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Norton finally NEWS elected leader of opposition AIETEUR

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

Thursday Edition April 14, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 15

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership …Volda Lawrence yesterday, replaces Nicolette Henry as 73,747

coalition fills vacant seats

Shortage of experts hindering Guyana’s capacity to monitor, audit and regulate oil companies World Bank Report:

Civil society can play big role in helping govt. verify Exxon expenses - Oxfam report

19-yr-old teacher stabbed to death by boyfriend AG Anil Nandlall says Constitutional Reform Committee ready to proceed with work

Over 1000 families in limbo as fishing industry faces collapse …Upper Corentyne fishermen worry about Suriname’s licensing requirements The President of the fastest growing economy on earth, oil rich Guyana, boasting about opening call centers for his citizens to make money to eat and live

@11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday April 14, 2022

House passes motion to amend PAC quorum

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira.

Despite strident objection from the main opposition- A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), t h e r u l i n g P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday used its one-seat majority to amend the standing orders which deals with quorum of the Parliamentary Public

Accounts Committee (PAC).

The motion which was moved by Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs and PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Gail Teixeira received resounding support from the government‘s side of the House. The previous quorum for a PAC meeting was three members, irrespective of party affiliation, but with the amendments, the meetings will not go forward without the government side or opposition present.

The vote comes days after Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Opposition MP Jermaine Figueira raised concerns about the motion submitted

by Teixeira to amend the Standing Orders which deals with the quorum for the PAC. Figueira had noted that the amendment will make way for the PAC to mimic the standing order of the Parliamentary Management Committee (PMC), which provides for five members to be a quorum of which– two members represent government, two represent the opposition and in which

the speaker or deputy speaker is the Chairman.

He explained that the previous quorum made it vastly different from all other committees of the Parliament and provides for a more independent and apolitical environment.

According to the Chair, the motion by the Minister, who is also member of the PAC (which in fact should not have government ministers), seeks to stymie the work of the committee. “We in the APNU+AFC are confident that the effect of this motion will be that by their mere non-attendance, the PPP will stymie the functioning of the PAC rendering it impotent and non-functional,” he said.

However, Teixeira called the claims of the opposition baseless. According to her, the new formula for a quorum will make the committee function more impartially. She explained: “The reason being is that there was a request to the Speaker that Guyana joins and becomes a member of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees. The PAC correctly referred this to the PMC.”

Teixeira continued: “The PMC then examined the issue and made a decision in support in January 27, 2021 … Regrettably Mr. Speaker there was more meeting on March 17, 2021 when we had a quorum after that, there was no quorum based on the standing orders until January 19, 2022 and therefore that led to unfortunate delay in the motion coming before the house.”

She went on to explain that the amendment of the quorum will therefore enhance the efforts of the PAC and help it to function effectively. “In the PAC, the government expenditures and opposition expenditures are under scrutiny… This motion is an attempt for there to be adequate participation from both sides and so that no side could have a runaway train…”

“This is not first time that the standing orders have been amended... but some of us don’t have institutional memory… So I find the comments about stymieing the PAC very disturbing. I wish to assure the Opposition that the quorum is to make sure everyone is (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

PAGE 03

Shortage of experts hindering Guyana’s capacity to - World monitor, audit and regulate oil companies Bank Report

A

key report by the World Bank has outlined that the shortage of oil-sector experts in relevant government entities, combined with inadequate human and capital resources, limits the country’s ability to monitor, audit, and enforce regulations on oil companies.

It has therefore urged the oil producing state to address this gap quickly in sectoral governance or the consequences would be dire.

Further to its call for the relevant experts to be put in place, the financial institution said the international experience for oil producing states reveals that successfully managing the sector requires the transparent and accountable implementation of robust policy and institutional framework composed of five core elements. These include: (i) policies, laws, and contractual arrangements that maximize the benefits of oil revenues and minimize downside risks; (ii) a set of regulatory institutions capable of effective oversight; (iii) appropriate fiscal policies and sound public financial management (PFM) infrastructure; (iv) robust revenue management and distribution mechanisms; and (v) policies to promote sustainable long-term development. Although Guyana has made substantial progress in strengthening the management of the oil sector in the said areas outlined, the

international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries, outlined that further measures are desperately needed to align the country with best practices.

Expounding further, the bank was keen to note that the legal and regulatory frameworks for the oil and gas sector need to be updated.

It stressed, in the same way other stakeholders have done for the last six to seven years, that legislative modernisation will help maximise benefits, manage technical, environmental, social, and financial risks, and build capacity to engage effectively with investors. At

present, the key laws governing the sector include the Petroleum (Production) Act of 1938, the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1986 and related regulations, and the Upstream Legal Requirements for Petroleum (2004).

These instruments, along with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Act, the Mining Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and other relevant legislation, are yet to be adjusted to reflect that Guyana is no longer a frontier but instead a proven oil producer.

I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e financial institution pointed out that Guyana’s fiscal

regime for the sector remains underdeveloped and suffers from deficiencies in key areas.

It noted that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance have been working with development partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review the design of the fiscal regime and improve revenue administration. Towards this end, it said amendments have been drafted to the Income and Corporation Tax Acts to minimize tax avoidance. It said too that the government is building its capacity for revenue forecasting, modeling, and t a x

administration—including cost auditing and measures to curb tax evasion—with support from external partners. Recent updates on the progress of these efforts have not been forthcoming.

On another critical note, the World Bank stressed that cost auditing is especially crucial in Guyana, given the predominance of production sharing agreements and the provisions that allow multiple projects to come on stream.

It said this presents numerous advantages to the investor as it speeds up the recovery of moneys spent.

The World Bank noted however that the same arrangement results in loss of revenue for the government since it requires

diligent cost audits by the government to prevent abuse. It alluded that this is very difficult to achieve when multiple projects are allowed to be advanced at the pace dictated by the oil companies.

Addressing the risk of environmental damage from the sector also requires specialized skills and capacity, noted the financial institution.

It noted that while the government has conducted a needs as ses sment and making some improvements on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more ought to be done.

In this regard, the World Bank highlighted that the government’s health, safety, environmental, and social auditing and monitoring capacity remains limited, and financial-assurance mechanisms are undeveloped. It has offered Guyana a suite of recommendations, which are yet to be taken on in full.

Those recommendations form part of the Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD), the first that was ever prepared by the World Bank Group for Guyana. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of key macroeconomic, fiscal, and sectoral challenges as the country begins its historic transformation into an oil producer. The SCD was finalised in March 2020 and subsequently updated to reflect the COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

AG Anil Nandlall says Constitutional reform committee ready to proceed with work After months of delay, the Parliamentary Committee set up to coordinate the much talked about Constitutional Reform process in Guyana is expected to proceed with its work, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has said.

Kaieteur News understands, the committee will meet early in the new week to discuss the work programme. Nandlall SC told Kaieteur News that the committee has already started to discuss and review work done in the previous cycles of the constitutional reform.

“The standing committee on Constitutional Reform has been appointed and the work has begun…Currently on the agenda is the discussion of the work programme. The discussion will

start on April 19,” the AG said.

The Attorney General had previously announced that the process for constitutional reform will commence this year. He had explained that the process was stymied last year because of the Coronavirus pandemic and a number of other matters. He nonetheless stressed that once the meeting is held, the process will begin to achieve momentum “and we will have constitutional reform.”

Nandlall therefore expressed hope that all stakeholders will participate in the process so that a healthy consultative exercise can be had and that it can produce solid recommendations to propel the way forward.

During a recent airing of his Facebook commentary Issues in the News, the AG touched on the issue. Nandlall spoke of the numerous provisions that have been added to the constitution as a result of the previous reform processes. According to the AG, this should not be, as the document now contains a series of unnecessary clauses and legal provisions. “The Constitutions is a serious document …but we have many provisions in our constitution that should not be a constitution,” Nandlall said noting “nevertheless that the new cycle of constitutional reform will be driven by public consultation.”

Soon after the PPP/C took office in August of 2020, Nandlall

had outlined the legislative agenda for his ministry and he had said that reform of the election laws and constitution were high on the agenda. Last July, he had disclosed that the National Assembly’s Constitutional Reform Committee met only twice for the year due to COVID-19 constraints but at the same time had noted that should not be seen as non-commitment to the process by the PPP/C government. A standing Committee for Constitutional Reform was appointed pursuant to Article 119A of the Constitution.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform consists of at least six members nominated by the Committee of Selection.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC. The Committee was appointed for the purpose of the continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports there on to the National Assembly, with proposal for reform as necessary. To assist in its work, the Committee also has the power to co-opt experts or enlist the aid of other persons of appropriate expertise, whether or not such experts or other persons are Members of the National Assembly.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

EPA finding its footing

T

he Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been defending its work on behalf of Guyana. In fairness, there are some areas in which the EPA has engaged, which are not so apparent to the public. For our part, we have come down hard and repeatedly on the EPA with concerns about its competency.

But as was articulated by a trio of its senior officers on a recent programme on Kaieteur Radio, the EPA has been doing some heavy lifting and making strenuous efforts to pull its weight and deliver on behalf of Guyanese.

The agencys officers made mention of key provisions in Section 13 of the EPA Act, which speaks of obligations to rehabilitate and restore the environment should a problem occur. This is comforting, but only on the condition that there is the strength to force the errant party to stand the full cost for any harm done. It was encouraging to hear of reasonable safeguards, strict liability principle, and little room to manoeuvre through engaging in the “blame game” and how Exxons local subsidiary would be held responsible for pollution damages done. There was the view that it would be very difficult for it to achieve success in the courts.

That is all commendable, once there is a will to enforce, should circumstances make such necessary. On the other hand, there was our article “EPA now compiling list of competent consultants to undertake environmental studies -After approving US$29B in oil projects…” (KN April 5). The most that we will say now is that it is better to be late than never; though belated, we welcome this development. After approving US$29B is oil projects, we appreciate that the EPA people woke up and realised that something is wrong. It was when it approved those US$29B in oil projects, this national institution would be well served by truly competent consultants to give justification for environmental projects through their stamp of approval. Instead of the rubberstamping of costly oil projects to the tune of billions in American dollars, Guyanas EPA needed the most competent environmental consultants to be found.

Neither President nor Vice President nor subject Minister qualify as competent environmental consultants.

Therefore, it was vital that the EPA did not bow before whatever influence or pressure came from those sources or appear to be doing so. The EPA must work on a principled basis and diligently to recruit competent, the most competent, consultants to conduct environmental studies for projects. When the EPA does so, it would earn deserved accolades from the media and the Guyanese people that it serves for a job well done, for due diligence followed to the nth degree. The EPA clearly didnt do so before, but it is planning to do so now, after the US$29B in prize oil thoroughbreds have rushed out of the stable.

We will give the agency and its leaders the benefit of the doubt for now, while we watch to see what occurs with other projects coming on stream.

When we think of what the EPA is now doing, that is, compiling a list of competent consults for environmental studies and assessments, we say go ahead, and do it right, with no hidden tricks, no fast moves. Separately, now that the EPA is assembling its list of competent consultants for reliable environmental work, we can only wonder at what we got from those that were hired before.

We wonder (and shudder) at the level of possible incompetence, either through sheer ignorance or deliberate neglect on the part of those hired to execute works of great meaning for this country. For it could be that what was supposed to represent a genuine review and approval process was nothing but the mere going through the motions, a touching upon the surface, and not probing deeply for the real exposures and possible dangers to this society. After all, doing so would all but guarantee more lucrative business from sponsors like Exxon and the EPA itself. What Guyanese may have had, and now live with, are what we call wink and nod studies by those environmental consultants that came before, and nothing more. US$29B later, Guyanas EPA comes to its senses to proceed on a right footing.

Total disrespect for the Hindu religion and all Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It would be correct to say that our country is a diverse one with recognition for all religions and along with holidays to observe special occasions. It cannot be that while the State has recognised and announced public holidays that a few would take it upon themselves to show disrespect. On Good Friday, the country solemnly observe a very sombre day.

Youman Nabi, Eid and Phagwah, all speak of our di-

versity also. Yet there seems to be a growing trend of disregard and intolerance.

On Sunday, a day for Christians, and also on one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calender...Ram Nouni...I witnessed something that caused my heart to rebel. A truck, with scantily clad women and big speakers and a DJ, was promoting in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, the 592 beer. The company, Guyana Breweries, was blaring music that surely should

not have been played on this day. We have to draw the line somewhere.

Surely, the police commander could not have given permission for the campaign.

Surely, there must have been a miscommunication.

As a practising Hindu, I take umbrage at this disrespect. Guyana Breweries must apologise for this lapse and the police must review and even speak publicly on its policies to protect all Guyana.

Our Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken would not have even been aware of this campaign.

The question that needs to be answered is why is it only on Good Friday that there are restrictions on the opening of rum shops and bars. This should extend for all religious holidays...be it Phagwah, Ramadan, EID, Youman Nabi, Easter, Christmas and Diwali. We can and must do better.

Cobeer ‘Anand’ Persaud

Health care reaching unprecedented height and places DEAR EDITOR, How easily people tend to miss the taken-for-granted things of any society, and more Guyana. The positives, necessary and many, are all over Guyana, but I will focus in this letter on the medical burgeoning across the land.

First, I see that Region Nine is set to get its first nursing programme. This is a really big move.

The logistics of this is something to behold, as Guyana is not densely populated, and the authorities cannot just think per capita.

Number to places and personnel is not for Guyana, as the remote and sparsely populated areas have to be catered for.

So, commendations are in order.

Let me remind all that nurses play an essential role in society in so many areas of health care delivery. Overall, they are advocating for health promotion, educating the public and patients on preventing injury and illnesses, participating in rehabilitation, and providing care and support.

At the Global level, health challenges are changing and becoming increasingly complex because of aging

populations with chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular, hypertension, diabetes and mental health conditions) that place difficult demands upon healthcare systems around the world. Thus, it is necessary to have effective workforce strategies that promote recruitment, retention and sustainability of qualified nurses.

The world urgently needs to properly meet these increasing demands, and this Region Nine project is a good example, where Guyana is contributing to the universal health coverage, and specifically, Guyana.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, must be lauded for being in the forefront, launching Nursing Assistant Programme at the Lethem Training Annex in Region Nine. This is a first in the region, and, according to Director of Health Sciences, Dr. Seraiah Validum, 28 students from Region Nine, along with five from Region Eight are being trained to be qualified nursing assistants.

As pointed out by Dr. Anthony, “Guyanas massive economic development will require a significant upgrade

in the health sector…” and that is why, enormous resources were allocated in the 2022 National Budget for this purpose. This is called planning head. It leads me to another area in health care locally, and I will close on that.

I speak here of the input regarding the patients suffering from kidney failure.

As we all know, globally, many patients are suffering from kidney failure and they need plenty of money to be treated. In Guyana, some patients need between two to three dialysis sessions per week.

The issue here is that dialysis costing is like between $12,000 to $15,000 per session, making the overall bill for patients a whopping $1.248 million to $2.34 million per year. This is absolutely prohibitive, but we are now witnessing the beginning of the “Dialysis Support Programme, which is financing up to $600,000 per annum worth of dialysis treatment for “each and every dialysis patient” in Guyana.”

This programme will provide much needed assistance to almost 300 persons at a cost of $180 million. This, as reported in

the dailies, “… will be a significant reduction in the economic burden these patients face, as it will help to keep them healthier until they can achieve a transplant.”

On this transplant note, Dr. Kishore Persaud, Head of Department, Multi-Organ Transplant and Vascular Access Surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, must be admired for his tenacity and intuition.

He was really behind that much-needed human tissue transplant legislation, which is really a revolutionary piece of document completely overhauling and improving the health sector, while providing a gamut of benefits for persons requiring organ transplant. In a nutshell, Guyana can now perform cadaveric transplantation; this is, “… the transplant of tissue from brain dead individuals, or cadaver as they are referred to, to living persons.”

So, I urge the negativeminded to be fair and observant. Guyana is really on an upward march, as regards its delivery on health care. Let the politics not ruin us.

Yours truly, H. Singh

The forgotten community - Cinema Street Diamond DEAR EDITOR, I am hoping you can oblige me with a section in your newspaper to tell you about the forgotten community of Cinema Street Diamond, located behind the Diamond Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara.

This community is home to many residents of all ages, some of whom have lived there over 50 years; it also houses the Diamond Community Centre ground which is occupied by the NDC. One would think that with the NDC personnel traversing this area so frequently that works to maintain and upkeep

the community and its environs would not pose a problem however, this is far from the reality.

Upon entering the street, you will firstly notice the deplorable condition of it, it is like riding a roller coaster and when it rains its transforms into our very own lake, and this has been the condition for many decades.

The NDC did not see it fit to fix the street; however, they store piles of stone in the same street, which they use to maintain the streets in other neighbourhoods.

How can this be right?

Are the residents of this community not humans?

Many of these residents pay their taxes yearly, so why then must they be treated with such utter disrespect?

Venturing on further down and you will pay heed to the overgrown bushes in the drains and trenches and numerous squatters on the sea dam.

The drains and trenches have not been cleared in years and these are the primary drainage paths for residents.

Now with the squatters taking up residence on the sea dam, it poses even more danger and hardship to the legal

residents of the community.

The NDC has not made any effort to clear the drains and trenches or put a stop to the illegal squatting, despite numerous reports being made by residents.

Editor, I mentioned earlier in my letter that many of the residents in this community are paying their taxes yearly, however do you know that none of them has been issued titles to their land?

These residents have paid for their land many decades ago and were promised by the Ministry of Housing on several occasions (Continued on page 5)

Thursday April 14, 2022

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Kaieteur News

The ingredients for a shift in the ideological and political spectrum in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The month of March has just ended, it is an important month in the calendar of commemorative events observed by the PPP and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) at Red House.

It is the month during which the birth and death anniversaries of Dr. Cheddi Jagan are observed as well as the death anniversary of Janet Jagan.

On the eve of the observation of both events, Kaieteur News under the name Peeping Tom published two separate articles, the first was headlined; How Could This Be Done To Cheddi (K/ N 10.3. 22), while the second was headlined, Respect Due To Granny (K/N 14.3.22).The timing of the publication of the columns did not go unnoticed.

Three separate, public events were held at Red House to celebrate the life/ work of Cheddi and Janet Jagan.

The first attracted a packed audience while the second was attended by an appreciative gathering.

A third was held in April due to the unavailability of the guest speaker in March.

These are events where those gathered, look forward to learning about the Marxist views and radical politics of the Jagans.

As I sat and listened to some who spoke at the first two events, I could not help reflecting on how far-reaching the political and ideological landscape in Guyana has evolved since the passing of Cheddi and Janet Jagan. Subsequent events were to prove their passing as the end of an

era in the true meaning of the phrase.

Dr. and Mrs. Jagan were best known for their Marxist views and radical politics. In the USA, and UK, conservative and colonial circles branded the Jagans communists and so was the PPP, the party they led along with other outstanding, progressive Guyanese. Nowadays, questions are being asked whether the PPP remains ideologically and philosophically the same as it was in the times of the Jagans.

Without a shred of romanticism in my thoughts, what bothers me, is the fact that the political and ideological landscape has evolved to such an extent that Marxist thought and socialist-oriented discourse, for which our county was once famous, has long disappeared.

There is no political party in Guyana that can be considered politically nor ideologically on the radical left.

And insofar as its propagation is concerned, the Michael Forde Bookstore, the only bookstore in Georgetown that sold progressive and Marxist literature has long been shut.

Universities are usually incubators of Left-wing and radical political ideas but not so in Guyana.

There is a view that strict labelling of political parties should be avoided and that an open-minded, rather than an oversimplified and judgmental outlook be adopted.

However liberal the understanding of the nature of political parties, the point is we cannot understand their programmes and policies unless we do so from a class

The forgotten community...

From page 4 that titles will be issued “soo n ” , b u t s o o n n e v e r came! Following up with the Ministry has proven futile and always ends in frustration.

The Ministers are very active in social media, issuing house lots and doing all the “good” things for other areas of their interest.

So tell me then, what is preventing them from playing an active role in fixing the issues in this community?

Does the Ministry not have jurisdiction? Is the NDC an independent body which reports to no one?

Or is it simply because they don t care about the poor working class…

Editor, I can go on with many more issues faced by the residents, but I will end here.

I am hoping this letter will attract attention from someone in authority and hopefully something can be done to benefit this area,

because this is simply my last resort.

Thank you.

Frustrated resident

point of view.

Marxist ideas and Leftwing politics emerged during the colonial period in British Guiana. The Jagans were the first to introduce this ideological genre of politics in the colony. Its main thrust was anti-colonial aimed at winning political independence.

These radical ideas and policies were reflected in articles published in the Political Affairs Bulletin, the forerunner of Thunder, the official organ of the PPP (now folded), the Mirror newspaper, and speeches at streetcorner public meetings. In essence, the PPPs left-wing politics at that time, was practised through its mass struggles and its grassroots activism in favour of, and concern for the economically and socially disadvantaged whose concerns needed to be addressed. During the 1964 to 1985 period, the PPPs struggle at home and abroad assumed an anti-imperialist character though it continued to fully support the national liberation and anti-dictatorship struggles of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

This was clearly manifested in Cheddi Jagans books namely: The West on Trial, The Caribbean Whose Backyard? and The Caribbean Revolution. As well as his Straight Talk articles published in the Mirror newspaper.

The themes of PPP Congresses and Central Committee Reports presented at Party congresses and conferences were no different.

But now how times have changed!

The somewhat rhetorical question being asked is, what has become of the Marxists and left-wing politicians in Guyana?

In a vibrant democracy

where a thousand flowers are expected to bloom, parties, whose programmes and policies are considered left of the political spectrum are expected to occupy a reasonable amount of political space because of the vagaries and failings of a free market economy, environmental concerns and labour issues.

We see for example in Europe where, Left and/or radical parties, such as Green Parties flourish and occupy seats in national and the European Parliaments. Some are in government in the case of Germany.

In Latin America, Left and progressive democratic political parties are on the ascendancy. They are winning elections and assuming government with majorities in Congress.

In some cases, their victory is stymied by reactionary political forces who are either on the rise or manage to maintain their electoral strength and political relevance. In the USA, Occupy Wall Street, the Sunrise Youth, Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements along with Bernie Sanders Socialist Platform that advocates a Political Revolution in the United States as well as Elizabeth Warrens calls for Big structural change in America, are indicative of a Left-ward shift in American politics.

In the UK, Greenpeace, Oxfam and the Global Justice Movement cumulatively, represent movements of a Left character who have successfully managed to maintain their longevity and relevance politically.

But the challenge for the Left has more to do with the economy than with governance since it is at the economic level, where those who are meant to act as the engine of growth exert greater influence on the executive and

political superstructures of liberal democratic nationstates.

As far as those on the Left of the political spectrum are concerned, in a market economy, contradictions between labour and capital are bound to arise, save and except in a few whose form of governance and political economy have been branded autocracies by some in the West.

Those on the Left contend, that while market forces are hard at work at the global and national levels, the State is limited to playing a regulatory role as in the case of Guyanas Local Content Law. The vision peddled by some, of a country soon to be awash with petro-dollars in peoples pockets, has given rise to an increased yearning by the gullible in favour of consumerism and commodity fetishism as obtains in affluent liberal democracies.

The evolving but persistent ideological drift has helped transform the Guyanese political landscape making it barren of any Left and/or Marxist political tendencies. A weakening in the militancy of the labour movement and absence of proMarxist intellectual discourse is all pervasive.

These developments should be viewed in the context of the changed economic and social conditions obtaining in Guyana.

However, so long as economic and social inequalities, poverty and unemployment throttle the market economys inability to resolve these problems by innovating and recreating the economic structure from within, society will be chasing after its dreams. Neither social or liberal democracy can solve permanently the peoples problems; they can do so only temporarily by delaying a process that is inevitable.

Under prevailing conditions obtaining in Guyana, whatever or whoever remains on the Left of the political spectrum, they should be considered temporarily down but not out.

The theory and practice of Marxist and socialist-oriented politics and discourses that characterised the era of the Jagans are no longer with us, but since society is constantly in motion, and evolving, the resurgence and influence of that genre of ideology and politics should neither be over nor underestimated. That said, it is only by force of convincing and factual arguments, healthy debate and constructive discussion, reminiscent of the Jagan era, about the economic model and form of governance relevant to Guyana, can a shift in the ideological and political spectrum take place in Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

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Kaieteur News

Will justice prevail at all?

DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the articles titled “Levoy Taljits disappearance…Man found with his cellphone nine years ago now wanted for his murder” (KN April 13) and “Police issue wanted bulletin over murder of Levoy Taljit” (SN April 13). It took me two newspapers and this wait of nine years to see the first glimmers of some movement in this enduring mystery of young Taljits abrupt, jarring, and inexplicable disappearance.

The first thing I will say is that I knew him.

Not closely, but well enough. As could be gathered in the little occasional reminders over the years in SN, KN, and the Catholic Standard, there was the strongest personal sense that something was terribly wrong, that the authorities were not doing right, or with the fullest scope of what the circumstances required. I carefully refrained from using that ugliest of final words murder. Or death. Or gone.

But we all knew in our soul of souls that he was gone, it was over. Earlier this week, I heard the plaintive plea, the cri de Coeur from a wounded father, and now the absolute worst has been confirmed.

Though this moment took so long, the hope is that justice will prevail at long last. It is that some desultory closure will grace the family.

The Roman Catholic family of Our Lady of Fatima will breathe a sigh of regretful relief that something has come about from those official heights that manage these sordid affairs that leave all worse for wear. Relief because a lingering, agonising ordeal is over. Well, almost.

And regretful in that matters had to come to this.

Like so many murderous moments in this country, there will be doubt in my mind that the wanted accused, acted on his own. For the fallen Levoy Taljit had earned a reputation for being about the kind of public servant that we hardly have these days at any level.

He was honest. He was clean.

He was true to his faith and calling.

As I think of him, I am reminded piercingly of another public servant who was blown away in the open on her bridge, but under the skulking, premeditated cover of the usual darkness.

The murder of Alicia Foster, late of a state agency noted for the nationally unhealthy, is colder than the calculated manner of her destruction.

Her sin, too, was desiring to do the job a certain way, of objecting to the improper that rages across this land of protected men and protecting leaders. For that Alicia Foster paid a bitter price in the Final Solution that is now the preferred Guyanese way.

Today, I will neither speculate nor engage in any of those intriguing tendrils of thought regarding why now or how come. There is simply a sense of serenity that somewhere in Guyana, there are still those with a soul. In the

torn Guyana Police Force. In the tatters that we have for leadership in this country of hated critics, skeptics, and cynics. In this Holy Week, I will not even ask why so long, only that the heavens didnt fall, but that justice prevailed, and that the interrupted life of Levoy Taljit is graced with a long-awaited new birth. I am sure that his grieving family will take it as is now making the media rounds, as harsh as this cruellest of moments is, this bitterest of pills that must be swallowed and kept down somehow. This is how martyrs and heroes are made, through the profaning deviltries of others. The first tentative step in a journey long delayed and denied has now been essayed. The next is to observe and ascertain what Guyanas peculiar system of justice will deliver.

Only then, could the story of Levoy Taljit be said to be finally over. But could it ever be really over?

Sincerely, GHK Lall

There will be no honeymoon period for the Leader of the Opposition DEAR EDITOR, It has been an interesting journey and I am happy I have played a part. I believed in a man with great potential who is a political scientist and a long-standing politician who experienced years of being sidelined by successive leaderships of his party.

Today, he has accomplished the highest position in the opposition.

I am tremendously proud and our supporters, members

and the Guyanese people should also be elated by this welcomed development.

Mr. Aubrey C Norton, Leader of the Opposition must understand that like Joseph Harmon and all his predecessors, he will face scrutiny and will be called out if and when he falters.

His leadership will be under the microscope and his performance will be assessed.

His leadership and his person must now be held account-

able in every aspect.

Sometimes we have to be harsh with those we hate and with those whom we love.

He has reached the mountain top and must lead his party and the opposition with inclusivity and with respect for the organisation and its structure. He must lead with humility and with genuine respect for every member of the party and Members of Parliament in the opposition coalition. He MUST unite the party.

His promise of an open door policy must be a reality and he must genuinely meet and engage with our supporters and the general public.

The era of arrogance and dismissive attitude must not form a part of his leadership

or exist in the opposition confabulation.

Finally, the party machinery must operate in an “oiled” manner and with great efficiency.

This and no less will be expected. I stand proud of his accomplishments.

There will be no honeymoon period for the Leader of the Opposition.

My support remains unswerving to him, our members and supporters but my commitment to seeing a better Guyana takes precedence over everything else.

Once again, heartfelt congratulations to the Leader of the Opposition.

Norman Browne, Social and Political Activist

Thursday April 14, 2022

Different standards allocated for crimes DEAR EDITOR, Many fair minded and patriotic Guyanese are confused by the different standards, allocated for crimes committed.

An attorney allegedly spat and insulted a black police woman. Members of supposedly ‘civic groups’, the opposition and fringe social classes went into overdrive in their condemnation. Their indignation was limitless and continues unabated.

On Monday, the police released the name of an African Guyanese who allegedly killed Indo-Guyanese Levoy Taljit. This seems to be a continuation of the sad refrain where Indians are repeatedly either robbed, assaulted or

killed by African Guyanese. However, there is a glaring disparity...there is no condemnation or outrage from the so-called warriors for racial justice and equity.

Spitting on a black police woman makes them mightily angry. But horrific murder of Indians...they don’t care, and cannot be bothered!

Levoy Taljit was a fine young man whom I am familiar with personally. He was hardworking, honest and honourable. At the very least, the tragic circumstances under which his life was taken should be meritorious of comparative calls of social and racial justice!

Regards, Chitrakha Persaud

The failure of the United Nations has been highlighted once again DEAR EDITOR, The current crisis in Ukraine has once again highlighted the failure of the United Nations, in particular, the Security Council, to prevent wars and conflicts. The United Nations Charter is being flagrantly violated and there is seemingly very little, if anything, that the UN can do about it.

The difficulty has to do with the composition of the Security Council and the veto powers enjoyed by the bigger powers such as China, Russia and the United States.

These countries have different political and ideological interests to defend and it is only natural that they will utilise their veto powers when such interests appear to be under threat.

The solution, in my view, is to change the structure of the United Nations to make it more democratic in terms of decision-making especially on matters of war and peace.

The Security Council should be re-configured to make it more representative of the full membership. The vetopower should be abolished as it is only a recipe for gridlock ren-

dering the body something of a ‘toothless poodle’ in terms of conflict resolution.

Moreover, the United Nations peace-keeping force should be strengthened militarily to be in a position to effectively deter attempts by any ‘rogue’ nation that may be inclined to take action in contravention of the UN Charter and in violation of international law.

History will not take kindly to those who, by their silence or inaction, allow for the slaughter of innocent people on the altar of some perceived national or security threat.

The current situation in Ukraine has led to one of the biggest and most depressing humanitarian crisis in recent history.

The sad thing is that there is no indication at the moment that a solution is anywhere in sight.

The worrying question is: how many more lives have been lost, not to mention the destruction of property and infrastructure, before something is done to bring this madness to an end?

Hydar Ally

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

Whither the decrease in construction materials?

At the beginning of the year, government boasted about removing taxes on construction materials during the 2022 Budget Debates. Even though this promise was announced, the price tag on government projects remains shockingly high.

This newspaper continues to highlight weekly, shocking sums estimated to build new schools, or repair current structures.

It seems that the price has gone up, rather than decreased. One may argue that shipping prices have impacted these materials, but the fact is that Guyana has its own sand, stone and even cement among other necessities.

We believe that corruption is taking place in every sector of this country, at the behest of our dishonest leaders. They have encouraged the foreigners to come into our land and rob the Guyanese people of their wealth, as they themselves continue to do daily.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Guyana, Canada sign MOU for cooperation on procurement of goods Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng during the signing of the MOU.

The Government of Guyana and the Canadian Commercial Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tu e s d a y, t o f a c i l i t a t e cooperation, participation in discussions and exchange of information related to the procurement of Canadian goods and services.

The MOU was signed between Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng. In his remarks, Minister Singh said that the initiative establishes a framework for which the two countries can strengthen their economic and commercial relations that will see more Canadians doing business in Guyana and Guyanese businesses investing in Canada. “We are very happy that we have been able to conclude this MOU, and we anticipate that will lead to a greater presence of Canadian companies in Guyana, and doing business with Guyana.

Similarly, we look forward

to greater economic and commercial relations in every other regard including Guyanese companies doing business with Canada,” he said. Minister Singh noted that Canadian investors and business and commercial institutions have been present in the Guyanese economy for decades, and have contributed significantly to the economic evolution of Guyana. The Minister noted too, that the administration has worked hard over the years to create an investment climate that is hospitable, and attractive to Canadian companies. The government is therefore, pleased with the interest shown by the Canadian Commercial Cooperation in Guyana.

“Given where Guyana is economically, and given the sharp and incredibly exciting economic transformation that we are currently embarking on in Guyana, we see this as a special opportunity for economic relationship for all our friendly partners. We see this as an opportunity for those relationships to evolve at the same speed to which the

Guyanese economy is changing right now,” he reiterated.

Mary Ng, said the signing is another chapter of the relationship Guyana and Canada started 58 years ago.

She expressed optimism that the countries can work on ensuring that the commercial activities and businesses are able to benefit from this long-standing friendship and relationship. “This symbolises the confidence of us working together towards the sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from COVID 19, and I’m looking forward for a greater collaboration between Canada and Guyana,” she noted. Prior to the signing of the MOU, President Ali and a high-level Cabinet team i n c l u d i n g D r. S i n g h , Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P, M i n i s t e r o f To u r i s m , Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, M.P and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat I n d a r, M . P, m e t w i t h Minister Ng and her delegation. (DPI)

Thursday April 14, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Berbice is being taken for a ride Berbicians are not easily fooled.

They know that not much will come of those plans which the government is laying for the county.

Ironically, it is the government whose headquarter is located in Georgetown which is hatching all these grand plans for Berbice.

But the Berbicians themselves have little say in the development of these plans.

Were they consulted when these plans were being drawn-up?

Are they being consulted now that projects are already in the pipeline?

If they were consulted, they would have reminded President Irfaan Ali that what he is doing is attempting to relive the failed dreams of Bharrat Jagdeo.

It was Jagdeo who first began talking about a deep-water harbour for Guyana.

That was more than 15 years ago.

To this day, there is no deep-water harbour.

In fact, the countrys main port runs alongside a river which badly needs dredging.

A deep-water harbour requires shipping traffic and high levels of exports to be viable.

Guyanas economy is too small. Rice and the compressed sugar production are not going to make a deep-water harbour viable.

And with the oil companies shipping oil directly from the FPSO to export markets, a deep water habour seems set to join the other white elephant in Region Six the beleaguered Skeldon Sugar Factory.

One of the main reasons responsible for the proposal for a deep-water habour had to d o w i t h f a s t e r a n d cheaper movement of goods to the northern part of Brazil.

But that is no longer the case. Brazil no longer needs a land route for faster imports and exports from its northern regions.

Because of improvements in internal trade, it is cheaper to move goods from the South to the North of Brazil than to use a deepwater harbour in Guyana which is connected overland to northern Brazil.

Brazil, unlike Guyana, was not sitting on its laurels waiting on Jagdeos pipedream about a deepwater harbour.

However, Berbicians may get a new harbour because of the increased in oil exploration which is likely to take place.

They may even have a new port because of the need to export rice directly from Berbice rather than shipping it through Georgetown.

But that is not going to be the sort of harbour which will be akin to the one which was being contemplated when the Jagdeo administration first began promising a deep-water harbour.

The strength of Berbice lies in agriculture.

But there are feudal relations in the regions agricultural sector and that represents the greatest obstacle to the development of agriculture.

The government says that it will open 50,000 acres of land for agricultural production.

But not long ago there were concerns about there not being lands available.

But assuming that new lands are going to be reopened as a result of farm to market roads, the government should indicate to whom these lands will be given.

Will they fall into the lap of the landed oligarchy which has more lands than it needs?

Or will the landless be provided with lands?

The lands in Berbice require significant investment in order to become arable.

Lands have to be cleared of vegetation and drained of swamps.

Provision has to be made for irrigation and drainage.

So where will the landless find the resources to develop these lands?

Guyana is hoping to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean. But that too is a pipe dream.

Guyana does not have the capacity to produce for large export markets.

Apart from rice, sugar and coconuts, Guyana will struggle to fill a container of any other crops. Production concentration is low.

Guyana is establishing some sort of container facility in Brazil.

But where will the production come to fill the containers in that facility?

Irfaan Ali should abandon the idea of trying to redeem the Jagdeo Initiative under the guise of regional food security.

The Jagdeo Initiative was an abysmal failure.

It went nowhere.

The technical experts had long identified the binding constraints to regional agriculture. Jagdeo had to no answer as to how to overcome these constraints, apart from the

Dem Boys Seh…

De hustle is on!

Deh gat nuff people coming to Guyana pon holiday. Some ah dem glad fuh come because de place still cold in de North and it hurting dem right down to dem bones.

Some ah dem does usually come fuh holiday and enjoy de offerings in Guyana.

But because of de COVID nuff ah dem nah bin come. So now dat de situation improving, people coming back.

But some ah dem coming fuh a hustle.

Dem hear Guyana gat oil and dem coming looking fuh see how dem can cash in on de boom.

But dem nah realise dat is only two percent royalty and

12.5 percent profit sharing we getting.

And de guvament looking fuh spend de lil freck wah we getting.

And yuh know wah does happen when de guvament spending money?

Some ah dem also coming fuh another type of hustle.

We gat nuff Venezuelans in we country and some ah dem tourists looking fuh be nice to dem.

But when is all said and done, de reason why Guyana poor is not only because of we politicians.

Is also because nuff ah dem wah leff dis country, carry away dem wealth with dem.

And it still continuing

onto today.

De foreign companies draining we wealth and people wah living overseas does also be carrying out dem wealth wah dem accumulate hay.

Yuh know how much property buy in New York and Toronto with money wah send from Guyana?

Is time dem Guyanese wah stay and ponish, get dem fair share of de countrys wealth.

Is time we slow down with all dem deals wah we mekking and bringing in people fuh sell we name brand tea and coffee.

Wat ever happen to giving an advantage to local content?

Talk half. Leff half.

mega farm projects which gained little traction regionally.

Now here comes Irfaan Ali popping along with some plan about food security.

His plan revolves around increasing production and dismantling barriers to trade in agricultural goods.

If, however, Ali believes that the barriers will come down, he is only deluding himself.

As for food security, Guyana is already food secure in six major food groups, and more than 60 percent of the foods we consume are grown in Guyana.

Does Ali know that?

Berbicians, therefore, are not going to get excited about the plans which are being laid out for them, including the one that is likely to become the biggest white elephant of them all, a new stadium at Palmyra.

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

Kaieteur News

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Thursday April 14, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Linkage between incredible hypocrisy and sex appeal M

y suspicion and rejection of organisations which claim they want a Guyana of equality, respect for the rule of law, fair government, justice for the poor and powerless, and professional service to ordinary people have always been premised on the duplicity of these organisations.

They just do not show any interest when it comes to violations against ordinary citizens who have no well placed voices to speak on their behalf.

I lived in this country all my life and I have seen the ruthless hypocrisy of these people. They display their energy when the issue brings publicity.

Many organisations are formed in this country purporting to speak for the citizens but their choices are selective and their interest is one of convenience. It was former Speaker of the Guyana Parliament, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, who pointed out in his analysis of civil society in Guyana in his Stabroek News column that there are useful areas

that groups can become active to bring relief to citizens.

A particular choice of words was extremely interesting. He wrote: “(these) bodies can play a major role in improving Guyanese life, not only in areas of transparency and accountability but in other areas not having as much sex appeal.” What does he mean by “sex appeal?”

The word I have been using for decades in my condemnation of these organisations that mean the same thing as sex appeal is “publicity.” I was relieved when Mr. Ramkarran penned his analysis because I was now not alone in my constant criticism.

The areas Mr. Ramkaran suggested that organisation can be useful are traffic madness, alcohol abuse, etc.

What we find is that organisations are looking for issues that carry sex appeal (publicity) and the crucial dimensions of miserable life in Guyana are ignored. So we have this group or that group that wants to have dialogue with the government on this and that policy.

They want meetings with this and that minister. They want documents on this and that project. They issue press releases on the things they have complained about.

What about their interest in the violations that occur daily in the lives of ordinary folks? Do you read their press releases on these matters? You don’t because fighting for the ordinary person has no sex appeal. A labourer wrote a public letter for his severance pay from the National Parks Commission. Has any NGO taken up this injustice? The answer is a resounding no.

For two consecutive days, letters of violations were highlighted in the media. Were press releases by our “dedicated,” “faithful,” “patriotic” NGOs sent to the media on behalf of the victims?

The answer is a reverberating no.

And why not? There is no publicity (sex appeal) to be gained.

One letter describes the inability of a citizen to obtain a vehicle document from the GRA. The citizen said on presenting himself for his document, he was

told to come back the next day and that is the mode the GRA has placed him in for weeks. Another letter is from one of the highest religious figures of the land – Swami Aksharananda.

The Hindu priest has made a formidable and legally implicating accusation against a public official that he named. He actually quoted from the person.

The accused has not responded and we only have the Swami’s version. If the Swami is right, then the so-called organisations, NGOs and the usual suspects that write letters with 40 signatures must now prove to the people of this country that they are not only highlighting issues that have sex appeal.

The Swami wrote that the official arrived at the stipulated time to oversee a cremation at 2PM but because the family was late, the gentleman, according to the Hindu priest, was annoyed and postponed the process by an hour. Again, I repeat we have only the priest’s description. But if he is right, then one question we must ask ourselves.

Frederick Kissoon Here is that question – why people would want to write letters to the newspapers with 40 signatures; why would groups claim that they want good governance so they write ministers of the government to complain; why would organisations issue press releases about governmental behaviour and all of these folks simply refuse to take up the humiliating plights that ordinary people face?

The answer lies in the words of one of Guyana’s famous politicians – Ralph Ramkarran.

I will quote Mr. Ramkarran again and remind you that as you read his words, they did not come from Frederick Kissoon: “(these) bodies can play a major role in improving Guyanese life, not only in areas of transparency and accountability but in other areas not having as much sex appeal.”

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

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday April 14, 2022

$40.3M estimated to construct health facilities in Reg.10 Making use of its $1 billion allocation for the health sector, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 is looking to spend some $40.3 million for the construction of a health post at Falmouth in the Essequibo River and a health centre at Muritaro in the Demerara River.

These projects were revealed during the opening of tenders last Wednesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

According to the RDC’s engineer’s estimates, the Muritaro Health Centre is

estimated to cost $15.4 million while the health post in Falmouth is projected at $24.9 million.

The companies that put in bids for these projects are: JJ Mining & Construction, who bid $15,000,000 for the Muritaro project. While Brick & Mortar Construction Service & General Supplies bid $23,067,203, Andy Const Company bid $23,667,203, BDE Recycling bid $32,900,000, and Orin’s Supreme Enterprise bid $24,859,640 for the project in Falmouth.

It was reported that from

t h i s y e a r ’s b u d g e t , approximately $5.3 billion was allocated to Region 10, which would see $1.1 billion for its health sector, $75 million for agriculture, $352 million for public works and some $3.4 billion for education.

Kaieteur News was told that the construction of these two brand new facilities would have a pivotal role for the Falmouth and Muritaro communities since it would give residents there easy access to healthcare services.

This is according to the Regional Chairman, Deron Adams who told this

publication that the RDC is pleased the projects are coming on stream and that it will soon become a reality for these Amerindian communities.

Adams said that last year, he along with his RDC team had visited these communities where representations were made to have these health posts constructed.

“In 2021, myself and RDC councillors would have visited River’s View and Falmouth and we would have made representation after consulting with the residents there for a health

post to be constructed and in the Demerara River as well as at Muritaro, representation was made and we are happy that the area is receiving help,” he explained.

He noted that at the current situation, villagers are forced to travel long distances to receive health treatments.

For example, he noted that Falmouth which is a satellite village and is home at over 300 persons, the villagers there are often times forced to travel to Riverview’s view for basic health services. According to

him, its a15-minute boat ride from Falmouth to River’s View. The RDC Chairman went on to state that “We have been getting a number of reports in terms of storage for vaccine especially at River’s View and Falmouth, where they would normally have to send these items back to Bartica. So we are optimistic with the construction of that facility that it would be equipped with the requisite equipment that is needed to ensure that health care delivery is up to par, whether it is the freezer to store vaccine or (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Miner stabbed to death following row over woman

Dead, Roy Harry A drinking session between two co-workers ended deadly on Wednesday, after one allegedly fatally stabbed the other following an argument over a woman.

The dead man has been identified as 29-year-old Roy Harry, a miner of Wauna, Mabaruma, North West District (NWD).

Police in Region One stated that around 05:50hrs Wednesday, they received a phone call about a stabbing incident that occurred at Reserve Baramita, NWD between 03:00hrs and 04:00hrs that same day, in which the victim was seriously injured by the suspect, who is a co-worker from Moruca, NWD. According to police reports, information received revealed that Harry and the suspect, who is a 21year-old worked at the same mining camp. They were reportedly imbibing alcohol at New Star Backdam in Reserve, Baramita when a misunderstanding over a female acquaintance ensued.

Following the misunderstanding, reports are that the two left together for their mining camp and thereafter got into another argument, which resulted in the suspect allegedly assaulting the victim and stabbing him with a knife.

Police reported that earlier yesterday morning sometime around 04:00 hours, the suspect related the situation to another coworker, Michael Green, a 48-year-old mechanic of No.53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. After relating the incident to Green, the suspect then left the camp claiming that he was going to

the police station to report the matter.

After hearing of the incident, Green immediately rushed over to the camp and made checks for Harry where he observed him lying motionless on the ground with what appears to be a stab wound to his chest.

Green then reported the matter to the police, via telephone.

Ranks of the Baramita Police Station were immediately deployed to the location to conduct an investigation. At around 08:00 hrs, the suspect was seen walking along a trail at Reserve, Baramita that was not leading to the police

station.

T h e m a n w a s subsequently arrested and is in custody at Baramita Police Station assisting with the investigation. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, one of dead man’s close relatives stated that Harry who has been in the backdam for sometime had plans of coming home for Easter. The young man stated that his cousin was coming home to finish off the final set of works on his home. Harry, who is the breadwinner for his family, leaves to mourn two daughters. He was described as a very funny and jovial person.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Assuria Insurance honours first 10 policyholders in 10th Anniversary gesture Managing Director and General Manager, Mr. Yogindra Arjune

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebrations Suriname-based Assuria Insurance honoured its first ten policyholders that joined the company in 2012.

The policyholders were awarded at a ceremony held at the company’s Church Street Head Office.

Managing Director and General Manager, Yogindra Arjune, said that Assuria values its customers and as such decided to host the ceremony to honour the first 10 who signed up.

He said that Assuria opened its doors in Georgetown on April 1, 2012 offering insurance products with value pricing. Insurance packages are offered in Motor, Fire, Life, Health, Travel, Group, Marine, Liabilities, Bonds and Pension tailored for all stakeholders. Arjune also said that the Anna Regina branch office is the tenth and newest office of the company. He thanked the policyholders for their continued loyalty to the

company and for remaining throughout the years.

“When we started, many people had never heard of us before. We knew we had a huge challenge before us.

But you put your trust in us and 10 years later we are still here together. We have created a very fruitful and lasting relationship. Thank you for giving us the chance to serve you and we look forward to continuing offering our great services and support to you, we will soon open our new Head Office to better serve you” Arjune said.

During the ceremony novelties, snacks and a gift certificate worth $20,000 to dine at the Marriott hotel were given to each customer.

The ten loyal customers honoured were: Abiena Abrigo, Celkernz Sandy, Latoya Burrowes, George and Grace Smartt, Ron and Metrine Daniels, Nikeitha Alleyne, Ramphal and Fazela Persaud, David Noel, Pauline Standford and Simone Giles.

PAGE 15

Some of the loyal customers who were honoured

by Assuria at its Church Street office

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Thursday April 14, 2022

Thursday April 14, 2022

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Thursday April 14, 2022

Civil society can play big role in helping govt. verify Exxon expenses - Oxfam report

As Guyana continues to build capacity to audit and verify expenses provided to the country for its oil and gas developments, civil society could play a major role in monitoring government’s response to handling multibillion dollar sums that are recoverable from Guyana’s share of profit oil.

A 2018 report from the British founded Oxfam confederation which focuses on the alleviation of global poverty, provided that while many developing countries face great difficulty when dealing with oil companies, there are several basic questions citizens may ask of their governments to understand how they are managing costs audits.

The report, Examining the crude details: Government audits of Oil & Gas Project Costs to Maximize Revenue Collection, was conducted

by Lead professionals attached to the International Institute for Sustainable Development to highlight challenges faced by developing countries in the case study involving: Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and Peru,

where they lost millions of US dollars in overstated sums.

The report explained that the extractive industries-oil, gas, and mining—present an enormous opportunity to mobilise greater domestic revenues that could close the gap between rich and poor.

The petroleum sector in particular often generates enormous profits, and governments, as custodians of the resource, are entitled to the lion’s share. Even where oil and gas companies contribute considerably to government revenues, the report noted that it is possible that they should be contributing more.

“However, it is far from simple for developingcountry governments to adequately administer their petroleum fiscal regimes and collect all that is due.” The Authorities may lack the necessary legal and regulatory tools, expertise, or information; furthermore, conflicting incentives or political pressures may complicate their mandate to maximize revenue collection.

Inflated company expenditures are a major

Guyana’s ability to verify oil expenses is not growing as fast as the sector

threat to government revenues from oil and gas as the more costs that companies report, the less profits for government.

Developing countries stand to lose the most from cost overstatement, the report indicated. As a result, “petroleum-producing countries must ensure they capture an appropriate share of the value of their oil and gas if they are to meet domestic revenue mobilisation (DRM) targets.

As part of a check list, experts say citizens and civil

which are based

S

brother-in-law

society should pay attention to their government’s legal right to audit cost and whether it is adequate and whether there is a clearly defined list of expenditures eligible for cost recovery and/or tax deduction.

Citizens must know where the responsibility for cost auditing is assigned, and the number of agencies involved. If audit rights are dispersed, the report said that citizens must be aware as to whether there is an overarching coordination mechanism and whether there are systems for sharing information and expertise that may be relevant to cost audits?

As it relates to auditors, citizens must know whether there are enough auditors with the requisite industry knowledge and expertise.

They must also be aware of regular risk assessment and demand adequate information and reporting

requirements. The report went on to highlight that civil society must inquire about government’s access to information held in other jurisdictions as well as how often audits happen in accordance with time limits and recordkeeping requirements. Citizens must insist of their governments to publish information on auditing activities and results, and on whether the audit findings resulted in adjustments to production share due. Additionally, citizens must inquire about oversight bodies monitoring the use of cost-auditing rights and demand transparency in this regard.

Stakeholders continue to express dissatisfaction regarding the slow pace of capacity building with regards to verification and auditing since Guyana has so far been unable to confirm almost US$10B in cost for the Liza 1 and 2

developments due to the expiration of the stipulated two year auditing timeframe.

The timeframe for Guyana’s third development, Payara, will be up this year, while the government continues to look at a US$460M sum in pre-contract costs.

Civil society and other sections have called it criminal that after seven years since Guyana first announced finding oil, none of its governments was able to put adequate measures in place to ensure proper checks of oil development expenses. Based on past studies, it has been highlighted that well performed audits could save countries large sums of money in overstated cost. It has been said that being able to audit Guyana’s oil expenses could see the country saving almost a billion US dollars due to ineligible cost items being removed.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

PAGE 19

Over 1000 families in limbo as fishing industry faces collapse …Upper Corentyne fishermen worry about Suriname’s fishing license requirement

By Zena Henry

A

f t e r disappointing news that Guyana had been unable to secure 150 fishing licences from the Surinamese government, the Upper Corentyne fisherfolk are hoping for a speedy resolution to the matter which they say could negatively impact spending within their region.

The Upper Corentyne fisher folk are adamant that the fishing industry is extremely important to them. They say that failure to address the ongoing issues would see some 1000 families being affected, and the entire regional sector being jeopardised.

Chairman of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation and the Upper Corentyne Fisherman Co-op S o c i e t y, P a r m e s h w a r Jainarine told the Kaieteur News yesterday that the Berbice fishermen are disappointed and worried about not receiving the

licences, which were supposed to be available since January 1 of this year.

He explained that the authorisations were supposed to help fishermen conduct their business in Suriname without the harassment, which they have been facing from fishermen and maritime patrols in that country. Now, he stated, there is even more concern regarding the sector ’s survival.

The Chairman explained that being so close to Suriname, Guyanese fishermen often find themselves in Dutch waters working. He said that this is something that has been happening for decades and Guyanese at one point were even provided with licences from the Surinamese authorities to work there.

Over time, he said, the licences were taken away from Guyanese and given to Surinamese. This leads to some Surinamese renting their licences to Guyanese for profit. Where Guyanese once rented the licences for

US$1000 and US$1500, they are now being asked to pay US$3000 and US$4000.

This Jainarine said, led to local fishermen asking government to intervene in the matter.

“It was too much pressure pon we,” Jainarine explained. He said that with all the other expenses fishermen face, they could not afford to pay the exorbitant prices the Dutch men were seeking. He noted however, that in seeking government’s intervention, the Surinamese seemed not to have favoured the move since they have upped the pressure.

He explained that Guyanese fishermen are now being asked to leave their fishing boats in Suriname where it is licensed.

Guyanese are being told to take smaller boats to head over to Guyana and return in the vessels when ready to access their boats for work.

Jainarine said this demand cannot work for many reasons, but most obviously, for security

reasons. He said that here in Guyana, security is paid to overlook boats at the fishermen’s landing and even then they are tampered with and sometimes damaged. He opined therefore that it would be unwise to leave the boats unattended in the foreign port.

Outside of this, Jainarine said that the effects of this at home are that many people who “catch a lil hustle” would no longer be able to do so. He said that the Co-opt would be severely affected if fishermen were no longer docking and purchasing their supplies from them. “We are saying that if the boats are parked in Suriname, it can’t work because the co-opt will close. We won’t be able to pay our staff and provide the services we normally provide and then we don’t want to have to ask government to help us with that too,” Jainarine explained.

The Chairman said that based on favourable reports that promoted a good

Upper Corentyne Fisherman Co-op Society Chairman, Parmeshwar Jainarine made the fishermen’s case when government visited the region relationship between Guyana and Suriname’s heads of state, they thought it a good idea to “beg the government to intervene” because of the financial pressure the Surinamese licensed holders were placing on them. Now, that move seems not to have been a good idea, Jainarine concluded.

“Cause we can’t understand how two government sign a document that say yes we going to issue these licences and now you hearing one party reluctant

and the other one saying they cannot influence decisions.”

“Currently, we provide for over 1000 families,” Jainarine told the newspaper.

He said persons from neighbouring communities also benefit from the sector that plays a major role in the r e g i o n ’s e c o n o m i c s .

Fishermen have great spending power and support many community businesses. To this end, Jainarine said that fishermen could only hope for a speedy and favourable resolution to the matter.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

PAGE 21

Norton finally elected leader of opposition …Volda Lawrence replaces Nicolette Henry as coalition fills vacant seats

Volda Lawrence being sworn in as MP yesterday

P

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) stalwart, Aubrey Compton Norton was on Wednesday elected Leader of the Opposition (LOO) several months after he won the headship of his party, which gave him a mandate to take up the post previously held by Joseph Harmon.

He was sworn in as a Member of Parliament first, before being elected the LOO during a meeting of the members of the opposition.

Norton’s election has come 77 days after Harmon, tendered his resignation with immediate effect, late January.

After being appointed, Norton was also unopposed for the post of Opposition Leader and was bestowed with the position.

Also appointed to the National Assembly yesterday was People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, Ms. Volda Lawrence, who is replacing former Education Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry.

Henry submitted her resignation to the National Assembly on February 2, during the 2022 Budget Debates. Her resignation was intended to pave way for

the incoming Opposition Leader, but Harmon too decided to part ways from the National Assembly, signaling his intent to resign on March 5, with effect from March 15.

At the commencement of yesterday’s sitting, Speaker Manzoor Nadir announced, “As Dr. Henry’s name was extracted from A Partnership for National Unity plus the Alliance For Change List of Candidates, I have in accordance with Section 99 (a) of the said Act called upon the Representative of the said List to further extract from that List, the name of a person who is willing to become a Member of the National Assembly to fill that vacancy in the Assembly…I have been informed that Mr. Aubrey Norton has been extracted from the List and that Mr. Aubrey Norton was on 6th April 2022, declared by the Guyana Elections Commission to be an elected member of the National Assembly.”

While being sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, Norton said, “I Aubrey Norton do hereby solemnly declare that I will

bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana.

That I will faithfully execute the office of Member of the National Assembly, without fear or favour, affection or ill will and in the execution of functions of that office I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

Ms. Lawrence, who formerly served as Minister of Public Health and Chairperson of the Party, also took the oath and was appointed as an MP. She was declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on April 6, to take up a seat in the National Assembly.

When the second session of the Sitting resumed, Nadir announced that during the break, an election was held where Norton was elected to serve as the Leader of the Opposition. After congratulating the new Opposition Leader on his election to the office, Nadir allowed Norton to give brief remarks during which he said he was pleased as his election was unopposed by any member. Further, he pledged to carry out his functions in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana.

New Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton taking the oath of office

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

TOURS

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

Contact:649-0956.

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

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

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

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

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

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FOR SALE Mature Palms & Trees.Get a head start now,so you can enojy later.Call:612-1848/ 648-1821.

6-4 & 5 bedroom house at Schoonord,1-3 story building at Zeelugt,1-3 bedroom at Blankenburg.Contact:6500402/652-0251.

Prime business spot(1/2 acre land) @Parika, house lots at Blanken burg,double lot at Tushen. Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251.

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

Water truck driver on West Bank Demerara.Tel:686-9296.

One male able bodied clerk: 225-2313/226-1497.

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

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

Taxi Dispatcher.Experience only,salary $28,000 wkly.

Contact GR Taxi Ganesh on 614-6202.

2 Construction Manager wanted to work with construction company.Contact Seema on 226-9416.

1 male to work on Chicken Farm in the interior.Must have knowledge about poultry farming.Contact:680-2702.

One Housekeeper.Must be able to cook,45-60 yrs old.

Must be living E.B.D. One handyman/store help, 6954785/265-3541.

Bar girls,Male Porter & Female cook for Interior. Contact:687-7638/660-9093.

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

19-yr-old teacher stabbed to death by boyfriend

A 19-year-old teacher was TOURS!Easter weekend trip on Tuesday stabbed to death to Suriname:Apr 14-17th, 2022.Tel:639-2663/673-2348. by her boyfriend at their Craig East Bank Demerara home, police have confirmed.

Dead is Shenese Walks, of Lot 311 Craig Public Road.

According to police reports, the alleged murder reportedly occurred between 15:30 hours on Tuesday and 11:45 FOR RENT hours on Wednesday.

2 bedroom located 515 Peter's Reports are that the now Hall E.B.D. Contact:660-4330 dead woman and the suspect betwenn 8am-5pm.

One,Two,Three bedroom apartment furnish & un furnish in Providence, Diamond, New Road, Vreed-en-hoop.

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Maintenance man & room attendants,30-50 yrs old.233 South Road Lacytown or 2252304.

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

Thursday April 14, 2022

lived together. It was reported to police that they allegedly had a misunderstanding on Tuesday about 15:30 hours.

The woman at the time, the police report stated had armed herself with a knife when the suspect tried to take the knife from her and reportedly stabbed her to the left side of her neck.

The suspect reportedly became afraid, secured the house and went away. On

Wednesday, around 08:00hrs police said, the suspect contacted his brother and told him what had transpired.

The suspect’s brother along with an aunt escorted him to the Grove Police Station where he was handed over to the police where the matter was reported.

Police stated after that, ranks along with the suspect visited the scene, where the deceased was observed

dressed in a white stripe top with long blue pants, lying on her back, beside a bed with a knife stuck in the left side neck.

The woman’s body was removed subsequently and taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where it is awaiting a post mortem examination. The 21-year-old suspect is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

CDB supports Procurement Reform in the Eastern Caribbean

T

he Caribbean De velopment Bank (CDB) has started a new phase of its public procurement reform programme, which is helping Eastern Caribbean countries to increase efficiency and effectiveness in government procurement.

The second stage of the programme, which will include finalising legal reforms and establishing electronic systems, kicked off with a 47-participant workshop, held recently in the Virgin Islands.

“Better expenditure management provides a foundation for building stronger and more inclusive economies.

This can be achieved through robust public procurement that provides transparency and account-

ability by promoting civil society participation, stimulating private sector growth and investment, and encouraging wider improvements in governance,” said CDB Head of Procurement, Douglas Fraser. Before the procurement reform started in 2018, CDB-financed assessments showed that few countries had dedicated procurement legal or regulatory frameworks.

In addition, existing systems relied on outdated financial and administration Acts.

Often appropriate institutional structures were not in place to undertake and oversee procurement and almost none of the public servants was dedicated to procurement whilst those involved in procurement lacked suitable qualifications.

Typically, public procureVACANCY ment can account for more One bulldozer operator to than 10-15% of a country’s work in Great Diamond. Con- gross domestic product, but tact:632-1118/647-4161. the amount can be considerably higher for small island One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

developing states such as those in the Caribbean where US$8-11 billion is spent every year on public procurement. Consequently, there is significant need for CDB to support its Borrowing Member Countries’ development objectives in this area.

In the past four years, with support from the Bank, legal and regulatory reform took place in Antigua and Barbuda and the Virgin Islands, and is at an advanced stage in Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Across the Member Countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), chief procurement officers and other senior procurement officials were appointed, often in newly created posts.

Some 20 senior officials from across Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent received Diplomas in Procurement and

Supply, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), through the Caribbean Procurement Training Programme, after long-term study.

CDB also actively advocated for all of the OECS countries to join and participate in the Inter-American Government Procurement Network to share technical knowledge and best practice, with the result that for first time all the OECS procurement leads had a venue to meet and build technical relationships.

The second phase of the procurement reform, estimated to last until mid-2024, will involve the completion of the outstanding legal and regulatory reforms, the formation of dedicated procurement institutions in the countries, the development of standard procurement documents and support for the introduction of electronic procurement to provide for greater transparency and efficiency.

Police arrest suspect in New York subway shooting ‘without incident’

Plant Shop Sales Staff.Age 18-30.Must be able to read & (BBC) - Police in New York write,work outdoors & team City have arrested a man susplayer.Call:646-2108. pected of shooting 10 comVacancy for 2 experienced muters in a rush hour attack hairdresser.Location Grove at a Brooklyn subway station.

E.B.D,Tel:652-5800.

Frank James, 62, is alPitmen,Serviceman,Hauler leged to have donned a Operator for interior location. construction worker’s helApplicants must be experi- met, vest and a gas mask enced. Call:231-2250. before throwing smoke One clerk for TSI Eccles of- grenades and opening fire.

A massive 30-hour manfice English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email hunt was launched in the wake application to techserigy of the attack. Mr James was taken into custody on @yahoo.com.

Wednesday afternoon in One female cleaner.Apply Manhattan after police reat:Lens 136 Sheriff St C/Ville ceived a tip-off, they said.

Georgetown.Contact:227- “My fellow New Yorkers: we 2486 or 227-1511. got him,” Mayor Eric Adams Person to assemble bicycle & said via video during a news straighten wheel.Apply in conference.

Officials said Mr James person at Alabama Trading. was the sole suspect in the 1 Forklift Operator.License shooting at Brooklyn’s 36th not needed.Apply at LENS Street station on Tuesday 136 Sheriff Street, C/ morning, in which 23 people Ville.Tel:227-1511/227-2486. were wounded, 10 of them

from gunfire.

The attack renewed calls to address violence in the city’s transit system.

Keechant Se w e l l , N e w Yo r k ’s p o l i c e c o m m i s sioner, said that Mr James was Police did not answer questions about the individual who called in the tip.

Mr James will be charged on several counts, authorities said, including the violation of a federal law which prohibits “terrorist and other violent attacks” against mass transit systems.

He could face life in prison if found guilty.

He had nine prior arrests, police said, and he had ties to Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The search for Mr James was complicated by malfunctioning cameras inside the subway station.

Officials on Wednesday

were working to determine whether one or multiple cameras at the station were broken.

The suspected gunman escaped the scene but was linked to the attack through a rented U-Haul van.

The key to the van, rented in Philadelphia, was found at the scene, along with a Glock 9mm handgun, three ammunition magazines, a plastic container containing petrol, and a credit card with Mr James’ name on it, police said.

An FBI affidavit said the agency believes Mr James rented the U-Haul in Philadelphia on Monday and drove it to New York, arriving the next day.

The agency said that records showed the Glock was lawfully bought in Ohio “by an individual named ‘Frank Robert James’”.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Covid claims another life; nine new cases recorded After reporting its last COVID-19 death on March 15, the Ministry of Health on Wednesday revealed that an unvaccinated 90-year-old woman from Region Four is now the country’s latest fatality. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,227.

The Ministry via its updated dashboard stated that within the last 24hour period they have recorded

nine new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 63,349.

The dashboard data shows that one patient is admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), seven persons are in institutional isolation, 90 are in home isolation and 20 are in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 62,024 persons have recovered from the virus.

House passes motion to amend...

From page 2 able to do their part,” she said.

Teixeira was supported by MPs from the Government including Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill who noted that under the previous three member quorum, the opposition was able to go ahead with the affairs of the PAC without Government members present.

He noted that at present the PAC is reviewing the audits from the period when the APNU+AFC were in power. “That period showed rampant corruption and the opposition would love to fast track the process without having us present,” he said. However, the APNU+AFC MPs were not convinced that the change of the quorum will not affect the committees’ ability to ensure accountability and

transparency in the expenditures. Figueira noted that since the 12th Parliament, the PAC has been carrying out its mandate and meeting on every statutory date, and the work has been executed in a very efficient manner.

He explained, “We see this as another attempt to slow down the work of the PAC by the PPP, to ensure that fewer meetings are held, and on occasions if they do not want certain agencies examined, they can now prevent that by simply not attending PAC.” His views were supported by Opposition member Ganesh Mahipaul who told the Assembly that now that the quorum is changed to government, by not showing up creates the perfect scenario to stall the review of its own spending when it comes up.

$40.3M estimated to construct...

From page 12 otherwise.” The Chairman concluded that the RDC will continue to ensure that it consults with its constituents individually, in groups and in various stakeholder forums so that its policy pursuits related to health care delivery are directed by the true needs of the people at River’s View, Falmouth, Muritaro and all other areas. “They can

expect to see more of the RDC 10 Councillors and Technical Officers visiting in anticipation of the 2023 budget preparation. It’s my hope that the health department will soon embark on a Health Fair at River’s View and Falmouth so that residents can benefit from and have access to critical services, free health examinations, etc,” he added.

PAGE 23

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

Thursday April 14, 2022

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

MCYS swimming programme underway Haiti and Trinidad...

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport ‘learn to swim’ programme is currently underway in Georgetown and Linden.

The programme commenced on Monday at Colgrain with some 300 male and female students between the ages of six to 16.

The programme, for the first time is taking place out for Georgetown with 102 students learning to swim at the Watooka Guess House pool in Linden. The Linden leg commenced yesterday while the Berbice leg will commence on Tuesday.

The programme which is designed to teach swimming as a life skill targets breathing, flipturn, floating, kicking and streamline.

Some students at Linden.

Mumbai Indians...

Thursday April 14, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might want to straighten up the house this morning, Aries. Some unexpected visitors could drop by. With no warning, you could be serving lunch or dinner to a group of ten!

Don't panic.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Friends or work colleagues could introduce you to a field of study that captures your interest, Taurus. You're ready for something new in your life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Travel is in store today, Gemini. It could be a spurof-the-moment trip with a friend. More likely, it will be a series of short trips closer to home.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You're likely to receive news today that brightens your future outlook, Cancer. It could be that your boss calls you at home and hints at a pending promotion.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can expect your life to change in a fairly dramatic way today, Leo. The change could be subtle at first, but with time and distance you're likely to look back on this day as pivotal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today could have you itching for a change, Virgo. The difficulty is figuring out what you really want to do with your life. A good first step would be to talk to people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're going to be busy but happy today, Libra. It's likely that a project you've been working on for a long time suddenly yields positive results. You can't help but be delighted.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You could be invited on a last-minute adventure today, Scorpio. By all means, seize the chance! You're certainly ready for a change.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you've been thinking about making a career change, Sagittarius, today is a good day to do some research on professions that interest you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Technology is going to play a big role in your life today and in the immediate future, Capricorn. It could be that your office is upgrading its systems and you're in charge of getting everyone up to speed on the new equipment.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might find yourself unexpectedly busy today, Aquarius. It could be that you'd planned to spend the day tidying up and reorganizing your home.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) t's hard to imagine a world without computers, Pisces.

Technology has been key to your professional life, and it's likely to be even more important in the future.

From page 30 stunning response, with the former smashing four consecutive sixes in a spectacular eighth over before falling to Odean Smith when one run short of his own century.

Tilak was run out by Argarwal soon after, before Pollard suffered a calamitous run-out for just 10 at t he hands of Smith as Mumbai’s hopes faded.

Yadav looked to lead once last attack for the batting side, but fell for 43 in a thrilling 19th over as the Kings held on for a third victory in five IPL outings, Smith posting three wickets in a comfortable final over.

Kings duo star with the bat Half-centuries from the Kings’ top-order batsmen set them on their way to victory, with Argarwal reaching 52 and Dhawan 70 in an outstanding display, setting a target which proved beyond Mumbai after their own top-order fell in quick fashion.

Stunning finish sees Smith rack up the wickets Smith, meanwhile, finished with a brilliant four wickets from 30 balls for the victors after accounting for the last three dismissals of the match, as Mumbai collapsed after Yadav fell in the 19th.

Scores: Punjab Kings 1 9 8 f o r 5 ( D h a w an 70, Agarwal 52, Jitesh 30*, Thampi 2-47) beat Mumbai Indians 186 for 9 (Brevis 49, Suryakumar 43, Varma 43, Smith 4-30, Rabada 2-29) by 12 runs.

From page 27 Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Roselord Borgella (53’, 74’) finished as qualifying’s jointtop scorer with 11 goals thanks to a brace, while Nerilia Mondesir (23’), Melchie Dumornay (64’), Batcheba Louis (72’) and a Yarisleidy Mena (88’) own goal paved the way.

Honduras completed qualifying in Group E with a 2-1 triumph over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Goals from Honduras players Kendra Haylock (26’) and Gabriela Garcia (53’) sandwiched Denella Creese’s (45+2’) score for Vincy Heat.

A late score from Lauryn Hutchinson earned Trinidad

and Tobago a dramatic 2-2 draw with Guyana to take the top spot in Group F at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Trinidad and Tobago. It looked like a brace from Guyana’s Sydney Cummings (45’, 82’) would outweigh Asha James’ goal (48’), but Hutchinson’s score in the 90’ delivered the W Championshipclinching draw for Trinidad and Tobago.

Nicaragua also enjoyed a winning finish to Group F by defeating Dominica 10-0 at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol in Managua. W Qualifying jointtop scorer Yessenia Flores (11 goals) scored four goals (2’, 19’, 31’, 53’), while Lilieth Rivera (14’), Jaclyn Gilday (25’), Reyna Hernandez (49’), Nathaly Silva (58’), Yorcelly Humphreys (71’) and Martha Silva (87’) also chipped in with scores.

PAGE 26

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

NY Tri State Guyana tour

Swar’s 3rd consecutive fifty power visitors’

By Sean Devers On the back of a third consecutive fifty from Ruhan Swar and impressive bowling from pacer Anirudh Bolisetty and left arm spinner Ansh Rai, the touring New York Tri State romped to a seven-wicket win over a U-17 Combined at Evereston another day blessed with glorious sunshine yesterday.

One of two venues used in the last U-19 World Cup and one of three grounds that have hosted First-Class in the City, the track favoured spin and the outfield was fast but the host team failed to justify their decision to bat first.

The combined unit, which included West Indies U-19 player Isaiah Thorne and West Indies U-16 player Ramnauth Rampertab, were bowled out for 114 in 31.4

overs.

Number eight batter Tomani Caesar hit three fours and three sixes in his 63-ball 51 but only Kevin Kesten (17) of the other batters reached 15.

Bolisetty took 4-30 while Rai supported with 3-27 for NY Tri State who responded with 118-3 in 26.5 overs with 16-year-old Swar following up his 58 in Berbice and 67 at Bourda with a magnificent unbeaten 76 from 82 balls, decorated with nine fours and a six.

Alvin Sammy, the only Guyanese in a team of players of Indian decent, hit a boundary in a carefully constructed undefeated 24 from 54 balls to see the North American based team to their second win in four matches.

Rampertab had 2-17.

With a strong Breeze blowing from the Atlantic Ocean, less than 100 meters from the Northern Sightscreen, the home side had a horrendous start.

Ria, extracting prodigious turn, got rid of Rampertab (0), while Bolisetty removed Romeo Deonarain for a duck and Sachin Balgobin (4).

Kesten hit a four and six as he counter-attacked before Ria with his flowing locks blowing in wind, had him stumped to leave the Combined side on 24-4.

They never recovered and slumped to 26-6 as four wickets tumbled for two runs.

Caesar continued to play his shots and clobbered Ria onto the Sightscreen at the Carifesta Avenue end but his fight ended when Bolisetty, in his second spell, orchestrated

Tomani Caesar deposits Ansh Rai for six at Everest during his 51 as both players had good performances. (Sean Devers photo) his demise at 109-9 after he had shared in small partnerships with Thorne (11) and Gavin Kisten (10).

When the tourists began their chase, the left-handed Tanish Dongre got going with a couple of elegant cover drives before he departed for 12 at 27-1.

Rampertab removed two batters for ducks and at 39-3 the game was in the balance before the level headed Sammy joined the dominant Swar to see their team easily across the finish line.

Today at DCC, the NY Tri State unit oppose the GCA U17s before the tour concludes with a two-day game on Saturday and Sunday at DCC.

Aniruth Bolisetty had 4-30 for the visitors at Everest yesterday.

(Sean Devers photo)

Singh Hardware and General Store cycle road race set for Sunday Singh Hardware and General Store of Canal Number Two, cycle road race, is set for Sunday on the West Demerara.

The event, which is being orgnaised by team Coco’s, covers 50 miles and will commence at Schoonord and proceed to Parika and return to the point of origin for the finish.

Action commences at 08:00hrs and over $200,000 in prizes will be at stake.

The categories to be contested are; male and female Open, veterans and juniors.

Singh Hardware and General Store cycle road race is set for Sunday.

Thursday April 14, 2022

NY Tri State donate shirts to GCU&SA

NY Tri State’s Mr King presents the shirts to GCUSA’s Rayan Banwari as GCA’s Shawn Massiah and other Umpires share the moment at GCC on Tuesday.

Vice President of the Georgetown Cricket Umpires & Scorers’ Association (GCU&SA) Rayan Banwarie, on behalf of the GCU&SA, thanked the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and the New York Tri State for the donation of the umpire’s shirts.

He stated that the donation was timely and highlights the excellent working relationship between the GCU&SA and GCA, who fa-

cilitated the donation.

“Umpires play a critical role in ensuring the game of cricket is played within the laws and spirit of the game and the donation will go a far way in ensuring this mandate is continued in addition to ensuring that umpires who officiate in GCA cricket tournaments are uniformed,” said Banwarie who is wildly regarded as Guyana’s best young Umpire.

He closed by wishing the

New York Tri-State team the best during their visit to Guyana.

Barbadian King, who presented the shirts to Banwarie at the GCC ground where the NY Tri lost to a GCA U-17 team on Tuesday, said the NY Tri State was happy to contribute to the Georgetown Umpires since on many occasions Umpires don’t get the recognition they deserve. (Sean Devers)

Patentia Pros win P&P Insurance Tapeball Competition The P&P Insurance Brokers Tapeball Super 6 overs Knockout Tournament saw Patentia Pros power their way to the title after a spectacular win against the La Bonne Intention side (LBI) Go Getters, to secure the winning incentives.

LBI had the opportunity to take strike first and pressed to 80 – 5 in six overs.

The target of 81 did not trouble the eventual victor at all since they raced to 84 – 4 in 5.1 overs, to claim the victory at D’Urban Park.

The eight team tournament saw Patentia defeat Vreed-en-Hoop Kings, Texila University got past AW&HW Engineering School, Lincoln University edged out Brickdam Boys and LBI got the better of GTI. In the semi-final round, Patentia defeated Texila University, while LBI sank Lincoln University.

As far as individual prizes go, Kishan Ramdeen won a

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

James Lewis (left) hands over the P&P Insurance Brokers Trophy and medals to the captain of the Patentia Pros.

prize for the best catch of the competition, while Deo Singh of Patentia and Domeneeh Wills of Brickdam shared the honours for Outstanding AllRound Performance in the

competition. The event was organised by the Georgetown Office Assistants Promotion Committee and the HFBC. It was coordinated by James ‘Uprising’ Lewis.

Haiti and Trinidad advance in CONCACAF Women Championship as final eight SportsMax - The field for the eight-team 2022 Concacaf W Championship is now set, as Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Panama clinched the final six berths following the results of the final matchday of W Qualifying on Tuesday.

Mexico are winners of Group A after downing Puerto Rico 6-0 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, Mexico. Jacqueline Ovalle’s brace (13’, 51’), along with goals from Katty Martinez (15’), Myra Delgadillo (19’), Diana Ordonez (55’) and Maria Sanchez (90+1’) sealed the win for El Tricolor.

In the day’s other game in Group A, Suriname claimed a 5-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda at the Frank Essen Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname. Van Ommeren Ravelcheny (27’), Andaya Lantveld (34’), Katoucha Patra (36’), Rowena Ondaan (68’) and Pique Naomi (90+4’) scored for the hosts, while Kai Jacobs (84’) tallied Antigua and Barbuda’s lone goal.

Costa Rica emerged as the top team in Group B after defeating Guatemala 5-0 at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.

Priscila Chinchilla (5’, 64’) scored a pair of goals and was joined on the scoresheet by Maria Salas (29’), Cristin Granados (52’) and Shirley Cruz (85’).

Saint Kitts and Nevis finished their qualifying campaign in Group B with a third straight win in a 6-0 final versus US Virgin Islands at Warner Park Football Stadium in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Phoenetia Browne bagged a brace (77’, 90+3’), while Ellie Stokes (21’), Cloey Uddenberg (51’), Caroline Springer (57’) and Jahzara Claxton (65’) added scores.

Jamaica gave the home fans at the Sabina Park Stadium in Kingston a smile, as the Reggae Girlz captured Group C with a 5-1 win over the Dominican Republic.

Khadija Shaw (79’, 90+3’) led the way with a brace, while Jody Brown (16’), Trudi Carter (40’) and Tiffany Cameron (60’) all added goals.

Kathrynn Gonzalez (24’) scored for the Dominican Republic.

Bermuda also ended Group C on a positive note thanks to a 6-0 win over Grenada at the Dame Flora Duffy National Sports Centre in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Leilanni Nesbeth (10’, 56’, 73’) notched a hat trick, Nia Christopher (23’, 88’) had a

Action in the game between Antigua and Suriname. (Concacaf) brace and Victoria Davis (78’) added a goal for the hosts.

Panama clinched their spot in the W Championship by virtue of their 2-0 victory against El Salvador at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City to clinch Group D. Second half scores from Yerenis De Leon (65’) and Karla Riley (78’) lifted the Canaleras to the three points.

Belize were 3-0 winners

over Barbados to wrap up their play in Group D at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador, El Salvador. Jayda Brown (55’, 90+4’) had a brace, while Shendra Casimiro (38’) also got on the scoresheet.

Haiti continued to flex their scoring muscles and posted a 6-0 win versus Cuba to claim Group E at the (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 28

Kallicharran & friends provide cricket shoes for U-15s Former Guyana and West Indies ‘A’ leg spinning allrounder Derek Kallicharran and friends Sohan Beer, Ramjit Singh, Shazam Hussein, Raj Rai, Tony Kallicharran, Krishna Kallicharran, Kumar Dindyal, Shanon Raghunath, Sean Bahadur and John Harihar, all former members of the Richmond Hill Vikings Cricket Club of New York, came up with US$600. The money will be used to purchase cricket shoes for 10 U-15 players who are expected to participate in the upcoming GCB Inter County U-15 Cricket Competition. Players from all three counties will benefit.

The players will be vying for places in the national team that will play in the Regional U-15 Tournament to be held later in the year.

Eight players are already identified namely; Romario Ramdihol, Vishal Williams, Gavin Kristen, Henrique Mickle, Nicholas Lovell, Elisha Ramdat, Christopher Williams and Earo Benjamin.

One of the players is an orphan.

Sohan Beer, currently on vacation, represented the group and presented the cash to former BCB Executive and current GCB Executive, Anil Beharry.

Beharry, an Ex Berbice Inter-County left-hander, was

Ethan Lee tops National Junior Chess Qualifiers - National Championship commences this weekend

Sohan Beer left handing over their contribution to Anil Beharry. high in praise for the timely assistance to these young and talented players who were carefully selected. He added that he is happy to facilitate this initiative and is certain that the cricket shoes will go a long way in helping these aspiring players to achieve their dream. Beharry thanked Kallicharran and team on behalf of the players and is confident that a new breed of cricketers will emerge and will help Guyana and West Indies cricket return to its rightful place.

Special mention of the role Derek Kallicharran, who cap-

tured 98 First-Class wickets, played in mobilizing the funds was made. Beer in response said, that he is happy to be part of such a noble idea that was conceptualized by Kallicharran in collaboration with Beharry.

He also mentioned that this is the first of more things to come and is especially pleased that a child who is an orphan is the recipient of one cricket shoe. He further encouraged the players to be focus and discipline at all times. The cricket shoes will be distributed shortly. (Sean Devers)

Hetmyer presented with gear by parent of NY Tri State player On Sunday at the Chesney cricket Ground in Corentyne Berbice, Leroy Sammy, the dad of one of the members of touring New York Tri State U-17 Cricket team presented a bat and pair batting gloves to Adrian Hetmyer.

The 13-year-old righthander, who hitthree centuries in four innings, is the son of former Guyana U-19 batter Seon Hetymer and the nephew of West Indies batter Shimron Hetymer.

Sammy, a Guyanese who now resides in the USA along with former Guyana pacer Coach Linden Fraser are the only two Guyanese in a team comprising sons IndianAmericans, said he has heard many good things aboutthe young Hetymer and decided to donate the gear to him.

Adrian thanked Sammy for his kind gesture and promised to use to the gear to make many runs for Berbice in upcoming U-15 Inter-County tournament and for Guyana in

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

Adrian Hetmyer collects gear from USA based Guyanese Leroy Sammy (2) the regional competition if selected.

The Berbice U-15 team the first practice match on Sunday against the New York Tri State team as they inten-

sify their preparations for the inter-county tournament.

Berbice are the only team that has been picked for the Inter-County tournament.

(Sean Devers)

Ethan Lee has emerged triumphant after tense rivalry over the last four days in the Guyana Chess Federation’s (GCF) National Junior Chess Qualifiers.

The 19-year old Lee, former student of Marian Academy, racked up 6 points after playing undefeated for five rounds and drawing his final two matches against top player Ricardo Narine and his brother Ronan Lee. Narine, former Queen’s College and current University of Guyana student, placed second with Keron Sandiford from Saints Stanislaus College, earning third place. The top three players all finished on 6 points each.

These players have earned their spot at the Junior Nationals alongside Ronan Lee - Marian Academy (5.5 points), Rajiv Lee - School of the Nations (5.5 points), Sasha Shariff - University of Guyana (5.5 points), Jessica Callender – MTV employee (5 points), Matthew Singh Queen’s College (5 points), Kyle Couchman - Queen’s College (5 points) and Mayas Khan - Marian Academy (5 points), who all finished 4th to 10th, respectively.

Tie-break systems Direct Encounter, Buchholz and Sonneborn-Berger were used to determine the positions of the players. Marian Academy student Micaiah Enoe, who also finished on 5 points, was awarded a trophy for the best Under-16 player. Pooja Lam from the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School finished on 4.5 points and received the trophy for best U-14 player.

Nicholas Zhang, from School of the Nations was adjudged the best U-12 player with 4.5 points. Mae’s students, Julian Mohabir (4 points) and his brother Landon Mohabir (3 points) were best U-10 and U-8 players, respectively. Prizes were also distributed outside of the top ten players.

Regional prizes were awarded to Anasie Fredericks from Region 2, Tapakuma -

Kataleya Sam presents a token of appreciation to the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle. student of Anna Regina Secondary who finished with 4 points. Oluwadare Oyeyipo from the University of Guyana was the top player from Region 3 with 4 points.

Queen’s College students, Ceil Clement from Region 6, and Jasmine Simpson from Region 10, finished on 3 points and 2 points respectively, and took home medals.

Children from Queen’s College, with the largest contingent, Bishops’ High School, Saints Stanislaus College, Marian Academy, Mae’s and School of the Nations were the main schools participating among others.

Present at the award ceremony was Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle.

The Honourable Charles Ramson Jr. Minister of Culture Youth and Sport was unable to attend because of prior commitments. Ninvalle praised the progress the Federation has made in developing the sport across Guyana and attributed the success to strong leadership by GCF President Frankie Farley and his executive committee. He was also very impressed with the Federation’s expansive Nursery Programme after noting that this tournament saw nearly 70 junior players competing at a high level.

He has pledged the National Sports Commission’s support in advancing the

game even further in the future. Frankie Farley, President of the GCF also remarked on the progress of the federation over the past years and attributed its success to the executive committee who has been working diligently to ensure that chess in Guyana will continue to grow and provide opportunities to players of all ages.

Anand Raghunauth, Vice President, in his address, emphasized the need for funding for various aspects in order for the federation to carry out its mandate. The GCF wishes to express its gratitude to its main sponsor of the event, DeSinco Ltd., who provided Beep products in the form of sanitizers and disinfectant sprays for the tournament, as well as medals, trophies and gifts for the prize winners.

The GCF looks forward to continued partnership with DeSinco Ltd. Thanks also to the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for granting use of the National Stadium for the holding of the event, GEA for providing water for the players and Sunshine Snacks for the snacks provided.

Meanwhile, the National Championship will be played in a 9-round round-robin format. Games begin on Saturday April 16 and conclude on April 20, where a winner will emerge as the 2022 National Junior Champion.

4 R Lions beat DCC by 219 runs in GCA/Trophy Stall U-19 tourney 4R Lions beat Demerara Cricket Club by 219 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association Trophy Stall U19 tournament continued recently.

Batting first, 4R Lions

made 332-7. T. Caesar struck 97 not out, K. Kisten 33, Isia Thorne 22 and Romeo Deonarain 20. G. Hutson took 2-29, W. Allen 2-43 and J. Persaud 2-60.

DCC were bowled out

for 113 in 26.3 overs in reply.

S h a m a r Ye a r w o o d m a d e 2 2 a n d J o nathan Van Lange 20. M. Pottaya bagged 5-35 and Deonarain 4-17.

Thursday April 14, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

BCB/Cricket Kindness project benefits dozens of youth cricketers Cricketers pose with the gear they receive along with BCB officials.

- Clubs and schools to benefit soon D

ozens of young and promising youth cricketers in the ancient county of Berbice last weekend benefitted from donation of cricket gears from the Berbice Cricket Board organized Cricket Kindness project. The youths were drawn from across the county and were selected by their respective clubs based on their discipline, attitude and need for cricket gears. The presentation was done in the compound of the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and was done via a transparent system supervised by BCB President Hilbert Foster, Secretary Angela Haniff, Public Relations Officer Jonathan Rampersaud and executives members Gregory Crandon and Narine Deonarine.

Foster stated that the project actually started in late 2020 when former England test player Roland Butcher contacted him to inform him that he was submitting the BCB’s name for assistance to a group named Cricket Kindness for possible assistance in the form of cricket gears. He disclosed that the head of the organization Ms. Tamara Lowe requested a comprehensive proposal which was submitted by the BCB. Cricket Kindness is an England based charity organization that assists clubs, youth players and schools with cricket gears. The group works along with a wide range of former test players like Butcher, Chris Lewis, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Gordon Greenidge and Sir Richie Richardson among others to gather support and funds to make its operation successful. The group receives gear on an annual basis from supporters across the United Kingdom, especially current players, schools and cricket teams.

Foster, hailed Ms. Lowe for her dedication to the effort of making a possible difference in the Caribbean with countries like Barbados,

St Kitts and Antigua benefitting in the past from millions of dollars worth of cricket gears.

Cricketing legends Richards and Greenidge were recently involved in Cricket Kindness programmes in Antigua and Barbados respectively.

Special thanks were extended to the management and staff of ECU Worldwide for their assistance in getting the muchneeded gears moved from England to Guyana free of cost. Thanks were also extended to Minister Charles Ramson and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for their support in getting the gears duty free in the country. The BCB also expressed thanks to Mr. Carl Griffith and team from Laparkan for their cooperation and support.

Among the gears distributed were bats, batting gloves and pads, wicketkeeping gloves, helmets, forearm guard, chest pads and thigh pads. Six clubs across the county also received white cricket uniforms for junior members. Eighteen members of the Berbice under15 teams also received colored t-shirts under the projects. Sixteen youths also carried home cricket boots. The distribution would continue on Sunday 24th of April during the BCB Annual Awards Ceremony with several schools and clubs with youth sections receiving gears to assist in their cricket development programmes.

The players and representatives of the clubs all expressed thanks to Ms Tamara Lowe, Cricket Kindness and ECU Worldwide for their assistance and pledged to take care of the cricket gears. Among the clubs that the players were drawn from Bush lot United, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath, Albion, Guymine, Albion, Port Mourant, RHTYSC, Skeldon, Radha Krishna, No 73 Young Warriors, Line Path and Scottsburg.

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Ms. Tamara Lowe of Cricket Kindness.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Thursday April 14, 2022

GCA holds indoor programme on Saturday at MYO

Atletico Madrid were unable to score the goal they needed on Wednesday as Manchester City advanced to the Champions League semi-finals (AFP/ Pierre-Philippe MARCOU)

Man City ride out Atletico storm to secure semi-final spot M

A D R I D (Reuters) Manchester City produced a disciplined performance to secure a fractious 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid yesterday and reach the Champions League semi-finals 1-0 on aggregate.

Tensions boiled over in the closing stages and Atletico defender Felipe was sent off after receiving a second yellow card before the teams played out 12 minutes of added time.

S c u ff l e s b r o k e o u t among the players following Felipe’s dismissal for kicking out at Phil Foden and continued after the final whistle as the teams went down the tunnel, with the police having to intervene to

restore calm.

The English champions were comfortable in the first half, Ilkay Gundogan struck the post with their best chance after a flowing move down the right, but they did not manage another attempt on goal the rest of the game.

City manager Pep Guardiola dared Atletico to get away from their usual conservative approach and, roared on by a boisterous crowd at Metropolitano stadium, they tried hard to play with more attacking intent.

The visitors were patient, slowing down the pace of the game and running down the clock to the displeasure of Atletico manager Diego Simeone and their vocal supporters crowd.

The Spanish champions enjoyed more possession after the interval and threatened to score the goal that would have taken the game into extra time but were unable to break down the City defence despite creating several good chances.

City had only two goal attempts to 12 from Atletico after the break and their goalkeeper Ederson made two crucial stops in added time to ensure his team advanced to the last four.

“When Atletico play the way City played today, we are very criticised. Let’s see what people say today,” captain Koke told Movistar Plus.

“I’m proud of my team mates for the effort they have

made, nothing to blame the team for. We’ve had our chances, we haven’t taken advantage of them and congratulations to the rival, but Atleti deserved more.”

The City players acknowledged they had not been at their most fluent.

“It wasn’t our best game, that’s for sure,” Rodri told reporters. “We were tired in the second half because of the calendar, we had a very intense match on the weekend with Liverpool and we were out of legs in the end.”

City, bidding to win European club football’s most prestigious trophy for the first time, will play record 13-times champions Real Madrid in the semifinals.

Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid was the 100th that Manchester City have played in the Champions League. (Getty Images)

Roger Harper and Neil Barry Snr. T h e C r i c k e t Development Committee (CDC) of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will be conducting a Coaches education development training session on Saturday 16 April 2022 at the MYO board room commencing at 10:00hrs.

This 2-hour session will focus on: 1. The alignment between Strength and Conditioning in planning the training progression of players.

2. The utilisation of Data Analytics that is available on

the GCA Cricclubs online Scoring platform to enhance the training and development of cricketers.

The sessions will be f a c i l i t a t e d b y Physiotherapist and Strength/Conditioning Coach Neil Barry Jr. Roger Harper and Neil Barry Sr. The session is open to all coaches and net session leaders attached to GCA clubs.

Registration can be done with GCA competitions committee chairman Shaun Massiah on 616-7240.

(Sean Devers)

Mumbai Indians remain winless as Argarwal and Dhawan star in Punjab Kings win SportsMax - Mumbai Indians’ winless start to the Indian Premier League season continued, as an exceptional display from Punjab Kings’ top order was enough to hold off the fivetime champions Half-centuries from Mayank Argarwal (52) and Shikhar Dhawan (70) established a commanding lead for the Kings, which Mumbai always looked unlikely to reach once Rohit Sharma went for 28.

Dewald Brevis (49) and Suryakumar Yadav (43) both looked to spearhead an unlikely revival for Mumbai, but fell narrowly short of half-centuries as they suffered a fifth consecutive loss.

Mumbai elected to put the Kings into bat when winning the toss, but Agarwal and Dhawan struck up an excellent partnership as the Mumbai attack

struggled to make headway early on.

The Kings reached 97 before Argarwal was caught

by Yadav, before Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone were bowled out for 12 and two runs respectively.

Dangerman Dhawan was finally caught by Keiron Pollard after joining Argarwal in hitting a halfcentury, after which a decent showing from Jitesh Sharma (30) and a mammoth haul of 28 runs in the 17th over carried the Kings to 198.

Mumbai skipper Rohit was tasked with leading the response with the bat, but their hopes of avoiding another defeat looked slim once he fell for 28, particularly once partner Ishan Kishan went for just three runs shortly after.

Brevis and Tilak Varma subsequently sought to lead a (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 14, 2022

PAGE 31

Regatta Football Semi-Final Dye Cast

AX Galaxy, Rivers View, Lazio & Potaro Strikers to clash tonight

Rivers View FC AX Galaxy FC

T

he two teams who will be battling for the top prize of one ounce of gold or its equivalent would be known when the dust is settled tonight in the semi-finals of the Bartica Easter Regatta Football competition.

Being contested at the Bartica Community Centre Ground and organized by

the Bartica Football Association in conjunction with the Regatta Committee, the final two quarter-final matches were played on Tuesday evening last and served up another surprise result.

New kids on the block, AX Galaxy continued their fairy tale run when they turned back the challenge of

Mil Ballers by the lone goal of that contest which came off the boot of Melvin Otero in the 31st minute.

It was AX Galaxy’s second win in as many matches having defeated Agatash FC 4-0 in the opening match of the competition on Saturday night last in an elimination clash. The new kids on the

block will now turn their attention to Rivers View FC tonight after the Rivers View lads took care of business against Rising Stars, 2-1.

Antonio Jones in the 43rd minute and Andrew Simmons in the 55th minute laid the early foundation for Rivers View to stave off a late surge from Rising Stars whose lone strike was recorded by Ian Gomes, fives minutes to full time, it

was, however, too little, too late.

Tonight’s other semifinal, which will get the action underway at 19:00hrs features Potaro Strikers and Lazio, they had defeated Wolves United and Beacons respectively in their opening matches of this knock-out competition.

The respective winners tonight will play in Saturday night’s final which would be preceded by the third-place

match amongst the respective losers. These matches would be punctuated by the final of the female tournament which semi-finals were set for last evening.

O n S u n d a y, t h e powerboat racing will take center stage with the likes of Randy Belle and Dave ‘The Jaguar ’ Scott in their formula-one boats expected to light up the Golden Beach waters.

Fraser-Pryce confirmed for likely May 7 clash with Richardson at Kip Keino Classic in Kenya

S

portsMax - ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson have both been confirmed for the World Continental Tour Gold Kip Kieno Classic at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya on May 7, Media Liasion Elis Makori confirmed to Sportsmax.TV yesterday.

Fraser-Pryce, 35, has yet to open her season as she prepares for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July when she hopes to add another title to her collection of nine gold medals that includes an unprecedented four 100m titles as well as a 200m title.

The two-time Olympic 100m champion also confirmed her participation on social media yesterday. ”One of the most asked questions on the page (Facebook) has been “when are you visiting Kenya?

Kenyan fans, how does May sound? See you in Nairobi,”

said Fraser-Pryce, who will be most likely going for a fifth 100m title this summer.

According to Makori, the four-time Olympic 100m medallist, will most likely be running the blue-ribbon sprint at the meet. This most likely will mean that she will be going up against upstart American ShaCarri Richardson, who has also been confirmed.

Richardson was down to compete at the Bermuda Games last weekend but was a no-show.

Meanwhile, the 27-yearold Jackson competed on the indoor circuit where she ran a lifetime best 7.04 while finishing sixth in the final of the 60m dash at the W o r l d I n d o o r Championships in Belgrade in March.

So far this outdoor season, she won the 400m in 51.29 on April 2, at the Velocity Fest at the National Stadium in Kingston and then at the Bermuda Games

- Shericka Jackson also confirmed

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson have both been confirmed for the event. on April 9, she ran 51.40s for a second victory.

Namibia’s Christine Mboma, the Tokyo Olympic 200m silver medallist and Fred Kerley of the USA are also down to compete.

Prize winners pose with Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (far right) and GCF President Frankie Farley (left).

rts Spo

Ethan Lee tops National Junior Chess Qualifiers - National Championship commences this weekend

MCYS swimming programme underway

Ethan Lee played undefeated in the tournament.

Students in action at the Linden leg of the programme.

Manchester City ride out Atletico Madrid storm to secure semi-final spot Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.