Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Every citizen has Thursday Edition a right to challenge April 07, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 14

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 65,587

injustices - Norton

...lauds court cases against ExxonMobil, Govt.

In absence of national standards on flaring, Exxon follows own rules AG backs calls for new formula to appoint Chancellor, Chief Justice $163M estimated to rebuild burnt wing of Diamond Secondary School

PAHO warns of further COVID-19 wave …says vaccination campaigns must focus on protecting the most vulnerable

‘ExxonMobil has free rein over Guyana’ …Opposition calls for independent oversight Angola receives 20% Royalty plus taxes, pumping 1.9M barrels of oil per day for the past 31 years. on Kaieteur However, Angola has US$76B in debts, while begging to feed its people today.@11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday April 07, 2022

‘ExxonMobil has free rein over Guyana’ …Opposition calls for independent oversight By Davina Bagot As Guyana continues to gain experience in managing the oil sector and with fresh recommendations from the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo, the Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson is again highlighting the importance of the country independently verifying the operations of oil giant, ExxonMobil, rather than depending on the company for reports of its performance when it comes to compliance with environmental permits. In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, explained that Guyana is presently in a bad shape, as it is depending on the developer to report instances of flaring, oil spills, waste water treatment, and adherence to other aspects of the permit, including resolving

complaints it received from the public, all without proper independent oversight. Patterson said, “It is selfregulating. They have become their own judge, jury (and) executioner by just r e p o r t i n g t o t h e E PA (Environmental Protection Agency) what is happening. We have always said that the EPA or any of the other agencies should not be depending on Exxon to report issues, and this arose after Exxon’s representative said only a teaspoon of oil has been spilled but that should not be coming from Exxon. We should be the one there, the EPA should be there monitoring all the systems independently to determine all these things.” He went on to explain the detriment of Guyana’s reliance on the oil company when it comes to such matters. In fact he urged that the sector’s independent monitoring be increased, while adding, that the operators must be held accountable.

To this end, he hinted that the Opposition will soon be filing a Motion in the National Assembly that seeks to ensure that the oil companies adhere to international best practices, when it comes to the treatment of waste water, prior to its dumping in the country’s waters. “My next motion that I will be bringing is on waste water, I will be bringing that to Parliament and of course I didn’t want to bring all together because of how the Speaker operates, but the treatment of waste water has to be to international standards,” the former Minister related. Patterson argued, “There is no monitoring whatsoever, not only for Exxon but for the entire oil and gas industry. We have at least 40 boats going out there every single day. All of these boats have waste water, not only from drilling but from domestic sources such as sewage and things like that. They are all supposed to be

treated as well and they have been saying, like they have been saying with the flaring, that the ocean is so big that what they are polluting is so small, that their pollution is insignificant but that is not what the world standard is. You have to treat it to a safe and drinkable level before you deposit it into the ocean.” He pointed out that there have already been cries from fishermen across the country, who are suffering from decreased catches, which may or may not be related to the oil company’s disregard for the environment. To this end, he stressed the need for safeguards to be put in place to ensure such impacts are avoided, which can trickle down to other parts of the Caribbean, which already seem to be facing similar challenges. “We are speaking about climate change and global warming, the waste water that they are dumping in the sea is very hot and that can contribute but we don’t know to what level and what it can do in the long term so we have to address all of these issues now,” the former Minister encouraged. I n t h e n e w Environmental Permit, several additional features have been added to improve the structure, but Patterson has pointed out the need for the EPA to play a greater role in monitoring the company’s offshore operations. For instance, the Permit issued for Exxon’s fourth project, the Yellowtail development explains that

Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson the EPA will be keeping a watchful eye on the way in which ExxonMobil receives and responds to complaints from the public, regarding its operations impacts. Section 1.4.1 of the Permit states “The Permit Holder shall maintain records of environmental grievances and report on the numbers, nature and how these were or will be addressed. This information must be provided in the Monthly Report as required by condition 13.11”. Section 1.4.2 goes on to add, “The Annual Report required by Condition 13.10 of this Permit, must contain a summary of the environmental grievances and management, including actions taken, challenges and or constraints in addressing same.” P r e v i o u s l y, t h e o i l company was permitted to resolve complaints received in a private manner, as there was no explicit condition of this nature in the three Permits issued prior.

However, Patterson believes that Exxon should not be receiving its own complaints and determines how to solve those. Rather, he is of the view that the regulator body should be the recipient of those complaints who would then direct Exxon and the other oil and gas companies how to resolve those matters, in keeping with the country’s laws and standard best practices. H e r e a s o n e d , “Complaints are not supposed to be received by Exxon. They should go to the EPA and forwarded to Exxon for a response. Right now we are giving Exxon free rein on every single area, on every single area and the new (regulation) they are just band aids. Exxon reporting how or what they have done to resolve it should not be the case. It should be the EPA writing to say these are the standards, these are our laws and this is what is required (and) this is how you should do it.”

Drug bond director remains in custody as probe deepens into scandal Cecil Jacques, the director of the Ministry of Health drugs bond located at Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), was on Tuesday arrested by police for the alleged theft of medicinal drugs. Kaieteur News understands that ranks turned up at his workplace and cautioned him. He complied and entered the police pick-up and was taken away to the Golden Grove Police Station. Three other persons were arrested along with him as

Cecil Jacques being taken away by police on Tuesday.

well. They were all implicated as participants in a simple larceny that was committed on the bond.

Investigators have been working on the case for a while now after it was (Continued on page 9)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

PAGE 03

Every citizen has a right to challenge injustices - Norton ...lauds court cases against ExxonMobil, Govt.

L

eader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton said he supports any Guyanese who chooses to challenge injustices when they occur. The PNCR leader believes that it is in fact the right of every citizen to act if they believe that the laws of the land and rights of the people are being trampled upon. These comments came when Norton weighed in on ongoing court cases brought on by private citizens against oil operators here. There are currently four oil sector related cases before the court, one of which was recently filed by Norton’s APNU plus the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) opposition Coalition. In an interview with this publication Saturday last, Norton explained that, as a citizen of Guyana, and with an interest in the development of the country, every citizen has the right to bring on any legal challenge that seeks to address irregularities. He said in reference to the cases, that citizens move to the courts is essentially them standing up for themselves when their elected leaders fail to do so. The opposition head opined that where oil

and gas is concerned, every citizen should have a vested interest to ensure that all Guyanese benefit from their national patrimony. He explained that based on statements made in the Petroleum Agreement, the language indicates that whatever is done to develop the country’s oil and gas capabilities, Guyana and its people must benefit to its full potential. He said that it is therefore clear, “that whatever is done is done in a way that the Guyanese people benefit. And therefore in that regard, I think anyone has the right to challenge something that they think (is unjust).” Norton said that, “As I understand it in this country, once a private citizen believes that the law is violated, they can bring certain action. It is therefore their right to use all avenues legally available to have their concerns addressed.” Among the matters before the court is the APNU+AFC’s request to have the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act 2021 nullified on the grounds that the Act was not properly passed in the absence of the mace. They also want the Court to declare, that the holding of the National Assembly on December 29,

2021 proceedings with the use of a replacement mace without any approved motion, was ultra vires [beyond the powers] of the Constitution and the event also null and void. The NRF legal challenge also includes trade unionist Norris Witter who as an applicant, declared that his fundamental human right was trampled on by the government when they failed to hold public consultations regarding the NRF Act. The NRF Act deals specifically with the handling of oil and gas revenue. E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Kaieteur News publisher Glen Lall filed a legal challenge against the State for the exemption of taxes that saw billions of dollars being forgone in favour of oil giant ExxonMobil. The Kaieteur News publisher among other things is questioning the legality behind the exemptions which ordinary Guyanese are legally r e q u i r e d t o p a y. T h e Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016 between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, grants exemptions to persons other than licensees. This is viewed by the legal challenge as a violation

APNU+AFC Chairman, Aubrey Norton

of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the P r e v e n t i o n o f Discrimination Act, and the Constitution. Article 15.1 of the oil contract states essentially that no tax; valueadded tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or other impost shall be levied on the Contractor or Affiliated Companies, in respect of income derived from Petroleum Operations. Lall’s case against the State attracted the attention of Exxon’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) since they say that they would be directly affected by the outcome of the matter. These mentioned tax

exempts according to the Guyana Revenue Authority, has so far caused Guyana to lose some $327B between the periods 2019 to 2020. Guyanese scientist and the former President of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas had also brought on a case asking the court to have oil operator Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd’s environmental permit conform with the legal five year regulation instead of the more than 20 year permission that was g r a n t e d b y t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That matter ended with the court ordering the EPA to conform with the five-year regulation.

Three Guyanese women, Sinkka Henry, Sherlina Nageer and Andriska Thorington had also filed a case through their attorneys to have Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put a stop to flaring in the Stabroek Block. Among other things, the litigants have asked the court to order reports from the EPA highlighting the amount of gas flared, and the toxins released. It should be noted however, that in any oil and gas related case where Stabroek Block oil operators decide to become involved or are directly challenged, Guyana, according to the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, will pay all legal fees on behalf of the oil operators.

In absence of national standards on flaring, ExxonMobil follows own rules Almost seven years after the discovery of oil, Guyana has yet to put in place, standards that govern flaring, a process that entails the burning of natural gas and the subsequent release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. In light of this g a p i n t h e n a t i o n ’s regulatory framework, ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) follows its own rules. This was specifically noted in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the US$10B Yellowtail Project. EEPGL was keen to note that it considered World Bank standards and internal ExxonMobil environmental standards as references on flaring. Expounding further, the company said the World Bank has established Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines for

o ff s h o r e o i l a n d g a s development which is a technical reference document with examples of good environmental practices. The offshore oil and gas development guideline states that new facilities should be designed, constructed, and operated so as to avoid routine flaring of associated gas. The guideline also states that methods for controlling and reducing fugitive emissions should be considered and implemented in the design, operation, and maintenance of offshore facilities. It also d e m a n d s t h e implementation of leak detection and repair (LDAR) programmes. As for ExxonMobil’s internal environmental standards, EEPGL said this establishes a design approach to reduce flaring

emissions, which provides guidance that facilities should be designed to avoid routine flaring of associated gas and include an evaluation for the most advantageous use of alternatives for managing associated gas that would otherwise be flared. Since December 2019 to now, EEPGL has been flaring aboard the Liza Destiny vessel in spite of the robust rules it claims to follow. To date, the company has flared over 15 billion standard cubic feet of gas. Recent data on the extent and value of revenue Guyana has lost on this front has not been disclosed/ addressed by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo or any other government official. Extensive research conducted by Kaieteur News shows that gas flaring contributes to climate

change, which has serious implications for the human security and wellbeing globally. In fact, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, outlined in one of its studies, that gas flaring is actually a major source of greenhouse gases, which accelerates global warming. It was noted that flaring releases Carbon Dioxide and Methane, the two major greenhouse gases. Of these two, Methane is actually more harmful than Carbon Dioxide. It is also more prevalent in flares that burn at lower efficiency. Of the greenhouse gases researched so far, Kaieteur News understands that the global warming potential of a kilogramme of Methane is estimated to be 21 times that of a kilogramme of Carbon

Dioxide when the effects are considered. The University of Ibadan study also noted that flaring contributes to local and regional environmental problems, such as acid rain with attendant impact on agriculture, forests and other physical infrastructure. The acid rain results in environmental degradation, which includes soil and water contamination and roof erosion. Furthermore, there have been over 250 identified toxins released from flaring, including carcinogens such as benzopyrene, benzene, carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonyl sulphide (COS)

and toluene; metals such as m e r c u r y, a r s e n i c a n d chromium; sour gas with Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); Nitrogen oxides (NOx); Carbon dioxide (CO2); and methane (CH4) which contributes to the greenhouse gases. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) charges EEPGL US$45 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalents. Outside of this arrangement, EEPGL has faced no other consequence for its failure to achieve pilot flare which is the burning of one million standard cubic feet of gas or less.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

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

The official sellout of Guyana continues

H

istory keeps repeating itself in Guyana, and it is staggering how swiftly and stealthily. A mere three months ago the National Resources Fund Bill was rushed through parliament during the Christmas Season when Guyanese were celebrating, and then signed into law by the President in the dark of night. Almost exactly the same thing occurred in how Guyanas Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted the serious business of citizens relative to the issuance of the permit for the Yellowtail oil project. Given the furtive nature of the conduct of this most crucial and sensitively placed of state agencies, the best way to describe what occurred was how we did: “EPA issues Yellowtail like a thief in the night” (KN April 3). A thief walks around on eggshells, a thief loves the protective cover of dark night, and a thiefs usual mode of the practice of his dirty trade is to do so quietly, as in under the radar. On every count and characteristic that is part of the art of a thief, and one operating under the thick darkness of night, Guyanas EPA stands accused and condemned. By its own actions, by its own hand, the EPA denounces itself, and its people should hang their heads in shame for these continued betrayals of trust, these derelictions of duty. Though we dont expect any answers would be forthcoming, at least any truthful ones, the people at the top of the EPA have a lot of questions standing before them and pointing fingers at them. Why the secrecy and hesitancy with furnishing the Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact (EIA) study? What are the fears felt by Guyanas EPA working in cahoots with Americas Exxon so that both deny the delivery of that much sought-after Terms of Reference? What went into it, what were its thrusts, and what were its limits, meaning where it didnt go? Similarly, what about the “gross deficiencies” in the study pointed out by concerned Guyanese and organizations? Why they were still left unaddressed? Why were cries and complaints about “lack of basic scientific data” and the hurried nature of the EIA study, with its attendant weaknesses all ignored, or given repeated official brush off? Why was there no satisfying response on the deeply troubling issue of how “independent” was/is Environmental Resources Management (ERM), saddled with the task of doing the EIA study? Given that this ERM consulting group has functioned in that capacity for almost seven years on behalf of Exxon, how “independent” could it have been? Given that it has benefited from Exxons fat consulting purse for so long, and could only benefit more by delivering what met Exxons expectations, what credibility can that flawed EIA it presented have for Guyanese? Even more importantly, how does Guyanas EPA entrusted with a duty to watch out for the interests of the citizens of this society come to rely on anything that is put out by the ERM? How can this be, when sharp and vigilant Guyanese environmentalists note and raise pointed objections, and gifts to the local EPA what it needs to run with, but doesnt? Who comes first for Guyanas EPA, Guyanese priorities or foreign interests? For the EPA to issue the permit for the fourth oil project, Yellowtail, on one day (March 30), and then release the revised EIA two days later should put to rest any lingering uncertainty that our EPA is in our corner and clawing tooth and nail for Guyanese. As it stands today, with actions like these serving as a reeking trail of evidence of its incompetence, its total lack of trustworthiness, the EPA is nothing but a rubberstamp organization to be used anyhow and at any time by local political leaders, and as a shoe sole to be walked upon by foreign oil companies and their beholden and tricky consultants for whatever objective is contemplated. It goes without saying that the objectives of Exxon and company are not those of this country. It is a crime, it is another betrayal, when our own Guyanese sell us out like this. The EPA is so far gone now that it operates like some smalltime fowl thief working a cheap hustle in the night.

Vaccination is still the way to go DEAR EDITOR, What a tragedy? With the relaxing of curfews across the world, and in Guyana for sure, there is this notion that all is well regarding the many grave issues surrounding COVID19. The Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has just stated that “… it is a struggle to get more persons immunised against the coronavirus.” His actual wording is that it is a “Big struggle” as the health sector is currently witnessing a downward trend in the number of persons showing up to get vaccinated against COVID-19, thus resulting in a slow immunisation uptake. This is like so silly and yet very dangerous. However, I am most glad that the Ministry is continuing its roll out of vaccines for both adolescents and adults, with booster doses available for the latter.

Now a word on this laxity with mask-wearing is vital. As we all know, the COVID-19 transmission is effected when someone who is infected with COVID sneezes, coughs or even speaks to somebody who is not infected. So, if that person is not wearing a mask, then those viral particles can get into his/ her nose or mouth, and the rest you can fill in. This should have awakened us already, that is, on the global scale, almost 490 million people have tested positive for the virus and six million have died. In the Americas, more than 150 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths. Over in the US, after more than a year of adjusting to strict guidelines, many Americans got vaccines and started to resume a more normal life. But many more will remain

at risk until they get vaccinated, and experts are still tracking the emergence of virus variants that could pose new threats. Scientists and public health officials are continuing to work as quickly as possible to find more answers to key questions about how the disease affects the body and why some cases are more severe than others, and identify the best treatments for COVID-19. So, the battle is far from being over. On the global front, we need to accept that reality that only if and when enough people are protected, either because they have had the disease, or theyve been vaccinated, herd immunity will start to kick in and protect even those people who have not been infected. While the timeline for herd (or population) immunity is still uncertain, researchers believe we will likely not reach it any

time soon. And experts are concerned that outbreaks of the Omicron variant could affect overall progress. Again, my point is that we need to quit hesitating and get vaccination percentage way higher than it is currently in Guyana. The health sector is pushing hard with extended effort, time and money, knowing full-well that infection prevention is the key, and therefore, vaccination remains the crucial strategy for avoiding infection. All adults are eligible to be vaccinated, as well teenagers and children as young as five for the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. The government has gone and is going overboard. I call on us in Guyana to really cooperate for national and global well-benight. Yours truly, H. Singh

Together we can help Guyana navigate a safe journey to peace and prosperity DEAR EDITOR, As a concerned citizen, I have made unsuccessful efforts to share some thoughts with Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo in an effort that together we can help Guyana navigate a safe journey to peace and prosperity. We all know that he is de facto el jefe in Guyana and I have always enjoyed a cordial and respectful relationship with him, but these days friends seem to be too busy to listen to the voices of experience which can be like the proverbial bridge over troubled water. This seems to be the curse of leaders everywhere. In Guyana, we continue to take a sordid silly step of stupidity. After crashing the sham session of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) purported public consultation at Cara Lodge last Tuesday, I was satisfied that this Agency seemed oblivious to its great responsibility to protect our environment, or seemed not to understand what the word environment connotes or what does protection mean. Hence the haste to vacillate on questions related to the recent oil and gas related project raised by concerned Guyanese. I have no quarrel with Exxon and the others who explore and harvest our natural resources. Their business is to maximise profits and to keep their shareholders happy. On the other-hand, it is the duty of the government to protect its citi-

zens and to ensure that the people obtain optimum benefits from this bounty of oil, gas and other non-renewable natural resources. Experience in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe and just about everywhere shows that unless the owners of these natural resources can speak on behalf of the masses, evidence shows the majority of citizens will not be the main beneficiaries of our national resources. Failure to do this constitutes a sordid silly step of stupidity. The public needs to be reminded that our President while being the Minister in charge of the Housing Sector allowed houses to be built on former cane-fields land without soil-test, so we had houses separated from septic tanks, and in one instance, repairs could not salvage one house, which remained uninhabitable and had to be abandoned. This means the President had no idea that the environment is a holistic concept. Sordid silly step of stupidity. On this note, when our Parliament, even with a myopic speaker, is not meeting to allow for discussion on fundamental issues. It’s a sordid silly step of stupidity. When in high places, we can say that our closest neighbours, Trinidad and Tobago, are falling apart. It’s a sordid silly step of stupidity. Trinidad has welcomed many Guyanese who were rejected by the 1992-2005 Gov-

ernment. Trinidad provides free tuition fees for its children taking the CXC and other examinations, not so in Guyana, even though we are an oil producing country. It was a Trinidad Prime Minister, Dr. Eric Williams, who in the turbulent 60s hosted at their expense, delegations from the three Parties then (UF, PPP, PNC), in an effort to find a modus vivendi and a pathway to peace. It appears to me that apart from this slight and undiplomatic remark that certain letters have let the cat out of the bag, one stating that the only Prime Ministers who did good for Trinidad and Tobago, were Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persaud Bissessar, and Guyanas sudden love making to Suriname, President Chan Santokhi suggests in our polarized societies, a subtle form of racism. Something, if true, we should all reject as it does no one any good and runs counter to our desire. If so and it appears to be the case, a sordid silly step of stupidity. Let me remind all and sundry, that I expressed a concern, when I learnt of the arrangements and agreements signed between 1997 and 2015, these were sordid silly steps of stupidity. As one who entered the political fray, as a teenager, following my two heroes, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham and who helped in spite of the trickery and turbulence of the cold war, helped set Guyana on the road

to Independence. In a letter published a fortnight ago, I posited that the greatest problem facing Guyana is that there seems to be a loss of morality or moral sense which influences motive in our pursuit of virtue and our avoidance of vicious behaviour, and plays a part in our bestowal of praise and blame. This failure to have a moral sense is another sordid silly step of stupidity. A female Constable swears that she was verbally assaulted along with racial slurs while on duty by the son of a former Chancellor, Carl Singh. The young woman offered to take a polygraph test to confirm her allegation. So far, the Government and Police have maintained a deafening silence. Are we inching towards a police state? If so, heaven help us. A further sordid silly step of stupidity. Then the case of Hon. Minister Nigel Dharamlall makes an unacceptable remark concerning a high female Judicial Officer. Then there is the celebrated Statement he made in the National Assembly to a female member about her need for a dildo. Last week, there was an allegation posted on social media by a Ms. Hussein, inpuning the character of Mr. Dharamlall. Worrisome is that President Ali side-stepped this and other alleged improprieties by the Minister, by his nonsensical statement that Ms. Hussein (Continued on page 5)

Thursday April 07, 2022

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Consultation is not abstraction but a characteristic of clean, confident government DEAR EDITOR, I agree partially with Guyanas Hon. Attorney General when he said, “Article 13 not enforceable; Govt. doesnt have to consult with anyone -Nandlall” (Demerara Waves, April 5). I have to watch myself, as I first agreed with the President (worker shortage), and now the worldly-wise AG on this tricky matter of consultation. I must be getting mellow(er) as the days advance; indeed, senility has a way of creeping up. I can deal

with that more than I can with the hallucinatory and stupidity, which is what I think cloaks this latest offering from Guyanas AG. I leave the hallowed courts to determine what about Article 13 is enforceable or not. Regarding consultation, I believe the AG has it right when he said that “Govt. doesnt have to consult with anyone.” Stalin didnt. Hitler didnt. And Vladmir Putin and Kim Jong-un certainly dont. Now just look at how much

Together we can help Guyana... From page 4 should make a report to the Police. Well Constable Shawnette Bollers did so, but it appears that that is the end of the story. Editor, what is so painful to me is that Min. Dharamlall is part of that illustrious first batch of students to enter President College, the school of excellence. His peers have all distinguished themselves at home and abroad. What could have happened to Mr. Nigel Dharamlall? They say “had you not with the crows been found, you would have been all safe and sound.” His alleged behaviour is beyond belief. Any credible President in the interest of openness and securing integrity of his cabinet and in modicum of respect for his government would have launched a full investigation into these allegations. Dear Editor, the President, his security advisors, leaders of civil society and leaders of our several religious bodies

must know that when we rend the already slender fabric of our society there can be no hope for this generation or is it that the President has no difficulty in fulfilling the prophecy found in the first of the fourth gospels, of a generation of vipers? These brief remarks are to persuade this generation to speak up by first gaining knowledge of our history so that we can agitate and be truly liberated. We must defend the sacrifices and sufferings of our noble ancestors and let us honour the words found in the third stanza of our National Anthem, “We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pain, and ours is the glory, their eyes did not see One Land of six Peoples, United and Free.” The words of the Song of the Republic reminds us “Unyielding in our quest for peace, like ancient heroes brave, to strive and strive and never cease with strength beyond the slave.” Regards, Hamilton Green Elder

trouble they have piled upon their peoples. So, the PPP/C Government and the AG of Guyana is in outstanding company where consultation is concerned, as liberally interpreted. The man is right: dictatorial governments and demagogic leaders dont have to consult, and they usually dont. Not on anything, regardless. The dark and wicked side of me likes this. But that noobligation-to-consult position of the AG is of a strain of democracy and transparency and accountability (His Excellency, again), which is peculiar to Guyana. Only this new Guyana, this Oil Age Guyana. On the other hand, it is a hallmark of good government (and its leaders), a characteristic of confident government (and its leaders), a necessary, if not mandatory, element of open and honest government (and its leaders) that consultation be the order of the day. As I do so, I reiterate this: consultation is not just a nice thing, it is a standard of good governance, of fearless, principled leadership. On the big things that possess in them the tangibles of national destiny, and what are related to those. What do the people think, what do the people have to say, what are their anxieties, their objections, their simple concerns, as all expressed in their reactions? Honest government wants to hear that, learn of it. Oil management and clean governance and reforms (genuine reforms are areas that come to mind immediately because of their impacts and meanings to every citizen. A good government listens, not

to its empty barrels (no names), but the voice of the people. If I were really to get exercised by this writing, I would throw in such vitals as the constitution, the police, and the environmental safeguards needed. Those are a start only. Incidentally, since government doesnt have any obligation, does not see it fit to consult when such displeases it (to put meaning to the AGs posture), then the new acting Commissioner of Police should have been instructed to send out an email, or better yet relax at the Officers Club. Why waste time with meaningless, for the record, outreach? If I could be so bold as to take the AGs position to its ultimate, reasoned, end, then there is no need for political manifestoes, a consultation by itself, though a unidirectional one: from party to people. Since the people count for so little that public consultation is only engaged in and only endured as a favour to them, a necessary nuisance of responsible governance, then I repeat there is no need for manifestoes and campaigns. Maybe, even GECOM, if the AGs stand is taken to its natural extensions. It is why I discern that the public consultations that the PPP Government and its fiercely committed agents participate in are nothing but outright deceptions, total farces, and nothing but low comedy. In a sense, the AG is having his say and his way: with those kinds of consultations that Guyanese have had, there was no consultation in

the real sense of the word. Thus, his government didnt only put him up to say that (“doesnt have to consult), it actually does just that: dont really consult. When I consider all of this, I have to congratulate the AG, for he is now in good company, being of the ilk of those legal poodles (sorry, overseas folks) John Ashcroft and Alberto Gonzalez, who never let a proBush vision go passing by, without prim constitutional cover. As they saw it and interpreted it, of course, for the benefit of not nation, but of leader and party. On this score, Guyanas own legal magi, its AG, has stumbled over his feet in his haste to do what keeps him in favourable graces. I congratulate him. Perhaps, the AG is so busy with official business and real estate matters (Middle Street) he forgot, government of the people, for the people, by the people. The last component does not exist in a vacuum; consultation is not an abstraction, or charity doled out to the people, Mr. AG. Or is it, doctor also? Therefore, it should not be treated so cavalierly,

reduced to the surreal. If the AG knows anything, he knows better than what he took to the airwaves to articulate. Cmn, man, get real, get with the 21st century! This is not the era of Henry VIII, damnit. Consultation is like human rights and that other magic word inclusion, or as the President said in his inaugural unity. Remember that one. Consultation, if I may lecture the nations chief legal brain (some brain it is….) fleshes out the reality of what we have and what we dont. Not because he says so. Consultation is a two-way street, not the top down as if from heaven practices that have become the norm here. Many times, I wish that PPP Government, starts from the head of state on down, would refrain from climbing on these high horses, for far too often they end up getting trampled by them. It is due to their own, ahm, er, idiocies. Sincerely, GHK Lall

PAGE 6

I commend President Ali for calling for National Day of Prayers and Fasting DEAR EDITOR, President Ali is to be commended for calling on all religious bodies to unite under the banner of One Guyana for a National Day of Prayers and Fasting on Friday, April 8, 2022. The Presidents call comes as the three main religious observances of Ramadan, Lent, and Chaitra Navratri, are happening simultaneously. This rare occurrence offers a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all religious persuasions to come together to pray for Guyana. A statement from the Presidents office said His Excellency “sees this as an opportunity for the religious bodies and persons from all belief systems to join with each other to promote the spirit of togetherness.” “I would like all of us to fast together, pray together, and stay together as One Guyana,” he is reported as saying. The press statement said the National Day of Fasting and Prayers will culminate with a grand interfaith meeting at the National Park in a time of prayer, songs and reflections. Such a call from our Government sends a good signal for our nation for “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The President has done what the apparently now defunct Guyana Evangelical Fellowship, Georgetown Ministers Fellowship, East Berbice C o r e n t y n e Ministers Association, and the Guyana Council of

Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

Churches should have done. Other similar religious groups such as the Zadok Ministries, Zion Ministers Network, Inter Religious Organization, and Hindu and Muslim bodies should have done so too. These “good men” have been quite silent in the face of many national ills - the giveaway of natural resources that keeps our people impoverished; the decriminalisation of cross dressing; the Government about to go easy on marijuana possession and use (copying the USA); marijuana growers being invited to be hemp growers; foreign embassies promoting recognition of sexual deviance practices; vulgar remarks made by a Minister to a woman MP in parliament and there were no government sanctions or condemnation from these religious groups; too many road accidents; rampant domestic violence and murders; and runaway crimes, etc. During this Prayer and Fasting, we must pray for our weak, battered Opposition to be strong so the Government can be kept accountable. We must pray that God convict both the PNC and PPP about their treasonous betrayal of the nation in signing and defending the worst oil contract in the world that robs our nation of much needed resources. We must pray for all church leadership in all religions whom have lost their voice and have failed to be the moral conscience of (Continued on page 17)

Intl Day of Remembrance of the victims of slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade DEAR EDITOR, In 1807 the British abolished the Slave Trade. In 1833 the declaration of the abolition of Slavery in British Colonies was announced. In 1834 Slavery was formally abolished in British Guiana, albeit Apprenticeship enabled the retention of the labour of the manumitted Souls onto 1838. However, in 2007 the United Nation, the united voice of the World Community saw it fit and necessary to declare March 25, as of 2008, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade under the theme: Breaking the Silence, Lest We Forget. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was conducted for a period of approximately 400 years, during which period over 15 million native Africans were enslaved. Of that number 800,000 were enslaved in the Caribbean and South Africa, while over 42,000 perished in the middle passage. Today we are gathered in a Celebratory, Expiational and Reparative mood to remember the African holocaust and most heinous crime against humanity. Worthy of note is the fact that we are gathered in a congregational church. In Guyana at the time of the abolition of Slavery, there were over 77,000 enslaved Africans in Guyana. Of that number

over 34,000 were native Africans, and over 39,000 were people of African descent. The abolition of the Slave Trade and eventually Slavery were hard fought gains of the enslaved. In Guyana, in particular, the Cuffy Slave Rebellion was a significant moment in that regard. The 1823 Demerara Slave Rebellion was probably among the last but by no means least of the telling blows against the system of enslavement in British Guiana. Against the backdrop of the aforementioned occurrences and the momentous achievements the abolitionists and the enslaved Africans, in particular, the United Nations some 170 years thereafter found it necessary to declare and commemorate March 25 of each year, as of 2008, as the International Day of Rememberance of the Victims of Slavery and the TransAtlantic Slave Trade, hence our presence here today. This day provides a moment for the celebration of the triumph of Good over Evil; and the heroic struggle of the enslaved as exemplified by the 1823 Demerara Slave Rebellion which saw the uprising of over 10,000 enslaved persons, the death of over 250 of them, although the rebellion was non-violent; the sentencing of 45 of them to death; the execution of 27 and the display of their decapitated heads on staves, publicly.

What a price was paid in the struggle for freedom, their God given right. We celebrate those moments as the price paid for our freedom. We also recognise that moments enable acceleration, and momentum to the action being undertaken. In that regard, the Congregational Church in Guyana should also be celebrated for the educative role that it played in the struggle for emancipation in British Guiana. Special mention should also be made of Quamina, Gladstone and even the European John Smith all of whom paid severely for their leadership of, and/or association with, the freedom fighters of 1823. They were exceptional, compared with the role of Slave Master and protagonist that other Congregationalists were playing in the British Isles as noted by the ex-slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglas in one of his speeches he delivered in Cork Ireland in 1845. The Congregational Church should also be recognised for its act of Expiation, albeit retroactively, as is exemplified by the 2022 statement of the Council of World Mission, in which the Council unequivocally apologises for the role that the clergy played in the propagation of Slavery. Our commemoration in this church today, The Smiths Memorial Congregational Church is another such act of

Strands of similarity DEAR EDITOR, Political turmoil has reared its ugly head in Pakistan once again, with the filing of a noconfidence motion against the sitting Prime Minister. The vote which was expected to be taken was foiled as parliament was dissolved, on advice to the president. It is interesting to note no elected

or appointed prime ministers in that country has served the entirety of their terms to date. The dissolving of that countrys parliament has strands of similarity to ours in recent past, when in order to avoid a no-confidence motion against the government, the then president used his powers and prorogued Parlia-

ment paving the way for elections, which was held as constitutionally mandated. Of course another no-confidence motion, successfully passed, did not see the holding of elections for more than a year, after it was constitutionally due. Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

atonement, which should be acknowledged. The act of the church is also reparative, if only at the spiritual level. However, the declaration of the day by the United Nation has provided an opportunity for celebration, expiation and reparation by all-asundry as we mark the over 170 years of the end of humanitys most heinous crime. Note should however we made of the theme: Breaking the Silence, Lest We Forget, under which the first commemoration of the day was held. More than that the commemoration provides for a moment of introspection and the recognition that the abolition of slavery did not dismantle the discriminatory mind set and state institutions that facilitated slavery, hence 170 years after there is still the need for the dismantling of the institutions that embodied and enabled slavery. The abolition of slavery was but a phase in the struggle for freedom and the restoration of human dignity for the people of African descent. It is in that regard that the said United Nation declared 20152024 the Decade for the People of African Descent under the theme: Recognition, Justice and Development. This represents a clear statement that the people of African descent are still affected by the deficits of recognition, justice and development, which have their genesis in Slavery and continued to be perpetrated under colonialism and have not necessarily been address after decolonisation, hence reparation has to be uttermost on our agenda. This of necessity has to take the material and spiritual forms. Those who committed the heinous crimes and their successors are indebted to us for the material deprivation and social dysfunctionalities that still stalk the land. Equally, we have to internalise about the spiritual and mental trauma that still affect our being. These traumas can only be overcome if we ourselves accept that thats our state and commit to addressing that state. In that regard, the church is once again challenged to introspect and acknowledge the negative role that it might have played, and in such circumstances be remorseful and repentant as the Council for World Mission honourably does in its 2022 statement to commemorate the Day. That remorse and repentance should also be followed up by acts of reparation as the ultimate solution, mindful that reparation is both material and spiritual. Regards, Vincent Alexander

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . Guyana the free? . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

This year Guyana is celebrating 56 years of Independence after breaking colonial ties with the British, but amidst the frolic, our leaders have allowed foreign companies to dictate the management of the country’s new found oil wealth, as well as its other vast natural resources. We must not sit back and allow these companies to dictate the way we manage the oil sector. Instead, we should ensure all steps are taken to break Guyana free from such shackles of oppression.

We, as Guyanese, must do so by calling out our leaders when they fail to take the necessary steps and hold them accountable for keeping our resources in bondage.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday April 07, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Nirvan Singh, his father, Carl and the usual suspects Before we enter a discussion on the two Singhs and what the younger Singh is purported to have done, an important thing needs to be aired. A letter with a number of signatures castigating the younger Singh was published this week and ended with the following words in the following font: “END RACIAL & ETHNIC D I S C R I M I N AT I O N & HATE SPEECH IN WORDS AND ACTION NOW!” We need to remind those signatories of three omissions on their part

which I find unforgiving and for which I would advise the young population of this nation, to think about who says what and who did what before you accept what they tell you. The three evasions are: (1) - 90 percent of those signatories had no presence on the horizon of Guyana when five months of election rigging almost shattered the very existence of Guyana and those five months were as recent as 18 months ago. (2) - Not one of those signatories condemned two

of the largest names in politics in the PNC when their inflammatory words led to marauding violence against Indians in Region Five in post-election violence in September 2020. (3) - In protecting the Mace of Parliament, a parliamentary employee was told by a sitting APNU parliamentarian that he was a house slave. Guyana did not see a letter with 20 signatories condemning this racial vocabulary. The young lawyer currently embroiled in a

controversy over alleged racist remarks I met once through his father, Carl Singh, the former Chancellor. I was behind an older gentleman at the parcel department of the central p o s t o ff i c e w h e n t h e attendant requested proof of address for a parcel he was sending into the interior. He was turned away and I was livid. Proof of address is unnecessary once the parcel’s content is clean and contains nothing illegal. It means there will be no need for the police to contact the sender. The post office searches the packets before acceptance. I went to Nirvan Singh and asked if he would do a case against the post office for me without payment. He agreed. The case did not materialise because he said I have to get someone who has locus standi, meaning a citizen who was refused service has to be the one to file the writ. We talked about my 40 years friendship with his dad, Carl. I never saw him since. His dad and I met in 1974 as UG freshmen and since then we have maintained a very close friendship. I deliberately hid that fact in my writings once he was Chief Justice and Chancellor because I was afraid it could have brought on unwholesome and unnecessary criticism in the pathologically poisoned political ambience Guyana

has. As students together, Carl w a s v e r y generous to me. I could not have afforded a two-way bus ticket every day for four years. On Frederick Kissoon countless occasions, Carl bought countless tickets for me. I given, then I would urge him remember one day asking to put his version to the h i m t o f a c i l i t a t e t h e public. What happened publication of a book between him and the lady? manuscript I have done on Does he feel there are race and party politics and he dimensions to the incident agreed. The book was never that makes his version published because UG palatable? He should give his refused to offer the necessary side ASAP. funding. The longer he takes to do I value the friendship of so he encourages the usual C a r l a n d w i l l s a y suspects, the lunatic fringe u n a p o l o g e t i c a l l y w i t h and the Creole middle class pellucid emphasis, Carl is to do two things. Use the not even remotely racially incident to consolidate their conscious. racially driven agenda. It has been over 45 years Secondly, to exploit every of friendship so I know the racial incident to enrich their man and his thoughts. Carl anti-government agenda. would never utter a racially Nirvan must understand sensitive word. His life-long something about Guyana’s friend, African-rights s o c i o l o g y a n d m u s t scholar, Dr. Kimani Nehusi comprehend this motif will willingly testify to that immediately. fact. There are shameless All the above does not racists in this country whose relate to his son, Nirvan. I convenient morality is cannot speak about the s i c k e n i n g . H e s h o u l d temperament of his son since apologise if he is wrong. He I don’t know him. If Nirvan should not give such a breed did what he is being accused a large breeding ground to of by a female Black security propound their racially rank, then as a lawyer he driven thoughts. must know, an apology (The views expressed in should be extended. this article are those of the If he feels there are a u t h o r a n d d o n o t contradictory facts that the necessarily reflect the Guyanese people should be opinions of this newspaper.)

Thursday April 07 , 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday April 07, 2022

BK manager remanded PAHO warns of further COVID-19 wave for killing truck driver …Says vaccination campaigns must focus on protecting the most vulnerable as cases surge in other regions Washington D.C., 6 April (PAHO) – As cases of COVID-19 surge in Europe and East Asia due to Omicron BA.2, the Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Director, Carissa F. Etienne has urged countries to remain vigilant and urgently close vaccination gaps. While COVID cases and deaths have dropped across much of the region, countries have reported more than 620,000 new cases each week. And in parts of North America and the Caribbean, where Omicron is becoming the predominant variant, new infections are beginning to rise. With Omicron BA.2 already detected in 8.7% of sequences reported from South America, “time and time again, we’ve seen how the infection dynamics in Europe are mirrored here just a few weeks later,” the Director said in a media briefing on Wednesday. “We cannot ignore the risk of further COVID-19 surges,” she added. But we now “know what it takes to protect our people.” However, with 240 million people in the Americas yet to receive a single shot of COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination gaps “will keep our region at risk during future waves.” While more than 685 million people in the region have completed their COVID vaccination schedules, and 50 countries and territories have already begun to deliver booster doses, we must now “redouble our efforts to ensure that our vulnerable

Strangled at his worksite, Pitamber Sharma.

PAHO, Director Carissa F. Etienne populations receive the doses they need,” as soon as possible, Dr. Etienne said. The PAHO Director also urged countries to keep testing capacity in place “so we do not go into this next wave blind,” and have the full picture of Omicron BA.2 in the region. “This means making tests easily accessible for everyone everywhere, to prevent new outbreaks and to prepare our health systems if cases surge,” she added. Dr. Etienne also warned that some countries and territories have scaled back public health measures prematurely, highlighting that data “is our eyes and ears into this pandemic.” “Just as we did before, we must adjust our strategies when cases rise, to save lives.” With countries due to mark World Health Day on

the 7th April under the theme “Our Planet, Our Health”, the PAHO Director also highlighted the urgent need for countries to work together towards a healthier, more sustainable future. Wi t h a n i n c r e a s e i n temperatures, air pollution and extreme weather events, “it is undeniable that climate change has presented significant threats to our region’s health,” the Director said. Health systems are also under threat as many hospitals were build in places vulnerable to floods, hurricanes, landslides and other extreme events. “We are working to address this throughout the Region, but we all need to move faster,” added Dr. Etienne. “Health system resilience is not just a necessity to overcome COVID, it is an investment for our future.”

Remanded to prison for the murder of his workmate, Michael Sooklall

Michael Sooklall, 49, a manger with BK Quarries located along the Mazaruni River, Region Seven was yesterday remanded for killing his colleague, a 69-year-old truck driver at their worksite on Wednesday last. Sooklall made his court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert. He was charged with the murder of Pitamber Sharma of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and is expected to make his next court appearance on April 27, 2022. According to reports, Sooklall was one of two persons detained by police after an autopsy had revealed that Sharma was strangled. Sharma was reportedly killed after

18:00hrs on Wednesday last and his body dumped into the Mazaruni River. His remains were found around 07:20hrs the following day (Thursday). Sooklall while in police custody reportedly confessed to killing Sharma. He reportedly told investigators that Sharma had threatened to complain to their superiors that he (the manager) was not doing his job properly. Sooklall, in his confession, said that he was afraid that if Sharma complained, then most likely he would be replaced by him (Sharma). Angered at the fact that he might lose his position, the manager admitted that he attacked Sharma and choked him to death. After Sharma died, he then dragged his body and dumped it into the river.

Oversight bodies equally accountable for allowing professionals to cheat on taxes - GRA Boss By Rehanna Ramsay Professional associations are to be seen as equally accountable for the lack of compliance among professionals when it comes to paying their fair due in taxes. This is according to Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. Statia was at the time responding to queries about the ongoing issue of noncompliance with regard to the tax regulations among professionals. The GRA Commissioner General explained that professional fee amount to a mere $4.6 million annually and that is because oversight bodies like the Bar Association of Guyana, the Medical Council of Guyana, The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) continue to allow those who fall within their respective fields to practice with impunity. S t a t i a s t a t e d categorically that GRA “does not police the professionals…their professional bodies should.”

Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia. The Commissioner General explained the [professionals] who don’t take out tax certificates should not be allowed to practice but they are given a free pass. “We publish the names of those who take out the licences in March of each year. However despite the publication, lawyers’ dentists, pharmacists and doctors still practice. Their professional associations do nothing about it. They practice with impunity. I have spoken out on this on numerous occasions. The GRA should not be the only police in town. Every agency should do their job,” added Statia. As it stands, the GRA boss noted the authority has its hands tied, since there is

nothing much that can be done to remedy the situation. “This matter is closed until we get a department of professional regulation, every profession will continue to flout the law. [For now] GRA ensures that persons that do business with it are in receipt of their licences. That’s all we can do,” Statia said. His comments come almost two weeks after Kaieteur News reported on the dwindling number of professionals who fail to pay their dues in accordance with the tax practice regulation. In accordance with the first schedule of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 80:01, professionals such as accountants, auditors, legal (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

PAGE 13

$163M estimated to rebuild burnt wing of Diamond Secondary School T

he reconstruction of one of the wings at the D i a m o n d Secondary School which was destroyed by fire back in 2018 is estimated to cost $163,009,146 million. This is according to a recent invitation for bids which was issued by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four, seeking a contractor to now construct a new wing at the school. Kaieteur News understands that this project will form part of the $6.6 billion that was allocated in this year’s budget for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country. In an invited comment last month, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four, Donald Gajraj, told this publication that the wing of the building which was destroyed will be rehabilitated to its previous size. At that time, the REO stated that the project will cost $75 million. Gajraj said that when the budgetary allocation has passed through the national procurement process, the

The remains of the school building presently.

project “will go out to tender” and works will begin once a contract has been awarded. Now that the project is out to tender, the RDC’s public notice states that bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding Procedure specified in the Procurement Act 2003, and that the project is scheduled to open on April 26, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. In an interview with this publication last month, headmistress of the school, Ms. Lesmine Collins had expressed her gratitude now

that the project is coming on stream this year. According to her, it is currently short on space to accommodate students. This, she said, has been the state of affairs since the fire destroyed the office and staff room areas, forcing her and teachers to occupy classrooms. Also destroyed in the fire were the Information Technology (IT) lab and the s c h o o l ’s l i b r a r y. E z e Hamilton, the IT teacher, told Kaieteur News that the rebuilding of that section will benefit both the staff and students – especially IT students who have to write their Electronic Document Preparation and

Management (EDPM) examinations. This newspaper had reported that the project, once completed, will also save students from travelling to the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in order to write their examinations, due to the lack of resources at the school. “It is definitely great news, because after the fire we began using one of the classroom as the main office area and the Technical Drawing room as a staff room for teachers. The IT lab and library were also destroyed in the fire. We are currently using one of the

science labs, which have been fitted with computer for IT class. This is not ideal because the computers should be in an air conditioned room, and the stools and tables that are currently being used were not designed to be used with a computer, especially since there is no back rest,” Hamilton said. It was reported back in 2018 that the office area of the school was gutted by an early morning fire on Christmas Eve day. At the time of the fire, a press release which was issued by the Ministry of Education, stated that approximately 1:20am on

December 24, 2018, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded to a report of a fire at the school. However, upon their arrival, the middle section was already engulfed with flames. The release further stated that the cause of the fire was unknown at the time of the release and that the GFS conducted inspections to ascertain whether the fire was as a result of an electrical malfunction, but no issues were found with the electrical connections. Further investigations then led to the cause and it was determined that the fire was an act of arson.

AG backs calls for new formula to appoint Chancellor, Chief Justice

A

provision in the constitution which requires agreement between the President and Opposition Leader for the substantive appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice of Guyana, has resulted in deadlock for more than 22 years when it comes to selecting permanent holders of the two top judicial offices. As such, various sections of the legal fraternity have been in support of recommendations towards amending of the provision used to appoint these judicial officers. The most recent endorsement came from Attorney General (AG) and Minster of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC. During an airing of his Facebook commentary programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ on Tuesday AG Nandlall reiterated his support for the review and amendment of the provision. Nandlall’ s views came hours after President of the Bar

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC. Association of Guyana, Pauline Chase addressed the absence of permanent appointees of the post of Chancellor and Chief Justice at the first in-person opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, since the COVID 19 pandemic. In her remarks Chase noted that the absence of substantive office holders as an “embarrassment state of affairs” that needed to be

President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Pauline Chase. corrected swiftly. Chase said that the issues needs to be addressed quickly because it adversely affects Guyana’s standing the world in the Rule of Law Index and as a democratic society. “The time has come to find a better approach to appoint those two top judicial officers. “I, therefore, urge and call on those who the duty so falls, to start the consultative

process and put into motion the machinery to address the correction of this unworkable and failed formula,” Chase stated. During his programme, Nandlall noted that this has long been his position. “This has long been my position; reason being is that ever since this formula was put into the constitution, a President has never been able to secure the agreement

of the Opposition Leader on the matter, as a result since 2001 we have not had the substantive appointment of neither a Chancellor nor Chief Justice which is a real sad state of affairs. “ ..That formula needs to be change; no other country in the commonwealth Caribbean has such a formula. In fact, the only country in the world that has such a formulation I believe is Pakistan, and like us they have never had an agreement for the appointment of a chief justice… the system simply does not work,” he added. Nandlall noted that when the provision for consensus came into force, it was based on a suggestion from the Bar association. The Attorney General explained that framers of the amendment to the Constitution in 2001 had also included a provision for the President to appoint a Chancellor and a Chief Justice to act if he failed to get the agreement of Opposition Leader on the

nominees. Nandlall told viewers that the issue will be addressed during the process of constitutional reform. He noted nonetheless, that since the constitutional reform process has started, he stayed clear of suggesting what the new formula should be but stressed that every effort should be made to break the gridlock mechanism which constitutionally requires the approval of those permanent appointments by the Opposition Leader. “I don’t think we need more lessons. We have 22 years of experience so when we start the constitution reform process, I hope that we would be guided by these real examples and don’t m a k e f a n c i f u l recommendations, idealistic a n d u n r e a l recommendations. The thing simply does not work. It makes no sense putting into a law and worse yet, putting into a constitution a mechanism that is going to cause deadlock,” he said.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

Court battle led to US$84M settlement after Oil Company offered US$6000 to Nigerian community A A villager showing the crude that contaminated the creeks in Niger, Delta. [Photo credit, Reuters]

three year court battle between Dutch oil giant, Shell and a Nigerian fishing community had led to a US$84M oil spill settlement, instead of the US$6000 the oil giant had offered the community. The multi-million settlement for the oil spills was paid to approximately 15,600 Nigerian fishermen and their community. It was reported that the spills devastated the environment surrounding

the community of Bodo, in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. According to reports, in 2008 and 2009, a 55-year-old pipeline owned by Shell ruptured twice and resulted in 600,000 barrels of oil being spilled into the surrounding creeks. In the aftermath of the oil disasters, Shell had offered to pay the community US$6000. As such the community sought legal representation from lawyers in London, where Shell headquarters is located. Following a three year legal battle in the London High Court, the oil giant agreed to settle the matter. Instead of the entire community only receiving the US$6000 that the oil company had offered – the community members that were directly affected by the spills received US$3000 each. The total sum of the US$84M settlement was split into two. Some went to the affected fishermen and the remainder went to the community. Following the announcement of the settlement the lawyer representing the claimants, Martyn Day from Leigh Day, was reported in the media saying, “Whilst we are delighted for our clients, and pleased that Shell has done the decent thing, I have to say that it is deeply disappointing that Shell took six years to take this case seriously and to recognise the true extent of the damage these spills caused to the environment and to those who rely on it for their livelihood....” Moreover, Chief Sylvester Kogbara, Chairman of the Bodo Council of Chiefs and Elders, had said, “For now, the Bodo community is very happy that this case has been finally laid to rest. The hope is that this will forge a good relationship with Shell for the future, not only with the Bodo people but with all the Niger Delta communities that have been impacted in the same way as us.” Kaieteur News reported recently that after two years of protest from citizens for full liability insurance coverage from oil giant, ExxonMobil in the unfortunate event of an oil spill in the country’s waters,

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has finally come on record to assure that his administration is now working with the parent company to secure such guarantee. Jagdeo made the revelation last Thursday evening, during an interview with the Department of Public Information. Since the startup of its oil operations in December 2019, ExxonMobil has evaded demands to provide insurance coverage, and instead tied its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to provide this guarantee. It has been argued however that EEPGL, being a fairly new company, with assets worth only about US$5 billion, it would not be able to effectively cover all costs associated with an oil spill in Guyana, should such an adverse event occur. So far, three of the oil company’s operations, Liza One, Liza Two and Payara have been granted approval, without guarantees in place from the parent company. With approval for its fourth project -the Yellowtail development – in the making, Jagdeo has made it clear that a separate document will be issued to Exxon, which ensures a guarantee is secured, should an oil spill occur. He said, “…Yellowtail will be stronger than any (Permit) they (the former government) have issued and separately, not part of the permitting process for Yellowtail, but separately, we are working with the companies to secure a parent guarantee that will cover the entire Stabroek Block. Not Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara or Yellowtail, but the entire Stabroek Block, but that is a separate issue.” The Vice President did not disclose figures, or further details regarding the guarantee his government is now looking to secure from ExxonMobil; more than two years post first-oil. Jagdeo was keen to note d u r i n g h i s i n t e r v i e w, however, that the former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams had merely thought of or “had something” up his sleeves while at the organization, but it is the PPP that is ensuring it is done.

Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

11 new COVID-19 cases; five persons in ICU With 25 COVID-19 cases recorded for the month thus far, the Ministry of Health on Wednesday reported that within the last assessed 24-hour period, health authorities have recorded 11 more new infections in the country. The new cases which now bring the total number of confirmed cases to 63,294 were detected in Region Four which recorded eight and Region Six which recorded three.

The Ministry’s dashboard data shows that five patients are still admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, nine persons are in institutional isolation, 98 are in home isolation and 15 are quarantined institutionally. Additionally, only one person recovered from the virus within the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recovery to 61,976.

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

Police Prosecutor on self-bail for obstructing justice VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956. 2001 RAV 4,in good condition not working.Price $800,000. Call:648-9248. 1-Model M Truck,TM Truck, 428 Caterpillar Backhoe,416 Caterpillar Back hoe,Front end loader, Cement mixer truck,Mini Excavator.6500402/652-0251.

PROPERTY FOR SALE PFS on the main road MC Doom E.B.D 120x50.Call:6130007. 5 bedroom house.Better hope E.C.D,price 29.5M neg. Tel: 660-7935.

FOR WANTED RENT Minibus driver for 40 route. Contact:683-0558.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040. Specialized repairs/service refrigerator, washing machine, pressure pump, stove, treadmill,dryer, filteration system, deep fryer.Call:6949733. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110/630-1600. Mo's Bobcat Rental & Towing Service.Now hiring Bobcat Drivers. Call:643-8727/ whatsapp 685-9744.

FOR SALE 2-1 acres land@ blankenbu rg W.C.D. Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251. 1-40 acres land@Linden Highway.Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251. 6-4 & 5 bedroom house at Schoonord,1-3 story building at Zeelugt,1-3 bedroom at Blankenburg.Contact:6500402/652-0251. Prime business spot(1/2 acre land) @Parika, house lots at Blanken burg,double lot at Tushen. Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251.

FOR RENT 2 bedroom,1 bathroom downstairs for 60k.Call between 912am or 1-5pm Mon-Sat. Call:671-5773.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, has found himself before the court for allegedly ducking two sentence warrants in order to obstruct the course of justice. Sergeant Gonsalves, 35, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday, appeared in the Diamond/Grove Magistrates Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. He denied the charge which alleges that between July 23, 2020 and November 27, 2021 at Diamond East Bank Demerara, he conspired with person(s) unknown; to obstruct the course of justice, so as to cause the disappear-

VACANCY

Billing clerk & Porters, location Stabroek Market. Experiences is an asset. Contact: 661-1000,226-9800. Maintenance man & room attendants,30-50 yrs old.233 South Road Lacytown or 2252304. Male Clerical Asst,age 25-30 yrs.Must have Secondary Education & license is required. Tel:225-8131/2236488.

Prosecutor Gonsalves. During the interview the prosecutor did not deny the allegation, however while being escorted to the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) he admitted to a senior officer of his involvement. As such, a file was prepared base on the investigation carried out and sent to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. The DPP later sent back the file recommending the prosecutor be charged. The prosecutor is being represented by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, who has since written to the DPP for a review of the charge against his client.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Shawn Gonsalves.

Oversight bodies equally accountable for...

One (1) welder to do grill From page 12 work. Call 625-5763. practitioners, medical practi1 child friendly female to as- tioners, architects, dentists, sist with kids and household optometrists, engineers, vetchores.Contact:653-7776 erinary surgeons, physiotherapists, pharmacists, surpreferably from E.B.D. veyors and preparer of returns One female to work in are all required to acquire a Interior,must be 18yrs & over. Tax Practice Certificate from Tel:674-9999. GRA. Under that section, pro1 live in to work in George fessionals who practice pritown.Must be 18yrs & over. vately for reward are required by law to be the holder of a Tel:674-9999. Tax Practice Certificate, which Male to work in Interior.Must is valid for one year commencing January 1 and endbe 18 & over.Tel:686-2201. ing December 31. The tax Female to take care of an eld- practice fees are to be paid to erly male between the ages of the GRA by the end of Febru25 to 40. Accommodations ary every year. However, the provided.Call or WhatsApp Auditor General (AG)’s annual 1-868-683-1528. reports from 2017-2020 have reDried carilla bush,soursop corded dwindling figures for proleaves,lemongrass,mango fessionals filing for Tax Pracleaves (anyquantity). Call: tice Certificates. According to the report, the GRA continues 609-8281/693-3003. to experience difficulties in 1 Headcook,1 Assistant having practicing professionCook,1 Cleaner for Restau- als to comply with Section 37, rant. Call:602-8067/677-7011. Chapter 81:01 of the Income Servers needed at Tax Act. Auditor General Emmanuel's Delight. Located (AG), Deodat Sharma, in his 2017 report documented that at Diamond,tel:651-6342. the total revenue collected from professional fees for the period January to December, amounted to $5.6M or 0.01% of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Department in 2016. The audit reExperienced roti/puri cook, kitchen assistant, cleaners. Apply at Hack’s Halaal Restaurant,5 Commerce st.

ance or to falsely execute two warrants in favour of Vishal Munilall. In December 2021, Vishal Munilall, Deodharry Oodit and others were charged for corrupt transaction with an agent and other offences. The court heard that Munilall and Oodit gave information against the prosecutor for his alleged involvement of the “ducking” of two sentence warrants for Munilall which was issued by Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. As such an investigation was launched and a video interview was conducted with

VACANCY One bulldozer operator to work in Great Diamond. Contact:632-1118/647-4161. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village. One female cleaner.Apply at:Lens 136 Sheriff St C/Ville Georgetown.Contact:2272486 or 227-1511. Pitmen,Serviceman,Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

port went on to point out that as at 31 December 2017, there were 605 active registered professionals in the database of which only 260 professionals or $43% purchased professional certificates. “As a result, 345 or 57% of the active professionals had not purchased professional certificates,” the report added. As for the period January to December 2018, professional fees amounted to $5.121M or 0.01% of the total revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Department when compared to 2017 collections for the same period. In 2019, the total revenue collected from

professional fees for the year amounted to $4.911M or 4.47% less of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Department for the previous year. At the time of reporting in September 2019, the AG report noted that 170 professionals paid for certificates after the stipulated date. Similarly, at 31 December 2019, there were 688 active registered professionals in the database of which only 252 professionals or 37% purchased the professional certificates. As a result, 436 or 66% of the active professionals did not purchased professional certificates. In 2020, the total revenue col-

lected from professional fees for the year amounted to $3.930M, or less than 1% of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue Department in the previous year. As at 31 December 2020, there were 731 active registered professionals in the database, of which only 291 professionals or 39.81% purchased the professional certificates. As a result, 441 or 60.33% of the active professionals did not purchase the professional certificates, as compared with 2019, where 436 or 66% of the registered professionals did not purchase professional certificates.

Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

The unemployment conundrum T

he actual unemployment rate is far lower than the official statistics indicate. The reason for this is that unemployed refers to those who are out of work but are actively seeking employment. There are thousands of Guyanese who are listed as not working and who indicate that they are actively looking for jobs and therefore should be categorised as part of the unemployed. In reality, however, they are not interested in working. A few years ago, a gentleman went berserk in the city and attacked workers in an automotive repair shop. At the time of the attack, there were not many persons on the streets. Fortunately, the police were quickly on the scene and were able to neutralise the t h r e a t . Within minutes of this incident, persons began to emerge from neighbouring

yards in their numbers. It was simply unbelievable to see the large numbers that emerged from homes. The question that immediately sprung to mind was: Why were these individuals, most of whom were of working age, not gainfully employed? It is a development that can be seen throughout Guyana. There are hundreds of persons, especially young people who are at home, not necessarily because there are no jobs but because many of them are simply not interested in working. After all, why go and work all day for $7,000 when you can wake up late, watch TV all day, enjoy three square meals, dress in the latest threads, and still find time to hang out for hours with friends? Is this not the good life, and all of this compliments of Ma and Pa? There are some other persons who are being

properly compensated by their beaus or girlfriends for staying at home. They are not actively seeking employment. Many young and not so young persons are simply not interested in working. And so they stay at home all day and laze around. Not everyone is however that fortunate. The vast majority of our adult population need to work. And there have been many complaints that jobs are not a v a i l a b l e . Yet if you pick up the newspapers each day there are a number of vacancies which are advertised. While these will not satisfy the total demand of the unemployed who are seeking jobs, they do amount to a significant number of v a c a n c i e s . A discussion with employers also reveals some disturbing trends. For one, there is a high

Dem Boys Seh…

People going to invisible workplaces Dem contractors talk how dem nah getting labourers fuh wuk. But dat is old story. During de pandemic, dem had people walking around looking fuh wuk. One man come to de boss man of de waterfall paper and beg he fuh wuk. He was almost in tears because he could not put food on de table fuh he children. De boss man didnt had any vacancy but he was so moved by de man plea dat he give he a hold-on. Deh had a man who used to dress everyday as if he going to work. He use to put on

he heavy duty boots, pick up he toolbox and head down de road. De man was living in a dream world because he was not working anywhere. But he dressing fuh wuk. When he friends ask he how de job going, he used to say, “Ah still wuking pon it. A h got to hammer out a few kinks, nail de delivery and ensure ah dont screw things up.” One day de boss ask a construction worker to drill two holes in a wall. A few hours after de boss ask he how he like de task. He say it was boring. So de boss

ask he to weld two pieces of metal together. When he was finish de boss ask he how he enjoy de task. He said it was riveting. But sometimes, yuh does gat to be careful with some ah dem construction workers. Deh gat some bad eggs wah does steal from yuh. One day de police bin get call in fuh investigate stealing at de construction site of a wooden building. After a few hours of investigating dem report dat dem nah got no concrete evidence. Talk half. Leff half.

I commend President Ali for... From page 6 the nation. We must pray for our scaredy-cat lawyers whom we supported at the UWI and Council of Legal Education who now lack moral courage to support the fight for a renegotiated oil contract. We must pray for those in the business sector who care about their own selfish financial interests and profits but pay low wages to poor workers. Lets pray for

the nations most vulnerable populations - rice and other farmers, fishermen, housewives, pensioners, sugar workers, small businesses, market vendors, retail sales people, civil servants, youths, students, single parents, nurses, policemen, security guards, those depending on public assistance and other at-risk populations. Lets pray that we can be “One Guyana” where both the PNC

and PPP confess their sins and join together to fight a common enemy that wants to bully us and appropriate the larger share of our oil income and keeping us destitute forever. Lets also pray for a Third Force to emerge if the PNC and PPP fail to work together to renegotiate the worst oil contract in the world. Wake up Guyana, and stay awake! Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Drug bond director remains in... From page 2 reported that medicinal drugs were being stolen from the bond. A sting operation was set up by the detectives, and it resulted in several persons being arrested including a rank from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), a doctor and another employee with the

Ministry of Health, Terrence Williams. Williams was arrested on March 21, and was busted with almost $5M in cash stuffed in a duffle bag along with two illegal firearms with matching ammunition. He allegedly attempted to bribe the detectives with the

cash in a bid to purchase his freedom but it only landed him in more trouble. He has since been remanded to prison for attempting to bribe an officer and the illegal possession of the firearms and ammunition. However, Williams was not charged for stealing from the ministry’s bond.

turnover of workers. It seems that many young persons do not stick around long enough, at least not long enough to compensate for the cost of training that is borne by the employers. Secondly, most employers complain about the quality of the workers they are finding. Some of the applicants have excellent academic qualifications, but are often found wanting in the practical aspects of their training. Then there is also the problem of finding the right employees and in adequate numbers. There is a shortage of labour in the construction sector, and this is not surprising, since many school leavers prefer to work in offices rather than on construction sites. During the run-up to Cricket World Cup 2007, two major hotels were being built, and yet there was a problem obtaining labour to complete

one of them. The company building one of the hotels was forced to increase the remuneration in order to attract skills. It is, therefore, not surprising to learn that many contractors are complaining that they cannot find labourers. There are more jobs than takers. Contractors also have problems with those who turn up for work. Some workers when they are paid on Friday do not turn up to work on Saturday. In fact, many of them booze all weekend and then absent themselves on Monday. For this reason, many contractors have taken to paying their workers on Mondays, rather than on Fridays or Saturdays. In this way, absenteeism is almost halved. The Cubans have proven to be excellent workers. They are rarely absent, have

PAGE 17

excellent work ethic, are prepared to work longer hours and accept far lower wages than Guyanese demand. The idea therefore that Guyana may need to import labour is not because of full employment in the country. Rather it is because there is always an escape valve it could be Ma or Pa or remittances from overseas which act as a disincentive for persons to be actively seeking work. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

PAGE 19

Govt. urged to beef up capacity of EPA to ensure critical oversight of oil sector - Norton Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform ( P N C / R ) , M r. A u b r e y Norton believes that it is critical for the administration to boost the capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to ensure that the body plays its critical role in the thriving oil and gas sector. Norton made the assertion on Tuesday, during a press conference, in response to a question by Kaieteur News. The Leader explained, “First of all, one has to improve the capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency in terms of technical competence. It is useless to talk about monitoring this and monitoring that if you do not have an effective human resource development plan to ensure you have the people who are competent…in the absence of that, you have to engage qualified people outside of Guyana (or) companies to do that. I believe that we have to ensure that every company in Guyana is accountable and you need to develop the capacity to ensure there is accountability.” Norton was asked to give his views on the advice given to Guyana by former Head of Staatsolie- Suriname’s National Oil Company (NOC) Rudolf Elias, that the country should follow its footsteps by ensuring there is 24 hours monitoring of the offshore oil production, which ensures that regulations are being complied with, by the developer and at the same time, affords the local work force an opportunity to expand their knowledge on the sector. T h e p a r t y ’s l e a d e r pointed out that while there is a critical need for the monitoring of Guyana’s oil resource, the ruling administration has shown little interest in developing

the capacity of such agencies, to ensure their responsibilities are fulfilled. In fact, he accused the government of undermining resources to these agencies, rendering them paralyzed. “In essence I would say yes, we need to monitor, we need to ensure everything is in order but I do not live in a world of my own. The PPP has shown that they are not prepared to develop the intellectual and other competencies that are needed and so while it is our desire to have it done, we are concerned that the government seems hell bent on under resourcing those institutions and as a consequence, depriving them of the capacity to do what they should do. So while we want it to be done, the government has to be urged to first of all have the political will to do it, and secondly, to ensure that you improve the institutional capability and capacity of the institutions so that they can be efficacious as they pursue their objectives,” Norton reasoned. The EPA has set out several conditions for the oil company, ExxonMobil and its partners to adhere to. The strength of these regulations have however been questioned, as there is little monitoring being done to ensure compliance with the respective rules. H e a d o f t h e Environmental Protection A g e n c y, M r. K e m r a j Parsram has been making strides to ensure remote monitoring systems are implemented using Geographic Information Systems, and acquiring modern equipment to measure environmental change. Back in December, the EPA informed members of the media that it will soon launch a remote real-time monitoring system and platform to keep an eye on facilities and their level of

compliance with key environmental parameters. The regulator said this will be done through the acquisition of satellite services, and the installation of sensors for air quality index, among other mechanisms. In the meantime, the agency said it currently utilizes drone technology, has amplified the use of Geographic Information System (GIS), and employs other digital technology for remote monitoring. To c o m p l e m e n t i t s t e c h n o l o g i c a l improvements, the EPA noted that it continues to build the capacity of its staff members. In this regard, it said employees continue to capitalise on virtual webinars facilitated through international and local partnerships. To date, it said

81 staff members have participated in virtual webinars focused on areas such as risk assessment and risk management, climate change and climate mitigation, human rights in Environmental Impact Assessments, reducing emission and air quality impacts, and building resilience for oil producers. However, former Head of the Suriname National Oil C o mp an y s aid it w as important to have the human resources also on board. Elias said, “We are always present for two reasons: one, it’s to see what is happening because you want to know firsthand what is going on with your resource and second is, you want to learn…You want to keep an eye out and know where are the layers, know what the oil sands look like.

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton So we always have a driller and a geologist on board 24 hours, seven days a week on every vessel out there.” In light of the benefits, he has been able to have a front row seat. Elias said he would

advise Guyana to do the same; to have on every drillship, a senior geologist and a junior to get the experience of what it takes to find oil, and to be in charge of their country’s resources.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07 , 2022

Thursday April 07 , 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

West Side Shipping supports Fernandes advance to Snr Pan Am Final in Guatemala WeCare Softball Cricket West Side Shipping has supported the WeCare Inter Region Softball Cricket competition which is set to conclude this weekend. The entity recently presented a cheque to the organisers who exp ressed gratitude to the sponsors. R e g i o n s 6 Wa r n e r Brothers already secured their place in the final. The playoffs will see Adventure and Golden Fleece Sports Club from region 2 and Speed Boat Softball Team and Slayers from region 3 battling for a place in to the final. The games get underway at 09:00hrs.

Corrisa McClure Logistics officer of West Side Shipping handing over a cheque to a representative of WeCare.

By Sean Devers Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes dominated for an outstanding win in her semi-final match Tuesday night against the number 2 seed Canadian Hannah Blatt - storming into a straight set triumph 11/2 11/911/3. She was masterful on the court showing how she achieved so much in the sport during her professional career. She demonstrated her amazing ability to read the game, her still sharp racket skills and high level of fitness to beat her younger opponents. Fernandes, who turns 39 on June 19, was set to clash with the number 1 seed in the final last night with the aim of becoming the first Female Guyanese win Gold at this

event. The Canadian born Guyanese is the reigning women’s Champion in the Guinness National Squash Championship after defeating defending Champion Ashley Khalid in the Final last month. Her long-time Coach Carl Ince, said Fernandes, who is already assured of Silver Medal, has made him very proud of Nicolette’s performance in the championships that took her to the finals. “She displayed patience and discipline and a full range of accuracy in finding her targets. In her tactical game she did what was expected when playing someone at that level, keeping them twisting and turning, causing as much fatigue as possible. It’s obvious to her that there is no need to

change a winning game. Expect more of the same with added intensity. We’re all very proud of her and looking forward to a good match with her bringing home the trophy,” said Coach Ince. Her uncle and past President of the Guyana Squash Association David Fernandes says no Guyanese female has reached such heights in this tournament and was confident that Nicolette will go all the way last night. The doubles teams Ashley and Jason Ray Khalil, Alex Arjoon and Kristian Jeffrey, and Gabby Fraser and Mary Fung-a-Fat suffered losses in their matches but now prepare for team games which will be played tomorrow and Saturday.

Cummins’ blistering 50 earns... Thursday April 07, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today your mind should be especially quick and penetrating, Aries. You could decide to tackle some indepth research that you've been considering doing for a while on a subject that fascinates you. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Some vivid, beautiful dreams or visions could awaken you and make you aware of new opportunities. They could be creative in nature, and you should consider taking advantage of them, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might decide to attend a group activity that is primarily concerned with an intellectual, philosophical, or spiritual interest of yours, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A public figure, perhaps an author, might capture your interest in some way today, Cancer. This person could have a lot to say that appeals to you on a number of different levels. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might attend a party or group activity that puts you in touch with some interesting people from faraway places, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some big upheaval in your career could take you by surprise, Virgo, but it's apt to make a very positive difference to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A social event could bring you into contact with a very intense, fascinating person in an intriguing profession, Libra. You could find him or her very charming and sexy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You always tend to have good powers of concentration, Scorpio, but today you're more focused than usual, probably on a project that means a lot to you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) An intense conversation with your romantic partner could take place today, Sagittarius. This could involve taking the relationship to the next commitment level. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you and the other members of your household might discuss the possibility of making some changes, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might feel the urge to write, Aquarius. This could involve nothing more than a lengthy letter or email to a friend, but it could also be creative work, such as a novel, essay, screenplay, or poem. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's planetary configuration will give you a strong urge to be out and about, Pisces, but responsibilities could keep you at home or the office.

From page 22 with four sixes and two fours against Sams. He was also caught at long off by Suryakumar off Sams’ waisthigh no-ball that cost Mumbai three runs. “Never expected him (Cummins) to come and play like that,” Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma said. “We had the game until the 15th over. We thought we could have them, but this will be hard to digest — the way it turned out to be in the last few overs.” Earlier, Suryakumar rescued Mumbai from 58-3 in 12 overs by sharing 83-run stand off 40 balls with Tilak Varma, who made an unbeaten 38.Cummins picked up 2-49 that also included the

Stingrays... From page 24 medals total won by Guyana at the two previous events in Peru (2013) and Chile (2017), Linden’s Deshanna Skeete holds the country’s only gold medal. Skeete won the girls’ 400 metres in 2017. Guyana’s total medals at the games also include four silver and six bronze.

Mohamed’s ... From page 23 success a possibility and reality.”Handing Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s contribution was Insaf Jumrally to Bartica Regatta Committee Treasurer, Ms. Natalie TilburyBobb.Activities will get underway on next Monday, April 11th from 19:00hrs with a Gospel Fest which is being promoted by the Chosen Generation Band and would be held at the Bartica Tarmac.

wicket of Suryakumar in the last over when the righthander slashed at a wide delivery and was caught behind. Mumbai’s struggles up front continued this season when skipper Rohit Sharma could score only 3 off 12 balls before he top-edged a pull against Umesh Yadav. Ishan Kishan

also couldn’t get going and labored to 14 off 21 balls before pulling Cummins to midwicket in the 11th over. Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 162 for 5 (Cummins 56*, V Iyer 50*, MAshwin 2-25, Mills 2-38) beat MumbaiIndians161for 4 (Suryakumar 52*, Varma 38, Cummins 2-49) by five wickets.

PAGE 22

Thursday April 07 , 2022

Kaieteur News

Cummins’ blistering 50 earns Kolkata big win over Mumbai PUNE, India (AP) — Pat Cummins equaled the record for fastest half century in the

Indian Premier League off 14 balls as Kolkata Knight Riders handed Mumbai Indians

their third successive defeat yesterday. Cummins plundered 35

runs in fast bowler Daniel Sams’ 16th over as Kolkata cantered to 162-5 to register a five-wicket victory. Cummins blasted six sixes, four in Sams’ over, and also hit four boundaries in his whirlwind unbeaten knock of 56 off 15 balls to equal Lokesh Rahul’s IPL record of fastest half century. Rahul had scored a 14-ball half century against Delhi Capitals in the 2018 season. Cummins raised his 50 with a four before slamming a straight six over the head of Sams to leave Mumbai still searching for their first victory this season. “I am more surprised, it just came off,” Cummins said. “I was not trying to overthink, that’s really satisfying. The ball seems to fly here, so just hitting in the shorter side.” The blistering knock of Cummins overshadowed his teammate Venkatesh Iyer making a sedate 50 not out off 41 balls in Kolkata’s third win this season, which gave them a place on top of the table with six points from four games. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav returned after recovering from a finger injury and hit 52 off

Suryakumar steadied the Mumbai ship after a slow start •Apr 05, 2022•BCCI

36 balls and Kieron Pollard lifted Mumbai’s total to 161-4 by smashing Cummins for 22 runs in the final over. Needing 61 off the last seven overs, Tymal Mills (238) dismissed dangerman Andre Russell (11) when the West Indian top edged a pull against the Englishman and was caught at point. But

Cummins smashed Mills to fine leg for a six off the second ball he faced before slicing the fast bowler between point and short third man to the boundary. Cummins then hoicked premier Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for a six and a four in the 15th over and sealed the game in style (Continued on page 21)

Thursday April 07 , 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

MSC holds meeting for members and public on Saturday afternoon at MSC pavilion The iconic sports institution the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) will face members of the public and its own members when a meeting is planned for 17.00hrs at the MSC pavilion. The MSC has faced hard times and after being in the lock-down mode since mid

2019, it should come to life as Linden prepares for its 52nd anniversary as a town. That will be in the form of the Linden Town Week which starts on April 23 and ends on May 5 where the town will be showcased and a number of activities are planned for the MSC ground.

In addition to those activities, the MSC had been identified to be the venue that the government has identified in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) to be a multipurpose facility. The others are to be in Berbice and Essequibo. However, what form or

Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association trio achieve Black Belts

Mariam Browne (right), Elijah Mohamed (left) and Adam Mohamed are now ranked as junior black belts after completing their training. On March 30th 2022, after a two year hiatus due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Guyana Wado Ryu Karate Association conducted its first grading exercise for black belt students. Three students, who had

continued their socially distant training under the direction of 8th Dan Sensei Winston Dunbar, emerged successful in the examination for their black belts. Mariam Browne aged 10, Elijah Mohamed aged 11 and

Adam Mohamed aged 7 who train at the Mae’s School and Banks DIH dojos, were able to privately continue their training sessions and have reaped the rewards of their commitment and are now ranked as junior black belts.

Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s fuels Bartica Easter Regatta ‘Bounce Back’ 2022 Chairman of the Bartica Easter Regatta ‘Bounce Back’ 2022 Committee, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams has expressed thanks to the principals of Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s who have made a substantial contribution towards the successful hosting of this year’s event set to take place from April 11-18, next. A longtime supporter of the event, Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s did not have any hesitation in coming on board for the

event which is making a grand return after being affected, like other events by the world pandemic, covid19. Williams stated that he is very pleased with the contribution made by Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s towards this event and it was done despite the fact that the organisers did not have much to piece things together after the Government of Guyana lifted restrictions. He reiterated that the Bartica Community deserves

the boost that comes with this event which is recognised internationally. “On behalf of the Bartica Easter Regatta Organising Committee, I would like to extend appreciation to the Management and Staff of Mohamed’s Enterprise/Team Mohamed’s for their unflinching support for this event. We are bouncing back and doing so with style and it is the support from companies the likes of the Mohamed’s which make our (Continued on page 21)

shape that will take is unknown to the MSC Executive and this meeting will be one where questions about that rehabilitation will likely surface.

President of the MSC Avery Trim along with General Secretary Joseph Chapman will field questions as to the immediate plans of the Management Committee

of the Club and hear what are the projections for this sports institution which many feel has always been a multipurpose facility in Linden.

PAGE 24

Thursday April 07 , 2022

Kaieteur News

Bissoon hits 114 in ESCL’s New York Tri State cricket team to visit Guyana from April 8

over-40 competition Shivsankar Bissoon struck an impressive 114 to lead Sunriser Masters to an exciting five-wicket victory over Ravens Sports Club in the latest round of Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) over-40, 20-overs competition at Zorg Beach, Essequibo Coast. Last Sunday, Bissoon hit seven sixes and five fours as his team reached 235-5 in the 18th over replying to Ravens’ 231-5 off their 20overs. Ravi Beharry supported Bissoon with 72 as Rishie Bishop claimed two wickets for 11 runs from 2.1 overs. When Ravens batted, the consistent Fazeer Khan scored 97, while Punraj Singh made 48. Beharry proved his allround capability with 442 from his maximum four overs. At the same venue, Queenstown Tigers got the better of Hibernia Strikers by three wickets. Hibernia Strikers were all

out for 132 off 16-overs while Queenstown Tigers roared to the target off 13.2 overs. Shawn Hubbard led the way with 32 and 23 from Paulo Narine. Deochan Ramroop picked up 4-20 off four overs. In Hibernia Strikers’ innings, Heman Lakhan scored 43 and Sidique Ramjohn with 22. Motielall Narine was the star-bowler for Queenstown Tigers with 4-29 from four overs and Curtis Russell bagging 2-22 off his four-over spell. And also at Zorg Beach, Devonshire Castle Sports Club beat Caribbean Cricket Club by 33 runs. Devonshire Castle rattled up a sufficient 1878 at the expiration of the 20overs while Caribbean Cricket Club only responded with 154-9 when the overs ran out. Latchman Singh hit 72 for Devonshire Castle while

Coach Fraser says playing on turf pitches will benefit

Shivsankar Bissoon Darshan Lall made a supportive 46 as Joel Da Silva snatched 2-17 off two steady overs and Prashad Mahadeo claiming 2-21 off three overs. Whe n Caribbean Cricket Club batted, Eshwar Singh scored a fighting 36, while Wakeel Layne came in with 30. Manoj Lall took 2-15 off 3.1 tidy overs. The competition will continue on Sunday with three more matches in its fourth round. Hibernia Strikers will tackle Devonshire Castle while Sunriser Masters and Queenstown Tigers will do battle. Caribbean Cricket Club is set to engage with Ravens.

By Sean Devers Under Head Coach former Guyana U-19 and First-Class Pacer Linden Fraser, the New York Tri State team is scheduled to tour Guyana from April 8-18. The visitors will arrive here tomorrow and will travel to a New Amsterdam Hotel before playing their first 50over match against a Berbice Under-17 Select team at Albion on Saturday from 09:30 hrs. On Sunday the Americans will face-off with a Berbice Under-15 team at the same venue. The New York Tri State team will then travel to the city on Monday where the tourists, led by the talented Utkarsh Srivastava, oppose a Combined Under-17 team on Tuesday at Bourda before coming-up against an Essequibo Under-17 team at Everest on Wednesday. The fifth 50-over match of the New York Tri State tour to Guyana will be against a

Linden-Fraser Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) XI at DCC, while a day-night 30-over contest against Transport and MYO combined will bowl off on April 15 at MYO. On April 16 and April 17, a two-day match is planned for DCC, where the New Yorkers will again play a GCA XI before the team departs for the USA the next day. The day-and-night match starts at 16:00h and dinner break is at 18:00h -18:40h, with the second team’s innings from 18:40h to 21:00h. The two-day match starts at 10:00h and ends at 18:00h for 100 overs daily (lunch is 12:00h-13:40h, tea is 15:40h16:00h and the final session is 16:00h to 18:00h). All 50over matches start at 09:30h and end at 17:30h (lunch is 13:00h to 13:40h). According to the 57-yearold Fraser, who played a single First-Class match for

Guyana in the 1984 Shell Shield competition when he shared the new ball with Ray Joseph against Jamaica, the New York Tri State will return to Guyana in September for a U-17 series. “The team is good and I think our skipper Srivastava is a special talent. I think one of the benefits from this trip will be the experience of playing on Turf pitches since the boys are accustomed to playing on matting in the US,” said Frazer who made his Inter-County debut for Demerara in 1983 before playing for Berbice in 1988 and 1989. Before 1990 the final of the Inter County tournament had First-Class and Fraser played in the Jones Cup for Demerara and the Guystac Trophy and the Kenneth Sookram Memorial Trophy for Berbice giving the Barbican his other three FirstClass games. The New York Tri State touring party comprises: Utkarsh Srivastava (Captain); Adil Shivakumar (Vice Captain); Anirudh Bolisetty; Tanish Dongre; Akshay Garg; Arvind Marella; Mihir Patwardhan; Ansh Rai; Alvin Sammy; Saharsh Shwethan; Ruhan Swar and Abhram Yeruva with Wesley King (Manager); Lloyd Dixon (Assistant Manager); Linden Fraser (Head Coach); Tracy Glasgow (Liaison Officer) and Akaze Thompson (Statistician).

Stingrays Swimming Services backs Vladimir Woodroffe Vladimir Woodroffe, one of the swimmers heading off to represent Guyana at the 2022 South American Youth Games, received a contribution from Stingrays Swimming Services, to boost his preparation for the event, which will take place in Rosario, Argentina, April 28 – May 8. A member of Dorado Speed Swim Club, Woodroffe said he’s looking forward to representing Guyana at the multi-sport event, to improve his times and hopefully land on the podium. With sponsorship being hard to come by, Woodroffe’s participation in the sport is dependent on his parents. Recognizing this,

Stingrays Swimming Services said they’re eager to help the talented middle distance swimmer realize his fullest potential with their assistance, allowing Woodroffe to focus on his exploits in the pool. Woodroffe thanked the company for their support while adding that he’s working overtime to make the most of his opportunity to compete internationally. Woodroffe had a good showing at his previous International outing, the Barbados Swimming Association (BSA) International Invitational, where he ended the threeday event as the 13 – 14 age group overall winner. Meanwhile, of the 11 (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 07, 2022

PAGE 25

GCB/CWI Coaching Development programme began yesterday at LBI… T By Sean Devers

he Guyana Cricket Board ( G C B ) i n collaboration with Cricket We s t I n d i e s ( C W I ) commenced its Coaching Education Development program from 09:00 hours yesterday at the GCB’s LBI training facility on the East Coast of Demerara and These development events are for individuals participating in the CWI Competition Coaching, Level One Course (Guyana). This programme includes an online component which commenced on March 22, 2022, comprising over 40 participants drawn from the three counties. The first of two practical assessments was done yesterday in sweltering at the beach-like LBI sward. B e f o r e t h e commencement of the online component, potential participants were required to undertake the ICC Foundation Coaching and

The Tutors and aspiring level 1 coaches yesterday at LBI. (Sean Devers photo) Child Protection Courses. Apart from the online and face to face components of the course, the potential CWI Level One Coaches are also required to acquire a first aid certificate and police clearance as prerequisites to obtaining the CWI Level One Coaching Course. At yesterday’s secession, National Women’s player Heema Singh from East Coast Demerara and 25year-old Karishma

Ramnauth of West Demerara were the pair of females involved. Also present were Kevin McAdam, Deon Carew, Pernell Christie, Rawle Merell, Shawn Massiah, Jason George, Vishnu Ramjeet, Dwayne Benjamin, Sydartha Anandjit, Ajay Gainda, Vicky Rampersaud, Quincy Richardson, Ranole Bourne, Dameon Ross, Wayne Osborne, Nabeel Ali, Surendar Kissoonlall,

Gregory Crandon, Gregory George, Rayon De Costa, Parmeshwar Persaud, Nathan Persaud and Stamond Daniels. Trinidadian facilitators Keshava Ramphal and Ryerson Bhagoo, who are both from UWI St Augustine, were sent by CWI and were assisted by Brandon Ramlall of Trinidad, former Guyana a West Indies Test pacer Colin Stuart and former Guyana U-

15 left-handed batsman Julian Moore who all certified tutors. Today at the same times, former West Indies T20I Christopher Barnwell, Ex West Indies Test opener Rajendra Chandrika, National players Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, and Anthony Bramble are also expected to attend the sessions today. National Women’s fast bowling all-rounder Akaze

T h o m p s o n , Vi r e n d r a Chintamani, Joel Amsterdam, Mirenda Cornelius, Krishna Singh, Orlando Tanner, Jermaine M a x w e l l , Ry a n S h u n , Mahendra Algu, Davindra Ramdihal, Terry Newton, I m r a n B a k s h , LakramLatchman, Sharaz Ramcharran, Ravishwar Latif, Divine Ross, Nadine Smith, and Romario Samaroo are also scheduled to be involved.

Spo

Vladimir Woodroffe (left) receives an undisclosed sum from Stingrays Swimming Services representative.

rts

Nicolette Fernandes (foreground) in action during Guyana’s National Championships which she won. (Sean Devers photo)

Stingrays Swimming Services Fernandes advance to Snr backs Vladimir Woodroffe Pan Am Final in Guatemala Pat Cummins mauled Daniel Sams in a 35-run over to finish off the chase •Apr 05, 2022•BCCI

Insaf Jumrally of Mohamed’s hands over their contribution to Bartica Regatta Committee Treasurer, Ms. Natalie Tilbury-Bobb.

Mohamed’s Enterprise/ Team Mohamed’s fuels Cummins’ blistering 50 earns Bartica Easter Regatta Kolkata big win over Mumbai ‘Bounce Back’ 2022 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.