Kaieteur News

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Bus driver who NEWS ran cop with cutlass jailed for 12 months AIETEUR

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Saturday Edition April 24, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 15 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday 95,094

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

OMAI contract still shrouded in secrecy as company boasts of finding more gold p.

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brick factory, Two Queen’s College students top CSEC, CAPE Clay 46 acres of prime p.

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lands up for sale

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…NICIL says interested parties must sign confidentiality agreement first

The Top CSEC student, Bhedesh Persaud

The Top CAPE student, Zane Ramotar

The second place CAPE student, Naomi Cambridge

The third place CAPE student, Christian Pile

Alleged serial rapist committed p. to stand trial, 11 granted $250,000 High Court bail - Still on remand for another rape charge

ExxonMobil Stabroek Block partner sees surge in revenues this year p.

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“Condign Action” will follow if GuyOil probe - Senior confirms corruption Minister p.

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Oppostion meets ExxonMobil, says nothing of Listen to the Glenn Lall Show substance. Puts out confusing statement. @11:00am, Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Guyana tells US it will help secure CARICOM energy needs …as Joe Biden rekindles hope for Obama's regional renewable energy plan

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oreign Ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United States Government have agreed on the need to work together on a number of issues of mutual interest, with Guyana promising to help drive the regional energy security agenda.

The agreement was had on Wednesday last, when the CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers met with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, for a virtual Roundtable Discussion—as an initial engagement between the Joe Biden led administration and CARICOM. Accordingly, Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, told the meeting that the three oil-producing CARICOM members – Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname – "can help in driving the regional

Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, (bottom row, second from left) during the virtual meeting on Wednesday energy security agenda."

CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, in his remarks to the gathering—at the

onset—praised the resumption of high-level meetings as he said, "I hope today's session is the start of a renewal of such

encounters."

US-CARICOM cooperation, he recognised, has previously addressed matters such as trade and investment, security, health, energy, disaster management and climate change.

Current US President, Joe Biden, who took office in January, served as Barack Obama's Vice President.

One of Obama's-era project that was abandoned by the Trump administration was designed to enhance Caribbean energy security, by expanding the use of Natural gas and renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro for power generation to replace oil.

The project was grounded in the thenimminent start-up of US Liquefied Natural Gas exports and a new US$1 billion fund, set up by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help countries convert power plants from oil-to-gas.

Guyana is actively pursuing the landing of a gas pipeline from its Stabroek Block oilfields to power a gas plant for electricity.

The US-CARICOM meeting was held a day before the US President hosted a Leaders' Summit and committed his country to some of the most ambitious, climate friendly, energy goals.

According to Biden, the US$2.2 trillion infrastructure and energy plan is meant to tap into the economic opportunities

US President, Joseph Biden presented by climate change, as such, “I want to build critical infrastructure to produce and deploy clean technology, both those we can harness today and those that will invent tomorrow.”

He underscored that “the science is undeniable and the

and gas wells that need to be cleaned up and abandoned coal mines that need to be reclaimed putting a stop to the methane leaks and protecting the health of our communities.”

Additionally, “I see auto workers building the next

“

…no nation can solve this crisis on their own; those who invest in a clean energy future will win the good jobs of tomorrow and make their economies more resilient and more competitive, let's run that risk - US President, Joseph Biden

”

cost of inaction keeps mounting; the United States isn't waiting, we are resolving to take action.”

Pressing the US's position on renewable energy, President Biden told world leaders that under his new plan, “I see workers capping hundreds of thousands of abandoned oil

generation of electric vehicles; I see the engineers and the construction workers building new carbon capture and green hydrogen plants, to forge cleaner steel and cement and produce clean power.”

He was adamant, “by maintaining those (continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

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ExxonMobil joins with PSC to press Govt. for guarantees …as President Ali paints Guyana as new regional economic powerhouse

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has welcomed into its fold as a Corporate Member, ExxonMobil Guyana, which has since committed to assisting in shaping the domestic business environment, for sustainable economic growth for the long term.

This was disclosed recently by ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, who in brief remarks at the PSC's 29th Annual General Meeting yesterday said, the oil company was delighted to be part of the PSC. He noted that, “there is a lot of opportunity ahead,” as such, he welcomed the opportunity to join the Commission to be “part of trying to shape and make the business environment effective.”

This, he said, is aimed at building the PSC's capacity in order to grow a sustainable economy for the long term.

Routledge's remarks came on the heels of the

Chairman's Report by Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, where he sought to demand of the administration, guarantees with regard economic opportunities to be had and political stability in future.

According to DeygooBoyer, the country and its economic climate cannot move forward without a stable political climate and logical, firm, policy direction from the Government.

The PSC's Chairman was adamant that the country cannot develop without support from the private sector, given the significant investments that will continue to be made in the future.

The PSC's Chairman in his remarks said, “…we need to be guaranteed the future holds economic and political stability.” He was adamant, “without it, our returns will be held in jeopardy.”

Deygoo-Boyer used the occasion to qualify his position by pointing out that investments would not see returns on in a single year,

and as such, the PSC wants from Government a logical and long-term policy.

This, he said, is required since Guyana is about to be transformed in ways “we have not imagined” and “we cannot sit back and wait to reap benefits, we have to act now.”

ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE Head of State, President, Irfaan Ali, in his address to the private sector gathering, sought to assure the grouping of his Government's support.

According to the President, Government will be making the necessary investment in infrastructure and put in place the required policies in order to achieve these targets.

Urging the business community to be innovative, creative and aggressive, President Ali pointed to the Local Content Policy, which he said would be finalised shortly.

According to the President, with the

ExxonMobil Stabroek Block partner sees surge in revenues this year

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xxonMobil Guyana's partner in the Stabroek block—China's National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) Ltd—has reported a surge in earnings for the first quarter of this year.

According to the Chinese owned company in its report yesterday, its first quarter revenue surged 21 percent over the previous year. The company has since attributed its increased revenue to recovering oil and gas prices and higher sales.

According to the company's reports, revenue was US$7.45 billion over the January to March period.

The documents also note that the company benefitted from a rise in prices by 20.5 percent to $59.07 per barrel,

while gas prices were up 5 percent for the same period at $6.71 per thousand cubic feet.

Further to this, total net production for the company during the period reached 137.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) for the Chinese company, up 4.7 percent from the same period last year, with domestic output, nearly 9 percent higher than a year earlier.

CNOOC which currently holds a 25 percent stake in the Stabroek Block, had at its previous quarterly report said, it achieved a total net production of 131.2 million (boe) for the third quarter of 2020.

During the period, the company made four new discoveries and successfully drilled 14 appraisal wells.

Furthermore, new breakthroughs were made offshore China in the expanded exploration of the buried hills near Bozhong 19-6, which is expected to be a mid-sized oil and gas structure.

Additionally, “in (its) overseas (portfolio), the 17th and 18th new discoveries of Yellowtail-2 and Redtail-1 were made in the Stabroek Block in Guyana, further increasing the recoverable resources of the block,” the company said at the time.

The identification of two additional high-quality reservoirs at the Yellowtail-2 well confirmed the worldclass quality of the basin and the major potential for continued future development of hydrocarbon resources offshore Guyana.

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

PSC Chairman, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer

Head of State, President, Irfaan Ali

emergence of the oil and gas sector, “we are also going to ensure we invest in the training of our human resources so that they can function in the sector.”

He was adamant that his Government's vision for the country goes beyond satisfying the domestic needs of the country.

According to President Ali, over the next five years, “my administration intends to put in place the required macro-economic and legislative framework that will allow our private sector to grow and to be the integral part that it should be, in the expansion of our economy.”

He noted too that, “it is

also very important that we create an environment in which our local private sector can develop their competiveness and can be the primary beneficiary of the economic transformation that will take place.”

He told those in attendance that the goal of his administration “is to make Guyana the economic power house of the region.”

The President qualified his position, to mean, a place where national prosperity and individual prosperity will be a reality and wealth (continued on page 14)

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Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Ministerial soundness and Ministerial slackness A couple of Ministers are on the move, while there are those still trying to find their groove. Because we want to encourage the current Guyana government on the things that it handles in the right way, we are glad when there is opportunity to hail the positives that are for the better of the citizens of this society. By the same token, we have no choice but to speak out and in the most critical terms, when our Ministers falter, either through inexperience, or from not having the fullest grasp of what their portfolios involve, the extent of their serious nationwide responsibilities. We have an occasion today to speak to all those Ministerial conditions, the good, the encouraging, and the downright out there, through the inexplicable.

First, the Hon. Minister of Social Protection, Dr. Vindya Persaud, has prioritised providing senior citizens with a seamless, as near as hassle free, delivery of routine services falling under her ministry. Because those routine services to pensioners are monthly, any enhancements represent a welcome situation for our elders, who dread the long lines and waiting, the fear of random banditry, and the worries about exposure to the virus. Many of them live with some chronic disease, which leaves them weak and ill suited to deal with scorching sun, pouring rain, racing minibus. So, it was good that pensioners are able to receive their monthly payments in an existing account at a commercial bank of their choice. That the newest enhancement is for this to be available in the first week of the payment month is something that could make a difference to Guyana’s more than 58,000 age qualifying pensioners.

Also, the Minister and ministry clearing the air about taxes not being withheld from pensions is even better. And further, that payments could be received at Western Union and MoneyGram centres in seven of Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions is an added development that is sure to be well-received by pensioners, since those spread collection of pensions beyond the Post Offices, where monthly monies continue to be paid out. Minister Persaud informed the public that a quarterly Life Certificate would be needed, with a signature and stamp (almost like a passport form) from recognised Guyanese, such as a medical doctor, Justice of the Peace, or Minister of religion. The latter category should make signature and stamp easier, since most Guyanese, especially elderly ones, have longstanding relationships with priests and pastors, Moulvis and pandits.

Still, we recommend to Minister Persaud to extend that quarterly Life Certificate requirement to semi-annual. That seems like a more practical alternative, given age considerations.

The second positive came from the Hon. Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand, who took a contractor to task with respect to the incomplete state of the Good Hope Secondary School. Her choice of words, “wholly unacceptable” and “we cannot tolerate lengthy delays on projects” is music to our ears, and was sharp enough to get the tardy contractor to bring up the completion of the project from August to May 22, 2021. We like that kind of nononsense language, and that unmoving posture: get moving, and get the job done now. Delays are normal, but not for 15 months beyond what started out as a 15-month project. That is inexcusable and, like Minister Manikchand laid it out, “wholly unacceptable.”

It was encouraging to hear the Hon. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, rail at the Chinese company engaged to complete the CJIA extension project, for failing repeatedly (and expensively) to deliver on its contractual obligations. That company made a mockery of the Minister and Guyana, by delaying further and coming up with more of what Minister Manikchand did term “wholly unacceptable.” We are waiting on Minister Edghill to learn the latest developments with that airport project, and for him to throw the book at that contractor and get them out of there and here. We also learned compliments of Minister Edghill and his junior Minister, Deodat Indar, about the $17 million needed to fix a broken bridge in Lethem. Somebody should be made to pay those millions and it is not the taxpayers, since an overloaded truck was responsible. The

Sash Sawh’s execution is blight on the history of modern Guyana Dear Editor, Please permit me a few lines of succinct but hopefully effective reply. On April 22, 2021, a letter from the family of Sash Sawh was published in various media outlets, acknowledging 15 years since his killing and imploring an independent inquiry into his death.

Later the same day, His Excellency, President Ali released a statement lauding Sash Sawh on the 15th anniversary of his killing. The statement did not mention the

words ‘justice,’ ‘investigation,’ ‘inquiry,’ or anything remotely synonymous once. Not once.

Even later that day, the People’s Progressive Party released a statement that hailed Sash Sawh’s contributions, but went on to speak of an era characterised by elements that sought to destabilise the State and to reference race-baiting and the killings of the Henry Boys.

The statement did not mention the words ‘justice,’

‘investigation,’ ‘inquiry,’ or anything remotely synonymous once. Not once.

At the risk of sounding obvious, oblivious, or both, if there is such lament over the death of Sash Sawh, how is it possible to release complete statements and not mention the words ‘justice,’ ‘investigation,’ ‘inquiry,’ or anything remotely synonymous once? Not once?

Sash Sawh’s contributions were undoubtedly laudable, and

we genuinely appreciate every kind thought expressed about our beloved husband and father - but there is absolutely no sugarcoating the fact that his execution is a blight on the history of modern Guyana.

Our family remains steadfast in imploring action in pursuit of justice via an independent inquiry into the events of April 22, 2006.

Yours truly, Roger Sawh On behalf of the family of the late Satyadeow Sawh

What exactly were the successes of the previous government?

Dear Editor, Reading the critique, “US$800M for gas pipeline is money for the big boys” as reported by KN (April 23 Edition) was hard to swallow.

Objections like these should only come from citizens who have clearly demonstrated an ability to do what is in the best interest of this country as a whole when they were given a chance. Those with a checkered job performance past, regardless of party, have lost credibility to be taken seriously. We have not forgotten the saga of

“Jewelgate,’ where there is still no belief among some that that activity was clearly wrong, the mess at CJIA, uncompleted projects and unaccounted funds. Before being critical of this or any project, two questions should have been asked first: Question 1.

What exactly were the successes of the previous government? If this question is too difficult to answer, then simply, what were the major economic accomplishments of the previous government; and that includes items on

infrastructure development, healthcare improvement and many other areas. Lastly, can any individual in the prior administration critiquing this project self-evaluate their own job performance? How well did they do? Let them tell us.

Shifting gears to this pipeline with its “padded” costs, where selected few could enrich themselves (assuming this is the case!).

Such issues only seem to happen in certain parts of the world. Our expectation levels are much lower, in some

instances.

No checks and balances in some instances. Our ways of conducting business on a large global scale are more questionable with an affinity to cut corners and take shortcuts. For instance, no transparent cost-benefit analysis documents like feasibility studies – a must in critical projects and a good business practice. Certain things don’t change in certain regions of the world, oil or no oil.

Yours truly, Chi Kansi

Data shows vaccines protect against the novel coronavirus Dear Editor, The vaccines against Covid work, at least, in New York and in Guyana. I make this claim from my personal experience and that of individuals who took it and from my examination of data of the Greater Richmond Hill area in Queens. The infection rate has been going down in this community, which recently had the highest rate of Covid in the US, if not globally. People who took the vaccine are ‘very (but not absolutely) protected’ against the virus.

There are individuals, who have been vaccinated but still got the virus, but they have not been hospitalised, not died and their symptoms have been very mild. There are also Guyanese, who have been vaccinated and were not infected when exposed to Covid victims. I am one of them as are many of my siblings and many other Guyanese Vaccines have an efficacy or intended success rate against the virus. Moderna is 94%, Pfizer 95%, Sputnik 95%, Covishield 82%, Covaxine

message to be sent is, play by the rules or pay up. Or don’t use the roads.

Last, there was the not so good, the downright mystifying, to put it bluntly, from the Hon. Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Ms. Oneidge Walrond, when she said that it was “safe to travel” to Guyana for ecotourism purposes. Once they travel locally to hinterland destinations in their bubbles, all should be safe. We wonder what kind of bubble the Minister lives in for her official habitat and existence. We have cases spiking, variants appearing, and government not disclosing, and the Minister assures that it is “safe to travel.” Surely, she cannot be serious! If she is, then it is an appalling lack of putting arms completely around the numerous menaces and exposures involved with the COVID-19 virus. It might have been better if she had just marketed and kept on the sidelines in silence. We appreciate and applaud the positives, we criticise the negatives.

72%, Johnson and Johnson 72%; Covishield (Serum Institute of India) and Covaxine (Bio Tech) are Indian vaccines and are being used in Guyana. Two doses of Covishield raise the efficacy to 93%. Ditto Covaxine. These figures suggest that even if vaccinated, one is not absolutely protected from the virus. One can still get infected but the effects would not be severe and one will not die. So far, no one has died from the vaccine itself in India or in Guyana. No vaccinated person has died in Guyana.

The CDC reported that 5,800 out of 75 million fully vaccinated people in the U.S. have been infected with COVID-19. Of these “breakthrough cases,” 396 were hospitalised and 74 people died; very low rate (of .0075% or less than a fraction of 1%) of infection and death.

That is impressively high.

Similarly in India, out of 140M vaccinated, only a few hundred (less than .0001%) have side effects. With regards to Guyana, some 100K people have been vaccinated. With an efficacy

rate of 82% from Astra Zeneca, then 18% or 18K are at risk of getting the virus. But so far, no vaccinated person has been infected suggesting an efficacy rate of 100%.

There should be contact tracing in order to obtain data on the transmission of the virus to better study and combat it. Clearly, Astra Zeneca or Covishield seems to be working differently on Guyanese than on the population in Europe. The Astra Zeneca used in Europe is made in that continent and in South Korea. In Guyana, a similar efficacy as Astra Zeneca seems to have been obtained from Sputnik. It is not known if Sinopharm has been administered on anyone in Guyana and the outcome.

People I spoke with in Guyana during my recent trip are resisting taking the Sinopharm; they have greater faith in the Indian Covishield that has been working in India with an efficacy rate similar to Guyana’s.

In looking at the infection rate in Richmond Hill, in January it was some 16%. As I travelled around Richmond (Continued on page 5)

Saturday April 24, 2021

Partition of Guyana was Kwayana’s brainchild Dear Editor, I refer to Mr. Hamilton Green’s letter of 4-23-21 titled “We must sit and talk in a civilised manner” in which he wrote, “Of course, the pattern, particularly in North America and the Caribbean has been that whenever African Leaders/Activists seek justice or recounting the truth of our history, they are deemed racist. The most recent has been the disappointing, disgusting and unjustified assault by Columnist Freddie Kissoon, when he described a respected, revered Patriot Eusi Kwayana, an Elder as being racist.” He is.

Let’s get this straight about our history. Many prominent people still alive have fomented race relations

in Guyana. Mr. Freddie Kissoon is right about Mr. Kwayana.

Mr. Eusi Kwayana suggested partition in 1961, because he did not want to live under what he termed an “Indian PPP government” which was expected to win the 1961 elections and lead Guyana to independence.

In his letter in SN of 3-262020 suggesting a tribunal to investigate violence, Mr. Kwayana wrote, “Here I know that I shall again be rebuked for recalling the past, but we cannot play ducks and drakes with history, or treat it as a three card game. The inclusion of ‘partition’ as a default solution is not the only thing that took place in history.” He is right.

Up to now there is no written record by Mr. Kwayana that he has apologised for his role in seeking to divide Guyana. His nowadays thing is power sharing with which the WPA is identified.

Guyana was a paradise before our politicians started squabbling among themselves. How very silent was Mr. Kwayana when 7,000 Indian sugar workers were summarily fired by a predominantly Black government and even more silent when the 2020 elections were rigged. I suggest that Mr. Kwayana’s history is not as respectable as some may like us to believe.

Yours truly, Sultan Mohamed

...Data shows vaccines protect From page 4 Hill in February and March, I noticed long lines of IndoGuyanese and Punjabis at various testing sites set up by the city administration based on lobbying of community leaders.

Vishnu Mahadeo has been very successful in championing the presence of mobile testing units in the community almost daily.

Testing in New York is free without any limit and people are encouraged to test multiple times.

Testing has allowed people to take steps to prevent infection that really went through the roof a few months ago. There are also

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Kaieteur News

several vaccination sites all over New York including in Richmond Hill. Mandirs, Masjids, Churches, Gurudwaras have been used as testing as well as vaccination sites as the city seeks to ground with communities as partners in the fight against Covid.

The number of infections in America, Guyana, and India after being vaccinated is not alarming or a serious cause of concern. If one were to compare the Covid vaccine with the flu vaccine, there is a noticeable difference in efficacy.

The flu vaccine has only a 60% efficacy. Yet people take it to combat the flu. The

same thinking must go into taking the Covid vaccine.

And regardless of whether one has been vaccinated, it is advisable that one still take the precautions like masking up and social distancing and live a healthy life (diet, exercise, eat wisely consuming a lot of fruits and using herbal products like neem, tulsi, karela, and the like – they seem to work).

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

There must be respect for the law and law enforcement Dear Editor, Recently we viewed a bus driver chasing after a policeman with a cutlass shortly after he was pulled over by the said lawman for violating the rules of the road.

According to reports, the bus driver had broken a line of vehicles, and had driven against oncoming traffic to force his way at the front of the line.

The traffic cop on duty would have cautioned him for his dangerous driving by pulling him over to the side of the road. This incensed that bus driver to the point where he armed himself with a weapon and attacked the police.

Now, this comes as nothing new because we see these occurrences on a daily basis at rush hour on all the nation’s roads.

It is a lawless behaviour

that oftentimes results in death to passengers themselves, as well as those of the pedestrian traffic and I am asking for strong action to be taken by the traffic department to arrest this situation.

So, in the first instance, this driver is going on the age old reasoning that “I have been doing this for eons of time and why can’t I do it now,” after all it is all part of “the hustle” minibus drivers are accustomed to be engaged in on a daily basis.

He reasons, why should some “silly police officer” stop my hustle?

This is the foolishness that keeps repeating itself over and over again by the law breaking public out there.

A similar situation was seen at The Brazilian Border location where a healthy contraband trade exists.

When lawmen tried to make a search of the accused home he stoutly resisted; the meaning of this is why come and stop my “hustle,” and if you dare I will resist with force.

This is the lawless and out-of-control situation that has overtaken our country and, like I said earlier, every effort has to be made to stop this slide into chaos.

Yours truly, Neil Adams

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Saturday April 24, 2021

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Brazil’s COVID-19 vaccination program at risk due to 2nd dose no-shows (Reuters) - Brazil’s COVID-19 vaccination program is being put at risk by people failing to show up for their second shot, with 1.5 million people missing appointments for the followup dose needed to maximize protection, according to the Health Ministry.

Specialists say that is particularly concerning after a recent real-world study from Chile found that the Sinovac Biotech (SVA.O) COVID-19 vaccine, which has accounted for some 80% of Brazil’s program, is just 16% effective after one shot.

“Without the two doses, we get neither full protection nor a long duration of protection,” Juarez Cunha, head of the Brazilian Society of Immunizations, told

Reuters. “We need people to do the full cycle.”

Until this week, more people were dying in Brazil of COVID-19 than anywhere in the world, with President Jair Bolsonaro widely criticized for opposing lockdown measures and pushing remedies like hydroxychloroquine that provide little or no benefit.

India has now surpassed Brazil in daily deaths.

In total, COVID-19 has taken more than 380,000 lives in Brazil, the world’s second highest death toll behind the United States.

The country’s vaccination program has also repeatedly missed targets due to a shortage of doses resulting from delivery delays of active ingredients from

China and India.

Now, the failure of people to turn up for their second dose is an extra worry.

Specialists and authorities involved in the campaign said the low turnout appeared to be due to poor communication, with people either not realizing the importance of the second shot or simply forgetting when they were meant to go.

In some cases, they said, people might also have been put off by a strong reaction to the first dose, which can frequently cause short-lived fever and body aches. There have also been long lines at some vaccine sites, which can be offputting for priority groups vulnerable to COVID19.

In response to a request for comment, the Health Ministry said it is preparing a national media campaign to raise awareness of the importance of getting the second shot. It did not comment on why so many people are not showing up to complete their vaccination cycle.

The ministry has previously said the problems are not due to a shortage of shots, with second doses held back to ensure availability on schedule.

But with so many second

A citizen receives a dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, during a vaccination day for 57-year-old and older citizens, in Duque de Caxias near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 21, 2021. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo doses left over and with the promise of future deliveries, the ministry changed its guidelines last month to allow for all shots to be rolled out as first doses.

That stands in stark contrast with Chile, where the vaccination strategy has shifted to prioritizing second doses over getting more people an initial shot.

South America’s largest economy has a proud history of successful vaccination campaigns and polls have

shown that the vast majority of Brazilians are keen to get inoculated. But scientists fear the message about second shots is not getting across.

“People need to wake up and hear every day on the radio, on television, that you have to get your second dose, that you can’t miss it,” said Cristina Bonorino, a member of the scientific committee of the Brazilian Society of Immunology.

The study in Chile, which analyzed vaccine

effectiveness among 10.5 million people, found that efficacy in protecting against symptomatic illness rose to 67% from 16% with the second Sinovac shot. The AstraZeneca (AZN.L) vaccine, which makes up the rest of Brazil’s inoculations, by contrast is 76% effective two weeks after the first shot.

“If a person doesn’t get their second dose, there’s no guarantee at all that the immunization will work,” Bonorino said.

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Kaieteur News

The PPP/C Government says the gas-to-shore project is good for Guyana, that the pros outweigh the cons. If so, let them show us the evidence.

Show the people the financial studies you did which prove that this project is sound. Prove that you are not leading Guyanese into another debt trap.

Show the people that this will not be another white elephant like the US$200M Skeldon factory.

Stop treating Guyanese like fools and earn their trust for their megaproject.

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Saturday April 24, 2021

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14 ExxonMobil workers Former UG Registrar urges test positive for COVID-19 Govt. to address fundamental

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xxonMobil Guyana's Advisor on Public and Government Affairs, Janelle Persaud, confirmed with the media yesterday that 14 rotational workers supporting its operations offshore Guyana have tested positive for COVID-19.

Persaud said the 14 cases are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms at this time. The Advisor disclosed too, that these individuals have been appropriately isolated to limit the spread of the virus.

Further to this, it was noted that 11 remain in isolation on the Noble Tom Madden drill ship, while three have been transferred to appropriate isolation facilities onshore under the care and custody of their employer.

If necessary, Persaud said plans are in place to safely transport the remaining positive workers onshore while adding that

ExxonMobil Guyana's Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud safe and healthy workplaces remains a top priority for ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors. She noted too, that the oil giant has wellestablished processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease

outbreaks, which have allowed us to identify these cases early.

In April 2020, Persaud said ExxonMobil Guyana established COVID-19 prevention screening facilities in country and abroad to safely manage rotators coming in and departing the country.

Since this arrangement began, the Advisor said the company successfully transferred more than ten thousand persons without a positive case offshore. She was keen to note that there are medical personnel onboard our offshore facilities and they are taking necessary precautions to monitor the health of the workers and provide appropriate treatment and care.

While there are 14 confirmed cases, Persaud said operations at Exxon's six drill ships and the Liza Destiny FPSO remain unaffected at this time.

scholarship issues

F

ormer University of Guyana Registrar, Vincent Alexander, has underscored the need for fundamental issues to be addressed under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Initiative so that there is an effective rollout.

The GOAL initiative was introduced by the PPP/C administration, in keeping with its manifesto promise to grant 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese. In addition, it sees collaboration between the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Education for its implementation.

Given his expertise in the education sector, Alexander was able to make several key observations concerning the GOAL initiative and later posed pertinent questions to the Government.

In a letter carried in this newspaper's April 21, 2021 edition, Alexander highlighted that the Government has already kick-started the advertisement of the scholarships, yet many aspects are unclear. He first pointed out that the Government has indicated

there are two main aspects of the initiative; the administration, set to be executed by the Public Service Ministry and the management of the academic and technical aspects, which will be undertaken by the Ministry of Education.

The former Registrar highlighted that Guyana has years of experience administering scholarships offered at local and foreign institutions, so that aspect should not pose many challenges.

Be that as it may, Alexander said, “The intention of the Ministry to manage the academic and technical aspects of the programme poses questions regarding the proposed roles for the Ministry and GOAL. If the institutions are o ff e r i n g t h e s e o n l i n e programmes as they have traditionally delivered them, why does the Ministry need to be involved?”

Alexander further noted, that the advertised programmes range from six months technical and vocational programmes to Master's Degrees and the Government also indicated that the awardees would be

Former UG Registrar and Chairman of the NAC, Vincent Alexander guaranteed jobs in the public sector.

With that in mind, he furthered his inquires, asking whether the Government is “seriously contemplating” proffering jobs in the public sector to graduates who may just have a two-month certificate in “Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming for Rural Farmers” or a six-month certificate in “Motorcycle Service and Repair.”

“Those seem like programmes for practitioners, who might be self-employed or in the (continued on page 12)

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

PAGE 09

BIKINI FUNERAL A

bout 10 years ago, a pastor was so appalled at the attire he witnessed at funerals in Barbados that he indicated to those planning to attend future funerals that it was okay for them to wear whatever they pleased. He told them not to be restricted to wearing black and white coloured clothing.

The same thing may have to happen in Guyana.

Traditionally, the colours for mourning are black and white or dark maroon. Most Guyanese at funerals try to stick to these colour schemes.

However, it is not the colour coding that is presenting the problem but the style of some of the outfits worn by mourners.

There are men who are going to funerals dressed in banditos. In addition, whether it is raining or shining, a great many of the mourners at funerals don d a r k s h a d e s .

The headgear and shades are making about fashion rather than culture. With this display of fashion, sobriety is being thrown out of the window.

You sometimes wonder whether some of the female mourners are dressed for a funeral or whether they are dressed for a party. If you attend a funeral these days, you will find that many female mourners are wearing evening clothes and some of these outfits are far from modest. They leave

Dem

boys seh...

A

Minister get shoot-up 15 years ago and he family still asking fuh inquiry. Dem boys feel sad about what happen to dat family. Was a bloody and frightening night of terror.

People calling fuh inquiry into de death of de Minister and he family members. But dem forget a dog also get killed in de melee.

Is a lot of tragedy happen to de Minister. When he was a lil boy, dem bin bun down he parents' home during de riots.

Knowing wah happen to him will ease his family pain. But dem boys believe dat he death tied up to dem

little to the imagination.

Many of these dresses worn are downright outrageous, with deep plunging necklines and short hemlines. There is a lot of cleavage and much leg on display, breaking with tradition, which dictated simplicity and modesty in funeral attire.

Things are changing and many old timers feel that there is a need for us to return to the basics when it comes to funerals.

Unfortunately, we may have long passed that stage.

We may in fact be entering a phase in which we are unable to distinguish between a wake house and a party, whether someone is dressed for requiem service or a night out at the discotheque.

Inhibitions are being let go when it comes to funerals.

There used to be a time, for example, when if a criminal died, persons would be embarrassed to be seen at his funeral. The onlookers used to outnumber the mourners because even close friends used to be ashamed to be seen at the funeral of a criminal.

Not anymore. In fact, many persons now take great pride in being seen at the funerals of those associated with criminal wrongdoing.

Moreover, they are keen not just to be seen at these funerals, but they dress in a way to make themselves very noticeable. Some of them relish the occasion, often making an exhibition

of themselves by their dress and behaviour.

What we are seeing is a change in our value-systems.

The funerals of criminals are now occasions for grand processions and partying.

Loud music and elaborate dress are on display and alcohol is freely consumed both during and after the funeral.

In the old days, you could not see a beer bottle at the b u r i a l g r o u n d . To d a y persons stand outside the church consuming alcohol.

Beers are distributed at the funeral parlour. And when the funeral procession is moving, drinking takes place and loud music can be heard.

There also used to be a time when a funeral procession was underway that persons would either tip or take their hats or caps off out of respect for the dead.

These days, persons are attending funerals with all manner of things on their heads and there is no tipping of hats when a funeral procession passes.

In fact, no one now gives way to a funeral procession.

In the old days when a funeral procession was passing, drivers not in the procession stopped to give the procession the right of way. These days, no respect is shown to funeral processions.

B u t t h e m o s t disconcerting aspect which no doubt triggered the response of that pastor from Barbados concerns the

Biscuit and Skinny nah talking! gunmen wah Kwayana used to call de Taliban. After de talk show man bin get kill, dem bin had gun salute at de back of wan village fuh he.

Soon after dem gunmen invade de Minister residence. And people used to seh was retaliation fuh de killing of de talk show host.

Soulja boy bin promise de family fuh do an inquiry.

But after wah happen with de Rodney inquiry and what dat reveal, he mussy decide fuh change he mind. Yuh never know wah would come out and who woulda get expose.

Dem boys remember dat Skinny and Biscuit bin getting charged fuh de

murder. And Skinny dead with Fineman. And Biscuit had 'sugar' and he slipped into a fatal coma. So death robbed both of dem of facing justice.

De police bin seh how de case close because dem nah gat mo information. So dem boys nah understand how people drinking de propaganda soup about nobody getting charge. People were charged and de police gat statement implicating dem wah get charge.

De shooting-up of de Minister had de signature of Fineman and he gang, after de death of dem mentor, de talk show man.

Talk half and stay silent!

outfits that are worn at funerals. Some mourners need an education about how to dress at funerals.

Given the price of some of the outfits on display at funerals, including highheeled shoes, it cannot be a case of those persons who are inappropriately dressed

not having any other clothing to wear. The cost of the accessories alone can refinance an entire wardrobe.

What we are seeing is a case of a break with tradition and it is always sad because traditions are so important.

One day someone is going to

turn up at a funeral in a bikini.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday April 24, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Why did David say that coalition leaders must never have power again?

H ere are the words of David Hinds from his Facebook post that was sent to me. I have dealt with other aspects of this post (see my column - Thursday April 15, 2021, “Did the government this year try to bribe Dr. David Hinds?”); “I have had my difficulties with the Coalition in and out of government. I hope such people never again get near to political power.”

To the thousands who may vote for them again, I suppose David has an obligation to analyse these coalition misfits. But on reading that statement, confusions cascaded in my mind. Morality is and should be the driving force behind

humans.

If we do not possess morality in some form no matter how diluted, the world will die; it simply cannot survive the Hobbesian state of nature. If David Hinds was in Region Five in September of last year when that 16-year-old girl was attacked during the mayhem of PNC rioters after the Cotton Tree murders of the two cousins, I have no doubt he would have tried to save her.

We h a v e m o r a l obligations to our fellow humans. So to the thousands of young people who will in 2025 vote for those very politicians that David believe should never see power again, he needs to

elaborate. But more than that, he opens himself to serious questioning of his morality.

When did he discover that these coalition leaders are unfit for power? He campaigned to put them back in power. He and I had a choice of 10 opposition parties. I opted out of support for PPP, PNC and AFC. I chose Lenox Shuman's party and telegraphed my thoughts through this page long before March 2, 2020. I voted for another party other than the PPP and APNU+AFC because I felt creating a minority government was a strategic option.

What direction David took? He campaigned for

APNU+AFC and was in fact, an election candidate as he was in 2015. Now he tells G u y a n e s e m a n y APNU+AFC leaders are unfit to hold power again.

Please tell us why? Did they steal from the treasury? Did they molest Guyana's women folks? Did they lack compassion for the poverty of the poorer classes?

Since the coalition was PNC, AFC and WPA, David s h o u l d d o a compartmentalisation analysis. Which party he has in mind or is he collapsing all of them? If it is the latter, then WPA is in his focus.

Since he, David, sits in the defunct executive of the WPA, he needs to settle with Walter Rodney and record for history his analysis of the WPA in power, 2015-2020.

After 2015, the WPA had one parliamentarian in the parliament, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who was a senior Cabinet minister. Dr. Wazir Mohamed of the WPA overseas group came home to work with Roopnaraine.

Dr. Clive Thomas held two powerful positions – head of the government's anti-

corruption unit (SARA) and chairman of GuySuCo. Dr. Frederick Kissoon Maurice Odle held the knows that the ruling party is formidable office of chairman of NICIL. Tabitha unfit to have power but he Sarabo-Halley later became campaigned to have them Minister of the Public win again.

How he can prevent Service. Dr. Roopnaraine's common-law wife, Joycelyn destruction when he wants Dow, was very influential at them back in power? It is not the highest echelons of best to channel your energies to see unfit people from any government.

My question is: are these side be kept from controlling people part of David's the government or stay clear mental vision of being from the situation so when excluded from state power the destruction comes your ever again? If yes, does he conscience is clear. I did not see an obligation to Walter give my vote to the PPP or Rodney to publish his the PNC. I hope the Irfaan Ali knowledge of the betrayal of revolutionary politics that presidency works out for Walter gave his life for? We Guyana. I see nothing to deter come now to the PNC and me from wishing Dr. Ali the AFC. Is he referring to both best in the future. I believe he or just the AFC and not the was legally elected along with the PPP party. I am not going WPA and PNC? Let us assume he has to spend my coming years only the AFC in mind then he like David crying about should withdraw the term, rigged elections because the “coalition leaders.” My world said the March 2020 conclusion is that he means election result was fair.

(The views expressed in the coalition in general to include PNC, AFC and this article are those of the WPA. Something has to be a u t h o r a n d d o n o t wrong with a man who says necessarily reflect the he loves his country and he opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Dental Council urges Attorney General to review outdated law A

ttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., met yesterday with members of the Dental Council of Guyana regarding the need to have a review of the Dental Registration Act (1996) as it is deemed outdated and ineffective to properly regulate the sector.

At the meeting, members of the Council highlighted the various deficiencies in the legislation, including the inability to competently register and discipline those who fall within the purview of the law.

Taking the points raised into consideration, the Attorney General committed that the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel will collaborate with the Dental Council in a concerted enterprise to look at similar laws in the Region and to craft recommendations to modernise and strengthen the current Act. The Attorney General emphasised that at the appropriate time all relevant stakeholders will be consulted, stressing that consultation remains a hallmark of this Administration.

Attorney General, Mohabir Nandlall, S.C., (seated at the head table) during his engagement with members of the Dental Council

Arakaka woman “Condign action” will follow found dead in home if GuyOil probe confirms corruption - Senior Minister T he body of Shelly Roberts who resided within the Arakaka village, BarimaWa i n i , w a s f o u n d o n Thursday last by residents.

The woman is believed to be in her early 50s.

Ms. Roberts reportedly lived alone at the time.

When her son Mark Gonpat was contacted last night, he said that the last time he had heard from his mom, she complained of suffering from headaches and a fever.

Due to this, he said that his mother had visited a nearby medical centre. Ms.

GuyOil's former General Manager, Trevor Bassoo

S

enior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, says the Government will take “condign action” if an Auditor General's probe unearths any irregularity at the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil).

The Minister made this statement yesterday on the sideline of a ceremony observing the 100th Anniversary of The Dharm Shala, Home of Benevolence for all Races, situated in Albouystown, Georgetown.

“We have absolutely no tolerance in this Government for any corrupt practices and we would, of

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

course, be guided by the results of the audit,” Dr. Singh said. The Minister had requested an urgent audit after meeting the GuyOil Board of Directors to seek clarity on hearing news of a “scandal” there.

Media reports have said that Aaron Realty Incorporated (ARI) claimed it is left with a large quantity of fuel on hand after senior GuyOil officials allegedly made commitments to purchase the fuel. Though the dealer reportedly claims to have evidence, the Senior Minister said GuyOil's executives have told him otherwise.

“The Board repeatedly emphasised that there is no contract with the company in

question and that while there may have been by some parties connected to the company, or some officials connected to the company, there might have been some communication with the company, that there was no contract concluded with the company at any point in time. The Board made that very clear to me,” Dr. Singh said.

Despite these assurances, the Minister said he requested a special audit of the operations. GuyOil's General Manager, Mr. Trevor Bassoo, has since tendered his resignation to the Board and an interim sub-committee was appointed to manage the company's operations.

Roberts had allegedly taken a malaria test.

The woman was supposed to return for her results but never did.

Kaieteur News was told that a fowl stench from her home led residents to investigate, following which, they found the woman's decomposing body.

Gonpat relayed to Kaieteur News that his mother was a prominent member of the village for 12 years. He said she was also a “baheer” which is Portuguese for chef and would have provided her services to the village.

ExxonMobil joins with...

From page 3 creation “can and will be achieved for those who are willing and prepared to invest the required effort.”

This is in addition to transforming the nation into the business and manufacturing hub for the region.

He cautioned however, that the prospect of achieving the objectives is contingent on developing a cadre of vibrant professionals, complemented by a strong industrial and manufacturing sector.

Another child raped in Region One by relative

R

egion One detectives are investigating another case of the alleged rape of a minor. That incident was reported on Thursday.

According to police, the child was reportedly sexually abused by her relative. No mention was made regarding the arrest of the suspect.

Last month, Kaieteur News had reported that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) received several reports of child sexual abuse cases in Region One. Regional Commander, Khalid Mandall, highlighted too that rape of minors is a major concern in his district.

The Head of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene, had promised to conduct a sensitisation exercise in the Region. This initiative would be focused on reducing child sexual abuse in Region One.

Former UG Registrar urges...

From page 8 Private Sector,” he posited.

Alexander also pointed to the fact that many of the advertised programmes at the Bachelor's level require 'A' level or Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualifications.

In light of that, he asked if Guyana's school system is producing a sufficient

number of persons with those qualifications, or whether the number of persons accessing those programmes is limited.

Additionally, since in future years many persons will complete the six-month Bachelor Preparatory Programme being offered under GOAL, there is also uncertainty as it relates to the required 'A' level and CAPE qualifications for entry into

Bachelor programmes and whether that programme will gain persons entry.

The afore m e n t i o n e d i s s u e s were among the many stressed in Alexander's letter.

He has affirmed that in the interest of developing an effective scholarship initiative, his questions require urgent answers and (or) attention.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

PAGE 13

OMAI contract still shrouded in secrecy as company boasts of finding more gold D

espite it being approximately six months since Omai Gold Mines Limited (OMGL) would have returned to Guyana, the nation is still in the dark about the contract signed with the Government.

The company had closed up shop in Guyana in 2005 after operating since 1992, leaving its Wenot Pit operations located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) dormant. Upon departure, its holdings passed from the C a n a d i a n c o m p a n y, Cambior Resources to its parent company IAMGOLD and then made its way into the hands of Mahdia Gold Corporation.

Now, a new company named Avalon Private Investment Holdings, whose Guyanese subsidiary is Avalon Gold Exploration has picked up where they left off to find more gold. In fact, it is already showing good prospects for itself since Omai has already announced that it has found high-grade gold on separate occasions since drilling began.

On December 16, 2020, the company announced a massive discovery of highgrade gold in the Wenot pit

originating from unassayed core from a 2012 drilling programme that was preserved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. It had said, “ Vi s i b l e g o l d w a s encountered in hole 12WED11.

Highest assay values include 29.19 g/t Au (grams of gold per tonne ) over one meter from 460 to 461 meters. Hole 12WED13 intersected 4.5 meters of 2.93 g/t Au from 54 to 58.5 meters to the south of the Wenot Pit in sedimentary rocks, where there has been no previous exploration.”

Fast forward, on We d n e s d a y, O m a i announced another highgrade gold find at two holes, “21ODD-001” and “21ODD-002” and also confirmed that there is highgrade mineralization continuing below the pit, at least 100 metres down.

In light of the discovery, the company's Chief Executive Officer, Mario Stifano was quoted as saying, “We are pleased with our assay results from the first two holes we drilled at Omai, that complement(s) the assay results we announced in February.

An Omai pit in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) These results demonstrate that the grades and thicknesses of gold mineralization continue at least 100 to 150 meters below the historicallyproducing Wenot Pit, and remain open to depth and on strike. We look forward to updating our stakeholders with further results from our 5,000-meter drill program in the coming months.”

But as the company

boasts about its prospects, a fundamental question remains unanswered. What benefits will Guyana reap?

Surely that question cannot be answered given that the contract remains shrouded in secrecy, which brings attention to another issue.

Since Guyana is an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) member, under which it is encouraged to publicize

all natural resources, contracts and licences that provide the terms attached to the exploitation of oil, gas and minerals, it would be expected that such a requirement is willingly executed.

H o w e v e r, s i n c e n o contract has been seen to date, there is a clear violation of Guyana's contractual obligations to the EITI. It must also be noted, that

since its operations kickstarted in 1992, OMGL's operations led to severe environmental damage, which includes a massive cyanide spill that saw over 400 million gallons of cyanide-laced material being emptied into the Omai River and into then, the Essequibo River which is the country's largest river. That spill was said to have left Guyana to face severe environmental, ecological, social, economic and political repercussions.

The company also benefitted from lucrative tax, fuel and vehicular concessions amounting to millions of Guyanese dollars and even as it extracted around 3.7 million ounces of gold during its succession, Guyana only raked in a mere five per cent in royalties.

Given all that has occurred over the years with the nation's natural resources, and the fact that this company has yet again returned with no transparency being provided.... two more important questions linger.

When will it end? When will Guyana finally see the government being transparent and reap its fair share?

Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Two Queen's College students top CSEC, CAPE

The Top CSEC student, Bhedesh Persaud

T

he Ministry of Education y e s t e r d a y announced that two Queen's College students have topped the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations.

The holder of the top spot for the CSEC examination is Bhedesh Persaud, who secured 22 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Persaud said he is extremely elated and grateful for his results while adding

The Top CAPE student, Zane Ramotar

that the challenges of the COVID-19 did not affect his focus. “When the pandemic hit Guyana, my teachers transitioned rapidly online to cover the remainder of the syllabus and to do revision. It was not difficult for me to make that transition, because, for almost all of my subjects, most of the syllabus was covered before the pandemic hit,” Persaud noted.

As for Zane Ramotar, who secured the top spot for the CAPE examination, he told Kaieteur News that he is “extremely ecstatic” about his performance. He said, “I really wanted to top an exam

since forever,” adding that he would have “fallen short” at the National Grade Six Assessment where he placed 6th in the country. He also stated that he did not push as hard as he wanted for CSEC, so he felt as though CAPE was his last chance.

Another Queen's College student, Christian Pile, secured third place for the CAPE examination. As he spoke with this newspaper he said, “I definitely feel proud of everything I would have been able to accomplish thus far in my academic career. I worked extremely hard over the past two years in both

The second place CAPE student, Naomi Cambridge lower and upper sixth form at QC so I'm happy that all my effort and energies paid off in the end.” He further stated that he wouldn't have had a n y o f t h e s e accomplishments without God's guidance and the support of his parents, teachers and friends.

Naomi Cambridge, the second-place student of the St. Rose's Secondary School, stated that she was quite overwhelmed upon hearing the news but she is still grateful. She also spoke about the challenges the COVID-19 brought, saying, “With COVID, CAPE 2020

The third place CAPE student, Christian Pile

was a challenging and tumultuous period...” She is nonetheless happy to have made it through with great success.

The other top students for CSEC are as follows: 2. Duvina Seurattan - Anna Regina Secondary School 19 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 3. Swasti Saytoo - Anna Regina Secondary School 18 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos 4. Geveshwar Rajkishore Saraswati Vidya Nikitan - 18 Grade Ones, one Grade Two 5. Reyan Khemraj - JC Chandisingh Secondary

School - 17 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos 6. Shivnarine Chaitraim Saraswati Vidya Nikitan - 17 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 7. Shivshankar Chaitram Saraswati Vidya Nikitan - 17 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos 8. Atishta Seenarine Saraswati Vidya Nikitan - 17 Grade ones, one Grade Two 9. Chaitra Singh - Saraswati Vidya Nikitan - 16 Grade ones, three Grade Twos 10. Tabitha Alves - Abrams' Zuil Secondary School - 16 Grade Ones, four Grade Twos

Bus driver who ran cop with cutlass jailed for 12 months

S

pending the next 12 months in prison will be the bus driver who ran a policeman with a cutlass on Tuesday.

The defendant, Collin White, appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where he was slapped with a total of 14 charges.

Nine of them were trafficrelated while the remaining five were criminal charges.

White pleaded guilty to four of the criminal charges and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He was also fined $10,000 and further remanded on the fifth criminal charge. In relation to the nine traffic charges, White pleaded guilty to one and was fined $7,500. For the remaining eight he was placed on a total of $240,000 cash bail.

White had entered the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts around 10:15 hrs. He was first escorted to Court Seven where he appeared before Magistrate, Clive Nurse.

There, he was charged with four counts of dangerous driving, one count of failure to wear a seatbelt,

Screen grab from a video recording of the bus driver running Connelly with a cutlass

breach of condition of prescribed fitness, failure to wear a facemask, Conduct of Driver (Breach) and failure to give right of way. He pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated, that he failed to wear a seatbelt and was fined $7,500. He pleaded not guilty to the other eight charges.

After leaving Court

Seven, White was taken to Court Two to be charged criminally by Magistrate, Leron Daly. The five criminal charges he received there were carrying an offensive weapon (the cutlass), resisting arrest, using indecent language, threatening behaviour and disorderly behaviour.

White pleaded guilty to

carrying a cutlass and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He also admitted that he resisted arrest and was sentenced to six months imprisonment. The bus driver accepted that he used indecent language as well and was fined $10,000.

White further pleaded guilty to the use of threatening behaviour and he was sentenced to another six months in jail. He will serve the three sentences concurrently.

Furthermore, White does not believe that his behaviour was disorderly and was remanded for that charge. He is expected to return to Court Seven on May 17, 2021, to stand trial for the Traffic-related charges. White will also

reappear in Court Two on May 23, 2021 to stand trial for disorderly behaviour.

According to reports, White had chased a cop identified as Constable Edwin Connelly with a cutlass on Tuesday April 20, 2021. The incident took place around 13:15 hrs. on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

Police had reported that its ranks arrested White on the same day the incident occurred and had placed him in the police lock-ups.

In a recorded cellphone video, Connelly was seen in a heated exchange with the driver and a woman appearing to act as peacemaker between the two men. As the argument intensified, the driver exited the bus and walked around to

the passenger door. He returned with a cutlass in his hand and chased Connelly.

Some construction workers who were close by intervened and held the bus driver back – he advanced one more time but the peacemakers who were still holding on to him calmed him down and he eventually walked away.

Connelly had alleged that he stopped the bus driver on Homestretch Avenue because of his (the bus driver) reckless driving.

He reportedly asked the man to produce his driver's licence but he refused and drove away. The policeman said he then decided to pursue the bus and managed to stop him again on Sherriff Street.

Health Ministry records 214 new COVID-19 cases

T

he Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday recorded 214 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of Guyana's confirmed cases to 12,448. According to the MoH daily dashboard, 16 patients are currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 21

persons are now in institutional quarantine, 70 in institutional isolation and 1,466 in home isolation.

Additionally, a total of 10,619 persons have since recovered, while a total of 277 persons have since died after testing positive for the novel Coronavirus.

Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

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From page 2 investments, (and) putting these people to work, the United States sets out on a road to cut the greenhouse gases in half by the end of this decade; these steps will set America on a path to net zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.”

The US President conceded however, “the truth is, America represents less than 15 percent of the world emissions; no nation can solve this crisis on their own; all of us, particularly those who

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Saturday April 24, 2021

Kaieteur News

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represent the world's largest economy we have to step up.”

As such, President Biden exhorted, “those who invest in a clean energy future will win the good jobs of tomorrow and make their economies more resilient and more competitive, let's run that risk.”

According to Biden, “this is the decade we must make decisions that will avoid the worst crisis.”

The talks on Wednesday between the US Government and the CARICOM bloc of nations, ended months of division among the 15-member grouping over the former US administration's campaign to

isolate the government of Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro.

This publication understands that there was "brief mention" of Guyana's border controversy with Venezuela that is being adjudicated by the UN's court—the International Court of Justice, according to Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Todd.

Additionally, the discussions at the meeting focused broadly around the Covid-19 pandemic and its health and economic fallout, recovery of the regional economy, climate change and democracy, hu-

man rights and security.

The CARICOM Ministers as such, took the opportunity to urge the US to assist with access to much needed vaccines, which was an imperative for the region to emerge from the economic devastation caused by the pandemic.

Secretary of State, Blinken, in his remarks, stressed his determination to strengthen cooperation and co-ordination and stated, that he would engage with his colleague US Cabinet Secretaries on the issues of mutual interest raised by the CARICOM Ministers.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

Alleged serial rapist committed to stand trial, granted $250,000 High Court bail - Still on remand for another rape charge

PAGE 17

Clay brick factory, 46 acres of prime lands up for sale …NICIL says interested parties must sign confidentiality agreement first

Still in prison, alleged serial rapist, Thurston Semple

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lleged serial rapist, 37-yearold Thurston Semple, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court for allegedly raping a sex worker. He was placed on $250,000 High Court bail for that offence.

However, Semple, a taxidriver of Lot 5A, Tucville Te r r a c e , G e o r g e t o w n , remains in prison since he is still to answer for a similar charge involving another woman. This was confirmed with the Director of Prison (Ag), Nicklon Elliott.

Semple who has since a c q u i r e d l e g a l representation, appeared yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate, Faith McGusty. The judicial officer committed him to stand trial in the High Court for allegedly raping a Venezuelan woman. This was done in the form of a paper committal.

According to reports, on March 5, 2021, Semple was slapped with his fourth rape charge and was remanded to prison for that offence.

Kaieteur News had reported that he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that between February 24, 2021, and February 25, 2021, at Lot 5A, Tucville Terrace, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman, without her consent.

It was reported that on February 24, 2021, around 23:30 hrs at Robb and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, the woman was standing on the road smoking a cigarette when Semple drove up beside her and offered her a job. It was reported that the woman agreed to have sexual intercourse with Semple for $10,000. After the agreement

was made, the woman got into Semple's car and he reportedly took her to his home, where they had sex.

However, Semple and the woman later got into a misunderstanding, which allegedly caused him to remove the condom from his penis. He reportedly armed himself with a knife, then allegedly raped and sodomised the woman at knifepoint. The woman managed to escape from Semple by breaking and jumping through the louvre windows at the front of his house. It is alleged that Semple then pursued the woman and repeatedly battered her in his yard. An alarm was raised and neighbours managed to intervene.

The police were called in and an ambulance subsequently arrived on the scene. The woman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she was hospitalised for three days.

She reportedly suffered a fractured rib, lacerations to the face, and multiple cuts about her body.

The victim was able to make a report and Semple was arrested. He was subsequently charged and remanded. While he was on remand, another Venezuelan woman came forward to share her horrifying encounter with the serial rapist. This incident occurred on July 30, 2020. Kaieteur News had reported that she was allegedly beaten into submission and endured several hours of sexual torture.

It should be noted that Semple is before the court for three other alleged rape charges, which occurred in August 2017 and January 2018.

Inside the abandoned clay brick factory up for sale again

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he National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), is looking to dispose of more properties under its control and has since signalled its intention to sell off the old clay brick factory along with its lands.

The intended sale was advertised by NICIL in yesterday's daily newspapers. It called for proposals from interested persons or companies, either individually or as part of a joint venture or consortium, with technical expertise and extensive experience “with any viable and suitable business venture for the redevelopment of the factory” and its associated lands.

Additionally, NICIL is also looking to dispose of the adjoining 31 acres of land being part of Plot L Plantation, Mon Desir, West

Bank Demerara (WBD).

The lands advertised to be sold with the clay brick factory, is said to be just about 16 acres bringing the total acreage up for sale, to 46.

According to the terms under which the request for proposal is being made, interested parties upon registering, will have to sign a confidentiality undertaking with NICIL. The government agency said a letter of authority will then be issued for a site visit in order to complete proposals.

The clay brick factory was constructed during the 1970's through loans that were provided by China between 1972 and 2003. It took up some 46 acres of land and was built on part of what used to be Plantation Mon Desir, located in Canal # 2, WBD and would have employed several hundred

persons over the years.

The factory was later shuttered, purportedly due to the competition it faced with concrete blocks.

NICIL back in 2014 had attempted, to no avail, to dispose of the factory and its 46 acres of land.

At the time, NICIL had called for a detailed proposal that includes a vision for development of an identified and appropriate industry.

The now infamous confidentially agreement was also proposed to be

executed with all persons submitting proposals, according to NICIL. It had also requested proof of financial capability, background information, a five-year Business Plan including investment timeline, source of financing employment, proposed lease rental costs, training and employment considerations and all (if any) assumptions of the interested person.

It has not called for similar criteria to be met this time around.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

Saturday April 24, 2021

Jongwe snatches four wickets in historic Zimbabwe victory AFP - Zimbabwe beat Pakistan for the first time in a Twenty20 international yesterday, with four-wicket Luke Jongwe the star of a shock 19-run triumph at Harare Sports Club.

A maiden victory in 16 attempts seemed unlikely when the tourists restricted the hosts to a meagre 118-9 with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (34) the only batsman to impress.

But right-arm medium pacer Jongwe (4-18) wreaked havoc and Zimbabwe bowled out Pakistan for 99 in 19.5 overs.

It was the lowest total defended in a T20 international in Harare and victory for Zimbabwe levelled the three-match series at 1-1 ahead of the decider at the same venue tomorrow.

Pakistan arrived in

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Kaieteur News

Luke Jongwe returned 4 for 18, the best in T20Is by a Zimbabwe bowler. (Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images) Zimbabwe brimming with confidence after completing a double in South Africa, winning a one-day international series 21 and a T20 series 3-1.

A T20 victory at home has been a long time coming for Zimbabwe as they last

succeeded five years ago, against India.

“It was big turnaround for us after the first game,” said Brendan Taylor, the stand-in captain for rested Sean Williams, referring to the recovery from a 11-run loss in the first match two

Saturday April 24, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Whether you acknowledge it or not, there's a child inside you who needs tending, Aries. You're proud of the person you've become - and well you should be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today could be a turning point for you, Libra. Is it possible that you've finally learned how to say no?

You're the one everyone asks for help.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Think of today as a wellearned rest day, Taurus. You're usually the one people turn to when they need consolation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today's planetary positions urge you to assert yourself, Scorpio, but take care not to take this encouragement too far. You tend to go a bit overboard when making a point.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today take stock of all that's occurring on the home front, Gemini. Think back over the last few months and you will see how much of your attention has been on work rather than loved ones.

CANCER(June21–July22) Think long and hard before making commitments, Cancer.

Much is at stake, especially where your love life is concerned. It's likely that a proposal is coming your way.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You have a strong creative component to your personality. You should use it more.

Today's planetary positions will influence both your creativity and productivity.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You're highly sensitive and highly intellectual, Capricorn. This is a wonderful combination and part of what makes you a superstar.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will be busy today. Nevertheless, you still may end the day with your desk piled high with projects - not because you're unproductive, but rather because you're popular and your work is valued.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may be inclined to stay in bed today with the latest best seller, Aquarius. Who wouldn't want to spend the day this way? Alas, that isn't going to happen.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You've been working exceptionally hard, Virgo. Today is a good day to recharge your batteries. It seems everyone wants a piece of you. You may have reached the point where you have nothing left to give.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have a lot to offer, Pisces.

Everyone appreciates what you have to contribute. Yet you've been unable to give yourself credit for all that you've accomplished.

days ago.

“I would be lying if I said I was confident after our batting, but we dug deep and managed to squeeze Pakistan and our commitment and determination got us over the line.” Set a run-aball victory target, Pakistan lost star opener Mohammad Rizwan for only 13 and Azam (41) was the lone batsman to offer much resistance. Jongwe captured the prized wickets of Rizwan and Azam, and those of Haris Rauf and Arshad Iqbal as the Pakistan tail collapsed.

Rizwan, who made 82 in the first international, faced only 18 balls and hit one four before being caught by Tarisai Musakanda as Jongwe claimed his first victim.

Fellow opener Azam struck five fours and then became the fourth Pakistan batsman to fall, leaving the tourists on 78-4 after 15.5 overs. With wickets falling cheaply, the tourists began the final over on 99-7 and needing 20 runs to snatch a dramatic victory. But instead of a run fest, the wickets of Usman Qadir, Rauf and Iqbal fell without any addition to the scoreboard. Earlier, opener Kamunhukamwe starred for Zimbabwe with his contribution including four fours in a 60-minute stand.

His innings ended when caught by Azam off the bowling of Danish Aziz, who was making his second appearance for the tourists.

Fellow opener Taylor, who missed the first match due to illness, lasted only seven balls before being caught by Mohammad Hafeez off a Faheem Ashraf delivery for five. Six Pakistan bowlers captured wickets with Mohammad Hasnain (2-19) and Aziz (2-29) the most successful. After the T20 series, Zimbabwe and Pakistan will play two Tests in Harare, beginning on April 29 and May 7.

Scores: Zimbabwe 118 for 9 (Kamunhukamwe 34, Hasnain 2-19) beat Pakistan 99 (Babar 41, Jongwe 4-18, Burl 2-21) by 19 runs.

‘I had to fill his shoes’ - South Africa bowler Ngidi credits work done with Windies star Bravo for outstanding display SportsMax - South African and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler, Lungi Ngidi, has credited West Indies T20 star Dwayne Bravo with playing a pivotal role in his strong start to the 2021 IPL season.

The towering speedster earned widespread plaudits after putting together an extraordinarily economical 3 for 28, in a high-scoring encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.

With some 422 runs scored in the match, Ngidi, who was tasked with death bowling duties after replacing Bravo in the lineup, had a solid economy rate of 7.00.

The South African’s skills and variations were on full display after he trapped

an attacking Dinesh Karthik with a slower ball dismissal, a delivery that would surely have pleased his West Indian tutor.

“There was a lot of pressure, Bravo has been doing very well for CSK. So, I had to come in and fill his shoes,” Ngidi told the IPL’s official website.

“I have worked very closely with Bravo on the slower bowls at the death.

One of the slower bowls he has been teaching me for a long time came off and got us a wicket.”

In the end, CSK won by 18 runs, in no small part thanks to Faf Du Plessis’ brutal, unbeaten 95 from 60 deliveries. The 37-year-old Bravo was rested for the encounter, due to workload concerns.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday April 24, 2021

GAPLF Novice & Junior Championship/2021 Qualifiers on tomorrow at Saints

Wazim Mohamed competing in 2019. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Nadina Tahrally squats 135.5kg, 298.7lbs. (Franklin Wilson photo)

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part from the new kids on the block seeking to burst onto the powerlifting scene in style as well as a few who might not have made the cut first time around, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Novice and Junior

Championships tomorrow would also serve as qualifiers for the 18th Annual North American Regional Powerlifting Championships (NAPF) set for Orlando, Florida, USA from August 17 – 21.

The venue is the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, Brickdam

which has become the #1 venue for the Federation over the past few years.

Lift off time is as early as 08:00hrs with the weighin set to commence at 06:00hrs and conclude at 07:30hrs.

No spectators would be allowed at the event in keeping with ciovid-19

protocols and precautions as set out by the National Covid-19 Task Force which would have granted permission to the GAPLF to bring off these championships.

Tomorrow’s action would be streamed live.

Each competing gym would be allowed one coach

to work along with their respective athletes and this is so as a result of covid-19.

Meanwhile, among the athletes who be guest lifting with a view of making the weights to be selected for the Guyana team to the NAPF Championships later this year are Paul Adams, Wazim Mohamed, Nadina

Taharally, Franklyn Brisport and Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ PettersonGriffith.

All the athletes who would have made the GAPLF’s 2020 shortlist must now re-qualify in order to be eligible to compete at the NAPF Championships in August.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

PAGE 21

GTTA announces training squad for Pan Am qualifiers GTTA shortlists players for panam championships qualifiers.

Kaysan Ninvalle.

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iguel Wong, who has been outspoken in the media of late, and other talented athletes, will get a chance to prove their skill sooner rather than later when the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) hosts a trial tournament to select the teams that will represent Guyana at the upcoming qualifying tournament for the Panam youth championships.

The qualifiers and event will cater only for singles

with no rooms for doubles and mixed doubles.

T h e P a n a m Yo u t h championships will be held in Cali, Colombia from September 9-19 and the qualification event will be held in San Jose, Costa Rica on May 12 & 13. However, a date is yet to be determined for the trials but the shortlisted players read: Males Kaysan Ninvalle, Jamal Nicholas, Colin Wong, Isaiah Layne, Terrance Rausch, Krystain Sahadeo,

Curtis McKae, Kyle Chung, Yudestir Persaud and Miguel Wong.

Females Jasmine Billinghi (national 21 and under champion), Crystal Melville (girls 18-years and under national champion), Thuria Thomas (15-years and under), Nkechi McRae, Samara Sukhai and Akira Watson.

This will be the first edition of the Panam youth championships and according to the event’s website, it will be contested in the under-23 category in over 25 disciplines with approximately 3500 athletes set to compete.

Option Group on board with “cricket gears for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” project Option Group of the USA has joined hands with Former Berbice Senior Cricketer, Former Berbice Cricket Board Executive and recently appointed Guyana Cricket Board Technocrat, Anil Beharry and Kishan Das of the USA in their drive to provide Cricket gears for young talented cricketers in Guyana who need assistance. The project which was conceptualize recently, will seek new and used cricket gears which will then be distributed free of cost.

Option Group now joins West Indian Sports Complex who only recently kick started the project.

Three pairs of batting pads, three pairs of batting gloves, three bats and one cricket bag with wheels were d o n a t e d . To t a l g e a r s collected so far; seven pairs of batting pads, seven bats,

The gear which was donated by Option Group. three batting gloves and one cricket bag.

Talent spotting will be done across Guyana along with guidance from club leaders to identify the players. Players must be in school and disciplined.

Players above school age will also be considered. The collaboration says thanks to

Imran and Javed Khan of We s t I n d i a n S p o r t s Complex, Option Group and sports Journalist and former National and Senior Berbice off spinner Sean Devers.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-6640896.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Marcus Keiler

Raynauth Jeffrey

Saturday April 24, 2021

USA based trio included in GCF shortlist of 10 for Elite Caribbean C/ships in Cuba Scott Savory

Michael Anthony

Christopher Griffith Via the Guyana Cycling News facebook page, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has informed that they have shortlisted ten (10) cyclists for the Elite Men’s Caribbean Time Trials and Road Race Championships set for Havana, Cuba on June 11th and 12th, next.

Jamual John, who rides for Team Foundation in the USA and winner of last Sunday’s 60-mile road race organised by Team Alanis, along with Foundation teammates Scott Savory and Raynauth Jeffrey are among the ten.

The other riders are We Stand United Cycle Club’s Brighton John who has been the leading local cyclist along with club-mates Andrew Hicks and Deeraj Garbarran. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith, Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club’s Michael Anthony, Roraima’s Alex Mendes and Marcus Keiler who is Unattached.

According to the GCF, the national championship which is the marquee event on

the racing calendar and set for May 22nd, 23rd and 30th, is the final litmus test for the cyclists after which the team would be cut to five (5).

It was also revealed by the Federation that both Jeffrey and Savory have committed to being in Guyana for Nationals which dates are subjected to being approved by the National Covid-19 Task Force.

The Time Trials, which will see all category of riders (females, juveniles, juniors, seniors, veterans) participating, are slated to be contested on May 22nd on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, a distance of 10miles as the cyclists race against the clock to see who would be crowned the fastest.

The senior road race would be contested on May 23rd a distance of 100-miles from the City to Linden and back, while May 30th is the date set for the female, juvenile, junior and veteran road races which would be contested at Mahaica, the distance is still to be confirmed according to the GCF.

GCB unveils Dave’s West Indian Imports & Exports Educational Trust Fund - 30 young players to benefit The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday launched the Dave West Indian Imports & Exports Educational Trust Fund in the GCB Boardroom, Regent Street.

Initially, some fifteen (15) young players from across Guyana were to benefit, but Mr. Dave Narine, Proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports, at yesterday’s launch, doubled that number to thirty (30); an impulsive decision which he deemed to be necessary.

This initiative will see a total of ten (10) Under-17 cricketers from each county being afforded the opportunity to benefit from $20,000 worth of school supplies to boost their academic pursuits.

Narine in his address spoke of his observation over the years, specifically the

difference with the quality of life afforded by those cricketers with an education, post their cricket career. He stressed that many with just talent usually fell by the wayside after their cricket careers were over, as the lack of education didn’t yield many other opportunities.

The Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund is meant to bridge that gap, prompting academic development. It is his dream to see Guyana wellrepresented in the West Indies team. His intention is to help motivate and aid young players by giving them the best chance to succeed.

Aligning with Narine’s vision to enhance the academics of players, Mr. H i l b e r t F o s t e r , Vi c e President of the Guyana Cricket Board, stressed the importance of education for

personal development, especially for players who are expected to understand and abide by playing conditions of the game.

Foster extended gratitude to Narine for sponsoring this significant undertaking by the GCB and for renewing sponsorship for the Under-15 competition.

Especially humbled by Narine’s contribution was GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh who noted the name, ‘Dave Narine’ is synonymous with the sport of cricket owing to his continual contribution towards youth cricket.

Singh stated that this initiative is a key indicator of their developmental plans to strengthen the game and transform its players, using a holistic approach whilst expressing gratitude to Narine for his commitment and sponsorship.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 24, 2021

PAGE 23

AAG pushes back 4th development meet due to rising covid-19 cases. (Calvin Chapman photo)

Ansa Mcal golf tourney set for today

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he Ansa McAl sponsored golf tournament is set for today at the Lusignan Golf course. The tournament will be contested using the medal play, shot gun format and will tee off at 12:00hrs.

Prizes will be given to the top three

Patrick Prashad (left) accepts the cheque from a representative of Ansa McAl. players with the best net overall, best net front and best net back 9.

Participants will be informed as to their designated tee box when they uplift their scorecard.

Participants are advised to uplift their scorecards 10 mins prior to the starting time.

Punjab end losing run beating Mumbai by 9 wickets in IPL

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul added 79 in an unbroken second-wicket stand, Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2021, Chennai, April 23, 2021 © BCCI/IPL CHENNAI, India (AP) — Punjab Kings ended a three-match losing streak and handed defending champions Mumbai Indians a nine-wicket thrashing in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

The Punjab battery set it up by limiting Mumbai to 131-6.

Captain Lokesh Rahul, 60 not out, Chris Gayle, 43 not out, and Mayank Agarwal, 25, knocked off the winning runs with 14 balls to spare.

Punjab joined Mumbai in mid-table with two wins from five matches.

Punjab made a whippy start taking 15 off Krunal Pandya’s first over. Agarwal played his part with 25 off 20 balls, including pulling Jasprit Bumrah over the fine

leg boundary.

Gayle joined Rahul at 53-1 in the eighth over, and they were tied down for five overs by wicket-earner Rahul Chahar and fellow spinner Jayant Yadav.

Then Gayle hit Yadav for successive boundaries, Rahul smoked Kieron Pollard over the fine leg fence, and the run rate required was comfortable again.

The batsmen finished it in a hurry when Gayle hit Trent Boult over deep midwicket and Rahul hit the fast bowler over long on and angled the winning runs to the third man boundary.

Rahul had three boundaries and three sixes, and Gayle five boundaries and two sixes.

Rohit Sharma and

S u r y a k u m a r Ya d a v threatened a decent total for Mumbai while they were together for 79 into the 17th over, but their departures in quick succession — Yadav to a top edge for 33 off 27 balls then Rohit for 63 off 52 — stymied the team ambition.

Mumbai scored only 344 off the last five overs, three overs being notably miserly from fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who conceded only 17-2 in that period.

Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Hooda and Moises Henriques also bowled very cheaply.

Scores: Punjab Kings 132 for 1 (Rahul 60*, Gayle 43*) beat Mumbai Indians 131 for 6 (Sharma 63, Yadav 33, Shami 2-21, Bishnoi 221) by nine wickets.

AAG pushes back 4th development meet

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he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) in a correspondence to Kaieteur Sport has revealed that the executive of the body has decided to postpone tomorrow ’s fourth development meet that was scheduled for the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) which is located on the West Coast of Demerara.

Speaking to Kaieteur Sport, the head of the AAG; Aubrey Hutson, revealed that the body decided to postpone the event due to the ever increasing covid-19 cases and related deaths in Guyana.

“We want to be extra careful, we don’t want to risk our athletes being infected, especially since we are almost at the business end of

the season in which they would be looking to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics,” Hutson explained.

Initially, the National Senior Championships were scheduled to be held since last week but in the best interest of the athletes, the organising body; the AAG, pushed it back until May month-end and announced that this year ’s fourth development meet would be hosted instead.

So far, Aliann Pompey Invitational 400m women’s champion Aliyah Abrams has been the only athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

However, National long jump record holder; Emanuel Archibald, who is one of the brighter prospects for qualification will miss

out on the 4th development meet since he is scheduled to depart Guyana this weekend for Jamaica where he is to have a higher level of competition.

Elsewhere, Guyanese athletes will be actively involved this weekend.

Joanna Archer will be outfitting for Texas Tech University in the 400m instead of her pet event the 800m. Last week, the former Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) athlete, who is constantly improving, clocked her personal best in the women’s 800m with a time of 2m 08s.

Meanwhile, middledistance starlet Andrea Foster will be up and about for Clemson University at the University of Central Florida track meet.

Ali makes good on his promise to GDA

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r. Raymond Ali of All S e a s o n s Racing Club and Owner of All Seasons Sports Club made good on his promise to the Georgetown Domino Association (GDA) when he handed over 50 boxes of Masks and 20 of Sanitisers yesterday at his establishment.

GDA Secretary, Mrs. Ann Thompson was on hand to receive the donation and thanked Mr. Ali and his company for the kind gesture and having the interest of players and supporters of the sport at heart.

Each venue will be given five boxes along with two bottles of sanitiser to help curb the spread of the worldwide covid-19

Mr. Raymond Ali hands over the Masks and Sanitisers to Secretary of the GDA, Mrs. Ann Thompson. pandemic.

GDA Vice President Hakim Hakh, who was also

on hand, also expressed gratitude to Ali on behalf of his fellow executives.