Kaieteur News

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Mother of 10 NEWS burnt to death while packing to move out

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

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

April 21, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 16 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 66,434

ExxonMobil’s part of gas-to-energy project to cost US$1.3 billion - higher estimate to follow wrap-up of major contracts

ExxonMobil, EPA ignore concerns p.

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…hire ERM again to conduct EIA for gas-to-energy project

Lawyer charged for alleged racial abuse of female cop p. 9

Joe Singh appointed chairman of oil fund board …UK MP, David Lammy, Carolyn Rodrigues also appointed by President

98% of population in the dark on oil sector - IRI Poll When VP Jagdeo was in the Opposition he told the press every cent spent in the oil sector on Kaieteur as expenses must be competitive, where are his actions and words today? @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Thursday April 21, 2022

Kwakwani businessman loses millions in fire The fire scene

A businessman who operates logging concessions in the UpperBerbice community of Kwakwani is counting millions of dollars in losses after a building which houses 24 of his workers and several pieces of heavy-duty machines went up in flames on Wednesday afternoon.

Inshanally Bacchus said he is more disappointed that

the fire tender was unable to respond to the fire in a timelier manner. Residents on the scene explained that the fire tender turned up to the scene with limited water and the officers were illequipped and untrained to deal with the situation.

“They can’t go to a fire blaze with an empty tanker, if they were equipped they could have saved something at

least the saw room or something,” a distraught Bacchus said.

The wooden building that was completely destroyed he said, was constructed 12 years ago.

The building also housed several machinery including 10 chainsaws, four outboard engines amongst other things that were all destroyed. His living quarters and some additional structures were partially destroyed.

In an invited comment Regional Councillor Elroy Adolph, said the situation

could have been avoided if the officers were trained and the tender was equipped.

“We have a fire wheel that could not serve the purpose because at that time, we did not have enough water to do it and the men that was around did not know what to do, how to put out the pump, all they knew to do was to drive it to the location, and took half an hour to get out the little water that was in the tank,” Adolph said. He is calling on the relevant authorities to correct the situation.

Mother of 10 burnt to death while packing up to move out The remains of Jacob’s home

Fire fighters on Wednesday recovered the charred remains of a woman who was burnt to death inside of her Bachelor’s Adventure home located on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

She was identified as, Nicola Jacobs, a 51-year-old domestic worker employed with the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, and a mother of 10 children.

According to her children, her partner, a 34year-old man, who lived with her, is claiming that the woman had set herself on fire following an argument they had but they want police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter because she was reportedly packing up her clothes to move out when the tragedy happened.

Neighbours reportedly saw the woman’s wooden home on fire and contacted the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). Fire fighters arrived and put out the blaze but the house was completely destroyed and amidst the rubbles they located Jacob’s burnt remains.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a release stated that

Nicola Jacobs the woman that was burnt to death in her home the cause of the fire which claimed the woman’s life is unknown at this time, and investigations are ongoing.

The scene has been possessed and photographed by a member of the Force’s crime scene unit to assist the investigation.

Police said based on information received by investigators the woman lived alone and was last seen alive around 11:00hrs that day. However, according to Jacob’s daughter, Temiki Jacobs, her mother was living there in a commonlaw-relationship with a 34year-old man. She said that her mother was living with the individual for five years now but he became abusive towards her.

“The two a dem steady (Continued on page 9)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

ExxonMobil, EPA ignore concerns - hire ERM again to conduct EIA for Gas to Energy Project

By Davina Bagot espite concerns being raised by environmentalis ts, regarding the credibility of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), the lone Consultant that has been conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for A m e r i c a n o i l m a j o r, ExxonMobil, the company as well as the local regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has again approved the firm to conduct such a study, this time, for the Gas to Energy project.

This was revealed yesterday when the EIA was released, opening the 60 days period for the public to make submissions to the EPA on the proposed project.

So far, ERM has been the only Consultant, since 2017, that has been conducting environmental impact assessments on behalf of the oil operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

To this end, during the last public consultations hosted in November on the Yellowtail project, the most recent to be approved, environmental activists questioned the independence and credibility of ERM. Following the virtual consultation, one environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly during a live broadcast segment of ‘The G l e n n L a l l S h o w, ’ a commentary programme, which aired on the Kaieteur Radio, said “I am really quite taken, looking back at the studies [and] the consultant keeps referring to all the previous studies that they have done. There seems to be a long-term relationship between this firm, Esso [Exxon’s partner] and the

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Environmental Protection Agency in Guyana as it keeps selecting the same firm to do the study for Esso.”

According to Mangal, “the EPA Act requires that the firm is independent. You cannot claim independence when you have a long-term relationship doing all of the studies for the applicant [Esso] because you have a financial relationship now.

This is a firm that established itself in Guyana and is doing all of Exxon‘s work e ff e c t i v e l y. I t i s n o t independent and Guyanese need to look at the EPA for failing to do its duty,” Emphasizing the law, Mangal noted that the relationship between the three entities leaves many questions.

“The EPA Act is very c l e a r, t h e r e m u s t b e independence and that independence has to be judged on serious criteria…

Do you really think a firm is independent when they keep doing the studies one after the other? Are they the only qualified firm to do the job over and over again? And why is Guyana’s EPA failing the nation by not looking into this practical pattern that it is responsible for? “ q u e s t i o n e d t h e environmentalist.

Earlier this month, the EPA in a statement to the media explained that the agency is now in the process of compiling a list of competent Consultants to conduct EIAs here in Guyana.

It said it is currently developing a “fair and robust system for compiling this list of approved persons with appropriate qualifications and experience to conduct EIAs.”

In the interim, the EPA noted that it currently approves Consultants on a case by case basis, informed by the respective agency’s qualifications and experience in conducting environmental studies, similar to what is required.

Mangal-Joly however responded to the EPA statement, arguing that the Environmental Protection (EP) Act does not allow for Consultants to be selected on a case by case basis, but is in fact pellucid when it comes to the selection process.

She reasoned, “There is nothing in the Act that speaks to an alternative means through which the EPA may select qualified persons to conduct EIAs. Whether one does it on a case-by-case basis or from a pool, or whether it is a local or foreign individual or company, Section 3(a) of the Act is clear that the Agency cannot select the consultants by itself; the selection must be done “with the assistance of internationally recognised environmental groups.” This is specifically to avoid bias and underhandedness.”

Back in December last year, a group of environmentalists had challenged the independence and credibility of ERM, since the Consultant has been the lone agency that has conducted all of the EIAs required for ExxonMobil’s projects, offshore Guyana.

The experts Alfred Buhlai, Vanda Radzik, Janette Bulkan, Denuta Radzik, Jerry Jailall, Simone Mangal-Joly, Alissa Trotz and Maya Trotz wrote to the EPA requesting that it disclose the list of other qualified consultants, from which the ERM was selected to conduct the Yellowtail EIA.

9 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Guyana

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he Ministry of Health on Wednesday recorded a total of nine new Covid-19 cases across the country.

The new infections which are two men and seven women now bring the total number of confirmed cases to 63,389. The cases, according to the Ministry’s dashboard data were detected in Region Four which

recorded seven and Region Nine which recorded two.

The dashboard states that eight persons are in institutional isolation, 18 are quarantined institutionally and 77 are in home isolation. Additionally, 22 persons have recovered from the virus within the last 24hours, taking the total number of recovery cases to 62,076.

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GNBS sticker affixed to laboratory.

GNBS recertifies Kaizen testing laboratory

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a i z e n Environmental Services Inc. Laboratory was on Wednesday recertified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) based on the requirements of the GYS 170:2009 Standard.

Kaizen Environmental Services, with other bases in Trinidad and Canada, was established in Guyana in 2013. After establishing a strong system meeting the requirements of the GYS 170 Standard, it became certified by the GNBS in 2016.

However, in 2021 the laboratory lost its certification due to failure to maintain the requirements of the Standard. Fortunately, yesterday the Kaizen Team reclaimed its GNBS Certification which will provide its clients with confidence needed when procuring its laboratory services.

According to a GNBS press statement, the testing laboratory reclaimed its certification under the GNBS Laboratory Certification programme after it fulfilled the requirements of the National Standard.

In his address at the

certification ceremony at the laboratory’s new location in the Critchlow Labour College Compound, Country Manager of the company, Dr. Ivor English said, “…the laboratory is absolutely delighted for the role the GNBS plays in monitoring and auditing its facilities, which has allowed it to become fully compliant again.”

Dr. English also stated that the laboratory is committed to fully offering excellent environmental services, and with the certification he assured the GNBS that “the laboratory will do everything within its remit to ensure the highest practical standard within the industry.”

As the Principal Representative of Kaizen, D r. E n g l i s h t o o k t h e opportunity to mention that his laboratory provides analytical testing services to those in Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Mining, which is done in accordance with industry guidelines and best practices.

F u r t h e r, Te c h n i c a l O ff i c e r o f t h e G N B S Certification Services Department, Keon Rankin

stated that the GNBS established its Laboratory Certification Programme towards ensuring that all laboratories operate in accordance with standardized methods which are used worldwide.

He added that certification will benefit any laboratory as it will allow it to provide accurate and reliable results to its clients.

Rankin further noted that certified laboratories will also benefit from an effective documentation system, the use of accurate equipment, and the application of an e ff e c t i v e m a n a g e m e n t system. Finally, the GNBS Technical Officer said he is extremely pleased that the Kaizen Laboratory is once again certified under the B u r e a u ’s C e r t i f i c a t i o n Programme and he extended congratulations on behalf of the GNBS to the Laboratory Team.

The GNBS encourages other testing laboratories, which are not yet certified under the certification programme to engage its Certification Services Department to become recognised as meeting the requirements of the National Standard.

Man stabs son to death, critically wounds cousin in drunken brawl Police in Region One are now investigating the death of Daniel Wilson of Lower Black Water, Barima River North West District, who was allegedly stabbed to death by his foster father on Easter Sunday night.

According to reports, the tragic incident which claimed the life of the 17year-old boy and left his cousin hospitalised occurred on Sunday around 22:00hrs.

Investigation so far revealed that Wilson, his foster father and one of his cousins, Ron Moonsammy were imbibing alcohol when an argument ensued amongst them. Details about the argument which remains unclear led the suspect to stab the now deceased with a

Wanted, Nigel Abraham knife.

Reports are that Moonsammy intervened and tried to save his cousin but the suspect reportedly turned on him with the knife and stabbed him to the chest.

Wilson was rushed to the Mabaruma Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead while an injured Moonsammy was rushed to

the same hospital in a critical condition but later had to be transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) for further treatment. Following the fatal stabbing, police on Tuesday issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect who they believe is responsible for the murder of the teen.

Wanted is 30-year-old Nigel Abraham of Lower Black Wa t e r, B a r i m a R i v e r.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Abraham is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 216-0251, 2160254, 444-3429, 225-6978, 225-8196 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

Do not breakdown Guyanese, build them up Though carried in colour, it is as plain as black and white.

It is our headline titled, “Given Guyanese lack of capacity…American group and TT firms take over Exxons multi-million-dollar waste management contracts” (KN January 17). It conveys the state of this nation as it struggles to come to grips with aspects of this overnight oil wealth, which is clearly lacking in many areas to deal with expertly, even with some efficiency.

We dont have capacity in many areas, and everybody knows that, from those in the region to those in America and Europe, who look on and then pounce to position themselves to take advantage of the rich opportunities that are begging for the taking in suddenly oil rich Guyana. We have been told before that we dont have sufficiency of capacity to conduct expert audit of billions in bills from Exxon, which is something that we have some difficulty in agreeing with, or accepting for the lateness of that disclosure and its baldness. We know that we lack the scientific knowhow in such areas as geology and petroleum engineering and environmental management, among many other much-needed disciplines, which is one of the reasons that we cannot agree with, or support in any form, the termination of the employment of a Guyanese of the calibre of Dr. Vincent Adams. We could go on, but we think that the point is made as to what we have and what we lack. As we gird ourselves to manage this oil, we are made jarringly aware of the many limitations that dog us and leave us on the margins of the rich opportunities made possible by our ballooning oil business, whether considered from a national angle, a downstream one, or one that involves sometimes the mere basics of daily operations.

This is what our headline pointed to, and made clear in the starkest terms.

Look at us, even in an operation as fundamental as waste management, we do not measure up, we are not gearing up, and we are, therefore, dependent on outsiders to do the hauling and heavy lifting. One American group has seized the opening, and several neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago firms have stepped in to fill the vacuum created by the absence of Guyanese entities to do the job. It is of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials removal and disposal, and it embarrasses that we still curse each other and fight one another, while something like this occurs before the eyes of leaders in government and citizens who are consumed by our age old entanglements and passions. We have frequently used the local expression that if we are not careful that cat would eat our dinner. That is, the dinner of almost all Guyanese, and this is precisely what is happening, while we look on helplessly. We all are familiar with the problems that are encountered in the capital city from time to time with daily basic commercial and household garbage disposal. If we cant put our arms around that in a competent and authoritative manner, then it is obvious that we are at sea when such waste management involves hazardous materials. How to go about such tasks, what to do with the detritus of oil production, and all of its related subsidiary activities, it must be said are beyond us. And yet we argue and are endlessly hostile to each other; as we do this, foreigners come and make hay while the sun shines on them, and we are content to live in darkness. The Guyana Government of today is most comfortable targeting, degrading, and breaking down obstinate citizens, through its platoons of protective and scurrilous agents. Many citizens try their best to do a good imitation of their government and leaders in how they attack and destroy their neighbour. All the time, the opportunities to make good money are going down the drain, meaning, to others not from here. We should be building up Guyanese, not breaking them down. We should scour the diaspora for those who could lend a trusted hand, but we dont want them, if they are not a certain kind of Guyanese. Meanwhile, the foreigners reap, while Guyanese cant even begin to sow.

Lack of sex education contributes towards sexual assault DEAR EDITOR, On a regular basis, the news and social media sites are often filled with stories about sexual assault (SA) and harassment. Against this backdrop, enhanced conversations on these issues are often encouraged.

While it is acknowledged that children and young adults should be engaged in discussions surrounding sexual health and abuse, however, many still remain resistant to actually equipping them with information on these topics.

There remains the belief that providing information to children on the various

components of sex will encourage deviant behaviours, but the opposite effect is often the case. In ChildLinK s recent “Caring for Boys,” research, it was found that parents often neglected to have conversations about sexual health and rights with their children, often leaving them ill prepared to navigate the realities of their social environments.

In cases where these conversations did occur, they were primarily done with young girls rather than boys.

Caretakers tended to view girls as the only ones vulnerable to SA and as such,

were equipped with information about sex in order for them to “protect” themselves. Boys were generally seen as immune to SA, with established societal concepts surrounding masculinity positioning them as being the leaders of sex, and as such, were believed to not necessarily require information.

These beliefs can be extremely harmful as it buys into gendered notions that restricts children and sends them out ill prepared.

Equipping children, regardless of gender with information about sexual health, and abuse will ensure

that they are better able to identify those with abusive tendencies, and also more open to sharing their experiences with relevant persons and authorities if they are abused.

It will also ensure that they have a good understanding of their bodies and the ways that they can protect themselves, while building their selfesteem.

Akola Thompson Communications Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counselling, please call 914/ 227-0979/227-2023/2333500

Guyanas Reported Labour Shortage DEAR EDITOR, One sees published that there will be a highly professional research exercise into what is described as Guyanas Labour Needs. It would have been more comforting if it were seen by the Ministry concerned as skills needs, for skills are what are urgently needed to propel productivity across agencies, public and private, moreso in the Public Service.

According to the 2022 Budget there exist the following categories of semi/unskilled personnel: a) Clerical and Office Support Ministries 6567 Regional Administrations --632 b) Semi-Skilled Operatives and Unskilled Ministries 2914 Regional Administrations2095 Making a total of 12,208 aspirants for further training and development. That is not to say that the following category may not be candidates for similar human development: Other Technical Craft Skilled Ministries3392 Regional Administrations3492 At first blush, therefore, a survey has to be designed to enquire into the possible areas of interest of the above-

numbered public servants.

But at the other end of the employment spectrum is the chronic stifling of the latters longevity since colonial days - at age 55 years ignored by all political leaders who, in substantive contradiction can perform indefinitely. The fact is, however, that Guyana has the record of instituting the youngest formal retirement age of public servants in Caricom, and for that matter, the rest of the world a fact that has been repeatedly mentioned, and continues to be ignored at the most informed levels, albeit in contradiction to several Public Sector Agencies, including the undermentioned of serving 60 years as the formal retirement age: Audit Office of Guyana, Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Sugar Corporation, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, GuyOil, Guyana National Shipping Corporation Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, to name a few.

For that matter GPL has long inherited a retirement legacy of 65 years from the original Canadian owners.

The point to be made is about our leaders resignation, if not indifference, to such a skills loss, and of critical institutional memory the glaring exception of course being the careful selection and appointment of Contracted Employees.

But perhaps the most ur-

amended as may be required to provide for higher pensions as a result of the higher retirement age; 69) That consideration be given to increasing the monthly pensions of retired Public Officers, who are in receipt of the minimum pension, to a level which is equal to or closer to the Public Service minimum wage/salary” But of course, it would be surprising if any Private Sector employer manages a Pension Scheme of which the retirement age is below 60 years.

In relation to all the foregoing hullaballoo it becomes urgently necessary for the current Administration to help in the reinvention of the NIS by upgrading the pensionable age of public servants to 60 years so that the latter can better benefit from that Schemes calculable pension deliverables.

And while the Private Sector must contribute to this worthwhile exercise, this writers priority concern is about the several thousands of employees severed from the sugar industry at the end of 2017. They must be the focus of special attention in any survey of labour needs.

In light of all the above it would be interesting to have access in due course to the specific Terms of Reference of this most strategic human resources project.

E.B. John

gent attention should be paid to the substantial value of teachers who, at all levels, are required to retire from the Education system at age 55 years.

Finally, at the risk of being superfluous (even objectionable to some), the following is an extract from Chapter 6 of the critically overlooked Dr. Lutchmans Report of The Commission of Inquiry Into The Public Service: “Chapter 6: Retirement Age for Public Servants Recommendation No. 6469 64) That the retirement age for new entrants into the Public Service, and those currently in the Public Service who are below 50 years, be retired on attaining 65 years of age, the option of retiring on attaining 60 years; 65) That pension entitlements be calculated at a maximum of 43 and one-third service years; 66) That Public Servants who are currently below 55 years of age, be allowed the option to retire on attaining 60 years or any time before 65 or on attaining 65 years of age; 67) That no person retiring from the Public Service before attaining the age of 65 years should be employed on contract in an established Public Service position.

68) That the Pensions Act Chapter 27:02 be

Solar system in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Attached are a few images to verify the points I have to make. Quite a number of people have expressed their interest in getting a solar system for their house and many professionals have indicated that Guyana has a fairly decent weather condition for people to live strictly solar

and government should show more interest in solar. I’ve successfully set up a few farms in the Lower Pomeroon River, and around Georgetown. With a minimum of two batteries, and four panels, one house can power its fridge, pump water, use washing machines, and use several other electrical appliances

during the day. Going to a store that supplies, they would give you a list of things that are recommended, and in the end, the cost could amount to over $1.5 million.

Basically, for someone to go solar, there are three methods available: (1) Grid-tie system, which does not require any battery, but the power

company has to install a special metre, which would reverse the metre, sending the excess power to attain from the sun to their system and the power is return when the sun is available, especially at nights. So, your electricity bill will be very low or the utility company has to pay you (Continued on page 5)

Thursday April 21, 2022

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Kaieteur News

You are not entitled to any free money DEAR EDITOR, I cannot agree more with the Hon. Lenox R O Shuman in relation to what he has written (KN April 20/22) regarding the building of an international airport and hotel in Berbice. An international airport in Berbice would be most welcomed. Those who live in East Berbice know the difficulty of getting to Timehri.

By the time you get to the airport you’re already tired from the five - six hours drive (depending on where you started and traffic on the road), not to mention the long lines at the counter and then waiting another two to three hours to board the plane.

Some Guyanese have no vision at all when it comes to planning for the future of Guyana. All they care about

is getting some of the oil money here and now as if they are entitled to it. Well, let me tell those of you who are hoping to get free oil money from the Government. You are not entitled to any free money.

Money generated from natural resources is strictly for a country’s development and not to be given away to individuals.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic the cost of living has skyrocketed the world over.

One sure way to alleviate the high cost of living for parents with school age children in Guyana is for our government to build food centres around the area where there are schools so that children can have breakfast in the morning and lunch at mid-day.

The only meal these parents

From page 4 (not certain how far GPL is with this), and when you have power outages, the system shut down completely. (2) OffGrid system, which requires batteries, and based on the amount, you get power 24hrs a day without GPL. (3) Hybrid system, which works with both battery and GPL power.

Each of these set-ups uses different types of inverters.

Editor, basically, based on what type of system you use, a battery might be needed, the solar panels, charge controllers, and inverters or there’s all in one charge controller/ inverter available.

There are many people offering services towards solar and many choose to supply and install to which less headache is expected, but when you receive the bill, the real headache starts.

If you are not cautious, some would give you a list of things they would supply, and during the process, change their plans. There’s one person who did business with a company advertising

on Facebook and upon completion, inform the person that there’s a shortage of batteries and a shipment is expected and when it comes in, they will receive the other battery. Now many people dealing with batteries would tell you that you cannot add new batteries to old batteries, because it would reduce the new battery to the old battery’s condition/stage.

Meanwhile, the company is advertising they have a new shipment of batteries, but the individual is still awaiting the other battery months now. In addition, many cheap Chinese inverter and charge controllers are selling that malfunction, which I highlighted in a previous letter.

Finally, Editor, because the system is so complicated and corrupt in Guyana, I advise most of my clients to make their purchases overseas and would provide the links to make the purchase.

One of my main concerns is the astronomical price tag for these items. A charge controller sells online for around

will have to worry about is dinner. This will not only help with the financial burden of parents but will also provide jobs for cooks, cleaners, farmers delivering greens and vegetables, milk, etc., just as they do in the US. It is my hope that the Ministry of Education, Social Services, Child Welfare Services and others responsible for the welfare of Guyana’s children and all parents will come together and submit this proposal to President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo so that all our children regardless of race or creed will get at least two (2) meals per day. Mothers will be able to devote more of their time to providing for their children.

Sincerely, Gloria Holder

APNU+AFC ducking for cover DEAR EDITOR, What a hypocritical posture? I am reading in the dailies that “PAC will be unable to scrutinize government spending before Elections,” all because of the “… slow pace of work (and) quorum change; a disservice to citizens…” This veneer just will not work. The people of Guyana are now being fully informed on what took place during the erstwhile period of governance, when the APNU+AFC were in charge.

And guess what? They are trying to create diversions.

We are all aware that according to one of the Auditor Generals reports, a contractor was awarded a $2.363 million contract for rehabilitation works to teachers living quar-

Solar system in Guyana...

GY$60,000 and if you go to a reputable store locally to purchase similar, depending on which store, you have to pay between $180,000 - $400,000.

There are various types of batteries available locally, but some stores still sell the Gel Battery at an extremely high price, even though the technology for that type has proven to be a failure, some not lasting four years and cannot be repaired, so they stop manufacturing them. In a nutshell, because many are not properly familiar with the solar system, they are either being scared away, ripped off, or forced to pay an astro-

nomical figure for a useless system. There should be bodies set up to assist/advise people who want to go solar, Government should encourage people that the system will be easily available if they supply power to the Grid they will be paid for excess power, and stop making it complicated.

There are thousands of houses in the outskirts and hinterland regions, space out communities, without electricity, and despite their glorious plans, there’s no indication that these communities will get electricity soon.

Sahadeo Bates

ters in the Supenaam area, Region Two, but officials of the region overpaid the contractor some $114,000 without verification that the project works were actually completed.

Then look at what happened with the Forensic Laboratory, and it is along the same line. Some five years ago, even though the Audit Office of Guyana did recommend legal action against a contractor who reneged on his contract, to deliver equipment for the Forensic Laboratory, nothing was ever done. This came to light back in June last year, when, during a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), an issue flagged by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2016 Report, exposed a terrible financial misdemeanour.

This was where the Ministry of Public Security signed with an overseas supplier, who was contracted to procure $21.9 million worth of equipment for the Forensic Laboratory at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. However, that supplier was paid $9.974 Million in 2017, but only supplied $3.191 Million in forensic laboratory materials. This left materials, with a value of $6.783 Million that

were not delivered.

These two cases are the kinds of embarrassing things the APNU+AFC are trying to dodge.

I personally am baffled that Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Jermaine Figueira, feels “… convinced that citizens are receiving a disservice now that a stronger possibility exists for further stymieing the work of the PAC.” That is like a come-ongive-me-a-break moment. The new configuration for the PAC is all about more efficient and timely work. Guyanese must know what is happening behind closed doors. So far, the track record is abysmal for APNU+AFC, and more is set to follow in terms of their well-denigrated tenure between 2015-2020, with almost half that time being quite illegal.

As we all know, the “PACs quorum was recently changed from three persons to five and has specific rules as to who must be present from both the government and opposition sides of the House to make any meeting of the PAC a valid one.” What is wrong with this, if we are talking best practices?

(Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

Lets continue to pray for Peace and National Unity

Prospect woman gives back to less fortunate Obeying her parents teachings to be charitable, Zandra Lall the founder of Elite Childrens Organisation is celebrating its one year anniversary by building a house for a single-parent family and donating more than 70 bags of goodies to less fortunate children.

DEAR EDITOR, I noted with great interest an article in the media titled “Human Rights must not stand in the way of American interests.” The article alleges that this point of view was expressed by former Secretary of State, also a Republican and former Executive of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson who let the “cat out of the bag,” since 2017, when he postulated the thesis that things such as human rights/

democracy must in my words be subordinated to the national interest.

My friends who noted this were quick to condemn this theory. Some others from my alma mater are of the firm belief that the demand for President David Granger to “step aside” had little to do with democracy, human rights and the principles dealing with National and General Elections of a country, but rather, according to Tillerson, what was in the best interest of the then US Administration during the Pre-Guyanas 2020 Elections.

Not forgetting Grangers reluctance to agree for the US occupation of an area in the Northwest in response to an effort to destabilise the Maduro Administration.

Many of us, members and supporters of the PNC and the Coalition have been heaping hot coals on the head of David Granger blaming him justly or unjustly for all that went wrong, ignoring that in the great US, it was the immediate, past President of America who tried to thwart the will of the American voters, a matter still being investigated.

Tillersons approach to that of Pompeo who visited Guyana had all to do with their perception of what is in the US interest.

May I add this caveat, the above is not an American phenomenon but resonates among powerful Nation States, whether the East, West, North or South and I pose this question, even as

we seek peace during this Passover, that: Has this attitude of powerful Nation States become a common and universal curse?

Guyanese need to see this and our situation in its widest context and I argued earlier that it is our lack of a moral sense, that is, the root cause of our tragedy and unless as a people, we have the intellectual nimbleness, we, less than a million people, will be swallowed up by this old culture of a shortage of moral sense, which translates to mean might is right and such righteousness is really devoid of those treasured principles we were taught in our early childhood.

It means that the United States is merely part of a global truism that determines the feasibility of war, more of an addiction which ignores everything else.

But the Easter Sunday sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury offers us hope, if only we listen and learn.

Look at our history books and the things we learn, it is the glorification of the great warriors and warlords. Some held with reverence, no pun intended.

Remember Alexander the Great, Ann Nzingha of Ndongo Kingdoms (Angola), Atilla the Hun, Julius Caesar, Shaka Zulu, Spartacus, Yaa Asantewaa and of recent vintage, the German, British, Japanese, American and Russian Generals. The famous Christian Crusades (Continued on page 18)

APNU+AFC ducking...

From page 5 How will this kind of configuration stymie promptness?

He, Figueira is seeking cover, saying that “… he believes that given the slow pace of the Committees work, and now this new requirement, the oversight body will be unable to scrutinize governments spending before the holding of the next general elections.” My question: “Did he want scrutiny for APNU+AFC prior to the last Elections? At least we are getting that now, and so far, it is bad for the APNU+AFC. Indeed, like he said, “Government is currently spending millions and billions of dollars unchecked…but we are only on the 2017, 2018 and 2019 audited accounts.” But the time will come for all this spending to be examined. We just cannot leave gaps, the APNU+AFCs, to be left or postponed, and jump ahead.

Continuity is the name of the

game.

Let me quickly ask the PAC Chair, if at any time, meetings were cancelled or postponed because of some funny piece of tactics by the members on the side of the Government. For reminders, I point out to him that just the other day, the Audit Office of Guyana (AOG), via the annual Auditor General reports, redflagged more than 500 breaches of various laws between the years 2015 and 2018, most of which occurred while the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government was in power. I remind our readers that mismanagement and the lack of accountability are what is being exposed, and will continue to be exposed, as the examination era of the APNU+AFC 2015 to 2020 at the PAC continues.

Yours truly, H. Singh

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday April 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyanese do not agree on many things, but it seems they are at one when it comes to the appointment of a substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and a Chief Justice.

They are also at one that the two incumbents who have been acting for years; Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Roxane George-Wiltshire respectively must be confirmed.

As the calls continue, it is now time for the President, Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton to act. And while they are at it, it would only be fair that a decision is taken towards not just changing the legal formula used to appoint such persons but to remove the appointments entirely from the realm of politicians and place it in the hand of a competent judiciary committee.

Come on lawmakers let‘s make our judiciary truly autonomous and free from political influence.

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PAGE 8

Hydromet service receives boost Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings and UNDP’s Resident Representative, Mr. Jairo Valverde Bermudez

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture - Hydrometeorological Service on Tuesday, signed a handover agreement for forty-five (45) rain gauges and 90 measuring jars to support Guyana’s sustainable disaster preparedness and response initiatives.

UNDP is implementing a Japanese Government- funded project, “Strengthening Disaster Management Capacity of Women in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Commonwealth of Dominica” that provided for the procurement of the rain gauges worth approximately USD 26,000.

The items were formally handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture Hydrometeorological Service that will be responsible for the installation at targeted communities in Regions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the ministry stated in a press release. According to the ministry, this initiative will provide for Gender-responsive capacity building in

hazard-prone communities to apply climate and early warning information to reduce vulnerability of loss of agricultural livelihoods.

At the signing, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings highlighted the importance of the rain gauges and accessories for the expansion of the national hydrometeorological network and the accurate recording of rainfall data.

According to Dr. Cummings, these data will be critical to the strengthening of weather, climate, and hydrological forecasting at both the national and regional levels.

UNDP’s Resident Representative, Mr. Jairo Valverde Bermudez affirmed UNDP’s commitment to building a sustainable and resilient Guyana and working with all stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He further indicated that the establishment of applied climate and early (Continued on page 19)

Thursday April 21, 2022

Lawyer charged for alleged racial abuse of female cop Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh, son of former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, was on Wednesday placed on $100,000 bail when he denied a charge of allegedly using racial slurs towards an AfroGuyanese policewoman who was tasked with guarding his residence.

Singh appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that Singh unlawfully excited and or attempted to excite racial hostility or ill-will against police constable Shawnette Bollers.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 20, 2022 at the corner of Middle and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, by means of words spoken by him in a public place, willfully excited and or attempted to excite hostility and ill-will against Bollers on the ground of her race as an Afro-Guyanese by using words directed to her and published by him, to wit: “black monkey”, “monkey” “black people have no purpose in life”

Attorney-at-law, Nirvan Singh contrary to the provisions of Section 2 (1) Racial Hostility Act Cap 23:0).

Chief Magistrate McLennan granted bail and ordered the lawyer not to make contact or cause anyone to make contact with Bollers.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on May 18, 2022.

Ashni Singh meets with World Bank to discuss recovery from economic shocks

(Fourth from right) Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh flanked by other Regional Finance Representatives and members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh is presently in Washington, United States for the annual Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank where regional representatives of finance have gathered to discuss issues of recovery from the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic, vulnerability to economic and climate shocks as well as strengthening debt sustainability.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance issued a statement to the press where it explained that Dr. Singh met with the World Bank Managing Director Axel Van Trotsenburg on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Dr. Singh was joined by fellow Governors of the Caribbean Region during the meeting held under the theme “Road to Recovery: Tools for Building Back Better in the Caribbean”. The session forged discussions on priorities of the Caribbean and how the World Bank can support economic recovery and resilience.

The Ministry of Finance said that the meeting allowed Caribbean Governors to hear directly from the Management of the World Bank on their approach to

specific regional issues. The Bank has been supporting several projects over the years through a number of loans and grants including a US$20M loan for the Guyana Petroleum Governance and Management Project to support the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks and the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage the Oil and Gas sector in Guyana.

Additionally, the Bank loaned US$6M to Guyana under the Guyana Payments System Project to improve the country’s national payments system, while another US$13.3M was loaned for the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project to improve student learning outcomes through reform of curriculum and teaching practices, US 37. 9M under the Flood Risk Management Project and US$12.5M towards the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

Further, the Bank also provided a US$7M grant to this country towards the Guyana Education Sector Programme Project for the improvement and learning conditions at the nursery

level in select areas, the increase use of technologyassisted learning at the primary level in select areas and to improve functionality of the education management information system nationally.

The World Bank’s Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Semi-annual Report for 2022, reported the average growth for constituency countries – excluding St Kitts & Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda-as 6 percent in 2021. When this figure was adjusted to remove Guyana’s 19.9 percent growth, the average growth for constituency countries was estimated at 4.3 percent. Increased vaccination programmes and the reopening of economies were identified as the reason for this rebound in economic activity seen in these countries.

In March of this year, the Ministry of Finance met with a high-level World Bank team led by Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, and new Resident Representative of the Bank, Dilletta Doretti.

The meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue on the Government’s economic objectives and priorities and (Continued on page 18)

Thursday April 21, 2022

The PPP/C government never fails to disappoint. Its appointments to the Board of Directors (Board) of the Natural Resources Fund are true to form.

This is not an indictment against any of the individuals appointed. Each has achieved prominence some more than others in their respective fields.

In Guyanas fractured and antagonistic political culture, whichever persons were chosen to be part of the Board was bound to attract criticism and controversy. And even considering the fact that the PPP/C governments have tended to be cautious and careful and hardly trusts persons outside of their political orbit and friendship, the overall makeup of the Board is not one which will inspire much public confidence. But do not tell that to the government.

The parliamentary Opposition had expressed its disappointment that the PPP/C did not concede to an Opposition nominee for membership of the Board. But, as was previously explained, this nominee has to come from the National Assembly as a collective.

It is neither automatic nor desirable to reduce this choice to a nominee from the main Parliamentary Opposition. Perhaps, instead of illadvised challenges to the legality of the Natural Resource

Fund Act (NRFA), the APNU+AFC should have proposed a consensus nominee from the Opposition. The Coalition should be reminded also that there is another Opposition party in the National Assembly which may have had its own choice of a nominee.

It would have been very problematic of the President to select an Opposition nominee if that person was critical of the NRFA. How can someone sit on a Board which is a creature of legislation which that very person opposed?

It would also have been difficult to select persons who would have been part of the leadership of political parties.

During the debate about the membership of the Board, the government was clear to point out that it did not wish politically aligned persons to sit on the Board.

The President himself was quoted as saying that the governance and accountability structures would be constituted of “non-political [and] highly reputable persons.”

Section 4 of the NRFA requires that the Fund be managed in accordance with the Santiago Principles which are considered as part of the internationally acceptable principles for managing Sovereign Wealth Funds.

The commentary and ex-

planation of Principle 8 of the Santiago Principles explains that the governing body should be so structured to allow it to exercise effective, independent, and objective judgment in respect of its responsibilities.

Critics of the governments recent appointments to the NRF Board will most likely zero-in on whether any of the recent appointees can be considered as non-independent.

The Santiago Principles appear to suggest that independent means free from influence of the government or the owners of the Fund.

It can also be argued that “independent” also means free of any relation or likely bias towards any parties which may have a vested interest in Guyanas petroleum sector. Principle 16 for example refers to the governance framework being independent from the owners of the Fund.

In this regard, the appointment of two of the persons selected for the Board raises red flags. Again this has nothing to do with their competence, qualifications, experience or integrity. It is known that one of the individuals was at one time listed as the Special Assistant to the President of Guyana. It is also known that this person is presently employed within the Office of the President.

It is also known that an-

Dem Boys Seh…

Ole people running things Dem public servants does gat to retire at age 55. Dem nah gat choice. Dem automatically gat to retire at dat age and dem gan luckly if dem get re-employ pun contract.

Is only a handful of lucky ones dat does happen to.

Dem wah retiring at 55 does gat to wait tell dem reach 60 before dem get social security. And unless dem wuk fuh donkey years in de public service, dem nah entitle to pension. Suh sometimes de five years between 55 and 60 does be tough pun dem retirees. Dem does gat fuh wait another five more years till

dem reach 65 before dem get old age pension. Deh gat some people in de guvament though, wah receiving state pension, NIS pension, old age pension, plus dem still employ pon contract.

Dem boys feel dat 55 years and even 60 years is too early fuh retire. But why we muss gat people wah over 70 and 75 still wukkin in de guvament service? Dat nah right when yuh sending home people at age 55 in de public service.

When de Coal-a- shun been in office dem bin send home two former judges wah

been employed in important positions. Dem bin seh de men approaching 80. One ah dem died de other day. But while dem men get send home, dem tek a far older man and appoint he to GEEGONE. Is suh with selective employment policies.

Dat is why dem boys seh dat dem young people losing hope. Dem nah getting promotion because dem old people still tekkin up space and even when a vacancy arise, de guvament bringing outside people fuh tek up de position.

Talk half. Leff half.

Mother of 10 burnt to death while...

From page 2 used to fight, he used to beat her bad for money to buy weed and we does tell she mammy lef he and come home, the man nah good fuh yuh”, said the daughter. On Tuesday afternoon, related the daughter, her mother and the man got into another domestic dispute and she burnt up his clothes. As a result he reported the matter to police and she was placed in the

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

lock-ups. “She only come out of the lock up this morning (Wednesday) and she go by my father’s home (Jacob’s exhusband) and said that she moving in back”, continued Temiki. According to the woman’s daughter, Jacobs gave him her ID card and some money and reportedly said ‘I going home for ma clothes and come back’.

Her children were waiting for her to return when they re-

ceived a call informing them that their mother had set herself on fire. They said that it was Jacob’s partner who made this claim. “When we arrived at the scene we saw him walking away” Temiki told reporters. Temiki said even if it is a case of suicide they want police to investigate because their mother was a strong-willed person who fought herself out of difficult situations.

other of the nominees was a former Minister in a PPP/C government and presently holds the post of Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations. In the context of Santiago Principles 6 and 16, can it be defended that the governance structure of the Board is independent of its owners?

Another related question is whether, given their appointments the two individuals concerned will be allowed to continue with their existing appointments or will have to resign from their present jobs in order to sit on the Board. It will be difficult for the government to establish

that the NRF Board is operationally independent of the government if some of its members are still employed by the government.

The other contentious issue concerns the appointment of the UK parliament to the NRF. This is an unprecedented appointment.

One of the companies with interests in the Orinduik Block, is Tullow, an Irish firm which is headquartered in London. But this fact in itself does not raise a conflict of interest. But persons are likely to be concerned that a member of the UK parliament is part of the Board of Guyanas NRF.

All of the above concerned are going to be dismissed by the government.

The government has already made its decision and like most of its other decisions, it is likely a done deal.

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

Kaieteur News

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Thursday April 21, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Unless we do away with elections, the PNC will be the problem H

ere are three expressions, two from two members of the lunatic fringe, and one from the PNC leader. (1) - Black pudding maan wrote: “Anyone who is honest about Guyanese political reality would know that the problem lies not with the method used to appoint the heads of our judiciary, but with the very nature of our political being… In the case of the PPP, it believes that it is the pre-ordained ruler of the country.”

Replies to these kinds of egregious propaganda are important in a young country because young minds can be swayed if there isn’t a countervailing paradigm that they learn from. What is meant by “anyone who is honest about Guyanese politics?” The problem in this society is that “neutral,” “multi-racial,” “morality” and “honesty,” are words that have completely lost their meaning.

In Guyana what obtains since the election fiasco is a terrifying situation in which

men and women without morality, honesty and neutrality claim to possess those very values, lecture to us about the big problem which must be solved but they are a huge part of the very big problem.

In other words, they cannot tell this society anything because they are unfit to so do. I want to make it clear, I am not referring to politicians only but people who write letters to the press and those who belong to organisations they claim are national entities.

The person who wrote those words about people being honest about Guyanese politics is himself dishonest about Guyanese politics. Anyone who is honest about Guyanese politics would know that there were five months of energetic attempts to rig the March 2020 election.

Anyone who is honest about Guyanese politics would know that there are organisations and political parties so tiny that they would pass through the eye of a needle, yet they want the government to dialogue with them.

Even if the PPP sees itself as ordained to rule Guyana as black pudding maan contends, the reality in Guyana does not play to that dream. The PPP lost the 2011 election and there was no violence against any ethnic group. The PPP lost the 2015 election and ethnic communities did not rampage against each other.

For the sake of argument, even if the PPP holds the belief that it must rule Guyana, it lost the rulership of Guyana twice. The PNC, on the other hand, could be accused of being the party that feels it is entitled to govern Guyana. There was post-election violence in 1992, 1997, 2001 and 2020.

The PNC won in 2015 and in

2020, refused to do what the PPP did in 2015 – accept defeat Frederick Kissoon and get on with the life of the party. In 2020, the PNC, in its feeling US Embassy, Mr. Bryan of manifest destiny refused Hunt, visible on the presence to accept defeat. Who then is of the election from day one. more inclined to embrace the Mr. Hunt’s role should be researched if that is possible. dream of ruling forever?

If anyone is honest about (2) - The man I refer to as Guyanese politics, the Onri, the Trumpian narcissist, wrote that the prospects for a PNC victory PNC leader was correct in 2025 looks lost in the when he called for the vote to sands of times. With such be taken away from the permanent destiny, why does GECOM chairperson and the Trumpian narcissist feel that GECOM arrived at that the PNC will embrace c o n s e n s u s i n a l l i t s consensus in GECOM? The Trumpian narcissist is a deliberations. propagandist.

(3) - The PNC leader Once the PNC feels that wants the GECOM the odds are against them in a chairperson to be removed f o r t h c o ming national because of bias in that she election, what makes the votes in favour with the three Guyanese people feel that PPP commissioners.

I will collapse my reply any person who replaces to two and three. The most Justice Claudette Singh will dangerous convicted killer in continue to be accepted by jail is a man who will be put the PNC once he/she votes to death shortly. This is why for proposals tabled by the the jail authorities are careful PPP commissioners? The to isolate that category. They PNC will not accept a game have nothing to lose so they that it knows it cannot win. would go on a killing spree That is the political ugliness this nation must not tolerate. inside the prison.

The PNC has to decide if it The demographics have still accepts national general never favoured a PNC victory. Despite teaming up elections.

(The views expressed in with the AFC in 2015, the this article are those of the PNC won by less than a a u t hor and do not percentage point with the necessarily reflect the tall, stretching shadow of the opinions of this newspaper.) then chargé d’affaires of the

Thursday April 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Thursday April 21, 2022

ExxonMobil’s part of Gas-to-Energy Project to cost US$1.3 billion - Higher estimate to follow wrap-up of major contracts

By Kiana Wilburg ExxonMobil’s subsidiary- Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has revealed that the country’s imminent gas-to-energy (GTE) project, to be based at Wales in Region Three, will cost way more than the initial US$900M. In fact, the aspect of the project for which the oil company is responsible, that is to say the installation of the offshore and onshore pipelines, is set to cost a whopping US$1.3B. This was noted in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that was prepared for the project. In the EIA, EEPGL said it has not yet made a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project, and is continuing to evaluate cost considerations during the project development process.

But for the time being, it said the current project cost estimate is approximately $260 billion GYD ($1.3 billion USD). It warned, “A higher certainty cost estimate will be developed after receiving and negotiating all major contracts.”

Additionally, the project

summary notes that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), on behalf of itself and its coventurers (Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited), is awaiting an environmental authorization from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the GTE. It was explained that the project will use natural gas produced from the Liza One and Two projects in the Stabroek Block, and transport that resource via offshore and onshore pipeline networks to a natural gas power plant. EEPGL was keen to note that the Government of Guyana will be handling the construction of the power plant. It is therefore subjected to a separate Environmental Authorization process. The plant thus, is not included in the EIA (with the exception that it is considered as part of the cumulative impact assessment).

Expounding further, EEPGL said the project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil production

operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity) Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day of rich gas via a subsea pipeline and then to an onshore pipeline to a natural gas liquids (NGL) processing plant (NGL Plant), treating the gas to remove NGLs (i.e., propane, butane, and pentanes+) for sale to third parties, and ultimately delivering dry gas meeting government specifications for use at the power plant.

Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible after the oil company receives all necessary authorizations with a target date of August 2022 for start of NGL Plant site preparation, and will take approximately three years. The combined offshore and onshore pipeline system is targeted to be ready to deliver rich gas by end of 2024, and the NGL Plant is targeted to be operational by mid-2025.

The project has a planned life cycle of at least 25 years and is expected to employ up to 800 workers at peak during the

Map depicting the Offshore Component of the Gas-to-Energy Project

Construction stage, approximately 40 full-time equivalents workers during the Operations stage, and approximately 50 workers during the Decommissioning stage.

Kaieteur News understands that the EIA was prepared by ERM, in association with the Guyanese consultancies E&A Consultants, Inc. (E&A), Caribbean Engineering & Management

Consultants Inc. (CEMCO), the University of Guyana Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD), and Leon Moore Nature Experience (LMNE); Trinidadian consultant Caribbean Transportation Consultancy Services Company Limited (CARITRANS); and U.S.-based consultant SLR International Corporation (SLR).

98% of population in the dark on oil sector - IRI Poll The majority of persons who took part in the International Republican Institute (IRI) national public opinion poll last January, are unaware as to where they could access information relating to how government will be spending profits gained from the country’s oil reserves.

A sizeable portion of the 1500 persons who took part in the survey also related a lack of interest in political news and information.

These and other factors, some members of society believe, are contributing to the grim reality, that despite the presence of oil and its massive potential to lift Guyana out of poverty, a large section of society seems uninterested in knowing about this new industry.

This newspaper’s publisher, Glen Lall had dedicated three days per week on his radio programme ‘The Glenn Lall Show’ to educate citizens on the sector. Lall has also committed his newspaper to being a leading voice in information sharing on the oil and gas sector.

However, Lall himself has expressed disappointment that more citizens have not come to grips with the trillion-dollar sector.

He often blames the leaders of this country for “keeping the people in the dark.” In addition to his advocacy for better oil deals and level-playing field in the sector, Lall back in January, through his attorney, Mohamed R. Ali, filed an

*Responses receiving <1% are collapsed into Other.

action in the High Court which outlined that the tax reliefs listed under Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement, dated June 27, 2016, between the Guyana Government and the oil companies, violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration (and Audit) Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, and the Constitution. In that court case, Lall is seeking declarations to have the provisions nullified and reversed.

Meanwhile, the IRI poll found that of the 1500 persons questioned from around the country, only two percent of that number felt that the oil extraction industry is an important problem facing the country. Veteran journalist, Adam

Harris, submitted that the vast majority of citizens while not having access to information, do not understand what is happening in the oil industry and are too preoccupied with daily bread and butter issues to express interest in the massive sector.

A guest on the Politics 101 talk show discussing the results of the poll, Harris opined that there are different factors impacting citizens’ response to the local oil industry.

He indicated that citizens’ have become accustom to expensive failed projects, being sidelined and left out of the decision making process, that they have simply accepted whatever the outcome of the oil industry.

Harris pointed out that among

the heavily priced projects where Guyana did not receive value for money; there was the more than US$160M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, the US$200M Skeldon Sugar Mordernisation Project, the more than US$21M one lap top per family project and the more than US$32M E Governance Fibre Optic Cable project, which turned out to cost more than the royalty Guyana is currently receiving for its oil.

“When I add up all of that money that we throw away it turned out that that money was more than the lil royalty we getting from Exxon.” On the low number of persons concerned about oil,

“…they know that nothing is coming, and they ain’t worrying cause if it come, it come,” Harris claimed.

The other side of coin, he posited, is that the message for oil has not been very clear. He said that the government has monopolised the state media in selling the oil message so those who know and understand the seriousness of the sector, must now resort to social media; which people hardly use for important information, far less to check on oil data. To this end, the senior journalist said that while citizens are looking on at the oil sector, they show little interest because they are not involved and (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

PAGE 13

Joe Singh appointed chairman of oil fund board …UK MP, David Lammy, Carolyn Rodrigues also appointed by President

President Irfaan Ali has appointed Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh as chairman of the Natural Resources Fund Board, the Office of the President said in a statement Wednesday.

He also picked UK Member of Parliament David Lammy and former Foreign Affairs Minister and now Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues.

They will now join Dunstan Barrow and Mr. Ramesh Dookoo as the other Board of Directors, the OP statement added.

In the statement OP said the directors will be invited to take their Oaths of Office shortly. Lammy who is of Guyanese parentage appointment has made a few trips to this country in recent times. The Government Information Agency reported him visiting Foreign Affairs Minister, H u g h To d d b a c k i n December last year. Lammy was born in Tottenham, London, attended public schools there, and furthered his studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies and Harvard. Lammy held various posts in the Labour Government rising to that of a Minister of Higher Education.

Meanwhile, the OP statement stated that Section 3 (1) of the Natural Resources Fund Act 2021, Act No. 19 of 2021, assented to by His Excellency, President Ali on the 30th day of December 2021, established the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people in an effective and efficient manner, and in accordance with the principles of good governance, transparency, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d international best practices, including, the Santiago Principles.

Section 5 (1) of the said Act provides for a Board of Directors of the Fund comprising of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) members, who shall be appointed by the President, inclusive of a chairperson. In accordance with Section 5 (2), these Directors are selected from persons who have wide experience in legal, financial, business or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated

Mr. Ramesh Dookoo. by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector.

In pursuance thereof, at the 46th Sitting of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament of Guyana, held on the 13th day of April 2022, a Motion was unanimously passed approving Mr. Dunstan Barrow, nominated by the Standing Committee on Appointments of the National Assembly, as a Director of the Board of Directors, of the Fund. After consulting with the various organisations representing the private sector, Mr. Ramesh Dookoo was selected as a representative of the private sector.

President Ali’s appointment of the chairman and other directors of the NRF Board comes even after the main Opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), has challenged the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act. The lawsuit, which was drafted by the APNU+AFC Shadow Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Roysdale Forde, SC, and attorney-at-law, Selwyn A. Pieters, highlights ‘deficiencies’ of the procedure undertaken to pass the new law. Kaieteur News had reported that the court document, which names the Opposition’s Chip Whip Christopher Jones and Union Rep. Norris Witter as the applicants, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir among the respondents, specifically highlights the absence of the Speaker’s original Mace – the ceremonial instrument used in the process of passing legislations—during the passage of the NRF Bill.

As such, the Opposition is seeking several

Dunstan Barrow declaratory orders of the High Court that the conduct and/or proceedings of the National Assembly, during the passage of the NRF Bill on December 29, 2021 in the absence of the Mace, constitute a breach of the Constitution, Common Law, and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

Further, the Opposition is asking the Court to declare the holding and or continuation of proceedings of the National Assembly on December 29, 2021 with the

Guyana Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues

UK Member of Parliament, David Lammy

Major General (Rtd), Joseph Singh

use of a replacement mace without any approved motion to do so as ultra vires [beyond the powers] of the Constitution and the event null and void. Besides, challenging the legality of the NRF based on the procedure undertaken in the National Assembly, the APNU+AFC is also contending that the NRF Act constitutes a breach of fundamental human rights of Witter, who is the second named applicant in the matter.

According to the Coalition, Witter is entitled, as part of his fundamental human right, to take part in the conduct of public affairs of Guyana. This right, the party contends, is guaranteed by Article 154 A of the Constitution and Article 25 of the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.

However, according to the party, Witter’s rights were trampled upon when the Executive [Government] failed to hold a public consultation on the most

vital piece of legislation with its citizenry, of which, Witter is a part. The Opposition Party continued that “in accordance with Article 154 A of the Constitution, which mandates that human rights enshrined in International Conventions set out in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, the National Assembly, as the Legislature of Guyana in legislating a NRF Bill for Guyana, is required and obligated by the Constitution and Covenant (Continued on page 15)

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

City Hall in move to regularise vending at Stabroek Market Scenes from yesterday’s clean up exercise at Stabroek market area.

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Wednesday commenced reguarlising vending around the Stabroek Market and its immediate environs.

This comes days after Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall SC issued a warning that the Council should get its act together or the government will take charge of vending in the city.

The AG had accused the Council of legitimising vending on State reserves.

He said vendors have been allowed to take over the streets, parapets and sidewalks for a small fee. To this end, the AG had warned the M&CC that if it fails to act on curbing this practice, the government will be forced to take control of the city streets. Nandlall noted that while encumbering of state reserves is not limited to Georgetown, the issue is by far more widespread in the city. He therefore blamed the Georgetown Council for legitimising the practice by accepting a fee from persons for their continued occupation of the reserves. “ … W h i l e t h e

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine along with Acting Town Clerk, Candace Nelson yesterday at the clean up exercise.

Government is expending a tremendous amount of time and resources in trying to clean the city and its environs, a venture that the City Council has publicly refused to join hands on, they exacerbate the problem by licencing to create these public nuisances.” “We simply cannot continue in this way…The use of these roads causes serious traffic hazards, traffic congestions, and public inconvenience.”

Nandlall said.

The cleanup exercise at Stabroek Market led by the City Council, in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Works comes weeks after Nandlall spoke on the issue. Acting To w n C l e r k o f t h e Georgetown M&CC, Candace Nelson told this publication on Wednesday that apart from cleaning the market area “We will also be moving to prevent persons from occupying the roads which is impeding the free flow of traffic at this area.”

T h e To w n C l e r k explained that the Council will be marking off the area so that the road can remain clear and accessible to commuters. “So we have today we have with us a collaboration between the fire service, the Guyana Police Force, M&CC, and the Ministry of Public Works, who will all be assisting in ensuring that this area is clean and after today vending will be regularised, and we should see a free flow of traffic around the area,” she said.

Nelson clarified that the exercise is not to move vendors from their spot, but to demarcate and create boundaries in the area so as to ensure that everybody can

do business without congestion.

“As it is right now, we find that persons are protruding on the road, the structures are not what are authorized by the City Council and it’s impeding the free flow traffic, so we will be marking off the areas so that they stick within their boundaries,” the Town Clerk disclosed. While vendors in front of the market will be placed within the boundaries, Nelson said that those who are situated at the Stabroek square, where the police outpost and public washroom is located, will have to move.

“There are some persons within this area, who are not given permission to vend by the M&CC, for example we have vending on the Stabroek square which is prohibited, we do not allow vending on the Stabroek square. Those persons will have to be removed because we never gave them permission to be there,” she related.

During the exercise, one vendor had his entire stall dismantled by the Council.

The Town Clerk explained that the vendor had been warned to remove his stall before the demolition.

According to her, given the vendor’s refusal, the Council was forced to take the necessary steps to have the structure removed.

W h i l e s o m e unauthorised vendors were reluctant to move their stalls, others cooperated with the Council. Speaking briefly with Kaieteur News at the cleanup exercise, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine said that the initiative was something the Council would have planned since last year September.

(Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

PAGE 15

Another COVID-l9 vaccination campaign rolls out ahead of school reopening

W

ith schools set to reopen in the upcoming week, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that his ministry will soon be launching a vaccination campaign in schools across the country, to increase the uptick of COVID-19 vaccinations.

This comes on the heels of what Minister Anthony

described as “pretty stagnant” inoculation numbers in the younger age category. “There is a lot more work to be done with this age group.

Unfortunately, we have been seeing like 100-200 vaccinations a day and that includes both first and second doses, so that’s pretty low and these numbers have been pretty

Former PNCR MP Kads Khan passes on

Businessman and former PNCR executive, Kads Khan

B

usinessman and former PNCR executive, Kads Khan has died, the party announced in a press release on Wednesday.

Khan was the owner of Guysons Engineering Limited that acquired the Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant. In its statement the PNCR extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and friends at this time in their moment of grief.

Also offering condolences was Member of Parliament, Anette Ferguson. She wrote on her facebook page: “What is

life? In a twinkle of an eye, we are gone. We don’t know the day, time nor the hour.

Let’s live in harmony. That is what God created us to do.”

Ferguson added: “I had the distinct honour of working with Cde. Khan on a few campaigns. I have seen his dedication and commitment to the call of service, humanity and a better Guyana. To the bereaved families and friends of the late Kad’s Khan, do accept my commiseration. I pray that Almighty God will comfort and provide you with the needed strength at this time.”

...Joe Singh appointed chairman of oil fund From page 13 on Civil and Political Rights to engage in consultation with the stakeholders and citizenry of Guyana.”

Further the Coalition said, “…The Executive in designing and formulating a NRF policy for Guyana is required and obligated by the Constitution and Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to engage in consultation with the stakeholders and citizenry of Guyana.” Consequently, it noted that the Parliament

of Guyana in enacting a NRF Act for Guyana is required and obligated by the Constitution and Covenant on civil and political rights to engage in consultation with stakeholders and citizenry.

Moreover, the party is seeking a declaration that the Government failed to engage in any or sufficient consultation with the citizenry and stakeholders as required and mandated by the Constitution in the design of the NRF policy.

stagnant for quite a while,” he said.

However, the minister expressed his belief that with the rollout of this new vaccination drive in schools, more students will be able to easily receive the jab.

Minister Anthony noted the importance of permission by parents and guardians for students under the age of 18.

He explained that his

ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has already identified mechanisms to have this addressed frontally.

“Parents would have to give permission before we can vaccinate the child…just before school closed, the schools were sending out letters to parents for them to sign, and hopefully when school

resumes, we would be able to get those permission slips so that we can organise the vaccination within the schools,” Dr. Anthony explained.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has conducted several vaccine hesitancy workshops to continue educating citizens about the importance of vaccines, in an effort to

encourage more persons to take the vaccine.

“The understanding is, if our healthcare workers and other stakeholders better understand the reason why people should be vaccinated, they can become champions of getting people to be vaccinated,” the minister highlighted. Schools are expected to reopen on April 25. (DPI)

PAGE 16

Thursday April 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Minibus careens off new Mandela-Eccles 4 lane highway WANTED

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

Nissan X trail in immaculate condition,model 204.Price $2.8M negotiable. Contact: 641-1303.

SERVICES

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

Contact GR Taxi Ganesh on 614-6202.

General worker, Handyboy, Receptionist & workers to work at Hotel.Contact:6933946.

Waitress needed,$20,000 weekly.Contact:610-3974.

Counter Clerks to work at food business.Call:697-8160.

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

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

One handyman and one cleaner to work at Hotel in the interior.Contact:6802702.

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

Specialized repairs/service refrigerator, washing machine, pressure pump, stove, treadmill,dryer, filteration system, deep fryer.Call:6949733.

General domestic covid 19 vaccinated for Tuesday & Saturday between Enmore to Unity E.C.D.Serious enquiries only.Tel:259-0953/6233231.

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

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

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

Relaxing massage service.

Tel:674-8147.

We repair all brands laptop & desktop computer.Tel:6962843.

FOR SALE Mature Palms & Trees.Get a head start now,so you can enojy later.Call:612-1848/6481821.

One experience domestic to work in G/Town 3 times a week.Must be vaccinated.

Tel:226-2322.

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

Male able bodied clerk.

Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

Experienced crew and male cook wanted for mining operation. Call: 697-2533.

1 Kitchen Assistant & Cleaner at country spice kitchen.Located at lot 299 N 1/2 Parika E.B.E. Contact:6500402/652-0251.

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

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

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

FOR RENT Linden.2 bedrooms, upper flat at one mile Public road.

Tel:675-7667.

VACANCY One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

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

The driver of this minibus luckily escaped when the vehicle careened off the Mandela Avenue to Eccles four-lane highway on Wednesday. [Photo credit: Gordon Moseley]

Plant Shop Sales Staff.Age 18-30.Must be able to read & write,work outdoors & team player.Call:646-2108.

VACANCY Vacancy at People’s Choice Kitchen for: Kitchen Assistant, Counter Staff & 2 Cooks. Tel:679-9449.

Vacancy for 2 experienced hairdresser.Location Grove E.B.D,Tel:652-5800.

Pitmen,Serviceman,Hauler Operator for interior location.

Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

General Manager to work with Prominent Gold Mining Company.Contact Seema on 226-9416 or 625-1413.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @yahoo.com.

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

1 Forklift Operator.License not needed.Apply at LENS 136 Sheriff Street, C/ Ville.Tel:227-1511/227-2486.

Roti,Puri & Pholourie maker.

Must be able to work with whole wheat flour. Call:6978160.

One bulldozer operator to work in Great Diamond. Contact:632-1118/647-4161.

An experience & qualified manager to manage a wholesale & retail distribution business.Apply at Alabama Trading.

98 % of population in the dark on oil...

From page 12 they have little information.

“This is a frighten situation,” Harris added since the ideal situation would be to have all citizens informed and aware of what is happening. Instead, he related, the majority of citizens have never seen an oil rig or a container or snap glass of the oil just to understand what it is their country is producing. “They have nothing to relate to,” Harris submitted and thus supported the findings of the IRI poll.

Another guest, Gabriel Lall, former chairman of the Guyana Gold Board expressed disappointment that the oil and gas industry is about the biggest thing to happen to Guyana since its independence, yet it is not the topic on every Guyanese’s mind.

Lall also attributed citizens’ lack of interest to their lack of understanding the sector.

He lauded the Kaieteur News for its efforts, though stating that he wished more of the private media organisations would pick up

the slack. Outside of that, he suggested that citizens’ have been beaten to the point where mentally, they accept that they were managing before the oil and would continue to do so whether they receive anything from the resource or not. “So this again perpetuates the hegemony, the continuity of two major parties that whatever happens with this oil is meaningless because the people are saying we have to go out there and hustle, we have to go out there and struggle.”

Lall said that in the absence of government information, he would have liked to see more private media houses taking up the mantle to educate citizens and highlight to them the economically dangerous future lingering if Guyana fails to get serious about this capital intensive sector. Inevitably, Lall opined, Guyanese will have to put their muscles to the wheel and fight if they do not want to end up like other developing oil producing nations that have fallen prey to debt and

continued poverty despite great oil riches. He said that while the political leaders insist on the sanctity of contracts, citizens must be educated on the sector to understand how the existing profit sharing arrangement Guyana has with the oil companies could take them into a new era of “slavery and imperialism” camouflaged by seemingly democratic processes occurring in the development of the oil sector.

Henry Jeffery, former government Minister, also expressed concern over the low number of oil interested citizens. He said some type of motivation is needed to make them aware of what is at stake because the poll, he continued says two things, either citizens believe the sector is in good hands so they are not worried, or that oil is a secondary concern and they are not bothered.

The IRI poll was conducted through the agency’s ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Polling Data and Peace building’ programme.

City Hall in move to regularise...

From page 14 Recently, a similar initiative was undertaken by the City Council at the Bourda market and its environs.

The Mayor explained that “We are not removing any Female Cleaner for office. vendors, we want our venCall:642-9823. dors to be neat, clean and or-

ganized and as long we have that we will work with our vendors to see that they get their bread and butter in the right way.

If they don’t comply with the cleanup campaign, action will be taken by the council.”

Yesterday’s clean up exercise

was conducted between Schumacher Street to the Stabroek Market Bazaar, the Mayor said efforts will continue in the coming weeks in other areas; as they will be regularising vending along Water Street as well at other market squares.

Thursday April 21, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Women and Gender commission unveils five-year strategic plan The Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) has outlined a fiveyear (2021-2026) strategic plan which outlines a comprehensive process through which the Commission can advocate and support “a gender just and equitable society in Guyana”.

The W&GEC, which falls under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, outlines a number of objectives in the plan, among them, advocacy for gender justice through concrete national and community-based actions; and collaborative national and local actions, which will promote gender and social justice.

Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud during her address at the Beijing+25 Fourth World Conference on Women had noted that, “Even the best plans and policies cannot create change unless they are implemented. The Government of Guyana understands that and that ‘women’s rights

are human rights’ and we commit to accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.”

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission of Eastern Asia, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is described as a visionary agenda for the empowerment of women. It is also one of the reference frameworks to analyse the situation of women around the world and to assess the efforts of States in support of women’s empowerment.

It was adopted by consensus in 1995 following the mobilisation of over 40,000 government delegates, experts and civil society representatives at the Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action embodies the commitment of the international community to achieve gender equality and to provide better opportunities for

women and girls.

The W&GEC highlights the need for strengthening legislative, policy and investigative capacity.

This would be done by keeping the legislative and policy environment under scrutiny through partnerships with relevant stakeholders with legal competencies so that informed recommendations could be made to the National Assembly.

The Commission also proposes to strengthen its investigations and complaints mechanism with the allocation of the necessary resources to address needs as they arise. Further, it is advancing efforts to build the human and financial capacity.

As it relates to Guyana’s progress towards achieving gender equality, Minister Persaud said Guyana has eliminated gender disparity in primary and secondary education, and is striving towards parity at the tertiary level. “Teenage mothers are

reintegrated into the education system with parallel programmes for those pursuing non-formal education. We have also intensified our focus on our indigenous girls and girls living in rural communities to ensure that they have equal opportunities,” she had highlighted at the Fourth World Conference on Women.

She noted too, that Guyana is putting economic value to unpaid domestic and care work, and encouraging healthier partnerships with men and boys, especially in terms of shared household work.

Childcare assistance is also offered to essential workers to help women participate equally and competitively in the workforce.

The Strategic Plan is built on five pillars access, equity, economic justice, participation, and human rights.

These pillars are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) five and

Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indranie Chandarpal ten, which speak to gender equality and reduction of inequality within and among countries. The W&GEC says social justice will be promoted through strategic collaborations and initiatives will be designed to target the most vulnerable and disadvantaged group.

This year, the Human Ser-

vices Ministry has been allocated $30 billion, which the minister said will be utilised to improve the various departments within the Human Services Ministry, to enhance the livelihood of citizens. Focus would also be placed on eliminating gender-based violence in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. (DPI)

- Suspect allegedly seen by police Police could seek Interpols help to It wasn’t me stabbing another man says it wasn’t him locate suspect in Taljits murder

The Mabaruma Settlement Ground where the stabbing took place.

A suspect who was on Monday seen by a police officer, stabbing a man during Easter celebrations at the Mabaruma Settlement ground, located in Region One, is now telling investigators that they have the wrong man and he did not stab anyone.

Police have since identified the suspect as a 48-yearold mason of Barimanobo, Mabaruma Region One. The man he allegedly stabbed was identified as Sherwin Smith, 44, also of Mabaruma, and has since succumbed to his wounds while receiving treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital.

Smith and Mason knew each other well and it is believed that a grievance between the two led to the stab-

bing.

Police did not say what time of the day the incident took place but reported that Smith died around 20:00Hrs on Monday.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, Region One Police Commander, Himnauth Sawh said that an officer witnessed the moment Smith was stabbed and had intervened.

The policeman was standing at the eastern gate of the ground performing his duties when he saw the suspect approaching Smith with a knife.

As the rank left his post to intervene, the suspect allegedly stabbed Smith twice to his body. The policeman managed to relieve the suspect of the weapon and arrested him immediately.

The wounded victim ran

to a car and it drove off with him reportedly to the hospital while the suspect was taken to the Mabaruma Police Station where he remains in custody.

However, according to investigators, he is claiming that the person that was seen by the policeman stabbing Smith, is not him, and is denying that he has anything to do with the victim’s death.

Although he is claiming innocence, investigators are confident in the evidence they have against him, and witnesses who saw him committing the heinous act.

Commander Sawh said that on Wednesday an autopsy was conducted on Smith’s remains and a file will be prepared and sent for legal advice.

Wanted in connection with the Murder of Francis, Ryvan Shervin Francis.

It is believed that the prime suspect in the alleged murder of Levoy Taljit, the former Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) employee, might be out of the jurisdiction and the possibility exists that the police will request assistance from International Police (Interpol) to locate him.

Taljit had mysteriously disappeared in December 2012 and nine years later police have finally gathered enough information leading them to believe that he was murdered at a location along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway between December 23 and 24, 2012.

Investigators have not been able to locate Taljits body but they have identified a prime suspect and issued a wanted bulletin for him last week. That individual is Ryvan Shervin Francis, 44, a Soesdyke man. The suspect was arrested before in connection with Taljits disappearance but police were unable to press charges because there was not enough evidence to link him to any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, recent information and evidence obtained by police suggest that Francis could be the man that killed Taljit. Kaieteur News understands that he could be out of the country hiding from police. Sources close to the

The former GEA employee, Levoy Taljit investigation revealed that police might be looking to ask Interpol for help in locating him.

Interpol is an International Criminal Police Organisation with 195 member countries. One of their goals is to assist police in all of its member countries to work together in making the world a safer place. One of the ways to make this possible is to share and access data on crimes and criminals. The sharing of data can assist in tracking down a fugitive hiding out in another country. In the meantime police is still relying on the publics help and is asking anyone who knows about Francis whereabouts to contact police on telephone numbers, 216-0251, 216-0254, 444-3429, 2256978, 225-816 or the nearest police station.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Lets continue to pray for...

From page 6 were waged to subdue the Islamic Byzantine and Ottoman influence, although a cardinal principle of Christianity demands that Thou shall not kill.” Their important weapon then was the sword, the shape and design was that of the Cross of Calvary.

We read centuries after World War I and World War II, among civilised people throughout their campaigns in Europe, the Pacific or North Africa.

Those who came here and prevailed upon us to follow the demands of those doctrines saw nothing wrong in the killing of millions, whether it be Apostasy, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, the

Reformation, Shinto and Taoism.

I pose this question: Are we dealing with the harvesting of our natural resources?

Our primary concern, all of us Government, Opposition, socalled Civil Society and the religious organization should not indulge in the use of hackneyed language but concentrate on finding common grounds to confront the common adversary.

If I repeat this oft times, it is to get a message across to all of our Leaders in Guyana.

I plead with our political leaders on both sides of the National Assembly to suspend this rhetoric of those chameleon words, Democracy and Human Rights and sit down and deliver to those who harvest our gold, dia-

mond, timber, oil and gas, a single message to obtain optimum benefit from our Godgiven resources, and not squander precious time shouting at each other.

I pose the rhetorical question, the present crop of political leaders possess the wisdom to sing from the same song sheet, so that for Armistice Day 2022 and certainly before Christmas 2022, every Public Servant, every Pensioner will take home enough to allow them to cope in comfort with the rising cost of living, now being worsened by this contentious issue between Ukraine, Russia and countries around the world.

Let us continue to pray for Peace and National Unity.

Hamilton Green Elder

Thursday April 21, 2022

USs Blinken pushes for united, regional response to migration - Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges cooperation as US prepares for an increase in arrivals at its border with Mexico.

(Aljazeera) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for more regional cooperation in the western hemisphere to tackle record numbers of refugees and migrants, many of whom are headed towards the United States.

Speaking in Panama on Wednesday, Blinken said the main drivers of migration poverty, inequality and climate change must be addressed.

“This is a challenge that we have to solve together and that was at the heart of our discussions today,” Blinken told reporters, as he attended a two-day summit in Panama City alongside foreign ministers from more than 20 nations.

“Here in Panama we talked about some of the most ur-

gent aspects of this issue including … dealing with the root causes of irregular migration by growing economic opportunity, fighting corruption, increasing citizen security, combating the climate crisis, [and] improving democratic governance that is responsive to peoples needs,” he said.

The summit was held as record numbers of asylum seekers have attempted to cross into the US from Mexico since President Joe Biden first took office in January 2021, promising to overturn his predecessor Donald Trumps most restrictive immigration policies.

The situation at the border continues to spur criticism from Republican legislators, while Biden has pledged to address the “root causes”

driving people to leave their homes. His administration has secured private-sector investments in Central America worth over $1.2bn, Vice President Kamala Harris announced late last year, and it is now hoping to strike a migration pact at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June.

The US also is readying to lift a contentious coronavirus pandemic-era border restriction that allowed authorities to rapidly turn back the majority of asylum seekers coming to the US-Mexico border.

The Biden administration announced on April 1 that it would end the use of the “Title 42” public health order

by May 23, a move that is likely to lead to an increase in arrivals.

Ashni Singh meets with World Bank to discuss...

From page 8 potential opportunities for World Bank support through its assistance and lending programmes, the Ministry explained.

Key priorities discussed included Guyana’s Low Carbon Development agenda; human capital development and opportunities for partnership between the Government and the financial institution in

other areas in line with its expanding and evolving capacity. Accompanying Dr. Singh to the Spring Meetings is Deputy Chief of Mission, Guyana Embassy in Washington DC, Mr. Zulfikar Ally. The Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) bring together Central Bankers, Ministers of

Finance and development, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. The Spring Meetings events will be held over the period April 18-24, 2022.

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

PAGE 19

Guyana yet to reach 50% Covid-19 vaccination coverage Washington D.C., 20 April (PAHO) – Over twothirds of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have now received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine while some countries have yet to reach even half of their populations, said the Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Director Carissa F. Etienne.

She has urged those who have not yet done so, to get vaccinated and ensure their loved ones are also protected.

“COVID-19 vaccines work and are very safe,” the Director said in a media briefing on Wednesday. “They are protecting most people in our region from the worst consequences of COVID-19 infection.” Thanking the efforts of healthcare workers, scientists, policymakers and individuals, Dr. Etienne highlighted that 14 countries and territories of the region have already reached the WHO goal of vaccinating 70% of their populations ahead of the June 30th target, and a further eight countries have reached over 60% coverage.

Dr. Etienne highlighted

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne. that as of this month, PAHO’s Revolving Fund has delivered more than 141 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in partnership with COVAX and with the support of donors. However, while there are now s u ff i c i e n t s u p p l i e s o f COVID-19 vaccine to meet demand everywhere in the Americas, some countries continue to lag behind.

In the Caribbean, less than 30% of people have received their first vaccine in Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia, and in Latin America, Guatemala, Guyana and

Paraguay have yet to reach 50% coverage. PAHO is now working with countries to provide technical assistance to vaccination campaigns, as well as planning and communications support to help close the gaps.

But individuals also have a role to play, urged the Director. “Vaccination is a family affair, and it’s up to all of us to make sure our loved ones are protected,” she said.

“If you or a family member have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about your questions and doubts,” she added. Dr.

Etienne also urged countries to integrate their COVID-19 vaccination efforts into routine immunization campaigns. This will enable pregnant women to get their COVID vaccine alongside their flu shot and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, and will also allow parents to get their shot while their children get protected against diseases like measles and polio.

Similarly, the emergency infrastructure that was set up to get COVID-19 vaccines into arms as quickly as possible, should also be leveraged to improve routine vaccination uptake, making it “more convenient and accessible for families to catch up on all their shots at once,” said the Director.

The COVID vaccination effort “has shown us that success is possible when countries and people work together to embrace vaccines,” she said. Ahead of Vaccination Week in the Americas, which begins

April 23, Dr. Etienne also called on countries to step up efforts to reach at least 70% of their populations with COVID-19 vaccines.

Elderly people, those with preexisting conditions, health care workers and pregnant women should be the primary focus of these campaigns as they are most at risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID. “Let’s use our knowledge and perseverance to protect as many people, and save as many lives as

possible,” she said. Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, while the number of COVID-19 infections reported in the Americas dropped by 2.3% this week and continue to decline, cases did increase by 11.2% in North America and have also spiked in the Caribbean.

The number of deaths has decreased by 15.2% (to 4,797), showing that vaccines are working well to protect people from hospitalization and death, Dr. Etienne noted.

Hydromet service receives boost...

From page 8 warning in vulnerable communities is directly aligned with UNDP’s strategic initiatives, and UNDP will continue to support the realization of these initiatives across communities in Guyana.

Mr. Valverde expressed his

gratitude to both Government of Guyana and Government of Japan for their confidence in this endeavour especially the support received from the Government of Japan on behalf of the Japanese people in making this initiative successful.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

Thursday April 21, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

4R Lion’s Deonarain (218) and Gafoor (170) share in 366 stand

By Sean Devers Led by a commanding 366 second wicket stand between Romario Deonarain, whose magnificent 218 lasted 154 balls and was decorated with 39 boundaries which included a single six and Rashad Gafoor who made 170 from 104 balls with 18 fours and 10 sixes,4R Lions destroyed GINC by 495-runs yesterday at the DCC ground.

This was in the lone match yesterday in the GCA’s Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival Group of Companies and Trophy Stall 50-over U-19 cricket tournament.

In a game in which several records were set on the small and well-manicured Queenstown venue, 4R Lions, a team comprising of Berbicans, Essequibians and

Demerarians put together by Businessman Ricky Deonarain the owner of 4R Bearings, made a record 5268 in 50 overs and skittled out GNIC for 31, the lowest total in a GCA U-19 competition.

GNIC were bowled out in 12 overs with nine batters failing to score as only Darious Singh (10) and Solomon Cameron (5) got off the mark as 16 extras top scored on a flat track in hot conditions.

Sanjay Algoo had 5-17 and Nation Gill (4-7) ensuring that GNIC’s previous lowest score against GCC at Bourda was even lower for the hapless GINC team which included some East Bank players whose only hardball game in their life was in the

previous round.

Earlier in morning it was a massacre at DCC as boundaries rained fast and furious on the small ground.

After Rampertab Ramnauth (22) was trapped LBW to Zahid Mohamed in the fifth over at 41-1 the Deonarain and Gafoor show began to the delight of the small but vocal gathering.

The pair, who put together 302, three years ago in a Berbice U-15 game for Blairmont over Bush Lot, capitalised on sloppy fielding and catching and a basic knowledge of field setting which should be known at the U-13 level as the runs flowed like an avalanche against the innocuous bowling attack.

The right-handed Gafoor, deposited Darious Singh for

five sixes in one over, while the left-handed Deonarain favoured the cuts and pulls as the partnership flourished before Gafoor, from Cotton tree in West Berbice, was removed by Roupie Rajaram at 407-2 in the 42nd over, to break the partnership.

The demise of Gafoor, who bettered the 166 made by Jonathon Vanlange for GCC against Queen’s College, halted the runs flow with only Ronaldo Scouten who blasted an explosive 13-ball 41 with eight fours and six, of the other batters reached 15 before Deonarain was last out at 520-7 for the only double century in GCA’s U19 cricket.

The competition continues today with matches at DCC and MYO grounds.

Romeo Deonarian pulls for four in his 218 at DCC yesterday.

(Sean Devers photo)

SC assists Another young cricketer...

GRFU...

Thursday April 21, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Research that you've been doing for a particular project may finally be completed, Aries. Now you're ready to finish your work. Your mind is especially sharp right now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Expect to exchange a lot of phone calls and emails with friends today, Libra. Communication with others is your top priority. You have a lot of news to deliver and you'll receive a lot in return.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Dreams and visions about your family paint a rosy picture of your future, Taurus.

These dreams could well be prophetic, but don't jump to that conclusion without first analyzing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Financial good fortune continues, Scorpio, although old habits are hard to break and you might have difficulty adjusting to it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Tonight you might decide to attend a social gathering held in your community that involves a lot of people who are into psychic or spiritual matters, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you've been uncertain about the possibility of a raise in your salary, Cancer, today you could finally be told for certain that it's coming.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Love and romance take top priority with you today, Leo. You might be feeling a little insecure about the stability of your current relationship, but you're wasting your energy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you play your cards right, Virgo, you just might be able to turn what you're picking up psychically into an exalted creative effort.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you going on a trip or possibly moving, Sagittarius? Is education involved in some way? Whatever your reasons for going away.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You tend to be intuitive by nature, Capricorn, but today you could receive psychic impressions by the dozen.

You might even experience visions or hear voices.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Communication with friends and partners should be clear, open, honest, and supportive today, Aquarius.

Camaraderie flows freely, and affection is shown without restraint or overkill.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Have you been reading about how a positive mental outlook creates a healthy body and a happy life, Pisces? If so, you might just find that this attitude brings results

From page 24 Sports Commission (NSC) to help off-set expenses while attending the event. Guyana’s schedule will feature Curacao in the opening match on Saturday from 11:56hrs then they battle Jamaica at 15:14hrs before their final preliminary match against Bahamas at 18:54hrs. The 13-man squad has already departed with Sevens Head Coach Theodore Henry and Manager, Ryan Dey. The squad includes Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, Tyrese Prescod, Avery Corbin, Michael Barrow, Michael Edwards, Lancelot Adonis, Owen Adonis, Peabo Hamilton, Rickford Cummings, Lionel Holder, Vallon Adams, and Matthew Talbot. The non-traveling reserves named were Dwayne Schroeder, Adrian Hall, Joshua Griffith and David Garnette. The top two men’s teams and one women’s team from the event will book their ticket to the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa in September, while the highestplaced men’s team is eligible to participate in The Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, England in July.

That team will represent RAN, alongside Canada who has already pre-qualified for both the men and women divisions.

From page 22 and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn

Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Denesh Chandrapaul and Dr Cecil Beharry. Thanks to the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

PAGE 22

Thursday April 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Vishnu Super Store 40overs cricket

Outstanding performance by Rakesh Totoram highlights latest match Crabwood Creek All Family defeated Line Path Community Centre by 112 in latest play of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) Vishnu Super Store Inter Club 40overs cricket competition.

A fine all round

performance by Rakesh Totoram was the catalyst for the Crabwood Creek All Family easy victory over the Line Path Community Centre.

Batting first the CWC All Family team compiled 230 with Riaz Hakim hitting 50, he was well supported

by Nityanand 47, Rakesh Totoram 30 and Tribuwan 26.

Extras were a healthy 46.

Bowling for Line Path CC Rayan pi c k e d u p 3 wickets.

They in reply were bowled out for 118 with Z a l f a n s c o r i n g 2 9 and extras contributing 26.

Doing the damage for the CWC All family with the ball was Totoram with 6-19.

Some 30 teams are parti c i p a t i n g i n the competition which encompasses the Upper Corentyne area from Crabwood Creek to No43 Village inclusive of the

Rakesh Totoram Black Bush Polder area.

The competition

is

expected to continue on Sunday with some 15 matches at various venues.

Cash, trophies and other incentives will be awarded to the top teams and outstanding individual players.

The competition is being coordinated by the UCCA competitions committee which is led Vice President and Former N a t i o n al Wicketkeeper batsman Sydney Jackman.

(Samuel Whyte)

Kieron Pollard retires from international cricket The West Indies ODI and T20I captain finishes with 224 appearances, all in white-ball cricket ESPNcricinfo - West Indies limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard has retired from international cricket, announcing the decision on social media on Wednesday, a day before his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians’ game against Chennai Super Kings.

“After careful deliberation, I’ve today decided to retire from international cricket,” Pollard wrote on Instagram. “As is the case of many young persons, it was a dream of mine to represent the West Indies team from the time I was a boy of 10 years and I’m proud to have represented West Indies cricket for over 15 years in both the T20I and ODI forms of the game. “I can still vividly remember making my international debut in 2007 under the leadership of my childhood hero, Brian Lara. Wearing those maroon colours and playing alongside such greats has been a privilege that I never took lightly, giving my heart and soul in every facet of the game - whether bowling, batting or fielding.” Pollard went on to call captaining West Indies “the highest honour bestowed” on him and that he led with “passion, openness, courage, and everything I could ever possibly give both on and off the field without ever compromising my principles and integrity.” Pollard played 123 ODIs from 2007 to 2022, scoring 2706 runs at an average of 26.01 with three centuries, and took 55 wickets along the way too. In 101 T20Is, he scored 1569 runs while striking at 135.14 with a high score of 75 not out. He never played a Test for West Indies and was one of many white-ball

specialists for West Indies for more than a decade. He has played the second-most men’s international games (224) without playing a Test after David Miller.

He was, however, left out of their ODI team in December 2014, aheadofaseriesinSouthAfrica.His axing - along with that of Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo - came soon after West Indies had pulled outoftheirtourofIndiawithanODI, a T20I and three Tests still remaining, following a dispute between Cricket West Indies and the players’ association over payment structures.

Pollard returned to international cricket in June 2016 and was then made captain for ODIs and T20Is in 2019.

He went on to lead them to series wins against Afghanistan in India, against Ireland at home, against Sri Lanka both home and away in T20Is, and against England at home earlier this year in T20Is. Overall, he led West Indies in 61 matches in the two formats, of which they won 25 and lost 31. Pollard was also part of the West Indies side that won the T20 World Cup in 2012 in Sri Lanka. He once hit Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya for six sixes in an over - in a T20I last year - becoming only the third batter to do so in international cricket, after Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh, both in 2007.

Pollard is the only West Indies cricketer to have played 100 T20Is, and he struck the secondmost sixes (234) for them in international cricket, after Chris Gayle’s 552.Pollard is currently in India playing the IPL for five-time campions Mumbai Indians.

PAGE 24

Thursday April 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

National Sports Commission condemns recent social media statements on Carifta Games team In a public statement issued the National Sports Commission (NSC) has condemned the recent Facebook posts made by Attorney Nigel Hughes concerning issues related to the Carifta Game team in Jamaica.

Here is the full text of the NSC statement: “The National Sports Commission wishes to unequivocally debunk and condemn the malicious and spurious statement made by Nigel Hughes on Facebook that the National Sports Commission financially neglected the Carifta Games athletics team or refused to assist with payment of Covid tests and meals for an additional day. It must be accepted that if the NSC assisted the CARIFTA Games teams with $3M to depart Guyana to participate in the Games, then it would have no difficulty with assisting $160,000 so that the athletes can return home if a request was made. The post made by Nigel Hughes on Facebook could only be construed as a callous and disgraceful attempt to score cheap political points off the backs of young, innocent and talented national athletes.

The present NSC has been the most receptive, generous, inclusive and accessible in the history of Guyana and all the sports associations would attest to this assertion especially in comparison to the previous National Sports Commission which would have been closely associated with the political party Mr. Hughes was a member of.”

“The NSC would have met with the president of the Athletic Association of Guyana prior to the team’s departure for the Games and would have committed two million dollars to the athletic team’s participation and one million dollars to the swimming team. For the record, at no point in time was the NSC notified of any emergency where the AAG required additional funds for unexpected expenses. In fact, upon meeting with the President of the AAG, he stated that there was never a

need to request additional support from the NSC because the AAG was not in a position which they could not take care of themselves.

The NSC finds it reckless, irresponsible, and insensitive that Mr. Hughes’ post was made without any attempt to first engage any member of the commission for clarification especially at a time when the athletes were still competing. This is unacceptable coming from someone who regularly ends his post with “better must come”. Better should have come from Mr. Hughes by first checking with the NSC to find out if additional support was sought by the AAG for athletes and was refused.”

“The NSC supports many teams leaving these shores to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Mr. Hughes’ meagre US$800 contribution could never compare to the support now being provided by the NSC and should not provide a license for him to be reckless and irresponsible with his Facebook post. Despite the hopeless attempt to now justify his irresponsible and reckless post attacking the Government of Guyana, what is clear is that the AAG has stated unequivocally that no one from the AAG ever reached out to the NSC or the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for any additional support.

No spurious spin can now change that fact. The NSC is aware that Sports Associations solicit funds to aid their objectives and programmes but advises that this episode be an important lesson that donations can be made by persons who have their unscrupulous political agendas.”

NSC assists GRFU for RAN Sevens Campaign Just two days remain before the commencement of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship on the isle of Bahamas, where Guyana’s Green Machine are set to compete

from April 23 - 24.

Prior to their departure, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) received monetary support to the tune of G$2 million from the National (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Thursday April 21, 2022

CCMC President Mohammed delighted with Canada Over-60 championship

PAGE 25

WDFA Bounce Back Easter Tourney…

Pouderoyen clip Eagles’ wings to lift Championhip

Former Guyana and West Indies fast-bowler Colin Croft, right, presents the winning trophy to David Mohammed.

President of the Cricket Canada Masters Council (CCMC) David Mohammed is delighted with the over-60 Canadian team having emerged champion at the recently concluded fourteam 45-over tournament in Houston, USA. Masters Cricket USA held the event.

Canada defeated USA by 52 runs, thanks to an impressive, unbeaten 102 from middle-order batsman Mukesh Narula.

Canada took first strike at the invitation of USA and rattled up a respectable 2655 from the 45-overs while USA responded with 213 all out in the 42nd over.

Mohammed stated that the over-60 guys showed a lot of commitment to their game and deserved to be the winner at this inaugural tournament.

A c c o r d i n g t o Mohammed, who led the Canadian Over-50 side, Narula batted superbly and to register a century in the final was even more remarkable.

“I must congratulate Narula and the Canada over60 team for making us proud; they played well to the end,” Mohammed declared.

Apart from Narula’s outstanding batting display, Rohan Jayasekera hit 52 while Farrukh Kirmani chipped in with 46 not out and 39 from Allan DeSouza.

Seamer Dashrath Sarkhe claimed two wickets for 34 runs from his allotted nine overs bowling for the hosts.

When USA batted, Munzar Butt scored a fighting 54 while Dharmendra Patel and Wayne Copelall made 31 and 30 respectively.

Krishna Ramnarine took three wickets for 30 runs off 8.3 overs to spearhead the bowling attack for the

Canadians. DeSouza proved his all-round capability by snatching two for 35 off eight overs while there was one wicket apiece for Kirmani, Guyanese Bertram Narain, Narula and Wilson Seenathsingh.

The other two teams took part in the competition were West Indies and the hosts fielding a second side. USA topped the points table by the conclusion of the preliminary round with three victories from as many matches while Canada came in second with two wins and West Indies only one victory.

USA second X1 failed to win an encounter.

Mohammed also informed that the Canadian over-60 team will start preparations soon for a World Cup series to be staged in early September in Australia. He is also expressing confidence that Canada can make an impression there, too. He mentioned with the team triumphing at this Houston tournament, they are more equipped to compete harder at the big stage. A large number of top-nation cricketing teams are expected to participate including, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, USA, West Indies and India.

Meanwhile, Mohammed reckoned that the over-50 team was not fully prepared for their category in which USA beat West Indies by 50 runs in the final to win the over-50 division. Four teams also took part.

Mohammed felt that the guys lacked turf practice and that was a huge disadvantage to them.

A c c o r d i n g t o Mohammed, CCMC will continue to work assiduously for the future tournaments.

WDFA Bounce Back champions, Pouderoyen Football Club seen with Association President Trevor Williams (2nd right) and Second VP, Christine Schmidt (right) following the presentation.

Pouderoyen Football Club (PFC) emerged as the champion of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Easter Bounce Back Tournament which ended on Easter Sunday night at the Leonora Track and Field Centre Football Ground.

Coming up against the #1 side in the Association, the Pouderoyen lads prevailed 3-2 in an exciting final to lift the Trophy Stall donated winner’s trophy.

There were no cash prizes as the newly elected WDFA Executive led by Tr e v o r Wi l l i a m s a n d

Secretary Adrian Giddings decided to pull off the tournament to give clubs the chance to get back into the competitive mode.

Scoring for Pouderoyen were Dwain St. Kitts in the 10th minute, Chidi Matthews in the 40th minute and Telelen Adolph, one

minute later.

Meanwhile, Eagles got their goals from Nashawn Livanin the 20thminute and Daniel Clark in the 60th minute.

The other teams that competed were Uitvlugt Warriors, Bell West, Crane Rovers, and Wales.

s

rt Spo

Kieron Pollard was the captain of both West Indies’ ODI and T20I teams when he retired. (ICC via Getty)

Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle (right) makes a contribution of $2M to the Rugby Union for their overseas journey.

NSC assists GRFU for RAN Sevens Campaign David Warner ended with 60 not out in just 30 balls. (BCCI)

Kieron Pollard retires from international cricket The West Indies ODI and T20I captain finishes with 224 appearances, all in white-ball cricket

‘Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’

Another young cricketer benefits from Project

Baker (left) collected the bat on behalf of Mahadeo from Munna in the presence of John Sumair.

Virus-hit Delhi thumps Punjab by WDFA Bounce Back Easter Tourney… nine wickets in IPL Pouderoyen clip Eagles’ wings to lift C/Ship Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.