PAGE 4
Monday April 05, 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
Reasonable fear It is rough, very rough, over there in neighbouring Brazil reeling from the ferocious and lethal onslaughts of the COVID19 virus. Because Brazil is so near to us, there is some reasonable fear here, as to what could be extremely imperiling for us. When people are under attack, they run and seek for any safe harbour. They don’t remain rooted in place, and resign themselves to whatever fate holds in store for them. Currently, the latest media reports tell of a harrowing reality: Brazilian hospitals are so overwhelmed with huge numbers of patients that they are close to the point of collapse. The Brazilian authorities are doing as much as they can and all they can, but they are falling short. The government knows it and the increasingly frightened population knows that, too. It just doesn’t look grim; the overall situation is most grim. The numbers keep adding up, the known variants are intensifying, the official response - whether structured or developed on the run - are far from enough, do not calm or comfort. As the impacts of the virus weigh heavily on a population looking for any way out, the Guyanese border takes on an increasingly inviting appearance. It is as good as any of the options available, and with several advantages that stand most temptingly. The border separating Guyana and Brazil is long. It is mostly unpoliced and it possesses many areas and opportunities where those running for their lives, or simply getting an early jump on the exodus of worried fellow citizens, can explore to put some distance between themselves and their families and the always advancing, and alarming, killing machine that is this COVID-19 virus. Both virus and variants seem to elude modern medicine’s wisdoms and efforts to put it in a vice that locks it from spreading further and inflicting more damage. Because of this, Guyana looks more and more like a safe haven that can neither be ignored nor delayed much longer. Selecting the right time can make the difference between infection and more contamination or the continuation of life in some form and in some other, more soothing place or its conclusion in the high probability of death. However, the Guyana side of the border, those closer to Brazil, has had more than its share of COVID-19 visitations, with lockdowns and quarantines being a part of the protective efforts put in place a little while ago. Whole communities in the far-off regions were totally shutdown and isolated. Our medical and other human resources managed at the time, but even then, when the surge was not anywhere near what is present in Brazil today, those resources and efforts were stretched very thinly. We cannot absorb more; we cannot cope with more and from so many fronts at the same time. A careful note of the overall local situation with respect to the virus reveals that there is a steady increase in the number of cases of infections, and of the death rate inching forward. Older Guyanese have been succumbing more frequently than other age groups but there has been a handful from below the pension age segment of citizens. Vaccine distributions are moving along at a rapid clip, but only the first doses have been administered to this point, with a good eight weeks and more before the full dosage (the second) is scheduled to occur. There are vaccines in hand and more arriving, which should put to bed any fears of running out of vaccines in midstream. In spite of all of these pluses, the nation is still vulnerable and is limited into how much more it can handle. This is speaking from the perspectives of a rush of new infections, the stressed conditions of the medical sector, and the ongoing exposures posed by many of our own citizens (too many of them), who throw caution to the winds and recklessly pay scant attention to what the safety protocols are, and doing the right thing. That would be those things that have been repeated countless times by now, and which go a long way to protect self and others. With all this in mind, we think of the circumstances in Brazil. We cannot help but wonder what those could possibly mean for us here, and how little we may be in a position to do, should any influx of fleeing Brazilians occur. It would not make much of a difference, whether such an influx is of a steady trickle, or at a furious rush. There is only so much, which we can take, before we ourselves would be overwhelmed beyond the point of being of any help to anyone. That is, for ourselves, or those who come seeking a hand of brotherhood and assistance.
VP Jagdeo and lawyer Anil Nandlall should be excused for non-filing Dear Editor, I would like to offer some observations on how Courts, particularly in the USA, would treat the application to overturn the High Court default judgment handed down by Justice Sandra Kurtzious, ordering VicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo, to pay the former Housing Minister, Annette Ferguson, more than $20 million in damages for libel. The judgment should be reversed, and a real trial held, on the following jurisprudential grounds, generally classified as “excusable neglect.” (1) The matter was not decided on the merits, and hence cannot be said to be a valid judgment, especially since the Court did not explain how it arrived at the $20 million in damages. Ex parte judgments, as this one is, are cloaked in secrecy and suspicion, having been obtained without hearing the other side’s evidence and arguments and abrogates the audi alteram partem rule, a firmly established rule of common law that a judge or anyone exercising a judicial function must hear both sides of every case. Every party must have his day in Court. This was not afforded Mr. Jagdeo, who has since demonstrated that he was very eager to defend the case. (2) Mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect of the party who failed to defend himself in the case can be established by the defendant Jagdeo. Courts in the US have been accepting the unprecedented Covid
pandemic as a legitimate excuse, and granting reversals and/or stays of judgments accordingly. (3) VP Jagdeo can also argue that the delay was caused by the collateral consequences of the epic struggle waged by him, his lawyer Mr. Anil Nandlall, SC, the Caricom community, the United States, the European Union, Britain, Canada, the Carter Center, and other international groups, agencies and organizations, for the restoration of the right of the Guyanese people to freely elect a government of their choice. Fair-minded people in Guyana and around the world, Opposition leaders, world leaders and others denounced the initial results, released by the elections council. In short, this fundamental subversion of democracy and the rule of law would have been deemed to permeate the legal system presumptively, and affords another valid excuse for the defendant’s omissions to file his defense. (4) The fact that an injunction seeking to muzzle
the then Opposition Leader was earlier denied by the High Court seems to suggest that the plaintiff’s case may not have merit. Truth is a complete defence to an action like this. If the statement at issue is substantially true, a defamation claim cannot succeed because a citizen and/or newspaper have the right to publish truthful information even if it injures another’s reputation. The defence of “fair comment on a matter of public interest,” may also be a possible defence. This case can be summarily disposed of if the public records regarding land ownership confirms that the former Minister owns three plots of land at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) which she acquired while in government. Of course, acquisition of properties and assets beyond one’s salaries has also triggered successful criminal prosecution in many parts of the world, including against mobsters and racketeers. Some prosecutors have convinced juries of criminal liability based on circumstantial evidence to show increases in net worth
that do not match an individual’s income, and therefore could only have come from ill-gotten gains, such as bribes, thefts, misappropriation, etc. In a murder case, which I prosecuted in 1983, I used this type of argument to convict two males who lured the deceased, Mr. Jeeboo, to the backdam, under the pretext to “see how his crop is developing.” When they returned at sunset without him, and could offer no plausible explanation for his disappearance, his dead body was the inescapable result of murder, based on circumstantial evidence. “Ladies and gentlemen, if two cats and a healthy mouse go into a forest, and only the two cats return, and cannot explain why the mouse was found dead, you can be sure, and draw the reasonable conclusion, that the cats killed the mouse.” Even their lawyers, the brilliant Doodnath Singh and Bernard DeSantos, SCs, could not save them from this logical theory. The law can be a slippery slope. Yours truly, Albert Baldeo, Former Magistrate
Guyana is becoming increasingly multicultural Dear Editor, Guyana is becoming increasingly multicultural. This multiculturalism is manifested in the fact that Guyanese of different ethnicities and religions participate in major religious and national festivals such as
Easter, Phagwah and Mashramani. I believe we are today much more tolerant and accommodating of our diversity especially when it comes to race and religion. This speaks well of us as a society and as a nation. Let
us continue to embrace the principles of love, peace, brotherhood and compassion. These are indeed the defining characteristics of a morally just and enlightened society. Yours truly, Hydar Ally
Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice Festers Venomously Dear Editor, I had planned writing about Cotton Tree to inquire where things are, since there is an information vacuum present. Events, however, ran ahead of me. For there is that gruesome murder of a pensioner, allegedly as admitted by his neighbour, for us to contemplate now when, if ever, Cotton Tree will be closed. It is not just any neighbour, but someone loosely related to one of the murdered Henry cousins. And this latest murder of the pensioner means that four have died in the most hideous manner, with the Henry duo, being the most recognised and most barbaric. Though I differ and distance from some of the extremes that were displayed back then, I
recognize and accept that the murders of Haresh Singh and now this pensioner, were retaliatory in nature. All Guyana should do the same. We must do the same, if we say we are for justice and peace. We must not be lukewarm or patently flimsy in our reception to what was premeditatedly meted out to Mr. Deochand. I agree that what has surfaced are the largely the anecdotes of hearsay, or secondhand recollections and regurgitations. But, even as I say so, I sense some substance to the linkage(s) in the quartet of murders. It would be comforting to me to hear the expressions of outrage across the board; not from one side wounded, but from all, whether near or far.
Such would be more than comforting to me, who does not matter in the big scheme of thing. It would be soothing to the torn psyche of this nation, which sees only what it wants to see and know when it wants to see and know. It is only then that harsh condemnations come. If we are to get anywhere in our relationships, then we cannot continue to have the obviously naked dishonesty that comes with selectivity on issues like these. To be expressively blunt: I only find voice and conscience, when it involves my people, my colour, my politics, and my prejudices. If our religious agents prove again to like that, and just that, then there are nothing more than opportunistic agent provocateurs, who serve no purpose to the people of this country, be such the families
of the murdered, the nearby communities, or the nation at large. If our political leaders (and I expect nothing different from both sides) are, once again, nothing more but the same raw jaundiced partisan stripes that did harm in Cotton Tree, then they are capable of only what is supportive of their dastardly visions. It could of those who are caustic in their castigations of those suspected; or those leaders that contribute the assets of the State to provide cover. I brace for the passions of one side to be vented sharply; and by the same token, those of the other to mouth some unpersuasive platitudes that pooh-pooh the matter until it blows over. Throughout, we are reminded, that Cotton Tree festers venomously. Yours truly, GHK Lall
Monday April 05, 2021
A champion has run his last race Dear Editor, It was Ivor Burnette who lives in New York who phoned to say that George Payton died during the week ending 3rd April 2021. Those who were around track and field athletics during the late 1960s would remember George as Guyana’s lead sprinter. This was the time when “ R o c k y ” M c P h e r s o n ’s days as our ace sprinter were at an end. Rocky was short and slim – looking at him, one would not have associated him with the speed, which he generated. George represented a new era of sprinters. Modelled after the American sprinter, Bob Haynes, who won the 100 meters at the 1964 Olympics. Haynes was a powerful man – over six feet tall with bulging muscles. Payton was around 5 feet 10 inches, broad and thick at the shoulders, with legs as strong as our greenheart tree. The 1960s ushered in the age of the power sprinters, men who spent as much time at the gym as they did on the track, and George was among the earliest of such sprinters for Guyana. Somewhere in the late 1960s, I remember a number of us travelling to Suriname to take part in a meet that country held each year, during the month of August. Guyana’s official team was led by George Payton, Ivor Burnette and Moses Dawarka. A number of us younger athletes (mostly from Tutorial High School), paid our way intending to take part in the under-19 events. Guyana excelled at that games. We won almost everything in sight easily. I said almost since Trinidad had a strong team at the games. Their team was led by a young sprinter whose name I can’t recall, but to this day believe him to have been a young Hasely Crawford, who went on to win the 100meters
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
at the 1976 Olympics. Just looking at the sprinters at the starter line for the 100meters, one could easily guess that the race would be between George and this tall, strapping young Trinidadian. And so it was. At the gun, the two men quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field. Neither seemed to be getting the better of the other as though jointed at hip, they fell on the tape together, with the Trinidadian being adjudged the winner. That was our first defeat at that games. And George and all of us wanted revenge in the 200meters. Since Suriname did not have any under 19-runners capable of giving our 19s any meaningful challenge, the organisers asked that we run in the international (open) events. This explains why I was involved in what happened next. At the line for the 200meters, we were made to draw lots for determining our lane. I drew the lane immediately behind the tall Trinidadian, while George drew a lane just in front of him. Thus making George a comfortable target for the Trini to gauge his progress during the course of the race. Something had to be done quickly, to place George just behind him, making him George’s target. Quickly George and I switched lots. Now the race was set up in George’s favour. And he did not disappoint. He won comfortably. Guyana had regained its winning ways. Our men left that games with only one defeat - the 100meters. But during week ending 3rd April 2021, George was to taste defeat one last time. Only this time, he knew a defeat that we all will experience some day. Rest easy big brother. Yours truly, Claudius Prince
Preference does not mean selection of certain Guyanese businesses are guaranteed Dear Editor, I am compelled to provide input on the article: “Exxon contractor snubs local firm...” as written in KN 4th April. Yes, Exxon and its contractors should give local Guyanese merchants preference for goods and materials, but MUST they select the local merchants that don’t meet the quality and standards that these international companies by their own internal guidelines are expected to go by? The answer is No. Preference does not mean selection of certain Guyanese businesses is guaranteed, if those businesses don’t meet certain corporate criteria and guidelines. Emphasis is
placed on the goods and materials to be provided, as some of these items need more scrutiny than others. The more reasons for contracts to be written properly. Pricing is just one factor. The contractors can select another company if the price is higher, as long as the quality and standards are high. How many companies would select a supplier with no experience in a particular field? That is rarely done. It’s the equivalent of an employer not selecting a job applicant with no experience. It happens all the time, and is a very valid argument for disqualification. “Networking” as Americans call it, with the employees at
Exxon and their subcontractors in Guyana, and knowing who has clout is a path to getting noticed and selected-especially if the supplier is new to the field. I think this is necessary. Especially in an area that is very competitive, with scores of other established suppliers. The likes of Exxon have guidelines and legal obligations that they have to adhere to, even with procurement; and especially with certain items - otherwise employees regardless of location can sue for the slightest issues, especially with PPE. PPE is a can of worms for certain companies, because of lawsuits.
That is why the main questions, which I have are: (A) How was the expression of interest by the local Guyanese company submitted to SBM offshore? (B) Did the Guyanese company indicate anywhere on the documents or email that the primary supplier was an established international company - W.W. Grainger? It would be interesting for KN to follow up to see which company was selected, and what the difference was in the submitted documents (if any), or emails, bearing in mind; other factors could have also played a part in the selection process. Yours truly, Chi Kansi
In this Easter season, Guyanese have become restless to return to the traditions Dear Editor, Easter in Guyana is the season for Christian religious observances, kite-flying, cross buns, Easter eggs, and the Easter bunny. Years ago, it was associated with the Easter Hat Parade. In Japan, Korea and China, it is the season of the Apple Blossom. Last year’s Easter was most “unEaster-like” for many Guyanese. Very few kites dotted the skies and family picnics became a rarity. Moreover, politicians were deprived of the opportunity to distribute kites to eagereyed youngsters. And notwithstanding the persistence of the pandemic, reports are that kite sales are on the upswing when compared to last year, a clear indication that Guyanese like
the rest of humanity are restless and are desirous of returning to do what they like doing especially when it comes to observing those events that are traditional. This time around, the politicians are busily sharing out kites around the country. Easter is a completely different season. It is a season characterised by a more somber and retrospective environment for believers. Perhaps because the season is associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. One of
the greatest mysteries of the resurrection is the question: Who rolled away the stone? Was it ‘The young man who greeted the women who, entering the tomb saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side’( Mark 16:5). Or, ‘The two men who stood by their side in shining garments’ (Luke 24:4). Or ‘The one angel of the Lord who descended from Heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it.’ (Mathew 28:2) Or, ‘The two angels in white sitting where the body
of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet.’ (John 20:12)? These apparent c o n t r a d i c t i o n s notwithstanding, the more fundamental question however is, the relevance of the stone being rolled away in a Guyanese context having regard to our own social and economic challenges and the search for solutions to them. Who will roll away that stone by what means and when? That is the question. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
PAGE 6
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
St. Francis Community Developers launch three new initiatives under $1B Spotlight project The St. Francis Community Developers, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) located in Region Six is part of the $1B Spotlight Initiative which provides a unique opportunity via the Ministry of Human Services and its international partners, the European Union and United Nations for NGOs to address family violence and other types of developmental issues on community and national levels. According to information released via the Ministry’s social media page, St. Francis Community Developers over the last three months has been executing a number of Spotlight Initiatives across Region Six in two locations -
Caption: Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. United Bricklayers in New Amsterdam and at St. Francis Headquarters in Port Mourant. The two centres were
...Men robbed of millions in From page 3 20:30hrs last Saturday, Kooblall and Dyal were dining at HONG XIANG, a Chinese restaurant, when two armed bandits walked into the restaurant and approached their table. CCTV footage shows one of the bandits holding the men at gunpoint, while the other pulled the gold chains off Kooblall’s neck. Both men stayed still with their hands in the air while the bandits continued relieving them of their valuables. According to the police report, Kooblall was reportedly robbed of six gold chains valued $2,145,000; two gold rings valued $220,000; one gold band valued $400,000; one iPhone pro 11 max cell
phone valued $320,000; one Samsung A17 cell phone valued $150,000 and $300,000 cash. The total worth of the items was $3,320,460. As for Dyal, he was robbed of one Samsung A50 cell phone, valued $60,000, and $195,000 in cash. Based on the CCTV footage, after relieving Kooblall and Dyal of the items, the bandits then instructed them to walk to the back of the restaurant. The bandits then exited the restaurant and made good their escape in a white 212 motorcar. According to the police, the motorcar registration number is unknown and no arrest has been made as yet. The investigation into the alleged armed robbery is ongoing.
established to care for the elderly and early childhood development, while the Dress For Success Closet provides clothing for women and youths who attend interviews or need to dress for success on a job. All clothing is free of cost. During the recent opening of two Resource Centres and a Dress For Success Closet at the St. Francis’ Headquarters Complex at Port Mourant in Region Six, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud noted that they are committed to working with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that work assiduously to safeguard the welfare of the vulnerable including the elderly and children. The NGO’s coordinator, Alex Foster, and his team’s efforts to assist and improve the lives of the vulnerable were recognised and applauded by the Minister. Minister Persaud
complimented and thanked the NGO for their steadfast efforts in the communities to tackle violence, and other issues. She noted too that early childhood development is a focus of the Ministry. “It means we recognise the children from the time of birth to about six to eight years old; they benefit greatly from teaching, from training, from exposure… We are focusing on their cycle, economic and emotional development as well; we are focusing on their physical development,” Minister Persaud added. She further elaborated that the content available to the children will also be addressed to ensure the quality of information is conducive to healthy learning. To this end, the Human Services Minister announced that the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF will be working on increasing the reading materials to include more localised stories and scenarios that are currently available. “So we are going to move forward to ensure that the material is available across the country before children hit the formal education system, that gap between birth and school is catered for through early childhood development,” the Minister said. She added, “And children can only grow the right way and develop in the manner in which we want them to if the community raises a child, so I’m very happy that the Early Childhood Development Resource Centre will be serving quite a number of
Dress for Success is one the new initiatives by the St. Francis Community Developers. communities.” Meanwhile, Minister Persaud underscored the Ministry’s commitment to improving the lives of the elderly, and commended the NGO for the opening of the elderly Resource Centre. “We are conscious that people are living longer, and so you want them to have the best possible quality of life in their twilight years, as we like to call them. Resource Centre will also benefit from our training programme, in the sense that we will blend what you have here with what we can offer so that more people can go out there and fill the need that exists across the country,” Persaud disclosed. She also touched on an
issue, which she is passionate about – elderly abuse. “I know many persons do not like to talk about it. But many elders are at home alone, many elders also live with their families, and they’re neglected, they don’t have food, sometimes the shelter that they get is barely adequate to meet their needs,” the Minister stated. As a result of these experiences and circumstances, the Minister indicated that her Ministry will be launching an aggressive campaign to sensitise and educate persons, families and communities on this societal ill.
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
Solar power may be a better option Guyana does not have a debt crisis. The PPP/C has done a fantastic job at managing the country’s debt, considering what it inherited from the PNC in 1992. The Guyanese people, however, have to be wary of public debt being used to finance private gains. This is one of the real possibilities if the controversial gas-toshore project goes ahead. The danger of that project is the financial model. If public funds are going to be injected into this project to enrich a few friends and cronies of the government, it should be a no-goer. The government is not likely to go to a public private partnership (PPP) model for this project. This model has proven suspect in the past because it has allowed the PPP/C’s friends and cronies and preferred investors to benefit while trying to entice public support with a promised reduction of 50 percent in electricity tariffs. The PPP greed machine must not be allowed to get its hands on this project. The dubious model which was used for the Marriott Hotel and the Berbice River Bridge must not be transplanted to this project if it proves viable. And that viability must not be based on a 50 percent reduction in electricity tariffs. Nothing less than free electricity and cooking gas for all households must result from this project. Trinidad and Tobago is the most industrialised economy in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. The twin-island’s electricity needs are provided by a mere eight percent of the natural gas it produces. Guyana’s natural gas production far exceeds that of Trinidad and Tobago. And therefore, there is no need for
any Guyanese to ever again pay for cooking gas (propane) or electricity. So, do not be impressed by this 50 percent reduction in electricity cost. It is a deceptive carrot, which is being dangled to woo support for the proposed gasto-shore project. Guyanese must be prepared to take to the streets to demand free electricity and cooking gas for households by 2025. They must also be prepared to protest to ensure that the gas-to-shore project does not become a cash cow for the usual suspects and their friends and cronies. This is why this project must be financed not by the PPP/C’s friends, cronies, syndicated investors or venture capitalists. The funds for this project should come from the average citizen based on a guarantee rate of return. Given the liquidity in the local banking sector, the monies can be raised in this way, if the project proves feasible. It may not. The reason being is that the cost of alternative energy sources is falling. Just recently, the Head of Guyana’s Energy Agency (GEA) indicated that the country had saved some $488M in electricity tariffs because of the investments [made by the APNU+AFC] in solar power. It was not clear how this sum was calculated – whether it was simply a crude measure of units of electricity generated by solar power, multiplied by the cost of electricity generated by the national grid, or whether this sum factored in the amortised cost of the capital costs of the solar panels and batteries. Nevertheless, what was most revealing was the massive reduction, which the GEA pointed to in the cost of generating solar power. The
GEA head noted that the cost of generating solar power had fallen over the past decade. It currently stands at under US$1 per kilowatt today. This significant reduction makes it all the more necessary for there to be a feasibility study for the gas-to-shore (GTS) project. If the benefit to consumers of the GTS project is a mere 50 percent reduction in electricity costs, it may be more feasible to move towards mini-solar grid systems which would reduce energy costs by far more than 50 percent, given the numbers quoted by the head of the Guyana Energy Agency. India is offering a line-ofcredit to finance the expansion of solar energy. And this may be a better option than simply allowing the PPP/C to handpick investors under a PPP (public private partnership) model for its gas-to-shore project. Guyanese therefore must keep a close eye on the gasto-shore project. The PPP/C must not be allowed to create a model for financing this project, which benefits a few of its friends and cronies while saddling the country with public debt which is used to help subsidise the project’s costs. The PPP/C must not be allowed to impose on the nation another Marriott or Berbice Bridge financial model. Guyanese people should not be fooled by the claim of a 50 percent reduction in the cost of electricity. That is a no-brainer. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Development cum to de Essequibo islands Dem boys know how hard life is in Leguan. Nuff a dem pickney does do good in school but when dem leff, dem nah get no wuk. De opportunities fuh better demselves are little or non-existent on de island. Jobs nah deh. And is only so much wuk yuh can find shying paddy and grazing cow and planting kitchen garden. Dat is why nuff of dem young people from Leguan does come away to de bright lights of de city. Dem does follow dem dreams… and end up back right in Leguan. Leffing home nah easy. Most of dem pickney does gat fuh board and lodge with family. Nat everybody does welcome yuh fuh long. Some does find good wuk but others does end up doing things dem nah like. Migration high in Leguan. Dat is why so much house empty deh. Dem pastures green in Leguan but people seeking greener pastures in de city and in America and Canada.
When dem save some money, dem does go back fuh see dem mooma and daddy pon weekend. But dem trips does be costly and dem does can only go back home pon special occasions. So dem boys does glad when dem hear about development coming to de Essequibo Islands. One time, dem boys read how de government building airstrip pon each of dem three main islands. Dem boys bin ask: ‘is who gan use dem airstrips?’ Dem pickney nah gat dah money fuh fly home and fly back out. But now dem boys hear big story in the news! Big things happening in Leguan. Major development hitting de fan in dat place. Dem getting a crematorium! Not a call centre. Not a processing plant. But a place fuh bun de dead! But dem boys wondering weh de corpses coming from. De island dun half empty already. Talk half and find out weh de next crematorium building!
PAGE 9
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
PAGE 16
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
Health Ministry to vaccinate 40,000 persons this week FOR RENT One bedroom apartment inside bathroom for working couple/ single person $36,000 Monthly water/ light included Tel#638-8858 VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Mitsubisi Canter 4M40 6 months insurance goods & service and alarm system Price $1,600,000, Contact 6933003
Sheriff street, pattensen / turkeyen, Diamond/ Grove, Zeelught, Utvlugt & Enterprise ECD, Qeenstown Contact Ray's Realty 627-9785
1 Mitsubishi 3.5 canter. 4 m51 engine. wide nody, 17" tray. GSS series price $1,700,000 neg Tel#661-9447
Commercial property for sale or rent Providence old road Call 623-3440 / 233-5600
The Ministry of Health, via press statement yesterday announced a significant ramp-up of COVID-19 vaccination in the coming week, as it plans to administer first doses to 40,000 citizens. It noted that as of 3rd April, 40,468 vaccine doses
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale, Berbice, Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank Tel#664-8641, 682-2585, office 219- 2815 Lot 102 Good Hope Mahaica 500ftx42ft Tel#691-8420
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick #630-1600.
Middle Rd, Lapenitence, Enterprise C. Cornelia Zida Kuru Kuru Soesdyke Highway & Queenstown Contact Ray's Realty 627-9785 Zeelugt $4M & $5M Tel#6481635 EDUCATION Qualify yourself in Cosmetology & Nail technology pakages starting from $25,000 classes commence: April 12,2021 Call Abby 617-6751
FOR RENT fully furnishd apartment hot & cold water system installed eccles, victoria Ave Tel#6280016 Luxury apartment 2 or 3 bedroom fully furnished for rent properties, apartments Tel#664-8641, 682-2585, office 219- 2815 Furnish apt one bedroom,two bedroom, three bedroom, providence and diamond Tel#672-1906, 6826238, 216-2299 Room to rent at 11 charles street charlestown, Call 2234060/ 675-4894 Business: Hadfeild street, Safon street Residence: North Ruimveldt Georgetown Contact Ray's Realty 627-9785 Fully developed commercial land for rent E.B.D size 23,000 sq ft Call 623-3440/ 233-5600 2 bedroom bottom flat, commercial spot @ 2nd smyth st & 7 Hauge W.C.D June 6231562
WANTED Mason and Carpenter. Contact 666-2887 Wanted experience hire car drivers at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Contact 616-5419/ 690-2242 1 dental nurse/ assistant apply to, C. Persaud dental 14 Peter's Hall, EBD email: svpersaud25@gmail.com Tel#233-5137/ 5927 or 6932565 Live in domestic must know to cook. Various dishes (female) salary range 20,000 30,000 Weekly Tel#610-3974 Experienced counter server, roti/ puri cook, kitchen assistant, handy boys apply @ Hack's Halaal resturant 5 Commerce St One person worker to work shift system Tel#225-6337
VACANCY Kitchen assistant, pitman and hauler operator for interior location. Application must be experienced. Call 2312250 Experience water delivery driver must have lorry license Tel#676-1363/ 692-6768 preferbaly from E.C.D
were given and of that total, 12-second doses were administered. Guyana has surpassed 3,000 vaccinations in a day, three times during last week, with Regions Three, Four and Six having the largest immunisation numbers. With the ramp slated for
this coming week, more than 100 fixed vaccination sites will be administering first and second jabs, starting tomorrow. According to the Health Ministry, teams will be administering vaccines in all ten regions of Guyana and is urging all persons 40
years and older to capitalise on the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID19. “The vaccines are free. The vaccines are effective and safe,” the Ministry noted. Below are the fixed vaccination sites:
Monday April 05, 2021
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
== EASTER MESSAGES == Message of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of Easter The First Lady and I, and our son, Zayd, extend our heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, on this blissful Easter. Easter is the most joyous season in the Christian calendar. It emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, and faith. These are the primary pillars on which humanity thrives. As Pope Francis noted in his Good Friday address and I quote, “To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in us, free, joyful and simple. It is to have maturity to be able to say I made mistakes; it is to have the courage to say I am sorry; it is to have the sensitivity to say I need you; it is to have the ability to say I love you.” It is our hope of a better tomorrow that must allow us to free ourselves from anger, hateful thinking, and negativity toward s e a c h other. It is our ability to seek forgiveness, but first of all, to acknowledge our mistakes. This Easter, let us come together as family and communities in peace, tolerance and hope in a future that brings us all together. Christ’s selfless action and sacrifice must be the lesson through which we all should selflessly act and sacrifice for the greater good of humanity. As 1John 4:20 states, “Whoever claims to love God, yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother
and sister whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” Indeed, we are all brothers and sisters in humanity. The coronavirus pandemic has been with us for more than a year. During this time, citizens have been forced to restrict their interaction with each other. Friends and relatives have been forced to reduce personto-person contact in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines. Most of our children have been away from school and the company of their classmates. Social gatherings and activities have been restricted. The restrictions have come at a price. Many businesses, including small enterprises, have suffered losses. Some workers have had to be laid off. Families have suffered a loss in incomes.
Easter traditionally has been a time to enjoy the outdoors. The long Easter weekend in Guyana is usually celebrated with a lot of activities, including kiteflying, family picnics, the annual Bartica Regatta, and the Rupununi Rodeo. The coronavirus pandemic, however, has forced us to curtail and limit these activities at this time. Guyanese have borne these deprivations and sacrifices willingly, knowing that they are in the interest of protecting our people and communities. I express my gratitude to all Guyanese who have committed to making the necessary sacrifices to protect our people. I also reiterate my appreciation to our frontline workers who were and still are at the forefront of keeping our people safe. Sacrifices made in the interest of others are never in vain. If we do the right things, we will derive the right results. I have no doubt that we will win the war against the pandemic. The Easter story resonates with the hope that victory will inevitably prevail. Christ’s selfless sacrifice inspires us at Easter. His example continues to be a source of strength during the weeks and years ahead when we must remain vigilant and disciplined! May God bless you and your families. A Happy and Holy Easter to all!
CITY MAYOR, Pandit Ubraj Narine JP, COA I wish to take this opportunity to extend heartwarming Easter wishes to the citizens of the City of Georgetown and Guyana at large. Easter is the time of year that many Christian brothers and sisters celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, after three days of his crucifixion. The significance of this holiday represents Eternal Life after death for those who follow Jesus Christ. Leading up to Easter, many Christians observe a period of fasting (known as “Lent”), whereby Easter Sunday marks the end of their fast. Easter also represents victory and renewal. It is a great example to our leaders to renew their honour and
carefully understand the significance of sacrifice and putting others first. Many symbolisms such as Easter eggs, bunnies, and kites will be seen around the globe, whether for religious reasons or simply because these are traditions that many follows. Traditionally in the City of Georgetown, many persons love to gather at the National Park and the seawalls simply to fly their kites for the season. Many attend church gatherings for fellowship, where they offer their gratitude. During this time, many persons will purchase or bake cross buns. I admire our citizens for their optimism during this time while remaining hopeful and
exercising love, care, and patience. As the Chief Citizen of the City of Georgetown, I wish to remain hopeful that our citizens will bear in mind that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, that persons will exercise carefully their judgments and continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines during the Easter Holidays. I know many of you look forward to the events for the Easter season but please remember what this Holiday represents, and I do hope that in these trying times, we remain hopeful and optimistic. I wish you all an extra bright and happy Easter, filled with laughter, love, and clean fun.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Joseph Harmon MSM, MP Easter Message 2021 Today, I join our Christian brothers and sisters in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and perhaps the most important words of the Christian faith – He is risen! I extend warm Easter greetings to all throughout our nation. I am mindful that I do so at a time when the blessed message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying life, conquering death has never been more relevant and needed, given the prevailing situation in Guyana. At Easter, we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection – the most important event in Christianity which is the core of Jesus’s message,
ministry and mission on earth. It is a celebration of hope, re-emergence and eventual triumph of life. Easter reasserts the power of hope over fear and that the dawn of daylight will come at the end of a period of darkness. This is our second Easter in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures prescribed to combat the spread of the virus have seen uneven application and poor enforcement by the PPP regime, resulting in an uncontrolled spread of the disease across our country. The recent distribution of vaccines has given rise to some hope but an atmosphere of fear for life and livelihood in all sectors challenge this iota of hope.
Our ultimate hope is through our undying faith and resilience this situation would change from darkness to hope, confidence and optimism. May God Almighty continue to bless us as a people and direct our path. Let us maintain hope and offer comfort to each other by our positive actions and with a determined spirit, knowing that we will rise above the challenges confronting our beautiful country. I wish every Guyanese a happy, safe and peaceful Easter. I urge you to be responsible, judicious and considerate during this holiday period. -END-
Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips Fellow Guyanese, Easter is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of love. As we observe this holiday, I ask that we remember its significance and reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God. Remarkably, this story is given new life on the occasion of Easter each year. Throughout generations, the story of Jesus has inspired millions to strive for
a better world and to epitomize the virtues of Christ, as expressed in the Holy Bible. His death stands out in history as the perfect example of selflessness and unconditional love. His life and teachings are centered on the importance of helping others and loving our neighbours, a universal practice across religions. His unswerving devotion and mercy provide a
remarkable example for all of us. As we celebrate God’s gift of freedom and his love that conquers death, I remind you that it is our faith in this belief that must embolden our confidence that good overcomes evil and that joy nurtured by this season is everlasting. On this occasion, my family and I revere God’s many blessings and pray for his peace in all affairs.
PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY Easter is one of our nation’s most anticipated holidays during which Guyanese from all backgrounds participate in the traditional kite-flying and other family-related activities that have become synonymous with the occasion. It is foremost a very sacred time for Christians across the world marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter also provides many pertinent lessons for all humanity through its teachings of tolerance, humility, love, and
respect for others while offering an abundance of hope that one will rise despite being confronted with insurmountable challenges. It is that hope which gives meaningful purpose to all mankind for both personal and societal advancement. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adhere to all safety related protocols, kiteflying, and other activities will be restricted. As such, while our celebrations will be tapered, we urge that our spirits not
be dampened as we reflect on the significance and messages of Easter and the importance it can play in helping to realize universal peace and brotherhood among all. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend to all Guyanese, especially our brothers and sisters within the Christian communities here and abroad, best wishes on this auspicious occasion. Our Party also urges adherence to all COVID-19 preventative protocols.
GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS’ UNION Easter celebration is meant to commemorate the death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, which development marks the very anchor of Christianity. It shows the acknowledgement and appreciation of the sacrifices of Jesus and his eventual triumph over the devil for the salvation of man. Ordinarily, the celebration
of this auspicious milestone on the Christian calendar is characterised by church festivities and kite-flying because of its great significance. However, as fate will rather have it, we are, today, not in ordinary times. The world, as we all know, is currently facing the biggest threat to the survival of man
in many decades and centuries following the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19, which has, so far, claimed more than two million human lives globally with tens of millions of infections and counting. Similarly, the pandemic has had an incalculable debilitating impact on the (Continued on page 18)
PAGE 18
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
== EASTER MESSAGES == Govt. retendering Leguan stelling GUYANA TRADES UNION CONGRESS project The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends Easter Greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters. This holiday bears much significance to the Christian world for it symbolises a more compassionate approach in treating our fellowman. In the Christian faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was betrayed by his disciple Judas, not only resulted in His crucifixion but brought salvation to all men. This equality in salvation acknowledges all are equal in worth and status. Whereas Christ called on his followers to render unto Caesar (i.e. government) the things that are of Caesar (such as obeying law, paying taxes, etc.). He also condemned leaders who governed without compassion for the vulnerable in society. Guyana continues to face a crisis in governance. It is a crisis that ignores the vulnerable and treats the Opposition, their supporters, and those perceived to be opponents of the government as aliens and unworthy. The Constitution and Laws of Guyana are being violated and the rights of some
citizens trampled on without impunity, a fact the United States noted in its just released Human Rights Report on Guyana. There continues to be disparity in government’s management of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) based on regions, wards and age. The poor continues to be denied opportunities to economic upliftment given the absence of a Poverty Alleviation Programme. The working class, particularly unionised workers, continues to be denied the basic right to justice through collective bargaining and private sector workers, particularly in the commercial district, denied increased minimum wage as approved by the Tripartite Committee. Each passing day, Guyana is becoming a tale of two cities, drifting further and further away from a nation established to treat all as equal and prefers none over the other. Dare it be said, these are principles that remind Guyanese of the teachings of Christ and His admonishment to leaders who failed to uphold these. Thus, GTUC calls on all Guyanese, even as we reflect on this solemn holiday, to be imbued with religious conviction to: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless,
and please the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17). The God of the Christians, though a God of mercy is also a God of accountability. His words must not only be preached in sermons and from the pulpit but taken to action. The Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us to: “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds, which we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” GTUC therefore calls on the Christian community to put on the true armour of God and go into the highways and byways and do thy Father’s will, advocating compliance to the gospel to “ … seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause.” Christian leaders have a moral and spiritual duty to do God’s will in the communities within which they reside and on behalf of the congregants sitting in their pews. May this Easter be the year of a call to action and spiritual awakening among Christians as done in days of yore and presently in other societies in taking public stands for justice and equality.
The PPP/C Administration is making good on its promise to resolve the issues surrounding the delayed Leguan stelling project. On Wednesday last, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said the Government took a decision to source a new contractor during a visit to the island led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Minister Edghill said, ”As of yesterday afternoon, we are going back out to tender to get a new contractor engaged because we are seeking to put together what was done and what needs to be done, so we can have a smooth transition. The stelling is not going to be abandoned. I want to make that very clear. This is a high priority for our Government and we are going to get that stelling fixed.” In February last, the
Government terminated the $413.2 million contract for the rehabilitation of the stelling after the contractor was repeatedly flagged for poor performance. Last month, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall filed a $400 million lawsuit against the contractor. Concerning the road upgrades for the community, Minister Edghill told residents his Ministry is currently executing a review of all roads countrywide, and ranking them according to priority. “We want to be able to lift the standard. We want to be able to ensure proper quality that will result in the durability of the roads here on the island of Leguan.” Budget 2021 allocates $23.7 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of roads. Through the miscellaneous roads programme, $9 billion has been set aside to enhance community roads.
Minister Edghill said Leguan residents would soon enjoy beautified surroundings with the establishment of a Citizens Organised for the Restoration of the Environment (CORE) group on the island. “We will be working to ensure all of our public spaces, spaces where our children play, where the adults hang out and take recreation, where people go to exercise, it’s clean, it is properly lit, and it is kept in a manner that should showcase what Guyana is all about.” The Minister pledged to both engage and employ the new CORE group within the coming week. The team would be provided with the equipment needed to execute their duties. Furthermore, Minister Edghill also said sea defence on the island will be an area of focus for the Administration. Engineers are set to visit the island to conduct assessments for work to be done. (Modified from DPI)
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS The People’s National Congress Reform extends greetings to the Guyanese nation on the occasion of the happy festival of Easter – the most important event in Christian doctrine. Easter celebrates Jesus’s miraculous resurrection and is the core of Jesus’s message, ministry and mission on earth. The festival of Easter is observed at the conclusion of Lent, a period which replicates Jesus’s forty days of sacrifice, self-denial and suffering. The festival teaches us of the victory of Jesus’s virtue over Judas’s venality and his life over death. The Gospels of the Holy Bible recount Jesus’s agony in Gethsemane, followed by his arrest,
accusation, betrayal, crucifixion and glorious resurrection. The festival of Easter this year, owing to the prevalence of the deadly coronavirus pandemic disease, will find many Guyanese – except for our country’s doctors, nurses and medical personnel and enforcement officers and workers performing essential services – safely ‘at home’. The message of Easter is a blessed reassurance that the Guyanese people can overcome the COVID-19 disease if we conduct ourselves correctly and comply with the public health measures aimed at protecting all of us in the year ahead. The PNC wishes every Guyanese a happy Easter!
...GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND From page 17 global economy and for that matter on the general livelihood of people all over the world. The situation in Guyana, unfortunately, is not any different from this global malaise as we continue to record rising cases of COVID19. We nonetheless recognize the active efforts to bring the situation under control and to advance the vaccination efforts. We note the efforts, which we believe will redound to all Guyanese. We urge Guyanese too to heed the warnings and advice of health officials and seek to ensure that their celebrations are safe. As we consider our present-day situation, the enduring message of Easter
remains relevant. It reminds us, to some extent, of the challenges Christ and His disciplines faced in their times and the adversities they would have eventually overcome. It is a story of perseverance and the will of the people to confront those who seek to thwart what they stood for despite the tall obstacles put in their way. It is also a reminder that even the darkest of periods are only but a period and eventually that will soon pass. Indeed, we are confident, like in times before, as people have been gripped by one crisis or the other; we again will overcome and persevere, and we will become stronger and better for it all. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union
(GAWU), at this time, extends Easter Greetings to all Guyanese and more especially to members of our Christian Community, both here and around the world, on this most event of the Christian Calendar. For the members of the Christian Community, the Easter story represents the fulfillment of God’s Prophecy that mankind would be offered the hope of eternal life through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ and His subsequent Resurrection from the dead. It is this faith, which has kept the worldwide Christian Church alive and enabled its followers to significantly contribute towards making the earth a better place for all mankind.
Section of the Leguan stelling
COVID-19 deaths move to 243 Health officials warn of deadlier spike of virus affecting younger, healthier persons Even as the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced two more deaths as a result of the COVID-19 virus yesterday, health officials are warning of a deadlier spike of the virus affecting younger, healthier persons with no preexisting conditions or comorbidities. As a result, the Ministry is looking to ramp up its immunization campaign by establishing at least 100 vaccination sites across the country in addition to setting up mobile teams to help get persons vaccinated. While efforts are being made for this to be finalized by April 6, 2021, the Ministry of Health continues to record a spike in the daily incidences of infections. Within the past
week, at least 500 new cases have been recorded across the various regions of the country. Region Four remains in the lead for the highest number of COVID-19 cases with 5016 cases to date. As of yesterday, Guyana’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 stood at 10,580. The MOH recorded a total of 40 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, Region Four accounting for 21 of those cases; Region Seven with nine new infections; Region Six with eight new cases; and Regions Ten and Two recorded one new case each. The Ministry also disclosed that their latest fatalities are two males, a 73year-old from Region Six (East
Berbice- Corentyne) and another 62-year- old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), both of whom died while receiving care at a medical facility. Those deaths took the fatalities resulting from COVID-19 to 243. There are also reports of four additional deaths resulting from COVID-19 within the space of the last 24 hours. In the meantime, the Health Ministry said that to date, 9,250 persons have recovered from the deadly disease. There are also 1,075 persons in home isolation, 74 patients are in institutional isolation and 12 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Monday April 05, 2021
Monday April 05, 2021
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Kenya’s Chepngetich smashes half marathon record in Istanbul
Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich smashed the world half marathon record.
( R e u t e r s ) - K e n y a ’s Ruth Chepngetich smashed the world half marathon record yesterday, clocking a time of one hour, four minutes and two seconds at the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon to shave 29 seconds off the previous mark. The 26-year-old, a winner in 2017 and 2019, sprinted away from Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw across the final stages of the race to win by 38 seconds. “Istanbul is my city, I love running here,” Chepngetich, who also won the Istanbul Marathon in 2017 and 2018, said. “The world record is
Monday April 05, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Information about possible careers and investments might come to your attention today, Aries. You may give a lot of thought to these matters, especially since your thinking is changing along with the times. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Taurus, you're likely to be giving a lot of thought to your future. You're probably wondering how best to increase your financial standing. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If communication has been difficult for you in the past, today you may find things a bit different. You may have a deeper understanding of the motives of others, making it easier for you to deal with them. CANCER(June21–July22) Inside information may come your way today that starts you thinking about improving your financial standing. You might hear of career and investment opportunities that you've never considered before. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You could meet new friends at a social gathering, people who could become valuable business contacts. You might learn of new and different investment opportunities that reflect the changing times. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're by nature a person who likes to look toward the future. Today is a very special day for you. You might wonder what the next few months hold, Virgo.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today your spiritual and career goals may come together, Libra, enabling you to make a living without compromising your ideals. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You're looking forward to making a new start. Your intellect is working in harmony with your intuition. Your mind is clearer and more focused than it was, and you're thinking of expanding your horizons. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The position of the planets could have you doing a lot of soul searching. You're looking deep within to discern your true goals. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Today you might take time out from all the recent excitement to take a good look at your working life, Capricorn. Is it satisfying? AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Increased communication between you and those around you, particularly the partner in your life, brings a new understanding between you. Your head and heart seem to be in better accord. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Plans to work at home at least part of the time might be firming up for you, Pisces. Your mind is very much on home and family right now, so you might be thinking in terms of leaving the rat race of the city and creating your own office.
something I have been dreaming about for some time and I am so happy to do it on the streets of Istanbul. I’m really happy for this amazing result.” Kenyan Hellen Obiri, a two-time world 5,000 metres champion, finished third in 1:04:51 — the fastest debut half marathon in history — to mark the first time three women had finished inside 65 minutes in one half marathon. Kibiwott Kandie of Kenya won the men’s race in 59:35. Kandie, who set the world record in Valencia last year, raced into the lead with about 12 minutes remaining and held off the challenge of compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor to claim victory by three seconds, with Roncer Kipkorir taking third place.
...Ming remembered From page 24 was agreed that at some convenient time in the future, the club will hold a memorial tournament in full recognition of his contributions. Finally, as members sat under the tree on Saturday, the sun dipping below the horizon, the bar staff brought out a $1,000 note which she said Mr Ming had left for Patrick who had beaten him in the game on the previous Monday. It was remarked that even in death he had honored his debts.
...Gorg leads NY Tri State U-15s From page 22 their second win. This tour, hosted by the GCA, has been hit hard by the adverse weather and after two consecutive games were washed out in the City the visitors journeyed to Berbice where they lost to Albion. The had a no-result against GCC at MYO after Rivaldo Phillips scored a century before beating a combined GT line up at Everest and losing to Transport Sports Club at Bourda. The match against MYO which was set for the MYO ground yesterday was washed out and will be now be played today (Easter Monday) at the same venue.
AIBA waives host fee for the Youth championship in Poland, grants Host 500’000 CHF for Covid expenses Due to the special circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, AIBA Board of Directors decided to exceptionally change the conditions of the Host City Agreement concerning host fees for the 2021 Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships. A rele3ase from the organisation stated, “AIBA shall exceptionally renounce to request the Polish Boxing Federation to pay host fees (pre-agreed amount of CHF 500’000) for the 2021 Youth World Boxing Championships. AIBA shall grant the Host Federation of the 2021 youth major event a unique and exceptional contribution to the
additional costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in an amount of CHF 500’000.” “It is our mission to support our National Federations, especially the ones who took responsibility to host major events in these difficult pandemic times. I am sure that the Board of Directors took right decision to support Poland and exceptionally waive the host fee. The LOC and Polish Boxing Federation did a lot for this tournament to make it happen despite all matters. We are looking forward to see the first boxing World Championships after the pandemic began,” AIBA President Mr. Umar Kremlev said.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
Monday April 05, 2021
Gorg leads NY Tri State U-15s to win in D/N game at DCC
Shwethan Saharsh got a trophy for scoring the most runs for the New York Tri state U-15s at DCC on Saturday night.
By Sean Devers An incisive spell of fast bowling by Arya Gorg and a 51-run stand between Shwethan Saharsh and Utkarsh Srivastava powered the New York Tri State U-15s to a comprehensive sevenwicket win over host DCC under lights on Saturday night in their fifth match on their Guyana tour. DCC U-15s batted first in a game reduced to a 35-over contest and despite a wellcrafted 44 from 98 balls from Romeo Deonarine the home
team slipped from a very good position of 89-2 to be restricted to 112-5 when their 35 overs expired as Gorg, in a Man-of-the-Match performance, captured three wickets for 27 runs. The Americans, led by Saharsh, who made 36 from 66 balls and found the small boundary at the Queenstown venue three times, reached 113-3 with 39 deliveries to spare. Saharsh, who fell with scores tied, shared in partnerships of 41 for the
second wicket with Tanish Dongre (23) and 51 with Srivastava, who finished unbeaten on 20. DCC, which produced West Indies Test players such as Maurice Fernandes (the first West Indies Captain to win a Test match), Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd, Roy Fredericks, Roger Harper and Travis Dowlin, opted to bat in the Day/Night battle. DCC lost Keshawn Silas (2) when he was removed by left-arm Pacer Ali Virk at 161. The little Jaydon Dowlin, son of West Indies Women’s selector Travis Dowlin, joined the set Deonarine and played the supporting role before he was run out for 16 at 66-2. Jonathan Van Lange, who has represented Guyana at the Junior level in Cricket and Table Tennis, joined
Deonarine who continued to look organised at the crease and together they put DCC in a comfortable position at 892. But once Gorg removed Deonarine and Van Lange in the space of nine runs and dismissed Romel Singh (3) at 108-5, DCC could only reach 112. When the US lads began their reply the lost Nikhil Mudaliar (2) when he was removed by Lamar Seecharran at 20-1 before Dongre and Saharsh saw the 50 posted before Dongre was run out at 61-2. Saharsh and Srivastava both looked solid but with partnership just past 50 and with the scores tied, Saharsh fell to Dowlin. But Srivastava and fast bowling all-rounder Anirudh Bolisetty saw the tourists to (Continued on page 19)
MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo wins Doha Grand Prix
B
BC Sport Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo won the Doha Grand Prix yesterday after one sensational lap saw him move from third to first in Qatar. Five laps from the finish, the Frenchman overtook Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin, demoting them to second and third. Spanish rookie Martin, who started on pole, had led for most of the race before Quartararo passed him. France’s Zarco overtook his team-mate on the final lap to finish second. Maverick Vinales, who won last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix on the same Losail International Circuit track, finished fifth, one spot behind fourth-placed Alex Rins of Suzuki. It was the first time two French riders had been on the MotoGP podium in the sport’s elite since 1954, when Pierre Monneret won and Jacques Collot was third in Reims. Zarco tops the world championship standings after two rounds. Italian Valentino Rossi,
the seven-time MotoGP world champion, was 16th after starting in 21st, his worst-ever qualifying performance. Doha Grand Prix 1. Fabio Quartararo (Fra) Yamaha 42mins 23.997secs 2. Johann Zarco (Fra) Ducati +1.457sec 3. Jorge Martin (Spa) Ducati +1.5 4. Alex Rins (Spa) Suzuki +2.088 5. Maverick Vinales (Spa) Yamaha +2.11 6. Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati +2.642 7. Joan Mir (Spa) Suzuki +4.868 8. Brad Binder (Rsa) Ktm +4.979 9. Jack Miller (Aus) Ducati +5.365 10. Aleix Espargaro (Spa) Aprilia +5.382 World Championship standings 1. Johann Zarco (Fra) Ducati 40pts 2. Fabio Quartararo (Fra) Yamaha 36 3. Maverick Vinales (Spa) Yamaha 36 4. Francesco Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati 26 5. Alex Rins (Spa) Suzuki 23
Kaieteur News
Monday April 05, 2021
PAGE 23
Pakistan in South Africa: Fakhar Zaman hits 193 but hosts win to level series
B
BC Sport Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman hit a stunning 193 but could not prevent South Africa winning the second one-day international by 17 runs. Chasing 342 to win in Johannesburg, the tourists fell to 205-7 in the 38th over before Fakhar’s amazing performance. He struck 18 fours and 10 sixes in his 155-ball innings before he was run out by a direct hit in the final over, with Pakistan ending on 3249. The series is tied at 1-1, with the final ODI at Centurion on Wednesday. Pakistan captain Babar Azam said Fakhar’s knock was “one of the best innings” ever, while South Africa counterpart Temba Bavuma said it was “incredible” and “probably the best” he had seen. Left-hander Fakhar, 30, was run out in strange fashion on the first ball of the
final over as he attempted a second run. S o u t h A f r i c a wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock appeared to gesture for Aiden Markram to throw to the bowler’s end from long off and Fakhar slowed down as he looked over his shoulder, leaving him a metre short as the ball hit the stumps at the striker’s end. The laws of cricket state a fielder should not “wilfully attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman” after a delivery. If the umpires deem ‘fake fielding’ has taken place, the penalty is to call a dead ball and award the batting team five runs as well as any runs in progress. Pakistan started the final over needing an unlikely 31 runs to win, but had the umpires penalised South Africa under this law, it would have left the tourists needing 24 off six balls. Fakhar said the run out
was “my fault” and that he “should’ve kept my eyes on the ball” but was looking at Haris Rauf because he was worried his batting partner had set off late. South Africa posted 3416 thanks to half-centuries from Bavuma (92), De Kock (80), Rassie van der Dussen (60) and David Miller (50 not out). After the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar and Babar guided Pakistan to 701 before Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje took three quick wickets to leave the tourists struggling on 85-4. Fakhar received some lower-order support but the game appeared to be over once number eight Faheem Ashraf fell, with Fakhar then on 97 from 105 balls. He added 96 from his next 50 balls, including three consecutive sixes off leftarm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, but South Africa’s total proved enough. Scores: South Africa
Head coach Simmons pleased as five batsmen average over 50 in Sri Lanka Tests
S
portsMax - West Indies head coach Phil Simmons believes a change of approach by his team’s batsmen is largely responsible for five of them averaging over 50 for the just-concluded series against Sri Lanka. Kraigg Brathwaite, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder and Rahkeem Cornwall hit that significant milestone during the series that ended in a stalemate between the two cricketing nations. It was the first time since 2012, that West Indies batsmen have been able to achieve that feat and only the second time since 1995. Brathwaite, who started off the series with scores of three and 23 in the first Test, finished strong with his ninth Test century, 126, and a second innings score of 85 that spiralled his average in the series to an excellent 59.25. Kyle Mayers, perhaps the most consistent of the West Indies batsmen had scores of 49, 55, 45 and 52
for an overall average of 50.25. Incidentally, these were the two lowest averages of the five batsmen. Nkrumah Bonner, who scored his first Test century in the series, 113 not out, averaged 72 while Jason Holder averaged 69 after scoring 71 not out, 30, 19 and 18 not out. Rahkeem Cornwall had only two turns at-bat and he made them count. His 61 and 73 gave him an average of 67, to round out an impressive all-round performance from the West Indies despite the fact that they were unable to force a win in any of the two Tests. Simmons, though, was pleased with what he observed. “Everybody is looking to occupy the crease. People are working to bat for long periods and our depth goes deeper because Alzarri Joseph and Rahkeem Cornwall have shown within the last three series that they can bat and they can provide that 50-100-run partnerships that later down can take us to 350 to 400s,” said the West
Indies head coach. He was particularly pleased with Cornwall’s performance with the bat. Already, a crucial member of the bowling attack, Cornwall enhanced his reputation as a genuine allrounder. “It was great to see Rahkeem’s batting coming to the fore, and in all, the batting has shown up in the last four Test matches and this is a great thing because, before that, the bowling was carrying us,” Simmons said. The last time the West Indies had five batsmen averaging over 50 in a Test series was back in 2012, when Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kieran Powell and Denesh Ramdin all surpassed the milestone. Chanderpaul averaged over 300 for the series. Before that, six West Indies batsmen Chanderpaul, Junior Murray, Winston Benjamin, Jimmy Adams, Brian Lara and Sherwin Campbell - all averaged over 50 runs an innings against New Zealand in 1995.
341 for 6 (Bavuma 92, de Kock 80, van der Dussen 60, Haris 3-54) beat Pakistan 324 for 9 (Fakhar 193, Nortje 3-63) by 17 runs.
Temba Bavuma struggled initially but picked the pace later on © Getty Images
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
Monday April 05, 2021
BCB 2021 Cricket Season
Sandeep and Son Poultry Farm, Kascon Engineering latest sponsors on board… Sponsorship for cricket tournaments in the Ancient County of Berbice continues to pour in as the 2021 cricket season steams ahead under very strict Covid-19 Guidelines. The Berbice Cricket Board, which has set i t s e l f a t a rg e t o f 4 0 tournaments in 2021, has to date hosted eighteen finals over the last two months. The latest sponsors to come on board are Sandeep and Son Poultry Farm and Kascon Engineering Ltd. Sandeep Ramdass of Sandeep and Son Poultry Farm would be sponsoring an Under23 tournament for clubs across the Ancient County, while Kascon Engineering Ltd would sponsor a 20/20 tournament for teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank Area. BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the Sandeep Ramdass and Son Poultry Farm Under23 team as another milestone in the history of Berbice Cricket as it would complete the cycle of tournaments for junior
cricketers. The cycle would start at the Under13 level and include Under15, Under17, Under19, Under21 and Under23. The BCB President noted that many players leave the game after the Under19 level as they feel that their career have no future. The hosting of Under21 and Under23 tournaments, Foster stated, is intended to correct that situation and to assist in the development of the players. Players like Kevin Sinclair, Adrian Sukhwa, S y l u s Ty n d a l l , K e i t h Simpson, Kevin Umroa, Jetendra Outar, Karran Arjpaul, Anthonio February, Kevlon Anderson, Leon S w a m m y, G a r f i e l d Benjamin, Brandon Corlette, Marvon Prashad, Seon Glasgow, Javed Karim, Trevon Stanislaus, Nigel Deodat, Chris Harry, Shamal Angel, Rampertab Ramnauth, Isiah Thorne, Alex Algoo, Gourav Ramesh, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Abdul R a m s a m m y, Z e y n u l Ramsammy, Jeremy Sandia,
Mahendra Gopilall, Reaz Karim and Leon Cecil are all expected to play in the tournament. Te a m s e x p e c t e d t o participate would include Rose Hall Town Vitality Inc, Albion, Port Mourant, Radha Krishna Foundation, RH Canje, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Edinburgh, Blairmont, Achievers and Bush Lot United. The second tournament, sponsored by Kascon Engineering Inc, would be for teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje area and forms part of the BCB grassroot cricket developmental programme. The BCB President had c o m m i t t e d h i s administration to hosting a minimum of three cricket tournaments for each of the five sub-areas- Berbice R i v e r , N e w Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne/Central Corentyne, West Berbice and Upper Corentyne. The BCB/Kascon Engineering tournament would be a 20/20 knockout
Ming remembered as pillar of Lusignan Golf Club Members of the Lusignan Golf Club spent Saturday afternoon reminiscing on the contributions and camaraderie of Colin Ming who died suddenly on April 2. Among those was current captain Patrick Prashad who had known Colin since they were in primary school together in Kitty. Patrick recalled many hours working with Colin on the club’s constitution and that his friend was an extreme stickler for details o n a n y m a t t e r. H i s knowledge covered all areas of the game be it the rules, the proper swing technique and issues such as drainage and the correct soil conditions for the greens. Importantly he was the primary caregiver for the often temperamental equipment used to look after the course and was always on hand to make repairs. It was poignant that the greens mower broke down on Saturday perhaps in mourning. Immediately the
Colin Ming
question was who would look after it now? Colin was also remembered as a person of uncompromising principles by family friend Hilbert Shields who said he always saw issues in black and white and perhaps this was why he did not feel comfortable ever running for the club presidency. However, his contributions delivered with little fanfare have been manifold. His generosity in helping members improve their game was also noted. Colin himself was a solid low teen handicap golfer
with a reliable drive off the tee and impeccable chipping and putting based on correct techniques. And he was a hard man to beat, grinding it out to many of his colleague’s frustration. With his understanding of the fundamentals he could have become a single digit at any time, however, he had many other interests and would often disappear for months to go fishing or to help with squash or motor racing. With covid-19 he had not been up to the course for perhaps a year. But last Monday to many members’ surprise and delight he showed up to play, and they reported he was his good natured and jovial self, including singing the Patsy Cline song when his opponents’ game “fell to pieces”. On the nineteenth hole he was always excellent company and was often seen up at the club late playing dominoes with the same competitiveness and cunning as his golf game. It (Continued on page 19)
one with a total of sixteen clubs participating. They would include Kendall Union CC, Kendall’s Union Sports Star, RH Canje, YWCC, Pathfinders CC, Canje Titans, Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground, Mt. Sinai, Tucber Park, Guymine and Sisters. Foster disclosed that the tournament would start on Sunday 11th of April and is expected to be completed in four weeks. Teams involved in the tournaments are required to observe the BCB Covid-19 Guidelines. No spectators would be allowed in the venue, while players would have to wear face masks in the pavilion and practice social distancing. Foster expressed gratitude to sponsors Sandeep Ramdass and Rafeek Kassim for their support. He noted that Berbice Cricket was undergoing a remarkable period and this includes the hosting of numerous tournaments at the different levels. Both businessman expressed delight to be associated with Berbice Cricket and indicated that they would likely to be long term sponsors.
Naidu receives sponsorship cheque from Kascon Engineering CEO Rafeek Kassim.
Sandeep Ramdass hands over sponsorship to BCB PRO Simon Naidu.
BCB Express sympathy at passing of GCB Treasurer, financial analysis Pretipaul Jaigobin “He was the last person I spoke to as we departed the election venue on Monday last. His final words would always be in my memory “Travel safe my friend, we have so much work to do”. If I knew those were to be your final words to me, I would have stayed a little longer with you and cherish your presence a little longer. Losing you just after your dream was achieved Jai, is very difficult and my knees felt weak when our President told me about your death. I have a strong faith in God but for a few seconds, I questioned why he took you away so soon when the journey had just started. I guess he wanted a special Angel in heaven to guide the process and to watch over us,” noted Hilbert Foster, president of the Berbice
Cricket Board (BCB) in a tribute to the late GC Treasurer Pretipaul Jaigobin, who passed tragically. Foster in his missive continued, “It was a privilege to know you. On Sunday, we spoke a long time before and after the elections. You had so many ideals to share with us and your input into our first executive meeting revealed thinking, progressive and passive mind. You suffered the most but despite your injuries. You never one day showed any passion for revenge. Rest in peace my friend and please watch down on us as we seek to fulfill your vision for Guyana Cricket. You died while working for our country and the less fortunate. On behalf of
every one of us you left behind so soon, I want to assure you that we would work hard to make sure that Guyana cricket would rise to the top again and we would make sure that your memory would live on forever.” “Thanks for the privilege of been a friend and we would all try to be role models to your kids in your absence. On behalf of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and the Berbice Cricket Board I would like to express our sympathies to his wife, children and family. Please be assured of our love, friendship and support during these difficult times. May the Soul of Pretipaul Jaigobin rest in peace and rise in eternal glory with God,” Foster concluded.
Monday April 05, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Wellman overcome Rockaway in softball fixtures
W
Colin Ming coaching the first School Kids program at Nexgen Golf Academy.
GGA, Nexgen GA extend condolences to Ming family The Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the Ming family following the loss of Colin Ming, a small man in stature but one who was a giant in many ways. Colin was a friend and mentor to many and he loved sports with a passion that few understood, a drive for excitement and performance that crossed motor racing, golf, and business. His very nature made him a success at everything he attempted and his accomplishments were great and many. One of his overriding passions was the promotion of sports to youths, especially those in need and it was in that spirit he donated hundreds of Golf clubs to the Nexgen Golf Academy for the school programme. Today and in the years to come, thousands of children will benefit from his
unselfish generosity. But he gave not only material things but that which was most important, his time and knowledge, starting a Kids Camp at the Academy last year. One of his last conversations on Thursday was to realize a dream that Guyana would produce a few world class golfers. It is said that the ones who matter most are the ones that are taken too soon and Colin will be sorely missed by many but his contributions to Guyana, in sports, business and generosity will continue in his memory. A man’s success in life is not measured by his possessions but by the lives he touched and changed and for those reasons Colin Ming was and will always be remembered as a great and successful man. Gone but never forgotten, our friend will remain in our hearts forever.
e l l m a n M a s t e r s defeated Rockaway in consecutive matches when the Rockaway Group of Companies softball competition was contested recently at Lusignan. In the over45 category, Wellman Masters overcame Rockaway in a match which had to be decided by a super over. Wellman Masters batted first and managed 140 all out in from their allocation of 20 overs. Lloyd Ruplall struck 51, while Ronald Bisraj made 40 and extras contributed 35. Shawn Lakhan claimed 3-26 and Arjune Basdeo 2-13. Rockaway responded with 140-4. Hemraj Pale made 69 to take the man of the match award, while Shawn Gaskin scored 38. In the super over, Rockaway made 6-1 while Wellman Masters responded with 7 without loss. In the over 50 division, Wellman managed 166-7 in 15 overs. Wayne Jones made 51, Lloyd
Wellman skipper Wayne Jones (right) accepts the trophy from Hafeez Ali of Rockaway Group of Companies. Ruplall and Ramo Malone scored 22 each. Dayal Latchman captured 3-15 and Eon Lovell 3-19. Rockaway replied with 158-8. Robert Mohan made 45, Jai Singh 33 and Lovell 23. I. Mohamed took 2-21 and
Tony Singh 2-27. Jones was named man of the match. Following the competition, CEO OF Rockaway Rockaway Group of Companies Hafeez Ali presented two bats to Fisherman team.