Kaieteur News

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China taxes oil NEWS companies to put in spill response fund AIETEUR

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

Saturday Edition April 09, 2022 - Vol. 16 No. 14 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 65,644

Guyanese must have access to oil production data - former TIGI Exec Fasting and praying alone cannot help a starving nation ...Prove morality by signing minimum wage order - GWU tells Govt.

Small Parties Man gets Teen join call for 6 years for wanted for transparency, stabbing killing accountability victim step father in Government 6 times

Photographer accused of being ‘Mudwata’ in hot water for cyber offence

Norton runs away from the word ‘renegotiation’, backs oil contract adjustment for more benefits Aubrey Norton running away from that word renegotiation but backs adjustments of oil contract. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Guyanese must have access - former to oil production data TIGI Exec “The farmer must know how much of which crops he reaps, and the shopkeeper how much of which items he sells.”

So says former Executive Member of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI), Mr. Alfred Bhulai.

Bhulai in a letter to this publication on Friday explained that Guyanese are paying for the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in the Stabroek Block. He noted however, that citizens are completely unaware of what value they are getting for their dollars, as information pertaining to the levels of production among others, are not readily available for public scrutiny.

Presently, the public is free to view the revenue accumulated from oil production, through the Ministry of Finance’s website, however there are no reports on how much of the resource is being removed from below the seafloors, as well as other technical data.

Former Executive Member of TIGI, Mr. Alfred Bhulai Bhulai has been vocal on several matters pertaining to the environment, but while serving on the watchdog organization, he detailed that a one hour meeting was held with the subsidiary company of ExxonMobil, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), on February 12, 2021, during which the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alistair Routledge pointed out that the company wanted to be transparent.

However, when questions were put to the

Staff of the EPA remotely monitoring offshore oil activities company, it said that the details would be shared with the government.

Unfortunately, after waiting for a full year for those details, Bhulai detailed that his hopes of accessing the same faded.

He said on March 26 last year, after waiting in vain for EEPGL to send the requested recording of the Zoom meeting, TIGI directed questions in writing to the Minister of Natural

Resources, Vickram Bharrat, which were copied to the EPA. One year later, the advocate said he is yet to receive an answer to his email.

Importantly, he shared that the body was seeking continuous data on production, storage, and offloading of oil and water, and on the reinjection of water and gas, which are the business of the FPSOs, being paid for by Guyana.

Photographer accused of being ‘Mudwata’ in hot water for cyber offence

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he photographer who is accused of being disguised under the cartoon character “Mudwata” and cyber bullying citizens – was on Friday placed on $100,000 bail for the alleged cyber bullying of a journalist.

Thirty-five-year-old Keron Bruce, of Lot 295 Soesdyke, Linden-Highway, East Bank Demerara, appeared in the D i a m o n d / G r o v e Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce – in the company of his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva.

Bruce was charged for using a computer system to subject another person to public ridicule, contempt, hatred or embarrassment, Contrary to Section 19 (5) (a) of the Cyber Crime Act No. 16 of 2018.

The charge stated that on January 25, 2021 at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, Bruce used a computer system to disseminate information about Leroy Smith, owner of

The Mudwata character.

Charged, Keron Bruce.

‘Big Smith News Update’, knowing same to be false, causing Smith public ridicule, contempt, hatred or embarrassment.

According to reports, a video was posted by ‘Mudwata’ aggressively attacking Smith. As such, in January 2022, Smith made a $1 million reward for the identity of the cartoon character.

After making the offer,

several persons had come forward with information on the identity of the character.

The police then obtained a court order and a search of B r u c e ’s h o u s e w a s conducted.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) had reported that several pieces of electronic equipment were seized from Bruce’s Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home. It was also stated that several

voice messages were also collected and when analyzed, matched with the cartoon character ‘Mudwata’ commentary.

Bruce was released on $100,000 station bail pending investigation and it was only recently that he was re-arrested and charged. He is expected to make his next court appearance on April 29, 2022, for report and disclosure.

“Surely, the owners are entitled to know what is going on in the business. Our business managers, viz., our governments, are supposed to manage the business operators, Exxon, to give account of the business to us.

We asked for chemical analyses to know the nature of the oil, water, and gas coming from the wells, and for when what are stored, offloaded, reinjected, flared and vented,” Bhulai explained.

Additionally, TIGI was seeking production quantities, since oil, gas and associated substances can endanger the environment for Guyana and the Caribbean, he said, adding that as responsible business owners, we must not only assess the danger but also prepare for it.

Bhulai said that TIGI asked for the quantities on a daily basis to prevent the possibility of their subsequent alteration. He argued that “all production (data) must be known” and that “the people paying for it must know what they are paying for and be able to inspect production at any time”.

While pointing to the importance of being aware of such variables, the environmentalist highlighted that the process flow and rates must be known. “If there is a spill, we will also be able to estimate it from the rate at the source.

When gas is flared or vented, as responsible stewards of

the Earth, we have to know how much of what is damaging the environment.”

“Pressure is a primary operating parameter, from well to surface to storage and offloading, and the immediate source of danger.

If pressures cannot be controlled then big bad things happen. Compressors fail and may lead to venting if not shutdown. We must know pressures.

Temperatures are primary indicators of the health of the machines and are an important operating parameter. The temperatures of coolants discharged into the ocean should also be known for its effect on the ocean vicinity,” the former TIGI executive reasoned.

He was keen to note in his letter to the editor that the r e g u l a t o r b o d y, t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seems to be trying its best, pointing to the improved measures for monitoring offshore operations.

Bhulai related, “I was pleased to read in February this year that the EPA can monitor, but what they monitored was not shared with me, despite my asking…there are some who will ask why it is my business to know the travails of the EPA and other similar public bodies. The answer is that, I have deliberately devoted my life to education in Guyana, more s p e c i f i c a l l y, t e c h n i c a l education. There were times (Continued on page 6)

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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

Ring-fencing “Without ring-fencing provisions, Guyana will be shortchanged on every oil discovery -Financial Analyst” (KN April 5). We keep hearing about this “ring-fencing”, how much Guyana needs it, and how much we must fight to get it, as one of our top demands tirelessly tabled before Exxon.

What is this ring-fencing, and why is it so significant?

What does it mean to have it and what would it mean not to have it, to continue merrily along without it? We will attempt to reduce this to its simplest form, through using a handful of everyday examples, which should be familiar to Guyanese.

Ring-fencing is as it sounds, and it appears. It is a circle, like a wedding ring, that binds people and things and practices and expectations within that agreed upon, committed to, space that we can measure between our thumb and any finger. Like a fence (or a ring), there is containment, and there is the understanding, the hope, the insistence, that there is no straying beyond its boundaries, there is staying within bounds. Ring-fencing is a silo into which what belongs is packed, but only what belongs; there is frowning, severe disagreements, over any thinking of mingling elements that should not be there. And to emphasise ring-fencing, we use a medical situation though it may not be the best, that of a raging diabetic. To prevent the spread of poisoned negatives, of tainted red (think income and expense statements), there is amputating of a toe, or a limb, when necessary, to protect the rest of what is a healthy body.

What is applicable, and all too relevant, in real life for individuals, also has the fullest application and relevance to business, and how corporate practices and standards ought to be. Expenses for one project must be isolated and accounted for against that project, and that one alone. Expenses must not be given carte blanche to roam freely to wherever (other projects) and whenever it pleases those charging such expenses (when nimble accounting tricks are being used as camouflage) to mislead others by manipulating numbers of immense proportions and consequences.

This is what Exxon is doing, when it takes the fullest of unfair advantage to utilize the lack of ring-fencing in Guyanas oil contract to boost its bottom line and delight its investors. This is what started out, most abominably, with the previous APNU Coalition Government, and now continues with uninterrupted stride under this PPPC Government. It is the loophole of loopholes, and our alternately wise and wretched political leaders in todays PPPC Government (and the Opposition) know this, but are determined to do nothing about, from every indication, so far.

We say that our national political leaders are wise and wretched at the same time. We did so purposefully, because we think that a survey of local circumstances confirms this condition of our leaders. They have the intellect, the total awareness, of what is lacking, what needs to be done, and how to go about closing this gaping ring-fencing loophole, but they are wretched by their inactions.

Those denounce them for the waste of time they are, for the squandering of beliefs vested in them, for the complete paralysis that characterizes their sloth, their stubbornness, their stupidity, with not laying it all the line for removal of ring-fencing provisions (among other things) from our oil contract. The absence of sturdy ring-fencing provisions is a perversity that must be corrected, and yesterday. The continuing of this country without it opens the door for Exxon to bulk-up its expenses by the billions and then cunningly spread them from one project to another. Exxon has not dealt fairly with Guyana, it has cheated us, as was pointed out in the US$460M pre-contract expenses submitted by the company. And all Guyanese can be assured that as the billions of expenses coming rolling in (US$10B already before us), there is great room for Exxons accountants and top corporate chiefs to gouge us some more, much more. Guyanese know that if they have a criminal neighbour, then they need the best fence possible. Exxon is not a good neighbour; it is the worst of roguish partners.

We need robust ring-fencing, and we must have it.

Some good things are happening in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I believe that most Guyanese who are residing either in or out of Guyana are very proud of the development currently taking place in our country. That patriotism, even though not always evident, is present and often on display when there is a gathering of Guyanese or people of like-mind, at home or abroad.

People who were born before the beginning of the twenty-first century, are familiar with the word potential; this word is repeatedly used by our policy makers when describing Guyana from an economic perspective. Well, at long last, the word potential has real meaning.

This potential has become an increasing reality especially in the context of infrastructural and human development with complementary efforts to brand and market the country as a credible tourism destination. All Guyanese would have been proud of and, arguably, benefited for the Linden Highway, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the University of Guyana, the various housing development initiatives, the construction of additional modern hospitals (Linden; for example) among others. A few years ago, I was visiting Linden with some overseas-based Guyanese who were traveling

on this road for the first time.

There were comments like, “Wow! I never knew that there was such a highway in Guyana.” At no time during the discussions did anyone ask which party was in government when it was constructed. They saw these initiatives as development for all Guyanese. Suffice it to say that the love for country goes beyond limited political persuasions and ideologues and extends to, in the case of overseas-based Guyanese, a desire to return and invest in the continued development of this beloved country. Arguably, in the recent past, there has been an increasing number of Guyanese resettling in their homeland. This, in and of itself, suggests an immense desire to make and call Guyana home and an interest in its continued development.

It must be said, though, that sometimes our growing development in several sectors is lost or overshadowed by political noise. I understand that during the elections campaign period, political parties have manifestos that outline their plans for developing the country and will therefore, once in government, constantly remind the public of the success stories.

I fully understand that it is the nature of politics.

However, at some stage, the focus MUST be less on

taking credit and more on getting ALL our people to feel that they directly or indirectly contributed to our countrys development. This latter view is sometimes debatable as politics, as we can all agree, can be polarising and impacts attitude and behaviours especially relative to love of country. Hence, its my view that our country is viewed by many Guyanese through the prism of politics rather than “love of country”.

I remember a time, in the not-too-distant past, when Guyanese of both African and Indian descent essentially disowned their country of birth and associated with foreign countries due to perceived political backlash. For example, Ive witnessed the sad revelation of Guyanese of African descent saying Ghana is their homeland and Guyanese of Indian descent claiming a Trinidad And Tobago birthright before emigrating to Canada or the USA (I have heard these comments with my own two ears).This, coupled with limited or biased mass media coverage of the country and event-related activities, contributes to the overall low morale of the Guyanese, home and especially abroad, to be proud of the progress made by country. Take the coverage of the expansion of the CJIA in the last four years, as an example,

and you will notice the widespread negative reflection of unplanned delays and other challenges without much rational explanation for same.

Arguably, this impacts perceptions about accountability, transparency and other values about Guyana.

This is where initiatives such as deliberate country-specific public relations and marketing make a huge difference to not only present information in a user-friendly and palatable way but address myths and misconceptions to foster credibility. I honestly believe when people, especially the youth, see Guyana for what its worth and could relate to similar features in the developed countries, they will be proud of their country; this will enhance patriotism and there will be a less desire to emigrate. Thus, we must therefore be intentional about politics or race defining our love for country.

The point I am making, Mr. Editor, is that patriotism and love of ones country is directly linked to people seeing not only the beauty of nature but the development projects that not only improve the standard of living of the population but showcase the country.

Thank you for your attention Regards, Keith Burrowes

Judge Jackson should have been spared the ordeal that overtook the U.S. Senate DEAR EDITOR, It is always refreshing to encounter the brighter side of America, which was what shone through in the United States Senate confirmation vote for U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Ms. Ketanji Brown Jackson. Ms. Jackson has made it all the way to the pinnacle of the American legal system, the first Black woman to do so.

Her trial by ignominy should not have occurred; she should have been spared the ordeal of dark ugliness that overtook the U.S. Senate.

It was refreshing-indeed, inspiring-that Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney, three Republicans could have broken party lines and stood for decency first, integrity next, and what is right and appropriate, all circumstances considered.

I looked for decency and integrity, not in Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, for they don’t have that in them, such a disgrace they are to America, such a desecration to the Senate. But I expected a little of both of that, decency and integrity, from Mitch McConnell, who I thought would not stoop so low as to

allow rancorous, dangerous politics to get the better of him, then compel him to turn his back on Justice Jackson’s success story, and walk away leaving behind the rancid scent of the defeated bitter, the unapologetic divider of a figure that he has become.

Raw partisan politics does that nowadays, and sometimes to the best practitioners of what has become the ultimate fighting characteristic of death struggles, and of the vengeful and recriminatory.

That a nominee of the quality of Ketanji Brown Jackson had to go through the wringer is an indication of the bottomless pit into which what American politics has deteriorated.

It is of the retaliatory nature of the Mosaic law rekindled and recycled endlessly to get even, to thwart, to conquer, and for the most sordid of objectives: what is good for party, and not the people.

Thank God for Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski, and Mr. Romney. America once had more of them, but it now is dragged down into the sewer by names like that of the last Chief Executive (so repugnant as to not be dignified by

name, and he a former American President). Republicans have them, Democrats have them, and there are tens of millions of the same savaging, divisive mindset at the extreme ends that represent America’s political poles. Politics is now war by other means. The outlook is bleak.

For compromise and working together. For progress and moving a torn society ahead.

Regrettably, with this as harrowing context, I have no choice but to examine the mirror that is my other home, Guyana.

It is as stark and as tragically depraved as the American political scene. Like America, the racism is piercing and a sprawling spiral of wretchedness, dastardliness, and monstrousness. For evidence, dare to look at the Gorgon that is our parliament, and there is the risk of being turned into stone.

Women are insulted, and the partisan cluster is so thick with suffocating pus that even women are unmoved when a sister (a political adversary) is demeaned by their comrade. He is one who would have much difficulty shedding an earned image of

sicko and wacko, crackpot and screwball. This citizen of a peculiarly outstanding kind is a lawmaker.

He is one that most Guyanese would shudder at having as a neighbour, even if he were identified on a public register.

It would be the worst of comforts. We have also a lawman, who is so consumed about prioritizing and rationalizing what is right for the party that he has lost all touch of what his duty to this country is. Guyana has its own Cruz(es) and McConnell(s).

We have a leader who makes an utter spectacle of himself on each occasion that he speaks, one that none takes seriously, such a joke he has become. And he will make Guyana great some time.

We have men and women, and they are not alone, or on their side only, who are of civilized bigotries, who emanate a rank racist odor, and who (like Crux and Greene and company) are nothing but “little maggot-infested” mean spirited people. They are near universal in presence, in effect.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Saturday April 09, 2022

Enough with the nonsense!

Healthcare workers are the people who risk their lives to protect others DEAR EDITOR, World Health Day 2022 is being observed under the theme “Our planet, our health.”

This theme is most relevant and significant as it impacts the attitudes of every human being on the planet, including our way of life, standards, practices, interrelations, actions towards the environment and climate change, just to name a few.

So, World Health is not only about our hard-working healthcare workers, but also about individuals doing the right things to ensure the maintenance of a healthy environment, relationships free of acrimony and racism and healthy lifestyles, among other things.

Nonetheless, everyone deserves appreciation for his/ her efforts to achieve and maintain a high state of health, but kudos must be given to frontline healthcare workers, who are the people that risk their own lives and health to protect others. It is these selfless people who set the tone for the lofty health standards we observe during our life cycles and those we pass on from generation to generation.

In health care one often hears of quality care being premised on safe, profes-

sional, patient and family centered aspects of healthcare delivery.

Rarely does one hear the term patient and provider safety. While during this month occupational safety and health is being observed globally, it is apt to also think not only of the physical, but also the psychosocial environment in which Health Care Workers are asked to deliver the desired level of care.

At a time when the Health Sector is bleeding qualified professionals to migration and the patient to healthcare provider ratio rises beyond manageable limits, some appropriate questions would be: Why the endless braindrain in the sector? What steps are the powers-that-be taking to maintain a manageable patient to healthcare provider ratio?

What impact the brain and skills-drain is having on the quality of healthcare delivery? Are there problems with employees morale?

That the status quo where there continues to have a steady and unceasing haemorrhaging of skilled healthcare professionals and situations where patients outstrip healthcare professionals by at least twelve to one over a protracted period, logically

The tomfoolery of the Opposition seems endless DEAR EDITOR, The headline, “APNU/ AFC cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing,” is like a common theme where the opposition is concerned. Just look at the aftermath of the March 02, 2020 elections, and see if you get the drift. I am talking here, that in the face of recorded evidence, the opposition continually seeks to litigate, when its members are initiators and perpetuators of some of the most egregious crimes where Guyanas political landscape is concerned.

I see that the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall SC, is rightfully baffled by what is now taking place. I am referring to the legal proceedings filed by the APNU/AFC Coalition, challenging the passage of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) law. Like he said, the “Opposition cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing.” I mean, this seems a trend. One only has to revisit the bucking of the No Confidence Motion, and then, even now, referring to the present government as the installed PPP/C. It is like a joke when I read some of the issues in the current matter. For example, “… the absence of the original Parliament Mace, during the

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passage of the NRF Bill in December last…,” is now an issue. We all saw, followed and recorded what took place and what led to the disputes surrounding the Parliament Mace. The thing was grabbed, tugged, and fought over, and opposition members sought to wreak havoc in Parliament on that occasion. Now it is the court for them. I ask, what will the court and all Guyana see, when time for proof comes up?

Of course, as expected, the NRF bill was passed after a series of chaotic events that erupted in the (Continued on page 6)

indicates only one thing.

That is, that the employers do not care, and the employees have lost hope and only find solace in migration to maintain their own health levels and to meet the demands of other employers, who show more consideration for their wellbeing.

All in all, World Health Day is such a great opportunity to reflect and mobilized to give back to the community and promote good causes, such as, keep your environment clean, fitness campaigns, workshops on health and wellness, etc. This day is also a novel opportunity for employers to reconsider and recognised their inadequacies of the health care professionals and ancillary labour force and improve measures that can be implemented to reduce the level of employees depression and increase motivation which will result in efficiency and effectiveness in discharging their duties. This will certainly lead to job satisfaction which will contribute to enjoyable and satisfying family life.

Regards, Guyana Public Service Union

Hicken should seek assistance from Hindu organisations in recruiting and retaining Hindus in the police force DEAR EDITOR, I write to support Acting Commissioner, Clifton HIcken’s declared mission to have ethnic balance in the Police Force.

He was reported as saying, “that diversity will see an amalgamation of cultures from the six races.” (SN 6th April 2022).

I trust that the RP Bharrat Jagdeo and the CP Irfaan Ali will publicly support Mr. Hicken who will need great support from not only the PPP leaders but more importantly the Hindu leaders as well.

If Hindus are not recruited and retained we can very well have an ethnically balanced Force of all 6 peoples made up primarily of Muslims and Christians because Indians also belong to those 2 religions.

So as much as Mr. Hicken will seek a balance of all races he must look at religious representation, and since Hindus comprise 30% of the population they must also be adequately represented.

Recruiting and retaining

Hindus will prove to be problematic due to the fact that they were conditioned pre 1992 to view the Police Force as “PNC” and “Black Man.” Post 1992 Hindus were actively discouraged by both PPP and Hindu leaders from enlisting in the Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Over the past 6 years whenever I addressed Hindus and urged them to serve in the Police and Army I was met with resentment from Hindu mothers who did not want “ Black Man to beat them,” Black Man gon holler pon them,” Black Man gon mek them line up for food,” etc, etc.

Just over one year ago the GDF held recruitment drives in Indian areas all over Guyana and only succeeded in recruiting one Indian who was Christian and who was one of my relatives from Leguan.

So it is crucial for Acting Commissioner Hicken to ac-

tively seek assistance from Hindu organisations.

He should meet publicly with them all over Guyana and listen to their concerns.

I must say though, that I am against the lowering of standards to accommodate Hindus.

There must be no compromise on standards. Mr. Hicken must remind Hindu leaders that Lords Rama and Krishna were soldiers and that all of Hindu historiography is about soldiers and armies.

That should be used to encourage Hindus to serve the Police and Army.

There are numerous Hindu organisations and Pandits all over Guyana and they should be given recruitment quotas.

Pandits can be offered cash encouragement to help the Police Force recruit Hindus. Crucial also is for the PPP leaders to give Hindus permission to serve.

Yours Sincerely, Malcolm Harripaul AA

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The tomfoolery of the Opposition...

From page 5 National Assembly on December 29 when it was brought up for debate. The Oppositions disruptions had escalated into a confrontation between some of their MPs and Parliament staff after the Mace was stolen from in front the Speaker. I mean the evidence is there-quite vivid and incontrovertible. This timewasting exercise should carry some heavy penalties.

I like what the AG said, that is, “…the Opposition cannot now challenge the passage of the bill when they had caused the damage…” in the first place, and wholly responsible for it. All Guyana saw that “They (the Opposition) removed the mace and attempted to run away with it but in the process, they were stopped and the mace broken all of this was recorded and they left the sitting.” How ludicrous and preposterous can a group of people be?

It went further, and again, the footage is there to see. It

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was the Opposition who actually forfeited their belonging on the occasion.

The members left the Parliament after they did their damage, and as expected, when the bill was passed in their absence, they are now trying a thing, that is heading to court of law. I see that Christopher Jones, in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, is one of the persons who signed the petition, claiming that the bill was passed illegally because the Mace was not in place. A group created a raucous, sought to impede a matter, abstained from it, and its members are now crying foul.

Let me quickly go back to December 2018, when the No Confidence Motion was being voted on. Then Speaker, Dr. Barton U.A. Scotland, upended the then government, when its side tried to escape a count in process that was going against the government. In this current case, “A substitute Mace was used,

authorized by the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, because they, the Opposition) broke the real Mace. As pointed out, “That mace was authorized by the Speaker and the Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs, and respected by the Assembly.

As we all know, and as pointed out by AG Nandlall, the Opposition, instead of participating in the proceedings and debating the bill, chose to disrupt the proceedings and now wants to benefit from its own wrongdoing.

This is like a big LOL. Let me remind readers, that universally, there is the pervasive legal principle that no one can benefit from his or her own wrong doing. So, as I see it, it is a waste of time and money, to ask the courts in Guyana to declare a law illegal just because one side of the National Assembly ran away with the Mace, breaking it, and now is seeking legitimization.

Yours truly, Henry Singh

Norton never said anything about renegotiation DEAR EDITOR, It is with a deep sense of concern that I write you to remonstrate against your misleading headline in your Friday April 08, 2022 edition of the Kaieteur News which stated “Norton backs calls for renegotiation of oil contract”, Nowhere in the interview did I say that.

What I did say was that

the law provides for action to be taken to ensure that the people of Guyana benefit from our resources and that the contract provides for changes to be made in keeping with Article 31.2 of the Agreement, and that the PNCR will do everything within the confines of the law to ensure our people get increased benefits from the oil

and gas sector. While the content of your article is correct, the headline is both misleading and mischievous.

I am therefore requesting a correction on the front page similar to that of the misleading headline.

With kind regard, Aubrey C. Norton Leader, Peoples National Congress Reform

What is the status of those who disrupted parliament session?

DEAR EDITOR, Parliament will meet next week at which new members of the opposition will be sworn in, but what is the status of those put before the oversight body (Committe of

Privilege) after their disgraceful and disruptive conduct and behaviour in the Hallowed Chamber, during which they tried to steal the mace? Still no outcome on the investigation and

disciplinary measures to be instituted. After several months why must this important issue still linger, unresolved?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Explanation needed why Guyana abstained from supporting Resolution DEAR EDITOR, The abstention is mind boggling.

Having supported and denounced the invasion of Ukraine at the UN and seeing the daily atrocities and human rights violations being committed in that country with the ongoing war,

(Putin’s ‘special military operation’) Guyana chose, along with several other Caricom states, to sit on the sideline and remain silent on the UN resolution on the suspension of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.

This ‘(not) speaking from the other side of its mouth and

seemingly right about turn on this very important matter begs for an explanation from the authorities as to why Guyana abstained from voting in support of the resolution?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Guyanese must have access to oil...

From page 3 when I had no answer to convince graduates to remain or return to Guyana.

I ha d t h o u g h t t h a t t h e politicization of technical jobs ended in 1992, but it restarted shortly thereafter, and by the 2000s, even free advice was routinely ignored.

There were exceptions, b u t in general, technical people had to take orders from bad taskmasters, so th e e x o d u s c o n t i n u e s , because the ambitious young scientist or engi-

neer did not want a CV populated with incomplete or bad projects.”

In a brief interview with this newspaper yesterday, the head of the EPA, Mr. Kemraj Parsram explained that the agency is not required by law to publish such data, but it has been verifying each drop of oil pumped by the oil companies.

He assured, “We have remote real time data from Liza Destiny minute by minute and data on flaring is also accessible.”

The new programme he

said has been in effect since the end of January but remains in testing.

Mr. Parsram noted that in addition to remote monitoring of the operations, the EPA would also conduct in person audits on a regular basis.

As it relates to the public accessing such information, the EPA boss said that while the law governing the agency does not make the publication of such information mandatory, the data can be shared upon request.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana’s oil wealth has made it a financial hub for one of the world’s biggest oil producers - ExxonMobil.

Citizens’ voices are being raised for a better oil contract and despite leaders claiming to want the same, none have displayed strength by boldly declaring the need to change, adjust, modify or renegotiate this agreement.

Renegotiating the oil contract has now become taboo.

It is never beneficial for a people or a country when its leaders are afraid to take firm stances. It is worst when these very people, elected to protect and represent its citizens, display weaknesses when strength is their most valued ticket.

Those seeking to reap the most from Guyana’s oil wealth are emboldened. They see the lack of drive, the lack of unity and the lack of strength. Brothers and Sisters, we must stand up and resist this before it is too late.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday April 09, 2022

China taxes oil companies to put in spill response fund The United States of America’s (USA) environmental legislation requires the taxing of crude, the revenues of which are then placed into an Oil Spill L i a b i l i t y Tr u s t F u n d (OSLTF). But America is not the only nation that does this.

China also has a similar arrangement in place with the China Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (COPC Fund).

The COPC Fund is maintained by contributions from oil cargo owners in China, pursuant to the 2010 Regulation of People’s Republic of China (RPC) on

the Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Ships.

A c c o r d i n g t o information obtained, a levy per tonne is applied against cargoes of persistent oil substances and collected from receivers of persistent oil in Chinese waters.

Persistent oil includes: crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil, lubricating oil and other persistent hydrocarbon mineral oil.

Notably, there is a process before money can be accessed from that fund. In fact, all claims against the COPC Fund must first pass

through China’s local courts against the responsible ship or the insurer or guarantor.

The COPC Fund responds to damages awarded by the court that cannot be recovered from the responsible ship, such as when an owner is bankrupt, when the responsible ship cannot be identified, or when the damages claimed exceed any limitation or exemption available to the owners.

However, any claims against the COPC Fund must be submitted within three years from the date of the damage, but always within six years from the polluting

incident.

Also, a limit of RMB 30 million (US$4,713,201) applies for any one incident with a proportionate allotment of all claims should the damages exceed this limit.

According to China media reports, between July 1, 2012 and May 30, 2015 the Fund built-up reserves of approximately RMB 318.16 million (US$49,985,074) for claim payments. It was stated that that claims from 14 oil pollution incidents, amounted to RMB 165.65 million (US$26,024,728).

Like China, in order to quickly mitigate the devastating impact of an oil spill, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a trust fund financed by a tax on oil that is available to clean up spills when the responsible party is incapable or unwilling to do so.

According to the U.S Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 the owner or operator [responsible party] of a facility from which oil is discharged is liable for the costs associated with the: containment, cleanup, and damages resulting from the spill.

The US Oil Spill L i a b i l i t y Tr u s t F u n d (OSLTF) is a trust fund managed by the Federal government, primarily by the U.S. Coast Guard, and financed by a per-barrel tax on crude oil produced domestically in the U.S and on petroleum products imported to the U.S for consumption.

The fund was created in

(From left) CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, President, Liu Xiaoxiang and ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge.

1986, but use of the fund was not authorized until the Oil Pollution Act’s passage in 1990. The funds may be used to cover the cost of federal, tribal, state, and claimant oil spill removal actions and damage assessments as well as unpaid liability and damages claims.

Notably, no more than US$1B may be withdrawn from the fund per spill incident, including up to US$500M for the initiation of natural resource damage assessments and claims in connection with any single incident.

While the US and China have their oil spill trust fund to cater for an oil disaster – Guyana on the other hand

continues to allow American oil giant, ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and Hess Corporation to operate offshore with only limited liability insurance, in the event of an inevitable oil spill.

In fact, the Head of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Alistair Routledge, had defend the size of the insurance policy provided by the ExxonMobil subsidiary which has been the Operator of the oil rich Stabroek Block since 1999. Despite the company milking multibillion dollar profits from (Continued on page 9)

Saturday April 09, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

What is the alternative?

T

he formula for the appointment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice is not a problem.

The source of the countrys inability to make substantive appointments to these posts resides with our toxic political relations.

At the root of the failure to appoint a Chancellor and Chief Justice is the obsession in securing political advantages when it comes to these appointments.

It is bitterly ironic that the PNC/R which wants the appointment of the person acting or performing the duties of Top Cop to be based on seniority.

Yet, this same party for the past 20 years had little regard for seniority in the judiciary.

It was the PNC/R which was opposed to Justice Carl Singh being appointed as substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Justice Ian Chang ended his judicial career as acting Chief Justice because the PNC/R did not concede to confirming him in the post.

The APNU+AFC had an opportunity to confirm the present acting Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Instead, the then President proposed a Guyanese who had served in Belize as

his choice for Chancellor.

The PNC/R, therefore, was clearly never interested in seniority when it comes to the appointment of top judicial offices.

If the PNC/R had its way, that jurist who had served in Belize would have been the Chancellor today.

But the PNC/R was not able to bulldoze through its nominee because the Constitution of Guyana requires not only consultations between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, it also requires consensus the approval of the Leader of the Opposition is required before any appointment can be made.

The genesis of this consensus formula dates back to the 2001 elections.

Following those elections, won comprehensively by the PPP/C, two prominent members of civil society with ties to the PNC/R sent a letter to the former US President Jimmy Carter who was in Guyana observing the elections process.

The members expressed concerns about violence and requested his assistance in facilitating agreement on governance and reconcili-

ation. Carter in turn is said to have drafted a short statement for consideration and signature by the leaders of the PNC/R and the PPP/C. Reproduced in the Carter Centers Final Report on the 2001 polls, the statement committed the leadership of the parties to an inclusive system of governance which will involve both the government and the Opposition being involved in selecting the leadership of parliamentary standing committees and key State appointments, not limited to the post of Chief Justice, Chancellor and Auditor General.

It was reported that both leaders agreed with substance of the statement but declined to sign.

Hoyte, obviously, would have been smarting from the pushback he had received after having agreed to electoral reforms in 1991.

In its Final Report on the 2001 General and Regional Elections, the Carter Center noted that: “While credible and accurate elections are essential to democratization, it is clear that in Guyanas “winnertake-all” political system with its recurring patterns of

Dem Boys Seh…

Nuff people prayers get answer A man decide fuh stay home from wuk yesterday.

He didnt even bother to report sick.

De boss call he and ask he wah happen.

He tell de boss how he observing de day of fasting.

De boss ask he wat dat got to do with he not coming to wuk.

He tell de boss how de fasting gat he feeling weak.

De boss tell he fuh continue praying and while he at it, he should pray fuh find a new wuk.

Dem boys did hope dat dem would not have seen

any lines at dem fast food places and restaurant yesterday.

After all, it was suppose to be a day of fasting.

But as things turn out dem places wah been selling food had longer lines.

But dem boys sure dat dem had plenty people wah bin fast yesterday.

Nuff people does fast during Lent, Ramadan and Navratri. So it woulda have people fasting.

De way dem food prices bin increasing, people did already cutting back pun dem eating.

Fuh ask dem fuh now fast

fuh one day shouldnt place any extra burden on dem. But some folks does like to oppose things just fuh de sake of opposing.

Yesterday was also a day of prayer.

Dem boys know a man wah bin praying fuh years fuh de hard times he bin experience fuh pass.

Yesterday he tell dem boys dat God answer all de prayers.

“That is nice,” dem boys tell he.

De man reply, “Nice. He answer no to all of dem.”

Talk half. Leff half.

China taxes oil companies to put in spill...

From page 8 Guyana’s oil wealth – Routledge defended the limited liability insurance of US$2B EEPGL is throwing at Guyana.

Three of the oil company’s operations, Liza One, Liza Two and Payara have been granted approval without proper insurance guarantees in place from the parent company. Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently granted approval to the company’s fourth project at the Yellow-

tail field.

For that project, EEPGL is held liable for all costs associated with clean up, restoration and compensation for any pollution damage, which may occur as a consequence of the project. It also requires a Parent Company/Affiliate Guarantee Agreement, which indemnifies and keeps indemnified the EPA and the Government of Guyana in the event EEPGL and its Co-Venturers fail to meet their environmental obligations under the Permit.

Notably, according to the deal Guyana’s government signed onto, the oil company pays no tax but the company’s taxes is being paid

by Guyana. Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, in an historic move, had filed a c a s e i n G u y a n a ’s H i g h Court, which challenges some of the most repressive tax provisions of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxon and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

ethnic voting and political polarization, elections alone will not produce an inclusive system of governance with broad participation by all major groups.

In order to promote genuine political reconciliation and development, the government and the major parties in Parliament, working together with civil society, should continue the process of constitutional and electoral reform.”

The two sides have not been able to agree to substantive appointments.

But this is not an indictment against the formula but rather against the countrys toxic politics.

Gridlock has resulted for more than 20 years now. The head of the Guyana Bar As-

sociation has described the formula as unworkable.

She has called for a better approach but fell short of making any recommendations.

The Attorney General in response is reported to have support the need for a change in the formula.

But he too has offered no alternative.

Those who are now criticising the formula have not presented any options for consideration.

If the government and the Opposition cannot have consensus on the appointees, it is going to be much more difficult for them to agree to a change in the formula which does not require the approval of either side.

The formula was part of a

process of political inclusion.

And the price of that objective has been gridlock.

Are those who are calling for a change in the formula willing to delink the new formula from the process of political inclusion?

And will the PNC/R agree to this. You bet it will not!

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday April 09, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Walter Rodney at 80: Iconoclastic notes

I

n 2022, Rodney would have been 80 years if he was alive.

It meant that Guyana would still have the benefits of his thoughts as some of his contemporaries – Clive Thomas, Rupert Roopnaraine and Eusi Kwayana. What would those thoughts and his activism have been like if he was still alive?

For me, I no longer welcome and accept the activism of those three names cited above. Since Rodney is not with us, it is impossible to ascertain what the shape of his politics would have been in 2022.

It is an accepted position

in academia that we learn more of the good and the faults of an historic figure as the ages pass and secrets and previously unannounced action and deeds are revealed. In the US, the Me Too Movement has been a gold mine for researchers because it has emboldened women to highlight wrongs done to them by men that were seen in a positive light.

The difference in the biographical details with Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham on the one hand and Rodney on the other is that the first two served in politics almost five times the years Rodney spent in struggle and thus had become more controversial than Rodney. Both Jagan and B u r n h a m w e r e governmental heads in Guyana and would have rightly or wrongly earn their share of detractors. Rodney never had state power.

One of the biographical advantages Rodney has stems from two situations.

He was a popular antidictatorship actor and he was assassinated. Biographies on him start from a position of unadulterated praise. And they have all been written in that vein without exception.

A forthcoming biography by a first-rate scholar should be out shortly.

I have no idea what critical pages that book will contain, but here are a few iconoclastic notes of mine which I feel after 42 years since his assassination need to be put in the public domain.

I was fortunate to be around political struggle at the time of Rodney’s activism so these little details are not from research but memory. I detected among many PPP leaders a feeling of political angst with the way Rodney shaped

his confrontation with Burnham.

Both Rodney and the WPA were involved in high middle class politics which broke from the tradition of the West Indies. Anticolonial movements were led by the Creole middle class in every West Indian country with Grenada having more working class people in its leadership than the other islands and Guyana having a dynamic and charismatic non-Creole presence at its apex – Cheddi Jagan.

But however elitist they were, West Indian anticolonial political parties did two indispensible things – sought partnership with the trade unions and preserved protracted organising within and among the masses.

Rodney and the WPA had little time for such hard work which had tragic consequences.

Rodney cannot escape criticism that his party was highly elitist, highly middle class and was led by westernised, non Muslim, non Hindu, non Indian personnel from the Creole stratum. In other words, the WPA was an atavistic reversion to the League of Coloured People and its political wing, the National Democratic Party.

I t i s a m a s s i v e contradiction in t h a t a revolutionary group could seek to generate revolt by the masses for a dictator Frederick Kissoon and use that national feeling to overthrow officially proclaimed day of an authoritarian regime resistance failed, it was without years of organising because of the long absence t h e m a s s e s f o r t h a t of organising among the eventuality. In Trinidad that masses. was tried by an organisation This was the beginning named NUFF (National of the end for Rodney Union of Freedom Fighters). because Burnham knew that Their leaders were killed. unlike Jagan, Rodney did not One of the pitfalls of have a mass following and Rodney was that he never thus was vulnerable to organised among the rural assassination.

Indian peasantry. Many PPP Biographies of Rodney leaders and independent have inadvertently distorted Indian scholars believed that history by the assertion that Rodney was motivated by Rodney was involved in Black nationalism, a point armed self-defence. This is that needs researching. not factual. This is a lacuna Rodney left two WPA in Guyana’s historiography leaders to fill that gap – which must be plugged.

Rupert Roopnaraine and Rodney was involved in the Moses Bhagwan – but they violent attempt to overthrow failed because they could not President Burnham. Rodney have countered the presence loyalists, family members of Cheddi Jagan among the and relative may not be rural masses. One of the comfortable with that fact failings of Rodney was that but that fact is reality and h e e x p e c t e d t h a t t h e must be part of the historical pervasive anti-Burnham record. feelings in Guyana with his (The views expressed in penetrating charisma were this article are those of the sufficient to topple author and do not Burnham. necessarily reflect the When in 1979, the opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Saturday April 09, 2022

“Convict” busted with illegal Teen wanted for gun, ammo in Albouystown killing step father The illegal weapon with matching ammunition.

Busted with an illegal firearm, David Lynch also known as “Convict”

R

anks from the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday busted a 44-year-old man who goes by the alias of “Convict” with an illegal firearm and matching ammunition.

He was identified as David Lynch and according to CANU; its ranks had found the gun in his possession at Independence

Boulevard, La Penitence Georgetown.

The illegal weapon was described as a 9mm Glock 17 pistol with a magazine containing four live rounds.

CANU stated that the gun was found during an intelligence led operation at the man’s home. He has since been arrested and remains in custody pending possible charges.

A

teenager of Swan Village located along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, is wanted by police for the death of his stepfather.

The wanted teen was identified as Joshua Williams, 19, and the man he is accused of killing is 41-year-old Joseph Davis.

Kaieteur News learnt yesterday from sources close to the investigation that Davis was stabbed during the late evening hours on Friday March 18, 2022. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted. Nine days later on March 27, Davis died at the hospital while receiving treatment for his stab wounds.

On Friday (yesterday) police issued a wanted bulletin for Williams. Investigators believe that Williams was the one who had stabbed Davis on Phagwah day.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, residents of Swan Village claimed that the stabbing stemmed from an argument the two had over the opening of a door.

One resident had related that Williams had gone home late that day and knocked on the door multiple times but no one came to open it for him.

After waiting for a while, his step father finally decided to let him in but was

Wanted for allegedly killing his stepfather, Joshua Williams confronted by an angry Williams.

An argument ensued between the two and Williams reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Davis before running away.

Since then police have been looking for Williams. The force is now seeking the public’s help in capturing the suspect.

According to the wanted bulletin sent out by the force, if anyone has seen or possess information about William’s whereabouts, they are asked to make contact with police on telephone numbers, 216-0251, 216-0254, 216-0251, 444-3429, 225-6978, 225-8196 or the nearest police station.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 09, 2022

PAGE 13

Another shipping industry trailblazer takes services to Linden ...”We have crossed one more milestone building on the future” - Managing Director & Co-Owner, Mrs. Syreeta Welcome - Sancho

G

uyWillShip, a Guyanese company that is revered for its reputation as a leader and pioneer in the shipping and logistical industry, was pleased to announce that it recently took its services to the mining town of Linden, Region 10. Its latest branch is now open in Amelia’s Ward.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on this latest achievement, the company’s Managing Director and CoO w n e r, M r s S y r e e t a Welcome- Sancho said, “We have crossed one more milestone building on the future.

Indeed, we are proud to be part of the development in Linden and we bring to this part of the country, years of professionalism, and good service which includes customer service. We look forward to serving the lindeners.”

The Managing Director a d d e d , “ We a r e n o w officially Lindeners too, because we have deliberated on this for quite some time after our customers would have reached out asking when we are coming. But I want to say to our loyal customers in Berbice and Essequibo, please don’t be jealous, we are coming your

Director of Operations, Maurice John way soon. In the meantime, we invite others to come on board with us as we have a lot to offer; we do air and sea cargo, we do door to door.

We have so much to offer and it is all well packaged in years of professionalism and love for what we do.”

Director of Operations, Maurice John was also keen to note that the move to open the new office is a demonstration of the firm’s confidence in the business environment that has been strengthened by the budgetary measures and policies of the PPP/C Government.

He added that despite the

Mr Gavin Welcome and Mrs Alicia Welcome of Guywillship International

disruptions and chaos that erupted in the global supply markets in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, GuyWillShip has been able to successfully ride the storm and emerge a winner.

The Director of Operations intimated that the company is determined to make a meaningful impact on the local shipping industry and the wider economy by extension. John commented too, that Guyana’s oil sector will no doubt deliver a sizeable windfall for the shipping industry which will be an integral part of the network of services needed for that trillion-dollar sector.

John was keen to remind that the local company is able to rise to the occasion today given that it was molded by the invaluable efforts and indomitable spirits of CEO Mr. Donald and Ingrid Bristol for over three decades.

This newspaper understands that Mrs. Bristol had the vision since the 90s to become a leader in the local shipping industry and did everything within her power to see it through.

The blooming business of the Afro-Guyanese native is now overseen by her two children: Syreeta Welcome who is the Managing Director for Guyana and Gavin Welcome who is the Managing Director for the c o m p a n y ’s N e w Yo r k branch.

Both are part owners.

From a young age, Gavin and Syreeta were taught all aspects of the shipping business and continue to

play their part in keeping their mother’s legacy alive and well.

John also disclosed the company’s expectations about the country’s future and where he sees Guywillship in this respect.

John said, “…We ultimately want to become the leading freight forwarding company in the country. And with the government pushing shipping to be supplied 100 percent by locals in the oil industry, it is our hope that Guywillship would be able to participate in the sector and serve the country as it grows. We are a firm believer in local content, and we believe that businesses which are fuelled by the energies of young people should be given the opportunity to take Guyana forward.”

As for Alicia Welcome, the Director of Social Media Management, she was keen to note that while the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted considerable damage on the shipping industry globally, the 2020 and 2021 budgets along with the government’s aggressive COVID-19 vaccination programme have provided the stimulus needed to ensure the economy stays afloat while keeping the citizenry safe.

The Guywillship official said, “Around March 2020, several countries went into lockdown and instituted curfews to contain the rapid spread of the COVID-19 infection.

As the movement of people was restricted and there was a temporary suspension of production and consumption activities in major regions of the world, various sectors of life and business were greatly affected.

Maritime transportation, a key element of the global supply chain, was no exception.”

“But now that the vaccination programmes for various countries are rolling out, we are seeing that the shipping industry is going into recovery mode. In Guyana, which has been blessed with 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources and the government pushing exploration and

Managing Director and Co-Owner of GuyWillShip, Mrs Syreeta Welcome- Sancho development, investment is coming and that has had a ripple effect on the economy.

Also, when you take into consideration how the 2020 and 2021 budgets have provided several COVID-19 relief measures and pumped more money into the economy, it will undoubtedly have a positive effect across the board.”

As for Co-Owner Gavin Welcome, he was pleased to report as well, that Guywillship is already seeing increased activity while adding, that the company is already pushing to be more innovative with additional services to be launched soon.

He said they will ultimately increase the company’s growth potential and have it better positioned to be a leader in freight forwarding.

The Guywillship official noted, “It would be remiss of me not to note that the vision of Guywillship is to uphold the standards of excellence and professionalism. We are committed to having every customer satisfied with our service.

To achieve this, we would always have trained, courteous, and honest staff members equipped with the capabilities of having every customer completely satisfied with our service.”

He added, “We have been doing this for decades and I have every confidence that so long as we continue on this trajectory, we will continue to take our success to new heights.”

COMPANY’S SERVICES Kaieteur News had previously reported that Guywillship has been a licenced Customs House Brokerage Service and Freight Forwarder since the 1990s. Initially, the company provided custom brokerage services for DHL Express and expanded into cargo logistics under the trading name Williams Shipping.

The company has now expanded its services to other Caribbean and international markets.

It should be noted that Guywillship also provides agency services for Tr a d e s p a n C a rg o a n d Sydney Reliable out of Canada, Caribbean International Shipping of Atlanta, Caribtrans out of Miami, and Alphonso Shipping out of BVI. Some of its services include cargo clearance inclusive of deconsolidation, custom brokerage, distribution, inland transportation logistics, customer services, and representation, facilitating door-to-door and door-toport deliveries. This service also covers air and sea freight.

The company also does freight estimates, packing and crating, inland transportation, arranging international transportation, and securing destination services for clearance and delivery covering air and sea freight.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday April 09, 2022

IDB Invest reiterates support to local development 4 persons in COVID-19 ICU, 5 new through partnership with Demerara Bank cases recorded The Ministry of Health on Friday reported that while four persons are now admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), health officials have recorded five new cases across the country within the last 24 hour period.

The new infections now

bring the total number of confirmed cases to 63,310.

The Ministry’s dashboard also shows that 10 persons are in institutional isolation, 85 are in home isolation and 13 are quarantined institutionally. To date, 61,985 persons have recovered from the virus.

Demerara Bank and IDB officials following their discussion this week

O

n Tuesday, a delegation led by Mr. James Scriven, Chief Executive O f f i c e r, o f t h e I n t e r Development Bank (IDB) Invest, visited Demerara Bank Limited to discuss ongoing projects and upcoming business opportunities in Guyana.

Demerara Bank Limited which was signed to the

I D B ’s Tr a d e F i n a n c e Facilitation Programme (TFFP) in October, 2020, currently benefits from a renewed Credit Line. This extended line of credit fortifies the commitment of IDB Invest and Demerara Bank to create financing to the growing demands of various sectors in Guyana and to support key business linkages within the region.

Guyana’s economy, as projected by the World Bank, is expected to grow by 48.7% in 2022 primarily due to the steady growth in the offshore oil and gas industry. Positive forecasts are also projected for various non-oil sectors such as agriculture, gold mining and housing due to expansion and heavy investments by both private and public sectors.

The bank announced last November that several businesses in the agricultural sector benefitted from financing under the IDB’s Trade Finance Facilitation Programme and in its statement reiterated that the facility will continue to be used to support existing local businesses, as well as new and emerging businesses, in sustaining productivity.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 09, 2022

PAGE 15

Small Parties join call for transparency, accountability in Goverment W

ith Guyana expecting a 47 percent growth rate in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year, three minor political parties believe that adherence to the laws as well as the tenants of transparency, inclusion, and accountability, are key aspects of good governance which ought to accompany the said growth.

The political parties made this assertion during a virtual programme hosted by Globespan 24x7 on Wednesday evening.

Representing the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) was Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman, while A New and United Guyana (ANUG) was represented by its Chairperson, Timothy Jonas S.C and the Federal United Party (FEDUP) by Mr. Chandra Sohan. Moderating the programme was Mr. Vishnu Bisram.

During the discussion, Shuman opined to the panel that there are several pillars of good governance, which includes adherence to the rule of law, how government interacts with the Constitution and other subordinate laws as well as, how they interact with the public and implement policies. Meanwhile, Jonas pointed out that while Guyana remains in the early stage of development, many dangers lie ahead. Notably, however, the lawyer said that the first limb of good governance is transparency.

He explained, “Our government is the largest employer and the largest provider of contracts so corruption is easy and corruption can be rampant, so there needs to be transparency in dealings.”

The party leader further noted that because the government is the largest employer and has access to large finances, they may have temptation to award

jobs, designate officials and moreover, award contracts.

But to ensure there is transparency in the management of the country, he said “it is important to delegate and decentralize so that there are antonymous agencies that can operate independently and report directly to Parliament, rather than the government controlling the purse strings for each of the NDCs, for each of the regional commissions.”

More importantly, Jonas highlighted the need for the political Opposition to be able to have a say in the management of the country.

“I think we need to have a process of consultative decision making where the Opposition is involved and have a real say, not a minor say,” he urged, while adding that these pillars are presently absent in the current governance climate.

The Lawyer pointed out that only recently the Opposition walked out of a Parliamentary Committee meeting, after its nominees to sit on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Board, was ignored.

The NRF Board is responsible for the overall management of the monies garnered from oil and gas production. The Opposition had chosen former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams and civil society member and prominent Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram. While using its majority on the C o m m i t t e e o f Appointments, the government decided on former member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Mr. Dunstan Barrow.

To this end, Jonas argued that Guyana is now left with no member of the Opposition on that Board, while the government is left to watch over how it

manages the funds. He said, “It’s all well and good to say oh well I’ll put the Liberty and Justice Party member on this innocuous board and publish it and pretend to the people that you are being inclusive, but if you have a party that represents half of the citizens of Guyana and that party gets not a single seat on one of the most important commissions, gets not a single seat on the commission dealing with the natural resources fund, not a single seat on procurement issues, not a singular voice in appointing the Police Service Commission…if those reshuffling procedures are done unilaterally and the party that represents half of

the country has no say in it, well, are we really serious if we are asking a question about if government has reached out?…”

While elaborating his point on the need for transparency, Jonas made reference to the fact that there are still burning questions relating to the construction of the new Demerara River Crossing, as the contract was pulled from the best bidder and government is still in talks with another.

According to him, “Right now we have no clue of how decisions are made, on expenditure from the natural resources fund. We don’t get a peep in that door. We have

no clue how GPL is operating, how the large contracts are being awarded.

We hear that there is a Demerara Harbour Bridge contract where the winning bid is not the group going ahead but it went with the second winning bid, and we don’t know why, and a whole country is not in a position to find out to enquire why.”

The advocate warned that if change is not implemented, then Guyana will continue to slide down the “slippery slope into corruption” and poverty. In fact, he argued that the politics should not be “the winner controls everything”.

FEDUP member, Chandra Sohan also lamented the fact that small parties have not been given an opportunity to be part of oversight bodies. He also told the panel that he

believes good governance intertwines with accountability.

In this regard, Sohan argued that the government must be responsive to the needs of its people, adding that Manifesto or election campaign promises must be fulfilled.

“Promises were made and when it comes to implementing those promises there has to be systems in place to ensure things are transparent, and people in office are accountable for what they do. Electorate must be able to see in a clear manner what is going on. We can’t operate in secrecy and expect the people to know what is going on. We don’t know what is going on and nobody seems interested in telling us what is going on,” the Lawyer reasoned.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 09, 2022

O

ver 200 Guyanese from different religious communities on Friday joined President Irfaan Ali in a special interfaith meeting to observe the National Day of fasting and prayers which was being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The event which featured prayers from members of the Hindu, Muslim and Christians faith was held under the theme, “Let us Fast together, Pray together and Stay together.”

Scores of Guyanese yesterday observed National Day of Fasting and Prayers at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 09, 2022

PAGE 17

Fasting and praying alone cannot help a starving nation ...Prove morality by signing minimum wage order - GWU tells Govt.

P

resident of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) Norris Witter has called on the government to offer real solutions to the problems citizens are facing as opposed to the presentation of fasting and praying activities as a substitute. GWU during their third week of protest action outside Parliament Building yesterday said that prayer alone cannot help a nation when its people are hungry.

The union has thus reiterated, among other things, demands for the government to approve the 2019 minimum wage agreement as a show of genuine concern for citizens.

That agreement would see workers’ lowest pay moving from $44, 200 to $60,000.

“Guyanese people need to be careful,” Witter stated. “ ( Vi c e P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Bharrat) Jagdeo and now (President Dr. Irfaan) Ali are demonstrating very clearly that they are demigods; that they will do anything and say anything to play on the emotions of the people. They are making a mockery of religion and the people must not be deceived by such nonsense,” the union leader posited.

Witter said that, “If they

really believe in God and they are so holy let them stop the starvation, let them raise the minimum wage and stop the hundreds of thousands of people who are going to bed hungry today in the midst of plenty.” Witter said that the government has the perfect opportunity to demonstrate in a tangible way how righteous they are. “Let them pay the people a decent minimum wage, let them reopen the collective bargaining process, let them respect the laws, let them consult with the citizens of organizations before they pass bills to law on matters that impact the lives of the people.”

Since protest action commenced weeks ago, Witter said there has been no indication by the government that they are concerned about easing, in particular, cost of living woes. He said that at a time when food prices and services are increasing, the government does not find it fitting to increase workers’ minimum wage from a meagre $44,200.

He said too, that based on statements from Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, that he had taken the 2019 minimum wage matter to C a b i n e t f o r recommendation, and that he

One of the GWU protest card says “$44,000, lawd workers cannot live on bread alone” would sign on to it based on Cabinet’s approval, it must now be related that the entire government is responsible for workers’ suffering; that

Norton runs away from the word ‘renegotiation’, backs oil contract adjustment for more benefits

L

eader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton has rejected the use of the word ‘renegotiation’ attributed to him in the headline of an article which said that he backed calls for renegotiating the oil agreement made between Guyana and foreign oil companies.

Kaieteur News, had carried the article headlined, “Norton backs calls for renegotiation of oil contract” in its Friday edition. Norton has stated however that he did not use the word

renegotiation when questioned about his position on renegotiating the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

In a letter to the editor, Norton said that, “It is with a deep sense of concern that I write you to remonstrate against your misleading headline in your Friday April 08, 2022 edition of the Kaieteur News which stated ‘Norton backs calls for renegotiation of oil contract’.

Nowhere in the interview did I say that. What I did say was, that the law provides for action to be taken to ensure

that the people of Guyana benefit from our resources, and that the contract provides for changes to be made in keeping with Article 31.2 of the Agreement and that the PNCR will do everything within the confines of the law to ensure our people get increased benefits from the oil and gas sector.

While the content of your article is correct, the headline is both misleading and mischievous. I am therefore requesting a correction on the front page similar to that of the misleading headline.”

they are the reason why citizens’ salary cannot be elevated beyond the less than $45,000 monthly pay.

“We have heard too

much of rhetoric,” Witter insisted. “They say they care for the people, if that is so t h e n s i g n t h e o r d e r, demonstrate in a tangible way that you are so concerned about the workers’ welfare and wellbeing.”

Witter told the Kaieteur News that when the union embarked on the struggle for the minimum wage payment, “we knew that we are dealing with a very stubborn political administration. So when we decided to commence this struggle we commenced it with the full knowledge of that stubbornness and that we would need to be in it for the long haul.” As such the workers’ representative said that protest actions will intensify. The union leader said other unions and civil society bodies have noted

similarities in struggles and have thus offered to become part of actions to hold the government accountable. He said that at this stage communication is being held between all parties on how they can collaborate.

At another protest, the GWU called for the increase in public assistance sums and the old age pension stating, that these measures would go toward assisting persons most affected by high cost of living prices.

GWU said it is in talks with G u y a n a Tr a d e U n i o n Congress (GTUC), Article 13, Our Wealth, Our country civil group and the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU), the Guyana Public Service Union and other civil society groups that will demand the government’s attention on behalf of citizens.

Man gets 6 years for stabbing victim 6 times Anthony Persaud who confessed to stabbing a man six times, was on Friday handed a six years jail sentence.

On March 16, 2022, after spending six years on remand for attempted murder, Persaud pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on March 22, 2016, in the county of Demerara, he wounded Navindra Budhu, with intent to murder him.

Persaud was arraigned for the offence before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court.

State prosecutor Simran Gajraj had told the court that both parties are not known to each other and on the day in question around 18:02hrs, Budhu was walking along the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown when he was attacked from behind by Persaud.

It was stated that Persaud, who was

armed with a pair of scissors, pushed his hands inside Budhu’s pockets, enquiring what he had. The victim however resisted and Persaud punched him in the face, causing two of his teeth to break.

Persaud then stabbed Budhu six times about the body with the scissors, leaving him bleeding profusely on the side of the road.

The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent surgery to his legs and for a puncture between his eighth and ninth rib.

While trying to flee the crime scene Persaud was detained by public-spirited citizens, who handed him over to the police.

Moreover, Persaud’s lawyer Teriq Mohamed had told the court that while his client admitted to attacking Budhu, it was not his intention to rob him. As such, Prosecutor Gajraj had made an application (Continued on page 21)

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Saturday April 09, 2022

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Saturday April 09, 2022

Agri-Investment Forum & Expo set for May - Over 100 companies already on board President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Twenty international companies have already signalled their interest in participating in the highly anticipated Agri- Investment Forum and Expo, set to open at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on May 19 to 21.

Apart from the global entities, 33 regional and 53

local companies, and at least four global institutions are also on board to date.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Friday, during the official launch of the event at the ACCC. The President said the event will also see the participation of key

stakeholders travelling from as far as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“In the UAE we have been able to secure in attendance at this forum, four of the largest buyers and distributors of food and agriculture products. They will be coming here to be part of the expo to look at the

opportunities,” he noted.

The president said the renowned entrepreneurs are known for their investments in the agriculture potential of countries. He said they usually put money into projects and derive the product as an output.

“What are they (Continued on page 22)

Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Bids in for an ambulance for Region 3 T h e R e g i o n a l supply and delivery of one Democratic Council (RDC) new ambulance. of Region Three through the The companies that bid office of the National for the contract are Car Procurement and Tender Clean Enterprise who placed A d m i n i s t r a t i o n B o a r d a bid of $11 million, (NPTAB), on Tuesday Meditron Inc. who bid $12 received three bids for the million and Massy Motors Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development - Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three Supply and delivery of one new bus ambulance.

Guyana Limited who bid $13 million.

Also the RDC received bids for the construction of a nursery school in Hydronie which is estimated to cost $54 million, the construction of a primary school in

Zeelugt which is estimated at $166 and the extension of the dormitory at the Leonora Secondary School which is estimated to cost $30 million.

Below are the companies and their bids:

Construction of beacons (wooden-large with steel top structure).

Supply and delivery of one refurbished twenty six seater bus.

Construction of Zeelugt Primary School.

Extension of Dormitory at Leonora Secondary School.

Rehabilitation of road in Goed Fortuin Squatting Area.

Acquisition of beacon lights, accessories and spare (Waini, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice).

Regional Democratic Council of Region Five Supply and delivery of one new all terrain ambulance.

Man gets 6 years for...

Construction of Hydronie Nursery School.

Ministry of Public Works - Maritime Administration Department Construction of beacons- Middle ground (wooden-large) Supply and Installation of wooden piles, platform and steel superstructure.

From page 17 for a psychiatric evaluation to be performed on Persaud.

Justice Reynolds had granted the application and also ordered a probation report be conducted on Persaud’s behalf.

On Friday’s sentencing, Justice Brassington sentenced Persaud to six years. However, the time he spent on remand was deducted.

PAGE 22

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.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR RENT

One bulldozer operator to work in Great Diamond. Contact:632-1118/647-4161.

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable.

Contact:649-0956.

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

One female cleaner.Apply at:Lens 136 Sheriff St C/Ville Georgetown.Contact:2272486 or 227-1511.

2001 RAV 4,in good condition not working.Price $800,000.

Call:648-9248.

One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

1-Model M Truck,TM Truck, 428 Caterpillar Backhoe,416 Caterpillar Back hoe,Front end loader, Cement mixer truck,Mini Excavator.6500402/652-0251.

PFS on the main road MC Doom E.B.D 120x50.Call:6130007.

Pitmen,Serviceman,Hauler Operator for interior location.

Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

Toyota Verossa PLL Series $1.6M.Tel:660-2661/Whatsa pp 608-6948.

5 bedroom house.Better hope E.C.D,price 29.5M neg. Tel: 660-7935.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132.

SERVICES

ENTERTAINMENT

Person to assemble bicycle & straighten wheel.Apply in person at Alabama Trading.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

TOURS!Easter weekend trip to Suriname:Apr 14-17th, 2022.Tel:639-2663/673-2348.

Specialized repairs/service refrigerator, washing machine, pressure pump, stove, treadmill,dryer, filteration system, deep fryer.Call:6949733.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

TOURS!Independence weekend trio to Suriname: May 26th-29th, 2022. Tel: 639-2663/ 673-2348.

Autobody work,equipment spray paint.Tel:663-2026.

FOR RENT WANTED

Mo's Bobcat Rental & Towing Service.Now hiring Bobcat Drivers. Call:643-8727/ whatsapp 685-9744.

One female to work in Interior,must be 18yrs & over.

Tel:674-9999.

Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110/630-1600.

1 live in to work in George town.Must be 18yrs & over.

Tel:674-9999.

Male to work in Interior.Must be 18 & over.Tel:686-2201.

Female to take care of an elderly male between the ages of 25 to 40. Accommodations provided.Call or WhatsApp 1-868-683-1528.

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.

Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

Dried carilla bush,soursop leaves,lemongrass,mango leaves (anyquantity). Call: 609-8281/693-3003.

1 Headcook,1 Assistant Cook,1 Cleaner for Restaurant. Call:602-8067/677-7011.

Servers needed at Emmanuel's Delight. Located at Diamond,tel:651-6342.

General domestic covid 19 vaccinated for Tuesday & Saturday between Cove & John & Unity E.C.D.Tel:2590953/623-3231.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @yahoo.com.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA(COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION) 2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA194BETWEEN: -GUYANA WATER INCOR PORATED, acompany incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act l 991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown Demerara.

Applicant-and-TROY VHIP and JOHN DAVID VHIP trading under the name and style of’YHIP BAKERY Respondents NOTICE TO: TROY YHIP 58 ROBB BAKERY LACYTOWN GEORGETOWN TO: JOHN DAVID YHIP 58 ROBB BAKERY LACYTOWN GEORGETOWNTAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application was filed on the 14th February, 2022 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara byGUYANA WATER IN CORPORATED in which the Applicant claims:The sum of $540,493.00 (five hundred and forty thousand, four hundred and ninetythree dollars) being the sum due, owing and payable by the

LEGAL NOTICE Respondent to the Applicant;Interest in the sum at a rate of 6% per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid; Costs and/orSuch further and other Order as the Court may deem just; UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mrs. Anansa Swain attorney-atLaw for . the Applicant whose address for service and place of business is at c/o Guyana Water Incorporated Complex Vlissengen Road and Church Street Bel Air Georgetown, Guyana Demerara copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.

AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form IOC prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s attorney-at-law, to Mrs. Anansa Swain address for service and place of business is at c/o Guyana WaterIncorporated Complex Vlissengen Road and Church Street Bel Air Georgetown, Guyana Demerara and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this matter stands adjourned to the 23rd May, 2022, at 11:30 am for hearing via zoom Meeting ID 845 1426 6584 and Passcode: 786 445 before the Honourable Madam. Justice Damone Younge.Dated this 28th day of March,2022.

2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-204 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI MONIAL JURIS DICTION FAMILY DIVISION BETWEEN:(JOHNSON) SHALINIE nee RAM SAROOPPetitioner/ Applicant(JOHNSON) ANTHONY REUBEN Respondent To the RespondentANTHONY REUBEN JOHNSON Last

LEGAL NOTICE

Agri-Investment...

Known Address Lot 584 Ondern eeming, West Bank Demerara, Guyana.TAKE NOTICE that on the 16th day of February, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SHALINIE JOHN SON nee RAMSA ROOP, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part ofan Order made onthe 25th day of March, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the world wide web.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 27 th day of May, 2022 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 28th day of March, 2022.

From page 20 targeting? Coffee, cocoa, spices, sugarcane, these are some of the target areas that they are looking at and they are all confirmed.”

Further, the Head of State emphasised that CARICOM’s vision to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, is being recognised in every corner of the globe, “...to the extent that the Minister of Finance, this week, was able to get the full commitment of IDB Invest to be part of the 25 by 2025 vision.

Not only would they be part of the v i s i o n , b u t t h e y would be part of the expo,” Dr. Ali also announced.

IDB-Invest, is a multilateral investment institution that is an independent affiliate of the IDB Group.

It is known for investing in small and mediumsize private projects, either directly or through equity funds.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J Srinivasa is on board to provide technical assistance for the agriculture expo.

Support will also be provided through the European Union (EU) to Guyana.

President Ali said addressing the issue of food security is multifaceted in nature, noting that it is more than just producing the food. It includes financing, technology, partnership, shared responsibility and inclusion of both women and youths. “ We c a n n o t d o t h i s without the private sector, we cannot do this without each other, the region must understand that we are all partners in this, we can’t restrict each other, and we can’t be barriers to each other.

For it to be successful, we have to facilitate each other. We must have a winwin scenario and that is what we want to create,” Dr. Ali highlighted.

The Guyanese leader said the aim of the region is to build a victorious food system.

The end result must ensure healthier food, more cost-effective prices for the population, and greater economic opportunities through job creation.

The forum will facilitate intense consultations between the public and private sectors on investment opportunities. (DPI)

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor.

Say no to it.

Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

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LCDS 2030 Series Pt 1.

LCDS 2030 to help unlock multibillion dollar climate change value of Guyana’s forests The PPP/C Government’s Low-carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 which was launched last year October sets out a clear vision on how the country will accelerate economic growth and development in a nonpolluting, low carbon way. It outlines how Guyana will utilize and monetize its natural resources such as its lush and pristine forests in a sustainable manner so as to combat the impacts of climate change.

LCDS 2030 also outlines how the government will ensure the country’s world-class forests, biodiversity, water and marine resources are valued for the vital contribution they make to the health of the planet.

The current draft that was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in late 2021 is undergoing a period of consultation with citizens on how the nation can re-double its efforts towards achieving the outlined vision, the roots of which can be traced back to 2009.

In 2009, Guyana had launched the first Low-carbon Development Strategy from a developing country, setting out a vision for inclusive, sustainable development, while simultaneously maintaining the country’s forests, about 85% of the country’s territory, to help meet some of the most urgent challenges the world faces.

There is no doubt that Guyana intends to stay true to the vision set out in 2009 which is to create a model low-carbon economy for the world.

Since 2009 however, local authorities have gained a greater understanding of the outsized contribution Guyana’s ecosystems make to the world’s health and economy, as well as its role as one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity conservation.

Here are some interesting facts about the important role Guyana’s forests play as noted in the LCDS 2030.

*

Guyana has the second highest percentage of forest cover on earth and is working with partners to sustain 99.5% of that forest while building the foundation for a new low carbon, ecosystem economy. Government has said it expects to tap opportunities to access a market mechanism for forest climate services and other ecosystem services. This will enable Guyana to store 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (the measure used for greenhouse gas emissions).

*

Guyana has maintained the second highest percentage of forest cover on earth, with more than 99.5 of the forest’s 18 million hectares remaining.

Deforestation rates are among the lowest in the world and Guyana is one of only four countries in the world (and one of only two in the Amazon Basin) verified to have sustained a High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) state.

*

Guyana is one of four countries which host the Guiana Shield, one of the most pristine rainforest landscapes in the world. The Guiana Shield stores around 18% of the world’s tropical forest carbon and 20% of the world’s fresh water.

*

Guyana’s forests alone provide value that is estimated to range from US$40-US$54 billion annually. Unfortunately, this value is not recognised in monetary terms. The government is however, working to monetize the preservation of Guyana’s forests through payments from international partners such as Norway.

LCDS 2030 is currently undergoing a period of national consultation. Once this is completed, the LCDS will be finalised and then tabled in the National Assembly.

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Ferrari on top in Australian GP practice, more

Mercedes disappointment (Reuters) - Ferrari’s promising start to the Formula One season continued on Friday as the glamour team dominated free practice at the Australian Grand Prix but there was more gloom for struggling Mercedes at a revamped Albert Park.

Ferrari’s championship leader Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a lap of one minute, 18.978 in second free practice after being second to team mate Carlos Sainz in the first.

However, Red Bull showed they will be nipping at their heels this weekend with world champion Max Verstappen splitting the Ferraris in the second session, 0.245 seconds adrift of Leclerc.

The Dutchman was fourth quickest in the first session.

There were some concerns for Ferrari, with both Leclerc and Sainz wrestling with their cars bouncing, or ‘porpoising’, down the sweeping new run of shallow corners where drivers hit high speed heading into turns nine and 10 at Albert Park.

“A bit of a harder Friday on my side today,” said Leclerc.

“There’s still quite a bit of work to do. I don’t think anybody really put a lap together today.

“We need to do another step forward.”

Mercedes are no strangers to porpoising, with their new-look W13 car battling

this season in the wake of major aerodynamic rule changes this year.

After disappointing results and performance in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, they remained well off the pace on Friday with George Russell 11th quickest in the second session, more than 1.2 seconds adrift of Leclerc.

His seven-times championship-winning team mate Hamilton was 13th fastest and had a skid into gravel.

“We made some changes going into P2 (second free practice),” said Briton Hamilton, seventh fastest in the first session.

“P2 ended up being a bit harder for me. I don’t know, it’s just a tricky car.”

Saturday April 09, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your energy is probably pretty low today, Aries. You won't feel like socializing, nor will you feel like staying in and reading or watching TV. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Career and financial goals could seem completely stalled, Taurus, and this could have you depressed, frustrated, and in something of a panic.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A colleague could be in a very bad mood, Gemini, and therefore not the easiest person in the world to deal with.

In fact, today he or she could resist working at all.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Plans to go away on vacation or perhaps a business trip could be put on hold today, Cancer. Events you might have been scheduled to attend could be temporarily postponed.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This isn't a good day to visit the racetrack, Las Vegas, or any store that sells lottery tickets. Stay away from the stock market, too, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Virgo, you're likely to want to retreat into your bedroom and slam the door today. You won't feel like talking or socializing with anyone, not even those closest to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This might prove to be one of those days in which it's very hard to get anything related to work or communication off the ground, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might have planned to make a particular purchase today, Scorpio, but a quick check of your financial situation could reveal that it would be better if you waited until your next payday.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A lack of physical and mental energy as well as motivation could have you in a lethargic mood today, Sagittarius. You won't feel like doing much of anything.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Usually you enjoy talking with others, Capricorn, but today you won't even want to answer the phone. Your physical stamina and mental energy are low, and you could feel out of sorts.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A group of friends might want you to go out with them today, Aquarius, but you probably won't feel up to it.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you could feel full of energy and eager to get out for some exercise, Pisces, but other responsibilities might threaten to keep you from doing it.

Twice world champion Fernando Alonso surprised by briefly topping the timesheets for Alpine before finishing fourth fastest in the second session, one ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.

RED FLAGS Two years after the race was scrapped due to COVID19, the drivers struggled to get to grips with changes at the lakeside circuit, with fewer corners and wider turns making it a different proposition to the old lay-out.

Red flags came out in

both sessions as cars left debris on the resurfaced track, and a number skidded into the gravel.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, who missed the first two races after a positive COVID-19 test, had a forgettable return to the track but gave fans a few laughs.

After posting the 13th quickest lap in first free practice, his Aston Martin lost power and ground to a halt 15 minutes before the end of the session, with smoke billowing out of the rear.

The German grabbed a fire extinguisher from a track mar-

shal and gave his car a spray to put out the fire.

He later delighted fans by riding back to the team garage on a sc o o t e r, prompting an investigation by stewards for entering the track without permission.

That was the last fans saw of Vettel, who did not return for the second session. The team confirmed his car’s power unit would need to be changed.

It was the second red flag of the earlier session, with Perez forcing a halt by leaving some body-work debris on the track.

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Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

PSG prepared to offer Mbappe £150m to renew contract (BBC Sport) - Paris StGermain are prepared to offer forward Kylian Mbappe a £150m signing-on fee to keep him at the club for another two seasons, reports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The 23-year-old’s contract expires this summer and he agreed a financial package with Real Madrid months ago.

But PSG are desperate to keep him and will also offer a £21m net annual sal-

ary.

Despite that lucrative proposal, Madrid remains his preferred destination.

Speaking after scoring twice in Sunday’s Ligue 1 win over Lorient, Mbappe told the media: “I haven’t made my decision, there are new elements to consider.

Which elements? Just new elements.”

Balague says those “new elements” are the striker’s wish to renegotiate with the Spanish club

following the new financial offer open to him.

Qatari-owned PSG are putting pressure on the France forward to commit to a new contract and to stay until after the World Cup in Qatar in November and December.

They had already offered him a £125m signing-on fee but are now prepared to increase that by £25m.

Mbappe is represented by his parents, who dis-

agree on what his next move should be, but ultimately the decision will be the player’s.

If he does stay, his advisors stand to receive £42m as a commission payment from PSG. Real Madrid are relaxed about the situation as they know they have an agreement in place and they have cooled their interest in Erling Braut Haaland, such is their confidence in concluding a deal for Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 but could not prevent Paris St-Germain from being eliminated

Woods comeback faces Master headwinds Golf - Tiger Woods of the U.S. tees off on the 11th during the first round of The Masters (Mike Segar photo)

(Reuters) - Tiger Woods was trying to steady the ship as winds threatened to blow his Masters comeback off course as he reached the midway point of the second round on Friday five shots back of clubhouse leaders Charl Schwartzel and Im Sung-jae.

Back in action this week after a February 2021 car accident nearly cost him his right leg, Woods set the golf world alight on Thursday when he posted a one-under 71 to crank up expectations.

As Woods began his second round, rather than the leg giving him problems it was the challenging windy conditions that troubled the 46-year-old.

He stumbled to bogeys on four of his five opening holes, including three straight from

the third.

Three-over walking onto the sixth tee and sliding dangerously close to the projected four-over cut line, oods regrouped with nervy pars on the sixth and seventh holes before finally collecting his first birdie of the day at the eighth.

The five-times Masters champion moved into the turn at three-over for his round. It was the kind of day where golfers were in full survival mode.

Im, who led Cameron Smith by one shot overnight, saw his advantage quickly disappear with bogey at the first and it was a battle the rest of day for the South Korean who hit four more bogeys for a two-over 74.

Schwartzel, the 2011 Mas-

ters champion, was one of the very few golfers able to get to grips with the tough conditions. He posted what so far stands up as the round of the day, a three-under 69.

“Par is a great score,” said South African Schwartzel. “I think if you shoot level par around here in these conditions, you are playing good golf. It was tough.

“I think we had a little fortune this morning. It was very cold but we didn’t deal with a lot of wind for the first five or six holes.

“It got hard.”

Sitting one back of the leaders are 2020 Masters champion Dustin Johnson (73) and Harold Varner III (71) who is enjoying his first visit to Augusta National.

Elgar, Petersen, Bavuma hit...

From page 29 82 runs for the second wicket. But the captain fell to a Taijul delivery that slid through, after the bowler had spent much of the day trying to draw him on to the front foot.

A 27-minute rain b r e a k further slowed down the side’s scoring

rate after that, before Petersen became Taijul’s second victim after having looked in good touch before the delay.

Petersen made 64 before dancing down the track, missing the ball, and being struck on his pad.

The umpire had denied the appeal as it looked to

be going down leg, but replays showed that the ball would go on to hit leg stump.

Bangladesh then broke th e R i c k e l t o n Bavuma partnership, w h i c h h ad kept South Africa going for 31 overs, to come back in the contest.

Saturday April 09, 2022

UK an option for Joshua/Usyk rematch - Hearn Oleksandr Usyk (left) beat Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in September (Getty Images)

(BBC Sport) - Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn says the heavyweight’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could be in the United Kingdom in June or July. Ukrainian Usyk beat Johsua last year, taking the Briton’s WBA, WBO and IBF belts on a unanimous points decision.

Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk suggested Saudi Arabia could host the return bout. “We’re

in final negotiations for a couple of sites for either the end of June or early-to-midJuly,” Hearn said. “I reckon within two weeks we’ll have some news in terms of where that’s going to be. “An option is in the UK. The difference is, we don’t really need negotiations with a venue in the UK, we just book it.”

The first fight between the two took place at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September. The

rematch with Joshua, 32, had initially been targeted for May but was pushed back after Usyk enlisted in Ukraine’s military in March following the Russian invasion. The 35-year-old left his native Ukraine, where he had been helping to defend the country, on 23 March. He confirmed the rematch two days later in an Instagram post, saying: “I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua.”

ECCB launches Under 17 Commander’s Cup The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) on Thursday launched its 50-Over Under17 Commander’s Cup. The competition is fully sponsored by the Rockaway Group of Companies and Sunita Travel Service, two New York based Businesses.

The Regional Commander Division 4 “C”, Senior Superintendent Khali Paresham in collaboration with Representatives of the sponsors attended the significant ceremony at the LBI Center Ground, E.C.D. Also in attendance were Vice President of the East Coast Cricket Board Raymond Barton, Secretary Daveteerth Anandjit, other board members and coaches/ representatives of the participating teams.

This competition will bowl off Saturday April 16, and will see 10 teams competing for cash prizes, tro-

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Kaieteur News

phies and cricket gears. Outstanding players will also be rewarded. Curtains fall on the tournament, May 28.

The C o m m a n d e r e x pressed gratitude to be a part of the competition, since it came in line with the Police Force’s Strategic plan to foster relationships with communities and youths.

In collaboration with the sponsors, he pledged his continued support for the development of Cricket on the East Coast.

The Commander challenged the youths for a disciplined and exciting tournament and said an East Coast Under-17 Team will be selected at the end of the Tournament.

Should the tournament be successful, further pledges were made on behalf of the Rockaway Group of Companies and Sunita Travel S e rvice to sponsor the Board’s Under 19 tournament.

Elgar, Petersen, Bavuma hit fifties but Bangladesh hit back (ESPN Cricinfo) - Halfcenturies from Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma and Keegan Petersen kept South Africa’s scorecard ticking for most of the first day of the Gqeberha Test. But Bangladesh struck late in the day to keep the hosts at 278 for 5 at stumps, as honours were shared.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who was brought in to replace the injured Taskin Ahmed, was the best bowler of the day with three wickets, while Khaled Ahmed picked up two. Both of them picked up one wicket each in the last few minutes of play, which should give Bangladesh a boost going into the second day.

Taijul broke the crucial 83run fourth-wicket partnership between Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton, the biggest stand of the day. He had Rickelton caught at slip by Yasir ali after the batter had gloved the ball in his attempt at a reversesweep. Rickelton looked distraught to miss out on his maiden Test fifty, as he fell on 42.

Shortly after the new ball was taken, Khaled removed Bavuma when he edged the ball as it bounced more than expected, and Najmul Hossain Shanto completed the catch at first slip. Bavuma once again failed to build on a good start, falling for 67 his 19th Test fifty, to go with just one century - as he was undone by a great delivery.

Earlier, South Africa got

Dean Elgar cuts in front of square. (Getty Images) off to another good start by hurrying to 107 for 1 at lunch after Mehidy Hasan Miraz became the first spinner in 87 years to open the bowling in the first innings in South Africa Sarel Erwee was the only wicket to fall in the first session when he was dismissed

by Khaled’s awaygoing delivery in the 12th over. Erwee, who made 24, survived a close call in the third over of the morning when Khaled

appealed for lbw. The umpire turned it down, and Mominul Haque was late at taking the review; replays showed red on all three counts.

Elgar, meanwhile, found the boundaries with ease, pulling and driving comfortably. He reached his half-century off 66 balls, his third fifty in the Test series. South Africa started well after the lunch break, too, with Elgar and Petersen adding (Continued on page 28)

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Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

Nuggets seal playoff bid as Nikola Jokic makes history (Reuters) - Nikola Jokic overcame a gash on his head to finish with 35 points and 16 rebounds while grabbing a piece of NBA history as the host Denver Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 122-109 on Thursday night to clinch a top-six spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

Jokic became the first NBA player to compile 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season. He needed 31 points to reach the milestone and returned in the fourth quarter to hit the mark.

He cut his head in the first minute of the game due to an inadvertent elbow by the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. Jokic was bleeding badly before being bandaged, and he wore a red headband the rest of the night.

Aaron Gordon had 22 points, Bones Hyland and Will Barton scored 16 apiece and Monte Morris had 10 for the Nuggets, who won for the fifth time in seven games.

Desmond Bane netted 14

points to lead seven Memphis players in double-figures scoring. The Grizzlies, who are second in the West, have dropped two in a row after an 11-1 stretch.

Timberwolves 127, Spurs 121 Anthony Edwards poured in a career-high 49 points to lead Minnesota over San Antonio in Minneapolis.

Because the Denver Nuggets also won Thursday, the Timberwolves are locked into the seventh spot in the West, which means a home game against the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers in the play-in tournament on Tuesday. San Antonio is still in the running for the ninth spot (and a home game in the playin tourney).

Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Timberwolves.

Keldon Johnson scored 20 points to lead the Spurs, who had won seven of their previous eight games.

Raptors 119, 76ers 114

Pascal Siakam had 37 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds and Toronto defeated visiting Philadelphia.

Gary Trent Jr. added 30 points for the Raptors, who won the season series 3-1.

Precious Achiuwa had 20 points for Toronto, and Scottie Barnes contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Joel Embiid had 30 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who had a three-game winning streak end. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points, Danny Green scored 18 and James Harden had 13 points and 15 assists.

Bucks 127, Celtics 121 Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday both scored 29 points as Milwaukee moved a half-game ahead of visiting Boston for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee led much of the way thanks to advantages of 58-34 for points in the paint, 14-5 on second-chance points and 19-9 on fast breaks — a byproduct of the Bucks forcing the Celtics into 15 turnovers.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the net against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. (USA TODAY Sports) Jaylen Brown recorded a triple-double of 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for Boston (50-31). Marcus Smart stepped up with Jayson Tatum (knee) on the sideline, scoring 19 of his 29 points in the second half. Smart shot 7 of 12 from 3-point range as Boston hit 21 of 50 shots from deep.

Warriors 128, Lakers 112 Klay Thompson continued a hot stretch with a teamhigh 33 points and host Golden State rallied late in the third quarter to defeat superstar-depleted Los Angeles in San Francisco.

Jordan Poole saw a 17game run of 20-point performances come to an end, but he posted 19 points and 11 assists for the Warriors, who increased their lead over the Dallas Mavericks to a full game with two remaining in the battle for the No. 3 play-

off seed in the West.

Playing without LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell We s t b r o o k a n d Carmelo Anthony, the Lakers got a career-high 40 points from Talen HortonTucker in a surprisingly competitive effort in the wake of playoff elimination two nights earlier. Los Angeles lost its eighth straight game.

Hornets 128, Magic 101 LaMelo Ball scored 26 points and Terry Rozier posted 22 as Charlotte’s backcourt set the tone in beating visiting Orlando.

Kelly Oubre Jr. added 16 points and Montrezl Harrell 14 as Charlotte won for just the second time in five games and avenged its homecourt loss to Orlando in January.

Chuma Okeke poured in 20 points and Moritz Wagner racked up 17 for the Magic,

who got 12 points each from Markelle Fultz, Ignas Brazdeikis, R.J. Hampton and Devin Cannady.

Pelicans 127, Trail Blazers 94 CJ McCollum scored 23 points to lead six New Orleans scorers in double figures in a lopsided win over visiting Portland.

Willy Hernangomez had 17 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans. Jonas Valanciunas, returning from a one-game absence caused by a sore ankle, added 14 points.

Trey Murphy III and Larry Nance Jr., who was acquired along with McCollum from Portland in a February trade, had 12 points each, and Jaxson Hayes scored 11 as the Pelicans overcame the absence of leading scorer Brandon Ingram (hamstring tightness).

Saturday April 09, 2022

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Kaieteur News

‘Fit and ready’ Briana Williams Cheltenham midfielder eyes new 200m personal best back to best after in Bermuda on Sunday

long-term injury

Briana Williams

(SportsMax) - Coming off her impressive 200m season opener at the Florida Relays on April 1, Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Briana Williams believes a new personal best for the half-lap sprint is a possibility when she takes on a strong field at the USATF/ Bermuda Games on Sunday.

Williams, who ran a personal best of 7.04 at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade in March, blazed to her best ever opener in the 200m, clocking a nippy 22.82 in Gainesville, signalling that good things could be in store for the 20-year-old Jamaican this season.

However, in Bermuda,

both her speed and mettle will be tested when she lines up alongside world leader Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, USA’s Dezerea Bryant and Twanisha Terry as well as Anthonique Strachan of The Bahamas.

Not one to be daunted by the opposition, Williams said she is eager to step into the blocks on Sunday with a new personal best in mind.

“I’m really thrilled to run my second 200m of the season in Bermuda, it’s my first time there,” she said. “The field is very strong and I’m looking forward to a new personal best, it’s time to update that number and run a very strong and fast race.”

Williams’ personal best of 22.50 was set in 2018 while winning the 200m and completing the sprint double at the World U20 Championships. She was just 16 years old.

Meanwhile, her coach Ato Boldon, who said his young star will be running more 200m races this year, thinks Sunday’s race will be a true test for the young Olympian but believes she is ready for the challenge.

“Briana getting a chance to run a high-quality 200m in April in Bermuda fits her overall plan,” he said. “A year ago, she was battling injuries.

She’s fully fit and ready now.”

Arrowhead League: First Track & Field Grand Prix launched

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) in conjunction with 100 Degrees Sports and FK Sports launched the first National Track and Field Grand Prix series on Friday Morning.

The Arrowhead League will encompass five different track meets that will be an invitational event of Guyana’s best athletes.

At the Press conference at the AAG headquarters, President of the Athletics Guyana, Aubrey Hutson shared the format of the league. “It’s a five part series and it will have a relegation

system for instance in the 100 metres if you do not make the finals then we will bring in a fresh eight sprinters to run the next set of 100metres but it will be strictly invitational,” Hutson shared.

Organizer of the event, from 100 Degrees Sports, Treiston Joseph shared the thought behind investing in such an event.

“The significance of the event is to promote development of the sport on the local front, where athletes can have a competitive environment similar to the Diamond League,” Joseph highlighted.

Meanwhile, Proprietor of FK Sports, Felix Walker noted the reason for signing on with the event that he views as visionary.

“This is long-term and as a company we are happy to be part of anything that promotes the development of athletes and our young people and we hope that Corporate Guyana can see the vision and come on board,” Walker noted.

The first two events of the series will be held on April 30 and May 1 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

(BBC Sport) - Cheltenham Town midfielder Elliot Bonds said he is back to his best after 11 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Bonds, 22, was on loan at the Robins when he sustained the injury against Scunthorpe United in November 2020.

He joined the League One club last summer but spent winter on loan at Kidderminster as he regained fitness.

Since returning, Bonds has been a regular starter as the team push for their highest-ever league finish.

“It was difficult to start with in terms of getting back to where I was at and even pushing on. The start was tough,” Bonds told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

“Kidderminster was an important step in that process but I think it was good.

Me and the gaffer and everyone involved were kind of on the same page with getting back to where I was at physically, mentally.

“From Christmas, I’ve been really impressed and happy with how I’ve been doing for the club in the

league and from there on I think it’s been going really well for me, and the team as well.” Bonds only made four appearances for Cheltenham during his first spell with the club, before it was cut short after he ruptured his ACL. The Guyana international signed permanently on a twoyear deal from Hull City last July, but didn’t feature for Cheltenham in the league until 26 December after being sent on loan to Kidderminster in the National League.

Bonds scored his first goal for the club in February during a 2-1 win over Sunderland.

When asked whether he was back to his best he replied “definitely”.

“Last year when I was here on loan it was only four games, so I felt like I didn’t really prove myself or get both my feet in the door,” he said.

“To do that this second half of the season, I’m obviously very happy with how it’s gone for myself. I just want to kick on and continue to improve and show what I can do.”

Bonds is one of 13 players who manager Michael Duff has rotated into C h e l t e n h a m ’s m i d f i e l d since the start of 2022 in either a five-man midfield or

four-man with a holding player in front or behind.

Yet Bonds insists the competition for places is part of the reason for the club’s success this season.

“In midfield there’s a lot of good players, probably the same with every other position,” he said.

“At other clubs maybe it can get a bit toxic with that much competition, but I think it just shows the togetherness or the team belief that we have. Although there’s loads of competition for every position, that doesn’t change what we have in the dressing room and on the training pitch.

“Everyone is pushing each other and whoever gets that shirt on a Saturday, they get the belief and the backing from everyone.”

Cheltenham sit 12th in League One, level on points with Cambridge United with five games remaining.

Since breaking into the English Football League in 1999, Cheltenham’s bestever finish was 17th in League One in 2007.

“We just want to continue that for the next five games and make sure our performances continue to be at the level we’ve set all season,” Bonds added.

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Saturday April 09, 2022

Kaieteur News

IPL 2022: Titans remain unbeaten with triumph over PBKS

The Gujarat Titans celebrate following their final over victory against PBKS. (IPL) (IPLT20) - The Gujarat Titans (GT) won three games in a row in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 wickets on Friday at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

In a game that went to the final delivery, Gujarat Titans successfully chased down the target of 190 courtesy of Shubman Gill’s elegant 96 at the top followed by Rahul Tewatia’s final over heroics with two sixes in the final two deliveries that sealed the chase.

Chasing 190, Gujarat Titans lost the wicket of Mathew Wade early after the left-handed batter was caught behind.

However, Shubman Gill played elegant strokes at the top and was timing the ball to perfection.

Sai Sudharsan, who was playing his debut innings, started confidently by smashing two fours and GT were 53/1 at the end of powerplay. Both – Gill and Sudharsan hammered a six each as Gill reached his fifty in the 9th over and added two more brilliantly timed shots for four.

The fifty-run partnership was up for the second wicket and GT were 94/1 at the halfway mark.

Gill ensured the momentum stayed with GT by continuing the flow of boundaries from one end while Sudharsan played second fiddle.

PBKS finally broke the partnership after Sudharsan

was caught by Mayank Agarwal off Rahul Chahar’s bowling and GT required 56 off the final five overs.

13 runs came off the 17th over as GT skipper Hardik Pandya hit consecutive fours against Rahul Chahar.

With 32 required off the final two overs, Pandya hit two fours against Rabada in the penultimate over but Rabada managed to dismiss Gill for 96. GT required 19 off the final over.

While Hardik Pandya was out on the first delivery, Rahul Tewatia sealed the chase by hitting two sixes in the final two deliveries.

Earlier, Punjab Kings, who were put in to bat first, made one change – Jonny Bairstow was named in the eleven.

Gujarat Titans found early success with the ball as skipper Hardik Pandya dismissed the opposition captain Mayank Agarwal, who was caught inside the circle for 5. Dhawan creamed two fours in the 4th over but PBKS lost their second wicket after Jonny Bairstow was caught by short third-man off Lockie Ferguson’s bowling.

Both – Gill and Sudharsan hammered a six each as Gill reached his fifty in the 9th over and added two more brilliantly timed shots for four. PBKS were 43-2 at the end of powerplay before Liam Livingstone and opener Shikhar Dhawan stitched a crucial fifty-run partnership for the third

wicket.

Despite a great effort in the deep, Livingstone, who was doing the brunt of the hitting, was nearly caught

by Hardik Pandya after his shot went for a six.

Rashid Khan brought an end to the partnership after Dhawan was caught behind for 35.

Jitesh Sharma, who was the new man in, thumped two sixes and a four to support Livingstone, who was going strong at one end as 24 runs came off the 13th over.

Darshan Nalkande brought the momentum back with GT after the bowler struck twice in consecutive deliveries to dismiss Jitesh Sharma and Odean Smith.

18 runs came off the 15th over, courtesy of consecutive sixes by Shahrukh Khan against Mohammad Shami.

Rashid Khan dismissed both Livingstone and Shahrukh Khan in the 16th over.

PBKS lost their eighth wicket after Rabada was runout in the 17th over.

Shami cleaned up the stumps of Vaibhav Arora but Rahul Chahar added valuable runs by hitting two fours and a six as PBKS finished the first innings with a total of 189/ 9.Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 190-4 (Shubman Gill 96, Sai Sudharsan 35; Kagiso Rabada 2-35) beat Punjab Kings 189-9 (Liam Livingstone 64, Shikhar Dhawan 35; Rashid Khan 322) by 6 wickets.

JJ Construction backs WeCare softball competition JJ Construction has supported the WeCare Inter Region Softball Cricket competition which is set to conclude Sunday.

The entity recently presented a cheque to the organisers who expressed gratitude for the support.

Regions 6 Warner 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 at a venue to be announced shortly.

Director of JJ Construction Mr. Travis Ramdial (left) handing over sponsorship cheque to a representative of WeCare.

Young taking confidence from selection for Windies white-ball camp Former West Indies Under-19 representative Nyeem Young is taking a lot of confidence from his selection f o r t h e o n g o i n g We s t Indies white-ball skills camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Young was among two relative newcomers selected for the camp that began on March 3 1 a n d e n d s o n We d n e s d a y, April 13. Young, an allrounder and Kaecy Carty joined the more seasoned players like Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Darren Bravo and Nkrumah Bonner in the camp aimed at making the regional players more efficient at the shortest forms of the game. Young said what he has learned so far has made him a more confident player.

“It brings a lot of confidence in myself to be selected to come to a camp like this,” said the 21-yearold Barbadian all-rounder.

“I haven’t played any List-A cricket either, so for the selectors and coaches to have me in mind for a camp like this is very boosting for me.”

Young represented the West Indies at two Under-19 World Cups, 2018 in New Zealand and 2020 in South Africa.

Nyeem Young

He is well aware of the players who, in recent times, have made the transition from youth cricket to the senior ranks across the region.

“I know there are a few youngsters that have come through like Alzarri Joseph, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Jayden Seales, most recently.

They all came through at a young age and did pretty well at the international level so I’m just happy to be following in that suit and hopefully it continues,” said Young, who also spoke of his desire to get into the senior team for

global tournaments like the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia starting in October and the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. “ Ye s , definitely there’s some stuff coming up.

Some World Cups are coming up this year and n e x t y e a r. I ’ m m o s t l y working on my skills and letting the coaches figure me out as a player and look at my strengths and weaknesses and figuring out what I need to work on whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding and take that forward,” he said.

Saturday March, 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

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rts Spo

Arrowhead League: First Track & Field Grand Prix launched

From left: Proprietor of FK Sports Felix Walker, Athletics Guyana President Aubrey Hutson and Organiser Treiston Joseph and an associate of FK Sports take a photo op at the launch of the inaugural event.

Guyanese International Elliot Bonds

The Gujarat Titans celebrate following their final over victory against PBKS. (IPL)

Cheltenham midfielder back to best after long-term injury

IPL 2022: Titans remain unbeaten with triumph over PBKS

Davteerth Anandjit (R) of the ECCB accepts the cheque from Gary Jhagdat on behalf of the sponsors. Centered in background is Senior Superintendent Khali Pareshram

ECCB launches U-17 Commander’s Cup

Director of JJ Construction Mr. Travis Ramdial (left) handing over sponsorship cheque to a representative of WeCare.

JJ Construction backs WeCare softball competition

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