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Friday Edition

AIETEUR

April 30, 2021 - Vol. 23 No. 18 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 106,314

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

No gas experts on team that selected Wales for US$900M gas project In wake of Sharon's Mall inferno... Buildings over

What is Dr. Jagdeo two storeys should have relevant really up to?

- Home Affairs fire equipment installed Ministry

No current plans Fashion designer killed in T&T, cremated beyond Liza 1 for gas-to-shore project at Good Hope

GPL unable to pay wage increase - blames failure to predict fuel price, COVID-19

Social media commentator arrested for causing “emotional distress” to Minister

Motorcyclist beaten while apologising to cops he assaulted

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo put on a sideshow for the army of yes-men that accompanied him at Monday’s Oil and Gas Press Meeting he held.

Instead of coming clean, it was another exhibition in evasiveness, deception and the creation of smokescreens in order to hide the truth and the facts.

Mr. Jagdeo spoke about ten thousand words about the gas to shore project, but not a word about any supporting financial studies done.

He believes that because he has some numbers in his head, that all Guyana must go along without questioning him.

When he was questioned about the basis of his figures, he decided that a heavy dose of irrelevancies was the way to camouflage the issue. He answered questions without ever answering them to the point and with regard for facts

and substance.

While U.S. President Biden’s groundbreaking commits to move away from fossil fuels and to cheaper, cleaner renewables, our own Mr. Jagdeo doesn’t want to hear about that.

He is driven to get his way with his imagined figures which are all he has to support this costly gas to shore project which could be Guyana’s next white elephant.

Guyanese: we knew a lot about sugar. Mr. Jagdeo spent (wasted) US$200M on the Skeldon Factory, and look at where we are today.

On the other hand, we know very little about oil and gas, and there is Mr. Jagdeo pretending that he knows more than Americans and Europeans, who are readying to lessen their powerful fossil fuel dependency. Something is not right about this. What is Mr. Jagdeo really up to, that no one else knows?

Exxon to run all production ships in Guyana above nameplate capacity- Hess Corp Listen to the bera nancy story the Govt. is shoving down our throats on this gas-to-shore project @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

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No gas experts on team that selected Wales for US$900M gas project V

ice President, D r. B h a r r a t J a g d e o , confirmed on Monday that the selection of Wales for the US$900M gas-to-shore project was not done by experts.

The selection was done by locals who Jagdeo firmly believe were competent enough for the job.

The official who holds oversight responsibility for the sector made these and other comments during a press conference held last week at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre with publishers, editors and journalists of the local media fraternity.

Although five studies were done by its predecessor on bringing gas to shore via a pipeline leading from the Liza Phase One Project, Jagdeo said when the PPP/C took office; it found that the APNU+AFC had made no critical decisions on those documents.

As a result of this, Jagdeo said he and his team started work on selecting a suitable site.

He said that Ogle, Crab Island and Wales were the areas under consideration.

Following a detailed evaluation, the politician said Wales - where over 10,000 acres of land were allocated to house the industrial park – emerged as the most feasible option.

“Wales came out most

Exxon flaring at their Liza Destiny operations offshore Guyana

Map showing the criteria used by the government for the gas project site selection. feasible.

Crab Island was all swampy and low and so development cost would have been extremely high and one of the good things about Wales is that it is less prone to flooding in that area,” expressed the Vice President.

But when pressed by the media to identify the gas experts on his team who helped with the selection of the site for example, the Vice President said, “Our team has planners et cetera, we can assess that.

You not suggesting we need a foreigner to do that to select a site where we know what the parameters are, where we know where flooding takes place and where it doesn’t, where we know the cost of land is more expensive like Ogle v e r s u s Wa l e s f o r development, you aren’t suggesting we need a foreign expert for that. We have enough technical people to do that.”

Apart from the site that was selected, Jagdeo said

that another factor considered by his team early on was the price ExxonMobil would call for transporting the gas.

Based on the sound of ongoing negotiations, Jagdeo said he expects the gas to come in not at market price and most certainly not in keeping with the pricing structure in the Production Sharing Agreement.

Jagdeo said he is pushing to get the country a sweeter deal on the gas, which in his eyes, works out as close as possible to zero.

In terms of the amount of gas to be received, Jagdeo said that he was able to get a commitment from ExxonMobil to provide 50 million cubic feet of gas per day instead of the 30 million cubic feet the oil giant originally proposed.

Jagdeo said, “30 million cubic feet would not allow us to generate 250 megawatt of power from the 300 megawatt plant we hope to build.

So the 50 million cubic feet of gas will allow us to do 250 megawatts of power and

have additional gas that will remain for other purposes such as urea, protein for the agriculture sector, et cetera.”

Jagdeo said too that the government made the decision to go with a 12-inch pipeline, which would come in handy for storing more gas.

In the meantime, the Vice President said engineers are evaluating two routes, one of which will be used to have the pipeline pass through Crane so as to feed the proposed Wales Industrial Park.

Motorcyclist beaten while apologising to cops he assaulted

A

motorcyclist was yesterday beaten and then taken to the hospital while he was publicly apologising to two cops he had assaulted on Saturday last.

The motorcyclist, Georgeno Tevrieden, according to a police report, was attacked sometime after 09:00 hrs. in the vicinity of the Bartica Market, Region Seven, by one of the two cops he had assaulted.

Tevrieden on Saturday April 24, 2021, had allegedly assaulted Harmon and his colleague Corporal Austin at Four Miles Bartica. The policemen were on traffic duty at the time and had stopped Tevrieden around 21:15 hrs. because he was riding without a helmet.

They reportedly cautioned him about the traffic offence he committed and asked that he produce the relevant documents for his motorcycle along with his licence.

The ranks, according to report, also advised him that he must subject himself to a breathalyzer test.

Police stated that instead of complying, Tevrieden began cursing the ranks and they reportedly cautioned him about his disorderly behaviour.

However, the police stated that he continued behaving disorderly and when they attempted to arrest him; he resisted and reportedly pushed and cuffed the ranks several times before riding away on

his motorcycle.

A video of the alleged assault seen by this publication showed Tevrieden wrestling with one of the ranks for his motorbike keys as the other tried to part them. He pushed against the officer slamming him into some barricades close by.

The assaulted officers lodged a report and Tevrieden was later arrested and placed before the Bartica Magistrate Court on Wednesday April 28, 2021.

He was charged by Magistrate, Crystal Lambert with two counts of assault with intent to resist being lawfully apprehended.

Tevrieden pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000. The motorcyclist was also

Screen grab from a recorded video of Tevrieden assaulting the cops last Saturday.

slapped with six other charges – one of them being failure to wear a mask and the rest all traffic-related. He pleaded guilty to all of them and was fined a total sum of $15,000.

At the end of his court appearance, Tevrieden was ordered to publicly

apologise to the ranks the following day (yesterday), by means of bearing and displaying a placard while walking from the Bartica Market to the Police Station.

Tevrieden obeyed and started his public apology promptly but whilst doing so, Constable Harmon

attacked and cuffed him several times to his body.

After the motorcyclist was beaten by the rank, he was taken the Bartica Hospital for medical attention. The Guyana Police Force (GPF), stated that Harmon has been placed under close arrest for allegedly beating Tevrieden.

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Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Tel:624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

And still, there’s no plan The story goes about how the great Italian scientist and philosopher, Galileo would – after being imprisoned by the Catholic Church until he was forced to recant his ‘blasphemous’ theory that the earth was not fixed as supported by Christian belief but in fact moved around the sun – whispered before he died, “Eppur si muove,” meaning “And still, it moves.” The story is often told as an illustration about the resilience of sound ideas, of sound beliefs, of integrity, even in the wake of overwhelming oppression and illogical, prejudicial systems of power.

One gets a sense that somewhere in the mind of Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, he is a sort of Galileo, a man forced to reluctantly accept the prevailing false narrative that he and his superior, David Granger, lost the elections of March 2020 and hence every now and then he has to defiantly blurt out, “And yet we won,” before being compelled to toe the line.The key difference, of many, between Harmon and Galileo however is that one those men had the weight of not only integrity but also empiricism on his side. The man dubbed the “Father of Modern Science” studied tides, planetary movements, mathematics, physics and the stars before he challenged the prevailing ‘wisdom’ of the Church during the Inquisition, which was that the Earth was fixed in space while the Sun and moon and stars moved around it, as was represented in the Bible. Galileo Galilei observed instead that the Earth was really just one of the several planets that moved around the sun, establishing the heliocentric model of the galaxy that prevails to this day.

In contrast, Mr. Harmon is just peddling nonsense. He, David Granger and the rest of the Coalition leadership were peddling nonsense a year ago as an irresponsible government seeking to artificially extend their time in office and they continue to peddle nonsense as an irresponsible opposition seeking to perhaps ensure that their time in opposition is extended ad infinitum. As Opposition Leader, Mr. Harmon is not so much a ringleader as he is carnival barker to the macabre circus that is currently the APNU+AFC. From Cathy Hughes’ inane tall tale about Russian hackers, to Harmon’s grand conspiracy dossier to whichever US lawmaker outside of Hakeem Jeffries was willing to read it, one that initially listed both himself and Granger as US citizens, we have had ignorance, incompetence and absurdly insidious theatre coming out of the political machinery that represents almost half of the electorate.

As in the case with Galileo, it is easy to understand principled, informed defiance over prevailing ignorance. But this is not the case here. Firstly, empiricism firmly contradicts Harmon’s narrative that the coalition was cheated out of the elections: in fact, the only empirical claim to have come out of the APNU+AFC was the claim made by Granger himself that Statements of Poll (SOPs) that he was in possession of showed them winning the election, in keeping with the figures manufactured by the corrupt Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. Since then not only has Granger disappeared from public view but he has apparently taken the SOPs with him, the only documents that would support his claim that he in fact won the elections last year.

And on the issue of principle, what caused Granger and Harmon and the rest of the then government to change course away from the path of the most idiotic (and hence most dangerous) attempt at dictatorship in recent history was not the threat of imprisonment for standing by their core belief that they supposedly won the elections, but visa revocations from the United States and the threat of revocations from Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. In brief, their muchtouted commitment to defence of the supposed ‘sovereignty’ of Guyana lasted only as long as their freedom to travel outside of Guyana to the very countries they were accusing of interference was under threat.There has to come a time when this ad-lib farce that Mr. Harmon is engaging in comes to an end. One would almost be relieved if there were any sense that there was a method to the madness but two events of the past few weeks confirm that there is no plan whatsoever. The first is Harmon’s release to the coalition’s followers (and not addressed to the general public) in the wake of the predictable decision against the coalition in the surviving elections petition, a release in which he completely avoided challenging the merits or even subject of the Chief

GuyOil - the kind of people throughout Guyana’s I challenge my fellow have the plums, but not those Government structure citizens to think of this: plumbers. I ask again: the DEAR EDITOR, There are several storms that are battering the state-run GuyOil currently. Revealing storms involving a whole heap of the people’s money.

Polluting storms encircling some of the people put in charge of overseeing the business of Guyana. And the storms that are of opportunists well positioned to hurt the hopes of Guyanese and who use their politically backed presences to do just so.

I share with my fellow Guyanese how this takes place in this country, how men conduct themselves, who rewards them and how they go from there.

There had to be steady, visible presences at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, GECOM and Ashmin’s, from March to August 2020. They were. They had to have given considerable money or logistical support to collect benefits later. They have.

Look at mostly who are on the boards of state agencies, who selected them and who everybody knows operates

how…. When the rare honest man, a conscientious citizen, or a patriotic Guyanese is found among them, there is cause for celebrating. Out of some 200 of these presences, there may (may) be five such persons, far from double digits.

In addition to physical presence and financial backing, there were other assorted frauds, hypocrites, devils in disguise, damsels in distress and hustlers, who recognised that to be in the good graces of the powers that matter (there is only one), they had to lend loud moral support. They did. Even when their souls had to be sold. I call them the fallen angels of Guyana’s electoral system, disappointments to the fools that trusted them and voted for them; these calling themselves patriots and change agents. Look at them now and how they line up at the national trough to guzzle the silver. What we have in our bosom is a large pack of money-grubbing mercenaries. They are not foreigners.

Tarquinii and Caesar had their Brutus, Jesus his Judas and England its Oliver Cromwell.

Today, Guyana has its sleazy agents and political scoundrels, old-timers, newcomers and wannabees.

Going further and higher, I challenge Guyanese to digest this: look at our leaders across the board and question yourself of this about them: do they possess a fundamental integrity on the basic issues? The bread-andbutter issues of managing the people’s monies? The kind of trustworthy leadership needed for oil, gold and the treasure house of natural resources? Look at the choices made from the slate of comrades for heads of this and that, chair and directors of here and there and ask again: who are these people (selectors and selected) and surely that better could have been done? That there had to be men and women of brighter lights and higher ethics than these who have little to none of either?

For sure, it is the right and the standard that the winners

majority of these board members, parliamentary presences, ministry seniors and agency chiefs cannot be the best plumbers that we have in Guyana? Or the best of anything related to ethics and integrity? I damn myself, if I were ever to think so, though it is extremely difficult to think otherwise. Not with the total repugnance that comes from the words, postures, and deeds of those who pilot the ship of state.

They can’t even talk straight, share a straight story, on anything related to oil. Or anything period.

Examine the curiosity that our leaders have become: on the issues that matter (money), the problems that plague (governance): they are contradictory. They are dilatory. They are about individual and collective obscenity. But these are the people making the decisions.

In Guyana’s instance, the fish doesn’t rot from the head.

Rather, the leadership fish rots everything everywhere.

More pointedly, I come at (Continued on page 6)

Relationship with the major oil companies is antithetical for Bharrat Jagdeo, but more press in Guyana: “We must to official posturing so for his government and the strive to ensure an ecological DEAR EDITOR, Guyana Times (April 23, 2021) reported on President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, addressing regional leaders regarding the Escazú Agreement. This was on Mother Earth Day. The President said, “I therefore reiterate the need for us to act collectively for protection of our peoples and their environment. Our twin celebration of the entry into force of the Escazú Agreement on International Mother Earth Day should engender a greater sense of urgency to work collectively to safeguard our people and the planet…everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her wellbeing.” He also stated “protection of the environment is mainstream in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”

Bravo to President Ali. The charming Mrs. President also planted a tree symbolically on Mother Earth Day. Interestingly, Brazil’s President on Thursday addressing “the summit organised by US President Joe Biden, pledged to double

the April 22, 2021 budget for environmental enforcement and end illegal deforestation by 2030.” But reneged when he approved a 24 percent cut to the environment budget one day after, according to a Guardian news report.

Back to Guyana: What is actually taking place? It seems that the present government is practicing exactly what Brazil’s President Bolsanaro did. Saying one thing and doing something else! Bedfellows apparently!

Guyana Chronicle (October 28, 2012 - The rise of Bharrat Jagdeo: A journey to international acclaim) and the Guyana Times (November 1, 2012 - The journey of a World Champion) reported on the then President Bharrat Jagdeo in the most exalting style. “Time Magazine named Jagdeo as one of their “Heroes of the Environment” in 2008 and he received the United Nations “Champion of the Earth” award in 2010.” In addition, Jagdeo was given a few honourary doctorates.

Commendable indeed. This was a great feather in the cap

Justice’s decision but then proceeded to attack the decision and hence the Chief Justice as part the supposed global conspiracy to cheat them out of the elections. The second, at considerable odds with the theme of Harmon’s release, was an in-house interview conducted by Granger a week earlier in which he glibly conceded that the coalition lost the 2020 election and were taking the opportunity to contemplate and connect to the people on the ground. There is not therefore even the concept of congruity between the narratives being peddled. The nonsense has to end – the Coalition’s constituents deserve better, saner, more competent leadership.

country at large. What an honour! A sense of pride for all Guyana.

However, what President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo are now practicing conflict with their very impressive public utterances and honours. I refer to their cliquish alliance with Big Oil in Guyana. The government’s relationship with the major oil companies is antithetical to Ali’s praiseworthy words on Mother Earth Day. This smacks of naïveté and duplicity. Mr. Jagdeo, who ostensibly assumed the role of the government oil czar, appears to be the spokesperson for Big Oil, seemingly at odds with his previous anointed persona.

What has happened to the “Champion of the Earth,” the “Hero of the Environment”?

Will the accolades be revoked? Such somersault and transmogrification is indicative of hasty reckless nostrums, and presumably hubris. Why, especially since there is overwhelming irrefutable evidence that fossil fuel is one of the prime contributors to global warming and the climate crisis?(I spoke with my friend Gokarran Sukhdeo (not referencing the above) about great betrayals. He reminded me of Cain and Abel, of King David and King Saul, of Brutus and of Judas and the thirty pieces of silver.) How apropos, I dare say.

Also, on Mother Earth Day, I wrote a letter to the

friendly future, or we are all doomed.” People globally acknowledge the enormity of climate change. Countries are weaning away from fossil fuel, favouring sustainable environmentally friendly alternatives like hydro, wind and solar. Now I conclude that both hypocrisy and betrayal are operating in the hierarchy of government, which is replete with hieronymic potential. Does the pejorative ‘neemakaram’ apply?Guyanese in general seem to be suckered into the notion of becoming rich-ina-hurry. The poor masses in Third World countries have not gained from Big Oil. The Oil companies have exploited fossil resources and corrupt officials and lobbyists have savoured gluttonously in dirty money. The Guyanese people across the board seem to be beaten into obedience to and compliance with the power elite. They seem to be docile, tired, disheartened, lacking the fighting will to protest. These are the folks who will feel the brunt of climate change first. In the final analysis, all Guyanese will be screwed (a delicate word for my preferred expletive). I hope that good sense will prevail and new directions will be adopted for sustainable living – which is possible without further destruction to the ecosystems of the land, air and seas.

Sincerely, Gary Girdhari

Friday April 30, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Get Mr. Norton and his colleagues to change or change them out DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me a response to that letter from Aubrey Norton entitled, “All must oppose the creeping economic apartheid in Guyana” which appeared in the Kaieteur News of Monday 24thApril. In that article, Mr. Norton continues his thoughtless and uncontrolled statements, which can kindle the fears, suspicions and insecurities amongst all Guyanese – particularly at this time AfroGuyanese and others who support the PNCR/ APNU+AFC. The PPP from its inception has been aware that such fears, suspicions and insecurities would arise naturally in a country with a population composed like ours, and from its beginning, the PPP/PPP/C has been striving to bring together people from all groups in Guyana to work together at building our country. In that process, we would grow and develop ourselves and create the experiences and bonds, which would in time be the substance of the overarching sense of being Guyanese of Guyana.

It is easy for Mr. Norton to make those charges of discrimination, marginalisation, economic genocide, economic

apartheid but he does so at significant cost to our people and country as a whole and more so, those reckless accusations sap the enthusiasm, initiative and application of their supporters – Afro-Guyanese and others.

Those declarations of Mr. Norton in Social Media had come to notice on April 12th and on April 14th on the sidelines of the installation of the Local Government Commission, H.E President, Irfaan Ali addressed those reckless charges.

In the above-mentioned letter, Mr. Norton claims that the President has gone quiet since he provided evidence of PPP racism. I checked with the Office of the President but did not find any such submission. Mr. Norton’s charges that, quote: “The PPP’s action of depriving African Guyanese and indigenous communities of the resources to develop small and medium-sized businesses and focusing them on handouts and the development of playing fields and sport, in general, is a clear path to creating dependent and marginalised African and Indigenous communities while the PPP gets richer and dominates and control our society.”

Would have been

amusing, grandstanding and posturing were they not so dangerous, playing to the still ever-present emotional fears and suspicions in the minds of all our people, within and without our country. If only five percent of his intended audience were to be galvanised by those reckless accusations our Guyana would be plunged into another period of troubles.

Our PPP Government’s programmes for sports, games, playing fields, scholarships and assistance to small and medium-sized businesses are publicised in the media and available to all our citizens. And the Government has been going further: Ministers have been going out across the country to bring attention to them.

Minister Juan Edghill was in Kwakwani and Linden last week telling about the 20,000 online scholarships and this weekend he and the Minister of the Public Service will be leading teams to those locations to register interests and receive applications.

With respect to small and medium scale businesses, the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, last February held training sessions in Linden for people from 200 plus businesses and is processing 50 plus applications for grants. The

Twisted logic on GuyOil investigation DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to “Massive Corruption at GuyOil” (Apr 29) and “Looking Fishy and Smelling like a Rat” (Apr 28). So the Finance Controller and a Director of the Board have been sent home for negotiating with the owner of Aaron Royalty, the company linked to the scam. Didn’t the Chairman, Paul Cheong, sent the two to negotiate with Aaron? Did the Board inform Minister Ashni Singh that the Chair sent the two men to negotiate with Aaron? Why is the Chair retained at his post? Shouldn’t he also be sent home? Am I missing something? And Cheong has now been promoted as Chair of PSC. Something is definitely wrong. Will the nation accept this injustice

and what passes for business leadership? Will we ever have honest leadership?

Worse, it is reported that Aaron has been arrested and charged for reporting the demand of a bribe and for turning over recorded evidence of those implicated to the police.

So let’s understand what is happening! Aaron provided evidence of what appeared to be a demand for a bribe for a contract. That is a crime. And the complainant is being charged for making the complaint of corruption.

This is classic twisted logic!

Someone is being

protected at GuyOil. A crime was being committed at GuyOil. There was not an auditing problem to call in the Auditor General. An audit is not the answer.

A criminal investigation is required into who instructed the two men to negotiate with Aaron and why. The Auditor General is not a fraud crime investigator.

I thought this government would be different from its predecessor.

Will anything ever change in our country? It is hopeless!

Yours truly, Thomas Whitehead

fact that Region 10 is largely Afro-Guyanese, overwhelmingly voting for the PNC unto now, has been in no way deterring our provision of what our Government has to our citizens of that Region.

Concerning his allegations that this PPP/C Government has been taking away land “legally” acquired

by Afro-Guyanese and supporters of the APNU+AFC, the PPP had stated repeatedly that subsequent to the NCM of December 21, 2018 and more so after March 02, 2020, the Coalition Government had no authority to transact new business. We have put the transactions of that period under review; most have been allowed to continue.

This PPP/C Government could not and would not want to take away any properties fully legally acquired. There were a number of sales that were attempted to be completed in a great hurry, with little or no cash transfers and in some cases without the knowledge of the beneficiaries. A number of those beneficiaries have entered a return–reverse and start-over procedure. We are, firstly, for growth and development of all – resolution and regularisation, not “take-away” has been the direction of this PPP/C Government.

Mr. Norton raises again the question of the PPP treating bauxite and sugar differently, which I have responded to a number of times before and he paints the proposed short, direct, quick Bartica to Timehri trail link as a bypass of Linden and deemphasising of the Linden Lethem road. He ignores completely the publicised costly asphalt surfacing of the Linden-Mabura section, which is to commence.

Concerning the bauxite issues, we, the PPP/C Government can say again with a clear conscience that we have treated bauxite and bauxite communities equitably. Coming into Office in 1992, we inherited

covenants committed to by the outgoing PNC, which in 1994 required us to cease and desist from all Government subsidies to the bauxite sector and to close it down.

The PPP/C did not comply, but violated those covenants and had to find ways that would pass muster, to continue subsidies to the bauxite operations and communities until corepartners for their privatisation were found – BOSAI and RUSAL - about the mid-2000s.

We regretted the disturbances in Aroaima in 2009 and all that followed, which have brought us today to the effective closure of those operations up the Berbice River. The Union leaders have not been blameless and must shoulder much of the responsibility for what occurred. Many seemed to think that they were in the days of the late 1960s and early 1970s, leading up to the nationalisations of the foreign-owned bauxite companies then, when no doubt with some instigation, they were doing and getting away with a lot that would not normally have been acceptable. It set the stage for the recurring troubles in the bauxite sector after nationalisation. These are different times. APNU+AFC had let the Aroaima situation stand over 2015 to 2020. I know of no new consideration that should lead the PPP/C Government to do differently now.

It is in his clutching at straws in the way he portrays the proposed Bartica to Timehri link that one can discern Mr. Norton’s

emotional fear of losing out in the growth and development of our people and country. Both Linden and Bartica are gateways to our hinterland, Linden more to the south and east, Bartica more to the south-west, west and north-west: and indeed Bartica has the longer, stronger historical claim to be the gateway. There is an existing road link between Bartica and Georgetown – a journey of about six hours, about 55 miles of trail, one barge crossing and 65 miles of surfaced road. The proposed Bartica-Timehri link should provide a shorter journey of about three hours, constituted of two barge crossings, about 28 miles of trail and 25 miles of surfaced road. The Bartica-Timehri link has been the obvious next step as we develop in stages, a network of trails and roads across our country.

When the PPP/C left office in 2015 we were leaning towards the installation of new “lane and a half” wide steel and concrete bridges throughout the length of the Linden Lethem road, including one across the Kurupukari, as our next major development. On returning to office in August 2020, we found that the APNU+AFC had chosen the surfacing of the Linden-Mabura section as their first stage of development and arrangements were far advanced.

The PPP/C chose not to make a change but have quickly concluded the arrangements for financing this hefty US$190 million (Continued on page 6)

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Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

Flooding of Health care must address complaints and deficiencies Little Diamond residential areas DEAR EDITOR, It was reported in KN that during the early morning of April 26, an earthen dam constructed to protect a twodoor sluice under construction as well as the adjoining residential areas at Little Diamond was breached during high tide from the Demerara River and flooded over 100 households causing extensive damage.

The evidence suggests that high tide water from the River had overtopped a damaged section of the protecting earthen dam and flooded the residential areas.

Damage to the dam’s crest was done by the Contractor’s construction equipment, which by their operation compacted its elevation thereby lowering it and caused a gaping hole to develop on it in the process.

No attempt was made by the Contractor to repair the damage done or restore the Dam’s elevation and plug the hole/gap. Hence, a tragedy was waiting to happen and it did on the morning of April 26 when high tide breached

the dam at its most vulnerable location at the damaged section and flooded the adjoining residential areas.

The residents of Little Diamond are entitled to adequate compensation and not cleaning supplies and hampers for the damages they suffered from the flooding. They should record the damage to their properties with evidential costs and with photos where possible. A class action suit should then be filed in the court on the Contractor and his Client for recovery of the damages done to their properties by the floodwater. The evidence will show that the Contractor was negligent and lax in the execution of his contractual obligations as he failed to repair with dispatch a protective dam he damaged and which he had responsibility for its maintenance. His tardiness has caused loss and suffering from floodwater to so many poor citizens of Little Diamond.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to that news report on the amputee and other problems relating to deficiencies in the health care system and the inadequate response from authorities. Every Guyanese who can afford it, hops on a plane and go abroad for their health needs. They complain of the health system and the attitude of medical personnel.

Our doctors, nurses and medical personnel are outstanding staff in the White man countries, highly desirous.

But the performance of some of them is not the same within Guyana.

Our health care needs vast improvement including retraining of staff. It is desperately in need of reform.

Guyana has not been known to have a robust medical care system to address complaints or problems. Every Health Minister since independence has been overwhelmed by problems besetting the system that has a culture immune to reform and change. Thus, in spite of an active Minister and two very able former Health Ministers as Assistants and advisors, problems continue to plague the state of health care in the country.

In recent years, media reports suggested a very high infant and maternal mortality.

Also, there has been a COVID spike, tsunami like, given the small size of our population and open space, and various other problems that beset public health care. The Minister or the government can’t be blamed for the spike in COVID; there is

irresponsible behaviour of some members of the public.

Some other problems relate to medical incompetence and malpractice at clinics or hospitals. Unfortunately, there is inept handling of medical malpractice by governments and courts. The judicial system is very slow to take up cases. Government must be more active against malpractice.

Since independence, the nation has been plagued with high reports of medical negligence and malpractices as was the case with the woman who was misdiagnosed with COVID resulting in her being confined in the COVID hospital where she had an accident. Why was she sent to the hospital if her life was not under threat? Why was no COVID test done on admission in hospital? She did not have COVID and did not belong in the hospital.

Where was the medical aide who was assigned in the ward to monitor patients during the accident? None has been held accountable for the misdiagnosis, lack of tests and for not monitoring the patient.

There are countless other misdiagnosed cases like the woman’s and no accountability. And after the tragedies come the routine statements, apologies, promises of an investigation or an inquiry but no compensation (as is the case of amputee Padmini McRae) and no acceptance of blame.

Then the matters die. It is business as usual. Guyanese Americans would make a stink if this happens to them in the White man country,

and would collect millions in US dollars in compensation.

In addition to medical negligence, there are issues pertaining to purchasing of medication. We were faced shortages of medicines at various times in our history especially during the dictatorship. That is not the case now; we are purchasing too many drugs. I read of the tens of millions of American dollars of medicines that were bought by successive governments that are being destroyed because they have expired and there is no inquiry or accountability.

No one is held accountable for the various ills of government administered health care and pharmacies even when evidence indicts health personnel. The accused or guilty simply carry on their job as usual. It is excused with the all too often remark that we lack medical personnel or their skill or expertise. Unless there retraining programs and or stringent punishments in place against those who engage in malpractice and who provide poor medical service (attention) and visible action against them, nothing will change. Ignoring their mal-behavior or punishing them with a mere slap in the wrist will not work. Government should not allow itself to be blackmailed by the paucity or shortage of skilled medical staff.

We must not retain staff who are consistently putting life in danger. Staff must be retrained to deliver better care. Bring experts (from diaspora) to provide them guidance!

Guyanese are model medics in the ABC countries. They are

desired and are being recruited for overseas hospitals. If they can excel abroad, why not in Guyana?

Something is amiss about the performance of a few – excise or retrain them!

If we don’t have enough or competent medical practitioners (doctors, nurses, aides, Physician Assistants, etc., or those competent in specialised fields), then let us import them. Clearly, the medical personnel have been failing patients. There have been too many misdiagnoses.

Experienced doctors and nurses are needed to supervise or overlook staff. Recruit them!

Government must make available resources to recruit more and better personnel.

More needs to be done to address the problems at government hospitals and health centres as well as to tackle medical malpractices.

Defects in the health care system need immediate fixing. The Minister and his assistants should put in place a safety system to ensure foolproof diagnoses and safety norms. These must be at par or greater than the quality of care being provided to patients. Untoward incidents should be averted at all costs. It is advisable that the Minister and his Assistants put in place a system to hear and list peoples’ complaints and quickly address them to avoid a repeat. This would help to reduce the number of problems facing public health care and give confidence by would be patients to trust it.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

...Get Mr. Norton and his colleagues to change From page 5 project (UK 66 grant + CDB 112 loan+ GoG 12) ensuring its early commencement.

Further, even as I was writing this, HE President Ali has announced the Government’s commitment to replacing all the existing wooden bridges along the Linden-Lethem trail with concrete bridges so that the benefits of the surfaced Linden to Mabura section would not be diminished by problems along the Mabura

to Lethem section. The PPP is investing a lot in keeping Linden as a gateway, striving to develop the Millie’s Hideout to Wiruni landing trail and the Kwakwani to Orealla to Moleson creek trail, which has been recently announced.

If Linden and Region 10, Afro-Guyanese AfroCommunities and supporters of the APNU+AFC do not take part and benefit equitably in the prosperity

which the PPP/C is working for, it would be because Mr. Norton and other leaders of the PNC, including most distressingly young Amanza Walton-Desir and James Bond, have been continuing to play to the natural fears, suspicions and insecurities of their supporters. Their supporters must cause them to change or change them out.

I understand that a glorious opportunity is at hand.

Miraculous things can and do

happen. I think of the two years from 1990 to 1992 when I was asked every day – you think that the PNC will ever allow you and Cheddi to win any election? And if by some miracle Cheddi and the PPP were to win – you think dem people would ever make you their Prime Minister? Those seemingly impossible things did happen.

Samuel A.A. Hinds Former President and Former Prime Minister

...GuyOil - the kind of people throughout From page 4 citizens again: anyone that openly counts drug lords or money launderers or serial stalkers and predators as respected friends and partners, stand up. Stand up right now and say to the world that this one or that one will be entrusted with family or business. Or both.

Yet that is precisely what is done with many people

named stewards, most of the people put in places, where they can conspire and capitalise.

GuyOil will fade soon enough. Tomorrow, it will be GUY (whatever). And the day following GUY (wherever). In my mind, these carefully selected rogues are put where they will deliver returns. As in any corporate division: provide a profit. For that

cascades upwards, where the chiefs take the cream and credits. This is governance in Guyana. Correction: it is PPP style governance.

The coalition people were cheap: gold bands and gold jewellery. The PPP honchos pillage whole industries, as a way of life.

They would steal the dentures of grandparents, so that they can’t eat bread.

Then they will sell that bread to the highest bidder. And the biggest tragedy of all is that there is not an opposition worth its salt to breathe down the neck of an utterly corrupt government and its leaders every step of the way. This is the sum of the governance structure in Guyana today.

GuyOil stands.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

T N U L B . . .

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

Information is the primary currency of the world today.

It not only enhances existing commodities but also is in itself a commodity that is traded, horded and utilised in various ways.

With regards to our gas-to-shore plans, we seem to be suffering from a deficit of information, one that threatens to devalue or doom the largest single investment in our history.

We cannot continue this initiative with the poverty of information that currently surrounds it.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Police destroy marijuana farms in Linden Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday destroyed four pounds of compressed marijuana and about 3,500 plants during a raid at Kara Kara Creek, Region Ten.During the raid exercise, police said that a makeshift camp with sleeping and food supplies was observed, but no one was discovered at the location.

The police eradicated by burning a farm with suspected marijuana plants measuring from six inches to three feet planted on about fifteen beds. The area measures approximately 100 feet in length and 75 feet in width. A quantity of (Continued on page 12)

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News The marijuana farm that was destroyed by police in Kara Kara Creek.

Man remanded for killing cousin’s ‘unsuitable’ boyfriend

A

3 9 - y e a r- o l d carpenter, who was arrested for k i l l i n g h i s c o u s i n ’s boyfriend because he was not suitable for her, was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared in court.

The defendant, Neale Benjamin, of Lot 355, Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, made his court appearance in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Alisha George, where the capital charge of murder was read to him.

Benjamin was not required to plead to the charge, which alleges that on April 24 at ‘A’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; he murdered 20-year-old Devon Xavier, a mechanic.

Magistrate George remanded Benjamin to prison and the matter was adjourned to May 20, 2021.

It was reported that around 21:30 hrs. last Saturday, Xavier was knifed to death after a heated argument ensued between him and Benjamin over the

Remanded for murder: Neale Benjamin.

Murdered: Devon Xavier.

relationship he shared with the young woman.

According to police reports, on the day of the incident, the young man had left his Albouystown residence and went to pay a visit to his girlfriend. At the time of the incident, he was conversing with her when they were approached by her father and Benjamin. The young woman reportedly told Xavier he had to leave because her family was not in favour of the relationship.

She reported to the police

that her father then instructed her to “go inside the house.” As she was heading in, the woman said she saw her cousin grabbing on to Xavier. There an argument and a fight erupted between the two, which led to the cousin arming himself with a knife. He stabbed Xavier once to his right side chest before making good his escape.

When the Emergency Medical Service arrived at the scene, the young man (Continued on page 12)

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

ENJOY YOUR HOT CHOCOLATE T

he happiest persons I know are never the wealthiest. My happiest friends are simply the ones who are more contented with what they have.

I tried explaining this to a friend who saw me recently and began complaining how I have a lovely home, a nice car, and a fat bankbook while he is still struggling to make ends meet.

I tried to explain to him that there were many things about his life that he ought to be proud of; that even the poorest man has enough to be happy if he would instead of looking at what other people have, try to value w h a t h e o w n s .

I came over as a lecturer and could not connect with my friend who I have known for many years.

As I left him, I kept wondering how better I could have made my point to him that he has everything that should make him happy except that he is looking in the wrong places.

When I went home, I went straight to my email, and as usual there was a fair amount of emails including quite a lot of the regular make-youfeel-good stuff which I often quickly highlight and trash.

However, since I was troubled by my inability to get through to my friend, I decided to read some of these emails which are circulated widely over the internet.

We hardly know the original author of these emails.

A friend sends it to a friend who sends it to another friend and the chain continues until it reaches you.

The email in question came to me from our publisher. It was entitled Hot Chocolate. It says exactly what I wanted to say to my friend but could not say in the way I wanted.

I will repeat the message here in its entirety and ask the original author to forgive me for not knowing his or her identity. I dedicate it to my friend who felt unhappy about not having the material pleasures of life.

Here goes:A group of graduates, well established in their careers, decided to go and visit their old university professor, now retired. During the visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.

The professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large mug of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups – porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some exquisite – telling his guests to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: Notice that all the nicelooking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.

While it is normal to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

That cup that you are drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other’s cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and your position in society are the cups. The cups are just tools to hold and contain life.

The cup you have does not define nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.

God makes the hot chocolate; man chooses the cup.

The happiest people do not have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have.

L i v e s i m p l y, L o v e generously. Care deeply!

S p e a k k i n d l y !

And enjoy your hot chocolate.

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

No clue about boys seh... what to do!

Dem

People worrying about wah happening in India.

One man seh how he read people dying like flies in India. But dem boys know dat is de American media trying fuh distract from wah tekking place in Uncle Sam India gat about five times more people dan America. But dem only see about three times de amount of deaths wah de American getting. And on a per capita basis, America gat more infections and deaths dan India.

Every day more dan 800 persons on average dying in America even though dem vaccinate more

dan 40 percent of de population.

But dat does not mean dat people should not tek wah happening in India seriously. But dem should really be paying more attention to wah happening in Guyana.

De situation out of control and we Prezzie out of he depth. He still talking about good sense nah prevailing.

De good sense also not prevailing in de government because dem should know by now dat dem heading fuh weh India deh now. People gan start falling dead like flies given de rise in local cases. Every

day is more dan 100 cases.

Over de past two weeks dem get hundreds of cases.

And dem boys seh dat fuh every 40 cases, one gan dead and fuh every 16 persons in de ICU, four gan come out in body bags. Dat is de reality of de pandemic in Guyana. It wuss dan anywhere else in de Caribbean.

But nah tell Prezzie dat.

He nah gat a clue about what to do. He just talking about putting more soldiers and police pun de road. But dat nah wuk before and it nah gan wuk now.

Talk half and wait fuh holler when we reach 600 deaths by year end!

PAGE 09

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday April 30, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

PNC needs a consensus leader, probably female

T

he PNC is facing one of the severest crises since its birth – can it survive? The world has many small parties that will never win a general election because it is permanently squeezed by its traditional gargantuan rivals. Two of the world’s famous examples are the National Democratic Party in Canada which may never win the government and the Lib-Dems in the UK. The only route a small party can use to secure power is through a coalition which is what the Lib-Dems did a few years back. This happened also in Trinidad and Guyana a few years ago.

The PNC is not a small party.

It is one of the two electoral

leviathans in Guyana. But here lies the paradox. Can this behemoth ever win a general election after March 2020?

Here lies the nightmare the PNC faces. It is too early for the PNC to be displaced by the emergence of a dynamic third force. It is impossible for another organisation to emerge in four years’ time to come in second in the 2025 general poll. The question is, how well will the PNC perform in 2025?

It will not win for sure in 2025. There is one fundamental reason why it will not. Trust is completely gone from the mixed race and the Indigenous voters after March 2020. As for

Indians, it may sound absurd but in 2025 the PNC will get zero Indian votes. Indians have a psychic distrust of the PNC. Psychic imprints are hard to erase but Indians were the factor in the APNU+AFC’s victory in 2015.

In the 2015 campaign, the PPP led by its energetic leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, sermonised Indians with the theme – do not trust the PNC you will regret it. It worked.

The PPP almost won. AFC mustered enough Indian votes to secure the court of varnish in 2015 that separated it from the PPP. After five years in power, J a g d e o ’s 2 0 1 5 t h e m e resonated in every street in the entirety of the Guyanese territory where Indians lived.

This columnist knows hundreds, yes hundreds, of persons who voted for APNU+AFC in 2015 but for the PPP in 2020. The straw that broke the camel’s back was not a day of rigging but five months of it.

The beating of Indian people in September last year in Region Five, and the March 2020 nastiness have

p e r m a n e n t l y, a n d I emphasise, permanently, killed any recognition Indians may have had of the PNC being a decent entity.

As it stands the PNC is not going back into power. It stands to lose African votes if it returns with the AFC at its side in 2025. Africans do not like the AFC. Guyanese, both Indians and Africans, think that the AFC should just fade away. The dilemma facing the PNC now and into the future is how to survive not just win elections. The PNC knows winning in the foreseeable future is out.

If the PNC continues with David Granger at the helm, it will haemorrhage support. Guyanese in general think Mr. Granger needs to bow out. His replacement is problematic. If the PNC rigs its internal election to make Joseph Harmon the leader it will severely weaken the PNC. PNC supporters prefer Volda Lawrence and in a fair selection of delegates she will beat both Granger and Harmon at the congress. But

Lawrence’s baggage weighs more than an aircraft carrier.

After the March 2020 psychotic descent of the PNC’s total leadership, it is best for the PNC to overhaul the upper crust of its

Frederick Kissoon leadership. It cannot do a complete overhaul because it cannot get that amount of fresh faces plus you need to retain those with institutional memory. But it should bring in credible names in three departments – leader, chairman and general secretary. If it is to avoid the severe loss of seats in 2025 that happened in 2006 under

Robert Corbin when it dropped six parliamentary seats, then it must go in that direction.

Where to get that in Guyana is a Herculean task.

Roysdale Forde is being consulted as the consensus leader. But I think he is damaged material because of his involvement with the election insanities. Outside of him, there is really no one with credible standing that can be tasked with preserving the staying power of the PNC. It would appear that the best pathway to walk is towards the diaspora.

Two factors should be an overwhelming presence in the consideration – a young educated person and secondly a woman. The PPP even if it does wrong things will not lose the 2025 poll because there will be no formidable contestant. The PNC needs to start planning for its survival ASAP. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Man to pay G$100K or face12 months jail for marrying twice without divorce M

ichael Taylor, 38, the airport r a m p attendant who was found guilty of marrying twice, was yesterday fined $100,000 or in default will spend 12 months in prison for the offence.

Ta y l o r, o f L o t 1 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was charged last year for bigamy and the case tried in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before

Magistrate Rondell Weever, who handed down the sentencing. Bigamy is the offence of marrying someone while already being married to another and this is Guyana’s first bigamy case.

This publication had reported that Taylor’s first wife, with whom he shares two children, had gotten married in 2015. They had reportedly lived together for five years before separating

because of his infidelity.

During November 2019, Taylor had reportedly moved out of the home and went to live with his girlfriend at Soesdyke. Two months later, Ta y l o r r e p o r t e d l y g o t married to his girlfriend while still being married to his first wife.

Taylor’s first wife had told this publication that she found out about her husband’s second marriage from a mutual friend,

months after he had moved out. According to the woman, “De person call me and say you deh home and your husband have big wedding going on.”

The woman had stated that she was shocked when she heard the news. She added, “I went all over to find out if there is anything I could do,” and “then a lawyer advised me to go to GPO to the Registrar’s Office and find out if they

were married legally.”

As instructed, the wife visited the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) and presented her marriage certificate. She said that soon after, officials at the GRO uncovered another marriage certificate in the name of her husband and his new wife. She said that she learnt from the Head of the GRO that a crime had been committed and that the matter would be forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force. Taylor was later charged with bigamy and placed before the court.

On his first court appearance Taylor appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He had denied the charge which stated that he got married to another woman while still being married to another. The charge was filed under Section 83(1) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act which stipulates, “Everyone, who being married, marries any other person during the life of the former husband or wife, whether the marriage takes place in Guyana or elsewhere, shall be guilty of a felony and liable to a term of imprisonment for seven

Friday April 30, 2021

Convicted for bigamy, Michael Taylor. years.”

The court had heard that Taylor had no knowledge of the crime and that he was unaware that he is still married to his first wife due to the fact, that she promised to divorce him before he moved out of their marital home. However, Taylor’s lawyer on a previous occasion had admitted that there is no record before the court to show the couple had ever filed for a divorce.

The matter was later transferred to Magistrate Weever’s courtroom for trial.

After the trial Magistrate Weever ruled that the prosecution had provided enough evidence to show that Taylor did in fact commit bigamy. The matter was then adjourned to y e s t e r d a y ’s d a t e f o r sentencing to be handed down. The Magistrate subsequently fined Taylor $100,000, or if he fails to pay his fine he will have to serve 12 months in prison.

Police destroy marijuana...

From page 8 seeds, leaves, and stems suspected to be cannabis, which was in a kitchen area of the camp, were also destroyed. One empty 12gauge cartridge on one of the makeshift beds was found and taken into police

possession.

Two other farms were discovered a short distance away, measuring about three acres, with suspected marijuana plants ranging from five inches to one foot.

These were also destroyed utilizing fire.

Man remanded for...

From page 8 was examined and pronounced dead by a doctor. The following day, Benjamin was nabbed by a party of policemen at ‘E’ Field Sophia and was taken into custody.

When Kaieteur News contacted the dead man’s family, one of his uncles stated that his nephew had

complained to them that he was being threatened by his g i r l f r i e n d ’s f a t h e r.

According to the relative, the problem is the girl’s family did not want his nephew to be in a relationship with her.

Xavier was described as a “calm, cool and collected” person, leaves to mourn his four siblings, parents and other relatives.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 13

No current plans beyond Liza 1 for gas-to-shore project - VP Jagdeo E xxonMobil Guyana is forging ahead with plans to have at least 10 Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessels producing in the Stabroek Block over the next decade, but even as the ruling administration also pursues a gas-to-shore project to capitalise on the available associated gases, there is no current plan beyond using the resource from the first oil field, Liza I. This, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who this past Monday led a press engagement at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) aimed at putting to rest the speculations in the public domain over the multimillion-dollar project.

Addressing the stakeholders gathered at the

ACCC, VP Jagdeo, when asked about the administration’s plans said, “We’ve not contemplated the second project because the numbers on this project as a standalone project are so good, it’s a dream set situation. If you’re a private investor, somebody would want to invest in a project like this.”

D r. J a g d e o a l s o responded to queries on additional costs to the project with the coming on stream of additional production fields, saying, “…the monetisation is so, you can monetise this project quickly and make a lot of money, the good thing is it would belong to the State.”

With regards to the gas which will be had from the Liza I production field, Dr. Jagdeo told stakeholders that

in Guyana the oil exploration companies are not in fact drilling in search of gas fields: “What we have here are wells that are drilled to take out the oil but they let gas come in, associated gas, so there is not like a gas well.”

According to Jagdeo there could very well be large discoveries of gas fields like in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago or Venezuela saying, “I don’t know if they may at some point in time hit a large gas reservoir that could warrant its own development on its own that could then move you into the big leagues where you can start producing large quantities of like ammonia or urea and stuff.”

The Vice President said, “…with the ones we have here now with the gas that

we’re going to get will be small quantities for domestic demand.”

He noted that the pipeline, which will be used for the gas-to-shore project, would have the capacity to bring to shore more than double what the Stabroek Block operator has committed to, so “that is a bonus,” and that the current shelf life for the Liza 1 field is estimated to be some 20 years.

Additionally, the Vice President noted that as it relates to actual revenues to be had from the project, “we haven’t monetised the Natural gas linkage as yet.”

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, during the gasto-shore briefing on Monday.

“I doubt,” he said, “they’re going to make any money on the pipeline;

where the project will make some money is in the sale of (Continued on page 22)

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

The US offers partnership with Guyana to monitor resources amidst the issue of illegal and - says Ambassador Lynch after meetings held unregulated fishing with Upper Corentyne Chamber and fisherfolk

T

he issue of illegal fishing in Guyana and particularly in the Corentyne waters has been a burning issue for a number of years. Back in January, a defence pact was

signed between Guyana and the United States of America for the safeguarding against illegal fishing. Against that backdrop, US Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch, visited Region Six, particularly the

Upper Corentyne and met with the Upper Corentyne fisherfolk, the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of C o r r i v e r t o n , Wi n s t o n Roberts, to have discussions

on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing along with other issues.

The Ambassador noted that the meetings she had “...was an educational experience to learn from the local fishermen about their challenges with illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.”

This she said, “is an important issue of sovereignty and sustainability for Guyana and the United States offers its partnership to help Guyana monitor its resources.”

At a joint press briefing at the City Inn Hotel in Corriverton on Wednesday with President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Krishnand Jaichand, Ambassador Lynch made it known that President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, has registered his concerns about climate change and that the issue of illegal fishing “...impacts not only the environment but it

impacts global economy as well.”

The Ambassador mentioned that with approximately 26 Million tons of fish being caught illegally each year, money is taken out from the pockets of fisherfolk and going to places, “it shouldn’t go.”

With over 10,000 fisherfolk in Guyana, Ambassador Lynch said that it is important that they get paid appropriately and “profit from their work.”

It was also mentioned by the Ambassador that with IUU being added to the Ship rider Agreement it allows for the US and Guyana to partner and execute joint patrolling in the waters...”when they suspect there is illegal fishing or transit of illegal products… and they can work together to address those issues on the high seas and it also involves some on the job training at the same time.” She stated that while she is aware that such activities have been taking place, there have been

US Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch. no arrests thus far.

“The people along the Corentyne River basin recognise the important e c o n o m i c a n d environmental consequence of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” the Ambassador said following her meeting with the (Continued on page 24)

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Friday April 30, 2021

Bartica massacre convict found not guilty of Triumph double murder

M

ark Royden Williams, who is known notoriously for his involvement in the Lusignan and Bartica massacres, was yesterday found not guilty of the double m u r d e r, w h i c h o c c u r r e d i n December 2007 at Triumph, East Coast Demerara.

Williams called ‘Durant’ or ‘Smallie,’ was acquitted after a mixed 12-member jury found him unanimously not guilty of the crime.

He will however remain in prison since he is serving time for the mass killings at Bartica. Williams was

previously acquitted for the Lusignan killings, after his conviction and sentence was overturned via an appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Williams had faced almost a week of trial as it relates to the murder of 35-year-old Rajesh Singh and 25-year-old Fazil Hakim, the two men who were murdered at Lot 82 Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on December 16, 2007.

At the beginning of his trial before Justice, Sandil Kissoon, the former accused pleaded not guilty to the indictment.

His acquittal comes days after defence attorney, Nigel Hughes, called Michael Caesar who was jointly charged with him {Williams} for the double murder to testify on his behalf. Caesar, who is currently serving time in prison after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for the crime, testified under oath, that although he was charged alongside Williams for the crime, he [Williams] was not there when the act was committed.

Additionally, Hughes challenged testimonies of Detective Inspector of Police Suraj Singh and Police

Sergeant Rodwell Sarabo.

The evidence of the two officers related to a Caution Statement (CS), which implicated Williams in the act.

I n t h e s t a t e m e n t , Wi l l i a m s purportedly admitted to being the lookout man for the notorious Bartica massacre crew as they robbed and murdered two men at Triumph.

According to that statement, while Williams admitted to being there, he said he did not do the actual shooting; he was just the lookout man. The CS added too, that (Continued on page 22)

Mark Royden Williams.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 17

GPL unable to pay wage increase …blames failure to predict fuel price, COVID-19

Scenes from the protest action outside GPL on Main Street, Georgetown.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is being met with protest action by workers demanding an ‘across-the-board’ increase in pay, in addition to hiked ‘performance-payincentives,’ but the power company is claiming an inability to meet the increases, given the higherthan-projected fuel price on the world market as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

As such, GPL is of the view that were it to meet the payments being called for by the workers’ representative body—the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE)—it would result in “the largest impact on the company’s financial position.”

The utility company

gave the disclosure on Wednesday in reaction to the protest action by workers this past week.

According to the company, the fuel price on the world market during the course of the first quarter of the year is double what it had projected and should the prices remain “at this level, the company will incur additional and unbudgeted e x p e n d i t u r e o f approximately $6B.” The company in a public missive yesterday disclosed that during its negotiations with NAACIE in relation to the increases being called for, the union had agreed to 66 of the 68 clauses that formed part of the talks.

It lamented that the protest action by the union is ‘unnecessary,’ since the

power company remains committed to addressing the matter with NAACIE. The power company, in seeking to outline the state of affairs, reminded that the talks over the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for salary increases for 2020 to 2022 saw submissions by the utility company being made to the union since July 2020.

According to GPL, the proposal it had submitted includes a restructured performance-basedincentive, which it maintains, “would positively impact annual salary increases.”

The power company in its missive disclosed that its proposal was met with a counter-proposal by NAACIE, calling for

increases in salaries at 15 percent for 2020, before being increased incrementally on an annual basis by 17 percent the next year, then 19 percent in 2022.

To this end, the power company lamented, if this was acquiesced to, it “would have the largest impact” on the company’s financial position.

The company has since also used the occasion to not only dispute reports of an automatic 12 percent annual increase that was said to be paid to the company’s

executive directors saying “there is absolutely no truth in this statement.”

Additionally, as it relates to its treatment of workers, the power company insisted that despite its financial position, in December last, it gave all staff a $25,000 payout, and noted too, that the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative impact on its financial bottom line.

According to the company, “the pandemic contributed to a significant and unbudgeted expenditure that was necessary to ensure

the company’s continued operations.”

The company has nonetheless expressed a commitment to “amicably the existing differences through negotiations, and GPL expects that the union will embrace a responsible position on this matter.”

On Tuesday, workers at GPL took to the streets and protested for the finalisation of their long-awaited salary increase.

This protest was triggered after the GPL directors reportedly received (Continued on page 19)

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Little Diamond residents want compensation for damage due to flooding

Social media commentator arrested for causing “emotional distress” to Minister

One of the homes of a resident whose furniture were damage by the flood.

Social media commentator, Gavin Matthews.

S

The home of a resident in Little Diamond that was severely flooded on Monday.

R

esidents of Little Diamond and the Little Diamond Squatting Area on the East Bank of Demerara, who were severely impacted by the flooding due to a breach to a dam during a high tide on Monday, are now asking for compensation for the damage and losses they have suffered.

Over two hundred residents are now counting their losses after two feet of water flooded their homes due to the breach in the dam that is being constructed by BK International Inc., part of a sluice project that has been ongoing since 2017. The project has been marred with similar breaches before, but what happened on Monday

was worse.

Over the past few days, residents have been appealing with the contractor and the government for any sort of monetary assistance to help cover the expenses of the damages and to replace what was lost during the flood. They have so far been assisted with cleaning and food hampers from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

Since the project falls under the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which comes under the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha in an invited comment said that the residents should

be compensated and that the contractor should make sure that they are.

He explained that there is still money left in the contract that still needs to be paid and that he hopes some of the money can be used to assist those who suffered losses. He added that his Ministry will be taking some form legal approach to ensure that the residents get compensation.

The NDC Chairman, Punit Jaigopaul, indicated to this publication that the residents are satisfied with all the presence of the various ministries and their assurances that the dam is okay. However, he noted the residents are still waiting on whatever assistance the government and BK can deliver.

ocial media commentator, Gavin Matthews, was arrested yesterday for allegedly making and publishing a video containing derogatory remarks about Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr. Matthews was arrested during a picketing exercise held at the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown.

The social media commentator, who was at the time of his arrest live streaming the protest via his Facebook page, was seen being approached by a group of armed policemen who put the allegation to him.

The arresting rank could be heard saying to Matthews, “It is alleged that on the 25th March, 2021 at Georgetown, you used a computer system to publish a video on Facebook that is derogatory with intent to humiliate and embarrass and to cause emotional distress to Charles Ramson Jr.” To which, Matthews replied “I don’t know of such,” and the officer cautioned him.

The policeman said “Sir you’re not obliged to say anything; whatever you say will be put into writing and will be put into evidence and used against you in the court of law.” He then informed Matthews that he was there to arrest him and take him to the Brickdam Police Station.

The social media commentator could be heard asking the officers why he was being arrested on an allegation before saying that he will comply.

He noted nonetheless, that he will continue to live stream, “just in case anything happens to me, this is the evidence.”

On the matter of the allegations, Matthews continued to deny any involvement with Ramson Jr. “Charles Ramson Jr. and I are not friends. I don’t know him but as far as I’m aware he is a de facto Minister in the de facto government [but] they got to come good, better than that and this is part of shutting me up,” he said.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Matthews live streamed his arrest until he was at the Brickdam Police Station.

Contacted last evening, Communications Director for the Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communication Unit (CCU), Stan Gouveia noted that while Matthews had been arrested, he is not yet charged with any offence.

Gouveia noted Matthews has been questioned by the police in relation to an offence he allegedly committed under the Cyber Crime Act of Guyana and released on bail.

He said that Matthews allegedly published a video to Facebook that is derogatory with intent to cause emotional distress to Ramson Jr. Section 19 of the Cybercrime Act of 2018 states that using a computer system, to coerce, harass, intimidate or humiliate a person is an offence. The section outlines that a person commits an offence if the person uses a computer system to disseminate any information, a statement or image knowing same to be false to cause public ridicule, contempt, hatred or embarrassment.

Another section of the Act, specifically states that if a person uses this means to cause substantial emotional distress and injury to the business, occupation, employment or place of income, he is also liable of an offence.

In terms of penalty, the Act states that a summary conviction of the offence carries a fine $5M and three years imprisonment and a conviction on indictment carries a fine of $10M and five years imprisonment.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 19

GOAL Initiative Head offers more clarity on scholarship issues will s e e rd a w a s rm fi n co ntract not be bonded by co

P

rofessor Jacob Opadeyi, Head of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Initiative being rolled out by the Government, has offered even more clarity on issues that were recently raised as it relates to the scholarships being awarded under the Initiative.

Recently, GOAL, which seeks to award 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese over the next five years, was heavily scrutinised by the former University of Guyana R e g i s t r a r, Vi n c e n t Alexander in a letter carried in this newspaper’s April 21, 2021 edition.

He had said, “In advertising, it has been indicated that the awardees will be bonded and guaranteed jobs in the Public Sector.”

However, as Opadeyi responded to Alexander in a letter carried in Kaieteur’s

April 25, 2021 edition, he said, “It is not true that the awardees would be bonded.

They would be required to do community service stints of varying lengths, based on the respective programmes, before they graduate.

Clearly, they can seek jobs in any sector of the economy.”

Not satisfied with Opadeyi’s response, in another letter published in this newspaper’s April 28, 2021 edition, the former UG Registrar argued, “In the response to my letter, Dr. Opadeyi indicates that there will be no bonding of the awardees.

He contends that I was inaccurate in suggesting that the awardees would be bonded,” and then Alexander, in support of his argument, added a screenshot of a publication on the Ministry of Public Service’s website, which under the caption: “Why A Scholarship?” and the third

bullet read, “Job Security – graduates are bounded by contract and are guaranteed a job within the public sector after completing studies.”

He then said, “Instead of the snide remarks, Dr. Opedayi should correct what according to him would be false and misleading information as is on the website to which I have referred.”

Kaieteur News yesterday contacted Opadeyi for a response, who explained the bonding that was mentioned on the Ministry’s website does not apply to the GOAL Initiative scholarship, but the traditional Government of Guyana scholarship, which has been continuously rolled out over the years to Guyanese.

He said that there are two main types of scholarships available; the GOAL Initiative scholarship and the traditional scholarships.

Further to that, the GOAL

Former University of Guyana Registrar, Vincent Alexander.

Head outlined that the scholarship programme sees persons learning online, which can be done remotely from their homes, but the classic scholarships often

The Head of the GOAL Initiative, Prof. Jacob Opadeyi.

see the Government sending the awardees abroad to study, which is a costly venture, part of the reason they are bonded.

Prof. Opadeyi had

lamented that besides groping for answers about the GOAL Initiative, Alexander’s initial letter was plagued with inaccuracies that he sought to counter.

GPL unable to pay wage...

From page 17 a 12% salary increase, while the senior and junior staff is still awaiting a final agreement from the company on their increase, even though negotiations commenced since July 2020.The disgruntled workers lined up on Main Street, Georgetown, directly in front of the GPL’s office and chanted, “We want 12% like the directors, “ “We want more money”

and “Stop using our monies to buy fancy vehicles for the directors,” as they held up placards with these same demands.

The GPL Board consists of eight directors and the Chairman, Maurice Gajadar. The Directors are Marcel Gaskin, Dr. Sixtus Edwards, Dr. Mahendra Sharma, Komal Ramnauth, Godfrey Washington, Nicolas Boyer, Shabeer Hussain and Alfred King.

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Fashion designer killed in T&T, cremated at Good Hope

L

atchman Singh, the Guyanese fashion designer who was killed in Trinidad and Tobago two weeks ago, was cremated yesterday at t h e G o o d H o p e

Crematorium on the East Coast of Demerara (E.C.D).

Kaieteur News had previously reported that, given the restrictions in Trinidad as it relates to COVID-19, Samira, the

sister of Singh also known as “Marcus Anthony,” said that she and the rest of the dead man’s grieving family, all of whom reside here in Guyana, were hoping that the Government would

intervene so that Singh’s body can be brought home.

A close family friend confirmed with this publication yesterday, that it was the owner of Boohoo’s Funeral Home in Trinidad, Richard Boodoo, who made all the necessary arrangements to have Singh’s remains brought back home so that his family could pay their final tribute.

He added, that Boodoo had a COVID-19 test done on Singh’s body and the test results came back negative, whereby he then reached out to the Trinidad Ministry of Health with the results and he was granted a pass to then contact the Ministry of Health in Guyana and was given permission to send the body to Guyana. He then made contact with Caribbean Airlines, from whom he received the final permission and Singh’s remains were flown to Guyana. The body arrived in Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International at 8pm Wednesday and was handed over to Jerrick’s Funeral Home.

In a public comment posted on Facebook yesterday by Mohamed Amin, Founder and Executive Director of the Caribbean Equality Project (CEQ), which is a non-profit organisation (NGO) based in New York, USA, said, that since the murder of Singh,

Singh’s funeral yesterday.

the NGO has been providing Singh’s family with financial relief and coordination support to transport Singh’s body back to Guyana. “With the support of the c o m m u n i t y, w e h a v e accomplished this goal and posthumously actualised A n t h o n y ’s d r e a m o f returning home,” Amin noted.

On social media yesterday, several of his friends paid tribute during his funeral ceremony. One person, for example, wrote that, “Singh was such a beautiful soul who had a bright future ahead, heaven has now gained an angel.”

Latchman Singh.

The fashion designer and makeup artist was discovered by his boyfriend (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 21

ExxonMobil to run all production ships in Guyana above nameplate capacity - Hess Corp S

tabroek Block o p e r a t o r , ExxonMobil Guyana, is gearing to run each of the 10 planned Floating Production, Storage, Production and Offloading (FPSO) vessels above its full capacity with the second ship to arrive in the second half of this year.

The revelation was made o n We d n e s d a y b y t h e ExxonMobil Stabroek Block partner, Hess Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Greg Hill, during the company’s first quarter earnings call for shareholders.

He was at the time speaking to planned activities this year to push the Liza Destiny FPSO, beyond its nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels per day through “debottlenecking.”

Hill told shareholders the exercise can be expected on each of the FPSO’s operating in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and posited, “I think you can assume that there would be a debottlenecking potential on all those ships.”

He explained the debottlenecking exercise to say “what typically happens is you’ll bring these facilities up to their nameplate and then you’ll gather a lot of dynamic data, and you really need that data, so you need fluids running through the facility at full capacity to determine where are my pinch points, where are my bottlenecks and what can I do to increase that capacity.”He suggested, “that’s why you typically see these debottlenecking projects, occur years after that operating experience on

the vessel, because the key piece of data that you need to have on that vessel is the dynamic data of how’s that vessel really operating.”

According to Hill, “I think you can expect every one of those [FPSO] will get debottlenecked above their nameplate in the future.”

The Hess Corp COO insists, “…there’s nothing remarkable, there’s piping changes et cetera, just to eliminate [and] reduce deflection flowing through the facility on the topsides.”

As it relates to the second FPSO destined for the Stabroek Block, Hess C o r p o r a t i o n ’s C h i e f Executive Officer, John Hess, in providing an update said, the Liza Unity with a production capacity of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day is preparing to sail from the Keppel Yard in Singapore to Guyana midyear.”

According to Hess, the Liza Phase Two project is progressing to plan “with about 90 percent of the overall work completed and first oil remains on track for early 2022.”

With regard to plans for the year, it was noted that the third oil development on the Stabroek Block at the Payara Field, is expected to achieve first oil in 2024—also with the capacity of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

He noted too that, “we’re nearing work for Yellowtail; a fourth development on the Stabroek Block is underway with anticipated startup in

2025, pending government approvals and project sanctions.”

According to the Hess Corp CEO, “we continue to see the potential for at least six FPSOs on the block by 2027.”

He reiterated that in the longer term the partners are looking to have up to 10 FPSOs to develop the

Hess Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Hill

discovered resources on the Block.

Chief Financial Officer, John Riley, in his interaction with stakeholders, disclosed that during the second quarter of this year, “we expect to sell two one-million barrel c a rg o e s f r o m G u y a n a , whereas we sold three onemillion barrels of cargo in the first quarter.”

The CFO noted too “…we expect to sell five onemillion barrel cargoes over the second half of the year.

Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess

PAGE 22

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

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(CNN) A judge in Moscow upheld a defamation conviction Thursday against jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, who joined a court hearing via videolink, in his first public appearance since he went on hunger strike.

The visibly gaunt Navalny used the platform to launch a broadside against President Vladimir Putin and his government, likening him to the foolish “naked king” from “The Emperor’s New Clothes” children’s tale and calling the judge and prosecutors “traitors.”

The activist was jailed in February in a separate case for breaking parole conditions, despite being in Germany recovering from poisoning with the military grade nerve agent Novichok when he was accused of failing to report to parole officers.

Navalny blames the Kremlin for the attempt on his life, which the government has repeatedly denied.

Navalny went on hunger strike on March 31 while in prison to demand medical care, but ended it last week when he was finally given medical attention.

He spoke with his wife, Yulia Navalnya, who was physically present in court, telling her details about his weight and what he last ate.

He said he was taken to a bathhouse so that he could look “decent” for his hearing.

“I looked at myself. I’m just an awful skeleton. Last time I weighed 72 kilos I was probably in the seventh grade,” he said.

His lawyer said Navalny had weighed 94 kilograms in January, when he returned to Moscow from Germany.

Navalny added that he ate “four tablespoons of porridge a day, today five, tomorrow I will eat six.”

Nalvalny was found guilty on February 20 of defaming a World War II veteran, 94-year-old Ignat Artemenko.

The case was brought to court over comments Navalny made on social media last June criticizing a video broadcast by state TV channel RT, in which various prominent figures expressed support for controversial changes to the Russian constitution.

Artemenko was among those supporters. Navalny was fined 850,000 roubles (around $11,400).

The constitutional changes, which were backed in a July 1 referendum, paved the way for Putin to stay in office until 2036, despite having already ruled the country for two decades.

Navalny’s lawyer, Olga Mikhailova, said her client would appeal the decision in the European Court of Human Rights, “given the number of violations” in the way the case was carried out.

“He lost a huge amount of weight. He starved for a long time, he only drank water. But he looks quite fresh for a person in his situation,” she said.

Mikhailova confirmed that Navalny was still being treated at a hospital

Alexei Anatolievich Navalny, Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption activist within the penal colony in the region of Vladimir, where he is imprisoned.

While on hunger strike, N a v a l n y ’s a l l i e s r a i s e d concerns about his health, and his doctors said medical tests showed he was at growing risk of renal failure and heart problems due to dangerous levels of potassium in his blood.

Despite his ailing condition, Navalny joked at the time that if Novichok didn’t kill him, a potassium deficiency wouldn’t either.

Russia has brought several cases against Navalny, which he and his supporters say are trumped up.

The hearing also comes after prosecutors froze the a c t i v i t i e s of Navalny’s political movement across the country, pending a court

decision on whether to designate it an extremist organization, alongside Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation.

The movement’s chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, said Thursday the movement would be “officially disbanded,” but that staff in those offices would continue to work as independent movements, “but we will not finance them anymore, we will not set tasks for them, but we know that they by themselves will do a great job.”

The offices were initially set up in February 2017 with the aim of organizing activities for volunteers during the Russian presidential election campaign. After the elections the regional offices took on other local political work.

...Bartica massacre convict found not guilty of Triumph From page 16 Williams said that he was not armed with any gun he only had a cutlass.

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form of violence at the time he was giving the statement.

Both officers denied the suggestions, instead, claiming that the statement was freely and voluntarily given.

In addition to this, Williams in leading a defence, told the court that he had nothing to do with the death of the two men who police reports had indicated were imbibing at a shop owned by Narendra Mukhram at Agriculture Road, Triumph when they were shot and killed.

Meanwhile, the facts provided by State Counsel, Lisa Cave and Tyra Bakker, related that at the time of his demise, Hakim called “Boyee,” resided at Mon Repos, ECD, while Singh called “Rabbit,” lived at Martyrs Ville, ECD. Mukhram reportedly went to close the shop when he was confronted by three men who were armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a handgun. One of the gunmen held him at gunpoint and took him to his home next door.

The other two gunmen entered the shop and one of them ordered the three patrons to lie on the ground.

When they hesitated, the gunmen opened fire, killing Singh and Hakim.

Over at the house, the armed men held Mukhram’s wife and children at gunpoint and demanded jewellery and cash.

According to information, they handed over $500,000 in jewellery and $300,000 cash to the gunmen.

...No current plans beyond Liza 1 for From page 13 the Natural gas and other things that are there,” citing as example the sale of Liquefied Propane Gas (LPG).

The Vice President did concede however, “…we haven’t worked out the framework and monetised that as yet because we’re focusing wholly on the studies and the project param-

eters at this time.”

He posited that once the administration has managed to monetise revenue to be had from the excess associated gases to be had from the first field, “then that will give you a figure, a revenue figure and then when you add all of the other sale of the other facilities, of the other by-products that

would give you a revenue figure.”

According to Jagdeo however, “We haven’t gone there as yet – we’re looking mainly at the studies now to deal with this.

Once we settle that this is a big gas project and bringing gas-to-energy is a feasible option, everything else is a bonus.”

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

...Fashion designer killed in T&T, cremated at Good Hope From page 20 two weeks ago, lying motionless in a pool of blood, clad in his underwear, in the evening when he arrived home at the El Dorado, Tunapuna, Trinidad apartment they shared. He had

then contacted the police and ambulance services. Singh was declared dead by paramedics who had arrived at the scene. Singh’s sister had told Kaieteur News that her brother had moved to the twin island republic several years

ago to boost his career in the fashion and makeup industry.

Singh was described by friends who spoke to this publication as an outspoken and multi-talented young man. This sentiment was echoed by many to whom he was

known as news of his death circulated on social media.

Singh’s sister told this publication that the police have not yet made any arrest, and that the investigation into her brother’s murder is still ongoing.

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

In wake of Sharon’s Mall inferno…

Buildings over two storeys should have relevant fire equipment installed - Home Affairs Ministry - Bar Association pledges to support colleagues who suffered losses from Sharon’s Mall fire In wake of the Wednesday night fire, which gutted the Sharon’s Mall building, the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday issued a statement highlighting that buildings above two-storeys are expected to have the relevant fire prevention equipment installed.

In addition, the Guyana Bar Association has pledged its support to their colleagues who suffered losses and disruptions to their legal practices as a result of the fire.

According to reports, the fire completely destroyed the two top storeys of the Mall, which is located at the corner of King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, while the lower part of the building was severely damaged.

The building housed offices and stores and other businesses and the estimated loss is expected to be in the hundreds of millions. Those who rented office spaces in the building included, lawyers, boutique owners and accountants.

The Home Affairs Ministry in its statement highlighted that buildings above two-storeys should be equipped with riser mains with hoses, fire sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers and other relevant fire prevention equipment. Having those equipments installed, not only helps the fire fighters but also helps to minimise the damages in the event of a fire.

The Ministry also stated that it regrets the loss of the building due to the fire that was reportedly electrical in origin. The Ministry also promised that a detailed fire report would determine the true cause of the fire. It was further highlighted by the Ministry that building inspections for electrical and fire safety compliance are mandatory for such buildings and must be assiduously tracked.

In another statement issued yesterday, the Bar Association not only pledged to support its colleagues

whose offices were housed in the building, but also expressed its sympathy due to the tragic incident, which has not only impacted their colleagues but other businesses.

The Bar Association further noted that, “In the tradition of holding for each other in Court, we hold you in our thoughts and prayers and as such will support you in the continuation of your respective practices.”

This publication had reported that Sharon’s Mall went up in flames sometime after 19:00 hrs. on Wednesday night. It was also reported that fire fighters had a difficult time controlling the raging fire, even though they arrived promptly on the scene.

Kaieteur News understands that smoke was first detected in the ventilation system by the caretaker of the building, who then alerted others to quickly evacuate. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was also alerted

The aftermath of the burnt building. and they arrived shortly after.

Some of the business owners who were at the scene had expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the fire fighters. One man stated that the Guyana Fire Service arrived promptly but “wasted time…they wait till the fire start blazing then to actually start putting water on that building.”

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, had told reporters on the scene, that when he arrived, it appeared as though the fire fighters had the fire under control.

However, he then stated, “But what appears to be happening is that it’s a concrete and steel building with drop ceilings and the fire is moving slowly…making it difficult

because the fire is burning beneath the floor and the drop ceilings.”

In referencing his past criticism of the Fire Service, the Minister reiterated the need for fire fighters to better understand the types of building construction and the challenges they are likely to face when engaging conflagrations.

Police Force probing trend of civilians taking rap for ranks hosting events

Sharon’s Mall on fire Wednesday night.

Two more persons die from COVID-19 The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that two persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

Their deaths now bring Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 295.

The latest fatalities are two women, a 63-year-old and

a 59-year-old both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to the Ministry’s press release, both persons died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the MoH also recorded 143 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number

of confirmed cases to 13,106.

The dashboard shows that 16 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 88 persons are in the institutional isolation, 1,597 in home isolation and eight persons are institutional quarantine. To date 11,110 recoveries have been recorded.

...The US offers partnership with Guyana from page 14 fisherfolk. Jaichand, while addressing the media at the joint press conference, stated that issues such as the current ban on the export of catfish to the United States, licensing issues of fishermen in Guyana, security and governance were

also raised at the meetings with the Ambassador. As it relates to the issue of licensing, fishermen disclosed at the meetings that they are forced to purchase from persons who are holders of licences in Suriname.

Jaichand said that the fishermen have to pay US$3000

for the licence before they can fish. He however mentioned that the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has been apprised of the issue and he has been working along with Suriname to have 150 Guyanese fishermen licensed to fish in that country.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), is currently probing a trend whereby, “civilians are taking the rap” for joint services ranks who host public events in contravention of the Covid19 guidelines.

Kaieteur News was told that it has been brought to GPF’s attention, that some of its ranks might have found a way to breach the Covid-19 regulations by hosting public events and get away with it.

According to Stan Gouveia, the Deputy Communications Director of the force, those ranks would partner with civilians to host the events and then let them (the civilians) take the rap for it.

In a release sent out on Tuesday, the GPF described the matter as ‘concerning’: “The Guyana Police Force has noticed a concerning trend, during investigations into breaches of the applicable protocols of the Covid-19 Regulations” The release then went on to explain, that members of the Joint Services have been

partnering with civilians to hold events in contravention of the Covid-19 Regulations.

When police intervene, stated GPF, those civilians on some occasions would assume sole responsibility for hosting the events.

GPF’s Deputy Communications Director, Gouveia, expounded that based on the reports received, the ranks would choose to host the events at the home of their civilian partners. He added too, that a civilian’s name would even be printed on the tickets or flyers for the event when the real host might be a police officer.

“When joint services ranks swoop down at these party locations,” Gouveia said, “their duty is to disperse the gathering and arrest the host. Sometime ranks may receive reports that the host might be one of their own, but all they have to identify them is a ticket. And that ticket would have a civilian’s name written on it who would claim sole ownership of the party.

The ranks would have no choice but to arrest and charge

that civilian.”

Gouveia said that one recent case was a barbeque held in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six. According to media reports, the event was held on Sunday by the son of a police officer. Gouveia said that Berbice ranks had received reports that it was not the son’s barbeque, but the police officer himself.

However, when those ranks arrived at the location to disperse the gathering and arrest the host, the policeman’s sister allegedly took the rap for hosting the event. A police report identified her as, Cindy Halley and stated that she was the one arrested and charged for hosting the barbecue.

As the probe continues into this “concerning trend”, GPF in its release warned that “Condign action will be taken against the civilians, as well as the members of the Joint Services, whenever they are found culpable of breaching the laid down Covid-19 Regulations under any circumstances”.

Friday April 30, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Revealed: Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury on the brink of being scrapped

Anthony Joshua’s fight with British heavyweight rival Tyson Fury is under serious jeopardy. (AP)

Friday April 30, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This may not be the most energetic day, Aries. You've been working hard lately and your body needs time to refuel. Spend some quiet time at home.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Take care that you don't spend beyond your means.

There's no doubt about it you like to shop! Today you're at risk of buying too much on impulse.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today is a good day to join a group that shares your interests, Gemini. You will find comfort in numbers, as well as some real intellectual stimulation that comes from discovering new things with like-minded people.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have a sharp, inquisitive mind. Today you're likely to put it to good use exploring some arcane fields. It's likely your chief area of interest is scientific.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The astral configuration indicates that you can expect a financial windfall of some sort, Leo! This is great, but don't celebrate just yet.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Love and romance are in the air, Virgo. The flame is going to be turned up a bit in an existing relationship. Perhaps you and your partner have been in a rut lately. Today you may see your friend in a new light.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Love and romance are in the air, Virgo. The flame is going to be turned up a bit in an existing relationship.

Perhaps you and your partner have been in a rut lately.

Today you may see your friend in a new light.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you've been feeling like you want to do more to help the world, Scorpio, today is the day to put those thoughts into action.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you've had a longstanding interest in film or photography, today is a good day to explore that interest further. You will likely receive an opportunity to learn some of the intricacies of the craft.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may need to take the day off to replenish your soul, Capricorn. You've been working exceptionally hard lately. While your output is impressive, it's coming at a high personal cost.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Pay attention to your dreams today, Aquarius.

They're likely to be interesting! If possible, write down your impressions the moment you wake up.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel great about yourself. It's no mystery why. You're looking better than you have in months.

People are responding to you very favorably.

MailOnline - The megafight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is on the brink of being called off, with alternative opponents for both Britain’s world heavyweight champions already on stand-by.

Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum said on Thursday (last) night: ‘We keep passing deadlines for Eddie Hearn to deliver the deal he keeps talking about and we are out of time. Once again he is saying next week but next week never comes.’

Legal arbitration about Deontay Wilder’s right to a trilogy fight with Fury, who sensationally knocked him out to gain the WBC world title, have been delayed even longer than the Joshua contract but have been accelerated this week in New York.

Wilder is back in training as Arum added: ‘Fury-Joshua looks dead in the water. Tyson has been out of action for too long and has to fight this summer. Who else is he going to fight other than Wilder? A third fight between them is huge in its own right.’

Olexsandr Usyk, the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion, is also back at work in the gym as the mandatory challenger for one of Joshua’s collection of belts and ready to step in against AJ. Hearn is still insisting that a $150 million deal for a midsummer battle between Joshua and the Gypsy King remains in the Saudi Arabia pipe-line for this summer, saying: ‘It is definitely, 100 per cent, going to happen.’

...AGM and Biennial From page 27 of three multipurpose facilities in Guyana. Meetings were held and discussions are ongoing for which the Government of China has been identified to fund this massive project.

The architect has visited the site and a concept drawing is being done, which is to be presented for approval by the MSC Committee of Management. Based on a change in the MSC Constitution in 2017, the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) and the Linden Mayor and Town Council each has a representative who sits on the MSC Committee of Management, to have a clear understanding of how it functions.

The last Annual General Meeting and Biennial Elections of the MSC took place on June 30th, 2019.

Arum retorts: ‘Eddie only has one fight left with his Joshua contract and he is desperate for it be this big one.

Usyk is a good fight but not as huge as Tyson and AJ. But it doesn’t look possible now before next year or even the year after. Like Tyson, Joshua needs to fight soon.’

Hearn protests that he has been carrying the work-load of finding a country willing to pay a site fee massive enough to meet both boxers’ expectations of a one hundred million dollar purses. Under

Arum’s TV contract with ESPN the US Disney-owned giant, Fury can still expect a hefty pay-night in America against Wilder, with help from BT. Unless the biggest Brit battle ever can be saved - and next - Sky will have to rejoin the bidder for UK rights to what might yet end up as a Wembley blockbuster. If so, that will delight British fans, even though there will be massive disappointment at another delay. Even more so if Joshua v Fury never happens.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 27

West Indies Women’s high-performance camp Guyanese Mandy Mangru is one to start in Antigua on Sunday of 8 upcapped players included t John’s, Antigua - The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has named 30 players for an estimated month-long West Indies Women’s highperformance camp to be held in Antigua starting on May 2, Sunday.

This will be the second such month-long camp in 2021 assembled under the guidance of Head Coach Courtney Walsh and his support team. With the ICC Wo m e n ’s Wo r l d C u p Qualifiers now rescheduled for December, Walsh has devised a programme to maximize team preparations ahead of international cricket and the qualifiers later in the year.

“The purpose of this camp is to work on consistency and game awareness. The last camp was more observational, and we got a pretty good idea where the ladies are at. There are 30 players coming in and a few of them are coming in nursing injuries, so the coaching staff and medical team are ready to work with all of them,” he said.

“We are going to use this camp to see as much of the players as possible. I am most excited to see the younger ones coming into the camp, because we’re trying to build the pool of players available. So, I think it’ll be a great opportunity for these youngsters and the other new players to grasp the chance before them.”

Among the 30 players called up for the camp are eight (8) uncapped players including teenagers Zaida

S

James from St. Lucia and Jannillea Glasgow from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

James is a left-arm medium pacer while Glasgow is a right-arm medium pacer.

The other uncapped players are Rashada Williams, Caneisha Isaac, Shanika Bruce, Guyanese Mandy Mangru and Rachel Vincent. Making a return to the camp is left-handed wicket-keeper/batter Kycia K n i g h t . C W I ’s L e a d Selector for Women’s cricket, Ann Browne-John was excited by the bigger pool of players for this camp.

She said: “It is very important to have the West Indies players back in a training camp as the coaches can continue to help them hone their skills as we prepare for our next series.

Most of the top international teams have now restarted playing and it is critical for the WI team to prepare as we anticipate more international cricket coming up this summer.”

In an effort to continue to unearth talent, eight players have been included who were not in the January camp. It serves as an opportunity for the coaches and selectors to look at some of the young up and coming players. Due to the pandemic, a regional tournament has not been held yet, so the players haven’t had the opportunity to impress the selectors in competitive matches. Heavy emphasis has been placed on batters including first timers Rachel Vincent, an opening batter from Trinidad and To b a g o , a n d M a n d y

Mangru, a young player from Guyana who has been impressive in the Under-19 tournament. The camp also includes two young teenage medium pacers Zaida James and Jannillea Glasgow.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sport in Antigua & Barbuda to orchestrate logistics and agree the safety protocols for the camp after the successful hosting of the first Women’s high-performance camp, the CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the West Indies Men’s International Home Series against Sri Lanka. All players and support staff were tested with negative COVID-19 results before their arrival into Antigua.

The players and support staff will train and live in a biosecure bubble for the duration of the camp.

Full squad selected: Aaliyah Alleyne, Reniece Boyce, Shanika Bruce, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Caneisha Isaac, Zaida James, Japhina Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz, Shakera Selman, Steffi Soogrim, Stafanie Taylor, Rachel Vincent, Rashada Williams.

Team Management

AGM and Biennial elections of Mackenzie Sports Club set for Sunday, May 30 Arising out of its monthly meeting held in April, the Mackenzie Sports Club Management Committee has announced that its Annual General Meeting and Biennial Elections are slated for Sunday, May 30, 2021 starting at 15:00hrs at the MSC’S Main Pavilion.

It was also decided that there will be an Ordinary Members Meeting set to take place on Sunday, May 16, at 16.00hrs. The Management Committee’s last Monthly Statutory Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 20 from 17.00hrs.

The release reminded that only financial members will be eligible to participate at those meetings for which a quorum comprises 50 percent of members. It was also pointed out that the MSC Rules and Constitution informs under the following: “MSC rules and constitution article 6, membership, criteria (f) Cessation of rights of Members.

Where the subscription or any other payment or fees payable to the MSC is outstanding for three months, such member shall cease to enjoy the rights and privileges of membership

until such arrears are paid in full.”

Further, arrears of three (3) months shall cause the membership to cease after a full investigation.”

Meanwhile, Avery Trim is the incumbent President of the MSC and Joseph Chapman is the General Secretary of a ten member body.

Last year, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture Youth and Sport was approached and on behalf of Government committed to making the Mackenzie Sports Club, one (Continued on page 25)

Unit: Courtney Walsh Head Coach, Sheena Gooding - Team Manager, Ryan Austin - Assistant Coach, Corey Collymore Assistant Coach, Steve

Liburd - Assistant Coach, Samantha Lynch - Assistant Coach, Robert Samuels Assistant Coach, Neil Barry – Physiotherapist, Shayne Cooper - Strength &

Conditioning Coach, Garry Belle - Team Analyst, Amanda Johnson – Team Mental Skills Coach, Naasira Mohammed - Media & Content Officer.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Friday April 30, 2021

MCY&S empowerment through infrastructural development continues

Minister Ramson Jr. presents $10M each to Success, Buxton and Enterprise grounds

By Franklin Wilson

I

t’s just nine (9) months and counting but the momentum with regards to upliftment of facilities and expanding its uses seems to be just heating up for the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport (MCYS) Honourable Charles Ramson Jr. On Wednesday afternoon last, Minister Ramson made visits to three East Coast Demerara sports facilities and at each facility he announced that they would be benefitting from $10 Million dollars each to upgrade their grounds and expand same to ensure that members of each community has access.

The funds have been fully endorsed and approved

by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and the Cabinet Minister Ramson shared when he addressed officials and players at each venue.

At the Success ground which Minister Ramson had visited about six weeks ago, a proper fence (chain-link & galvanized) would be constructed in order to secure the surface and infrastructure at the ground which would also be

refurbished including spectator stand, washrooms and changing rooms.

“And I would also like to see some lights here so that people can use it in the evenings, and I think that when we are finished it’s also for us to get some public benches as well.

The intention is for this space to become a lot more user friendly to the entire community, not just the cricket playing community.”

This aim is to create a safe space for, including elders and youths of the community to be able to jog and relax in the evenings in a comfortable setting.

“So I am going to be sending this money to the RDC this week, it has to go through a public procurement process. It is very important that you know that this has the full attention of the President, Vice President and the entire cabinet as well.”

When the project is completed, Ramson has promised to donate much needed cricket gear to the Success Cricket Club.

Community members all expressed gratitude to Minister Ramson and the

government for the timely investment and empowerment of the community.

Over at the Buxton Ground which was abuzz with activity as the youths were involved with football and basketball, Ramson, after inspecting rehabilitation works which were done in the past couple of months as the Buxton Playfield Committee would have benefitted from a donation of Two Million dollars, addressed the Committee members and youths.

“Buxton is now becoming a far more important part of the Ministry’s programme, so because it is and because the last time I was here I took this report of the condition of the ground back to the President, Vice President and the Cabinet and the Government of Guyana, I am here to announce that I am going to giving the ground of Buxton another ten million dollars.

With this money, I want you to know as well, we want this ground to become far more accessible to the people of the community.

We want them to be able

Minister of CY&S Charles Ramson Jr. (right) leading other officials on a walk about at the Success Sports Club facility. to use this for more than just playing sports.

We also want them to be able to use it at nights as well; we want you to be able to host very food football and other sporting activities and that’s one of the reasons, one of the first things that we’re going to do with money is buy and install 50foot concrete posts (8) and we’re going to light up the entire ground.”

Additionally, Ramson also informed that gathering that his academy programme would also be part and parcel of the Buxton roll out.

“We’re going to be starting our academy very soon as we are designing it, but the academy is going to have a nursery, training young people as they move in to playing tournaments and we finish that off with an elite training academy.

We ‘ r e a l s o i n h e a v y discussion and partnership with the Guyana Football

Federation as well, they are also committed to assisting the Buxton Community and we will also, at some point, be making a visit here together to know how we would be able to partner as well.”

Five of the ten million dollars is expected to be released before the end of this week to facilitate the purchasing and installation of the eight concrete polls as well as lights.

“It has to go through a procurement process because we are spending public funds; it means that we have to follow the law about spending funds but we’re going to do this immediately. In the next few weeks you’re going to see the improvement taking shape.”

The washroom facility would also be refurbished, development of a parking area and additional stands are also on the radar.

Rehabilitation of the basketball backboards and rings would also be catered for.

Ramson challenged to basketball players, to resounding applause and laughter, that he would be back to school them when the facility is completed.

“You reach, I teach.”

President Ali had also visited the ground some two months ago when he met with members of the community and as a result, consultations have been with the Minister and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works which would see the access road to the ground being done.

Members of the Enterprise Community Centre Ground were equally grateful for the huge contribution which would further enhance their facility.

It follows a smaller donation of One Million dollars a few months ago.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

PAGE 29

Paul leads Suns to drought-breaking playoffs spot

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oop - Chris Paul scored 28 points as the Phoenix Suns ended their decade-long NBA playoff drought with a 109-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Paul posted 25 points in the second half, finishing with three rebounds and 10 assists as the Suns (44-18) returned to the postseason for the first time since 2009-10.

P h o e n i x ’s p l a y o f f drought was the secondlongest active in the NBA, with only the Sacramento Kings waiting longer. AllStar Paul, who joined We s t e r n C o n f e r e n c e hopefuls the Suns from the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, said: “It means a lot. It’s a special team. To be reconnected with a coach [Monty Williams] who coached me 10 years ago.

“He trusted me as a 35year-old who a couple of years ago they said was done.” The Philadelphia 76ers – second to the

Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference – also secured their playoff berth courtesy of a 127-83 rout of the Atlanta Hawks thanks to a team-high 20 points from Seth Curry.

The 76ers have now made the postseason for four consecutive seasons, which is their longest streak since they made five straight playoff appearances from 1999 to 2003.

Records fall as Jazz hit franchise best - NBA leaders the Utah Jazz scored a franchise-record 154 points as they humbled the Kings without All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley. The Jazz won 154105, blowing their opponents apart with a 46-17 second period, which tied as a franchise-record quarter differential.

Former MVP Russell Westbrook (18 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists) led the Washington Wizards to their 11th triumph from their past 13 games while

condemning defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers to their fourth defeat from their past five in a 116107 win. It was Westbrook’s third season with 30-plus triple-doubles, no other player in NBA history has had more than one season with 30-plus triple-doubles.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reached a rare feat on Wednesday as last s e a s o n ’s N B A F i n a l s runners-up topped the San Antonio Spurs 116-111.

Spoelstra recorded his 600th career win – the 27th coach in league history to reach that amount. Dejounte Murray also became the third player in Spurs history to record four-plus triple-doubles in a season, following in the footsteps of David Robinson and Johnny Moore.

Jaylen Brown (38 points) and Jayson Tatum (35 points) became the first Boston Celtics teammates to each record 35-plus points in a game since 2006 as the franchise defeated the

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) passes as Los Angeles Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the first half. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Charlotte Hornets 120-111.

Love struggles - Kevin Love was held scoreless until the fourth quarter.

While he collected 10 rebounds and tallied six assists, 2016 NBA champion Love was just two-for-11 shooting in 35 minutes, making just two of 10 of his three-point attempts.

You be the judge? - Zion Williamson was denied a

game-tying lay-up in the dying seconds of the New Orleans Pelicans’ 114-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets, although the block from MVP candidate Nikola Jokic appeared to be a missed foul.

Wednesday’s results: Orlando Magic 109-104 Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers 127-83 Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks 113-94 Chicago

Bulls, Boston Celtics 120111 Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards 116107 Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat 116-111 San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers 130-109 Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets 114-112 New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns 109-101 Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz 154-105 Sacramento Kings.

Pepe penalty gives Arsenal T20 World Cup could be moved to hope despite defeat at Villarreal United Arab Emirates, says BCCI

West Indies are the current T20 men’s world champions after beating England in Kolkata in 2016.

Arsenal have a lifeline in their Europa League semi-final tie after Nicolas Pepe netted from the penalty spot in the 2-1 defeat.

B

BCsport Nicolas Pepe’s second-half penalty gave Arsenal renewed hope of reaching the Europa League final despite a semi-final first-leg loss at Villarreal as both sides finished with 10 men.

With the Gunners trailing 2-0 and a man down following Dani Ceballos’ sending off, Pepe stepped up and fired home a precious away goal from the spot after Bukayo Saka had been tripped in the box.

It means Mikel Arteta’s side go into next Thursday’s second leg with genuine

hope of reaching a second Europa League final in three seasons and with the potential of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

They appeared to be sinking without trace when Manu Trigueros fired in an early low, angled drive for the home side before Raul Albiol slammed home at the back post following Gerard Moreno’s flick-on from a corner.

Ceballos’ red card with 30 minutes left, courtesy of a second booking for standing on the boot of Daniel Parejo, looked to have sealed their

fate. But Bernd Leno produced two good saves to keep the home side at bay before Pepe - playing as a false nine - had his say.

Villarreal may still have fancied their chances of scoring again, but this was hampered when they too were reduced to 10 men, as Etienne Capoue shown a second yellow for a late tackle on Saka. The ‘Yellow Submarine’, managed by exGunners Unai Emery, will go into the second leg on top, but facing the prospect that just one unanswered concession will send them out.

B

BCsport - This year’s Twenty20 World Cup could be moved to the United Arab Emirates if India continues to suffer with a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tournament is due to begin in October, but the Covid death toll in India has passed 200,000, with at least 300,000 new infections every day in the past week.

Last week, India joined the UK’s travel red list effectively banning travel to and from the country. Other countries - including Australia - have also closed their borders to India.

Speaking to the BBC’s Stumped podcast, Dhiraj Malhotra, from the Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI), said he is hopeful India could still host the T20 World Cup. “I’ve just been named one of the tournament directors, so I’m doing everything we can to make sure it happens,” said Malhotra, who is general manager for game development with the BCCI. “We will be doing normal scenario, and worst case scenario, so with all that we’re talking to the ICC at the moment.”

Australia will host a T20 Wo r l d C u p i n 2 0 2 2 , postponed from last year due to the pandemic. When asked whether there is a country earmarked as the contingency, Malhotra said: “It would be the UAE. We’re hoping again that it would be

done by the BCCI. So, we’ll take the tournament there, but it’ll still be done by the BCCI.” Meanwhile, Malhotra s a y s I n d i a ’s c r i c k e t governing body will go with “common sentiment” on whether the Indian Premier League continues. The IPL the world’s richest Twenty20 league - is currently taking place in India with the final set for 30 May. Australia cricketers Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have withdrawn from the IPL and the tournament has faced calls for a suspension.

“There’s not been any clear implication of any clear directive that it is bad to host the IPL, or good to host the IPL,” Malhotra added.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Friday April 30, 2021

AAG pauses local activity indefinitely Aubrey Hutson - AAG President

T

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has made a concerted decision to postpone all of their scheduled activities until the covid-19 situation in Guyana improves, according to the President of that body; Aubrey Hutson.

This announcement comes after the scheduled fourth development meet for this year was pushed back twice with the administrator sharing with Kaieteur Sport that the safety of athletes remains paramount to the AAG especially during these troubling times.

Guyana’s death toll is creeping up to the 300 mark and Hutson noted that although the AAG would be able to maintain strict guidelines at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara, a scenario could arise with athletes picking up the virus en route to the venue or just simply by being outdoors unnecessarily.

This is a tough decision that follows the news of the 2021 South America Senior

Massy Motors Golf Tourney on tomorrow Championships being doubtful. The South America Championships was initially scheduled for May 14-16 in Argentina but this week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the event shared with regional Associations that new quarantine guidelines by the Argentinean government will make it impossible for the event to go ahead as planned.

Consudatle (the South American Athletics Confederation) has since sent out requests for a new host but according to Hutson, no other nation has decided to take up the mantle as yet with the entire South America facing challenges

with the pandemic.

The South America Championships is very important for many athletes who are desperate to put in excellent performances to make the Olympic Standards for the Tokyo Games, which is also under threat by the current surge of cases in Asia.

The AAG boss was unable to say whether Guyana’s national senior athletics championships will go ahead as planned at the end of May but highlighted that once there is improvement locally in the fight against covid-19, his executive will discuss the next step.

(Calvin Chapman)

IPL: Quinton de Kock hits 70 as Mumbai beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets

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BCsport - Quinton de Kock scored an unbeaten 70 from 50 balls as holders Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the Indian Premier League. The South Africa batsman hit six boundaries and two sixes as the five-time winners chased down 172 with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, the Royals posted 171-4 with captain Sanju Samson scoring 42 and Jos Buttler contributing 41. Mumbai remain fourth in the table after the win with Royals second from bottom.

Having lost the toss and being put into bat, Royals got off to a solid start by reaching 47-0 after six overs. Opener Buttler hit three boundaries and three sixes in his 32-ball knock but once again failed to convert his innings into a substantial score.

The England vice-captain now averages 21.6 from six matches in this year’s IPL. Having just launched Rahul Chahar for six, Buttler advanced down the wicket to the legspinner and was stumped by wicketkeeper De Kock.

Chahar, who finished with 2-33, then had Yashasvi Jaiswal caught and bowled for 32 from 20 balls. Captain Samson’s 42 from 27 balls came to an end after he was bowled by a superb Trent Boult yorker but Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Mumbai bowlers, conceding just 15 runs from his four overs and taking the wicket of Shivam Dube (35).

In reply, Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma struggled to find his timing and was

Quinton de Kock and Krunal Pandya punch gloves © BCCI/IPL

dismissed by Chris Morris for 14 off 17 balls.

Morris - the most expensive auction signing in IPL history - then dismissed Suryakumar Yadav for 16, the batsman chipping to Buttler at mid-wicket.

But having scored just 47 runs from his four innings in this season’s IPL, De Kock returned to form to register his 15th IPL halfcentury. The opener shared a 63-run stand with Krunal Pandya - who scored 39 off 26 before Kieron Pollard (16*) hit the winning runs.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have announced they will donate £725,547 towards Covid-19 relief efforts in India, as the country struggles with a second wave of the pandemic.

Rajasthan Royals 171-4 (20 overs): Samson 42, Buttler 41; Chahar 2-33.

Mumbai Indians 172-3 (18.3 overs): De Kock 70*, K Pandya 39; Morris 2-33.

Mumbai Indians won by seven wickets.

A number of top local golfers are expected to be on show when the Lusigan Golf Club )LGC) host the Massy M o t o r s To u r n a m e n t tomorrow using the 18 holes medal play shot gun start.

Prizes will be awarded for best net front 9, best net back 9, best net overall and 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Wednesday at Massy Office, Ruimveldt, LGC President Patanjilee Persaud thanked the executives of Massy for their contribution towards the sport and said an exciting tournament is anticipated.

“We would like to thank

Massy for partnering with the Club, and this shows the friendly nature of corporate sponsorship in this society.

We want to thank them and wish them all the best. We know they have some new things to advertise as they are always coming up with some impressive products. We would like to thank them for playing their role is the development of golf which is a covid friendly sport.”

Persaud encouraged those at Massy to get involved in the sport. Chief Executive Officer of Massy Motors, Rohit Coonjah stated that Massy Guyana is very proud to be a part of the

Representatives of Massy Motors and Lusignan Golf Club during the launch on Wednesday. tournament. He urged everyone to practice safety during the pandemic.

The CEO also said that in accordance with their motto, “A Force For Good Creating Value and Transforming Lives,” it is the company’s aim of staying in touch with national activities that aid in the development of the country.

He stated that one such sport in golf and the company has executives that participate actively in competitions and they are happy and look forward for future partnership.

All covid-19 protocols will be observed at the event.

Prithvi Shaw hits 82 off 41 balls Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders

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BCsport Prithvi Shaw struck 82 off 41 balls as the Delhi Capitals eased to a sevenwicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. The opener reached his half-century in 18 deliveries as Delhi chased a target of 155 with 3.3 overs to spare.

Shaw, 21, also became the second man in IPL history to score six consecutive boundaries in an over. Earlier, Eoin Morgan was out for a second-ball duck as KKR posted 154-6, with Andre Russell scoring 45 not out.

The win takes Delhi up to second in the IPL table with KKR - who have lost five in seven - remaining in fifth.

After losing opener Nitish Rana (15) in the fourth over, Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi stabilised the KKR innings as the side reached 69-1 in 9.2 overs.

However, the two-time champions then lost three wickets for seven runs with Delhi’s Lalit Yadav involved in all three dismissals.

Tripathi (19) was caught by Yadav off the bowling of seamer Marcus Stoinis,

Prithvi Shaw launched Capitals’ chase with six fours in an over © BCCI/IPL before the spinner had Morgan caught by Steve Smith at long-off.

It was England limitedovers captain Morgan’s fifth score of under 10 in seven IPL innings this year. Yadav then took his second wicket in the same over by bowling Sunil Narine for a duck before Gill (43) was dismissed by Avesh Khan to leave KKR reeling at 82-5.

Veteran Russell’s 27-ball knock - which included two boundaries and four sixes helped KKR to a respectable

total. Delhi made a stunning start in their reply with Shaw smashing Shivam Mavi for six boundaries in an over which started off with a wide.

It is a feat only managed

by Ajinkya Rahane for the Rajasthan Royals against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012. Shaw’s blistering onslaught continued as Delhi raced to 100-0 after 10.2 overs, with opener Shikhar Dhawan playing a composed innings at the other end.

KKR’s Pat Cummins who finished with 3-24 from four overs - did his part by taking three Delhi wickets late on. The seamer had Dhawan out lbw for 46 off 47 balls, Shaw top-edging to Rana at point and Rishabh Pant (16) caught by Mavi at long-on. But the damage had already been done as Stoinis (6*) hit the winning runs to give Delhi their fifth win of the competition.

Kolkata Knight Riders 154-6 (20 overs): Russell 45, Gill 43; Yadav 2-13. Delhi Capitals 156-3 (16.3 overs): Shaw 82, Dhawan 46; Cummins 3-24. Delhi Capitals won by seven wickets.

Kaieteur News

Friday April 30, 2021

National swimmers in Florida for Olympic Qualifiers

Coach Paul Mahaica (right) and Jamila Sanmoogon.

Leon Seaton

Andrew Fowler

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lympic hopefuls Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan departed these shores for Miami to participate in the UAMA Olympic qualifiers which will run from today to Sunday in Clermont, Florida, USA. Fowler and Sanmoogan will join Leon Seaton, currently based in Florida on a FINA Scholarship and US based Guyanese Chase Thompson who will also be competing as a Guyanese athlete at the qualifiers.

“We expect our athletes to do well at this event. They have all been working extremely hard during these final stages of qualification.

We are extremely happy that we are able to realise our athlete’s participation at these key events leading up to the Tokyo Games.”

Informed GASA’s President Dwayne Scott.

Fowler and Seaton will compete in similar events, (50M Freestyle, 100M Freestyle and 50M Butterfly events) while Sanmoogan will be part in the 50M Freestyle and 50M Butterfly events.

Chase Thompson, who will make her debut for Guyana at this level will be competing in the 100M Freestyle and the 100M Breaststroke.

Local Coach Paul Mahaica is accompanying the athletes as they seek to attain the qualifying times for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. The swimmers’ participation at this event was made possible by contributions from the Guyana Olympic Association. (Sean Devers)

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