Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

LCDS Pt 3 Series…

After earning US$212M in 5 years from Norway…

Saturday Edition April 30, 2022 - Vol. 16 No. 16

Guyana heads to market for new investors for forest carbon credits

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 75,078

Petroleum Commission in Guyana not a safeguard - VP Bharrat against corruption Jagdeo Contractor bids $54M below

engineer’s estimate to rebuild burnt wing of Diamond Secondary School

Jagdeo plundered NIS resources then says agency - Volda bankrupt Lawrence - VP defends self by boasting about Berbice Bridge investment

Police to “shut down” Man confesses to bars for noise nuisance killing wife, burying Affairs her in shallow grave after 3rd warning - Home Minister

New company to audit oil expenses in a matter of weeks ...Govt. to fund training for auditors, accountants, boost national auditing capabilities - VP Jagdeo The cheapest and most important thing to humans is what the leaders have refused to address 30 years now. Progress in a country to The Glenn Lall depends on it; they are spending more than what is needed on a single bush road and a few bridges rather than Listen Show @11:00hrs on eradicating the misery the nation faces daily – blackouts and power generation! What a Guyana we live in! Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

Petroleum Commission not a safeguard against corruption

By Kiana Wilburg Vice President, Dr. B h a r r a t J a g d e o acknowledged on Friday that an independent regulator for the oil and gas sector in the form of a Petroleum Commission is critical to any government’s regulatory architecture. At the same time, Dr. Jagdeo said the absence of such a body in Guyana does not mean that the sector is hanging from a dangerous precipice.

During an engagement with members of the media at the Office of the President, the local oil boss said one should not be hasty to assume that the establishment or presence of such a body would mean corruption is automatically prevented in the oil industry.

Dr. Jagdeo said, “I can tell you of some countries with the worst corruption track record but they have petroleum regulators that are supposedly ‘independent.’

So a Petroleum Commission is not a safeguard against corruption. It is utter nonsense (to believe that it is).” Dr. Jagdeo said a Petroleum Commission simply ensures that all payments for the sector are properly accounted for, that key financial documents are not hidden and licences that are awarded are made public.

The Vice President said this is already being done in a transparent manner by his government. He added that in the case of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), the government has ensured by way of the law that all payments received by the

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo fund are known to the country and the world by extension. Reports on these payments are published monthly on the Bank of Guyana website. The former President said the NRF law also stipulates that documents regarding expenditure are not to be kept within agencies as state secrets.

“We made a commitment that every agreement that the Petroleum Commission would have done in place of the Ministry of Natural Resources, all the licences would be out in the open. I told them that Liza One, Liza t w o , a n d Ye l l o w t a i l Production licences must be out in the open. Also every environmental permit must be on the (Environmental Protection Agency’s ) website and people must be able to compare it to what was done under the APNU+AFC and see the qualitative difference,” the Vice President explained.

The Vice President said the government agrees that the Petroleum Commission is important while adding that it does have a role to play in the regulatory oversight that is needed for the sector.

He noted, however, that the government wants to ensure (Continued on page 18)

8 new COVID-19 cases recorded The Ministry of Health on Friday reported that within the last assessed 24hour period, only eight new cases were recorded. The new cases have brought the total number of confirmed cases to 63,465.

The Ministry, via its dashboard, revealed that seven persons are in institutional quarantine while 96 are in home isolation. To date, a total of 62,141 persons have recovered.

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New company to audit oil expenses in a matter of weeks ...Govt. to fund training for auditors, accountants, boost national auditing capabilities - VP Jagdeo

By Zena Henry In a matter of weeks, a new company is expected to commence auditing the expenses incurred in the development of the country’s oil wealth. This was the update provided by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo when he held a press conference at the Office of the President (OP) on Friday.

Guyana has a contractual two-year timeline to ensure the audit of expenses is handed down by oil partners operating in its offshore Stabroek Block. Guyana has been hit with some delay in assessing the fairness of these development sums, attributed to a lack of capacity by local companies to ensure the relevant checks and balances.

Vice President Jagdeo told media operatives that given the available information, Guyana is expected to commence auditing of the 2017 to 2020 oil related expenses as soon as the new company is chosen to undertake the work.

O r i g i n a l l y, J a g d e o explained, Guyana had completed an initial oil expense audit up to 2017, following which the government registered some issues regarding the expenditure. While he opted not to give details, the Vice President informed that there is now an active process pursuing those expenditure disagreements.

Subsequently, tenders

were requested with an expressed desire by the government to have a local group involved in the handling of future audits.

The VP noted that while further details on the selection process could be sought from the Natural Resource Ministry, he is aware that the negotiations have been completed. “So, in a matter of weeks the new company will start the audit that will go from 2017 to 2020.”

Additionally, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be receiving funding to upgrade their capabilities outside of that which examines the fairness of the oil expenditures. “We also have to have expertise to do an audit in GRA to see that on the tax side Exxon is complying,” Jagdeo stated.

He continued by stating that there are issues that the government is addressing in relation to the oil partners.

An example he offered, was that Guyana had to refuse ExxonMobil’s request to get government’s permission to “bring basically an unlimited

amount of vehicles.” To this, the government said no, Jagdeo informed, adding that the related service must be procured from Guyanese.

VP Jagdeo also informed that moves are being made to improve the national auditing capacity. He said he has asked Finance Minister, Ashni Singh, “to meet with the insurance association (sic) so that we can fund training for all the members; accountants and auditors that government is willing to pay for all the training and upgrade through the association working with the ministry so that we can upgrade national capabilities.”

On another note, VP Jagdeo was asked about performance audits that will ensure value for money with major projects. With more money from the oil and gas sector and a wider scope for i n v e s t m e n t a n d developmental projects, among others, questions have been asked about Guyana earnestly working to ensure the stated benefits and returns are derived from the

various investments.

This is where the Auditor General comes in and that agency, Jagdeo added, has been trying to build capacity in ensuring performance audits. The performance audits, as highlighted by some commentators will ensure that Guyana does not invest large sums of money into projects – such as the Amaila Falls Hydro project, the fibre optic cable project and the Skeldon Moderisation project, among others – and not receive value for money. “So when they (Auditor General agents) go (to check the books) they just don’t do the financial audit, they can do performance audits.”

The VP informed that there is overall, “a strong process of building national capabilities.” He said that the GRA is building capacity, and by including Guyanese in the audits, for the first time, Guyanese companies will now be able to build capacity on their oil and gas expertise.

Ensuring Guyana can (Continued on page 17)

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Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

First fishermen, now farmers, who and what next?

G

uyanese owe a word of thanks to Exxons people who chart the companys way forward in Guyana.

It is because Exxons agents did something rare: there was frankness, which we all know leads to truths coming out upfront. This was what the American oil juggernaut presented to Guyanese in an uncharacteristic display of honesty, which forewarns, while it also signals, in pieces and places affecting different people in Guyana, of the costs associated with this oil (“Gas-to-Energy project can result in chronic hardships for farmers …quality of crops can be impacted -Exxon warns”, KN April 27).

This was what came out of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by one of Exxons own set of people, the Environmental Resources Management (ERM) group. The PPP/C Governments much-touted onshore project at Wales will result in a number of developments, mostly negative, for the residents and others, around that area. There will be reduced access to land used for farming purposes, whether rice or other household basics, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens. This means loss of income, loss of work, and loss of what for some has been the only way they know to make a living, since they have been doing so for generations. Farming is their calling, the skill they have cultivated, the mainstay of their existence. Take that away, or engage in what bars them from what they have always done, and they are hurt, ultimately lost, regarding how to start over, how to continue.

All of this is what is captured and compressed in two words in our caption that is referenced. Those two words are “chronic hardship”, which mean exactly what they say, and little else. For hardship is what is involved in the struggle to go on and get by, which is now the fate of more and more Guyanese, their families, and their community of dependents. To go on and get by with dignity and selfrespect, the toil of ones own hands, and the fruits of honest labour, no matter how hard and backbreaking (too often unrewarding), but always fulfilling. Now this is being menaced, this way of life for some, by the oil that comes in so many forms, with so many speeches, through so many different projects. It is also what the second word “chronic” represents in the fullness of its consideration, the heaviness of its significance, for those who have to experience it, and then endure it, for how long, no one knows. Chronic is a rough word, a tough state, in any kind of circumstance, and when it is fused to “hardship” then the pain and shame are multiplied. This is because it means that whatever is the source of the hardship, it is there to stay for the long haul, and it is not likely to go away easily or without intolerable costs.

Without a doubt, the repeated discovery of oil offshore has much meaning for the citizens of this country, all of them, but only if it is dealt with by our leaders in the most thoughtful and faithful manner. To put this another way, when our leaders, the ones with the power given to them by the people, make decisions based on a careful weighing of the positives and negatives, and then go forward wisely, only then will the greatest benefits be felt by all Guyanese, and not just a crooked, guzzling few.

This publication has been pained, but has still gone to considerable lengths, to present first, then highlight, the plight of our fishermen. It is long suspected, now increasingly accepted, that the wretchedness and agonies being lived with by our fisherfolk have much to do with the exploration and production of oil offshore. There have been good seasons and dry seasons where catch is concerned. Since the oil came, and the related works have been taking place, the fishers have had to ply their livelihood in smaller spaces, hauling in tinier quantities and, as is more noticeable, lesser quality of the products of the sea caught.

The fishers and their folks (directly and indirectly) were the first ones made to feel the pangs of oil. The farmers have now been warned that their turn is next.

GRA must secure taxpayers’ information - encourages E-filing DEAR EDITOR, In response to Columnist Mr. Freddie Kissoon’s article in the Kaieteur News dated April 28, 2022, captioned ‘Guyana Revenue Authority; The irrationality of a Country’, the GRA wishes to advise as follows: 1. The GRA approached three entities (malls) with a view of establishing sites to facilitate not only the submission of returns by the April 30th due date but to promote and encourage taxpayers to file online by having GRA’s officers manning such sites.

2. Two of these entities (Amazonia Mall and Giftland Mall) responded to their civic duty and allowed the establishment of these sites in their malls free of cost while the other was adamant that rental must be paid for its use.

3. GRA publicized the official hours for the tax sites, that is, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Mondays to Thursdays and from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Fridays. However, because of available security at the said malls, drop boxes are available for taxpayers wishing to drop off their returns rather than having them e-filed, until closing time of the said malls which may be as

late as 10:30PM. 4. These sites were not set up as mere drop-box locations but as Tax Sites where officers are stationed to render advice, guidance, and appropriate assistance, and walk taxpayers through the efiling process. For persons not wishing to e-file, the GRA’s officers check each return before the taxpayer drops it into the assigned box to ensure completeness which then allows for faster processing.

5. The agency wishes to thank Mr. Kissoon for his appreciation of the Tax Sites set up and also acknowledge the suggestion of other locations for such sites and drop boxes. However, it must be recognized that while convenience is an essential aspect of service, the security of taxpayers’ information is of utmost importance. GRA cannot simply leave the security of taxpayers’ information to private entities and in any corner, as the entity may choose.

6. There are drop boxes at GRA’s locations including the Licence Revenue Office situated at Railway Embankment, GRA’s Head Office on Camp Street, and GPO Building, where individuals can

submit their tax returns from 7 AM. 7. GRA continues to encourage taxpayers to submit their returns online, which can be done at their convenience.

We wish to remind persons that the deadline for submission of returns and balance of payment for taxes is May 3, 2022.

8. Further, Tax payments can be made via online payment options the GRA has established with banking and other financial institutions.

Taxpayers can pay their taxes using the online banking services available at Republic Bank, Demerara Bank, and GBTI. Additionally, taxpayers can utilise GTT’s Mobile Money (MMG) or Bill Express to make payments.

Persons who need assistance to sign up/register for our Optimal E-services and file returns electronically can call the Tax Advisory Services Section on 227 6060 ext. 8000 or visit our website eservices.gra.gov.gy; Renewal of Plastic Driver’s Licence With regard to the renewal of the plastic Driver’s licence, we are surprised that Mr. Kissoon is unaware of the new process, which has been

in place for nearly three (3) years. We are also surprised that he is unaware that as a senior citizen, he would get preferential treatment when visiting the GRA. Digitalised drivers’ licences are renewed within minutes and can be for three or five years, with senior citizens enjoying these renewals free of cost. Mr. Kissoon is advised to utilise this service immediately.

Lastly, Mr. Statia would like to advise Mr. Kissoon that he is not in receipt of any letters written to him by Mr. Kissoon. As such, he will be grateful for copies of such correspondences to be sent to him at cgsecretariat@gra.gov.gy, where they shall be given the attention that they deserve.

The GRA applauds the principals of the two malls that have allowed the entity to afford these taxpayers services and looks forward to continue collaboration in the future. Civic mindedness is a national duty and responsibility, and together will allow for investment into our country’s progress.

Sincerely, Guyana Revenue Authority

Stabroek News’ contempt for Aubrey Norton DEAR EDITOR, The Stabroek News editorial of Sunday 4/24/2022 did not come as a surprise to me, it has been in their DNA always to denigrate any Black leader in this country and especially if he wears the colours of the Peoples National Congress (PNC).

The editorial stuffed with Political Dog Whistles, lays bare the intentions of the water carriers of this present administration. According to the editorial, “Mr. Aubrey Norton comes to the leadership of the opposition as far as the public (Which Public?) is concerned without the level of experience which would suggest either impressive negotiating skills or a personality disposed to restraint in political affairs.” Reading this carefully, one can understand how Stabroek News feels, the dog whistle that says, he has no

experience and definitely no negotiating skills, coupled with his “street credentials and impulsiveness” means in local parlance, he is not suited for his new role.

But regardless of this phrasing, one can also read the apprehension, within the editorial, that for the first time their friends will be dealing with a political scientist, who is knowledgeable of the Constitution and Political matters, plus the ability to articulate and put them to the sword when necessary.

None of the people representing the Government in Parliament who euphemistically label themselves as politicians do not have a clue as to what to expect; hence the reason for their water carrier hysteria.

He, Norton has already informed the President much to their chagrin that in their

meeting, he is not only prepared to discuss appointments, but other matters that relate to this country.

A former PPP activist who still gets ink from Stabroek News while he hangs on to relevance by his finger nails, offered his two cents thought that other discussions or outside discussions,” should go to a committee.” This old activist needs to do us all a favour by going quietly into the night.

This is not an editorial that is welcoming a new leader who could help in changing the direction of this beleaguered country. No, this editorial has the audacity to question his ability to lead; while jokers, who represent the Government in Parliament, only knowledge is their addiction to the National Purse.

Criticism is good and constructive criticism is even bet-

ter; however, this is an editorial of hate, belittlement, and demeaning all at the same time. What is the pits, is their shout out to the other race; beware Black people on the loose. If this editorial was written by the editor, surely he knows what this portends to mean.

I had stopped purchasing Stabroek News some years ago, my only contact with this rag, is when colleagues abroad and at home send me stuff that they think I should be aware off.

Anyone who can roll back the “slow fire, mo Fire” years of Janet Jagan and Desmond Hoyte cannot forget the reporting that came from that paper. Their hate for people like me was and is palpable; it has not changed and will never change.

Respectfully, Milton Bruce

A dedicated month to celebrate Indian history should be supported

DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Dr. Devanand Bhagwan’s letter published in the April 28, 2022 edition of the Kaieteur News: under the caption “Indians deserve a month to celebrate their history”.

I have advocated that all

our races are entitled to equal treatment at all levels of our society since we are victims of enslavement, indenture and colonialism.

I endorse and support Dr. Bhagwan’s call for the Indian community to be allowed one month to celebrate their his-

tory and contributions to the nation’s development. This fair, and reasonable request, should be supported by all Guyanese. Giving the Indian community “parity” with Africans and the Indigenous community demonstrates our collective commitment to sup-

port equality and general equivalence in national affairs.

Dr. Devanand Bhagwan’s initiative will contribute to national wholeness, and it has my unreserved support.

Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye

Saturday April 30, 2022

Applause for Norton’s appointment DEAR EDITOR, I applaud the appointment of Mr. Aubrey Norton as MP (PNC or APNU and Leader of Opposition). An injustice was committed against the PNC leader when he was not immediately chosen as a MP following his victory for leadership of the party last December. In any other country, the leader of an opposition party would be made Opposition Leader once he or she is elected to parliament unless the position is declined as had happened in India some years ago when LK Advani turned it down in favour of a protégé.

Norton was kept out of parliament for too long, over three months, and the parliament (coalition) was without an official Opposition Leader (OL). As I penned last December after Norton’s victory in the leadership contest and again a month later, it was inevitable that he would become MP and Leader of Opposition.

One can’t defy rules of principles for too long in organic politics. The man is deserving of both positions.

In almost every country, save India, from my studies in Comparative politics, the leader of the largest opposition party in parliament (or the person commanding the support of the greater number of opposition legislators) is the OL. In India, a party leader must have ten percent support of the MPs of the House in order to be granted the title of OL. India has been without an OL since May 2014 because no opposition party won 10% of seats. Guyana

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Kaieteur News

and other countries don’t have a minimum number of opposition MPs as supporting the leader.

The OL title comes with honours, perks, and privileges.

In almost every country, including India, the OL is given the rank of a Cabinet Minister with all perks that come with it including an official office, several assistants, security, etc.

The PNC membership voted for Norton as leader and that vote should be respected. Norton’s victory last December was not surprising although the percentage of party members who partook in the polls was less than half.

Norton is a known political street fighter.

He has been around a long time as a PNC activist since the days of Burnham.

He had run ins with Desmond Hoyte who didn’t have kind words of him. However, he is attached to the PNC’s grass roots base.

The primary role of an OL is to expose the government and hold it accountable. The OL does not have to oppose everything, and he or she does not have to be perennially confrontational. OLs are known to support government on critical issues. Norton should critique and praise

when necessary.

Norton’s predecessors were opposed to almost every measure of the Ali administration.

Norton must show he is different from predecessors who caused the party to lose support. But the public I have interacted with say so far, there are no signals that Norton is breaking away from the past. They say they would like to see him drop confrontational attitude of predecessors and work with the government on selected issues of interest to the country.

The OL is reminded that he is head of the shadow government in waiting. He is shadow President. He must act accordingly and responsibly. He should accept invitation from President Ali to meet to discuss Constitutional Commission issues.

This should be a matter of urgency. The OL is advised that he cannot dictate what can be discussed but he can request and engage in quid pro quo to arrive at a reasonable solution to nagging issues.

The OL is reminded that unless he acts responsibly, the support base of his party and that of himself will erode.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

ERC salutes workers DEAR EDITOR, The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), extends Labour Day greetings to all workers throughout the country. The ERC salutes the Guyanese working class who represents different ethnicities and is all a driving force in the economy. Their forebears faced many painful challenges, some insurmountable in their quest for decent work and a living wage.

The Commission joins the social partners represented by government, employers, employees and the trade unions in recognising those who toil for the mammoth, unending task of social and economic growth; increase in productivity is achieved through their collective efforts.

The past two years of the pandemic has been nothing short of challenging as the working class people had to adjust and adapt to ways of staying productive while being Covid-19 safe.

The Commission remains hopeful that the waning pandemic will continue to reduce its morbid effects on the working population for the sake of improved livelihoods. The labour movement represents

an important constituency and the hurdles it faces in the workplace are brought under focus in the ERC’s desire for a cohesive society. Rapid globalisation and all its aspects is also confronting the Guyanese working people in the challenge for a living wage. The ERC therefore, em-

braces any initiative to empower citizens of any ethnicity through education and training to prepare them for an accelerating Guyanese economy.

Happy Labour Day to All! Regards, Ethnic Relations Commission

Party should take stock of questionable acts DEAR EDITOR, This has relevance to “Will the PPP ever penalise their party comrades?” (KN Apr 28). This is a telling question. Will there be a positive response? There seems to be a return to pre-2015 arrogance, heavy handedness, biased contracting, nepotism,

and even complaints of corruption.

One example, among many illustrations, stands out.

I can vouch safe about one individual with questionable actions and whose arrogance persists, one of several I am aware of. This (Continued on page 6)

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Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Bids open for fabrication of 30 H-beans for DHBC… From previous edition Construction of a lab at Paradise, East Coast Demerara.

Construction of two-storey bond at RDC store compound at Truimph.

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Regional Democratic Council of Region Four Re-construction of Vryheids Lust South Nursery.

Party should take stock...

From page 5 unnamed person of Region 6, a Berbician, has had a meteoric rise in status and wealth.

He has graduated from being a taxi driver, trade unionist of a sugar union, Regional Councillor, Regional Chair, businessman, organizing secretary of a party, Member of Parliament, and now higher office than that of being a mere MP, in addition to being a bigger businessman.

Correspondingly, there

has been an astronomical growth in financial gains. Has he hung himself in the awarding of a huge $650 million contract to a single female kin who recently registered a company? The public is taking stock.

The party that this individual belongs to should also take stock as it is losing support. There will be support consequences.

Yours truly, Mukesh Narine

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

These days, we don’t have to look too far to see that the world is in a dire state. In our communities, there are people suffering.

They are looking for any sign of hope; hope for a better future that seems out of reach despite the wealth we possess.

At the rate things are unfolding in our homeland, we are left to believe that we are doomed.

But we at this publication believe that there is hope beyond the scope of human limitation.

To access this, we believe that Guyanese must fall on their knees in prayers and beseech the Creator to melt the stony hearts of our leaders so that they can do right

by Guyana – a bountiful and beautiful land that the Creator saw it fit to entrust us with.

Let it be known, far and wide, we will fight (now through prayers too) for a better Guyana until we draw our very last breath.

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Saturday April 30, 2022

After earning US$212M in 5 years from Norway…

Guyana heads to market for new investors for forest carbon credits After earning over US$200M in payments from Norway for its carbon services, Guyana is ready to build on this financial achievement by tapping into more market based mechanisms that exist today for forest climate services.

This is according to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 which focuses on harnessing Guyana’s unique advantages to create a new low-carbon economy. The document is currently the subject of countrywide consultations.

Importantly, LCDS 2030 has

three objectives, one of which is to promote Forest Climate Services and other Ecosystem Services.

From early 2022, the document notes that there is a strong possibility that Guyana can access marketbased mechanisms for forest climate services that include private, as well as international public sector financing. Furthermore, LCDS 2030 iterates that this will enable a pathway to transition from the existing Guyana-Norway partnership and increase the value of sustainably managing Guyana’s forests.

For those who may not be aware, it was in 2009 Guyana and Norway

had agreed to work together to create a model for how progress on economic incentives for forests could be made. In fact, Former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Norway’s former Minister of the Environment and International Development, Mr. Erik Solheim, had signed an agreement where Norway would provide Guyana with resultbased payments for forest climate services, alongside cooperation between the countries in the fight against climate change, the protection of biodiversity and the enhancement of sustainable development.

The successful adherence to the

provisions of that agreement led Guyana to earn for the period 2009 to 2015, a total of US$212.52 million in payments.

This has created low-carbon jobs, enabled Amerindian villages to receive legal title for communal lands, rehabilitated the Cunha Canal to protect against flooding, and started to equip Amerindian and hinterland communities with r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y, d i g i t a l infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Crucially, Guyana and Norway (Continued on page 18)

Saturday April 30, 2022

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Money transfer agencies are Jagdeos legacy in rural Guyana Guyanas Second Vice President has set out on another jaunt. This time it is to West Coast Berbice.

Meetings were scheduled last Wednesday in areas considered as strongholds of the PPP/C Dundee, Mahaicony and Bath Settlement. And, of course the bourgeois government had to schedule a meeting with the business community at the Berbice River Bridge office at D Edward Village.

The President has already dismissed any ideas of government taking ownership of the bridge. The former APNU+AFC had taken over the operations of the Bridge Company following demands for a steep tariff increase in keeping with the Bridge Agreement signed under Jagdeos Presidency.

The business community is reluctant to pay increased bridge tolls. In fact, they are pressing for a reduction, and would most likely favour a government takeover of the ownership of the bridge.

However, the financial structure of the bridge is as

such that private investors have a heavy stake in the bridge even though a great deal of the money ploughed into that project emanated from the state, including the National Insurance Scheme.

The West Berbice outreach has not been the first and it will not be the last. It appears that every time the President goes overseas, Jagdeo goes on one of these outreaches. But he has also held outreaches when the President was in the country, so it could hardly be a case whereby he is seeking to outflank the Head of State.

The primary message in all of these outreaches is the same: the government will be creating temporary low-level jobs for persons who are the sole breadwinners in their families. This qualification reduces considerably the number of eligible applicants.

What is not being revealed is where are the jobs and what are they paying. We are told it is low-level jobs and could provide at least four days work per week. But as is well known GuySuCo is finding

problems in attracting sufficient persons to work as cane harvesters, weeders and other labourers.

The PPP/C government was naïve to believe that it could reopen the closed sugar estates. It is now facing the reality that this is a mission impossible.

The PPP/C did not have any well-thought out plans for the sugar industry. It presumed that it could reopen the closed estates. But it had to also have been aware that the terminal decline in the sugar industry began under the Jagdeo administration and worsened under the Ramotar presidency.

The PPP/C has never had a rural development strategy.

Jagdeo likes to draw a false equivalence between a strategy and having projects. For him, you cannot have a strategy without projects. In the case of rural Guyana, his government has neither viable projects nor a viable strategy.

The Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) the governments capital programme - serves the inter-

Dem boys seh...

Uptop dawg, yuh done know!

Yall does look at Tik Tok? It does tik off some people, especially de Vee Pee. De man went to West Coast Berbice and ask dem people if dem does look at Tik Tok Glenn. Is like de man gat Glenn pon de mind.

He look like when he at work, all he does think bout is Tik Tok Glenn.

When he at home watching TV, is Tik Tok Glenn he thinking bout. When he dreaming, is Tik Tok Glenn he dreaming bout. De man gan get nightmares thinking bout Tik Tok Glenn.

Dem boys gan give he more things to think bout.

Because dem boys wan know how come he talking bout easing flooding. De more de guvament talk bout flooding, de more de rain does fall, and de more flood yuh does get.

Is like de GPL, de more dem talk bout generators, is de more blackout we getting.

Suh dem boys know dat when yuh hear bout easing flooding, yuh shud walk with yuh umbrella and long boots.

Lang ago, when yuh gat drought and yuh want rain fuh fall, all yuh gat fuh do is

organise wan international cricket match at Bourda. De rain bound to fall, whether is dry season or de rainy season. International cricket use to attract rain.

Now is when dem politicians start to talk bout flooding, is den yuh gan get more rain. And dem farmers gan hold dem head and bawl. But de contractors with dem pumps gan be smiling all de way to de bank. Yuh see one mans poison is another mans food.

Talk half and leff de rest to Tik Tok.

est of the contracting class.

It does not create massive employment in rural Guyana.

PPP/C projects tend to be capital intensive. The spending on the construction of roads and bridges and on drainage and irrigation ends up mainly in the hands of contractors and foreign suppliers. When you build a road in Berbice, Suriname carves out part of the profit by supplying materials. Does Jagdeo even know that road-building materials are imported from Suriname?

In the meantime, ablebodied men and women in Regions Five and Six are struggling to find jobs. And long lines can be seen every day not every month alone but every day at the money transfer agencies. Families, particularly in the more populated East Berbice Region are being propped up by remittances. This is the legacy which Jagdeo left when de

departed the Presidency in 2011. If after 12 years as President, the situation with rural employment became worse, why should he be trusted to reverse it this time around?

The Vice President would want us to believe that the government will meet its target of creating 50,000 new jobs. But where are these jobs? Once again, a false equivalence is being drawn between the demand for workers, by contractors, and the claim that jobs are being created.

The official figures indicate that there are 41,992 persons unemployed that is, persons who are out of work but actively seeking employment. If the PPP/C is saying that it is meeting its manifesto target of creating 50,000 new jobs, then there is no need for Jagdeo to be offering parttime employment to thousands of Guyanese. In fact, given the unemployment

numbers, we should have a labour shortage instead.

If the jobs are there, the problem has to be the takers.

And this is why instead of engaging in patchwork economics, Jagdeo and his government should get down to the task of economic planning. If the Singaporeans could have been brought in to develop the design for Silica City (Sue Town), then what is wrong with bringing development planners in to help create the types of jobs which are suited to the skillsset of the rural unemployed?

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday April 30, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Response of the usual suspects and the Creole middle class: Conclusion W

riter’s note: This is the second and f i n a l installment of the unpublished letter by the usual suspects and the Creole middle class which was featured in my Monday, April 18, 2022 column. The letter follows.

Dear Editor: Below are our explanations/positions on certain explosive situations since December 2018. Let us start with the legally rejected appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM chairman.

President Granger rejected all 18 names submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. We believe the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) erred when it ruled that the president acted unilaterally.

A closer reading of the relevant article in the constitution would reveal that in the event of disagreement, the president

can make a choice of his own. Mr. Jagdeo’s list of 18 persons was simply pro-PPP citizens.

Based on this attitude, we chose not to condemn the president or write any criticism.

On the battle of the noconfidence vote (NCV) in December 2018, our position is guided by our perspectives on politics.

First, you do not bring down a legitimately elected ruling party by any means. Wait until another election comes.

The NCV was a dagger manufactured by the PPP to stab the David Granger presidency.

Secondly, we thought Charrandass Persaud should never, along with other Berbicians, have been part of a middle class, urban based party with a different set of values. At the formation of the AFC, many of us did not support the inclusion of many personalities from outside of certain societal strata into our party. We

conceded and look what Charrandass Persaud did.

Our position in 2005 when the AFC was formed was that it would be a wedge between the working class socialism of the PPP and the PNC and the need for a capitalist economy that would appreciate what other classes can bring to the cultural development of 21st century Guyana.

There was a vacuum to be filled in the political economy of Guyana after the long rule of the PPP and the dormancy of the PNC. With the ascendency of the WPA leaders in a new styled PNC outfit named APNU and with David Granger at the helm, both the WPA and AFC had offered themselves as the final solution to the dominance of the Indianised PPP. With a limited landscape for the WPA, the formation of the AFC could only have broadened that political real estate and it did. From the

start up days of the AFC, we wanted the organisation to follow the pattern of the National Democratic Party under John Carter from the 1950s and the glory days of the middle class in WPA in t h e 1 9 7 0 s . We w e r e appreciative of the success of office in 2015 of Mr. Granger himself, the two WPA leaders and our colleagues in the original AFC. Many of us that are ridiculed as the usual suspects and the Creole middle class had opposed the inclusion of certain personalities from the PPP and Ravi Dev’s disbanded political party, ROAR, into the AFC. We felt that was not the organisation we wanted to build because we wanted to occupy a certain niche in the political economy of the country.

As soon as the AFC came to power, Dr. Ramaya upset the apple cart. We are comfortable using the term,

“apple-cart.”

Others can use mango-cart if they want.

Frederick Kissoon We endorsed the position of the trade off. 33 then is not a majority union congress (TUC) as but half of the parliamentary reported by Demerara Waves numbers. on May 1, 2019 that an NCV Finally, the five months should be passed by a of so-called election rigging. majority of over 40. It is for There is not much to say on this reason we did not this enigma but to repeat condemn the president or what we consider were the wrote criticism in the wise words of Dr. Rupert column, “In The Diaspora.”

Roopnaraine in a television Now to the war of interview with Neil Marks numbers in the NCV – 33 during the election drama. versus 34. Again, we think He said that there were the CCJ erred. The CCJ thousands of irregularities. rejected the case of Vanuatu We respect the wisdom of Dr. offered by the government’s Roopnaraine who has been lawyers. That is a landmark Walter Rodney’s closest decision that the CCJ should comrade. Our position on the have accepted because it sets election was derived from a p r e c e d e n t i n his perspective. We will not C o m m o n w e a l t h be deterred in confronting jurisprudence. We could not the PPP. in good faith support the (The views expressed in NCV when we accept that a this article are those of the half of 65 members in a u t h o r a n d d o n o t parliament is 32.5. This necessarily reflect the means you have to round it opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Saturday April 30, 2022

EPA yet to address ‘illegalities’ surrounding Yellowtail Permit Almost two weeks ago, concerns were raised in the public, regarding the legality of the Environmental Permit issued to United States (US) oil giant, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), by the l o c a l r e g u l a t o r, t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but to date the organisation has not laid these worries to rest.

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly had written to the EPA Head, Mr. Kemraj Parsram on April 16, last, insisting that the Ye l l o w t a i l P e r m i t b e cancelled, while citing “blatant irregularities” in the c o n d u c t o f t h e Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the project.

The

specialist outlined four areas in which she believes the process was flawed.

For one, she argued that there was a failure to assess the significant impacts of the project, before its approval, as the Environmental Resources Management (ERM), the Consultant that prepared the EIA for the oil company, merely referred the public to sections of the EIA to understand the project, rather than clear up any misconceptions or directly provide answers.

On the other hand, the environmentalist also challenged the selection of ERM to conduct the EIA on behalf of the oil company, as the Consultant has been the lone agency to conduct such studies for Exxon to date.

The EPA had issued a

Govt. removes VAT on cement

S

enior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h h a s announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on cement with effect from Friday, April 29, 2022.

In a press release, the ministry said it would be recalled that Government had previously announced in Budget 2020, the removal of VAT on building and construction materials where VAT was imposed after 2014. At the time that this measure was implemented, cement was not impacted because cement had previously attracted VAT prior to 2015.

According to the ministry, government’s removal of VAT on cement

reflects recognition of the importance of cement as a key input for the construction of residential dwellings as well as commercial buildings, and in line with Government’s vision for providing relief to citizens as well as to support the housing drive.

This measure is expected to provide substantial support to the local economy.

Government would have previously also removed VAT from water, electricity, basic food items and household necessities.

Government’s expectation is that the removal of VAT from cement will be passed on to final consumers through appropriate adjustments in the final price charged.

statement to the media on April 4, last, where it explained that it is currently in the process of developing a list of consultants which can be used to undertake the studies. In the absence of that list of credible consultants, the EPA said it has been approving Consultants on a case by case basis, making sure to review the company’s experience in developing such documents.

However, Mangal-Joly noted that the agency seems to have allowed itself the right to cheat the process, by ignoring Section 3 (a) of the EP Act.

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly “There is nothing in the Act that speaks to an alternative means through which the EPA may select qualified persons to conduct

EIAs. Whether one does it on a case-by-case basis or from a pool, or whether it is a local or foreign individual or company, Section 3(a) of the Act is clear that the Agency cannot select the consultants by itself; the selection must be done “with the assistance of internationally recognised environmental groups.” This is specifically to avoid bias and underhandedness,” she pointed out.

While making her third point, the environmentalist said that the EPA failed to publish the reasons for justifying the issuing of the Yellowtail Permit.

“Section 12(1) of the EP Act (a)(b) and (c) directs the E PA t o c o n s i d e r : ( i ) Recommendations of the EAB; (ii) Views expressed during consultation under section 11(9), and (iii) The environmental impact assessment and statement in deciding on a permit.

Notably, Section 12(2) compels the EPA to account for its decision: “The Agency shall publish its decision and the grounds on which it is made”. The Agency’s published Notice of Decision on April Fool’s Day, April 1, 2022, merely (Continued on page 15)

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

PAGE 13

Contractor bids $54M below engineer’s estimate to rebuild burnt wing of Diamond Secondary School

By Allyiah Allicock

O

n e o f 1 3 contractors vying to rebuild the wing of the Diamond Secondary School which was destroyed by fire in 2018, has entered a bid that is $54 million lower than the engineer’s estimated cost – $75 million.

The contractor entered a bid of just over $21M for the first phase of the project which is slated to be completed in two phases – both phases are estimated, by the engineer, to cost $163M. This project is being undertaken by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four.

The companies that submitted bids to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on Tuesday to carry out the works at the school are: Reiaz Akbar General Construction and Service – $64,803,683, A & N Enterprise –$76,356,382, VR Construction Inc. – $74,013,183, Civcon Engineering Contractors –$77,804,439, Navin and Sons Construction – $69,828,367, N&S General Engineering and Construction Service – $70,143,404, DN&D Civil Engineering Services –$61,696,851, Romano

Builder – $66,079,167, S&K Construction Consultancy Service and General Supply – $65,444,759, BDE Recycling – $70,000,000, Kawal Ramdeen General Construction and Office Furnishing – $68,812,181, Vi s h a l C o n t r a c t i n g Company – $69,681,906, and lastly, Truck Smart, the contractor that bid the lowest with $21,422,201.

The reconstruction of the wing at the school comes merely three years after it was destroyed by a fire in 2018.

Kaieteur News understands that this project will form part of the $6.6 billion that was allocated in this year’s budget for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four, Donald Gajraj, had told this publication back in March that the wing of the building, which was destroyed, will be rehabilitated to its previous size.

Gajraj said that when the budgetary allocation has passed through the national procurement process, the project “will go out to tender” and works will begin once a contract has been awarded.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, headmistress of the school, Ms. Lesmine Collins had

The destroyed section of the Diamond Secondary School

expressed her gratitude now that the project is coming on stream this year. According to her, it is currently short on space to accommodate students.

This, she said, has been the state of affairs since the fire destroyed the office and staff room areas, forcing her, and teachers, to occupy classrooms.

Also destroyed in the fire were the Information Technology (IT) lab and the school’s library.

Eze Hamilton, the IT teacher, told this publication that the rebuilding of that section will benefit both the staff and students – especially IT students who have to write

their Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) examinations.

This newspaper understands that the project, once completed, will also save students from travelling to the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in order to write their examinations, due to the lack of resources at the school.

“It is definitely great news, because after the fire we began using one of the classrooms as the main office area and the Technical Drawing room as a staff room for teachers.

The IT lab and library

were also destroyed in the fire. We are currently using one of the science labs, which have been fitted with computer for IT class. This is not ideal because the computers should be in an air conditioned room, and the stools and tables that are currently being used were not designed to be used with a computer, especially since there is no back rest,” Hamilton said.

It was reported back in 2018 that the office area of the school was gutted by an early morning fire on Christmas Eve day. At the time of the fire, a press release which was issued by the Ministry of Education,

Local skincare industry thriving through - organic products to feature GMSA’s support at Uncapped Marketplace Alison’s Hair and Skin Care Products was formally established by 35-year-old Alison Gilead in 2019, and offers a wide array of locally-made personal care products including lip balms, body scrubs, hair and skin serums.

Alison began making natural skin care products 12 years ago with the aim of helping her son who was diagnosed with Atopic Eczema. Atopic Eczema is a disorder characterised by inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). The condition usually begins in early infancy and often ends before adolescence. Alison noted that the medication her son was using for the condition contained steroids that caused more damage to his skin. This prompted her

Alison Gilead search for an alternative solution which resulted in the formulation of a skin serum using beeswax. This serum improved his skin’s appearance tremendously and she realised that it could help other persons suffering from the same condition.

“After I would have shared my inspiration for making the serum, persons were eager to try it and it worked for them,” she shared.

Following the success of that product, Alison ventured into producing soaps to complement the

skin serum. This product, like the skin serum, was also well-received by buyers on the local market. However, while her products received support from her local clientele, Alison longed for the opportunity to expand her reach to regional and international markets.

F o r t u n a t e l y, s h e w a s encouraged by a friend to participate in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) UncappeD Marketplace in 2019 and recalls that her business was able to acquire tremendous support. “That experience was wonderful. It was the first time I went to such a huge event and received that level of support. It was a great experience for me. It helped (Continued on page 15)

stated that approximately 1:20am on December 24, 2018, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded to a report of a fire at the school.

However, upon their arrival, the middle section was already engulfed with flames.

The release further stated that the cause of the fire was unknown at the time of the release and that the GFS conducted inspections to ascertain whether the fire was as a result of an electrical malfunction, but no issues were found with the electrical connections.

Further investigations determined that the fire was an act of arson.

Sherl Daniels

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday April 30, 2022

GECOM moves to cross-match fingerprints, verify residency before issuing ID cards - to ensure no citizen registers more than once

G

i v e n i t s commitment to ensuring that all citizens provide accurate information, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has moved to tighten the registration process.

According to a statement issued by the electoral body on Thursday, GECOM has added an extra layer to the verification procedure. The new system will require the commission to conduct due diligence checks for double registrations by crossmatching the fingerprints of all applicants for registration against those of the registrants who are listed in the National Register of Registrants (NRR).

Additionally, GECOM is requiring that residency verification be completed relative to the processing of an application for registration.

As such, the commission is requiring registrants to

provide accurate information in a timely manner.

According to GECOM, there are a variety of statutory forms that must be filled when applying for any of the various registration transactions, as a matter of Commission policy, by GECOM Registration Staff – a task that they are trained extensively to perform.

Accordingly, applicants for registration are not permitted to fill any of the forms.

GECOM, therefore, stressed that it recognises that individual persons have their respective signatures which they have been using customarily.

The Commission noted that “…There is no prescribed signature requirement which must be met by applicants for registration, save and except for placing their signature in the space provided for this purpose.”

According to GECOM, residency verification is a statutory component process which must be completed relative to the processing of an application for registration.

In this regard, the Commission – as a matter of policy – decided that registration staff must visit the residential address provided by an applicant no sooner than 48 hours after the application was made.

The justification for this is to discourage persons applying for registration from using addresses where they do not reside.

Further, this measure is pivotal to the correct placement of eligible persons in any List of Electors to ensure that they are correctly listed to vote at polling stations for the catchment area that is pertinent to their residential addresses.

National Identification Cards are produced and

issued to persons whose applications for registration are successful.

In this regard, GECOM noted that it is responsible to ensure that no person is listed more than once in the NRR. A c c o r d i n g l y, t h e Commission conducts due diligence checks for double registrations by crossmatching the fingerprints of all applicants for registration against those of the registrants who are listed in the NRR. It follows that fingerprints taken from applicants for registration during any given registration exercise can be dispatched

for cross-matching only after the close of the exercise.

According to the Elections Commission, the fingerprint cross-matching is currently outsourced to an overseas contractor.

“It is only after the applicants for registration have been cleared as new

applicants for registration, through this methodology, that they are committed to the NRR and ID Cards would be produced for them. It is not unusual for this to take place until about two months after the closure of the particular registration exercise,” GECOM noted.

Police to “shut down” bars for noise Affairs nuisance after 3rd warning - Home Minister Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn made it clear on Friday that bars will be shut down for noise nuisance after receiving a third warning from police ranks in the affected areas.

Recently citizens, via posts on the various social media platforms, have been accusing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) of not doing enough to stop noise nuisance by bars in residential areas, especially during the wee hours. Its seems as though the public calls by citizens have prompted the Minister to come up with a solution.

On Friday, reporters raised the issue with Benn who said, “If we (referring to police) visit a place two or three times, when we visit a place on the third occasion with respect to

noise or any other activity, we will have to shut down or close down the activities.”

The minister said that there have been occasions when the Force was not very proactive to such matters and promised to ensure improvement in this regard.

One of the most recent noise nuisance cases that the GPF has been accused of handling poorly involves two bars on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

An affected resident had decided to vent her frustration on Facebook. She recorded a video of the situation she faces in her home due to loud music being played by the bars that would continue into the wee hours. She publicly called on the Force to intervene (Continued on page 15)

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

Local skincare industry thriving through GMSA’s...

From page 13 me to put myself out there more,” the businesswoman said.

Since participating in the event, Alison was able to acquire continuous support from local, regional and international customers. She attributes her success to the exposure her business gained through UncappeD Marketplace.

The event is scheduled to return this year for two days on April 30 and May 1 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alison believes that the support this time around will surpass the previous years with more exhibitors and more patrons supporting the event.

She will be launching a natural deodorant at this year’s exhibition and patrons will be receiving free samples of some of her products.

She believes that the UncappeD event is one which provides a unique opportunity for new agroprocessing businesses to become established. As such, she praised the GMSA for providing agroprocessors with the chance to build their businesses.

Alison posited, “This is a way of helping agroprocessors to become established because if I wasn’t told about the event and then participated, I would not have had this great

b u s i n e s s . ” S i m i l a r l y, UncappeD was also the catalyst of success for Sherl Marsha Daniels—the owner of Sherl’s Cosmetics. This business, which was established in 2010, has been a part of the UncappeD experience from inception.

Sherl’s Cosmetics offers a number of beauty products including shampoos and conditioners as well as hair, body and beard oils as well as body and face soaps.

According to her, UncappeD Marketplace was the first exhibition she participated in. She disclosed, “Due to the UncappeD experience, we’re on the international market because folks came to Guyana for the UncappeD event and they used our products and then returned to buy them wholesale to resell overseas. It also helped us to reach a lot of people locally.

The expo caused people to realise that there are superior products available locally.”

Like Alison, she believes that this year’s event will be spectacular and she is optimistic for the support local agro-processors will receive.

Sherl said, “I think it’s going to be wonderful and I am looking forward for more people coming and more support,” while commending the GMSA for the immeasurable opportunities being presented to local agroprocessors. This year, Sherl

Police to “shut down” bars for...

From page 14 because the noise nuisance was “unbearable”.

The woman claimed that she and her children endured sleepless nights and said that the loud sounds would vibrate her walls and windows.

She is not the first to raise concerns about noise nuisance by bars in residential areas. Just last month, Kaieteur News reported on a noise nuisance matter in the Soesdyke area, and since, several individuals have taken to the letter pages to vent similar concerns.

EPA yet to address ‘illegalities’...

From page 12 parrots the instructions of the EP Act. It says that the EAB found the environmental impact study acceptable, and: “The EPA has taken all relevant considerations into account, including the views expressed by members of the public during consultations done in accordance with s e c t i o n 11 ( 9 ) o f t h e Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05,” the environmentalist pointed o u t . F o u r t h l y, t h e environmentalist said that the EPA failed to disclose the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIA, a document which specifies the obligations consultants are required to fulfill in the conduct of the study.

The EPA had said it was not required by law to publish the TOR for the project. In an interview with Kaieteur News on Friday, Mangal-Joly said that her concerns raised in that letter are yet to be addressed by the EPA. According to her, “Serious charges of misconduct and illegalities were raised in my letter and the EPA has still not accounted for it. It’s staying quiet but the EPA was on a big PR (public relations) screen before that letter came out. Why are they quiet for two weeks now?” She added that the agency’s silence implies that it would sweep the issue under the rug and keep moving along with its business.

will be introducing a few new products to the market including lip balms, lip glosses and body butters.

Additionally, supporters can look forward to new labels and packaging.

Since 2017, the GMSA has been playing its part in the development of the local agro-processing sector through the UncappeD Marketplace event.

UncappeD is an exhibition

and food festival which was created primarily to give agro-processors a platform to showcase their products and attract more sales. As such, the event has benefited a number of agro-processors across the country. The event will return to the Guyana National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara, commencing at 10:00 hrs. daily. (Sagacity Inc. Feature)

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

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RAMDHANI Petitioner-VFRANCISCO DAS CHAVAS RODRIGUES DE LIMA Respondent. TO: FRANCISCO DAS CHAVAS RODRIGUES DE LIMA (Address Unknown).

Take Notice that on the 20th day of April,2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by BIBI ZAHIRAANISHADE LIMA nee RAMDHANI, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order on the 22nd day of April,2022, the petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this notice of Petition in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspapers printed, published and circulated in and around the Republic of Guyana and on the World Wide Web AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Goergetown,Demerara within 50(fifty) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 5th day of July,2022 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID:648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHF of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend,Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make ant

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691.

One Housekeeper.Must be able to cook,45-60 yrs old.

Must be living E.B.D. One handyman/store help, 6954785/265-3541.

VACANCY Vacancy for 2 experienced hairdresser.Location Grove E.B.D,Tel:652-5800.

Grade 2 Teachers,Secretary & Security Guards. Contact:6 49-8174.

Lash,Nail Technician & Mani-Pedicurist.Must be English literate. Contact: Reign L.A.B on 643-5855.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

SERVICES

Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Land and Building for sale,40ftx94ft.Le Ress ouv enir Main Public Road. Call: 645-1613.

Furnish house and land for sale on Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.Call 6792497.

One able body Porter, Handyman,age 20-35yrs.

Must be vaccinated photo & recommendation. Keyfood McDoom Village.

Female Cleaner for office.

Call:642-9823.

2 Sewing machine operators,1 floor girl.Call:622-4386.

One Housekeeper.Tel:6082444/503-0359.

One Office Cleaner.Tel:6082444/503-0359.

1 Real Estate Agent and 1 Maid.Call:231-7805/618-7483.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English & Math, grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to techserigy @yahoo.com.

Fitter Machinist,Welder fabricator & mechanic. 3 yrs experience.Call:642-9823 email:techserigy @yahoo. com.

Servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

WANTED Male & Female to work at Magic Touch Car Wash & Detailing Centre.Call:6041980.

Washbay workers at Nandy Park.Tel:233-5227/682-1616.

Male able bodied clerk.

Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

Labourers,Skilled Carpenters & Masons to work in Georgetown & Linden. Contact:660-6385/615-7526/6029496.

Maid to work from 8:30hrs to 16:30hrs.Contact:649-9359.

LEGAL NOTICE 2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD524 IN THE COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OFJUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.FD-524 BETWEEN: BIBI ZAHIRA ANISHA DE LIMA nee

LEGAL NOTICE Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Laws Courts (Georgetown,Demerara).

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 26th day of April,2022.

2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-48 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MAT RIMONIAL JURIS DICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETI TIONNO.:FD-48BETWEEN: (ALEXANDER) JERMAINHEZRON Petitioner/Applicant-and(ALEXANDER) SHONESS MARVAILE nee DANIELS Respondent TO: SHONESS MARVAILE ALEXANDER nee DANIELS Last Known Address:Lot 17 Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice, Guyana.TAKE NOTICE that on the 13th day of January, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JERMAIN HEZRON ALEXANDER, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as pan of aa Order made on the 2nd day of March, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that ifyou desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the

LEGAL NOTICE Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing onWednesday the 27th day of April, 2022 at 1:15 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID: 817 2463 7445 and Password: Court12.

IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 4th day of March, 2022.

2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-424 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MAT RIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-424.

BETWEEN:KAREN LATASHA JONES nee YARDE Petitioner JOHNNY LEE JONESRespondent To the Respondent JOHNNY LEE JONES Address UnknownTAKE NOTICE that on the 30th day of March, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAREN LATASHA JONES nee YARDE, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made onthe 31st day of March, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated on the Worldwide Web.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court

Saturday April 30, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo plundered NIS resources then says agency bankrupt – Volda Lawrence - VP defends self by boasting about Former Health Minister and member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Ms. Volda Lawrence on Thursday addressed what she described as “lies” told

by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo as he responded to a Bath Settlement, Berbice resident, during an outreach to the Region on Wednesday.

The VP was reportedly questioned by a resident as it relates to the non-increase of National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits for retired workers when he explained that the agency was “bankrupt” due LEGAL NOTICE at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing onMonday the 30th day of May, 2022 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend,Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 1st day of April, 2022.

to the downsizing of the sugar industry by the former Coalition government.

To this end, the Member of Parliament (MP) argued that it was Jagdeo who “destroyed” the NIS when he abused his power to access the resources of the state entity to “invest” in ventures such as the Berbice River Bridge. Lawrence said, “May I remind Mr. Jagdeo and NIS pensioners, also current contributors to NIS and the world at large, that it was this very Vice President, who despite the advice from the Board of Directors of the NIS, including Guyanese with experience in financing and investment, proceeded to invest the members’ monies in the Berbice River Bridge, the CLICO (Colonial Life Insurance Company) Insurance Scheme and Laparkan, among others.”

The MP reasoned that Jagdeo must be reminded that it was under his watch that the NIS resources were plundered as she highlighted that $2.5 billion was invested by the VP into common shares for the Berbice Bridge and another $810 million into the said bridge to cover the nonperforming assets in the ent i t y .

In addition, she referenced the ‘CLICO fiasco’ where over $5 billion of NIS monies were again invested by the then President which was later placed under judicial management in 2009 and subsequently was liquidated in September 2010. ”I wish to remind Mr. Jagdeo that it was the combined opposition in the National Assembly by its very majority voted and passed a resolution for the Liabilities of NIS to CLICO to be paid off. There was a commitment by his administration to do so but it was never done. Rather, it was that same combined opposition, which formed the coalition government in 2015 and granted payments to CLICO for NIS through the issuance of 20 non-negotiable debentures, to be redeemed annually over 20 years at a

Berbice Bridge investment

Opposition MP, Volda Lawrence fixed interest rate of 1.5 percent,” she related.

To this end, the MP concluded, “By his actions this caused the resources of NIS to be further depleted.”

According to her, the VP should channel his efforts to advise the President and Cabinet on the provision of the Financial Institution Act of 1995 on how to treat with NIS under section 3 of the Co-operative Financial Institutions Act. More importantly, she suggested that the government use one percent of monies accumulated in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to provide a subvention to the NIS to clear the deficit effected by Jagdeo.

In fact, she said that the coalition would have used this method, which would transfer some US$15 million to the agency, or one percent of the fund, on an annual basis to ease the tension caused by the Jagdeo administration and advised that this alternative be initiated. ”Of course a government who speaks of One Guyana will find no difficulty in committing to this approach for the next five years. We, the Opposition stand ready to approve such an approach should it be brought to the National Assembly,” Lawrence pointed out.

It must be noted that the NRF Act of 2021, the law that governs the fund, states that the resources can be used to sup-

port ‘national development’ priorities including any initiative aimed at realising a green economy. Additionally, the Minister of Natural Resources can make a request to Parliament for a withdrawal, in the event of a natural disaster.

GTUC issues warning In a statement to the media on Friday, the Guyana Trade Unions Congress (GTUC) urged workers to not accept the excuses of the government regarding its inability to increase pensions.

The union body argued, “The citizens/workers of Guyana must not accept Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s casual declaration and excuses about the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) inability to increase pensions without holding the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) and its Vice President personally responsible for fixing this current state of affairs.”

GTUC added that workers and pensioners must not accept that the “fabricated” 7000 lost GuySuCo jobs against the NIS report from the General Manager (GM), Ms. Holly Greaves, which said GuySuCo lost around 4000 employees in 2018.

The union quoted a statement made by the GM where she reassured that “while the restructuring of the Sugar Corporation had the potential to seriously affect the level of contributions received…a large number’ (around 60 percent) have re-registered as self-employed or have moved on to different companies.”

To this end, the body said that while a reduction in contributions would be of concern to the NIS, the labour market recharges itself as employment shifts from one sector to another which disqualifies Jagdeo’s statements.

According to the GTUC, “The Scheme has been reporting deficits in income versus expenditure in recent years, and would have been subjected to actuarial reviews

years prior advising on sustainable management which the PPP/C would have ignored too many times, bringing us to where we are today.

Many are scared and worried.

They have all the right to be.”

The union noted too that pensioners are a very vulnerable section of the population and amidst a global pandemic and a spiraling cost of living; many continue to struggle to keep afloat with their NIS earnings. To this end, they urged that the state of affairs be addressed immediately.

“It is insufficient for Mr. Jagdeo to merely state the Scheme’s inability to pay increases and of their intent to maintain pension or attempt to walk back what he said on Wednesday in Bath Settlement, Berbice, on the campaign hustings. Whatever problems exist with NIS should be laid squarely at Mr. Jagdeo’s feet and he, President Irfaan Ali, and the PPP/ C must fix these forthwith. NIS is the workers only safety net and it must not be allowed to become insolvent through poor political policies,” the union concluded.

Jagdeo response At a press conference he called on Friday too, the VP responded to the accusations that he made NIS bankrupt through the Berbice Bridge investment. Jagdeo did not make mention of any of the other investments made with the resources of the NIS, but explained that the Berbice Bridge venture led to returns in the billions for the agency.

While reading from the accounts performance of the NIS, Jagdeo said, “In 2015, it had an operating surplus of $968 million; in 2016 $161 million that is an operating surplus it was still more money; in 2017 $175 million in deficit; in 2018 $1.6 billion in deficit; in 2019 $1 billion in deficit; in 2020 $1.7 billion in deficit.”

He went on to say that Lawrence told the nation he invested $2.5 billion into common shares for the Berbice

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo addressing residents during his recent visit to Region Five Bridge; however, the facility’s total common shares only amount to $400 million.

He said, “They (NIS) invested $300 million in bond one, which is at nine percent, bond two is $760 million and that’s at a 10 percent rate then the subordinate debt $500 million at 11 percent, preference shares $950 million and common shares $80 million.”

When it comes to the returns from the investments, Jagdeo said the $300 million on the bond was repaid as well as $276 million in interest. On the $760 million, NIS received $995 million in interest. On the subordinate debt, the agency received $65 million so far and $517 million in interest. On preference shares, $268 million was made on the $950 million investment. On its common shares, NIS is yet to receive any return.

Overall, Jagdeo said about $2.59 billion was invested and $2 billion has been returned in interest and preference shares and another $1.3 billion in principal repayment. He boasted, “So far, they have received $3.3 billion from a $2.5 million investment. It’s the highest yielding instrument that yields more than the Treasury Bill…”

Petroleum Commission not a safeguard...

From page 3 the right model is in place as it is opposed to what was proposed by the former coalition via draft legislation for the Natural Resources Minister to be vested with absolute power over the Commission. “We admit that there is a lot of work to do on the regulatory side…we

are working on building capacity but we have challenges like any other place in the world,” the Vice President concluded on this matter. Jagdeo’s comments come in wake of an article published by Kaieteur News about a week ago. The article notes that it has been seven years since Guyana is

From page 3 confirm the truth of oil related expenses is very important.

Conducting those checks and balances has the poten-

tial to save Guyana as much as US$1billion dollars some experts have stated.

This is because, padded or inflated oil related expenses is

without an independent regulator for the sector.

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, in a previous interview with this newspaper had hammered home the importance of this crucial regulator while bemoaning the seeming unwillingness of the current government

to get the ball rolling on this matter. In a brief note to Kaieteur News, Ram had said, “The Government seems unwilling to set up an independent Petroleum Commission, and thereby remove the possibility of further secret deals and collusion between the politicians and the oil companies.

Ram had also expressed the firm conviction that this state of affairs, along with the absence of critical reports on ExxonMobil’s local content performance and its production offshore, do not augur well for transparency and accountability as promised by the Ali administration.

New company to audit oil expenses in a matter... usually a feature of oil companies and countries unable to ensure that they are not paying bloated oil sums usually fall into this

trap. So far, Guyana has an over US$30B oil expense bill.

Apart from the pre-development figures, Guyana

has a US$10 billion sum from its Liza 1 and 2 wells, US$9 billion from Payara and US$10 billion from the Yellowtail development.

PAGE 18

Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friends found dead at hotel parking lot… Magistrate recuses self from Jordans

Tests confirms presence of cyanide in substance found in car As a probe continues into the recent deaths of two friends whose bodies were found in a vehicle at the Marriott Hotel parking lot, preliminary analysis conducted overseas has confirmed the presence of cyanide in the whitish hard substance that was found near their bodies.

At least this is according to information released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday.

The ministry stated, “Preliminary analysis of the whitish hard substance found in the back seat of the vehicle where 25-year-old Paishnarine Ritchie Hansraj and 34-year-old Justin Teixeira were found dead in a hotel parking lot has confirmed the presence of cyanide.” With that being con-

The two friends who were found dead, Justin Teixeira (left) and Paishnarine Ritchie Hansraj firmed, police are now awaiting test results from the mens stomach contents to find out if indeed it was the consummation of the substance (cya-

nide) that led to their demise.

So far, the evidence obtained by police suggests that the friends might have committed suicide.

misconduct in public office case Principal Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, on Friday recused herself from presiding over an ongoing misconduct in public office matter against former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

Jordan was charged with misconduct in public office in December, 2021 and was released on $3M bail for allegedly selling a State Wharf way below its market value.

He made another court appearance on Friday, April 29, and his lawyers were expected to make their submission, but according to credible information received by Kaieteur News, the Magistrate assigned to the matter, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus recused herself from the case citing personal reasons.

As a result, the matter was postponed until May 12, 2022 and is now assigned to court three.

The Misconduct in Public Office charge was brought against Jordan by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The charge alleges that while being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26

and July 31, 2020 at Main Street, Georgetown, he willfully misconducted himself.

It further alleges that the former minister acted recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order, No. 50 of 2020, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc. absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances that is to say, Mud lots 1 & 2, F of Mud lot 3, A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276, for a property valued over $5B and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public trust and without reasonable excuse or justification.

Jordan was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to him.

On December 2, 2021, Jordan was arrested and later released on bail for a series of allegations relating to irregular transactions of public funds and state properties, estimated to value billions of Guyana dollars.

According to police, the first transaction that Jordan was interviewed on was in relation to the alleged sale and vesting of the states largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown, valued approximately US$40,000,000 but was reportedly sold for US$500,000. It is alleged that

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, when he was first arrested by SOCU the purchaser, BK Marines Inc., only paid US$100,000, which is 10 percent of the purchase price, and Jordan issued a vesting order passing Title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies.

The former Finance Minister was arrested again on Thursday by SOCU for another allegation brought against him pertaining to the sale of prime lands at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Disappointing news for NIS pensioners

DEAR EDITOR, It has been reported in one section of the online media that residents in Region Five, during an interactive outreach session, were told than an increase in NIS pensions was ruled out at this

time (Demerara Waves April 28).

Was this a Board decision? This is very disappointing and disheartening news for NIS pensioners.

It must be lamented as it is baffling that monies can be

found and injected year after year into the ailing sugar Corporation but the same cannot be meted out to the ailing NIS. This just ain’t right!

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Guyana heads to market for new investors...

From page 8 cooperated to build a worldleading forest Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) which enables Guyana to move to the next stage of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) with partners who share its vision for climate and biodiversity.

The MRVS system, built since 2009, will also act as a platform for integration with other ecosystem services markets.

ABOUT LCDS 2030 LCDS 2030 outlines how the Government of Guyana will accelerate economic growth and development in a non-polluting, low carbon way.

It outlines how Guyana will utilize and monetize its natural resources such as its lush and pristine forests in a sustainable manner so as to combat the impacts of climate

change.

The document also ensures the country’s worldclass forests, biodiversity, water and marine resources are valued for the vital contribution they make to the health of the planet.

The current draft that was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in late 2021 is undergoing a period of consultation with citizens on how the nation can re-double its efforts towards achieving the outlined vision, the roots of which can be traced back to 2009.

Here are some interesting facts about the important role Guyana’s forests play as noted in the LCDS 2030. * Guyana has the second highest percentage of forest cover on earth and is working with partners to sustain 99.5% of that forest while building the foundation for a new low carbon, ecosystem

economy. Government has said it expects to tap opportunities to access a market mechanism for forest climate services and other ecosystem services. This will enable Guyana to store 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (the measure used for greenhouse gas emissions). * Deforestation rates are among the lowest in the world and Guyana is one of only four countries in the world (and one of only two in the Amazon Basin) verified to have sustained a High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) state. * Guyana is one of four countries which host the Guiana Shield, one of the most pristine rainforest landscapes in the world. The Guiana Shield stores around 18% of the world’s tropical forest carbon and 20% of the world’s fresh water.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

PAGE 19

The shallow grave in which the woman’s body was found

Man confesses to killing wife, burying her in shallow grave

By Malisa Playter-Harry

D

ays after killing her and burying her body in a shallow grave opposite their home, a 55-year-old labourer confessed to police that he committed the heinous act on April, 22, 2022.

In police custody is Avemanen ‘Terry’ Permaul of Lot 33 Kilcoy/Chesney, Corentyne, Berbice. He was arrested for murdering his wife of over 30 years, Waynumattie Permaul called ‘Dataley’, a 53-year-old housewife of the same address. The couple shared four children including professional cricketer, Veersammy Permaul.

Permaul told police that he had beaten and choked his wife until she was unconscious and then wrapped her lifeless body in a bedspread. After this, the man said that he walked over to an empty lot, opposite their home, located some 100 yards away, dug a hole, then returned to the house and dragged the body into the hole and covered it with dirt before returning home.

Avenamen Permaul called Terry has reportedly confessed to killing his wife, Waynumattie Permaul As news broke of the g r u e s o m e d i s c o v e r y, neighbours and relatives were flabbergasted at the events surrounding the death of the woman.

Kaieteur News was told that the son of the couple, Ve e r s a m m y P e r m a u l , reported to police on April 28, 2022 that his mother had gone missing on April 22, 2022. He said it was unusual for her to leave without informing him or his other siblings but that they did not suspect the worst at the time.

Police immediately

launched a probe and visited the home of the couple.

There, the bottom flat was identified as the dwelling house of the woman while the husband stayed in the upper flat. As police searched the bottom flat, bloodstains were seen on the floor tiles and on the inside area of the front door. There were also bloodstains in front of the bedroom door, the foot of the bed and on the floor tiles in the bedroom.

Police immediately arrested the husband and took him in for questioning.

Under interrogation, the man told police that they were living separately in the house for two years now because they had “personal issues”. However, on April 22, 2022, at around 18:00 hrs, the husband said he was in the yard, in proximity to the victim’s bedroom when he overheard a conversation she was having with a male on her cellular phone. The details of the conversation immediately sent him into a state of rage, and he said he confronted the woman.

It was then that an intense argument erupted between

the two and he started to beat and choke the woman until she passed out. The man said that he grabbed the bedsheet from her bed and wrapped her body in it and left her there until it was dark.

Shortly after, he went about digging a shallow grave and dumping the body.

Following the shocking confession, the accused, led police ranks to the area where he buried the woman’s body.

When Kaieteur News visited the scene, the area – a large open space – was cordoned off with police crime scene tape. Though saturated with water from the overnight rain, a walk through the empty lot led this publication to a spot covered in water where a piece of burgundy cloth was in the water along with a lightcoloured piece of cloth and a black plastic bag. A neighbour, Stephanie Henry, confirmed that the waterlogged spot was where the woman’s body was retrieved by police.

Henry said that around

20:00hrs on Thursday, while she was in her home located next to the empty lot, she heard vehicles moving outside. Peeking to see what was going on, she said she saw police and other persons walking over to the empty lot and they appeared to be searching for something.

After sometime, the search was abandoned and they left but returned around 22:30hrs and continued the search again.

“I don’t know if they didn’t observe anything and they left and come back minutes after one o’ clock but the sound again made me wake up and when I look out, I saw police and more vehicles and I decided to come out on my landing,” she recounted.

According to the woman, after about an hour, she observed that the police ranks were pointing flashlights in one location and it was then that she heard one of them shouting, “the lady hay, the lady hay.”

Henry said her body became “weak” when she

Found dead in a shallow grave, Waynumattie Permaul realised that the police had found her neighbour’s body.

She said, “When dem tek she out the hole, they pass right here (near Henry’s home) with she and they put she in the hearse and then they put him in the police van and take them away.”

Henry described the woman and the man as friendly people who would often greet her, and others living nearby, when they would pass. Other neighbours also described the woman as being kind and friendly but noted that she would spend most of her time in the house. They claimed that they would only see her when she went to the market on Saturdays or church on Sundays.

SEN Unit closes off Autism Awareness month with Acceptance Outreach The house in which the woman was reportedly murdered

Businessman ‘accidentally’ shoots GRA’s scanner

P

olice are currently trying to contact a businessman who is accused of accidently damaging a Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) scanner on Wednesday.

The scanner, valued $1.3M, was at the time located in the guard hut of the GRA’s Camp Street, Georgetown office.

The man has been identified as a 55-year-old H a r l e m , We s t C o a s t Demerara (WCD) resident and, according to police, he accidently shot the scanner around 15:43hrs.

The GRA Camp Street, Georgetown office.

Special constables who were stationed in the hut told police that the man had gone there to conduct business and had lodged his firearm with them before entering the building.

After transacting his business, he

reportedly retrieved the weapon and while putting in his magazine, a round went off and hit the scanner.

Instead of sticking around, the man, according to police, decided to leave the premises.

T

he Special Education Needs Unit (SEN) of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Thursday closed off Autism Awareness Month 2022 with an Acceptance Outreach held at NCERD in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to a Ministry of Education release, National SEN Officer Ms. Savvie Hopkinson said that the activities held during the outreach are aimed at accelerating the formation of the desired attitudes, bring about changes and produce actions beneficial to those of who have Special Education Needs or live with disabilities and especially those on the autism spectrum.

She said that Thursday’s event provided the opportunity to share information to members of the public and inform them of available services to persons with disabilities. The event featured an information booth, teaching and learning resources and highlights on autism and how to become more accepting of persons affected.

Representatives of the Regional Special Education Needs and Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre including its Coordinator, Mr. Keon Cheong, were also present to conduct assessment and evaluative procedures for children.

The Step by Step Foundation which

Learners being engaged during Thursday’s event

serves and supports children on the autism spectrum also participated to provide information and guidance.

The Ministry of Health also partnered with the Ministry to provide ear and eye testing services.

Head of Curriculum, Ms. Omwattie Ramdin, prior to declaring the event open, said that the day must come when there will no longer be a need for awareness activities as there will be greater acceptance by society.

She said that she was very proud of the SEN Unit and the work done to help learners who have special education needs and bring awareness to autism and other learning disabilities.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 30, 2022

Volodímir Zelenski

Saturday April 30, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

De Kock knock lifts Super First practice match for Harpy Eagles set for Monday Giants as Punjab Kings fall flat SportsMax - Lucknow Super Giants moved to within two points of the Indian Premier League summit as Quinton de Kock’s stand helped see off Punjab Kings by 20 runs.

Opener De Kock scored 46 from 37 balls as the Super Giants reached 153-8 from their 20 overs yesterday. That was despite the efforts of Kagiso Rabada, who took 438, including the early wicket of Super Giants captain KL Rahul. Yet after Rahul’s dismissal, De Kock – with the assistance of Deepak Hooda (34) – guided the Super Giants from 13-1 to 98-2 before falling to Sandeep Sharma (1-18).

Deepak was run out by Jonny Bairstow in the next over to kick-start a middle-order collapse, but Dushmantha

Chameera’s 17 from 10 balls and an unbeaten 13 from Mohsin Khan added vital runs. Mohsin went on to impress with the ball for the Super Giants, taking 3-24 from his four overs, which included a maiden. Mayank Agarwal (25) and Bairstow (32) tried to get Punjab going, but both fell to Chameera (217) before Khan sent dangerman Liam Livingstone packing on 18 to all but end the Kings’ hopes – Rishi Dhawan’s flurry of 21 proving too little, too late.

De Kock back to form Rabada gave his best but it was fellow South African De Kock who was the difference in this match.

The wicketkeeper-batsman had only scored a combined 13 runs across his pre-

vious two appearances but was the anchor of the Super Giants’ innings here, with his 46 coming at a strike rate of 124.32 and including six boundaries – two of those were sixes. Mohsin shows his worth After adding a useful tally to the Super Giants’ score, Mohsin – who had only taken one wicket this season before Friday’s match – delivered with the ball, taking the key wicket of Livingstone (who has scored 60+ three times already this season) before dismissing Rabada and Rahul Chahar in the 18th over. Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 153 for 8 (de Kock 46, Hooda 34, Rabada 4-38) beat Punjab Kings 133 for 8 (Bairstow 32, Agarwal 25, Mohsin 3-24, Krunal 2-11) by 20 runs.

Saturday April 30, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There is some probability that you'll want to escape from reality today, Aries. You aren't anxious to face a situation that demands that you commit yourself.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You face a day of some conflict, Taurus.

Nevertheless, the discord will prove quite useful. This is probably one of the best opportunities in recent weeks to become aware of some family matters.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you admit you've made a mistake, people are more likely to forgive you. You have a confrontational day ahead, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may have been wishing for some recognition and appreciation lately. Perhaps you had your eye on a promotion at work.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If you happen to be training for a new trade, learning a new technique, or perhaps you're being evaluated after an internship period, you can expect these pursuits to conclude on a high note.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Although you might find the day ahead somewhat stressful, it's a key day in your professional evolution. Since you've lacked inspiration lately.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today the celestial energy will be trying to teach you something, Libra, specifically, how to share with others. But first you must get to a place where you truly want to share something of yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today's energy will be making you think only about your relationships, Scorpio.

It isn't easy to have relationships with others, as you may have noticed. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some of your demons may come back to haunt you today, Sagittarius. You could find yourself battling some of those same old doubts and insecurities .

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It might seem like you no longer completely believe in what you're doing, Capricorn, perhaps because you've been going a little too quickly in your quest to get what you need.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today's planetary energies will be very demanding, Aquarius. As you agonize over whether or not you're up to “standard."

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You seem to want to become old and wise before your time, Pisces. Today's aspects will take you by the hand and lead you back into the heat of the action.

CWI Regional 1ST Class season to resume on May 18 in T&T After several training sessions, the Guyana Harpy Eagles will intensify preparations with two practice games before the squad to depart will be announced for their remaining three matches in the 2022 CWI Regional Four-Day First Class cricket tournament inTrinidad. The first practice game is scheduled for the Everest ground on Camp Road on Monday with the second one set to commence on May 9.

The sides for the practices matches will be led by National Captain Leon Johnson and his Vice-Captain Essequibian Keemo Paul.

Guyana’s winning streak of five consecutive titles was broken in the 2020 season by Barbados who held an unassailable lead when the truncated season was halted due to Covid-19 pandemic with two rounds remaining in March 2020. Guyana began this season, where all the games were

played in Trinidad, by beating the Windwards Volcanoes by one wicket before the next game which ended on February 17 with an innings and 57 run defeat to the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Guyana oppose defending Champions Barbados from May 18, before coming up against Jamaica on May 25, while they face-off with Trinidad and Tobago from June 1 at the Queen’s Park Oval. (Sean Devers)

Former tennis champion Becker...

From page 23 17, he was the youngest and first unseeded player to claim the men’s singles title. He went on to two win more Wimbledon titles. Becker wore a tie in the purple and green colours of the Wimbledon tournament as he appeared in court on Friday.

Prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley accused Becker of “playing the system with bad faith” by concealing and transferring assets, and had deprived creditors of more than 2 million pounds ($2.51 million) in assets, none of which had so far been paid back. “When it suited him, he made full disclosure, when it didn’t, he didn’t,” she said as she urged the judge to pass a custodial sentence.

The former tennis champion was made bankrupt in connection with a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co, and under the terms of the bankruptcy order, he was bound to provide full disclosure of assets.

He was convicted of failing to declare a property in Germany, hiding an 825,000

Teams set for...

From page 24 Bet, Cummings Electrical, China Trading, Dave Lumber yard, Schlumberger, Maggie’s, Pure Diamond, Gold Target Exports and CIDI.

Zeeburg, Ghiswan...

From page 22 54 which contained two fours and two sixes and Dinesh George contributed 20. Bowling For Shamrock, Keon Alexander claimed 4 for 28, Tameswar Dass had 2 For 12 and Kapel Charandeen 2 For 28. Shamrock, in reply, could only reach 121 all out with Tavindra Mangra scoring 37 including five fours and one six, while Netram Dass made 19 and Keon Alexander 17.

Levroy Miggings and Mahendra Nankishore each took 2 for 8 and Akeem Hyman 2 for 20. The competition continues this weekend.

euro ($870,127) bank loan and shares in a Canadian technology firm. “We have noted the verdict regarding Boris Becker with regret,” the German Tennis Federation (DTB) said. “We wish him a lot of strength for the future.

He will forever be part of our tennis family.” Becker, who was head of men’s tennis at the DTB from 2017-2020, had denied all the charges, saying he had cooperated with the bankruptcy proceed-

ings - even offering up his wedding ring - and had relied on his advisers. Becker was acquitted at the trial of 20 other counts, including charges that he failed to hand over other assets, including two Wimbledon trophies and an Olympic gold medal. “His reputation, an essential part of the brand, which gives him work, is in tatters,” Laidlaw said.

“His fall is not simply a fall from grace and amounts to the most public of humiliations.”

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Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Magnum Independence Cup continues tonight Following two exciting nights of thrilling action highlighted by several unexpected results, the 4th edition of the Magnum Independence Cup resumes this evening at the National Park Tarmac, Thomas Lands.

In the opening match, Showstoppers lock horns with Festival City from 19:00hrs, while Sophia opposes Melanie from 19:30hrs.

In the third fixture, Tiger Bay battles Ansa McAl All-Stars at 20:00hrs, with Leopold Street matching skills with

Belfield Warriors from 20:30hrs.

The fifth match will then pit North East La Penitence against Stabroek Ballers at 21:00hrs, while Back Circle engages Mocha at 21:30hrs.

In the final two matches, Albouystown opposes Road Warriors at 22:00 hrs, and Sparta Boss takes aim at East Front Road at 22:30hrs.

Tournament coordinator Edison Jefford opined that the competitive nature of the tournament has been clearly illustrated following several unex-

pected results, which bodes well for the latter stages of the tournament. He further stated that this is indicative of the tournament’s overall appeal and fandom, as several teams have prepared diligently in their bid to claim the prestigious title.

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

pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

The other sponsors of the event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop,

Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

Fixtures - April 30th Showstoppers vs Festival City Sophia vs Melanie Tiger Bay vs Ansa McAl

Leopold Street vs Belfield North East vs Stabroek Ballers Back Circle vs Mocha Albouystown vs Road Warriors Sparta Boss vs East Front Road

Odyssey Sightseeing Tours 50 Overs cricket

Zeeburg, Ghiswan 84, Hubbard 70, Ranee 64 highlight first round The West Demerara Cricket Association Odyssey Sightseeing Tours 50-over competition commenced last weekend with two matches.

At Zeeburg, the home team beat Leonora Sports Club by 169 runs. Zeeburg batted first and managed 2376 in a match which was reduced to 19 overs.

Malcom Hubbard top scored with 70, which included one four and nine sixes, while Ronaldo Renee made 64 with two fours and five sixes. Jamal Gomes contributed 26 and Mahadan Dhanpaul 23. Bowling for Leonora Sports Club, Premindra Arjune had 3 for 21.

In reply, the visitors were

Malcom Hubbard (L) and Ronaldo Renee. bowled out for 68. Jetendra Kishore and Chris Mangal scored 13 each while Hubbard returned with the ball to capture 4 for 5 and Renee 2 for 22.

At West Meten- MeerZorg, the host beat Shamrock

by 71 runs. Batting first, in a reduced 30 overs game, Meten- Meer-Zorg A scored 192 all out in 29.4 overs.

Jetendra Ghasiwan made 84 with six sixes and five fours, while Adrian Johnson struck (Continued on page 21)

Saturday April 30, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Badminton players bow out at quarterfinal round in El Salvador PanAm body presents posthumous award to the late Gokarn Ramdhani Day 3 of the PanAm Individual Badminton Championship in El Salvador saw the curtains close on the Guyanese contingent who played strong and valiantly and got to the Round of 16 in Men’s Singles and Mixed Doubles and Quarter-Finals in the Men’s Doubles.

The results are as follows: Men’s Singles Round of 16 (Round 3), Narayan went up against Olympian Brian Yang,

ranked No. 33 in the World and also the No. 1 seed in the tournament and lost 21-2, 21-8.

Mixed Doubles, Round of 16 (Round 3), The Ramdhani Siblings went up against Ty Alexander Lindeman and Josephine Wu of Canada and lost 21-11, 21-9. Men’s Doubles, Quarter Finals (Round of 8), Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Bonkowsky went up against Job Castillo and Luis

Armando Navarro of Mexico and lost 21-14, 21-7. The Guyana Badminton Association would like to commend the players for a great performance at this tournament, this is the furthest we have ever come in this highly ranked tournament which provides a pathway for the players to qualify for the Panam Games 2023 in Chile. Once again gratitude is extended to the Ministry of Culture Youth and

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden…

Quarterfinalists to play on Tuesday High Rollers, Amazings, DC Ballers, and Whap-Whap secured their respective quarterfinal berths when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition continued on Thursday at the Silver City Hard-court.

High Rollers downed Hill Side Ballers 2-0 in the feature affair of the evening. Jonah Simon and Robin Adams made their presence felt in the 12th and 26th minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, Amazings brushed aside Universal Ballers 4-1. George Stephen bagged a double in the seventh and 12th minute, whilst Tyrese Lewis and Brentley Allicock scored in the 14th and 22nd minute apiece.

For the loser, Omari Gordon found the back of the net in the 19th minute. Similarly, DC Ballers downed Spikeland 3-0. Nicholas Gentle, David Fiedtkou, and Allan Halley scored in the eighth, 16th, and 21st minutes respectively.

On the other hand, What-

Whap edged Back Street Ballers 6-5.

Malcolm Miggins recorded the fastest goal in the history of the tournament for the victor, scoring in 10 seconds, alongside a 20th minute conversion.

Also adding goals in the win were Antwoine Gill in the eighth and 12th minutes and Jeshawn Moore in the 10th

and 22nd minutes.

For the loser, Seon Barrat netted in the fifth minute while Guinness Goals (GG) (a goal scored in the final three minutes count as two) were registered by Robin Wren and Isaiah Adams in the 28th and 29th minute apiece.

The quarterfinal round will be conducted at the same venue on Tuesday.

LONDON, (Reuters) German tennis great Boris Becker was jailed for two years and six months by a London court yesterday for hiding hundreds of thousands of pounds of assets after he was declared bankrupt.

Becker was convicted earlier this month of four charges under Britain’s Insolvency Act, including failing to disclose, concealing and removing significant assets following a bankruptcy trial.

The 54-year-old sixtimes Grand Slam champion was found guilty of transferring money to his ex-wife Barbara and estranged wife Sharlely after his 2017 bankruptcy.

“It is notable you have not shown remorse or ac-

ceptance of your guilt,” judge Deborah Taylor told him as she sentenced him at London’s Southwark Crown Court.

“While I accept the humiliation you have felt as a result of these proceedings, you have shown no humility.”

She said Becker would serve half his sentence behind bars and the remainder on licence. Becker, whose partner Lillian and son Noah were in court, looked straight ahead and showed no emotion as the sentence was handed down. He was previously convicted of tax evasion in Germany in 2002, for which he received a suspended prison sentence.

The trial had heard details of Becker’s career and how the former world number one, who won the Wimbledon

championship three times, lost his fortune following his retirement.

The jury heard how he claimed not to know the location of some of his trophies, how he took a highinterest loan from one of Britain’s richest businessmen, and tried to avoid bankruptcy by claiming to have diplomatic protection from the Central African Republic.

Becker’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, had told the court that the tennis player had been left with “literally nothing to show for what was the most glittering of sporting careers” and his case was “nothing short of tragedy” as he appealed for leniency.When Becker won his first Wimbledon final in 1985 aged (Continued on page 21)

Part of the action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition between Amazings and Universal Ballers.

Former tennis champion Becker jailed in UK bankruptcy case

Sports and the National Sports Commission for making this possible, a release from the association noted.

An award was also presented posthumously to Gokarn Ramdhani for his contribution to Badminton in the Pan Am Region. The award was received by his children Narayan & Priyanna. Gokarn Ramdhani served on the Executive Committee of Badminton Panam for the past four (4) plus years.

Vishnu Tolan, President Badminton PanAm, presents the Award to Priyanna and Narayan Ramdhani in recognition of the contributions of their father to the sport.

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Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

Systems in place for 13th annual Phillip Arokium memorial Cycle road race Top local cyclists will battle tomorrow May 1

GFF announces ‘Return to Play’ for all Regional Associations - Four RA Leagues to be launched

Ms Pearl Arokium Daughter of the late Phillip Arokium and Managing Director of the Arokium Funeral Home hands over the sponsorship cheque to organiser and coach Randolph Roberts as other staff members share the moment.

Arokium. community activist, sports The Flying Ace Cycle Phillip Club (FACC) of Berbice is The event will pedal off from enthusiast and former club getting back to its once busy the Arokium Funeral Home at member of the FACC. self with the staging of cy- Philadelphia Street, New Accepting the sponsorcling activities with the lift- Amsterdam at 09:00hrs. The ship on behalf of the FACC ing of Covid 19 restrictions riders will then proceed along was coach and organiser the New Amsterdam Canje Randolph Roberts who exin Guyana.

Having already staged a and Corentyne Highways to pressed his thanks to the few cycling event for the year Number 43 Village before turn- sponsor for their continued so far the next big event on ing back to finish at Main and support to the club and cythe FACC rooster is the 13th Alexander Streets, New cling in general. edition of the Phillip Arokium Amsterdam.

All of the top cyclists in the The race was recently un- country are expected to comMemorial 60-mile cycle road veiled at the entity’s Philadel- pete for the lucrative prizes race.

After a hiatus of a few phia Street facility where the at stake. Prizes will be years due to the Covid 19 re- sponsorship deal was sealed. awarded to the first six finishDaughter of the late ers, the first three juniors, first strictions the event is now back on the cards and will be Phillip Arokium and Manag- four veterans, the first three staged tomorrow, Sunday ing Director of the business females and as an added inMs. Pearl Arokium did the centive the first three beginMay 1st 2022.

The cycle race, which is honours on behalf of the spon- ners. Eight sprint prizes will open to riders throughout sors. Miss Arokuim stated be up for the taking.

Guyana, is being sponsored that the Funeral home is The beginners and feby the Arokium Family and pleased to be associated with males with ride from the Nand Funeral Home in memory of the cycling event in honour Persaud Rice Complex on the the late founder of the entity of her late father who was a Corentyne Coast to the fin-

Football’s governing body, The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), continues to surge ahead since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

On Friday, the Federation added another historic moment in their attempts to levitate the level of the sport throughout the nation.

The simple briefing included the Presidents of all nine Regional Associations namely the Bartica Football Association ( B FA ) , Berbice Football Associat i o n , E a s t B a n k FA , Essequibo Coast/ P o m e r o o n FA , E a s t Demerara FA, Georgetown FA, Rupununi FA, Upper Demerara FA and We s t Demerara FA. President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, disclosed that the Federation plans to play four Leagues during the remaining months of the official football season. All the events commence in May. These tournaments are: the Regional Association Senior Men League (May 15), GFF Women Development League (May 12), NAMILCO U17 Boys League (May 21) and the Blue Water Under-15 Girls Development League

(May 15). According to Forde, these Competitions will be official launched in a few days by their Regional Associations and the GFF Competition Department in collaboration with the Sponsorship partners at which the details of each competition will be made available.

The GFF Competitions team has been working closely with the Regional Associations to support the planning and preparation for Senior Male League.

At the moment there is in excess of 115 Clubs registered, the RFA leads with 26 Clubs and the GFA is second with 16 Clubs.

In alignment with the GFF Club Charter programme, all Clubs across our 9 Regional Associations are being deemed “Category Three Clubs” with the exception of the 10 Elite League Clubs.

Once these Regional Association Clubs completes the registration process, they receive four Size 5 balls, 25 Cones and 12 bibs.

An encouraging 90% of all clubs in Guyana have already completed registration. GFF aims to create history by having all 9 Re-

gional Association Leagues kicked off simultaneously on May 15.

Following that, the GFF Champions Cup, that will include the respective RA League Champions and the first runners up, will unfold in August as a straight knock out tournament.

The winner will be crowned the National Champion. The GFF Boss also said, “This Season will be of no consequence to the promotion or relegation of Clubs and is mainly to aid the preparation and capacity building efforts we are undertaking at Regional Association for the smooth rollout of the 2023 Season, which will kick off in September of this year and will see the return of the Elite League and a more structured Regional Association Male and Female competition programme.”

The heads of the RA were very appreciative of the Governing body’s drive in trying to keep football at the fore.

A few explained the painstaking challenges their association and players faced during the pandemic and elated to seize the opportunity to return to play.

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

Teams set for quarterfinal battles at GFC tomorrow Teams are ready for action in the quarterfinals of the Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village Knockout Football tournament tomorrow, Sunday, at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

The quarterfinal places were decided at Den Amstel on Sunday last and the eight remaining teams will look to make it to the final four where they are guaranteed a cash prize.

They are battling for attractive prize money and the respective trophies with a first prize of $600,000, second prize $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth $100,000 on offer. Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Company is the sponsor for the winning purse of $600,000.

Tomorrow’s quarterfinal play which starts at 6:00pm will see Bourda All Stars against Den Amstel in the opening game to be followed by Tucville facing West Side Spartan, then Sparta Boss tangle with Friendship Front and Diamond battle

Mayor Ubraj Narine Haslington. The winners will be the four teams in the lucrative money round. The 2022 edition of the Mayor’s Cup is in honour of current Mayor of Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine. Coordinator Lennox Arthur has expressed immense gratitude to the sponsors for their help and they include: IPA, DDL, Maggie’s, Digicel, Johil, John Fernandes, General Equipment, Busta, GTT, Namilco, Macorp, New Thriving, Sattar Gafoor, B. Megan, Pritipaul Singh, Ready Mix, Eddie Bobcat, Silvie’s, Caribbean Containers, E Networks, Super (Continued on page 21)

Saturday April 30, 2022

Kaieteur News

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s t r o Sp

GFF announces ‘Return to Play’ for all Regional Associations - Four RA Leagues to be launched

The heads of the Regional Associations following their meeting with the Guyana Football Federation at the GFF Training Centre, Providence.

Former tennis champion Becker jailed in UK bankruptcy case

Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda added 85 runs for the second wicket.

• Apr 28, 2022•BCCI

Former tennis player Boris Becker arrives with his partner Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro at Southwark Crown Court to face sentencing after being found guilty of four charges earlier this month, in London, Britain, April 29, 2022. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

De Kock knock lifts Super Giants as Punjab Kings fall flat

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