Kaieteur News

Oral K NEWS arguments in oil tax case open today AIETEUR

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Friday Edition April 22, 2022 - Vol. 24 No. 16 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 77,378

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

Experts mock Guyana's wild approval rate of ExxonMobil’s projects Norton says ready to fulfill responsibilities - will push for more parliamentary sittings, appointment of constitutional office holders

$622M to fix two airstrips

Chinese vessel soaked up close to $500M in repairs in five years

Husband jailed 18 months for beating wife 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

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

$622M to fix two airstrips

The Region 7 and Region 8 airstrips that will be upgraded to concrete.

Out of the nine contractors who bid to rehabilitate the Ekereku Bottom Airstrip in Region Seven and the Karisparu Airstrip in Region Eight, it was Ideal Engineering Services Inc. and The Orlando Charles Foundation of Hope who were awarded the contracts to the tune of $622,455,687.

A c c o r d i n g t o information released from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), on April 14, Ideal Engineering has been contracted to work on the Karisparu airstrip to the tune of $314,421,450, while The Orlando Charles Foundation was awarded the $308,034,237 contract for the Ekereku Bottom airstrip.

The Ministry of Public Works which the projects fall under had estimated that $316 million can rehabilitate the Region Seven airstrip while $334 million for the airstrip in Region Eight.

Kaieteur News had reported that the Ministry is planning to upgrade the airstrips to concrete structures since they have been in poor conditions for some time,

which pose a danger to aircraft and passengers utilising them.

It was explained that the Karisparu Airstrip, which has a sand-gravel surface, would become water-logged when it rains therefore rendering the structure inoperable for take-off and landing of flights. The source told Kaieteur News that the surface is equally dangerous when dry, as it becomes loose and therefore affects the performance of aircraft.

As a result of the poor condition, there are limited flights to this location and the community is highly dependent on air travel because of the absence of efficient alternative modes.

Similarly, this publication was told that the Ekereku Bottom runway has a bituminous surface treatment, which has potholes. The Ministry had previously conducted repairs to the airstrip but the structure has reportedly deteriorated and poses danger to the landing gears of planes. This specific runway is slated to be widened from 40ft to 50ft to be compliant with Guyana

Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) regulation. This newspaper was further told that restrictions have been implemented on the weight of the cargos being transported to these locations, as a result of the state of the runways.

To this end, the Ministry is planning to rehabilitate the airstrips from sand-gravel to concrete surfaces to better facilitate the users. Back in January, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said, during his presentation of this year’s budget, that the government had expended $345 million in 2021 for the rehabilitation and maintenance of several hinterland airstrips including at Baramita and Paramakatoi. This year, $600 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation and maintenance of hinterland airstrips at Eteringbang, Karisparu, Paruima and Ekereku Bottom. “The interventions to be undertaken on the airstrips earmarked for this year are intended to make them compliant with the GCAA’s (Continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

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Experts mock Guyana’s wild approval rate of ExxonMobil’s projects A Field Development Plan (FDP) is one of the most critical documents governments assess before granting companies permission to move ahead with oil projects.

In developing the FDP, an oil company such as ExxonMobil will be selective in what international principles it follows. It will also take note of the factors used to tally how much it will charge the country for the project. At the end of the day, the oil company pres ents the government with a FDP that secures the interest of its shareholders.

Given the importance of this document, numerous industry experts have said the government must ensure proper due diligence is done by way of experienced professionals. It is on this very principle that they have expressed grave concern about Guyana’s use of Alison Merrilla Redford, a Canadian lawyer and former politician. She was used not once, but twice for the review of ExxonMobil’s Payara and Yellowtail FDPs. They were keen to note that both projects will cost Guyana a whopping US$19B. Given the fact that Redford has no well known track record of being a fierce defender of States on field

development plans, industry experts cannot comprehend why she was selected for such an important job. What has surprised them as well is “Guyana’s wild rate of a p p r o v a l f o r E x x o n ’s projects” following Redford’s input. They noted that Redford reviewed both Payara and Yellowtail within 42 and 52 days respectively.

More than a dozen industry experts who have experience reviewing FDPs said emphatically, “No proper review is done with such break-neck speed.”

Specifically, one industry expert said, “…Other teams having performed reviews of field development plan in other major offshore producing areas, find it difficult to envision that a rigorous analysis of the Yellowtail FDP and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was possible within 52 days.

Even with two mega groups of specialists and engineers assigned, it is not possible.

The question therefore arises as to whether the Bayphase/Redford partnership skimmed the documents Exxon submitted to the government rather than probing it and requesting additional data for a proactive assessment.”

Another expert agreed with the foregoing

perspective while adding, “For most FPDs you have over 100 items to check that is why proper review takes a year and change, sometimes longer depending on project size. In the first instance, the government must have its own FDP guidelines on minimum requirements they expect from the company.

That should be public. This is needed because citizens would better understand the standards the administration is setting for companies to abide by. The North Sea Tr a n s i t i o n A u t h o r i t y (NTSA) does this. That authority regulates and influences the oil, gas and carbon storage industries of the UK Continental Shelf.”

The NSTA clearly states via its guidelines on its website that all FDPs must provide a clear explanation why the development concept being presented is considered optimum from a technical, environmental and economic perspective.

The authority also requires that companies set out the commitments they will follow to ensure enhanced oil recovery and sound development. The expert noted that Guyana is yet to p r o v e i f t h e Redford/Bayphase group achieved this since their findings remain a State secret.

Experts also told Kaieteur News that FDPs must also provide a production strategy that aligns with the country’s interest. Such a strategy includes: Short-term and long-term plans on production acceleration and recoverable reserves, the number of production and injection wells and the cost to the nation, and an explanation of hydrocarbon bearing sands penetrated not included under the current development plan but which could be profitable if assumption changes such as extent of reservoir or oil price.

FDPs also include detailed information, which the government needs experienced persons to review regarding production technology and well engineering. In this area, government specialists must diligently assess proposed well design concepts including trajectory and location, in flow performance prediction, sand control and sand management, explanation of concept selection and how value for money would be achieved on each component of the project.

“In light of the foregoing, how can Guyana feel assured that the reviews by Bayphase and Redford have been

Exxon fined US$289,000 for obstructing deposition in human rights lawsuit Two years after the counsel for American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation obstructed the deposition in an Indonesian human rights lawsuit the oil giant has been fined US$289,000.

According to an Aljazeera report, in 1999 a merger between Mobil Oil Indonesia and Exxon, generated more than US$1bn in annual revenue at the end of the 1990s when it contracted members of the Indonesian army to guard its facility in Aceh at a cost of $500,000 per month.

In 2001, a lawsuit was filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia after allegations that Indonesian villagers were subject to human rights abuses, including sexual assault, torture, rape and wrongful death in and

around the ExxonMobil Oil and Gas Plant in Lhoksukon, Aceh Province during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The 11 plaintiffs in the case, some of whom are represented by their families, alleged that soldiers contracted by ExxonMobil conducted sweeping raids aimed at rooting out suspected separatists, torturing and murdering innocent members of the local populace in the process.

However, the oil giant has strenuously denied knowing about any abuses by contractors under its supervision.

After two decades of the Indonesian lawsuit dragging through the courts in the District of Columbian – a Washington, D.C., federal judge on April 14, 2022 fined ExxonMobil for what its

counsel did in the deposition. The judge also denied the oil giant “meritless” sanction motion.

According to Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in 2020, Mark Snell, ExxonMobil’s Asia Pacific regional general counsel, severely, repeatedly, and perversely obstructed his own deposition and refused to answer questions, wasted time and provided inaccurate and evasive answers about whether he was reading from his notes and who prepared them.

The court also found that the company’s defense attorneys shared responsibility for Snell’s behaviour and granted the p l a i n t i ff s ’ m o t i o n f o r sanctions.

However, the court

denied as “meritless” a sanctions motion by Exxon and ordered that Exxon would pay fees and costs incurred by plaintiffs in litigating their sanctions motion and motion to compel.

The plaintiffs then moved for payment, seeking $321,867.78 in fees and expenses, but Exxon filed an opposition. The court said in an order issued that the appropriate amount was $281,439.25 in fees and granted the full request for $7,461.53 in expenses.

Exxon is represented by P a u l , We i s s , R i f k i n d , Wharton & Garrison LLP. The plaintiffs are represented by Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes LLP, and International Rights Advocates.

Canadian lawyer, Alison Redford performed with their best interest in mind? It is Exxon’s job to advance their best interest: It is the g o v e r n m e n t ’s j o b t o safeguard the best interest of its people. It is not clear that this is taking place,” expressed one of the specialists with over 40 years experience.

Another industry expert also raised alarm about the oversight provided by Bayphase and the input of the Alison Redford Group which was paid for by the Canadian government. She said, “Guyanese should be concerned that it was not revealed by Natural R e s o u r c e s M i n i s t e r, Vickram Bharrat that the Redford group was involved in reviewing the US$10B Yellowtail Project until after

the work was completed and the production licence awarded. Why? Redford’s group was not listed by the N a t i o n a l Te n d e r a n d Procurement Board as one of the companies submitting a proposal for the Yellowtail or Payara reviews. Why was she given a direct contract on both? Why were Guyanese kept in the dark? Why are her reports not public? Why are the reports by Bayphase not public?”

In the interest of transparency, the industry experts agreed that the PPP/C Government should disclose a summary of the work performed by Bayphase and the Redford group to date, along with a summary of the type of data used and the methods by which it was assessed.

Teen wanted for killing stepdad nabbed hiding behind chair A teenager wanted for the death of his stepfather, Joseph Davis, a 41 year-old miner, was nabbed on Wednesday, after eluding police for more than a month.

The captured suspect, Joshua Williams, 19, of Swan Village along the Linden/Soesdyke highway, was found by police ranks hiding behind a chair inside of his father’s house located at Kuru Kururu, another village located along the same route.

Police also arrested his father, for assisting him to evade police. He is accused of harbouring Williams in his home while cognizant that a wanted bulletin was out for him. According to

Captured Murder Suspect, Joshua Williams. the Guyana Police Force (GPF), ranks stationed on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) had managed to capture the suspect after receiving information about (Continued on page 8)

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 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

Parliamentary PAC “PAC will be unable to scrutinise government spending before elections …slow pace of work, quorum changes; a disservice to citizens” (KN April 21). Words and postures along those lines were what came from the current chair of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) about has been done to it, and where it is heading. In view of what is going on with the PAC, it is now undeniable that the Parliamentary PAC amounts to nothing but a pack of cards in the hands of a pack of political problem children.

We deliberately use children as a substitute for people since the arrangements and intentions are so blatant, and so self-serving that they cannot have adult ownership.

We begin by revisiting briefly what has happened with the PAC in recent times. The first blow was the PPP/C Governments rejection of a motion to increase the number of weekly meetings of the PAC from one to two. The reasoning submitted of members having other business to attend to, and portfolios to manage, was not well-received.

It was seen for what it was, which was to give sufficient time to examine spending under the previous APNU coalition government only.

When the once-weekly PAC meeting, usually moving at a slow crawl, would only have enough time to review the prior government spendings, the backlogs continue, with the same back and forth rigmaroles between the PPP/C and APNU on full display.

The PPP/C Government took that first step to protect itself, when it shuffled the PAC pack (once a week meeting only) to suit its twisted visions over highly likely corrupt practices under its watch and by the millions and billions.

It made sure the cards stayed as they were to allow as many corruptions as possible involving Guyanese taxpayers money to be brought to light and hammered at for public consumption, and the usual political gain. As has surfaced before the PAC, there were many corrupt practices during the coalition administration, and which is now par for the course under every government (PPP/C or PNC, it doesnt matter).

Knowing what it knows about the skullduggeries of its own agents, usually with winks and nods, and free passes, from its leaders, the Government has no reason, and nothing positive to gain, by permitting time and creating space for scrutiny of its own spending of fantastic sums, and lots of it in cash.

Thus, in an effort to make doubly sure that the opportunity is not available for any PAC scrutiny of its own spending the PPP/C Government, specifically its Machiavellian manipulators and arrangers, came up with this quorum idea, its latest two-headed beast of a quorum change. One head is to keep a close watch on the opposition-chaired PAC so that it stays in its lane, and within the speed limit; while the other head is to watch out so that nothing and no one gets too close to the PPP/Cs tricks and shenanigans, which must be protected at all costs prior to the elections in the making, already a foregone conclusion as to outcome.

To cheer when it is due, even when the perverse could very well be part of the quorum manoeuvre, it is a stroke of the devil to drum up something like this. All members of the PAC quorum must be present, which means that all members from both political sides must be in attendance for any meeting to proceed.

The PPP/C Government now properly and openly proud of its sharp handiwork, duly deployed its sorcery machinery to posture about fairness to all sides, and no group being unaccounted for, or left to harbour feelings of being disadvantaged. How we wish that that same standard would be in operation in other areas of governance now in top gear. We offer transparencies that merit the meaning of the word, and consultations of depth and substance, on matters that have much meaning for the future of this society.

What is clear is that when the PAC pack is shuffled and played around with like this, then the spending sprees and related corruptions continue unchecked. Just as clearly, the PAC becomes a deck packed with political jesters and expensive jokes where spending is concerned.

Questions on Vreed-en-Hoop Demerara Shore Base project DEAR EDITOR, There is something fishy or suspicious about that shore base and port facility at the mouth of the Demerara River on the Vreed-en-Hoop side. There is concern that the state is standing as sovereign guarantor of the loan of US$600 million to construct the shore base and port facility. Is it true that the engineer companies connected with the project are not confident it is a suitable location? Is it true that they are also worried about the environmental impact of the project flooding, destruction of

homes on the banks of the river, impact on flora and fauna, etc.

If indeed engineering companies are firmly of the view that the project cannot work at that location and the project does not turn out to be successful, the poor people (taxpayers) of the country will be burdened with this US$600 M loan with the state being the guarantor. If it is successful, how would the state benefit since the project is owned by private companies, not the state?

How will the state get back its money? Why is the state taking risks for a loan and

wont be the owner of the project of the loan? The private components will be the owners. What measures will be in place to prevent the private concerns to siphon off the loan proceeds thru inflated purchases and services?

If the project fails, the private concerns would not be responsible for the loan, and as such, the state (taxpayers) would have to repay it. If the project is successful, the private companies would benefit as they would be owners of the shore base and port and charge the government for

usage at usury fees.

Successful or failed, the private companies would be the winner with the state being losers. Why is the government guaranteeing funding of a project in which the state (the people) is not the owner? Something does not smell well in the new kingdom of Guyana in which one man is making decisions without thorough discussion and consultation with the public. The nation is reminded that several largescale projects failed as a result of this approach.

Yours truly, Edward Burrowes

Fire prevention advice DEAR EDITOR, Recently, the country was plagued with a series of fires both in the rural and urban areas. As a result of these unpleasant experiences, many were left homeless, jobless and in some cases with permanent loss of businesses. Sometimes sadly enough lives were lost.

As someone who has a little experience in fire prevention, I thought that it would be useful to remind my

fellow Guyanese that fire must have three ingredients: fuel, heat and air. You take away any one of these and the fire cannot continue to burn.

Now where your houses and buildings are concerned, ask yourself the following: 1. Is there a free passageway to all exits, and how many are there? If it’s a building, do the occupants know where they are?

2. Can these exits be easily opened from the inside?

3. Are all emergency exits marked clearly?

4. Do you know how to get out of the building and is your alarm system working?

When was the last time you checked your equipment and do your occupants know how to get out of the building when it is on fire?

5. Last but not least, do you know the number of your fire brigade service and when

last, you conducted a fire drill?

In conclusion, I must admit that the above observations are more biased to offices, factories, night spots, workshops and libraries. However, all are relevant to wherever heat, air and fuel are available.

Yours respectfully, Percy Oswald Munro Former Engineering Manager GuySuCo

Reinvention of the NIS DEAR EDITOR, The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) was established in 1969, a forerunner to comparable schemes in the Caribbean which a Guyana leadership team helped to build.

Unlike the professional standard of management now obtaining in those sister territories, Guyanas does not benefit from similar technical skills certainly not sought through published advertisement. Its organisational structure is generally unclear to the flood of enquirers, notwith-

standing the many telephone numbers - which make one reinvention urgently necessary that is better online communication. One agrees totally with the Senior Minister responsible for Finance that there is need for reinvention of the institution after more than five decades an age when few organisations can pretend to be able to reinvent themselves particularly in this instance to cope with the plethora of complaints, published and unpublished.

It therefore becomes necessary for the relevant deci-

sion-makers to conceive of a project and invite the appropriate competencies to collaborate in a most comprehensive organisational restructure, the components of which would include the following; not necessarily in this sequential order: - Vision - Mission - Board Composition - Executive Management Team - Job/Position Hierarchy - Accountability Relationships - Customer Relations - Fo-

cus on Employers and Employees - Communication IT Connection - Complaints Advisory Section - Job Descriptions - Performance Management System - Succession Planning - Compensation and Benefits Management - SWOT Analysis Results to be addressed Hope NIS decision-makers would contemplate the above.

E.B. John

The Sugar Tax Levy saved other sectors of the economy DEAR EDITOR, Over the past decade the criticism of the sugar industry has been incessant. The crucial role of the sugar tax levy (contributing over $(G)100 billion to other sectors during 1974 to 2000) has often been ignored in these discussions. Notwithstanding, criticisms have become more pronounced after the European Union (EU) withdrew its preferential treatment in 2009 that immediately reduced sugar price by 34 percent. That drastic price reduction exposed weaknesses in

the sugar industry, such as higher production costs compared with open market prices.

And past corruption coupled with a top-heavy management structure with extra-generous compensation packages, continue to weaken the financial viability of the sugar industry.

With the PNCR-led coalitions rationale that the closure of four sugar estates in 20162017 would allow for consolidation, re-engineering, and better performance, the three surviving sugar estates (Blairmont, Albion, and

Uitvlugt) have fallen short of this expectation, at least for the first six years. It would be a huge challenge, though not necessarily insurmountable, for GuySuCo to turn around this industry within the next two years.

An encouraging signal is the movement away from bulk sugar to packaged sugar which doubles GuySuCos earnings from sales ($US 300 per MT vs $US 670 per MT).

It is hoped that GuySuCo will build upon this piece of success, despite some production setbacks. Sugar output

in 2019 was 107,203 metric tonnes (MTs); in 2020 production declined to 87,875MTs (18 percent); and it plummeted to 58,025MTs in 2021 (34 percent). With 22,000 MTs set aside for local consumption, this means that only 44,000 MTs will be available for the external markets.

Cost of production of sugar is a nagging problem. It is reported that cost of sugar is twice the world market price (production cost of $US 0.33 per lb. vs open market cost of $US 0.16 per lb.). When (Continued on page 5)

Friday April 22, 2022

As a society, we have Enough with thefailed nonsense! domestic violence victims

DEAR EDITOR, I am tired. I am fed up.

When will it ever end? How many more?

Why cant someone understand that if you cant agree, you should go your separate ways. You dont own her; you dont own him. The worst is how some persons justify abuse, justify the killings, how can you know that abuse is happening and do absolutely nothing. Two women, in a matter of days, two women were murdered and a child hospitalised because of domestic violence.

The sufferings of these women didnt start the day of their demise. I cant even be-

gin to understand what Savitris life was like, how many days and nights she cried, her pain and suffering, her sadness. It breaks my heart just thinking about all she probably went through in those 33 years of marriage, how many times her human rights were violated.

Shenese Walks was just 19 years old, she was a young ambitious woman and mother and just like that because of a disagreement he killed her.

Two young people, unbelievable. I am thinking here, where did we as parents go wrong in raising our boys and girls in resolving conflict in a nonviolent way.

How can we forget the five-year-old, who witnessed the abuse, who has been abused and who is now fighting for her life? Just thinking about the trauma she has experience at just five years old.

Children are resilient but come on, she should not have experienced this. Men and women who abuse others are cowards who could only use violence to gain power.

As parents, we really need to empower our children and get them to understand that moving on doesnt mean you have lost. We need to empower young women and men to challenge and break through prevailing norms that

underpin violence in this country. We cant be tired, we cant give up, we have to keep empowering, we have to keep supporting victims, we have to keep helping them to seek help. We have to keep pushing and we have to help if we hear something. There are so many ways we can help, call the 411 hotlines, call 911, call a police station and make a report, call a neighbour, there is always strength in numbers. We have to do more.

Rest in peace Savitri Raj and Shenese Walks...I am sorry that as a society we failed you.

Regards, Shaundell Shipley

The rewards of oil belong to ALL Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, It’s usually not my style to directly reply to or attack individuals who express their opinion, but after reading a recent letter written by Lenox R. O. Shuman, MP Deputy Speaker and another letter in support of Shuman’s opinion written by one Gloria Holder, I decided against my beliefs and express my opinion.

Firstly, the responsibility lies squarely at the feet of the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C, for whatever scrapings Guyana is receiving from her ‘Oil Boom’, because of their choice to work for the best of their interest, instead of

Guyana. Regarding the infrastructure development in an earlier Letter to the Editor, I’ve used our neighbour Venezuela as an example, showing how they were one of the biggest oil producers, embark on massive infrastructural work, which remains a white elephant today, and today hunger, lack of jobs is some of the main reasons its citizens are fleeing from there.

Trinidad & Tobago also slowly seems to be edging towards being in a similar economic situation as Venezuela and that could be another embarrassment for an oil-producing country. The

failures of such wealthy countries are solely the responsibility of greed, corruption, and lack of careful long-term planning which is mainly the Government’s responsibility that is entrusted to them by the citizens of the country.

The rewards of the oil belong to ALL Guyanese, but the Government that is elected by Guyanese to manage our affairs of Guyana strongly believes that they are the owners, and without proper consultation, running around the country, giving their friends and families contracts under the guise of development, finding ways to dole out

The Sugar Tax Levy saved...

From page 4 one considers that GuySuCo has incurred a debt of $(G) 72+ billion and had to be subsidised from 2010 to 2020 by $(US) 76.965 billion at an average of $(G)7.6965 billion per annum, the PPP/C government had to address this matter with urgency.

While the statistics cited here do not paint a rosy picture, the PPP/C government contends that the sugar industry might not be financially sound at this time, but this does not necessarily mean that sugar is not economically viable.

Sugar is a communitybased industry, like bauxite, it is woven into workers history and culture. Sugar has been so dominant in the economy that the history of Guyana up to 1980 could be regarded as a history of sugar.

Estates have been providing sugar workers livelihood, a sense of self-worth, as well as helped to shape their perspective on life.

A transition from sugar to any other product must therefore not only be gradual but also sensitive. While the PPP/ C had promised to re-open three (Enmore, Skeldon, Rosehall) of the four closed sugar estates, a meticulous survey that they conducted upon taking office, revealed

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that the factories, the dams, the trenches, and the abandoned cane fields at Enmore and Skeldon could not be economically and logistically rehabilitated. When this is combined with GuySuCos heavy debt, as well as, its huge annual subsidy, the government felt that they must address this problem in a way that will not hurt workers and their communities.

They therefore changed their strategy for Enmore and Skeldon.

Enmore would be reopened but not necessarily around sugar, and so is Skeldon. Dismissed workers at Skeldon are given part time jobs, while the government seeks to divest the sugar estate. Acqua-culture (rearing of shrimps), peasant cane farming and other crops will be encouraged like the cultivation of industrial hemp.

At Enmore, the packaging plant is scheduled to be relocated at Albion, and workers there have been absorbed at GK+B Industries $(US) 35 million fabrication facility. Approval was also given to Rudisa to set up an agro-processing factory at Enmore.

President Dr Irfaan Ali says that Enmore will become an industrial hub for the East Coast region.

Rose Hall is scheduled to

re-open with sugar production as its main goal in early 2023. Wales is slated to become another industrial centre. The $(US) 900 million gasto-energy project for the Wales Development Zone includes the construction of a plant to convert gas into electricity (300 megawatts). There has been a suggestion that Uitvlugt Sugar Estate might be converted into ethanol production but there is no confirmation on this.

The factory has not been grinding due to mechanical problems for several weeks.

Workers there are being provided with alternative jobs during this down time.

Sugar is going through a bad patch but with the right vision and commitment it will survive and continue to make major contributions to the country as well as to sustaining vibrant sugar estates and adjacent communities that are interlocked with spinoff industries such as travel, businesses, insurance, mortgages, etc.

The role of sugar in the agriculture diversification process must not be diminished; it still has the potential for financial and economic viability. Sugar should not be allowed to become a casualty of the Dutch disease.

Dr. Tara Singh

money to selected party supporters and having the citizens sitting like begging puppies, waiting for the impossible. It is atrocious to believe that newly discovered oil will move Guyana forward, before, Guyana was producing bauxite, rice, sugar, gold, timber, etc. The PPP and PNC are mainly responsible for the state Guyana is in presently by dividing its people using racism, whilst they mismanage the country, squander her wealth, and enrich themselves, friends and families during the process.

Infrastructural work was going on before the discovery of oil, and most of these works were being executed by friends/families of the (Continued on page 6)

Guyanese must remember to “clean up” after themselves DEAR EDITOR, I am truly baffled by the condition of the main locations for flying kite, during the season of Easter.

The first thought that probably popped into your head when I wrote the above is “Wuh yuh expect? Is Guyanese.” Well dearest, I’d expect, better.

How would you like for someone to stumble into your home and turn it upside down? Leave clothes, food and other garbage on the floor?

This country is your home land. Treat it as such.

The very same way you’d hate to see garbage in your house on the floor, you should hate to see garbage in your beloved, home country.

The very same country you played cricket, football, “catcher or throw-to-throw” on its land. Enjoy its fruits and climbed its trees.

That country represents your home.

This is something we’ve been taught since small days.

Clean up after yourself. I repeat. Clean up after yourselves.

The first thing in kindergarten we’ve learnt. Pack up your toys when you’re finished with it. Make sure the floor is neat and clean, in fact we even had a song to remind

us, “clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere.”

While this is not the first time our land is polluted, after a holiday, or even without the cause to celebrate, I should hope you feel as I do, it should be the last.

While I cannot stop persons from carelessly tossing trash out their cars, or as they walk the streets. I urge you, to do what’s right and not what’s convenient.

There’s no excuse for the amount of garbage found at the National Park, after the 18th of April. There were bins present. I cannot speak of the seawall on that particular day, since I was not there, but for the readers who were, if you could not find somewhere to put your trash, keep it on you so to dispose it in the nearest bin later. Even if that means you would have to take it home. This is our responsibility as the people of Guyana. Our country is only a reflection of it’s people.

So my question to you Guyana, is do we truly agree and accept the title “the city of garbage?”

Please Guyana. This is what our ancestors fought for.

Independence. Independently, we can rid this bad habit of littering.

Yours sincerely, Saaya Simran Prasad

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High tech security features on new Eccles-Mandela Highway DEAR EDITOR, The news has been filled with reports on the recently opened Eccles-Mandela Highway. It was a highly reportable event, with the usual mandatory presidential attendance in keeping with the occasion. Two things surfaced with the opening of the newly completed highway, both of which could bring some comfort to landlubbers plying the rough roads of Guyana. But only if they deliver uninterruptedly what they were placed there to do.

The first piece of good news that came at the opening was that surveillance cameras would be present and in action round-theclock. This was from His Excellency himself and I cheer the man for the heartening news. We all know what surveillance cameras mean, when they are functioning (the recent New York subway horror attests to the vacuum that follows when they are not), and the difference they can make. Between justice delivered, and not justice both

delayed and denied, which is now the norm here. I mention this because we have surveillance cameras around the area of that well-planned and well-executed Main Street killing, but today we still have nothing. Not one tracked down, arrested, and charged with a heinous capital offense.

What we do have to turn around in our minds and possibly hands is the fact that those surveillance cameras were around at the time of the fusillade of warheads, they were working, but of what they offer as evidence, nothing has been forthcoming.

This being Guyana, there are whispers about who accessed, who removed, and who did what with the tapes.

Whoever did what (or did not), and whatever was removed and used or misused (or not), the place where we are today with that chilling killing is nowhere. We have obvious dangers and obvious protections in place, but we are still at no place.

What is revealingly and alarmingly ironic is that a

nearby space houses the official residence of this countrys head-of-state. Yet, this kind of tomfoolery and skullduggery can occur without correction or cessation in other places. When I take this into consideration, I ask myself about the degree of confidence, the level of comfort that citizens can have that those vital surveillance cameras will show up when urgently needed. That is, to show-off the outlines of their figures captured, and the silhouettes of their images retained. This would be particularly in those circumstances, not involving run-of-the mill people like me and you and a dog named Boo; but those with labels like big man and big fish and big boss. We shall see, and I hope that we do not see more Main Street scenarios repeated. Both before and after. The second development that came out later with this much talked about highway is that there will be

police outposts along the way. Highwaymen and footpads beware. Those of a Chaucerian inclination should be able to make the association. But brigands and bandits, especially the resourceful ones, also are aware of what followed in the wake of that Main Street execution, similarly much talked about, and heavily speculated over.

The interest is on who saw, who set free, who gave a quick, furtive pass, and on whose orders. Or for what kind of reward. I leave by saying that it is pleasing that this highway will have surveillance cameras and police outposts. I hope that both will not unravel in doing duty, when troubling situations unfold. This is what a place like Guyana does for skepticism and cynicism, which both pour down from the top, given what merrily floats up there.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Sash Sawh’s life Unacceptable matter invigorates our resolve every single day

yet to be concluded

DEAR EDITOR, It is perplexing that a stain on our parliamentary democracy, which occurred by the staging of an opposition-led ‘revolt’ in the hallowed Chamber, is not completed as yet and is now slated for a report June 1.

This is plain unacceptable as it allows the perpetrators to continue to sit in parlia-

ment, enjoy benefits as parliamentarians and other privileges.

The disruptions and disturbances which took place in full view, similar to the attempted heist on democracy, was no small matter and it was expected that its determination would have been swift and condign.

Shamshun Mohamed

DEAR EDITOR, The year 2038 is as far away from present day as the year 2006. This puts into context just how long it has been since Satyadeow Sawh, his brother, his sister and his security guard (not forgetting our family dog) were murdered in cold blood.

Penning these annual letters brings no joy. The quest for answers, long and winding as it may be, continues. It

would be remiss of us to not acknowledge that last year’s 15th anniversary brought some welcome movement; but the reality is as stark as it is bleak.

Thankfully, the ebullience of Sash Sawh’s life invigorates our resolve every single day.

May we not have to cast our minds much further for action and for answers.

Roger Sawh

The rewards of oil belong to ALL...

From page 5 ruling parties, massive corruption was continuously being exposed, whilst inferior work continues and the Guyanese populace have to sit and watch as money is being given away because they are so divided by racism, they cannot unite and challenge these vultures. We are in such an embarrassing state, that someone barefacedly writes an obnoxious letter, ridicules us, and tells us that we are not entitled to any free money!

Editor, Shuman catapulted himself towards politics under the guise of representing the Amerindians in Guyana, and so far, has successfully attained the position of Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker. At the inception, he started as a genuine person, but along the way, I lost interest in his political journey based on his behaviour to-

wards his ambitions. Today, he seems to be following the government’s pattern of gloating at others, which is very childish, very supportive of the infrastructural work government is embarking on, and using the few developed countries he’s fortunate to visit as examples for development. I find it very hypocritical of Shuman to pen a letter praising this government’s intention of building a stadium and airport in Berbice, amongst others, and go beyond the limits to explain how it would benefit the country, when the majority of Amerindians he is supposed to be representing, are living without electricity, proper medical facilities, roads and lack of jobs proper access to technology, etc. I’m assuming that his agenda has been fulfilled, so their well-being will have to be represented by another ambitious political

opportunist.

Finally Editor, Gloria’s missive seems to fully support the government’s intentions of spending Guyana’s money the way they want to. No mention was made about the heavy spending on buildings that are being left alone to rot away. The building on High Street, where the old GBC use to be housed, is the call centre that is supposed to create jobs in Tuschen/Zeelugt.

What about the contracts that took years to complete, costing more money than what the contracts were signed for, and at the completion, it’s not what was supposed to be delivered. Then the various roads that are being built have to be redone without any proper service. Here’s another interesting point to note. Because of the lockdown arising from the COVID, many radio and TV channels were set up to broadcast through-

out the country and special emphasis was placed on riverain and hinterland areas to broadcast the Guyana Learning Channel. Maybe the writer should investigate how many of these stations are functioning and to what capacity. How many are broadcasting 25 percent of their expected power and the cost?

There’s more to this broadcasting story which I will address at another time. What I am certain of, is that Government is rushing to spend Guyana’s money foolishly, and selected people are benefitting whilst the majority of the people in Guyana are complaining about the economic situation here. So, yes, the tone of Gloria’s letter seems to suggest that Guyanese don’t deserve any money, it’s just to develop infrastructure.

Let’s support them and create another Venezuela!

Sahadeo Bates

Friday April 22, 2022

BIG MISTAKE! DEAR EDITOR, “Lack of sex education contributes towards sexual assault” could not be further from the truth. In 1992 the school system in the United States came up with the idea that both boys and girls between 13 -15 years should be educated about sex and their bodies. BIG MISTAKE if there were ever one in this category. This so-called sexeducation only served to peak the interest of these young boys already raging hormones. The result was

there were a drastic number of 14 -15 year old girls giving birth to babies in 1993. The whole outcome had just the opposite effect from what the so-called experts thought would be in the best interest of their young teens. Needless to say it was agreed by the school board there would not be any more sex education to children by anyone in their schools. This is all true, I was a resident of New York at the time.

Yours truly, Gloria Holder

Could someone please advice the Opposition that it is no longer in government?

DEAR EDITOR, I shall preface my remarks by asking the following questions, when will Guyana be afforded the opportunity of having a proper opposition?

Or when will we be afforded the opportunity in having a normal, rational and responsible opposition? These questions I put to readers as I go into what I have to say.

Normal rational beings are expected to act in a certain way and this is not coming from the Opposition, whether they were in government and even greater still now that they are in the opposition. It is most repugnant to see the way this group of individuals behaves; they oppose every conceivable bill brought by the government even to the shameful display of grabbing the mace.

They are operating as one big bunch of terror fabulous ghetto style clique who would do anything to get their point across.

I guess they are still suffering from the pangs of March 2020, when they would have lost the general elections despite that valiant attempt at rigging. But that is something they would have to measure up to in the present, and I would certainty say would be their stark reality in the foreseeable future.

Because no one in his or her right mind will accept that kind of behaviour from its elected officials.

Now, the sordid display as they made the rush for the mace, surrounds the passage of the NRF bill. Their action

was to force the hand of parliament that the bill could not be passed. That did not succeed hence the recourse to the court to see if their lunacy could be upheld. But that would be defeated also.

Now, if you examine their actions carefully, you would see that they are really standing in the way of progress and development.

We would like to be candid and transparent with the present administration as to the spending of our sovereign wealth, so anyone or anything that would hinder that process we readily condemn.

It goes even further, when you see their action now that a board that would oversee oil spending has been set up.

The Main Opposition PNC is up in arms in the choices the government has made. Isn’t this total madness, isn’t this the epitome of lawlessness?

It must be noted, that the government has no qualms with the choices they have made and are willing to work with them, however, they are condemning our choices even to the point of trying to direct the affairs of the board. It behooves us to question whether Guyana is a real place?

Could someone please advice the Opposition that they are not the government?

It would go a far way in helping them to get to the place where they might make a conscious effort to becoming normal!

Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Domestic violence is a serious scourge in our society. Ever so often, there are situations, where the women suffer at the hands of their abusive partners and if they muster the courage to take them before the Court, it’s the victims who end up begging for the perpetrators to be given another chance.

But like clockwork; when the chance is given, it is only for the abuser to continue the abuse. As such, it would only be fair if judiciary particularly the magistracy be granted powers to hand down more severe penalties to these perpetrators of abuse.

Let us advocate for serious jail time to be mandatory for these “beasts” who feel they can beat their wives mercilessly and get off scotch free.

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Kaieteur News

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Friday April 22, 2022

Glenn Lall vs Govt, Exxon…

Oral arguments in oil tax case open today

T

he court case filed

by Kaieteur News (KN) Publisher Glenn Lall against the Government of Guyana and which was later joined by Exxon Mobil Subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is expected to continue today before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the High Court in Georgetown.

The case is being heard virtually from 13:00 hours today. The case filed back in January by the KN publisher seeks to overturn the expansive tax provisions granted to the oil companies as part of the Production Sharing Agreement for oil drilling exploration in the Stabroek Block. Among the grounds, Lall lists his main contention as the provisions of the agreement violate the Petroleum Act, by purporting to extend production sharing concessions to persons other than those licensed. Against

Kaieteur News (KN) Publisher Glenn Lall. this background, he argues that any exemptions referred to in Article 15 Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, purporting to extend concessions to persons other

Teen wanted for killing stepdad...

From page 3 his whereabouts. Williams is accused of stabbing Davis, his stepfather on March 18, during an argument, which they had at their home in Swan Village.

Davis was reportedly rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) soon after and was admitted in a critical condition. Days later on March 27, Davis succumbed to his stab wounds while receiving treatment.

Kaieteur News was told by sources close to the investigation that the

argument that led Williams to stab his stepfather was over the “opening of a door.”

A resident had related that Williams had gone home late that day and knocked on the door multiple times but no one opened up for him.

After waiting for a while, his stepfather finally decided to let him in but was confronted by an angry Williams.

An argument ensued between the two and Williams reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Davis before running away.

than the licensees are not consistent with the provisions of Act. He contends that

“licensee” as defined by the Petroleum Act refers only to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), CNOOC NEXEN Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and not to any other person.

The applicant has asked the Court to make a declaration that bringing the agreement into force that the tax waiver must apply only to licensees. On the issue of discrimination, Lall argues that the Agreement “is discriminatory to Guyanese employees by exempting from personal income tax income earned only by expatriate employees of the c o n t r a c t o r, a f f i l i a t e d companies or non-resident sub-contractors who are physically present in Guyana for 183 days or less on a cumulative basis in the tax year of assessment.”

Meanwhile, on the issue of taxes, Lall notes that while

Section 51 of the Petroleum Act authorises the Minister Responsible for Finance to direct that any or all of the tax laws specified therein shall not apply to or in relation to a licensee who has entered into a production sharing agreement with the Government of Guyana, it however, does not empower the Minister to pay the taxes on behalf of any licensee.

Against this background, he argues Articles 15.4 and 15.5 of the petroleum agreement requiring the Minister responsible for Petroleum to pay taxes for and on behalf of the licensees and the Commissioner General to issue certificates to that effect is therefore a violation of the Petroleum Act. Regarding the Order by which the agreement came into force, Lall has advanced through his attorney Mohamed Ali, that the order is not a tax act or other subsidiary legislation made

under such act and is therefore null, void and of no legal effect. It is for those outlined reasons that the Applicant is hoping the court will grant him the reliefs being sought.

He also wants the court to declare void, Section 49 of the Act which purports to authorize the Minister to remit any royalty payable by a licensee or to defer the payment of such royalty, as being in violation of subsections 1A and 1B of Section 6 of the Financial Administration Act. Further, Lall is asking the court to declare Article 15.12 of the agreement as being in violation of Article 149 of the Constitution which provides for protection from discrimination—and for also being in violation of Section 5 of the Prevention of Discrimination Act. So far, the Government and EEPGL have responded denying the claims made by Lall.

Teixeira says coalition committed over 500 breaches of financial rules while in office While in Government, the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition made over 500 breaches of the financial regulations. This is summed up in Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma’s Reports for the years 2015-2018.

Those reports are currently under review by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

During a recent presentation in National Assembly, Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail

Teixeira spoke of the breaches to laws identified in the AG‘s report.

According to Teixeira, the APNU+AFC is liable for over 500 breaches to laws such as the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA); the Procurement Act and the Stores Regulations of 1993. She said, “If we look at the FMA Act, the Auditor General points out that there were 21 breaches in 2015... in 2016; 82, in 2017; 40, in 2018; 71… You get the gist?

Procurement Act breaches, 18 in 2015, 21 in 2016, 27 in 2017, 28 in 2018. Breaches of the Stores regulations, it has gone up from 53, 60, 34, 57.”

“These are the summations of the Auditor General’s reports of what they found, the breaches.

And certainly, it’s important for us to be able to try to correct these things. And it’s the seriousness with which we take these things, the Treasury Memorandum was circulated on the floor today,” Teixeira said.

She was at the time addressing concerns about the decision to change the quorum of the PAC. The quorum for a PAC meeting was amended from having three members present, irrespective of party affiliation— to having two members from the government side or opposition side present as well as the Chairman present before the meeting convenes.

Teixeira had defended to the move. According to her, the new formula will enhance the efforts of the PAC and help it to function effectively.

“In the PAC, the government expenditures and opposition expenditures are under scrutiny… This motion is an attempt for there to be adequate participation

Auditor General: Deodat Sharma. from both sides and so that no side could have a runaway train…”

“This is not first time that the standing orders have been amended… but some of us don’t have institutional memory… So I find the comments about stymieing the PAC very disturbing. I wish to assure the Opposition that the quorum is to make sure everyone is able to do their part,” she said.

Teixeira’s motion was supported by MPs from the Government including Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill who noted that under the previous three member quorum, the opposition was able to go ahead with the affairs of the PAC without Government members present. He noted (Continued on page 13)

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Formal consultations should be separated from political talks The government should reject any attempt to broaden the formal consultations, between the President and the Leader of the Opposition, to include issues of governance.

Formal consultations have to be kept separate and distinct from political engagements.

Formal constitutional consultations do not fall within the ambit of political cooperation. These consultations are mandatory under the Constitution and are statutory requirements, not acts of political discretion.

It is desirable for the country’s two foremost political leaders to engage in dialogue. But that process has to be disjoined from formal constitutional consultations.

The President is required, by the Constitution, to consult with the Leader of the Opposition in appointing the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Deputy Commissioners and the Commissioner of Police.

The President is also required to consult and have agreement with the Leader of the Opposition in appointing the Chancellor and Chief Justice.

He is also required to consult with the Leader of the Opposition in relation to one of the appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission. Consultation is also re-

quired for the appointment of an Ombudsman.

These consultations should not become the object of any quid pro quo. They should be kept free of the risk of political bargaining in which something is given in return for something else.

The Service Commissions are supposed to be insulated from political interference. It would be ironic, if appointments to Service Commissions are subject to political horse trading, as can happen if the agenda for consultations are widened to include issues of governance.

The President had made a distinction between formal consultations with the Leader of the Opposition and political talks with the Leader of the Opposition.

When Joseph Harmon was Leader of the Opposition, the President had questioned how he could have talks with someone who does not recognise him. But he had also made it clear that when it comes to fulfilling his constitutional mandate, he would comply with the requirements of the Constitution.

The President has since said that he will meet with the new Leader of the Opposition within two weeks. This meeting is to be in relation to constitutional matters. The Leader of the Opposition,

however, is reported to have said that he wants the agenda of the meeting to be widened.

There should be no preconditions set for formal consultations between the President and the Leader of the Opposition. But conditions can and should be set in relation to political talks between the Government and the Opposition.

As such, there should be two separate and distinct agendas. Formal consultations should deal exclusively with the appointments mandated by the Constitution.

But on the issue of governance, this has to be a separate process. Given the tense relationship between the Government and the Opposition, including absurd charges of the government not being recognised, there has to be a rapprochement – a period of establishing cordial relations.

Independent of the formal constitutional consultations, the two sides should appoint plenipotentiaries to have exploratory meetings so as to agree on a common agenda and a process for political talks – whether it is called, dialogue, constructive engagement, etc.

It is impractical (and possibly impossible) for an agenda to emerge immediately for such talks. There has to be a process in which the

Dem Boys Seh…

Vaccines deh pun de low Uncle Frank deh in he own world. De man still talking bout vaccination. But over de lang holiday weekend, nobody nah turn up fuh vaccines. Uncle Frank gat to read de signs – de vaccination rate plateau a lang time ago.

De anti-vaxxers and de greedy western countries wah buy mo vaccines dan dem need responsible fuh de virus still being around and which still causing thousands ah deaths around de world each day. De pandemic should ah disappear one year ago, if de vaccines did share out more equally and if

people nah bin resistant to tekkin de jab.

Nuff people only guh fuh dem jab, because dem needed it to guh tuh wuk, fuh travel and fuh enter certain guvament offices. Otherwise less dan half ah de population woulda been fully vaccinated.

Right now, is only slightly more dan half ah Guyana population get two doses of de vaccines. And dat is why we still gat to be careful.

But Uncle Frank should not expect much more people fuh come forward fuh get dem jab. People now feel dat de virus waning and dem now

happy dat de country opening up.

De Easter weekend was a revelation. People deh in large groups and close to one another and most ah dem nah gat on mask. Dem feel confined fuh too lang and dem bin happy fuh be able to go out and have a good time after two years.

One lady talk how was like a two-year prison sentence she bin serving because ah de pandemic. And when de restrictions get slacken was like de prison door open fuh she.

Talk half. Leff half.

sides will have to engage with each other, all the more so considering their tempestuous relationship since the noconfidence motion of December 2018.

Such engagements should ideally be initiated by the respective Chief Whips.

But it can also be mediated by civil society groupings, especially those who have indicated that they are keen on establishing an inclusive democracy.

Given the suspicion that both parties may have about some of these civil society organisations, a more flexible

arrangement would be for the Chief Whips to identify a good officer which both sides can trust and who can discuss with both sides a modus operandi.

The government would be within its rights to demand guarantees that the Opposition demonstrate good faith by pledging a commitment to respect democratic norms.

But the Opposition is likely to revolt at such a suggestion.

This is all the more reason why the proposal for governance talks should be mediated by a good officer who

can help lay the groundwork for establishing an agenda for a meeting between the political leaders. Alternatively, each side can appoint representatives who can hammer out the details of an agenda. But in so far as the formal constitutional talks are concerned, there should be no strings attached and no conditions imposed.

(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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Friday April 22, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I cannot contextually understand the continuation of the dildo controversy Obviously, given my line of work, I read the newspapers very early. I buy the print editions which arrive very early by an extremely dedicated young lady. Yesterday, I saw a letter written by someone who signed his/her name as RK Singh.

The title of the publication is, ‘Where are we headed as a nation.”

Here are some words from that publication: “Where are we headed when two other MPs, one being the Minister of Local Government (again) engage in exchange on social media? How are we surprised at the violent, at times bestial society in which we live when the supposed leaders cannot engage in proper communication or civil behaviour with each other, but instead go after each other in the most demeaning of ways?”

Since the dildo controversy in February,

there has been a continuous stream of letters in the press denouncing Minister Dharamlall. It has continued non-stop since February. I did not support what the minister said in parliament.

But in that column of mine, I did mention that he has apologised.

There are politicians in this country who have done more harmful, morally repugnant things and I wonder if RK Singh knows about them. Before we expand on that, here is the content of an email I received. I will withhold the name because it was a private correspondence by a woman to her former university lecturer.

I am publicising the content because my reply to my former student is relevant to the main thrust of this commentary. Here is what she wrote to me on Feb. 14: “I am a former student of yours in the 90s at the University of Guyana

(Politics:101: Political Philosophy). I resided here in the USA over two decades I followed your viewpoints sometimes I disagree with you but I was so disappointed that you did not say anything about what the honorable Minister said in Parliament in Guyana. I do not belong to no political parties I am writing you as a woman how I felt with that remark. You should know Mr. Kissoon, we called that sexual harassment in the workplace over here in the USA and the Parliament is considered a workplace in Guyana. I would really like to hear your take about this incident. Thank you Mr. Kissoon (name omitted).

Your former student of Political Science Class of 97 University of Guyana.”

Here is my reply: “Why you haven’t written to me on so many, many things, an ocean of things that were bad before? I have my list of priorities like every other

columnist. Tell me what other things bothered and bother you happening in the political world in Guyana apart from the dildo comment. Thanks for writing.”

So what are the other things happening that Yvonne (that was her first name) did not write me on and RK Singh may have failed to highlight? Yvonne spoke about how women feel about sexual harassment. I am not a woman but as a philosophically driven man, I could empathize with women.

But violence against women is deadlier than sexual harassment because the woman can lose her life.

I will never forget how helpful Kit Nascimento was in highlighting in the press what happened to a teenager and her grandmother in post-election violence in 2020.

Two leading bigwigs of the PNC went to Region

Five, instigated violence and Indian people became Frederick Kissoon victims. The teenager wrote a heartbreaking letter in the press Yvonne about the worst describing how close she, o u t b r e a k o f v i o l e n t her grandmother and their behaviour in parliament in driver came to be killed. It the history of this country. remains a graphic indictment T h e R K S i n g h l e t t e r of the double standards of addressed the issue of the behaviour of prominent this country. names that could be related That letter of the to violent behaviour in the teenager about the tragedy is society. in the September 12, 2020 But the letter writer, edition of the Stabroek while naming Dharamlall, News. It is not to be read by studiously avoided any the fainthearted. For my analysis on the ugly double mention of what the two standards and repugnant PNC leaders did that led to hypocrisy of those who the violence against that remained silent, see my t e e n a g e r a n d h e r column of September 21, grandmother. Maybe Singh 2020 with the caption: “A did not know what happened helpless 16 year old girl, her in parliament when MPs grandmother and 3 LGBT behaved like riotous football fans. victims.”

(The views expressed in I did not receive an email this article are those of the from Yvonne about what the a u t hor and do not two PNC leaders did that necessarily reflect the resulted in the tragedy. I did not receive a letter from opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Friday April 22, 2022

Husband jailed 18 10 more new months for beating wife COVID-19 cases

Rawl Dacosta, the Essequibo man who was caught on camera brutalising his wife with stomps to her head and combination punches to her face was on Thursday jailed for 18 months.

Dacosta appeared at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, located on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, before Principal Magistrate, Esther Sam and was charged with the assault of his wife.

He did not waste any of the court’s time and plead guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars by the magistrate. Dacosta had brutalised the woman on April 11 at one of his relatives’ home in Charity.

Based on information received by this media house, the couple lived in Pomeroon but had travelled to Charity that day with their two children. Dacosta had reportedly started partying and began to dance with some women. It was alleged that his wife became annoyed and protested that she wanted to go home.

T

he Ministry of Health on T h u r s d a y recorded 10 new COVID-19 cases across the country.

The new infections which bring the total number of confirmed cases to 63,399

Jailed for beating his wife, Rawl Dacosta Dacosta reportedly reacted angrily and assaulted her in public. She made a report to police and went to his relative’s home. Kaieteur News understands Dacosta was later arrested and released on $50,000 station bail but only after a video of the severe beating went viral on the various social media platforms he was arrested and charged.

In the video, Dacosta was

seen stripping off the woman’s top leaving her half naked. He was also seen dragging the woman by her hair and even stomping her multiple times to the head.

The brutality did not end there as he continued to drag her by the hair and pounded away on her face with combination punches. He was also seen banging her head against a post before the video ended.

were detected in Region Four which recorded six cases, Region Two which recorded two and Regions Three and Five which recorded one each.

Its dashboard data also state that seven persons are

in institutional isolation, 83 are in home isolation and nine are quarantined institutionally. Additionally, four persons have recovered within the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recovery to 62,081.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 13

Guyanese women nervy over high cost of living - IRI Poll

S

temming from the global pandemic and more recently, t h e Russia/Ukraine war, the cost of living has had a huge impact on local citizens, so much so that union leaders and other concerned society members have been urging the administration to do more in cushioning the effects of this fall out.

Supporting the view that citizens have been hard hit by these constraints is the recently concluded International Republican Institute (IRI) survey which reported that women and rural communities are amongst those most concerned about the effects of the ongoing issue. The cost of living and the c o u n t r y ’s e c o n o m i c situation, the report said, was the biggest concern when citizens were asked about the important problems facing the country.

The report said that of the 1500 survey participants, 26 percent of them generally saw the cost of living as a serious problem. A

breakdown of that figure showed that 30 percent of those concerned about prices and living cost were women, while 23 percent of men expressed the same sentiments. Rural communities were also concerned about the high prices and living cost. Rural communities represented 29 percent of those concerned while urban areas represented 23 percent of that concern.

Middle aged persons between 36 and 55, also expressed the most concern about high prices. They represented 31 percent of the persons questioned, while citizens 56 years and older were the next group with cost of living as their main issue.

They represented 30 percent of the survey number, while citizens from 18 years old to 35 represented 21 percent of those viewing high prices and cost of living Guyana’s biggest issue. The IPI report was conducted in January under the ‘Strengthening Democracy through Polling Data and Peacebuilding’ programme.

Teixeira says coalition committed...

From page 8 that at present, the PAC is reviewing the audits from the period when the APNU+AFC were in power. “That period showed rampant corruption and the opposition would love to fast track the process without having us present,” he said.

Civil Society members and in many cases, trade unions have called for increased support of citizens who have complained about rising costs in living. The General Workers’ Union headed by Norris Witter for instance, has for the last month protested every Friday at Parliament Building with union members demanding promised wage increase from $44,200. This increase, the union insists, would assist with the high cost of living. The body has even called for further increases to public assistance sums to citizens, old age pension to aid the elderly as well as the removal on income tax to ease the strain on the vulnerable population.

The Guyana Public

Service Union (GPSU), G u y a n a Tr a d e U n i o n Congress (GTUC), the Guyana Sugar Workers U n i o n ( G AW U ) a n d Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) are among other unions that have voiced concern about increased cost of living and in particular, increasing the minimum wage to the standard $60,000.

This increase is expected to benefit, in particular, citizens employed within the private sector.

President Irfaan Ali has so far told Guyanese that the government is aiding in addressing cost of living.

The President had stated last month that $5 billion had been set aside in the budget for cost of living

adjustments. He had said that moves were being made to finalise the programme and that consultation had started in this regard.

The government insists that since taking office, several measures were put in place for more disposable income to citizens. They had returned to office during the global pandemic. They have highlighted the one –off $25,000 covid-19 cash grant, the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity and the reinstated ‘Because we Care’ $30,000 school uniform cash grant, among some of the measures forwarded. The $3,000 dollar increase of old age pension from $25,000 to $28,000 and the $2,000 increase in public assistance of $12,000 to $14,000 were

also highlighted. The government announced too that despite increased fuel prices, there will be no rise in electricity cost and water rates.

To help with food prices, the government has encouraged farmers’ markets in some regions.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton is adamant however that the government is moving too slow with easing citizens’ cost of living problems.

After government announced the $5B sum, he urged the administration to move immediately in putting the money to use. He said that citizens’ were having difficulty accessing basic food and other items as prices skyrocketed mostly due to external forces.

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

Norton says ready to fulfill responsibilities - will push for more parliamentary sittings, appointment of constitutional office holders

New Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

New Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton said he is ready to fulfill his responsibilities and has outlined pushing for a more effective National Assembly and the appointment of constitutional office holders as some of his priorities.

Speaking at a news

conference on Thursday, Norton said he “stands ready to fulfill his responsibilities where the Guyana constitution dictates that the government must seek the agreement of or have meaningful consultations with the Leader of the Opposition.”

Noting that the National Assembly has not delivered on the expectations of the 1999/2000 Constitution reform process, Norton said as shown by the recent passage of the PPP/C Motion to change the quorum for the Public Accounts Committee ( PA C ) , t h e w o r k o f parliament has regressed. “It remains ineffective in the scrutiny and investigation of government decisions and actions. It continues to fail to hold the government accountable,” Norton said.

He told the news conference that to rescue the situation, there will be five main priorities.

Firstly, increase the effectiveness of Parliament as a forum for representing the people and for their direct participation in national decision-making. Here, Norton said the Opposition will push for (i) more sittings of the House, (ii) public hearings on Bills, appointments, etc., (iii) encouraging motions from civil society and the wider society, (iv) increased use of Private Members’ Day, (v) funding of constituency offices for MPs, (vi) the establishment of research facilities for MPs. Additionally, Norton said he intends to hold the government accountable by energising and refocusing the oversight and investigative powers of the four Parliamentary Sectoral Committees, especially those for economic affairs and the social sector.

He also promised to resist all attempts by the Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir to undermine and restrict the Opposition to present its views and positions freely through open debate, tabling of motions, and questioning of

Ministers. Norton also intends to press for the National Communications Network and other state media to provide fair and equitable coverage of Opposition MPs. He also intends to increase the number of meetings and engagements of Opposition MPs with all segments of Guyana society, noting that while these cannot be achieved by the stroke of a pen, the intention is to begin the process to achieve these objectives.

The Opposition Leader said as a member of the National Assembly, he is obligated along with all other opposition MPs to represent the demands, rights and concerns of both those who voted for the opposition APNU+AFC as well as all Guyanese citizens. In this regard, he said meetings with the President, should they occur, must extend beyond the appointment of commissioners and judges.

“Meetings must also discuss Opposition concerns about good governance and the abuse of political power, including the discrimination against opposition-led local councils, the uneven and incomplete distribution of flood and other relief, the unsatisfactory oversight of the nation’s patrimony in the NRF, and the abuses of human and legal rights by some rogue police ranks.”

Norton said as a Leader of a party and as a coalition of parties, “we will present to the nation, a superior alternative than the current regime in managing the affairs of the country. In this regard, we will work to ensure that the Opposition not only opposes but proposes solutions and a vision for every aspect of national life in Guyana.”

$622M to fix two airstrips...

From page 2 minimum engineering standards. Moreover, this will improve the safety for travellers, aircraft and personnel using the

airstrips.

This subsector has been allocated $2 billion including $927 million for CJIA,” Singh had told the National Assembly.

Friday April 22, 2022

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Friday April 22, 2022

Sneaky thief runs away when owner shows up

A screen grab of the thief from the surveillance footage that captured him

A “sneaky thief” was caught on camera trying to force his way into the home of a Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EDB) resident on Wednesday, but when the individual drove up on the driveway, he aborted his mission, jumped a fence and sprinted away.

Security cameras on the premises captured him sneaking into the yard through a small opening in

the fence. He then began walking around before looking for a way to gain entry to the house. He peeped through some vents and tried to pry-open a grill and a door with his hands. He then noticed that there was a CCTV camera right above his head and tried to disconnect it by pulling out the wire but it appeared as if he was too short. The thief then searched around the yard and located a stick which he used to reach the

camera. It appeared as if he was trying to dislodge the camera with the stick but suddenly he dropped it and hid. He then suddenly sprinted from his position, jumped the fence and ran away. According to the resident, that was the moment she drove up on her driveway.

If anyone recognizes the sneaky thief or knows where he is located please contact Kaieteur News on 225-8491 or report the matter to the nearest

police station.

Video footage of the man invading the home can be seen on the following links: https://www.facebook.com/ kaieteurnewsonline/videos/ pcb.1324099828067834/11 42580533230371 https://www.facebook.c om/kaieteurnewsonline/vide os/pcb.1324099828067834/ 1296897654053262 https://www.facebook.c om/kaieteurnewsonline/vide os/pcb.1324099828067834/ 752171012822660

Fire that killed Bachelor’s Adventure woman was maliciously set - Fire Service The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Thursday reported that the fire that killed a B a c h e l o r ’s A d v e n t u r e women on Wednesday was maliciously set.

The life of 51-year-old Nicola Jacobs was snuffed out in the inferno. According to GFS, it was alerted around 12:50hrs on Wednesday that a building located at Lot 14 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara was on fire.

After its firefighters extinguished the blaze and recovered Jacobs’ charred remains an investigation was launched. Fire investigators learnt that the house was owned by an individual identified as Norma Garnette and Jacobs was living there with a man identified as Alston Johnson.

The investigation conducted, according to GFS, also determined that the blaze was maliciously set but at the moment investigators do not know who the perpetrator(s) are.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham said that his investigators are aware of reports circulating that Jacobs might have set

Burnt to death, Nicola Jacobs herself on fire but there is no substantive evidence to prove that the claim is true.

As a result, GFS is collaborating with police to continue the necessary investigations to find out who set the fire. Kaieteur News had reported on Thursday that Jacobs, a mother 10 was burnt to death while packing up her belongings to move.

Her children had related that Johnson and their mother had been living together for some five years now but he started to abuse

her physically over money.

On Tuesday, Jacobs and the man had a dispute and she allegedly burnt all his clothes. He reported the matter to the police and she was reportedly placed in the locks up.

One of her daughters, Temiki Jacobs, said that her mother was released from custody on Wednesday morning, the same day she was burnt to death.

Temiki related that her mother had decided to separate from Johnson and planned to move out.

Friday April 22, 2022

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Friday April 22, 2022

300 prefab homes to be constructed - President Ali says proceeds to fund for rental during CPL housing for less fortunate families P

resident Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced that 300 prefab homes will be constructed to be used as rental properties during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September.

He also stated that the proceeds from the rentals will be used to fund houses for less fortunate families.

President Ali was at the time

speaking at the launch of the International Building Expo 2022 at the Pegasus Hotel.

The launch event, held under the theme ‘A New Frontier for Building a One Guyana’, was attended by members of the Government, including the Minister of Housing and Water, the Hon Collin Croal, members of the Diplomatic Corps and numerous private sector representatives.

International Building Expo 2022 will run from July 22-24, 2022, at the National Stadium in Providence.

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Susan Rodrigues also made remarks at the event.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported, “We’re looking at a way in which we can marry

cricket with uplifting people out of poverty. So we are setting aside land to build 300 prefab homes. Now, the prefab homes will be used during cricket to house people … and the revenue from that rental will go as down payment to the banks …”

It was further stated that President Ali said that such “innovative” initiatives, will “change the face of the

President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

country”.

President Ali also disclosed that there are also plans to convert residents’ houses into ‘Bed and Breakfast’ spaces. He explained that the aforementioned will serve the dual purpose of earning an income for residents while providing accommodation to the expected visitors.

According to a DPI article, the President spoke of the growth and evolution as well as the “tangible results” of the Building Expo since its inception in 2010. He stated that “the Building Expo is designed to showcase the development trajectory of the government from a construction perspective so that persons in the private sector, in the banking sector, in the commercial sector can align their own vision and align their own business model with the direction in which the government is going.”

President Ali explained that technology plays a key

role in the housing sector and said that new and innovative ideas are welcome.

“We also have been able to develop our own technology, and we have been able to perfect our own art here in Guyana. So we are perhaps, I will say, in the top 10 tier of affordable housing, the cost per square foot for affordable housing globally.”

The President reiterated that the Building Expo is one of the key events which will c o n v e y t h e c o u n t r y ’s development trajectory.

“It is an opportunity to basically narrate the future for planning and for positioning. And, that is what Building Expo helps us to do, position the country.”

For this reason, he added, all other sectors must be involved in the event, as the building and construction sectors cut across all sectors.

President Ali said that this is the year of opportunity as he encouraged investors to catalyse the opportunities and make use of the development paradigm.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 19

Woman accused of killing husband walks free for second time Acquitted, Alexis Turpin.

After spending six years on remand, Alexis Turpin was on Wednesday acquitted for the second time for the murder of her reputed husband, Sherwin Johnson.

According to reports, the couple has a child together and had lived together at Chapel Street, Lodge, Georgetown. On July 2, 2016, when Johnson arrived home, he reportedly found his wife in bed with another man, 39-year-old Sterfon Barlow. An argument ensued and it escalated into a fight, during which Turpin and Barlow reportedly dealt Johnson several stabs about his body with a knife and also reportedly lashed him

with pieces of wood and a crowbar.

Following the incident, Johnson was hospitalised for several weeks at the Georgetown Public Hospital. After he succumbed, the charge against Turpin and Barlow was upgraded to murder. In 2021, Turpin had her first trial. She was jointly charged with Barlow for the murder of her husband.

However, after deliberation, the jury was unable to arrive at a verdict and as such; Turpin and Barlow were remanded pending another trial.

In March 2021, Barlow pleaded guilty to the lesser

count of manslaughter when he appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the crime.

According to reports, Barlow told a probation officer, that Turpin would invite him to her home at nights. He revealed that one day he visited her during the daytime, but her reputed husband Johnson was at home.

According to Barlow, an argument broke out between Turpin and Johnson during which he, Johnson hit her.

Barlow told the probation officer that as a result of Johnson hitting Turpin, he

hollered at him. He said that the now dead man ran out of the house, tripped, and hit his head on the concrete stairway. He said that when Johnson got up, he armed himself with pieces of wood, attacked him and a fight broke out between them. The probation officer said that r e s i d e n t s i n B a r l o w ’s neighbourhood described him as being very helpful and caring, and were shocked at his involvement in this crime.

Moreover, prison officials, described him as a very quiet inmate who attended anger management classes. While Barlow is serving his sentence for the

death of Johnson, Turpin had a retrial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a jury in the Demerara High Court.

However, on Wednesday,

she was freed of the charge after Justice Barlow upheld a no-case submission made on her behalf by her Attorneyat-Law, Damien Da Silva.

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

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Friday April 22, 2022

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Chinese vessel soaked up close to $500M in repairs in five years

A

fter being repaired for some $279.6 million between 2016 and 2019, the MV Kanawan will be rehabilitated again this year again to the tune of $124,134,846.

According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, the $124 million contract was awarded to Dock Yard on April 19, through the National Competitive Bidding Procedure. When bids were opened for this Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Harbour Department project back in March, the engineer had pegged this project to cost $106,433,760. Kaieteur News had reported that the Ministry is looking to also repair M.V. Sabanto for an estimated cost of $148 million.

It was reported in the media that in 2016, the former government (APNU/AFC Coalition) had awarded a contract to EC Vieira Investments Limited for the rehabilitation of Kanawan to the sum of $76.9 million.

Following this, in 2017, emergency repairs had to be done on the vessel for some $13,048,010; a contract which was given to Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited. In the

2019 budget, $180 million was allocated for the M.V. Sabanto and Kanawan vessels to undergo general repairs. That same year, a contract was awarded to the tune of $89.7 million for the Kanawan vessel.

Speaking briefly with Kaieteur News, General Manger of the Transport and Harbour Department, Marcelene Merchant had stated that the project will be to do general repairs and maintenance works on the boats.

“We are going to address the underwater fittings, the shaft, the propeller, check the thickness of the plate, repairs to the super structure, painting of interior, exterior, repairs works inside, to the washroom and pipes etcetera,” she explained. She noted that once the contracts have been awarded, the duration of the rehabilitation works will be six weeks each.

The Sabanto and Kanawan ferries, which have been operating between Parika and Supenaam for some 10 years now, were gifted to Guyana by the Chinese Government.

It was reported that in December 2010, the PPP/C government signed contracts with the Chinese Government paving the way for the ferries.

M.V. Kanawan

The US$14 million boats, which were funded by a US$17 million grant from the Chinese government, were described as a New Year’s gift by the local C h i n e s e E m b a s s y.

Following the signing of the contracts, the vessels arrived in the country in December 2011 at Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling and became operational the next year.

The names of the ferries, Sabanto and Kanawan, are Amerindian names.

Kanawan means ‘big canoe’ and Sabanto means ‘beautiful one’. Each vessel has three decks and can hold up to 800 persons, 44 cars, and 20 lorries and can travel at a test speed of 12.5 knots.

Senior Minister with the responsibility of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who p r e s e n t e d t h i s y e a r ’s budget, announced that over $500 million was allocated to the Ministry to rehabilitate these two vessels and the Makouria

ferry. “ M r. S p e a k e r, t h e rehabilitation of our ferry vessels, which facilitate the travelling public, is also critical for the movement of people and cargo.

To this end, Government has allocated, in 2022, the

sums of $2.1 billion for the construction of a new oceangoing passenger and cargo vessel, which will ply the North West District route and $562 million for the docking of Makouria, Sabanto, and Kanawan,” the Minister said.

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Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Frances Macron holds poll lead after testy TV clash VACANCY

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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.

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- Incumbent French president and his far-right challenger hit the road as they seek to woo voters before Sunday election

French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis [Ludovic Marin/AP Photo]

French President Emmanuel Macron has maintained his lead over far-right challenger Marine Le Pen following a prickly television head-to-head debate, a poll has shown.

With just three days to go before Sundays election runoff, the two were back on the campaign trail Macron in a Paris suburb with a strong left-wing vote, and Le Pen in the north of the country where she has a loyal following.

“I have every chance of winning,” Le Pen told reporters on Thursday in Roye, a town in the Somme where more than two-fifths of voters backed her in the first round earlier this month. “[In the debate,] I had in front of me an Emmanuel Macron who was showing his true colours very contemptuous, very arrogant, even in his body language. That wouldnt have surprised anyone,” she said.

Yet Macron was seen as

winning re-election with an unchanged 56 percent of the vote on Thursday, according to a survey by OpinionWay/ Kea Partners conducted between April 20-21, thus capturing some respondents after Wednesday evenings nearly three-hour event.

Nonetheless, uncertainty about the final result remained high as the poll also showed that just 72 percent expected to cast their vote a figure which would mark the lowest turnout since 1969.

Viewers of the only debate between the two final candidates deemed Macron prone to bouts of high-handedness with Le Pen but also found him more convincing and fit to be president, a separate Elabe poll for BFM TV showed. Le Pen, who focused on expressing empathy with people she said had “suffered” since Macron beat her in 2017, was judged slightly more in tune with voters concerns but her far-right views were still considered much

more worrying, the poll showed.

“Did she give the impression she is ready to govern?”

Le Parisien said in an editorial on Thursday. “Judging by the debate, she did not dispel that doubt.” Other analysts said the debate should be taken with a pinch of salt as only 15.5 million people tuned in to watch it, the smallest audience ever recorded for such an event.

The centrist, former banker Macron is a staunch supporter of the European Union and the kind of internationalism that has, in recent years, suffered setbacks from events such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as US president.

Le Pen has said he embodies an elitism that has failed most French people. Her policies include a ban on Muslim headscarves in public, giving French nationals priority on jobs and benefits, and limiting Europes rules on crossborder travel.

PM: Many unable to open local accounts...

From page 21 share in the burden that may be necessary in meeting additional regulatory issues as it relates to giving us the opportunity to be beneficiaries of correspondent banking relationships.

“The truth is that the refrain that is heard the most is that we are too small and not profitable enough for them to undertake the advanced due diligence that may be required of them in different markets,” Mottley said. The Prime Minister said the complex regulatory requirements for simple tasks such as opening a bank account had led to a large number of Barbadians being unbanked. Mottley said dealing with these kinds of matters was imperative for the regions survival.

“All of us know that the

notion that you are going to ask an 18-year-old or a 20year-old to bring a light bill to open a bank account when years ago we would just walk into a bank and open a bank account is today absurd and it therefore means that too many of our citizens are remaining unbanked because of the additional burdens being placed on banks in order to be able to meet the demands…” “…The level of engagement by heads of state and heads of government is such that this matter is too critical to us being able to survive and to grow our economies and to provide opportunities for our citizens. We cannot have financial pariahs, we cannot have financial exclusion…” Mottley contended.

The Prime Minister said

they had also agreed to an annual Caribbean/US banking forum, a feasibility study for the establishment of a consortium bank in the US to be used as a regional public good, as well as a proposal to establish an examiner training academy in the US to train state, local, federal and foreign examiners to ensure baseline standards were uniformed. Bermudas Premier David Burt lamented the fact that goalposts for countries in the region were continually being moved.

He said banking institutions were placing a “red light around the Caribbean” and determining that the region was too high-risk to do business. Burt said it was “strange” that a lot of that pressure was coming from the US.

Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Friday April 22, 2022

Friday April 22, 2022

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Spanish court ends protection for Super League clubs MADRID, (Reuters) - A Spanish judge has lifted measures that prevented UEFA and FIFA from taking action against clubs that wanted to create a European Super League.

In the ruling, published yesterday, the commercial court in Madrid said it was lifting measures that had been adopted in April last year as even if clubs were punished by FIFA and UEFA it would not stop them going ahead with their Super League plans.

Of the 12 clubs that originally backed the breakaway Super League, only Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona and Italian club Juventus remain.

The three clubs did not respond when contacted by Reuters for comment.

World soccer’s governing body FIFA also did not comment. Newspaper AS reported that the S u p e r L e a g u e would appeal the decision.

“UEFA has today received the order of the Madrid court, lifting the precautionary measures in their entirety,” a UEFA spokesperson said.

“UEFA welcomes this decision and is considering its implications. UEFA will not be making any further comment for the time being.”

The proposed league threatened to upend the long-established order of elite soccer in Europe by guaranteeing its founding clubs places, rather than making them qualify through their domestic competitions.

Judge Sofia Gil Garcia wrote in her ruling that at the

time of the project’s development, the Super League clubs were “perfectly aware of the possible consequences, which did not prevent the adoption of financing commitments, which cannot be assumed or presumed to be frustrated by possible sanctions.”

Last April, a different judge said that FIFA and UEFA must not adopt “any measure that prohibits, restricts, limits or conditions in any way” the creation of the Super League.

That decision came after both UEFA and FIFA warned they would impose sanctions on clubs and players competing in the new league, which was being set up as a rival to UEFA’s e s t a b l i s h e d C hampions League.

Friday April 22, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you waiting for a love partner to phone you at work, Aries? As much as you want to hear from your friend, you could well get so caught up in your work that you wouldn't hear a marching band go by.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Your sensuality is tempered today with a touch of the mystical sort of romantic feeling found in fairy tales, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A love partner could contact you out of the blue, Cancer, perhaps proposing that the two of you get together tonight - alone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your desire to respect and honor the special someone in your life clashes today with an equally strong desire to become a passionate persuader, Libra. The secret to resolving this conflict lies SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Have you been harboring a secret desire for someone you believe thinks of you only as a friend, Scorpio?

Don't be surprised if you learn differently today. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you could encounter a work colleague and suddenly feel an unexpected romantic attraction, Sagittarius.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A love partner could contact you out of the blue, Cancer, perhaps proposing that the two of you get together tonight - alone.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A sum of money that you might have been expecting from far away may be delayed, Capricorn. This could be frustrating for you, but don't panic.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you been waiting to hear about some funds, Leo, perhaps to create a piece of art, write a book, or make a documentary film? If so, you could have a lot to celebrate today when you receive news that the money is forthcoming.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Sex and romance are top priority for you today, Aquarius. You're looking especially beautiful, you're feeling especially sensual, and you could well attract admiring looks from strangers.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Someone at your workplace could suddenly find you very attractive and make no secret of it today, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you're single, Pisces, tonight you could find yourself longing for a lover from the past and wondering what's happening with this person right now.

A man wearing a face mask walks past a kiosk selling Real Madrid and Barcelona memorabilia as twelve of Europe’s top football clubs launch a breakaway. (REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo)

PAGE 26

Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports and Exports U-15 Inter County Tourney launched

Flanked by Under-15 Players, Dave Narine (left) hands over sponsorship cheque to GCB’s President Bissoondyal Singh.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in collaboration with Dave West Indies Imports and Exports launched its 2022 Under-15 Inter-County Tournament. The Tournament which will commence today, April 22, 2022, will feature the three county teams and a Rising Star Select Team.

The preliminary rounds will be played under a Round Robin basis with the top two teams at the end of the preliminary rounds clashing in the final scheduled for Friday April 29, 2022.

Speaking to players and parents at the launch of the tournament, the GCB’s Chief Executive Officer, Claude Raphael, commended the players on being selected and encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity. Mr.

Raphael said, “There is a lot to be derived from the game and although only some of you will go on to play national and international cricket, we at the GCB are confident that your involvement in cricket will be impactful.

You will walk away being a better team person and hopefully more disciplined, task-oriented and committed individuals.” He was also high in praise of the sponsors.

Dave Narine, proprietor of Dave West Indies Imports and Exports, stated that he is pleased to once again be associated with the growth and development of our young cricketers.

He remarked that there is nothing more fulfilling than to

see youths get opportunities to showcase their talents and to do so in a competitive and safe environment.

The proud sponsor, Dave Narine, indicated that he is very happy that the GCB has set matches in all three counties. This will provide the players with valuable exposure to different playing conditions and spectator pressure environments.

He added that playing matches across the country contributes players’ development.

He wished the players success in their endeavors and acknowledged the efforts of the GCB to have the tournament run off smoothly.

The GCB’s President Bissoondyal Singh said that, “The GCB is grateful for the

French Cup final: Stephanie Frappart to referee Nice v Nantes BBC Sport - Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee the French Cup final when Nice face Nantes next month.

The 38-year-old Frenchwoman became the first female official to referee a Ligue 1 game in 2019 and then, in 2020, a men’s Champions League match.

Frappart also broke new ground when she officiated at the men’s Euro 2020.

“Her appointment rewards her work and her performance.

It is well deserved,” French Football Federation refereeing director Pascal Garibian said.

Nantes will meet Nice in the final at the Stade de France in Paris on 7 May.

Stephanie Frappart has taken charge of men’s matches in French, European and international competitions. (Getty Images)

invaluable sponsorship.” He said that the GCB/Dave West Indies Imports and Exports Under-15 Inter-County 2022 will be used to assist the national selectors to identify talented players for the upcoming Regional Under-15 Tournament.

Singh continued, “We know that you are all talented players and may develop at different stages.

However, we have a Guyana team to select, and our selectors will be looking for those players who are ready to compete with their regional counterparts.

Yes, we acknowledge that not all of you can make the team, however, we believe that all of you can benefit from

your participation in the tournament.

Further, we wish to see those players who do not make the Guyana side this year, improve and make future national teams.”

The GCB President went on to remark that the livestreaming of matches will give Guyanese an opportunity to follow the games and their favorite teams and players.

In fact, he indicated that the GCB expects that persons beyond the boundary of Guyana will tune in and follow the match progress of our players.

The fixtures are as follows: On Friday April 22, 2022,

the Berbice team will play the Rising Star Select X1 at Number 69 ground, Berbice, while Essequibo will compete with Demerara at Imam Bacchus ground, in Essequibo. On Monday April 25, 2022, Demerara will oppose Berbice at the Albion Community Centre ground, while Essequibo will clash with the Rising Star Select Under-15 at Everest.

On Wednesday April 27, 2022, Demerara will play Rising Star Select Under-15 at Everest and Berice will compete with Essequibo at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda.

The final will be played at the GCC, Bourda ground on Friday April 29, 2022.

Olympic champion Hansle Parchment to return to Drake Relays for the first time since 2016 SportsMax - Tokyo Olympics 110m hurdles gold medalist is set to make his debut this season at the Drake Relays set for the Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa from April 2730.

The 31-year-old Jamaican pulled off an upset at the Tokyo Olympics defeating USA champion and worldleader Grant Holloway in the final as Jamaica took gold and bronze medals in the event.

He returns to Des Moines after a six-year hiatus, having last competed at the Drake Relays in 2016.

Parchment will line up against reigning 110m hurdles champion Daniel Roberts, who was a semi-finalist in Tokyo in 2021. The

Hansle Parchment

field will also include Jamaica’s Damion Thomas, a semi-finalist in Tokyo, Michael Dickson, as well as Aaron Mallett, Jamal Britt.

Chris Douglas and David King, both finalists at the 2022 Indoor World Champion-

ships, have also been confirmed for the sprint hurdles race.

Parchment should have good memories of his participation in Des Moines as he won the sprint hurdles in 2014. He was third in 2016.

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Dhoni powers Chennai to 3-wicket win over Mumbai in IPL MUMBAI, India (AP) — Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit 16 runs off the last four balls as Chennai Super Kings recorded a narro w t h r e e wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

Dhoni took the game deep into the final over before smashing left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat for 6-4-2-4 and carried Chennai to 156-7 with his unbeaten match-winning knock of 28 off 13 balls.

M u m b a i ’s s e v enth straight loss all but ended the team’s hopes of reaching the playoffs.

The frustrated Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma pulled his cap over his face when Dhoni raised the victory with a flicked boundary to fine leg off Unadkat’s well-directed yorker.

Mumbai’s problem upfront in the batting continued and despite Chennai dropping four catches and

Dhoni missing out on a stumping chance it managed to restrict Rohit’s team to 1557.

“Actually we were very tense, the way the game was going,” said Chennai skipper Ravindra Jadeja, who dropped two of four catches.

“He (Dhoni) showed the world that he’s still here and he can finish the game. We need to do some work on our fielding and take catches because we can’t keep dropping catches in every game.”

Fast bowler Mukesh Chaudhry (3-19) blew away M u m b a i ’s t o p - o r d e r by claiming the wickets of Rohit and Ishan Kishan in space of only five balls into the match.

Rohit became the first batter in IPL history to get out for zero for the 14th time when he offered a tame catch to midoff and Kishan was clean bowled off a perfect yorker off the first ball he faced.

Mumbai could have lost two more wickets to left-arm

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni shake hands at the end of the match. •Apr 20, 2022•BCCI spinner Mitchell Santner in the second over, but Jadeja dropped a skier of Dewald Brevis and Dhoni missed out on a stumping of Suryakumar Yadav.

Dwayne Bravo then dropped a chest high catch

in the slip of top-scorer Tilak Varma (51 not out) in Chaudhry’s second over while young Hrithik Shokeen made run-a-ball 25 to steady Mumbai’s innings.

But Dhoni made amends in Chaudhry’s second over

when he had Brevis caught behind as Mumbai slipped to 3-23 in three overs.

Although Mumbai lost Kieron Pollard for 14, Unadkat played a little cameo of 19 off 9 balls and lifted Mumbai’s total in the death overs.

Australian fast bowler Daniel Sams grabbed 4-30 and ran through Chennai’s top order with Shokeen (0-23) also tying down the batters with his off-spin bowling in his debut T20 game.

Dwaine Pretorius (22) hit two fours and a six before Unadkat had the South African trapped leg before wicket through television referral, but Dhoni kept his usual calm off the final four deliveries and carried Chennai to its second win from seven games. “In the end it was a great fight from us, we were right in the game,” Rohit said.

“I thought until the last over, we had them under pressure. But in the end, MS and Pretorius, they were quite calm and got them home.”

Scores: Chennai Super Kings 156 for 7 (Rayudu 40, Dhoni 28*, Sams 4-30) beat Mumbai Indians 155 for 7 (Varma 51*, Suryakumar 32, Choudhary 3-19, Bravo 2-36) by three wickets.

2022 Commonwealth Games…

Djokovic slams ‘crazy’ Collymore appointed head coach Wimbledon ban on of Barbados Women’s cricket team Russian, Belarusian players

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic before his second round match against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse) (Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic said Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is “crazy”.

Wimbledon announced on Wednesday that it had barred all Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s championships due to the invasion, which Russia calls a “special operation”.

The grasscourt Grand Slam is the first tennis tournament to ban individual competitors from the two countries, meaning men’s world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia and

women’s fourth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament.

Djokovic, who grew up in war-torn Serbia, said the athletes had nothing to do with the ongoing conflict.

“I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war,” Djokovic told reporters at the Serbia Open, an ATP 250 event in Belgrade.

“I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history.

“However, I cannot sup-

port the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy.

“When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”

The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s (AELTC) decision has been criticized by the ATP and WTA tours.

The move is the first time players have been banned on the grounds of nationality since the immediate postWorld War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded.

The AELTC said it would “consider and respond accordingly” if circumstances change between now and June.

Former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore has been appointed head coach of the Barbados Women Cricket team that will represent the West Indies at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8.

The 44-year-old Collymore, who was a member of the West Indies Women’s management team at the ICC Women World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, will be assisted by Ryan Hinds. Reports out of Barbados also indicate that Hayley Matthews, the MVP of the West Indies Women’s team at the recent World Cup, will captain the team.

Barbados Women, the defending CWI T20 Blaze champions, were selected after the 2021 T20 Blaze tournament that was to be the qualifying competition for the Commonwealth Games, was postponed due to “the ongoing

Corey Colleymore logistical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic requiring multiple teams to be hosted in one country.”

They will now travel to

Birmingham as per Commonwealth Games Association Tournament rules agreed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

PAGE 28

Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

DeSinco Ltd. National Junior Chess Championship…

Narine, Ethan Lee to vie for the crown

After nine rounds of intense rivalry over the past five days, there has been a tie for the National Junior Chess Championship.

However, only one junior can be crowned this year’s Junior Champion.

In the Championship, sponsored by DeSinco Ltd., Ricardo Narine, Ethan Lee and Rajiv Lee both finished the tournament on 6.5 points.

The Players in First and Second places according to the standings will be required to participate in a playoff to decide the National Junior Champion.

The playoff will consist of three games with 15-minute, 10-minute and 5-minute time controls.

These matches are scheduled for 2pm Saturday afternoon. Computerised tie-break systems Buchholz and Sonneborn-Berger were used to determine the top two players who will face off this weekend for the title namely, Ethan Lee and Ricardo Narine.

Kyle Couchman had taken the lead after round 5 but the 12-year-old, who qualified in 9th place in the qualifiers

tournament, was usurped from the top spot when he suffered a defeat against Ethan Lee and drew his matches with Keron Sandiford and Rajiv Lee. Ethan, who won the National Junior Qualifiers just last week, struggled early on in the competition when he was brutally defeated in the very first round by Matthew Singh.

However, he fought hard for an upward progression in the standings by defeating Mayas Khan, Rajiv Lee, Ronan Lee, Couchman, Sandiford and Sasha Shariff.

Notably, his match versus Sandiford was quite intense with both players hungry for victory.

However, a blunder on Sandiford’s side allowed Ethan to pin his queen, which turned the match in Ethan’s favour.

Ethan’s only draw came against Jessica Callender where time got the better of him, with Ethan at one point playing with just a second left on his clock.

It all came down to the decisive final round where a

win would have meant the coveted title of Junior Champion would go to Ethan.

However, his opponent, Narine, came out victorious by the end of their 3-hour match, where he won by checkmate.

Narine’s only losses were against Couchman and Sandiford, while he drew his match with Rajiv Lee. He defeated his remaining six opponents.

The other players who finished in the top five are Rajiv Lee (6.5), Couchman (6) and Sandiford (5.5) who placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

Ronan Lee ended on 4 points, Shariff on 3.5 points, Singh and Callender on 2.5 points with Khan on 1.5 points.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will continue to host tournaments over the coming months such as the Grand Prix Tournaments, the National Open Qualifiers, National Open Championship and the National Women’s Championship, from which these results will determine the team for the Olympiad in

A total of 10 players competed for the title of National Junior Chess Champion.

Chennai, India.

Information regarding these tournaments can be accessed on www.guyanachess.org and on the GCF’s Facebook page.

The second Grand Prix tournament is scheduled for to start on April 23rd then continues on the 24th and 30th before concluding on May 1st, 2022.

According to the Federation, registration can only be done online with the deadline set as April 22nd (today) at 5

Ricardo Narine (left) pulled off avictory in the clutch a gainst Ethan Lee to drive the tournament into overtime. their assistance with the pm.

The GCF wishes to thank event and looks forward to its sponsor DeSinco Ltd for continued support.

NBA roundup: OT win gives Sixers 3-0 edge on Raptors

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the second half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - Joel Embiid sank a turnaround 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds to play in overtime and the visiting Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors 104-101 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 and will look to complete a sweep on Saturday in Toronto.

Embiid scored 18 of his 33

points in the third quarter and finished with 13 rebounds.

His winner came, on an inboun d s p l a y a f t e r a timeout, came on a pass from former Raptor Danny Green.

Ty r e s e M a x e y a n d James Harden each added 19 points for the 76ers. OG Anunoby scored 26 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 24 for the Raptors.

Celtics 114, Nets 107

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) during the second half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports) Jaylen Brown scored 10 fourth-quarter points as Boston erased a 17-point deficit and rallied for a victory over visiting Brooklyn to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Brown made 9 of 18 shots and drove a defensive effort that held Brooklyn to 17 points in the final 12 minutes. Jayson Tatum added 19 points, including

seven straight down the stretch for the Celtics.

Tatum shot 5 of 16, but his 3-pointer over Goran Dragic opened a 108-96 lead with 2:07 remaining.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 27 points but shot 4 of 17 from the floor.

He had six turnovers and never found a rhythm under constant double-team pressure in the fourth quarter.

Bruce Brown added 23 but

former Celtic Kyrie Irving was serenaded with boos at every turn and scored 10 on 4-of-13 shooting.

Bulls 114, Bucks 110 DeMar DeRozan scored a postseason-career-high 41 points as visiting Chicago earned a win over Milwaukee in Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 heading to Game 3

in Chicago on Friday.

DeRozan sank 16 of his 31 field-goal attempts and all nine of his free-throw attempts. He also made a critical layup with 18.2 seconds left to play after Milwaukee had trimmed a 16-point, fourth-quarter deficit to three.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 33 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists on 11-of-20 shooting.

(Field Level Media)

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

ECC, DCC receive donations from Former Guyana Youth player The old saying, ‘charity begins at home’ resonates well with Pooran Singh who made monetary donations to city clubs, Everest Cricket Club (ECC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) while visiting the country of his birth for the Easter season.

Singh represented Guyana Youth side in 1968 and 1969 as a wicketkeeper and now resides in the United Kingdom and is aligned to the Savannah Charitable Trust which is chaired by former English Test player, Phil Edmonds, and made the donations on Wednesday at the respective clubs in the city.

“I told my chairman (Phil Edmonds) that I am going back home for a vacation and immediately he encouraged me to make the donations to the two clubs that I was associated with as a young cricketer in Georgetown,” said Pooran Singh.

On behalf of Savannah Charitable Trust, Singh handed over G$100,000 each to Everest CC and Georgetown CC. At Everest,

President of the club Manzoor Nadir was on hand to receive the timely gesture.

Nadir, who is also the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly in Guyana, thanked Singh for the second such contribution and said that the funds will go towards the restoration of the Everest Cricket Club physical photography gallery.

“We need to preserve our club’s rich history which is also captured in photographs and as such we will use the Savannah Charitable Trust grant to standardize our frames and to bring the gallery to fruition,” Nadir told Singh at the presentation which took place at the historic club on Camp Road.

N a d i r a l s o p r o v i d ed Singh with a report on the outcome of the previous donation which was done in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The funds on that occasion were used to kick start the extensive maintenance and physical upgrade works for the comfort for everyone

here at Everest,” Nadir said.

Singh, who started his youth cricket career at Everest, was pleased with the efforts of the President and Executives of his foundation club and he also presented two boxes of Grade A cricket balls to be used for matches and practice sessions.

Over at the former Test venue, GCC Bourda, the donation was received by President of the club Timothy Tucker in the members’ pavilion.

Tucker, who is also the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), told the donor that the funds will go towards the extension of the players’ dressing rooms and to the rehabilitation of the upper level of the members’ pavilion.

Both ECC and GCC continue to be used extensively for local matches at all levels.

At the start of the year, both venues were used by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

At Everest Cricket Club, Pooran Singh (second from left) makes the donation to President Manzoor Nadir in the presence of former club Presidents and current life members Mark Singh (left) and Rajesh Singh (right).

Timothy Tucker (right) accepts the donation from Pooran Singh while Mark Singh (left) looks on at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda on Wednesday.

GFF shares condolences on passing Minister Ramson welcomes of football servant Andre Daziel CARIFTA team home

The Guyana Football Federation wishes to extend sincere condolences on behalf of the football community to the family of Andre Daziel, who has passed away in the United States at the age of 51.

Daziel, a former Malteenoes youth cricketer and a long term servant of football, was involved in the beautiful game in a number of capacities, including playing for Western Tigers, working on the executive for the Georgetown Football Association, and as a former manager of the Alpha football team.

President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde expressed his sadness on the untimely passing of the football veteran.

“The Guyana Football Federation pays tribute to Andre Daziel’s service to football as a role model for others, and we applaud the outstanding contribution he made as a very active member

- Recommits to support of Athletes, Sport Andre Daziel

in a number of roles in the football fraternity,” President Forde said. “We send our

thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Guyana’s contingent that participated in the 49th edition of the CARIFTA Games returned to home soil on Wednesday evening following their Easter Weekend event in Kingston, Jamaica.

The team was greeted at the Ogle International Airport by friends and family who came to celebrate their performances which secured a total of seven m e d a l s , a s Guyana finished fifth overall in the Championship.

The Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Kashif Muhammad, were also at the Airport to join in the merriment.

On Thursday, the Minister of Culture, Youth and S p o r t, Honourable Charles Ramson, met with the team in the board room of the Ministry, to officially welcome them home with opened arms.

During the simple ceremony, the Minister stated that this was not the team’s official congratulatory welcome.

Instead, it was a courtesy call to tell the team how appreciative the government of Guyana is of their participation and promised their continued support to the association and by extension, the athletes.

Both Ninvalle and Muhammad flanked the Honourable Mister yesterday echoed similar sentiments of the proudest kind.

They encouraged the youths to keep striving for glory because once they do, they will have the full support of the Government of Guyana.

This was a sentiment shared by the Minister but it came with more weight when he disclosed that there will never be a case or situation where a team or person representing Guyana gets into an embrangle and the Government of Guyana turns it back on them.

Aside from assuring the athletes and association of the government’s in depth involvement at promoting sports or athletes to the next level, the Minister

urged the youths who are striving for greatness to ‘stick with the programme, listen to your coaches, be consistent and be disciplined in their approach,’ to achieve further success.

He also made mention of the National Sport Academy which has started and urged the athletes to be aligned with the programme.

The Academy was launched a few months ago and specialises in nurturing young talent so it properly transition and bloom into glory.

Guyana’s team of 14 that attended the Carifta Games had medals won by Attoya Harvey (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Anisha Gibbons (Gold), Narissa McPherson (Silver), Javon Roberts (Gold) and Adriel Austin (Bronze).

The other athletes that represent e d G u y a n a a t the games included Shamar Horatio, Ezekiel Newton, Wesley Tyndall, Gabriel Lim, Trevon Hamer, Keliza Smith, Karese Lloyd, Ha nnah Reid and Stafon Roach.

PAGE 30

Friday April 22, 2022

Kaieteur News

Bakewell renews RHTYSC, MS cricket sponsorship for 23rd successive year - Panthera Solutions pumps funds into cricket development programme Long time sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, Bakewell, last week renewed its cricket sponsorship of the club. The renewal of the sponsorship took place at the company’s Triumph, East Coast head office. Bakewell Secretary Natasha Bhikari handed over the cricket sponsorship to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Vice President Mark Papannah.

Foster disclosed that the company came on board as an official sponsor of the club after a visit by the founder of the Bakewell Naeem Nasir and General Manager Rajiv Ganga. Bakewell was the fourth major sponsor to come on board after following in the footsteps of Courts, GTT and

Farfan and Mendes Ltd. Bakewell at the start of the sponsorship supported the club second division team and later on added the under17 team. The two teams over the last twenty three years have won close to twenty different tournaments organized by either the RHTYSC or Berbice Cricket Board.

The teams also played a major role in the development of numerous national players and have invested heavily in molding them into all rounded individuals who were capable of representing Guyana or the West Indies at the highest levels. Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Erva

Giddings and Shabaki Gajnabi went on to play international cricket for the West Indies, while Askhay Homraj and Dominic Rikhi played one day international cricket for the United States.

Other players include: Rewick Batson, Esuan Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Abdel Fudadin, Jeremy Sandia, Murphy LaRose, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Parmanand Narine, Brandon Prasad, Matthew Pottaya and Arif Chan.

The company also sponsors a series of activities for the club including an annual magazine, cricket academy, Christmas Village, Say No/ Say Yes Campaign and char-

Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village KO Football

Six teams through to quarterfinals remaining two to be decided at Den Amstel Sunday Play in the Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village Knockout Football tournament moves to the Den Amstel ground on Sunday and football fans on the Westside will be treated and backing their home teams as the battle is on for the two remaining quarterfinal spots.

Six quarterfinal spots have so far been decided and teams colliding in Sunday play at Den Amstel will go all out to be the two.

Action at Den Amstel starts from 2:00pm and Pouderoyen are down to face Stewartville, Sara Lodge challenge Back Street Kings, Den Amstel battle Uitvlugt and West Side Spartan tangle with Bagotville.

The winners will collide after these preceding matches for a chance to claim a quarterfinal spot.

Already through to the quarterfinals are Haslington, Sparta Boss, Bourda All Stars, Tucville, Friendship Front and Diamond.

Coordinator Lennox Arthur congratulated all the teams, especially those advancing to the quarterfinals.

While some teams had an ‘easy road’, others had to battle.

This he explained was due to the fact that some played

three games, while the others played two and this was on account of their respective grouping.

The tournament started with a total 48 teams and its now down to the lot battling on Sunday and those advancing to the quarters.

Arthur noted that teams like Friendship Front, B o u r d a A l l St a r s a n d Tucville played three to go forward, while Sparta played two and Diamond got a bye.

Bourda and Tucville will face the winners advancing from Sunday’s action in the quarterfinals, while Friendship Front are down to challenge Sparta Boss and Diamond challenge Haslington all next Sunday May 1 in the quarters set for the Buxton ground followed by the semis grand finale to close the curtains on this 2022 edition of the Mayor’s Cup in honour of current Mayor of Georgetown, Mayor Ubraj Narine.

Among the list of sponsors are: IPA, DDL, Digicel, Johil, John Fernandes, General Equipment, Busta, GTT, Namilco, Macorp, New Thriving, Sattar Gafoor, B. Megan, Pritipaul Singh, Ready Mix, Eddie Bobcat, Silvie’s, Caribbean Containers, E Networks, Super Bet, Cummings Electri-

cal, China Trading, Dave Lumber yard, Maggie’s, Schlumberger, Maggie’s, Pure Diamond, Gold Target Exports and CIDI. Arthur has expressed heartfelt gratitude to them for their assistance.

The teams are battling for attractive prize money and the respective trophies with a first prize of $600,000, second prize $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth $100,000 on offer.

Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Company is the sponsor for the winning purse of $600,000.

The rules governing the tournament includes the no offside rule and teams are allowed five substitutions. The games are of two 20-minute halves for a 40-minute duration.

The tournament is a straight knockout one with no extra time being played. A tie at the end of regulation would result in the teams dueling in the dreaded sudden death penalty shootout.

All other FIFA rules apply and the Referee is the sole authority of these games.

Teams showing up late beyond a reasonable time determined by the organisers will be disqualified and their game forfeited via the walkover route.

RHTYSC Vice President Mark Papannah receives cricket development sponsorship from representatives of Panthera Solutions.

ity programmes. Special mention was made of General Manager Rajendra Ganga for his support and advice over the years and Foster committed the teams to upholding the high level of standard set in the past. The RHTYSC since its formation in 1990 has won over one hundred cricket tournaments at different levels, won five Guyana Club of the Year awards and has also produced over one hundred players for either the Berbice, Guyana or West Indies cricket teams.

Meanwhile, another sponsor, Panthera Solution, on Thursday last handed over a cheque valued at three hundred and twenty thousand dollars. The sponsorship would assist the cricket section of the club to obtain cricket development gear, balls for practice sessions and trophies/medals for community related programmes.

These include Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Outstanding Mothers, Tribute to Medical Workers and Outstanding Teachers Awards.

Vice President Mark Papannah expressed thanks to the management of the company especially Andrew Dinsdale and Ray Mclean.

Panthera Solution is a joint business venture between Guyanese company Farfan and Mendes Ltd and Crosbie, a Canadian company. The company employs mostly Guyanese workers and serves the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Foster noted that the company has been on board since 2020 and has sponsored the

annual youth magazine, youth information booklet and annual Christmas Village/ Charity Programme. Mclean, in brief remarks stated that, his company was introduced to the RHTYSC by its business partner Farfan and Mendes Ltd and was delighted to assist. Foster indicated that the RHTYSC in 2022 would be placing special emphasis on the development of its junior players and making sure that they understand the role of a sporting ambassador.

The Magnum Independence Futsal Cup will have a new venue with the organisers naming the National Park as the tournament’s arena of play.

After the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was made unavailable to organisers despite receiving permission earlier to utilise the venue, the newly appointed acting Commissioner of Police came to

the aid of the organisers.

Edison Jefford, responsible for logistics of tournament s h a r e d t h a t , “ We made the decision to engage the National Park since our stakeholders, including our sponsors expressed a concern with t e a m s t r a v e l l i n g out to Lilliendaal.

The teams as well expressed this concern. So we want to thank the Guyana

Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency and National Parks Commission for their cooperation in allowing this tournament to proceed at a central venue,” Jefford shared.

The event will now kick off tomorrow, Saturday from 19:00hrs with seven games scheduled for the opening night of action.

Natasha Bhikhari hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster for 2022.

Magnum Independence Cup shifts to National Park

Kaieteur News

Friday April 22, 2022

PAGE 31

Boxing takes over home of Amazon Warriors - Weigh-in set for Pegasus Hotel Poolside 4:00pm today Tomorrow, Saturday April 23, a new sport will make the national stadium its h o m e a s W B C Championship Boxing, brought to you by Dharry Promotions, Jack Bharat and Nexgen Global Marketing, in association with The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport rocks the ground in front of a packed audience.

It’s going to be the Who’s Who in Guyana coming out in support as President Ali, most members of the senior government, many of the diplomatic Corp and the top business owners in Guyana along with hundreds of overseas based Guyanese and thousands of locals are expected to be in attendance to see Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques take on two tough Panamanian fighters, the undefeated Orlando Penalba and experienced Gilberto Pedroza for the WBC International Titles.

The WBC is also paying keen attention to this event,

sending Hector Afu, veteran of more than 350 fights and dozens of World Title bouts t o r e f e r e e t h e Marques/Pedroza match.

The third man in the ring for the Dharry/Penalba fight will be Eion Jardine who has refereed an incredible 385 fights and many world title bouts.

The WBC supervisor will be Peter Abdool who has overseen hundreds of fights and supervised dozens of major world Class events i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. T h e executive board of the GBBC will also be in attendance as well as thousands of fans, eager to see the rejuvenation of the sport in Guyana.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, expressed his satisfaction at the coordination and promotion of the event by the promoters, “It is not the intention of government to run sporting events but our

Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr (centre) with GBBC President Peter Abdool (3rd right), DOS Steve Ninvalle (3rd left) and boxers. responsibility is to provide the support and guidance for the development of various activities. This mega-event is the perfect opportunity for Guyana to lead the region in boxing and we will be there to make it happen.”

The much anticipated weigh-in is scheduled for today, Friday, from 4:00pm at The Pegasus Hotel poolside and members of the public, along with sponsors and fans are all expected to be there to watch their

respective gladiators get ready for battle on April 23rd inside the National Stadium.

In addition to the packed action in the ring, there will be a halftime show put on by HJ Entertainment featuring top local artistes and dance to showcase Guyanese talent to the world.

Many major sponsors and new companies in Guyana such as Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Comfort Sleep, Samtronix, Morgan’s Investment, Hand

in Hand Insurance, Unique Electrical, Caribbean Motor Spares, HRTM Consulting, ReMax Realty, Darthan Investments, Ansa Mcal, Turbo Energy Drink, Banks DIH, Nexgen Golf A c a d e m y, D e m e r a r a Distillers Ltd (DDL) along with dozens of overseas based Guyanese companies are supporting the event.

A limited number of allinclusive VVIP tables along with Tickets starting as low as $1,000 for the Party

Mound, $2,000 for Green and Red Stands, $4,000 for Ringside are on sale at Giftland, Movietowne, Amazonia Malls, all Assuria General Insurance offices nationwide, The Locals Restaurant in Vreed-en-hoop and Fagoo’s General Store in Parika.

For more information or questions about the event, v i s i t o u r Facebook/Instagram page roadtoredemptiongy or call 645-0944.

Minister Ramson welcomes CARIFTA team home - Recommits to support of Athletes, Sport

rts o p S

Guyana’s CARIFTA Team after they met briefly with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Honourable Charles Ramson (centre) along with DoS Steve Ninvalle (right) and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad (3rd right back row).

DeSinco Ltd. National Junior Chess Championship…

Ricardo Narine (left) pulled off a victory in the clutch against Ethan Lee to drive the tournament into overtime.

Narine, Ethan Lee to vie for the crown NBA roundup:

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) controls the ball. (John E. Sokolowski -USA TODAY Sports)

OT win gives Sixers 3-0 edge on Raptors

Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village KO Football

Six teams through to quarterfinals remaining two to be decided at Den Amstel Sunday

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