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PSC sees reduction NEWS in freight cost with GAICO's new US$7.5M dredge AIETEUR

Monday Edition April 25, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 16 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 72,920

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

Almost seven years later…

Guyana has no independent oil sector regulator; archaic laws still in place Guyanese think Govt. corrupt - US Human at all levels Rights report Businessman proposes water channels through Pomeroon farms to ease …says method cuts transportation flooding cost by almost 40% Dredge owner confesses to killing Lethem woman over “unfinished business” - given sound thrashing by inmates at Lusignan prison

ExxonMobil 'concerned' about US$13B investment in Stabroek Block if loses case to Glenn Lall Approval of Exxon’s 4th project is no doubt a sellout, furthering oil companies to rape this country of its resources, denying you of your rightful share of the oil proceeds and the chance of a better life

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

Suriname’s opposition demand answers on fish licences promise to Guyana

Govt. officials (seated right) informed Berbice fishermen about the delayed fishing licences last week.

The Surinamese government is under pressure to provide clear answers pertaining to 150 fishing licences promised to Guyanese.

Given the difficulties faced by local fishermen relating to alleged fish migration, low catches and reduced access to fishing grounds, government had opted to aid Guyanese to legitimately access Suriname’s fishing grounds through that country’s issuance of SK fishing licence to operate offshore the Dutch territory.

However, some fish folk in the neighbouring state are not too happy about the promises. Information out of the country is that opposition members want clear answers as to what exactly was promised to Guyana. They are adamant that no information was offered on the Guyana arrangement.

Failing to provide the licences which were set for January 1 last, the Surinamese opposition is upset that the country is looking bad since Guyanese continue to speak “harshly” about their failure to deliver on the promised licences.

“Mister President, have you or any of your ministers made concrete promises to the Guyanese side for 150 fishing licences? Suriname’s Opposition leader Rabin Parmessar (NDP) questioned last Thursday during a meeting of that country’s Parliament.”

The Surinamese government did not give a clear answer to the questions. This was to the resentment of opposition leader Parmessar, who has been asking for concrete information for months.

P a r m e s s a r, a f o r m e r A g r i c u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, accused the Surinamese government of making fun of the National Assembly.

What angers the politician, is that the president of Guyana and his minister for fisheries constantly have asserted that agreements have been made with the government of Suriname about the granting of 150 licences, and that there are proofs of those agreements.

The parliamentarian believes that if the Guyanese government members are telling untruths regarding the agreements, Paramaribo should protest strongly against this by summoning the ambassador of Guyana and offering a diplomatic

protest note.

Foreign Affairs Minister Albert Ramdin noted that the Guyanese ambassador has not been summoned, because this issue is being discussed and dealt with at a higher level with his Guyanese foreign affairs colleague. Ramdin indicated that historically, there have always been fishing activities by Guyanese fishermen off the coast of Suriname and on the Corentyne River.

Where appropriate, permission is granted to Guyana to carry out economic activities of its citizens on this river. “There are rules and we work with them,” the Minister had said.

Noting that a distinction must be made between licences for rivers (BV licences) intended for fishing on the Corentyne River and the so-called SK licences for coastal fishing, Ramdin said that an investigation is currently underway into permits officially issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, and its use “in the field”. “There are Guyanese who have legitimately applied for and received permits. There are certain rules for that and they have been observed.”

It appears however, that there are also permits in circulation that may have been copied from official permits and are used for several boats. “Each licence is given for one boat and you cannot use a licence for multiple boats” the minister informed. He said that there are strong indications that people in Suriname, both Guyanese and Surinamese, have legitimately received permits and have made improper use of them to represent several fishing boats.

The Opposition leader has nonetheless expressed grave dissatisfaction with the answers given by the president and the minister.

“The Guyanese side is putting a lot of pressure on us n a t i o n a l l y a n d internationally. We are seen internationally as jokers,” said Parmessar, while the government is “silent” and offers no official response.

“Why can’t we get a straight answer from the president?

We have a right to clarity.

Did the president make that promise there? Yes or no?

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a visit to Berbice a week ago told anxious fishermen that Continued on page 6

Kaieteur News

Monday April 25, 2022

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Almost seven years later…

Guyana has no independent oil sector regulator; archaic laws still in place

By Kiana Wilburg

M

ay 2022 will make seven years since Guyana is without an updated legislative and regulatory framework that is essential for the protection of the oil industry against mismanagement and corruption.

One of the key regulatory pieces that remain in limbo, is the Petroleum Commission Bill that would pave the way for the appointment of an independent regulator.

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, in a previous interview with this newspaper hammered home the importance of this crucial regulator while bemoaning the seeming unwillingness of the current government to get the ball rolling on this matter. In a brief note to Kaieteur News, Ram said, “The Government seems unwilling to set up an independent Petroleum Commission, and thereby remove the possibility of further secret deals and collusion between the politicians and the oil companies. One must not forget that the oil companies played along with (former Natural Resources Minister) Raphael Trotman in hiding from the public the so-called (US$18M) signing bonus and the 2016 (Stabroek Block) Production Sharing Agreement.”

Ram is of the firm conviction that this state of affairs, along with the absence of critical reports on ExxonMobil’s local content performance and its production offshore, do not augur well for transparency and accountability as

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo with responsibility for the oil and gas sector promised by the Ali administration. He was keen to note as well, his disappointment in fact, that the nation’s Access to Information Act has been defanged while adding, that it is not taken seriously by the Government or the public.

“Moreover, with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited operating as a monopoly, there is no incentive for the oil companies to enjoy a social licence or popular legitimacy. The Guyanese public do not factor into their equation,” expressed Ram who reiterated his call for Guyana to urgently have its Petroleum Commission in place.

Last year, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, had said that the Bill is under active consideration by the Legal Department of the Natural Resources Ministry.

“That Department is working closely with the Chief Parliamentary

Counsel attached to the Attorney General Chambers, and I know that the changes that we would like to see in the bill are being looked at right now, and examined with a view of incorporating them,” he stated as noted in an OilNOW article published January 8, 2021.

Last year as well, Guyana had received a US$34M loan from the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB), a portion of which was dedicated to fast tracking activities related to the speedy passage of the Bill and its implementation. The PPP/C Government has provided no update on the status of this loan and its use to date.

NEW BILL NEEDED In December 2020, the IDB had released a brief pointing out the glaring loopholes in Guyana’s legislative framework which essentially weakens the shield of protection that is

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat needed for the oil sector.

According to the Bank, the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act and the Petroleum Commission Bill, in their current state, do not contain any clauses that guarantee the independence of any regulator that is appointed for the sector nor do they ensure adherence to

industry norms. The financial institution said that a new Petroleum Commission Bill is urgently needed to address these gaps that avoid or reduce control over technical and procedural aspects of the r e g u l a t o r. E x p o u n d i n g further, the IDB had said that the current Petroleum Commission Bill leaves the Commission at the behest of the Minister of Natural Resources or in strictly an advisory or supporting role to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Cabinet.

The Bank pointed out that this situation impacts the approval, amendment, and rejection of information submitted by international oil companies for petroleum prospecting and production licences; preparation and management of bid rounds for licence grants; and approval, amendment and rejection of petroleum operators’ budgets, work programmes, field

development plans, production forecasts and decommissioning plans.

In addition, the Bank said that the current Petroleum Commission Bill does not assign to the Petroleum Commission functions such as receiving and fully processing applications for petroleum prospecting and production licences and proposals for Petroleum Agreements, and negotiating Petroleum Agreements, or preparing model contracts for the petroleum sector. The financial institution said, it is important to attain the required level of independence and fiscal autonomy for the Petroleum Commission that can be achieved through a new bill.

It also noted, that a review of the old petroleum law is necessary to protect the industry as well.

CRUCIAL PARTNER Since the emergence of the oil and gas sector, the Continued on page 5

Anna Regina Town Council seeks $20M in outstanding rates and taxes Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prahbulall last Friday said his Council is owed some $20 Million in outstanding rates and taxes.

This was revealed during an interview with the media. This sum, he said, was accumulated primarily during the course of last year, and partially this year.

According to Prahbulall, 75% of the rates and taxes owed to the council are reportedly owed by the business community. The mayor went on to say: “The $20 Million in outstanding rates and taxes was accumulated during the period of and this year. What we’ve found is that people, that is business people and residents alike, are reluctant to pay their taxes.”

The mayor also told Kaieteur News that the council is in the process of preparing legal notices, and will be issuing them within a week’s time.

“This is a period where we expect persons to come in and settle their taxes with us. Our next step is to serve legal notices to persons who are defaulting in rates and taxes. If these persons cannot pay up they will be taken to court.” said Prahbulall.

“If persons cannot pay their taxes, then it limits what we can do. There are roads, street lights culverts and so much more to be developed. The council is appealing to persons to come in and pay their taxes. There are some revenues outstanding in the marketing area also. Again, we are working

according to the bylaws to have those outstanding monies paid,” the mayor said.

Kaieteur News was told that the council has already drafted plans to improve their revenue collection.

Mayor Prahbulall spoke further on this, saying, “There are some people evading taxes because they are building without notifying the council.

Presently we have 4,500 homes within the township, but once we complete a village to village survey that figure should improve to 5000… The community of Lima Sands also is not paying rates and taxes, so the town council is working with the relevant ministries on having these areas paying rates and taxes in the near future.”

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Monday April 25, 2022

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

Payara and Yellowtail reviews It was Abraham Lincoln who said: you can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Guyana’s Vice President thinks that he fools everyone, but he fools himself in thinking he can do so perpetually. This is what condemns him in the tricks that he customizes, the manner he craftily managed the gigantic Payara and Yellowtail oil projects reviews. Our caption, “Experts mock Guyana’s wild approval rate of Exxon’s projects” (KN April 22) exposes his farces.

In essence, these are the facts of the Payara and Yellowtail oil projects. Payara is expected to cost US$9B and Yellowtail US10B, in total US19B. For sheer cost, these are Guyana’s two biggest oil projects yet. It stands to reason, therefore, that Guyana’s oil czar, Vice President Jagdeo, would recognize the opportunity for this country, and use both projects as bargaining chips, or prized trump cards (hotly desired by Exxon) to gain benefits for citizens. More benefits that he himself spoke of (“way and means to eke out….”) those, notwithstanding “sanctity of contracts.”

Yet Jagdeo didn’t do so, he didn’t serve Guyanese interests, but those of Exxon and its shareholders. What Jagdeo did was minimize the interests of Guyanese, given how he cunningly ensured that the reviews for Payara and Yellowtail were conducted. Trusted people with the skills and track record, were needed. Jagdeo didn’t get them, he didn’t even try, given who Guyana ended up with as a reviewer, not once, but twice. The second time was secretly, (via back doors and darkness) since Guyanese were clueless about the presence of Alison Redford in the Yellowtail review. Ms. Redford is a Canadian with a suspect reputation, a stranger to oil project reviews. But she was part of the US$10B review, which alone should instruct Guyanese on the scam that this review (and Payara’s) represented. This scheme was compounded by the presence of another reviewing group, Bayphase, which has a long, fruitful relationship with Exxon. Guyana’s interests were secondary to these reviewers, who prioritize Exxon’s. Thus, multiple rackets were run by the PPPC Government with these costly projects to enrich Exxon’s people, and devastate Guyanese interests.

But this was not all, for there was the special issue of the time allocated by Jagdeo himself for the completion of the Payara and Yellowtail reviews. Time allowed had to be a major consideration, of the highest importance, for a clean and competent and credible review of each of the two projects. But time didn’t concern Vice President Jagdeo, because the time he allocated for the forced completion of the two reviews was an impossibility; he locked them in a narrow corner, tied their hands, blindfolded the reviewers.

Time not permitted is what now denounces him for his failures and his connivances in these hasty reviews to help Exxon prosper, and pauperize Guyanese. To be charitable, Payara may be said to be a mistake, due to a lack of local oil knowledge and wisdom. But to repeat the mistakes of Payara with Yellowtail reeks of the deliberate, conspiratorial, and devastating for Guyana, given the results.

Mr. Jagdeo thinks that time conceals, but it also reveals.

There was no way that the US$9B Payara review could have been done in 42 days, or the US$10B Yellowtail review finished in 52 days, as international oil experts insist. Due to the complexity of technical data, thousands of pages for each, the back-and-forth for questions and clarity, the compulsory deep drilling down to get the best for Guyanese, those time spans were jokes, absolutely unworkable. These two projects with so much meaning for Guyanese required over a year each for a proper, professional, and principled review, not the rush job that Jagdeo demanded, presided over, and got delivered to him, so that he could issue the licence he promised Exxon. This is how Guyanese are deceived, betrayed, by their own. Our national budgets, a fraction of the complexity and cost of the two projects, demand more time. But not Payara, not Yellowtail, not US$19B, in the hands of Jagdeo’s select reviewers. With leaders like these, no wonder Guyanese keep losing, failing, hurting.

Experience at GECOM office shows that Guyana has a long way to go Dear Editor, The registration trip to the GECOM office (not in Georgetown) was truly a disappointment.

Problem 1). Why are GECOM officials filling out registration forms (At least in my case), instead of the applicants. On forms, there are usually sections for employees to fill out if necessary, but applicants are the ones to fill out whatever the forms are, even registration forms- NOT the employee; unless they are asked to do so.

Is there an assumption that a majority of citizens waiting in line, cannot read or write.?. Isn’t it more efficient for applicants waiting hours in line to be given pens which GECOM can afford and let them fill out the forms themselves? after which officials then go

through the forms to make sure it has been filled out properly? (And make corrections on that same form). Isn’t that timely and more efficient? In this way the waiting line moves faster?

Problem 2). The GECOM official did not like my signature which I have been using from the beginning of time – A signature that has been accepted all over the world. So, I was informed to change my signature, to look like everybody else’s in Guyana. In a world of more than 1 billion signatures, no one signs identically. What a stunning display of ignorance. There is a reason why many applications have an area to print our names, because most signatures are not readable. That is just the way it is Ladies and Gentlemen. It was truly a stunning request

from the GECOM official to ask me to make up a signature just for this occasion. (And the GECOM official showed me what MY Signature should look like).

Problem 3). I was told that a GECOM official would come to my residence to verify who I am in 48hrs, which they did.

So, it meant cancelling all prior appointments and stay at home for 48hrs. Why isn’t GECOM able to schedule their personnel immediately, on online software systems easily updated real-time, that can easily be purchased? And there are free scheduling software of all kinds, available as well. Isn’t it better to let a citizen know that an official would be visiting at a particular date, between a certain time? Isn’t that more efficient?

Who exactly are these people signing off on this

backward and inefficient way of getting things done?

And finally, the best part is being told that I would get my card at the end of the year, when the registration exercise will be over. We are in 2022, where there are machines available to print out ID Cards of all sorts - everyday. Or at least print out cards in batches periodically. But wait, maybe they want me to give them a bribe? How much money was allocated to them in the current budget? “My People”——Truly have a long way to go. I am yet to see anyone with positive reviews about the efficiency and sometimes professionalism of public service employees in this country, and there is a reason for that. They are out to further sabotage the reputation of Guyana.

Concerned citizen

The rewards of oil belong to ALL Guyanese Dear Editor, There is an old adage that says “It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”.

In Sahadeo Bates missive (KN 4/22/22) he seems to be upset about not receiving any oil money and went into a long diatribe about buildings being left to rot and contracts that took years to complete.

About Venezuela “embarking on massive infrastructual work that remains a white elephant today.” I suggest Mr. Bates takes the time to find out what really happened to Venezuela.

The problem with many Guyanese today is they have grown so accustomed to living in the squalor Guyana has become that they have no

desire to see changes made for a cleaner and better Guyana - they are quite comfortable living in their squalid surroundings just as long as Government supplies them with money. Guyana needs better roads, clean drinkable water in every region of Guyana, a better electrical system that doesn’t cut off every day for hours on end, etc. etc. - our needs are endless.

Mr. Bates blames both the APNU+AFC and the PPP/ C for (as he puts it) “whatever scrapings Guyana is receiving from her ‘Oil Boom’ “. May I remind you, Mr. Bates, it was the APNU+AFC Coalition that signed the lopsided contract because eighteen million ($18,000,000) US dollars was offered to them

as an incentive bonus to fast sign the contract which they did without first reading the contract and then tried to conceal it from the Guyanese people.

From the very inception ExxonMobil’s only concern was to out-fox the APNU+AFC Coalition in order to rob and plunder Guyana of its wealth of Oil Resources. If anyone wants to point fingers about who is to blame for the predicament of our oil wealth, point it at ExxonMobil for the dirty scammers they are - just read what former US secretary of state - Rex Tillerson allegedly said: ”Human rights must not stand in the way of American Interests.” Are these the words of a conscientious human being or are these the

words of a man without a soul?

YES, the rewards of oil belong to all Guyanese, especially the young and vulnerable, not by giving them some paltry amount, but by providing nutritious meals at food centres across Guyana where the elderly can also go to get a warm meal after the children have been fed.

My brothers and sisters in Guyana let us all strive for a better Guyana which will benefit not only the present generation but all generations to come. As I said many times I am not for any political party, I only want what is best for all Guyanese and for my beloved Guyana.

Sincerely, Gloria Holder

Guyana is not all about oil and gas Dear Editor, Good news, but not at all surprising. I am speaking here of the fact that “There is “renewed interest in Guyana’s agri sector,” and this is not only the word of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, it is quite evident to any candid observer and follower of happenings in Guyana. This really bodes well for the country, and I have good reasons for saying this.

For sure, this ‘renewed interest’ shows that Guyana is not ‘hell-bent’ on Oil and Gas exclusively, as some want people to believe. No doubt, Guyana is heading towards becoming a top brass when it comes to the oil industry, but the country has a lot of prospects in other

sectors, namely agriculture, that are complementing its fast-paced development. The Guyanese government is right at the forefront of this momentous undertaking, thus increasing the confidence level among local and international investors to start their business in the country. Just a bit on agriculture, and where Guyana sits.

The Guyana land mass in total is 215,000 square kilometres and it is far from the path of typhoons, and its tropical climate and topography, endowed with fertile soils can produce varied crops that are not found in countries that have a cooler climate. It is no surprise why the country is known to be food secure with

high sufficiency in producing crops and meat. That is why the agriculture sector is a major export earner, contributing around 16 percent to the country’s GDP in 2020 alone and accounts for the importation of $1.8 billion of dairy products annually.

This is divine – a real haven that all Guyanese can and must benefit from.

So, it is great that in terms of the potential of the agriculture industry, the government is strongly supportive in ensuring that agriculture be among its top priority, and thus leading to a diversified economy.

The potential is huge Guyana’s agriculture sector offers possible investments in abattoirs and packing houses, canning and packing

of fruits and vegetables, cattle ranching, corn and soya bean production, dairy operation and products, integrated farms, meat processing, organic farms, pig and poultry rearing, roses production, seafood and fish processing, and value-added coconut processing.

So, yes, it is true that the magnitude of Guyana’s booming oil i n d u s t r y i s garnering more attention and investment opportunities each day, but agriculture is also stepping up as another industry of interest in the region. Let us go to the Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who has emerged a quite a pioneer.

He just met with residents (Continued on page 5)

Monday April 25, 2022

Mr. Blinken will be here, just give it a little more time Dear Editor, So, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken is not coming to Georgetown. I am disappointed. I was looking forward to doing something that there are very few opportunities to do around here. That is, applaud a political figure, while cheering on glowing, graceful Guyana.

It is not often that a poor, darkened, Third World society is favoured with a visit from not one Secretary of State, but two of them, one from either pole in the American political realm.

As the U.S. Embassy’s carefully worded statement informed us, Mr. Blinken is not coming, not at this time, as in “imminent.” I thought that that was well said, as it leaves the door open for some pressing of the flesh sometime with the locals who matter. As I say this, I wonder

how the Embassy here would handle some of those people partnering with Exxon, and who are not regarded as favourite sons by some American agencies. I suggest that matters relating to law be pondered. The Ambassador slipped up with a couple of them before; maybe there was some learning from those, with the troubling being kept far from, or away, as becomes necessary.

Separately, SN is not the kind of media group that flies off the handle like that, with news that turns out not to be news. At least, not of the “imminent” variety.

I speculate which source misled SN, or what prompted the about face over there in Washington, DC. For sooner or later, Mr. Blinken is going to want to have his base here and his boots on the ground.

Nothing that should alarm

anyone, particularly nervous neighbours; merely a matter of extending a timely helping hand in partnership with a Third World society that came into some riches, but one which is still struggling with what to do with itself, given its newfound fortunes.

Now that Secretary Blinken is neither coming nor going to Georgetown, I guess that we would have to make do with Her Excellency. I assure one and all that she is a much-welcomed presence, which is more a function of national hospitality, ancient courtesy, than any other. But I would be less than myself if I were to say that she has not manifested all the strains of an apparent tired and tiring presence, one who has outlived her stay in Guyana.

I plead also that I may be allowed a tad of the mischievous that forever lurks in me, when I submit that she has outlived her

usefulness also. I hope by now that my Guyanese brethren are appreciating that I have grown more than a bit jaded with my fellow Americans, due to their antics and nuanced histrionics with that product that we have in abundance out there. I recall as clear as yesterday how they propped up Burnham, and sent countless Guyanese packing.

To America, where else?

The cheap labour markets have to be fed. Now I relive history when I see the same Yankees (new faces, old visions) protecting Ali and the PPP. History does repeat itself, and in the most unimagined ways. I think of all this, and I am marking my calendar. Mr. Blinken will be here, just give it a little more time, and one of these days he will arrive with a grand splash.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Guyana is not all about oil and gas...

From page 4 of Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and shared that the sector is beginning to make waves again, with potential for continued economic growth even after oil resources are depleted. He stated that “We have seen a renewed interest in our agriculture sector. We are an Oil and Gas producing country. ‘Oil and Gas’ is taking the attention in the country and investors (but) I think agriculture is also taking the attention and making waves in this part of the world. This shows our Government’s commitment towards this sector, because we recognise its importance to our country’s development.”

Just embrace these – Cash crops have been expanded in

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Kaieteur News

recent months but nontraditional crops were also undertaken; High-value crops like broccoli, cauliflower and carrot are to be cultivated this year with the construction of 300 shade houses; And corn and soya cultivation had set out an aim to expand to 3000 acres this year and 25,000 within three years. I can go on, but I will just remind readers about the origin of all of this.

Back in January of this year, the Government set aside over $28.7 billion towards the rapid growth and development in Guyana’s agriculture sector. According to Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, the government wants to ramp up domestic production, agro-processing

capabilities and work to remove historic barriers and impediments to intra-regional trade.” This he detailed has a great ending, that is, “Then we can be self-sufficient to produce our own feed because we want to develop the livestock sector too. As a country, we are looking at different ways to reduce the food import bill and you in the agriculture sector, have that important role to play to help us to develop this sector and have food security.”

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha summed it up real nicely, saying that “We are moving on. We are not only

stagnated in one type of crops. We are consolidating, expanding and ensuring that there is more yield per acre in the crops that are planted.”

For example, in Region Six, yield for rice has increased to 6.5 tonnes per acre from 2.6 tonnes per acre. Some 65,000 acres are cultivated but authorities are actively seeking to open more lands.

Commendations are indeed in order for the principals in the agriculture sector – I see industriousness, innovation and intensity of efforts.

Yours truly, H. Singh

Putin campaign Z Dear Editor, At the start of the Putin war against Ukraine, I had expressed hope that he would suffer the fate of Napoleon who launched a disastrous Russian Campaign in 1812. It appears likely that Putin will suffer the same results with the courageous response shown by the Ukranian forces supported by the united

efforts of democratic nations who responded with a mighty show of force on all fronts.

History will hopefully record a defeat for Putin in his special operation and that it will be labelled with the Z that they paint on their war machines for the world to remember the leadership of Mr. Zelensky.

Dr. Davendra Sharma

Guyana has no independent oil sector...

From page 3 IDB has been one of Guyana’s key development partners, especially as it relates to strengthening its capacity to govern effectively. Towards this end, the IDB has approved a Policy-Based Loan (PBL) labelled Strengthening the Energy Sector (4698/BL-GY) for US$11.64 million in 2018; and technical assistance programmes, including four under execution: Guyana’s Emerging Oil and Gas Sector: Getting Institutions Right (ATN/OC-16532-GY) for US$580,000 in 2017; Strengthening the Capacity of the Department of Energy (ATN/OC-17100-GY) for US$1 million in 2018; Strategic Communications and Knowledge Sharing Support for Guyana’s Oil & Gas Sector (ATN/OC-17165GY) for US$582,682 in 2018;

and Strengthening the Technical Functions of the Department of Energy (ATN/ OC 17844-GY) for US$606,062 in 2019.

The Bank’s support follows the immediate need of building an entirely new oil and gas regime which requires the strengthening of the n a t i o n ’s g o v e r nance framework in order to streamline planning interventions, regulatory reforms, and the general needs of an evolving sector.

The design of this operation considered lessons learned from IDBfinanced operations, including the importance of close collaboration and coordination with other agencies geared towards building the capacity of the government to manage the sector.

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Monday April 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil ‘concerned’ about US$13B investment in Stabroek Block if loses case to Glenn Lall Exxon Mobil‘s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its partners said they have already invested over USD$13 billion for oil drilling activities in the Stabroek Block.

This is outlined in an affidavit filed on behalf of EEPGL in response to the legal challenge brought by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall against the Government over the granting of extensive tax waivers to the oil companies and its affiliates. It must be noted that the oil companies will recover most of the investment based on the oil contract the Guyana Government signed with them.

Lall is challenging the agreement for Government to waiver the taxes on the ground that it is discriminatory, violates the constitution, results in massive losses of revenue for Guyana and should be overturned. In the court document, Exxon Mobil Subsidiary is arguing that if the Court rules in Lall’s favour, it would result in massive losses to the company and its co-venturers (partners). The company outlined the expenditures

ExxonMobil country manager, Allistair Routledge. required to execute each project total in the billions.

According to its sworn document, the company underscored the significant ongoing expenditure related to exploring for hydrocarbons in the Stabroek Block.

The company explained that it has three approved petroleum projects progressing known as the Liza Phase 1 Development Project, the Liza Phase 2 Development Project and the Payara Development Project.

In addition to this, EEPGL said

it has applied for necessary government approvals and expects to receive Government approvals for the Yellowtail Development Project and has begun the application process for the Uaru Development Project.

The company explained therefore, that based on its projections that expenditures required to execute the Liza Phase 1 Project, are expected to total approximately USD $4 billion. The expenditures required to execute the Liza Phase 2 Project are expected to total approximately USD $6 billion. As a result, the expenditures required to execute the Payara Project are expected to total approximately USD $9 billion.

The expenditures required to execute the Yellowtail Project are expected to total approximately USD $10 billion. As such, EEPGL calculated that from the effective date of the Petroleum Agreement on the 7th day of October 2016, Esso and its co-venturers have incurred and spent over USD $13 billion on the Projects as well as exploration, development and production activities. The company noted that “this is all as a result of the solemn agreements, most importantly

the Petroleum Agreement, between Esso, its coventurers and the Guyana Government.”

It continued that “Esso is presently engaged in carrying on one of the most significant worldwide investments in petroleum exploration, development and production activities, occurring in the Stabroek Block, located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”

In addition the company explained in the affidavit that “the Petroleum Agreement has been in the public domain since in or around the month of December, 2016. Since that time, Esso and its coventurers have been steadily carrying out the development programmes required to bring these projects to production, and have incurred costs at USD $13 billion.” As a result, the company submitted that “If the reliefs sought by the applicant are granted, it would be inconceivable that the projects could be carried out by Esso in the form they are designed. There would be billions of $US dollars in additional costs which could well cause the projects uncommercially viable or infeasible.”

The submissions were

made even as the High Court set a timeline within which it will hear the oil tax case. The matter is set for continuation before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan at the High Court in Georgetown on August 12, 2022. As such, Lall’s Attorney Mohamed Ali is expected to file submissions in response to the defence brought by the Government and EEPGL on or before June 3 while the respondents, Government of Guyana and EEPGL are expected to file their answers

by July 1. All final written arguments are scheduled to be filed by July 29 and August 12, 2022 is set for oral arguments.

On August 12, attorneys

from all sides will be given at least 20 minutes to present their case before the court, after which the Court is expected to rule on September 9, 2022. Back in January, KN’s publisher filed the case which seeks to overturn the expansive tax provisions granted to the oil companies as part of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for oil drilling exploration in the Stabroek Block. Among the grounds, Lall lists his main contention as the provisions of the agreement violate the Petroleum Act, by purporting to extend production sharing concessions to persons other than those licenced.

Manickchand promises to work ‘hand-in-hand’ with teacher’s union

E’bo Police training college benefits from new computers, smart-board, chairs The Richard Faikall Police College, located at Suddie on the Essequibo Coast received a donation of some thirty-five chairs on Wednesday last.

Kaieteur News was told that the donation was made by the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation.

Sergeant Hanover, who commands the training college, said that the donation is timely as it will facilitate the training of recruits of the Guyana Police Force.

Meanwhile, the Police College which also houses the Zara Computer Centre benefited from donations of thirty brand new Computer systems along with its first ever Smartboard. Sergeant Handover explained that the new donations will foster collaborative and online learning in synchronous and asynchronous sessions. He further said that the aim is to collaborate with schools and ministries to ensure maximum use of the newly installed smartboard.

Regional Commander Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus vowed to ensure the newly installed equipment will be taken care of and used to benefit the Police and the people of Guyana.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand delivering her message at the conference

The donated chairs

The Guyana Teachers’ Union last week held its 2nd Triennial Delegates Conference at the Bertram Hamilton Auditorium at the Union’s headquarters on Woolford Avenue during which Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand assured that the GTU will not find any resistance from within the Ministry of Education during engagements on any matter.

She said, “Your voice will not find resistance in the Ministry of Education, where

it is practical, where it is sensible and where it is impartial. That voice must be the amalgamation and reflection of the highly diverse and sometimes contrasting ideas and desires of our teaching force.”

Minister Manickchand said that it is vital that the Union is perceived as being balanced, unbiased and the ultimate defender of the rights of all teachers. She said that the Union must stay resolute (Continued on page 17)

Suriname’s opposition...

The recently donated smart board

From page 2 the proposed fish licences had not materialised because of forces pushing back in Suriname. He said nonetheless that the government is in possession of documentation supporting the agreement between the two nations.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has stated however that Suriname will provide data on the number of fishing

licences that have been granted to Guyana since there are claims that a large percent of issued licences were already received by Guyanese.

Local fishermen need the fishing licences directly from the Surinamese authorities since middlemen in the Dutch nation are charging exorbitant prices to rent fishing licences to Guyanese operators.

Monday April 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

Guyanese think Govt. corrupt at all levels A new Human Rights Report released by the US Department of State has found that Guyanese citizens continue to perceive widespread corruption in every level of government and its branches.

The report was released last week. The report stated that the law provides for criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implemented the law effectively. It said there were isolated reports of government corruption d u r i n g t h e y e a r, a n d administration officials investigated these reports but, “there remained a widespread public perception of corruption involving officials at all levels and all branches of

government, including the police and judiciary.”

Corruption by police officers was frequent, the report continued. It said that the government had prosecuted members of the police force during the year.

“In April, authorities arrested 11 police officers and charged them with multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy, and larceny for inflating the costs of meal procurement for police officers and keeping the difference.” On October 27, two of those charged were released, and the judicial proceedings for the others were ongoing.

When it comes to respect for the integrity of the Person and the arbitrary deprivation of life and other unlawful or politically motivated

- US Human Rights report k illings, the 2021 report said that there were several reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. “In May, police shot and killed robbery suspect Peter Headley while he was being transported by police in a civilian vehicle to a police station. According to police, Headley reached under the seat of the vehicle and pulled out what appeared to be a firearm, leading an armed police officer to shoot Headley, who died a short time later.”

The officers involved were placed under arrest.

The Guyana Police Force’s

Office of Professional Responsibility and Police Complaints Authority investigated the matter, and as of October the Department of Public Prosecutions was reviewing the results of the investigation. In September the Guyana Police Force SWAT team shot and killed Orin Boston during a search of his home. Boston was unarmed. As of November, the Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility was conducting an investigation into the incident.

The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observed these requirements, the report submitted.

However, an arrest requires a warrant issued by a court official unless an officer who witnesses a crime believes there is good cause to suspect a crime or a breach of the

The Parliament building.

peace has been or will be committed.

The law stipulates that a person arrested cannot be held for more than 72 hours unless brought before a court to be charged. Authorities generally observed this requirement and bail was generally available except in cases of capital offenses and narcotics trafficking.

The report continued that although the law provides criminal detainees prompt access to a lawyer of their choice and to family members, authorities occasionally did not fully respect this right. The state provides legal counsel for indigent persons only when such persons are charged with a capital offense. The Legal Aid Clinic, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), provides legal counsel at a reduced fee in certain circumstances, as determined by the clinic.

Police routinely required permission from the senior investigating officer, who

was seldom on the premises, before permitting counsel access to a client.

However, in the case of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention, there were reports alleging this. In June the Police Complaints Authority issued its report covering 2019, which found most police officers interviewed were ignorant of constitutional provisions regarding arrests and searches and that a substantial number of members of the police force under investigation openly violated the constitution in the performance of their duties.

Lengthy pretrial detention remained a problem, due primarily to judicial inefficiency, staff shortages, and cumbersome legal procedures. The average length of pretrial detention was three years for those awaiting trial at a magistrates’ court or in the High Court. This often exceeded the maximum possible sentence for the crime for which they were

Monday April 25, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Why a strategic investor in a national oil company?

Bharrat Jagdeo must not be allowed to decide, on his own, the future of Guyana’s oil blocks. These resources belong to the people of Guyana and, as such, the people of Guyana must determine how these resources will be developed and by whom.

As a national resource, the country’s oil blocks can be treated as public assets and held under the control of a National Oil Company.

Companies interested in helping to develop these assets would be required to enter into agreements/ partnerships with the National Oil Company.

Such arrangements have advantages greater than Production Sharing Agreements (PSA), such as the one Guyana signed with Exxon, Hess and CNOOC. Establishing a National Oil Company ensures that oil blocks remain under the ownership and control of the state and allow for better profit-sharing and a direct role in developing these blocks.

National oil companies are nothing new. They have been around for some time and are responsible for the majority of the world’s oil production.

They are not the best at efficiency but it is not always the case, as in Venezuela, where oil production collapsed under stateownership. National oil companies have been and are being successfully administered.

Having a national oil company allows the country exclusive rights over its oil resources. This is quite unlike the PSA signed by the APNU+AFC which virtually hands Exxon exclusive rights to the Stabroek Block including natural gas reserves.

Had the APNU+AFC established a national oil

company, there would have been little need for the complaints which are now being levelled over the PSA. That agreement makes Guyana a spectator and a bill collector.

With a national oil company, there is less worry about the government secretly handing out oil blocks to friends and cronies for next-to-nothing. There is no need to worry about some of those cronies flipping or farming out those blocks for huge profits, none of which comes back to the people.

National oil companies can pursue social objectives, something not characteristic of private oil companies. They can better distribute the country’s oil wealth, create jobs and be a source of economic investments.

The country does not have to worry about its oil revenues being parked in some foreign bank account.

The national oil company can put oil revenues to work, including investing in projects, including infrastructure, which benefit the people, rather than having to rely on borrowings.

When Guyana’s Second Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo recently announced that the government will soon consider how it will treat with the farming out of future oil blocks, it was an announcement of extreme public concern. The public cannot afford to be indifferent when it comes to this subject and has to be wary of government’s plans Public complacency and the absence of greater militancy on the part of people have permitted the government to backpedal on expectations that it would renegotiate the oil contract signed by the APNU+AFC. The Opposition has now joined with the government in

refusing to press for renegotiation.

Jagdeo must not be allowed to feel that his government can do as it pleases with the people’s resources. In light of what has happened with the development of the Stabroek Block, the people of Guyana must demand maximum returns to the state from future oil blocks.

It is important, therefore, that the government be held accountable for the decisions concerning these blocks. The failure to audit over US$9B in expenses represents a blot on government’s management of the oil sector. The controversy concerning the allocation of the Kaieteur and Orinduik Blocks also requires investigation.

Jagdeo is now indicating that the government will soon consider whether to auction future oil blocks or to establish a state company with a strategic investor. Why a strategic investor in a state oil company?

There is no need for any strategic investor to be part of any national state-owned oil company? Why have a strategic investor when Guyana will soon be earning billions in oil revenues which will be lying in an account in the United States. The country will therefore have retained earnings to use for the establishment and investments.

The idea of a strategic investor for a state-owned oil company is suspect. Who will be that strategic investor?

How will this person, firm or country be identified? Why not the ordinary citizens who have billions lying in our commercial banks not earning much interest? Why should we be sharing our wealth with a strategic investor? And how will this strategic investor be identified?

Dem Boys Seh…

Yuh can’t please people Deh gat some people in Guyana nah understand de difference between carving and fabrication.

De guvament build a monument at de new roundabout. It suppose to represent a Harpy Eagle. But people talk how it look like a hawk.

One man went suh far as to say dat de structure shoulda bin a Canje Pheasant. He try fuh mek it look as if de Harpy Eagle nah belong to Guyana. Well dem boys wan tell he dat if de national cricket team coulda change dem name to de Guyana Harpy Eagles, den dem nah gat nuttin wrong with wan eagle monument.

We also gat one with a

turtle outside de Umana Yana and deh had people vex with dat too. Dem seh how de turtle should nat be coming out de shell. He should be full grown.

But wah mek dem boys surprise is when people asking why de guvament nah ask de Burrowes School of Art fuh do de monument.

Dem boys wan know if is a sculpture or a painting dem want.

De monument is a metal fabrication and it nah easy fuh develop a mould fuh something like dat. Dem boys feel we should show appreciation dat it come out looking like a bird.

It mek dem boys remember when Burnham did unveil a

monument. Deh had nuff people who did expect a bust showing wan image of de person’s head, face, shoulder and chest. Instead, was a life size structure with nuff symbolisms.

Dem had nuff criticism den tuh but because de people didn’t understand wah it was suppose tuh be.

Is de same thing when dem build de 1823 monument.

Deh had some people wah did oppose to de monument being near de seawall. Dem wanted it pun Parade Ground. But dem real reason was different. Yuh can’t please people in Guyana!

Talk half. Leff half.

Having a strategic investor will give that person or entity a permanent lien on all of Guyana’s oil resources.

This is a recipe for cronyism and nepotism.

Guyanese must watch this government with the eyes of

an eagle. Otherwise, some rich investor will fly away with the country’s wealth.

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I hate this country from what I saw in the National Park last Friday

I

grew up on food cooked on a coal pot. When we moved from one location in Wortmanville to another – from Hadfield Street where I was born to D’Urban Street where I grew up – we ate food from a small kerosene stove.

In today’s Guyana, not even the poorest, wretched squatter family uses the coal pot; it is gone forever. That is what life is about.

It is moving from one stage to the other which is more modern. Gone are archaic ways of teaching, communicating, engineering, using technology, running a business, building a bridge, etc.

What I hate about this country is the graphic existence of un-modern life existing alongside post-modern technology.

If you are from another country and you come to Guyana, if you stay in your hotel room without walking about and only read the newspapers, you would think this is a

fast-developing land with modern ways of doing things.

You read about the most luxurious brand name hotels springing up all over the country. You read about investments from big foreign companies. You read about expansive infrastructural programmes. Then, you leave your hotel room, walk down on the terrain of Guyana and you see pathetic, unmodern life.

I say most unapologetically commonsense does not exist in this country.

A commercial bank requests a customer to renew his/her data every two years because of the anti-money laundering act. But that customer has a tiny deposit the past 20 years that has not moved.

What does money-laundering activity has to do with that small customer?

Commonsense in Guyana has been replaced by asininity. If a bank account with a tiny

amount hasn’t shown any activity the past 20 years, how can it ever be suspicious of money-laundering activity? That is not only lack of commonsense, it is downright asinine.

I have given countless television interviews in several studios in this country in which I sat opposite the presenter.

On every occasion, without exception, the camera is focused on the presenter so in the final production, you do not see the full face of the guest, only the side of the visage because the guest turns to look at the interviewer who is asking the questions. In the modern world we live in, a Google search can show you how to position the cameras.

I come now to the title of this article. I was with my dog in the National Park on Friday morning. I saw three workers trimming trees with a cutlass. Do not get a heart attack – yes with a cutlass. One of them ran for safety as the tree branch fell.

Apparently, he didn’t anticipate correctly where it would have fallen. The modern way of trimming large trees is to use the rope system, with two workers controlling the flow of the fall so workers cannot be endangered.

A national park in commonsensical terms simply means one thing – trees. In the modern world you trim trees in a national park with a chainsaw of different sizes depending on the size of the trees. I bought a chainsaw from a store at the southern junction of Robb and Albert Streets for $10,000.

The National Park does not have a working chainsaw. Our National Park in Georgetown may be larger than the ones in some small developed countries like Ireland, Holland. If that branch had fallen on that

w o r k Frederick Kissoon er it w as either death or a broken spine.

Please tell me and the world, why the National Park does not outfit its workers with chainsaw facilities to trim the trees?

Why must workers climb trees like monkeys with cutlass in hand to chop tree branches in the 21st century? Of course there is going to be a reply and it will state the park does have chainsaws.

Remember I wrote that GWI was not sending bills? The GWI replied the next day and it noted that it does. But I did not receive one for the past three months neither did Raymond Persaud, the Ogle airport engineer who asked me to highlight his plight. Guess what? The very next day we both received our bills. So the park will say it has chainsaws.

Prominent politician, Ralph Ramkarran was so right when he wrote in his column that there are so many areas of life that civil society groups can bring meaningful changes to the lives of Guyanese rather than choosing issues that carry sex appeal.

If that branch had fallen on that hardworking labourer, another poor family would have been consigned to blinding poverty. I wonder at my age if I will ever see a modern Guyana.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily

Monday April 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

PSC sees reduction in freight cost with GAICO’s new US$7.5M dredge - says silted rivers big factor in high cost Chief Executive Officer of Gaico Construction and General Services, Mr. Komal Singh

President Irfaan Ali joined officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new dredge.

F

reight costs in Guyana is twice as high as the rates in other parts of the Caribbean due to highly silted rivers here, according to the President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Paul Cheong, who anticipates such costs to be

reduced, with a US$7.5 million investment by Gaico Construction and General Services Inc. into a new dredge, Malavi.

O n S a t u r d a y, t h e company commissioned the vessel, at its Wharf in N i s m e s , We s t B a n k Demerara where Cheong

explained that Guyana’s rivers silt very quickly, thereby not only jacking up freight costs, but also lending to overtopping and flooding of communities.

In fact, he lauded the company for its investment, adding that the importance of dredging was highlighted

as one of the key areas that needed to be tackled, in addition to energy costs, to improve competitiveness.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali who delivered the feature address at the event said that the investment by Gaico comes at a time when Guyana is faced with several

challenges, including that of climate change. To this end, he told the gathering that studies suggests mud from the Amazon is drifting and flowing along the front of the Atlantic and into the mouth of the Demerara River which results in new mudflats being formed.

“That is a new issue that we have to deal with that you don’t have any control of.

S o , t h e o r e t i c a l l y, t h e technicians are advising whether we encourage this, the building of the mud flats, and create new land, or use this as an opportunity to extend the sea defense outwards because the mud flats of course would lead to greater overtopping, or you have continuous dredging,” the Head of State explained.

Importantly, he said that when one examines the cost

to mitigate these impacts, compared to the damages people are faced with as a result of flooding; it is nothing short of a “nobrainer” that investments must be made.

On the other hand, as it relates to dredging, the President said that boat operators currently operate in a river with a one-way channel. While he did not specify which particular river, he went on to say that in less than five years the government will have to get the waterway up to a two way channel. According to him, “And if you want to project further to what we want to achieve, you are talking not only about a two way, but a diversion channel on the west side of the river.”

Meanwhile, the Minister Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

Monday April 25, 2022

PAGE 13

Businessman proposes water channels through Pomeroon farms to ease flooding

A bird’s eye view of Rooster Coconut Farm with one of the waterways running through.

…says method cuts transportation cost by almost 40 percent Rooster Coconut Farm located in Caledonia, in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region has been in operation since 2013. Since that time, the farm’s operator, Roopan Ramotar, said it has never b e e n a ff e c t e d b y t h e reoccurring flood situation that is experienced during heavy rainfall and rising tides.

Ramotar owes his antiflooding success to borrowed farming techniques that are utilised by the Guyana sugar industry in their production of sugar cane. Ramotar has thus urged his fellow farmers to use his farm as a proven method that could aid in alleviating the flooding of their homesteads.

In an invited comment, Ramotar told the Kaieteur News that he utilises water channels through his coconut farm, just as is used at the GuySuCo estates. As a result of this, the water channels do not only prevent his farm from flooding, but it has reduced his

transportation cost by some 40 percent. Using small boats, Ramotar said it is now easier to get his harvested coconuts from the farm to the factory. Additionally, the water ways are used for draining excess water off the land irrigation, and it provides a home for fishes.

Ramotar explained that Pomeroon is low ground, and given the effects of climate change, farmers must now come up with ways to accommodate the challenges rather than fighting against the change or continuing to use the same methods that are no longer proving useful. He further explained that what is recognized with the flooding situation in his location is that, when there is a high tide, especially with heavy rainfall, the Pomeroon River rises and overflows its banks. This causes flooding of all the surrounding areas.

What Rooster Coconut Farm has done therefore, is open up water channels that allow the excess water to flow into

the canals. During the digging of the canals, Ramotar said that the mud was used to build up massive mud banks, raising the height of the farming area and preventing it from flooding. Whatever rainfall ends up on the farming area, it eventually runs off into the canal.

Ramotar when asked does not believe that the proposed dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth will aid in addressing the flood situation. In fact, he believes that, that action may even increase the undesired phenomenon. He submitted that removing the built up

Mr. Ramotar (right) stands with one of his Caribbean customers as workers (in the background) remove coconut from a boat, using one of the mentioned water channels to transport the product.

silt from the river mouth would provide an easier flood of water inward. The flooding would be further escalated particularly during high tide and heavy rainfall.

The meeting of these two water sources may see an even higher water level onto the land, Ramotar opined.

Coupled with that, large

amounts of money would have to be spent regularly, to regularly dredge the mouth of the river as silt will again be transported from upstream and settle within a fairly short space of time.

The businessman suggested that the more than G$500M which is pegged to dredge the Pomeroon River

mouth could have instead be used to shape Pomeroon farms to accommodate the effects of changing weather patterns. Ramotar is adamant that a change in farming methods is what is truly needed to tackle increasing effects.

Passionate about the Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

East Bank Berbice farmer resilient in grape cultivation

Devon Gilead attending to his grape vines.

By Malisa Playter

T

here has been buzz around an East Bank Berbice farmer recently over his success in cultivating grapes of various varieties.

Devon Gilead, a 41-year-old farmer, beekeeper, and slasher of 649 New Glasgow Housing Scheme is creating a stir in the agriculture industry and will soon be harvesting juicy and sweet grapes right from his backyard. His success in planting the exotic and succulent fruit has allowed him to be granted a plot of land stretching 7.5 acres to expand his cultivation.

Gilead said he had tried to cultivate grapes just over a year ago and it was a success. This gained widespread attention on social media and it eventually caught the attention of the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who gave him a surprise call in early

2021 and expressed interest in what he had done to achieve it.

Gilead said the VP told him that he was proud that he could achieve grape cultivation in Guyana, “he felt nice and he told me that he knows people that planted the green grapes already but the red grapes he never thought it could actually grow in Guyana…he asked me which university I went to and I told him I didn’t go to any university I learn it off my own.”

Looking ahead and with the hope of expanding, Gilead decided to request a piece of land to drive his vision of having a vineyard where tourists can visit, taste his locally grown grapes, sip some locally made wine and take pictures. A year later, that land was granted to him.

“I had some doubt and so for me, it didn’t make sense to ask for the land and nothing ain’t producing, and then the government will

look shame and all of that. I allowed it to grow and bear fruit and when it bear now, I went to the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, and explained to him and he told me he knows me for a very long time and asked me if I am the man that plant the grapes and I said yes and he worked along with me.”

Gilead said.

The plot of land identified and granted to Gilead was once owned by GuySuCo but is now controlled by NICIL. The land will be leased to him for a fee, but the farmer expressed that “the fee is not a problem” since he was happy that he got the plot of land to further expand.

“He sees the vision and he sees the vision I get because he always talking about it. I feel positive knowing I have the VP behind me because I know he is a man of his word, when he says something, he will do it. When he gave me the green light, it motivates me to invest because I know at the end of the day, I will get it,” Gilead said. Gilead has plans to open a vineyard on the plot of land he was granted. Mostly grown for making wines and preparing raisins, grape cultivation is believed to have originated near the Caspian Sea, however, it is also known to be cultivated since the Roman times.

HOW IT STARTED The East Bank Berbice Farmer hasn’t always been doing farming, in fact, prior to his interest in growing exotic fruits, Gilead was a beekeeper and today he has also grown his beekeeping business to the extent that he retails honey and its bi-products. However, there was a keen interest in growing exotic fruits. He recalled when he was a child, coming from a poor home with three siblings, there was a neighbour who would visit overseas and bring an apple and some grapes for them.

He said his mom would slice the apple so that they could all get a piece and she did the same with the grapes. He also remembered that apple and grapes were not as widely available at the local markets as they are today and so as he got older, he was curious to understand if those same fruits can be grown in his motherland.

“I sit down and study this thing and I said why apple and grapes can’t grow in Guyana here. So I told myself this thing can grow, I went on the internet and do some research, but I see that apples and grapes don’t grow in the snow because you got to get cold climate but I realize when the place cools and the grapes get half-ripe it remains half-ripe because you got to get sunlight to get it to get ripe so it started playing through my mind and I said something wrong here,” he said.

He began researching on the internet whether grapes grew in the African country of Kenya since the climate was like that of

Some of the grapes being cultivated by Devon Gilead.

Guyana and it was then he discovered that apples and grapes were being cultivated in that country successfully. Gilead said he immediately invested in soil testing equipment after he read about the soil PH requirement and upon testing the soil in his yard, he realized that he could grow the fruits.

His first try was with strawberries, he ordered strawberry seeds from Amazon online and planted the seeds in buckets, paying keen attention to it by dedicating his time and energy to watering and nourishing the plants. In a matter of time, his plants began blooming and strawberries were visible. However, those plants died after someone unknowingly sprayed an empty plot of land nearby with weedicide and it blew over into his yard, killing all the strawberry plants in the process. That did not discourage him though, as Gilead decided to now try his hand at grape cultivation.

DETERMINED DESPITE DISCOURAGEMENT Gilead said that when he first floated the idea, there were many that tried to discourage him, and many did not assist in supporting his dream and vision, but he was as determined.

“I go and order some stems, grape cuttings and I said I gon try the grapes now, as it grows now, it had some staff from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute(NAREI) under the previous government and they told me that apple and grapes can’t grow in Guyana because grapes need certain chilling hours and that It’s impossible that the tree gon bare so I didn’t take her word for granted, I said if it can grow in Kenya it got to grow right Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

Monday April 25, 2022

PAGE 15

Dredge owner confesses to killing Missing girl turns up at police station Lethem woman over “unfinished business” - tells cops she ran away from home Erica Lall, a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing, showed-up at the Cove and John Police Station on Saturday and told police ranks that she had run away from home.

Lall was reported missing on Tuesday last and her mother was worried that she was being trafficked.

After the case was reported by the media, the Trafficking in Persons Unit (TIP) along with the Ministry of Social Services and the Social Security’s Child Care and Protection Agency got busy.

However, according to Lall she was not a victim of trafficking nor was she missing. She said that she ran away because she was being abused at home. She told police that she had left her mother’s home on the East Coast of Demerara without informing her, and had headed to a friend’s house l o c a t e d o n t h e Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Lall told police that she was able to locate the area

via directions given to her by someone she had met on Facebook.

The teen girl further claimed that she had contacted her mother on the night she made the move and they had an argument.

Indeed the mother had told police that she had received a call from a strange number informing her that her daughter is okay and would not be coming back.

The mother claimed that she tried calling back the number but got no answer leading her to believe that her daughter was going to be trafficked. Lall however, told ranks that she chose not to answer her mother’s call because of the argument they had.

Her decision to visit the police station was prompted by the various media reports stating that she was a missing person. Statements have since been taken from the young girl and she is presently in care of the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Three new COVID-19 cases, one person in ICU Guyana recorded three new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, with one person in the Intensive Care Unit.

- given sound thrashing by inmates at Lusignan prison

A dredge owner who reportedly confessed to killing a Lethem woman, Va n e s s a F r a n c i s , 2 7 , popularly known as “Chine Girl” over an “unfinished job” at Papi Show Backdam, located along the Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven was on Tuesday last remanded to prison for her murder.

He was identified as Rawle Bobb Semple better known as Johnwick, and had made his court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where the capital charge was read to him by Senior Magistrate Crystal Lambert. Semple was represented by his Lawyer, Amoura Giddings and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was remanded to the Lusignan Prison and is expected to make his next court appearance on May 12, 2022.

Murdered, Vanessa Francis However, according to information reaching this newspaper, some of the inmates at the prison were not welcoming towards him and woke him up on Friday morning with a sound trashing. Launching the vicious attack on Semple were a group of men led by an individual claiming to be a close relative to Francis, the woman he (Semple) is

accused of killing.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, sources close to the investigation said, that Semple had to be rescued.

He reportedly sustained a swollen arm and bruises about his body. Medical personnel in the prison attended to Semple and he has since been removed from among his attackers and placed in a safe place within the prison.

Semple had found himself in hot water after he reportedly confessed that he was the one who killed Francis. The Lethem woman of Yarankita Village, Region Nine was found hacked to death around 10:00hrs on Thursday April 14, along a track at the Papi Show Backdam’s landing by persons traversing the area.

Photos taken of her corpse depicted a gruesome sight.

Her battered body was half

Remanded, Rawle Bobb Semple naked and it bore a huge chop wound across the left side of her face completely disfiguring it. Investigators quickly learnt that the last person to see her alive was Semple and had arrested him.

At first, Semple admitted that he was with Francis just hours before she was found dead but denied that he had anything to do with her murder. However, according to Region Seven Investigators, Semple confessed to the crime.

PAGE 16

Monday April 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

East Bank Berbice farmer resilient in grape...

PROPERTY FOR SALE Sheriff St,Enterprise C,East Coast,Zeelught,West Coast, Blairmont Berbice. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

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From page 14 here,” he said confidently.

Within three months, the grapevines were blossoming.

“I told my wife the tree blossom and she thought it was impossible because grapevine does take two years to start. She thought the tree was pre-mature and I told her to watch it and see and after the whole entire tree blossom if you see grapes.”

He said he called the NAREI staff that doubted him and invited them over, when they arrived, he said even they were surprised and had asked if he bought the bunches of grapes from the market and tied it on the vines.

Gilead eventually began planting different varieties and he began to do increased research about the soil PH requirement, the environment in which it needed to grow, and how to keep the plants bearing the fruit. Adding that when the new government

changed, there was new staff from NAREI assisting him with anything he needed to make it work. Though tedious and time-consuming, Gilead was determined to improve his craft and prove others wrong since he had received a lot of negative advice. He said he had to understand that plants needed a period of rest so that they could continue to produce.

“I learned about these techniques on my own, research not teaching you that, but you got to figure it out yourself. If something needs rest, if the cherry tree baring a cherry, continue all the time, the tree needs rest, what you must do is pick out all the cherries and cut out all the blossoms so the plant will just stop pushing out fruits and so on. I figured it out, the first set I planted inside the house, came out good, but

VACANCY

From page 13 success of the farming technique, Ramotar said he has mentioned his idea to several state engineers but they are yet to show interest on the possibilities that exist despite presently, this proven method is what has been saving his coconut plantation from flooding.

Ramotar said, his coconut establishment sits on 500 acres of land. During the flood relief program where government compensated farmers who suffered losses, the businessman said he accepted no compensation because he had suffered no loss. “So, we have to change our methods.

People have to come and

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this set came out excellent. I know the other set will come out perfect,” he said.

Gilead is currently cultivating the Vitus Labrusca (Concord) or ‘Fox Grape’, the Muscat table grape, and, Jupiter grapes which is a mix between the Concord and the Muscat, the Moon drop grapes and the Vanessa wine grapes. He is also trying to grow other fruits such as Dragon fruit, Kiwi, Gala apples, and sweet granadilla (relative to the passion fruit).

Gilead hopes to one day employ a lot of staff and eventually supply the entire country and export his grapes.

He also wants to teach the younger generation who are in the agriculture field at school so that when they leave school, they can learn a skill. “I want to employ mostly single parents because I know

a lot of women out of jobs, they can come for employment because I know women have more love for the plant than men, they have more patience,” he said.

He is also hoping to make products from his grape production while noting, that the grape leaf alone has a ton of benefits and can be used in cooking, making tea, and more. He said too, that the seeds of the grape can be used to make grapeseed oil and he will also be looking at making wine, jams, and juice.

The father of two has invested approximately $8,000,000 over the past few years in grape production and he currently has over 200 grape seedling plants. When it is time to harvest, he is hoping that many persons including the Vice President and the Agriculture Minister will get a taste.

Businessman proposes water channels... see what we have here. It works,” Ramotar insisted.

“We cannot fight Mother Nature, we have to find ways to work with her.” Rooster Coconut water is distributed to regional and international markets.

Kaieteur News had days earlier contacted Regional Democratic Council Chairperson, Vilma Da Siva to ascertain whether any study or assessments were done to understand the flooding situation in the region.

She told the newspaper that consultations were held with residents but could not provide information on any technical review that allowed for specific information on the cause of flooding. She said

she was not in receipt of any such documentation.

Last week, the government awarded $569.3M to Gaico Construction Company for the dredging of the mouth of the Pomeroon River. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the project would mitigate flooding.

He said that “the dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth is a major project. You know the Pomeroon is prone to flooding.

When those works are done, coupled with the continued block-drainage programme that continues this year, flooding in this area will be mitigated.”

PSC sees reduction in freight cost with...

From page 11 within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar spoke to the importance of the investment made by the private company.

He pointed out that the direction in which the country is moving points to an urgent need for the movement of construction materials in particular. To this end, the Minister related that the country will have to look to transition from the reliance on trucks to barges, to get better financial returns.

Indar applauded the family for being attentive to the needs of the government and private sector.

Chief Executive Officer of Gaico Construction and General Services, Mr. Komal Singh announced that the

company will continue to make bold investments as it recognizes the support of the administration. In fact he said that the firm waited since 2017 for a permit it required to develop a facility, but was only furnished with same after the government changed.

Malavi, a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge will add to the company’s fleet of current vessels which includes Hopper Dredges, Cutter Head Dredges, Hydraulic Cutter Head Dredges, Tugs Barges Supply Vessels and Backhoe Dredges.

In a release to the media, the company said it is currently constructing a wharf and dry dock facility at Nismes. The completion of the first phase will see a laydown yard, a one-fingerpier and the wharf front at the

Nismes foreshore area. This facility will allow materials and equipment to be offloaded from vessels and stored until they are ready for further transport.

GAICO believes since new infrastructural work in Region Three will increase, there will be an increased demand for construction material produced outside of the region.

By allowing ships to moor at the facility, supplies headed to Region Three could be discharged straightaway – reducing transportation costs.

Beyond this, however, this facility is strategically positioned to support the oil and gas sector directly – particularly, the forthcoming gas-to-energy project in nearby Wales.

Monday April 25, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Some Crane, Canal Polders residents will be prohibited from developing land - Gas-to-Energy impact study The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted by the Environmental Resources Management (ERM) for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, has signaled that some land owners in Crane, Canal Number One and Canal Number Two, in Region Three may not be allowed to grow crops or develop new structures that may interfere with the pipeline to be laid by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The document said that one residential property within the planned onshore pipeline route about 175 meters south of the shore crossing may have to relocate, along with four other dwellings located within 500 meters of the heavy haul road and temporary materials offloading facility (MOF).

EEPGL was keen to note

that the government is responsible for Projectrelated land acquisition but the company will support the administration in developing and implementing a ‘Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Strategy’ aligned with “international standards”.

When it comes to land use, the oil company explained that the project may result in a change of land ownership or tenure for all or part of a property, parcel, or land use area. It explained that a 12.2 meter wide permanent right of way (ROW) will be established to aid in operation and maintenance of the onshore pipeline.

As such, any land that falls within the permanent ROW will be frozen. The document did not say how many homes will be affected by this ROW. According to the document, “Land use in

the permanent RoW will be restricted and growing crops or construction of any structures will not be

A photo of the Canal Number One Access Road

Manickchand promises to work...

From page 6 in its desire to be the impartial intermediary that teachers need and deserve and must resist being easily swayed by the objectives and agendas of desperate groups within society. She said that it is on this premise that the relevance, evolution and eventual success of the Union rests. Further, the Education Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Union to advance the overall standing of teachers since the Ministry views this as a vital prerequisite for the improvement of the education system.

She said that currently, over 2500 teachers are beneficiaries of scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) pursuing degrees, masters, PhDs and postgraduate programmes. Additionally, she said that due to COVID and the physical closure of the Cyril Potter College of

Education, teacher training was expanded and offered online which increased the intake at the College from the traditional 535 to now enrolling 3000 new students due to offering training online.

Minister Manickchand said that the aim is to have 100 per cent of the teachers in the education system be trained or are in the process of being trained. She said that though there are great untrained teachers in the system, students are more likely to receive better instruction from teachers who have undergone training.

Moreover, she said that the Ministry and the Union must work in partnership and meet each other earnestly and objectively with a singular mission of securing a better future for the children of Guyana. To that end, she said that both parties must develop a stronger alliance that fosters greater social

dialogue to facilitate the voices of teachers being fully and continuously heard.

She said that this partnership must ensure that teachers receive access to professional development opportunities that align with the needs of educators, and that policies must be devised to advance the empowerment of teachers and their professional practice.

President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mr. Mark Lyte said that COVID allowed the Ministry of Education and teachers to utilize and embrace the benefits of technology to education delivery and management. He called for greater investment in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) moving forward.

At yesterday’s opening, presentations were also done

by Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton and Mr. Lincoln Lewis on behalf of the Guyana Trades Union Congress.

permitted in the permanent RoW. The legal formation of the RoW may result in changes to existing private property boundaries and/or the details of licences, leases, permits, or other tenures related to the use of affected public lands.”

The company said that the ROW will be “minimal in width and largely aligned with the existing canals and drainage channels” and concluded that the impact on land ownership and/or tenure will be of minor significance during the construction and operations stages, even in the absence of specific information about private properties or other land tenures.

The ROW, according to the EIA crosses populated areas in the vicinities of Crane, Canal One, and Canal Two. EEPGL pointed out that populated areas within these communities will be crossed by horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to avoid or reduce disturbances to properties but the restrictions with the ROW will still be in effect.

Land access The environmental impact assessment goes on to explain that agricultural activity in other areas may also be impacted, as some farmers may be denied access to carry out their agricultural activities.

According to the EIA, “Agricultural activities (crops and livestock) are the most

significant land uses in the Primary Study Area. The Project’s use of land during the Construction and Operations stages will reduce access to affected land for agricultural or other purposes.

This loss of access could result in temporary and/or permanent economic displacement for people who may depend on these lands for their livelihoods, employment, and/or incomegenerating activities.”

The displacement of agricultural land use is expected to occur along the onshore pipeline route near Crane, and west of West Minister / Lust-en-Rust and between Canal Number One and Two where rice, pineapple and mixed crops are planted, respectively.

The project The Gas-to-Energy project is being pursued by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), on behalf of itself and its coventurers (Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited).

It proposes to bring the associated natural gas, produced from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block, to shore for use.

The Government of Guyana is pursuing a separate project to construct a power plant that would use a portion of this associated natural gas as a fuel source.

Accordingly, EEPGL, at the

request of the Government, is proposing the Project to provide fuel for the Power Plant.

Project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil production operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity) Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd; 1.4 million standard cubic meters per day [MMsm3/d]) of rich gas via a subsea pipeline and then an onshore pipeline to a NGL processing plant, treating the gas to remove NGLs for sale to third parties, and ultimately delivering dry gas meeting government specifications for use at the Power Plant.

Construction will begin after the company receives all necessary authorizations, with a target date of August 2022 for start of NGL Plant site preparation, and will take approximately three years.

The combined offshore and onshore pipeline system is targeted to be ready to deliver rich gas by end of 2024, and the NGL Plant is targeted to be operational by mid-2025. The Project has a planned life cycle of at least 25 years.

The aspect of the project for which the oil company is responsible, that is to say, the installation of the offshore and onshore pipelines, is set to cost a whopping US$1.3B.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Monday April 25, 2022

Monday April 25, 2022

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Rublev outlasts Djokovic to claim Serbia Open crown Russia’s Andrey Rublev. (Reuters)

Monday April 25, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a perfect day for falling in love. You can expect anything to happen today.

You could even meet someone who is ready to love, support, and listen to you when you need him or her most.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) One couldn't really say that you have a hard time making decisions regarding your love life. You're a passionate person and you believe in love at first sight.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today, Taurus, you'll really be in the limelight. This could help you change what is sometimes a very negative image you have of yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You enjoy reaping rewards for all your efforts.

But in your love life, you have to admit that you can never be sure of the quantity or the quality of the fruits of your labors.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you've been feeling a little under the weather, today's planetary configuration will make you feel a whole lot better, Gemini. In a few days you'll have the strength to pick up where you left off on the projects you perhaps began last month.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You probably know that you don't attain freedom in one fell swoop, but rather bit by bit as you go through life, Sagittarius. Perhaps you've been feeling as if you don't have enough freedom.

CANCER(June21–July22) Today is another passionate day in a series of passionate days! Usually, Cancer, you're a fairly reserved person where feelings are concerned.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If you come across someone a little strange or eccentric today, try and get to know him or her, because that person could be a reflection of part of you. The person will help you to see how modern and innovative you are.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you often help people in need, or if helping people is part of your profession, this day will bring certain ideas to light, Virgo. You need to take the time on a regular basis to take care of yourself. If you don't, you won't be able to continue to help others.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Throughout the day you may get the feeling that something has changed in the way people relate to each other, Capricorn. It will be as if people are surer of themselves, more open, more expressive.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You can relax a little at last!

That's what you could be thinking with today's celestial energy. The time is perfect to get ready for the challenges that up to now were just anxieties inside you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're interested in better understanding yourself and your reactions to the world around you. Well, today you should take the time to look over your successes and failures, especially where your family life is concerned.

(Reuters) - World number one Novak Djokovic’s barren title spell in 2022 continued as he went down 6-2 6-7(4) 60 to Russian Andrey Rublev in the final of the ATP 250 Serbia Open in Belgrade on Sunday.

Playing his second tournament on clay this season after being knocked out by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monte Carlo earlier this month, Djokovic was off to a slow start as second seed Rublev broke him twice to clinch the opening set 6-2.

Djokovic had prevailed from a set down in his last three matches and the 20times major winner, cheered on by a capacity home crowd, raised his game in the second set to take the tie-breaker despite earlier squandering five set points on the Rublev serve.The Serbian missed a chunk of the early season, including the Australian Open as well as ATP Masters 1000 events in Miami and

Indian Wells, due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 - and his lack of match practice showed in the deciding set on Sunday.

Rublev galloped to an early lead and barely gave his opponent a chance as he closed out the match with a powerful forehand winner for his first win over Djokovic and 11th career title.

“It was unfortunate that in the third set I really ran out of gas,” Djokovic told reporters.

“I couldn’t deliver more of a fight but congratulations to Andrey on another great week.”

The 34-year-old added that his surrender in the final set could have been down to a recent illness that also caused him trouble in the second-round defeat in Monte Carlo.

“I didn’t like the feeling towards the end of the second set, and basically the entire third set was similar to what I was experiencing in

Monte Carlo. Whether or not it is due to that illness I had or something like that, I don’t know,” he said, adding that the problem wasn’t related to COVID-19.

“At least this bad feeling came in the fourth match rather than the first. Things are progressing slowly but surely. Paris is the big goal and hopefully by Paris I will be fit and ready to play bestof-five.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Monday April 25, 2022

Rahul ton, Krunal send Mumbai hurtling to eight defeat

T

he Mumbai Indians batting line-up fizzled out yet again to slump to their eighth straight loss of the season. The only team still without a win in IPL 2022 was chasing 169 on their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, after lion-hearted KL Rahul century. On a ground with short boundaries, dew in the evening and strong crowd support, 169 was gettable.

Mumbai have chased down bigger targets in far less friendly conditions.

But such as it has been this year, Mumbai slipped from 49 for 0 to 67 for 4 and once their top four was back with dejected looks in the dressing room, all their hopes rested on Kieron Pollard again. They needed nearly two runs a ball - 102 off 52 - when he walked out, and even though Tilak Varma showed signs of becoming a future star with his 38 off 27, the asking rate kept soaring and Mumbai fell short by 36 runs.

Is that you, Mumbai?

For some time it looked like Super Giants had swapped their shirts with Mumbai. The hosts’ bowlers had turned up with a performance we had barely seen in the tournament so far and the Super Giants batters were barely able to score.

Rohit bravely gave the second over to rookie Hrithik Shokeen, whose flat offbreaks conceded just four

runs, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Quinton de Kock for 10 on the very next ball after seeing him get a life at deep backward square leg, and Riley Meredith and Jaydev Unadkat stifled Rahul and the No. 3 Manish Pandey.

If not for the back-toback fours that Rahul crunched in the third over off Daniel Sams, Super Giants may not even have reached the 32 for 1 that they did at the end of the field restrictions.

Rahul’s stellar form vs Mumbai continues Single-handedly, he lifted the run rate over six after the powerplay. Singlehandedly, he kept picking boundaries to not let the run rate drop below seven, even though wickets fell around him. And single-handedly, he chaperoned his team to a competitive total.

Pandey fell for a run-aball 22, Marcus Stoinis came out at No. 4 but found deep midwicket for a duck, Krunal Pandya was done for 1 by a cutter from Pollard, and Deepak Hooda and Ayush Badoni also fell for low scores while trying to collect late runs.

All this while, Rahul did what no Mumbai batter could - bat deep. He moved to 29 off 30 balls before taking off against the fast bowlers, especially when they pitched it short. He started with a six over midwicket off an Unadkat

KL Rahul smashes the ball down the ground during his century (PTI)

slower ball. Then came back-to-back fours - a pull and a cut - against Meredith.

Even Bumrah struggled to stop him - which is actually par for the course in the IPL as Rahul sped away to a 37ball fifty.

Super Giants’ biggest over was the 13th, bowled by Sams, which saw two sixes from Rahul and five wides as well, but Sams also got the big wicket of Stoinis with a slower one.

Krunal fell two balls later when Rohit slipped in two quiet overs of Pollard’s cutters but Rahul was unfazed. From 126 for 5 after 16 overs, he went after Bumrah again by waiting deep in the crease for the yorkers, collecting two fours, one over point and the other through cover.

Bumrah bowled an impeccable 19th over, hitting the blockhole consistently, but Rahul collected three fours backto-back off Unadkat to race to 94 and then belted Meredith for two sixes in the last over for his 61-ball century, which was his second of the season, third against Mumbai and fourth in all IPL cricket.

He finished unbeaten on 103, being in control for 85% of his shots and even though he had to score over 61% of Super Giants’ runs on his own, it eventually proved to be enough.

That is you, Mumbai ESPNcricinfo’s predictor gave Mumbai a near 50% chance of chasing down 169. But Ishan Kishan unusually defended his way

to 3 off 12 and eventually fell for 8 off 20 when he bottomedged Ravi Bishnoi to de Kock’s boot and the ball lobbed to Holder at slip.Rohit did the bulk of the scoring early on and took Mumbai to a steady 43 for 0 after the powerplay but they slipped suddenly as Dewald Brevis found third man off left-arm quick Mohsin Khan for 3 and his captain paid the price for a wild slog sweep against Krunal.

T h a t b r o u g h t Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma together with the score at 58 for 3. Two overs later, Rahul gave the ball to Badoni who had never bowled in a T20 before. The offspinner’s second ball brought him the big wicket o f S u r y a k u m a r, w h o mistimed a whip to cover and

neither Rahul, who took the catch, nor the Wankhede crowd could believe what had unfolded.

P o l l a r d a n d Ti l a k stitched a stand of 57 in which Tilak took on Bishnoi for big sixes and Holder for back-to-back fours but once he mistimed Holder to deep m i d w i c k e t , M u m b a i ’s chances fell further.They needed 44 from 12, Pollard was on a run-a-ball 17, and Dushmantha Chameera’s 19th over full of wide yorkers for just five runs pretty much sealed the match.

Match details: Lucknow Super Giants 168 for 6 (Rahul 103*, Pollard 2-8, Meredith 2-40) beat Mumbai Indians 132 for 8 (Rohit 39, Tilak 38, Krunal 3-19) by 36 runs

NBA roundup: Jazz edge Mavericks to tie playoff series (Reuters) - Rudy Gobert made a key rebound and an even bigger dunk with 11 seconds remaining to boost the Utah Jazz to a seriestying 100-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday afternoon in Salt Lake City.

Jordan Clarkson led Utah

in scoring with 25 points, Donovan Mitchell added 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Gobert finished with 17 points and 15 boards in a game that nearly slipped away.

Luka Doncic, in his first action of the postseason, scored a game-high 30 points

with 10 rebounds and gave Dallas a four-point lead with 39 seconds left. Mitchell cut the lead to one with a putback layup and a free throw with 31.2 seconds left after being fouled by Doncic.

The Jazz fouled Dwight Powell with 19.8 seconds remaining, and he missed both shots. Gobert then grabbed the rebound and put Utah up 100-99 with an alley-oop dunk off of a pass from Mitchell. Game 5 will be Monday in Dallas.

Raptors 110, 76ers 102 Pascal Siakam scored a playoff-career-best 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Toronto defeated visiting Philadelphia in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-1.

Gary Trent Jr. added 24 points for the Raptors, who extended the series to a fifth game, which will be Monday in Philadelphia. Thaddeus Young had 13 points and OG Anunoby 11 for the Raptors.

Joel Embiid, playing with a thumb injury, had 21 points and eight rebounds for Philadelphia, James Harden had 22 points and nine assists, Tobias Harris had 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey scored 11 points.

Celtics 109, Nets 103 Jayson Tatum scored 39 points as Boston led most of the way and beat Brooklyn in N e w Yo r k t o o p e n a commanding three-games-

to-none lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Tatum made 13 of 29 shots for his second 30-pluspoint game of the series, putting the second-seeded Celtics on the verge of sweeping the seventhseeded Nets in Game 4 on Monday.

Bruce Brown led the Nets with 26 points, but superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were held to a combined 32 points as the Nets shot 50.6 percent but also allowed 37 points off 21 turnovers.

Timberwolves 119, Grizzlies 118 Karl-Anthony Towns responded to one of the worst performances of his

postseason career with 33 points and Minnesota evened its playoff series against visiting Memphis with a Game 4 victory in Minneapolis.

Towns, whose eightpoint effort in a home loss in Game 3 equaled the secondfewest of his playoff career, rebounded with a postseason career-high in helping the s e v e n t h - s e e d e d Timberwolves square the series at 2-2. Game 5 will be Tuesday in Memphis.

Anthony Edwards added 24 points and Patrick Beverley 17 for the Wolves.

Desmond Bane scored 34 points to lead Memphis, Dillon Brooks netted 24, and Ja Morant collected 11 points and 15 assists.

Monday April 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday April 25, 2022

Thompson-Herah first Jamaican Narine beings reign as National female athlete named Laureus Junior Chess Sportswoman of the Year Champion Ricardo Narine

Tokyo Olympics triple gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah has won the Laureus Sportswoman Award for 2022. In doing so, she became the first Jamaican female athlete to win the coveted award that began in 2000.

The 29-year-old Thompson-Herah created history in Tokyo last year when she became the first woman in Olympic history to win the 100m and 200m titles at consecutive Olympic Games. She won the 100m in 10.61, breaking the previous record of 10.62 set by American Florence Griffith Joyner at the Seoul Games in 1988.

She then won the 200m in a lifetime best of 21.53, the second-fastest time in history. She won a third gold medal as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team that set a national record of 41.02, the thirdfastest time in history.

However, she was only getting started. Following the Olympics, she ran 10.54, the second-fastest time in history, to win the 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Oregon and then ran times of 10.64 and 10.65 to become the only woman in the history of the sport to run the 100m in under 10.80 four times.

“I really don’t think I can really express how it feels to be nominated amongst these wonderful and super talented ladies across their respective disciplines but to think that I

I

Elaine Thompson-Herah

could come out as the chosen winner of this prestigious award is just mind-blowing for me,” Thompson-Herah posted on Instagram in reaction to the news beneath a photograph of her holding her award.

“I would like to thank the Laureus Sports Academy for this wonderful recognition. I want to thank all my friends and family who have continuously supported me throughout my journey.”

She also thanked her sponsors Flow Jamaica, NCB Jamaica and Nike as

well as her many fans.

“My fans, my fans! I love you guys so much, continue to motivate and pray for me as I set out to continuously rewrite the record books.”

Only one other Jamaican athlete has ever won the Laureus Sports Award.

Usain Bolt won the Sportsman of the Year Award in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2017. Formula One driver Max Verstappen won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award after winning his first title albeit under controversial circumstances.

GCOS to host anniversary softball competition in May In observance of its sixth anniversary, the Guyana Committee of Services (GCOS) will host a nationwide softball competition in the month of May. The 11-a-side competition is set to attract the leading softball teams in the country vying for some attractive cash prizes and accompanying trophies.

The entrance fee per team is G$10,000 and the champion side is guaranteed G$100,000, while the runner-up will receive G$50,000 and third G$25,000.

According to GCOS member Rajan Tiwari, all teams will be provided with 12 red

supreme balls, which is the ball of preference for this tournament. Tiwari said the competition will commence on May 1 in Berbice and will continue on May 8 at Lusignan, May 15 at Goed Fortuin and May 22 at Togetherness Park at Liliendaal.

The final, Tiwari indicated, will be played a venue to be confirmed. Interested teams are asked to contact Tiwari on +592-652-9570 for registration and more information on the tournament. GCOS is a non-profit organisation that offers support to athletes and others in need of assistance.

t was a tense playoff on Saturday between title contenders Ethan Lee and Ricardo Narine, with each young player eager to take home the victory.

After nine-round junior championship battle, Lee and Narine tied in the top position with 6.5 points each.

This meant the duo had to go on to a play off for the title. Ethan Lee has been playing chess for over a decade while Ricardo Narine has been in the sport for approximately seven years, and neither of them held a national title prior to this year. Narine is a former Queen’s College student who now attends the University of Guyana pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

Lee is a former student of Marian Academy who is currently enrolled with the GOAL scholarship program pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering.

It was a tense back-andforth over the board at the decisive play-off event with neither player ready to concede the title without a fight. By random selection, 17-year-old Narine was placed on the white pieces against 19-year-old Lee on black in a 15-minute rapid match. Lee is well-known to dominate longer formats of

the game and demonstrated this by winning the match against Narine. “I feel that my performance overall was good,” said Narine after the match. “However, in the first game (15-minute rapid), I felt that I made a few inaccuracies which Ethan capitalised on.”

When they went on to the 10-minute match with Ethan now on the white pieces, Narine won bringing the points to a draw.

“In the second game, I felt that the opening surprised Ethan which assisted me in gaining a winning position,” said Narine. This brought them into the third and final game of 5-minutes where Narine won the match and the title.

“In the final game, I corrected the inaccuracies made in the first match and came through with the win.

The time controls really helped with the overall outcome of the playoffs.

Ethan put up an excellent fight, making it all the more satisfying.” It has been a major life-goal for Narine to

win a Junior National Title since he first started playing chess competitively.

After a few close calls with defeat over the last two weeks, Narine has emerged victorious. “After my losses against Keron (Sandiford) and Kyle (Couchman), I thought that I was in for a rough tournament - but I pulled it together at the end and managed to come back.

However, after the first playoff game I felt really nervous about losing 2-0.

But I pulled it together in the end and managed to reverse sweep.” The play-off format consisted of 3 games, a 15 minute game, a 10 minute game and a 5 minute game, where two best of three decided the champion.

This method has been consistently implemented in the past to determine the National Champion for both Senior and junior titles.

The play-off was supervised by Irshad Mohamad, FIDE Arbiter, Tournament Director and past President of the Guyana Chess Federation.

Janet Jagan Memorial Secondary Girls Tournament…

Berbice High School overcomes NA/Canje to win title At Welfare Centre Ground, Berbice High School captured the title in a low-scoring final in the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone of the 2022 Season Opener of Windball cricket, the Janet Jagan Memorial Secondary School Girls Tournament, which was organised by Sports Officer Alistair Munroe.

Vryman’s Erven Secondary batted first on a well prepared pitch and scored 22-5, off their allotted five overs as Emeika Lindie top scored with 12.

Berbice High School replied with 24-0, as Player of the finals, Delicia Batson, made 15. In the third place play off, Canje Secondary School defeated Tutorial Academy Secondary School.

Canje batted first and made 66-1, with Christine Williams scoring 47 not out (6sx5) and Melesa Ramnarine contributing 19.

Tutorial Academy in reply were restricted to 37-4. Subinua Karran top scored with 11 and Carlinie Saroop supported with 10.

The programme was also graced with the

presence of West Indies Female player Tremayne Smartt who gave the students a pep talk and reminded them that she and so many other national players are also a product of Windball Cricket.

Smartt played for Lower Corentyne Secondary School during her Windball career. Smartt also praised the Munroe for the great job he has been doing over the years.

Meanwhile, Munroe thanked the management and Staff of Rose Hall Estate for their continued support in the use of the Welfare Centre Ground, all in the development of the sport and young people.

He also thanked the Regional Education Office - Region 6, AL Sport & Tour Promotions, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the students, teachers and all the officials involved.

A total of over four hundred and sixty (460) students participated in this year tournament along with 66 teachers from Regions 3, 4 and 6.

Kaieteur News

Monday April 25, 2022

PAGE 23

Guyana Fight Night - Road to Redemption

Dharry lifts title despite distractions - Marques losses by split decision

James Wallcott's coach and corner man rushed to their fighter after he was knocked out by James Moore who celebrates. (Sean Devers photo)

By Sean Devers The much anticipated Road to Redemption Card at the Providence Stadium on Saturday night was among the biggest in the history of Boxing in Guyana with two WBC international bouts carded for the night.

When the dust had settled Guyana’s Elton Dharry had beaten Panamanian Orlando Penalba for WBC International Super Flyweight title by Unanimous Decision.

In the bout that preceded Dexter Marques lost on a slit d e c i s i o n t o P a n a m a ’s Gilberto Pedroza, who claimed the WBC Silver belt.

The card, promoted by Dharry Promotions, Jack Bharat and NexGen Global Promotions in association with The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was affected by a few glitches including the projected the size of the crowd, which competed with a few other ‘big’ Events.

Technical issues by the Power-Set Sound System which resulted in the Cultural Show that included performances by Guyana’s

Junior Soca Monarch being cancelled. Added to that, the poor quality of bouts on the undercard failed to overshadow the pair of WCB bouts.

The large gathering, mainly located on the ground, included Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, Sports Minister, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, among other known Boxing personalities, were treated to a night of sizzling hot fistic fury that included rain, which commenced during the last bout and intensified in heavy downpour moment after final bell.

Earlier in the night, Stephen DaSilva suffered a TKO, 37 seconds in the first round by Richard James, James Walcott was knocked out in 54 seconds in the first round by James Moore, Imran Khan floored Anthony Narine in 2 minutes and 20 seconds in the second round and Laured Stewart, who entered the ring with his entourage Granny ‘Ivelaw’ and a couple of fake Policemen, cut Romeo Norville down in the first round.

Stewart and Norville had matched gloves in the

amateur ranks with Norville winning but Saturday night was payback.

In what was nowhere near his best performance, Dharry, who last fought in Guyana on January 20, 2018 when he beat Venezuelan Jesus Vargas at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, was floored thrice in the final round but survived to win a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecard 97-92, 9493, 99-92.

In the opening round both fighters used a wide stand and looked to establish the early advantage where Dharry succeeded and how has a Pro record of 26 wins (14 KOs), 6 losses and 1 draw from 33 bouts.

The second round saw the previously undefeated Penalba, whose record in 14 fights is now 12 wins one defeat and a draw, getting the better of the USA-based Dharry with some good body shots.

The boxers upped to tempo and traded combinations as Dharry used his jab to keep out the more aggressive opponent, but although he was not as quick as he usually is, he was caught with shots that could have been evaded. Dharry had done enough to be ahead in the contest after four rounds.

By the seventh round the intensity of the fight had increased with Dharry executing some nice crosses to the head of his man who counter-punched in an action packed round.

In the next round both pugilists began to tire and the pace of the fight slowed with more holding being done.

The penultimate round saw a few low blows and warnings for clashes of the head but Dharry won the round.

The Panamanian came out with all guns blazing in the final round looking for a knockout but only succeeded in flooring Dharry three times as adjudicated by referee Eion Jardine. The gutsy Penalba threw all he had at Dharry who managed to survive the onslaught.

But in the end, the scores were not an indication of competitiveness of the furious battle between the gladiators.

After the fight, Dharry told former World title contender Clive Atwell (one of commentators) in the ring that he was affected by distractions outside of the Ring.

Imran Khan about to knock Anthony Narine to the Canvas in the second round (Sean Devers photo) “I heard everything my trainer said…everything they said was correct, I just couldn’t pull the trigger. My mind was not fully focused on what needed to be done. I think I learnt a valuable lesson tonight to step back from promotion while fighting.”

“I (usually) perform 10 times better than what I did tonight. Everyone who knows me or has seen me in training, they know what type of performance I bring and you have to really be at an elite level to really give me any type of trouble,” said the 36-year-old Dharry.

Dharry who migrated to the US when he was 13, said he made things a little harder on himself by being a promoter and will never do it again. He, however, added that he will continue to promote fights for other boxers.

D h a r r y, a W B C Caribbean Bantamweight Champion, Guyana National Bantamweight Champion, IBF Intercontinental

Champion and WBU Americas Bantamweight Champion, and World Boxing Council FECARBOX Super Flyweight champion added another title to his list of accolades.

In the closely fought supporting bout, Marques who has not fought in close to four years found the going tough against flyweight, Pedroza.

The 36 year-old Marques in his 20th pro fight suffered his third loss after dominating the first round with some good shots to the body of Pedroza.

H o w e v e r, t h e Panamanian hit Marques with body digs and lefts to the head as Guyanese failed to consistently failed to jab and get out of range as Pedroza won the critical moments.

Marques manage to land some good combinations in the round with the hopeful crowd chanting his name but it was too little too late for the Guyanese.

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Penalba and Dharry go toe-to-toe in an entertaining WBC contest for the Super Flyweight International Title. (Sean Devers photo)

Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr. congratulates Elton Dharry just after presenting him with the WBC Championship belt. (Sean Devers photo)

Guyana Fight Night - Road to Redemption

Dharry lifts title despite distractions - Marques losses by split decision Ricardo Narine (right) and Ethan Lee during their Championship playoff match

Janet Jagan Memorial Secondary Girls Tournament…

Narine beings reign as National Junior Chess Champion

NBA roundup: Jazz edge Mavericks to tie playoff series Rahul ton, Thompson-Herah first Jamaican Krunal send female athlete Mumbai named Laureus hurtling to Sportswoman eight defeat of the Year

Berbice High School acepts their prize from Alistair Munroe

Berbice High School overcomes NA/Canje to win title

Vryman’s Erven collects their trophy from West Indies female player Tremayne Smartt.

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