Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR

Fagundes execution… Saturday Edition

‘Killa’ released on $100,000 bail, accused of damaging police vehicle

NEWS

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

April 10, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 13

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Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday 86,861

Ghana has guidelines to prevent discrimination in bidding process for oil sector p.

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- Guyana left wide open for abuse in absence of similar protection La Soufriere volcano crisis…

15 months after original deadline...

PSC collaborates $1B Westminster with CDC to supply emergency needs Vincent and School finally completed fortheSt.Grenadines The newly constructed Westminster Secondary School

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Boy, 16, gets “thrashing” from villagers afterp. robbing teen 11 Govt. extends condolences to Queen Elizabeth II p. over Prince 2 Philip’s passing

Brazil finds new COVID-19 variant combining 18 mutations

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GCCI to beg int’l community to help small businesses prepare for oil and gas p.

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Harmon begging US to "ferry their message to Washington DC," while hiding from the local media. Guyana’s GDP growth means nothing for us. Listen to Kaieteur Radio at 11:00am.

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Govt. extends condolences Man placed on bail for wounding to Queen Elizabeth II over logger who approached him to fight Prince Philip's passing

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His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Photo: CNN)

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

H

is Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, extended his condolences to Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the United Kingdom yesterday on behalf of the Government of Guyana, following the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

In his letter to Her Majesty, The Queen, he said: “It is with deep sorrow that I extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government

and people of Guyana, and in my own name, to the Government and people of the United Kingdom on the passing of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

He stated that Prince Philip served with great honour as the patriarch of the Royal Family and was an extraordinary public servant as he provided loyal and reliable support through the decades of novel changes.

He highlighted Prince

Philip's military service, particularly in the Second World War, which earned him great respect, and his early outspoken advocacy for the conservation and protection of the environment, that inspired many.

Ali said that the absence of his voice on these critical issues would be deeply felt, while adding that the imprint he has made on the 20th century cannot be erased or forgotten.

fter making an appearance in court yesterday, a 36-year-old man was placed on bail for allegedly wounding a logger who approached him to fight.

The defendant, Humphrey Hope of Upper Berbice River, appeared in the Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune when the wounding charge was read to him.

Hope was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on April 5, 2021, at Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River, Region Ten, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Adolph Allicock, better known as “Dog Man”.

According to a police report, Allicock is of the belief that Hope is having an affair with his wife and has been upset with him for some time now.

On the day in question, around 22:35hrs, Allicock reportedly saw Hope walking in the company of friends and decided to approach him with a rum bottle in his right hand.

Kaieteur N ews had

Injured: Adolph Allicock

reported that Allicock started an argument with Hope and allegedly hit him with the rum bottle. The bottle struck Hope to his face.

In retaliation, Hope picked up a piece of wood and allegedly lashed Allicock several times.

Allicock was hit to the left side of his face, forehead, shoulder and lower left leg.

He was later taken to the

Kwakwani Hospital Complex, where he was treated and admitted. His condition was deemed serious.

After the matter was reported, Hope was arrested and subsequently charged for wounding Allicock.

Magistrate Fortune placed Hope on $75,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to May 21, 2021.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

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Ghana has guidelines to prevent discrimination - Guyana left wide open for abuse in bidding process for oil sector in absence of similar protection

By Kiana Wilburg

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hen it comes t o t h e evaluation of bids submitted for the oil sector, Ghana has arguably gone above and beyond to ensure its local businesses are not treated unfairly or discriminated against. In this regard, Ghana has a set of guidelines in place for oil companies to use when evaluating bids received for the supply of goods and services.

These guidelines ensure that local businesses are given first preference and are not shut out because they lack experience.

Following a perusal of that African country's legislative and regulatory framework for the oil sector, this newspaper found that Ghana's Petroleum Commission is the body that is charged with establishing the bid evaluation guidelines

in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for ensuring that the year on year progression of local content are met.

Further to its powers to determine the said guidelines, Ghana has made it clear that oil companies are not allowed to disqualify any local business on the basis that they are not the lowest bidder. Its regulations state “where the total value of the bid of a qualified indigenous Ghanaian company does not exceed the lowest bid by more than 10 percent, the contract shall be awarded to that indigenous Ghanaian company.”

Additionally, Ghana has made it clear that during an evaluation of bids, the bid containing the highest level of local content shall be selected. Furthermore, where a non-indigenous Ghanaian company is interested in providing goods and services to a

contractor, subcontractor, licencee, or other allied entity in the oil sector that foreign company must “provide the goods and services in association with an indigenous Ghanaian company, where practicable.”

The foregoing protective measures are also strongly supported in Ghana's Local Content Policy too.

It should be noted, that the extent to which Ghana goes out of its way to ensure local businesses are not treated unfairly or placed at a disadvantage by oil companies and their often times skewed procurement rules is in stark contrast to what obtains in Guyana.

Here, oil companies get to determine the procurement rules local suppliers must play by. In fact, local companies can be rejected for any number of reasons they deem appropriate.

Fagundes execution…

'Killa' released on $100,000 bail, accused of damaging police vehicle

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hree days after Rondell Bacchus called “Killa,” was arrested in relation to the execution of Ricardo Fagundes on Main Street, the suspect was yesterday released on $100,000 station bail.

According to the police, Bacchus' lawyer, Damien Da Silva, yesterday served a Habeas Corpus writ on the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as such Bacchus was released on bail with a condition attached that he report to the police on identified days.

The police also stated yesterday that while Bacchus was being transported from the lockups, he maliciously damaged the police vehicle.

He was subsequently charged, and is expected to appear in court on April 12, 2021, regarding the offence.

Kaieteur News had reported that on Tuesday at noon, the GPF issued a wanted bulletin for Bacchus,

Executed: Ricardo Fagundes.

40, of 'C' Field, Sophia, Georgetown. About an hour later, Bacchus surrendered at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, in the company of his lawyer.

Bacchus was wanted for questioning in relation to the killing of Ricardo Fagundes known as “Paper Shorts,” a biker and a popular gold dealer, who was killed on

Rondell Bacchus called “Killa.”

March 21, 2021, on Main Street, Georgetown.

According to reports, Fagundes was riddled with more than 20 bullets as he exited a popular Main Street nightclub. The act was carried out by two men who had emerged from a heavily tinted, new model, white Toyota Fielder wagon.

Bacchus, who was subsequently arrested, has (continued on page 11)

Just last weekend for example, Kaieteur News reported on how a local manufacturing company was snubbed by an ExxonMobil contractor after it submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as vests, hats, and gloves.

Despite joining forces with W.W Grainger, an internationally recognized supplier of PPE, the local company was still told that it was not eligible to submit a bid. The Guyanese company, which was hopeful of getting a foot into the oil industry, was rejected on the basis of having zero experience in supplying the industry with PPE. In an email seen by

Kaieteur News, SBM Offshore said, “Dear (withheld on request for anonymity) Thank you for your email.

We had to run our technical pre-selection amongst a significant number of suppliers and based on the feedback that your company provided, your company has not been approved for applying to this tender.

Immediate justification that I received from the team was the lack of previous experience(s) in supplying PPE within the Oil and Gas industry and in Guyana.”

Speaking with Kaieteur News, the medium sized manufacturer said it is quite astonishing that after partnering with W. W. Grainger, Inc, an American

Fortune 500 industrial supplier founded in 1927, it had thought that it would have been able to prequalify.

The local firm said it was flabbergasted to learn that it could not tender for the contract because it had no experience.

“How do you expect the small man to benefit from the sector when he can be shut out for not having experience in a sector that is new to the country? How do you expect the small man to have experience in the first place? We are being told to ready ourselves and form partnerships and invest our money but when we do, we are shut out because of lack of experience.

This needs to be addressed,” the local company had expressed.

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Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Two captions that tell where we are Two of our top captions in last Sunday’s edition of this paper tell us where we truly are and what is ahead of us. The oil is there in the most attractive commercial quantities, but here we are shut out by some foreigners who come to exploit the rich business prospects available here. And as they shut us out, our leaders are content to shut up and say nothing, while we are in a fight for a piece of the oil action. Any piece will do, but even the scraps appear to be outside of the grasp of Guyanese.

The first story was titled, “Exxon contractor snubs local firm; cites lack of experience in supplying safety hats, gloves and vests.” And the second also from the April 4th edition was, “Guyanese deserve a fighting chance for oil contracts - GCCI Official.” We will tell our fellow Guyanese what we think of those two stories specifically, and where we stand on this oil in broader terms. We focus first on the second story.

Guyanese deserve more than a fighting chance, for this oil is theirs. Guyanese deserve the first chance, the best chance, the highest priority chance, and not the chance that comes from pitiful charity or foreign paternal condescension.

A fighting chance infers that we compete with others, that we are stretching our hands for a handout. We are not, and if we are, then that should not be. This is our oil, and we Guyanese deserve and are due the foremost consideration for oil contracts.

This is not the throwaway of some cheap, ragged bone of business to keep us distracted from those who take advantage of us, while they reduce us to growling and fighting among each other, like mangy dogs left to fend for themselves in the naked street. But this is the reality of the circumstances delivered to us by one government after another, and which the current one is taking to new depths on an almost daily basis.

Using the GCCI official’s statement and position as backdrop, we now take aim at that disturbing first story, which we repeat here so that the full import of what is happening can strike us in the face like the coldest rain, and bring us to our senses in the most jarring way possible. The headline is: “Exxon contractor snubs local firm; cites lack of experience supplying safety hats, gloves, and vests.” We are shocked at what we can only describe as insulting and humiliating to us.

But there is more than that, we are mad as hell. But even as that anger boils, we calmly ask these few simple questions, which we sincerely hope would stir our countrymen and women to a similar state of acute agitations.

If we cannot instill confidence in our abilities and are not considered competent in supplying things as basic as hats, gloves, and vests, then what can we possibly supply? What are Guyanese firms and citizens trusted and allowed to supply? Can they, the locals, offer anything that is acceptable? If we believed to not be able to buy the bolts and nuts of the oil business (hats, gloves, and vests), then what in the world can be put in our hands for us to run with, and come back with in timely execution and consumption of contracts awarded? It just might be nothing.

From the perspective of that Exxon contractor, Guyanese are not fit and proper to be involved in things that call for responsibility, or flexibility, or creativity. By that same token, Guyanese can be cited for a failure at anything and everything.

By the standards of this Exxon contractor, we may only be trusted to wash the vehicles of the new foreign colonisers, shine the shoes of the oil enslavers, and be human beasts of burden to unload their big ships with their big loads, which they use to cart away big money from our oil. It is becoming more and more obvious that Guyanese will have more than a fighting chance to wash cars, shine shoes, take out garbage, and unload ships and trucks.

Though the GCCI official may not have meant that, in the thinking of that Exxon contractor, Guyanese would have the best chances at those, and for one simple reason. They would be the only ones scrapping for all of that, which are the only things left for them.

The Opposition’s appeal to the Ambassador DEAR EDITOR, Few developments catch me off guard in this country, but the coalition did so, when it made overtures to the U.S. Ambassador to get its messages across. I marvel that American Ambassador, Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, kept a straight face. It must have been trying, given that peculiar appeal from coalition leadership for ventilation of the group’s concerns, which gain scant reception in Guyana’s media.

In this, the coalition has gone from unbelievably bad to unimaginably worse.

I start with myself, a nobody, an outsider, and two independent and one religious paper media channels, are open to me, plus one online outlet, and a radio station. All are accessed frequently, a rank non-entity, to offer humble public service to fellow Guyanese. Some

likely think I shouldn’t be heard; others that I don’t belong. I persist, regardless; some voices cannot be stilled.

I use myself as a lone citizen, with no constituency, and this is the reality.

Therefore, it boggles the mind that the coalition is telling the American Ambassador - and by extension, all Guyana - that the likes of possibly SN, KN, and Demerara Waves have drawn an Iron Curtain down on its messages, apprehensions, visions. For any independent media presence (I believe that the three are) to be so exemplary in the foolhardy, dismissive of a good 40 percent of this country’s population bewilders. The media may be biased (somewhat), but it cannot be this backward, or contributory to the prejudices that rent this land to shreds.

If the coalition leadership is

serious, then I urge the following steps.

First, tell its people, like the PPP practices, to not buy the papers that block their party’s messages. Second, tell their business supporters to stop advertising in those spaces.

Third, take things a step higher, manifest public disagreement with such behaviours by picketing their premises. Fourth, call them out at every opportunity, call for a meeting with the editors and frankly air grievances. At least, there should be some give, some movement, at SN and KN and DW that favours coalition’s positions.

Regarding broadcasting the coalition’s message in those places in America that count (Congress, media, think tanks, and such), Her Excellency may be a conduit, but no more.

But the coalition’s own sizable mass of supporters in

the American diaspora has to do tireless work over there.

These are the things that I quietly recommend that the coalition start doing. Not roll over in frustration and impatience after eight months, and lay down and die.

It must be about hard, sweaty, and dirty work, which I gather that the coalition recoils from doing. When it was in power, it had little time even for its own people to say: thanks.

Or what are concerns? Or how can we help? Now it escalates to the American plenipotentiary. We have to solve our own problems, and stop grovelling before outsiders and those who use us for their own benefit. To the coalition leadership, I say this: do some work. Get moving.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

A good gesture offered to St. Vincent by President Ali DEAR EDITOR, It was Black Friday in St. Vincent when the volcano erupted less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves ordered an evacuation by residents. This prompted Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, to call Gonsalves and offer assistance by way of supplies and accommodation. It was a good gesture by President Ali not only on humanitarian grounds, but SVG is a Caricom State and PM Gonsalves played an important role when in his capacity as Chairman of CARICOM. Up to the time of writing, the total effect is not yet known, but what is certain flights will be disrupted because of the ash. There is a close affinity between Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Scores of Guyanese have been living there for decades including a few well known including Barbara Bollers, daughter of

Guyana’s first Chancellor of the Judiciary, Sir Kenneth Stoby, Dr. Francesa Burnham — Onu, daughter of late President Forbes Burnham.

Forbes first wife, Sheila, lived many years in St. Vincent with her daughter and died in that island. Former attorney general, Emerson Robertson, was married to a Guyanese Shirey Marshak Robertson, a medical doctor, and they have two daughters who are lawyers.

I worked in the multi island state for five years as Solicitor General and acting DPP and played a very important role in their community. My work while I served as PRO to the Rotary Club where large sums of moneys were realised for the construction of the School for Special needs. I have several friends there including Prime Minister Gonsalves; architect Moulton Mayers and Douglas Williams, attorney at law and former Speaker of the

House. His first wife was also a Guyanese who died at a relatively young age.

Friday’s eruption was the second in 42 years.

Incidentally before moving to SVG I worked in Montserrat and that tiny island suffered an eruption in 1997 where 19 persons were killed and 65 percent of the island was totally damaged including the capital Plymouth. Six thousand residents fled seeking refuge in the UK, Antigua, and other Caribbean islands. Some took up residence in rural Guyana.

A CNN report on Friday stated that evacuation orders were put into place in about a dozen districts , affected and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said on Friday that 20,000 people live in the red zone and up to Friday midday 4,500 have been evacuated — most seeking shelters in make shift accommodation. The governments of Dominica, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia,

Antigua and Barbuda have agreed to accommodate some of the evacuees. Also offering assistance in other areas like transportation and logistics are the United States Southern Command, Venezuela, Cuba and the Regional Security System.

Three Cruise Ships will assist in ferrying the evacuees.

Guyana Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, issued a statement that the opposition supports the move by President Ali to assist the Vincentians. Meanwhile PM Gonsalves has appealed to mini bus operators to continue assisting with the movement of persons from the red zone to more c o m f o r t a b l e accommodations.

“Based on initial scientific assessments, at a minimum the recovery could take four months depending on the duration of the eruption,” the Prime Minister said.

Oscar Ramjeet

Government needs to stop playing politics with our lives DEAR EDITOR, I do not understand why the Guyanese Government brags about vaccinating only 100,000 people by June.

Government needs to stop playing politics with our lives.

Such a slow vaccination process will only allow the COVID-19 disease to penetrate the population and cut down lives unnecessarily.

Government must take immediate action to save lives. Government can easily access one million COVID-19 vaccines to cover the entire Guyanese population in a

short space of time. Around the middle of May, the US will see a surplus in its vaccine supply. This means that government should be able to at least purchase vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson. These companies have produced COVID-19 vaccines with high efficiencies and they are in circulation throughout the world. These vaccines are also endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Further, I will say it again, the PPP/C government needs to stop playing politics with our

lives, especially in a pandemic.

To this end, the $25,000 COVID19 cash grant is a political act and a total disrespect for the poor people of Guyana.

What can you get with this money? I bet only tamarind balls and sugar cakes. Government needs to treat its people right. Our fellow Guyanese are dying unnecessarily in a pandemic because the pandemic is largely mishandled by our government. Government must increase the cash grant substantially. It must also secure the best vaccines, face

masks and hand sanitizers for its people. Government has our oil money - please spend it on us. We are hurting and dying unnecessarily. Mr. Jagdeo should not be the only one who decides when and how to spend the oil money. Government also needs to conduct a survey and listen to the man in the streets.

Guyanese are hurting. And even with a change of government, things have not improved for the majority of Guyanese. The only people living the good life are those from the PPP/C. Yours truly, Annie Baliram

Saturday April 10, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Gladys was like a typical indentured woman DEAR EDITOR, It is an extremely difficult situation one has to face when one loses a parent or any sibling. Grief for the loss of a mother is one of the hardest things we face in life.

Moms’ thoughts and actions are in, for, and about their children. Few children return the favour. Some children don’t have much time with their mom. I have attended to the needs of not only my mother but I try to do for all elderly people in my encounters. A tribute to my mother, Gladys, is a tribute to all mothers of pre independence period because they all experienced a similar life and they did their best to fight against adversities to provide a better life for their descendants. I salute all of the women pioneers of our nation who did so much to make a better country and who received so little credit.

I lost my mother less than a week ago. Anytime someone mentions or expresses condolences, I choke with tears. The pain of grief is overwhelming that anytime someone says something about my mother heightens my emotion. But at some point, she has to go. All of us have to go.

She was a heroine perhaps typical of almost every mother of her generation — very hard working to eke out a living under difficult challenges for their children which few children reciprocate. Women of that era did multiple jobs — at home, on the farm, and even professional career like mine who was a seamstress.

My mother and other women of the indentureship period and thru the 1960s continued a tradition that was brought from India by the Coolie Woman who had an indomitable spirit about them

Is it fair to reduce people to one descriptor?

DEAR EDITOR, A few weeks ago, the name Mahadai Das was mentioned locally and there might be the dullest flicker of recognition, if that. Suddenly, Mahadai’s name is everywhere. Those of us who have lamented her apparent erasure from our poetic canon might be tempted to celebrate. Except that it’s not her poetry in the limelight. It’s her life. I cannot presume to speak for Mahadai Das. Noone can. But, when we engage in public discourse, is it fair to reduce people (usually women) to one descriptor?

When we label someone as mentally unstable, alcoholic or even as a rape victim, are

we not in danger of diminishing all of the other aspects of their lives, all of their achievements? To quote the recently bereaved spouse of someone who died of alcoholism: ‘I do not want him to be reduced to a word too narrow to tell you what you need to know about him.’

After years of studied neglect of her poetry, we are in danger of diminishing Das. Into the void of her absence, and in an attempt to restore her agency, let us listen to the words she left: ‘Whilst the hammering arm in rhythmic falter flags, My finer steel will grow.’

Yours faithfully, Isabelle de Caires

that is to be emulated and that is scarce today. There is so much to celebrate about them.

My mother like the typical coolie woman prior to WWII represented strength, courage, and a determination to succeed against all odds and adversities. And she was a success story. Her 75 years of experience as a mother shaped generations.

No amount of words can describe my mother, in fact most mothers. My mother had outstanding, rare qualities as an income earner.

She was the sweetest mother to all as every mother is or ought to be. She had the nicest smile and was very generous sharing whatever little she had. She offered great advice to her children and others even when we defied her and refused to follow her words. My mother, our Mai, was very special to us all and she never kept us out of her memory. My siblings are fortunate or blessed for spending invaluable time with our mother.

Ninety three years is a long life. We can’t keep her forever. But no amount of time is enough to spend with mother.

My mother, Gladys, like the coolie women labourers and their first and second generation born in British Guiana, was very strong,

industrious, hard-working, creative, productive, caring, loving, kind, generous and compassionate. They were abused by their bosses in the fields and in the homes but they persevered against all odds, and they left a lasting legacy for their children.

Gladys, like her mother and her nanni and Aji who came from India, lived a dynamic and meaningful life.

She was a guardian angel, teacher, best friend, guru, chef, chief, boss, business woman, seamstress, creator and innovator of clothing design. She did not depend on handouts. She was an income earner for the home when women hardly got a salary. She lost her father very early. He died in an accident at the estate and was never compensated except for a job for his wife, my nanni as a weeder; that was the extent of the cruelty of indentureship and its immediate aftermath.

So my mother had to earn an income to help her siblings who were fatherless as well as provided for her own new home with her in laws.

Women worked without pay in that period and they even did more than the men in the fields and in the rice mills although not as equals in hard physical labour.

Gladys, like women of the era, were also budget directors of the home

managing the finance for the week, month, year and beyond. She was independent minded for the longest while; only in the last few years when she became frail, she needed assistance.

She did not depend on handouts not even in death.

She made preparations for her funeral and the rites. She purchased all the items for the rituals and she gave instructions on what must be done and how the prayers should be carried out.

G l a d y s ’ b e s t accomplishments are her products – her children and descendants. She gave birth to 12 and raised 11 (one died in infancy). She cradled and nursed them, first to wake up in the morning and last to go to bed in the night. She never begged no matter how difficult the circumstances or tight the budget. She ran into deficits but quickly balanced the books running surplus to share. She worked very hard to see her children succeed in life, sending all but one to secondary school. (But the one who didn’t go to secondary school became a success story in her own right in America that gave her an

opportunity). Gladys was a blessing not only to the 11 children she raised. She was also a heroine to the people she came into contact with over the years, training them in sewing and in helping to find spouses for so many.

Sewing skills was a prerequisite for marriage and it helped females to boost family income.

I like to think of myself and my siblings as proof of our mother’s achievements as well as her outstanding character. My mother built and left behind a very strong legacy in her children and in her achievements. Our mother and our father who died in 1994 had been such a blessing in our lives. And their parents and grandparents and indeed all the indentured who came from India and the slaves from Africa also left a long lasting legacy. I am so grateful for the time I had with Gladys. I can never forget her. Others too have not forgotten her. So many outside of the family reflected on what my mother did for them to become better persons. She had a rare heart willing to share with others.

(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

The Guyana Police Force needs to be more proactive DEAR EDITOR, One important feature of our daily life in a place called Guyana is the understanding that we have to be on the lookout for thieves and bandits. They are all around us, as it were, our country is overrun by them. Our country is infested with them, one particular region being singled out as their headquarters. Region Four and its environs is a regular stomping ground for such persons, who ply their trade with great impunity and I am saying if something definitive is not done about them, then Guyana will become a wasteland where no one especially the investor - would want to do business here.

Thieves and bandits impede progress because at regular intervals, we hear of the armed holdup and robbery of someone or someone’s business place by armed thugs. The very fabric of our existence crumbles because you are at pains to know who would be the next victim. Very often too, we hear of the shooting death of

persons going about their normal daily pursuit only to be gunned down and robbed. It is unnerving to say the least that you cannot conduct your affairs in peace and quiet without being held up by some thief who actually believes it is his right to forcefully take what you have and convert it to his own use.

This is lawlessness at its height. We therefore have to put forward a harmonious operational plan to stem this scourge in our society.

Now one of the most important strategies in crime fighting is to try to get into the mind of the perpetrator, to try to know what makes him successful at his trade. We have to get into his thinking mode and come up with strategies that can preempt his actions. One such action is the element of surprise.

Thieves strike where and when you least expect and this factor has enabled them to be successful in their nefarious practice. In this regard, we have to counteract that illegal and deadly act with crime fighting skills of

our own that would make theirs ineffective. Our police have to step up their game; they have to be more proactive. The Force has to step up its patrol and do not wait for things to happen.

They have to go after the criminals and get them and their weapons, before they get some other unsuspecting civilian. There must be random stop and search exercises; you see a carload of men, stop them and search them, the message must be nowhere is a safe haven for criminals. I am advocating the setup of temporary roadblocks at varying points and at varying hours; in this way, it will upset the plans of the criminal.

Another is the making of surprise raids at known criminal haunts, the more criminals and their weapons are netted, the more it reduces their capacity to make trouble.

Criminals must be made to become nervous wherever they are while restoring peace and stability to our citizens.

Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

...Gladys was like a typical indentured From page 5 Those who had the privilege to know her expressed their admiration for my mother for helping them, for her generosity.

She wanted to trace the relatives of her nanna and nanni, and aja and aji in India.

She spoke fondly of her grandparents. I took my mother to India and as we

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

travelled in the villages, she said they reflect the descriptions given to her by her grandparents. I had some success in tracing some of them in countless trips to India and will attempt to complete the mission in coming trips. I will continue to carry the experiences I had with mother and her memories of her grandparents from India

in my heart.

May the lord grant her soul eternal peace as the Lord did for her ancestors and all the indentureds. I pray for her and the foreparents as I perform final rites over the next 12 days as is the ancestral tradition and as she requested.

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

Let the dogs bark Sancho…

DEAR EDITOR, ‘Let the dogs bark Sancho, it’s a sign that we are on track,’ he said, as he lifted his head high, matching his rusted lance, riding on the sore back of brave Rocinante, peering through his heavy iron visor in search of his nemesis, the giants.

Not once did Sancho Panza, his faithful squire, disagreed with his mentally sick master who continued to cause problems and see problems where these do not exist and seeing enemies who did not exist but in his mind. Even when he attacked the windmills believing them to be giants did Sancho disagreed with Don Quixote.

‘Don Quixote’ was written

by Miguel de Cervantes more than four hundred years ago but this fictional character was given breath on numerous occasions by men

who felt that they can change the world with their insanely lofty ideals and in the end achieved only destruction and mayhem.

In his book, Cervantes not only implies that lofty idealism has the ability to make one look foolish but can result in personal injuries and destruction.

Many misadventures and grievances could have been avoided if only Don Quixote had listened to his faithful squire’s advice.

In Guyana, we have a present day Don Quixote who is hell bent on attacking professionals whom he felt are attacking the sugar mills.

He now feels that he is the Protector of the mills and must save them at all cost.

Riding in his Rocinante (Volvo), he moved from sugar mill to sugar mill accompanied by his band of loyal squires led by his Chief of Staff,

getting rid of his perceived adversaries. No one can object to his quixotic ideals and he spared no one who dared to differ, as he irrationally replaced accomplished and competent management staff and at the same time surrounding himself with his band of opportunistic ‘yes men.’

Business Plans painstakingly formulated by Estates’ management are thrown into the bins as he rewrote and modified them to his liking.

At the end of each day’s work, having succeeded in getting everyone to agree with him, he wended his way back to his magnificent mansion mission accomplished. Oblivious the sugar mills are slowly going under, he could be heard saying ‘Let the dogs bark Sancho…’

Yours sincerely, Abdool Majeed

Passengers endure disrespect on minibus DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me to share my observation of the gross disrespect meted out to passengers by a minibus driver (whose bus number has been provided). On April 5, 2021, around 20:00 hrs., I was heading home in a public transportation (minibus) as per norm from the East Coast bus park.

The bus was filled and left the park, but on its way, by the round-about, the driver started to stop for more passengers, although the bus was already filled to capacity.

People in the bus started to argue, but to no avail. One lady was sitting on another’s lap in the bus.

I am inclined to believe that they had just come from a party because of the way they were behaving. They wore no mask. The bus was blasting loud music, which has become a norm nowadays

since apparently the law regarding loud music in public transportation is no longer in effect.

Anyhow, here comes even more and real disrespect.

The driver decided to undertake the line at Sparendaam that was caused because of a police roadblock, but the police did nothing.

The police just looked at the driver and showed him the sign to proceed. Mind you, this was at a police roadblock and the bus still had loud music, was overloaded with passengers, one on another, and even the driver and some passengers wore no mask.

The police just looked at the driver, and everybody in the bus, and told him to proceed.

I was unable to see the officer’s badge number or name due to the reflector vest he wore over it.

This has become a norm with these long distance

buses and the police. Since most of the time, it would appear, the driver knows the police. From my observation, the only reason the police are there, most of the time, is to cause congestion. No other reason.

Covid-19 doesn’t matter because the traffic police are doing nothing to the minibuses. I am calling on the relevant authorities to look into this matter. It’s not the first time it is happening and I am 100 percent certain it won’t be the last.

One suggestion I have, is for a law to be put in place to mandate drivers to display their driver’s licence in public transportation, so persons can point out or reference the driver rather than the bus, since most drivers are driving buses they do not own and change them often.

Regards, Tom H. Jones.

National Service was voluntary, except for UG students DEAR EDITOR, I am lost for words to describe Freddie Kissoon’s continued attempt to fumigate the truth about National Service. In his recent column: “Mahadai Das: Ian McDonald`s missing biographical notes,” he sought once again to poison the minds of the readers about National Service by stating that “Das thus voluntarily joined GNS at a time when it was c o m p u l s o r y. ” ( A u t h o r ’s emphasis). This is his

umpteenth dose of this pill.

While I do not consider his column worthy of my attention, I will resist his attempt to poison the minds of the readers, particularly the youth, with his malicious falsity (lie).

National Service was voluntary, except for University of Guyana Students, who were a minority of those enrolled in National Service. The pioneers constituted the core and bulk of National Service along with the Young Brigade,

both of which were voluntary.

That is an irrefutable fact, ask Jerry and Peter.

Freddie Kissoon’s refusal to acknowledge the truth, and more so his continued propagation of a lie, makes him a very incredible source of information; an abuser of the fourth estate; and his malicious falsity even worse that the acts of Peter, Judas and Thomas. Even the Christ arisen seems incapable of redeeming him.

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

Show the people that this will not be another white elephant like the US$200M Skeldon factory.

Stop treating Guyanese like fools and earn their trust for their megaproject.

PAGE 07

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Agri. Minister warns rice farmers to be cautious during harvesting W

i t h t h e Hydromet Department predicting instances of highintensity rainfall over the next three to four days, A g r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, Zulfikar Mustapha, yesterday conducted a site visit to two of the recently acquired drainage pumps in Georgetown. One of the pumps is located at Sussex Street, while the other is at Ruimveldt.

Following his visit, the Minister said it was important for him to assess the city's drainage structures ahead of the gloomy weather forecast, since many areas in Georgetown are prone to flooding.

The Minister was keen to remind that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) was able

- as high-intensity rainfall is expected over the weekend Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, and other officials at one of the pumps visited yesterday to boost its drainage capacity with three additional pumps

through an Indian Line of Credit. Because of this, he

said, “We were able to purchase 12 additional pumps at a cost of US $3.5 million. One of these hydroflow pumps costs US $500,000 and we have three of those in Georgetown to boost the city's drainage capacity. One of these pumps is capable of draining 35,520 gallons of water per minute.”

The Minister added, “With such a high drainage capacity, I'm hoping we can avoid the kind of flooding that we have experienced over the last few months.

The City Engineer has also assured me that he has enough human resources to manage these structures to not only ensure they remain operable, but operate on a timely basis because we do not want to have a repeat of what took place two weeks ago.”

Further to this, Mustapha said rice farmers should take every precaution during this time when traversing the dams to transport their paddy from the fields. In this regard, the Minister said, “We are currently in the harvesting season with about 50% of the rice fields completed. Ahead of the harvesting period, the

Ministry would have expended millions of dollars to rehabilitate a number of dams, so that farmers could transport their paddy out of the fields. Due to the inclement weather, many of those dams are once again becoming impassable. I want to assure our farmers that we will continue to do maintenance of these dams but at the same time, I want to appeal to the farmers to use the dams in a responsible manner, so that everyone would have a chance to bring out their produce.”

He added, “With the figures I'm receiving from the GRDB, I'm anticipating a bumper crop this season. We have seen an increase in our quota to Brazil from 10,000 tonnes to 34,000 tonnes of

rice. We also have new markets in Hungary and Latvia so, generally, our overall export quota will be increasing and at the same time, we will see an increase in production this crop. This is why we are working to put things in place so that we can avoid or, at least, minimise farmers' losses and also avoid flooding in residential areas," Minister Mustapha said.

The subject Minister also said that he would be conducting further visits to pumps around the Coast over the next few days.

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by NDIA's Chief Executive Officer, Fredrick Flatts, NDIA's Board Chairman, Lionel Wordsworth, and other officials from the NDIA.

GDF rank arrested for noise nuisance

A

member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Thursday arrested for noise nuisance, following a report from an unknown caller to the police. Kaieteur News understands that the noise nuisance report was made around 17:50 hrs. on Thursday.

After receiving same, several ranks went to a wash bay located in Bagotville, West Bank Demerara and arrested the GDF rank. The police also seized the music system that was disturbing the neighbours.

Health Ministry reports 105 new COVID-19 infections, no new deaths

T

he Ministry of Health yesterday reported 105 new COVID-19 infections via its daily dashboard update yesterday, increasing the case toll to 10,958. With the new case toll, Guyana is just

a few numbers away from the 11,000 benchmark.

Its daily dashboard shows that 13 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another nine in institutional quarantine, 71 in institutional isolation and

1,059 in home isolation.

Additionally, 9,576 persons have recovered to date.

No new deaths were reported yesterday.

This means that the country's death toll remains at 252.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

PAGE 09

A simple lesson for Minister Ashni Singh and President Irfaan Ali

Y

ou are driving down the road in your car, exercising as much care and caution as you can. Then s u d d e n l y, a n o t h e r c a r recklessly jumps the junction and slams into your vehicle, causing extensive damage.

You call the police and measurements and statements are taken. At the station, you request details of the offender's insurance so that you can file a claim because your vehicle is damaged.

When you turn up to the other party's insurance company, you are told that the person only has basic insurance coverage. It is then you realise that the amount that you will be compensated cannot even replace one of the rear lights on your vehicle. You are advised that you should file civil proceedings for compensation.

The last person you knew who did so, ended up spending years in the courts.

And by the time the judgment was ready he passed away. If the person who was wrong had adequate insurance, there would have been no need for him to spend so long seeking compensation.

A lot of accident victims have lost limbs and were incapacitated and had to live out the rest of their lives without any proper

Dem

boys seh...

Y

uh want know why money circulating, yet people nah gat none fuh spend in dem house. Is because of de amount of gambling wah tekking place in de country.

Guyana is now de Wild West of gambling. Is every two corner in de city some gambling place deh. If is nuh lotto, is some other game playing. People gambling now pun sports. Dem bookie shop always pack with people. And dem gat mo casino now. And nuff people inside gambling.

De law seh how is only hotel guests wah allowed to

compensation because of inadequate insurance coverage.

But that is how the system works. There are tens of thousands of vehicles that are being driven around our country. And you can bet that the majority of these vehicles have only the basic insurance which is mandated by the law. If these vehicles are in the wrong in an accident, the innocent party will find problems recouping his/her losses from the insurance companies.

Every now and then you read also about the tragedy of persons losing their homes to fire. And when the owners are asked if they had insurance, the majority of them would say no. So they have to start back life from scratch. This too is the tragedy of life in Guyana.

Recently, the Senior Minister within the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, turned the sod for the headquarters of an insurance company. In his remarks, Dr. Singh gave some sound advice.

The Minister made an impassioned appeal for citizens to consider taking out insurance since he said it is a vital part of managing business and household risks. He correctly noted that many Guyanese fail to recognise the importance of insurance and believe they can do without it. But he said that it was necessary in

the event of a calamity occurring. Dr. Singh called on the insurance companies to educate the public about the benefits of insurance.

Dr. Singh however should not leave this matter solely to the discretion of citizens. The law makes it mandatory for motor vehicle drivers to have, in force, a policy of insurance which covers third parties. The law demands compulsory third party insurance because it recognises that when it comes to protecting others on our roads, this cannot be left to the discretion of drivers. It has to be backed by law.

The problem is that insurance laws are dated and the minimum coverage which they are required to take out cannot compensate for the injuries, property loss and property damage which is occasioned during accidents. There is need for the limited coverage under these mandatory policies to be increased so as to ensure adequate protection for third parties. It is not simply about trying to educate people about the benefits of insurance; if people are to be protected then adequate insurance coverage has to become mandatory.

The same thing applies with COVID. It is not enough for the President to continue to impress upon citizens the need for them to wear masks in public and to practice social distancing.

Guyana is de Wild West of gambling! gamble. But dem boys know dat nuff local people does get in dem casino fuh play pun dem slot machines. Don't ask me how and don't ask me who turning a blind eye to it.

But it happening.

Nuff people spending dem money in de betting shop and in de casino. And dem short-changing dem family at home. Dat is why nuff ah dem supermarket complaining how sales dropping. Is nat just mo sellers. Is less money deh in some people pocket because of de gambling.

Dem boys hear two men arguing outside a gaming shop. One man accuse de

second one of having a gambling addiction. De second one turn to he and seh, “How much yuh willing to bet pun dat?”

De police stop a man de other night during de curfew.

Dem ask he weh he going and he tell dem that he going to a lecture on de evils of drinking, gambling and womanising.

De police wah stop de man ask he, “And just who is giving this lecture at this hour of the night?” De man turn to dem and seh, “That would be my wife!”

Talk half and only gamble wah yuh could afford!

As we have seen, such appeals are not having the desired effect. They need to be backed by legal measures which in turn are backed by the law and rigorously enforced.

A recent report pointed to the fact that the countries which have done well in combating the virus were those which were more disciplined. The report referred to those countries which have stronger institutions, exercised cultural restraints and had strong institutions to enforce the social restrictions necessary.

Guyana's health system is ill-suited for preventative care. Guyana should have

long moved towards a more community-minded model of health care. But that is not going to happen because the political elite is tied to interested parties in the private health care system for which the present system is suited.

Asking people to only go out if it is necessary, to wear masks and to practice social distancing has generally not had the desired results. And the reason for this is that it has been backed by poor enforcement.

The COVID-19 Task Force last week began raids on entertainment places which are violating the curfew. A number of persons were arrested. Unless,

however, enforcement is devolved to the Regions and communities; unless the people of the communities are mobilised and organised to enforce the regulations; and unless these regulations are backed by the stronger institutions and laws, then nothing much will come of it.

Asking people to take action is not enough. This appeal has to be backed by the law and the law must not aim at the lowest common denominator, as is presently the case with vehicular insurance.

(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 10, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Kwayana at 96: The runner stumbles T

here is a huge goldmine of revisionist history of Guyana waiting to be explored. When it will be done depends on the Guyanese diaspora scholars.

Certainly not in the distant future will we see UG academics doing it.

Research in contemporary political society in Guyana will not be touched by UG for a generation to come.

The areas are fascinating. First, the anticolonial fighters 50 years later did not sustain their earlier obsession with liberation. Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase, Rory Westmaas, Eusi Kwayana, Martin Carter, Jainarine

Singh and others 50 years later were not the same embodiment of justice and freedom as they were seen by the masses in the forties and fifties.

Secondly, the postcolonial bulwark against Burnhamite dictatorship, outside of the PPP, were essentially middle-class agencies that had no sustained connections with the masses and thus the panegyrics we read about them need to be revisited.

The Guyana AntiDiscrimination Association, the Movement Against Oppression, the Liberator P a r t y, the Miles Fitzpatrick/David DeCaires outfit contributed no doubt to the broad spectrum of

anti-dictatorship politics but they did so from a position of the enjoyment of extensive privilege and class snobbery.

Thirdly, the impetus the WPA created in the decade of the seventies until Walter Rodney's death cries out for revisionist treatment.

There has been absolutely no iconoclastic assessment of the WPA even though little bits and pieces that have emerged over the past 40 years are exciting for the researcher.

Three factors need to be r e s e a r c h e d . 1 - W PA leadership had eerie and uncanny relationships with high ranking leaders in the Burnham government including Burnham himself.

2 -The Bohemian middle class abandonment that c h a r a c t e r i s e d W PA ' s leadership alienated the PPP which saw it as a show-off group. 3- Except for Rupert Roopnaraine in the book, “Walter Rodney: A Promise of Revolution,” no other W PA b i g - w i g h a s acknowledged the fact that t h e W PA s o u g h t t h e overthrow of Burnham.

Rodney's wife disputes that fact. But it is a fact.

The remaining paragraphs of this article is about a revisionist note on Eusi Kwayana in the light of his achieving his 96 years of birth last Sunday and a onesided eulogistic analysis of him on his birthday by David Hinds.

It is the indisputable view of this writer that after his attitude on the attempted rigged election of March 2 0 2 0 , M r. K w a y a n a ' s presentation of Guyana historiography is now suspect with strong doubts about his historiography.

This writer also believes that in 2020 he showed his instinctive racial bias that he hid brilliantly since the 1970s until March 2020.

Hinds wrote, “Today is the 96th birth anniversary of Brother Eusi Kwayana and at 96 he still comments on political and social

developments in his country.”

Hinds has tripped himself up because, his hero has admitted in his reaction to the March Frederick Kissoon 2020 election that because he is far away and after 70 years of running, f r o m G u y a n a ( u n l i k e Kwayana fell flat on his face Burnham and Jagan that in 2020.

Kwayana hates, they spent Two quick rebuttals. all their lives in their First his dishonesty. As the h o m e l a n d ) h e c a n n o t rigging unfolded he refused comment on things here. to acknowledge its existence H i n d s o b s e r v e d , saying he cannot comment “Kwayana's career has because he is far away and attracted its fair share of don't have the facts. controversy…. But when all Then not “knowing” the is said and done, he emerges facts, he quoted a PNC as an embodiment of what is c a n d i d a t e , G a n e s h virtuous, uplifting and Mahipaul, as saying that transformative in political w h y t h e f u s s o n t h e practice.” Really David! We spreadsheet used by Mingo will have to examine that for Region Four's tabulation against his dishonest and when a spreadsheet was used racially driven attitude on in Region Three. the March 2020 election Kwayana knew perfectly rigging. that the issue was not the use S p a c e w i l l n o t b e of spreadsheet itself but what available but just before we Mingo was putting on the provide evidence of that spreadsheet. dishonesty and racist In relation to his racism, mentality, here is another he chose not to criticise any questionable quote from i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y k n o w n Kwayana's protégé, “I can African in the world and say without hesitation that if f r o m C A R I C O M w h o there is a public person in condemned the rigging Guyana who comes closest except one - the Prime to the embodiment of Minister of St. Vincent who political morality, it is the is Portuguese. Kwayana was Sage of Buxton.” playing the race card as he All that David has did all his life. written on the seven decades (The views expressed in o f K w a y a n a ' s p r a x i s , this article are those of the Kwayana himself has a u t h o r a n d d o n o t damaged his legacy. The necessarily reflect the runner stumbles sometimes opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Education Minister commissions Smart Classrooms at New Amsterdam and Skeldon Line Path Secondary Schools R

egion Six students are poised to have their learning experience taken to new levels f o l l o w i n g t h e commissioning of smart classrooms at the New Amsterdam Secondary School and the Skeldon Line Path Secondary.

These classrooms are equipped with items such as interactive boards, televisions that will allow teachers and students to connect and interact remotely. Motion and voiceactivated cameras complete with a voice recognition feature are also installed to ensure effective communication between participants.

During the event yesterday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, expressed her excitement to be commissioning the smart

referencing the tremendous impact it has had on the education sector.

Expounding in this regard, Manickchand said that COVID-19 forced schools to be closed and showed how important technology is to education delivery.

Even though the Ministry of Education has a strategic focus on installing smart classrooms, Minister Manickchand said that there is an equal thrust to increase the number of trained teachers in the education system.

“Even as we do the smart classrooms across the country and improve facilities to access online teaching, we need to ensure that we pay attention to the training of teachers,” the Education Minister remarked.

She said that the two go hand in hand. Towards this

A view of the smart classroom at the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School

schools to teach lessons to students in any part of the country, including the hinterland. She said this would serve to reduce the disparity in education delivery between the hinterland and coastal schools.

“We are building a programme in the Ministry to ensure that the smart classrooms are not just in the schools, but are being used effectively for the benefit of the students, teachers and the wider community,” the Minister registered.

Minister Manickchand added that these activities to

Minister Manickchand cutting the ceremonial ribbon officially commissioning the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School smart classroom. classrooms in the region.

They are now the fifth and sixth smart classrooms being commissioned across Guyana.

Despite the joyous occasion, the Education Minister said one must be cognisant of the difficult experiences being faced by Guyana and the world at large, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic has been a sobering experience while

end, Minister Manickchand reported that from next Monday, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) would begin online training of teachers. She said this approach has allowed the college to increase its enrolment from approximately 500 students last year to over 2,000 new students this year.

Furthermore, the Minister was keen to note that the education sector

would have moved from having 32 percent trained teachers in the 90s to 70 percent over the last 15 years. Moving forward, Minister Manickchand said, “We commit to you that we will move to 100 percent trained teachers in the public education system during this term in office.”

Speaking to the benefits of the smart classrooms, Minister Manickchand said that it would allow the

commission smart classrooms are bigger than having headlines in the news and on social media platforms. She said that these programmes would be analysed and measured to ensure they are being used effectively to produce the desired outcome.

During his remarks at the commissioning yesterday, Regional Chairman, Permaul Armogan, said that the use of technology for learning is an extremely important advancement in the education process. He said that research has shown that technology-assisted

learning has become the better method of teaching.

Head teacher of the New Amsterdam Secondary School, Vanessa Jacobs, supported the Chairman's comments as she pointed out that even though her school does not have a Physics teacher, it will now be able to benefit from the assistance of educators in that department which are based in Georgetown.

The Head teacher said too that she is pleased with the layout of the classroom and assured that they would be properly managed and taken care of.

Brazil finds new COVID-19 variant combining 18 mutations www.aa.com: Scientists in Brazil have discovered a new variant of coronavirus that combines 18 mutations, rubbing salt in the wound of the South American epicenter.

The new strain from Belo Horizonte city "has characteristics in common with the variants that were already circulating in Brazil, but it also has new characteristics," Vi r o l o g i s t , R e n a t o Santana, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais,

told local daily G1 on Wednesday.

"It is as if these variants were evolving," Santana said, a d d i n g t h e n e w variant includes the same genes modified by Brazil's Manaus, known as P1, British and South African variant.

Noting that it is too early to assess whether the new s t r a i n i s m o r e transmissible or deadly, he said that it has mutations in common with variants that are already associated

with a higher risk of death.

The new super variant made headlines at a critical time, when Brazil registered record-high single-day COVID-19 deaths with more than 4,000.

The grim milestone points to an uncontrolled advance of the virus in Brazil, which accounts for one-quarter of the world's daily virus-related deaths, although it only accounts for 2.7% of the global population.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

PAGE 13

15 months after original deadline...

$1B West Minister School finally completed

The view of the dance studio

T

h e $ 1 B We s t M i n i s t e r Secondary School in La Parfaite Harmony, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is finally completed, though 15 months after the original deadline.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Education yesterday via a press release,

where it was stated that the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand conducted a visit to the “state-of-the-art facility” and declared it ready for the new school year which will begin in September.

The construction of the school fell under the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP) which was funded

by the World Bank. The project aimed to aid the achievement of Universal Secondary Education in Guyana in keeping with modern standards.

The release noted that o r i g i n a l l y, t h e P P P administration in 2013 had planned for six schools to be constructed under the GSEIP project, but the number was reduced to three. The three

schools to be built were the Westminster Secondary School, the Good Hope Secondary School and the Prospect Secondary School.

The contract for the construction of the Westminster Secondary School was awarded to R. Bassoo and Sons Construction in October 2018, and began the same month with a January 2020

The newly constructed Westminster Secondary School

Boy, 16, gets “thrashing” from villagers after robbing teen

A

1 6 - y e a r- o l d bandit yesterday received a “good thrashing” from residents of Second Street, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, after he robbed a 17-year-old mechanical student of his belongings and attempted to escape.

Kaieteur News was informed that the suspect was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after

receiving treatment for the injuries he suffered at the hands of public spirited residents.

It was reported that just after midnight, the young student was at a shop located at Hammer Head Street, Kaneville making a purchase, when the 16-yearold and his accomplices approached him.

There, one of the bandits placed a knife to his neck, while the other two men

searched him.

According to police reports, during the ordeal, the victim received a cut to his hand before he was robbed of his black BMX bicycle and $240 in cash.

After he was robbed, the 17-year-old told investigators that he ran home and raised an alarm with persons in his area about what had transpired.

The persons who came to the young man's rescue searched

the area and eventually caught one of the assailants.

The robber was beaten and then handed over to the police, while the other two suspects managed to escape.

He was arrested and taken to the GPHC to seek medical attention where he was admitted.

Up to press time, the other two suspects were not captured.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

deadline. However, the deadline was not met and upon assuming office in August 2020, Manickchand warned contractors of the government's zero-tolerance policy for delayed works and charged them to have the works completed within the contractual time.

The Ministry's release noted that since then she had been working closely with R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Inc., and the consulting firm Deen and Partners/SRKN Engineering to ensure the school is

completed.

Furthermore, it was stated that all of the furniture and necessary equipment have already been bought and will be installed as soon as the building is handed over to the Ministry. That handing over is slated for next week. The Education Minister has also affirmed that the school will be staffed with competent graduate teachers and other relevant staff.

It will accommodate 1000 students and will (continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Ariel launches June Millionaire Promotion

M

anagers of Ariel Soap Powder launched its June Millionaire Promotion yesterday at the ANSA McAL Trading Headquarters, Beterverwagting.

At the launching, Corporate C o m m u n i c a t i o n O ff i c e r o f AMTL, Treiston Joseph, noted that the promotion is one of Ariel's biggest for the year and highlighted the impetus behind the promotion.

“With the pandemic hitting us hard and still thriving since it began, we know how tough it is on many of us and this is just one way for us to help the people that support us throughout the year and that is by putting money in their

pockets,” Joseph shared.

Brand Manager of Ariel, Atina Samad, shared that customers will be able to enter the promotion with just “one” pack of Ariel Soap Powder, with exception of the 95-gram pack.

“It's easy to enter, the promotion is being done nationwide and all you need to do is submit one pack of Ariel Soap Powder, along with your name, number and address and you will have a chance to win the grand prize of one million dollars,” Samad highlighted.

In addition, there will also be consolation prizes to be won at the grand prize drawing of one million dollars set for June 25, 2021.

Saturday April 10, 2021

From left: Brand Manager of Ariel, Atina Samad; Corporate Communications Officer, Treiston Joseph and Business Unit Head of P&G, Diane Alley.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

PAGE 15

GCCI to beg int'l community to help small businesses prepare for oil and gas E

ven though its agenda for 2021 will be focused on ensuring Guyana has a Local Content Legislation in place, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it will also seek to garner international support so that its members can be better prepared to benefit from the country's nascent oil and gas sector.

This position was adumbrated by recently elected GCCI President, Timothy Tucker.

He made these remarks during his recent participation in a discussion on Local Content, Business,

a n d G u y a n a ' s Development.

That engagement was hosted by Globespan 24x7, an online discussion outfit.

According to the President of Guyana's oldest Business Support Organization (BSO), “What we are definitely going to do is push more small business training and building small business capacity” As such, Tucker noted that the GCCI is planning to reach out worldwide to institutions and organizations that, that would support private sector development in Guyana.

Recently elected GCCI President, Timothy Tucker

NICIL head, Paul Cheong

The GCCI President noted too, that GCCI would also be turning to

governments for support while pointing to the Indian Government and offers of

scholarships.

He divulged too, that GCCI in its drive to build domestic capacity will be looking to connect with other major universities around the world in order to source scholarships and similar type training to enhance local businesses' capacity to take on greater roles in the emerging oil and gas sector.

According to Tucker, GCCI also wants to work closer with the Small Business Bureau so the Chamber can be a gateway for accessing finance from those institutions.

This, he said, obtains not only for the small

businesses but stressed that the institution is also looking to act as a medium to access financing for larger institutions.

Speaking on this matter as well was Paul Cheong who currently serves as the head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Cheong was adamant that accessing financing in Guyana is expensive and uncompetitive, a situation that has to be remedied if domestic businesses are to be competitive with their regional and other counterparts.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

PAGE 17

Region One to benefit from CAD$3M human services project R

epresentative of the United N a t i o n s International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Nicolas Pron, along with Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark K. Berman, have partnered to help birth a CAD$3million project to aid human services within Region One. The project which will last is intended to ensure improved services for the most vulnerable members of Region One-Barima Waini, including children and migrants.

This comes after a visit to the Region by the two representatives on March 23,, last. A meeting was

scheduled with the authorities in that area to better understand the living conditions there.

Wide-ranging discussions were held with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley and heads of various agencies. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma, Chris Phang and Carolyn Robinson respectively and their officers were also part of the engagement.

The teams also met with Regional Health Officer, Dr. Steven Cheefoon and Deputy Chairman of the Khan's Hill Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Sharmaine Smith. The officials shared some of the pressing issues they face in

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark K. Berman and UNICEF Country Representative, Nicolas Pron meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Khan's Hill CDC, Sharmaine Smith (right) the Region including the i n f l u x o f Ve n e z u e l a n migrants, access to the public health system, proper solid waste disposal systems, unemployment and the resuscitation of agriculture.

According to a joint press release by the Canadian and UNICEF officials, the signing of this project will provide funding to support health, education and other services in the communities in Region one and other regions demonstrating need.

High Commissioner Berman stated in his remarks that he is delighted to partner

High Commissioner Berman and UNICEF Representative, Nicolas Pron signing the agreement

La Soufriere volcano crisis…

PSC collaborates with CDC to supply emergency needs for St. Vincent and the Grenadines

W

ith the La Soufriere volcano crisis that is currently affecting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) are working together to procure emergency supplies that are to be shipped to the island. On Thursday, President, Irfaan Ali, stated that he spoke with Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, and had assured him of the country's full

support in dealing with the looming volcano crisis.

Takingthisintoconsideration,thePSC in a press release stated it “Is collaborating with the Civil Defence Commission in mobilising support for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Both agencies indicated that they are currently working to supply as many items on the immediate emergency list.

The following table shows the emergency supplies needed, but are subject to be change as the needs change.

'Killa' released on $100,000 bail, accused...

From page 3 adamantly denied any knowledge and involvement in the execution. Nevertheless, this news agency would have reported that Bacchus is no stranger to the law.

According to a statement by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), on April 2, 2019, Bacchus had pleaded guilty to

a lesser count of manslaughter, and was sentenced to 16 years, eight months imprisonment.

The release further stated that Bacchus was sentenced to three years for robbery under arms, and one year each for possession of a firearm and ammunitions.

The sentences ran concurrently and it

commenced from the date of admission - which is August 15, 2008.

This publication had reported that at Fagundes' farewell, his best friend, Roger Khan, had stated that, “Every single one of those bullets were meant for me…all 20 something of those bullets were meant for me.”

During the farewell service, which was held at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, located at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Khan demanded justice for his slain friend and lashed out at the Guyana Police Force for not working diligently to find Fagundes' killers.

with UNECIF on the project, as it would address all the issues presented during the recent trip.

Problems affecting child care and educational services are to be alleviated along with greater efforts to ensure those facing increased vulnerabilities do not fall further behind in recovering from the pandemic.

U N I C E F Representative, Pron said

that the partnership with the Canadian High Commission comes at a critical time as there is a need to work together to ensure that no one is left behind as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Pron also imputed that since 2018, UNICEF has been supporting authorities on the ground under the Emergency/Migrant Response programme and there have been positive results.

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Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

Prince Philip: Tributes after Duke of Edinburgh dies, aged 99 Political leaders, members of the public and well-wishers around the world have paid tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, after his death at the age of 99.

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace just after midday spoke of the Queen’s “deep sorrow” following his death at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

The PM said the Duke of Edinburgh inspired “countless young people”.

He was the longestserving royal consort in British history.

Announcing the duke’s death, the Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

It is understood that the Prince of Wales travelled to Windsor Castle to visit his mother on Friday afternoon.

Speaking at Downing Street, prime minister Boris Johnson added that the duke had “earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world”.

Meanwhile, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said he “consistently put the interests of others ahead of

his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service”.

In tribute to the duke, Westminster Abbey tolled its tenor bell once every 60 seconds for 99 times from 18:00 BST - to honour each year of his life.

Earlier, the flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast and a notice was posted on the gates to mark the duke’s death.

People placed floral tributes outside the central London landmark, while hundreds visited Windsor Castle to pay their respects.

However, the government urged the public not to gather or leave tributes at royal residences amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal Family has asked people to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving flowers in memory of the duke, and an online book of condolence has been launched on the official royal website for those who wish to send messages.

A message on the website of the Duke and Duchess o f S u s s e x ’s n o n - p r o f i t o rg a n i s a t i o n A r c h e w e l l paid tribute to the “loving memory” of the Duke of Edinburgh, saying: “Thank you for your service... you will be greatly missed.”

From midday on

Saturday, a 41-gun salute will take place for Prince Philip in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as in Gibraltar and at sea from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence said. They will be broadcast online and on television for the public to watch from home.

All UK government buildings have been told to fly official flags at halfmast in tribute to the duke until 08:00 BST on the day after the duke’s funeral.

Prince Philip’s funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor - but the arrangements have been amended in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the College of Arms said in a statement.

The duke will not have a state funeral and there will be no lying-in-state, in line with his wishes, it added.

The college said the duke will, however, lie at r e s t i n Wi n d s o r C a s t l e before a royal ceremonial funeral, which means his death will be marked in the s a m e way as the Queen Mother.

The public are “regretfully” requested not to attend due to the pandemic, and it is understood the Queen is considering

Prince Philip modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements.

Politicians across the UK were united in mourning following the announcement of the duke’s death.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had “lost an extraordinary public servant”, while Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said his “long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people”.

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford said the duke

“served the crown with selfless devotion and generosity of spirit”, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster said he was “widely respected for his active and dedicated service to the country”.

Parliament will honour the duke on Monday, with the House of Commons sitting at 14:30 BST for tributes following his death.

Parties have also suspended their campaigning for elections on 6 May, which will see voters head to the polls for council and mayoral positions in England, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Parliament.

M e a n w h i l e , Commonwealth leaders led international reaction to the duke’s death. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted that the duke “embodied a generation that we will

never see again”, while Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described Philip as a “man of great purpose and conviction”.

And Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the duke for his “distinguished career in the military” and work “at the forefront of many community service initiatives”.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden joined other world leaders in sending their “deepest condolences” to the Queen, the Royal Family and the people of the UK. In a statement, they said the duke “gladly dedicated himself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and to his family”.

“His legacy will live on, not only through his f a m i l y, b u t i n a l l t h e charitable endeavours he shipped,” it said.

Prince Philip and the Queen had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Their first son, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, was born in 1948, followed by his sister, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in 1950, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, in 1960 and the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, in 1964.

Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on 10 June 1921.

His father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, a younger son of King George I of the Hellenes.

His mother, Princess Alice, was a daughter of Prince Louis of Battenberg and a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

...$1B West Minister School finally completed From page 13 therefore be a Grade A school, according to the Minister, but for now, it will be categorized as Grade B. The Grade B status is set to change to Grade A over the next two years. It was also disclosed that the Ministry intends to make the school a Sixth Form school to offer students the opportunity to sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The newly constructed school has 32 classrooms, a language lab, a dance studio,

a library, Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories, an Information Technology Laboratory, a theatre room, a Mathematics laboratory, Home Economics Laboratory and an Agriculture Science Laboratory among other important facilities.

An update was also given on the Good Hope Secondary School which is also overdue for completion and it was said that Manickchand is hopeful that it can also be ready for September to serve the students of Region Four.

Saturday April 10, 2021

Crandon gets call up following Tappin failed covid-19 test On Thursday evening, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GABF) announced the six feet eight-inch (6’8") Center, Akeem Crandon, will replace Yonnick Tappin in the national senior men’s 12-man squad that will contest in the CONCECABA prequalifiers for the FIBA 2023 World Cup. Crandon got the opportunity because Yonnick Tappin has been placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list.

In an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, Crandon noted that “Being given the opportunity to represent Guyana is always a great honor for me.

I’m poised and ready to capitalize on the minutes given to me on the court. I’m always a student of the game so I will use this opportunity to learn from the more experienced professional players to improve my skills on court.

According to a release from the GABF, they highlighted that

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

this is with keeping with the regulations of the world governing body, “As stipulated by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) COVID-19 Protocol for FIBA Competitions version 3 section 5.1 – Participating Team Delegations – Pre-travel, FIBA requires COVID-19 testing of all members of a Team Delegation, this includes all players and support personnel or any other individual that has contact with the team and should be funded by the National Federation.

Prior to leaving for a FIBA Competition, all members of a Team Delegation are required to a testing regime of two (2) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests. Only PCR tests from samples (nasopharyngeal or saliva) collected by a health professional and analysed by a laboratory accredited by its government or national public health authority to perform PCR

testing will be recognised as a valid test.

FIBA will not accept samples that are self-collection samples, antigen testing or point of care testing. The two (2) PCR tests shall be carried out as per following timeline: • One (1) PCR test taken seven (7) days before the departure. In case the date is on a bank holiday, or testing is not possible on the required date, then the test may be exceptionally postponed to six (6) days before departure; and • One (1) PCR test taken no later than 48 hours prior to departure (or in case of individuals located in the country of the Host or Game, arrival at the Game location), or earlier if required by the host country authorities in order to enter the host country.

In case the date is on a bank holiday, or testing is not possible on the required date, then the test may be exceptionally anticipated to 72 hours before departure.

Participants shall obtain at least

two (2) copies of the results of these tests, in the English language and the PCR tests must be negative in order to travel to the FIBA Competition. Any participants who have a positive PCR test results from these tests shall isolate immediately and shall not travel.”

The GABF General Secretary, Patrick Haynes, has been in constant consultation with the FIBAAmericas Regional Office after learning of the positive PCR test result and was advised to have the player removed from the team immediately and shall be placed in a quarantine facility. Upon the recommendations of FIBA, the GABF activated FIBA’s recommendations.

Akeem Crandon will add additional defence to the heavy offence team. The team delegation will undergo their second PCT test tomorrow and will depart on Monday, the 12th.

...Big Man Cricket Guyana Saturday April 10, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A new and previously unacknowledged talent for working in social, humanitarian, or spiritual fields could come to light today, Aries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have been wondering whether it is worth getting closer to a certain person, and now there is an opportunity to meet with them.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Increased intuition, imagination, and spiritual insight could inspire you to either undertake a course of study or move ahead with related creative projects, Taurus.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A lecture given by a magnetic speaker could excite your imagination and interest you in a new and intriguing field, Scorpio. You could also learn about some books on the subject that you want to read.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Recent new ideas, insights, and visions could motivate you to invite friends with similar interests over today. You will want to share your experiences, listen to their stories, and try to make sense of it all.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A friend or colleague could introduce you to a way to increase your income by doing what you love most.

CANCER(June21–July22) An invitation to a social event in your neighborhood could put you in touch with artistic or spiritually inclined people.

There could be some fascinating exchanges, Cancer.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Enthusiasm for spiritual and metaphysical studies could have you feeling optimistic about the future. Your physical energy is high, Capricorn, and this suggests that you want to try yoga.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Spiritual insights you received over the past few days could turn your thoughts to serving others. You might have a talent for teaching and choose to share what you've learned in this way, Leo.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might want to host a meeting of your metaphysically inclined friends, Aquarius. Discussions could lead to insights that none of you would have come up with alone.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Romance should pick up speed today, Virgo. You could discover that you and a current or potential romantic partner have many spiritual interests in common.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Books or lectures on spiritual or metaphysical matters could inspire you to pursue a subject and perhaps do some writing, Pisces.

From page 20 healthier nations within our communities.

• The players in this BMC tournament will serve as role models for their kids and youths in their community to emulate and surely assist in bringing out more spectators/ families to witness the sport of cricket.

• Players from their era in the 80s and the 90s plied their trade in a very proud, disciplined and committed environment and, hopefully, these values can be instilled into the youths around.

• In addition, we think that this BMC competition can attract more of our youths to return to the game of cricket when they witness these seasoned and disciplined players in action.

• Promote more Regional tournaments within these age groups.

• With this reinvigorated interest in the game, we hope these players can assist in the strengthening of our Clubs around the country-Serving in various capacities in their communities as administrators, coaches, umpires, scorers, match referees, selectors, etc.

As part of this bold initiative by the BMC-G, we would also be inviting the business community to come on board with the BMCG in having our youths more gainfully occupied. Sponsors will have their names attached to these BMC Youth Education Grants for just US$250 annually and make a huge difference in having these youths complete their education and participate meaningfully in the game that they love.

BMC-G plans to roll out other initiatives in keeping with their goals and objectives soon of molding a healthier society for us all in Guyana.

...Harshal, de Villiers steer From page 21 had bowled three of the last five overs, which saw only 31 runs, and the last over yielded a single run, in Patel’s grandstand finish.

Maxwell tees off, de Villiers finishes With Devdutt Padikkal still not fully fit after a bout of Covid-19, the Royal Challengers sprung a surprise by sending in Washington Sundar to partners Virat Kohli at the top. The move didn’t quite pay off, with Sundar not finding the gaps, or his timing, but Kohli started smoothly in the powerplay, which put his team on a steady course in the chase. Sundar and Rajat Patidar - another IPL debutant - fell cheaply, but that allowed Glenn Maxwell to have a crack at No.4 for his latest IPL franchise.

Three balls in, Maxwell reverse swept Rahul Chahar over point for a boundary.

Shortly after, he stepped out and sent Krunal out of the stadium with a monstrous six over long-on. No sixes at all in IPL 2020, and his first hit over the fence was as if making up for that drought.

The Royal Challengers looked like they were cruising with Maxwell shrugging off his IPL blues and Kohli

ticking along, when a wobble showed at once how they were vulnerable as well as how the acquisition of Maxwell could provide a counter to that. Because with Maxwell at No. 4, it meant the trump card of de Villiers remained in the Royal Challengers’ hands.

Bumrah started the slide, as he often does, trapping Kohli lbw in the 13th over, and suddenly, from 98 for 2, they slid to 122 for 6 in four overs.

But de Villiers was still there, and with 34 needed off 18, he took Boult for 15 runs, and then with the game in the balance, he hit two stunning fours in Bumrah’s over - the 19th of the innings - to bring his side to the doorstep of victory. In a final twist, he was run out on the fourth ball of the last over, with Jansen showing great promise on debut to nail his yorkers. But while the de Villiers run-out meant one last heart-stopping moment, Patel wasn’t to be denied on this night.

Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 160 for 8 (de Villiers 48, Maxwell 39, Bumrah 2-26, Jansen 2-28) beat Mumbai Indians 159 for 9 (Lynn 49, Yadav 31, Patel 5-27) by two wickets.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

Big Man Cricket Guyana introduces BMC Youth Education Grants

A

s part of its goals, objectives and mandate BMC-G seeks to use its platform to encourage and promote more youths in the game of cricket whilst at the same time ensuring that these youths can complete their education curricula at the various levels.

In this regard, BMC-G will be awarding 3 youths between the ages of 10 and 20, one each from the 3 counties, Berbice, Demerara & Essequibo, an education grant of US$250 each at the finals of its Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka BMC T25 Tournament.

These grants are to be used solely for the purchase of schoolbooks and supplies and the vouchers will be redeemed prior to the start of the new School term in September. Every year, different persons will be selected for these BMC Youth Education Grants.

BMC-G is now inviting applications from across the country from County Boards, Area Associations, Clubs, BMC players, BMC Committee Members, and members of the public.

You would be aware that Big Man Cricket-Guyana has adopted the cricket administration for Over 45s cricket in Guyana and is affiliated with its parent body, Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA). CWIMA has also taken charge of creating cricket structures around the Caribbean to ensure that there are administrators in each country across the Caribbean so as to make Masters cricket more broad based in the Caribbean.

CWIMA is directly affiliated with the Over 50s World Cup Cricket Committee in Australia.

The Over 50s World Cup Cricket Committee is a totally private body operating outside of the ICC. They have so far held 2 Over 50s World Cups: 2018 in Sydney, Australia and 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa.

There has never been a veterans’ association or body administering masters’ cricket in Guyana. The major goals and objectives behind BMC-G and Masters cricket are as follow: • Attract and develop a quality pool of retired cricketers in Guyana who are interested in becoming active once again and motivated enough to make a Guyana and a West Indies team.

• We plan to make this Over 45s T25 overs tournament an annual one and can be used as a fundraising affair for BMCG every year as we plan to run off an Over 45s X 45 overs tournament also later in the year since the World Cup is a 45 overs Tournament.

• The BMC Tournament will be used to select the Guyana Over 50s T25 team to participate in the CWIMA Regional Over 50s T25 tournament to be held later in 2021.

• This Tournament will surely encourage these players to lead healthier lifestyles as they all would be aiming for the glory of representing the West Indies at a Over 50s World Cup. This would ultimately lead to (Continued on page 19)

Malteenoes SC serves notice of May 14th AGM Notice is hereby given that the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May14, 2021 at 18:00hrs at the Club’s Premises at 17 Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, for the following purposes: Agenda 1. Reading of the Notice convening the Meeting.

2. Confirmation of AGM Minutes.

3. Presentation of the President’s Report

4. Auditors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2020.

5. Consideration of any business or motion of which due notice has be given to the Secretary.

6. Election of the 2021-2023 Executive Committee.

7. Appointment of an Auditor.

All members are reminded that only those in good financial standing will be eligible to vote and /or stand for office.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

PAGE 21

Harshal, de Villiers steer RCB home in tight opener ESPNcricinfo - Two men who had played no senior competitive cricket since IPL 2020 turned up with ball and then bat, as the Royal Challengers Bangalore began IPL 2021 with a lastball win against defending champions Mumbai Indians.

Harshal Patel took the IPL’s first five-wicket haul against Mumbai, returning 5 for 27 in four overs, ripping the heart out of Mumbai’s monster hitters with a variety of slower balls and inchperfect yorkers to keep the IPL’s winning-est side to just 159 for 9.

The Royal Challengers then had the game well in hand with 62 needed off 46 and eight wickets in hand, but a collapse ensued with Mumbai clawing back every inch of the way into the contest. However, they couldn’t get past AB de Villiers - not until the final

over when he was run out who had done enough to put his team in a position where they could get over the line.

Just about.

Patel bowled overs 16, 18 and 20, and was singlehandedly responsible for Mumbai ending up below 160 when they looked set for more than 180. His wickets were Ishan Kishan, the Pandya brothers, Kieron Pollard and debutant Marco Jansen, and each wicket was a result of the bowler outfoxing the batsman.

His bowling meant the Royal Challengers could weather a collapse and still win, although they needed de Villiers to smash 48 off 27 in a death-overs masterclass of his own, taking on Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.

Patel still needed to come out and hit the winning run with one needed off the final ball, digging out a Jansen yorker

to short fine leg to scamper the single that sealed the match.

Chris Lynn stops, edges, then starts Early indications of how the pitch would play arrived in the opening overs, with Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn often early into their shots, and the ball not only sticking in the pitch but also keeping low. Lynn was given a chance thanks to Quinton de Kock still being in quarantine, and looked rusty.

A mix-up that resulted in Sharma - who had just begun to find his flow - being run out didn’t help Mumbai.

However, Lynn rode his luck to stick around. He had no fewer than five edges and mis-hits during his stay, until the sixth one consumed him.

But before being dismissed, he had converted an iffy start, where he was 6 off 11, into an innings of 49 off 35.

He stuck to his strengths, muscling the ball once he had sussed the pace of the p i t c h b e t t e r, t a k i n g boundaries off Yuzvendra Chahal and Shahbaz Ahmed.

Suryakumar Yadav was fluent right from the time he came in, and with Lynn beginning to hit with more authority, Mumbai looked on track to get a score in the region of 180. Yadav’s dismissal, edging behind a Kyle Jamieson slower bouncer, made Mumbai stutter somewhat. Kishan still kept them going, and with a middle order packed with big hitters, Mumbai still seemed well on top.

Harshal Patel strikes

Patel began by conceding seven runs off his first legal ball via a no-ball and a free-hit six, amounting to 15 runs in his first over.

After that, he was thrown the ball only at the death, given the responsibility of bowling to Mumbai’s array of fearsome hitters. He responded with three overs that made everyone forget at least for this game - that the Royal Challengers had entered this tournament with a big death bowling hole to fill. In the 16th over, he bowled a dipping full toss to Hardik who completely missed his whip to be struck in front. In the next, he landed a perfect yorker to

Kishan that was so well bowled it outdid even umpire Nitin Menon, whose on-field ‘not out’ was overturned on review after what felt like ages.

His last over topped it all, with Krunal and Pollard falling off the first two balls, undone by changes of pace to hole out. A yorker reminiscent of Lasith Malinga almost gave him a hat-trick against Jansen, but it just about missed the stumps. He wasn’t to be denied next ball, completing a five-wicket haul for the first time in T20 cricket with an inswinging yorker that shattered the stumps. Patel (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

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Saturday April 10, 2021

Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith - To be back at GALPF still has his sights on a World Title Qualifiers on April 25th

By Franklin Wilson The name Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ PettersonGriffith is synonymous with the weights sports in Guyana: powerlifting, strongman and even bodybuilding; but the most loved for him is powerlifting.

His sights were set on becoming Guyana’s first athlete to medal at a World Championships back in June 2019; Helsingborg, Sweden was the venue. PettersonGriffith had sealed his place following his record breaking performances when he had set new national Squat, Deadlift and Total records on the final day of the 16th Annual IPF/ NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championship in Mexico City, August, 2018.

He bagged gold in the Men’s Raw Open 93kg class and followed up that performance in the Men’s Equipped Open division claiming his second gold and setting a new national Total record of 800kg, his Squat of 315kg was also a new national record as was his Deadlift mark of 330kg.

However, all those hopes came crashing down when Petterson-Griffith was suspended for 12-months by the GAPLF for competing at an un-sanctioned competition in Barbados, May 4th & 5th, 2019. The suspension was as a result of breaching Article 14.9 of the IPF Constitution and Section 12, Article 1, point 4 of the GAPLF Constitution.

With the past now behind him and a renewed focus on what he wants to achieve, Petterson-Griffith says he is more determined to achieve his #1 goal of winning Guyana’s first World title.

Always a bold talker, he disclosed that since he started competing in strength sports, he has been doing so with the, ‘man in the mirror.’

“However; from then to now I’ve been working and training hard as ever, not just for a local competition but more so for the international championships. The road to becoming a world champion is not that easy because there are quite a few other athletes on the international podium who’re also pursuing the same.

For the past year I was

able to improve at least 15% of my previous scores/records and focus on a greater placing at the world championships. My main aim is to become a world champion.

Nevertheless, I’m thankful for the opportunity once again to continue to raise the Golden Arrowhead up high.”

But in order to get to the World title, Petterson-Grifith must first cross the hurdle of qualifying for the 1 8 t h Annual North American Regional Powerlifting Championships (NAPF) set for Orlando, Florida, USA from August 17 – 21, next.

The said dates would also see the 18th FESUPO/NAPF Pan-American Regional P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships as well as the 1st FESUPO/NAPF North and South American Regional University Cup, being contested.

Trials for the relevant above championships are set for Sunday April 25th at a venue to be announced later by the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation which will also host their Novices and Junior

Nationals Championships on the same date.

All the athletes from the GAPLF’s 2020 shortlist must now re-qualify for these championships and the date is April, 25th. Kaieteur Sport has been reliably informed that there are two (2) new female weight classes as well as a new scoring co-efficient called Good Lift Points which was first introduced in 2019 at the Intermediate and Masters Championships.

GAPLF’s Executive Martin Webster wrote the software which has already b e e n c o d e d . We b s t e r informed that there has been a change to the formula used.

“It started out using Wilks, then IPF points and now it conforms to the new Good Lift Points. Some of the changes now are that t h e r e ’s n o m o r e a g e coefficient for juniors, juniors and open all use the same coefficient. Only masters get an age coefficient when using Good Lift Points, all IPF stipulations.”

We b s t e r f u r t h e r informed that there were some improvements to the

Carlos Petterson-Griffith

Martin Webster GAPLF Executive Member and IT Specialist

display to keep the audience engaged. “I added some memes and GIF animations to liven up the audience. I was supposed to add some video presentations to be patched into the live stream but covid-19 put a pause on that. However, at this meet hopefully, most of the graphics I will try to get patched directly into the live stream instead of it being presented from our TVs alone.”

Meanwhile, PettersonGriffith is expressing gratitude to the following businesses and persons for their unflinching support.

“The unwavering Fitness Express, SDB APPAREL, Mr. Jamie McDonald, MonRepos Mall/Fitness Gym, Uncle Budraj (Buddy), ‘Big’ John Edwards, Mr. Julio Sinclair and the many, many others who have supported, encouraged, motivated and more so talk some sense in me every now and then.”

Special thanks were extended by the strongman to the National Covid-19 Task Force for their approval of the event and the Federation for pushing to get competitive action back again.

Carl Moore re-elected President as Tucber Park CC hold election - Urges youths to be inspired

by Shepherd and Smith

Some of the elected members of the TPCC, from left, Gary Millington, Orlando Tanner, Tremayne Smartt, Anthony D’Andrade, Julian Moore and Joel Davis.

Carl Moore - TPCC President

T

ucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) held elections on Thursday last at the Berbice High School and longserving Administrator and Manager Carl Moore, who now resides in the USA will continue to serve as President of the club.

National Coach Julian Moore will serve as first Vice President, Anthony D’Andrade as second Vice President, while Tamesh

Mohabir is the Secretary.

Gary Millington is the Assistant Secretary with West Indies Female player Tremayne Smartt serving as Treasurer, Orlando Tanner Assistant Treasurer, while Brandon Corlette is the Public Relations Officer.

In a virtual call, the senior Moore said he is impressed with the works of the club, hailing his son Julian and the other members of the club.

“Julian, Anthony, Smartt and

the Secretary, Tamesh has done a good job. They are carrying on the works that we started a few years ago to help the youngsters in New Amsterdam and surrounding areas,” Carl said.

Over the past years, Tucber Park has continued to move from strength to strength in producing solid players. West Indies senior player Romario Shepherd and Guyana pacer Nial Smith are the latest elite

products from the New Amsterdam-based club.

Jeremy Gordon, a former senior Guyana player is also a product of the club. Gordon now plies his trade in Canada.

The former Manager of the championship winning Guyana team in the Stanford T20, Carl Moore said he is impressed and beyond proud of both Shepherd and Smith, who began their careers at the TPCC. Well known as

Mr. Moore, Carl took over the TPCC mantle in1999. He described Smith and Shepherd as committed and disciplined players. He is hoping that this duo will inspire the upcoming talents at TPCC. In addition to Tremayne Smartt, Candacy Atkins, who played for USA, is also another West Indies female product of TPCC. Eugene La Fleur is another proud product of TPCC, she was the captain the Guyana

U-19 Team in 2008.

The likes of former senior Berbice players, Devon Clements and Maxie DeJonge along with D’Andrade, also played for UWI Vice Chancellor vs Zimbabwe back in 2010 are products from the TPCC. The TPCC produced more than 40 National youth players in recent years.

Another election for the TPCC is due in two years time.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

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GCB treasurer Jaigobin Cremated in pouring rain yesterday

President Irfaan Ali pays his respects at the funeral service of Pretipaul Jaigobin yesterday.

The Guyana cricket fraternity is in mourning following the death of Guyana Cricket Board and Demerara Cricket Board treasurer Pretipaul Jaigobin.

The 54-year-old Jaigobin perished in a motor vehicle accident on April 1 and was at the time on duty coordinating the second phase of the Covid 19 cash grant.

The body of the late Jaigobin, who survived a gruesome acid attack which disfigured his face a decade ago, which was believed to be connected to the GCB’s accountability issues, was cremated at the Good Hope Crematorium on the East Coast of Demerara in pouring rain at 14:00hrs yesterday. Also present at the funeral Parlour was His Excellency President Irfaan Ali who interacted with

Jaigobin’s family and other persons present, sharing in the feeling of grief at the loos of a good servant of the soil.

The body of Jaigobin, who was in March appointed a GCB executive when that entity held ‘legal’ Elections for the first time in over 10 years, was viewed at the Jerrick’s funeral Parlour yesterday morning before it was taken to East Coast Demerara residence for further viewing and funeral service.

The body was taken to the final resting place where it was cremated as family members wept openly.

Due to covid-19 only a small gathering of mourners, including DCB and GCB officials, were also present.

New GCB president, Businessman and a longtime family friend, Bissoon Singh was filled with

emotions as he spoke of Jaigobin’s legacy at the funeral service.

From 2009-2011 Jaigobin served the GCB as the assistant treasurer.

Pretipaul was economic and financial analyst of the European Union Task Force Unit in Guyana’s Ministry of Finance, and was travelling from Mahdia to the ministry when the accident occurred.

“Jai, as he was popularly known, was well-liked and respected. His congeniality, humility and sense of humour endeared him to many,” the GCB head said.

“Pretipaul had been an active and trusted cricket administrator for over 20 years with a vast knowledge of the game, especially in relation to cricket records and statistics. His contributions to the

Family and various officials with the remains of Pretipaul Jaigobin before his cremation yesterday. deliberations and decisions at cricket meetings especially on financial issues and effective governance were invaluable.

Jai had a special affinity for youth cricket. His professional approach

helped in the stimulation of affirmative action in cricket administration.

He was constantly looking at ways to improve the accounting and marketing procedures.”

“Pretipaul’s passing is a tremendous loss to the wider

cricket fraternity. It is with heartfelt grief that the Executives of the GCB and the DCB and the staff members extend sincere sympathy to his family, relatives and friends,” the GCB said.

Headquarters, TSU register victories in latest T20 action

Trophy Stall supports Island Link pool tourney

John Mortley accepts the trophies on behalf of the organisers from Devi Sunich of the Trophy Stall.

Trophy Stall has supported the Island Link pool competition which is set for today at Island Link sports club, East Bank Essequibo.

The entity yesterday donated the trophies which will be given to the top three finishers.

According to the organisers, all covid

guidelines will be observed and a keen contest is anticipated.

The organisers thanked Trophy Stall for their support. Entrance fee is $3,000.

Action gets underway at 17:00hrs.

Island Link is an internet service provider that operates in the Essequibo region.

Nicholas Persaud

Kanhaiya Ramkarran

Headquarters and Tactical Service Unit registered victories when the Guyana Police Force Commissioner T20 Cup continued at the Everest Cricket Club.

Headquarters defeated Linden by seven wickets.

Batting first, Linden made 125 all out with Nicholas Persaud scoring 35. Kevin Christian and Kanhaiya Ramkarran claimed three wickets each. Headquarters responded with 130-3 in 14 overs. Andrew Lyght made 44 and K. Allicock 20.

Tactical Service Unit beat Officers by three runs.

Officers took first strike and managed 147-4. Korwin Austin scored 49, Ronald Ali 40 and Steven Harris 30.

TSU replied with 150-5 in 20 overs. D. Clarke made 26 and Rawle Haynes 17.

Previously, President Guard overcame Region two by six wickets. Region two took first strike and were bowled out for 99.

Fazeer Khan made 33 and T. Dhanpaul 19. Karim Norton captured 3-15, while Jason Heyliger and Kester

Paul Tyndell Harcourt had two each.

President Guard responded with 104-4 in 18 overs. Saheed Mohamed made 39 and Heyliger 27.

Region four beat Region five by six wickets. Batting first, Region five made 125 all out. L. Williams and S. Smith made 18 and 15 respectively. J. Tyndall and Paul Tyndall picked up three and two wickets respectively. Region four replied with 126-4. Paul Tyndall struck 62 not out, R. Harding made 26 and D. Thomas 16.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 10, 2021

Saturday April 10, 2021

Kaieteur News

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