawrence, during August 2020, the DPP had announced that she had decided to take over the matter and those criminal charges that were instituted against Lowenfield, Mingo and others in relation to the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections and the events that followed.

CRIMINAL CHARGES GECOM’s DCEO, Roxanne Myers.

Lawrence].”

According to Article 187:1, “The Director of Public Prosecutions shall have power in any case in which he or she considers it desirable to do so – (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court, other than a court martial, in respect of any offence against the law of Guyana; (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other person or authority; and (c) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered on any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority.”With the private criminal charges being

Lowenfield was slapped with three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery.

Myers was slapped with two counts of misconduct in public office.

Mingo and Lawrence are facing a joint charge, which alleges that on March 5, 2020, in Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document, that is to say, a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four for the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, knowing said report to be forged.

Mingo also faced another joint charge with JosephSmith. That charge alleges that on March 13, 2020, they uttered a forged document purporting to be a true report

of all votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections while knowing that the report was forged.Additionally, SmithJoseph faced two individual charges, which stated that on March 13, 2020, at High and Hadfield Streets, she conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent count of votes for District Four for both the general and regional elections.Mingo also faces four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office by failing to disclose the number of votes that were counted during the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

All of the defendants were placed on bail for each offence that they face.

SUMMARILY AND INDICTABLY Having a matter being tried summarily means that the matter can be tried in the Magistrate’s Court as opposed to going to the High Court if it is tried indictably.

An indictable matter commences at the Magistracy level, however the defendant in that matter is not required to either plead guilty or not guilty.

A preliminary inquiry (PI) or paper committal will be conducted at the Magistracy level for an indictable matter before it is either discharged or sent to the High Court for trial.

Most persons often mistake the matter being discharged for one that is being dismissed.

A serious offence, being discharged against someone is not an acquittal. It should be noted that with a matter being discharged, charges can be brought again, against someone for the same alleged offence.

DISAGREEMENTS /ISSUES

On October 28, 2020, the special prosecutor team presented a fiat to the court that they received from the DPP giving them the legal permission to prosecute the elections fraud cases.

Member of Parliament (MP) and attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin, was initially on the fiat.

Objections were made by Hughes to Datadin being a part of the special prosecution’s team, since he

Hanoman, Ganesh Hira, George Thomas, Mark Conway, Danielle Anthony and Donavon Rangiah.

SUBMISSIONS On February 11, 2021, Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts upheld a no-case submission that was made by Myers’ lawyer, Nigel Hughes, to have his client’s matters remain indictable in order for a preliminary inquiry to be

APNU+AFC activist, Carol Smith-Joseph.

is a MP for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and by giving him the responsibility to prosecute a matter that is highly political in nature, would result in his clients not having a fair trial.

However, during November 2020, Datadin wrote a letter to the DPP withdrawing himself from the special prosecution’s team, saying that he does not want to be the source of delays in the matters.

According to reports, other issues were also discovered on the fiat causing it to be sent back to the DPP to be corrected.

The fiat has since been corrected and the matters are currently ongoing.

The special prosecuting team of attorneys are: Glenn

conducted in the Magistrate’s Court rather than a trial being conducted.

That matter is being prosecuted by special prosecutor, attorney-at-law Ganesh Hira. On a previous hearing of the matter, Hira had made a submission to the court for Myers’ matters to be heard summarily.

This means that the matter can be disposed of in the Magistrates’ Court.

However, after Senior Magistrate Daly upheld the defence’s submission, the prosecution notified the court that it will be appealing the ruling in the High Court.

On April 12, 2021, Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, had ruled that the Mingo, Lawrence and Smith-Joseph matter be disposed of summarily.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 25, 2021

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Putin: ‘Unfriendly’ embassies may face Russian hiring bans MOSCOW - (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely.

The measure, announced by the Kremlin on Friday, comes amid a flurry of expulsions of Russian diplomats from the United States and European countries and Moscow’s retaliatory expulsions.

The decree directs the government to draw up a list of countries determined to be unfriendly. It would affect not only those countries’ embassies, but consular offices and offices of state institutions.

The United States last week expelled 10 Russian dip-

lomats in connection with interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election and for involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies.

The Czech Republic last week expelled 18 Russian envoys they labeled as spies, prompting Russia to send 20 Czech diplomats home. That devastated Czech Embassy operations in Moscow, prompting Czech authorities on Thursday to order 63 more Russian diplomats to leave so that both countries had the same number of staff in their respective embassies.

Poland last week said it was expelling three Russians and Moscow expelled five in retaliation.

The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia ordered a total of four Russian envoys to leave.

GOAL initiative Head ...

From page 50 parity by way of increased salary,” he stressed.

Alexander had pointed to the fact that many of the advertised programmes at the Bachelor’s level require ‘A’ Level or Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualifications and in light of that, he asked if Guyana’s school system is producing a sufficient number of persons with those qualifications, or whether the number of persons accessing those programmes is limited.

Additionally, he had said that since in future years many persons will complete the six-month Bachelor Preparatory Programme being offered under GOAL, there is also uncertainty as it relates to the required ‘A’ Level and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (CAPE) qualifications

for entry into Bachelor programmes and whether that programme will gain persons entry and close the gap between ‘O’ Level or the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

Opadeyi outlined that while the programme may not close the academic gap between ‘O’ Level/CSEC and ‘A’ Level/CAPE, “it will sufficiently prepare the student for entry into the respective programmes. Furthermore, it must be noted that only one institution offers this option which is based on its own national education requirements.”

Concluding his letter, he remarked that he hopes his response would ease a lot of minds, regarding the role of GOAL in the roll-out of the 20,000 scholarships over the next five years.

Agri. Minister vows to help...

From page 50 cultivation, and the necessary farming practices they should apply to move from one level of production to the next.Further to this, the subject Minister told farmers that, with climate change, they should adopt more smart agriculture practices.

“With climate change taking place, the weather patterns have become unpredictable in many instances.

When you plant certain crops

in the open, they stand a higher chance of being destroyed by rain or drought-like conditions. This is why, for this year, we will be working with farmers and farmers’ groups across the country to construct 100 shade houses,” the Minister stated.

Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture procured $18.5 million in shade house materials. Those materials are being sold at a minimal cost to farmers.

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, addressing migrants, re-migrants yesterday.

Government plans to integrate migrants, remigrants into its society- Foreign Secretary Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, announced yesterday, that his government has made plans to integrate migrants and remigrants from Venezuela, into various sectors of the Guyanese society.

Persaud made this announcement, during an engagement with the migrants residing on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. In his opening remarks, the Foreign Secretary said that his objective is to listen to the various issues affecting migrants in Region Two. He further pointed out that the government’s aim is to better facilitate persons who have resettled in Guyana, or are settling for the first time: “There are two categories, the first aspect is focusing on Guyanese who have been living in Venezuela. The second category is looking at Venezuelans who have been living in Venezuela.”

Persaud added that his government is working on a policy to explore means in which migrants can be integrated into the various sectors across Guyana. In explaining how the policy will affect migrants, the Foreign Secretary said, “the policy will outline how we treat migrants. The policy, once rolled out will outline guidelines that will address issues affecting them.”

He continued, “We are taking a holistic approach, as we will be linking migrants to

our housing sector, business, and even labour so that they can be fully integrated into our society.”

Persaud emphasized too that there is a need for more labour workers and skills in Guyana.

“We need more labour skills, we have close to 800,000 persons, but we should have another 50,000 in the next two to three two years,” said the Foreign Secretary.

Persaud guaranteed Guyanese during the outreach, that even though his government wants to integrate the migrants into the local work force, there will still be employment opportunities for all. “There is enough space in our labour force for all. We don’t want the persons in Guyana to feel that opportunities are being taken away from them. There is enough space and a lot of opportunities will be available for them.”

It should be noted that in recent years, there has been an influx of migrants and remigrants from the neighbouring countries into Guyana. A majority of these persons have crossed over from Venezuela, fleeing their country’s severe economic crisis.

Joe: Power in hands of Mia Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley

Daily Nation - Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley is concerned that Barbados continues to be run by prime ministerial edict and that it will remain until the end of September.

Friday during a special sitting of the House of Assembly, he said while the Emergency Powers Act from years past put power under public health emergencies in the Cabinet, that power was now in the hands of the Prime Minister with the Emergency Management Act. The House sat in order to extend the state of emergency for a third time in response to curtailing the COVID-19 pan-

demic. However, Atherley remained uncomfortable with the power shift from Cabinet to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

He explained that Cabinet, through legislation passed in the House, introduced an amendment that allowed it to give the power for making decisions related to directives and issuing of orders to the Prime Minister.

“When we extend this state of things as we are doing by dint of this resolution – if passed – we are extending then the circumstances under which the country is governed or managed by prime ministerial edict.”

Sunday April 25, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese welcomes Amaya Milk Company and the return of fresh milk

==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

By Pat Dial Milk is one of those foods with which consumers worldwide are concerned.

They would like to know the country of origin of imported milk products, a breakdown of the food components of the product, the price and above all the standard of the milk.

Today, most of the milk consumed in Guyana is powdered milk of varying qualities.

Until about 1970, fresh milk was in predominant use.

There were a large number of small dairy farmers with usually ten cows or less settled in the villages in the vicinity of Georgetown such as La Penitence, Ruimveldt and Bel Air. These farmers themselves delivered the milk and were the milkmen.

Every morning, they would be cycling about the city with two large aluminum cans filled with milk, delivering to customers or selling to the members of the public who would have called out to them. In the countryside, the milkman would be walking about the village selling his milk or oftentimes fellow villagers would call at his home to collect the milk they required.

By the 1970’s, the supply of fresh milk began to dry up, especially in Georgetown since the farmers emigrated because of severe political and economic pressures and also because the Housing Drive began to take in all the open spaces in the surrounding villages including Ruimveldt, La Penitence and Bel Air which were previously used as grazing land.

The population took to using powdered milk, but just at this juncture, the country was afflicted with severe foreign exchange shortage and could only sporadically import powdered milk. Owing to the foreign exchange shortage, only the cheapest and accordingly the lowest grade milks were imported.

In these cheap milks, the dairy or animal protein was extracted and vegetable protein was used.

The cheapest powdered milk was imported in 50 pound paper bags mostly from Ireland and Holland and it was these milks which were bagged off and sold in the markets and roadside stalls.

In repacking milk, a sterilised room had to be used or the milk would be affected by bacteria which multiply at a rapid rate in milk products. In Guyana, there were no facilities to test milk to ascertain whether its protein is animal or vegetable or the percentage of such protein in the milk. During those years, consumers were forced to

buy substandard milks at comparatively high prices.

It therefore came as a very welcome and pleasant surprise when GO-Invest, a few weeks ago, announced that a Canadian Milk Company was investing in a plant to produce pasteurised milk in its first phase of development and that in its second phase, it would produce yogurts, flavoured milks and some cheese.

The plant which is registered as Amaya Milk Company would be established at Onverwagt in Region 5, Mahaica-Berbice, a milk producing area.

The Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest and Mr. Omkaar Sharma, CEO of Amaya Milk Company has as its main clause that ‘Amaya Milk Company will establish a milk plant to process, bottle and sell high quality pasteurised cow’s milk in the Guyana market.’

Mr. Sharma pointed out that he would be bringing a great deal of personal experience and expertise to the project: “I have worked on milk plants in Canada, the US and the Caribbean Region and have always desired to put that knowledge and experience towards the development of the dairy industry in Guyana. . .

It wants to provide nutritious milk and while the initial target will be the local market, as we grow, we are eyeing the regional market and hopefully, could reverse the trend of buying most of our dairy products from abroad. . . “ Mr. Omkaar Sharma went on to say that he expects the machinery and equipment for the plant would be in the country by mid-May 2021, when he is slated to begin construction of the building.

“At Amaya Milk Company,” said Mr. Sharma, “we will be producing fresh pasteurised milk in a state-of-the-art milk plant, utilising cutting edge technology along with stringent quality standards, so as to produce milk of an unmatched quality . . . We are expecting phase two of the project will commence in about two years. . . The challenge we have now is that we do not have enough milk to support a large facility, but as we get up on the supply side to feed the plant, it will be expanded.”

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, CEO of GO-Invest, remarked, “That Amaya Milk Company is seeking to establish its operations here in Guyana is indeed a pioneering move that is timely and relevant. This investment is precisely the kind we want to see coming

from the diaspora. . .One of our aims at GO-Invest is to foster diaspora investment in agricultural value chain in small and medium sized agribusinesses.”

Dr. Ramsaroop then pointed out that there is still much room for other investors in the dairy industry, “We are looking for investors who will expand the industry in other

parts of the country . . . the overall dairy industry is a lucrative market for investors and we expect to see more like this in the near future. . .”

The Amaya Milk plant is important to Guyana in a number of ways, it will be providing direct employment for scores of persons and indirect employment for hundreds of others, allowing Dairy farm-

ers to expand their farms and incomes.

The Amaya investment will attract other investors and Dr. Ramsaroop’s optimism that other investors will follow is justified.

It will provide import substitution and save Guyana US$35M foreign exchange drain. But probably the greatest benefit Amaya

will bring to Guyana would be the replacement of the poor standard milks by fresh first quality and this would result in a healthier population with consumers getting value for money.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

PAGE 54

Belarus leader seeks to empower son in succession move KYIV, Ukraine - (AP) — Belarus’ authoritarian leader says he will change the law on presidential succession so that power in the Eastern European nation will be transferred if he dies to the national security council where his son plays a prominent role.

Many observers have suggested that President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron fist since 1994, aims to establish a political dynasty, although Lukashenko denies this.

Lukashenko himself is the head of the national security (Continued on page 55)

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko talk during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Thursday. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

==GNBS IN FOCUS== Energy efficiency and energy management - Standards to improve energy use The concepts of energy efficiency and conservation are increasingly attracting the attention of experts, policy-makers, manufacturers, corporations, businesses and homeowners as they look to decrease losses and protect the environment.

To make this journey easier, there are Energy Management Standards available which can advise on the right measures, calculations and technical rules to help achieve the goal of efficiency and conservation.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the National Standards Body has signed on to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Technical Committee (TC 301) which develops International Standards directly related to energy management and energy savings.

This is in keeping with the agenda of Policy-makers in the reduction the Guyana’s Carbon footprint through astute energy management and the implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

With participation in ISO Standards Development through the Technical Committee (TC 301), the GNBS is now able to contribute to the development of standards that impacts seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which seek to reduce poverty, provide clean and affordable energy options, promote sustainable cities and communities and foster innovation.

The ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use, which was adopted by the GNBS is one of the key standards used globally by organisations to formally guide and implement their energy management systems.

The aim of the standard is to enable organisations to establish the systems and processes necessary to improve energy performance continually, including energy efficiency, energy use and energy consumption.

During the implementa-

tion of the standard, a range of crucial aspects needs to be developed including an energy policy, objectives, energy targets and action plans.

These are in addition to meeting the applicable legal and other requirements.

The ISO 50001 is applicable to any organisation regardless of its size, complexity, geographical location, organisational culture, or the products and services it provides.

The standard is also applicable irrespective of the quantity, use, or types of energy consumed.

Other ISO standards which support energy use, management and efficiency include the ISO 17741:2016 – General rules for measurement, calculation and verification of energy savings and projects, the ISO 50047:2016 – Energy savings – Determination of energy savings in organisations, and the ISO 50003 – Energy Management systems – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of energy management systems.

Meanwhile, at the level of the Caribbean Region, the GNBS worked collaboratively with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and other CARICOM countries to develop standards that address Minimum Energy Performance for Refrigerators, Air Conditioners and Lighting.

Once utilised, these energy efficiency standards are expected to ensure that all appliances imported into Guyana and the CARICOM Region are labelled, that is, the labels must contain vital information including an energy guide or rating, brand name and country of origin.

Homeowners and other users of domestic electrical appliances and equipment will directly benefit from these standards.

For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0065 or 219-0069.

Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Venezuela’s Maduro begins allowing aid against hunger, virus

President Nicolás Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — For a second time this month, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reached an agreement with the sort of global aid agencies he has often shunned to bring help to his country’s people.

Maduro last week signed a deal to let the United Nations World Food Programme provide school meals for 1.5 million children. It follows an agreement worked out with another agency to access COVID-19 vaccines under a U.N.-backed programme.

Maduro for years had rejected numerous humanitarian aid offers as unnecessary and as veiled attempts by the United States and other hostile forces to destabilize his socialist government.

That stance appears to have wavered amid continuing hardships.

“I’m ready ... as president of the republic to move boldly forward in signing new projects, new agreements and new food plans that put life, nutrition, protein and development at the center of the entire Venezuelan family,” Maduro said Wednesday, two days after signing the school

lunch initiative.

Venezuela has been vaccinating part of its population with the Russian Sputnik vaccine and the Chinese Sinopharm. But Maduro’s government on April 10 announced it had covered a $64 million down payment to join the U.N.-backed COVAX vaccine programme — a step that had been delayed by the fact that the U.S. and several other nations had stripped his government of control over its foreign assets held within their borders.The U.S. and about 60 other countires instead recognize Maduro’s chief rival, opposition leader Juan Guaidó, as the country’s legitimate ruler — putting his hand on Venezuela’s purse strings. Weeks before Maduro’s vaccine announcement, Guaidó and a group of former members of the National Assembly agreed to ask the U.S. Department of the Treasury to release a portion of the frozen funds to pay for COVAX access.

While the two deals show Maduro flipping in his stance on aid, both also help reassert his position as the country’s leader.

Belarus leader seeks...

From page 54 council, but his eldest son Viktor also has a seat and is regarded as the council’s informal leader.

Under current law, the prime minister takes presidential powers if the presidency becomes vacant, but Lukashenko said yesterday that the premier would be only the nominal leader and all decisions would be made by the 20-person security council.

He said he will sign a decree to make the change in the near future.

Lukashenko last year faced months of large protests calling for him to step down in the wake of an allegedly rigged election in August that gave him a sixth term in office.

Lukashenko has repeatedly alleged that the protests were fomented by the West.

Last week, Russia arrested two Belarusians who allegedly were leading an attempt to organize a coup and Lukashenko’s assassination.

Lukashenko claims the plot had backing from the United States. yesterday, he claimed that NATO planned to send troops into the country if the coup occurred, bringing them to the Russian border.

“It was a springboard, I always told you, to attack Russia. It was the first step,” he said.Belarusian opposition leaders this week voiced fears that Lukashenko would seek much closer ties with Russia as his power wanes, leading to a loss of sovereignty for the nation of 9.5 million people. Lukashenko traveled to Moscow on Thursday for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Sunday April 25, 2021

Mitchell: Grenada, China relationship one of mutual respect Grenada St George’s – The Grenada government has defended its relationship with China, saying that the Asian country has made good on its promise to assist in the socioeconomic development of the Caribbean.

The second phase of the China Aid Low-Income Housing Project will provide 647 housing units and a government statement said that an additional 130 of those units have now been completed.

Giving support to the oneChina policy, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said Grenada’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2004, has brought tremendous benefits to the people of Grenada.

“Our role in government is about building up our people and improving their quality of life. Housing is an important consideration in improving the quality of life and we are making a significant contribution to this, through this lowincome housing project. We must thank China for its benevolence in that regard.”

Mitchell dismissed claims that China is attempting to control Grenada as part of a plan to create hegemony.

“The relationship between China and Grenada has always been one of mutual respect. They have helped us achieve tremendous development strides but most importantly, they recognise the sovereignty of Grenada and

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell similarly, we recognise the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.”

Social Development and Housing Minister, Delma Thomas, said the low-income housing project will have a positive impact on many Grenadian families and she urged those who will benefit to ensure that the units are properly maintained.

China’s Ambassador to Grenada, Wei Hongtian, said progress on the project has been challenging because of delays caused by the impact of the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. However, he offered assurances that both the Chinese and Grenadian governments attach great importance to housing and improving the well-being of citizens.

Bar owners association wants 60-day ban on all public drinking NEWSDAY - Saying barowners cannot control drinking outside their premises, the Barkeepers and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) in a statement on Friday called for a 60-day legal ban on all public consumption of alcohol.

While supporting the public health regulations against covid19, the association lamented that these do not speak about congregation outside bars.

“While the BOATT agrees that bar owners must be held responsible for activities within their premises and car parks, bar owners should not be held responsible for public roadways, pavements and adjacent properties. Bar owners can only ask and use moral suasion to the public to adhere to the regulations

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but we have no authority to direct or instruct anyone outside of our premises and car parks to conform and therefore cannot be held responsible for this.”

While alcohol cannot be consumed at bars, restaurants, cinemas and casinos, the general public were still allowed to congregate and consume alcohol in public spaces such as savannahs, mall car parks, supermarkets and wholesaler premises, plus locations were alcohol was sold illegally such as vegetable stalls and street vendors.

The association called for equitable enforcement of the covid19 regulations by the police service.

They welcomed the new covid19 compliance unit within the TTPS.

Govt. disagrees with terrorism comment in US advisory NEWSDAY - Government yesterday disagreed with statements made in a US travel advisory relating to terrorism in Trinidad and Tobago issued by the US State Department against Trinidad and Tobago.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said the level four advisory has been applied to 130 countries, developed and developing, across the world.

“We also recognize and respect that the United States of America, like other sovereign nations, must take measures to guide and protect its citizens during these unprecedented and unpredictable times, especially in the light of the ongoing covid19 pandemic.”

Notwithstanding this, the OPM said, “TT must register our disagreement and concern with some of the statements made in the current advisory, particularly as ‘terrorism’ is not a specific feature of any current threat within our shores.”

“We would expect that the United States, which is not unfamiliar with the face of homegrown terrorism, would reconsider the association of such a term with TT as it certainly does not accurately reflect the local realities.”

Government said it was not surprised by the UNC’s attempt to misinterpret the advisory or the US government’s condemnation of the UNC’s actions. The UNC claimed the US in its advisory was telling its citizens not to visit known PNM strongholds.

The OPM also said recent public comments on the advisory has led to “the complete unmasking of the UNC and its determined agenda against TT.” “By its highly reckless and irresponsible public utterances and publications, the UNC leadership has made it abundantly clear, yet again, that they are never prepared to defend the interests of TT.”

The OPM said the UNC’s obscene haste to grasp any opportunity for political mischief and misinformation has once again backfired spectacularly on them. The OPM said the response of the US government to the UNC’s claims has once again left them “in the unfortunate position of scrambling to save face, after attempting to confirm anything negative being said or portrayed about our nation, with no regard whatsoever for accuracy or context.”

In a statement on Friday, the US Embassy said State Department advisories are apolitical in nature and do not reflect the US’s relation with any country or any political party in that country.

The OPM said the population has come to expect such irresponsibility from the UNC who prefer “to gleefully attempt to confirm any misconception or misinformation about TT” while refusing to act out of a sense of duty to the country.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Prime Minister slammed what he described as “the ever increasing use of naked untruths” by the UNC to create unrest and mislead the public.

He slammed the party, its spokesmen and social media agents for using lies as “as a deliberate political strategy to disturb the national psyche, misinform the public or simply to create an issue which they can then engage on their political vines and platforms.”

“Clearly we have spawned our version of QAnon,” he charged, “but unfortunately for the country its main advocate and proponent is the UNC our official Opposition in the Parliament.

Truth matters not only because it’s taught in church.”

QAnon or Q is defined as “a wide-ranging, completely unfounded theory that says that President Trump is waging a secret war against elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government, business and the media.”

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

Oxygen demand outstrips supply in India hotspots SE Asian nations say NEW DELHI - (AP) — India’s medical oxygen shortage has become so dire that a Sikh house of worship began offering free breathing sessions with shared tanks to COVID-19 patients waiting for a hospital bed.

They arrive in their cars, on foot or in three-wheeled taxis, desperate for a mask and tube attached to the precious oxygen tanks outside the gurdwara in a neighbourhood outside the capital, New Delhi.

After having largely tamed the virus last year, India is in the throes of the world’s worst coronavirus surge and many of the country’s hospitals are struggling to cope with shortages of beds, medicines and oxygen.

The gurdwara management has promised to provide free oxygen to patients until they can be admitted to a hospital.

Teams of volunteers check oxygen levels of newly

A COVID-19 patient receives oxygen inside a car provided by a Gurdwara, a Sikh house of worship, in New Delhi, India, yesterday, New Delhi. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri arrived patients and provide marily because they require an what they need. uninterrupted power supply, The gurdwara started the which is a rarity in many states. initiative Thursday evening, As a result, hospitals typiand by Friday evening had cally rely on liquid oxygen, seen over 700 patients come which can be stored in cylinthrough, reported The Hindu ders and transported in cryonewspaper. genic tankers. But amid the Most hospitals in India surge, supplies in hard-hit aren’t equipped with indepen- places like New Delhi are rundent plants that generate oxy- ning critically short. gen directly for patients, priLast year, India kept its

hospitals sufficiently stocked by diverting oxygen from industries that were shuttered by one of the world’s strictest virus lockdowns.

As Indians were cooped up indoors for months, industrial tanks were repurposed for medical use.

Tanker trucks raced over empty highways to transport oxygen across the vast country to hotspots.

But with the current wave, blamed on a highly contagious variant that has spread quickly and widely without the limiting benefit of a nationwide lockdown, the situation is different.

Scores have died in hospitals in India’s capital amid suggestions that low oxygen supplies were to blame.

Doctors have taken to social media to beg public authorities to get them resupplied, and the government has mobilized to bring oxygen supplies by train, plane and truck.

consensus reached on Myanmar Reuters - Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar’s junta chief yesterday to end the crisis there.

But added that he did not explicitly respond to demands to halt the killing of civilian protesters.

Myanmar’s Senior General attended the leaders meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin spoke to reporters shortly after: “In his statement, he said he will find a way to solve the problem. We tried not to accuse his side too much because we don’t care who’s causing it. We just stressed that the violence must stop.

But he agreed that violence must stop. For him, it’s the other side that’s causing the problems. If that’s the case, we hope that he will find a way to stop it even before the ASEAN representatives go to Myanmar.”

ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from the general to restrain his security forces.

An activist monitoring group says they have killed at least 745 people since a

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin mass civil disobedience movement erupted to challenge his Feb. 1 coup.According to a statement from ASEAN chair Brunei, a consensus was reached on ending violence and having a constructive dialogue among all parties, facilitated by a special ASEAN envoy.

But there was no mention of releasing political prisoners in the statement.Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN, which has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members.

The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar since the coup began.

Summit shows Biden’s big vision on fighting climate change WASHINGTON - (AP) — What did the world learn at Joe Biden’s global summit about his vision of the battle to save the world’s climate?

For two days, Biden and his team of climate experts pressed his case that tackling global warming not only can avert an existential threat, but also benefit the U.S. economy — and the world’s as well.

The virtual summit, based at the White House and featuring more than 40 world leaders whose views were beamed to a global online audience, offered fresh details on how the U.S. might hope to supercharge its efforts on climate while leveraging international action to spur new technologies to help save the planet.

Biden opened the conference by announcing a goal to cut up to 52% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — double the target set by President Barack Obama in the 2015 Paris climate accord.

The 2030 goal vaults the U.S. into the top tier of countries on climate ambition.

“This goal is eyebrow-raising, but it has to be,” said

Marshall Shepherd, a climate expert at the University of Georgia. “To move the needle on the climate crisis, we need bold actions like this rather than individual or incremental actions only.”

While new targets from the U.S. and others got mostly positive reviews, they still fall a bit short of what some scientists say is necessary to avoid a potentially disastrous 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures.

Bill Hare, director of Climate Analytics, a climate science think tank in Berlin, said his team’s calculations showed the U.S. needs to reduce emissions 57% by 2030 to stay on a 1.5 degree Celsius pathway. He calls the new target “really a major improvement,” but also “not quite enough.”

Still, the U.S. goal is ambitious, and reflects lessons learned, not only by Biden — Obama’s vice president — but by his team of battle-tested aides, including climate envoy John Kerry and White House adviser Gina McCarthy. Both served in the Obama administration.

Sunday April 25, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Sunday April 25, 2021

Sri Lanka skipper Karunaratne hits double ton against Bangladesh AFP Dimuth Karunaratne scored his maiden double hundred as Sri Lanka batted through the day without losing a wicket yesterday to match Bangladesh’s 500-plus score in the first Test.

The Sri Lankan captain ended the fourth day on 234, while middle order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva moved to 154 as the home side reached 512 for three at stumps, still 29 runs behind Bangladesh’s first innings total.

They have added 322 runs for the fourth wicket, the highest stand at Pallekele for any wicket. The previous best

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was by Australia’s Mike Hussey and Shaun Marsh, who made 258 in 2011, also for the fourth wicket.

Karunaratne passed his career best score of 196, set against Pakistan in 2017, by elegantly driving Taskin Ahmed for four and in the same over reached his first double ton.

The 33-year-old lefthander has now been at the crease for more than 11 hours and faced 419 deliveries, 25 of which have been boundaries.

Bangladesh took the second new ball in the morning but after failing to make a breakthrough with his

Dimuth Karunaratne is congratulated by Dhananjaya de Silva. (AFP/Getty Images) seamers, captain Mominul Haque reverted back to spin.

After lunch, de Silva reached his seventh Test hundred by pulling Taskin

Sunday April 25, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The outlook for today is excellent, Aries. The current alignment of the planets and the somewhat oppressive atmosphere of the past few days inspire you to change your surroundings and visit new places.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This will be a day rich in reflection, Taurus. You're able to observe what is going around you while still retaining your distance.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some long-awaited recognition could come your way today, Gemini. You're finished with the hassles you've experienced recently and have now entered a calmer period.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have a day of profound reflection ahead. While you may be tempted to think about how far you've come, your time would be better spent thinking about what the future holds.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This would be an ideal day to take extra good care of your body, Leo. Don't kid yourself that those back problems will just go away - ditto that pain in your knee.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may have recently modified the material aspects of your life. Was it sufficient to stop there? More profound changes might be in order. Take a look at what motivated you to create the life you live now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This will be a great day to meditate. You may be a bit dissatisfied with yourself because your various projects have yet to take form.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's an excellent day, but be careful not to go overboard.

You might be tempted to think that minor financial difficulties are already behind you. Alas, they are not.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're in the home stretch now. Kiss your worries goodbye. Your efforts pay off in spades as people listen to your advice and bend over backward to please you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your life certainly seems to revolve around human contact. You're an outgoing, cheerful, engaging conversationalist who enjoys bringing people together, though lately you've been yearning to be alone.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Sometimes friends become a person's real family. Your friendships are deep and enduring. Many people are eager to give you help today, so why are you reluctant to receive it?

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You've made it over the hump, Pisces. You've moved beyond the problems of the recent past and are entering a more peaceful phase. You will complete your projects at work, and your domestic life will be the picture of bliss and harmony.

Ahmed for four. He has faced 278 deliveries and hit 20 fours.

Bangladesh gave away several overthrows and misfields which helped the score.

The game suffered one 29minute hold-up due to bad light after tea. The players returned briefly but were taken off again in fading light and never went back. A total of 22 overs were lost.

Scores: Sri Lanka 512 for 3 (Karunaratne 234*, de Silva 154*) trail Bangladesh 541 for 7 dec (Shanto 163, Mominul 127, Fernando 4-96) by 29 runs.

...Guyana Committee From page 63 years. We gave young Athletes in Berbice, Linden, Georgetown and on the West Coast. We are about to distribute to Athletes in the hinterland, Essequibo and Bartica.

As an Athletics coach for over 30 years and training in managing Guyana Caribbean top distance Athletes also a (AA) National awardee, I know the importance of running for Athletes.

We are a non-profitable organisation and do different programmes to obtain funding for sports persons and our team is made up of Eugene Noel (chairman), Jumbie Jones, Rajan Tawari, Leslie Black, Bill Rogers and founder Joseph Ramkumar among others.”

...NBA roundup: Nets nip From page 62 Terry Rozier also each supplied 25 points for the Hornets, who won for just the second time in their last eight games and the only time in three games against Cleveland.

The Cavaliers received big games from Collin Sexton, who racked up 28 points, and Darius Garland, who finished with 27 points and six assists.

Clippers 109, Rockets 104 Paul George finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds to lead Los Angeles past host Houston for its fourth consecutive win and 11th in the past 12 games.

Los Angeles rallied from

a seven-point deficit early in the fourth quarter with a spurt of four 3-pointers, three of which fueled an 112 run.

Reggie Jackson scored 13 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Beverley, Serge Ibaka, Marcus Morris Sr. and Rajon Rondo.

John Wall had 27 points and 13 assists, Christian Wood contributed 24 points and 19 rebounds and Kelly Olynyk compiled 23 points and 10 boards for the Rockets, who lost their third game in a row.

(Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 25, 2021

Recently elected GTA aims to spread Tennis & attract more fans

By Sean Devers

GTA VP Nigel Niles

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i t h t h e proactive Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports Charles Ramson Jr Upgrading Lawn Tennis to a core sport in Guyana, new President of Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) Christy Campbell and her team has big plans to spread the game and to make the sport more attractive to fans.

“I travelled on a few occasions with the national team…Afruka (Gentle) was on a few of the teams while Vice-president Nigel (Niles) travelled as well and what I observed was that it was not the case that the Guyanese players don’t have the talent to match with the overseas players but their fitness and mental levels were not on par. So I thought maybe I could formulate a plan and act on the foundation that the past Administrations would have laid to take Tennis to unlocked levels,” informed Campbell, who along with1st Vice-President Nigel Niles and Secretary Delon Fraser were guests on last Wednesday Night’s Sean Devers Sports Watch on Kaieteur Radio.

“The issue was never about Administration we had strong Administration… what was lacking was Governmental support. But I believe now that we have a young and vibrant Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the honourable Charles Ramson who has been extremely supportive to our sport. We have a new facility almost completed and I believe that’s a plus for Tennis,” Campbell, a fivetime National Champion, continued.

“Now that Tennis has been upgraded as core sports in Guyana, we have a greater appreciation for the sport

and it’s open to a whole new group of young people and other people who have not been so interested in the sport because they might think that the sport is just tied to only a chosen few could play the sport who have the finances to play the sport.

When I first joined tennis that’s what I also thought.

We will now see a wider spectrum of persons appreciating the sport for what it is and now it will even be in the schools, hopefully as a full part of the school curriculum,” posited Fraser, the garrulous GTA Secretary.

Niles informed that the pandemic has been a big challenge for the GTA since from when Guyana first encountered Covid, all outdoor activates were shut down.

“We had clubs with numerous members who could not get the chance to play Tennis as normal. We

are happy now that there has been some relaxation in the rules so now we are allowed to go out and play again.

To take Tennis forward in Guyana we need facilities.

The Racket Centre is undergoing a very good upgrade right now, but the GTA still struggles to host tournaments because the only facilities we have are private and we have to ask in advance to use those facilities to host tournaments.

We have a lot of active clubs that need facilities to play Tennis in Guyana so I think that is one of the immediate needs we have right now. We are thankful for what Minister Ramson is doing for our sport and elevating it into a core sports means that more persons will become interested in the sport and become open to more persons and we expect to see more people participating in the sport in

years to come.

We need more facilities…at our last elections four clubs had in excess of 50 members, while our club has 93 members.

There is a lot of interest in tennis and with this initiative from Minister Ramson we hope others will come on board to help us to get more facilities,” said Niles.

It was disclosed that in addition to the Racket Centre, there is a Tennis court at Diamond (GBTI) on the East Bank, at the National Park, in Bel Air (GBTI), a few on the East Coast, one in Skeldon, one in New Amsterdam and one in Essequibo.

Campbell said very soon she would like her executives visit Berbice to identify a spot for a Court for developing a facility there, adding that with the Le Ressouvenir club withdrawing from the GTA, there are presently 11 Tennis clubs in Guyana including GCC which has been a member of the GTA since the 1980s but was not allowed to vote in the recent elections.

The GTA head spoke about the involvement of schools to attract young children to tennis and explained that the ITF sponsors a JTI programme which takes tennis into the schools as a part of their curriculum activities.

“The JTI coordinator is former National player and Tennis Coach Shelly Daley who is doing a great job, while the systems in the schools is actually to scout players and encourage them to join tennis outside of the school and subsequently fall into the National programme,” Campbell added.

“There is a Court at Marion Academy and the Junior programme helps us to find talent and how tennis

is set right now, clubs are members of the GTU. We encourage parents to have their kids join clubs so they could be able to play more often outside of school.

The Coaches of the Clubs have scheduled times to use the Courts at the National Park and also the Racket Centre whenever that becomes available to us again. Each club has a scheduled time to be at these facilities to train the kids. We encourage parents to seek out the GTA to see which club is closest to them,” informed Niles.

In the 1980s and 90s sports in Schools were well structured with PE Teachers being employed at the Public schools and the students had to participate in every sport unless the child provided a ‘Medical’ to exempt them from sporting activates.

Today only the Private school place any level of importance on sports to provide a balance for Academics with some students writing as much as 22 CXC subjects.

“It’s important to balance sports with academics. In my schooldays we had Physical Education and sport was a must.

Every Wednesday we had cricket and everyone had to be out of your classes. We had a big ground at the Campbellville Secondary and football was a big thing… we also played table Tennis and athletics.

It is sad to know that we would have gone past that stage with the advent of technology. Kids spend so much time now on their phone and I-Pads and are being encouraged to be more academically inclined that they don’t have time to participate in sports.

I think the balancing of sports and academics must return. Tennis is the perfect

sport to get your coordination working, it’s a social activity, it’s mentally stimulating and most important for young people, Tennis is fun,” noted Fraser.

Campbell informed that the GTA plans to have a meeting with the Minister of Education and the Tourism Minister to come up with ways to grow tennis and make it a part of Sports tourism in Guyana.

“In several Countries you find an influx of people travelling for sporting events like Motor Racing, Cycling, Squash, Cricket excreta. We also want to collaborate with both Ministers to see how we can push tennis further,” Campbell posited.

The GTA executives said for those ‘older’ players, who mostly play for recreation, to stay in the sport competitively, more prize money has to be at stake and the sport needs to be more visible; like local cricket and Football which are always in the news and this is not so with Tennis. We need more media coverage of tennis.

“We use social Media to promote our tournament but with the new look Racket Centre soon to be completed we hope we can encourage more people to come and watch tennis.

With the lights installed now we can have tournaments in the evenings once the Pandemic is under control so that people can come after work like in the USA Open. We have to market and promote tennis so that we can attract more of the ‘older’ people back to the sport,” Niles stated.

The GTA is expected to look at Coaching development, selection of the National teams and the naming of sub-committees at a meeting that was held Friday.

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic reach respective semifinals Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his quarter final match against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

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euters - Coming off backto-back three-set matches, No. 1 seed Rafael Nadal rolled to a 6-1, 6-4 win over Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Friday to reach the semifinals of the Barcelona Open.

The 11-time Barcelona champion saved two of three break points and took advantage of five double faults

by Norrie. Nadal will meet fellow Spaniard and No. 6 seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who outlasted No. 4 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 64, 3-6, 7-5 in two hours and 35 minutes.

Yesterday’s other semifinal pitted No. 2 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece against Italian teenager Jannik Sinner, the No. 11 seed.

Sinner was a 6-2, 7-6 (6) winner against No. 3 Andrey Rublev of Russia, while Tsistipas eliminated No. 10 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 6-3, 6-3.

Serbia Open World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia crushed countryman Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 6-3 to reach the semifinals in Belgrade.

A two-time winner of the event, Djokovic eliminated the No. 8 seed in

75 minutes. He won 75 percent of the points on his first serve (24 of 32), compared to 37 percent (11 of 30) for Kecmanovic. Djokovic’s foe yesterday was No. 3 seed Aslan Karatsev of Russia, who won 6-3, 6-4 against Italy’s Gianluca Mager.

Unseeded Taro Daniel of Japan meets No. 2 Matteo Berrettini of Italy in the other semifinal. Daniel rallied for a 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 win against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis, while Berrettini struck nine aces in a 6-4, 6-4 win against fifth-seeded Serbian Filip Krajinovic.

(Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 25, 2021

GFF petitions FIFA over Trinidad & Tobago player Boucaud The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has submitted an official protest to FIFA regarding the selection of Andre Boucaud by Trinidad and Tobago in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

The GFF believes Boucaud was ineligible for selection as a registered intermediary and, as such, that any points secured by Trinidad and Tobago during any related FIFA World Cup qualification matches should be forfeited. In its 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match on March 25th, Guyana lost 3-0 to Trinidad and Tobago. Boucaud, who was registered as an intermediary with the English Football Association at the time, was selected in Trinidad and Tobago’s matchday squad. Under FIFA rules, all conflicts of interest with intermediaries – or agents – must be avoided.

Intermediaries cannot have any contractual relationship with a national

football association.

Under English Football Association rules, players cannot be registered intermediaries. Following an extensive investigation and careful consultation with its legal team, the GFF has sent its written evidence to FIFA and urged the global governing body of football to consider its case. “We have taken this matter very seriously and have presented our findings to FIFA – that this individual was ineligible to play for Trinidad and Tobago as a registered intermediary with the English FA,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “It is vital for the integrity and fairness of the game that the rules are respected and upheld by everyone.

We look forward to FIFA’s response in due course.” Boucaud was an unused substitute against the Guyana, and played during Trinidad and Tobago’s one-all draw with Puerto Rico on March 28th.

IKO Academy of Guyana pushing Community Engagement for a positive social and cultural impact

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he International K a r a t e Organization’s Academy of Guyana consistent with a commitment it gave to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport has commenced an ‘engagement through community-based sport’ agenda in Guyana.

On Saturday last, partnering with the Learning Nest Foundation an NGO formed with the intention of giving the younger generation a chance at having a different perception of the world, IKO Guyana visited and spent the day at the Laluni area, a farming community on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway that is accessible via a ninemile road from Kuru Kururu.

The Karatekas held a demonstration of katas, kumite, embu and bunkai routines at Laluni which has a population of approximately 300 persons and which is managed by a Community Development Council (CDC).

Shihan Jeffrey Wong 7th Dan Black Belt, who is the Chairman and Chief Instructor of Guyana’s premier karate organization the International Karate O rg a n i z a t i o n ’s K a r a t e Academy of Guyana, said that sport has a unique way of making a positive social and cultural impact in communities and countries throughout the world, and wanted his organization to focus on the “bigger picture”, by taking the time

to understand and recognize gaps in communities which they could fill by building and maintaining effective relationships between his organization and the people of Guyana, particularly the youths.

Shihan Wong said that using Karate as the vehicle he wanted to encourage active lifestyles. Encourage the right behavior, build respect and tolerance, develop role models, achieve aspirations and to build community relationships. Wong stressed that IKO Guyana believes that in today’s world, Senseis should go out to their students where they are and where they live to provide training to them, rather than centralizing their training at one or two dojos and have all their students travel sometimes great distances and at great inconvenience to attend practice sessions.

Vice Chairman and Vice Chief Instructor of IKO Academy of Guyana, Professor Aubrey Mendonca of Iowa State University, who is currently on another of his regular visits to Guyana, stated that engaging a community through sports can mean many different things to many different people, but he always goes to the old adage “it takes a village” to make something good happen. He said that sport is a unifier of people, and allows for the creation of a common identity within a certain culture of people, igniting passion, loyalty and

community enthusiasm.

Under a programme it is calling ‘Guyana Kickz’, IKO Academy of Guyana intends to visit, set up clubs and train youths in the martial art of Karate-do in all three counties of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice which they are confident will lead to the reduction in the local level of crime and antisocial behavior in Guyana, through the provision of inspiration, motivation and the skills required to negotiate life in and out of the dojo.

In light of the of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the Guyana Kickz initiative being pursued by the IKO Academy of Guyana, shall be placing special emphasis on showing that karate is a sport that can be practiced safely, through the “3 Cs” (no closed spaces, no crowded places, no closecontact settings) allowing participants to keep the Novel Corona Virus at bay as its participants and athletes engage in numerous elements and aspects of training (basics, kata, kumite shadow-type training, kumite drills with bags or dummies, footwork, solo technical drills, physical conditioning etc.

The IKO Karate Academy of Guyana strictly abides by, and adheres to, all public health and government restrictions and recommendations regarding limits on social gatherings, physical distancing and hygienic measures.

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Bahamas won’t take part in World Athletic Relays SportsMax - The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) has confirmed that it will not send a team to World Athletic Relays, set to take place in Chorzow, Poland, next month.

According to reports, the association like many has been affected adversely by the COVID-19 pandemic and was forced to give up on having a team at the event due to a lack of athletes able to participate.

Bahamian superstars Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner, through

their representatives, indicated that they would not be willing to travel outside of the United States due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic and travel protocols.

“We didn’t have athletes who are available to compete,” President of the BAAA Drumeco Archer told The Bahamas Tribune.

“Shaunae (Miller-Uibo) and Steven (Gardiner) camp indicated that they have decided not to travel outside of the US because of COVID-19,” he added.

“And a lot of our elite

athletes are still in university and college, who are not going to be released from their duties. So, we thought it would be prudent for us not just to take a team for the team’s sake. If we’re going to take a team, we will take a team that will have an impact.” Earlier this week, another top Caribbean sprint nation, Jamaica, announced that it would not participate in the event due to the difficulty of travel and COVID-19 restrictions.

The Bahamas were hosts to the first three editions of the tournament.

Cummings Electrical Cup bowls off this Saturday

T

he Inter Ministries/Government agencies Inaugural Female softball cricket competition dubbed ‘The Cummings Electrical Cup’ will be played this Saturday on Durban Park Tramac from 10:00hrs.

Female softball teams from 21 ministries and seven agencies will be on show for the first ever seven-a-side, 18 balls, knockout competition for trophies, medals and other prizes which will be up for grabs.

A number of sponsors so far are on board for this competition including Cummings Electrical Company that is the main sponsor, West Indian Sports Complex, the Trophy Stall, R&T Taxi Services and all the Ministries that would be participating. The organiser, James ‘Uprising’ Lewis has noted that more sponsors are still needed.

Teams are asked to be registered on or before Wednesday 28th May, 2021 with the coordinator, Lewis, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Registry Department.

‘Uprising’ Lewis shared with Kaieteur Sport a copy of the conditional letter of approval from the National Covid-19 Task Force. Although approval has been granted to host the event, there will be strictly no spectators or the sale of alcoholic beverages.

In a correspondence to Kaieteur Sport, the organiser noted special thanks to all the Permanent Secretaries who are making sure that their teams participate in this competition.

For further details, female teams can contact the co-coordinator on 628-1656 anytime.

Joseph adds two-wicket haul to maiden half century for Worcestershire SportsMax - West Indies bowler, Alzarri Joseph, added a tidy two-wicket haul to a maiden half-century to help put English

West Indies bowler, Alzarri Joseph

C o u n t y c l u b Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e i n a commanding position against Nottinghamshire at New Road.

Chasing a sizeable first innings score of 436, Nottinghamshire crumbled for 276, despite 111 from opener Haseeb Hameed and not losing their first wicket until they had put 115 runs on the board.

Charlie Morris had the best bowling figures for Worcestershire, after taking 3 for 30 but Joseph chipped in with 2 for 33. The West Indies accounted for top-order batsman Ben Duckett and Nottinghamshire were then forced to follow on still some 160 runs short of the target.

In the first innings, Joseph was part of a staunch lower-order effort that ballooned the tally late on. Joseph recorded his first halfcentury in the competition with 61, Ed Barnard added 58 and captain Joe Leach 84.

The total adds to Joseph’s debut innings of 46 from 55 against Derbyshire last week.

On that occasion, the bowler also chipped in with 3 wickets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 64

NBA roundup: Nets nip Celtics, claim 1st in East

Sunday April 25, 2021

Chris Morris, Sanju Samson take Rajasthan Royals to convincing win Chris Morris runs Eoin Morgan out. (BCCI/IPL)

Boston Celtics center Tristan Thompson (13) attempts to grab a rebound as Brooklyn Nets small forward Bruce Brown (1), small forward Joe Harris (12) and power forward Blake Griffin (2) look on during the third quarter at Barclays Center. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - Joe Harris scored 20 points as the Brooklyn Nets survived a rough shooting night by Kyrie Irving and withstood a late charge by the Boston Celtics to record a 109-104 victory on Friday in New York.

The Nets moved a halfgame ahead of the idle Philadelphia 76ers into the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Jeff Green added 19 for the Nets, who shot 43 percent and withstood Irving missing 15 of 19 shots.

Irving still nearly posted a triple-double, winding up with 15 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant (left thigh contusion) sat out his third straight game.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 38 points after shooting 3 of 17 from the field in each of his previous two games. Rookie Payton Pritchard hit six 3pointers en route to 22 points.

Hawks 118, Heat 103 Bogdan Bogdanovic had 21 points and a game-high eight assists as host Atlanta, which was without two of its biggest stars, defeated Miami.

The Hawks also got 20 points and eight rebounds from John Collins and 17 points each from Danilo Gallinari and Brandon Goodwin. Atlanta was without six players, i n c l u d i n g Tr a e Yo u n g (ankle) and Clint Capela (bruised tailbone).

Miami, which had its three-game winning streak

snapped, was led by Kendrick Nunn, who scored 21 points. Jimmy Butler added 19 points and a teamhigh seven assists.

Warriors 118, Nuggets 97 Stephen Curry led an unusually balanced Golden State attack with a gamehigh 32 points as the Warriors beat Denver in San Francisco.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 23 points, Andrew Wiggins 19, Jordan Poole 15 and Mychal Mulder 14 as Golden State won despite relying mostly on just eight players, the result of having lost two in the past two days for COVID-related reasons.

Draymond Green dished out a career-high-tying 19 assists.

Harassed much of the night by Green, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was held to 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. Denver also lost Will Barton early in the game to an apparently serious hamstring injury.

Grizzlies 130, Trail Blazers 128 Ja Morant scored 33 points and added a seasonbest 13 assists to help visiting Memphis move within 1 1/2 games of Portland for seventh place in the Western Conference.

Dillon Brooks added 25 points as Memphis prevailed in the first of back-to-back games between the teams.

Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 25 minutes off the bench in his second game of the season after recovering from August

knee surgery.

Damian Lillard scored 27 points and Jusuf Nurkic recorded season bests of 26 points and 17 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost their fourth straight game and fell for the eighth time in their past 10.

Wizards 129, Thunder 109 Russell Westbrook had 37 points and yet another triple-double as Washington extended its winning streak to seven by beating host O k l a h o m a C i t y. T h e Thunder’s losing streak stretched to 13.

Westbrook, playing just his second game in Oklahoma City since being traded away from the Thunder before last season, added 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

It was Westbrook’s 174th career triple-double, moving him within seven of tying Oscar Robertson’s NBA record.

Bradley Beal added 33 points for Washington.

Darius Bazley and Theo Maledon scored 20 points apiece for the Thunder.

Luguentz Dort, returning after missing the last two games with a hip injury, and Isaiah Roby had 18 points each.

Hornets 108, Cavaliers 102 Miles Bridges scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made key plays on offense down the stretch as host Charlotte picked up a much-needed win at the expense of Cleveland.

P.J. Washington and (Continued on page 59)

ESPNcricinfo - A good T20 total is built on the back of batters being brave. The Kolkata Knight Riders f o rg o t a l l a b o u t t h a t yesterday, losing to the Rajasthan Royals by six wickets and tumbling to the bottom of the IPL points table.

A haunted team The Knight Riders lost their last game in heroic fashion. It left Andre Russell “heartbroken” but the worst of the impact may have been on Eoin Morgan who, even as early as the presentation that night, was wondering what might have been.

So maybe he and his team devised a plan. Let’s not try anything in the powerplay. Let’s not give our opponents an easy wicket. If we can do that, then with the hitters down the order, we could really do some damage. #BestLaidPlans.

Wasting resources Nitish Rana once scored an IPL fifty without the help of a single four. He didn’t need them. He just kept clearing the boundary. Here, he looked shackled. Here, he was caught behind for 22 off 25 with one measly four and one measly six.

Shubman Gill lorded it over the Australian Test attack - which some say is the best in the world - but against one that had gone the last T20 without picking up a single wicket, he just caved without a fight. Morgan was run-out without facing a ball.

The debacle against the Chennai Super Kings happened three nights ago.

But it was still affecting the Knight Riders, the shackles they placed upon themselves eventually becoming too difficult to break.

The bitter end Twenty-five for one in the powerplay. Sixty-one for

Sanju Samson and David Miller during their partnership, Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2021, Mumbai, April 24, 2021 © BCCI/IPL four just past the halfway mark. When a batting team falls so far behind the rate, they start to hit out at everything. The Royals understood that and put all of their effort into taking the pace off, while also digging it into the pitch. Mustafizur Rahman (1 for 22), Chetan Sakariya (1 for 31) and Jaydev Unadkat (1 for 25) were especially useful in this regard, posing problems even for a hitter like Andre Russell because they took away his base and therefore his power.

Ironically, it was two seam-up deliveries that took down the Knight Riders’ two finishers, Chris Morris dismissing Russell and Dinesh Karthik in the 18th over and setting his team up with a below-par target of 134 to chase.

Samson steps up Knowing it was only a matter of lasting the full 20 overs, the Royals captain Samson (42* off 41) took the responsibility upon himself and made sure he was out there when the winning runs were scored. The innings began with a flowing cover d r i v e a g a i n s t Va r u n Chakravarthy’s mystery spin and included a vicious six off Pat Cummins’ pace, but for the most part, Samson was focused on just being at the crease, ticking the singles over so that he could, with as little risk as possible, push his often fragile team across that finish line.

Scores: Rajasthan Royals 134 for 4 (Samson 42*, Chakravarthy 2-32) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 133 for 9 (Tripathi 36, Morris 4-23) by six wickets.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 25, 2021

PAGE 65

BlackBull crowned champions in Inaugural WeCare/ Shiv Gajraj/S&K Construction Demerara Softball Cup

The victorious Blackbull team with their prizes.

G. Narine accepts his prizes from competition coordinator Sadiek Khan.

BlackBull softball cricket team won the inaugural six overs We C a r e / S h i v G a j r a j Computers/S and K C o n s t r u c t i o n We s t Demerara Softball Cup. The competition was played at the Zeeburg Sports Club ground under strict COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. In the one day event five teams were accepted and as was promised by the organisers that the teams would be accepted on a first come basis. The five teams that battled for the title were BlackBull, Zeeburg, Delhi Capitals, Slayer and Hype Park.

In the semi final BlackBull overcame

Zeeburg on their home ground. Zeeburg batted first and only managed 38 for 4 off their allotted overs with G. Narine of BlackBull picking up three wickets in his one over. BlackBull replied with 39 in 2.3 overs.

G. Narine made 21 and R. Poloram 12; both batsmen were not out. It was expected to be a thrilling final after the performance of Delhi Capitals in previous matches d u r i n g t h e d a y, b u t BlackBull made easy work of DC. DC batted first and just managed to score 35 all out with Mohamed top scoring with 15. Pick of the bowlers were A. Seepersaud 3 for 15 and R. Poloram 2 for 14.

In reply BlackBull made

39 in 2.4overs. G. Narine top scored with 26 not out and R. Poloram made 23 not out.

After the final, in a simple presentation ceremony, the organizers thanked the players for taking part and most of all thanked them for adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines and regulations set out for t h e g a m e . We C a r e representative also stated that they have adhered to the policy of not accepting large crowds at the games.

The winner and runner up were presented with their prizes along with G. Narine of BlackBull who was awarded with the MVP prize for scoring an overall total of 96 runs and picking up 3 wickets. He also took the

Guyana Committee of Service donates running shoes to Athletes

Leslie Black (right) with the Athletes who were presented with running shoes recently.

The Guyana Committee of Service (GCOS) was founded by the CEO of Payless Varity Store and former Athlete Joseph Ramkumar after reading a newspaper story by former Guyana Sportsman and Journalist Sean Devers on the plight of former Wold Tittle Boxing Contender Boxer Clive Atwell who

needed a brain Surgery.

Since then the Guyana Committee of Service has embarked on numerous fund raiser ventures to aid sportspersons in need of assistance with their latest undertaking being ‘the running shoes programme’ by selling stickers with the words ‘I LOVE Guyana’ for $250 each. The money

earned from the sales is used to buy running shoes for Athletes who needs them across Guyana.

A press release from GCOS’s member, Athletics Coach Leslie Black states; “We never stopped and went on in assisting the Crifta team over the years, assisting Athletes with gears over the (Continued on page 59)

man of the match in the final for scoring 26 not out. Best Bowler prize went to G. Gansham of Delhi Capitals for an outstanding figure of 2-0-7-3 and Best Batsman prize went to Troy (only name given) of Hype Park for scoring 49 runs in an innings.

WeCare Community

Services and Promotions then went on to thank the sponsors, New Level Business Est, R.L Sukhram & Sons Sawmill and lumber yard, SR Real Estate Investment, West Central Mall, V.J Service Centre and Auto Spares, Forresters Business Complex, First Class Wash Bay, New Land

Lumber Yard, R.Ruben Sawmill and Lumber Yard, R2A Construction, Furniture and Upholstery, Phoenix Taxi, Khans Construction’s and Transportation Service, Century Spring Purified Water and Rakesh Singh Service Station for their support in making the event a success.