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Monday Edition Mattai’s NEWS Supermarket boss stabbed while fighting off bandits

AIETEUR

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

April 19, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 16

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday 83,185

Guyana will heed TT Expert’s advice

TT Energy Expert, Anthony Paul

to measure local content by value not volume - VP. Jagdeo Public officials must not hide - lack of information always from media leads to suspicion - ERC Commissioner

Cops under close arrest Bandit grabs for hosting b-day party dancing man’s after COVID-19 curfew gold chains Opposition demands urgent meeting with ExxonMobil over ‘poor performance’

Girl, 15, saves sister Man kills roommate from being murdered over last - suspect hangs self before by lover Coast Guard arrives shot of vodka Vice President Jagdeo sings different tune with different projects.

Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11:00am, Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Monday April 19, 2021

Opposition demands urgent meeting with ExxonMobil over ‘poor performance’ A

fter noting several media reports that the L i z a D e s t i n y ’s g a s compressor has malfunctioned for a fourth time, along with queries about the safety of operations offshore Guyana, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, has requested an urgent meeting with ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge and his Executives.

Harmon informed the media that he took this course of action as he shared a letter that was dispatched to Routledge recently.

In the missive dated April 15, last, the Opposition Leader said, “This reported lingering malfunctioning of equipment that continues to delay the termination of excess flaring of produced gas, plus the significant reduction of operations to a bare minimum production level, are of considerable concerns to the APNU+AFC Opposition, which as you are aware, represents almost half of the Guyanese population in the National Assembly.”

Harmon added, “I am in

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

The flaring that continues on the Liza Destiny FPSO

receipt of numerous queries from our constituents, civil society and concerned citizens expressing their w o r r y t h a t E E P G L’s performance since inception appear to be far below expectations and is eroding their confidence in a safe and environmentally sound operation.

Similar queries have been received by my

colleague Members of Parliament and my office.”

Based on the foregoing, Harmon requested to have an urgent meeting at a time that is mutually convenient for both parties.

The discussion on issues that have led to Exxon’s poor performance to date, will seek to understand the root cause(s) of equipment failures resulting in excessive flaring and reduced production, Exxon’s plan for permanently addressing these root cause(s), and the short and long term economic and

environmental implications for Guyana.

Furthermore, Harmon informed Routledge that he intends to be accompanied at the briefing by senior Members of Parliament including the Shadow Minister for Oil and Gas, David Patterson.

Kaieteur News would have reported almost one week ago that ExxonMobil’s gas compressor system for the Liza Destiny oil vessel had malfunctioned for the fourth time following the commencement of oil production in December 2019.

This latest mishap occurred even before the final test run could be completed on the equipment that had undergone “repairs and upgrades” in February, last.

The new problem this time around, relates to the discharge silencer for the gas compressor.

Since this latest

ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge

misfortune, ExxonMobil has reduced production from 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) to 30,000 bpd. It is also flaring four to five million cubic feet of gas on a daily basis.

The Government has since noted that it is highly disappointed in the

operator’s failure to resolve the matter once and for all.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently noted that he will be going after the agreements between ExxonMobil and the vessel’s manufacturer, SBM Offshore to determine liability.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

Guyana will heed TT Expert’s advice to measure local content by value not volume -VP Jagdeo

A

fter noting the advice of Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is now a firm believer that Guyana should measure local content by value and not by volume.

The former Head of State made this disclosure during one of his recent online interviews. During the said engagement, Dr. Jagdeo demonstrated his understanding of Paul’s sage words as he said that an oil company for example, can say it hired 20 Guyanese to provide food supplies but omit the truth about the value of the contractors going to those firms.

The official said, “…when you check the 20, they’re only supplying two baskets of bora or mangoes, and the bulk of it is coming from one big supplier from abroad.

So, if you measure by volume, it would say 20 Guyanese versus one foreigner supplying food.

But when you look by value, you’d see that they are

TT Energy Expert, Anthony Paul earning a pittance.”

Mr. Paul, a local content expert who had served on Government’s local content advisory panel last year, had told this newspaper during several exclusive interviews that one must think of local content as something that can be measured.

The Local Content Expert had said, “…If we can measure it, then we know how well we are doing.

People often describe local content as the number of people employed; the

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo number of companies engaged.

But remember, every activity has to be budgeted for. As such, I like to think of local content in a monetary sense. I ask, ‘what is the value of inputs for the activities being carried out in the sector?”

Based on Paul’s advice, D r. J a g d e o s a i d t h e Government will enforce the principle of measuring what oil companies are doing, and “not to leave it just at their word.”

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Guyana among top Caribbean countries with robust COVID-19 immunisation With thousands of COVID-19 vaccines donated to and purchased by the Government of Guyana over the past few months, the country is now among the top nations in the Caribbean with a robust immunisation campaign.

This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during his daily COVID19 update on Thursday, last.

Even though he did not specify the country’s ranking, the Minister said that Guyana is in a “good position”, thanks to the Government’s efforts to obtain vaccines so that Guyana can achieve herd immunity.

“We have been able to acquire more vaccines than just depending on the COVAX Facility and that’s why we have been able to advance our immunisation programme,” the Minister highlighted.

So far, Guyana has received 24,000 doses of vaccines from COVAX; 80,000 doses from India; 3,000 doses from Barbados, and

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

20,000 doses from China. All of these were donations. However, the country was able to procure a total of 55,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. This brings the total number of vaccines available to 182,000.

Since the vaccination campaign kicked off in February, over 70,000 persons across the country have received their first dose.

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Monday April 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Feasibility study - yea or nay?

“Any major capital project requires a feasibility study that should encompass supply, infrastructure, processing, transportation, marketing and stakeholder relations under different scenarios, including timing, prices and financing.”

That quote was taken from Dr. Dean Foreman, Chief Economist of the well-regarded American Petroleum Institute (API), as carried in the article titled, “Major capital projects require feasibility studies -API Economist” (KN April 18).

Of course they do, which is what we have been saying all along right in the pages of this newspaper on the gas-toshore project earmarked for Wales. The API Chief Economist took it all the way to where it belongs with his emphasis on “any major capital project” of which gas-to-shore surely must qualify to be one. When looked at via any of its main components: the hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars needed, the amount of time for the project, the commodity involved, the surrounding market forces, and the sheer logistics of it, a few things become clear. It becomes clear and imperative that only a credible feasibility study would furnish the depth of detail and expert analysis that enables our own Guyanese reviewers to appreciate the pluses and shortfalls of such a massive project. A feasibility study conducted and compiled by a trusted, independent entity would go very far in proving to the Guyanese people whether or not they should have this project.

It is important to note that only people, who are unattached, who have no stake in the outcome, can be so clinical as to call this project for what it is.

This is what we at this paper, and a few other Guyanese of standing, have tried to put before Guyana’s Vice President, without success. And this is precisely what Dr. Foreman, the API’s Chief Economist, has categorically stated is required for a successful undertaking, not only in gas-toshore, but for any major capital project. There is nothing that can be less of a ‘no brainer’ than that, but for which Mr. Jagdeo claims only he has the quantity of functioning brain cells and the voltage of brainpower to dismiss out of hand, and based on whatever whim or fancy that he harbours.

A project costing approximately one billion US dollars should not be done along the lines of this or any other leader’s mere say so. It is not enough, it is not acceptable, and it is not supportable. Now, in the instance of this gasto-shore project, when we are speaking of close to a billion United States dollars, which is approximately 210 billion Guyana dollars. It is why we say that it cannot be on any one man’s say-so and that alone. No such man, or leader, or egotist and narcissist, possesses the kind of wisdom that he and he alone must be accepted as the sole and unquestioned authority for a project of such magnitude, and with such a massive price tag.

We dare to be among the critics and naysayers on this. It is not even about the Vice President, since this is bigger than he is and has taken on an importance beyond him. This is about the project itself and the need for an independent and credible feasibility study, which when completed can be relied upon as to the viability of such a project. Before we can decide on the viability of the Wales gas-to-shore project itself, we have this bone-in-the-throat issue, as generated by the antics of this country’s Vice President, where energies are wasted on the question of whether a feasibility study is necessary or not. In essence, it is the yea or nay of a feasibility study for this much pushed for gas-to-shore project, rather than the project itself. This should not be happening, given our costly failures with other projects. It should not be, in view of what has occurred in our lopsided relationship with ExxonMobil.

It should not be, when we have so much before us, and of which we know so little. We cannot rely on our own instincts alone, or on the capricious calculations of leaders who have a history of failure and trickiness. Instead, it would be the pinnacle of wisdom to reach for and depend on those entities and those experts that can be trusted to study this gas-to-shore project to its core, and put on paper to us Guyanese, what is the whole story and the real story of what it could or could not be.

Then, and only then, will we at this paper be able to throw the full weight of our backing on what is brought before to decide upon, as opposed to what is being rammed down our throats as a done deal. That we will not be a part of, NO! Just do a credible study.

I am taking a break from writing in the papers Dear Editor, Ah think ah gon tek a break from writing in de paypaz. I am planning to chance my arm and make a run for the roses, give the other people a run for their money (and useless selves). Nah! I ain’t deh pon runnins or runnin scared, ah jus runnin wild. I am raising my hand from now: I am running for party office. And to just make it truly nonpartisan, it will be across-the-board, present on every occasion that they keep these political carnivals and lovefests.

First up, ah throwing me hat in de ring for the PNC congress, which will be sometime in the long Guyanese summer, definitely hot throughout the year anyway. I just want to shake up things (and peeple) a li’l

bit: a brighter face, a clearer head (definitely), and adding a little sparkle to the rainbow, which presently looks a little cloudy.

August looks logistically feasible, which is such an absolute no brainer, that I do not need any reminder from dunces dancing on dots; and that is regardless of the corner of the political spectrum from which they hail. After all, my schooling was not about ideology and subversion a la Moscow centered Patrice Lumumba, but as American as cook-up rice; on second thoughts, better make that apple pie, so as not to confuse the intelligence gatherers and covert listeners on Duke Street. Why even bother with a Congress is what I say to PNC comrades?

Just mail in the ballots, and

leave the rest to the polymaths, which GECOM found so erudite and credible (and defensible, of course).

But ah planning fuh run, an if anybady tink deh gon pull ah fast one and raab me, think again, brothas.

I am issuing the same caution to the unstoppable PPP, no less prodigious in the sick, deficit department.

Runnin’ at dah Congress, too.

DE brainy one caan cow me; ah ain’t de res ah dem jelly belly peeple, who all cower before de big maan and vote fuh who he seh. Vote fuh me, and ah gon tek yu’all places y’all nevah bin before.

Principled places, where God and children and simple country folk can be faced without fear of feeling that the holes in unwashed underwear are obvious, despite best

efforts at concealment. Ah could take de PPP comrades to honourable places where ah maan could tek ah drink wid dem without watching his pockets (and young children). Or his drink, for fear of being poisoned. The party needs it, and I can give them it.

Same story with de AFC and aal ah dem new hustlers dat call demself the future. If dem is de future, bring back Burnham. Ah gaan so far as fuh seh ah gon brush up pon de Spanish, so bring on de Venezuelans, ah gon tek dem.

Dah is how baad dem new peeple stand in my sight.

May de best maan win. That would be me, of course.

Hands down (counting under the table).

Yours truly, GHK Lall

The working class is not benefitting in this stagnant economy Dear Editor, I applaud Dr. Vishnu Bisram for his attempt at conducting surveys to keep the nation informed of the population’s view of the government and their policies.

No one else has been appointed to provide this service. With regard to the recent poll as published (KN April 18), the economy has been a challenge for this government as it was for its predecessor. Yes, this government has been managing the economy better than the predecessor coalition and people have more confidence in the PPP than APNU+AFC. But the economy has been stagnant over the last eighteen months and the working class and the poor have been feeling the

pain and hurting badly more than the wealthy and business class. Not much has changed from August 2020 to transform the lives of the people at the bottom. More needs to be done by government to improve the loss of the population or else it will be a one-term government as the coalition was.

In spite of a change in government eight months ago, the economy has not turned the corner. Money has not been circulating. The $25K COVID cash grant gave a fillip to the economy during the Christmas season. But that was long gone after a week of purchases of goods whose prices have been steadily rising under this government. Goods are more

costly than under the coalition in spite of a reduction or removal of VAT on many items. What is government doing about that?

The new budget has not begun to trickle down. Last year’s mini-budget made no dent in the economy as it benefited only a small group at the top and those with government affiliation or with high income. As under the coalition, only a small segment of the big business elite, though perhaps not the same group of business friends as under the last regime, has been benefiting under this government. Small and middle size businesses have been suffering with no letup in sight. Government contracts seem manipulated in preference of big business and political affiliates. The

small man remains a victim as usual. His or her role, it seems, is only to provide votes for an electoral winner, not to benefit from government’s largesse or just to get government handouts like the small COVID grant.

Dr. Bisram should conduct an analysis on who got contracts from last year’s budget and under the new budget and how many kickbacks, if any, were paid to politicians and bureaucrats to steer contracts towards particular businesses or contractors. Are contracts being manipulated? Dr. Bisram should also conduct a survey on actual benefits received by the population, the middle and working classes in particular. His findings may be surprising.

Yours truly, Thomas Whitehead

Sustainable livestock production one of the best ways in which we can speed up development Dear Editor, According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation, agriculture is vitally important to all economies of the world, for the chief reason that civilisation began with agriculture. And though humanity has changed, by way of his various economic pursuits, agriculture is still pivotal to the development of all of us. The reality is as a Third World Developing Country, Guyana cannot afford to miss so great an opportunity; we need to seize the day and move ahead aggressively in agricultural development. On this note,

we turn our attention to a sustainable animal husbandry programme.

Presently, Guyana is selfsufficient in the areas of beef, mutton, pork, poultry and goat meat; however, there is no reason why these cannot be produced at the export level. The challenge therefore is for us to arrive at sustainable increases in livestock production to secure that foreign market.

Our pastoral systems need modernisation, that is, the effective management of grazing animals to the quality of forage. The development of feedlots and pasturelands is vitally important for overall

livestock development. There should also be an improvement in vaccinations and other general veterinary health practices.

An intensification in an increase in the number and quality of animals and animal products produced, must be accomplished by improved breeds and upgrades. In cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs and poultry, upgrades and improved breeding can be effected by artificial inseminations and progeny testing. Crossbreeding with imported breeds from places like India and Jamaica should be looked into. These breeds are already

acclimatised and are well suited to a tropical climate.

Brazil our neighbour to the South South-West is a world producer in beef and beef products, and we can tap into this good relation with our neighbour and work on an aggressive improvement programme of our local herds.

Another area that needs special attention is inland fishing or freshwater fishing.

With hundreds of acres of inland ponds, canals and other freshwater reservoirs, Guyana can improve on its freshwater fisheries. Inland fishing ranges from shrimp, tilapia to hassar. The last (Continued on page 5)

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

The claims of a high incidence of rape in the Guyana National Service do not seem credible Dear Editor I joined the Guyana National Service and travelled to Kimbia to commence training as a staff trainee. One of the persons among my team of trainers was Miss Mahadai Das (her rank at the time, I cannot remember).

Miss Das impressed me in the way she conducted herself, her mastery of Guyanese history and her commitment to National Service.

Indeed, it was the exemplary person who I perceived her to be that kept me from not running away from the service at that time, since the training was strenuous both physically and mentally. Every time I thought about leaving, I remembered her and reasoned to myself, “If she can stick it, why can’t I?” That was enough for me to steel myself and plod on.

The second part of training took my group to Papaya, I therefore lost track of Miss Das who had made a lasting impression on me. I left GNS around 1980, but on occasions when I met one of her “squaddies”, I would inquire about her. I was shocked and saddened to hear that she had developed a mental illness (that was all many of them could tell me).

As time passed, I encountered two of her “squaddies” (one female and

one male) who had had recent encounters with her.

The female “squaddie” told me of seeing Das in a disheveled state on a street in the city. This woman had taken Mahadai to her home and took care of her for a time.

Eventually Das left of her own accord. Das’ male “squaddie” told me of seeing her walking along the Linden Highway.

He stopped and inquired what she was doing there?

She gave no intelligent response. He then offered her shelter and sustenance at the organisation that he headed which was located at Kuru Kuru. She accepted. The women in that organisation took care of her for a time, until, again, she silently left of her own accord.

In recent weeks, we have been inundated with negative comments about the GNS. One writer for some time now persists in his attempt to have us believe that acts of rape were common place at GNS centres.

Indeed, he once wrote “hundreds of Indian girls” were raped in the Guyana National Service. In Kaieteur News of 7th April, 2021, he was at it again, only on this occasion, he wrote “…Das was raped as were hundreds of others.” Notice, he is no longer saying “hundreds of Indian girls” – now the rapes occurred to girls generally. I

guess someone must have gotten to him and pointed out how ridiculous his earlier contention was. Still, others were determined to go a bit further.

In a letter to the Editor appearing in the Kaieteur News edition of 12th April 2021, the writer tells us “”Doctors at National Service treated thousands of rapes …” These two positions on this matter of incidents of rape in GNS are shady, especially when juxtaposed with the contention of others.

In 1977, the then Mrs. Janet Jagan published a booklet entitled, “An examination of the National Service,” in which she opined on why East Indian young women would not join the GNS. She argued that since unmarried girls were expected to remain in their parents’ home and care, Indian young ladies did not and would not join an organisation like GNS. Indeed, Mrs. Jagan even said that Indian young ladies would prefer to give up attending UG than to join the GNS. Those speaking about Indian girls being in GNS in such large numbers that would allow for “hundreds” and “thousands” of them being raped must first deal with Mrs. Jagan’s contention that the number of Indian girls in the GNS was infinitesimal.

Further, as far as the two

...Sustainable livestock production From page 4 named is a delicacy that is in great demand worldwide and Guyana can tap into this farming successfully.

Government must put in place an intensified agricultural extension programme to sensitise farmers to get into this lucrative farming pursuit.

Other small animals such as iguanas should be explored with an eye on the export market. Iguana is another one of the meat stock that has an international appeal where culinary delights are

concerned, especially among the Guyanese diaspora.

Thus a domesticated farming technique should be worked out, that is, the breeding of iguanas to meet sustainable levels for the export trade.

In our discussion of animal husbandry goals, we must not think of it as limited to the large-scale extensive type farmer; rather, we should see this farming as one that is well suited to the small to medium sized farms. These smaller farmers are poised to

becoming partners in the new dispensation of agricultural development in Guyana.

Finally, evidence has shown that focusing on agriculture in the medium to long term is significantly more effective for the development of Third World Economies.

Sustainable livestock production in developing countries is one of the best ways in which we can speed up development and improve our standing in the world.

Yours truly, Neil Adams

largest centres in GNS were concerned, as welfare officer, I enjoyed an extremely good relationship with the medic incharge of the health centre at Kimbia. Same was true of my relationship with the medic at Papaya where I was the officer responsible for cultural activities for a period during 1977 and at least part of 1978.

I am therefore surprised that “hundreds” or “thousands” of rape cases were dealt with; without such information being shared with me. So, why did the gentlemen quoted above feel it necessary to, without offering proof, tell us that “hundreds” and “thousands” of females were raped at GNS? It seems to me that there are those who are determined to discredit everything associated with the late President Burnham. For them, at all cost, he must be given no praise regardless of the positive effects of some of his programmes. That is why some persons examining the GNS will pay no attention and did not share in the pride we at GNS centres experienced when we shipped bales of cotton, tons of nuts and black-eyed peas, produced by our young people, and bound for both local and Caribbean markets.

These writers did not know, or took no pride if they knew, that boys and girls who our education system had given up on, and had in their future only the possibility of gaining menial jobs, were now masters at manoeuvring cotton pickers at Kimbia, and heavy machinery used at Itabu quarry. All this meant nothing to them – not worthy of praise and encouragement.

For them, to perceive, to praise any aspect of GNS activities would be to acknowledge the good works of President Burnham. This, for them must not be conceded at any cost. Thus, any good that occurred at GNS (Burnham’s brain child) must be given no attention, no

credit. However, these individuals are not the only ones anxious to discredit or wipe out the National Service from our consciousness.

Some years ago, the PPP government renamed the Guyana National Service Sports Club, the Georgetown Sports Club. That sports club was built with the labour and partly financed by monthly financial contributions from the salaries of members of the GNS. So why did they do it? Why did the PPP give that sports club such a meaningless rename?

The answer is simple because all things done by Burnham must be wiped from Guyanese consciousness, even if some of these achievements could be used to encourage and inspire our youths to be willing to make the sacrifices that small nations like Guyana, will have to ask of citizens. On this issue of erasing Burnham from our consciousness, in many ways, there is little difference between the pettiness of the PPP and some individuals anxious to discredit everything that Burnham did.

In closing, I offer to make three points. First, the Guyana National Service was a fairly large organisation. To a large extent, what happened at our centres, and indeed offices in the city, mimicked what happens in the wider society.

Thus, I believe that acts of rape did occur at our centres.

That these occurred, I am sad and disappointed, just as I am saddened and disappointed when I read of young women being raped by officials in our education system, by priest, pandits or Imams because these persons also represent organisations and institutions in which we tend to deposit so much trust and expect to protect and take care of our daughters and sons.

Second, for all its shortcomings, GNS was undisputedly the most visible, most concrete attempt at involving youth in national development that we in CARICOM have ever

experienced.

Third, there is one Abraham David who in a letter appearing in Kaieteur News (newspaper) on 13th April 2021, tells us that he lived in Israel for four (4) years.

During that time, he lived in a Kibbutz, as his stint of compulsory National Service, as is required of all citizens of Israel who are within a certain age group. His description of life in the Kibbutzim is similar to what occurred at our National Service. He also said something that struck me. He said, “Israel set up border settlements to enhance its security. These border settlements eventually grew into sustainable villages and towns.”

There seems to be a lesson for Guyana in the above. The lesson is a simple but powerful one – successful occupation give nations right to land. Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria during the war of 1967.

Israel established settlements that “eventually grew into sustainable villages and towns.” To date, even with UN intervention, Israel still occupies the land.

In the case of Guyana, in 1966 Venezuela seized part of Ankoko and have settled it.

Like Syria, it is not easy to see Guyana being able to regain this land. National Service, by establishing settlements in our hinterland and border areas was involved in an exercise of successful habitation of disputed land.

Our presence therefore acted as a deterrent from occupation by outsiders. This is a much overlooked aspect of GNS. He who does not occupy disputed land will surely lose it.

With thanks Claudius Prince.

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Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

Health Ministry records three more COVID-19 deaths Three more deaths, 134 new Covid-19 cases NEWSDAY - Three more people have died of covid19 between Saturday evening and yesterday evening, according to the latest update by the Ministry of Health yesterday.

“The persons were elderly males with comorbidities,” said an additional statement on the ministry’s website.

Further, some 134 more people were reported from Thursday to Saturday as infected with the virus, the update said.

The website said these people will be “processed for admission at the

discretion of CMOHs (county medical officers of health).”

The update said the total number of active cases was now 847 people.

So far, some 120,513 people have been tested for covid19, including 56,567 people at private facilities.

TT has had in total some 8,940 covid19 cases since last year March.

Some 7,940 people have recovered. Some 85 patients are in hospital, seven are in step-down facilities, 288 are in state quarantine facilities and 623 are in home selfisolation.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that three men who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. Their deaths now bring Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 271.

Dead is a 69-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 62-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 80-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the Ministry’s Press Release, all three persons died on Saturday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The MoH also recorded 101 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 11,863.

The dashboard also shows that 12 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 74 persons are in the institutional isolation, 1,326 are in home isolation and 15 are in institutional quarantine.

To date, 10,180 recoveries have been recorded.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Vessel with relief supplies sinks en route to Saint Vincent from Saint Lucia SOURCE: St. Lucia Times — A vessel carrying relief supplies from Saint Lucia to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sank on Saturday afternoon, Marine Police say. But another boat saved the three people on board the ‘Sunshine Angels’, according to the police.

Law enforcement officials told St. Lucia Times that the individuals on board at the time the boat sank

were the Saint Lucian captain, Mark Clement St. Rose, who lives in Saint Vincent, and Vincentian nationals Cafu Guy and Winsbert Salton Harry.

The police there disclosed that the boat had cleared Customs in Saint Lucia and was on its way to Saint Vincent when the mishap occurred about 4:40 pm.They said the vessel sank some six nautical miles South West of Saint Vincent.

Monday April 19, 2021

No wage increase was promised to sugar workers - Agri Minister The Government has made no promises to sugar workers with regard to an increase in wages and salaries but according to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, “we will ensure that we work with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to see what we can do...”

The Agriculture Minister made these and other remarks on the sidelines of a community consultation over the weekend in Maida, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). There, he was asked to respond to the stalemate with Uitvlugt sugar workers over benefits.

Those workers downed tools this past week to protest what they called stalled wages and salaries talks—despite progress being made in the sugar industry.

According to the subject minister, government is awaiting a report on the matter from the Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh.

The Agriculture Minister in his sideline remarks,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

sought to point out that agreements on wages and salaries are ultimately the responsibility of GuySuCo and the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU).

With this in mind, Minister Mustapha noted that the Government does not interfere with management and union negotiations.

Accordingly, Minister Mustapha said GuySuCo’s ability to pay the increases would take into account investments, which the corporation has made since August, to revitalize the estates.

He told reporters that government has been

pumping funds into the industry over the last nine months to develop and recapitalize the industry and “we are starting to see results already from some of the estates.”

The Albion and Blairmont Estates were lauded for making three additional days of pay due to the enhancement of the factories through critical capital works.

Workers, GAWU said, held out that their efforts are partially responsible for the improvements heralded hence their position that they ought to receive some due reward for their

contributions. The Union for its part said it remains open to frank discussions with the Corporation while adding that, “GAWU and the workers are eager to find a settlement that is fair to all sides.”

GAWU in lamenting the state of affairs with regard to the wages talks had this past week noted that as a result of the pay freeze, which they suffered during the term of the Coalition, some workers were earning just above the national minimum wage.

This, the workers reportedly claimed, is very much insufficient to take care of their families.

Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha used the occasion to indicate that plans are onstream to establish infrastructure such as roads, to facilitate quicker delivery of canes from the fields to the factories.

Under this year’s budget, $2 billion is allocated to execute critical capital works at GuySuCo as part of the Government’s efforts to diversify the sugar industry that was hamstrung by the previous administration.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 09

Democrats and demagogues do not belong around the same table President Joe Biden has not offered to hold any talks with the former US President, Donald Trump.

Nor has there been any insistence that he engages in political dialogue with the political Opposition.

And no one is insisting that such talks are necessary for the democracy to be healthy. Political dialogue is not a requirement for democratic government.

There is no gridlock in the United States over the failure of Joe Biden to have talks with Trump. In fact, Trump even spurned the traditional meeting, which usually takes place between the outgoing President and the President-elect.

There have been no calls for political dialogue between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer. Such dialogue is not essential to the health of British democracy.

It is therefore surprising to learn that the United States and the United Kingdom foreign missions in Guyana are encouraging dialogue between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. It is even more surprising that this proposal is being couched in terms of ensuring a more robust democracy.

President Ali has no reason to want to meet with Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon. President Ali recognises the latter as the Leader of the Opposition but there is no indication that Opposition Leader Harmon reciprocates.

Ali has called on Harmon to get off the false narratives.

He has taken a realistic

position that the Leader of the Opposition has to recognise him before there can be any talks. The exception would appear to be on Constitutional appointments in which case the consultations are mandatory though this does not necessarily imply that it has to be face-to-face consultations.

Dialogue between the government and the Opposition is not a condition for democratic government.

It is not in the United States and the United Kingdom and it should not be in Guyana.

The health of democracy requires foremost respect for the right of citizens to elect their government. It rests on respect for civil liberties freedom of expression and association - and respect for other human rights such as freedom from arbitrary arrest.

There is no police state in Guyana even though the Police Force is far from being a model professional institution. Freedom of expression is not under threat by the government.

The Opposition can hardly complain about not getting its views across. Social media has put paid to any attempts by any government to suppress dissenting opinions.

The institutions for ensuring robust political debates have not been countermanded. The Opposition has a voice in the National Assembly. It is not de-recognised within the National Assembly. How can a political entity, which showed scant regard for electoral democracy expect to be engaged in political

dialogue?

The threat to democracy emanates from the Opposition. It is the Opposition, APNU+AFC, which tried desperately to hold on to power against the expressed will of the people in the elections of 2nd March 2020. It was the actions of the APNU+AFC, which threatened electoral democracy and to push Guyana back into political dictatorship.

It was the British and the United States, along with Canada and the European Union, which refused to accept this threat to democracy. And had it not been for the stance, which they took, the APNU+AFC would have run roughshod over the wishes of the people of Guyana.

The APNU+AFC appeared to be prepared to rule by hook or crook. But what is not being given enough recognition is the fact that their attempt to foist themselves illegally upon the nation was rejected by the majority of their supporters. The attempt at railroading the elections did not gain traction with the majority of the supporters of the APNU+AFC. They did not take to the streets in large numbers and this represented their rejection of any threat of a return to dictatorship.

It was the Opposition, which shot itself in the foot after the elections of 2nd March. It was the Opposition, which attracted international condemnation because of the shenanigans it employed. It was the Opposition, which brought shame and disgrace to the

Dem boys seh...

Singer Man! Sing me a song!

Nuff people singing these days. Some ah dem sounding awful but dem is big hits…for de entertainment dem providing.

Like de APNOO. It singing its way into political obscurity.

If, as de APNOO claim, de government is fraudulent, it would mean dat de election was fraudulent. And if de election was fraudulent, it would mean dat de National Assembly is made-up fraudulently.

So, why den de APNOO in parliament?

Wah dem doing occupying seats which come from a fraudulent process? And why dem accepting dem parliamentary pay? Yuh want bet dem can’t answer dat.

A man who used to be with de Pee Pee Pee seh dem de rig elections. He nah seh

when. But if was when he was with de Pee Pee Pee, it mean dat he did accept big wuk in a fraudulent government. And if was after he get kick out of de government, it mussy mean dat he just vex and bitter about how he bin get treated.

De calypso competition done and dusted.

De soca competition done and dusted. But de Vee Pee still singing. He gat a plaster fuh every sore and a tune fuh every project he want. But he nah rhyming; he nah gat no rhythm and he pulling de wrong note.

Dem boys seh, he is a singer man. And dem boys asking he fuh sing dem a song. One dat dem know. One song. Not a different tune fuh every time.

Talk half and let de singing continue!

country and to itself.

The Opposition is exclusively responsible for its present difficulties. It is compounding those problems by its absurd labelling of the government as an installed regime.

Democrats and demagogues do not belong

around the same table.

Political dialogue has to be premised on an acceptance of democracy and until and unless the Opposition is prepared to concede that it lost the elections and until such time as it is ready to demonstrate its rejection of electoral skullduggery, it has

no place in democratic politics.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Monday April 19, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Eusi Kwayana wouldn’t recognise fairness if it appears as an elephant in front of him

T

here is a letter in yesterday’s Kaieteur News and Stabroek News by Eusi Kwayana, the so-called virtuous man of Guyanese politics who in the age of the ubiquity of the transmitted image doesn’t know what went on in the March 2020 election and still says so in April 2021.

Here is the title of the missive in the Stabroek News, “The principle of fairness is less evident in the most articulate of us.”

The title in Kaieteur News is “The old and very important principle of fairness.”

This letter is a disgusting, ugly manifestation of a soulless, lost human.

I am going to back up my adjectives here to describe Kwayana’s mind. But first two notices.

One is if fairness appears in shining daylight in front of Kwayana as a humongous elephant, he wouldn’t recognise it.

In all his political life, he had his own peculiar

interpretation of fairness, which was eventually revealed in March 2020 as propaganda.

When he says even in the most articulate of us, fairness is lacking, he was referring to himself.

Someone should give Kwayana a lecture on the works of Sigmund Freud.

The second one is my exposure of Kwayana since March 2020, which has been recorded so historians can assess his abominable, denial of democracy to the young generation of Guyana.

Here is that record. (1) Friday, March 13, 2020, “Questions maybe Messrs Bhagwan and Kwayana may never answer.” (2) Sunday, April 19, 2020, “Eusi Kwayana: Edward Said on Sartre.” (3) Tuesday, April 28, 2020, “Eusi Kwayana knows a little of me, nothing of Claudette Singh.” (4) Sunday, May 10, 2020, “After this, we will never see some Guyanese the same way again.”

(5) – Friday, May 15,

2020, “Kwayana’s position makes Walter Rodney turn in his grave.” (6) - Monday, June 8, 2020, “Kwayana is revealing a tendency to malice, never before seen.”

(7) - Wednesday, June 10, 2020, “WPA and AFC: P e o p l e ’ s P o w e r, N o Dictator.” (8) - Thursday, July 2, 2020, “The pathetic, unbelievable, political decline of Eusi Kwayana.”

(9) - Wednesday, July 8, 2020, “I don’t give a damn who is Indian, African, White, etc.” (10) - Monday, July 20, 2020, People like Jeffrey, Hinds and people like the ordinary Joe.” (11) - Saturday, July 25, 2020, “Eusi Kwayana: Long journey back into Sydney King.”

(12) - Saturday, August 7, 2020, “Nagamootoo, Kwayana, Green: Secrets of Guyanese politics.” (13) - Wednesday, October 22, 2020, “Eusi Kwayana: The disgraceful fall of an icon.”

(14) - Sunday, November 1, 2020, “To Kwayana, I say I am proud of 50 years of tantrums.” (15) - Saturday,

November 7, 2020, “Lewis, Kwayana, Alexander: The facts and the truths of Guyana.” (16) - Saturday, February 13, 2021, “Mr. Kwayana, show some respect for your age.

Please!” (17) - Monday, March 15, 2021, “Eusi Kwayana was a tragic revelation in my life.” (18) Monday, April 12, 2021, “The WPA’s great evaders have found their voice.”

(19) -Saturday, April 10, 2021, “Kwayana at 96: The runner stumbles.”

The above are 19 analyses of the historical embarrassment Kwayana has become. This article will make it 20.

Before we get to his letter in the newspaper yesterday, Guyanese should ask themselves why there wasn’t a symposium on him by the remnants of the WPA when he became 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95. Why 96 and why now?

Because they are trying to save what has disappeared in March 2020 – his legacy.

And they got Dr. Nigel Westmaas, Dr. Clive Thomas

and Moses Bhagwan to attempt the impossible.

Now for the S u n d a y l e t t e r.

Kwayana wrote, “My Frederick Kissoon explanation that I would on no account in of the President. a conflicted situation These, to me, are dismiss the complaints of the losers against the winners s e r i o u s m i s c a r r i a g e s only made my critics u n d e r m i n i n g t h e angrier.” He was referring to entitlement of every person known or unknown, famous the March 2020 election.

Yet in the same letter here or not, to fairness.”

I ask any decent person to is what this barefaced hypocrite wrote, “The see what a monster Kwayana investigation of the murder has become.

No one who is decent of the young men of the Henry family was so should respect this man.

Here in his own words mishandled by the political d i r e c t o r a t e t h a t i t above are his definitive b a c k f i r e d … o f f i c i a l l y conclusions in things he gathered misinformation knew and knows that are caused His Excellency, the happening. Guess which President, I believe with the thing he cannot comment on best intentions, to accuse in Guyana - the rigged non-specific persons of election of March 2020. rape, including the rape of What a twisted mind, a lost soul. (The views expressed children.

News and police reports in this article are those of could not justify these the author and do not allegations but no one has necessarily reflect the withdrawn them on behalf opinions of this newspaper.)

Monday April 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Mattai’s Supermarket boss stabbed while fighting off bandits Prominent owner of N&S Mattai and Company, Harry Mattai, was on Saturday night stabbed to his lower back while trying to fend off two armed bandits who attempted to relieve him of his belongings at his Bel Air Park residence.

According to the Guyana Police Force’s (G.P.F) Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), Stan Gouveia, Mattai had pulled up to the driveway of his home around 22:11 hrs in the company of his wife and daughter.

When the prominent businessman exited the vehicle and proceeded to open his gate, two men approached him from the western direction on bicycles. One of the men then pulled out a knife and told Mattai, “Hand over what you get.” The owner of Mattai’s Supermarket on Water Street informed the bandit that he did not have anything on him. In disbelief, the bandits tried to

Public officials should not hide from media - lack of information will always lead to suspicion - ERC Commissioner

O

Businessman, Harry Mattai

search the businessman but a scuffle quickly ensued. One of the bandits then stabbed Mattai to his lower back, after which, they made good their escape.

Mattai was immediately rushed to a city hospital by a relative where he received treatment for his injury while a family member reported the matter to the police.

Checks were made for the

Monday April 19, 2021

duo within the area but police ranks were unable to locate them.

According to Gouveia, the police are currently checking CCTV footage within the area to identify the suspects.

Kaieteur News understands that Mattai who is in a stable condition has been released from the hospital.

u t g o i n g Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Deodat Persaud, is of the firm conviction that public officials should not hide from the media, but instead, facilitate their scrutiny.

He made that assertion while speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday via a telephone interview.

Persaud noted that once a person becomes a public official, they should welcome interrogation from members of the media since they serve as a layer of accountability in public administration.

He stated that the dissemination of information by the media as it relates to what goes on in public office tends to hold those officials accountable.

He remarked that there are many instances where media personnel may attempt to solicit comments from public officials but they are often stymied in these efforts.

As he stressed the need for these officials to face the

Ethnic Relations Commissioner, Deodat Persaud media, Persaud was keen to note that their engagements also foster opportunities for clarification, which they may not get if public officials are silent.

He said, “When you create a volume of lack of information, it will always lead to suspicion.” He further noted that when questions go unanswered, media personnel would have

to drill continually for information to provide the public with the facts.

The Commissioner also lamented that as it relates to governance, it is not only carried out in the Executive arm.

He stated with governance, even the “common man” plays a vital role and that is why they continuously need to be informed. To that end, he highlighted that the media should be allowed to provide citizens with access to information so they can play their part in carrying out that function.

Notably, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had urged the government to have more frequent engagements with the media, as it called for the return of post-Cabinet briefings.

The GPA’s President, Nazima Raghubir had said that such meetings provide the country with necessary updates on internal affairs.

“The press briefings by yourself and key government ministers are just not about engaging the (Continued on page 16)

GDF to sell 40-year-old Bell Helicopter The GDF Bell 412 helicopter now up for sale again

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is upgrading its fleet of aircraft; as such, it is desirous of selling its unserviceable Bell 412 aircraft, on an ‘as is’ basis. This is according to an advertisement published in the daily newspapers, which calls for interested persons to submit Expressions Of Interest for the purchase of the army’s helicopter, Registration number, 8RGFP. According to the GDF request, the helicopter is available for inspection at the Headquarter Air Corps, Air Station Linden,

Soesdyke. The expressions are scheduled for an online opening via zoom on May 4.

The latest attempt by the GDF to dispose of its old helicopter comes on the heels of similar overtures by the previous administration.

At that time, it was noted that the helicopter is unserviceable. It was noted too that the helicopter had been down for about a decade and that there was no possibility of the GDF making that helicopter serviceable again to fly in a commercial way.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 13

Corentyne rice farmers appeal for urgent help to save crop Rice farmers from across the Corentyne Coast gathered yesterday on two separate occasions to engage A g r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, Zulfikar Mustapha as they sought urgent intervention to save their crop.

Persistent rainfall over the last few weeks has resulted in many dams becoming impassible, leaving many farmers struggling to transport their paddy from the fields. In some cases, farmers have not been able to reap some of their crops because their fields have been flooded.

During the first meeting, at the #48 Primary School, Corentyne, rice farmers appealed to the subject Minister for immediate action so they would be able to salvage the remainder of their crop.

O n e f a r m e r ,

Mahendranauth Doolchand, said certain sections of the dam, which he uses to transport his paddy are in a deplorable state, putting a halt on transporting his paddy from the field.

“Sir, we have over 200 acres of land, but the land is underwater, and we can’t get to take out the paddy. All we want is for you to fix the dam so that we can take out the paddy. We’re from Number 69 Village…We have to travel 14 miles to go there and bring out the paddy.

Certain parts of the dam are very bad.

We urgently need your help because, in five days, four half tanks of paddy can’t reach out yet,” Doolchand said.

Another farmer, Anand Tulsi, said he lost millions of dollars in paddy and sought the Minister’s assistance to

save the remainder of his crop. “ We s m a l l f a r m e r s cannot bring out one bag.

The dam situation is terrible.

Rice that was supposed to cut since the first week in March left there and all rotten out.

We need help. Right now, we need some help.

We need a machine to fix the dams so that we can bring out our paddy,” the farmer said.

Meanwhile, farmers at Maida raised similar issues at the second meeting.

One farmer said tractors could not traverse the dam to transport the paddy because of the state of the dam.

Another said, works need to be carried out on both the trench and the dam in her area.

After listening to the farmers, Minister Mustapha committed to having works

Man killed by roommate over last shot of vodka Kaieteur News has been able to confirm, a bizarre tale where a man stabbed his roommate to death on Saturday, following a grievance, which they had over a last shot of vodka.

The victim has been identified as Khemraj Sukhna, 48, of Lot 45 Coconut Dam, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The murder took place sometime after 21:00 hrs.

It is alleged that Sukhna and his roommate often shared a drink together but their session on Saturday afternoon, turned out to be their last together. On that day around 17:00 hrs, the

two were drinking at a shop in the area when they started arguing over “the last shot of vodka.” That quarrel ended in a fight. Though no one was injured at the time, the matter was not put to rest.

Hours later, while they were at home, Kaieteur News understands that the two men began arguing again over the incident. Things, according to reports, turned deadly after Sukhna’s roommate picked up a knife and stabbed him to the chest and left arm.

Around 02:10 hrs y e s t e r d a y, t h e m a n reportedly turned himself into the Cane Grove Police

Station. He alleged that he and Sukhna had a fight, during which, his roommate fell on the knife.

Police subsequently took the suspect to the crime scene where they found the body lying face down on a mattress in the verandah.

Crime scene experts found a blood stained knife that they suspect to be the murder weapon lying close by.

Sukhna’s body was removed and his roommate remains in police custody.

A post mortem examination is expected soon, as police continue their investigation.

Bandit grabs dancing man’s gold chains A bandit yesterday zeroed in on a dancing man and snatched two gold chains from around his neck. The dancing man, Damion McKenzie, 29, better known as ‘Tuckman’ of Bridgton Village, Corentyne, Berbice ran behind the chain snatcher but was struck by a bullet after gunshots rang out.

According to a police report, the robbery took place around 02:10 hrs at a barbeque held in Alness Village, Corentyne.

Investigators were told that McKenzie was dancing with a woman when the suspect crept up behind him and snatched his gold chains valued at $1,500,000. With the

chains in hand, the suspect started running away but McKenzie gave chase. Upon noticing that his victim was after him, the suspect reportedly stopped, drew a handgun, and fired three shots at McKenzie.

One of the bullets struck the Berbice resident to his right thigh and he fell to the ground. The bandit then made good his escape through a clump of bushes nearby.

McKenzie was picked-up and rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further treatment.

Police remain on the hunt for the gold chain bandit.

carried out on all the dams that need fixing.

The Minister said, “Before the rains came, we expended a lot of money to fix the dams, and we are going to fix them again. I have a request from the Water Users Chairman for funds to fix about 10 dams in the Number 52/Number 74 areas. I will approve this, and through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), we will have works commence to rehabilitate those dams from as soon as tomorrow. I’ll also ask the NDIA to do an urgent assessment of those other dams that need to be fixed, and we will assign machines to fix them.”

Over at Maida, Minister Mustapha told farmers that a team from the Ministry would be visiting the area today to meet residents.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during his address Kaieteur News understands that a small committee will be formed to look at all the canals and dams that need to be

rehabilitated. The subject Minister publicly committed to having the works done and ensuring farmers benefit from proper infrastructure.

Girl, 15, saves sister from being murdered by lover - suspect hangs self before Coast Guard arrives The actions of a 15-yearold girl yesterday saved her elder sister, 17, from being butchered to death, her actions can only be described as tremendous bravery.

Her sister was attacked by her 22-year-old boyfriend around 11:45 hrs. The two girls were reportedly travelling in a boat from Hubu Koker to their home located at Fort Island in the Essequibo River.

According to a police report, they were half way through their journey when the boyfriend pulled up beside them in his boat. The man, armed with a cutlass, jumped over into their boat and said, “All the time you does fool me” while he

began chopping the 17-yearold girl to her head and hand.

Her sister, 15, intervened and reportedly pushed him overboard as they tried to escape. But the man was able to pull himself up again. This time, he chopped the 15year-old to one of her hands but she did not give up as she managed to push him over board again. The suspect, this time around, lost grip of his cutlass and it sank in the river.

The boyfriend then swam back to his boat and escaped while the girls made it to their home in Fort Island. Relatives were informed of the incident and they rushed the badly wounded 17-year-old to the Leonora Cottage Hospital

where she received treatment and was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Her condition has been listed as stable.

The attempted murder was subsequently reported to the Fort Island Coast Guards and they began looking for the boyfriend. They spotted his boat at Morashie, Essequibo River located opposite Fort Island and stopped there. They found him minutes later hanging from a tree.

The body was removed and transported to Parika where it was handed over to the cops in Region Three.

They have since launched an investigation into the attempted murder suicide.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Monday April 19, 2021

Guyana has over 1,300 persons in home isolation for COVID-19

G

uyana now has 1,326 persons in home isolation, which was reflected in the M i n i s t r y o f H e a l t h ’s dashboard update yesterday.

That high number comes at a time when the country has seen a surge in COVID-19 infections, with a daily average of over 62 cases being recorded.

Guyana had seen a similar situation last September and former Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence had stated that persons with COVID-19 being isolated within their homes was a major contributing factor to the surge in cases.

While speaking to Kaieteur News, she had explained that many of the persons in home isolation live in homes that are not conducive to the standard requirements needed for home isolation.

“Most of them don’t have self-contained rooms and other things so they are forced to interact with their household,” Lawrence had said. She even highlighted that adherence to social distancing guidelines is somewhat of a challenge in Guyana as many persons would still visit those in home isolation.

However, yesterday, former Health Minister and

current advisor to the Health M i n i s t r y, D r. L e s l i e Ramsammy, assured that frequent contact is being kept with persons who are in home isolation. He explained that the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) is responsible for conducting contact tracing and for persons in home isolation in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), they are “following up”.

Notably, Region Four accounts for the majority of COVID-19 infections to date and also account for most of the persons in home isolation. Dr. Ramsammy went on to say that even

though the HEOC focuses on R e g i o n F o u r, i t a l s o collaborates with Regional Health Officers in other regions to monitor those in home isolation.

This publication understands that in every region, there are institutional isolation facilities and medical personnel attached to the Health Ministry checking to ensure these persons are home.

These check-ups are ideally supposed to be done once a day, but the frequency may differ depending on the region and its number of COVID-19 cases.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony had warned

that any person confined to home isolation that is found outside of their home or mingling with persons will be taken into institutional isolation, as it would allow for 24-hour monitoring of and curb further spread of the virus.

Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Armed bandits rob bar owner $400,000, two cell phones A business owner and her customer are the latest victims of an armed robbery that occurred yesterday at 21:00 hrs in Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust.

According to a police report, 26-year-old Teshana Blake was tending to her c u s t o m e r, 6 6 - y e a r- o l d Hannibal Thom, an overseas-based Guyanese technician when four unidentified males on motorcycles, stopped in front of her bar. Two of the men who were armed with handguns approached the entrance of the Corn Bread Hangout Bar. Upon entering, the two men released a few rounds into the air. After seeing this, an understandably fearful Blake decided to cease tending to Thom’s order and ran to the back of the building screaming. Due to

her quick response, Blake l e f t o n t h e c o u n t e r, $400,000, one blue S9 Samsung cellular phone valued at $120,000 and one white S10 Plus Samsung cellular phone valued at $140,000.

These items were collected by the two bandits without hesitation. After obtaining the items, the men then turned their attention to Thom who at the time, was wearing a chain with a gold pendant marked ‘HART’.

The robbers took the piece of jewellery, which is valued at $20,000 then made good their escape.

The police were subsequently alerted after the bandits rode off. Three spent shells were recovered from the scene of the crime.

The suspects are still on the run but investigations remain ongoing.

Lifeless body of Corentyne fisherman found The lifeless body of Devin “Richard” Persaud was found floating yesterday at Orealla Point, Corentyne River by his crewmen and father, Parmanand Persaud.

The police told Kaieteur News that there were no marks of violence seen on the body, which was escorted to the Skeldon Hospital and later on to Anthony’s Funeral Parlour for a post mortem examination.

Kaieteur News had reported last week that Persaud and his crewmen had left for one of their usual fishing expeditions in the Corentyne River but the young man went missing after he jumped overboard to “hold shoreline (that is to say, beat the water to chase fish into the seine).” Shortly

Dead: Devin Persaud after, Persaud’s colleagues heard him call out for help but by the time they headed in his direction to help him, he had disappeared.

Their efforts to locate him in time proved futile.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 15

AFC wants audit of COVID-19 cash grant A

lliance For Change (AFC) leader, Khemraj Ramjattan believes that the recent distribution of a $25,000 payout to households across the country as part of government’s relief efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is fraught with corruption.

As such, Ramjattan would like to see an audit be conducted into the cash payout and other spending by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration after it took office.

“I certainly would like to see evaluation audits done,” Ramjattan told members of the local media corps this past week, during a party Press engagement.

Ramjattan additionally pointed to the purchase of two tractors by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) that were bought at $72M each.

Taking this into account, Ramjattan told media operatives that he has since directed that the matter be raised at the level of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly.

The party’s General Secretary, David Patterson, in his remarks reminded that he too would have called for a value money audit on the COVID-19 relief.

He was quick to point out also that “it’s not just a question of checking where the money is going; it’s a question of having an audit of the system used to

The Covid-19 $25,000 cash grant distribution clerks with police escort during the recent relief exercise

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan distribute the money.”

Patterson qualified his position by pointing out that his party is in receipt of several complaints across the administrative regions, which point to different measures being used for

varying communities.

Patterson cited as an example, reports that persons in some communities were able to collect the cash grant by simply pointing out where they live while others were

made to provide supporting documents.

He reminded nonetheless that an audit would have to be undertaken in any event, since it would be done under the Auditor General’s annual audit of government’s

financial revenue and expenditure.

Patterson indicated however that an assessment of the relief package must be subjected to not only a value for money audit but a (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

Monday April 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

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The Gleaner - A total of 51 students from nine tertiary institutions, who are facing financial difficulties, have been awarded bursaries totalling $4.5 million, courtesy of the SpanishJamaican Foundation (SJF).

The recipients, who include pre-trained Spanish teachers, persons who study Spanish, and students of hospitality services, were selected based on their academic performance, financial need, community service, knowledge of the Spanish language, and comportment in an interview.

They are from the Shortwood Teachers’ College, Church Teachers’ College, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Montego Bay Community College, HEART College of Hospitality Services, University of the West Indies, Brown’s Town Community College, and Bethlehem Moravian College.

The students from teachers and community colleges will benefit from partial scholarships to assist with the payment of their school fees, while students of the HEART College of Hospitality Services are being provided with funds to purchase tools and equipment necessary for their courses of study.

The bursaries were handed over during a virtual ceremony on Friday.

In his address during the event, Spanish Ambassador and SJF President, His Excellency Diego Bermejo, noted that the issuance of bursaries began in 2012 as part of the Foundation’s effort to support the teaching and learning of Spanish and to assist students facing challenges accessing tertiary education.

He noted that in light of rising tuition fees, and the recent challenges faced by Jamaican families, the overall bursary allocation was VACANCY Vacancy 1 experience plumbers, 2 mechanical supervisor interested person please send application to email mrkmendonca@gmail.com, Call 662-6127, 626-8622

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Fayval Williams (contributed photo) increased for this academic year.

For her part, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Fayval Williams thanked the SJF, “for the work, you continue to do to foster partnerships between Spain and Jamaica, on matters of educational, cultural, environmental and community development initiatives”.

“These partnerships are instrumental in forging and maintaining relationships that redound to the benefit of the citizens of both countries,” she added.

Williams reiterated her commitment as Minister of Education, Youth, and Information, to ensure that access to education “maintains its upward trajectory among our citizens” especially as the country continues to face the COVID19 pandemic.

“I believe that the

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The Education Minister pointed out that for this fiscal year, $114 billion is allocated to education, noting that in the worst health crisis in 100 years, Jamaica continues to place education as its number one priority expenditure.

“This investment along with the support from bodies such as the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation means that our students stand to benefit immensely,” she said.

The SJF is a non-profit organisation (NGO) that was established in 2006 by Spanish investors in Jamaica.

Its main objective is to strengthen the relationship between Spain and Jamaica through the promotion and implementation of social, educational, cultural, environmental, and healthbased initiatives that contribute to community development and increase the well-being of the Jamaican people.

...Public officials should not hide from

From page 12 media,” she had outlined, adding that, “It is about informing the public about critical issues.”

In acknowledgement of Atlas Security Services Inc the GPA’s call, His Excellency, vacancy for visiting officers Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had and security officers Tel#226- explained that the govern9905,231-4962 or 653-1265 Security officers male and female 18 years and above Contact 223-4172 , 632-0101 or 6320909

pandemic has exposed some of the challenges in our education system, but it has also given us the opportunity to use our collective efforts to address them. One way in which we can increase access to education is by providing greater avenues for our students to utilise partnerships such as the ones made available through the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation,” she said.

Williams pointed out that the Tertiary Unit at the Education Ministry also provides guidance, scholarships, and boarding grants to those who want to access tertiary education.

“We are undaunted in our efforts to increase access to education…Greater access means greater spending and the government continues to allocate the largest share of our budget, outside of interest on loans, to education,” she said.

ment has been very busy and that the Cabinet has been meeting multiple times per week.

However, Dr. Ali did commit to resuming the briefings and to having more engagements with the local Press. Since this com-

mitment, there has been no Press briefing.

Persaud, who is also a Pandit, was sworn in as an ERC Commissioner in 2018 by former President, David Granger and is a firm believer of media friendliness.

...AFC wants audit of COVID-19 cash grant From page 15 managerial audit “that can be done now.”

He noted too that it was not just a matter of uncovering wrongdoings but an attempt to identify weaknesses in the system.

This he said is crucial since the government intends to bring a second round of COVID-19 relief funding.

According to the AFC General Secretary, “it’s important that we have an audit to

see what and what was done.”

According to Patterson, such audits could unearth acts of discrimination that had occurred in order to remedy the situation moving forward.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

Govt. support to Orealla, Siparuta continuous Minister within the Office of the Prime M i n i s t e r w i t h responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy has said the Government’s support to the development of Orealla and Siparuta villagers is continuous.

The Minister was speaking during an outreach to the riverine communities on Friday.

Minister McCoy, who was joined by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, also distributed almost 400 hampers to residents, during the engagement in the East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) communities.

Of the lot, 240 hampers were given to residents of Orealla, and 130 were shared in Siparuta.

During his engagement with residents, Minister McCoy said while the pandemic prevails, the Government would not restrict itself from helping the people. He said the President Dr. Mohamed I r f a a n A l i - l e d Administration is always keen on ensuring the welfare of all citizens.

“We are not a fairweather Government. We are not with you only when there are good times. We are with you even in the bad times because we believe truly and dearly, that we have a role and a responsibility to the people

- Minister McCoy

PAGE 17

Man who shot neighbour for talking his name remanded

T

Minister Kwame McCoy in conversation with a resident of Orealla.

of Guyana and we don’t treat it lightly.”

Minister McCoy also said no one should have to relive the troubling times that followed the March 2 General and Regional Elections. As such, he urged residents to continue to stand firm “against any attempt to assault our democracy. This is important because what democracy does.

Democracy aids us in terms of our development. It gives you, the people, your say. It allows you the opportunity to criticise, and for you, the people, to be able to hold us as a Government accountable.”

The Minister said the leaders of the Coalition were only concerned about

enhancing the lives of their close associates, while burdening the ordinary man.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud said there is enough evidence which reveals that the previous Government did nothing for the two riverine villages.

“It was only late January, that we gave the village of Orealla $10 million in Presidential COVID cash grant. I took an oath because I believe that no one’s rights should be taken away from him or her to choose the Government of the day. And the oath that I took, and I want you all to join me, that as long as I live, I will work hard in every corner of this country to ensure that the APNU+AFC doesn’t go

Cops under close arrest for hosting b-day party after COVID-19 curfew Two members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are now under close arrest after they were caught hosting their birthday celebration on Saturday night in breach of the COVID-19 regulations.

The ranks, a Police Corporal who is stationed at the Finance Office, Divisional Headquarters, Region Eight and a Lance Corporal who is stationed at the Central Immigration Passport Office, are accused of hosting a party at Clean Steel Wash Bay, which is located at La Retraite Public Road, West Bank Demerara.

Kaieteur News understands that the

police received information on the location of the party and swooped down on the event.

When the ranks arrived, they set up a roadblock some distance away from the party, before they proceeded to shut it down.

According to a video seen by this publication, a large number of persons were seen leaving the wash bay, while the police officers were instructing patrons to vacate the area.

The two ranks who hosted the party were told of the allegation and subsequently taken into custody. Their music system was also seized and lodged at the police station.

back into Government,” he said.The Minister also said the Government has begun to transform Guyana and by 2025, the nation will become a beacon for the world. In order for this status to be realised, he said, all Guyanese must co-operate.

Both Ministers McCoy and Persaud then fielded questions from residents and sought to provide remedies to the issues that were highlighted. (DPI)

he 26-year-old m a n w h o allegedly shot his neighbour for speaking ill of him was last Friday remanded to prison for the offence.

The defendant, Kevin Bernard, called “Home Alone” of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Alisha George.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that on February 20, 2021, at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he attempted to murder Keith Johnson, 32, an electrician.

Bernard was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to May 13, 2021.

Kaieteur News had reported that Johnson was nursing gunshot wounds to his abdomen after Bernard allegedly shot him.

According to the facts of the charge, around 08:00hrs on the day in question, Johnson had just stepped out of his yard and was about to head to work when Bernard allegedly approached him, armed with a .32 caliber

Remanded, Kevin Bernard called “Home Alone”. revolver.

It was alleged that Bernard then accused Johnson of gossiping about him with a woman. The disagreement over this matter led to Johnson being shot twice to his left side abdomen. He was taken subsequently to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by one of his brothers.

The matter was reported and a manhunt was launched for Bernard who was later apprehended on April 14, 2021.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

Monday April 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Guyana lose close matches to finish FIBA WC pre-qualifiers

Guyana’s Skipper Stanton Rose goes for a layup between a busy Costa Rican defence.

Hosts El Salvador pulled off an incredible 92-90 victory against Guyana on the third day of the FIBA World Cup Central America and the Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers 2023, held at Adolfo Pineda Gymnasium in San Salvador on Saturday night.

The hosts, out of sheer courage, came back from a 13point deficit for the start of the fourth, led by the monstrous performance of center Ronnie Aguilar, who scored 35 points, with 16 rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Aguilar tied the game at 89 with 1:28 minutes remaining, but the turning point was scored by Brayan García, after an offensive rebound, which put his team in front 91-90, with just 26

Monday April 19, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There will be a lighthearted, almost silly energy in the air today, Aries. The Universe is encouraging you to give up your iron grip on that list of responsibilities and have some fun.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Taurus, plans to attend a lecture may have to be postponed because someone who's going with you feels under the weather. Overindulgence in food or drink may be the reason.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A desire to make a big purchase might tempt you to overextend your credit cards and clean out your savings. You aren't usually one to act on impulse, so don't do it today.

CANCER(June21–July22) Home might be a lonely place tonight. The other members of your household may be out or out of town. You might not feel up to any carousing, so you will probably choose to stay home and read or watch TV. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Usually you're quite social, Leo, but today you will feel like nothing more than working alone. Notwithstanding your wishes, however, you might be plagued with phone calls.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Too much good food, good wine, and good conversation, Virgo? Not that any of this is undesirable, but you may be suffering from overload right now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You usually don't mind being alone, Libra. In fact, you enjoy your own company.

Tonight you're going to crave companionship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is the day to listen and observe, Scorpio. There is a lot to learn from what's going on around you. You might be surprised at the impact of it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you going out tonight with friends who mean a lot to you, Sagittarius? You might be tempted to eat and drink too much and spend too much money.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) What's driving you today, Capricorn? Why do you feel an obsessive need to get all your work done at once? If you're trying to impress someone, there's no need.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) What's driving you today, Capricorn? Why do you feel an obsessive need to get all your work done at once? If you're trying to impress someone, there's no need.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The desire to stay home alone and rest tonight might conflict with a need to go out with your friends, Pisces. You may be too stressed to put up with gossip or too much intellectual stimulation. Tell your friends you will go out with them another time.

seconds on the clock.

Guyana was left without execution and lost two possessions in the last minute. Then, Roberto Martínez, who produced 24 points, was sent to the foul line and made one of his shots, leaving the possibility open for his rivals. But with five seconds left Rose missed a three-pointer and the home team took the victory.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Guyanese who needed to win this and their final game (which they also suffered a close defeat in) especially after leading 87-78 with five minutes to go in the match, Coach Hercules men were outscored 14-3 in that time period.

In their final match last night against Costa Rica, Guyana fell agonizingly close again; this time the going down 78-75.

The third quarter was a turning point for Guyana in which they entered with a marginal two-point lead but after the Costa Ricans outscored them 27-15 they couldn’t reverse most of the damage that was done and had to settle for the threepoint loss.

The team definitely missed key Power Forward, Anthony Moe, who would’ve made a big difference but stand-in Israel Yaw had a decent performance, netting eight points and taking six rebounds to go along with his three blocks.

Delroy James left his best performance of the tournament for last as he tossed up a game high 29 points to add to his 12 rebound, while Daniel Shedden lead Costa Rica with 19 points.

Delroy James was outstanding for the Guyanese.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Eliud Kipchoge returns with airport marathon victory NBC Sports - Eliud Kipchoge rebounded to win a specially held marathon at an airport, six months after the worst marathon of his unmatched career.

Kipchoge clocked 2:04:30 at Twente Airport in the Netherlands in an eliteonly race that lacked the K e n y a n ’s t o p r i v a l s yesterday.

“It is mission accomplished,” Kipchoge said. “The race was really perfect. The NN Mission Marathon was a real test before Tokyo. It was so good a marathon happened a few months before the Olympics to test our fitness.”

The time is well off Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:39 from the 2018 Berlin Marathon, and it’s the ninthbest time of his career. But it also would have been a fast enough time for Kipchoge to win his usual spring marathon, London, three of the last four years.

That includes the 2020 London Marathon, which was moved to Oct. 4 and shifted to a looped course due to the coronavirus pandemic. There, Kipchoge lost for the first time in seven years, ending a streak of 10 consecutive wins over 26.2 miles.

Kipchoge was eighth in

that chilly race in 2:06:49 (67 seconds behind the winner), later citing a blockage in his right ear and leg and hip cramping.

His focus now shifts to the Olympic marathon in Sapporo on Aug. 8.

Kipchoge, 36, will try to become the first runner to repeat as Olympic marathon champion in 41 years.

Kipchoge made the move to the marathon from the track after failing to make Kenya’s 2012 Olympic team. He has won 12 of his 14 marathons, plus run the only sub-two-hour marathon in history in a non-recordeligible event.

Monday April 19, 2021

IPL: Shikhar Dhawan makes 92 in Delhi Capitals’ triumph against Punjab Kings Shikhar Dhawan pulls the ball away, Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2021, Mumbai, April 18, 2021 © BCCI/IPL

NBA roundup: Celtics win thriller

despite Stephen’s Curry’s 47

J

ayson Tatum lost his personal duel with Stephen Curry but the Boston Celtics won their battle with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, out-finishing the visitors for a 119-114 win in a nationally televised duel of streaking teams.

Tatum scored a driving hoop to break a tie with 48.8 seconds left, and Kemba Walker delivered the dagger with a 3-pointer 24 seconds later, allowing the Celtics to record their sixth straight win.

Tatum finished with a team-high 44 points, three fewer than Curry, who continued his week-long assault on the 3-point line with 11 more.

Curry, who turned his left ankle in the fourth quarter but never left the game, topped 32 points for a league-best 10th consecutive game and surpassed 40 for the third time in four games in the last six days.

Grizzlies 128, Bucks 115 Grayson Allen made a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points to lead Memphis to a victory over host Milwaukee.

Dillon Brooks scored 21 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 17 points

and eight rebounds as the Grizzlies won for the seventh time in the past 10 games.

Desmond Bane tallied 16 points and fellow reserve Xavier Tillman added 15 on 7 of 9 shooting for Memphis.

Ja Morant had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Grizzlies improved to 20 on a seven-game road trip.

Spurs 111, Suns 85 Rudy Gay scored 19 points and rookie Devin Vassell poured in a careerhigh 18 off the bench as short-handed San Antonio swamped Phoenix in the Valley of the Sun to emphatically snap a twogame losing streak.

The Spurs played without starters DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl and key reserve Patty Mills, all held out for rest in the second game of a home-road back-to-back. But the players San Antonio employed dominated the Suns, leading by 19 points at the half and by as many as 31 in the fourth quarter while rolling to the win.

Keldon Johnson added 17 points for San Antonio with Dejounte Murray scoring 14, Drew Eubanks hitting for 13 points and taking a game-high 13 rebounds, and Derrick White tallying 12 for the Spurs.

Bulls 106, Cavaliers 96 Nikola Vucevic scored 25 points and added seven rebounds with five assists as Chicago defeated visiting Cleveland.

Lauri Markkanen added 16 points off the bench and Denzel Valentine chipped in

13 as the Bulls’ losing streak ended at five games.

Darius Garland had 22 points and 12 assists for the Cavaliers. Collin Sexton also had 22 points, Kevin Love added 14, Isaac Okoro had 13 and Jarrett Allen had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Wizards 121, Pistons 100 Bradley Beal, the NBA’s leading scorer, pumped in 37 points and Washington extended its winning streak to four games by pounding visiting Detroit.

Ish Smith had 16 points and five assists off the bench, while Russell Westbrook supplied yet another triple-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for the Wizards, who have won six of their last seven games.

Isaiah Stewart scored a career-high 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Pistons. Frank Jackson also scored 19 points and Josh Jackson contributed 17.

Jerami Grant added 14 points but shot 4-for-14 from the field.

Lakers 127, Jazz 115 (OT) Los Angeles got back in the win column with a gutsy overtime victory over visiting Utah.

With the win, the Lakers improved to 4-1 in overtime games this season. The Jazz dropped to 0-3 in overtime games this year.

Andre Drummond, who returned to the starting lineup after sitting out with a lingering right big toe contusion, topped the Lakers with 27 points and eight rebounds.

(Field Level Media)

BBC Sport - Shikhar Dhawan hit a superb 92 to lead Delhi Capitals to victory over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Wi t h P r i t h v i S h a w making 32 and Marcus Stoinis 27 not out from 13 balls, Delhi won by six wickets with 10 balls to spare.

Punjab had been taken to 195-4 by 69 from Mayank Agarwal and captain KL Rahul’s 61.

Delhi - last year’s beaten finalists - have two wins from three games, while Punjab have won one and lost two.

In the battle of the previous season’s two leading run-scorers - Rahul with 670 and Dhawan with 618 - it was the left-hander who outshone his India team-mate.

That did not seem likely

when Punjab were making a blistering start on a flat pitch in Mumbai.

Agarwal in particular dished out some brutal treatment to some wayward Delhi bowling - clubbing four sixes and seven fours in his 36-ball stay.

However, in the context of the match, for Rahul to take 51 deliveries over his knock was arguably too ponderous.

And, as Delhi gradually dragged it back with the ball, they were left with a target within their range. England’s Chris Woakes was tidy, though an expensive final over left him with figures of 1-42 Opening the response, Dhawan targeted the leg side and was supported by Shaw, who needed only 17 balls for his 32.

Though Australian Steve

Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul punch gloves during their attacking partnership, Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2021, Mumbai, April 18, 2021 © BCCI/IPL

Smith, in his first game for Delhi since joining from Rajasthan Royals, struggled f o r f l u e n c y, D h a w a n ploughed on, taking over as the tournament’s leading run-scorer from Glenn Maxwell, who held the Orange Cap for only a matter of hours.

Dhawan missed out on a century, bowled attempting a sweep at a Jhye Richardson slower ball. His 92 had come from 49 balls with 13 fours and two sixes.

Stoinis picked up the mantle as Punjab’s bowling and fielding fell apart and, ultimately, the Delhi win was comfortable.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 198 for 4 (Dhawan 92, Shaw 32, Richardson 2-41) beat Punjab Kings 195 for 4 (Agarwal 69, Rahul 61, Meriwala 1-32) by six wickets.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 21

Team Alanis 60-Mile Cycle Road Race

Jamual John defeats Brighton John to top spot; Davis Hicks and Alex Mendes win junior and veteran classes

By Franklin Wilson

W

i t h challenging winds a factor apart from the competition presented by fellow c o m p e t i t o r s , Te a m Foundation’s Jamual John got the better of, We Stand U n i t e d C y c l e C l u b ’s Brighton John to win yesterday’s Team Alanis organised 60-mile cycle road race from the City to Mahaicony and back.

The USA based Jamual stopped the race clock at 2:23:55 winning comfortably against a determined Brighton who encountered mechanical challenges but rode like a true warrior to take the runner-up spot; some forty cyclists faced starters orders.

Rounding out the top six positions were Christopher Griffith (Team Evolution), Alex Mendes (Roraima Cycle Club), Andrew Hicks (We Stand United Cycle Club) and Deeraj Garbarran (We Stand United Cycle Club).

Winning the junior category was David Hicks

(We Stand United Cycle Club) in 2:31:25 ahead of Mario Washington (Flying Ace Cycle Club) and Sherwin Sampson (Team Alanis) in that order.

Ruling the roost amongst the veterans was Alex Mendes who continues to exhibit good form, he won in 2:25:56. Paul Choo-WeeNam (Team Alanis) and Jaikarran Sukhai (Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club) closed out the top three in that order.

The cyclists were sent on their way from off from just outside the National Park on Carifesta Avenue but when they hit the University of Guyana junction, ten riders broke away from the peloton including the top six and junior winner, David Hicks and they were never caught.

At the turn back point, Perseverance, the 23 yearold Jamual John, just back from the USA where he c o m p e t e s w i t h Te a m Foundation and turned in a few creditable performances including podium positions, separated himself from the leading pack as he rode out all alone.

He was eventually caught by Brighton John who, despite suffering some mechanical problems at Content on the downward journey, stopped took care of same, caught the pack, dropped them and eventually connected with Jamual at KK Gas Station at Unity, Mahaica. The two rode together until Jamual jumped Brighton at Ogle and never looked back, the second placed finisher having to call on all his experience to make it home.

The top six seniors, top three juniors and veterans were all presented with cash prizes.

Jamual and Brighton shared four of the sprint prizes between them equally with one going to Andrew Hicks and the other to, Marcus Keiler.

Yesterday’s race was sanctioned by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) with full approval from the National Covid-19 Task Force. Usual support was provided by the Guyana P o l i c e F o r c e Tr a ff i c Departments in Alberttown and the East Coast of Demerara.

Roraima Cycle Club’s Alex Mendes won the veterans class. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Verstappen beats Hamilton in dramatic Emilia-Romagna GP

I

MOLA, Italy (AP) — Max Verstappen eased to victory in an incident-packed Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix yesterday as he comfortably beat Lewis Hamilton, who almost crashed out after a rare error from the world champion.

Hamilton hit a wall in a race that was also temporarily suspended following a separate incident involving his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The 23-year-old Verstappen led for the majority of the race on the wet Imola track and the Red Bull driver beat Hamilton by 22 seconds for the 11th win of his career.

Verstappen almost threw victory away as he nearly lost control of his car during the restart after the red flag but recovered and gradually pulled away from the field out front.

“I had my moment in the restart. That was a big one!

But after that it was fine,” Verstappen said with a chuckle.

“It’s a very long season

Hamilton is one point ahead of Verstappen in the early drivers’ championship standings. (EPA)

so just have to keep on working very hard. I’m very happy about the result today but tomorrow we start again .. It’s great to be fighting against Lewis and Mercedes who have been very dominant for so many years.”

Hamilton, who won the season-opening Bahrain GP last month, showed all his skills to make his way back up the field after falling as far back as ninth following the incident just before the halfway point of the race.

The 36-year-old Hamilton is still ahead of Verstappen in the standings after he picked up a bonus point for the fastest lap in Imola. Bottas had the fastest lap in Bahrain. Lando Norris was third, 23.7 behind Verstappen.

“Congratulations to Max, he did a fantastic job today. Also to Lando, what an awesome job,” Hamilton said. “On my side it was not the greatest of days, first time I made a mistake in a long time, but I’m grateful to

have been able to bring the car home.”

Verstappen started third, behind Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and pole-sitter Hamilton. The Dutch driver got off to a great start and jumped his teammate before touching wheels with Hamilton and forcing his way into the lead.

Hamilton damaged his front wing in that incident but was running a comfortable second until he slid off the track, through the gravel and into the wall on

lap 31. The British driver managed to return to the track eventually but had dropped to ninth.

A short time later, Bottas and Williams driver George Russell were involved in a crash — which will be investigated after the finish — and the race was redflagged on lap 34 with debris from their cars scattered across the track.

Both drivers were furious in the aftermath with Bottas flicking his middle finger at Russell, who responded by swatting the Finnish driver with his hand.

The safety car first appeared while Nicholas L a t i f i ’s Wi l l i a m s w a s recovered after a crash on the second lap following contact with Nikita Mazepin.

Perez slid off the track and was handed a 10-second penalty for overtaking under the safety car, when he retook the places he lost.

Perez took his penalty on lap 29 and was fourth when the race restarted after the red flag but spun off at the Villeneuve chicane shortly after and slid down to 14th.

The Mexican driver finished 12th.

Hamilton was eighth after the restart but began picking off his rivals. He was up to fifth by lap 43, fourth by lap 50 and third — with Norris in his sights — by lap 55. And he got past his compatriot to take second place with three laps to go.

“Really awesome to get back to second and a good battle with Lando,” Hamilton said. “I definitely didn’t know that I would be here when I was facing that barrier.”

Norris finished third, adding to his only podium finish for another third-place finish at the season-opener in Austria last year.

Charles Leclerc was fourth, just ahead of Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz.

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo was sixth, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly, Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen and the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso.

Next up in the 23-race calendar is the Portuguese GP on May 2.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday April 19, 2021

European soccer split: elite clubs threaten breakaway league

L

ONDON (AP) — A group of elite clubs split European soccer yesterday with plans to walk away from the Champions League to create a breakaway competition, drawing an angry response and the threat of legal action from UEFA. The moves to quit the existing structures in an apparent grab for more money and power include Real Madrid, Barcelona, the American owners of Liverpool and Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan. No German or French clubs have signed up.

In a sign of the growing concerns across England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that a Super League would be “very damaging” and demanded an explanation from the publicly silent rebels.

“The clubs involved must answer to their fans and the wider footballing community before taking any further steps,” Johnson tweeted.

The Super League plans, which were first leaked in January, have escalated into a greater threat to implement them on the eve of UEFA’s planned announcement of a new format for the Champions League. While the long-standing existing competition that grew from the European Cup would

The Official UEFA Champions League match balls are on display ahead of the Champions League quarter final second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

increase to 36 teams and add more games as desired by the wealthiest clubs, they remained frustrated that UEFA would not grant more control of the sale of television and commercial rights.

Still, the European Club Association’s board, which is led by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, and the UEFA clubs’ competitions committee on Friday had signed up to expanding the Champions League from 2024 — ahead of ratification by the UEFA executive committee, including Agnelli, on Monday.

The rebel clubs are all members of the ECA which has a working agreement with UEFA, signed in 2019, which commits all its members to take part in and respect the Champions League and other European

competitions through the 2023-24 season.

N o w U E FA h a s announced it has “learned that a few English, Spanish and Italian clubs may be planning to announce their creation of a closed, socalled Super League.” The plan was called a “cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs” in a statement from UEFA jointly with the leagues and national governing bodies from England, Spain and Italy.

“We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening. Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way,” the statement said. “As previously announced by F I FA a n d t h e s i x

Federations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.”

While FIFA issued a statement in January warning players in a Super League could be banned from the World Cup, the world governing body has not denied that its president, Gianni Infantino, has been involved in the breakaway talks with officials, including Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Despite Agnelli’s role with the ECA and at the heart of UEFA with a position on its executive committee, Juventus is said to be one of the teams involved in the Super League along with AC Milan. Both Juventus and Milan declined to comment.

Manchester clubs City and United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are also part of the Super League, which the Premier League said would “undermine the appeal of the whole game” by going against the principles of open competition.

“Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best,” the Premier League said. “We believe that the

concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.”

“The Premier League is proud to run a competitive and compelling football competition that has made it the most widely watched league in the world. Our success has enabled us to make an unrivalled financial contribution to the domestic football pyramid.”

The creation of a 20team annual competition would include 15 top clubs as permanent members based on plans seen in January by the AP. The five other teams would vary each season, although the qualification method has not been determined.

Each of the 15 founding members would get a share of at least 3.5 billion euros ($4.2 billion) in initial infrastructure grants.

The money would be split among four tiers of clubs, with the top six each getting 350 million euros ($420 million).

The competition would begin with two groups of 10 teams, with the top four from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. That would guarantee every team 18 annual Super League matches, compared to a minimum of ten games in the planned new-look Champions League group stage.

The games — apart from

the final — would be played in midweek like the current Champions League, allowing them to still play in domestic competitions.

This latest Super League proposal hopes to generate 4 billion euros ($4.86 billion) annually from broadcasters.

In comparison, UEFA said the total commercial revenue was 3.25 billion euros ($3.9 billion) for each of the past three seasons from selling the rights to the Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. Those numbers fund billions of dollars in prize money to clubs each season, though have been slightly reduced by disruption from the pandemic.

For the 2021-24 sales cycle, UEFA is expected to sell around $14 billion in broadcast and sponsor deals for its club competitions, which includes the new third-tier Europa Conference League.

Those sales were completed worldwide on the legal commitment of top clubs to play according to the UEFA-ECA accord. Any breach of the cooperation deal would likely lead to legal threats and suits.

In the Super League business plan, the 15 founding clubs of the new competition would take the greatest slice of the broadcasting revenue.

Jamaica suffer heavy loss to Nicaragua in basketball WCup qualifiers Jamaica Observer J a m a i c a ’s t w o - g a m e winning run at the first round of the FIBA Basketball Wo r l d C u p 2 0 2 3 CONCENCABA Pre Qualifiers in San Salvador, El Salvador came to an end Saturday as they went down to a heavy 92-54 loss to a well rested Nicaragua team.

The Jamaicans, who were playing a third consecutive day after contrasting wins over Costa Rica and Guyana, appeared fatigued and offered little resistance, managing just 11 points in the first quarter after failing to score for almost the first four minutes of the game.

Despite Saturday’s loss, Jamaica still lead the standings with five points and remain in the running for one of the three spots from the event through to the second round of prequalifying to be held in July.

Jamaica had followed up on Thursday’s close two-

point (69-67) win over Costa Rica with a come-frombehind blow out 107-87 win over Guyana on Friday, while Nicaragua had beaten Guyana 84-73 in their first game then had a day off on Friday before playing Saturday.

Jamaica rested yesterday before ending the tournament against hosts El Salvador today.

El Salvador lost to Costa Rica on Friday and played Guyana in the late game yesterday.

S a t u r d a y, Wa r r e n Williams led Jamaica with 24 points and nine rebounds, Marcel Robinson scored eight points and Michael Rogers scored six while Omari Johnson, who had led the scoring in the two previous games was held scoreless in 27 minutes.

Four Nicaraguan players scored in double digits, led

by Jared Ruiz’ game-high 26, nine rebounds and five assists, while Norchad

Nicaragua defeated Jamaica in a lopsided 94-52 point’s victory.

Omier had a double-double 14 points and 13 rebounds.

F r i d a y ’s w i n o v e r Guyana gave Jamaica breathing room in the

standings and boosted their quest to advance despite a slow start. They took over the lead in the second quarter and never looked back,

leading 47-42 at the half and were up 78-57 at the end of the third quarter.

Omari Johnson led the Jamaican scoring for the

second straight game, getting 26 points, while Marcel Robinson scored 21 and Romaine Thomas added 18 points.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 19, 2021

PAGE 23

Percival surprised he was appointed Junior Selector Accepted because he wants youth cricket to move forward

By Sean Devers

The Stanford T20 made Percival a millionaire.

G

u y a n a dominated Regional U-19 cricket in the 1990s winning an unprecedented six consecutive three-day titles from 1992 to 1997 and Berbician Andre Ricardo Percival is the most successful three-day U-19 Captain in the Caribbean, winning from 1992-1994.

The 46-year-old admitted at being surprised at being appointed Chairman of the National Junior panel but accepted the position because he wants to see youth cricket move forward.

“I know I can make a d i ff e r e n c e s i n c e a s a successful youth Captain I know what selectors looks for in a young cricketer,” said Percival who made his U-19 debut in 1990.

“I remained involved in the game after I stopped playing because of my love for the game and the fact that I wanted to share my experience with the young cricketers as a coach,” said Percival, who attended Rose H a l l P r i m a r y, L o w e r Corentyne Secondary and then moved on to Corentyne Comprehensive.

“As a selector I will look for commitment, discipline, fitness, runs and wickets.

They must also have a good attitude towards the game and this applies to both boys and girls,” stressed Percival,

Percival wants a better system for ladies cricket in Guyana.

Chairman of Nat Jr selectors Andre Percival. who played 22 matches in five years at the youth level and scored three fifties and a century before leading the West Indies Colts in five Youth Tests and three ‘ODIs’ against England in 1994 and 1995.

Percival says he hopes to see Guyana’s cricket move to higher heights and Coaches and Cricketers treated better now that the GCB has changed.

“The standard of Youth cricket is not bad but there is room for improvement. I would suggest they do more programmes for youth cricketers, both male and females and get more coaches involved in the youth programmes,” continued Percival.

We need more cricket constantly at both the club and Franchise level. It’s like you play now and another few months after you play again, we need more competitive cricket, better

facilities with better pitches,” said Percival who also represented Church Cricket Club in the Transco Lancashire League in 2002.

As a National Women’s Coach, Percival is dissatisfied with the way the Women’s game in Guyana was being treated.

“Not enough is being done for Women’s cricket.

For Women’s cricket to improve we need more matches.

They need to get together more, we just can’t pick a team a few days before a tournament and have very little time to prepare and hope to be successful.

When you look at the female school cricket tournament which is supposed to be a feeder for the Guyana U-19 team, the standard was very poor with some of them playing cricket

for the first time. I think Coaches or National players should be sent to work with the boys and girls and then help to pick the various school teams,” said Percival, who scored his only century in his fifth and last year in youth cricket, against Trinidad and Tobago at the Wa n d e r e r s g r o u n d i n Barbados, in 1994.

“Regarding women’s cricket, a complete overhaul will be needed. In the past, it has proved difficult to round up 20 females who are genuinely willing and eager to learn and play cricket.

There is no hardball cricket for females to play in Demerara and Essequibo and I believe that in Georgetown the only cricket they get to play is for softball teams as preparation for the Wo m e n ’s i n t e r- c o u n t y tournaments,” added

Percival.

“It’s maybe just a handful of ladies who are fully equipped to play, thus lessening the number of women in the pool. The women will have their time to evolve now with plans to target them at the club levels before transitioning to intercounty or the national scene,” posited Percival, who hopes that everyone can work together for the good of Guyana’s cricket.

In 1992, the pair of lefthanders; Percival and Shiv Chanderpaul made their First-Class debuts as 16year-olds.

In a 31-match career which lasted up to 2005, Percival batted 54 times, scored 1,271 runs with a highest score of 96 at an average of 27.04 with seven fifties including 96 in 2002 and 91 in 1997.

Percival enjoyed his best years in First-Class Cricket

in 1996 and 2003 when he scored two fifties in those seasons.

Percival favoured the Bajan attack and three of his seven fifties were made against them including his 96 and 91 when he was dismissed with a beauty from Ian Bradshaw.

In Regional 50-over cricket, Percival made 234 runs from 22 matches from 14 innings between 1994 and 1999 with a highest score of 45 in 1995 and an average 21.27.

He played four T20 games in the 2006 Stanford T20 tournament in Antigua.

He also played two T20 games for Suriname in Florida in 2013.

Percival has a highest score of 195 against Essequibo and two centuries and nine half-centuries after making his senior Intercounty debut for Berbice as promising 15-year-old.

Region Six and TSU to clash Justin Gatlin wins early in COP final on Tuesday season 100m among

R

egion Six and Tactical Service Unit will clash in the final of the Commissioner of Police T20 final tomorrow at Eve Leary.

The contest will commence at 11:00hrs.

Teams will come from: Region Six - Philbert Wilburgh (Captain), Angel Doris (vice Captain), Kevon Boodie, Rocky Hutson, Troy Drakes, Kedar Amsterdam, Haslyn George, Gideon Byass, Sedale Bacchus, Daniel Samaroo, Paul James, Fenton Mingo, Kareem Mentore, Corwyn Mitchell and Irwin Barton.

TSU - Kemol Savory (VC), Dicquan Clarke, Devon Josep, Eon Rodrigues (C), Kelvin Butters, Rawl Haynes, Zane London,

Olympic medal favorites

Rockey Hutson Elijah Carruthers, Jermain Semple, Andy Gillis, Shaquille Clarke,

Kedar Amsterdam Vishnudyal Roopchand, Alex Burnett, Dellon Allicock and Ryan Leacock.

NBC Sports - Justin Gatlin won what could be an early Olympic 100m preview at a meet in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday.

Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and 2017 World champion, clocked 9.98 seconds at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational at the University of Florida.

Gatlin, who in 2016 became the oldest man to win an Olympic 100m medal at age 34 (silver), broke 10 seconds in each of his first two meets this season.

In Tokyo, he can become the oldest man ever to earn an Olympic medal in any

event on the track, according to Olympedia.org.

Gatlin beat a field on Saturday that included Canadian Andre De Grasse, the bronze medalist at the most recent Olympics and world championships, and Noah Lyles, the world 200m champion bidding to sweep the 100m and 200m in Tokyo.

De Grasse was second to Gatlin in 9.99. Lyles took fourth in 10.08 in his first race of the outdoor season.

That trio, plus resurgent American Trayvon Bromell (who raced the 200m in Gainesville), make up the group of Olympic gold-

medal contenders.

Previously, Christian Coleman was the singular favorite to succeed the retired Usain Bolt. But Coleman, the world’s fastest man in 2017, 2018 and 2019, was suspended through the Tokyo Olympics for missing three drug tests in 2019.

The winner of the U.S. Olympic Trials in June will likely enter the Tokyo Games as the favorite.

In an earlier race for college runners, Florida State’s Jo’vaughn Martin ran 9.94 with slightly more tailwind than the pros had, equaling the world’s fastest time this year.