K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Peru oil disaster…Govt.
Monday Edition April 11, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.14
secures additional compensation for citizens
p. Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online 14 Price $80 readership yesterday, 72,503
Int'l energy body says...
Guyana may
never see promised annual revenues from oil sector p. 8
'It's the worst anyone can do' ...Human Services Minister slams businessman for trying to justify mistreating daughter p. 3
Berbicians Man dies bus seek 50% after crashes reduction into tree in bridge toll at Lethem p. 11
p. 17
'Failure to audit, verify Exxon expenses should be a criminal offence'- Economist p. 3
Aubrey Norton running away from that word renegotiation but backs adjustments of oil contract. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 11, 2022
Exxon, BP lose second attempt at federal appeal against Baltimore climate change lawsuit Oil giants, ExxonMobil, BP PLC and Chevron Corp, have lost their second federal appeal against a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore seeking to hold them responsible for climate change. On Thursday, April 7, 2022, the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled and sent back the lawsuit once again to the State court, as opposed to the matter being heard in the federal court - like the oil giants desired. With the court’s ruling, the city of Baltimore has once again, won the legal battle to have its climate change lawsuit against more t h a n 2 0 e n e rg y f i r m s returned to state court, where it believes it has a better chance of obtaining damages for the harms it maintains the fossil fuel firms knowingly have inflicted on the city and its residents over decades. According to a Reuters article, the Fourth Circuit “resoundingly” rejected the companies’ arguments that Baltimore’s state-law claims were inherently federal because it sought to hold them liable based on the production and sale of oil and gas abroad. The oil giants argued that the Clean Air Act is the exclusive vehicle to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and that Baltimore’s statelaw claims conflicted with federal interests. Nevertheless, a threejudge panel of the Fourth Circuit ruled that Baltimore’s case is built on state, not federal law and should be heard in state, not the federal court. In fact, Chief U.S. Circuit Judge Roger Gregory said the city’s lawsuit had nothing to do with federal common law and that the companies “do not point to any significant conflict existing between Maryland law and their purported federal interests.” “The impacts of climate change undoubtedly have local, national, and international ramifications,” he wrote for a three-judge panel. “But those
consequences do not necessarily confer jurisdiction upon federal courts carte blanche.” B a l t i m o r e ’s 2 0 1 8 complaint claims the companies deceived the public about the dangers associated with their fossilfuel products, which contributed to greenhousegas pollution and climate change. The lawsuit alleges that the energy giants created a public nuisance and should be forced to cover the climate-change costs the city faces, including increased infrastructure spending. Reuters reported that Sara Gross, who heads the affirmative litigation division of the Baltimore City Department of Law, in a statement called the ruling “a big win for Baltimore’s residents, workers, businesses and taxpayers.” On the other hand, ExxonMobil, attorney Kannon Shanmugam, argued for all the companies, in a statement calling the claims “baseless and without merit” and saying it was evaluating its next steps. Last Thursday’s ruling marked the second time the Richmond, Virginia-based court tended the case to the State court, amid a broad effort by the oil companies to force about two dozen similar cases by state and local governments that were filed in state courts into federal court. In 2020, the Fourth Circuit had sent the Baltimore case back to state court, but the Supreme Court in May 2021 had ruled that the Fourth Circuit did not correctly analyze the issues and sent the case back. As such, the Fourth Circuit heard the case for the second time. This resulted in the case being sent back to the state court. Moreover, the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in February became the first federal appeal court after that ruling to remand a lawsuit after it sent a case by Colorado municipalities back to state court.
Kaieteur News
Monday April 11, 2022
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‘Failure to audit, verify Exxon expenses should be a criminal offence’’ - Economist Seven years after Guyana first announced oil finds offshore none of its governments have been able to build the capacity to properly police the country’s resources. In 2020, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo appeared on Kaieteur Radio’s Oil and You programme where he sought to explain the magnitude of Guyana’s oil sector. He said that Guyana’s total deposits within the banking system is around US$2.6b. That is, with all the deposits of every Guyanese in the banking system; non –financial banks, the commercial banks and government deposits, Guyana could not even finance the Liza one project which costs around US$4b. In fact, Jagdeo said, it would take eight times the total amount of money Guyana has to develop the Liza 1 and 2 wells and Payara, which will come on stream soon. Given this analysis, one would assume that after seven years, the Guyana Government would earnestly seek to have measures in place to ensure available resources for auditing huge multi-billion dollar expenses which this country must repay for the development of the sector. However, these measures are not in place, and some stakeholders continue to call for these lapses, and the lack of urgency to save Guyana large sums of much needed revenues to be seen as acts tantamount to criminal behaviour. Economic and Youth Policy Advisor at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Lowe, told Kaieteur News that he believes that failure to financially safeguard the country in this capital driven oil and gas sector should be a criminal
Economist and Advisor, Elson Lowe offence. The young economist told the newspaper that Guyana has too much to lose if it does not get its act together. He explained that currently, Guyana is pinned to audit oil expenses within a two-year timeframe stipulated in the Production Sharing Agreement that was signed with oil companies. Already, the timeframe to audit the almost US$10b Liza 1 and 2 projects have lapsed and the same could happen to the US$9b Payara project if it is not audited by midyear. Given the outcry regarding auditing failures, Lowe said, “… you’d think that there would be a much more robust effort, that there’d be a very aggressive effort to ensure that those costs are now going to be audited.” He said that the amount of money that Guyana could be losing is so much that citizens must understand what is at stake. To drive home his point Lowe submitted that there are studies that have shown that if not for the improper practices of oil
companies reclaiming cost in Africa, the entire continent could have been more developed. He reiterated therefore, that given the amount of money involved, Guyanese should seriously press for the audits, and hold those failing to function criminally responsible. “This US$9b that we are talking about, we are not talking about $9b Guyana dollars. Guyana’s budget is only about 2 half billion United States dollars so this is several times the national budget of Guyana we are talking about in costs. We have to take these things seriously. I personally think it should be a criminal offence for
audits to be allowed to lapse.” Lowe told the newspaper that he believes that some type of framework should be devised to hold officials responsible with appropriate penalties attached. He suggested that this could involve the relevant parties having to adhere to strict rules and having on a regular basis, to submit full reports to the Parliament. Whatever measures are put in place, Low said it should see Guyana being able to protect its finances, while holding those responsible for not doing so. Lowe appeared on the online talk show Politics 101 with opposition
Member of Parliament David Patterson days ago where they spoke about why it is important for Guyana to audit its oil and gas financials. The economist said that based on Inter-American Development Bank anti-corruption training he received while employed at the now defunct State Asset Recovery Agency; and some of which related to the oil and gas sector, he was taught to look out for example, transfer pricing, setting up of shell companies and running inflated cost through them. With proper safeguards, Lowe said these things Continued on page 16
‘It’s the worst anyone can do’ - Human Services Minister slams businessman for trying to justify mistreating daughter The Kitty businessman, Davenand Singh, charged on April 1 for assaulting his daughter, tried to justify his actions by sharing what he called “his side of the story”, during a live Facebook interview conducted on Saturday by social media personality, Mikhail Rodrigues popularly known as “Guyanese Critic”. Not long after the live interview ended, Minister of Human Services and Social Protection, Vindhya Persaud posted on her personal Facebook page, “The worst thing anyone can do is to justify abuse, violence and just plain cruelty –no one deserves that no matter what”. Persaud also revealed in her post that Singh’s daughter had
made a report via the ministry’s hotline number, 914 and is getting the full support through its Survivor’s Advocate Programme. The ministry had launched this programme in 2021 with the initiative to assist women who may be forced to evacuate their homes because of an abusive relationship. Singh was caught on camera cuffing, slapping and stomping his daughter to the ground in the presence of his employees at his clothing store, Brands2go located in Kitty Georgetown. The assault on the young lady reportedly took place on March 25. In a recent Facebook interview that Journalist, Leroy Smith did with the woman, she revealed that after assault, she was imprisoned in her
The Kitty businessman, Davenand Singh father’s home and was only able to Continued on page 16
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Monday April 11, 2022
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
Renegotiation if not in actual word, then in spirit and essence Our first thought was that Guyana’s political opposition was on the move regarding this country’s disastrous oil contract with ExxonMobil (“Norton backs call for renegotiation of oil contract -says Guyana in a better position to seek readjustment”, KN April 8). Unfortunately, we were abruptly brought to our senses regarding where the opposition stands with this oil contract. It is a study in bouncing around and scrambling about to avoid the use of a word – renegotiation. This was the regrettable posture from incoming Opposition Leader, Mr. Aubrey Norton. We mistakenly thought that he had the backs of Guyanese, would fight for what is right for them. Instead, what Mr. Norton tried to do was to hedge his bets, play word games. In a letter to this publication, Mr. Norton essentially hemmed and hawed about where he stands on RENEGOTIATION OF GUYANA’S DEVASTATING OIL CONTRACT. He had no issue with the content of a story headlined in KN’s edition of Friday, April 8th. But he had a problem with the use of the phrase “Norton backs call for renegotiation of the oil contract…” It is most baffling when Mr. Norton uses such phrases as 1) “action to be taken;” AND 2) “benefit from our resources;” AND 3) “provides for change;” AND 4) “will do everything within the confines of the law;” AND 5) “ensure our people get increased benefits.” While Mr. Norton did not use the word renegotiation, we wonder what all those phrases employed by him mean. What does he really mean, if not renegotiation masquerading under different identities? We understand that he prefers “(re)adjustment”, which will not occur by itself, but by conversation leading to the “action” and “increased benefits” of which he spoke so stirringly. For Mr. Norton’s enlightenment, oil companies are not about benevolence and charity, their leaders are not known for compassion. He knows he has to fight/struggle to get those increased benefits he seeks for Guyanese. He can call it whatever pleases him, and though renegotiation may not be the actual letter/word used by Mr. Norton, it certainly has that spirit, such essence. The things of which he says that he is about are saturated with such thrusts, with components associated with renegotiation objectives, no matter how much he strains to distance from this word now transformed into a Guyanese curse. To his credit, Aubrey Norton tabled a new dimension as part of his position. He said, “Now that the evidence is there, that we have the oil resources, I believe it is a new context, and we must engage Exxon (Mobil) noting the new context.” It is a solid point that should feature prominently in any arm’s length conversation related to “increased benefits” for Guyanese from the oil contract. Stated differently, there were clear risks, some degree of uncertainty (considerable and reasonable), when Exxon commenced exploration works at great expense. How much oil there was to be found in our oilfields? What was the quality of oil that was there, one of the lighter highly marketable types, or the heavier, more expensive kind to refine? And what was discovered in commercially viable quantities, thereby enabling the company to recoup its huge financial investment and earn satisfactory profit margins?Today, all those questions have been answered, and beyond haziness or uncertainty. In other words, there is no doubt anymore as to the oil that Guyana has, how much, and what kind. It is, therefore, reasonable to assert that the risks, such as they are, are now largely known. They are minimal from the perspective of a deep-pocketed foreign investor, and tangible returns already have been gained by Exxon and its partners. It is timely and proper that renegotiation (or whatever suits them) to bring relief from this nightmare of an oil contract be among the foremost priorities of leaders of this country. As Mr. Norton himself noted, Article 31.2 of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) allows this country the space to “reengage its foreign partners and state Guyana’s case in the new scheme of things.” Any reasonable citizen would interpret “reengage” to mean renegotiate or revise. We must stop pussyfooting and seeking shelter behind words to disguise what we want, and how we proceed.
Glenn Lall is officially the man with the Midas Touch in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, For those who don’t know, a Google search would reveal that the most famous King Midas is popularly remembered in Greek mythology for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Glenn Lall, the businessman, in reality is a King Midas, for over the years he has left a trail of gold which without doubt has morphed into an even bigger phenomenon today. Let me explain. While I’ve known of the man for years now, it wasn’t until he started his own radio show, appropriately named The Glenn Lall Show that I really got to understand him. And what he is makes so much sense. If you get to understand what drives the man, immediately you get an understanding of life – the key element that must be in place in order for the universe to properly align, or so I believe. I know some may think I
am reading too much into this man, but the Glenn Lall way of teaching is essentially a crash-course on understanding human existence. Lall, much like the Facebook boss, realised from early on that the highest of education is not the defining factor of anyone’s life but rather common sense; the knowledge you acquire overtime is the key that can unlock a plethora of doors. However, the frightening thing that Lall has opened my eyes to is the fact that there are others whose awareness is on par with his but instead of using that knowledge for good, some have taken the opposing path. Sadly, some of these abominations have over the years been chosen to govern our country and, as Lall often screams with conviction, we as Guyanese are doomed if we continue to believe that the unjust leaders, who we have idolised for years, will somehow take us
to the promise land that we so much deserve. Why this nation seems to only attract those who are unnaturally conceited and pregnant with greed will forever remain a mystery to me. It doesn’t matter the race of those in office, that taste of power somehow possesses elected folks to the point of them blindly leading this county into the abyss. If ever there was a man who seem to have Guyana’s best interest at heart, fellow Guyanese, it is Glenn Lall. He has nothing to gain from exposing the truth, in fact, the man has been sidelined and shun by the majority, including family, for it. To support Glenn Lall, I am doing my part to spread the word of his heroism which once embraced by Guyana will translate to the Midas Touch. From a young age, he realised he had this exceptional quality and those who
know him well can attest to this. From championing the sales of the school’s farm produces to playing dumb just so he could get the teachers to explain topics multiple times so slow students could understand; assuming control of the market where he sold greens so much so that criminals would instantly regret venturing there; building an empire – Kaieteur newspaper and radio – which seeks only to offer that crash course on life, Glenn Lall’s aim is to help all – even the least intelligent among us – better understand what unfolds daily before our very eyes in the name of development. With this knowledge, we all can stand in unison and fight to protect our patrimony so that future generations can benefit. Glenn Lall, thank you for helping Guyanese realise that we need a revolution and for this you have my vote. P. France
No solution to key Judicial appointments issue worrying DEAR EDITOR, This past week, the president of the Guyana Bar Association captured the news headlines with her observation that the system being used to appoint the Chief Justice and the Chancellor of the Judiciary is not working. If one had no knowledge of Guyana’s political reality, that declaration would seem quite straightforward—if a system is unworkable, then fix it and move on. The response of the Attorney General in which he agreed with the head of the Bar Association reflected that attitude. The problem is that both the AG and Ms. Chase live in Guyana and ought to be quite familiar with the Guyanese reality. That neither of them advanced an alternative speaks to either an unwillingness to think through the problem or an avoidance of the problem or both. Anyone who is honest about Guyanese political reality would know that the problem lies not with the method used to appoint the heads of our judiciary, but with the very nature of our political being. But, given our collective penchant to avoid the so-called elephant in the room, we eventually substitute the symptoms of the problem with its essence. It is well known that the method under scrutiny was part of a menu of constitutional reforms two decades ago that were aimed at forcing consensus in our national decision-making. In effect, it was an attempt to bring the opposition into decision-making. These reforms included the opposition chairmanship of the parlia-
mentary sectoral committees and the appointment of heads of all constitutional bodies. While on the surface these attempts at inclusion appear reasonable, they in fact ended up compounding rather that solving the problem. It has proven impossible to have consensus between two political forces within the framework of a system of winner-takes-all. In other words, we are asking one side with no institutional power to arrive at consensus with another side that has all the institutional power. That is and has proven to be an invitation by the former to use the occasion as a veto on the power of the latter. And the logical extension is for the latter to retaliate by affirming its absolute institutional power. As Dr. Luncheon declared during the “dialogue” which emanated from the Herdmonston Accord two decades ago, it was an engagement between “unequals.” The root cause of the problem is not the lack of consensus; that is the symptom of the problem. The root cause is our ethno-political reality in which our two major ethnic groups do not want to be governed by each other—a truism that has been demonstrated at every election since 1957. This reality is in tension with a governance framework that puts power in the hands of one group or the other via a winner-takes-all electoral system. It is therefore difficult, if not near impossible, to arrive at consensus on judicial appointments or on other aspects of the governance system outside of a consen-
sus on the equitable distribution of executive power. That we are having this discussion in 2022 is due in part to the hypocrisy of the two major political parties who only address the problem when in opposition, but once in power they warm to the status quo. In the case of the PPP, it has in the last two decades held to the status quo even when out of office largely because it believes that it is the pre-ordained ruler of the country. The other reason we are having this discussion in 2022 is due to the cowardice of our so-called Civil Society when it comes to issues of race. Civil Society in Guyana treats race and its outcomes as events rather than an institutionalised phenomenon. This leads us to condemn instances of racism or racial discrimination, but not to treat with the problem of race in our institutional arrangements.
When faced two decades ago with a choice of instituting some form of ethno-racial political power sharing or tinkering with the system via “consensus”, our two major parties chose the latter. One strong argument against power sharing was that it would lead to gridlock. Ironically, the alternative chosen has led to the very gridlock they ran away from and to which the head of the Bar Association has alluded. Once again we have come face to face with our historical demons. Whether it is the choice of GECOM Chair or the NRF Board or the Commissioner of Police or the Chancellor and Chief Justice or on issues such as electoral malpractice/ integrity, a clean voters list or who gets what from our oil revenues, real consensus is not forthcoming unless there is consensus on ethno-political power distribution. David Hinds
Govt. gives deaf ear to highly trained and qualified engineer DEAR EDITOR, My brother-in-law is from East Canje, Berbice. He is a highly trained and qualified engineer who has worked all over the world and has been involved in many major construction projects including automobile factories in the USA. Although now retired, he remains fully active and to this end has made repeated efforts to offer his considerable expertise to the Guyanese government. Their response? Complete silence. Not even the courtesy acknowledgement of his contacts. You would have thought Guyana would want to draw on any and all skills in the drive forward. Ignoring such overtures as my brother-in-law has made is sadly unusual and permeates too many public services in Guyana. In this regard, Guyana is way behind most other countries and needs to catch up, rapidly. Fewer mega hotels and more customer service. Peter Hays
Monday April 11, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Consultation among CARICOM member states on foreign policy issues does not mean arriving at a common position DEAR EDITOR, Unity in Diversity or One Region. Many Voices is perhaps the best way at this point in time to describe the present state of affairs within CARICOM. But the discordant state of affairs is not unusual. There are tons of past experiences when member states of the regional body chose to go their separate ways on matters of a major hemispheric and international nature in-
cluding candidatures. I’ve witnessed with my own eyes and heard with my own ears, why, how and on what economic, trade and foreign policy issues CARICOM member states parted ways. In this regard, Guyana has been no exception. In pursuit of its own national interest, Guyana has, from time to time, stirred controversy, if not disagreement within the corridors of what may be perceived to be a relatively calm,
peaceable and cohesive regional body. Truth be told, there’s more to this than meets the eye. The bottom line, in Stabroek News Editorial of April 8, 2022; Fasting and Prayer established an excellent caricature, for the story in the same edition headlined CARICOM split down the middle on UN vote to suspend Russia from rights council…albeit in a different context.
The only hope for the AFC is truth, confession, and reconciliation DEAR EDITOR, I read a statement issued by the Alliance For Change on April 6, 2022 that addressed the National Day of Fasting and Prayers. The statement opened with the following, “The Alliance For Change (AFC) endorses and supports the call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting”, and should’ve stopped there in my view, but instead, they sought to take the moral high ground. For me and I’m sure many others, the AFC is incapable of finding the way to the moral high ground because of what the Christian Scriptures refer to as the “plank in their own eye.” After polling day in the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the AFC aided, abetted, and actively participated in the most vulgar and blatant attempt to steal an election in the modern era in the western world.
The statements being made today cannot absolve them of the sins and stains left by their conduct in the 2020 elections. By their actions, they sinned against God, who is a God of truth. By their actions, they sinned against all Guyanese by suppressing and subverting, for a while, the expressed will of the people. The stain on their individual and collective character and conscience is made with ink more indelible than that which was used by the electorate on March 2, 2020. The only hope for the AFC is truth, confession, and reconciliation. While this might be hard for that party and its officials as it seems alien to their nature, now is the best time for them to try to learn. Guyana is formally a secular country; however, our people are deeply religious. Just look around and you will be reminded that our populated areas are dotted with
cathedrals and churches, mosques, temples, and other places of worship. This year, this month, heaven has afforded us an opportunity to celebrate the three great religious festivals of our people together, Ramadan, Navratri, and Lent. During these festivals, we fast to give ourselves more intensely to prayer. We seek to make ourselves right with God to also do right by men. I, therefore, urge the AFC leadership to cease their empty, deceptive, and dishonest criticism and to give themselves to fasting and prayer. To confess their sins of suppression, injustice, and fraud and to ask for forgiveness, while having the humility to reconcile with the people of this country who were denied justice for the five months during which democracy was held captive. Respectfully yours, Brian Azore
Writing four years ago in article titled, Wider implications of the Golding Report on Jamaica’s Relations with Caricom, David Jessop, Consultant to the Caribbean Council, shared his thoughts about CARICOM’s reality of the ground: In recent years, the impression on the Caribbean street is that avarice, political tribalism, and ego, masquerading as national self-interest and sovereignty, has replaced any genuine desire to lift the citizens of the region up. It is a view common among those young people, and particularly women who would be tomorrow’s leaders, but see little changing unless they conform to rules that have altered little since independence. Divergences by member states from the rules better known as Treaty obligations in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas were exposed once again, when member states exposed their naked self-interests in exercising their sovereignty to part ways and to vote as they pleased on the resolution to suspend Russia from the UNs Human Rights body. In stark contrast to the unanimous vote by all 14member states in favour of the resolution condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the regional body was split down the line on the vote to suspend Russia from the human rights body. On that occasion, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti and St. Lucia voted in
favour of the resolution; while Barbados, Belize, Guyana, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname abstained. It was not until President Ali spoke, that speculation ended as to why member states were divided on the vote; “This matter was discussed among [CARICOM] Heads. There is an on-going process. There are two things that are happening – the UN has launched a process of doing the investigation to come up with the factual basis on what is happening in terms of human rights violations and what we have said once the report comes out, then the findings of that report must be respected and supported.” President Ali went on to say; “We were coordinating information flow also to understand what is happening in the rest of the region. This is something that came up very quickly. You would appreciate that. It is weighty decisions. Once that report comes [we will decide],” the President said.
To persons on the outside, it appears that based on the absence of a report on the investigation into Russia’s human rights violations and the consequential abstention vote, Russia is innocent until proven guilty. Prior to the vote, some of Guyana’s allies must have requested support for a yes vote but later, must have questioned Guyana’s abstention which reminds us of Lord Palmerstons; “Nations have no permanent friends or allies, they only have permanent interests.” Venezuela’s absence from the session when the vote was taken, its rapprochement with the US notwithstanding its close ties with Russia is noteworthy. While Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is in breach of the UN Charter, its action cannot in, and of itself, be considered a de facto human rights violation, however, having succeeded with passage of the resolution, its principal movers and shakers will ensure that the report supports suspension. In anticipation of what is to come the (Continued on page 6)
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The LAWLESSNESS continues with some route #32 buses DEAR EDITOR, Permit me a small fraction of this paper to air my concerns of some particular route 32 buses. On any given day, between 17:30hrs and 18:00hrs, parked at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling are all the top pit bull buses – lined off on the right side of the road between the stelling and the GPL office access road. These conductors or touts pick and choose their passengers especially females who are desperate to meet their destination. Now since COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, these same buses would take advantage and not only put four persons in a seat but five or even six (please note this kind of lawlessness happens when all the traffic ranks are
off the road at this specific time). That is not all. After these buses pass the Vreed-enHoop Police Station, the music would be turned up to the loudest until they meet another police station or a snap road block; some police even turn a blind eye to these regular buses. There was once a sting operation years ago against buses with music sets, and some bus men who I know personally reached to CNS 6 to air their hurt and concern. Editor, this is totally unacceptable, people work hard and deserve to travel in comfort with moderate music. I do hope that the police, who are just a stone’s throw away, look into this. Concerned citizen
Lawless Society DEAR EDITOR, A few weeks ago, I saw on Social Media a video of a woman in Port Mourant being attacked by several women, one of whom was brandishing a cutlass which she used to administer a vicious chop to the head of her unfortunate and helpless victim. It was sickening to watch and I hoped that the perpetrator of this savage attack would be removed from society and put away behind bars for a very long time. Much to my surprise, I recently found out that the police showed no interest in apprehending the perpetrator(s) and only pressure from senior ranks, upon seeing the video of the attack, forced them to lay charges. I also found out that the cutlass wielding perpetrator was released on bail shortly after her arrest, free to con-
tinue terrorising with impunity. Editor, I ask you, who is foolish enough to want to come back to live in a society where such uncivilised behaviour exists? There is bad behaviour from its citizens and also from the officials paid to ensure such behaviour is not tolerated! What sort of society allows this kind of barbaric and jungle mentality to fester and perpetuate? Those of us who left Guyana decades ago and hoped that with time, our homeland would have changed and evolved are in for a rude surprise. What we see and read daily in its news media leads us to conclude Guyana is a dangerous place. Probably more dangerous now than it ever was. Sincerely, Dennis Balgobin
Hicken needs to contact the parents, if he wants Bareroot youths to volunteer for any training outside their community DEAR EDITOR, The Opposition, our supporters and a wide cross section of Guyanese do not recognise Mr. Clifton Hicken’s appointment as Acting Commissioner of Police as a legal one. His appointment, according to the Constitution of Guyana, is not lawful. He has been placed in that position to ensure the politicisation of the police force and he has commenced his political duties. Hicken visited the community of Bareroot on the East Coast of Demerara yesterday under the guise of a national outreach by the “Commissioner of Police” to listen to problems of those communi-
ments to act in consort with extra-regional interests as was demonstrated in hitching their wagons to the foreign policy and economic interests of the industrialised nations. In the circumstances, there is no denying that economic interests whereby votes are given in exchange for aid is a major consideration when deciding whether to vote for or against or even to abstain on one resolution or another or for the choice of a candidate sponsored by members of the donor community. Division among CARICOM member states once established in the course of bilateral discussions will always be exploited to the advantage of those who might be seeking support for their own self-interests sometimes clothed in
ties. Residents told him that the major problem is police harassment; daily police harassment of youths in that impoverished area. They lamented that since the PPP entered office no Minister of Government visited. They pointed out that there were no jobs or recreational facilities for the youths and therefore many young people “lime” on the corners as a form of socialisation only to be continuously harassed by members of the GPF. Here is where it gets wicked and ugly in Hicken’s quest to do his political biddings for the PPP; he instructed his Commander to
acquire the name, age and address of every youth in Bareroot. Yes, that is for the police database and to build a profile on who is who in that community. No police should request such information from residents of any community if they have not committed a crime or are under investigation and no citizen should voluntarily offer the police such information. Hicken went further to say that the youths of Bareroot would be taken on the weekends to police headquarters to be trained and food and transportation will be provided. What is this training about? PPP indoctrination?
What the people of that community need are jobs, recreational facilities and land to rear their livestock since they claim that cows, pigs and nasty police share the same living space with them. Hicken must not believe that with one swoop he can do the work of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Youth and Sport to serve his masters. If Hicken needs young boys and girls to volunteer to any training outside their community all he needs is their parents’ cell phone numbers or email addresses. The People of Bareroot must reject Hicken. Norman Browne
Moving away from the rhetoric of being politically correct DEAR EDITOR, When The PPP/C Government was elected to office, it was a solemn oath between them and the people of this country to govern and govern well. It was not a manifesto like the common ones politicians make when they are out of office waiting to get in, that is, we would do this and we will do that, lavishing those high winded promises just to satisfy the emotions of their listeners. That was not the case of the PPP/C, they wanted a change from that deceitful game politicians play, a moving away from the rhetoric of being politically correct. It
means removing oneself from the shallowness and insidious propaganda of mainstream politics. In that regard, The PPP/C formulated a visionary, workable plan for this nation, to fix the present problems as well as to move us forward into the future. It is an arduous that requires great thinking and planning and turning those plans into concrete goals. This takes much effort and when I say much effort I am talking about working your plan amidst obnoxious opposition from the main PNC Party. We must not forget that they are always lurking in the shadows to seize that oppor-
tunity to malign, to tear down and to repudiate every plan there is. For this reason it makes governance ever so difficult. But, the party in government has weathered the storm quite admirably, and we are ever so grateful for the effort. The fundamental principle of governance is that it must not only be in government, that is, only in office, closeted and far removed from the people. Government and governance is best demonstrated when it can go down into the highways and byways and be with and among the people, to hear their problems and work out
ways in resolving them; this is government at work. And I am not speaking of making your presence felt in selected communities, I am speaking of a government for all of Guyana. True governance must be seen and felt in every community in which our people live and dwell. Team PPP/C has been at work with this form of government in a strong and determined way, and there is only one result that can be gleaned from this effort. We are proud of our government and wish them all the best in the coming years. Respectfully Submitted, Neil Adams
National Day of Fasting and Praying: Why it should be deeply disturbing to every critical-thinking Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is a secular state and the Constitution implores the Government to practice secularism. This means that the government may neither advance a state religion nor policies that prefer one religion to the others. It also
Consultation among CARICOM member... From page 5 Russian Federation rather than living with a West-inspired suspension, subsequently resigned permanently from the UN human rights body. Coordination of, nor consultation among CARICOM member states on foreign policy issues does not mean arriving at a common position, on the contrary, in this particular case, it is clear that Heads agreed to disagree. Member states picking and choosing of shared values compounded by the lack of strategic alignment of each country’s global and hemispheric priorities, as well as the differentiated nature of each governments ideological orientation has gained prominence at the UN and is now the raison detre for govern-
Monday April 11, 2022
Kaieteur News
common interests and shared values. Once that divisive approach becomes entrenched and its gullibility and efficacy proven, there is no turning back. The back-sliding from Articles 6 and 16:3 of the RTOC will continue as it is bound to arise once again, in the case of the Jamaican versus the outgoing candidate originally from Dominica, for the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth. There should be no second-guessing that votes cast by Jamaica and Dominica on the Russia/Ukraine war at the UN had a lot to do with garnering support for one candidate or the other. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
means that the government may not advance laws or policies that support religion over irreligion. The reason for secularism is obviously rooted in the need to preserve and protect religious and irreligious diversity. In the context of our former slave societies, the rationale is even more profound because of the recognised role that the state played in the promotion of religious conversion and the justification that it provided for the massacre and genocide of Indigenous peoples firstly, and the subsequent system of slavery that developed out of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The way that the prescriptions of secularism operate to protect the religious and non-religious is all the same. It proscribes the government from making laws or policies which actually support or inhibit, or, appear to support or inhibit, religion. This is so in order to prevent the government and its agents from subjecting people to purely religious values whether or not they consent. As a result, it imposes a positive obligation
on the government to be neutral in circumstances such as a discourse on whether the public workforce is better or worse off because people lack religious virtue. However, because of the government’s support and promotion of this, “National day of Fasting and Praying” and religion more generally, it appears as though the government’s stance is anything but neutral. If anything, it seems as though the government has thereby given its fiat to the primacy of religious values in the state. The inescapable conclusion that flows from this is that the pious public servant is now given the impression that there is legitimate scope for the operationalisation of those religious values that were just embraced. In Guyana, where religious intolerance is still a major hurdle in so many ways to the full and substantive realisation of the right to equality, this is deeply problematic. To realise this, one needs only to delve into the realms of pervasive social values, attitudes, and prejudices that are heavily influ-
enced by a religious authority and unconstitutional when put into action. The sheer scope of the problem would quickly reveal why today’s occurrence was not simply a matter of harmless religious promotion. At the very least, it has served to potentially obfuscate the government’s position on the realisation of various minority rights that are at the mercy of majoritarian tyranny. Still, further, it has undoubtedly retrenched hard-won grounds gained in changing harmful social values for which many social justice groups have fought tirelessly. Today alone, I can think about a million ways and circumstances in which marginalised people will be at the losing end of the stick: About the abused husband who seeks the intervention of a devout Catholic constable on duty, who does not believe in divorce; About the non-confirming adolescent whose pious Hindu public school teacher believes it is his duty to proselytise in order to bring about conformity with traditional Hindu gender (Continued on page16)
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Guyana may never see promised annual revenues from oil sector - INT’L ENERGY BODY An independent report coming out of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has concluded that Guyana may never see the promised annual revenues from its oil sector, as the “one-sided” oil contract gives ExxonMobil and its partners the benefit,
leaving Guyana and its people out of their fair share of the wealth. The report by the body, titled ‘Lack of Ring-Fencing Provision Means Guyana Won’t Realize Oil Gains Before 2030s, if at AllLoophole Allows ExxonMobil-Led
Development Team To Use Profits To Pay for More Oil Exploration in Guyana’ details that Guyana’s failure to implement a “ring fence” provision has provided Exxon an opportunity to reduce the country’s share of profits. The Institute for Energy
Economics and Financial A n a l y s i s ( I E E FA ) , according to its website, examines issues related to energy markets, trends and policies. The Institute’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy. According to the document, “Among the contract’s weak provisions Guyana never imposed a “ring fence,” which means that the oil companies can charge the government for costs incurred for new development and pay for it out of the revenues from Liza Phase One, an oil field
also made several other discoveries, along with about four dry holes, of which the costs are being charged against the oil produced at the Liza One well. This, the report says, reduces Guyana’s share of the profits. IEEFA estimated that Guyana should receive upward of $6 billion annually by 2028 or sooner. H o w e v e r, t h e organization believes that due to all of these new costs, Guyana will be shortchanged until the 2030’s, if not longer. After ExxonMobil announced its lucrative oil
pay for a myriad upfront costs without disclosing what those costs are. Sanzillo noted, “Our findings are worrisome. The oil and gas industry is facing stiff competition and lower g r o w t h expectations…selling more oil into an overcrowded market is risky business for Guyana. The country may never see the promised annual revenues in the billions of dollars.” To this end, IEEFA said its findings suggest there is much work to be done on the oil agreement before Guyana could enjoy the benefits of its offshore resources. The
that commenced production in December 2019. A strong ring fence provision would have allowed ExxonMobil to charge only costs related to Liza Phase One against revenues received from oil from that field.” The Institute went on to say that Guyana only received US$344 million in the first 16 months of p r o d u c t i o n . To d a t e , ExxonMobil has received approval for four projects, including Liza One and Two, Payara and more recently, the Yellowtail development. In addition, the company
find at the Whiptail site, Tom Sanzillo, a director of financial analysis for I E E FA s a i d t h a t t h e “announcement of a discovery at the Whiptail site may help ExxonMobil’s stock price but it reduces Guyana’s profits.” In fact, he added, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue it is a c t u a l l y b e i n g shortchanged.” IEEFA’s report criticized that the Guyanese government have agreed to
institute added, that the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s considerations of a new gas project is troubling, considering the importance of the outstanding issues with the oil contract. “The early revenues to Guyana from the oil reserves will not be enough to cover Guyana’s budget deficit, support new investment or build its national wealth. As the global oil and gas sector declines, it’s unlikely Guyana will see any profits in the long term either,” according to IEEFA.
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Guyana’s abstention does not amount to support for Russia A
merica is winning the war in Ukraine. Though it is not a combatant in the physical hostilities, the USA has waged a relentless propaganda blitz against Russia. America has only political interests in Ukraine. Its longheld objective was to encircle Russia militarily and surround it with states which are part of the European Union and NATO. As Russia massed its troops on the Ukraine border before the invasion was launched, America made it clear that it would not intervene in any invasion. It has no economic interests in Ukraine but it has long wanted to endanger the security of Russia in order to put the final nail in the coffin of the Cold War. America’s only interest in Ukraine is political. The American media has long been an instrument of the US foreign policy objectives. Behind the façade of objectivity, the US media has long been a handmaiden of objectives the US military industrial complex, as War in Iraq proved when the US media pushed the line about that country having weapons of mass destruction. In the case of Ukraine, the US media has been in the forefront of a propaganda assault. Its objectives were primarily four-fold: first to paint Putin as a despot on a mission to make Russia great again; second to create in the public minds that Russian forces were deliberately targeting civilians and were engaged in genocide and other crimes against humanity; third to isolate Russian diplomatically and economically; and fourth to
use the conflict to increase western arms sales to Ukraine and other Eastern Europe states which are already in NATO’s orbit. Putin has been demonised in the western media. The image of Putin as a maniac obscures Russia’s security interests. Most of the media attention has been around berating Russia for the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty – an undeniable fact. But little attention has been paid to the 30-year campaign waged by the US, NATO and the EU to encircle Russia and thus threaten its National Security. As one Caribbean diplomat has said, while respect for international law implies that we should abhor the use of force of threats, Russia also has a right to defend itself particularly against being encircled and corralled by western-aligned states. From day one of the invasion, the America’s media went to work in painting the Russian military as targeting innocent civilians. Western media coverage has emphasised the effects of the invasion on the humanitarian and refugee crises in Ukraine and Poland, and in highlighting what it deemed as both indiscriminate and deliberate shelling of civilian areas. The US does not have clean hands when it comes to crimes against humanity. The US and its allies remain silent about innocent deaths during its missions in Afghanistan, Iraq Libya, Syria and Yugoslavia. The western press is not telling the world that more bombs and missiles were fired, during the first night of the shock and awe attack on Iraq, than that which Russia fired during the
first three weeks of its invasion of Ukraine. Now deposed Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, argued that the US War on Terror actually bred terrorism and led to the loss of more than 80,000 lives. He called for the US to review its drone policy because these drone attacks were not quite as accurate as what the US government was telling its citizens. He related that bombs were exploding in villages resulting in tremendous collateral damage which was unknown to US public. The US media, acting in concert with US national objectives was interested in making a case of crimes against humanity and genocide so as to open some backdoor to a NATO preemptive response in the interest of saving and protecting civilians. It is also intended to isolate Russia and justify sanctions which are aimed at not only punishing Russia but also of effectively destroying its economy. Despite all its claims about crimes against humanity, America has refused to send troops to defend Ukraine. But it is using the crisis to increase arms supplies to Ukraine and to its allies in the Region. America is the world’s largest arms exporter in the world. The United States is a major armament supplier to the Saudis which are leading a coalition that is waging genocide in Yemen. The US scored a major victory this past week when the UN General Assembly expelled Russia from its Human Rights Council. This was a flawed vote because the UN has not yet launched an investigation to establish
Dem Boys Seh…
Outreach or reaching out? A man does seh how he does do opinion polls. When he done he polls, he does publish de results in de newspapers with all kinda comments about wat de people seh. But dem boys yet to find somebody wah can confirm dat dem get interview in one or who do de interview. But dem boys believe de man when he seh he conduct dem polls. But is a strange coincidence dat just as de man complete a polls about de popularity of de guvament, de same guvament wah decide dem gan gat outreach
across de country. Now when de guvament get outreach is usually because dem getting word dat be people lil discontented. So dem does claim how dem going to reach de people. But nuff time when de people turn up to dem politician office dem can’t reach dem. But dem gat rumblings about discontent in de population and suh dem decide we gat fuh hold meet de people meetings. Is nuff complaints. A few weeks ago dem consumers did complaining how de prices fuh greens and vegetables too high. Now is de vendors complaining how people nah buying even
though de price fall. De guvament fan hear about all dem things during de outreach. But is strange dat just as dem planning dis outreach, de man wah doing de poll reporting dat de Big man more popular dan ever. Is strange because if dis is de case, den dem nah gat no need fuh any outreach. It mek dem boys remember de time when 90 percent of de people polled talk how dem is politically independent. De other 10 percent know wat is de meaning of independent. Talk half. Leff half.
the veracity of the claims that civilians were executed by retreating Russian forces in Bucha, a Ukrainian town. The vote this week set a bad precedent because it was not taken before any independent or UN-led investigation to establish guilt or to afford Russia due process. Russia was tried and lynched without an independent UN investigation or without
affording Russia a hearing The Government of Guyana and those CARICOM states which abstained from the vote did so, rightly on principle. You cannot convict without due process. And the UN has yet to establish the alleged atrocities which took place or were committed by Russia. The government of Guyana therefore abstained in relation to the vote for the
expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. As President Irfaan Ali said, Guyana’s position is that it is opposed to the use of force and threats but it believes in due process. (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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Monday April 11, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
COVID restrictions gone; AFC must let people vote in person
W
hether we like it or not, Guyana has not reached the stage where citizens are totally conversant with the intricacies and complexities of internet operations. I am one such person. Countless Guyanese are deterred about going into a school and voting by way of Zoom. With COVID restrictions, a large percentage of PNC delegates had to vote by Zoom and chose not to. We will never know if that affected the numbers each contestant for leadership got. I believe Mr. Norton would have won anyway but two things should be put in the record for later researchers. Would Harmon’s showing have been better if there was the normal congress at Congress Place? Secondly, did the internet voting cause many delegates to stay away? I cannot answer the first question though I think it is highly likely that both Harmon and Norton would
have added to their tallies if there wasn’t Zoom voting. However, I do believe the reason why almost 55 percent of the delegates didn’t vote was because of uncertainty about how to do it with Zoom. COVID restrictions worldwide, including Guyana, are gone. In Guyana you can attend a meeting with hundreds of persons in the same room. It makes no sense then for the AFC to hold its congress with some sections of the delegates having to vote by Zoom. COVID restrictions contained one definite thing – people could not mingle in large numbers because the virus spread would be easier. There are no longer any restrictions of how many persons could be at a funeral, a symposium, an entertainment party gathering, a congress of a political party. If Guyana has returned to preCOVID days why is the AFC persisting with Zoom voting? Such a format can never replace congressional mixing. It is two
different worlds. I don’t believe any party congress in any other country will persist with Zoom format based on COVID guidelines. You can have delegates making presentation via Zoom and voting via Zoom but that will be done because of itinerary restrictions, meaning people cannot be physically present because of press priorities. It makes absolutely no sense for a political party not to have its normal two days of congress where delegates far and wide gather to express their thoughts and talk about the party’s future. Such an ambience is irreplaceable. Two questions are relevant. Did the AFC leadership make that decision among themselves or did they canvass their wider membership? Those who still belong to the AFC and will be participating need to reflect on the crucial question: Why with the removal of COVID restrictions, the AFC does not want to hold a congress in the traditional fashion as all political parties all over the world have done and will be doing now that
the COVID measures have been abated? Those AFC members have the December 2021 PNC congress as a guide to help them answer the question above. Large numbers will not go to some building to watch the proceedings and then vote. People in Guyana are not yet accustomed to that lifestyle. They like to be in the hall with other delegates, eating, chatting and socialising. That is how it was in pre-COVID days. The AFC’s congress (they call it “conference” but it means the same thing) is two months away. Now here is an example of asininity in the constitution of the AFC that is not replicated in any other party in the world. Forgive me but this is a broad statement since I haven’t done the research. On page 43 of the AFC’s constitution, Article 19 states, “The various senior positions of the AFC including those in the National Executive ought to be rotated as far as possible so that no member is allowed to serve more than two consecutive terms.” Why is this pronouncement asinine? Because the inclusion of
t
Frederick Kissoon he word “ought” is stupid. Either an organisation has term limits or not. If it has, then it states in pellucid ways that a person cannot hold office for more than two terms. If it does not have such a compulsory prevention then the word, “ought” should not be there. A leader can say that he would like a third term and when you tell him that he cannot run because the constitution prevents him, he can ask for the proof. The proof is not in the word “ought” because “ought” is equivalent to “maybe.” It is not an imposition. It is not a legal restriction. Finally, I believe the Zoom voting will be open to manipulation. Delegates should start crying foul right at this moment. (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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‘Put check on unlimited flaring, dumping of produced water’ — Environmentalists tell CARICOM in appeal for safe oil production activities in Guyana Gas flaring, the dumping of produced water and oil spill insurance to cover petroleum activities are key matters that will affect not only Guyana but its Caribbean neighbours. As such, environmentalists attached to the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) have written to CARICOM Chair of Conference of Heads of Government and Prime Minister of Belize, Johnny Briceño, to alert the organisation of the transboundary risks to the Caribbean coasts from ExxonMobil’s oil fields, offshore Guyana, and to request that the body ensures Guyana plays its part in ensuring the oil company’s operations are carried out in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The letter to the CARICOM leader was dated April, 8, 2022 and was shared with this publication over the weekend. In its missive, OGGN warned that Guyana’s failure to ensure that its oil and gas activities are carried out safely could devastate the region’s environment, thereby crippling its economy. Signatories of the document
included former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, Alfred Bhulai, Janette Bulkan, Darshanand Khusial, Joe Persaud, Mike Persaud, Ganga Ramdas and Charles Sugrim. OIL SPILLS One of the key issues highlighted was the lack of a sound insurance policy to safeguard against the consequences of massive oil spills occurring in Guyana’s waters. The group explained, “We noted that Guyana’s combined annual oil revenues generated by the
sale of its 12.5% share of produced oil and the 2% royalty received from ExxonMobil is half a billion USD, projected to rise to well above USD 1 billion/year in a couple of years. CARICOM should compare that sum with the value of beach-based tourism in the Caribbean Islands at potential risk from oil spills in the Guyanese EEZ. Jamaica’s tourism alone is around USD 1.3 billion.” In the letter to the CARICOM leader, OGGN was keen to note that the
Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), which prepared all of the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), to date, for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, includes a map which confirms transboundary impacts. However, they pointed out that the oil spill response plan has been criticized as weak by international specialist Robert Bea, considering the problems which have arisen in United States oil fields.
Compounding the issue, was the lack of public i n f o r m a t i o n o n transboundary engagements in respect of the common Caribbean Sea, and the complete lack of transparency exhibited by the government and Exxon when it comes to sharing information, despite the numerous requests and outcries from the international community, civic organisations and the public, the group added. It was further explained that, “EEPGL’s breakneck drilling of exploration and production wells is currently concentrated inside the northern edge of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This puts the potential for transboundary harms closer to several CARICOM Member States than to the Guyana shoreline.” As such, OGGN requested specific information on the steps being taken to honour the separate commitments by countries to safeguard the global environment. DUMPING OF PRODUCED WATER Besides an oil spill, very h o t p r o d u c e d w a t e r, contaminated with oil and
numerous toxic elements and radioactivity is being dumped into the Caribbean Sea, after partial treatment according to the environmental impact assessments compiled by ERM. To t h i s e n d , t h e environmentalists brought to the attention of the CARICOM representative that for the Liza 1 project alone, the volume of produced water is 100,000 barrels per day, for 20 years. “The revised environmental operating permit for Liza-1, issued on 17 January 2022, still allows a monthly average of 29 parts per million (ppm) of oil and grease in the produced water discharged from the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Liza Destiny, and a daily maximum of 42 ppm; section 4.7. While 29 to 42 barrels of pure oil will be dumped in every million barrels of dumped water, a myriad of radioactive and toxic elements remain untreated. Based upon the EIAs projected discharge rates of d” 300,000 barrels per day (BPD) each, and ExxonMobil’s publicly Continued on page 17
Norris Witter says...
PPP/C never considered oil contract renegotiation despite campaign promise
The Peoples’ Progressive Party Civil (PPP/C), while in opposition had highlighted to the nation that everything would be up for review and renegotiation when questions were asked about the burdensome Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that was signed between the last government and oil operators working here. Today, it appears as if now in government, the administration has not even considered reengaging the foreign partners, let alone seek an audience on renegotiations. If that is not the case, and the PPP/C would have sought to reengage oil operators, then this must be communicated to the public, President of the General Workers’ Union, Norris Witter believes. He was at the time protesting with union members outside of Parliament Building for the increase of workers’ minimum wage when he told the newspaper that after campaigning in favour of
renegotiating the current PSA, the PPP/C must now tell the public what steps have been taken in that direction. Witter said that in not renegotiating the oil contract, senior members of the government have reiterated that contracts are sacrosanct and should not be disturbed willy-nilly. Witter stated however, that if the PPP/C were aware of contract sanctities before taking up office, why then did they promise the nation that they would renegotiate the oil contract once back in government. “What that highlights in the eyes of the world, is the dishonesty of this government,” Witter stated. He said, “as far as I am aware there is no contract that is cast in stone.” “The question,” he said, “is whether the government has taken any steps to reopen negotiations on the contract.” The union leader said that if the government had taken such a step and they were rebuffed by the oil
The GWU has also been calling for the renegotiation of the 2016 PSA during their protest for increased minimum wage. companies, one could understand that, “but why is it that they have not even indicated an intention to engage,” Witter questioned. He highlighted that given Guyana’s limited oil and gas management capacity, and
being even more certain as to what the offshore riches look like, one would have thought that a suspension would have been placed on future projects until existing flaws were rectified. Witter believes however
that given the history of political leaders, citizens must now ask themselves whether the leaders are deliberately leaving Guyana exposed to financial abuse. Given the lax attitude, Witter said, “It would be fair to surmise that they (leaders) would be happy over this lack of skills and happy to speak about this lack of skills to create a cover for the continued pilferage of our resources.” Witter suggested that the view of the average citizens already is that political leaders have had their hands in the cookie jar, and now, with oil, the intention is to exploit the nation to the fullest. Witter pointed to how quickly the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill was pushed through Parliament despite calls urging for more consultations. And no sooner the bill was passed, he continued, it was assented to and the funds raided despite the NRF board not being in place as legally required.
The matter of renegotiating the 2016 PSA has become of public concern since realizing how much the country stands to lose from unfavourable provisions in the sharing agreement. The current government seems to have ditched the idea while only recently, incoming opposition leader Aubrey Norton, refused to say definitively whether he was in support of renegotiating the PSA. Norton instead claimed to want more benefits out of the PSA for citizens, but stayed away from using the word renegotiation. The Alliance for Change’s (AFC) Shadow Natural Resources and Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson in a surprising statement during budget debates in February registered his party’s support to the government in seeking to renegotiate the current PSA. There has not been a response to Patterson’s submission from the government.
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Monday April 11, 2022
PERU OIL DISASTER…
Govt. secures additional compensation for citizens Almost three months after the devastating oil spill in Peru that resulted in approximately 12,000 barrels of oil being spilled and contaminating their shores and waters – the country’s Minister of Environment, Modesto Montoya recently stated that the oil company responsible for the disaster must be honest and take care of the affected people, especially the fishermen. In fact, the Peruvian government has ordered Spanish oil giant, Repsol, to pay an additional US$700 compensation to those who were affected by the spill. According to a Peruvian media reports, Minister Montoya has indicated that this measure is the result of the efforts made by the Government to meet the demands of the affected population. The Minister explained that this second cash advance is added to the previous one (US$700), which will be distributed among the affected people who are registered. “The company has to be honest and, above all, take care to compensate the people affected, like the fishermen,” he commented. The Minister also, disclosed that during his trips to different parts of the country, he verified the magnitude of the damage caused by environmental liabilities and oil spills. “There are irresponsible companies that, due to lack of technology, have left our territory semi-devastated by pollution,” he remarked. On January 15, last, over 10,000 barrels of crude was spilled from one of the La Pampilla refineries, which are owned by Repsol, off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released. Repsol had underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled to the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA), stating that only 0.16 barrels of
File photo of the January 15, oil spill [Photo credit, Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM).
crude was spilled, and affecting an area of 2.5m2. However, later investigations by Peru’s OEFA revealed that more than 10,000 barrels of crude had spilled – more than double the amount initially reported by the company and the affected area reaches a size of 11,061 hectares. In March, Kaieteur News had reported that the Peruvian fishermen and others who were affected by the January 15 oil spill disaster in Peru – will receive an advance compensation of US$700 each from Spanish oil giant, Repsol. The advance compensation to the fishermen and others affected by the spill came about as a result of negotiations done by the
Government of Peru who is working towards getting Repsol to assume the economic impact of the spill. Due to the fact that a legal process for compensation to the affected families would take a long time, the Government of Peru got the oil giant to sign an advance compensation agreement. Notably, Peru’s OEFA have imposed the fifth coercive fine in the sum of Sol $460,000 (US$124,307) for the noncompliance of the administrative measure, containment and recovery of the hydrocarbon from the second oil spill. In addition to the five coercive fines the agency has initiated five sanctioning administrative procedures against Repsol. For the administrative
sanctions the fines could exceed Sol$92, 000, 000 (US$ 24,861,505). This publication had also reported that following the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to offer compensation for the disaster. The first action taken against the company was by Peruvian judge, Romualdo Aguedo, on Friday, January 28, 2022, who granted the order to prevent four Repsol’s executives from leaving the country. Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru. Among them were: refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, R e n z o A l e j a n d r o Te j a d a Mackenzie; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. In taking additional steps, Peru’s former Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez on Monday, January 31, 2022, revealed that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities. In other words, Repsol’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its
waters. However, in an update it was revealed that a fuel shortage in Peru had forced the country’s OEFA to lift the suspension on Repsol’s operation temporarily. However, the company was only allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. That 10 days period has since come to an end and the Peruvian government has signalled that it has other alternative sources to obtain fuel. The clean-up and remediation of approximately 12,000 barrels of crude that contaminated the shores and waters of Peru is expected to cost some US$65 million – this was announced by Repsol’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz. As the Government of Peru takes action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil, permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater for such a disastrous oil spill. In February, last, ExxonMobil announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. Among the oil companies working in Guyana’s backyard is the very oil company –Repsol – that caused the oil spill in Peru.
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Condolences pour in for Pres. Ali promises to fix passing of Henry Rodney rickety Parika Market
Guyanese Actor, Henry Rodney The Ministry of Education has expressed its sympathy to the family of Guyanese actor Henry Rodney who passed away on April 7 at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, New York City. According to a statement, for years Mr. Rodney kept Guyanese entertained through his many roles on the theatre stage and television. “Over the past four decades, he performed in shows such as, “Nothing to Laugh About” and the “Link S h o w. ” H e w a s m o s t popularly known as Franklin, a character he played in the local television sitcom, “Agree to Disagree”. M r. R o d n e y w a s passionate about the theatrical arts and made several valuable contributions to society. He
was one of the founding lecturers at the National Drama School. In addition to this, he worked along with the Ministry of Education in organising and hosting cultural events,” the statement read. The ministry said too that Henry also lent his support to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security as a Child Rights and Women’s Rights advocate. The ministry said Rodney spent over 35 years in the country’s education system as a Drama, English and Literature Teacher. He taught at St. Joseph’s High School, St. Rose’s High School, North Georgetown High School, APEX Academy, Cyril Potter’s College of Education and the Marian Academy. He also worked along with the Guyana Responsible Parenthood
A s s o c i a t i o n ( G R PA ) . Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand while saddened by his passing, is grateful for his invaluable contributions which she believes will live on in all those he touched. The country is poorer without him. Mr. Rodney has indeed left his mark on Guyanese society. He was a true son of the soil and his rich contributions to this nation will forever be treasured. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and friends during this difficult time. M e a n w h i l e , CineGuyana has also extended sincere condolences to the family of Rodney and to the Theatre and Multi-Media Fraternity on his passing. “Henry’s excellent talents and refreshing personality enriched the many films in which he appeared. He was a joy to work with as he contributed to team-building and readily shared his experience and skills,” CineGuyana said. “While he appeared in films produced by CineGuyana, including “The Bottle”, Henry also acted in “Guyana 1838”, “Jezebel” and several music videos including “Boogie Man”. CineGuyana said Guyana is the poorer by Henry Rodney’s passing, but we are confident that his legacy will be preserved through the work he has left with us. A viewing of some of his work is being arranged.
President Irfaan Ali and other officials interacting with vendors of the Parika Market. President Irfaan Ali said that the Government will be expanding and enhancing the Parika Market to create a more conducive environment for vendors to ply their trade. The upgrade to the market, he added, also aims to end illegal vending along the roadways as Government will ask all vendors to move into the new and upgraded facility. The President made this statement after an interactive session with vendors and patrons at the Parika Market on Sunday,
the Office of the President reported. President Ali said that he was able to identify a few issues from his walkabout at the market, including needed infrastructural development. This, he said, has resulted in the Government thinking about ways of enhancing the infrastructure to make it appealing for patrons to shop and for vendors to ply their trade. “We will expand the tarmac; we will look at putting in the canopy—the walkway canopy, and then we will also look at
enhancing the facility....” The President reassured the vendors that the Government will make the necessary investments for the upgrades and expansion. He said that consultations on the project will commence this week and will be assisted by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar. The President also noted that the Senior Minister Continued on page 16
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Monday April 11, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Researchers forecast above normal 2022 hurricane season
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ample, somewhere in the Bahamas, and bills Exxon US$5m every month and they pay it when really, the shell company did nothing. An audit would protect Guyana, auditors would be able to say that those cost are not valid and Guyana would not have to stand them. Patterson said that in relation to the US$9.b, conservative estimates are that Guyana can save as much as US$1billion, almost half of its total budget when illegitimate costs are knocked off. Lowe warned that Guyanese need to get on their leaders’ backs. He said it would be difficult to have the future Guyanese are looking for if the will to police these costs is lacking.
officially in June and lasts through November. “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted,” the researchers warned
lands for up to 45 days (primarily for residents of neighboring Caribbean countries). Ms. Plaskett said a similar non-immigrant visitor visa waiver program is already being utilised successfully in both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for nationals of other countries. “This legislation would extend this same program to the U.S. Virgin Islands. This limited visa waiver program would better enable the Virgin Islands to compete economically with other islands and nations in the Caribbean community,” Ms. Plaskett said. The bill would apply solely to the U.S. Virgin Islands and would not allow entry into any other part of the United States.
‘It’s the worst anyone can... From page 3 free herself by unplugging the security cameras and escaping when her parents were not around. She reported the matter at the Kitty Police Station on March 27 and her father was arrested for assaulting and also threatening to shoot her. He was placed before the courts on April 1 and was released on $300,000 and $100,000 bail respectively for the two charges. In the interview with Leroy Smith, she expressed her dissatisfaction with how ranks at the police station had handled the matter. Those ranks are currently under investigation by the force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) for allegedly
mishandling the case and the businessman’s guns have been seized. He has since come forward to publicly justify his actions. Singh claimed that he is a “loving dad” and his daughter was “own way child” and on the day he had assaulted her, she had been rude to him and he reacted emotionally. His family even supported him while he was making his claims. Minister Persaud, however, in her Facebook Post stated, “When someone reports abuse, we have to listen, and yes take action, which includes investigation, protection, shelter and offering legal recourse or whatever is required to support that person”.
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From page 3 could be detected. Outside of major expenses such as machinery/equipment acquisition and transportation cost that are actually related to oil development, Patterson said that Guyana could be paying for Exxon’s Christmas parties, Learjet trips, champagne and hotel bookings without even knowing. He said a party, totally unrelated to oil production, comes up to a million US dollars, they could put that million dollar in the country’s oil bill. He said oil companies also set up shell companies that could be registered for ex-
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From page 15 within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, will see what additional resources will be needed “and then we have to move forward, but definitely, something has to be done.” VENDORS WILLING The Head of State also noted that following his visit and interactions with the vendors, especially those along the roadside, he left with the impression that “there is a mood and a willingness” to move into the market. “Sometimes people have to embrace decisions that may seem hard initially— but decisions that will ultimately benefit them—benefit everyone.” The President explained that the consultations should be completed within two weeks. He is hoping that within six months, there will be physical and tangible progress because “it is a major issue. We cannot allow it
to continue, and I’m not prepared to allow it to continue. All of us will have to embrace the decision.” MARKETREVENUE Another issue that was unearthed, the President said, surrounds revenue. He explained that the Market’s Management Committee, on a monthly basis, collects $1.2m on average but expends $1,127,000 on expenses (for staff payment, utilities and other services). “Additionally, there is $10m of outstanding rent for the market. So I want people to understand this. So whilst the market management can do better and should do better, they are faced with this reality
too.”He said it is clear that the Market’s management does not have the capacity or capability to invest in infrastructural upgrades. President Ali added that the market is a public service, since people in and out of Region Three, plies their trade there. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, and other cabinet ministers and government and regional officials, also took part in the walkabout. Sunday’s market visit is the second over the weekend, by the Head of State. On Saturday, he visited the Leonora Market, where he proposed building a huge tarmac for vending.
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Monday April 11, 2022
Three displaced after Mahaica fire
A screenshot of the Supply house on fire. [Photo credit, Guyana Daily News] Three persons have been displaced after a fire of electrical origin destroyed their Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara home Sunday morning. In a press release the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) stated that around 02:26hrs the fire was reported and firefighters from the Mahaica Fire Station responded. When the firemen arrived on the scene the two-storeyed wood and concrete building was engulfed in flames.
Efforts were made by the firefighters to put out the flames, but they were unsuccessful. According to information, the building is owned by Boyo Samaroo, but was being occupied by one person on the top floor and two persons on the bottom floor. This publication understands that the tenant that lived on the top floor was reportedly drunk and left an electrical fan plugged in, which might have caused the blaze.
Man dies after bus crashes into tree at Lethem A driver was killed on Sunday morning after he crashed a minibus owned by the Annai Central Village Council, into a tree along the Bina Hill Public Road located in North Rupununi, Lethem Region Nine. Dead is 48-year-old Lennox George of Annai Village. According to police the accident took place around 03:45hrs and there were two passengers in the bus at the time. They were identified as 20-year-old Junliana Williams and her six-year-old Julio Williams, both of Annai village. Both of them had sustained injuries and are presently admitted as
patients at Annai Health Centre. Investigators learnt that George was reportedly speeding west along the road when the bus fell into a pot hole. He lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into a tree beside the road. Other motorists passing by stopped to render assistance and a motionless George along with the injured passengers were removed from the mangled bus. The doctor attached at the health centre had arrived at scene and pronounced George dead and Williams and her son were taken to the Health Centre.
‘Put check on unlimited flaring, dumping of... From page 13 stating plan to have 10 FPSOs operating by 2027, it is conservatively estimated that hundreds of thousands of barrels of pure oil would be dumped into the ocean over the life of the oil operations predicted to be at least 20 years; and this does not consider the other many operators expected to start production in the near future,” the group pointed out. They explained that these operations, when added to a potential oil spill will compound the region’s worries when it comes to devastating ecological systems, as well as fishing and tourism industries. Importantly, the group complained that the Permits issued by the EPA allows the discharged water to heat the surrounding ocean by up to 3 degrees Celsius above ambient water temperature at 100 metres from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, and 55oC at the FPSO discharge point - at least twice the tem-
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perature of the ambient ocean water. To this end, they contended that the discharges are not consistent with the United Nations’ Precautionary Principle when Caribbean fish stocks are already facing critical temperature challenges. GAS FLARING Although flaring is strictly prohibited in the Permits granted to date, flaring has been allowed to continue from the inception of operations in December 2019, resulting in a cumulative flared amount in excess of 15 billion standard cubic feet, the body reasoned. OGGN also noted that instead of cutting down production however to reduce flaring, the government instead adjusted the Permits to legalize the flaring of unlimited quantities of gas, as long as the operator pays a paltry fee, while earning extra revenues of over 60 times that fee from not cutting production. The environmentalists told the Belize Prime Minister
that it is in full support of petroleum activities in Guyana, but holds firmly to the view that it must be done in a manner that is protective of the region’s environment, economy, safety and health. As a consequence, they appealed to the CARICOM leader to ensure the body demands that the government take immediate actions to enforce the legal requirements of the EIAs and Environmental Permits and for it to demand that the government stops EEPGL from dumping hot, toxic and radioactively contaminated produced water into the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, the group has asked that CARICOM demands the government to reverse its decision to allow unlimited flaring for a small fine and return to the original regulation where “routine flaring or venting is prohibited”. The last request for CARICOM to engage the administration on ensuring its petroleum extraction laws and regulations are compatible with the 2016 Paris Agreement.
Strengthen oil laws to avoid being fooled, abused by oil companies in future oil deals - Expert When one reflects the extent to which Guyana has prepared for the effective regulation of its oil and gas sector and the revenues to come, Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul, asserts that there is indeed more the nation can do to protect itself. During one of his interviews with this newspaper, Paul posited that Guyana needs to put robust laws in place as quickly as possible so that oil companies can have no room to debate or wonder what exactly is required of them. With such laws in place, the industry expert said Guyana would reduce the chances for regulators being surprised by certain tactics or simply being fooled/abused in future oil deals. The Trinidadian said, “It has been a difficult period for everyone because of COVID19 and Guyana, since it started, has had to move at a rapid pace, and has been forced to improve its institutional capacity as quickly as possible. But that aside, Guyana has been able to get its lifts offshore done on time, and it has managed to find partners to sell the oil to and get the revenue put away for the fut u r e . ” He added, “…But the spotlight of the world has been on
Guyana and how it is managing its resources. Now, we know Guyana has limited resources and it has been trying to do as much as it can with that.” Paul said that such circumstances are not unique to Guyana. He has seen it to varying degrees with Trinidad and Tobago, and even Ghana. In the case of the latter, he said that this African nation had the luxury of having had a state oil company in the earlier years with technical people who knew the industry, and could have supported the current regulatory arm that was needed to monitor its industry. But even then, Paul said, that Ghana still took some time to get off the ground with its oil finds in 2010 and improve capacity. The expert said, “But once they did, they ramped up very quickly…Importantly, they put in very early, strong laws and regulations to underpin the experienced people who were doing the work. Now the challenge of small countries doing oil and gas and dealing with sophisticated companies, is making things right. At every point, there is a discussion or negotiation on what to do.” When countries like Guyana are in such a position, where
the institutional capacity is not strong, Paul said, he would recommend putting in place, the strong rules and regulations as well as procedures, so that it is easy for companies to know what they must do and how they must do it. “That way, there is no discussion, argument or surprise where this is concerned. And it is easy for the government to get things right, so someone who is making a decision without strong experience, won’t be bullied or cowered or fooled.” Paul said he is aware that Guyana is still to do this, while adding, that he knows there are efforts being advanced to correct this. Be that as it may, he said it would be in the nation’s interest to spend some time looking back at what happened from discovery to production, and evaluate what it can do better and perhaps, assess what improvements could have been had, if the laws and regulations were where they needed to be. He said that this is a pertinent exercise since many of the decisions made in the past would have to be repeated. “I am sure you want to improve, there is no reason why you can’t learn from your past,” Paul concluded.
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Arapaima Logistics helps Pomeroon farmers sell dried coconuts to Miami …seeking market for other produce Arapaima Logistics, a joint venture logistics company between Roraima Airways and the Trinidad-headquartered RAMPS Logistics have teamed up to offer additional support in finding international markets for Guyanese agro-producers. The majority-Guyanese owned company in a release yesterday said that it has managed to help Pomeroon farmers export some 40,000 locally grown coconuts to Florida in the United States. In a public missive, Arapaima said that its Florida shipment is the first step in the direction of increasing the volumes of local agricultural produce on the international market in keeping with Guyana’s objective of increasing its earnings from the country’s agricultural sector. The company said that it collaborated with Pomeroon farmers in a design to source, package and transport agricultural produce for export markets. As a result, Ramps Logistics provided logistical support for the exercise utilizing its international supply chain network to help connect the coconuts to the global market. They said that the Pomeroon farmers also
Pomeroon coconuts before being shipped to Florida played their part having invested in the upgrade of their farms over the past year. Additionally, it has been encouraging to note the robust response of the farmers to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said. It continued that it is therefore committed to partnering with farmers to ensure access to guaranteed markets and favourable
prices, given the availability of products. Arapaima has noted also, a sustained emphasis by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in various pronouncements to enhance the local and regional agricultural sectors. To this end, the company said that apart from the initial initiative which involved the single commodity—coconuts—the company is com-
mitted to exploring international markets for other local agricultural produce, including Pumpkin, Pepper, Plantain, Eddoes, Dasheen, Yam, Lime and Pineapple. The company said that the overall aim of the venture is to open a new door that provides a greater incentive for farmers to increase production for the international market. Its longer-term objectives, is to offer farmers fixedterm contracts that include secure payment arrangements. “Ramps Logistics has also committed to utilizing its supply chain network to seek to create further opportunities for farmers to secure guaranteed prices for their products once they are available. Mean-
while, Arapaima Logistics is keen to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana and the Ministry’s supporting agencies, including the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), to increase opportunities for farmers and agro-processors to access regional and international markets.” The company highlighted that with over sixty (60) years of experience in the logistics sector, Arapaima Logistics seeks to use its resources to create entrepreneurial opportunities outside of the Oil and Gas sector. “Contextually, this inaugural shipment of coconuts to the USA is the first of various opportunities the company intends to explore for export-
ing products from the Caribbean and South America to global markets and expanding its suite of services to Guyana.” Arapaima Logistics Incorporated was formed as a critical resource to provide logistics and supply chain solutions locally, regionally, and internationally. The company’s services include Air and Ocean Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage, Shore Base Management, Personal Logistics and Immigration Services, Marine Agency Services, ThirdParty Procurement Services, Charters, Medical Evacuation, Aircraft Ground Handling, Aviation Security, Airline Catering, Accommodations, and Tours.
Kaieteur News
Monday April 11, 2022
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Berbicians seek 50% reduction in bridge toll — Corentyne Chamber wants Govt. to take over ownership of Berbice Bridge Company Inc.
The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) has called on the Government to negotiate a takeover of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) to ease the burden they face accessing the facility. For years, citizens have decried the high toll being charged by the bridge. The chamber recently dispatched a letter to President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Public Wo r k s , J u a n E d g h i l l , Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Senior Minister responsible for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh requesting that the government negotiates with the Bridge Company owners for “100% ownership” and the reduction of fairs by at least 50%. The chamber is being led by Mohamed Raffik. Speaking to Kaieteur News Raffik said in the letter it was proposed that the government look at the option of purchasing the shares of the owners of the Berbice River Bridge. “...we are asking the government to negotiate with the owners of the bridge and to see if the government can come up with an agreement with them so that the government can be the new owners of the bridge.” The letter highlighted that when the Coalition Government assumed office in 2015, the toll was reduced from $2200 to $1900 for a
From left:- PRO for CCCC Attorney, Adrian Anamayah; Vice President, Imran Hamid; President, Mohamed Raffik and Secretary, Katherine Prasad. regular vehicle to cross the bridge and the said coalition had pledged to “to take annual measures” to have the tolls further reduced, however it never materialised, and the toll remained at $1900. In 2019, the previous government had signalled intentions to have discussion with BBCI to buyout the ownership of the bridge and BBCI had issued a statement indicating that if the government is willing to make a reasonable offer for the purchase, “we are ready to meet at your earliest convenience to consider g o v e r n m e n t s o f f e r. ” However, it never materialised. Raffik said that because of the structure that exists presently, the owners of the bridge cannot reduce the tolls to what they would prefer it to be and with the current inflation around the
world, Guyana is also feeling the squeeze. To this end, he posited that having the bridge toll/fair reduced by at least 50%, it will be significant for Berbicans since it will assist in the transporting of goods and services to Berbice and out of the county at a reduced cost. Added to that, the chamber is of the opinion that it will also see more persons coming to Berbice regularly, whether it is for business or pleasure. He added that since dispatching the letter just over a week ago, they have since garnered a response from the Minister of Public Works and as such, are expected to meet shortly. “…so we are gonna meet with him and we are gonna discuss what exactly we have in mind and how we can move this process forward. That is one of the
Man seen forcing woman into car tells cops they were fighting over “text messages” Police in the city were successful in locating a “taxi driver” who was on Saturday seen on Cemetery Road, North East La Penitence, Georgetown, beating a Spanish speaking woman and forcing her into his car before driving off. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Commander of the Georgetown police district, Simon McBean said that the man told ranks The car in which the Spanish speaking that the woman is his wife and the altercation they had was just a small woman was allegedly forced into. fight over messages on a cell phone. Road as motorists witnessed the man “They are husband and wife and he claimed that they had an argument assaulting the woman. The incident over a cell phone thing and she stepped out of reportedly took place around 14:00hrs in the the car and he pushed her back in”. McBean vicinity of the Cemetery Road Bridge that is said. Both the man and the woman reportedly currently under construction. One of the told police that they have resolved the matter eyewitnesses, a woman, had reportedly stepped out of her vehicle to intervene but between them and are okay together at home. Kaieteur News had reported on Sunday when she tried, the man attempted to run her that the traffic was held up along Cemetery over with his car before driving away.
main pillars that we are working on for this term for our chamber, and this is something we would like to see happen and we are very encouraged by the quick response we got from the minister, and we should meet with him shortly and we are now finalizing our team to meet with him. We hope to do that this week”, he said. Tourism and influx of people To further support the call for the bridge tolls to be reduced, Raffik mentioned that following a meeting
with the Minister of Tourism Hon. Oneidge Waldron, several things were discussed to enhance the tourism industry in the region. One of those things was the enhancement of the No.63 beach and with the resuscitation of the beach committee to take shape shortly, the beach will see better management. Already, there has been a proposal from an overseas based Guyanese to develop the location and along with that, the First Lady Arya Ali late
last year had also committed to having a space dedicated for parking, vending, toilet facilities etc. According to Raffik, “at the end of the day if we can have a reduced fair in the Berbice Bridge, we can encourage more people to come to Berbice. We need not only people who live in region six to go to the beach, but we need people from other areas to come and visit Berbice and this is something we are looking to see how we can help out with.” Raffik also mentioned that the chamber is working assiduously towards having the extremely popular Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair back in action. This he said, they are hoping to kick off in the second week of October 2022. Following the pandemic, the Chamber did not organise a Berbice expo in two years, but with the announcement of President Irfaan Ali that the COVID restrictions have been lifted, considerations to have the expo back on board have been actively pursued.
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Monday April 11, 2022
Monday April 11, 2022
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City and Liverpool show why Premier League is the world’s favourite MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters) - Excitement, intensity, action and quality from the first minute to the last — the 2-2 draw between leaders Manchester City and secondplaced Liverpool yesterday showed just why the Premier League is the sport’s number one competition. The result means the title race remains wide open — Pep Guardiola’s City remain one point ahead of Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool — and few would bet against it going to the wire with each side having seven games left to play. But even without the added tension provided by the context of the battle for top spot, the contest at the Etihad Stadium had everything that a connoisseur of the game or the occasional viewer
alike would want from their 90 minutes. Fans around the world are attracted to the Premier League by the international cast of star attractions — the players on the field and the tacticians on the sidelines — and this game had the very best. City’s Belgian Kevin De Bruyne, the most complete midfielder in the world, showed his power, strength and finishing ability to put the home side ahead in the fifth minute and after the break visiting forward Mohamed Salah’s sublime pass and Sadio Mane’s deadly finish ensured the points were shared. From the domestic players, City’s talented Phil Foden showed off his brilliant con-
trol and dribbling skills while Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cushioned set-up for Diogo Jota’s 13th minute goal to make it 11 was glorious technique and awareness before Gabriel Jesus put the hosts in front again. TACTICAL CONTRAST Tactically, the game was billed as a contrast between Spaniard Guardiola’s famous commitment to short-passing possession football and German Klopp’s more direct, allaction, pressing style. But it did not quite play out like that as City began the game with the kind of highpressing, high-energy approach for which their opponents are famed, allied with waves of swarming attacks which Liverpool struggled to
Monday April 11, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) In future years, you might remember today as one of the best days of your life, Aries. Romance should be going beautifully. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Happiness reigns in the home as friends and family members gather for a longawaited reunion, Taurus. Or you could be hosting a gathering of friends and acquaintances interested in the arts or psychic or metaphysical matters. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Group activities, perhaps with a social, ecological, or humanitarian focus, could take place today somewhere in your neighborhood, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your values could undergo a complete turnaround today, Cancer. Recent developments in the world, your community, among your circle of friends, and within you could make you realize, like it or not, you and everyone around you is going
through a transformation. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Spiritual and psychic matters come to the forefront today, Leo. You could be greatly inspired to express yourself creatively. You could also be quite surprised at the wisdom you find within yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Are you contemplating a move of some kind, Virgo? Perhaps you're thinking about relocating to be closer to members of a group with which you're affiliated.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Communication with friends, siblings, and neighbors should be open, congenial, and supportive today, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Career matters couldn't be going better right now, Scorpio, especially if you're in one of the communication fields, including writing, publishing, teaching, the Internet, or mass media. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Have you been planning a trip by air, Sagittarius, perhaps to a distant place associated with a specific spiritual tradition? Warm places like Egypt, Mexico, or Israel could be especially appealing now. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Some vivid, inspiring, and intense dreams or visions could come your way today, Capricorn. They could involve paranormal figures, such as angels. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Love and romance should be flying high for you now, Aquarius. If you're single, you could soon form an incredible relationship. If you're already involved, the spiritual and emotional bonds between you and your beloved should grow
by leaps and bounds. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You should be feeling physically strong, healthy, and energetic today, Pisces, although you could also be a little lightheaded. You could experience the sensation of wandering around in a daze with your feet on the ground.
cope with. The visitors stuck at their task though, never over-committing or over-chasing the game but always looking to make the most of any space they found in between City’s lines.It was not quite a role reversal but it was certainly far from a game which stuck to the stereotypes associated with the two clubs who have dominated this league for the past four seasons. What helped was the relentless work-rate, battling spirit and determination of both sides — the kind of traditional English football qualities that could easily have vanished in an era dominated by continental European coaches and players. It is that fusion of longestablished English ‘blood
and thunder’, high-speed, attacking football with the more recently introduced tactical nous of foreign coaches and the top technique of international players that is at the heart of why fans around the world love the Premier League Neither side wanted to settle for a draw and the result was a spectacle which had even the more traditionalist pundit purring. “What impressed me with all these top quality players was their desire to keep going for their win at the end,” said former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, now a Sky Sports pundit. “No team was going to dominate for long spells as there is so much quality on both sides. Liverpool showed their character in the second
half. But then City had great chances as well. A great reminder to us all of what this game is about.” ETIHAD ROCKING The Etihad Stadium may not be the most famed for its atmosphere but it was rocking for most of the 90 minutes with both sets of supporters playing their part in a game which both sides knew could have turned in a moment.
Delhi thump... From page 25 balls that included 39 in the last two overs of Pat Cummins (0-51) and Umesh Yadav (148).“They got off to a really quick start (and) we were a bit clueless what to do,” Iyer said. “They built on a really good partnership at the start and carried that till the 10th over. We made a decision (to field first) and that didn't work out well.”Scores: Delhi Capitals 215 for 5 (Warner 61, Shaw 51, Narine 2-21) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 171 (Shreyas Iyer 54, Kuldeep 4-35, Khaleel 3-25) by 44 runs. SEN'S WINNING OVER Stoinis hit 38 not out off 17 balls overall against Rajasthan but Sen bowled three successive dot balls to the Australian batter which restricted Lucknow to 162-8. Asked to bat, Rajasthan had scored 165-6.Lucknow fell to 1-2 in the first over after Trent Boult (2-30) claimed both his wickets off his first two legitimate balls. That included the dismissal of captain Lokesh Rahul for a golden duck for the second time this year.Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ran through the middle-order with 4-41 before Stoinis threatened to turn the game on its head. Needing 34 off the last two overs, Stoinis smacked fast bowler Prasidh Krishna for 19 runs with two straight sixes and a flicked boundary to fine leg.But Sen kept his nerve against Stoinis in the last over and didn't concede runs off his second, third and fourth balls before Stoinis hammered a four and a six off the final two deliveries to reduce the margin of defeat. Shimron Hetmyer had held the Rajasthan innings together with a gritty unbeaten 59 off 36 in the second half of the innings.Hetmyer hit six sixes and a four and didn't spare his countryman Jason Holder in the death overs. Holder returned figures of 250, conceding 34 off his last two overs.Lucknow, which has played five games, has six points. Scores: Rajasthan Royals 165 for 6 (Hetmyer 59*, Gowtham 2-30) beat Lucknow Super Giants 162 for 8 (de Kock 39, Stoinis 38*, Chahal 4-41) by three runs.
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Monday April 11, 2022
Champions Charlestown with teachers after their win.
Charlestown win Georgetown final of the Janet Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket tourney
A
slow start from Defending Champions Tucville Secondary School cost them the final as the curtains came down on the National Sports Commission /Ministry of Culture Youth & Sports Georgetown zone of the 2022 Season Opener Windball Cricket Janet Jagan Memorial Schoolgirls tournament organised by Sports Officer A. Munroe and played at the National Gymnasium. Tucville batted first and managed 92-0, after the score was 7 in two overs and skipper Tonya Mohabir smashed 56 (6sx7) and Tamara Griffith 22, as Extras had 14. Charlestown Government Secondary in reply went after their target with a rush to take their first major title in years, ending on 95-0, off 3.1 overs. Player of the finals Donna Lowe hitting 52 (6sx8), Shania Maglore 40. Government Technical Institute, East Ruimveldt
Charlestown's Malgore kiss the pitch after hitting the winning runs.
Secondary School and Brickdam Secondary tied for third place. Meanwhile, the organiser is expressing sincere appreciation to the Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Minister CYS Charles Ramson jr. for giving him the opportunity to organise the Windball tournament, the Kaieteur Sports department for ensuring the results from every day's play are published, all the schools that participated those staff's of the NSC that worked along with him. Munroe stated, “I must thank the Almighty for a safe and incident free programme once again and for all those who have been praying for the sport and the organiser.” Meanwhile, the 2019 3rd place team Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, will be looking for the top spot this year when they meet Leonora Secondary who will be playing in their first final as the curtains comes down on the Region 3 tournament.
Guyana Women win Bronze in Pan Am squash in Guatemala
Charlestown and Tucville take a photo.
Guyana's Men's team lost to Chile on Saturday to finish in the eight spot and have done enough to qualify for future tournaments like the CAC, while the Guyana Women's team won a Bronze medal after
Nicolette Fernandez's historic Gold. “What an outstanding feat. The Guyana women have surpassed all expectation and have brought home the championship bling,” stated an elated National Youth Coach Deje Dias on Saturday Evening.
Kaieteur News
Monday April 11, 2022
592 BeerSkills for Cash...
‘Paradise' teams dominate
PAGE 23
NY Tri State Guyana tour
Swar's fifty spurs st NY Tri-State to 1 win Swar cuts during his unbeaten 58 yesterday at Chesney in Berbice. (Sean Devers Photo)
Paradise Invaders scorers from right Jamal Cambridge, Donovan Francis and Capello Daniels. Paradise (East Coast Demerara) and it's Berbice namesake Paradise Invaders United, stormed into the next round following lopsided wins in the 592 Beer 'Skills for Cash' seven-a-side football tournament on Saturday at the Victoria Co munity ground. In the feature contest of the doubleheader, Paradise brushed aside Victoria 4-1. Despite taking the lead in the 14th minute compliments of a Quason McAulay penalty, the hosts incurred four goals to exit the event. Jermin Samuels initiated the blitz with a 30 yard screamer which struck the crossbar and ended in the back of the net in the 16th minute. This was followed by a Anil Hernandez conversion into the left corner in the 25th minute from within the centre of the 18 yard box which handed Paradise the 2-1 lead. A second from Hernandez in the 44th minute pushed the score to 31, as he slotted his left footed shot into the lower left corner from inside the right of the 18 yard box. Ty r e e k C u m m i n g s sealed the outcome four minutes later through a right footed effort which nestled into the left corner, after striking the woodwork. Meanwhile, Paradise of Berbice made light work of Ann's Grove, winning by a 4-1 score. Although Ann's Grove took the lead in the sixth minute through Alden Lawrence, Donovan Francis equalized four minutes later with a shot to the right hand corner. Paradise seized control of the contest in the 27th minute as Francis lashed a
By Sean Devers in Berbice n a match reduced to 30 overs due to overnight rain and the sloppy removal of the covers which caused seepage to the bowler's runup at one end, the game eventually commenced 150 minutes late in brilliant sunshine on a spin friendly track as the New York Tri State hammered the Berbice U-15s by nine wickets yesterday.Set 98 to win the visitors cruised to an emphatic win with 13 overs to spare after galloping to 98-1 in 17 overs.
I
Paradise Scorers (white) from right Tyreek Cummings, Anil Hernandez and Jermin Fraser powerful shot into the roof of the net, after cutting into the 18 yard box. The score ballooned to 31 in the 40th minute via Jamal Cambridge, as he scooted into the lower left corner from within the centre of the penalty area. The win was then achieved as Capello Daniels blasted a right footed shot into the roof of the net in the 47th minute. Action resumes on Thursday at the same venue. Winner of the tournament will receive $300,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000, $100,000, and $50,000 respectively. Complete Results. Game-1 Paradise Invaders (Berbice)4 vs Ann's Grove-1 Paradise Scorers Donovan Francis-10th and 27th Jamal Cambridge-40th Capello Daniels-47th Ann's Grove Scorer Alden Lawrence-6th Game-2 Paradise (East Coast
Demerara)-4 vs Victoria-1 Paradise Scorers Anil Hernandez-25th and 44th Jermin Samuels-16th Tyreek Cummings-48th Victoria Scorer Quason McAulay-12th
After Tanish Dongre was run out for a duck at 6-1, Ruhan Swar and Utkarsh Shivakumar joined forces with a commanding unbroken 92-run partnership to see their team to their first win on their tour to Guyana after losing to the Berbice U17s at Albion on Saturday. Swar finished unbeaten on 58 from 58 balls with two sixes off consecutive balls of Berbice U-15 skipper Romario Ramdehol after reaching his fifty from 54 balls. Shivakumar made 27 not from 35 balls with two boundaries. Ramdehol top scored for
m
the host with 30 from 53 balls with three fours, 13year-old Adrian Hetmyer, the son of former Guyana U19 batter Seon Hetmyer and Nephew of IPL player Shimon Hetmyer, made 17 before he was run out, while 12 from opener Vishal Williams were the main scorers for the Berbice U-15 team which is preparing for the U-15 InterCounty tournament. NY Tri State will travel back to city today before facing a Georgetown Cricket Association U-17 XI at Bourda.
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Monday April 11, 2022
Bastianini wins Grand Prix of the Americas, leads MotoGP title race
Enea Bastianini (23) finished in front of Spain's Alex Rins, who won the Texas race in 2019. (Getty Images)
On top of the world: Ducati Gresini's Enea Bastianini (AFP/Juan MABROMATA)
AFP - Italy's Enea Bastianini won his second MotoGP race of the season at the Grand Prix of the Americas yesterday and seized control of the world championship. The 24-year-old passed fellow Ducati rider, and long-time leader, Jack Miller with five laps left to add the Austin win to his maiden elite class victory at the season-opener in Qatar. Australian Miller, who had stormed into the lead at the start, finished third having also being passed by
the Suzuki of Alex Rins, the winner in Texas in 2019. "It's a fantastic day. Miller had fantastic pace in the first part of the race, then I felt like I had to push, I accelerated like crazy and I won," said Bastianini. " Wi n n i n g h e r e i n America is fantastic. Now we can eat some burgers!" Six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, bidding for an eighth win in nine visits to the Texas circuit, finished sixth, having slipped to the back of the field at lights out on his Honda. The 29-year-old Spaniard, who missed last weekend's race in Argentina due to double vision after a violent high-side crash in Indonesia, had started ninth on the gird, his worst qualifying performance ever at the Circuit of the Americas. However, he stormed back through the field into the top 10 at the midway point, even setting a fastest lap.Fourth on Sunday was Suzuki's Joan Mir, the 2020 world champion, with Francesco Bagnaia on another Ducati coming home fifth. Reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha was seventh
behind Marquez with polesitter Jorge Martin on a Ducati-Pramac having to settle for eighth. Previous world championship leader Aleix Espargaro of Aprilia was only 11th yesterday. Bastianini has a fivepoint lead in the standings over Rins and is 11 in front of Espargaro who won his first MotoGP race in Argentina last week in his 200th race. Mir and Quartararo are fourth and fifth respectively, 15 and 17 points off the lead after four rounds. "I have mixed feelings," said Miller who led for 15 of the 20 laps. "I had a fantastic race, Enea passed me but I didn't make any mistakes." Rins dedicated his second place "to Ukraine, and to all the people who suffer from the war and also from the Covid". In the Moto2 race, Italy's Tony Arbolino claimed a maiden victory by 3.4sec over Ai Ogura. Britain's Jake Dixon took third to secure his first ever podium while American pole sitter Cameron Beaubier failed to finish. The fifth round of the 2022 world championship is the Portuguese Grand Prix on April 24.
Kaieteur News
Monday April 11, 2022
PAGE 25
Sunil Narine pinned Lalit Yadav lbw. (BCCI)
Over 60 junior players turned out to compete on the opening day of the event.
Intense action unfolds on Day One T
he National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers, sponsored by DeSinco Ltd., saw a record 68 youth players competing in the four day event which began on Saturday April 9th. Junior chess players from Regions 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10 entered the highly anticipated tournament from which the top ten players will be invited to contest for the National Junior Championship title for 2022. Saturday's turnout marked a promising resurgence in popularity for junior chess in Guyana. Tournament favourite Keron Sandiford suffered a shock defeat in the first round to 8-year-old Julian Mohabir. Mohabir put on a scintillating performance when he capitalised on a
blunder made by Sandiford instigating an immediate resignation by the top player. However, Sandiford made a recovery later in the day when he managed to take down another top player – Oluwadare Oyeyipo. Another upset occurred in round 2 of the tournament, with Ronan Lee snatching a clean victory against top rated player Jaden Taylor. After a tense struggle for power in the opening, the two launched into a series of tactical piece trades and captures in the middle game. Lee grabbed an advantage against Taylor and held it to the end, converting the game methodically into a comfortable win. Lee now joins the group of players who ended on two points on
the first day of play. Rajiv Lee also shook off some early threats in the first round from 10 year old Jacob McDonald to finish the day as the tournament leader with two points. Raveon Adonis also joined the top of the leaderboard with two points. However, his third round facing off against Lee promises an interesting outcome. The tournament is now delicately poised around the players leading with two points and undefeated. Meanwhile, Jessica Callender has returned with back-to-back victories after an early exit form the recent Grand Prix tournament due to injury. She registered wins in the Junior Qualifiers against Emmanuel Primus and Julian Mohabir, to begin day two with 2 points. Other players on two points are Anasie
Fredericks, Pooja Lam, Dominic Sam, Mayas Khan, Ethan Lee, Sasha Shariff, Rolex Alexander, Kyle Couchman, Justin Goberdhan, Tejasvarun Kandavel, Maliha Rajkumar and Ricardo Narine. The 3rd and 4th rounds yesterday were decisive for players as it determined who were the top players to watch and who will have the highest chance of reaching the Nationals. Players assemble again at the Guyana National Stadium for the last 3 rounds continuing today Monday and tomorrow Tuesday, April 11 t h a n d A p r i l 1 2 t h respectively. Boards 1 to 6 will be continued to stream live on www.guyanachess.org and YouTube commencing at 9:00hrs and at 14:00hrs each day.
Delhi thump Kolkata, Rajasthan beat Lucknow behind Hetmyer unbeaten half century MUMBAI, India (AP) — Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav grabbed three wickets in four balls as Delhi Capitals thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders by 44 runs in the Indian Premier League yesterday. Fast bowler Kuldeep Sen bowled a brilliant last over against Marcus Stoinis as Rajasthan Royals recorded a thrilling three-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in the day's other match. The victory lifted Rajasthan to the top of the table with six points from four games and a superior net run-rate. Kuldeep dealt a triple blow to Kolkata's pursuit of Delhi's strong total of 215-5 when he claimed the wickets of Pat Cummins and Sunil Narine before holding onto a splendid two-handed diving catch to dismiss Umesh Yadav in the 16th over. Kolkata was bowled out for 171 in 19.4 overs with Shardul Thakur claiming the last two wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer had kept Kolkata in the hunt of a huge target by scoring 54 runs off 33 balls before he was outfoxed by Kuldeep's
turning delivery and stumped in the 13th over as Delhi's premier spinner finished with figures of 4-35. Fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed took 3-25 that included the key strikes of openers Venkatesh Iyer (18) and Ajinkya Rahane (8) in the batting powerplay that stalled Kolkata's chase. Earlier, after being put into bat, Delhi prospered with an opening stand between David Warner (61) and Prithvi Shaw (51). Both batters scored freely in a 93run stand, compiling 50 runs in the first four overs. Warner didn't allow the bowling attack to settle down with his clean hitting as the Australian batter dominated Kolkata's pace and spin. “Felt pretty good,” Warner said. “Prithvi is an exciting player and he takes the pressure off.” Skipper Rishabh Pant played a little cameo of 27 off 14 as only Narine returned impressive figures of 2-21 off his four overs. Thakur (29 not out) and Axar Patel (22 not out) added a rapid 49 runs off the last 20 (Continued on page 21)
Players matched skills for two rounds on Day One.
Shimron Hetmyer smashed his way through the last few overs after a slow start. Apr 09, 2022BCCI
Team Guyana at the Pan Am squash in Guatemala.
rt o p S
Guyana Women win Bronze in Pan Am squash in Guatemala Boxers pose for a photo following action in the Pepsi Mike Parris Under-16 tournament at the Six Head Gym in Albouystown.
Largest turnout as Under-16 Y boxers showcase skills at Pepsi Mike Parris tournament
oung Achievers and Vergenoegen Boxing Gyms were named joint winners of yesterday's Pepsi/Mike Parris Under-16 competition held at the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown. Runner up Gym was Rose Hall Jammers. The competition saw the largest turnout since competitive Boxing returned as the youngsters are being given competition to get them ready for the upcoming Caribbean Championships.
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