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found hacked to death in shallow grave

April 29, 2022 - Vol. 24 No.17

p. 12

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 70,704

...police hunting camp buddies

Feasibility of gas-to-energy project remains state secret p. 3

…Govt. continues to downplay importance of study

Former Finance Minister Jordan arrested for sale of Ogle lands ‘Single-use plastic giving City Hall headache’ p. 12

p. 2

...solid waste director urges EPA to implement promised ban

Govt. to spend $100 million to fix 16 health centres in Region Seven CARICOM on warpath against migrant smuggling p. 6

p. 8

...in move to draft legislation to tackle problem

Workers urged to join fight for better …as labour unions knock Govt. oil deal on “anti-working class” policies p. 17

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Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

'Single-use plastic giving City Hall headache' Single use plastic helps to create harmful environmental effects similar to Styrofoam.

...solid waste director urges EPA to implement promised ban

By Rehanna Ramsay

M&CC Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine.

S

ince the ban on styrofoam in Guyana some seven years ago, the Georgetown Municipality has been grappling with a host of environmental issues when it comes to the disposal of single use plastic.

Head of the Solid Waste Department at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Walter Narine explained that the use of plastic has a very dire effect on the work of the council. According to Narine, plastic makes up about 6.7 percent of the garbage that is collected from the drains, canals and road corners of the city every day. Narine noted that the plastic has found a way to create a similar problem that the city had with Styrofoam years ago. “We see the same type of dumping that was done with the Styrofoam happening with the plastic.

Plastic is generally an issue especially the single-use plastic; bags, straws, containers and so forth are always clogging up the waterways and creating unsightly, unhygienic and horrendous situation for the Council when it is dumped around the city,” the Solid Waste Director stated. He explained that since plastic is basically part of everyday life it is a difficult issue to tackle.

“This is a major problem because plastic is not expensive and everyone uses

and disposes it as they wish. I believe if we had a system that plastic is removed and the price of shopping bags is more expensive, so when people go to the market place, they have to reuse the bags and packages we will always have this problem.”

According to Narine, the Council expends close to $18 M every month clearing garbage piles and dumps across the city. He noted that if plastic is effectively banned it will help reduce the monthly expenditure and resources used by the municipality to clear the garbage. The Solid Waste Director noted further that there has been much talk about banning single use plastics by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but it is yet to materialise.

Narine added: “The council is aware that its scope is limited when it comes to tackling this problem so we welcome any assistance and will work with the stakeholders to bring an end to the problem.” He stressed further that for the environmental issues to be addressed properly, it will require political will. “If every sector works together; Central Government, the EPA, the Council, and the citizens we can address the issue,” the Solid Waste Director said.

Narine's comments come amidst a announcement by (Continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 03

Feasibility of gas-to-energy project remains state secret …Govt. continues to downplay importance of study

By Zen Henry

T

he ambitious gas to energy project that is slated for the Region 3 community of Wales is being touted as one of the single most transformative projects that Guyana has embarked on so far.

This project has the potential to provide significant benefits to Guyanese. The country's major problem when it comes to business, in particular, has always been cost of power generation and its reliability, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat related during an address at Exxon Mobil's signing agreement to lease a shore base facility from a local company for its Yellowtail and other developments.

Bharrat said that, “That project will deliver cheaper electricity, cleaner electricity and reliable electricity,” to Guyanese, while moving the country forward in its value added sector. Guyana has not been able to access its full value of natural resources since the nation continues to export raw materials, the minister pointed out. He said that the production of processed or value added goods is where Guyana will see real benefits. This gas to energy project will therefore help local businesses to realise that dream and create significant opportunities for goods and services, employment, and also cut the cost of importing goods that can be produced locally, but currently are not.

“So it is a win-win situation,” Minister Bharrat told those at the signing event. “There is no way we can lose from the gas to energy project and from going into value added produce,” he continued.

However, despite this flowery vision of success and development, the natural resources minister is yet to submit any updated information that promotes

the 21 plus kilometre gas to energy project as being right for Guyana.

Just after divulging his support for the rising US$1.3billion project cost, Minister Bharrat was asked by reporters whether citizens could expect an updated feasibility study that would address the concerns of those unconvinced sectors of society. To this, he responded, “Sometimes we have to look at the benefits of projects too.” After repeating this statement, he further told reporters that instead of recognizing the recently constructed four lane highway, “…you know what they (citizens) are talking about- the eagle. It's as if they didn't notice a brand new four lane highway that is easing the traffic congestion on the East Bank and relieving hundreds of people that traverse there every day.”

The Minister's deflection from the question comes in spite of calls from civil society groups, opposition members, sections of the media and dozens of regional and international experts warning Guyana to be prudent in its bid to move forward with the contentious gas to energy project. What has basically stirred concern with this project is that despite preparatory works on the way, Guyanese are deliberately being kept in the dark as to the total cost of the project, how much citizens will be charged for the gas and its ability to efficiently deliver the product to citizens without indebting them.

So far, what is available is a feas ibility s tudy that w as conducted in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Coalition administration. The objective of that study which was conducted by international agency, Energy Narrative was to determine the overall feasibility of transporting natural gas from offshore Guyana, building an Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) separation plant and a

NGL Plant

Guyana's gas-to-shore project may be a no brainer, but citizens are still in the dark about the project's feasibility.

3P Power Plant

-30 km onshore

12” diameter pipeline -220 km offshore Georgetown -30MMscfd

Destiny

-20MMscfd Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production plant to market the liquids from the natural gas stream, as well as building a new electricity generation station to use the remaining dry natural gas.

The study found that the project's financial feasibility hinges on the price of natural gas that will be negotiated between Guyana and ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana

Unity

Limited (EEPGL), a discussion that is said to be ongoing.

As it relates to other aspects of the project, media operatives were informed that the costs were still

Not to scale being worked out, but that did not stop senior government officials from pronouncing on the project's expected success with Vice (Continued on page 20)

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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

Scrutinising the oil sector

O

ur oil wealth is a large part of our present and our future. It is compulsory, therefore, that we know as much as we can, and at the earliest, about what is going on with it. The oil is 125 miles from our shores, not even close to where we can begin to have an idea of what is happening with it out there. We have some tools now, but far too little knowledge and information of our own, regarding how much of anything (flaring of gas, producing of oil, discharging of toxins and other harmful by byproducts, and proper documenting and accounting) is actually occurring. We have to rely mostly upon what is given to us by others, who have dealt with us poorly, dismissively.

To know means monitoring, to be satisfied for ourselves, we must be about scrutinising constantly, for sound insights.

A small start was made with the objective of doing some of this in 2019, with millions approved for this purpose.

Though we started off poorly, things improved significantly by the second quarter of 2021. Surprisingly, the Government of today saw it fit to leave the unused portion of that approved loan untouched, notwithstanding the good that it can mean for this country (“Govt. puts on hold US$20M World Bank loan to strengthen scrutiny of oil sector” -KN April 26). This flies in the face of commonsense, anything that could be considered as being a wise course of action.

We need to monitor, scrutinise, and know as much as we can about our oil, and on our own terms, but here is the Government of Guyana going in the other direction, by putting this loan on hold. It is as if Government leaders are saying that there is no urgency to make it a priority to do those things; perhaps, even telling each other quietly in their private discussions that there is no need for any substantial degree of scrutiny.

Despite the marked improvement in the second quarter of 2021 under the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Government said it wanted to reprioritise and refine how it handles the oil sector, which is its prerogative. But it would have been wiser to continue to build upon the progress of the ministry, while the refining exercise was unfolding. It is against this countrys interest to have around 75% of that US$20M World Bank loan languishing in cold storage.

We think that the Governments putting a hold on using the remainder of this World Bank loan smells of recklessness and dangerousness. There can be no justification for this leadership slothfulness in preparing to scrutinise what goes on, as deeply as we are capable of, almost everything that goes on with this oil of ours. We must scrutinise our oil sector; because it is so distant from our land that we are clueless, almost helpless. Knowledge is power, and because we know so little, we are powerless.

A familiar picture from real-life should convey to all Guyanese the perils our government is courting. Think of a vehicle in motion, it does not matter whether it is privately operated or part of the public transportation network. It is proceeding at a swift pace, but there is no working gas gauge, speedometer, windshield wipers, possibly little by way of lights too. Some commuters have an idea, but no one really knows the true speed, how much fuel is left, and what must be seen through the rain or in the dark. This is where Guyana is, with its oil.

Guyana is operating blindly, hoping for the best, trusting its partners to do their part honestly, and deliver.

Our oil world has been about exploring and producing, and gearing up to produce more. Little fault could be found with those, but on one condition only: that we have a birds eye view of what is happening. Monitoring and scrutinising constantly offer solid protections for this country. If we dont work our hardest, use whatever means are at our disposal, to watch/scrutinise the oil companies, and keep them honest, we could end up losing more than we know, what we cannot afford. Scrutiny is a must, with more and more of it quickly.

Hope the government is listening DEAR EDITOR, Two excellent articles in KN titled: “There must be strict adherence to town and country planning” (KN April 20) and “Sovereign wealth funds and Guyana’s natural resources fund” (KN April 18th) in detail points to clear concerns.

This writer is an advocate of giving oil funds directly to EVERY Guyanese citizen as Alaska does.

It has clearly shown to improve the “Standard of Living” of those getting oil funds. In a nutshell, our oil

money into our pockets improves our spending power.

Those funds have a more direct impact on every citizen; rather than multi-billion dollar projects, no matter how badly needed they are.

If the coconut vendor prefers to spend his oil dividends in the rum shop, that’s his business. No thanks to “Trotts” and his colleagues who shortchanged this country, but with more discoveries by Exxon more things need to be subsidized by this government, example; university fees, health care and so forth.

Britain has for example, NHS, and the global giant (US) has medicaid/medicare and food stamps just to mention a few.

As for inviting global companies to do business in Guyana, (And we know there are absolutely no kickbacks with these massive contracts, of course!) the investors look for the basic Infrastructure and support systems to be in place first; or near completion; and a lot of those are still absent in Guyana.

So, with Exxon finding more oil, in a country less than 800,000, oil dividends should

be given to every citizen, to improve our spending power and standard of living.

That can simultaneously be done with the necessary projects that come with feasibility studies (which is a standard requirement), and just as importantly is the need to improve and develop so many basic infrastructure deficiencies years unaddressed by certain public sector decision makers otherwise why keep asking foreign investors to come to Guyana?

Chi Kansi

Some played behind the scene role to deter 2020 rigging DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to Kit Nascimentos answer to my question (Apr. 27) of why the coalition sought to rig the election after the count rather than during and or preceding the election. I thank him for an eloquent, crisp, concise response coalition confidence that it would win was probably the underlying factor against pre-election rigging. I would like to acknowledge the role played by Nascimento, Norman McClean, and former associates of the PNC to combat rigging in 2020. I was at Ashmins building daily from March 3 witnessing the shameless, bold-faced acts of skullduggery being unfolded as they did. And they, like Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Vindhya Persaud, and several others, publicly and courageously condemned the rigging.

As Nascimento rightly stated, the delay in calling the election following defeat in the no confidence motion, the CCJs ruling ordering the removal of James Patterson as GECOM Chair, the massive presence of observers, among other factors, contributed to the almost impossibility of rigging. Charandass Persauds vote for the NCM, bringing down the government was seen by many as saving democracy in Guyana stymieing any plan to rig and clearing the way for election that would propel the PPP into government.

Without Persauds vote, the riggers would have had time to plan and implement their nefarious

acts. One element missing in Nascimentos explanation of combating or deterring the rigging was the role of a few working behind the scenes involved in gathering intelligence on the planned rigging (skullduggery) of the count and recount and planned judicial interventions allowing people like me to expose nefarious activities. The intelligence gatherers, like the ABCE diplomatic community and observers, that handful of individuals, were also heroes. The public is not aware of the critical role they played.

The question in my missive was rhetorical. I and the public knew why there was the attempt to rig after the count. Nevertheless, I thank Nascimento for regurgitating facts of the rigging.

The diplomatic community, led by the US, was instrumental in exposing and combating the fraud. The commonwealth and Caribbean experts were the guiding light in helping to deter declaration of a rigged outcome. The scrutiny and guidance of the electoral experts from Ghana and India held sway over some GECOM officials from going overboard in facilitating the rigging. And writers in the media like Freddie Kissoon, myself, among a few others, almost daily exposed the rigging and excoriated the riggers putting them to shame.

But there were also the few silent behind the scene players who and whose work were/are not known but who I know and recognise as unsung heroes. They provided

intelligence to me about aspects of the planned skullduggery. They infiltrated a political camp and riggers within GECOM and extracted info about moves or plans of the riggers. A businessman provided key funding to acquire information that was passed on to me and others.

Information came to me as though I was some kind of coordinator to expose the rigging and planner of counterrigging measures. Indeed, I exposed aspects of skullduggery activities and planned violence deterring or stalling their implementation. The information was also passed on to diplomats and key election observers and opposition figures. I dont know the extent to which the PPP or other opposition officials, diplomats, observers, GECOM Chair, and Commonwealth electoral experts were aware of the plan or activities to rig the election that included manipulation of the count, violence, judicial intervention, among other measures. Critical information was made available to me perhaps because of the respect individuals have for me.

Some of the information on activities brought to my attention long before they were made public included but not limited to: arrival of a crew from Jamaica with expertise to remove undetected ballot boxes container doors, turning off Giftland cameras, legal approaches to the court, instructed judgments by functionaries of the judiciary, walking out of commission and or non-participation of

GECOM meetings to avoid a quorum, planned violence, manipulating the certification of count (SOPs), discarding of numbers of re-count (techniques) to disenfranchise votes en bloc on flimsy grounds, defiance of the recount numbers, refusal to follow the directive of the Chair to prepare the validity of the recount numbers, among other strategies. All these and more acts were known to me ahead of their implementation. Appropriate actions were taken to derail some of them.

I would like to think that the information gathered from underground sources helped to derail the rigging plan. I want to thank those who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure democracy was protected and that the will of the electorate prevailed. For their protection, I cannot mention the names of the businessman who provided funding to ferret information and those who infiltrated a political camp for intelligence gathering. They know who they are; they too are heroes. Some of them have been without a job since the change in administration, and regrettably I am in no position to help them. The businessman complained to me about aspects of governance and awarding of state contracts. Also, one of his kin was victimised for resisting financial skullduggery.

Infiltration of the rigging team was costly. No political party or business person, (Continued on page 5)

Yes, let us celebrate Indian Heritage Month in May DEAR EDITOR, I fully support Dr. Devanand Bhagwans suggestion to declare May Indian Heritage Month.

As he pointed out, we celebrate Black History Month and we should, considering the history of our African

brothers and sisters in the country. We also celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month in September. Therefore we should also have a month to celebrate the history of the Indians in the country.

The Indian religious and cultural organisations in the

country should immediately put programmes in place to celebrate Indian history and culture for this coming month.

How about the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Arya Samaj mandirs and the Indian Action Committee (IAC) im-

mediately have programmes organised for the next few weeks?

I commend Dr. Bhagwan for taking this initiative since he is a Christian and seeing this need.

Yours sincerely, Tulsi Ram Singh

Friday April 29, 2022

Former engineer being made an example, poor fella DEAR EDITOR, The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) finally got off its throne and went after someone. Looking on the positive side, it is something of a start, but the PAC cant stop with just this one allegedly former state engineer. I think he has been singled out for police attention for reasons both good and bad, and which are reflective of the ways of Guyana.

The good is that the PAC gets to demonstrate that is on the job, and pushing for principled practices. More of the good came in what was nothing less than the astonishing: both the PPP and PNC (lets cut this nonsense about C and R) stood shoulder to shoulder in calling the police on this poor fella. Get me straight I have neither patience nor truck for those who rip-off the system and then compound the damage(s) by engaging in deceptions. If the man is found to have erred, then hurl the book at him, make an example of him. Regrettably, this is where the good comes to an end.

I am deciding where to begin with the bad, given there are so many areas, choices, and what I would label disturbances around public works projects. The PAC has to be aware that at least 90 percent of the public

servants and regionals that come before its hearings are lying through their teeth, covering up, protecting something or someone. There were rich pickings from the people who sat before them to phone for the police. This should have been done in numerous instances involving PPP and PNC agents, but was not.

Why? The bad extends to the protections rackets that were being run by the PAC over the years. To shine the light more brightly, which party and which member(s) were protecting their bedfellows? It would be those who cheated the system, didnt follow set procedures, never implemented sound recommendations offered and put in writing, saw to it that supporting records vanished, and arranged for errant people to make themselves unavailable, meaning, for PAC scrutiny and other purposes.

Further, I am all for small beginnings, and the first step taken (and all that jazz), but in the grand scheme of projects and monies paid and lost, of projects delivered or delayed, and of financially enhanced works that still failed to measure up either to specifications or expectations, this small-time former engineer is the smallest of small fishes. I am baffled that he is without political friends, with the

word filtering down to the appropriate side of the PAC to go easy on him, and move on to other matters. This is unheard of in Guyana, which brings me to what cardinal sin he committed.

The ones I can think of are failure to hold up his end of the arrangement struck, which has nothing to do with job performance.

Or shortchanging the needs of an expectant political principal. Or being just a plain damn fool and not reading his work and operational environments correctly. A part of me harbours this kind of thinking because the PPP and PNC members do not join hands to condemn failing engineers. He must have disappointed somebody on the food chain (collections), or got in the way of people who wanted him out of the way.

What makes matters a shade more pronounced is that the man is a former worker. For the PAC to want to haul him over the coals tells me that this is more than righteous indignation. The energy level and brightness of action relays to me that this man angered somebody, wronged someone, which is why he is now made the poster boy for supposedly spirited PAC correction.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

E. Hamilton Stubbs-Green could have done Guyana proud at the Carifta Games DEAR EDITOR, I was speaking to some old friends, including my former boss who I worked with and we are worried that the Government is so shortsighted that they seem hell bent on using sports as a football.

If we are serious about healing and this talk of One Guyana, sport is the ideal vehicle but for some reason, that Ministry is missing golden opportunities.

We sent our team to the Olympics in red, clearly to send a political message and the Minister said he has noth-

ing to do with the identification of the colour but makes no excuse in a polarized society where red is associated with the ruling Party.

A request to the Olympic Association Boss to explain how pure red was identified as the colour for our Guyana Olympic team, I was told that there has not even been the courtesy of an acknowledgement.

I recall when I worked as Mr. Green s chauffeur, on a visit to Unity Village, Mahaica, we went to the home of Sonny Mohan, who told us that there was a lad in

Some played behind...

From page 4 or beneficiaries of contracts since the change in administration, have made any effort to compensate those who spent energy, risked their safety, sacrificed time away from family, and suffered loss of income to save democracy in our homeland. One businessman has offered some assistance for my political surveys. That is an unfortu-

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nate nature of our politics.

Democracy has been protected and we ought to be grateful to all, including those who gathered information and those who protected the containers storing the ballot boxes, for their role during the five months election count and recount saga.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

his area, who would spend hours playing cricket, but that he was short of first-class cricket gear.

Sonny took us to the lad; Mr. Green put him in his vehicle and drove him to his residence in Lodge. Mr. Green supplied him with new cricket gear, he had just got in from the UK and instructed me to take him back to Mahaica.

There was no thought of who or what he was, but years after it turned out that this lad was the famous and most reliable batsman in the West Indies Team, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and so it was that Mr. Green, then Mayor, had that road off the Office of the President, renamed Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

There are other incidents where sports were used to bring our young people together.

I was told that efforts were made to have one of Mr. Greens grandsons represent Guyana at swimming at the recently concluded CARIFTA games but the nephew of a prominent government person, now exercises (Continued on page 6)

Keep politics out of sports DEAR EDITOR, The performance of any individual or organisation or association that does not respond to well - founded criticism with a willingness to change will be prosaic. I refer to a letter published in the Stabroek News on Wednesday April 27, 2022 allegedly written by Keith Campbell, Council member, AAG in response to one I wrote to the media about the “CARIFTA Games debacle.” I am not certain if Keith Campbell wrote in his personal capacity or that he was authorised by the AAG to do so for the association.

Editor, please permit me to respond. The writer accused me of wrongfully stating that the team was the most successful one that participated in the Games. That is not so.

Here is what I wrote, “This team which is perhaps, the most successful CARIFTA Games team to represent Guyana”. If the writer knew about the most successful team, he had a wonderful opportunity to highlight it for public consumption. The main thrust of my letter was that the debacle started before the team left Guyana. I still maintain that position.

The facts are; The AAG approached the Government for funding. At the ninth hour it received less than 50 percent of what the association budgeted for and requested. As a result several athletes including Aliyah Headly and Osa Blair from the Police Progressive Youth Club were among others who did not make the trip to Jamaica due to lack of funds. Apparently, the AAG did not think outside of the box to garner funds for the team to participate in the games. No effort was made to contact the police who I am sure would have provided funds for their athletes to travel. As a former Sports Officer of the Guyana Police Force I can testify that the Police did so over the years and are prepared to do it again.

Top Cop, Clifton Hicken

is a sports enthusiast. I am certain that he would have easily find money for his athletes to travel. The Guyana Police Force is not an impecunious body.

My understanding is that the Police Progressive Youth Club has the involvement of five coaches including longstanding coach Lyndon Wilson. Contrary to what Keith Campbell alleged Lyndon Wilson coached both athletes, other coaches were also involved. Wilson concurred. Keith Campbell does not have to do any research, all he has to do is to talk with coach, Lyndon Wilson and he will find out that Wilson coached the athletes in question.

Thanks to what Keith Campbell wrote it is now public knowledge that another athlete Hamesh Joseph with the nearest qualifying time did not travel with the team.

Is it that an athlete was selected to go to the Games on the grounds that he had the nearest qualifying time but did not travel due to lack of funds?

Things went woefully wrong in Jamaica. This caused a member of the management team to contact the illustrious Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes seeking financial help to correct the sad state of affairs that was affecting the athletes and others in Jamaica. He immediately

wired money to correct the situation. For his altruism, the famous attorney-at-law was accused of attempting to score political points. Meanwhile, Mohamed’s Enterprise contributed money for the trip. The cash was accepted without any question asked or any political points raised.

Instead of sticking to the facts in issue and facts relevant to the facts in issue, Keith Campbell spent a lot of time attempting to belittle my integrity and character. He opined that I am either misinformed, wicked or somewhere between. Where is that? He concluded that I am dishonest and/or disrespectful and have a hidden agenda. I dismissed those comments as unadulterated piffle. As a former senior member of the Guyana Police Force I know Keith Campbell well. He may not be aware, but I can truthfully attack his character.

However, those who know me will tell you that it is not my life style to do so. I believe in the words of Michelle Obama, “When they go low, you go high.” I deal with issues and I tell them like they are. No denial or distortion of facts like Keith Campbell. I have no hidden agenda like Keith Campbell. I relate the facts as they are, as I did in my letter to the Editor. I stand with what I wrote.

I will not waste any (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Govt. to spend $100M to fix 16 health centres in Region Seven Sixteen health centres in Region Seven have been identified for upgrade this year to the tune of $100 million.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony who made the disclosure during his daily COVID19 update on Thursday. “So we have been working with the region and we have identified approximately 16 different health centres and in those health centres we will be doing some upgrading,” the minister said.

Anthonys announcement comes following several visits he made in the region earlier in the week.

As was reported in this years budget, the health ministry was allocated approximately $73.2 billion. Out of that the sum of $1 billion has been allocated for the upgrading of health centres across all Regions, which would address critical interventions needed to improve patients experience.

This year also, the Bartica Regional Hospital is slated to be upgraded.

Minister Anthony explained that the upgrades of the health centres will include developing waiting areas or enlarging the waiting space

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony for patients in those facilities.

“In some cases, its adding washrooms for patients and in other cases, some of these facilities might have leaky roofs or windows so we are generally going to use the money to enhance the facilities that we have there.

We are going to spend approximately $100 million on these 16 facilities to make sure that they are upgraded,” he added.

According to him, tenders for these projects will be issued shortly and when the

work is completed “patient who have to use these facilities would have a better facility, a better environment they can come to have healthcare.”

During his visit to the region, the Health Minister commissioned a new Maternal and Child health centre in Bartica to the tune of $26 million. Dr. Anthony noted the importance of theses health institutions and that without proper care complications could occur that could impact a childs life.

Disappointed with Dr. Vindhya & other females’ silence on dildo issue DEAR EDITOR, I am disappointed that Dr. Vindhya Persaud and other female Ministers have been publicly silent over the dildo Minister and the latest sex scandal making the rounds on social media. The dildo man has not learned lessons on previous encounters as do several other Ministers and government functionaries.

They must be reprimanded and held accountable for their actions. It is just a matter of time before another scandal erupts.

Dr. Vindhya is a strong woman, a heroine to many not only in Guyana but around the region and internationally.

She does not abuse her authority or power and is respectful of all; she gives all a fair hearing and treatment with resources.

She is a no-nonsense woman. She stands up for rights. She tells it like it is, very bluntly; she is known to stand up to the male powers that be in the government and in the PPP. She spoke out against the shenanigans and skullduggery in the selection of the PPP candidate. She was never afraid to speak up at Central Committee meetings.

She has impeccable integrity.

She is among a few Ministers who are not corrupt; she is not on the take, no drawback.

She throws you out of her office if you hint of a drawback.

And for this noble quality, she is disliked by her colleagues and fellow MPs. Her colleagues would like to see her out of parliament and cabinet because she embarrasses them with her honesty and decency.

But I am disappointed by Dr. Vindhya’s loss of voice since becoming a member of the cabinet in publicly repudiating colleagues or her government for abuses. She has become silent to so many wrong doings in this government and in party affairs. She is not confronting the two dominant males who run amok with power.

Dr. Vindhya is no ordinary person. She is the main Hindu voice as head of Dharmic Sabha. She is the voice of the Hindus in the PPP, parliament, and cabinet.

The Hindu community looks to Dr. Vindhya for leadership, direction and guidance. Although there are several Hindu MPs and

Ministers, she is the only one speaking out for Hindus. The rest have lost their voice.

Some of the men have become political eunuchs; they are in government for perks and not to represent their constituents.

On the Minister involved in the dildo m a t t e r, D r.

Vindhya must not pick and choose what to condemn; she and her female colleagues should publicly s p e a k o u t a gainst the abuses. Dr. Vindhya has also been silent on critical issues relating to good governance.

The Attorney General, who is the protector of the purse and of the nation against abuses like those from dildo man, has also been silent. Of all individuals, the AG should have ordered an investigation in the sex scandal.

Dr. Vindhya and other females would have the nation behind her if she speaks out against sex predators in her party, parliament, and in cabinet.

Ditto if she speaks out against colleagues who are on the take, if indeed they are on the take.

Yours truly, Chandra Seepersad

How about some initiatives for pensioners and the vulnerable?

DEAR EDITOR, The VP is on a roll having rolled into Region Five and rolled out one thousand part time jobs as assistance to

cushion the rising cost of living; grants to assist businesses among several other initiatives.

These are all very good

but when will the VP get around to rolling out some initiatives for pensioners and the vulnerable?

Shamshun Mohamed

E. Hamilton Stubbs-Green...

From page 5 influence and perhaps control of the Swimming Association.

Why this offer to have the lad swim for Guyana found an enthusiasm is no secret.

Apparently this initiative did not find favour with the ruling elite, even though for some time now you had sport personalities of Guyanese ancestry living abroad being asked to represent Guyana at the various International

events.

Maybe this lads name and family connection must have been the impediment.

I am told that this lad, E. Hamilton Stubbs-Green, represented Antigua at swimming in the Carifta games in Barbados.

In the junior category he won two golds, one silver, one bronze. In swimming, the Guyana team came back empty handed.

Sport, Culture and Education in general should have no political considerations.

That is, if we wish to encourage our young people to do their best, irrespective of race, colour, creed or their parental political connections.

I am upset that young Green could have brought glory and honour to Guyana at the Carifta Games.

Eric Moseley, MS

Keep politics out...

From page 5 more of my time to deal with irrelevancies, inconsistencies and inaccuracies propogated

by Keith Campbell in his missive.

I pray that God will help the AAG so that its members including Keith Campbell can be proactive and objective in order to deliver the highest quality of service to our ath-

letes. The athletes deserve it.

Keep politics out of sports.

I rest my case.

Clinton Conway Former Sports Officer Guyana Police Force

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

Gun crimes have become a staple in our society.

Much like these criminals, some of our leaders are daily robbing this nation of its patrimony just so they can continue to fatten their already overflowing purses.

When really will Guyana be rid of criminals at every conceivable level?

The answer is simple: When Guyanese decide to start fighting back and demand an end to wholesale thievery!

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 8

Friday April 29, 2022

CARICOM on warpath against migrant smuggling

R

ecent data from the Caribbean has suggested that there have been increases in the number of migrants being smuggled around the region.

To a d d r e s s t h e s e changing and concerning trends, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Implementing Agency for Crime and Security ( C A R I C O M I M PA C S ) , hosted a one-of-a-kind meeting on drafting legislation to counter migrant smuggling in the region that can respond to regional and national needs.

The two-day meeting between the 26th and 27th April was hosted in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad and Tobago, with an impressive 25 Caribbean government officials in attendance.

Representatives included officials from immigration and customs departments, and attorneys general offices as both have vital roles in

...in move to draft legislation to tackle problem

Participants at the workshop. drafting legislation of this type.

Additionally, the forum

corresponded with the meeting of the IMPACS Standing Committee of Chief

Immigration and Customs Controllers on the following day. The coordination and

implementation of both meetings are significant steps towards formulating legislative and practical pathways towards the enforcement of countersmuggling of migrants 'mechanisms in the CARICOM region.

IOM Regional Director for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, Michelle Klein-Solomon, in her opening remarks underscored the importance of hosting such a significant forum of government officials to address pressing issues on migration in the region. However, due to technical difficulties, IOM Program Support Officer, Brendan Tarnay, provided further remarks on her behalf. He noted that a gathering of this magnitude shows CARICOM's and national governments' commitment to realising the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), particularly Objective 9 to strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants.

“It is particularly promising for those who have been put into situations of vulnerability due to these networks,” said Tarnay, “as Caribbean States aim to ensure that smuggled migrants do not become liable to criminal prosecution having been the object of smuggling.” He noted that this would need to balance respect for countries' legal systems while ensuring that responses are in accordance with international law.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Unit at the Ministry of National Security, Richard

Ly n c h , e c h o e d t h e importance of this meeting in achieving the objectives of the GCM. He explained that counter-smuggling is a diverse issue that requires multi-agency collaboration to address, which Trinidad and Tobago has implemented to advance its efforts.

According to the Deputy Director, further policy development, strategic planning, and the “implementation imperative” have emerged as the most effective means for national security leadership and evaluating matters of migrant smuggling.

“This endeavour will further advance the region's compliance with the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and effect the protocol on the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air,” said the National Security Official.

Lynch noted that the multiday proceedings would be no easy exercise but that the expertise, exposure and experience that it has brought together will benefit the whole region.

The meeting included a review of a model countersmuggling of migrants' legislation that was developed in 2021, in addition to agreeing on the next steps towards the advancing legislation at a national level, its operationalization and the development of standard operating procedures.

Discussions were facilitated by several skilled migration specialists from within and outside the region, including and IOM legal.

Notably, the gathering also facilitated a landmark (Continued on page 19)

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The mission went empty-handed It is said that when you fail to prepare, you must be prepared to fail. The Presidents visit to the United Kingdom will go down as a monumental flop because of the lack of proper preparation.

This visit should have been spearheaded by the Foreign Ministry. Preliminary and preparatory meetings should have been undertaken so as to hammer out an agenda with the British government, rather than a mere courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

Guyana is set to become a global player in the oil and gas industry and an economic power in the Anglophone Caribbean.

United Kingdom officials should have been tripping over themselves to meet with Guyanas resident Foreign Ministry officials in the United Kingdom. The Queen should have been standing in line.

Strangely, the Foreign Minister was not part of the Presidents delegation. This was an inexcusable blunder.

On such a vital mission, even if the Foreign Minister was otherwise engaged at least some other senior Foreign Service official should have been included.

Britain has been an important foil against the threat of Venezuelan aggression. At the least, someone from the team working on Guyanas case before the International Court of Justice should have comprised the Presidents delegation.

But perhaps economic more than political issues were the central focus of the mission. That objective seems to have been reflected in the composition of the Presidents delegation which we are told included the head of GOINVEST and the Minis-

ter of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The mission went emptyhanded. They did not take any investment-ready projects, and this accounts for the bored reaction of those in attendance at the feature investment forum which the President addressed.

When Guyana first struck oil, there was heightened interest by some of the major oil players, in the United Kingdom, over Guyanas discoveries. But that interest has waned because the foreign multinationals have already sealed off most of the major opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Not much is left to entice large UK investors.

The investors in attendance at the main forum should have been canvassed so as to determine the specific areas of expertise and interest. The President would have then been in a position to woo them.

The President ought to have gone with investmentready projects. Those businesspersons in attendance are not going to come to Guyana to explore options.

They want to be told of specific projects into which they can sink their investments.

Guyana is a small economy. UK investors have no interest in the poultry and feedstock production sector nor are they going to come to invest in hotel accommodation given that major hotel chains already have plans to do so, and especially considering Guyanas miniscule tourism market.

The President told investors that Guyana is looking for a major player in the tourism sector: A major player to do what? Build a hotel, establish a game park? If so, where is the project plan to attract

this investment?

He spoke about certain things being low-hanging fruit. Well if it is low-hanging fruit why were these lowhanging fruit not seized by the local private sector? Does he really believe that drivel about investment in tourism being low risk? Ask those who have sunk millions into the tourism and hospitality sector whether they are turning a profit or if they foresee a profit in the near future.

Investors dont go on hunches. They look at numbers and base their decisions on projections? Where are the tourism numbers which would allow for investments in the tourism sector? Where are the plans to develop a world-class tourism industry?

Investors are going to be courteous and nice to visiting Heads of State. But in the end, unless there is big money to be made, nobody is coming to a disordered country like Guyana where you build a major hotel and people are keeping parties on the beachfront.

And if you dont have investment-ready projects then it is like talking to a wall. All you will hear is your own echo.

The Presidents visit will not yield any major investments. In fact, it now needs to be questioned just what has materialised from his forays in the Middle East where he has also been talking-up investment opportunities.

How can the President be taken seriously when he goes to the United Kingdom and speaks about the opportunities which have to be had through British aid? Guyana is an oil rich country. We should not have to be now accepting or looking for opportunities in the form of aid.

Dem boys seh...

Guyana getting mo launches dan NASA NASA does gat a space launch every now and den.

When dem launch dem rocket into space, it does be de real thing. Dem don’t gat trial runs.

Dem wah we gat hay in Guyana, and wah we does call de guvament, does gat a launch before de actual launch. Dem does call it de launch of de launch.

Mashramani does be in February. But in November or December dem does gat de launch tuh get people excited and bring de sponsors on board.

De guvament now getting

into de launching business.

Dem launch a building exhibition earlier dis month. But de actual exhibition is nat till in July. But dem had a launch.

De launch mussy cost de guvament a good few millions.

Dem suppose to gat CPL cricket in September. But dem done had a launch in March month and just fuh announce dat Guyana gan host de finals. Dat launch tuh mussy cost de guvament a few millions.

Caricom gat some agricultural investment forum coming up. De event is in May

but de guvament had a launch earlier dis month. De launch mussy cost de guvanment a few more millions.

We had wan energy conference in Guyana in January.

Dem planning a next one, next year; de Prime Minister recently launch it. Dat launch mussy cost another few millions.

De guvament like it gat money fuh burn. Why bother spend money fuh wan advance launch fuh something which gan eventually launch itself when de time meet?

Talk half. Leff half.

Britain has exited the European Union (EU). The priority for Guyana should be to explore whether that country is interested in buying Guyanas rice and sugar on better terms than the EU did.

What really was the President selling? Illusions?

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday April 29, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The lamentation of Dr. Van West Charles is as old as Timbuktu

D

o you know what several high-ranking executives of the AFC told me in the month of February 2020?

They did not see the final agreement in the renegotiated Cummingburg Accord between the PNC and AFC. It was the decent, moral, legal thing to do – take it to the executive. The final arrangement had to be decided upon by the executive committee (EC).

After the document was inked, Joseph Harmon and Khemraj Ramjattan issued a joint statement informing

PNC and AFC would-be voters that sections of the renewed covenant had to remain secret.

Joseph Harmon has gone from politics.

The consensus among political pundits is that the AFC has long become dead meat. A majority of the 40 persons that made up the EC of the AFC in February have long gone from politics.

But to this day, the central executive committee (CEC) of the PNC, the EC of the AFC, and a majority of the voters who voted for APNU+AFC in March 2020, do not know what is contained in those secret

sections.

This has been the pattern of party politics in Guyana – a cabal of incestuous colleagues makes the decisions.

Before we come to the exchange between the sonin-law of Forbes Burnham and the PNC leader, two more very pertinent examples are in order.

When a party comes into power, its broad leadership has to meet to decide who becomes ministers and hold other political offices.

On the day of selecting its ministers after the 2015 election victory, that cabal of incestuous colleagues that I

referred to above met at the AFC's office to decide on ministerial portfolios.

Four members of that cabal chose to offer a stranger to AFC's politics, the position of the Minister of the Environment.

They called the lady on the phone there and then.

Three AFC stalwarts who at the time were AFC executives – Trevor Williams, Michael Carrington and Rajendra Bissesar – were in the room and they were simply overlooked.

There was widespread criticism after PNC leader David Granger left out some PNC stalwarts to go to parliament in September 2020. The accusation was that the PNC as a party was not consulted.

We come now to the accusation by Dr. Richard Van-West Charles against PNC leader, Aubrey Norton.

D r. Va n - We s t C h a r l e s alleges that as advisor he is not privy to decisions made by the leader and that many policy enunciations are not tabled at meetings at the CEC and that the CEC hardly meets.

Mr. Norton has rejected the allegations.

It comes down to which one to believe.

The positions of both men cannot be reconciled.

Here are the words of Dr. Van-West Charles: “ It appears that the role of the

Central Executive Committee c remains diminished o since none of the important political matters which you Frederick Kissoon have responded to in the public domain, have benefitted from urageous act for t h e c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d which Norton stands out as discussion critical to the the only major figure in the guidance and strategic focus PNC to have criticised the the Party urgently needs.” style of Burnham. I think for Here is the response by t h a t h e s h o u l d b e Mr. Norton: “Mr. Van-West commended and he did it at a Charles has been pushing for time when he was competing me to engage the People's for the position of leader.

Progressive Party through Whether we believe Dr. him and I made it clear to Van-West Charles or not, the him that I cannot engage the V a n - W e s t C h a r l e s People's Progressive Party accusations will be used without a decision of the a g a i n s t N o r t o n g i v e n Central Executive.”

Norton's stated position that So Dr. Van-West Charles h e r e j e c t s m a x i m u m is saying that decisions are leadership syndrome. made without the CEC's But even if we accept input. Mr. Norton is saying Norton's explanation that the that for him to agree to any CEC is not overlooked, the major decision it has to go to reality of party politics is that the CEC. the influential party leader at I don't know if any the helm since the 1950s has genius philosopher can made the major decisions r e c o n c i l e t h o s e t w o and that trend has continued positions. onto 2022.

But Mr. Norton has Whenever I read about become famous for a critique criticism about maximum h e m a d e d u r i n g h i s leadership vibes in a political campaign to become PNC party, I always remember leader. what Basil Williams once He told the nation if he told me on the balcony of the wins, he will eradicate High Court about the power maximum leadership from of the leader in the PNC. the PNC. (The views expressed in He went further to name this article are those of the Forbes Burnham as a a u t h o r a n d d o n o t maximum leader. necessarily reflect the That was a bold and opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Former Finance Minister Venezuelan woman found hacked to death Jordan arrested for in shallow grave sale of Ogle lands G u y a n a ' s F o r m e r, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan was on Thursday, arrested by ranks of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for the alleged illegal land deals made with private investors for prime state lands located in Ogle on the East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The land transaction reportedly took place when Jordan was in office under the APNU+AFC Coalition administration. Confirming Jordan's recent arrest with Kaieteur News was SOCU's boss, Senior Police Superintendant, Fazil Karimbaksh. He said his investigating ranks had detained Jordon for questioning in relation to the land sale that took place after December 21, 2018 following a no-confidence vote against his government.

He has since been released on his own self recognizance as the investigation continues.

In November, 2020, the present administration had

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

asked SOCU to investigate land transactions conducted by the former coalition government, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC). One such controversial transaction was the giveaway of prime Ogle lands worth billions.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall had stated back then that a review by the Auditor General's office

had found that no legal course of action was followed in the distribution of the state assets. Nandlall had pointed out that the coalition did not publish an expression of interest or advertisement inviting persons to apply for the lands. He had said, “What is [astonishing] is how persons were told that land is available for giveaway. You cannot look at any of the (Continued on page 22)

- Police hunting camp buddies

T

he mutilated body of a Venezuelan woman was on Tuesday found by her common-law husband and a search party, buried in a shallow grave at Koro Backdam, Eteringbang , Region Seven.

She was identified as Deissy Antury Perdomo, 49, a clothes vendor. Police are now hunting two Venezuelan men said to be her camp partners.

According to police they were the last persons to be seen with the woman before her body was found. Antury would normally ply her trade as a clothes vendor at the Eteringbang Landing but had recently entered Koro Backdam with her husband and the two men to “punt” (another term for pork knocking) for gold.

They camped together and on Friday April 22, her husband had travelled out of the backdam and headed to Venezuela, leaving her there with the two men. On Saturday April 23, Antury was seen with the men shopping for groceries and imbibing at the Eteringbang Landing.

Later that day they left together from the landing for their camp in the backdam.

Persons even recalled seeing them walking along a trail

Found hacked to death in a Shallow Grave, Deissy Antury Perdomo

towards their camp but they have not been seen since.

On Tuesday April 26, her husband returned from Venezuela to find an empty camp and reportedly began inquiring about her whereabouts and after no one knew where she was a search party was formed to look for her.

They later stumbled upon her body buried in a shallow grave. Investigators who visited the scene reported that

her 'chopped up” remains were found in a hole dug four feet wide and covered with mud and dry leaves. Checks were made for her camping buddies but they were not found.

Police have since received information that men were last seen traveling to Venezuela on Sunday April 24.

The woman's husband is presently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 13

CDB urges bold and urgent GPL blames hours-long actions to transform the blackout on fault at Region's energy landscape Garden of Eden plant

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has made a clarion call to strategic partners to work together to execute bold and urgent actions to transform the Region's energy landscape and lay the ground for faster progress towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.

Delivering the keynote address at the 14th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum on April 27, CDB President, Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon highlighted the need for a targeted and structured approach to embedding energy independence, diversifying the energy mix and increasing resilience in electricity systems in the Region.

According to a CDB press release he proposed the Accelerated Sustainable Energy and Resilience Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n 2 0 3 0 Framework or ASERT-2030, as a key initiative to advance energy transition in the Caribbean Region. “The Bank has identified an initial suite of ASERT Initiatives ( A S E RTi v e s ) t h a t w e consider will enable the region to achieve the targets.

One of our ASERTives is

CDB President, Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon

Climate Resilient Sustainable Energy Roofs.

Our bold proposition is for the retrofitting and deployment of standards for new construction to build climate resilient sustainable roofs in 75 percent of homes in the Region by 2035. These roof installations will be designed to withstand extreme weather events, while embedding solar, wind, water and other energy generation and storage technologies,” he said.

Dr. Leon notes that the

Region's pursuit of a sustainable energy agenda by efficiently utilising its abundant renewable sources of solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower, will allow it to diversify its energy base, while using less energy to p e r f o r m d a i l y responsibilities in the production of goods and services. “Making this radical shift in our energy profile to reflect a substantial uptake of renewable energy is not only necessary to adapt (Continued on page 20)

The Guyana Power and Light, Garden of Eden Power Plant.

T

he Guyana Power and Light has blamed Thursday's hours-long blackout on a fault at its Garden of Eden plant.

In a press release GPL said at approximately 07:52 hrs Thursday, a fault at its Garden of Eden Power Plant resulted in the loss of approximately 37Megawatt (MW)of generation. The sudden loss of generation caused a

cascading effect on the gird which resulted in a shutdown of the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

According to GPL, restoration commenced immediately and at approximately 08:30 hrs the first area in Demerara was repowered. Incremental restoration continued until all areas in Demerara and Berbice were repowered at approximately 09:56 hrs,

GPL stated. “Currently, a technical team is conducting an investigation to determine the root cause of today's shutdown.

Customers will be updated when the investigation is completed. Our Company remains cognisant of the inconveniences associated with unplanned service interruptions and continues to work assiduously towards minimising these occurrences.”

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Overseas-based group in US10M investment pitch for No.63 beach ...proposes full takeover to build resort, entertainment centre

By Malisa Playter A group of overseasbased businessmen have signalled their intention to invest millions into the restoration and enhancement of the No.63 Beach located on the Upper Corentyne.

Two of the intended investors, Mr. Verman Bedessee, Chairman of the Bedessee Group of Companies and Kevin Thorpe, Managing Director at Khonner Glory Ltd., met with the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday to discuss their proposal.

Bedessee who has companies in the United States and Canada said that there are four groups of intended investors together with himself, interested in making the project a reality with an estimated initial investment of US$10 Million. However, for this to happen, they are proposing a 100% lease to the beach stretching from No.57 to No.64 Villages.

In a proposal seen by this publication, the

businessmen are also proposing that the government of Guyana provides maps of boundaries for Suriname and Guyana, maps of sea defence reserves and privately-owned lands.

They are also asking the government to fix roads “to a certain extent”, install lighting “at certain points”, provide a budget for solar lighting, approve a dumpsite, approve an incinerator and approve the collection of tolls for any automobile, motorcycle, cars, vans, trucks, trailers and tractors. Pedestrians walking in and cyclists will be exempted from paying the toll.

According to Bedessee, the aim is to “bring it to a modernised American style beach, clean it up etc. No.63 beach is one of the biggest beaches that have been unattended since I left Guyana, so it's long overdue to have a good beach to go on. ”He stated that, investors are willing to spend their money to bring the beach up to the standard of “American and Canadian beaches.”

Some of the investors meeting with Corentyne Chamber of Commerce officials.

Verman Bedessee, Chairman of the Bedessee Group of Companies. “ We h a v e m u l t i p l e investors that will do various things, we have four groups of investors that have hundreds of millions of US dollars, but it depends on which one the government is going to give us in the sense of exclusiveness to the beach”, Bedessee said. With regards to wanting

exclusivity to the beach, Bedessee reasoned that, “if we don't have exclusiveness how can we invest that money, the government is not paying for anything so we have to make money from what we put into there at the beach if it's restaurants and accommodations, so whatever we put in there, that pays back for the renovations of the beach to bring it up to scale, and then to maintain the beach, cleaning, security, solar, 24 hrs. a day, when the water comes up you don't have to leave, we are looking to maintain the beach throughout the night, you can leave when you please.“ The investors, if granted the opportunity, want to construct parking lots, a children's playground, a g a r d e n f o r d é c o r, a wooden/concrete boardwalk, lifeguard stations, CCTV monitoring, hotels, restaurants and an entertainment area among other things. The revenues

they said will be generated from toll booths that will be placed at strategic points, from accommodations, the restaurants, shows and events, rental spots, gift shops, swimwear and beach amenities outlets along with a fun park and vehicle towing service for when vehicles get stuck in the sand.

In September of last year, the First Lady of Guyana Arya Ali, through her National Beautification Project visited the No.63 Beach entrance and earmarked a section to be converted into a space for parking, a play area for children, vending space, washroom facilities and more. The 300 by 300 piece of land was cleared but since then, there has been no work done on the area.

Bedessee however, is saying that such a project will not be in the way of what they are proposing, he said, “whatever I saw in the little picture was just a little

diagram, it's just a little tiny, I'm guessing 300 or 500 ft., but we are talking the entire beach. That project with the First Lady is okay, we are not taking exclusive on that, whatever they are doing as a government is fine but if we are to go further, nothing has to come from them that will remain there, everything new has to come through us.”

The businessman said that while he has made efforts in the past (20182020) to engage officials about the proposed project, there has been no positive outcome. He added that he met with several members of parliament, the Minister responsible for Tourism and regional officials of Region Six under the previous administration but there was “no response in a positive way.” He added that through Gobin Harbhajan, a community and animal rights activist, the meeting with the CCCC was possible.

B e s i d e s , t h e enhancement of the beach, Bedessee said they are also looking at four other locations for the purpose of eco-tourism with one of those areas being Orealla. He added that “once we get from the government, the blueprint plans of the length, width and area that we are gonna be taking care of where we can build or not build where the roads are, that has to be the first stage.”

He said when that is provided, their engineer will be sent to measure the space and a draft will be put in place to kickstart the project within three to six months.

Meanwhile, a No.63 beach management committee is expected to be established soon.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond during a recent visit to Berbice, had tasked the Regional Democratic Council to partner with the relevant stakeholders to establish the committee and to conduct immediate works on the beach.

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Friday April 29, 2022

Unlicenced teen driver critical after Corentyne crash PXX 350 was driven by 25-year-old Surendranauth Gopaul.

Teenager Kyree Anderson was the driver of this car.

A

14-year-old boy is hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he crashed a car he was driving on the Fyrish Public Road Wednesday night.

Injured is Kyree Anderson, of No.1 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

He underwent surgery at GPHC yesterday. Kaieteur News was informed that the accident occurred at about 23:10 hrs. At the time of the accident the teenager was driving motor car PNN 9096 owned by Azad Ali of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice.

The second vehicle involved in the accident, PXX 350 was driven by 25-yearold Surendranauth Gopaul of Auchlyne Estate but the vehicle is owned by Durgan Persaud of Williamsburg,Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports are that the unlicenced teenage driver was proceeding west on the southern drive lane of the Fyrish Public Road ahead of motorcar PXX 350 when Gopaul collided with the rear of motorcar PNN 9096 causing the 14-year-old driver of motorcar PNN 9096 to lose control and crash into a lantern post (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 17

Workers urged to join fight for better …as labour unions knock government oil deal on “anti-working class” policies

By Zena Henry

W

ith Labour D a y celebrations just days away, trade unions are already urging their members to play a greater role in securing their share of the country's new oil wealth and they criticised this year's $552.9 billion 2022 budget deeming it “anti-working class.”

The unions said too that the continuous pattern of governments disregarding collective is a source of great concern as they prepare to commemorate Labour Day. Veteran trade unionist, Norris Witter of the General Workers Union (GWU) told the Kaieteur News that while the strength of the labour union is dependent on that of its membership, participation of these persons will have to increase to draw government's attention.

Witter told the newspaper that for various reasons, trade unions, in recent times, have not been receiving the type of responses it would have hoped for from its membership.

He said that whether it be intimidation by government or its agents, lack of interest in union programmes or the lack of confidence in union leaders, workers must recognise their roles and what lies ahead if government continues to

pursue an anti- working class agenda. Witter insisted: “that it is the duty of union leaders to organise members and to take action when the situation warrants.

However, to prevent being continuously sidelined, especially with Guyana's unprecedented oil wealth, workers will have to determine how closely they are willing to work with their unions to ensure their rights and benefits. Witter has been holding small protests action every Friday at Parliament Building for the last month demanding the rights of workers to an ungraded minimum wage and the return of collective bargaining among others.

Collective bargaining and the right to association are two of the main conventions ratified when the United Nation's International Labour Organisation (ILO) was created in the mid -1960s.

H o w e v e r, s i n c e 1 9 9 9 , collective bargaining was frozen by a previous People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government. To date, this right to bargain for benefits for its members has not resumed, Witter reported.

He said unions and their members have thus been forced to accept imposed increases. As of such Guyanese governments continue to violate conventions, treaties and agreements that they are

Usual labour activities as expected May 1, 2022.

signed on to.

With decades of labour activism under his belt, Lincoln Lewis of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) also called out politicians for failing to honour the rights of workers.

He along with Witter and Working People's Alliance (WPA) member Tacuma Ogunseye had appeared on Dr. David Hinds' Politics 101 show to discuss the matters affecting local trade unions.

He said that both the PPP/C and the former Coalition government blatantly refused to honour collective bargaining agreements and as usual, imposed wage increases.

On the strength of trade

unions, Lewis said they alone cannot be blamed. He submitted that government through the reduction of bargaining rights and other tactics have weakened unions, while workers continue to report to jobs in spite of the poor treatment they receive.

“So don't

blame the movement itself, don't blame the trade union,” Lewis argued. “I always say that rules and organisations are dead at their hearts unless they are activated by people.

And with the trade union the power comes from the workers,” he charged.

So, in terms of

demanding pay increases in an “anti-working class” 2022 budget, Lewis said the unions do not want government handouts. “What we want is collective bargaining. We don't want no government as an employer to sit and say we are putting 13 percent or 10 (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 18

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

Crane bar robbery suspect remanded

O

ne of the suspects a l l e g e d l y involved in last Friday's robbery at a bar in Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was on Thursday remanded to prison.

Police identified him as a 22-year-old taxi driver of West Ruimveldt Georgetown, Tarique Manawar-Khan.

Manawar-Khan made his court appearance at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court where he was charged with robbery under arms by Magistrate Faith McGusty.

He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded until his next court date, May, 23, 2022.

According to reports, three men armed with a handgun had stormed into a bar, Riddim Flow Chill Spot at Crane Housing Scheme and robbed its owner of 12 gold chains worth some $1.5M. They fired shots in the air and then escaped in a waiting car.

Remanded for armed robbery, Tarique Manawar-Khan Police had later located the car abandoned at Barber Shop Street, Crane and arrested two men. A third suspect is still on the run.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

Feasibility of gas-to-energy...

From page 3 President Bharrat Jagdeo calling the project a “no brainer” considering the massive cost cut backs that were expected. During a press conference in February last, he told the media that the pipeline could cost US$500M to US$800M while the power plant could be approximately US$300M, but offered no assessment or study to support those claims.

T a k i n g i n t o consideration predicament that has befallen other oil producing nations, international experts such as Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul, Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel and most recently, former

Director of the Economics Department of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDC), International Economist, Dr. Justin Ram, have urged Guyana to do the right thing concerning the project.

While they noted that there were significant benefits for Guyana given the venture's transformative potential, all the answers rest in that of a feasibility study and Guyana's ability to bargain for a cheap commodity price. As it relates to government's contractual pay arrangement with its oil partners, that information is also not available to the public. This information would divulge the pay arrangement between Guyana and its

suppliers.

For example, if Guyana were to agree to a take and pay contractual arrangement like other oil producing nations, then a feasibility would definitely be necessary to assess the amount of gas the country needs and how much that would be supplied daily to prevent the country from over supplying and having to pay for the gas that it would be unable to utilise.

Last year, Vice President Bharrat held a briefing with media operatives at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where he told reporters not to record his statements. Since then, no other information has been forthcoming from the government.

Unlicenced teen driver critical...

From page 16 situated on the southern grass parapet.

As a result of the collision, the teenager was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was treated. He

was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Breathalyzer tests conducted on Surendranauth Gopaul gave readings of 133 and 126 micrograms of alcohol in his system (above the legal limit).

He is currently in police custody and investigations are ongoing.

CARICOM on warpath...

From page 8 Caribbean-Pacific exchange between the Chair of CARICOM Standing Committee of Chiefs of Immigration, Leroy Joseph, and Head of the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) Secretariat, Ioane Alama. The exchange addressed the linkages between environmental disasters and irregular movements as Small Island Developing States seek to develop response mechanisms through regional cooperation to address climate change, natural disasters and health emergencies, such as COVID-19.

Furthermore, countries were invited to share their experiences, challenges, and good

practices on counter-smuggling of migrants.

In-depth discussions also highlighted the linkages between smuggling of migrants and related crimes of human, drug and arms trafficking. Subsequently, participants paid special attention to compliance with the Protocol Against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air, which has been signed by all Caribbean States except for Saint Lucia.

Attention to compliance was also given to the GCM and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10.7. This forum was made possible through IOM's Western Hemisphere Program (WHP), funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).

PAGE 19

GPHC investigates alleged rape of patient Georgetown Public Hospital

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is currently investigating reports of an alleged rape of a female patient there.

This is according to the GPHC's Strategic Planning and Communications

Manager, Chelauna Providence. Reports on a Facebook page had surfaced on Thursday alleging that a female patient was raped while recovering from a surgery. Claims were made that the patient was raped while in a sedated state. After reportedly regaining

consciousness, she noticed signs of sexual activity and alerted hospital authorities.

Speaking with Kaieteur N e w s o n T h u r s d a y, Providence said, “We are aware of the allegation made and are currently undertaking an investigation into the matter.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

CDB urges bold and urgent actions to transform the...

From page 13 to climate change, but critical for improving fiscal management, and long term economic and social stability. Recent data compiled by the Bank show that our 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) import more than 80 percent of their energy supplies, at a cost of about USD7 billion per annum, which represents around 7 percent of

their overall pre-COVID GDP. This highlights the vulnerability of the Region's economies to oil market shocks and the urgent need to accelerate the shift to sustainable energy options, namely energy efficiency and renewable energy.” The price of electricity in the Caribbean is up to four times more than the average price in many developed countries.

'Single-use plastic giving City Hall...

From page 2 the EPA about a long term plan to ban single use plastics.

Public Relations Officer attached to the EPA, Aretha Forde told Kaieteur News that the agency has been working on its strategy.

“There are measures that can be put in place but we are really working on our strategy… Recycling is always an option but there are very few places that recycle which limits how much can be done in this regard,” she said.

Forde noted nonetheless that the EPA is looking at working with the Ministry of Finance and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to create duty-free incentives to distributors and businesses that would use alternatives to the single use plastics.

“There are a number of alternatives to single use plastic.

There are other products

made from bamboo, coconut h u s k a n d o t h e r biodegradable products.

Hemp also provides a viable option to make material that can be used instead of the plastic. So these are the options at the moment until the EPA's full plan is put into effect,” she said.

In 2020, the EPA announced that the ban on single use plastics will come into force from 2021.

Back then, the agency noted that even as Guyana prepares for this monumentous intervention regarding the waste management dilemma with plastic, it was reminded of lessons from previous waste management of Styrofoam.

In enacting the Styrofoam Ban 2015 Regulations, it was noted that while the majority of consumers and businesses alike were willing to comply, the lack of alternatives, and more-so locally sourced

ones posed a challenge.

It is anticipated that similar challenges will be faced in enacting the ban on single-use plastics which has wider reaching implications.

Many alternatives to plastic exist, from cloth, to paper, seaweed, and other natural fibres such as bagasse.

As such, the EPA said instead of plastic shopping bags and packaging – companies have the opportunity to select the perfect specimen or encourage the use of sustainable tote bags.

Alternatively, it noted too that consumers can easily make their own totes from any light fabric (e.g. an old t-shirt) or simply pack produce in an old cardboard box.

“Pack your empty produce bags and a few reusable shopping bags together in a single reusable bag …” the agency had instructed.

Friday April 29, 2022

10 more new COVID-19 cases recorded On Thursday, the Ministry of Health reported that within the last 24hours, a total of 10 persons have tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. The latest update now brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 63,457.

The Ministry via its dashboard revealed that there is no person hospitalised with the virus b u t s e v e n a r e q u a r a n t i n e d institutionally and 99 are in h o m e i s o l a t i o n . T o d a t e , a t o t al of 62,130 persons have recovered from the virus.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 21

Brutus sues Paul Slowe for $70M Former PSC Chair Paul Slowe.

Another libel suit has been brought against Former Assistant Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe.

This time, t h e law s

uit is filed by Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus. Brutus is claiming $70M in damages for words allegedly uttered by Slowe during a social media broadcast. The former PSC chairman is already facing a $70M lawsuit for libel which was filed by Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit ( S O C U ) F a z i l Karimbaksh.

Similar to the lawsuit filed by the SOCU Head, Brutus is contending Slowe created a social media programme that is broadcast on Facebook and Yo u T u b e , t i t l e d “Speaking Out:

Exposing Corruption and Incompetence”.

Brutus is alleging that Slowe uttered remarks that painted him as 'corrupt, unprofessional, dishonourable, dishonest, lacking integrity', among other things.

He is alleging therefore that these utterances of these words have caused his reputation to be seriously injured and that he has suffered considerable hurt, distress and embarrassment.

Slowe, was in October 2021 granted bail when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on charges related to fraud and sexual assault.

Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus.

PAGE 22

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Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

Brazil probe violated ex-President Lulas rights, UN panel finds - United Nations Human Rights Committee says former left-wing leaders right to a fair trial was violated in Brazil corruption probe

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corruption investigation.

Dubbed “Operation Car Wash”, it exposed a massive scheme involving politicians, business leaders and the state oil company Petrobras.

The decision by the 18member UN panel is nonbinding, but was closely watched in Brazil.

The committee concluded that the lead judge in the investigation, Sergio Moro, showed bias in his handling of the case against Lula, who served as Brazils president from 2003 to 2010.

“During the investigation, former judge Moro approved a request by the prosecutor to tap Lulas telephones, as well as those of his family and his lawyer. He then released the content of the wiretaps to the media before formally instituting charges,” the panel said.

“He also issued a bench warrant to detain Lula for questioning.

The warrant was leaked to the media, and photographs of Lula were consequently taken by the media as if he were under arrest.”

Moro sentenced Lula who denied the allegations

LULA IS EXPECTED TO CHALLENGE FARRIGHT PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO (ABOVE) IN OCTOBER ELECTIONS [ADRIANO MACHADO/REUTERS] against him to nine years in 2017 for allegedly taking bribes. An appeals court increased the sentence to 12 years in 2018, sidelining Lula from that years presidential elections, which were won by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Ultimately, the committee said on Thursday that “the conduct and other public acts of former judge Moro violated Lulas right to be tried by an impartial tribunal”, while “the actions and public statements by the former judge and the

prosecutors violated his right to presumption of innocence”.

It also “urged Brazil to ensure that any further criminal proceedings against Lula comply with due process guarantees and to prevent similar violations in the future”. The report comes just over a year after Lula had his corruption conviction quashed by a judge on procedural grounds, opening the door for the left-wing leader to seek re-election in October elections.

Former Finance Minister Jordan...

From page 12 records and determine that Expressions of Interest were made.”

Prior to the AG's statement, Kaieteur News had been extensively reporting on the suspicious land deals made under Jordan's watch.

It had exposed how Jordon and state agency, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) had vested lands without receiving any monies. NICIL was at the time under the control of Colvin Heath London and one of the most glaring

case involves a developer by the name of Navigant Builders (Windsor Estates), which had plans of developing a prestigious housing scheme at Ogle without issuing any payment to the then government. According to reports Navigant Builders was gifted 30 acres of land worth some $900M. When the current government, the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) took office in August 2020, Navigant Builders and four other developers decided to return the acres of lands that were

vested to them. The developers had premised their rescinding on the fact that they wanted to engage with the new government on transparent terms. This is not the first time that Jordan has been arrested by SOCU for suspicious deals for state assets.

In December 2021 he was arrested for reportedly selling the Kingston Wharf to BK Marines Limited for only one percent of its total value. The state property was valued at US$40M but was reportedly sold to the local company for only $US500, 000.

Workers urged to join fight for...

From page 17 percent on the side for workers.” Lewis said that strong collective bargaining rights have contributed significantly to the growth of countries like the United Kingdom and the United States as they recognise the importance of workers' representation. In Guyana, he said, laws are not respected.

Political leaders never seem interested in sitting with union leaders. He said prior to the 2022 budget, a list of measures was sent to the President Irfaan Ali, but

based on the budget information, not one was considered.

Lending his voice to the conversation, Tacuma Ogunseye said that by now, labour unions ought to be fully aware of the attitude of their governments. He said that he would have assumed therefore that trade unions, aware of the transformative effects of oil and gas, would have “at least denounced the budget for its anti-working class nature and waged a campaign of public opinion.”

He said that since spending has already been slated for a

large chunk of oil profits in the 2022 budget, he would have thought government would have been committed to increased salaries for public servants, but there has been no significant increase for workers despite the availability of funds. “I refused to accept that the trade union movement is in such a bad shape that its leaders cannot give a quick and speedy response to the budget denouncing the anti-working class nature... in the context of plenty in terms of money and resources.”

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Bids open for fabrication of 30 H-beans for DHBC Utilising its $946 million budgetary allocation this year, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) is looking to spend some $60 million to facilitate the fabrication and delivery of 30 notched H-beans.

The project was revealed during the opening of tenders on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)

office. The companies which applied for the DHBC project are S. Jagmohan Construction & General Supplies, EC. Viera Investment Inc., and Industrial Fabrication Inc. As previously reported, General Manager of the bridge, Wayne Watson had stated that the $946 million has been budgeted to facilitate rehabilitation and maintenance of the aged floating

Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation Fabrication and delivery of thirty notched H-beans to DHBC.

bridge. During an interview with the Department of Public Information last month, Watson said, “One of those works is the anchorage system. So, in 2022, we would have received some funding to do some anchorage work.

Also, we have pontoons that need rehabilitation, funding was approved for that. Ten feet deck plates which is basically the platform which the

vehicles use to traverse on the bridge, funding was also approved for that and the transom beams.

These are the beams that deck plates are seated on, we got approval for 30 such beams.”

He explained also that with the funding the corporation received, it is estimated that $75 million would go towards the construction of the

Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce Selection of consultant for supervision of construction of the new laboratory facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

motorised platform, $411 million to rehabilitate the pontoons, $100 million is set aside for the fabrication of deck plates, $60 million for the fabrication of H-beams and $300 million for anchor chains and blocks.

Just recently, bids were opened for the rehabilitation of 28 pontoons for the bridge, which is estimated to cost some $322 million and the fab-

rication and delivery of 250 deck plates which is estimated to cost $104 million. Bids were also opened for the construction of a new laboratory facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), this Ministry of Tourism project is estimated to cost $1,717,536,660.

Below are the projects that opened at the NPTAB office:

Supply and delivery of 30 desktop computers.

Environmental Protection Agency Supply and delivery of ink and toners.

Construction of the new laboratory facility for the GNBS.

Ministry of Home Affairs Procurement of sewer and waste disposal services for the Guyana Prison Service.

Ministry of Labour Extension of Labour Occupational Safety and Health Department buildings.

Ministry of Health Supply and delivery of nutritional packages.

Procurement of uniform materials at the Guyana Fire Service.

Supply and delivery of wooden pallets.

Procurement of vehicles spares for the Guyana Fire Service.

Supply and delivery of pharmaceuticals supplies.

Construction of external shed and installation of back up.

Procurement and communication, office equipment and furniture for Lots 1 to 3 at the Guyana Police Force.

(To continued in next edition)

Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Supply, delivery and installation of scanners for plans.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Friday April 29, 2022

Volodímir Zelenski

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

GCB Dave’s West Indian Import or Imports U-15 Inter-County

Both matches washed out yesterday …today’s final postponed The final round of the GCB Dave West Indian Import or Imports U-15 InterCounty cricket tournament at Bourda and Everest were both washed out without a ball being bowled yesterday due to persistent overnight rain which fell well into the afternoon.

When the sun eventually came out late in the afternoon

Friday April 29, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some gossip about a friend could reach your ears today, Aries, and it might seem a bit shocking at first. Money could be involved. However, don't accept what you hear at face value.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Memories and emotions welling up from the past might excite your creative impulses today, Libra. You may not quite be able to understand what all of this means.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might find yourself the center of attention, Taurus. Friends could ask for some information they know you have. It might involve telling a story or giving practical advice.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A subject you're researching, perhaps for a class or workshop, might prove more difficult than you expected, Scorpio. The resources you consult might be very scholarly and thus difficult to read. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A neighbor or relative might volunteer to help you with some chores around the house, Sagittarius, but you could sense that his or her heart isn't in it.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A friend might be in such a dour mood that you wonder if this is the same person you know and love, Cancer. During the day you might be tempted to try to analyze what's going on.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A friend or romantic partner might need your advice, Leo, and want to discuss a few things that you don't really understand.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today you might read a book on exercise or nutrition that seems a bit unsettling, Virgo. According to the book, you're doing everything wrong.

of round three.

Demerara: Points 9.4 NRR 2.63 Berbice: Points 9.4 NRR: 3.1 Essequibo: Points 3.2 NRR: — 3.04 Rising Stars: Points: 7.2 NRR: — 2.69 The GCB will make a decision on the Tournament shortly.

Baird favoured to return at Arrowhead League following injury

Chairman of the Nat Jnr selection panel Roddy Lovell (Left bottom) and cricketers wait on the rain to end, which it never did yesterday at Everest. (Sean Devers photo)

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might take up some sort of occult study, such as astrology, numerology, or alchemy that seems like Greek to you at first, Gemini.

the damage had already been done.

Berbice, Demerara and the Rising Stars are teams that have won matches so far while the second round between two top Berbice and Demerara was rain out.

The final was scheduled for today at Bourda and has been postponed.

Points standing at the end

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Paperwork involving money could be a real drag for you today, Capricorn. You'll have to get it done, but you'd rather be elsewhere. It might also seem a little confusing.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A contract of some kind, perhaps involving the home, might need some careful consideration today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might pick up some rather disturbing thoughts from a friend, neighbor, or relative, Pisces. This person could be upset over something and not communicating his or her feelings.

It has been 13 long months since Leslain Baird last competed, derailed by a meniscus tear in his left knee, Baird suffered the agony of missing the qualification standards for the Olympics.

Nevertheless, that familiar feel of adrenaline just before competing is about to return for the national javelin record holder when he steps on the track for the first time in over a year at the Arrowhead League slated to start this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre Leonora.

“It was really a long and hard road to recovery, my coach had big things in store for me last year. We started last season with over 77m in throwing the Javelin but then tragedy hit me on my second competition of last year so this year we not taking it that hard we are taking it slow,” Baird said.

In addition, Baird highlighted that he was thankful to his coaches and physiotherapists that helped him along the road to recovery, noting that he could not have gotten to this point without their help.

However, Baird did mention that he will just be doing a “three step throw” as he grooves back into the thick of competition. “It’s not about winning this weekend, it’s about just getting in the distance and seeing how I feel when I’m done,” Baird high-

Medal Play...

From page 28 Philbert London, Bowling, Todd, Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis, Anasha Ally and Shanella London.

Trophies will be awarded to top four overall best net as well as Nearest to the Flag, Longest Drive and Best Gross. Tee off is at 12:30 hours.

lighted.

Meanwhile, the 2018 South American Games silver medalist is enthused to compete in the first ever track and field league (Arrowhead League) in Guyana, noting that “senior athletes need

events like these to improve”.

Baird will compete in the Javelin throw on Saturday where he is hinting at a special performance when action kicks off at 17:00hrs at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

PAGE 26

Vishnu Super Store Upper Corentyne 40overs cricket continues with second round A number of matches were played as action in the Vishnu Super Store Upper Corentyne Cricket competition continued over last weekend.

Results of matches showed that No43 Scorpions defeated Just Try by 9 wickets.

Just try batted first and made 77 with K. Ramdas 27 and Extras 15. Bowling for Scorpions J. Samaroo 5 and R. Pattaya 4 wickets did the damage. They in reply sped to 78-1 with D. Baldeo 39 not out and Pattaya 29 not out.

No64 Fighting Marines whipped Line Path Cricket Club by 109 runs after posting 186, with Charles Francis 68 (6x4, 7x6), Looknauth Durghiji 29 and extras 26. Bowling for Line Path, L. Chitnarine and N. Persaud took 3 wickets each.

In reply they were bowled out for 67 with Jamaludin 21,

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

extras 15. Ryan Subhan picked up 4 wickets bowling for the winners.

No68 Turn Team crushed Young Blood by 164 runs after scoring a healthy 2289 in 40 overs with Tameshwar Ganie 67(3x4, 4x6), Karan Persaud 34, Javon Nubasie 26 and extras 38.

B o w l i n g f o r Yo u n g Blood, A. Durjohdan and W. Anthony took 3 wickets each. They were then skittled out for 64, F. Ali made 15.

Bowling for Turn Team P. Ali grabbed 5 wickets.

Skeldon Community Centre beat Rada Krishna by 7 wickets after bundling them out for 88 with Trishan Ramessar making 20. The main wicket taker for Skeldon CDC was A. Hussein with 535.

Skeldon CDC then blazed to 89-3 with Razid Richard and T. Burnett 27 each and S.

Chaitnarin 19 the top scorers.

No70 A Spartans eased past No68 Dark Ends by 8 wickets after bundling them out for 59 with extras contributing 24.

Bowling for the Spartans, Omesh Hemraj took 3 wickets.

The Spartans then galloped to 60-2 with Tameshwar Ramoutar 20 and Nadin Yakoob 19.

In another game, Race Course Vitality defeated Scotsburg United by 8 wickets.

Scotsburg reached 135 with Alimoon Khan 42, Steve Norah 28 and Extras 45. Imram and Rawle Jabbar picked up 3 wickets each bowling for Vitality.

In their turn at the wicket Vitality galloped to 138-2 with Imran Jabbar 71 (5x4, 7x6) and Jeremy Moore 27(5x4, 1x6) leading the assault. Extras contributed 33. (Samuel Whyte)

Applications now open for Hero CPL and UWI Sports Marketing Course Applications for the sports marketing course from the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) are now open.

The course has been created by the UWI’s Faculty of Sport and the Hero CPL marketing team and it will give students insights into the running of a hugely successful sporting event. At the end of the course the students will be given the opportunity to work with the Hero CPL team as interns during the tournament.

Hero CPL offers internships every year which allows young people from across the region to gain experience in a number of departments including operations, marketing and sponsorship. The interns are fully integrated with the Hero CPL team and have become an

important part in delivering a successful tournament, especially during a global pandemic.

The course will be run as a pilot in 2022 with the plan to roll this out further in future years. The course will include brand management, developing marketing plans, public relations strategy, social media and digital content planning and many other aspects involved in a successful sporting event.

Dean of the UWI Faculty of Sport, Dr. Akshai Mansingh, said: “The UWI

Faculty of Sport is excited about this collaboration. Providing the academic structure to an already successful CPL internship project will allow participants to get a comprehensive experience which will augur well for them and for the region.”

For the 2022 season the course will be open to applicants who are based in St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

Applicants can register their interest in the course by emailing uwi-fsp@uwi.edu.

Friday April 29, 2022

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

2022 Magnum Independence Cup…

Agricola shut down Defending Champ

Phantom crowed champions in the GDA Easter Bonanza Dominoes

Titan slayers - Agricola

Miss Yonette Christmas of Phantom/Next Level receives the winning trophy from the Vice President of the GDA Mr. Colin Boyce with elated team members alongside members of the GDA Fundraising Committee.

Defending champion and perennial heavyweight Bent Street suffered an unfortunate and expected setback in their title defence in the Magnum Independence Cup, losing to Agricola 0-2 on Wednesday at the National Park tarmac.

It was a result which shocked the sizable gathering which descended on the venue. The duo of Kacy John and Kevin Padmore engineered the upset win with goals in the third and 16th minute respectively.

Meanwhile, tournament giant Gold is Money downed Beterverwagting (BV) 3-0 to continue their unbeaten run and seal their place in the next round. Randolph Wagner fashioned a double in the third and 21st minute whilst Darren Benjamin scored in the fourth minute.

Likewise, Alexander Village blanked Avocado Ballers 2-0. Veteran marksman Leon Yaw recorded a brace in the sixth and 16th minutes.

On the other hand, North East La Penitence squeaked past Ansa McAl All-Stars 32. Marlon Nedd bagged a brace in the fifth and sixth minutes while Akeem Sam netted in the second minute.

For the loser, Steve Sharples and Ryan Fraser found the back of the net in the 23rd and 24th minutes respectively. Similarly, Future Stars edged Vengy 4-3. Ryan Dowding led the way with a double in the sixth and seventh minutes, while Daniel Ross and Jamal Cozier netted in the fifth and 16th minutes.

For Vengy, Alberto Hernandez, Castillo Marcus and Andres Hines all scored in the second, fourth and 22nd minutes, respectively. In other results, Leopold Street was held to a 4-4 draw with Festival City, while Stabroek Ballers and Tiger Bay failed to be separated at 2-2.

The event resumes tomorrow at the same venue with another round of matches.

The winner of the event will pocket $700,000, and the championship trophy, with the runner-up walking away with $400,000 and the corresponding accolade. On the other hand, the third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

The other sponsors of the event are: MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

Day 3 Fixtures - April 30 (National Park) Showstoppers vs Festival City Sophia vs Melanie Tiger Bay vs Ansa McAl Leopold Street vs Belfield North East vs Stabroek Ballers Back Circle vs Mocha Albouystown vs Road Warriors Sparta Boss vs East Front Road

Vibert Garrett returned as President of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association The Berbice Amateur Basketball Associationon Sunday 24th 2022 held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where they elected Office Bearers.

Mr Vibert Garrett was return as the president for the next two years, while Mr Rodwell Elbers is First Vice President, Second Vice President is Mr William Farley, Third Vice President Winston Profitt, the General Secretary Miss Alesha Samad, Treasurer Jasola McDonald DeAbreu

Vibert Garrett

a n d A s s i s t a n t s e c retary Treasurer Kevon Mars.

Mr Garrett said that the association’s focus is on development work of basketball courts in Berbice area.

The association is also working on seeking sponsorship for uniforms and championships.

“We are also hoping to meet with NDC and Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall to discuss developing the sports in the region,” he noted.

Phantom/Next Level Sports Club came out victorious as the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) held its first fundraising event dubbing it GDA Easter Bonanza over the Easter weekend.

Sixteen teams participated in what was deemed pound for pound in each matchup as the teams involved were boisterous in the lead up of the event. Teams involved were Gangsters, Spartans, C6, Phantom, Mix Up, Gold Is Money, All Seasons, Fresh Cash, 300, Spartan Girls, All Season Angels, Strikers, R&R, Turning Point, F&H and Players.

The first round saw Strikers and Fresh Cash advancing to round two owing to the fact that Spartans did not

have a full complement of members present upon roll call. Gangsters, Spartans Girls, Players were also eliminated in the first round.

The third round saw F&H, C6, R&R All Season and All Season Angels making their exit from the tourney, Strikers drew the bye to the finals which left 300, Phantom and Mix up in the fray in which 300 were not good enough to enter into the finals.

The finals started with Strikers in the lead after which they failed to strike with Phantom and Mix Up going neck and neck until it was Phantom who were on a runaway train ending with 87 games, Mix up after having a scare from Strikers in the final round had 77 games and Strikers in the cellar with 68 games.

The prizes awarded for the tourney were 1st $175,000, 2nd $75,000, 3rd $35,000 and 4th $20,000. Mr. Raulston Cameron of Phantom was adjudged MVP with the maximum 18 games which had a $10,000 attached for his accolade. Other notable achievements were Gilbert Mendonca and Rawle Cameron of Mix Up with 17 and 15 games respectively, while Ryan Rambalak of Strikers made 15 games.

Mr. Colin Boyce, the Vice President, in his closing remarks on behalf of Executives of the GDA gave his heartfelt thanks to its members and all its sponsors for their support in making this venture an incident free success and hoped to attract more participation of teams in its next venture.

Rain forces abandonment in ESCL’s over-40 competition Last Sunday, rain forced the abandonment in the 2022 Essequibo Softball Cricket League’s (ESCL) over-40, 20-overs competition but the action is set to resume this Sunday with two matches.

According to the chairman of the League, Wakeel Layne, two games were scheduled but due to the rainfall, it was not possible and four teams shared the points.

However, the match between Caribbean Cricket Club and Queenstown Tigers could have played at Hibernia facility but the Tigers failed to take the field in which Caribbean Cricket Club won by a walkedover.

Layne also informed that the semi-final segment is slated for May 15th at a venue to be named. Six teams are currently participating.

He also notified that the championship game is fixed for May 22nd at Affiance Number 1 ground which will be preceded by the third-place play-off game.

The winner is set to pocket $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up team will take home $50,000 and a trophy as well.

The Most Valuable Player in the final will collect $10,000 while $20,000 is up for grabs for the most runs and most wickets in the en-

Wakeel Layne tire competition.

The player with the most catches will also be awarded with $10,000.

Meanwhile, the two matches for this Sunday will see Ravens Sports Club tackling Queenstown Tigers, while Sunriser Masters and Devonshire Castle Sports Club facing each other at venues to be announced.

PAGE 28

Ramdhani siblings advance at PanAm Badminton tourney Day 2 of the PanAm Individual Badminton Championship in El Salvador resulted in Narayan Ramdhani and his sibling Priyanna Ramdhani advancing to the Round of 16 (3rd round) in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles competition.

Men’s Singles Round of 32 (Round 2) Narayan defeated Mickhaile Williams of Jamaica 21-8, 21-15 and advanced to the Round of 16 (Round 3) where he will face Olympian Brian Yang, ranked No. 33 in the World and also the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

Akili Haynes came up against a tough opponent and lost in the round of 32 (Round 2) to Jason Ma of the USA 21-12, 21-4.

Narayan and Priyanna gained a walkover in the Round of 32 (Round 2) and will go up against Ty

Alexander Lindeman and Josephine Wu of Canada in the Round of 16 (Round 3).

Men’s Doubles action will see Narayan Ramdhani and his partner Nicholas Bonkowsky playing in the round of 16 (Round 2) against Victor Garcia and Carlos Rodriguez for a spot in the Round of 8 (Quarter-finals).

Play was halted for the day due to inclement weather but resumes this morning at 09:00hrs.

Meanwhile, Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Bonkowsky advanced to the Quarterfinals when they defeated Victor Garcia and Carlos Rodriguez of El Salvador 2116, 21-18 in action yesterday.

Golf Club during a presentation ceremony yesterday at Thirst Park. Also present were Chet Bowling, Secretary of LGC, Troy Peters, Communications Manager and Ian Charles, Smirnoff Vodka Brand Representative.

Bowling expressed the Club’s heartfelt appreciation to Banks DIH Limited for initiating the sponsorship. “The Lusignan Golf Club acknowledges the contribution of Banks DIH to golf over the years through its sponsorship of the Guyana Open, junior

programmes and the Club’s upkeep.”

Peters said that Smirnoff Vodka, the largest vodka brand in the world is extremely delighted to sponsor the tournament and to support the development of golf locally.

Saturday’s lineup is expected to include Maxim Mangra, Paton George, Carlos Adams, Maurice Solomon, Brian Glasford, Brian Hackett, Troy Codogan, Richard Haniff, (Continued on page 25)

Everest Masters in winners lane

Everest Masters remained unbeaten as they defeated Strathavon Masters, Pakuri Warriors and Mashabo Sunrisers in three limited overs matches played recently.

Everest Masters beat Strathavon Masters by eight wickets. Batting first, Strathavon Masters scored 131 for 9 from 25 overs.

S. Sattaur made 24, P. Bhup scored 23 and D. Hemraj 23 not out. Anand Persaud took 3-11 and Jermaine Griffith 2-22. Everest Masters replied with 133 for 2 in 18 overs.

Saheed Mohamed made 41, Imtiaz Sadik an unbeaten 38 and Basil Persaud 19 not out.

Persaud was named man-ofthe-match. The game was sponsored by Trophy Stall.

Everest Masters overcame Mashabo Sunrisers from Essequibo by 13 runs.

Everest Masters batted first and posted 171 for 8 off 25

Good Success/ Sans Souci overcome G Square Cavaliers

Nayaran Ramdhani in action.

Medal Play Golf Tournament branded by Smirnoff Vodka The Smirnoff Vodka sponsored Medal Play Golf tournament is expected to attract most of the country’s leading golfers on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club, East Coast Demerara.

Smirnoff, the world’s leading vodka is exclusively imported and distributed by Banks DIH Limited.

Operations/Engineering Director of Banks DIH Gavin Todd, an ardent golfer presented the trophies to Anasha Ally, Public Relations Officer of the Lusignan

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

overs. Sahadeo Hardaiow struck 52; Saheed Mohameed made 46 and Basil Persaud 20.

Decassy Williams claimed 3 for 21 and Orlando Adams 2 for 27. Mashabo Sunrisers replied with 158 for 7. David Hendericks scored 52 and Trevor Abrams 28. Robin Bharat had 2 for 17.

Sahadeo Hardiaow was voted man-of-the-match. The match was sponsored by Trophy Stall.

Everest Masters defeated Belle Vue Sports Club by 66 runs. Everest Masters posted 197 for 5 off their allotted 25 overs, taking first strike.

Devon Ramrattan stroked 80 before he retired while Dave Balgobin made 30 and Anthony Ifill 25 and Basil Persaud 18.

L. Sam claimed 3 for 28 and N. Singh 2 for 33. Belle Vue Sports Club replied with 131 for 8. Sam made 40 not out as Randy Lindore captured 3

for 11, Ronald Jaisingh 2 for 12 and Gary Shuman 2 for 14.

Ramrattan was voted man-ofthe-match. The match was sponsored C. Mohan Contracting Guyana Inc. Everest Masters beat Pakuri Warriors of St. Cuthbert’s Mission by 19 runs. Everest Masters scored 132 all out, batting first.

Sahadeo Hardaiow made 39 and Gavin Singh 18.

Stallone Simon had 4 for 21, Timothy Andrews 3 for 11 and Ronnie Gunpat 2 for 16.

Pakuri Warriors were restricted to 113 for 5 from their 20 overs. In reply, Nash Punsammy made 38 and David France 31.

Randy Lindore took 2 for 16 and Imtiaz Sadik 2 for 18.

Hardaiow was named man-of-the-match. The match was sponsored by Trophy Stall. Everest Masters have won seven out of seven games for 2022.

From left Mohandass Surujpaul, Gladewin Henry and Devendra Hansraj.

Good Success/ Sans Souci beat G Square Cavaliers by 86 runs when the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Seeraj Bhimsain U19 40overs competition continued recently.

Good Success/ Sans Souci posted 141 all out in 28 overs batting first at G Square Cavaliers ground in Belle Plaine.

They lost a few quick

wickets upfront. However, Gladewin Henry played a crucial innings of 46 and got support from Mohandass Surujpaul 22 as the visitors recovered nicely. Devendra Hansraj chipped in with a valuable 31 to prop up the total while Toshall Surujpaul captured 4-23, Golcharran Chulai had 2-18; Romario

Stephens and Vinesh Ramnarine had one each In reply, G Square Cavaliers were bowled out for 55 in 12 overs.

Stephens made 15 and Chulai 11 as Mohandass Surujpaul claimed 3-18, Mahase Ramnarine 2-10, Aarav sukhram 2 -11, while Hansraj had 1-12.

Warner and Powell ease Capitals to victory over Knight Riders SportsMax - Rovman Powell hit 33 off 16 balls to ensure the Delhi Capitals sealed a four-wicket victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders yesterday.

A knock of 42 from David Warner had helped to set the table for Powell, with the Capitals condemning the Knight Riders to their fifth straight loss in the Indian Premier League. Kolkata mostly struggled with the bat themselves, with captain Shreyas Iyer the only man to show any resistance in the early stages with 42, while Nitish Rana added a much-needed 57 later on. Apart from Rinku Singh’s 23, no other Knight Rider managed double figures, and they were only able to reach 146-9 from their 20 overs.

Prithvi Shaw was out first ball for Delhi in reply, caught and bowled by Umesh Yadav (3-24), but Warner was able to guide his team through the early overs to build a base for the chase.

The Capitals did enter panic mode slightly as they went from 82-2 to 84-5, with skipper Rishabh Pant out for just two.

However, Powell and Axar Patel (24) calmed things down, with Powell the aggressor with one four and three sixes as he saw his team home with an over the spare.

Batting woes for Knight

Rovman Powell slammed an unbeaten 33 off 16.

•Apr 27, 2022•BCCI

Riders If you bat first in T20 cricket, you better set a big total, even if just to put an element of doubt in the chasing team’s minds.

It’s not that 146 is a poor total, but that almost all the runs came from just three batsmen was the real issue for Kolkata.

Six others came and went without making more than six runs, with Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Tim Southee all falling for ducks.

Tight bowling the difference

It would be harsh to dismiss those batting failures without crediting the bowling that caused them. Delhi’s attack was fierce at the Wankhede Stadium.

Mustafizur Rahman (3-18) and Kuldeep Yadav (4-14) were particularly impressive, with the former bowling 14 dot balls in his four-over spell.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 150 for 6 (Warner 42, Powell 33*) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 146 for 9 (Rana 57, Shreyas 42, Kuldeep 4-14, Mustafizur 3-18) by four wickets.

Friday April 29, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana

Young Hetmyer latest to receive gear from project Talented Berbice U-15 player Adrian Hetmyer is the latest young cricketer to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”. This initiative was conceptualized

by Kishan Das of the USA and former Berbice lefthander Anil Beharry.

The teen had received a bat and a pair of gloves recently when he impressed Leon Sammy, one of the players in the touring NY Tri State U-17 team when they beat the Berbice U-15s in their preparations for the ongoing U-15 Inter-County tournament.

The thirteen-year-old allrounder plays for the rapidly progressing Rose Hall Community CC and scored three centuries in four innings in the recently concluded BCB/ Tenelec Inc. under15 Tournament for teams in Berbice.

The prolific right handed young batter/fast bowler is currently representing the Berbice Under15 team in the ongoing BCB/Dave West Indies Imports and Exports Inter County Tournament.

This tournament will be used to select the National team which will participate in the CWI Regional Tournament which is to be played in August with white balls and coloured uniforms.

Hetmyer had a good outing in the first match scoring 31 runs before being run out and returned with the ball to capture two wickets.

Unfortunately, the second game was washed out. He is the son of former national youth player Seon (who scored a century against T&T in Barbados) and nephew of West Indies and RCB batter Shimron.

Young Hetmyer received one pair of batting pads, arm guard and a pair of batting gloves. Speaking on behalf of the classy young player, his father Seon, who scored a century in CGI’s Franchise, promised to support this special talent further as his career grows.

Das and Beharry are very excited to be associated with Adrian and vowed to closely follow his progress.

Total cricket related items collected so far: $130,000 cash, two trophies, eleven cricket boots, sixteen pairs of batting pads, seventeen bats, ten pairs of batting gloves, nineteen thigh pads, one wicket keeping pad, one arm guard, one helmet and five cricket bags. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by former National Wicket/Keeper batsman Sheik Mohamed.

To date, thirty-four young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, ten bats, nine pairs of cricket shoes, seven pairs of batting pads, one arm guard and eight pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club

Adrian Hetmyer raises his bat after making another century.

benefited from a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees, Cotton Tree Die Hard and Rose Hall Estate CC also received one box of red cricket balls each.

Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J.

Hetmyer with the gear he received.

Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Daniel Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Peter

Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Denesh Chandrapaul, Ameer Rahaman and Dr Cecil Beharry.

Thanks to the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

Distribution will continue.

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

Stokes succeeds Root as England test captain LONDON, (Reuters) - England unveiled Ben Stokes as their test captain yesterday, hoping for a swift turnaround under the talismanic allrounder after a tame end to Joe Root’s five years in charge of the team earlier this month.

Root led England in a record 64 tests but his role became untenable after they managed one win in their last 17 tests, a run which included a 4-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia and a 1-0 series defeat in West Indies.

“I had no hesitation in offering the role of test captain to Ben,” Rob Key said in a statement in his first major appointment since taking over as the managing director of England men’s cricket earlier this month.

“He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket.” The 30-year-old Stokes, who has scored more than 5,000 runs and taken 174 wickets in his 79 tests for En-

gland, called it an “honour” to lead the test side.

“This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer,” the Durham player said.

Arguably the greatest allrounder of his era, Stokes acknowledged Root’s role in his development as a leading figure in the England dressing

England’s Joe Root with Ben Stokes. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo) room. and he will continue to be a “I want to thank Joe for key ally for me in this role.” everything he has done for Root, who initially wanted English cricket and for always to continue in the job, being a great ambassador for stepped down citing the the sport all across the heavy toll it took on him. world,” Stokes said of “Always got each other’s backs. Congratulations mate, England’s batting mainstay.

“He has been a massive I’ll be with you every step of part of my development as a the way,” Root wrote on Twitleader in the dressing room, ter after Stokes’ appointment

and posted a picture of the pair embracing. While Stokes was an obvious choice to replace Root, his battles with injuries and workload remain a concern for the team.

He also took an indefinite break from cricket last year to focus on his mental health.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison was optimistic of a glorious “new era” under Stokes. “He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride,” Harrison said. “It’s an important summer for our test side and Ben will, I am sure, relish the challenge before him and his team.” Stokes’ first assignment will be a twomatch home series in June against New Zealand, the country of his birth. As test captain, his views will be crucial to the future of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s two most prolific test bowlers, who have been

left out of the squad recently.

Key later told Sky Sports that the duo could feature for England this summer and were keen to be involved.

“Before it got announced I was doing this job, I rang them up and said to both of them that - in my opinion you’re both available for selection,” Key said. “‘I can’t promise you you’re going to play, all that type of stuff, you’re just available for selection’. Then Ben was very clear on the fact he wants Jimmy and Broady to come back in. “Now, it will purely be done on what is the best eleven to win that first test match, nothing more and nothing less. If they’re in that, which is every chance they will be because they’re two great bowlers, then they’ll play.”

Under Key, England have also advertised for separate red-ball and white-ball coaches following Chris Silverwood’s resignation in February.

PAGE 30

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

BCB hosts historic interactive BCB/ Brian Ramphal Awards working session with four Ceremony honours eleven legendary test players outstanding cricket club officials - Four Legendary test players receives Tribute to Heroes Award

The panelists of legendary test players at the BCB organized interactive session. From left: Dr Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher, Sir Andy Roberts and Jimmy Adams.

The Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday last, created history in the Ancient County when it hosted a live interactive two hours session at the historic Albion Cricket Ground with four legendary test players.

The session was attended by over one hundred and fifty players, parents and club officials and was described as very successful and informative by all in attendance.

BCB President Hilbert Foster started the session by stating that the board was investing heavily into off the field programmes with the main objectives of producing high standard players on and off the cricket field.

The programme was moderated by popular Television reporter Akeem Greene while the four panelists were former test players Sir Andy Roberts, D r. D e s m o n d H a y n e s , Jimmy Adams and Roland B u t c h e r. E a c h o f t h e legends spoke on their careers in opening remarks and informed the attentive gatherin g of the s t r u g g l e s , disappointment and hard work they had to endure to achieve success.

Haynes traced the long journey he faced on his way to a career which produced over 40,000 runs in first class and List ‘A’ Cricket.

Sir Andy Roberts used

his opening remarks to state that his dreams were achieved through sheer hard work and a desire to be the best ever fast bowler.

Moderator Akeem Greene then opened the floor for the youth cricketers to ask the legends questions on the game and how to follow in their footsteps.

A total of ninety minutes were used up in the Questionand-Answer segment as the youth players took full advantage of the opportunities to learn from their idols.

Questions ranged from tips for success, the formula for their personal career success, how to play fast bowling, how to bowl on flat pitches, concentrating for long periods, how to be a successful captain, how to prepare for an innings, how to handle the new ball and the best ways to maintain physical fitness.

The youth players also sought answers on what criteria the selectors were looking for in a player and questioned Adams, who is currently the Cricket Director of West Indies on plans for upcoming youth tournaments and d e v e l o p m e n t al plans.

Adams, who also captained the West Indies in Sixteen Test matches, disclosed that CWI would be hosting Regional Under15, Under17 and Under19 tournaments for the first time in two years during the summer holidays

in 2022.

The CWI would also be hosting an Under19 Female tournament, while the regional board would also be targeting promising Under23 players in a high-performance programme later in the year.

The youth players also sought answers on the CWI policy of personal fitness and asked Chairman of Selectors Dr. Desmond Haynes if performance was below physical fitness.

The formal session involved several light moments as the panel answered several personal questions.

Dr. Haynes stated that Sir Richard Hadlee was the greatest bowler he ever faced, while Sir Andy Roberts described Sir Vi v i a n R i c h a r d s a s t h e greatest batsman that he ever saw in action. Roland Butcher stated that he felt honoured to become the first black player for England.

The panel of test players after the conclusion of interactive sessions with the players and parents hosted a onehour meeting with Berbice Coaches, Managers and Club officials.

They used the opportunity to encourage the Berbice Cricket Officials to work harder. Dr. Haynes spoke on the selection policy of the CWI, while Adams spoke widely on CWI developmental plans.

Eleven outstanding cricket club administrators in the ancient county of Berbice were last Sunday honoured by the management of the Berbice Cricket Board at the ST. Francis Community Developers Centre during the BCB Brian Ramphal Annual Awards Ceremony. They were honoured under the BCB Tribute to Clubs Officials Programme.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the awardees as the unsung heroes of Berbice Cricket, who all worked behind the curtains to make sure that the rich legacy is kept alive. Those honoured were Jaipaul Heeralall of D’ Edwards CC, Roshan Gafoor of Cotton Tree CC, Julian Moore and Tremayne Smartt of Tucber Park, Leslie Solomon of Port Mourant, Vemen Walter and Omarnauth Outar of Albion, Keith Hicks and Ravindranauth Kisoonlall of RHTYSC along with Sydney Jackman and Dennis D’Andrade of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Walters, who is the President of the Albion CC, has played a major role in the development of players like Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Veersammy Permaul and Devindra Bishoo among others. Solomon has coached the Port Mourant Club to several youth championship. Hicks and Kissoonlall are the cricket managers of the RHTYSC and has guided the careers of dozens of national players.

Foster expressed gratitude to each of the awardees and urged them to continue serving Berbice Cricket. Each of the Awardees received a plate plaque, framed certificate of excellence and a Medal of Excellence.

The BCB also honoured five persons with its highest award - Tribute to Heroes.

Those privileged to receive the award were Sir Andy Roberts, Dr. Desmond Haynes, CWI President Ricky

Dr. Desmond Haynes receives the BCB Tribute to Hero Award from Cecil Beharry.

Julian Moore receiving the BCB Outstanding Official award from Sir Andy Roberts.

Skerritt, Roland Butcher and James Clive Adams. The awards were shared out to the five awardees by executives of the BCB in front of a large gathering of players, officials and special invites including West Indies Players Veersammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Isai Thorne, Kevin Sinclair, Devindra Bishoo, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond.

Haynes (116), Roberts (47), Adams (54) and Butcher (3) played a combined 219 test matches and were honoured for being friends of Berbice

Cricket and a positive role model for youths. Adams received the award on behalf of the CWI President, who was unable to attend due to overseas travel on behalf of the regional board to India.

Each of the legendary players expressed gratitude to the BCB for honouring them.

Sir Andy Roberts praised the outstanding leadership of BCB President Hilbert Foster and expressed the hope that he would continue to serve in the future. Each of the awardees received the Tribute to Hero plaque, Medal of Excellence and special gifts.

Friday April 29, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Gavin Todd presents the First Place Trophy to Anasha Ally while Chet Bowling, Ian Charles and Troy Peters display some of the other trophies up for grabs.

t r o Sp

Ramdhani siblings Warner and Powell ease advance at PanAm Capitals to victory Badminton tourney over Knight Riders p. 28 England's Ben Stokes walks off the pitch during a rain delay.

(Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

David Warner hammers a shot through the leg side. Apr 27, 2022BCCI

p. 21

Stokes succeeds Root as England test captain p. p. 29 22

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