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Sunday Edition April 11, 2021

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GRA granted $442B in tax exemptions from Jan. 2016 to May 2020 - 2019 waivers four times more than 2016

Baby found dead Guyana safety in drain; mother standards not appropriate for claims she went to main industries beg for baby food - US State Dept. Report Prof. Terrence City Constabulary Blackman questions to enforce $5,000 fine for not landing site for gas-to-shore project wearing masks Gas-to-shore and Renewable Energy Projects…

Are Guyanese politicians feeling in the dark for electricity solutions?

We need a feasibility study not hunches A financial guru has professed his ‘belief’ that the gas-to-shore project is feasible.

The former minister in the APNU+AFC government, Mr. David Patterson, says that he ‘thinks’ the gas-to-shore project is feasible. The financial guru believes, the former Minister thinks, but the prize goes to the country’s Vice President who says he does not need to think; the project in his estimation is feasible and that the call for a feasibility study is a ‘nobrainer.’

If the gas-to-shore project is what these Three Wise Men believe it to be, there can hardly be any objection to it being subject to a study to validate the belief of the financial analyst, what the former minister thinks, and the opinion of the Vice President who is so certain that he does not need to give it further thought.

The gas-to-shore project has implications for Guyana’s finances and future. Regardless of the model which is employed to finance the project, public funds will be to be sunk into it. Money will also have to be borrowed and returns to private investors are likely to be protected by government’s guarantee.

The people of Guyana cannot afford for such a major project to be undertaken in such a callous manner.

It is for this reason that we support the commissioning of a feasibility study of the project instead of relying on beliefs and hunches.

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.

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Sunday April 11, 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

Opposition complaints about the media We at this publication are embarrassed yet again for the leaders of the opposition, this time in the wake of the sorry outreach and appeal to the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch, to record their despair over how the Guyanese media has supposedly treated the political group and its leaders in carrying its messages.

We place this front and center before the coalition’s top people: what messages? We have made sure, on most, if not every occasion, that we carry news articles about developments relative to the group’s elections petitions to Guyana’s highest courts (even though we have our own positions on the constitutional validity of those petitions).

We have not allowed a single instance of the termination of any high-profile public servant, possibly a supporter of the former coalition government, to pass us by, or the attention of the readership of this paper. We have covered those stories, and we have carried editorials that included in some shape or form commentary on such unacceptable and unhelpful situations. Our commentaries have been pungent and unsparing of the current PPP/C government, with respect to such firings, no matter how subtly and skillfully they have been executed. We offer the example of that stalwart Guyanese oil expert, Dr. Vincent Adams – himself a coalition executive – and his forced and unseemly departure from Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency, and as so clumsily orchestrated by top PPP leaders.

For the coalition leaders to go before the U.S. Ambassador and present this picture of inaccuracy is mystifying, and insulting. We will not be so presumptuous and seize for ourselves the right to speak on behalf of the rest of the media, but we take serious offence at how the coalition leadership has portrayed sections of the local media to the Ambassador.

This is counter to what we have been about, and we are on record as opening our doors in one attempt after another, and for months now, to engage and encourage spokespeople from inside the coalition hierarchy (as selected by the party) to come into our studios, to come before our audience and share their side of the story, and to be receptive also to probing and honest questions. There have not been any takers from the coalition side, save for an occasional engagement. We are here to do our part, and the coalition must also do its part, by putting their best foot forward; it must stop looking back.

The coalition must come quickly to the realisation that the devastating and despairing elections interval, of a best forgotten last year, is over and now history. There is governance of a country that is involved. And just in case that the main coalition leaders may have forgotten, it is this country, this Guyana of ours, of which we are talking, that is at stake. This country is not being governed cleanly, but craftily and secretly. This is where the coalition would be worth more than its weight in gold. But it has to pull its weight, and from all indications, the coalition is struggling.

Its leadership has to remember that it is an essential part of Guyana’s existing mechanism for the exercise of democratic governance.

Specifically, it has to be a muscular and undeniable presence with what is going on with the nation’s oil wealth.

That wealth is not being handled rightly by any reasonable standard, and yet the opposition is content to be largely disconnected, mostly shadowy.

The coalition ought to be pressing without letup, but now it blames, rather lamely, the press for its own failings, its own weaknesses, its own disappointing record that leaves us wondering if it can honestly be called an opposition.

That is, a principled one, a formidable one, and one that makes a runaway and roguish government pause in its tracks and rethink.

We would like to see the coalition take a tough stand on some key issues because the nation’s present welfare and prospects in the years and generations ahead are involved

We are being shafted under the pretext of local content DEAR EDITOR, On the heels of a local firm being advised that it cannot bid for the supply of PPE to Exxon because it has no experience came another shocker from Exxon’s director for its Centre for Local Business Development, (CLBD,) Natasha GaskinPeters. Gaskin-Peters would have us believe that when oil companies procure goods from a local company - “if they are importing them, that is not really local content.” Really!

If we are not allowed to import goods and supply to the oil company for a little chip and cheese, we may as well throw the entire “local content concept” overboard because we don’t produce anything at the manufacturing level that the oil companies need - not even gums for the oil worker to chew for boredom. If

experience is needed to purchase and deliver PPE to Exxon, you can imagine what will be required to build or fabricate anything for them.

Exxon is constantly looking to pay local workers cheaper than foreign workers for jobs with the same job description, so we are screwed in the jobs department too. Why should we allow this charade to window dress “local content” because it is something of a norm in all oil producing countries?

Why don’t we just throw local content out the window?

I cannot understand Gaskin-Peters’ concern or concept about leakages. If you don’t produce something but purchase it from overseas and sell to the oil company, making a profit in a transaction that would not have been possible if we were not endowed with oil, I

and at great risk.

Those prospects, waited on so long by our forefathers, are here now; and the manner in which they have been handled by the new government leaves so much to be desired, so much that is condemnable. It cannot be that the best the coalition can come up with is that the local media is blocking

cannot envisage how this is “not really local content”( Gaskin-Peters’ words).

The name Gaskin-Peters rings a bell. I wonder if she is related to the former APNU+AFC business minister, Dominic Gaskin.

Dominic Gaskin was quoted in an Oct. 4, 2018 KN article “Critical elements missing from draft local content policy - IDB.” Gaskin, speaking of finalising our local content policy said, “When we took on the job of finishing this document, we did not budget for it. It was handed to us early in 2018”, and “We just don’t have the funds” to pay a consultant.

I get the impression here that his Government didn’t consider it expedient to produce a local content policy but only endeavoured to do it because of popular

demand. In the said article, he said, “Don’t think all foreigners are your enemies.

People will go where there are opportunities and we need to start doing the same thing and be aggressive…”

This was his advice to prospective entrepreneurs wanting a piece of the local content pie. The man was essentially lining up the local entrepreneurs to face competition - totally out of context of the intent of local content policy.

It is ironic that another Gaskin of the opposite sex would try to make a fool of us on the said local content landscape. Is there a sinister connection with Exxon at the root of it? We are being lined up continually to be shafted under the pretext of local content.

Yours respectfully, Rudolph Singh

its messages and, therefore, it has to resort to reaching out to the American Ambassador for help in getting those messages out there before the widest possible audience.

Once again, the coalition has found a way to dodge its important responsibilities, by handing over the ball to others for them to carry.

Sunday April 11, 2021

A Referendum should set the way forward for Constitutional Reform DEAR EDITOR, Given CARICOM-led formation of the Constitution Reform Commission in 1999 (Chapter 1:14) which brought about genuine efforts and results thus far on constitutional reform, even though; five years earlier the Special Select Committee on Constitutional Reform was established in accordance with a Resolution of the National Assembly of December 1, 1994.

As of now (with the perceived augmented standstill with the process) and in keeping with the promises made by the political directorate from both sides of the political divide to pursue constitutional reform. I strongly believe that before (we, the Guyanese people) moving forward with this historic milestone on the supreme law of the land. A

referendum should be held first, in order, for the Guyanese people to set a new and clear manner and mandate for the path on which constitutional reform should be rolled out.

Accordingly, the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform should gather sufficient evidence from field work on the views of the populace and advise Parliament thereof, on the necessity of having a Motion tabled and passed in the National Assembly for holding a referendum on the Constitution: for either scrapping it and rewrite a new Constitution for Guyana or let the politicians continue to embrace and preserve the Burnham 1980 Constitution in its full power and glory.

Sincerely yours, Paul Ramrattan

A gross misrepresentation DEAR EDITOR, Subsequent to the hearing of the Election Petition number 88 on Wednesday, April 7, sections of the Media reported that GECOM proposed that the Petition be thrown out.

While it might be true that Attorney-at-Law Astaphan, who is representing GECOM in this matter would have proffered that position, it is a gross misrepresentation to attribute his submission to GECOM, as a matter of fact.

We the Commissioners, whose nominations originated from the APNU-AFC or their predecessor, do not subscribe to the

view that Astaphan’s submission is reflective of GECOM’s position. Without comment on, or prejudice to, his submission, let it be known that at no time did the Commission discuss the Petition and or determine as a Commission a position on the matter. There is no brief that can be sourced to the Commission, as a collective of Commissioners.

Yours truly, Commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman

This is where all the blabber about transformational leadership climaxes DEAR EDITOR, Nine months ago, 750,000 Guyanese lived for a single reason only: victory. I think it is not an overstatement to articulate that that allconsuming fixation existed for 26 endless months. Today, I look, I listen, and I learn that we know of nothing else, really don’t care about those compulsory elements that make electoral victory worthwhile.

Today, I unflinchingly say that there are extremely few Guyanese, who care about the architecture surrounding victory and its related democracy. I speak of racial harmony (who is there?). I identify political, leadership, and governance integrity (who gives a damn!). I mention social tranquility (who raises hands?).

There is neither newborn nor nonagenarian that can be stirred to make those the pinnacles of their priorities.

Our fundamentalist passions are not in such directions.

Nonetheless, speak to any Guyanese, and nearly all 750,000 will swear forever that they are about truth, reconciliation and unity. Oh, they are also about individual dignity and leadership morality and decency.

We have practised deceits so well, that we are now perfect at them, so impeccably self-schooled at deviousness that we even deceive

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ourselves.

Listen to PPP supporters about the President, Vice President, quite a few of the ministers, and handpicked public service commissars, and one is treated to 60minute CDs. The mindless reflexive retorts are best summed up like this: “dem bin do duh moh baad.” Do the same with opposition loyalists relative to opposition leader, brain trust, extended cohort of insiders, and the same symphony set in stone flares: “wha bout wen dem did bin in deh…?”

That is the entirety of the universe of the democracy and national value system that dominate here; this is where all the blabber about moral, ethical, and transformational leadership, trustworthy and honourable leadership - climaxes.

I despair for where we are heading as a society; that is, if we are heading anywhere newer or higher or better, at all. Not as this or that party, but as a society, a national polity. I read and hear of men and women making paramount the prizes (and perils) of oil, expectancies about potential prosperity,

and stewardship of natural resources. Those are both thrilling and disillusioning, because they have been and are in the wrong hands, with the wrong kinds of minds leading the way. There is only so much that can be had and used for any purpose, at any one time or in the aggregation of a lifetime.

Yet, there is raking numbing greediness and acquisitiveness. Sanctity of conscience is a commercial found contemptible; and so, too, is government truly for the people, and probing for the essence of what the national character is, the breadth of individual Guyanese philosophy.

Editor, we could eventually own the highest global per capita standing but if we have lost our heads to this extent (over race, politics, crude oil, etc.), then that stupendous arithmetical height is all but meaningless.

Healing, mending, truthseeking, reconciling, honourable leading, conscientious calling out, where are they? Of what use are those?

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Appoint persons who understand the mission at hand DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana chapter of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) —the global effort to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector—was recently complaining (again) about the reluctance of several government agencies to divulge information for public consumption. This reluctance is only one instance of a larger national mental infirmity. In Guyana, our right to public information is disrespected as much as it is neglected.

In 2011, probably to comply with some externally

- imposed conditionality, we enacted the Access to Information Act. Under the Act, a Commissioner of Information was appointed.

Apparently, it was assumed that was all that was needed: appoint a retired judge to twiddle his thumbs while waiting for complaints from the public.

The heart of the Access to Information lies in its Section 13 (3), which states: ”It shall be a constant endeavour of every public authority to take steps in accordance with this Act to provide as much information of its own volition to the public at regular intervals through various means of

communication so that the public have minimum necessity to have recourse to the provisions of this Act to obtain information.”

It should be the constant endeavour of the Commissioner of Information to ensure public authorities meet that obligation. No such endeavour has ever been undertaken here. Appointing retired judges for such important public offices merely because they are retired judges is a practice that needs to be reviewed. Let’s appoint persons who understand the mission at hand.

Sherwood Lowe

A remodelled National Service could have more positive than negative impacts DEAR EDITOR, I WAS THERE. That is the name I gave to the book, which I wrote after completing my stint of National Service (NS) in 1985, having returned to UG to study for the post graduate degree in Education.

Initially, I had graduated in 1975 with a BA degree before NS was mandatory. I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to leave my husband and three young children (youngest being seven months old) to go to Kimbia for two long months...but this was a known requirement before I, as well as thousands of others, could graduate ...

So off I went with my husband’s blessings!

After arriving at Kimbia, I made every effort to avoid having to do drills as I thought, I could do without those rigourous exercises, having recently had our third child, but my pleadings fell on deaf ears! In retrospect, though, I’m glad that I was not given exemption, because I learnt so much on the drill square...but that’s

another story!

My reason for writing this letter is to express my strong objection and disgust at writers painting the Guyana National Service as a ‘rape house’. I will not attempt to defend or deny reports of misconduct at GNS, but these exaggerated reports are meant to discredit an entire organisation and all those on whom it has had a positive impact.

I still have clear recollection of activities at Kimbia. I ended up enjoying drilling sessions. I uprooted weeds growing alongside nut plants. I can still see acre upon acre of lush cultivated fields of cotton, nuts, blackeye. I remember my amazement as “...huge combines separated the chaff from the black-eye...and poured the precious peas into one-hundred pound bags, which filled up in forty-five seconds (p. 26 I WAS THERE)!” There were fruit trees in abundance carambola, limes - to name just two. Yes, carambola trees

lined the roads and littered them with fallen fruits! Never before or after my stint have I seen one lime tree laden with hundreds of limes!

There were well-cultivated kitchen gardens outside the “Mess Hall”. In the craft shop, there were beautiful creations from local materials - mats, curtains, bags, ornaments, etc. I learnt to strip and assemble a SLR rifle and... yes, I hit the target when we were taken to the shooting range ( I still have the little cardboard certificate given me by my trainer, corporal Haridat Tilku).

Memories of good things flood me. I never heard of rape during my stint. I do know of Pioneers who arranged secret and consensual rendezvous with their boyfriends. Some of us were known to be Godfearing and were well respected by our fellow Pioneers and by those in authority!

What am I saying? Let us not throw out the baby with the bath water. Whether in (Continued on page 64)

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Government praised for budget DEAR EDITOR, An opinion poll, which I conducted found praises for President Irfaan Ali-led government for its latest budget presentation and handling of the economy that has taken a hit from the pandemic. The NACTA conducted survey of “Budget 2021-22” presented

by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance within the Ministry of Finance, Ashni Singh has revealed an optimistic picture of the economy. The Senior Finance Minister and Vice President Jagdeo have pulled together a set of economic policies that is seen as being very good for the economy and better than any previous budgets presented by the Coalition over the previous five years.

It is an expansionary budget that focuses on urban-rural

infrastructure and not unexpectedly, many rejoice over it. The presentation of the budget comes in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic and its repercussion on the global economy, with the world facing the worst contraction since the Depression of the 1930s.

Respondents praise the government for not proposing new direct taxes and for reducing or removing many of the taxes and fees and for increasing welfare benefits to the less fortunate. This ‘spend now’ budget has received a broad welcome from voters from both sides of the political divide. It is considered as a lifeline for an economy still battered by a partial lockdown, a continuing emergency COVID relief to the nation. They also feel it is a far better budget than any from the APNU+AFC coalition. Most

people feel they should be better off from the budget. However, they complain that prices have not dropped in the shops in spite of lowered VAT. One other complaint is that respondents feel that the government should have raised the income tax threshold so they can have more take home money. A majority of those polled said the Finance Minister has delivered a fair, good, or better than expected budget. The government gets kudos for direct intervention to deal with issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. But concerns were raised over inadequate money for State companies.

Respondents praise the government for its handling of housing, infrastructure development, support for agriculture, social support, and Covid. However, respondents

complain of joblessness and inadequate income that is not sufficient to meet rising expenses and lagging local development of communities. They also continue to express fear of crime.

Parents complain that their children are not receiving adequate education during the year-long pandemic without access to equipment (computer) or Wi-Fi to tap into long distance learning. In addition, the nation feels more needs to be done to address the recent surge of maternity and infant issues at hospitals and health clinics.

The NACTA poll was conducted by Dr. Vishnu Bisram from late February thru March with a sample size of 600 respondents reflecting the demographics of the population.

When asked what is the most important issue facing the country, respondents express concerns over unemployment, crime, pandemic, infrastructure, health, blackouts, drugs, among others. They describe all these problems as important.

Overall, people praise the government for the budget

saying it puts more money in their pockets. They describe the budget as mature, transparent, people centred, and growth oriented as compared to earlier ones.

On being asked if they approve of the budget, 64 percent said “yes” with 20 percent saying “no” and 16 percent not offering a response. Asked if the budget will produce a better life, 63 percent said yes, with 21 percent saying no and 16 percent not sure. Some 66 percent said this budget is better than the previous APNU+AFC budget; 19 percent say it is ‘worse than’ and 15 percent did not respond. Respondents from the bigger business community feel very optimistic and cheer the budget while respondents from the small businesses were more reserved in their view of the budget. The big business persons gave a high rating of ‘A’ while small business gave it an average rating of ‘B’. Some concerns were raised by respondents over household expenses and

inadequate income to meet them. The biggest fear is inflation (rising prices).

COVID-19 pandemic has contributed greatly to this worry. Some voters feel there should be more economic support for COVID and another stimulus package like the one given out in November and December.

Voters expressed displeasure and disquiet over some responses to the budget. They also don’t endorse the opposition boycott of Parliament.

Respondents feel the opposition should be present in Parliament to hold the government accountable.

Among those presenters who scored exceedingly high in budget presentations were: Anil Nandlall, Deodat Indar, Susan Rodrigues, Juan Edghill, Charles Ramson, Zulfikar Mustapha, Vickram Bharrat, Hugh Todd, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Sherod Duncan.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The Police and COVID DEAR EDITOR, With reference to an article published Thursday in the paper as it relates to the cops who pulled over the mask-less driver and ordered him to the station, I want to fully support the Guyana Police Force in this endeavour.

It is time, and with the deadly disease, the Police need to ramp up their efforts. Too many people are dying and being hospitalised, why is it hard to wear a mask in public? The police should start intercepting buses and check for

masks and issue of overcrowding in minibuses.

The cops should make spot checks in supermarkets, markets and other areas. Other CARICOM countries are very serious with the issue of mask wearing and social distancing but Guyanese seem to want to learn the hard way.

Any activity by the government and the Joint Service to curb the spread of this deadly disease, I am in full support.

B. John

Thoughts and prayers with sister Caricom nation DEAR EDITOR, Our sister Caricom nation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is facing a crisis situation of immense proportions.

While the government has offered assistance and support, our thoughts and

prayers are with the people of this Caribbean nation at this very grave time.

It is hoped the fate, which befell another Caribbean island some years ago would not result in this instance.

Shamshun Mohamed

The Rubber Walk DEAR EDITOR, I see trees as symbols of joy, of hope, of life; so it was with great disappointment and an even sadder heart that I read of the final decision to remove the century-old rubber trees in Mabaruma in the North West District, which is one of the most scenic parts of our country and which is blessed with an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

For me however, the “Rubber Walk” as it is called, is an essential part of its charm and beauty.

I first visited the North West District in the 1960’s as leader of a group of young people from the Roman Catholic youth

group ‘The Green Light Organisation’ in an outreach to our group there. We travelled by steamer and on arrival at Morawhana, though tired from the long overnight journey, we decided in our youthful exuberance to walk to Mabaruma where we would be staying.

That was when I first saw the Rubber Walk. It was magical walking that straight road shaded by the lovely rubber trees planted equally spaced on both sides like watchful sentinels they stood; sturdy, yet graceful in their foliage, witnesses to countless footsteps, to shared words and laughter and maybe to many, a weary shattered dream.

Those rubber trees were planted so long ago by hands that I am sure carefully nurtured them as saplings.

Those who planted them may have watched with pride as they matured and grew to majestic beauty, providing shade and bringing joy to the thousands who may have walked that walk over the long years that they have existed.

Now soon, and I still pray that this will not be, the brutal efficiency of metal teeth will savage them to death.

The sturdy trunks and foliage disposed of. Their shade gone forever. Their beauty just a memory.

Sincerely, Joan Collins

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Kaieteur News

The APNU+AFC opposition has to stop operating as if it has a split personality.

On one hand, it claims that the current, legitimately elected government was illegitimately “installed” by a process supported by the US, CARICOM and other international players, all of whom mere condemned the Granger administration attempt to rig the elections.

In virtually the same breath, it then goes to these same countries to complain that the government is not treating it like a legitimate opposition.

And the same coalition, whose leader David Granger has been hiding from the media for months, is complaining to the foreign governments that the media in is not carrying its messages.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Sunday April 11, 2021

Guyana Safety Standards not appropriate for main industries - US State Dept. Report The US State Department’s 2020 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana has outlined that the country’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards are not appropriate for the main industries. While the report did not specify these industries, it is no secret that Guyana’s main industries include but are not limited to gold, diamond, bauxite and timber.

The report further spoke to the fact that Guyana failed to effectively enforce its OSH laws.

The Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, recently alluded to the fact that the country is in need of more robust enforcement and updated OSH and Labour laws. This publication would have reported that the government is currently drafting new and amended OSH and Labour laws, and can expect a draft by the second quarter of this year (June).

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Hamilton had disclosed that Guyana recorded 32 workplace deaths in 2020, with a population of just 750,000, adding that this situation cannot continue. Further, he stated that there were 300 workplace accidents also reported last year. “How many persons died silently in 2020 in this country?

Thirty-two in a population of 760,000, we can’t afford that. How many persons lost limbs and were sick because of injuries at work sites? ... over 300,” Hamilton had stressed.

The US State Department report would have also highlighted that in addition to Guyana’s poor OSH standards, the subject Ministry did not have enough “inspectors” (Labour and OSH officers), to enforce the existing laws effectively.

“Labour inspections carried out during the year targeted all sectors, including agriculture, mining, and con-

struction. Ministry followup(s) of labour inspection findings varied, and compliance among employers was also inconsistent,” the report stated.

On a good note, it did state that “…the law provides that categories of workers have the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardising their employment, and authorities effectively protected employees in these situations.”

The administration has rolled out an OSH campaign to ensure there is compliance in the private and public sector, in all ten Administrative Regions of Guyana.

Dem boys seh...

Ash Knee gat fuh come good!

Dem boys does listen and dem boys does hear … all kinds of things. In Guyana once yuh listen close enough yuh could hear whisper.

Dem boys hear a man seh how de cattle herder does kill dem stock when dem deh bad. Dem boys know, however, dat de market never short of meat and therefore it gat to be dat nuff herder does deh bad all de time.

Dem boys nah accepting dah explanation about distribution problems affecting de price of meat. With all dem traffic wah dem boys seeing, backing up for miles during

peak hours and all dem big truck and van wah deh pun de road, dem boys nah feel is a transportation problem.

Dem boys believe is a bigger problem.

De Agri man gat fuh do a proper investigation and find out whether somebody trying fuh corner de market.

If dat is de case, den Ash Knee gan gat to ask de GRA fuh check pun dis, like he did with dem people wah charging VAT pun zero-rated items.

Ash Knee went to a funeral de other day. He lavish praise pun de man named Jai. But dem boys wan remind Ash Knee dat de man died on

de wuk.

And dem hope dat he gan lavish some ‘Grangers’ pun de family.

Beef might be short but de Treasury nah empty. Ash Knee gat to come good!

He seh how Jai used to wuk in de European Union Task Force section of de Ministry.

And dem papers seh how Jai was a financial expert. So dem boys wan know how come Jai end up in Mahdia doing wuk wah gat nuttin fuh do with de European Union.

Talk half and ask Ash Knee why de price of gasoline nearing $200 per litre!

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Baby found dead in drain; mother Some $1B for second phase of COVID household Cash Grant distribution claims she went to beg for baby food The body of a 21-monthold infant was yesterday found dead in a drain at Parika Backdam. His mother, 18, was arrested and has since claimed that she had left him close to that drain and went to beg for food because he was hungry.

According to a police report, the infant’s body was found just around 19:00 hrs.

His mother stated that she had gone to a friend living close by to beg for food for her “hungry child.” Kaieteur News learnt that it was that friend who began questioning her about the child’s whereabouts. She could not

give a reasonable answer which led to the individual becoming suspicious. The friend then informed her uncle that she was there.

The uncle subsequently arrived and began questioning her as well.

This caused the teen to run from the uncle and into a nearby canal. The police was then called in to deal with the situation. After being taken out of the canal, the law enforcement officials then instructed the teen to locate the child who was left unattended.

Upon arriving at the location, the police were greeted

with the sight of the motionless infant submerged in the drain. The child was then removed from the area and rushed to Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body was inspected for any marks of violence, but none was seen. It was later taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting post mortem examination. The mother was then escorted to Parika Police Station, where she was told of the allegations against her, cautioned and a statement was taken. She was later officially placed into custody. Investigations are ongoing.

(DPI) Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, has said close to $1 billion is expected to be disbursed during the second phase of the Government’s $25,000 per household COVID19 relief cash grant.

This distribution will focus on ensuring the 16,000 holders of the pink slips/query forms are served.

As happened during the first phase, residents in hinterland communities will benefit first. Minister Dharamlall said once the process has been completed in the outlying regions, distribution will start along the coast.

“The reason [we started] at the hinterlands regions is because they are much more vulnerable households. It is very expensive to live in those areas and they are not as accessible to services of the Government as other regions, and so we thought that it would be best to start paying in those regions first.”

The $1 billion, the Minister said, would ensure that all households benefit, honouring the pledge made by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to help families affected by the pandemic.

Minister Dharamlall is urging the public

Minister of Local Govt. & Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall.

to co-operate with the distribution teams to ensure a smooth process.“It is quite a few thousands of persons who had to fill out the pink form, but I can assure you that as long as you are eligible then you will receive the Covid cash grant… We expect it will be close to one billion dollars [to conduct this phase],” he said.

In 2020, $4.5 billion was allocated for the (Continued on page 55)

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

SUNDAY Subsequent governments have dropped the ball on ensuring that we, Guyanese, get our fair of the oil and gas industry.

Local manufacturers and service providers deserve a shot at participation in the sector yet glaring loopholes remain with regard to guaranteeing local content.

We deserve better!

MONDAY Given the seeming lack of backbone by the PPP/C Government to bring ExxonMobil to the table; in order to negotiate a fair deal for the Stabroek Block, Guyanese must agitate for a feasibility

study for the gas-to-shore project, a Gas Master plan to know the industries that will use the resource, and most importantly, a policy and law that will govern the prices to be charged for transporting that gas from the Stabroek Block.

If these are not done before the project comes on stream, ExxonMobil will take more than the breakfast, lunch and dinner of our future and current generations.

Guyanese, you have the power to decide how many more financial chains you want around your necks.

Make your voices heard today!

TUESDAY It is indeed commendable that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has taken note of the hardships that our pensioners endure each month in order to collect their old age pension, and has put in place a bank payment option.

However, what the Honourable Minister who heads this Ministry must take into consideration is the fact that for many of these pensioners taking advantage of this new option may be a tedious task.

While some may lack a bank account, there are others who may also lack de-

pendable family members or even neighbours, to assist with accessing and filling the necessary forms.

We therefore suggest that systems are put in place to help those elders who may need the added assistance; after all they deserve to be treated with respect and not be pushed around until the ‘roll is called up yonder.’

Honourable Minister, we beseech you, don’t let this awesome initiative be a silver lining with a dark cloud...we would much prefer the reverse.

THURSDAY There is currently an alarming rate at which per-

sons are being reported missing in our country. In recent weeks, the media have reported on several such cases.

This, no doubt, is a worrying development.

Based on reports, those missing are not persons who have a tendency of engaging in clandestine acts, but rather those whose family members instantly feared the worse upon their failure to locate them.

The authorities must give keen attention to this disturbing state of affairs to ascertain if there are any commonalities.

Troubling indeed, it would be if our nation were

faced with yet another dilemma of epidemic proportion!

SATURDAY The PPP/C Government says the gas-to-shore project is good for Guyana, that the pros outweigh the cons. If so, let them show us the evidence. Show the people the financial studies you did which prove that this project is sound. Prove that you are not leading Guyanese into another debt trap. Show the people that this will not be another white elephant like the US$200M Skeldon factory.

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

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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GMR&SC suspended for hosting “Paper Shorts” funeral GMR&SC Facebook announcing “Paper Short’s” funeral at its Thomas Lands’ premises.

T

he Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) located at Thomas Lands, Georgetown has been ordered by the National Covid-19 Task Force (NCTF) to shut its doors for one month. According to a member of the NCTF, GMR&SC’s operations was suspended from March 30 to April 30 because it breached the Covid-19 guidelines by hosting a large gathering on March 29.

That gathering, Kaieteur News was told, was the funeral service of slain gold dealer,

Ricardo Fagundes, better known as “Paper Shorts”.

Fagundes, a member of GMR&SC, was gunned down on March 21 in front of Palm Court by two men who emerged from a white Toyota Fielder wagon.

On March 26, on its Facebook page, GMR&SC announced that his funeral would be held at its Thomas Lands premises. In a subsequent Facebook post, it made on March 28, just one day before the service, GMR&SC (Continued on page 16)

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Outdated EPA regulations get updated Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published new guidelines for conducting and reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for large scale projects to be undertaken in Guyana— particularly targeting the emerging Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy sectors.

According to the new guidelines—since posted on the EPA’s website—the

update consists of a generic manual and standalone annexes, for the offshore upstream hydrocarbons, power, forestry, and mining sectors.

The EPA, in publishing its ‘New Rules and Procedures for Conducting and Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments’ said, “the emerging oil and gas sector and potential for introduction of associated

downstream industries suggests major economic opportunities.”

This while at “the same time present(ing) a challenge for pollution control regulators, resource managers, environmental civil society organisations and those potentially affected by these new types of industries.”

According to the EPA, the new guidelines address

seven sectors specifically and address climate vulnerability, international treaties, opportunities for renewable energy and the emerging petroleum sector: “With these gaps being filled, the EPA should now be able to assess more accurately new and complex projects and monitor and mitigate their social and environmental impacts.”

Additionally, the

updated guidelines will now be able to meet international best practices for EIA conduct, preparation and review, the EPA said. According to the document, the EPA in 2017 began developing draft EIA Guidelines for Offshore Oil Exploration and Production and that these were intended to cover all stages of off-shore hydrocarbon development.

The guidelines developed cover the exploration phase and covers areas such as seismic surveys and exploration drilling.

Additionally, the new guidelines cater for oil project development, including delineation drilling, site

regulators, resource managers, environmental civil society organisations and those potentially affected by these new types of industries.

To address these challenges, the EPA said it reviewed international standards and best practice procedures for conducting EIAs and the EIA requirements of the International Finance Corporation (IFC-World Bank Group) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

The new EIA Guidelines, according to the EPA are an update of existing rules and

development, servicing, operations and closure. These, the report noted, were never completed.

In 2019, the EPA had also developed a draft EIA screening criteria, for identifying general and specific circumstances in which proposed projects would be subject to an EIA. According to the EPA, these criteria were designed as a tool to distinguish between projects whose anticipated impacts are not likely to be significant and those projects whose anticipated impacts are likely to be significant and hence, would be required to undergo an EIA. The EPA said that in 2020, the agency also developed a numerical screening tool, using environmental and social criteria, to facilitate the process for determining impact significance and when to proceed with an EIA. It has since noted that the economic, social and technological landscape of Guyana has changed significantly since the Act was established and as such, the guidelines were reviewed.

It is in this context the report underscored that the emerging oil and gas sector and the potential for introduction of associated downstream industries suggests major economic opportunities, while at the same time presenting challenges for pollution control

procedures for permitting the d e v e l o p m e n t , implementation, and operation of projects.

Additionally, sector guidelines for mining, forestry, electricity generation including thermal and hydropower and electricity transmission have been updated and consolidated in the annexes of the 2020 EIA Guidelines.

Among the significant developments that led to the promulgation of the updated guidelines, the EPA in its new document noted that, “in 2000, then subsequently in 2004, following the amendment of the Guyana Environmental Protection Act (1996), the EPA prepared a manual providing guidance for the conduct, preparation and review of EIAs.” Those guidelines, it said, included general and sector specific rules and procedures for conducting, preparing and reviewing EIAs. “From 2000 to now, the economic, social, technological and physical landscape of Guyana has changed significantly…

Consequently, those guidelines became obsolete and required updating,” the EPA said.

International Standards The EPA said the intention of the 2020 (Continued on page 16)

Sunday April 11, 2021

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CJ sets date to rule on Police promotions case Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, has set May 24, 2021 as a date for the decision in the case filed to block the promotion of senior police officers. Several submissions have been filed in the matter over the past weeks and when the matter came up for hearing on Friday, the CJ noted that all of the submissions were completed. As such, she set May 24 as the date for ruling in the matter.

The case which put a brake on the year-end promotions for senior officers was initially filed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus, who moved to the High Court to block promotions for senior members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) until the decision not to promote him is recanted.

Brutus’ case was followed by a series of lawsuits filed in the High Court by senior police officers to block the promotions with some of them vowing to take their case all the

way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In their challenge to the Police Service Commission (PSC), the officers outlined, among other things, that the practice of the Commission not to promote police officers with pending disciplinary complaints regardless of the nature or seriousness of such complaints, perpetuates a permanent injustice against those who are scheduled for promotions.

They are seeking several declarations from the Court, including a declaration that the policy of the PSC not to promote, or consider for promotion, ranks with pending disciplinary matters before it is unlawful; a declaration that police officers are entitled to be promoted; and an order of certiorari quashing, nullifying and/or cancelling the decision of the PSC denying those appointments.

Meanwhile, in his Fixed Date Application (FDA), Brutus outlined what he calls

Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Brutus.

CDC to investigate increased flooding in Regions Six and Three The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has assigned assessment teams to investigate the flooding situation that is currently affecting various areas including farmlands within Regions Six and Three, according to the Commission.

This effort comes after numerous complaints from persons residing in the affected regions. Farmers at Conservancy Dam, Canal No.2, have reported that their land received significant water logging, along with streets being flooded in Belle West, Phase Two (WBD).

The CDC deployed an assessment team to Region 6

and is working with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) there to gather more information, while the authorities of Region 3 will conduct their assessment and apprise the CDC subsequently.

Kaieteur News contacted Commission officials who relayed that the assessment team had conducted the task and would have given out hampers to individuals who were affected.

It was also mentioned that none of the crops received permanent damage. The CDC and RDC will be working together to help provide proper drainage and water relinquishment.

an irrational and unlawful practice of the PSC in their deliberation of its annual yearend promotions.

Brutus had asked the Court to give several orders, including an order of certiorari quashing, nullifying and/ or cancelling the decision of the PSC to promote Edmond Cooper, Philip Azore and Kurleigh Simon, Senior Superintendents of Police to the office of Assistant Commis-

sioner of Police; an order of Mandamus compelling the Commission to reconsider its decision not to promote him in accordance with law and in accordance with his legiti-

missioner of Police; a declaration that he is entitled to be heard in person on any reconsideration of the matter; a declaration that the Commission contravened his fundamen-

mate expectation; a declaration that he was entitled to be heard in accordance with the principles of natural justice prior to the decision taken by the Commis-

tal right to equality and equal protection of the law guaranteed by Article 149 D of the Constitution of Guyana; a declaration that the policy of the Commission not to promote or con-

sion denying his promotion to the office of Assistant Com-

sider for promotion ranks with

disciplinary matters is irrational and unlawful; and a consequential order pursuant to Article 153 of the Constitution directing the Commission to appoint him to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

In the early stages of the proceeding, there were talks of a settlement between the Attorney General and PSC, but those discussions were eventually fruitless.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Convict escapes Mazaruni Prison Kevin Lafleur, 25, a robbery convict reportedly sprinted his way through bushes to escape the Mazaruni Prison on Friday last, escaping at around 13:15hrs.Lafleur whose last unknown address is Lot 84, Provi-

dence Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is serving 56 months for robbery under arms. According to information disseminated from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Friday last, Lafleur decided to make a run for his freedom through some bushes located “aback the prisons”.

Prison officers reportedly checked the area but could not find him. A joint services team has since been dis-

Convict who printed his way through bushes to escape the Mazaruni Prison, Kevin Lafleur. patched to the area and is carrying out search operations to recapture Lafleur.

One arrested for robbing man of BMX bicycle, $240 in cash - Police hunt two more

One has been arrested as police look for two more suspects who on Friday reportedly pounced on a man with a knife, robbing him of $240 and stealing his BMX bicycle valued at some $12,000.

Investigators reported that the man, Akely Freeman of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was attacked by the trio sometime around 00:30hrs that day.

He was reportedly riding along a street in Kaneville when the three ambushed him and hauled him off his bike as one of them held him at knifepoint while the other two searched through his pockets.

Police reported that Freeman put up a fight and was sliced to his hands with the knife. Nevertheless, he did manage to injure one of the suspects but that did not stop them from escaping with his bicycle and $240 in cash. The matter was reported and ranks were successful in capturing one of the suspects. Ranks identified him as the “same one who Freeman had injured during the robbery”.

The arrested suspect is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) receiving medical attention under police guard as the hunt is on for the other two who are still on the run.

GMR&SC suspended...

From page 13 stated that persons attending “must follow all Covid-19 guidelines and wear masks”.

The NCTF noted that despite a majority of the attendees having had on masks and made efforts to sanitize, there was very little social distancing.

The gazetted Covid-19 measures prohibit persons from hosting large gatherings such as funerals, party, etc.

The NCTF observed that there were more than a hundred persons attending Fagundes’ funeral service and decided to suspend the club’s operations.

Outdated EPA regulations...

From page 14 Guidelines is to provide the Agency, the Environmental Assessment Board, Sector Agencies, Developers, the Private Sector, nonGovernmental Organizations, Members of the Public and Consultants and any other stakeholders, a set of approved guidelines for the conduct and review of ESIAs in Guyana Reflected in the approved guidelines, the EPA said, are the key guiding principles for environmental management in Guyana, which are described in the Environmental Protection Act. These five principles the EPA said, includes polluter pay principle where the polluter should bear the cost of the measures to reduce and remediate pollution decided

upon by public authorities to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state and should compensate citizens for any harm they suffer from pollution.

Additionally, the new guidelines embrace the precautionary principle, provisions for strict liability, avoidance and others including those guiding the use of technology.

Financial assistance was provided from the World Wildlife Fund and the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment to hire consultants to update and develop the new guidelines. The Oil and Gas Guidelines were developed with the EPA through a consultancy by Dr. Heike Pflasterer of ECONCEPT, Germany.

Sunday April 11, 2021

President Ali leading relief response for St. Vincent - Items to leave Guyana within 48 hours [DPI) President, Irfaan Ali, this afternoon underscored the importance of getting emergency items, including water and food, over to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the fastest possible time.

He told members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Private Sector Commission, who are coordinating an emergency response, that given the urgency in the sister CARICOM nation, supplies from Guyana must set sail within 48 hours.

The President disclosed that the needs of the islands have multiplied over the last 24 hours since the eruption of the Soufrière volcano yesterday.

GUYANESE SAFE The President added that Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who was also at the meeting, was in contact with the Honorary Consulate in relation to Guyanese living on the islands.

“We’ve been fairly comforted that the Guyanese there are taken care of. There is no request on movement or anything.”

Along with the emergency response, the Head of State pointed out that the army is on standby in case they are needed on the ground in the aftermath of the eruption.

FULL SUPPORT The President said that he has been in constant contact with Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and has offered Guyana’s full support. He said that Prime Minister Gonsalves, informed him that the needs of the islands have increased significantly.

“The situation has changed drastically overnight, and indeed what was urgent is now extremely urgent.”

The two leaders are expected to speak again tonight.

MOVING FORWARD Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who was also at the meeting, is expected to meet the CDC (the central coordinating agency of the response), again tomorrow, to evaluate the progress.

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Up to this afternoon, the Private Sector Commission had raised several millions in cash commitments and muchneeded items.

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan, also indicated to the Head of State that the association has secured financial commitments.

Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, added that the Commission will be working around the clock to acquire the needed items. So far, commitments have already been made to supply drinking water, personal protective equipment, hygiene and sanitation supplies, water tanks and shelter supplies.

“Banks DIH has donated water (5-gallon bottles to fill a 20-foot container), John Fernandes Limited has donated a 20ft container and a 40ft container (to ship items to St. Vincent), and Gaico Construction and General Services has pledged two charter flights to the CARICOM island,” Craig noted.

DDL and several other large companies have also committed to donating items.

GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION President Ali noted that he understands the gravity of the situation, especially since residents have been forced to move out of their homes and are constantly being pushed further and further away due to the severity of the volcanic eruption.

The President said that he has also been in contact with Barbados and neighbouring islands since they could also be affected.

At the meeting at State House, the Government officials, including the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister, were joined by several members of the Private Sector Commission, the CDC, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean, among others.

President Irfaan Ali with stakeholders discussing relief efforts.

Credit: JHI Associates

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Are Guyanese politicians feeling in the dark for electricity solutions?

Gas-to-shore and Renewable Energy Projects…

Having more questions than answers is never ideal, but it can be particularly devastating when these questions surround matters that play a pivotal role in the wellbeing of an entire nation.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

The sad reality is that when it comes to the roadmap to sustainable and reliable energy, there are very few answers available to important questions.

As regards Guyana’s en-

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

ergy woes, the only consensus is that it poses as an impediment to the country’s economic and developmental ambitions. Unfortunately, governments come and go without at least offering a

sound plan to remove the impediment.

What the nation has been given are a bunch of ideas and projections, some of which contradict the others.

This begs the question, are

politicians feeling their way in the dark?

The APNU+AFC-government was extremely optimistic in its quest to end blackouts and move towards renewable energy. The coalition

Former President, David A. Granger

made a commitment under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to become 100% reliant on renewable energy by 2025. This was its commitment even as that government seriously eyed a gas to power project. At the end of its fiveyear term, APNU+AFC had made little to no progress; however, even if the coalition had retained power, there was no way the 2025 target could have been achieved.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, while in opposition, was able to point out the coalition’s shortcomings. He criticised the commitment, calling it impracticable and proof that the APNU+AFC was stuck in “la-la land”. A few years later, not much has changed as there is still no definitive guiding light for the way forward even as Jagdeo’s government is pushing a new mix that will see renewable forms of energy playing a major role and moves are already afoot to revisit the previously ill-fated Amaila Falls project. At the same time, the PPP/C is proposing to spend an obscene amount of money on the gas-to-shore project.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips said that the PPP/C will pursue a programme with an energy mix “that includes hydropower, natural gas, solar, and wind, which will lead to more than 400 megawatts of newly installed capacity for residential and commercial users over the next five years, and a reduction in the cost of energy by at least 50 percent.”

When the Prime Minister made these remarks, he was clear that upgrading the energy sector significantly is high on his government’s

agenda. This would have been much more convincing if the agenda was driven by a clear-cut plan.

The goal, as articulated

by Jagdeo, is still to move towards 100 percent reliability on renewables as per Guyana’s obligations to combat Climate Change. However, there has been no information on the division of sources of electricity. Since the goal is to move to renewable energy, will this new mix consider at least 50 percent of Guyana’s energy being obtained from renewable sources (wind, solar and hydro)? If so, is Guyana really going to spend nearly US$1B only to satisfy 50 percent of its energy needs? If not, then gas may account for much more, which means the move to renewable may not be as significant as some might hope.

The developed world committed to significantly moving away from nonrenewable forms of energy by 2030. Is Guyana going to be left behind? Indeed, Guyana is not yet considered developed, but none other than President Irfaan Ali predicted magnificent and transformational change is on the horizon.

Therefore, by the year 2030, Guyana should be nearing readiness to throw its third world badge in the garbage.

If that coveted transformation is realised and we are in the game to jump on board the renewable wagon by 2030, what will Guyana do with our very expensive project that may be almost new in 2030?

The reality is, unless Guyana rushes into this project blindly, there is no way it can be completed in time to get our money’s worth before it becomes time to switch. Here are some of the very fundamental measures needed if the gas-to-shore project is to garner public confidence: · a technical feasibility study · an economic feasibility study · an Environmental Impact Assessment · adequate legislation and policies including gas pricing policy and regulations to govern the laying of pipelines · negotiations with citizens who might be affected or have to relocate · carefully thought out decision on the source of funding · training of Guyanese, unless we intend to depend wholly on the foreigners, and · Guyana still has to figure what role GPL will play in (Continued on page 55)

Sunday April 11, 2021

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

SUNDAY EXXON CONTRACTOR SNUBS LOCAL FIRM; CITES LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN SUPPLYING SAFETY HATS, GLOVES AND VESTS Almost one year ago, international Energy Lawyer, Mr. J. Jay Park, had conducted a review of the provisions in the GuyanaExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block.

Following his assessment, Park found that the clauses, which should ensure Guyanese get first preference for jobs and contracts in the oil sector, leave much to be desired. The terms were found to be so poor that he had given the said provisions an “F Grade.”

The renowned energy expert, who has practiced energy law for over 30 years, with a specific focus on creating optimum petroleum regimes for States, had explained that the reason for such a grade is premised on the fact that the provisions would put Guyanese at a disadvantage, as they give Exxon and its contractors, enough room to make excuses for not giving first preference in the award of contracts to local businesses. Less than one year of making this pronouncement, Park’s words are coming to past.

Kaieteur News was recently informed that a local manufacturing company had submitted an Expression of Interest to supply SBM Offshore, one of ExxonMobil’s prime contractors, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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

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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 became of lack of experience. This needs to be addressed,” the local company expressed.

EXPERT ASSESSMENT In his analysis of Guyana’s PSA with ExxonMobil, Park –one of the world’s leading energy attorneys – had placed under the microscope Article 18 of the agreement (page 46) which states, “In the conduct of petroleum operations pursuant to this agreement, the contractor shall require than the Operator give preference to: (a) the purchase of Guyanese goods and materials, provided that such goods and materials are available on a timely basis of the quality and in the quantity required by the operator at a

competitive price; and (b) the employment of Guyanese sub-contractors insofar as they are commercially competitive and satisfy the operator’s financial and technical requirements and meet the requirements of Article 18.1 (a)…”

Park was quick to note during a webinar last year that he has a problem with the foregoing provision. The international lawyer had said that the provision does not create any kind of preference for Guyanese goods and services.

Expounding further, Park said that a local businessman can provide goods but the contractor, which is ExxonMobil, can simply say, “I can find it some other part of the world and get it at a lesser price.”

The lawyer continued, “And let’s say you do match or better all the prices in the entire solar system, the contractor can then say, ‘Sorry, I have found a better quality someplace else.’ Then you might say you can also find equal quality and sooner too. But even then, the contractor can say ‘Sorry, I need 10 times as much as what you have and I can get that at another source’.”

In other words, the Managing Partner of Petroleum Regimes Advisory and Park Energy Law said that Article 18 in the Stabroek Block deal is not a local preference clause. He said, “It is basically a clause that says ‘Yea, we will buy Guyanese goods that are competitive with everything else in the world and with every possible factor that can be used…”

The lawyer alluded to the fact that it would be virtually impossible for Guyanese businessmen to compete with the rest of the world for contracts in their own backyard.

Taking everything into consideration, Park said the Stabroek Block deal gets an F, as it provides no environment to create a local preference at all. The PPP/C Government is hopeful that with a robust policy and law for local content, this state of affairs could be improved.

GUYANESE DESERVE A FIGHTING CHANCE FOR OIL CONTRACTS – GCCI OFFICIAL While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration has received much commendation for the extensive consultations that were held on the draft Local Content Policy, some of the document’s provisions still come in for heavy criticism as they have been deemed to be “too ambitious” or “unrealistic.”

Specifically, much of the attention has been on the 111 services being proposed to have, at minimum, 30 percent participation from Guyanese.

With a population of approximately 700,000 people, several industry stakeholders have said this is ludicrous, while pointing out that Brazil with over 20 million people struggled to have its citizens supply 90 services in the oil industry. As a result, the Portuguese-speaking nation was forced to reduce its local content targets for the sector.

With this in mind, some stakeholders have said that Guyana should temper its expectations for the sector.

Upon taking note of this however, Senior Vice President at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, noted that he does not agree with the popular opinion. Tucker said that all opportunities should be available to Guyanese, even if it is believed that the capacity does not exist at the

moment to supply certain technical services.

Tucker said, “We have to realise that we do not have the capacity to do everything, but it does not say that I cannot find a partner to take on the toughest one or the most lucrative contract to supply a service in the sector.

I can safely say that there is no way I can do underwater diving with remotely operated equipment and deep-water fabrication or anything like that, but maybe I can compile a good proposal and put it to Government or I can find a partner…”

The GCCI official continued, “But the thing is that we cannot limit ourselves.

We should not set a limit, we should add as much as we want to the policy. It is a policy, and it can be reviewed over time and it should say that Guyanese should be given the first consideration.

We are not going to say that you have to give us, but consider us….”

At least, the very least, Tucker appealed that Guyanese be given a fighting chance to win oil contracts.

“It is our oil after all,” he concluded.

MONDAY WOMAN WHO STABBED EX-BOYFRIEND TO DEATH… POLICEMAN WANTED TO TOUCH HER BREASTS INSTEAD OFTAKING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT A mere five days before Sofia, 27, (not her real name) knifed her ex-boyfriend to death, a policeman attached to the Turkeyen Police Station had made advances to touch her breasts instead of taking her report of domestic violence.

Sofia is currently in the police lock-ups for allegedly killing her ex-boyfriend, Darren Harris, 46, during an argument, which they had on Thursday last. The stabbing incident took place on the main road of ‘E’ Field Cummings Park, South Sophia.

Sofia has since claimed that she killed Harris in selfdefence. She alleged that Harris and her ended up in a scuffle with each other during which he took out a knife and chopped her on her hands, almost severing it. In retaliation, she somehow managed to take away the knife and stabbed Harris three times before running away.

Five days prior to that stabbing incident, Sofia had gone to the Turkeyen Police Station to lodge a domestic violence report against Harris. Kaieteur News

understands that she attempted to do so Saturday last. Harris had reportedly abused her and they endedup in a “cuss out’ at her home.

Sofia said it was during that “cuss out” that she decided to break off her threemonth relationship with Harris and “put him out”. She related that her father was at home at the time and Harris had refused to leave. He reportedly broke a beer bottle and threatened to stab both of them.

Sofia said one of her friends who lived close by came over and intervened in the matter. Harris had left but not before threatening to beat them “if he sees them on the road”.

Fearful for her dad’s life, Sofia said that she and her dad headed down to the police station to lodge a complaint.

“We reach there after seven that night. I can’t really remember the exact time”, recounted Sofia.

Sofia said the officers there pushed them around for a while. “They told us that there is no patrol vehicle to go and make an arrest but we continued to wait for them to listen to us,” she recalled.

As a result of her persistence, Sofia said that a “tall, black, fat-up policeman walked up to her and said, “Come round you alone to de office and ‘leh’ we deal with the matter.

I was glad because they were finally going to take the report”, related Sofia.

“I tell daddy I coming back just now and follow de policeman”.

While in the office with the officer, Sofia alleged that instead of taking the report, the cop began asking her about her breasts.

“He turn and ask me ‘is all them bubby you gah? Is fake or real?”

Sofia said that she responded, “Of course is real!”

The cop reportedly followed up with these words, which aggravated her.

“A could touch them fuh see if is real?”

Sofia said she became angry and told him “Look, me ain’t come hay fuh deh pon stupidness.”

She then got up and walked out of the office, thereby ending the conversation.

“I come outside and seh daddy, come leh we guh long home cause dem these people only deh pon s**t”.

Her father, Ivan Nedd had also told Kaieteur News of this account in a separate interview. He detailed that he had asked his daughter if she had recorded the officer but (Continued on page 26)

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From page 25 she had no. Nevertheless, the man said he subsequently reported the matter to the police.

GEAAWARE OF SHORT TERM USE FOR GAS TO ELECTRICITY …SAYS PRESIDENT, PM LOOKING TO DEVELOP 400MW MAINLY WITH SOLAR, HYDRO The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is working towards a domestic energy mix to be developed over the next five years of some 400 megawatts (MW) of installed generation capacity in the country, “in excess of 200MW, in the interim from natural gas.”

This is the direction of Guyana’s key energy agency—which falls under the portfolio of the Prime Minister and President directly—according to GEA Head, Dr. Mahender Sharma.

He was this past week, a guest on a panel discussion on “Renewable Energy and Guyana’s Opportunities for Investment’ hosted online by the American Chambers of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham).

Dr. Sharma was at the time prefacing his arguments in favour of the use of renewable in Guyana’s energy mix and pointed out that when it comes to the overall strategy for the agency and drew reference to the fact that the charge delivered to the opening of the 12th Parliament by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali summarizes the thrust of the GEA’s energy policy going forward.

He reminded of Dr. Ali’s exhortations that “Guyana’s energy security will be driven by an energy mix that will see solar, wind, hydro, and natural gas, all being key components in making us the energy capital of the region.”

According to Dr. Sharma, included in the specific targets as articulated by the Prime Minister’s Office is “development of a world class energy mix, and installation of 400MW of new installed capacity inclusive of hydropower, solar, wind and natural gas.”

He noted that Natural Gas has been factored in to supply some 200MW of the proposed 400MW installed capacity, in the interim only.

Pointing to how the agency intends on reaching its goals, Dr. Sharma reminded that among the key objectives of Guyana’s energy policy is reduction of electricity costs for households and businesses; making Guyana’s energy cost globally competitive, working with Brazil and Suriname to create

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new energy corridor and outlining a clear path to becoming a net energy exporter.

This, he noted, would be achieved through not only upgrades to the national grid but the completion of Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, investment in solar and wind systems for off grid areas, and expansion of hinterland electrification for off grid and micro grids.

According to Dr. Sharma, in the coming three years alone, some 39MW would be added to the grid using solar farms and other smaller such systems in the next three years.

Speaking to hydropower initiatives by the agency, Dr. Sharma pointed to one completed in Region One at Hosororo and the construction of another 150kw plant at Kato in Region Eight.

Additionally, he outlined that the GEA will soon be going out to tender for the construction of hydropower plants in Region Nine at Moco Moco at 0.7MW and in Kumu, a 1.5MW facility.

According to Dr. Sharma, government is currently awaiting finalisation of financing for the projects from the Islamic Development Bank, while another private developer is looking to construct a 2.2MW hydropower plant at Tumatumari.

This, he said, is in addition to the GEA currently conducting countrywide studies and surveys in relation to the country’s hydropower potential.

Additionally, the GEA noted that there have been some progress made on the development of wind technology for the generation of electricity and pointed to an example of a wind powered lighting system 1823 Monument at the Georgetown Seawall.

The GEA Head, in light of his presentation on the potential for renewable energy generation in Guyana, said, “When gas gets landed, many opportunities gets opened; compressed natural gas for transport might be an opportunity.”

TUESDAY LACK OF INFO FROM GOVT.AGENCIES STYMIES OIL SECTOR AUDITS – GRA It was in September 2019 that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) operationalised the Petroleum Revenue Audit Department (PetRAD). That department was established to serve two main purposes. The first was

to ensure the administration of taxes within the petroleum sector through the performance of revenue compliance activities to ensure there is adherence to Guyana’s tax and petroleum laws and regulations, as well as, Production Sharing Agreements (PSA). The second purpose was to ensure the execution of Cost Recovery Audits aimed at verifying the expenditure claims of contractors who have entered into PSAs with the government.

Despite its best efforts to achieve the said goals, GRA noted in its 2015 to 2020 Handover Report that several challenges hindered the work of PetRAD. Chief among these was the failure of all related Government Departments to sign onto a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the sharing of pertinent information.

Kaieteur News understands that this significantly hindered the authority’s ability to access the documents needed to plan all Cost Recovery and Tax Audits, as well as, adopt more proactive contemporary audit techniques.

Further to this, GRA noted the inability to control the timely achievement of audit deliverables granted that the Cost Recovery Audit is conducted collaboratively by three Government Agencies.

Another huge hurdle was the selective interpretation of the PSA and legislation by International Oil Companies and Service Providers. Given that the Oil and Gas Sector is in its rudimentary phase, GRA said that most terms within the PSA and the legislation are subject to interpretation.

This has to be meticulously and punctiliously read and interpreted, which is extraordinarily timeconsuming since the outcome of these inaugural activities would set precedents within this burgeoning sector, the tax body stated.

Further to this, GRA said that the complement of the Petroleum Revenue Audit Department has expanded to 14 officers since its establishment. It noted, however, that the further expansion of the department is being curtailed by inadequate accommodation.

Kaieteur News understands that infrastructural works are currently afoot to facilitate the co-option of some additional resources that are currently apart of the repository.

Of the 14 officers, GRA was keen to note that only 11 are directly involved in the execution of Audits. Also, all

11 of these officers are officially assigned to the Tax Audit Division. The only assigned member of the Cost Recovery Audit Division is the Assistant Commissioner.

GRA said that a project team, constituted mainly of Managers of PetRAD, was formed to facilitate the execution of the first Cost Recovery Audit. It noted, however, that strategic decisions needed to be made as it relates to the operationalisation of the Cost Recovery Audit Division and by extension, the deployment of staff to serve within the Division.

IMPORTING ITEMS FOR RETAILTO OIL COMPANIES IS NOT LOCAL CONTENT - EXXONMOBIL REP. The ExxonMobilsponsored Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) is currently embracing the stance that much more focus needs to be paid to the true meaning of what local content is, since simply importing an item for retail at a small mark-up profit does not count as true local content.

The position was voiced over the weekend by the CLBD Director, Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters, who was at the time a guest panelist on OilNow’s Local Content webinar, moderated by Chris Chapwanya.

According to the CLBD director, “when we think about true local content we have also to focus on the economic definition; so we have to think about leakages within our economy.”

She explained that when the oil companies spend to procure goods from a local company “if they are importing them, that is not really local content.”

The CLBD director explained that when this obtains it would mean that the majority of the money is still being leaked overseas since

the companies that are supplying the oil companies would have to pay for their items outside of the country.

Dr. Gaskin-Peters used the occasion to note too, “if I am a local company and not investing in the country then it becomes a leakage.”

According to the CLBD Director, “we want to ensure that spending is not focused on pass through items; not just wholesale and retail and not just making a mark-up (profit).”

She was adamant in noting that “if we think about the spending (on local content), we also have to think about leakages.”

The director’s remarks comes on the heels of lamentations by one local company that had put in a bid for the supply of personal protective equipment, namely safety helmets, vests and gloves but was declined for want of experience.

That importer had teamed up with an international partner to supply SBM Offshore – one of ExxonMobil’s prime contractors – to supply the safety gears but was turned down.

Lamenting the state of affairs, 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 for 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 expressed.

Senior Vice President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, who also appeared as a guest panelist on the local content discussion, in offering a differing view on the issue, argued that the practice of importing items for retail to the oil companies could still be considered local content.

He pointed to the fact that despite items being imported, the country still benefits overall from taxes being paid and for employees earning a livelihood.

The GCCI senior vice

president was reiterating the need for Guyanese to be given first preference and not be treated as window dressing.

Almost one year ago, international Energy Lawyer, Mr. J. Jay Park, had conducted a review of the provisions in the GuyanaExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block and had found that the clauses, which should ensure Guyanese get first preference for jobs and contracts in the oil sector, left much to be desired.

The terms were found to be so poor that he had given the said provisions an “F Grade.”

The renowned energy expert, who has practiced energy law for over 30 years, with specific focus on creating optimum petroleum regimes for States, had explained that the reason for such a grade is premised on the fact that the provisions would put Guyanese at a disadvantage, as they give Exxon, and its contractors, enough room to make excuses for not giving first preference in the award of contracts to local businesses.

WEDNESDAY “KILLA” TURNS SELF IN SHORTLY AFTER WANTED BULLETIN ISSUED IN FAGUNDES KILLING An hour after a wanted bulletin was issued Tuesday for Rondell Bacchus called “Killa,” in relation to the Main Street execution of Ricardo Fagundes, the man turned himself in at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, in the company of his lawyer.

Around noon Tuesday, a wanted bulletin was issued for Bacchus, 40, of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown.

Kaieteur News later confirmed that Bacchus, in the presence of his lawyer, Damien Da Silva, walked into CID HQ and surrendered at approximately 1pm Tuesday.

Bacchus is presently in custody assisting with the investigation in relation to the killing of Ricardo Fagundes, known as “Paper Shorts”, a biker and a popular gold dealer who was killed on March 21, 2021, at Main Street, Georgetown.

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

(Continued on page 27)

Sunday April 11, 2021

From page 26 Since Fagundes killing, the GPF has not made any arrest until Tuesday after they issued the wanted bulletin for Bacchus for questioning and he surrendered.

According to Bacchus’ lawyer, his client through him has adamantly denied any knowledge and involvement in the execution. The lawyer further stated that around the time Fagundes was murdered, his client was at a relative’s house, which is nowhere near the scene of the crime.

Bacchus is no stranger to the law. According to a statement by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), onApril 2, 2019, Bacchus pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years, eight months imprisonment.

The release further stated that, Bacchus was also sentenced to three years for the robbery under arms, 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.

The Judge had ordered that the prison authority deduct the time Bacchus spent in pre-trial custody from the sentence time, and as such he was released from the prison on October 3, 2019.

Moreover, the GPF last evening stated that there were inaccurate reports that the Government-installed CCTV cameras in a section of Georgetown were not functioning at the time of Fagundes’ execution.

In response to the ‘erroneous reports’, the GPF stated that footage were obtained from cameras in the vicinity of the execution and in an update on the progress of the investigation, Fagundes’ relatives were also able to view the footage. This publication had reported that at Fagundes’ farewell, his best friend, Roger Khan stated that, “Every single one of those bullets were meant for me…all 20 something of

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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 made it clear that he (Khan) was the intended target and not Fagundes, and highlighted that Fagundes had died in his place. Khan demanded justice for his slain friend and lashed out at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for not working diligently to find Fagundes’ killers.

GUYANATO COME UP FOR EITI VALIDATION ON JULY 1 Following its acceptance into the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in October 2017 as a candidate member, Guyana is expected to go through its first Validation exercise come July 1. This was confirmed Tuesday with Head of GYEITI, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat.

According to the international body which promotes good governance in the oil, gas, and minerals sectors, the Validation process is an essential feature which serves to provide all stakeholders with an impartial assessment of how the country is implementing EITI’s Standards. The assessment looks at all the work that is done by the implementing country, which includes EITI reports, work plans, progress reports, stakeholder engagements, and efforts dedicated to transparency.

Prior to the commencement of Validation, it is expected that a MultiStakeholder Group (MSG), a body that includes representatives from the industry, government agencies and civil society, oversees the collation of data and documentation that demonstrates evidence of addressing each EITI Requirement within the component(s) being

assessed, using Boardapproved templates.

This work may be undertaken with support from, for example, the national secretariat, a consultant or an independent administrator.

The International Secretariat’s country team provides guidance too. This support may involve a mission to the country ahead of Validation, which a member of the Validation team may join to consult stakeholders and provide information on the Validation process.

EITI has made it clear however that the onus is on implementing countries to demonstrate progress and provide evidence that it has followed its Standards for good governance. Further to this, it was noted by the global watchdog that the national secretariat should collate the documentation and other sources that demonstrate adherence using the Board-approved templates provided by the International Secretariat. In second and subsequent Validations, the MSG is encouraged to focus on demonstrating progress in addressing the corrective actions.

Ahead of the Validation, the International Secretariat launches a call for views on stakeholder engagement in the EITI. This exercise is held publicly and shared with the MSG and other relevant stakeholders. The Validation Committee may also engage an external expert to provide input on any aspect of the EITI Standard on selected Validations.

Following this, the International Secretariat’s Validation team reviews the information submitted by the MSG, as well as, responses to the call for views on stakeholder engagement. The Validation team then

proposes a preliminary assessment of each EITI Requirement, as well as the effectiveness and sustainability indicators, following the Validation Guide. The Validation team then proposes corrective actions for requirements where gaps are identified or evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate that the requirement has been fully met. If the Validation team is aware of a relevant publicly available source that addresses the gaps, it will highlight this in the draft assessment. Its report is also considered by the EITI Board.

THURSDAY IN FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE… PPP/C, COALITION INCAPABLE OF LEADING GUYANESE TO SAFE AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE – INT’L LAWYER When one considers the actions taken by the former coalition administration and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C), to move at almost lightning speed with oil production offshore Guyana in spite of the polluting effect it will have on the environment, international lawyer, Ms. Melinda Janki, is convinced that both political factions are incapable of leading Guyanese to a safe and prosperous future. She noted as much in a recent letter to Kaieteur News.

In her letter to the Editor, Janki sought to inform readers that US President, Joe Biden, is expected to host a Summit on Climate Change come April 22 and 23. She noted that the summit would deal with urgent action to tackle this phenomenon plus the economic benefits of doing so. Prime Minister, Gaston

Browne, of Antigua and Barbuda, and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, of Jamaica, are among the 40 leaders selected to attend. Janki was keen to note that Guyana was not invited, even though it is a key State when it comes to climate change.

Expounding on this front, Janki reminded that Guyana is a world leader in combating climate change. She said that its forests and ocean make it one of the world’s few carbon sinks. In fact, Janki noted that Guyana does more every day to reverse climate change, than almost any other country on the planet. She stressed, however, that while Guyana is currently a climate leader, it has, by its very actions, transformed itself into a ticking carbon bomb.

In this regard, she highlighted that ExxonMobil, which is the Operator of the Stabroek Block, claims to have discovered about nine billion barrels of oil. Unless that oil production is stopped, Janki said it would emit 3.87 billion tons of greenhouse gas. “That’s more than 250 years’ worth of emissions from Delaware, the state that President Biden represented in the Senate for 36 years,” the international lawyer expressed.

Further to this, Janki pointed out that President Biden plans to spend US$2 trillion to address climate change including US$650 billion on a clean energy transition and US$174 billion to switch to electric vehicles.

With this in mind, Janki said that Guyana’s proposed petroleum production is in direct opposition to President Biden’s climate change aims and strategy. Furthermore, she said that this petroleum production for the Stabroek Block appears to be driven by the demands of ExxonMobil, a struggling American oil

company, and not by concern for the wellbeing of the Guyanese people.

In addition to the foregoing, Janki said one must not forget that the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C have acknowledged the threat of climate change. Last year, for example, the lawyer recalled that President, Irfaan Ali, had warned that Guyana is ‘particularly vulnerable’ to climate change. She said too that Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, even called climate change an ‘existential threat.’

As for the APNU+AFC, she recalled that it had produced a draft Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan, which warned in 2015 that Guyana was already experiencing the ‘adverse and potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change.’

Despite the acknowledgement by both political parties, Janki asserted, “The PPP/C and their predecessors, the APNU+AFC Coalition, have shown repeatedly that they are too weak to stand up to ExxonMobil (and partners).

The PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition have squandered Guyana’s global political capital as a carbon sink. It is clear that the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition are incapable of leading the Guyanese people to a safe and prosperous future in the face of the existential threat of climate change.”

The international lawyer categorically stated that Article 36 of the Constitution states that the well-being of the nation depends on preserving clean air, fertile soils, pure water and the rich diversity of plants, animals and ecosystems. The lawyer stressed therefore that Article 36 ought to be the starting (Continued on page 28)

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From page 27 point for Guyana’s immediate transition to a prosperous blue-green economy powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

In conclusion, she said, “Guyana’s people can and must align now with the global movement to avert climate catastrophe, even while Guyana’s political elite remain stubbornly on the wrong side of history.”

GOVT. REMOVES VAT FROM ITEMS POWERED BYRENEWABLE ENERGY The Guyana Government has, with effect from March 1, 2021, put in place a financial incentive for the renewable energy industry and has since exempted items to be used in the business, from the payment of any Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Order giving effect to the government inducement was made under the Value Added Tax Act, which restructured the schedules for goods and services that have either been zero rated or exempted all together.

The provisions of the Order were signed off by Substantive Minister with responsibility for the Finance Portfolio in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh.

According to the notice—since published in the Official Gazette and subsequently in sections of the daily newspapers— exempted from VAT payments are machinery and equipment obtained for the generating and utilising of electricity from renewable energy sources.

The Order noted that these include solar panels, solar lamps, deep cycle batteries, solar generators, solar cookers, solar waterheaters, solar refrigerators and freezers, solar powered air-conditioners and inverters.

These, in addition to water turbines, wind turbines and energy efficient lighting, including compact fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes (LED).

Additionally, the supply of machinery and equipment for utilising alternate energy technologies and renewable energy options, such as gasifiers to use biomass and harnessing renewable energy through wind, solar and water, as determined by the Commissioner, were also exempted from VAT payments.

The notice of exemption of VAT comes amidst the Guyana Energy Agency’s (GEA) active drive towards the establishment of a domestic energy mix to be

developed over the next five years of some 400 megawatts (MW) of installed generation capacity in the country.

This is the direction of Guyana’s key energy agency, which falls under the portfolio of the Prime Minister and President.

According to GEA Head, Dr. Mahender Sharma, overall strategy for the agency is rooted in the charge delivered to the opening of the 12th Parliament by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, which summarises the thrust of the GEA’s energy policy going forward.

He reminded of Dr. Ali’s exhortations that “Guyana’s energy security will be driven by an energy mix that will see solar, wind, hydro, and natural gas, all being key components in making us the energy capital of the region.”

According to Dr. Sharma, included in the specific targets, as articulated by the Prime Minister’s Office, is “development of a world class energy mix, and installation of 400MW of new installed capacity inclusive of hydropower, solar, wind and natural gas.”

He noted that natural gas has been factored in to supply some 200MW of the proposed 400MW installed capacity, in the interim only.

Notably the notice comes in wake of the GEA inviting interested companies to bid for the design and installation of a number of mini grid solar systems, and electrical distribution networks.

According to the invitation to bid put out by the GEA, the entity is looking for eligible bidders for a 171 kilowatt per hour (kWp) photovoltaic system set up in St. Monica, Region Two. In a separate invitation, the company said it is looking to have a similar installation at the Capoey Mission for

some 171 kilowatts per hour while another facility is envisioned at 39.5 kWp for Capoey Lake Top. Additionally, GEA in recently advertised invitations, had called for companies to provide services for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 153 kWp off-grid solar photovoltaic micro-grid system and electrical distribution network in the Mainstay-Whyaka and St. Deny’s Tapakuma communities.

The entity has also invited companies to submit their bids for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 244 kWp off-grid solar photovoltaic micro-grid system and electrical distribution network in Waramadong, Region Seven.

According to Dr. Sharma, some 39MW would be added to the grid using solar farms and other smaller such systems in the next three years.

Dr. Sharma had also indicated that government in recent years has already outfitted some 291 state buildings with solar systems for electricity generation, an initiative that had caused some $500M in savings.

BRAZIL BREAKS RECORD AGAIN WITH OVER 4,000 COVID-19 DEATHS IN 24 HRS Brazil, Guyana’s neighbour to the South, broke its COVID-19 death toll record, yet again, when it recorded over 4,000 deaths in just 24 hours on Tuesday.

Data released by its Ministry of Health showed 4,195 new deaths recorded. The country is ranked second globally as it relates to COVID-19 deaths, with the United States of America (USA) at first place.

The last death toll record broken by Brazil was on March 23, when it recorded 3,251 fatalities.

The surge in cases and deaths, which is suspected to be as a result of the aggressively circulating “P.1”/Brazilian variant, has left the country’s health system extremely overwhelmed with hospitals nearing their breaking point. With the new deaths recorded on Tuesday, the country’s death toll was pushed to 337,000.

It was reported by Reuters that with Brazil’s healthcare system now at a breaking point, it could exceed the USA’s death toll of 555,000.

This is despite Brazil having a population that is two-thirds of the United States, according to two experts that spoke to Reuters.

One of the experts, Miguel Nicolelis, a Brazilian doctor and professor at Duke University, who is closely tracking the virus, said, “It’s a nuclear reactor that has set off a chain reaction and (it) is out of control. It’s a biological Fukushima.” Fukushima is a reference to a nuclear power plant disaster that occurred in Fukushima, Japan.

Despite the alarming death rate in Brazil, its President Jair Bolsonaro has ignored worldwide criticism for his handling of the pandemic. He has been labelled as “genocidal” since he has opposed certain public health protection measures such as the wearing of face masks and stringent lockdowns.

Six states had previously reported worrying levels of medical oxygen supplies.

Also reported was the President, on March 23, the very day in which the recordbreaking 3,000 cases were reported, saying that, “very soon we’ll resume our normal lives.”On that day he also

swore in cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as the fourth health minister since the pandemic began.

At one point, Brazil’s authorities were urged to foster a national response which was expected to result in the closure of non-essential businesses in all but two states for 14 days, but President Bolsonaro was of the firm conviction that “the collateral damage to the economy brought by restrictions would be worse than the effects of the virus itself.”

Additionally, he had attempted to stop local authorities from imposing the protective measures, but that was halted by the Supreme Court.

FRIDAY EXXONAGAINAT FULL SPEED WITH REPLACED GAS COMPRESSOR Operator of the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana, says it has completed the reinstallation of the repaired and upgraded components of the flash gas compression system on-board the Liza Destiny, Floating, Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and is currently involved in “monitoring the performance of the machine closely in (a) normal, steadystate operation.”

This, according to the US oil major, in an update Thursday, in which it also noted that the monitoring of the resumed operations at the FPSO represents the third and final phase of its testing programme, following the installation of the repaired compressor.

The operator said that pilot level flaring was attained during the testing and a significant volume of process and mechanical data was

collected.

It was noted too that over the last few days, the team successfully completed the first two phases, which were intended to verify the effectiveness of the modifications to the equipment and control system logic.

The resumption of operations for monitoring takes place this week after removal of temporary instrumentation, according to the oil major. The company has since committed to providing an additional update on the operations, early next week.

The company at the end of last month had reported that its team of experts was making final preparations for the start-up of the flash gas compressor this week aboard the Liza Destiny.

Addressing the delays in the reinstallation of the equipment in order to restore normal operations within the prescribed flaring limits, ExxonMobil Guyana had informed this publication that the team offshore had been “carefully and methodically reassembling the various components of the gas compression system, and is now running key instrumentation tests for a successful start-up.”

The company added that throughout that period, ExxonMobil “has sought to strike a balance between safely maintaining production, while minimising flaring.”

The company further added, “We have kept relevant government agencies and other stakeholders informed about the progress of the repairs and reinstallation.”

Kaieteur News had calculated that at 16 million cubic feet per day, the (Continued on page 29)

Sunday April 11, 2021

From page 28 company had already flared excess of 176 million cubic feet of natural gas eleven days after announcing that it would be flaring beyond pilot levels in January and that number continued to increase during that period.

The defective gas compressor which led to the increased flaring and releasing of pollutants into the atmosphere had repaired the equipment with its manufacturer, MAN Turbo, in Germany. This followed a detailed inspection by the technical experts at the MAN Energy Solutions workshop, ExxonMobil said in an operational update.

Chief Operations Officer at Hess Corporation— ExxonMobil’s partner in the Stabroek Block—Gregory Hill during a January 27 earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2020, had said that ExxonMobil would be evaluating options to increase nameplate capacity of the Liza Destiny operation, but he had said that those options would be pursued in the third quarter of 2021, not the first.

The press only found out during a February 8 press conference, that ExxonMobil had already been doing higher production capacity tests and that it had been producing as high as 130,000 barrels per day in January.

ExxonMobil officials said that the Liza Destiny is able to produce as many as 158,000 barrels of oil per day.

The company had last December reported that it had successfully commissioned the gas injection system, which was fixed months after malfunctioning.

That state of affairs had resulted in over one billion cubic feet of gas being flared along with the release of toxic chemicals.

Exxon was only meant to briefly flare gas at project start-up in late December 2019 to test and fully commission the gas compression and injection systems at the site.

However, the company would end up flaring gas way longer than expected, for more than a year in fact.

According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brief, ExxonMobil had said that the third stage-flash gas compressor and suction silencer had been sent for repairs in Germany and were returned to the Liza Destiny FPSO in late October, 2020.

The EPA had said that same was being reinstalled and was expected to restart functioning in mid-November.

Exxon, according to the November update, had expected the equipment to take one to two weeks of

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testing to confirm that the repairs and modifications worked.

Notably, at the end of October, the company had flared more than 16 million cubic feet of natural gas, thereby making Guyana one of the top five countries in the world for volume flared per year, per capita.

GUYANA SURPASSES 50,000 COVID-19 VACCINATIONS – RECORDS HIGHEST NUMBER OF INFECTIONS IN 24 HOURS Former Minister of Health and current Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, on Thursday announced that Guyana has surpassed 50,000 vaccinations in the Government’s on-going COVID-19 immunisation campaign.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Ramsammy noted that “It is still a far way to go, but it is an important milestone.

Thirty-one countries around the world have not yet administered a single dose.”

He added that Barbados is the only Caribbean country ahead of Guyana in its immunisation campaign with over 60,000 persons vaccinated to date. He predicted that by this time next week, Guyana will rank number one in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for COVID-19 vaccinations.

“This means that 10 out of every 100 adult Guyanese will have received a first dose.

This puts Guyana ahead of most countries around the world. We want to ensure that we vaccinate another 100,000 by the end of April. Help us,” he also expressed.

While the effective rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign may be good news for many Guyanese, the number of new cases reported by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Thursday, via its daily dashboard update, remains concerning. Thursday’s dashboard revealed 135 new COVID-19 infections, which seemingly breaks the record of COVID-19 cases recorded in just 24 hours. The new infections were recorded from a total of 2,344 tests, pushing Guyana’s COVID-19 case toll to 10,853. The dashboard also shows that 13 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another 10 in institutional quarantine, 69 in institutional isolation and 1,015 in home isolation. Some 9,517 persons have recovered to date, with a mere 44 new recoveries recorded Thursday.

The MOH also announced two more COVID-

19 fatalities Thursday, two males; a 73-year-old from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and a 59-year-old from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), both succumbed while receiving care at medical facilities. Guyana now has 252 COVID-19 deaths.

This publication would have reported a recent surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths, which led to an average of two deaths and 75 new cases per day. Just eight days into the new month, 19 deaths have already been recorded, as well as, 604 new infections.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) continues to lead in the number of infections, with 5,165 confirmed cases. As the pandemic continues to affect Guyanese, and the government endeavours to achieve herd immunity by year-end, persons are being encouraged to capitalise on the opportunity to receive their jab of the available COVID-19 vaccines, once eligible. As the vaccination programme continues, more groups of persons are being opened to eligibility, with the most recent being persons 40 years and older.

Additionally, Guyana has seen aggressive enforcement of the gazetted COVID-19 measures by the National COVID-19 Task Force with assistance from the Joint Services, in light of the high infection and death rate. The enforcement exercises are being conducted in a bid to ensure maximum compliance and curb the further spread of the virus.

EXXON CONTRACTOR DENIES SIDELINING GUYANESE SUPPLIERS …SAYS THE MAJORITY OF PRE-APPROVED COMPANIES ARE LOCALS SBM Offshore, the Dutch floater specialist and ExxonMobil Tier One contractor for a number of

Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels destined for the Stabroek Block, is refuting claims of discrimination being levelled against it, to say that the majority of companies that it has pre-approved for its next round of contracts are Guyanese-owned.

The company had come under fire after a local businessman complained of being side-lined for want of experience in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety vests, gloves and helmets.

According to SBM in a release on Thursday, close to 30 companies recently submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the provision of PPEs for the company’s operations in Guyana and that “of the companies selected for the next round by SBM Offshore, the majority are Guyanese owned, in whole or in part.”

The company noted that the “the bid process includes the application of criteria that, among other factors, take into account the information and supporting documentation provided” and that “this is essential to assess the overall capabilities of the bidders and to ensure they meet the quality and standards required for provision of the services.”

As such, the company noted that it “routinely ensures that the bid process is fair and fully transparent, in keeping with international best practices.”

According to SMB Offshore, it supports local business suppliers in all of the locations where it operates in around the world and that “in Guyana, we have been doing so across our operations, including the utilisation of local suppliers for vessel fabrication services, construction of buildings and a range of supplies for our offshore activities, including partnerships with farmers and

food suppliers.”

Kaieteur News was informed recently that a local manufacturing company had submitted an Expression of Interest to supply SBM Offshore, with PPE and despite joining forces with W.W Grainger, an internationally recognised 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 wrote to the businessman, “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 expressed.

One of the world’s leading energy attorneys, JJ Park had a year ago said that it was the Production Sharing Agreement with the oil block operator that makes it virtually impossible for Guyanese businessmen to compete with the rest of the world for contracts in their own backyard. Taking everything into consideration, Park said the Stabroek Block deal gets an F, as it provides no environment to create a local preference at all.

This publication has since requested to the local public relations firm, which represents SBM to provide the exact number of companies that supplied expressions of interest to SBM Offshore and a breakdown of those that have been pre-approved.

This includes a disaggregation illustrating which of those approved is majority Guyanese owned or part owned. The firm has since committed to providing a response in due course.

SATURDAY GHANA HAS GUIDELINES TO PREVENT DISCRIMINATION IN BIDDING PROCESS FOR OIL SECTOR – GUYANALEFT WIDE OPEN FOR ABUSE IN ABSENCE OF SIMILAR PROTECTION When it comes to the 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 (Continued on page 30)

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From page 29 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

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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.

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

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.

BOY, 16, GETS “THRASHING” FROM VILLAGERSAFTER ROBBING TEEN

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.

FAGUNDES’ EXECUTION… ‘KILLA’RELEASED ON $100,000 BAIL, ACCUSED OF DAMAGING POLICE VEHICLE Three days after Rondell Bacchus called “Killa,” was arrested in relation to the execution of Ricardo Fagundes on Main Street, the suspect was on Friday released on $100,000 station bail.

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

The police also stated on Friday 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, 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 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 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.”

A 16-year-old bandit Friday 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-year-old 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.

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 on-going.

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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

Every Guyanese should read David Cole in the NYRB As I was about to drive off, Mrs. Dawn Holder-Cush (DHC) said to me, “Freddie, you are the most forgiving person in the world.” I was nonplussed. What was she talking about? She repeated it all the while having an intestinal smile which betrayed a tiny spark of cynicism. See my column about the encounter with DHC - Monday, March 22, 2021, “Mrs. HolderCush and thousands like her must put country first.”

Obviously, I asked her to explain. Still with the tiny smile and ocular cynicism, she said that the PPP threw filth on me yet I have forgiven them with my support during the election saga.

The exchange with DHC took place last month, and I will go to my grave not understanding the connection between the repression I and my family faced in the Jagdeo/ Ramotar era with my rejection of rigged election in my country.

My email is fredkissoon@yahoo.com. If you think what I did from March to July in 2020 constituted a forgiving attitude towards the PPP, please let’s have a discussion. My cell is 614-5927 but I don’t think you should call me for such a discussion. Your argument has to be well-laid out so a phone discussion is out. Email me and offer your analysis. I want to see the polemical points that are convincing.

I don’t think your argument will be efficacious but I kindly ask you to show me your adumbration. For now,

until I hear from you, I will justify my position on the March 2020 election by citing the philosophical thinking of David Cole, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the April 2 edition of the New York Review of Books (NYRB).

If any two organisations in the world are antithetical in the way they see American society, it is the ACLU and NRA. The ACLU is one of the most formidable human rights fortresses in the world. The NRA is a right-wing body whose insensitivity to human suffering through gun violence is unbearable. But Cole takes a unique position on legal action which has been currently taken against the NRA by the Attorney-General of New York.

The AG of New York is seeking to dissolve the NRA as a non-profit organisation saying it is run by corrupt people who are milking it using its legal non-profit status.

Here is a long quote by Cole on the issue; “I, and the ACLU, believe that the First Amendment protects everyone, including those with whom we disagree.

If the rights of speech and association are to be meaningful, they have to be afforded to all, not just to those whose views we like.

The ACLU has long defended groups whose views it finds repugnant, because the First Amendment is the lifeblood of our democracy.

If the New York Attorney

General can seek to shut down the NRA because of the wrongdoing of some of its leaders, what is to stop governors in red states using the same power to close down organisations fighting for racial or economic justice if some of their leaders are corrupt?”

Now here is a position of mine on Donald Trump that some readers will scream out, “Freddie are you for real?”

One day in the kitchen with my wife, I told her that I don’t think the words Trump used to the protestors who subsequently stormed Capitol Hill legally constituted violent in-

citement.

I read those words over and over and there were subliminal undertones but the actual words were not loaded with violent descriptions.

The Democrats wanted to impeach Trump for those words and they did. But who knows one day in the future, when a Republican-controlled Congress may not do the same thing to a Democratic president.

You cannot apply laws and policies based on political vendettas. They will come back to decapitate you one day. DHC was not the first person to see a connection

with my denunciation of rigged election and support for the PPP. Read the Chronicle during the fivemonth election saga.

There were letters vilifying me and the same theme ran through all of them – “Freddie, the PPP did terrible things to you, now you are in bed with them.” So what is the other side of the coin?

What are DHC and these people actually saying?

Here it is – “Freddie, support us to stay in power because the PPP did bad things to Guyana. But by “staying in power,” they mean ruling Guyana forever. If my memory

Frederick Kissoon serves me right the PPP lost two national elections. Permanent rulers like Burnham and, the PNC don’t lose elections. They rig them.

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

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Coronavirus: These simple choices can save you during this deadly time

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center Over the past month, we have seen more cases and deaths from COVID-19 than any other period. While we await confirmation of new strains circulating here, one

would have to be silly to not assume that this wave of infections and deaths is not from a newer, more deadly form of the virus. Scientists have found that the new variants from Brazil, UK and South Africa, can be up to two times easier to catch than the previous circulating strains.

This means that we will have

to tighten on previous practices if we are to avoid becoming infected from these deadlier strains of the virus.

Today, I wish to revisit the basics and highlight some simple measures that we can take to minimise our chances of becoming infected.

Your choice of location One is likelier to be

exposed and become infected if they are in places where there is an outbreak. Avoiding outbreak regions, hospitals, environments where there are many people and enclosed spaces will be of benefit to you. The more persons you expose yourself to, the higher the chances of you being exposed to an infected

individual. If you choose to interact with others in enclosed spaces, then your risk of acquiring an infection is higher. When you are inside, there is no free flow of air and potential viruses will re-circulate instead of being dispersed. Your chances of breathing in the virus will therefore be higher when compared to being outside, where virus particles are quickly dispersed by freeflowing air. So, avoid crowded environments, closed spaces, and high-risk areas and you are less likely to be infected.

Your proximity to others The virus can only spread when persons are close enough for it to be transmitted from one to the other. The further you are away from others, then the less likely you will be infected. Avoiding crowded places, especially in environments where there is irresponsible behaviour, is therefore key in decreasing one’s risk of becoming infected. Places where there are celebrations such as parties, weddings, hangouts, etc. pose higher risks for the spread of infections and should therefore be avoided.

So, anytime you see a gathering of people, avoid it if you can and you may be avoiding the virus at the same time.

How long you are exposed to others One’s chance of becoming infected increases with every second, which they are exposed to an infected individual. Therefore, the less time you spend around others away from home, the less likely you will be exposing yourself to the virus. Every second counts especially when you are in a high-risk environment. It’s best to assume that every person is infected until proven otherwise and limit your

Dr. Zulfikar Bux exposure risk. So, when you are out and about, be mindful of this fact and limit how long you expose yourself to others.

Being masked up properly Now that we are aware that the new strains of virus spreads about two times easier than before, we have to tighten our mask wearing skills even more.

The virus can still get into your body if you are wearing a mask and exposing your nostrils or if your mask is loose fitting. You may have gotten away with this practice before but not with the new strains that are circulating.

Ensure your mask is tight fitting and your nose and mouth are properly covered.

Some experts even recommended that a closefitting cloth mask be placed over the regular masks that are being worn for a tighter fit and increased protection.

Any space you leave around your mask is potential space for the virus to get in or for it to escape in the event that you are infected.

This new wave has just begun and many more will be infected and some will die unfortunately. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us. Our behaviour will determine how many more lives are lost. Getting vaccinated, behaving responsibly and choosing responsible environments are the key to protecting ourselves and saving others.

Choose wisely! Live longer!

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Godzilla vs. Kong airs tonight on E1 Godzilla vs. Kong a 2021 American monster film is scheduled to air tonight at 8PM on the E1 Channel. The movie was directed

by Adam Wingard. A sequel to both Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Kong: Skull

Island (2017), it is the fourth f i l m in Legendary’s MonsterVerse.

It is also the 36th film in the Godzilla franchise, the 12th film in the King Kong franchise, and the fourth Godzilla film to be completely produced by a

Hollywood studio. In the film, Kong clashes with Godzilla as humans lure the giant ape into the Hollow Earth to retrieve a power source for a weapon to stop Godzilla’s mysterious rampages.

(Schedule subject to change)

Enetworks to air all IPL Matches Enetworks has announced that it will be airing all of the games for the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the E2 Channel.

IPL is a p r o f e s s i o n a l Tw e n t y 2 0 cricket league, contested by eight teams based out of eight different Indian cities.

The league was founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007 . It is usually held between March and May of every year and has an exclusive window in the ICC Future Tours Programme.

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New Column Alert!!! : LESSONS FROM A LASHPENUR

Lash lifts and tints

By Layota Zephyr Imagine waking up every morning to lashes that looked like they’d been through a few curler clamps and coated with a hit of mascara...all before you put any makeup on.

Not only is it possible, but the reality is as magical as it sounds. We’re talking about lash lifts and tints, the hour-and-change treatment that yields “do-nothing, still-look-great”.

When you walk into your first lash lift and tint appointment, you can expect to lie down on a bed (like the kind you’d get a wax on).

But, unlike a wax, you won’t actually be able to see anything, or use your eyes (and therefore, phone) for the duration of your appointment. It’s not painful, but it can be uncomfortable. Your eyes may tear a bit, but fortunately that won’t negatively impact the process.

The appointment itself boils down to three key steps. First, silicone pads are placed on the (closed) eyelids. Your lashes are then lifted and a serum is applied to them. This first serum is used to break down the protein in the lashes.

The lashes are then molded onto the shield, so it breaks down the lash to take shape. Next, a keratin-infused fixing serum is applied, which begins the process of restoring the lashes and conditioning them. The tint is then applied and the silicone pads are removed. Finally, a coat of pure keratin is applied to the lashes, which provides an extra layer of protein to strengthen and condition. Some may ask, will this damage my lashes? The answer is NO! Lash lifts will not damage your lashes if done properly. Getting your lashes lifted and tinted usually motivates you to grow longer lashes and take better care of them naturally. I normally advise my clients to hydrate their lashes after a lift with coconut oil. In doing so, it lasts about six to eight weeks. Now that

The Lovely Latoya Zephyr you’ve got the fundamentals down, you are on your to making informed decisions on how to have beautiful lashes as often as your heart desires.

About the Author Latoya Zephyr is a Certified Beauty Technician who’s been in the industry for five years. Not only does she specialize in lash extensions but this strong, vibrant Buxton Spice is beloved in the beauty community for her frankness, her mentally and spiritually nourishing advice, and her adoration for seeing other women elevate themselves. With this weekly space, this soul inspiring Empress will share key pieces of advice on how to care for your lashes and just generally, how to love yourself a bit more each day.

Dewar’s 12 Year Old : Double Aged for Extra Smoothness Dewar ’s has been independently voted by the bartenders of Japan as the best whisky to make several cocktails given its extra smoothness. It’s this very quality that makes it the perfect accompaniment to food. A direct descendant of the signature Blended Scotch Whisky introduced over a century ago, this whisky was created by previous Master Blender Tom Aitken with flavor notes that include citrus, dried fruit and vanilla.

Below is one easy to make cocktail you can serve up this weekend with friends and family. Do enjoy and remember to drink responsibly.

The Dramble The Dramble cocktail a perfect introductory whisky cocktail for consumers, as it is light, zesty, fruity and refreshing.

Ingredients · 60mlDewar’s 12 year old · 30ml Lemon juice · 15ml Sugar syrup · 10mlCrème de Mûre Method

1. Add all ingredients (without crème de mure) to glass 2. Fill with crushed ice, stir

and swizzle 3. Top with more crushed ice, then drizzle crème de mure on top.

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How and why does diet influence immune function? h t t p s : / / www.medicalnewstoday.com/ : The immune system is a complex networkTrusted Source that constantly works to protect the body from antigens, which have associations with pathogens, including bacteria, toxins, parasites, and viruses.

The immune system offers two lines of defense: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

Innate immunity is the first line of defense and consists of physical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes and chemical and cellular defenses. The innate immune system is nonspecificTrusted Source because it reacts the same way to all foreign invaders.

If the innate immune system is ineffective against a potential threat, the adaptive immune system takes over.

The adaptive immune system consists of specialized blood cells and proteins that target the specific cause of infection.

The adaptive immune system has a “memoryTrusted Source,” which is why a person’s body becomes immune to specific illnesses after initial exposure.

A person’s immune system needs to function well for them to remain healthy.

Certain illnesses, medications, and lifestyle choices, such as smokingTrusted Source and excessive drinkingTrusted Source, can adversely affect immune function.

Research shows that a person’s diet can impact immune health as well.

Can diet influence the immune system?

StudiesTrusted Source suggest that a person’s diet influences their immune system, like all other aspects of health.

For example, nutrition can affect the microbiome, gut barrier function, inflammatory processes, and white blood cell function, all of whichTrusted Source impact immune function.

Dietary patterns and individual foods have associations with increased disease risk, greater risk of allergy, and impaired immune response.

Western-type diets tend to contain high levels of saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, added sugar and salt, and overall calories. This diet is often low in foods associated with better health, such as vegetables, fruits, and fatty fish, and has strong links to an increased risk of chronic disease.

Research suggests that Western-type diets induce inflammation and alter immune system function, promoting disease development.

In contrast, diets rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and seafood, and low in ultra-processed foods can reduce disease risk and promote healthy immune function.

Additionally, a deficiency or insufficiency of nutrients essential to immune function, including vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C, can also affect immune response.

Nutrient deficienciesTrusted Source may be more common in those consuming ultraprocessed diets low in whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Although it is clear that dietary choices impact overall health, including immune function, the interaction between diet and immune health is highly complex.

Scientists are still learning how the foods a person consumes may help or harm immune function.

Adverse effects of unhealthy diets Western-type diets tend to be high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fat, and calories.

This pattern of eating affects immune function in several ways.

Most of the foods in Western diets are ultraprocessed and contain high levels of added sugar, which can promote inflammatory responses of the immune system.

For example, foods and beverages that significantly impact blood sugar levels, such as soda, candy, sugary cereals, and sugary baked goods, increase levels of inflammatory proteinsTrusted Source, including tumor necrosisalpha (TNF-alpha), Creactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). They also interfereTrusted Source with the function of

protective immune cells, including neutrophils and phagocytes.

A 2012 studyTrusted Source that included 562 adults aged 85 years and older without diabetes found that the participants who had higher blood sugar levels had lower innate immune responses. They also had higher levels of CRP, which is a marker of inflammation.

Higher blood sugar levels have links to an impaired immune responseTrusted Source in people with diabetes as well.

Also, diets high in added sugar and refined carbs may adversely alter gut bacteriaTrusted Source, leading to dysbiosis, which involves digestive disturbances, such as bloating. A healthy microbiome is essential to immune function because gut bacteria play a critical roleTrusted Source in the development and function of the immune system.

Experts have also linked Western-type diets to an altered immune response due to high levels of saturated fat and added salt.

StudiesTrusted Source indicate that diets high in saturated fat may p r o m o t e inflammation, modify gut bacteriaTrusted Source, and inhibit the functioning of white blood cells.

Diets high in added salt have links to excessiveTrusted Source immune response, impaired inflammation regulation in the body, and an increased risk of certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Western-type diets have links to an increased risk of developing several chronic diseases, including certain cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers attribute this to the chronic low-grade inflammation and altered immune response that Western-type diets, sedentary lifestyles, and toxin exposure cause.

However, research

investigating the relationship between diet and immune function is ongoing, and scientists do not entirely understand this complex relationship.

Diets for healthy immune function While a diet high in ultraprocessed foods, added sugar, and excessive calories may lead to immune dysfunction, dietary patterns rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods are beneficial for immune function.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and other healthy foods. Research has shown that it can reduce disease risk, lower markers of inflammationTrusted Source, and beneficially modulateTrusted Source gut bacteria.

Diets high in fiber, such as the Mediterranean diet, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids

(SCFAs)Trusted Source, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs are end products of bacterial fermentation in the gut and have health benefits.

SCFAs act locally and systemically to modulate the immune response. They maintain the health of and improve the immune defensive function of the intestinal epithelium. This is an important part of the immune system that serves as a barrier against microorganisms. It also reduces the production of inflammatory proteins from immune cells.

Diets high in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish contain high levels of nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, B6, B12, copper, folate, iron, and selenium. The immune system needs these nutrients to function optimallyTrusted Source.

Experts know that vegetarian-based diets reduce markers of chronic inflammation, such as CRP, fibrinogen, and IL-6. This might be partly due to the array of nutrients and nonnutritive components found in fruits and vegetables strengthening the immune system response.

Foods rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, protein, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds help reduce systemic inflammation, promote healthy gut bacteria balance, reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage, and improve blood sugar

and insulin sensitivity. All of these activities are essential for healthy immune functionTrusted Source.

Additionally, studies showTrusted Source that supplementing the diet with nutrients including vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C may help optimize immune function and reduce infection risk.

To support immune function, a person should concentrate on following a balanced dietary pattern rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, especially plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

People should avoid or limit ultra-processed foods high in refined grains and added sugar.

The bottom line It is essential to follow a healthy diet to ensure good immune function.

Studies show that while certain dietary patterns may lead to impaired immune function, other dietary patterns promote optimal immune function.

A dietary pattern low in ultra-processed foods and rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and legumes, protects against chronic disease risk and supports a healthy immune response.

Following a healthy dietary pattern and leading a lifestyle that includes stress reduction techniques, restful sleep, daily physical activity, and other healthy habits is the best way to support the immune system and reduce disease risk.

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Kaieteur News

One Should Be Grounded Jane was a sensible, confident and arguably the most beautiful girl in her class.

She was always very pleased with herself “I always get A+ in my tests,” announced Jane.

All the pupils within the class wanted to be friends with Jane due to her popularity.

Sonya was new in school. Jane didn’t like her. Hence, nobody spoke or played with Sonya. Sonya was an all-rounder.

But achievements never got into her head. One fine morning, the teacher announced, “Let’s have a contest today. Whoever comes first, wins a prize. It will be a multiple skill testing contest”.

Now Sonya was home-schooled in South Africa. Not only had she deep knowledge on all the subjects, but also she had camped in the wild, faced wild animals together with her father, rode horses, dived in a lake, etc. She had seen and learnt what nobody else had in her class, with firsthand experience.

Sonya thought to herself, “l need to teach Jane a lesson.”

In mental math test, Sonya gave all the right answers and came first. She drew a picturesque landscape and came first within the drawing competition. In oral competition, Sonya recited from the famous Shakespeare’s play.The teacher was very impressed and said, “That was just brilliant Sonya.

Class, we’ve a winner. She is Sonya!”

The entire class applauded at Sonya’s victory and congratulated her. Everybody befriended Sonya and Jane learnt her lesson.

“I am pitying being mean and selfish,” Jane thought.

Jane corrected her attitude, apologized to Sonya and have become friends together with her.

Moral: regardless of how big your achievements are, you always should be humble and grounded.

Sunday April 11, 2021

Junior page Honeycomb & Bees Craft What you need: · Honeycomb and bees template · Crayons · Glue · Construction paper

Step by Step Tutorial Print out the honeycomb template, look for an identical one online.

Color the honeycomb template in a golden color to resemble a honeycomb.

Cut the bee template out.

Color the bees according to what the bees look like in real life.

Color the wings and place glue where the

template says to glue.

Glue the sides of the bees together.

Glue the wings onto the bees.

Ta k e t h e c o l o r e d honeycomb and cut it out.

Start gluing the pieces to the

Binox is my name for an addictive binary puzzle which has been in circulation since 2009. The rules are pretty simple: The puzzle is filled with Xs and Os.Horizontally and vertically, there can be no more than 2 of the same symbol touching.

black sheet of paper.

Piece everything together and then add the bees to the honeycomb.

As you can see the final Honeycomb and Bees Craft is adorable and just waiting for you to finish.

RY

OET

FUN

P ITH

W

by Uncle Roy

Never give up I used to think some work was too hard, And so did not even try; This is because I had tried before, And gave up when I could not get by.

But then I looked around my class, And saw others doing swell, When I thought I was brighter than them, And felt I could do just as well.

So I decided to never give up, And to always feel I could do better; I put my whole mind to my work, And soon everything got so much easier.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

PAGE 45

Develop the faith that you have what you need to succeed in your life TEEN TIME

Young people are the stage when they have to determine what they need to do to make a success of their lives.

The first step to launching out in your life is to develop the belief that you have what you now need to make a successful start to your life. Understanding your full potential as a human being will demonstrate that you have what it takes to eventually achieve whatever you set your mind to. When you realise your true nature – that you are a unique human being with so many natural talents and endowments – then you will find it easy and just as natural to develop confidence in yourself, and use these to your best advantage.

First of all, you need to realise that all of us human beings have four assets which are our birthright – body, mind, heart and soul – which enable us to fulfil our basic needs to live, to learn, to love, and to contribute.

By these assets we can survive, grow and develop, foster good relationships with others, and add to whatever brings good to the

unique among all others, and making full use of these will make you most successful as an individual and as a member of your

and, moreover, those that you excel in. These talents are gifted to you for the specific purpose of making the most of them and using

YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES You have what it takes to succeed You have within you everything you need to become anything you want to be, and the zeal to approach your tasks enthusiastically; You have the power to apply yourself energetically, and the wisdom to do so wisely; You have all within you to answer the call to be whatever you want to be in this world; You have imagination within you to see clearly what you want manifested fruitfully; You have love within you to be loving always in all your actions and methods and ways; You have life within you to make right

world for the benefit of ourselves and others.

Apart from these, you will also need to consider the unique human qualities which you possess, and try to make the best use of these so as to get the maximum benefit from what you will be doing. Each of us human beings has a combination of talents and skills that is

organisation.

First try to determine what are your own unique talents, and then make the continuous effort to utilise these to make the most of any efforts in which you are involved. You can do so by identifying the things that you find come naturally to you, those that you feel confident that you can do,

them for the betterment of yourself and your environment.

Take some special time to think about your natural endowments, and how you can make use of them to fulfil all you need to lead a life that is beneficial and satisfactory to both yourself and the world around you.

the happiness that is your birthright; You have strength within you to hold and pursue the ideas you know are ever good and true; You have intelligence within you to renounce every thought and action that is bad for you; You have faith within you to fulfil your destiny and make the most of yourself for all eternity.

YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES Whether or not you practise a religion, a firm belief in your Almighty Creator will help you to develop the faith that He has endowed you with all you need to make a success of your life.

Solutions to last week’s

Kakuro puzzles

Galaxies Connect the dots to make edges so that each circle is surrounded by a symmetrical galaxy shape, and the puzzle is completely tiled with galaxies.

Each galaxy shape must be rotationally symmetric, having an identical appearance when rotated 180 degrees.

Suguru

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

6 Curling Iron Tips When You Want Longer Lasting Curls If you are anything like me, you’ve been curling your own hair since your mom allowed you to pick up a curling iron. There is something about curls that makes us feel beautiful and ready to take on the world!

But nothing breaks our spirits like curls that fall out minutes after completing. From technique to products, we’ve got a variety of solutions to ensure those hard earned and beautiful curls are here to stay.

1. Prep: In order to get a good curl, you need to prep your hair first.

We want to create a solid foundation for our hairstyles and it all starts with a heat protectant. Remember to blow-dry your hair completely, this will close the cuticle and help hold your curls, as well as avoid heat damage from using the iron on damp hair. We recommend using Redken Iron Shape 11 for heat protection, control and hold.

2. Direction: Make your desired part before you start curling, as this will help determine which way you curl the hair. For a more natural look, you’ll want to curl your hair away from your face. This means winding the hair down and around the wand of the curling iron in a clockwise direction on the right side of your face and a counter-clockwise direction on the left side.

3. Technique: Most women clip their ends into the iron and then twist the iron in toward their head, which isn’t wrong, but will create more of a barrel curl rather than the more natural-looking wave you were probably going for.

To achieve a natural curl, hold the iron so the barrel is facing down toward the floor, then wrap your hair around it starting from the roots and locking your ends in last. This will not only make your curls last longer, but it will also give you more volume at the base. You can also leave the ends out of the iron to complete the more natural look you are going for.

Check out these 6 different curling techniques to ensure you achieve the look you want!

4. Size: Did you know you can create all different types of curls with just one size of curling iron! Yes, it’s possible. Going with a 1" barrel size is considered a universal size. So don’ t get overwhelmed with purchasing every single iron and size – save your money.

5. Sectioning: Sectioning is key to getting your curls to last and to achieve the look desired. If you are going for loose waves, take a larger section of hair and if you are going for tighter curls, go with smaller sections. Taking too much hair into one section, however, can prevent the hair from heating evenly and causing the curls to disappear. For a natural loose wave take about an inch wide section (WIDE not thick). This is where the confusion can happen. Think width, not thickness. Also, try mixing up the size of sections for a more relaxed and beach wave look.

6. Setting: Always allow your hair to cool down for a couple of minutes so the curl has a chance to set. Touching or running your fingers through your curls immediately after curling it can cause unwanted frizz or make your curls fall. After you’ve allowed your hair to cool, you can help keep your style in place by spraying your curls with a finishing spray, we recommend using Redken Control Addict 28. To get a more natural, slightly messy curl, break up your finished curls with your fingers and spray with a sea salt spray such as Redken Fashion Waves 07 to add texture to your curls.

Alternatively, you can brush them lightly for a smoother wave. This will also help you distribute product evenly throughout your strands.

If you have a look in mind but are unsure on the how to create it, you can always turn to your trusted hairstylist. Being the professionals they are and also knowing your hair type, they can show you different techniques and tips for achieving the looks you want!

Now, go get curling and be sure to post your beautiful curls on Instagram with #samvilla so we can see!!!

If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the box below. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for FREE weekly hair tips, tricks & techniques! https://www.samvilla.com/blog/6-curling-iron-tips-whenyou-want-longer-lasting-curls

Color me red

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

The Court Journal

PAGE 49

Sexual offences and penalties

By Renay Sambach

R

ape and sexual assault are serious crimes, and those types of matters are very sensitive, especially when it involves a child victim.

For the past several weeks, headlines that involve sexual offences were often seen in the news.

Rape can be defined as, when a person penetrates someone’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, without their consent, while sexual assault is when someone penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth, with any part of the body other than the penis, w i t h o u t t h e p e r s o n ’s consent.

Other forms of sexual assault are, someone touching another person in a sexual way without their consent; causing someone to touch the perpetrator in a s e x u a l w a y, c a u s i n g someone to touch someone else in a sexual way, all w i t h o u t t h e p e r s o n ’s consent.

This article is aimed at bringing awareness to the seriousness of the offence and the penalties that are attached to the crimes.

What have been observed is that in most of the recent sexual assault cases, the alleged perpetrators are relatives.

What is also noticeable is that those cases came out of Region One. Rape or sexual assault doesn’t only happen at home, or are committed by relatives.

Rape or sexual assault can also occur in the workplace, can occur within marriages and relationships.

Sex and sexual acts are about consent, and if you have forced your partner or your partner had forced you into having sex with them, it is rape, or sexual assault.

Not because you are in a relationship with someone means you are obligated to have sex or perform sex acts with him or her.

Without your consent, it is an offence. In addition, the circumstances surrounding how the consent is given must be taken into consideration.

It should be noted that there is no consent: when a minor is involved, when there is consumption of alcohol or drugs, or when mental incapacity is a factor.

Statutory rape is having sex with a minor, both parties agreed to the sex but the minor cannot consent to sex.

Also, consent or belief that

The Sexual Offences Court.

Rape Accused: Thurston Semple. there was consent cannot be inferred by reason of silence or lack of physical resistance.

However, rape and sexual assault are bailable offences but only at the Magistrate’s discretion.

PENALTY Rape is an indictable matter and when the matter is brought before the court, the alleged perpetrator is not required to plead (guilty or not guilty) to the crime.

The matter would first go to the Magistrate’s Court for a preliminary inquiry (PI).

A PI is done by the Magistrate.

The prosecution would produce the evidence to the court and at the end, the Magistrate can either commit the alleged perpetrator to stand trial for rape in the High Court or dismiss the case because of insufficient evidence or other reasons.

Someone who is found guilty of rape is liable on conviction to serve life imprisonment.

Whereas, for sexual assault matters, the matter is done summarily.

Meaning when the matter is brought before the court, the Magistrate will conduct a trial and the alleged perpetrator can plead either guilty or not guilty to the charge after it is read to them.

A person is liable, upon summary conviction, to five years imprisonment.

However, sexual assault can also be laid indictably, and upon indictment conviction, a person is liable to face 10 years imprisonment.

SEXUAL OFFENCES COURT With the sensitive nature of sexual offences, the Sexual Offences Court was created with the alleged victims in mind, to protect

t h e m from the further t r a uma of seeing the acc used, while testifying.

The court’s victimfrie ndly features have been aidi ng with the successful pro secution of rape cases.

The Sexual Offences Court was established o n November 13, 2017, and the court is housed in Court Six of the Supreme Court and r e p resents the commitment o f the judiciary to be r e s ponsive to the concerns rais ed in society about the con duct of trials of sexual o f f ences cases.

The court is equipped w i t h audio-visual devices t o aid the testimony of w i t nesses.

There are two screens in t h e courtroom that provide t h e complainants with a more suitable setting to fac e t h e i r a l l e g e d p e r petrators.

Since the specialised cou rt came into operation, a number of trials have bee n disposed of and s e v eral persons have been con v i c t e d f o r s e x u a l offe nce crimes.

The court has a panel of emi nent judges, including Just ice Simone MorrisRamlall, Justice Joanne Bar low, Justice Navindra S i n gh, Justice James Bovell-Drakes and Just i c e B r a s s i n g t o n Rey nolds, whose functions a r e rotated.

Before the Sexual Offences Court was esta blished, a large number of sexual offences cases were nolle-prosequi (dismissed), mainly because the alleged victims were unwilling to testify before the High Court.

Reports indicate that the average length of a trial is four days.

The longest, so far, has been eight days and the shortest three days, and if the

process is not handled carefully, it can pose secondary trauma to the victims.

Due to the sensitive nature of sexual offences cases, the victims are often terrified of reporting their experiences to the police.

For those who report their matter and the alleged perpetrators are charged, the case would usually move at a slow pace through the court system.

When the matters do reach the court, most victims may decline to continue with the matter due to the time it takes and how traumatising the experience can be.

As a result, the sexual offences courtroom is equipped with two screens, which help to provide the complainants with a more suitable setting to face their alleged perpetrators.

With this purpose-built facility in operation, jurists have reported that more sexual assault victims are finding the courage to seek justice via the courts.

During the proceedings, judges are required to take the evidence manually, but there is a built in recording system operating in the court as well.

As promised, during May 2019, a sexual offences court was established in New Amsterdam, Berbice and during September 2019, another sexual offences court was established in Essequibo to the tune of $17.4M. COURT CASES According to reports, 37years-old, Thurston Semple, was remanded to prison when he appeared in court for his fourth rape charge.

The alleged serial rapist of Lot 5A Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, is accused of raping four sex workers during 2017 to 2021.

In his most recent case,

Semple picked up the woman and agreed to pay her to have sex with him.

However, while at Semple’s home, after the first round, the woman reportedly told Semple she only had one more condom and if he did not ejaculate, she would leave.

The woman’s caution reportedly caused Semple to become annoyed.

He then reportedly armed himself with a knife, proceeded to orally and vaginally rape the woman.

He also sodomised her.

In August 2018, a New Amsterdam man was found guilty of raping a physically challenged girl.

The man, Wazir Ali, of Bermine Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was convicted of raping the 17-year-old in 2015.

According to the facts of that case, Ali, who was tasked with transporting church members, including the teen whom he raped after dropping off all the members.

In another case, a police officer was placed on $150,000 bail for allegedly raping his 13-year-old cousin.

It is alleged that during the month of December 2019, in Georgetown, he raped a child under the age of 16 while knowing, or could reasonably have been expected to know, that she is his cousin.

According to reports, the child told investigators that during December 2019, after she exited the shower and was heading to the bedroom, the defendant entered the bedroom a few moments later and raped her.

The defendant had made another attempt to sexually assault the child, but she was able to record a short video of him trying to pull off her pants.

The matter was reported, the defendant was arrested and subsequently charged for the offence.

During March 2021, Ivor Laud was found guilty of raping a 10-year-old girl. It was reported that Laud and the victim are known to each other and lived in the same neighbourhood.

According to reports, on the first occasion that the incident occurred, the accused called the child over to his house and told her that he had something for her, so she followed him into his house.

At the time, the accused only had one bedroom.

They then went into the bedroom and there the accused lifted her up and put her to lie on the bed.

He then pulled down her pants and underwear and took off his pants and underwear.

The victim reportedly saw the man’s erect penis, which he instructed her to hold before later pushing it into her vagina.

Afterwards, the victim reported that she saw whitish substance on his penis and then he told her to go home and wash up, so she did.

According to the information, this continued from 2015 to 2017, where the accused would put his penis into her vagina and he would suck her vagina sometimes.

The last time was in August 2017, where the accused sucked the complainant’s vagina at his house in his bedroom.

He would have called her over and she went.

When the incidents would happen, no one would be at his home.

At the time, he had a wife and children. The matter later came to light and the accused was arrested and charged with rape.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

Are Guyanese politicians feeling in the dark for electricity ...

From page 18 all of this; again, relevant upgraded legislation will be needed.

The list goes on, and all these things take time. The government will have to achieve these objectives while running a country and catering to citizens whose concerns are not limited to energy. And, all while dealing with a pandemic.

The Attorney General (AG) already has a legislative agenda that does not include many of the pieces of legislation that will be needed. The feasibility studies have not started, and we still do not know if Wales is technically the best area. There is at least 120 miles of pipeline to be laid over a deep ocean floor with peaks and valleys.

This, by itself, will require extensive seismic and geological studies to be done to determine that it is safe to lay the pipeline in that area. An assessment has to be done as well to determine if the laying of the pipeline will affect or stymie the exploration plans of other companies in the basin.

Then there is the infrastructure on land. All things considered, the project is highly unlikely to be completed before 2025.

The proposed energy mix

would be more advantageous to a country looking to transition, but already has the infrastructure set up for gas to power. For instance, Trinidad is looking to wean its people off natural gas and will use its gas as a transition tool.

While others are looking to get out, Guyana is looking to invest, spend money to maintain; only to have to do away with it in a couple of decades?

There is also a heavy cost attached to decommissioning when we no longer have uses for the pipelines.

When the evidence is examined, Guyana is not at the stage where Vice President Jagdeo should be pronouncing that the gas-to-shore project will begin in two years.

The nation is at a stage where it must be decided where exactly we want to be in another 10 years and how we intend to get there.

If Guyana’s commitment to making significant contributions to the protection of the environment is to be taken seriously, even when married to the quest for reliable energy, then an energy transition roadmap is needed. Actual studies to determine the economic and technical feasibilities of the projects upon which we wish to embark must be had. These are the fundamentals.

Leverage oil status in...

From page 20 businesses will soon be destined for Guyana and the benefits of staying in the regime are currently outweighed by the negatives.The GCCI President said that with the country’s newfound wealth and inherent status as an investment destination for regional businesses, “we must leverage that ability.”

Guyana as a country, he

posits, cannot be developed fully with fewer than a million persons and as such, it will take a Caribbean effort in terms of what capacity is needed and as such, “we have to leverage this kind of development to clear the way for our manufacturers and people who are exporting because we have to get foreign currency coming to this country.”

Some $1B for second...

From page 10 first phase of the grant, which started in September.

During the distribution exercise, primary households received the grant, while ten-

ants or other families residing at the same address, were issued a ‘pink slip’ for follow-up during the second phase.

In December, the National

Assembly approved an additional $2.5 billion to continue the cash grant relief efforts.

In addition to this measure, the Government also distributed $1.73 billion to Amerindian communities as

part of its one-off COVID19 relief investment fund aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and revitalising hinterland economies.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Bill Gates is the biggest private owner of farmland in the United States. Why?

By Nick Estes Bill Gates has never been a farmer. So why did the Land Report dub him “Farmer Bill” this year? The third richest man on the planet doesn’t have a green thumb. Nor does he put in the back-breaking labor humble people do to grow our food and who get far less praise for it. That kind of hard work isn’t what made him rich. Gates’ achievement, according to the report, is that he’s largest private owner of farmland in the US. A 2018 purchase of 14,500 acres of

prime eastern Washington farmland – which is traditional Yakama territory – for $171m helped him get that title.

In total, Gates owns approximately 242,000 acres of farmland with assets totaling more than $690m. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly the size of Hong Kong and twice the acreage of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, where I’m an enrolled member. A white man owns more farmland than my entire Native nation!

Land is power, land is wealth, and, more importantly,

land is about race and class.

The relationship to land – who owns it, who works it and who cares for it – reflects obscene levels of inequality and legacies of colonialism and white supremacy in the United States, and also the world. Wealth accumulation always goes hand-in-hand with exploitation and dispossession. In this country, enslaved Black labor first built US wealth atop stolen Native land. The 1862 Homestead Act opened up 270m acres of Indigenous territory – which

amounts to 10% of US land – for white settlement. Black, Mexican, Asian, and Native people, of course, were categorically excluded from the benefits of a federal program that subsidized and protected generations of white wealth.

The billionaire media mogul Ted Turner epitomizes such disparities. He owns 2m acres and has the world’s largest privately owned buffalo herd. Those animals, which are sacred to my people and were nearly hunted to extinction by settlers, are preserved

today on nearly 200,000 acres of Turner’s ranchland within the boundaries of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty territory in the western half of what is now the state of South Dakota, land that was once guaranteed by the US government to be a “permanent home” for Lakota people.

The gun and the whip may not accompany land acquisitions this time around.

But billionaire class assertions that they are philosopher kings and climate-conscious investors who know better than the original caretakers are little more than ruses for what amounts to a 21st century land grab – with big payouts in a for-profit economy seeking “green” solutions.

Our era is dominated by the ultra-rich, the climate crisis and a burgeoning green capitalism. And Bill Gates’ new book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster positions himself as a thought leader in how to stop putting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and how to fund what he has called elsewhere a “global green revolution” to help poor farmers mitigate climate change. What expertise in climate science or agriculture Gates possesses beyond being filthy rich is anyone’s guess.

When pressed during a book discussion on Reddit about why he’s gobbling up so much farmland, Gates claimed, “It is not connected to climate [change].” The decision, he said, came from his “investment group.” Cascade Investment, the firm making these acquisitions, is controlled by Gates. And the firm said it’s “very supportive of sustainable farming”. It also is a shareholder in the plantbased protein companies Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods as well as the farming equipment manufacturer John Deere. His firm’s largest farmland acquisition happened in 2017, when it acquired 61 farming properties from a Canadian investment firm to the tune of $500m.

Arable land is not just profitable. There’s a more cynical calculation. Investment firms are making the argument farmlands will meet “carbon-neutral” targets for sustainable investment portfolios while anticipating an increase of agricultural productivity and revenue. And while Bill Gates frets about eating cheeseburgers in his book – for the amount of greenhouse gases the meat industry produces largely for the consumption of rich countries – his massive carbon footprint has little to do with his personal diet and is not forgivable by simply buy-

Bill Gates.

ing more land to sequester more carbon.

The world’s richest 1% emit double the carbon of the poorest 50%, a 2020 Oxfam study found. According to Forbes, the world’s billionaires saw their wealth swell by $1.9tn in 2020, while more than 22 million US workers (mostly women) lost their jobs.

Like wealth, land ownership is becoming concentrated into fewer and fewer hands, resulting in a greater push for monocultures and more intensive industrial farming techniques to generate greater returns. One per cent of the world’s farms control 70% of the world’s farmlands, one report found. The biggest shift in recent years from small to big farms was in the US. The principal danger of private farmland owners like Bill Gates is not their professed support of sustainable agriculture often found in philanthropic work – it’s the monopolistic role they play in determining our food systems and land use patterns.

Small farmers and Indigenous people are more cautious with the use of land. For Indigenous caretakers, land use isn’t premised on a return of investments; it’s about maintaining the land for the next generation, meeting the needs of the present, and a respect for the diversity of life. That’s why lands still managed by Indigenous peoples worldwide protect and sustain 80% of the world’s biodiversity, practices anathema to industrial agriculture.

The average person has nothing in common with mega-landowners like Bill Gates or Ted Turner. The land we all live on should not be the sole property of a few. The extensive tax avoidance by these titans of industry will always far exceed their supposed charitable donations to the public. The “billionaire knows best” mentality detracts from the deep-seated realities of colonialism and white supremacy, and it ignores those who actually know best how to use and live with the land. These billionaires have nothing to offer us in terms of saving the planet – unless it’s our land back.

(The Guardian)

Sunday April 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

The life story of Mohammed Khan From page 53 his mother reflected on his relatively brief life on earth, they told Kaieteur News that even before his actual death, life might have killed their hero some 16 years before. The death of his only son, Jamal Khan, might have contributed to this, they related. Jamal, they said, was only four years old when he died of pneumonia on January 2, 2004. Soon after, Khan’s mother and daughters recalled that he became an alcoholic.

A HUSTLER But prior to his son’s demise, Shamina and his mother, Ramrajie, recalled that Khan was a “hustler” who sacrificed his education, pride and dreams in order to educate his children, and satisfy the basic needs of his family.

Ramrajie, as she sat down with this reporter, recounted that Kanu (the name she called Khan) was the second of her four children. He was born on February 6, 1970. She was 20 years old at the time and married to a wealthy man.

However, Ramrajie said that her husband became very abusive towards her and so when Kanu was only four, she decided to separate from his father.

“Life was not easy because his dad turned his back on us since then and I was not that educated to get a good paying job,” she recounted. As a result, Ramrajie related that they were severely impacted by poverty.

“I used to do catering and other small hustle. I used to make roti and sell; I had a small roti shop in ‘Tiger Bay’ called Kaieteur Roti Shop,” Ramrajie recalled.

But despite her hard work and effort, Ramrajie said that it seemed a near impossible task to provide enough for her children to enjoy at least a comfortable life.

Because of their impoverished life, she said, Khan was forced to drop out of school at the tender age of nine. He started “hustling” in the streets, she recalled, by selling sweets.

“I never wanted him to drop out of school; in fact, I used to beat him and send him to school but he would get away, just to hustle,” said Ramrajie.

Khan, according to her, just wanted to help by bringing in a little extra money home so that the family could have enough to eat. “Sometimes when I think he in school, I would meet him up in the streets selling,” his mother recalled.

Eventually, said Ramrajie, at age 14, Khan already had his own little confectionary business and “there was no stopping him,” she said.

“He used to be walking around with a wooden tray filled with his sweets sling around his neck,” she recalled.

AFAMILY MAN

Five years later, Khan introduced a young woman by the name of Shakira to his mother. Shakira eventually became his wife and mother of his daughters.

“He was only 19 and he showed me this girl that dress up in hat and jeans, and I seh: ‘so Kanu, you got girlfriend?

Boy how you gon mine a family by selling sweety’?”

Ramrajie laughed as she related vivid details of the day that Khan moved to Leguan to start his family.

As the years went by, Khan proved his mother wrong and showed her that a ‘’sweety seller’’ could indeed be a responsible man.

His first child, Shamina, was born in 1988 but it wasn’t until 1994 that he wedded Shakira. By 1997, the family expanded with the birth of their second daughter. In the year 2000, the love of his life, his late son, was born.

As Shamina reminisced on those years, she confessed that those were the best days, which she had with her father and the rest of the family.

“Dad could not afford all the luxuries in life, but he worked his ass off to make sure we got an education,” she recalled with pride.

She remembered accompanying him in the mornings, together with her sister, on their bicycle to catch the ferry at Leguan. There, Khan would travel to do his small scale buying and selling business to earn an income for his family.

He did not earn much, to have a savings account, Shamina said, but he had enough to cover their basic needs.

Nevertheless, this did not bother her because Khan, her hero, taught her to read. He was good at math and taught her that too.

“In fact, he taught all his daughters to read,” she related.

According to Shamina too, her father was a lover of nature and Reggae music. She also described him as a kind and generous man who taught them to forgive.

“Even the man who beat him up (Bhagwandin), he asked us to forgive him,” Shamina intoned.

DESTRUCTIVE PATH As she reflected on her father’s life, Shamina recalled that alcohol, a “wicked and evil friend,” destroyed his life.

“He never told us exactly what was bothering or hurting him, but he had always wanted a son and when he (the son) took ill, dad did his best to save his life. Jamal died, however, and dad felt as if he was the cause because he was not rich enough to buy him the best medicines or take him to the best doctors and hospital. Dad, he blamed himself,” a heart-broken Shamina explained.

She related that her father

tried to comfort himself by saying that he would replace his son by getting another child. While he did get another child in 2006, it was his third beloved daughter, Shaneeza, who had entered the world. By then, Shamina said, alcohol had already poisoned him. “We were forced to watch him deteriorate as alcohol consumed his life,” Shamina said as she recalled the many attempts to rehabilitate him but “he would return to the bottle.”

Khan’s final days were spent with his mother in Annandale where he did odd jobs to sustain his drinking habit, but he never departed from his principles of being

kind to others.“It pained us to see people taking advantage of him and calling him a drunkard because he is our hero and the foundation of our success today,” Shamina firmly asserted.

According to the still grieving young woman, she was optimistic that her father would have recovered from his addiction and resume his heroic ways. With his unexpected demise, Shamina believes that she was robbed of the opportunity to see her father fully rehabilitated and able to take his place in society. Nevertheless, she prays that he is forgiven by ‘’Allah’’ and that his soul will find eternal peace in heaven.

The day he wedded his beautiful wife, Shakira.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

==GNBS IN FOCUS== GNBS offers calibration of infrared thermometers to support the National Covid-19 response.

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases have surpassed 10,000 in the past year, approximately 1,000 of which are active. In addition, the country’s COVID-19 deaths are steadily increasing with close to 50 recorded in the past month. This has heightened the need for persons to take more steps to protect themselves as well as businesses to protect their staff and customers. One of those methods of protection is the use of infrared thermometers to detect high body temperatures at the entrance of premises.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) calibrates infrared thermometers, among others, to guarantee accuracy. Calibration is the comparison of the measurement on the device with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy.

Regardless of the type of thermometer being used, its accuracy must be determined, especially if it is used frequently and over extensive periods.

While relying on thermal screening alone will not detect all cases of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that it forms part of a package of measures to prevent and control the disease.

The GNBS has the capacity to verify infrared temperature guns with a minimum measuring range of 16.5 cm.

To access this service, individuals or companies can contact the GNBS’ Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department on telephone numbers 2190064-66. Upon contacting the Bureau, a date will be given to submit the device for calibration at a cost of $5,000. The process will be

completed within 24 hours allowing persons to retrieve the instrument on the following day.

Calibration keeps the measurements within the specified tolerances, controls operation and maintain safety, comply with regulations and quality systems, maintain universal acceptability, and establish the reliability of the instrument i.e., it can be trusted.

The GNBS is advising that all users of Infrared Temperature Guns follow the listed guidelines below: 1. Temperature gun labels should be in English.

2. Always follow manufacturer operating guidelines when using temperature guns as methods vary in terms of range and conditions.

3. Avoid touching the sensory areas and always clean according to manufacturer guidelines.

4. Do not drop or expose the device to physical shocks.

5. Always store the device properly when not in use to prolonging its life and accuracy.

6. Devices for ear measurement must not be used to take readings on the skin.

7. Industrial thermometers should not be used for taking body temperature.

The Bureau encourages all stakeholders including companies, laboratories, and users of thermometers, including clinical and liquid-inglass, to submit their instruments periodically for calibration.

For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/ 65/66. Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 59

City Constabulary to enforce $5,000 fine for not wearing masks

T

he City Constabu lary Department of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be beefing up efforts to ensure that citizens comply with the COVID-19 guideline to wear masks while out in public.

Earlier this week, the constabulary met and announced that they will be reinforcing the $5,000 fine on any person found around the city violating the mask wearing rule.

The constabulary is expected to join forces with the Guyana Police Force to conduct walkabouts in key areas of the city including Regent Street, Robb Street and North Road.

So far, the constabulary has been reminding businesses to ensure that they enforce the mask wearing and sanitisation rules at their individual establishments.

The constabulary team has been part of the COVID19 Taskforce efforts to enforce the Health Ministry’s guidelines, even as a significant jump in cases of the deadly coronavirus disease is being recorded.

Last year, the constabulary assisted with efforts to distribute masks to the pub-

lic, reminding them of the importance to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

The unit also fined and placed before the court, 51 persons for not wearing face masks and violating the COVID-19 curfew.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, has urged for stricter penalties to be imposed on persons who break the guidelines put in place by the National COVID-19 Task Force.

“We have to work together to beat COVID-19.

Failing to comply with this directive will result in persons being charged a penalty fee of $5,000,” Narine said.

The Mayor recently pointed to the rise in cases, noting that while many dropped their guard, COVID is not over yet. As such, he supported the move to beef up the surveillance and enforcement of COVID -19 defaulters.

He noted that the constables will be among the ranks that would be monitoring public transportations to ensure that passengers, especially in minibuses, are wearing their masks.

Beauty and Braids by Sapphira From page 38 seasonal, for example, in the Christmas season, business would be booming, but in January month, it slows; then in February, it may pick up again in light of the Mashramani holiday.

Despite her seasonal challenges, she noted that her business is doing great. “I did not expect the amount of support I get to be honest.

It took a little while to start my business because I was scared I would not get the support,” the 18-year-old recalled.

On that note, she highlighted the need for society to be more supportive of small businesses.

“I think young entrepreneurs are an inspiration to people in society, not only young people but adults.

Also they inspire people to put their skills to use and they give society a n eco-

That can aid in boosting their businesses.”

She noted too that reducing certain barriers in kickstarting a business is also important, especially access to easy financing in light of the

nomic boost by creating employment not only for themselves but others,” she posited.

In her bid to see the rise

mark in the beauty industry and will continue to have her charming personality reflected in her services.

Persons, who wish to look their best and would like to utilise Barrington’s services, can visit her social media page, @beautyandbr aidsbysapphira_ on Instagram.

of more small businesses locally, she said, “Small businesses can come together and show each other love and support instead of fighting each other down.

“the high interest rates on business loans and the long and drawn out process you have to go through when you’re taking the loan.”

She believes that if society starts pouring support

into small businesses or business owners that are not popular, more businesses would be able to flourish.

“I know a lot of people who really have talent and they don’t get support because they are not popular or they don’t have a certain status in society and that’s not right,” Barrington added.

She is quite certain that she can and will make a

The City Constabulary to enforce $5,000 fine for persons violating mask wearing rules.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana has surmounted early “oil curse” pitfalls and will now access its blessings

==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

By Pat Dial In many new Third World oil producing countries, the discovery of oil reserves has turned out to be a mixed blessing.

In some African states, for example, it has led to massive corruption with politicians stealing a great proportion of the oil revenues.

In other countries, oil was allowed to displace all other industries, but since oil reserves are a finite resource and since oil is subject to the vagaries of the market, when reserves become exhausted or prices fall, economic ruination and great social suffering occur.

In other cases, Governments and populations become so overwhelmed with the “bonanza syndrome” that they spend revenues recklessly in unproductive consumption until the day of reckoning arrives when oil reserves become exhausted or market prices fall and they return to their pre-oil eco-

nomic condition.

Trinidad has been touched by this kind of experience.

Guyana has not escaped unscathed from the “oil curse” and the country’s losses amounting to tens of billions of dollars occurred in the initial stages of the negotiations with the oil companies and the alleged corruption of a few politicians. Now, matters regarding the oil industry are settling down to an equilibrium.

This is due to the maturity of the Guyanese people who were never overtaken by the “bonanza syndrome” except for the first few months after the oil discovery when there were proposals that every citizen should be given US$5,000.

In a few months, however, this proposal faded away.

More rational councils prevailed and there was the establishment of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF),

which will eventually be structured along Norwegian lines where oil funds would be used for national economic and social development and also as insurance for succeeding generations.

Measures are taken to have as minimal political control as possible of such funds and there would be full transparency in the receipt and expenditure of funds.

The population realises that oil is a finite and temporary resource and that its primary use would be to provide capital investment for economic and social projects such as Agriculture, Industry, Infrastructure, Health and Education among others.

Employment would increase and wages would be higher and the standard of living of the population would be continuously bettered.

The population abhors corruption and is aware of the danger of Dutch Disease.

Recently in his address at the Guyana Basin Summit

2021, President Irfaan Ali, reiterated that Guyana’s oil revenues would be spent on social and economic development He pointed out that since the oil and gas discoveries, Guyana’s attraction as an investment destination had grown, and invited investors to consider the plethora of other investment opportunities in the country.

Said President Ali, “I want to say to all potential investors, you need to come, you need to explore and you need to look holistically at the varied opportunities in Guyana whether it is in large scale Agricultural production, whether it is in Mining, whether it is in Forestry, whether it is the Healthcare system, whether in the Education system; you need to understand the varied potential Guyana offers for different types of investors; it is not only about oil and gas. . .

It is necessary for the local Private Sector to become more involved in the planned

economic transformation and to grow and develop through synergies and partnerships with foreign businesses.

To enable this, the draft Local Content policy and Law is aimed at spurring a stronger and more robust local business environment . . . The oil and gas sector will complement the traditional sectors which will be modernised and which will maintain their roles as economic mainstays.”

President Ali emphasised that his government would not ignore the interests of the workers as against private investors: “We are uncompromising when it comes to respecting our people, especially our workers.

We insist the rights of our workers be respected and that investors comply with our Labour Laws.”

There is one important area on which the Government has made no public pronouncement so far, that is, the modernising the country’s citizenship and immigration Laws.

With greater economic

development there would be an influx of foreigners who could overwhelm the Guyanese Identity; there are indications of such an influx with the number of persons applying for naturalisation and the numbers of foreigners settling in the border areas with Brazil and Venezuela.

In modernising the Citizenship and Immigration Laws, the experience of the USA and its Laws in this regard could be instructive. For example, any person who wishes to live here should be conversant with the English Language and have knowledge of the country’s History, especially in such areas as Culture and the Guyana-Venezuela Border controversy.

There could also be a quota system as in the earlier American Legislation. Such an updating of the Citizenship and Immigration Laws needs to be urgently undertaken.

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

...Nurse Gangapattie Dani From page 52 even more crucial with the advent of COVID-19.

In this regard, Nurse Dani said, “My role is to provide effective and efficient nursing care to all patients...also, working along with my team, and doctors, managing critical cases, providing staff and patient education and ensuring safe donning and doff-

ing of PPEs in the department.”

With 16 years of nursing under her belt, Nurse Dani believes that she has remained grounded and committed to the cause because of “my nursing skills, years of experience and caring heart for others.”

In fact, she revealed that being a nurse during such a contagious pandemic has taught her many lessons that have helped her to evolve further professionally.

“One of the greatest lessons is safety precautions,” said Nurse Dani, as she stressed too the importance of “coping mechanisms”

which are needed as well in the fight against COVID-19.

Nurse Dani was quarantined – after being exposed to patient zero in March of last year, and in October of last year, she too tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be isolated.

The worse part of her isolation, she recalled, was being away from her children.

She understands all too well how it feels when one is handed a positive COVID-19 test and thereafter must be confined, until cleared to re-

sume normal life.

Based on the country’s COVID-19 data, of the almost 11,000 persons who have tested positive, just over 250 have died.

This is an especially worrying situation since health care workers, like Nurse Dani, are convinced that if there is adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines, more lives could be saved.

Although a COVID-19 immunisation campaign has been rolled out with health workers being the first targeted group, Nurse Dani has not yet received a single jab.

This, she said, is owing to the fact that persons who would have tested positive only become eligible for vaccination after six months have elapsed.

As she patiently awaits her turn, the nurse is urging members of the public to avail themselves for vaccination, once they are eligible, since “although it is not a cure for COVID-19, the vaccine can

prevent you from encountering severe symptoms and this will safeguard your family as well.”

But life has not been all work and no play for this dynamic ER nurse; in fact, she has a knack for gardening and pottery, and admitted, amid laughter, that she also finds time for “a good TV series.”

Spending quality time with family and friends is also important to her, and despite the pandemic, she is still able to factor this into her busy schedule “to some extent.”

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana has 11,044 COVID-19 cases

Guyana now has 11, 044 COVID-19 cases after the Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded 86 new cases yesterday.

According to a breakdown of the new cases, 55 were found in Region Four; Region Three has 15 new cases; Region Ten has eight cases; Region Five has four new cases; Region Six has three new cases; and Region Two has one new case.

The MOH dashboard also outlined that there are now 14 patients in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit at the Infectious Diseases Hospital; 71 patients are in institutional isolation and 1,033 are in home quarantine.

To date, 252 persons have died and 9,688 have recovered.

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Sunday April 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Chad’s Deby seeks sixth term as calls for change mount Chad’s President Idriss Deby is looking to extend his three-decade rule in an election on Sunday, despite mounting calls for political change. Opposition leaders on Thursday urged their supporters to boycott the poll and called for fresh protests against Deby’s sixth term bid.

“There are those who say a sixth term is too much; I say they’re wrong,” Deby, 68, told a rally in the capital, N’Djamena.

“I’m confident we’re going to win.”

A former military officer, Deby came to power spearheading the rebellion that overthrew longtime military ruler Hissene Habre in 1990.

He won elections in 1996 and again in 2001 before pushing through a constitutional change in 2018 that could allow him to stay in power until 2033.

On Sunday, Deby is poised to secure re-election against nine opponents after the Constitutional Court rejected the applications of seven candidates. Three challengers whose files were approved are officially boycotting the vote, although their names are still on the ballot.

“I cannot participate in a poll where the outcome is already known,” said Saleh Kebzabo, the runner-up in the 2016 presidential poll, Kebzabo and opposition leader Ngarlejy Yorongar pulled out of the race after a violent arrest attempt of another candidate, Yaya Dillo, in late February. The United Nations has called for an investigation after security forces went to arrest Dillo, a former minister in Deby’s government. Dillo and other witnesses said security forces killed the politician’s mother and son and wounded several others. The government has said Dillo’s son was not killed in the raid.

Protests against Deby’s administration have mounted since February with a coalition of NGOs, labour unions and opposition political parties calling for a change in political leadership and an end to social and economic injustices. Authorities have “ruthlessly” responded with crackdowns on protesters, Human Rights Watch said in a report this week.

Late on Thursday, the government said it had arrested several opposition politicians accused of planning “terrorist attacks” against the electoral commission’s headquarters and the ransacking of polling stations.

President of Chad, Idriss Deby.

Chad, despite being a major oil producer, is the third poorest country in the world, according to the UN’s humanitarian development index. It has been hit hard by multiple oil price crashes since 2014, which has led to rising debt levels.

Last year, Chad asked Swiss-based trader Glencore to suspend payments on its oil-for-cash loan. In January, Chad became the first country to ask for debt restructuring under the Group of 20 common framework aiming to gather Chinese and private lenders in a global debt-relief push. Glencore is Chad’s biggest private creditor.

The government in 2020 also settled a debt to Angola in cattle and is looking for another loan with Equatorial Guinea in fresh meat.

Meanwhile, recurrent droughts and the spillovers of a violent armed campaign in neighbouring Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria has brought in half a million refugees.

Protesters are calling for access to education, healthcare and electricity. In N’Djamena’s seventh arrondissement, an opposition stronghold, the paved road turns to dirt before reaching the headquarters of Les Transformateurs, the party opposition leader Succes Masra created two years ago.

A generator powers the office from where the 38-year old Harvard-graduate runs the organisation.

Masra picked the name, “the change-makers” roughly in English, because he saw an opportunity for change in Chad with its majority youth population – more than 65 percent of the 17 million population is under the age of 25.

Two years later, his candidacy was rejected because it failed to meet the minimum age of 45 to run for office, effectively discouraging a large portion of Chadians who are under 40 and cannot find work even with a university degree, Masra said.

“At 38, I’m the same age as the president when he took power. If I can’t run for office what message does that send to the youth who’s looking to shape the future of this country?”

But Albert Pahimi Padacke, a former prime minister and one of the candidates in Sunday’s election, said a boycott would only result in “an easy victory” for Deby.

“It’s better to push for change through the ballots,” Padacke said by phone from his southern hometown of Pala, near the Cameroonian border.

Fearing a low voter turn-

out, supporters of Deby’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement are mobilising to try to convince Chadians to pick up their voter cards and vote.

Meanwhile, Kebzabo, the candidate boycotting the

vote, pledged to maintain pressure on Deby to step down.

“A sixth mandate is too much, we have to speak up and we will continue to do so.” (Al Jazeera)

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Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

BRAZIL DONATES ARVS TO HEALTH MINISTRY (DPI) The Ministry of Health on Friday received a quantity of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) donated by the Government of Brazil. Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, said he was grateful that the neighbouring country responded to Guyana’s request for assistance.

“A big thank you to Brazil for stepping forward and assisting us with this much needed ARVs … We’ve all been following the challenges that Covid has posed to all countries around the world…

There has been restrictions and disruption in the logistics [of] supplies of

medicines and other pharmaceuticals.”Dr. Anthony said this can easily disrupt programmes such as the HIV response programme, that positively impact people’s lives. The Minister told the Brazilian officials that he looks forward to strengthened collaboration between

the two countries’ health ministries.Brazil’s Ambassador, Her Excellency Maria Clara Duclos Carisio, expressed similar sentiments.

She said she looks forward to the continued partnership, especially as the pandemic prevails, and given the closeness of the countries’ borders.

She also anticipates strengthened cooperation in the fight against HIV/ AIDS.Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative, Dr. Luis Felipe Codina, said the simple presentation was an excellent demonstration of the cooperation between the two countries. He said the partnership is a typi-

cal model of South-South cooperation.

Brazil Deputy Head of Mission, Minister Paulo Eduardo Borda Silos, Programme Manager, National Aids Programme Secretariat, Dr. Tariq Jagnarine and representatives of the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also attended the ceremony.

Government needs to stop playing politics with our lives

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony and Brazil’s Ambassador, Her Excellency Maria Clara Duclos Carisio (fourth and fifth from right) and other representatives at the handing over exercise.

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 COVID-19 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, facemasks 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

A remodelled National Service could...

From page 5 homes (where there are numerous cases of incest and sexual abuse), in offices where sexual favours proliferate in exchange for jobs or promotion, or even in religious organisations where wolves infiltrate and batter sheep, discipline needs to be imposed consistently and swiftly! Failure to discipline perpetrators (which MAY have been the case in some instances) will result in dereliction of duty and perpetuation of evil in private or public sectors, National, Regional or International organisations.

Should we shut down our homes because of some unconscionable perverts?

No. Should we shut down our offices because of whitecollar criminals who prey on the gullible and the defenceless?

No. Should we close our places of worship because of some who defile and mislead our young, vulnerable ones, and thereby qualify to have “a millstone ...hung around

his neck, and ... drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6)”? A thousand times no!I once heard a former officer in the GNS say that when he visited Kimbia and saw how a thriving GNS Centre was left to ruin, rot and desolation, he burst into tears.

At Kimbia, the focus was on military training and agriculture, whilst other centres specialised not only in training, but also in gold production and garment manufacturing (Tumatumari), gold mining and wood products manufacturing (Konawaruk), border security ( Camp Jaguar), quarrying (Itabu and Teperu), skills training and agriculture (Kuru Kuru) to name a few.

Let commonsense prevail!

Abhor evil; cling to what is good.A remodelled National Service with relevant developmental goals and approaches, if given a chance, would continue to have more positive than negative impacts in our dear land.

Claudia Heywood

Sunday April 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

Sunday April 11, 2021

Tennis-Toni Nadal returns to Tour to work with Auger-Aliassime LONDON (Reuters) -Toni Nadal, the man who masterminded nephew Rafa’s incredible career, is returning to the Tour as part of the coaching team of Canadian youngster Felix AugerAliassime.

Nadal, 60, decided to step down as Rafa’s coach in 2017 and concentrate on running the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

But he has been tempted back by the chance to work with the 20-year-old and will be in his camp for next week’s Monte Carlo Masters — the tournament at which Nadal made his big breakthrough in 2005 before claiming the first

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Kaieteur News

of his 13 French Open titles a few weeks later.

Auger-Aliassime, the world number 22, confirmed that Toni Nadal was joining his team in a Zoom call on Thursday.

“I will be working with Toni starting from this tournament,” AugerAliassime, who is coached by Frederic Fontang, said.

“I sat down with Fred and my team and parents and I thought to myself it would be good to go to someone who has been at the highest level of our sport, who has been to where I want to go.

“Really it’s gaining advice and experience and just

Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Miami Open. working on a day to day to become a better player. I know there’s no secret tool or recipe or that you just click your fingers and things work out.”

Sunday April 11, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Over the past few months you may have thrown yourself into your work, accomplishing feats that ordinary people would never even try.

Today you should give your brain a day off! Don't worry.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Although things may be going well for you at work, Libra, it's probably taking a physical and emotional toll on you. You may suffer from mild stress-related conditions like headaches.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There could be a meeting in your community regarding some extensive changes in the not too distant future, Taurus. The meeting could bring facts to your attention that you should be aware of.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you working on something that requires in-depth research, Scorpio? If so, this is the day to dig in.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Career matters might prove frustrating today. You're aiming for a specific goal of some kind that you're anxious to reach, but it seems to hit one setback after another.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A new field of interest may require much of your concentration for the next several days, Cancer. You could be studying a new spiritual discipline or perhaps an intellectual problem.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Are you interested in psychology? If so, you might discover some information that clues you in to your mental and emotional history.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your circle of friends is probably changing, Virgo, perhaps too rapidly for your tastes. Some friends may be moving away, or different interests have caused you to form new friendships.

Your life seems to be going well right now.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today, you might feel caught between the determination to reach a certain goal, probably financial, and a desire to stay home and work on your own projects, take care of your family, or both.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A social event could put you in contact with people who love to gossip, Capricorn.

They might have some juicy tidbits to report, and you could be torn between curiosity and compassion for the person being discussed.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Over the past few months you may have thrown yourself into your work, accomplishing feats that ordinary people would never even try. Today you should give your brain a day off!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) For the past few days your mind has been primarily on the loftier side of romance emotional support, a spiritual bond, the highest kind of love.

Today your mind is likely to be on nothing more exalted than physical passion.

Touted as a potential Grand Slam champion, AugerAliassime is yet to enjoy a breakthrough moment and has lost all seven ATP finals he has contested.

He first approached Toni Nadal in Mallorca in December after going there to train.

“Our values and work ethic really aligns so for me that’s a great thing personally and I’m glad he’s part of my project and hopefully we can do great things in the future,” he said.

For Toni Nadal it is an unexpected change of path after opting to step aside as a coach on Tour in 2017.

“I never considered before to work for someone else,” he said. “For me it’s a wonderful thing to work with a guy like Felix, first a very educated player, a player that can become one of the best players in the world and become a champion in big tournaments.

“I could not work with someone unless they are respectful, and have good values because I had the luck to work all my life with a kid that was very respectful and gave a very good image wherever he went.

“Now I have the possibility to work with a guy who believes in the same, to improve, work hard every day.”

Nadal stressed that should Auger-Aliassime play his nephew in the coming months he would not be in either box.

“If (Rafa) has to lose to someone then I would rather him lose to Felix,” he said.

“I’m still his uncle and have many years of involvement with him.

“I hope Felix will be number one in the future. For now he needs to keep improving and I keep being Rafa’s uncle.”

...GFF issues statement From page 73 five years, with our teams recording more than credible results on each occasion.”

President of the ISG, Rebecca Vaughan, also commented on the issue, saying: “Whilst the International Support Group had no prior knowledge of any communication between our Lady Jaguars and our Government; we acknowledge the ongoing work that needs to be done to address gender inequity. We are mindful of the current administration’s meaningful progress that has significantly advanced the women’s game in Guyana.

The grassroots development and investment have resulted in female domestic players earning the opportunity to represent our beloved country at the senior international level.” The Federation recognises there is a long way to go in creating a level playing field for women in football. However, the facts show that meaningful and measurable progress has been made in Guyana since this administration took office in 2015, with the assistance of FIFA, Concacaf and the ISG. As an example, between

2016 and 2020, the Lady Jaguars played more than twice (125%) the number of international matches than in the period 2011 and 2015. Female youth national team engagements rose 300% between the same periods, as the current administration established new teams to compete at U15 and U20 level, and invested further in the U17 programme.

The 2021 calendar for female national teams is as follows: Senior Women’s National Team: FIFA Women’s World Cup Concacaf qualifiers (November) U20 Women’s National Team: Concacaf U20 Championship qualifiers (September) U17 Girls’ National Team: Concacaf U17 Championship qualifiers (August) U14 Girls’ National Team: Caribbean Football Union Challenge Series (dates TBC) The Federation seizes this opportunity to reassure the football community, and indeed the nation, that gender equity has always been, and will continue to be, the lodestar that guides how it administers football.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 68

Sunday April 11, 2021

Brazil’s World Champion Beatriz Ferreira is Ambassador of AIBA Youth World Boxing C/ships

B

razil’s defending AIBA Women’s World Champion Beatriz Ferreira was appointed as the Ambassador of the upcoming AIBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships. The competition will take place in Kielce, Poland on April 13-23.

The energetic Brazilian is the star of the elite lightweight (60kg) and she is one of the best female boxers in the world, she lost only five contests during her whole career.

“When I received the invitation from AIBA to be the Ambassador of the Youth W o r l d B o x i n g Championships, I was very happy and honored. It’s a remarkable tournament for all athletes who compete in it. AIBA, thank you very much!

It is very good to know that I am a role model for the young ones who are starting their path – this is the first big step for them! Today they are participating in the AIBA Yo u t h Wo r l d B o x i n g Championships and soon they become elite,” Ferreira said.

“I wish the best of luck to everyone who participates in the Championships. I believe there will be great fights.

I want to say something to all athletes. Give it your best, have fun and make a great show for everyone!

Represent your country well.

I will be watching and cheering, especially, for the Brazilian team. Make the best of it, it’s a unique moment. I wish a great Championships to all!” she concluded.

Beatriz Iasmin Ferreira was born on the 9th of December 1992. The 162cm tall boxer began her boxing career at the age of 18 following her switch from wrestling.

Her boxing idol is the US legend, Muhammad Ali, and she trains 22 hours per week to realize her main goals at the upcoming events.

Brazil’s star entered into the world’s boxing life four years ago, when she won the gold medal at the Belgrade Winner Tournament in 2017.

Shortly after her first international victory in Serbia, she succeeded at the AMBC American Confederation Women’s

Boxing Championships in Honduras in June 2017 after beating Canada’s Panamerican Games winner Caroline Veyre in the final.

The lightweight (60kg) boxer was too strong for South Korea’s two-time ASBC Asian Women’s Champion Oh Yeon Ji in the final of the 2018 Belgrade Winner Tournament where Ferreira defended her.

The year of 2018 was very busy for Beatriz who claimed a gold medal at the South American Games, at the AMBC American Confederation Women’s Boxing Championships at t h e B a l k a n Wo m e n ’s Tournament and she only lost to Finland’s Olympic Games bronze medalist Mira Potkonen and South Korea’s Oh Yeon Ji on their rematch in India.

Brazil’s first gold medal at the 2019 Feliks Stamm Memorial Tournament was achieved by tw o-time AMBC American Champion Beatriz Ferreira who dominated her lightweight final against Poland’s local favorite Aneta Rygielska.

Ferreira also won the titles in 2019 at the Strandja Memorial Tournament, at

the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem, at the Silesian Women’s Open Tournament and the Panamerican Games in Lima.

Ferreira’s main international event of the 2019 year was the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in UlanUde, Russia. She had five bouts at the event and continued her amazing

Brazil’s defending AIBA Women’s World Champion Beatriz Ferreira.

winning path defeating all of her opponents.

One of her key contests was held at the quarter-final against Russia’s Natalia Shadrina and following that impressive battle, she defeated United States’ Rashida Ellis and China’s Wang Cong in the final s t a g e s o f t h e Wo r l d Championships.

Brazil sent its top team to

the Cologne Boxing World Cup in Germany which took place on March 10-14.

Brazil’s defending AIBA Women’s World Champion beat Netherlands’ Husniye Calisir in the quarter-finals and after that Germany’s Gina Spranger and Croatia’s Marija Malenica were not able to stop the Brazilian star who won gold at the tournament.

NBA roundup: Celtics’ Jayson Tatum pours in career-high 53

J

ayson Tatum scored 35 of his career-high 53 points after halftime as the Boston Celtics erased a 17point deficit to outlast the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves 145-136 in overtime Friday night.

Tatum, the youngest player in Celtics history to score at least 50 in a game at 23 years and 37 days, shot 16 of 25 from the field, had six 3-pointers and added 10 rebounds as the Celtics won for the fourth time in five games.

Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Marcus Smart 24 points and eight assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists to lead the league-worst Timberwolves, who rallied from down 11 with 2:51 left in regulation to force overtime. D’Angelo Russell scored 26 with eight assists and Anthony Edwards had 24 points.

Boston led 122-111

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles down the court defended

by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Josh Okogie (20) during the second half at TD Garden. (Paul Rutherford -USA TODAY Sports)

before 3-pointers from Towns and Russell helped Minnesota get within three.

The visitors knotted the score at 124 on another Russell trey that banked in with 9.7 seconds remaining, and Tatum missed a chance

at a game-winner at the buzzer.

Hawks 120, Bulls 108 Trae Young scored 42 points on 15-for-25 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and nine assists, and Atlanta rallied for a win

over visiting Chicago.

Clint Capela contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 10-for-12 from the field. Danilo Gallinari added 20 points off the bench for the Hawks, who earned their fifth win in

the past six games.

Zach LaVine scored a career-high 50 points for the Bulls. He made 18 of 31 shots from the field, 7 of 12 shots from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 attempts from the free-throw line. Chicago lost for the first time in four games.

Wizards 110, Warriors 107 Bradley Beal’s fourpoint play with 6.1 seconds remaining powered Washington to a win over Golden State in San Francisco.

Beal, the NBA’s leading scorer, finished with 20 points — more than 11 fewer than his season average.

Russell Westbrook — who recorded his 21st tripledouble of the season with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists — notched six of his points in the final period.

Golden State’s Stephen Curry led all scorers with 32 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 23, 11 of them in the

third quarter.

Knicks 133, Grizzlies 129 (OT) RJ Barrett scored 20 points and hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:15 remaining in overtime as New York rallied for a victory over Memphis.

Barrett was among six Knicks to reach double figures. Immanuel Quickley also finished with 20 points, Derrick Rose contributed 19 while Burks scored 16 of his 19 in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Ja Morant led all scorers with 26 points, but the Grizzlies saw their fourgame winning streak end.

Morant shot 9 of 18 but also missed 4 of 8 free throws as Memphis shot 61.8 percent (21 of 34) from the line.

In other results: Nuggets 121, Spurs 119 Clippers 126, Rockets 109 Hornets 127, Bucks 119 Pelicans 101, 76ers 94 Pacers 111, Magic 106 (Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

PAGE 69

Executive Committee elected for the South Essequibo Cricket Committee Megan Rapinoe converts a late penalty for the USWNT in Stockholm.

(Photo by Linnea Rheborg/ Getty Images)

Megan Rapinoe’s late, ‘controversial’, penalty saves USWNT from first loss in years Yahoo Sports - The U.S. women’s national soccer team has not lost in over two years.

It hasn’t lost since winning the 2019 World Cup. Hasn’t lost under head coach Vlatko Andonovski.

Hasn’t lost in 38 games.

Sweden almost ended all of that yesterday. But Megan Rapinoe’s 87th-minute penalty stole a 1-1 draw for the USWNT in a preOlympic friendly, and kept a remarkable unbeaten streak alive.

The penalty, though, arose from a bit of good fortune and controversy.

Kelley O’Hara was fouled on the edge of the penalty area as the U.S. pressed for a late equalizer. Replays showed that the brunt of contact appeared to occur outside the box.

But the referee pointed to the spot, and allowed the Americans to snatch a result.

“We don’t have [video review], so I’ll take it,” Rapinoe said. “I’m not asking any questions.”

Perhaps, on the basis of a strong second-half push, they deserved it. For the first time under Andonovski, though, they were largely outplayed. Sweden created the game’s two best chances.

Lina Hurtig’s first-half header gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Rapinoe, who came off the bench in the second half, preserved the unbeaten streak, but didn’t completely mask a flawed team performance.

“If we play the way we

played today, it’s not good enough,” Andonovski said after the match. He “wasn’t happy” with the players’ “cleanness of touch,” and said they “made way too many mistakes.” Rapinoe said they were “very sloppy.”

The draw ended Andonovski’s unblemished record since taking over for Jill Ellis in the fall of 2019.

And it snapped the USWNT’s 16-game win streak two short of a program record.

It also sparked a bit of concern with just three months to go until Tokyo.

But not much. This, more importantly, was a valuable test for the U.S. “We’re all very happy to have had this game, and to have had this challenge,” defender Tierna Davidson said postgame.

“A great challenge,” Rapinoe added. She found herself thinking throughout the game: ”This is exactly what we need.”

Why yesterday’s draw could help USWNT at Olympics Prior to yesterday, the USWNT had scored 61 goals and conceded three under Andonovski. Since the start of Olympic qualifying in early 2020, it had scored 52 and conceded one.

Andonovski is move tactical than Ellis, his predecessor, and his teachings appeared to have strengthened the USWNT machine.

Competition, though, had been underwhelming since the start of 2020. “The games that we’ve played, up until this point, we’ve pretty

much been able to play the way that we want,” Rapinoe explained. “Things have looked pretty spot-on to what Vlatko and the staff have prepared us for.”

On Saturday, things didn’t quite go to plan.

Sweden interrupted the USWNT’s attacking patterns with a slightly unexpected tactical approach. “I don’t think we adjusted quick enough,” Rapinoe said.

The hope, though, is that lessons learned Saturday will allow them to adjust on the fly in Tokyo, where they’ll meet teams of Sweden’s caliber – and perhaps meet the Swedes themselves.

“They’re a tough team,” Andonovski said. “That’s why we came here. To play this team, to get exposed to physicality, to tactics and sophistication like this, so we can prepare to be the best version that we can be going into Olympics.”

In this sense, Saturday wasn’t dissimilar to the team’s last loss, 3-1 to France in the buildup to the 2019 World Cup. The Americans were outplayed that day, just as they were outplayed for long stretches on Saturday.

But they were also a bit shorthanded that day, just as they were a bit shorthanded Saturday. Center back Abby Dahlkemper missed out with an injury. Rapinoe and Alex Morgan didn’t start.

And just as they were still World Cup favorites two years ago, despite that loss in France, they’re still Olympic gold medal favorites now.

Thursday evening last, representatives from 10 clubs affiliated to the South Essequibo Cricket Committee cast their votes and the executive committee was elected to promote and control cricket in South Essequibo.

The well anticipated election resulted in an eleven (11)-member executive committee with Fezal Mohammed emerging as the Chairman of the executive body. Mr Mohammed will lead the committee with the following members: •Vice Chairman Hemraj Doobay •Secretary Rayon DeCosta

Fezal Mohammed, Chairman •Treasurer Sherkhan Khan •Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Andy E.

Ramnarine •Public Relations Officer Otis Roberts •Competition Chairman Timor Mohammed •Chairman of Selectors Royan Fredericks •Committee Members D a n i e l S t o l l , Vi s h n u Persaud, Isaiah Latchman The committee remains dedicated to serving members of the Clubs in the South Essequibo district.

The committee would like to thank their supporters and well-wishers for their abundant support as they strive to keep the game alive during such a difficult time of change for sports in our nation and across the globe.

In photo: A representative of Shiv Gajraj Computer and S & K hands over sponsorship to competition coordinator Mr. Sadiek Khan.

Shiv Gajraj Computer and S & K Construction West Demerara Softball Cup on today

W

e c a r e Community Services and Promotions in association with the Zeeburg Sports club have teamed up to host the inaugural Shiv Gajraj Computers and S & K C o n s t r u c t i o n We s t Demerara Softball Cup. The one day competition is set for today at the Zeeburg Sports Ground from 09:00 hrs.

According to the

organizers a limited amount of teams will be accepted and the competition will be played under strict covid guidelines and regulations.

Spectators are not allowed into the venue, while all teams will be provided with mask and sanitizers.

The competition is organized so as to give youths an opportunity to showcase their talents after a year of no competitive competition. The

tournament is being supported by New Level Business Est, R.L Sukhram & Sons Sawmill and lumber yard, SR Real Estate Investment, West Central Mall, V.J Service Centre and Auto Spares, Forresters Business Complex, First Class Wash Bay, New Land Lumber Yard, R. Ruben Sawmill and Lumber Yard, R2A Construction, Furniture and Upholstery and Phoenix Taxi.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 70

Sunday April 11, 2021

Rizwan steers Pakistan to their highest-winning T20 run chase

A

FP - Mohammad Rizwan took inspiration from teammate Fakhar Zaman and steered Pakistan to their highest winning run chase as they beat South Africa by four wickets in the first Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday.

Rizwan made an unbeaten 74 as Pakistan chased down a target of 189 with one ball to spare. Their previous highest T20 chase was 188 against Australia in Harare in 2018.

Rizwan said the pitch was tricky at the start of the chase but he and captain Babar Azam got the side off to a quick start before Babar was out with the total on 41 in the fifth over.

He was then joined by Fakhar, who scored an astonishing 193 not out in the

second one-day international on the same ground six days earlier.

Fakhar made 27 off 19 balls before he was caught on the boundary off left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who took two for 29.

But Rizwan said he modelled his innings on the way Fakhar played in the one-day game.

“Fakhar’s innings was on my mind today, the way he played on this surface,” said Rizwan.

“I was taking my time knowing I could score later on.”

With a succession of power hitters in the side, Rizwan said he got a message from his team’s dug-out that he must keep batting until the end.

Rizwan, who scored only 42 runs in three innings in Pakistan’s 2-1 one-day series win, was back in the form

Winning moment: Mohammad Rizwan (right) celebrates with Hasan Ali.

which earned him man of the series awards in both Test

and T20 series against South Africa in Pakistan earlier in

the year.

He hit nine fours and two sixes.

The match swung in the last four overs of the two innings.

South Africa could score only 29 in their last four overs, while Pakistan thrashed 52 off the last 3.5 overs.

South Africa captain Heinrich Klaasen rued the poor finish to his side’s innings.

The slide started when he was caught at short leg off Hasan Ali off the second ball of the 17th over after he had raced to 50 off 28 balls.

“We were ten to 15 runs short,” said Klaasen.

South Africa went into the match with a secondstring team.

Five players were missing because of Indian Premier League commitments and Klaasen was a stand-in captain after Temba Bavuma was one of three players to miss out

because of injuries.

Opening batsman Aiden Markram, who made 51, was a late inclusion after regular T20 opener Reeza Hendricks took paternity leave and South Africa’s team had three new caps and only four players with more than ten appearances.

The inexperience showed in the closing overs as bowlers missed their lengths.

Beuran Hendricks picked up three wickets but was hit for 4,6,4 off successive full tosses in the 18th over, which cost 16 runs.

Two catches went down in a frantic last over before Pakistan scored the winning run off an overthrow.

Scores: Pakistan 189 for 6 (Rizwan 74*, Ashraf 30, Hendricks 3-32, Shamsi 229) beat South Africa 188 for 6 (Markram 51, Klaasen 50, van Biljon 34, Nawaz 221, Hasan 2-28) by four wickets.

Real Madrid top of table after Clasico win BBC Sport - Real Madrid moved top of La Liga with victory over Barcelona in an El Clasico played in torrential rain at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

Karim Benzema broke the deadlock with a sublime near-post flick - his ninth goal in his past seven La Liga games.

Real doubled their lead before half-time through Toni Kroos’ deflected free-

kick.

Oscar Mingueza pulled one back for Barca before Madrid’s Casemiro was shown a late red card.

The result takes Real level on points with Atletico Madrid and Real go ahead of their city rivals because of their superior head-to-head record. Atletico, who led La Liga by 10 points as recently as 31 January, can reclaim top spot with victory at Real Betis today.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

PAGE 71

Delhi Capitals cruise to 189 target courtesy Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw

E

SPNcricinfo - On a night of comebacks, Prithvi Shaw’s return to IPL form trumped Suresh Raina’s homecoming at Chennai Super Kings.

The Delhi Capitals’ fast bowlers did enough damage with the new ball and the old to make sure the Super Kings’ fabled-already depth had to stretch itself - Raina scored a fifty himself - to get themselves to a strictly competitive total.

Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan pretty quickly took out any competitive sting out of that total with 65 in the powerplay, only a brief slowdown after, and a 138run opening stand at over 10 an over.

Dhawan played his part to perfection, getting off to a quick start to allow Shaw some time at the top and then carrying on at a high strike rate even after Shaw got out.

These are two important ticks for Capitals’ plans.

About the depth…

All the talk going into the match was around the Super Kings’ batting depth, with Dwayne Bravo batting at No. 9, and it was to put to test immediately. The new ball swung for Chris Woakes and Avesh Khan, and they both bowled full enough to make use of it. Avesh got Faf du Plessis lbw, Woakes got rid of Ruturaj Gaikwad, and

Shikhar Dhawan brings out the innovations © BCCI

suddenly the depth didn’t seem to matter. But thanks to Raina and Moeen Ali, the Super Kings went from 7 for 2 at 2.1 overs to end up with 33 in the powerplay.

The depth does matter, though However, the middle overs were unlike what Super Kings are used to.

Especially when both the left-hand batsmen started taking on the offspinner, R Ashwin. It was mostly Moeen, though, with successive fours in Ashwin’s first over followed by successive sixes in his next.

By the time Moeen got out reverse-sweeping Ashwin, he had set Super Kings on their way. Raina grabbed

hold of the baton and ran at Amit Mishra and Ashwin.

The Capitals were forced to go back to pace, but Raina welcomed Marcus Stoinis with two sixes to bring up his fifty.

Wickets and brakes Tom Curran and Avesh Khan, though, managed to slow Super Kings down enough before the death overs. Curran got Rayudu out with a slower ball, MS Dhoni played Avesh on for a duck.

Add a Raina run-out in the middle with Ravindra Jadeja running into the bowler and turning down the second, and you had 38 runs in five overs starting with the 14th.

Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw put up a fifty-plus stand. (BCCI/IPL)

It wasn’t just the wickets, it was good defensive bowling, handcuffing the batsmen. . Sam Curran got the better of his brother Tom in the 19th over to provide Super Kings the finishing kick, but it was still belowpar on a flat Wankhede surface Dhawan, Shaw must go on Ricky Ponting might be in for some throwdowns to Shaw between games.

Before the start of this IPL,

Ponting revealed Shaw doesn’t like batting when out of form but is difficult to keep away from training when he is in the runs. And he has been in the runs for a while. However, Vijay Hazare Trophy runs came with no one watching. Shaw would have wanted to show everyone he was back. And he announced it with the second ball he faced, whippulling Deepak Chahar for a four.

Dhawan made the first big assault, though, hitting Sam Curran for a four and a six in the fourth over. Shaw joined the party in the fifth over, taking Shardul Thakur away for three fours. Shaw kept going, taking down the spinners after a couple of quiet overs just after the powerplay. Shaw scored at two runs a ball, allowing Dhawan the freedom to be at a more sedate 150 strike rate at the time he got out.

There were times when each one of them looked good for a century. Shaw needed 28 out of 51 when he holed out to a Bravo slower ball. Dhawan then kicked on to make sure there was no all-too-familiar late drama.

The last 10 balls he faced brought Capitals 20 runs. He needed 15 out of 22 for a century when he was caught plumb by a Thakur yorker.

There was no drama indeed as Capitals got there with eight balls to spare.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 190 for 3 (Dhawan 85, Shaw 72) beat Chennai Super Kings 188 for 7 (Raina 54, Moeen 36, Avesh 2-23) by seven wickets.

GABF hosts final press conference ahead of departure Yesterday at the Cliff Andersons Sports Hall (CASH) on Carifesta Avenue, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) held their final press conference ahead of the senior men’s team departure for El Salvador tomorrow, where the team will create history by competing in their first ever FIBA World Cup (2023) pre-qualifiers.

Present at the presser were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and head of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), K.A. Juman-Yassin.

Ramson, during his remarks to the National men’s team, charged them to find the required chemistry to be successful in order to inspire others.

He noted that, “You (the team) have a heavy burden to carry because you are inspiring an entire generation of Guyanese people, so while you are playing and you want successful individual performances and while this is an opportunity for you, I want you to be mindful that your actions, your commitment, your dedication, has a very reverberating effect all across this country”.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 – CONCECABA Pre-Qualifiers will get underway on April 15 in the city of San Salvador and the top three teams from the five-member group will advance to the second round qualifiers.

Guyana will be pitted against Costa Rica, El Salvador, Jamaica and Nicaragua in the

group that will be contested solely in one-off round-robin games.

The Minister added, “The Government of Guyana is happy to support your effort but one of the ways you can inspire people is by being successful. We want you to understand that you are here to win.”

The Minister reemphasised the need for Corporate Guyana to be on board the development of sport, divulging that, “The development of a country is a team sport and development is not only building your company or a building but it is building people and building the talent coming from sport, it’s an important way we develop our human capita.”

GOA long-serving boss, K.A. JumanYassin, who has indicated to Kaieteur Sport that he will be running for office at the upcoming elections, said the Association was happy to assist and also called on more support from corporate Guyana private sector to follow suit.

Some of the cheerful givers from the private sector included: W. Rambaran Services, Biddle Inc. S.A.C, Atlantic Marine Services under their Parker Brand, Fit It Electrical and Rambarran Contracting, ENetworks, JHI Associates and Western Union.

The team and officials are expected to undergo a second round of PCR Tests for COVID-19 today before departing tomorrow.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 72

Sunday April 11, 2021

NY Tri State U-15s tour concludes in watery climax - Rai, Bolisetty, Srivastava outstanding performers for tourists

By Sean Devers

Srivasatava had a six wicket haul chipped with valuable runs.

T

he young players of the Linden Fraser Coached New York Tri State U-15 team arrived in Guyana on March 28, during the Covid19 pandemic, with high expectations of a competitive and fruitful tour which entailed 11 matches over two weeks.

The young lads and their parents were hosted by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and were warned to adhere to Covid19 regulations and got very high marks for the responsibility they demonstrated.

However, the adverse weather conditions ruined the tour; washing out four of their scheduled matches and badly affecting the two others which ended in noresults.

After rain in the City washed out their first two games, Coach Fraser, a former Berbice and Guyana pacer, called Berbice cricket Board President Hilbert Foster and a hastily arranged match was organised at

Albion in East Berbice.

The Berbice President’s X1 won but the talent of leftarm spinner Ansh Rai who bowled with immaculate control to finish with 3-24 and was supported by 13year-old fast bowling allrounder Anivadh Bolisety who took 2-18.

The visitors’ batting was led by an accomplished 20 from Skipper Nayan Elammurugah who was run out. Nayan was invited to the USA National U-19 Trials and had to leave to return home on April 2 for the trials.

The next game was at MYO where the USA team

Lack of productive opening partnerships worries Windies Chief Selector Roger Harper SportsMax - Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies’ Chief Selector has expressed concern over the productivity of opening partnerships for the West Indies but laments the fact that no one is really knocking at the door to be selected.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has had a welcome return to form with two Test half-centuries and a century in his last four Test matches but fellow opener John Campbell has not been inspiring much confidence with his performances.

The Jamaican has scores of 3, 23, 36, 18, 42, 11, 5, and 10 in his last four Tests. His last half-century, 68, was made in the second Test against New Zealand in December last year.

As a result, solid opening partnerships for the

Caribbean side have been rare and this is a worry for Harper. ”I think it has been a concern for a while. It was pleasing to see the captain get some big scores, but we need the partnership, on the whole, to be solid,” Harper said this past week on Mason and Guest.

But while Campbell has been struggling for form, Harper acknowledges that the batsman has been working hard to correct his flaws, like the ones that saw him get out in similar fashion in all four innings in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka. ”We were delighted to see Campbell applying himself and being more patient, but we need some more positive returns,” he said.

There are several players who could come in to bolster the batting but recent history does not offer much hope for success. Players like Shai Hope and Shayne Moseley are potential replacements; Hope especially who has shown a welcome return to form in the ODIs against Sri Lanka, but Test cricket is a different prospect for a player who has struggled in that format of the game.

Moseley, who has shown promise, is yet to demonstrate that he is ready after several failures.

“It is something we are looking at. We are looking at our best options. At the moment, from a red ball perspective, we don’t have enough openers who are knocking down the door in terms of performances,” he concluded.

opposed GCC and an explosive 102 from GCC’s Rivaldo Phillips was the highlight of the game which ended in a no-result after the tourists reached 35-2 chasing 189 when rain ended the game.

At Everest, Bolisetty’s unbeaten 52 spearheaded NY Tri State U-15s to 91-run win against a GCA U-17 team.

At Bourda, Transport Sports Club (TSC) made 155 all out in 42.3 overs as Myhiem Khan top-scored with 33.

Pacer Arya Gorg had 212, left arm seamer Ali Virk 2-22 and Utkarsh Srivastava 2-25 were the leading bowlers for the NY Tri State team who were dismantled for 79 despite 24 from Skipper Nayan and Tanish Dongre who made 20 offering any fight.

An incisive spell of fast bowling by Arya Gorg (3-31) and a 51-run stand between Shwethan Saharsh and Utkarsh Srivastava powered the New York Tri State U15s to a comprehensive

West Indies legend, Curtly Ambrose

seven-wicket win over host DCC under lights in their fifth match on their Guyana tour.

At MYO, Man-of-thematch Ansh Rai, who captured 7-22 with his leftarm spin, befuddled the MYO U-15 side and skittled them out for a paltry 46 in just 13 overs.

Bolisetty supported with 2-10 after making 40 with the bat for the Americans who had earlier made 141-6.

At MYO, in their final game, a first two-day match played with a red ball and white clothes, Srivastava (623) and Bolisetty (4-34) f i r e d o u t G e o rg e t o w n Cricket Association (GCA) Executives X1 for 102 before the NY Tri State U15s reached 78-3 at the end of the first day after they lost Nikhil Mudaliar (6), Srivastava (23) and Bolisetty who hammered three fours and two sixes in 28, while Tanish Dongre was unbeaten on 13. The entire final day was washed on Friday.

Apart from Rai, Bolisetty and Srivastava, Dongre,

Gorg and Virk also looked promising.

Speaking from the Princess Hotel in Providence where the team is staying, Coach Fraser, who played for First-Class matches including one for Guyana in 1984 Shell Shield tournament, commented briefly on the tour after final day was washed.

“It was great to be playing, the kids enjoyed every game and the games we played have given us a lot to improve our game. We are extremely disappointed that some of our matches were not played because of the weather,” said Fraser.

Rai took 13 wickets and Bolisetty made 132 runs.

Bolisetty was also the best all rounder. When asked what the youngsters learnt from this tour, Fraser noted, “First and foremost, they are all treated like professional cricketers in all areas, we let them see what it would be like playing at the highest levels. Playing on different surfaces was a learning experience.”

‘It’s not a situation where it can’t be done’ - Ambrose calls for end to ‘placid’ pitches

S

portsMax - West Indies legend, Curtly Ambrose, has re-added his voice to the call for an end to the preparation of ‘placid’ pitches throughout the Caribbean for international and regional cricket fixtures.

In the light of the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka, which ended with two drawn games, several former players and Windies coach Phil Simmons has expressed dissatisfaction with the surface prepared for the tour.

The debate has, however, raged on long before that, with Ambrose himself listed among those previously suggesting that many of the pitches prepared are too flat and offer little assistance to bowlers.

The West Indies, Sri Lanka series has only added to the dissatisfaction. In both Test matches, Sri Lanka, then the West Indies, the teams enjoyed comfortable leads headed into the final day but ended up doing very little to disturb the batsmen in the pursuit of wickets.

“I have seen local cricket played at Sir Viv Richards cricket stadium where you have grass on the pitch and the ball bounces and carries with good pace … so it’s not a situation where it cannot be done,” Ambrose told the Good Morning Jojo Radio show.

“I felt that the pitches were a little too flat and I’ve been saying this for years — we need to prepare better cricket pitches where the batsmen could play their strokes and the ball bounces a bit for the bowlers,” he added.

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 11, 2021

GFF issues statement on the Senior Women’s National Team programme The Guyana Football Federation acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT) in a letter shared with the Government of Guyana and the media this week.

“It is regrettable that this highly-valued group of players did not avail themselves of the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the Federation’s executive or administration,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“However, the Federation recognises the seriousness of the issues raised and is deeply concerned that some of Guyana’s most valued players feel disenfranchised in this way. The Executive Committee will be reaching out to the players to meet and discuss the matter in the coming days,” he said.

Among the concerns raised by some members of the SWNT are the “unfair and inequitable distribution of resources and supports,” which manifests themselves in them not being paid for matches and them having to “buy their own practice kits or pay for their own practice fields.”

The Federation acknowledges that the members of the SWNT are not paid match fees.

Accordingly, it is the Federation’s intention to develop a comprehensive c o m p e n s a t i o n p o l i c y,

consistent with international best practices. This policy will cover key areas such as out of pocket allowance, stipend, match fees, and bonuses, and is expected to be fully implemented ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in November of this year.

It is apposite to note that there was a relaunch of women’s football in 2017. A critical element of the relaunch was the establishment of the International Support Group (ISG), based in North America, that serves as the interface between the Federation and the international coaching staff and players. The ISG, which is composed of eminently qualified persons, plays a critical role in identification and selection of international players for the SWNT, as well as coordinating team camps and preparations.

When the current Executive Committee took office in November 2015, it committed to completely restructuring the existing SWNT programme, in part to ensure that no financial burden would be transferred to players or parents in the future, as had been the case previously.

This restructuring required an internal process of review, policymaking, the establishment of the ISG, and the recruitment of new staff. Since the relaunch, all associated costs for the SWNT’s participation in

matches, including flights, transportation, accommodation, training equipment, match kits, and other equipment acquisition have been paid for by the Federation. For the first subsequent international engagement in April 2018, the Federation introduced a stipend policy for players in competition, with the female youth teams being its first beneficiaries.

Another concern of the Lady Jaguars is that the team has “sat dormant for three years.” The record shows that, during this period, the only available opportunity to compete was for Olympics q u a l i f i c a t i o n . F I FA , Concacaf and the CFU had staged no other tournaments during this time. The decision to withdraw from the Olympic qualifiers was not taken lightly and was only made after a comprehensive assessment.

Our inability to field a competitive team due to unavailability of our college players, who were in the midst of their football season, was the primary factor in that decision.

One of the more disheartening claims made is that the Federation practices “systemic bias.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Gender equality is an urgent issue that requires deep structural changes throughout society, and beyond the limited influence of sport. The Federation is

GTA elections....

Campbell, Carter vying for GTA Presidency

T

he Guyana Tennis Association will hold elections to nominate its executive body on April, 16, 2020.

A c c o r d i n g t o correspondence seen by Kaieteur Sport, First Vice President of the GTA, Cristy Campbell was nominated for the presidency by Roraima Tennis Club and Annabelle Carter was nominated by Sheltez Tennis Club.

Patrick Mentore and Nigel Niles are contesting

the Vice Presidency, and their nominations come from Sheltez and Roraima clubs respectively.

According to the email which was signed by GTA s e c r e t a r y, S h i n e z a Thompson, the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club which is owned by current President Samuel Barakat has withdrawn its membership from the Guyana Tennis Association.

The nine clubs listed to vote at the upcoming

elections are: Sheltez Tennis Club Roraima Tennis Club Non-Pariel Tennis Club Rebel Tennis Club Wimbledon Tennis Club Pumas Tennis Club Everest Tennis Club United Tennis Club Guyana Tennis Coaches Association The listed Returning Officer is the president of the Guyana Olympic Association, Juman Yasin.

(Sean Devers)

PAGE 73

Wayne Forde

Andrea Johnson determined to remain a leading light in promoting, fostering and delivering positive change for women among sports federations in Guyana and beyond,” Forde said. “We would like to reassure the football community and the nation that the Federation is committed to gender equality and fair and equitable representation and treatment for women in all our activities. The Federation does not practice systemic bias with regard to women, and women are certainly not treated or

regarded as ‘second class’ citizens by my administration.”

President of the Guyana National Association for Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l (GNAWF), Andrea Johnson, said: “I would like to first acknowledge the seriousness of the concerns raised by the players. As President of the Guyana National Association for Women’s Football and a woman, I have a duty to work with the GFF in assessing any gender-oriented bias and once determined to exist, work towards bringing about

the necessary changes.”

“Notwithstanding that these issues were never raised with GNAWF, I wish to assure the affected players of my full support in addressing their concerns,” Johnson said. “While it is fair to say that we still have a long road to travel in the development of women’s football in Guyana, I can attest to the significant progress the GFF has made since 2015. The GFF has fully funded Guyana’s participation in international tournaments over the past (Continued on page 67)