Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Serious deficiencies Tuesday Edition August 25, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 34

exposed in GRA's system - CANU report p.

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Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

- rice miller urges tougher controls

Online readership yesterday 156,973

It wouldn't hurt Exxon to pay its - Foreign own taxes Investors

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PNCR's Chair, Volda Lawrence, released on bail for election fraud p.

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- Mingo still to be served

Ponzi scheme owners still in custody as cops visit their home p.

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74 new cases push COVID-19 to 1,029 p.

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Police foil Lands returned to Reg. 5 Farmers robbery plan after battle with on mining camp former REO p.

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Renegotiation MUST be our primary focus ExxonMobil has refused to pay the extremely small fines imposed by Guyana's environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Exxon's blunt refusal and delays in paying these token fines reflect its absolute contempt and disrespect for Guyana, its laws and its people.

These fines are akin to the cost of candies. Yet, the EPA has had to threaten legal action in order to ensure compliance by ExxonMobil.

This is part of the strategy which oil companies employ w hen dealing w ith poor countries. They force the local regulatory agencies to expend their energies and limited financial resources in going after candies while they are clearing out the whole confectionery store. It is a strategy to frustrate and to humiliate, to have us bowed and then force us to eventually beg.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has had to send a stern warning to ExxonMobil that it will have to pay the fines imposed by the EPA. That it had to take such a high-ranking official to read the riot act to Exxon shows the disregard and indifference shown by the

company.

Exxon must comply with the country's environmental regulations. At the same time, the country must not lose sight of the bigger picture, rather than counting the crumbs that are being thrown its way. Guyana must focus on the immediate renegotiation of the scandalous Production Sharing Agreement.

Yes, we must insist on respect for our environmental laws, but we must also recognize that it is these minor issues with which the oil companies want to keep us preoccupied while they have license to steal our oil wealth.

Guyana's Vice President, with vast oil oversight responsibilities, is no doubt strategizing about how to beat Exxon at its own game.

Guyana should not take its eye off the prize: the opportunity which is now presented to obtain a better deal and to stop the heist of our oil riches.

Environmental penalties must be paid but, more importantly, we should also receive our just dues.

We should avoid fighting over candies when this only diverts our attention and allows the oil companies to plunder our resources.

Advisory Committee being established to address fiscal loopholes in oil deals - VP Jagdeo p.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Advisory Committee being established to address fiscal loopholes in oil deals - Vice President Jagdeo

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he 2016 Stabroek Block Production S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil is fraught with fiscal loopholes. One of these speaks to the absence of ring fencing provisions. As a result of this state of affairs, ExxonMobil can transfer costs from unsuccessful wells to those that actually are. It can also transfer costs from developing wells and deduct it from producing wells. This results in a reduction of the profits that would be available to split between the government and the oil company.

During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, was asked to say how such fiscal loopholes would be addressed. The former Head of State acknowledged that indeed this is a challenge but was keen to note that it would not be allowed for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks which the American multinational intends to drill before the end of the year.

Further to this, the o ff i c i a l s a i d t h a t t h e government has taken steps to set up a committee which would provide advice on these matters, among others.

Dr. Jagdeo said, “...They will say, 'this is what you can achieve in light of the loopholes in the contract.'

They are going to put together a negotiating brief

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo which will say - 'here are the activities that could form part of local content and help Guyana retain more value'.”

The official said that the government will be benefiting from the experience of Trinidadian Petroleum Expert, Anthony Paul, and the others. “We will talk to them (because) this is about getting more value for our people,” the Vice President expressed.

IMF CONCERNED Since 2015 to now, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious concern about the absence of e ff e c t i v e r i n g f e n c i n g provisions in Guyana's oil deals In 2018 for example, the IMF warned that Guyana could very well experience (continued on page 8)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 03

How did the money leave the countr y?

Ponzi scheme owners still in custody as cops visit their home A

s investigators continued their probe into an alleged multi-billion dollar pyramid scheme involving Accelerated Capital Inc., its two principals, Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael, remain in custody.

Investigators are zeroing in on how and if the money taken from investors ever left Guyana and whether due diligence was conducted to determine if money collected came from legit sources.

The latter is important as the country has tough international anti-money laundering laws.

Yesterday, as the 72-hour maximum period for keeping suspects in custody expired, lawyers were desperately attempting to get bail.

However, AttorneyGeneral Anil Nandlall, was concerned in ensuring that there are no attempts to flee and that there are measures in place for “victims” to receive reimbursement.

Garcia-Dominguez is reportedly assuring investigators that he has the means to wire the money down but he cannot do so while in jail.

The Bank of Guyana has already waded into the matter.

Based on the Bank of Guyana investigation, it appears that several banks, including Bank of Baroda; Republic Bank; Demerara Bank Limited and the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry have all closed the accounts of Accelerated.

Based on the transaction history, the accounts did not contain many transactions as is being reported. Definitely not billions. At one time, the highest balance at Bank of Baroda was $14.6M. “Previous accounts at commercial banks showed transactions, including foreign exchange transactions, which were small and insignificant.”

IN CUSTODY: Yuri Garcia Dominguez and wife Ateeka Ishmael

So how did billions of dollars left Guyana?

It was not through the banking system. GarciaDominguez has an explanation. He says that the cash was paid to locals for bitcoins- bitcoins are digital currency.

BITCOINS? Of course, this is raising concerns for authorities. If the scheme was legit, why use bitcoins The operations of Accelerated seemed to have roped in several prominent businessmen and women who believed that they were investing in something legit.

From small business owners, to ordinary workers, persons were buying in for the high

returns.

The Guyana Securities Council (GSC), police and other authorities met with Attorney-General Nandlall last week on the matter.

The GSC said it had published notices since last year and then earlier this year after it became aware that Accelerated was not registered.

In fact, it was only recently that Accelerated attempted to register as a broker.

The matter had also dragged in former Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, after it became known that the Cuban national became a citizen of Guyana in June.

In a statement yesterday, Felix, a former

Commissioner of Police, denied that he and then Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, under t h e A P N U + A F C administration, were informed about the suspected illegal investment (pyramid scheme) after publications were seen in the newspapers giving notice that Garcia-Dominguez had applied to the Minister of Citizenship for naturalization in Guyana.

“Let me say in clear and unambiguous terms that while I cannot speak for the former Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan, I cannot recall ever receiving information in any format, whether orally or in writing, from the Guyana Securities Commission (GSC) in connection with a person named… as Dominguez involvement in a Ponzi scheme.”

He said he did recall receiving a letter dated 2019.08.28 from his superior. “Attached to this letter was an anonymous and undated letter in which allegations of illegal financial trading were undertaken by certain Cuban nationals married to Guyanese and seeking to use that relationship to secure naturalisation in Guyana…”

FELIX SAYS He said he sent the correspondence to the police commissioner for a possible

investigation.

“I had instructed my staffers that the application

by Garcia-Dominguez and any other person associated with him should be put on pause until such time that the police investigation was completed. I am satisfied that my instructions were given due adherence…”

Felix pointed out that it seems that GarciaDominguez had married a Guyanese and according to the provisions of the Constitution of Guyana, sought citizenship through naturalization.

“This application was under investigation and he was advised that he is required to publish his application for naturalisation in two separate issues of newspapers circulating in the district in which he lives to elicit any negative information of his character.

Dominguez did comply and had a notice of his application for naturalisation published in one of the daily newspapers.

These activities occurred prior to the application being put on pause.”

Felix said that the Department of Citizenship did not receive any response from this notice. “May I restate that since this Dominguez' notice of his application for naturalisation was published in the newspapers, the Department did not receive any letter from the Guyana Securities Commission in this

connection. I acted on the letter I received from my superior.”

He said that he did receive a letter dated 202004-17, seven months after the investigation commenced, that following advice from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), “this matter be treated as closed a n d t h a t Yu r i G a r c i a Dominguez and Laicy Garcia Pedroso continue the process of applying for citizenship.”

He said that as there were no other restraining circumstances to necessitate official action to prevent the naturalisation process, Garcia-Dominguez' naturalisation form was signed on 12th June, 2020, just about two months after the DPP “treated the matter as closed”.

“It is unfortunate that except for an anonymous letter none of the seventeen thousand Guyanese (17,000) affected by the 'Ponzi' scheme responded to the letter published in the daily newspapers.

It seems to me that the investigators were deprived of essential information necessary to build a strong case against the alleged perpetrator(s) but to ascribe blame or attempt to do so on specious grounds enveloped in falsity will not provide credible answer(s) to the issues involved in this matter,” the former minister said in his statement.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

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

Shutting down if not prospering “We might as well shut down the oil sector if Guyanese don’t share in the prosperity.” So said Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during an interview on Kaieteur Radio last week.

We wholeheartedly agree with what is an unambiguous statement of likely seriousness, which we at this paper would support, if the decision makers at Exxon do not yield for our benefit.

We now reduce this to the everyday, so that every Guyanese could understand and appreciate where we are coming from, and what are our concerns. If someone comes into our kitchen and continuously carries away the goods, without material benefits coming our way for our families and their wellbeing, then we might as well close the door and keep our rations.

Like perishable agricultural commodities and animal products, if the price is not right, then it simply does not make any sense to keep going down the same unprofitable road.

For before long the household goods, our national patrimony, will be depleted and gone, with nothing to show for it, but our regret, our pains, and our tears.

Exxon should get us straight, and this is what we think Mr. Jagdeo is saying and the way his government is leaning at the present time. Guyana is not asking for an arm and a leg, not even a pound of flesh. All that it is asking for is more than the terms of a contract that compels to scratching out a living and which forces us to being content with merely getting by.

The current provisions of the partnership, as enshrined in every clause of that dastardly contract reduces us to beggars. We say that that is not good enough. Because the question that could be reasonably asked then is this: what are we living for, if not to surrender our dignity and our prosperity to the greed of Exxon and its partners?

We ask for a careful and sensible listening to what we are saying almost without interruption. What we are saying and putting on the table is that the leaders of Exxon pause and listen for a start, which would be the height of corporate wisdom. Give Guyana a better deal, be a better partner by spreading the wealth around, where all parties get a piece of the rich action, and both sides could develop both regard and appreciation of the other. Currently, this is not the case, for what we have is too lopsided and skewed in ExxonMobil’s favour. And whenever Exxon is favoured so richly, then all Guyana comes out poorly. However this is twisted and turned, at the end of the day, Exxon always comes out ahead with the bigger piece of the pie and a richer share. What could be better than that for the company? What could be worse than that for us Guyanese?

We cannot go on like this, and something must give. It is why we are encouraged by Vice President’s Jagdeo clearly stated position, which most likely has been given serious and continual weighing within senior government circles. Exxon must listen and recognize what it must do, and early.

For when Exxon steps up and does its part by being more receptive to our positions and more generous with the oil proceeds, then everybody prospers. We want it to make money, and by the same token, we wish that the company will make good money from Guyana.

How can it not do so, and hand over fist? But when all is said and done, we too must make money from our oil wealth. It must not be the patronizing pittance of a handout and a trickle, but of the truly prospering that helps us carve out and become masters of our own destiny.

Vice President Jagdeo in going public about contemplating ‘shut down’ was not threatening. We hope that he was not blustering or bluffing.

He was simply articulating the power of our passions and the promise of the lengths we may be forced to go if Exxon does not respond with the practical and constructive.

It must be what is practical for the company and this country.

It must be only about what is constructive for both in this oil undertaking.

We are outraged by the treatment of Renatha Exeter DEAR EDITOR, We, the undersigned, are outraged by the blatant attempt to disparage the character and reputation of Guyoil CEO, Ms. Renatha Exeter, in what can only be described as unadulterated filth emanating from a depraved misogynistic mind.

It is a fabrication, with absolutely no validity.

Ms. Exeter is an accomplished, educated individual who has worked in managerial and executive positions with GTT, ANSA

McAL and Guyoil. As most women know and have experienced in corporate Guyana, you have to work twice as hard for less reward and often be subjected to sexist remarks.

But the attack on Ms. Exeter was beyond the pale.

We hope that the perpetrator(s) is/are found and suffer the maximum brunt of the law, but we also want to take issue with those who chose to circulate this garbage without any fact check, knowledge of the person defamed or any sense

of decency. That some women chose to share, and add their own interpretation to the salaciousness, is a reflection of how debased we have become as a society.

The woman you have disparaged is a daughter and has a daughter. When next you think about sharing a demeaning post with scant regard for its veracity, think about how you would feel if it was your mother, your sister or your daughter who was the target.

Sincerely, Beverley Harper Josephine Whitehead

Sharda Veeren-Chand Ayo Dalgety-Dean Denise Dias Alana King Maya Trotz Chelsea Fung Vanda Radzik Jocelyn Dow Kathleen Whalen Padma De Lima Danuta Radzik Alissa Trotz Saskia Wijngaarde Bonita Harris Renata Chuck-a-Sang Racquel Thomas Karen De Souza Rev. Patricia Sheerattan Bisnauth

There are some concerns about how we are dealing with COVID-19 DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your media to share and or raise some concerns pertaining to COVID 19 in our country. Firstly, our education sector is in serious trouble as it relates to the delivery of education from nursery to university and our nation is severely suffering especially our younger population.

Though some effort is made to deliver education through the internet to our populace, lots of families will tell you that it’s not working for them because they are either affected by “no internet”, “can’t afford Internet”, “ don’t have the necessary computer or

tablet”, and such like.

I am suggesting that the One Laptop Per Family program and the free egovernance internet drive (which was started by Vice President Jagdeo when he was the President), would have been a plus to this elearning situation, maybe with some adjustment.

Secondly, what happened to that piece of legislation where media houses have to give free airtime for public service announcements or something of the sort.

The ANPU+AFC government led by then Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo did table something to this effect and was approved by the Legislature. If such does

exist, isn’t the current COVID 19 pandemic a need for this to be put in place?

Thirdly, I have seen via the media, persons charged and placed before the courts for breaching the various COVID-19 guidelines but yet I see daily gatherings at the creek, seawall, often “protest” and “support” for one reason or another and all happening within sight of the police. Take the Georgetown seawall for example.

The police headquarters is in that same area but no action is taken. Is this too much for Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie? Fourthly, I see on a daily basis over crowded public transportation with police on the roads

controlling traffic but yet most of these guilty persons, passengers and drivers are allowed to go without even a warning. What’s happening here?

Only Sunday 23rd August, I passed an out of zone minibus stopped at Providence Police Station.

This bus was fully loaded to such a capacity that at least one young lady was sitting on someone else. I saw this from the gas station opposite.

I now see that the Health Minister is saying that persons will be charged for failing to wear mask in public.

Who is policing that?

Yours truly, F. Ali

The acceptance of advisory roles call into question motives of small party leaders DEAR EDITOR, I think the naming of Mr. Ralph Ramkarran as an advisor is a sound, commendable step. He brings maturity, responsibility, and credibility to the table. There is, also, the wisdom of what Guyanese call an ‘ole head.’

It is the way it should be, and I believe that the former Speaker of the House will add a layer of restraint to the more rambunctious and raucous impulses that come too easily to too many of the people at the helm, with the veteran ones standing out sharply.

Whether the new people will listen to him is another story, but I think he could make a difference on the thorny, sensitive, and controversial in a crunch.

I am sure that there will be heat from the opposition people that it is payback for positions and support during the electoral disputes and impasses. In some respects, the party that Mr. Ramkarran founded with others, ANUG,

runs the severe risk of now being labeled a red herring and Trojan Horse that had objectives of distracting and undermining the coalition. I think he and his group must be aware of that; they are in a better position than me to defend or advocate as to the merits of the acceptance and alignment with the PPP government.

Speaking for myself, I would have preferred that Mr. Ramkarran had remain aloof and well outside of the mix. I say this because it questions the authenticity and objectives of the new groups that contested the last elections, with Guyana watching to see who else from which other groups will be rewarded.

And, of course, hay will be made of all those spirited and dogged positions taken by leaders of the smaller parties against the interests and thrusts of the now defeated PNC-led coalition. What were their objectives at the deepest

core?

Second, I think that this will be the lot of Mr. Lenox Shuman, whose first order of business must be to look in the mirror and at where his resolve did go, the same resolve so publicly delivered and so supposedly honorably intended.

I seem to remember (though if I am wrong, please pardon) that candidate Shuman had held his hand over his heart and fervently promised something to the effect that there would be no merging, blending, or aligning with either of the two majors.

I admit that that was at the party level.

But, in my mind, the person and the party are inseparable. In other words, what was committed to on behalf of the party must apply to the full to the man making the political oath. Again, I am prompted to be real, since in real life promises made on the political hustings and the heat of battle are never sanctified

and made inviolable by a hand on the Bible (or whatever sacred tome fits). That was then, this is now.

Rather regrettably, appointed advisor Shuman has earned a sterling reputation as a composer, and arranger of a certain kind of music, and for which he negotiates well. He certainly has succeeded at the individual level, which makes me wonder what will take center stage for him.

I do hope, and I give him the benefit of good wishes, that he will not be of the selfserving feathering, but of the hard demands for what is needed in Guyana. I think he will be judged best as events unfold.

On the part of the PPP, I must congratulate it on the tactical and strategic visions embodied in these advisor appointments. In two of these choices, the party has effectively harnessed and now hold close two (continued on page 5)

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

A CHECKLIST FOR TESTING AND PREVENTING THE OIL”DUTCH DISEASE” DEAR EDITOR, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo gave a very comprehensive and detailed presentation of the Government’s positions on the new oil and gas industry in an interview with Kaieteur Radio’s Kiana Wilburg.

In contrast to the lack of transparency on the oil and gas sector by the previous APNU/AFC administration, Jagdeo clearly stated that the Government is determined to provide sound and mature leadership, to support expert management and to have public consultations.

Jagdeo emphasized that the Guyanese nation has to avoid becoming a victim of the “Dutch Disease” that has underdeveloped most oilproducing countries where there is persistent poverty and inequality, and a heavy dependence on oil exports for their export revenues.

He stressed that Guyana’s share of the oil funds has to be used to support the growth of a diversified economy and an export marketing program.

One of Guyana’s greatest challenges ever will be to build a diversified economy with an oil industry.

One of the countries with an oil industry that successfully diversified its economy is Malaysia. For decades, it has had an oil industry in an open and diversified economy. Malaysia is among the top twenty most competitive nations in the world.

Interestingly, Malaysia has had a history of inter-ethnic rivalry similar to Guyana’s. After massive “Race Riots” in 1969, the Malay, Chinese and Indian leaders worked together and successfully minimized poverty by increasing

The acceptance of advisory...

From page 4 potentially potent outsiders.

I would go further to say in one of the two instances that I identified, neutralized might be the more applicable term fitting the moment.

As for the third citizen, that should surprise no one since his recent roles could not have been more partisan.

Though doubtful, I trust that a positive may emerge here and there. Now if I were a part of the leadership of the other small political parties that were in the fray, my own ambitions and optimisms would be for some similar government recognition.

Surely something could be found for me, too. A handsome sinecure would be a good start.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

incomes across and within all ethnic communities. The leaders’ bottom line was that not one ethnic community would experience any kind of loss or feel any sense of deprivation.

At present, Guyana is the sixth (6th) poorest of thirtytwo (32) countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Without a plan to develop a diversified economy over the next 20 years, Guyana’s future will be persistent poverty with the dreaded “Dutch Disease”.

That would be a disastrous outcome for the Guyanese nation.

Most Guyanese, including myself, have no experience and very little knowledge of the oil and gas industry. Just as how there is a checklist for the public to be aware of the symptoms and measures to detect and prevent Covid-19, including its effects on all the organs of the human body, we need a checklist on the main signs and measures for detecting and preventing the “Dutch Disease”, especially its effects on the political, financial, economic and social spheres of our Guyanese nation.

As non-experts, the Guyanese people will be able to do regular checkups with this checklist, and support the government in monitoring, evaluating, learning and adjusting policies to avoid the “Dutch Disease”.

“Dutch Disease” in the political sphere- An oilproducing country has been infected when [1] there is political instability and increased interethnic rivalry; [2] national institutions are weak, ineffectual and corrupt; [3] the people have less say in governance; [4] there are dismal performances on international governance indicators such as government effectiveness, the rule of law and the control of corruption; and [5] real and perceived corruption has increased.

Free of “Dutch Disease” in the political sphere - A successful oil-producing country has [1]political stability; [2]ethnic communities who have come together and agreed on inclusive governance to significantly

reduce poverty;[3]equal opportunities for all ethnic communities and social classes;[4] strong government institutions; and[5] a political class and a citizenry who practice the principles of anti-corruption, accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law.

“Dutch Disease” in the financial sphere- An oilproducing country has been infected when [1] the Government is over-dependent on oil income for its revenues; [2] there is unrestrained public spending; [3] projects are funded by borrowing from the forward sales of crude oil; [4] the exchange rate appreciates significantly and it negatively affects the competitiveness of the non-oil economic sectors; [5] foreign debt and the debt-to-GDP ratio increases; and [6] the political class wastes resources on luxurious lifestyles and consumes mainly foreign goods.

Free of “Dutch Disease” in the financial sphere - A successful oil-producing country has [1] a policy to ensure that only a third (1/3) of government revenues come from the oil and gas sector; [2] a more diverse tax base, and more of the earnings from local and foreign investments are re-invested in Guyana; [3] good budget planning, and the capital budgets are efficiently and effectively implemented; [4] no borrowing for projects from future sales of oil; [5] a low foreign debt and a decreasing debt-to-GDP ratio; [6] a stable exchange rate and low risks of recession and inflation; and [7] no extravagance and no wastage of public resources.

“Dutch Disease” in the economic sphere - An oilproducing country has been infected when [1] crude oil exports are a very large and increasing percentage of all exports; [2] the local private sector’s contribution to GDP is decreasing, and most local and foreign investments are highly skewed towards the oil-related sectors; [3] there is little economic diversification and the competitiveness of the non-oil sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing, is declining;

[4] most businesses are unable to identify, diversify and successfully pursue highervalued export activities because of the absence of effective institutions that will discover export opportunities; [5] the export of services is not growing; and [6] there is an increasing dependence on all kinds of imports and a growing importation of raw materials that could be produced in Guyana.

Free of “Dutch Disease” in the economic sphere – A successful oil-producing country has [1] decreased oil exports as a percentage of all exports; [2] a national development program to grow a diversified economy to end poverty; [3] an increase in productivity through better management, mechanization and technology; [4] used oil funds to restructure the economy by financing infrastructure such as electric power, roads, ports, railways, solar power, broadband, and by financing Research and Development (R&D) to support the growth of a competitive local private sector and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in the non-oil sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, engineering,

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and tourism; [5] more resource-based manufacturing using raw materials from the food, wood, solid mineral and mining sectors to create products for the construction and housing industries; [6] free trade zones, industrial estates and export institutions that effectively support the private sector to assemble and produce a diversity of valueadded exports for current and new markets; and [7] a reduction in some food imports which are replaced by quality local products.

“Dutch Disease” in the social sphere - An oilproducing country has been infected when [1]all types of crime are increasing; [2] professionals are paid low salaries compared to foreign professionals; [3] the education system produces the wrong graduates and it is tailored to bureaucracy instead of the productive sectors; [4] more jobs are created in the public service than in the private sector; [5] there are not enough job opportunities for youth who are the overwhelming majority of the

population; [6] there is a brain drain and there are no limits on the number of foreign employees; and [7] political office holders are highly paid while workers and farmers earn relatively low incomes.

Free of “Dutch Disease” in the social sphere – A successful oil-producing country has [1] a low crime rate; [2] increased incomes for all citizens; [3] reduced rural poverty by diversifying and modernizing agriculture; [4] more education programs to train youth, women and other citizens for an economy that produces diversified products for an expanded export marketing program; [5] a decrease in the number of foreign employees; [6] more jobs in the productive sectors than in the public sector, and most youth have jobs or business ventures; and [7] there is brain circulation from the Diaspora instead of a brain drain.

Geoffrey Da Silva Former Minister, Chief Executive Officer and Ambassador

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

How genuine were those new political presence DEAR EDITOR, I observe developments unfolding in the political arena at the individual level, and I ask myself a few probing, sobering questions.

I think every Guyanese, regardless of political inclinations, should do the same. I take a few positions, arrive at fewer conclusions.

Those new presences and faces in the recent political wars of Guyana, how genuine were they? They spoke stirringly and sweetly about democracy and constitutional reform and patriotism and clean governance and pristine oil management, and I thought to myself that these people do not know what they talk of; they represent nothing, for they were too good to be true.

I amend that slightly: they represented something: it was that which positioned them smartly and strategically to join the ranks of the selfserving Guyanese political plutocracy. I face it that old and new, with few exceptions, were about the callings of the plutocracy, the power and prestige that come from being a part of it, the money (and other magics) that make flourishing possible from

being within its ranks. This is what being idealistic and patriotic means in this country, when the transparent layers of sweet talk are peeled away. Ironically, it is the only thing in this place that is of the transparent.

I read of some rising, and I inquire: how come? How so early? How so easily and willingly?

How so unashamedly? To ask and answer, I share what quite a few watching, listening, and sensible citizens already know.

Some from among the newer and younger and fresher were already working both sides of the street during the elections’ impasses and turmoil.

In the business world it is called combining or merging; in the political here, it is known as coalescing. Men and women had already dedicated themselves to selling.

That is, they had reached out to both the PPP and PNC to ascertain the level of hospitality for joining the ranks and being recognized later for the parts they played during the disputes. In sum, they were ready to sell then, and they did. Look at this closely and appreciate what was at work. During our

crippling national traumas, some of the new faces were busy plotting and positioning for life after elections, in selfserving forward thinking of a rare scurrilous sort.

While this country labored on life support, some of the new people were calculating, right beside the deathbed, the bequests coming their way for the dirty arrangements delivered. I am not concerned with personal failure before party; I am focused on the additional wretchedness heaped on those Guyanese voters, who believed and trusted, only to be sold down the drain.

I am forced to salute such patriots, who conspire with their consciences (if they ever had one) in conspiracies against the comrades and planks with which they had previously identified. Now the lights of truth and of what is authentic shine. Some of the sensible, the real ones, have packed their bags and faded away. I give them a hand. But there are those ones that remain to collect their silver in return for their exchanges. These are the people who will lead us to the promised land. I will take Syria or Libya.

In Guyana, there are no

secrets, and part of the reason for that culture is that its sons and daughters speak from so many sides of their mouths.

They leak deception.

They drip with the devilish.

What price ambition? What price can make them sell themselves so effortlessly? One of the things I harp about (yes, that) is character, the thorough lack of it during the times needed, in the places where it is most missing. Some think that I am off the reservation with this one, but there is the sum of evidence in the preponderance of its incontestable and infallible presence. Who stands for something here, anything? I would be surprised if there are not a few more being named for their work behind the scenes.

Look at it, Guyana’s electionsa long season of the sordid and sickening-began with suspected conspiracy and what was concluded to be palpable treachery. It started on December 21, 2018, with the no-confidence development.

And nineteen torturous months later, it ended with emerging figures now looked upon as this country’s Cassius and Brutus.

Regardless of how the numbers were and finally took shape, the PNC-led coalition would be justified in believing that the deck was stacked against it from the inception and that it did not have a ghost of a chance. For when I analyze matters and people, I come to this hard place: there were more willing sellers than ready buyers.

And men sold themselves cheaply. One king of England was ready to relinquish his kingdom for a horse; in long ago Israel, one hungry sibling sold his birthright for a pot of stew. In Guyana, it is a new day, and same old story. New faces, but old goods.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Kudos on oil reporting and commentaries DEAR EDITOR, I applaud your newspaper and courageous reporters for their undivided focus on issues pertaining to the oil industry. There has been outstanding, investigative reporting that keeps the nation informed on oil and on the environment. Your paper deserves kudos for their work.

Some of your commentaries on oil and gas and the giveaway of rainforests for petty bribes are/were compellingly written.

Your reporters and the publisher are courageous.

Your paper deserves honors for journalism on environmental issues and on how the oil company takes advantage of Guyana because of terrible political leadership of the preceding regime that had an opportunity in 2016 to reset the terms of the oil contract but opted to leave it.

No other media house is so obsessed with righting the policy for the emerging oil and gas industry. Before the March 2nd election rigging, I myself had done substantial writings on oil and gas which I had studied decades earlier in my post-graduate studies in Economics.

As reported in studies, the revenues from oil and gas contributed significantly to development of capital projects in Third World countries. Most of these countries received about 15% of royalties plus profits; one or two percent for royalty is unheard of.

And oil companies pay all oil expenses related to the payment of the royalty.

Countries pay no costs for oil exploration or in the receipt and sale of oil and they don’t pay the taxes of the oil company. If the preceding had sought a higher percentage

when the contract was negotiated in 2016, there was a possibility of getting close to the international standard of 15% royalty plus profit sharing. Now it is more difficult, if not impossible, for the Ali led administration to break a contract and seek renegotiation.

Your recent exposes on oil and gas and the pollution created from flaring are somewhat comprehensive and very damning. They are very troubling. And the polluter needs to be held accountable – not for US $2250 that the EPA is demanding. How about US $22M fines; it is laughable that the EPA (Vincent Adams) is suing Exxon for $2250. Is he serious? Fines in the US for pollution are very hefty in the hundreds of millions of American dollars.

In the US, it is almost impossible to pollute and get away. The US EPA won’t allow it and would shut down the company. The American population holds the companies (polluters) accountable through the politicians.

If the politicians don’t act in the interest of the population, the people booth them out and run for office themselves or support another candidate that would champion the peoples interest. American politicians are fearful of their constituents; they don’t vote exclusively on race. Issues and community concerns play a large part in voting.

Your paper accurately reported on the dangerous levels of toxins that are released in the environment that would make their way into the mainland of South America or the Caribbean islands.

In the US, the companies would be forced to take measures to reduce the pollution. They would have severe effect on people, damaging the health of children. Every effort must be made to reduce flaring.

The gas should be captured and returned back to the field or brought on land for power generation and or making various products or starting new industries – ammonia, nitrate, methanol, ethanol plants, gas bottling, etc.

Separately, while I applaud the paper for its fantastic work focusing on the problems associated with oil and gas industry, this should not prevent paper from giving space to exposing corruption and racketeering of the preceding regime Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 07

DPP to make decision on way forward for Lowenfield's criminal charges on Sept. 11 T

he Director of P u b l i c Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, is expected to make a decision on September 11, 2020, on the way forward for the criminal charges filed against the Chief Elections O ff i c e r ( C E O ) , K e i t h Lowenfield.

Lowenfield yesterday made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

who was accompanied by one of his attorneys, Senior Counsel Neil Boston.

When the matter was called a representative from the DPP's office, Tarique Mohamed, informed the court that the DPP has intervened in the matter and that on the next hearing a decision will be made on the way forward.

As such, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter to the September date and transferred same to

Principle Magistrate Faith McGusty.

On Friday last, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced that the DPP had decided to take over the criminal charges that were filed against Lowenfield; Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and former Health Minister and Chairperson of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence, in relation to the March 2, 2020, General and Regional

PNCR's Chair, Volda Lawrence, released on bail for election fraud - Mingo still to be served

Former Health Minister and PNC/R Chairperson, Ms. Volda Lawrence, at court yesterday

F

ormer Health Minister and Chairperson of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Vo l d a L a w r e n c e , w a s yesterday released on $100,000 bail for a joint private criminal charge which alleges the forging of a document that was used for a fraudulent election declaration on March 5, 2020.

While Lawrence made her first appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, R e t u r n i n g O ff i c e r f o r District Four (DemeraraMahaica), Clairmont Mingo, is yet to be served with a summons to appear in court to answer to the said charge.

When the matter was called, Lawrence made her way to the courtroom with her attorney Nigel Hughes.

The charge alleges that Mingo, having been

procured by Lawrence on or about March 5, 2020, at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the results for Region Four, knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana.

The charge was filed by People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) attorney, Charles Ramson, on March 13, 2020.

While private prosecutor Glenn Hanoman made no objection to bail being granted to Lawrence, since she appeared in court without being served with the summons, Hughes asked the Magistrate to place Lawrence on her own recognizance (self bail).

However, bail was granted to Lawrence in the sum of $100,000 and the matter, which was transferred to

Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, was adjourned to September 11, 2020.

After the matter was finished and as Lawrence and her attorney made their way out of the court compound, a crowd of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) supporters started shouting “free Volda”.

While speaking with reporters outside of the court, Hughes said that no attempt was made to serve the summons on his client and that the only reason she appeared in court was because he informed her that her name was called in court and she agreed to make an appearance.

After the interview, Lawrence then proceeded to the barriers at Croal Street, where she interacted with the coalition supporters who were also heard shouting: “We love you Volda”.

Elections and the events that followed. According to a release from the police, a comprehensive investigation into the allegations would be conducted by the GPF. The release highlighted that, “The DPP indicated that in exercise of powers vested in her under Article 187 of the Constitution, she will take over the private criminal charges currently pending in the Magistrates' Courts in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the aftermath.”

This decision was made almost two weeks after Lowenfield's lawyer, Nigel Hughes, made an application to the DPP asking her to review and take over the prosecution of the private criminal charges that were filed against his client.

The charges levelled against Lowenfield allege fraud, misconduct in public office, and breach of public's trust, while the joint charge that was filed against Mingo and Lawrence, alleges unverified declaration of results for Region Four.

The criminal charges were filed against Lowenfield on June 30, 2020, by People's Progressive Party (PPP) member, Desmond Morian, and The New Movement Party (TNM) executive, Dr. Daniel Josh Kanhai, while the charge against Mingo and Lawrence was filed on March 13, 2020, by PPP/C's

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield (right), and Senior Counsel, Neil Boston, leaving court yesterday attorney Charles Ramson.

According to the release, on August 21, 2020, the GPF received formal reports which alleged criminal conduct by Lowenfield, Mingo and others in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the aftermath.

The release stated that as a result of the formal reports being made, legal advice was obtained from the DPP who advised the GPF to launch an investigation into the allegations in accordance to its mandate.

On August 14, 2020, when Lowenfield made his second appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate McGusty, the court was informed that the DPP had written to the prosecutors in the matter – attorneys-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway and George Thomas – asking them to submit the evidence in the matter so that she can decide whether or not the private c r i m i n a l c h a rg e s w i l l continue against Lowenfield.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Serious deficiencies exposed in GRA's system - CANU report A

m a j o r investigation involving the seizure of one and a half tonnes of cocaine by German authorities in a container of rice that came from Guyana, has raised troubling questions about the system at Customs.

It appeared that local investigators, including those from the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), were stumped w h e n i t w a s discovered that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) system, called Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), was reflecting something other than what left Guyana.

Kaieteur News was told that ASYCUDA reflected 20 containers when investigators went in. However, the miller, Nand Persaud and Company Limited, only sent out 12.

This was reflected from shipping documents filed with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

While CANU has discounted any possibilities of the cocaine being packed here in Guyana, it is how ASYCUDA, said to be such a robust system, could be reflecting a wrong number of containers and for it not to be picked up that worried CANU. That body prepared a public statement last week and this is what it had to say about GRA's ASYCUDA system, regarding Customs: “CANU has conducted an extensive investigation into the handling, shipping and export of this shipment of white rice and has not yet

- rice miller urges tougher controls

Nand Persaud, Berbice's biggest rice millers, appeals for tougher systems after its containers were breached found conclusive evidence that suggests that the suspected narcotic was loaded onto the contaminated container in Guyana.”

Nevertheless, the unit said, there were unearthed “loopholes and irregularities regarding the local handling of the shipment which has resulted in a collaborative investigation by CANU and GRA seeking to amend same.”

It appears even that there were attempts to delete entries, Kaieteur News was told by a number of sources.

CANU, tight-lipped on details, made it clear it will continue to participate in inter-agency collaborations in its bid to tighten the grip on narcotic distributors throughout the country.

Meanwhile, Nand Persaud Group of Companies in a statement expressing relief that its name has been cleared, expressed worry of

As you are aware, we found conclusive evidence that suggests that the played a major role in adding suspected narcotic was several international markets l o a d e d o n t o t h e including Cuba. However, we contaminated container in are also concerned by the number of queries from our Guyana.”

Nand Persaud made it overseas customers.”

The group said it remains clear that it has always prided itself as a solid corporate confident in the work of the citizen with over 30 years of investigators.

“We are deeply worried experience in agriculture.

“In fact, in Berbice, we that this is not the end of can boast proudly we have incidents. We call on the positively impacted people authorities to continue to today becoming the largest strengthen their systems so s i n g l e p r i v a t e s e c t o r that we can be assured that a e m p l o y e r. O u r t a x e s repeat is not likely.”

The seizure in Germany contributions and the fact our rice exports account for had threatened a major part of more than 25 percent of the country's rice export containers leaving Guyana market which is controlled by cannot be erased. Our the company.

According to CANU last holdings include not only mills and agricultural parts, week, the seizure was made but range from auto sales to on August 10 at Hamburg real estate. Our Group is Port, Germany by police.

CANU found that the proud of being one of the m o s t r e c o g n i s e d a n d drugs were discovered in a respected names in Guyana 20-foot container containing and sits on several private several bags of white rice shipped from Guyana. sector bodies.”

“The said contaminated The company said it has received numerous awards container was one out of a for its contributions to shipment of a total of 12 20feet containers. That entire business in Guyana.

“Our brand, Karibee, is a s h i p m e n t o f t h e 1 2 the size of the contract area household name in the region containers comprised 6,000 ExxonMobil has control over. and meeting more than 25 bags of white rice intended In this regard, it stated that the markets worldwide. for export to a company in contract area of the Stabroek block is disproportionately l a rg e b y i n t e r n a t i o n a l standards.

Kaieteur News would have reported that the block is equivalent in size to 1,150 Gulf of Mexico blocks and contains multiple prospects According to the regional breakdown, he Ministry of Health has and play types representing Region Four has the highest number with announced that there are 74 additional multibillion barrel 351 cases followed by Region Seven with new cases of COVID-19. unrisked exploration 200 cases, Region Nine with 172, Region The new cases have brought the potential. nation's total to 1,029. According to the One with 143, Region 10 with 72, Region The IMF strongly dashboard released by the Ministry of Two with 12, Region Three with 54, suggested that the Health yesterday, of the total cases, 508 Region five with two, Region Six with 19 government of the day should and Region Eight with 12. are males while 521 are females. consider a ring-fencing rule for future developments.

the strength of the Customs and other systems in Guyana.

“We have taken note, with deep concern, the recent seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs by German authorities. It was reported that the drugs, more than 1,500kg, was found in one of our containers that shipped rice that originated from Guyana. The container was among more than a dozen that left here in May,” the statement disclosed.

The group disclosed it was engaged by local investigators and cooperated.

“The investigations found that our containers were scanned by Customs and it was clear that there were no anomalies. In fact, CANU in a public statement on Thursday stated they have conducted an extensive investigation into the handling, shipping and export of this shipment of white rice and has not yet

Advisory Committee being...

From page 2 delays in receiving its portion of the profits from ExxonMobil's Liza Phase One Project. According to the Fund, ExxonMobil can allocate costs from any oil well or even the entire field, to another due to the absence of the said provisions. This means that expenses from the entire Liza Phase One Project can be carried over to Exxon's Liza Phase Two Programme.

ExxonMobil has already told the IMF that the cost to develop the Liza Phase One Project will be approximately US$4B. The Liza Phase Two is projected to cost over

US$8B. The Fund warned, “This asymmetrical (irregular) treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.

For example, in the case that multiple fields are developed, the amount of profit oil to be shared from the first producing field will be reduced by costs incurred in developing subsequent fields. This could have significant implications in terms of delaying government revenue, especially in a large, multifield project.”

The IMF also bemoaned

Poland. The vessel intended to transport the said 12 containers was loaded and sailed from Guyana between the 25th and 26th May, 2020.”

According to CANU, it was confirmed that all 12 of the said containers were scanned locally by operatives of the GRA and no narcotic was detected nor were their seals appeared to have been tampered with.

In fact the containers were in-transit elsewhere.

“It is key to note that the said vessel which departed Guyana arrived on June 7th, 2020 in another territory where the said 12 containers were reportedly off loaded in that territory and remained in –transit for a total of six days after which those 12 containers which included the one later found to be contaminated were then reloaded onto another vessel different from the vessel that initially transported those 12 containers from Guyana.

That said, a second vessel with the 12 containers and its other cargo then arrived in Hamburg, Germany on June 27th, 2020 and discharged the said 12 containers the following day, June 28th, 2020.

“The said 12 containers remained at their boarded location in Germany for several days after which they were then searched and the suspected narcotic were intercepted on Monday 10th August 2020.”

According to CANU, there was evidence that the container was handled elsewhere.

“Importantly, newspaper clippings out of the territory in which the said 12 containers remained intransit were found to have been used to wrap some of the bundles of suspected narcotic intercepted in Germany.”

74 new cases push COVID-19 number to 1,029

T

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 09

What will it take for a lockdown, Frankie?

T

he Minister of Health must have some inkling of the total number of positive cases that it will take to revert back or to intensity the social restrictions which were first introduced in April of this year. The number of positive cases has more than doubled over the past three weeks since the PPP/C came to office.

The PPPC's explanation is that it is doing more testing. That is true. Over the past three weeks the PPP/C has undertaken some 2,341 tests, a daily average of 106 tests as compared with the daily average under the APNU+AFC of 34 tests. The PPP/C therefore is testing at three times the rate of what the APNU+AFC was testing.

What is not true is a statement attributed on social media to one Leslie Ramsammy who claims that there were more tests done over the past three weeks than over the previous six months. The statistics do not bear this out. When the PPP/C came to office on 2nd August there were 4,893 tests done. The PPP/C has only increased this by less than half, not by more than 100%.

The Minister of Health should explain how he came to the conclusion that the increased in testing was responsible for the massive rise in positive cases. He should show statistically how increased testing has been proven to relate to

increased cases.

If he provides the daily number of tests, both under the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C, along with the corresponding number of positive cases, this column will volunteer to undertake the statistical analysis to establish whether the Minister's hypothesis can be accepted or rejected.

But testing alone, as was indicated in an earlier column, does not explain the significant rise in positive cases. One expects that with more testing, there will be an increase in the number of cases. When the APNU+AFC began to test persons other than those with one or more symptoms, the number of positive cases did rise.

But increased testing should lead to a lower rate of positive cases. Yesterday's figures shows that one out of every five persons who tested is positive. A couple of days earlier it was one in every three persons.

This newspaper reported that most of the beds in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital are filled. This is as good an example, as any, of the health system becoming overwhelmed.

But the government does not wish to see it that way. It says that it has established a standard treatment protocol so that all regional hospitals can now treat severe cases.

That sounds nice to the ear but the authorities have not

stated which of these other regional hospitals have Intensive Care Units.

The government's priority appears to be to keep the economy open. But the experience of other countries is that as the economy opens, the number of cases skyrockets. So that should have been a non-starter in the country.

Active cases of COVID19 are now to be found in every Region. A few months ago, there were at least two to three regions in which there were no active cases.

There is now a COVID-19 epidemic throughout Guyana but with extremely high infection rates in Regions One, Seven and Nine. While Region Four has seen a massive surge in cases over the past few days, the per capita infection rate in Regions One, Seven and Nine far surpasses that of Region Four.

The PPP/C's regional response has been to boost the ability of regional hospitals to treat patients.

But this is because the PPP/C had no other choices. It cannot accommodate the number of persons requiring institutional isolation and therefore persons are being forced to isolate at home.

The Minister will not say that the surge in Region Four cases occurred, whether coincidentally or not, at the Presidential Inauguration ceremony. It is known that after that ceremony two Ministers tested positive and

..........................................................

Dem boys seh...

ExxonMobil messing with we head Dem gat a weeder wah does do lil wuk near to weh de boss man of de Waterfall paper does live. De man complain how he weed a man yard three times and he nah get pay yet.

He seh he come plenty times fuh he money and de owner dem nah wan open dem door. He seh it nah mek sense nah mo fuh he come fuh he money because he getting push around and de man wah owe he mekkin he feel like a cent ice.

Is de same thing Exxon doing to Guyana. Dem get fine fuh some pollution. But dem nah wah pay. Dem gat de EPA sending notice after notice.

De fine was a small ting.

In some cases was just about US$500. Dat would not cause Exxon fuh even blink.

But Exxon decide dem wan contest dem small penalty.

Dem boys know why.

Exxon know dat it gan cost de EPA mo money in lawyer's fees dan de penalty itself. And when dem boys hear how much some lawyers does charge fuh a few hours of wuk, dem boys know that de EPA gan spend mo fuh get back less. And Exxon know dat too.

So dem boys believe dat Exxon playing hardball and testing fuh see how far de government gan go and how much them can get away with. Is a test of nerves.

Dem muss be think dem

still dealing with de Rigadier. Dem nah know dem dealing with de Boss. De man who dem does call de boss tell them upfront, dat dem gat fuh pay.

Exxon suddenly ketch sense. Dem decide dat them go pay. But dem boys waiting fuh see wah further games dem gan play with we heads Dat is how dem big multinational companies does operate. Dem testing de will of de government. But dem now meet dem match.

Because de Vice President tell them plain and straight dat dem gat fuh pay up.

Talk half and wait fuh see how Exxon gan react to de review of de review.

at least three media personnel did too. To what extent therefore has extensive contact tracing been done on those attending the inauguration?

The Minister of Health should indicate the benchmarks above which he will be prepared to order either an extended curfew or a total lockdown of hotspot

regions. At the minimum he should ask his government to order a lockdown of Regions Four and Three until such time as the number of cases plateaus, keeping open only essential services and businesses.

He should also seek the advice of an epidemiologist.

And while at it, he should present a calculator to that

person in his Ministry who stated that the PPP/C has done more tests in the last three weeks than was done over the past six months.

(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

Tuesday August 25, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Granger will destroy the PNC before 2021 begins T

he pattern in politics in any country is for the leader of a losing party to step down. There are of course exceptions. This occurs when the leader is an extraordinary asset to his/her party, has literally icon status in the party and in pronounced sections of the population and is generally seen as a candidate that can win again.

Many figures come to mind and the name Pierre Trudeau stands out. A larger

than life personality in the Canadian Liberal Party, the hierarchy would never have contemplated moving Trudeau when he lost power knowing he could win again; and he did. Another example is from Nicaragua, it was unthinkable for anyone to suggest that Daniel Ortega should give up the leadership when he lost the election.

Ortega was seen as the Sandinista Party and the party was seen as Ortega. He won again.

In the Caribbean, names like Eric Williams, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Eric Gairy, Errol Barrow, Vere Bird were iconic in their respective parties that no one would have conceived of competing against them after an electoral defeat. In Guyana, because of the way he transformed the country, Hoyte's position as leader of the PNC was assured despite the 1992 defeat. After losing in 1997 and 2001, his headship was under

tremendous pressure and maybe it was this kind of pressure that contributed to his heart attack in 2002.

After losing in 2010 and 2015, there was hardly any support for Donald Ramotar to remain at the helm of the PPP. In fact, because of two successive defeats, the PPP thought his role in the hierarchy should be brought to an end. In 2011, Granger failed to become the president. In 2015, he won the presidency by less than 5,000 votes.

In 2020, with Guyana set to take off as an oil economy, his margin of defeat increased to 15,000. It was only logical for Granger to give way. But he hasn't and with an iron fist he rules the PNC. Enter Carl Greenidge. Greenidge in a volcanic emanation raises the issue of the fragility of the PNC. Granger prior to 2011 had no track record of service to the PNC and was hardly known in PNC circles. He lost two national elections and barely won another one, but Granger seems to have no opposition to him in the PNC's hierarchy with the disturbing characteristic that he is doing self-destructive and autocratic things.

Here is an example of G r a n g e r ' s h e g e m o n y.

Greenidge said that the preferences for parliament

were not a party decision but the leader made the choices and no discussion followed from the central executive.

Then Greenidge's next intonation was a goldmine for the researchers.

He observed that such a selection of parliamentary seats have never been done like that in the history of the PPP and PNC. And he is right.

Neither Jagan or Burnham or Hoyte or Jagdeo ever presented a school of members going to parliament without input from the party's leading figures who make up the executive.

How do you explain this enigma or caricature? The reason lies in the style of Granger. No one dared question Burnham but Burnham had this inflexible desire of reaching out because he always wanted to birth a second generation of leaders.

Jagan simply could not control the impulses of his party's hierarchy and while no one would have dared to reject his list, the nature of Jagan was to consult.

Hoyte was a different man after he became president and it is doubtful that he would have unilaterally imposed a list of MPs on the PNC. As for Jagdeo, he had his autocratic ways but there was no way the executive of the PPP would have tolerated Jagdeo

Frederick Kissoon presenting a list of his choices to them. There would have been serious confrontations.

This leaves Granger. He is by nature a military man and military people understand and embrace the culture of edicts. The world of politics where there are factions and by necessity the leader has to offer concessions and make compromises is a terrain Granger is not familiar with.

Secondly, his understanding of power is Burnhamite but Granger has not even a modicum of the strategic capacity to think, manoeuvre and outsmart like Burnham.

Burnham was dictatorial but was careful how he used his totalitarian instincts.

Burnham was too cleaver to be wildly totalitarian.

Granger is autocratic with large impulses of arrogance and impatience. But worse of all unlike Burnham, Hoyte, Jagan and Jagdeo, he lacks self-confidence so he falls back on one-man dictatorship. If not stopped, he will destroy the PNC before 2021 begins.

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

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday August 25, 2020

CIOG donates $5M to COVID-19 fight

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has donated $5M to Guyana's fight against the COVID-19

pandemic. In photo are (from left): Shameena Haniff- Najab, General Manager; Raza Ali, Treasurer; Moeenul Hack, Director of Education and

Dawah; Goolzar Namdar, Deputy President; Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health; Nazar Mohamed and Azurdeen Mohamed, CIOG donors.

Govt. reviewing power purchasing agreement Coalition signed with Giftland

T

he new Irfaan Ali administration has started a review of the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) between the previous A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government and the Giftland Mall.

Giftland had announced that it could provide 10

megawatts of needed power to the national power grid.

This was revealed by J u n i o r P u b l i c Wo r k s Minister, Deodatt Indar.

He said “we have not decided on anything as yet, but the previous agreement is being reviewed.�

Since coming into office, the new administration has been scrambling to acquire

an additional 25 megawatts of power to tackle the recent spate of blackouts the country has been faced with.

Back in January, after almost two years of back and forth, the proprietor of Giftland Mall and the previous government signed the agreement that would have seen the country benefitting from an

additional 4.5 megawatts of power to augment the 120 megawatts the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is supplying to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System.

However, that deal did not move forward due to the protracted March 2020 Elections.

But now that the power is needed, the agreement could see Giftland providing 10 megawatts of power.

Giftland owner, Roy Beepat, told Kaieteur News that he met with the power company and while discussions are still ongoing, he is hopeful that an agreement could be had since he has the capacity to supply the needed power.

Prime Minister, Mark Philips, the subject Minister had recently met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Albert Gordon. It was revealed then that while the company has a

Roy Beepat string of long term goals to ensure Guyana has efficient power, their main focus is to ensure that the frequent blackouts are controlled.

Since then, the request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been published in the local newspapers to

identify appropriate suppliers that can potentially fulfill the minimum requirements for supplying the firm power generation needed.

The power company said that the present call for EOI does not constitute an invitation to tender and only suppliers deemed qualified

by GPL shall progress to the next stage of the process.

Further, they said that the supply of a minimum of 1MW and a maximum of 30MW of 'Firm Power Generation Capacity' should come with the appropriate sub-station where necessary, to interconnect with the grid at either 13.8KV or 69KV. Generating unit size shall not exceed 10MW. According to the project scope, GPL shall only be responsible for grid connection at the point of interconnection with the existing network infrastructure.

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

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Police foil robbery plan on mining camp

Tuesday August 25, 2020

New ambulance service launched to serve Oil and Gas industry

A mining camp in the Kurupung Backdam

O

n Thursday last ranks from Region Seven succeeded in foiling a robbery plan allegedly hatched by the 'Gangsters' on a mining camp at Kurupung, Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

The 'Gangsters' is said to be a gang of about 12 men who have been terrorizing and bullying persons in Kurupung.

The foiled robbery was confirmed yesterday by Regional Commander, Dion Moore.

On Wednesday last

Moore informed this newspaper that he had planned to investigate reports that surfaced of a gang, terrorizing, threatening and bullying miners at the location. The Commander had said that he even received a call from the Police headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown alerting him about the on-going situation.

A c c o r d i n g t o information received by this publication from a source at Kurupung, police ranks arrived unexpectedly on

Thursday - one day after a dredge owner's life was threatened by the gang.

Kaieteur News was told that the leaders of the gang and the dredge owner have been at logger heads over a mining concession for some two years now. The gang had bullied their way onto the man's concession and was forcefully removed by police. However, since then the gang has been terrorizing and threatening to kill the dredge owner.

Recently, while the (continued on page 15)

L

ess than a year ago, the joint venture company, Eureka Atlantic Offshore Medical Services (EAOMS) was established between Eureka Medical Laboratories (EML) and Atlantic Offshore Medical Services (AOMS). EAOMS was launched to serve the Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana.

According to a statement released to the media yesterday, “EAOMS is

designed to add value to the healthcare system in Guyana by developing strategies that continuously meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.”

In this regard, it was noted that collaboration with St Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) was established and both partners are now ready to launch Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Service. It was revealed too that EAOMS procured and

outfitted its ambulance according to international standards.

Joint competency and training programmes were also provided to the nursing team of both organizations, which was facilitated by trained specialist from Canada and SJMH. It was made clear too that “Strict infection control measures have been implemented to safeguard all patients.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 15

Govt. approves $350M for cash-strapped Forestry Commission GFC officials meeting with Minister Vickram Bharrat recently

T

he Government of Guyana, through President Irfaan Ali, has approved $350M to support the cashstrapped Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to pay salaries to staff and utility services.

According to the commission yesterday, the new administration is currently saddled with this

burden due to the “mismanagement of the sector under the previous administration.”

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during a recent engagement with staffers of the Commission, committed to seek the President's intervention to obtain financial support for the agency. The GFC has been

struggling to pay staffers on time and fund other critical operational costs for several months.

“Additionally, it must be noted that workers have not been paid their $25,000 bonus in 2018, which was announced and not honoured by the previous administration. Hence, the current Government is committed to paying this

Business owners, patrons in Berbice arrested for flouting COVID orders

A

total of 32 p e r s o n s including business owners were yesterday arrested for disregarding the COVID-19 orders set out by the Ministry of Health.

Ranks led by a senior officer in Berbice swooped down at several locations, one on the Number 19 Public Road and others between Rose Hall Town and Port Mourant, Berbice.

Kaieteur News was informed that 21 persons, including the owners were arrested at a liquor shop at Number 19 Village while 11 were arrested between the Rose Hall and Port Mourant areas.

They were all arrested for failure to wear protective gear and breach of COVID orders in relation to allowing

Patrons at the business place at Number 19 Village patrons to dine and consume alcohol.

All were released on $10,000 bail each.

Police foil robbery plan on...

From page 14 dredge owner left his camp to source food for his workers, they returned and occupied his concession, this publication was told. It was also revealed that the gang even forced the dredge owner's employee to use his fuel and excavator to work for them.

The employee was subsequently fired and the gang retaliated by threatening to chop the dredge owner to death.

Kaieteur News was told that the gang was planning to rob the said dredge owner of his production on the same day ranks entered the area.

According to police, the gang's plan was foiled thus causing them to abandon the robbery mission.

This newspaper learnt from sources that as a result of the police interception and continued presence, the gang scattered.

However, only one of its members was caught and

arrested. Sources close to investigation assured that a thorough investigation into the countless allegations made against the gang will continue. Kaieteur News had also reported last week that the gang has been named in the trafficking of Venezuelan women between the ages 16 and 25 in the area.

Accusations were also made against its members regarding a number of murders and armed robberies.

outstanding bonus to all eligible staff before the end of 2020.”

Meanwhile, according to GFC, Minister Bharrat has already commenced discussions with the

Commission and other stakeholders within the forest sector to examine strategies to enhance the financial performance and management capabilities of this very important sector.

GFC had blamed reduced revenues from the closures of several forestry concessions and increased expenses from monitoring activities as the reasons for its financial situation.

Teen in Bat Creek double homicide hospitalized, yet to appear in court

T

he 15-year-old suspected of killing his 55year-old brother-in-law and three-year-old nephew in a deadly stabbing spree, is still hospitalized and yet to appear in court.

The suspect, who attacked six family members on August 13th at Bat Creek, Lower Pomeroon, has been in police custody for almost

two weeks. Reports are that the teen is admitted at the Suddie Public Hospital, in COVID-19 isolation.

A senior police source told Kaieteur News that the teen suspect cannot appear in court while hospitalized. The source also said that a file is yet to be sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution [DPP].

Kaieteur News

understands that on the day in question, the 15-year-old attacked his brother-in-law, his two sisters and three children.

His brother-in-law died instantly from stab wounds he sustained, while his three year old nephew died the following day. The suspect was apprehended by police one day following the ordeal and has since been in custody.

PAGE 16

It wouldn't hurt Exxon to pay its own taxes - Foreign Investors

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Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil would have no difficulty paying its fair share of taxes to Guyana. The share it would have to pay is actually quite manageable.

That is the view of The Value Portfolio, a column on Seeking Alpha, where investors provide analyses of energy sector companies.

A recent analysis on ExxonMobil, discussed Guyana, where it finds offshore represent some of the most significant the company has ever made.

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The Liza Destiny

cates so they can avoid paying taxes in their home countries. It is common for tax exemptions and other generous concessions to be granted to keep investors in otherwise difficult situations. But in Guyana, ExxonMobil is quite lucky.

The Value Portfolio noted that the break-even rates for Guyana's crude are “incredibly low”. The breakeven rate is the price at which a company can sell a product, making neither a profit nor a loss.

Exxon's Liza Phase One rate is US$35 a barrel, and Liza Phase Two is set to start in 2022 at US$25 a barrel. These are some of the most attractive breakeven prices in the world.

The Value Portfolio pointed to a letter by Chartered Accountant, Tameshwar Lilmohan, to Kaieteur News in February, which states that Guyana is set to lose US$15B from the corporate income tax

exemption.

“This exposé represents just one aspect of the many perils of the GuyanaExxonMobil Petroleum Agreement,” Lilmohan said.

The Value Portfolio investors say that while ExxonMobil's technologies and abilities are useful to Guyana, the US$600B in oil Exxon is expected to produce at a price of US$60B a barrel is a good enough amount that the company can manage the little it would cost it to be taxed.

If Guyana taxes ExxonMobil for its operations, the contract would require Guyana to repay Exxon for every cent. However, renegotiation of the agreement is an option, once Exxon and its partners agree to do so.

The tax holiday is just one of many unfair provisions in the Stabroek Block agreement, which has garnered interna-

tional condemnation.

Lilmohan said in his letter that “In the interest of a clean and healthy relationship between Guyana and the Contractors going forward, I am proposing that this Agreement be revisited and revised to produce a fair, equitable and legally binding Agreement.”

Global Witness found that the deal is so lopsided that it will cost Guyana US$55B over its lifetime. The Government continues to be urged to renegotiate the contract, which was inked by former Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in 2016 under suspicious circumstances. Global Witness has urged Guyana to investigate the circumstances under which the award was made, and renegotiate with haste. Experts have advised Guyana to renegotiate the agreement before it approves Exxon's third intended development, Payara.

High Commissioner of India meets Prime Minister Mark Phillips The High Commissioner of India, H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa (at left) yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Mark Phillips. The two discussed various matters of mutual interest.

The High Commissioner also briefed the Prime Minister on the various developmental projects that the Government of India is undertaking in Guyana.

The Prime Minister recalled the long-time collaboration between India and Guyana and thanked the Government of India for such a long partnership. He also conveyed that the collaboration with India was beneficial to Guyana and expressed hope that it becomes more intensive in the future with the new Government.

He also recalled his visit to India (Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore) as leader of a Guyanese delegation in 2007 and said that he was impressed with the achievements made by India in IT, healthcare and other sec-

tors.

The High Commissioner also mentioned that “the Government of India proposed to convert CEIT in Guyana to be a Regional IT Centre for CARICOM, as per the commit-

ment made during the meeting of our Prime Minister with CARICOM leaders (IndiaCARICOM Summit) on September 25, 2019 on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 17

Lands returned to Region Five Farmers after battle with former REO S

everal plots of lands which were taken away from cash crop farmers by former Region Five Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ovid Morrison, have been returned.

The lands were returned last Saturday following an executive decision. Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said that while in opposition, the Government made a promise to the cash-crop farmers of Region Five, particularly, Fort Wellington and environs to return to them the lands that were taken away.

N a n d l a l l h a d previously represented the farmers in several court proceedings and had secured judgment in excess of $5M against Morrison.

On Saturday, Minister Nandlall, along with a team from the Government, met with the farmers and informed them that they can once again return to the

lands.

“I am here to tell you that we have instructed the R D C ( R e g i o n a l Democratic Council) to put you back on the land but it will have to be done in a processed way. Each of you will get a plot of land in this vicinity,” he announced.

Nandlall however reminded the farmers that the land ultimately belongs to the state hence they should not attempt to sell to others. “None of you own it, so none of you can sell it; you are going to get permission to occupy and farm and that was the original agreement,” he said.

Over the past four years, a number of proceedings were brought against Morrison for his illegal occupation of the lands.

The farmers had complained to the Court that Morrison and his agents wrongfully and unilaterally decided to enter upon the said land and cut down or caused to

The farmers at a meeting with AG Anil Nandlall on Friday. be cut down and removed cash crops and cleared a portion of the land with a bulldozer damaging certain cash crops including sweet peppers, lettuce, eschalot, plantain, banana and callaloo.

Despite orders to cease and desist, the farmers claimed that Morrison and his agents continued to

flatten other portions of the lands using excavators causing more damage to their valuable crops.

They had also claimed that Morrison and his posse destroyed two farmhouses, made out of wood, which are collectively valued at $1M. As a result, the farmers claimed that they suffered grave losses.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

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Tuesday August 25, 2020

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Pakistan, weather hold up England victory push and James Anderson’s quest for 600 ESPNcricinfo - England’s victory push and James Anderson’s quest to reach 600 Test wickets were frustrated by rain, bad light, and a dogged rearguard effort

by Pakistan’s top order on the fourth day of the third and final Test.

After Abid Ali and Shan Masood had successfully negotiated 18 overs in the morning session, a heavy downpour and a significant amount of standing water held play up until 3.45pm.

Stuart Broad struck soon after, trapping Masood lbw as he offered no shot to a nipbacker, before Anderson pinned Abid in front for his 599th scalp as the ball began

to reverse. But the light deteriorated soon after, and after four overs of spin, the umpires decided to take the players off soon after 6.30pm.

Even with much of the focus on Anderson’s push to reach his landmark, the first question of the morning revolved around who would open the batting for Pakistan.

Azhar Ali, who had promoted himself to open in the followon after his masterful, unbeaten hundred from No. 3 in Pakistan’s first innings, was able to push himself back down to first drop thanks to Law 25.2, and duly did so.

That meant Abid and Masood were tasking with seeing off the new ball.

Masood was handed an early life as he pushed outside his off stump against an Anderson outswinger, his edge bursting through Jos Buttler in the fifth over of the innings. That meant England had dropped four chances off Anderson in the space of 37 balls across two innings; this was the first time he had allowed himself as much as a wry smile.

Both openers were watchful, but were beaten regularly as Anderson and Broad probed with tight lines and lengths. There was no letup from England when Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer replaced them, but a jet-black cloud gave Pakistan some

Tuesday August 25, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may run into a great deal of frustration if you try to fight the current circumstances, Aries. The key is to take whatever situation you're in and make the best of it.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may run into a great deal of frustration if you try to fight the current circumstances. The key is to take whatever situation you're in and make the best of it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Things may be tough and aggressive today, Gemini, but that doesn't mean you can't make progress. There's a nervous energy in the air spurring people to action.

CANCER(June21–July22) Make sure that the battle you fight today is yours. There's a great deal of tension in the air that might erupt when you least expect it. It may behoove you to stay detached from the war that's apt to ensue.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Wake up on the right side of bed, Leo. This will set the tone for the rest of the day. Keep things positive and you'll find that the aggressive energies of the day work for instead of against you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel a strong connection with your fanciful, romantic side today. Dreams and illusions are apt to enter the scene and take you into the clouds. Be careful, because you might find that a strong aggressive force opposes these dreams.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Give people the benefit of the doubt today. Even though you may not agree with everything going on around you, people have their reasons for the way they act and the way they are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some action you took yesterday may be opposed today, Scorpio. Unclear facts and romantic fantasies could get in the way of your taking decisive action.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you find yourself in a slump today, don't worry. It could be that nothing fits right or that a certain nervous, restless energy urges you to take action, but uncertainty prevents you from knowing which way to turn.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Use the day's boisterous energy to take charge and make things happen, Capricorn. You'll find that actions you take today resonate in the coming days.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There's apt to be powerful aggression today that may leave you feeling like you want to declare war on everyone, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may run into some tension today as fantasy gets in the way of your plan of attack, Pisces.

Keep in mind that things are moving rapidly these days, and the slightest movement is magnified.

respite soon before 12.30pm, as rain - first light, then biblical - came down.

After a lengthy moppingup operation, the umpires decided that play would resume after an early tea interval, with 52 overs due to be bowled in a mammoth evening session. Abid and Masood edged towards a half-century stand, compiling the highest opening partnership by a touring team this summer in the process, but ended up falling a solitary run short.

Masood decided against offering a shot to Broad’s indipper on a length, which Michael Gough adjudged to be hitting the top of off stump.

Masood reviewed, but HawkEye upheld the decision, with the ball shown to be trimming the bails.

That brought in Azhar, whose first task was to get out the way of a short, sharp burst from Archer, who again regularly hit the 90mph/ 145kph mark. Joe Root then asked Broad to slip back into the role he once filled regularly as the enforcer, banging the ball in halfway down. It seems like an unusual move, until the ball began to show signs of reverse-swing towards the end of his spell.

That allowed Anderson to pose some real threat on his return, nipping one past Azhar’s outside edge with the first ball of his spell. He moved to 599 when he pinned Abid in front, unable to jam the bat down on a fullish inswinger that he tried to work into the leg side. Again, Pakistan reviewed; again, Hawk-Eye showed the ball was clipping the stumps, upholding the on-field decision.

Anderson had all of seven balls to reach the 600 mark, as the umpires decided that the light was too poor for seamers to continue, leaving Dom Bess to operate in tandem with Root. But after four overs of dogged defence, the players were brought off for the light, and drizzle soon after meant stumps were called at 6.45pm.

The overnight forecast suggests that a delayed start is inevitable on the final day, with England eight wickets away from completing a 2-0 series win and Pakistan clinging on for a draw - with World Test Championship points, as well as just pride.

All eyes on Jimmy: James Anderson started the day on 598 Test wickets. (Getty Images)

PAGE 22

Tuesday August 25, 2020

Kaieteur News

Letter to the Sports Editor

Wishing our hero happy birthday Dear Sports Editor, Joseph Stanislaus Solomon AA was born at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, British Guiana on August 24, 1930, the third of four sons and one daughter. Born to John Solomon an employee of the Port Mourant Sugar Estate, Joe and his loving wife Betty- now deceased - are the proud parents of four sons and two daughters and grandkids. He followed his father in being employed at the Port Mourant Sugar Estate, as a clerk in his youth.

As a member of the Port Mourant Cricket team he captained them in the senior division cricket competitions

in Berbice. He would later be employed as a National Coach for Booker Sugar Estates/GUYSUCO. As a young boy, batting right handed from # 1 to # 6 positions in the line-up and occasionally bowling right arm leg spin, Solomon learned to play cricket at Port Mourant, in company with the great Rohan B. Kanhai CCH, Basil F. Butcher AA, Ivan S. Madray - all former Test cricketers - and a number of other kids. Their bats were made of coconut branch or wood and their balls were fashioned from condensed milk tin, balata and a variety of other round objects,

Residents call on Government for sports ground in Aurora Dear Sports Editor, The people of Aurora and its environs would be sincerely grateful if their government can purchase a portion of land and develop same for the purpose of a sports ground.

It must be mentioned that promises were made by governments and those who held high offices generations back, but to this day, all those promises seem to be gone with the wind. However, the residents are optimistic that this administration will ensure this plea becomes a possibility.

Aurora, which is a populated community found on the Essequibo Coast, has an abundance of talented youths who are eager to excel in various sports disciplines, but the absence of a ground is providing a barrier to their development.

Having a sports ground would not only provide an avenue for the youths to nurture their skills, but will surely assist greatly in eradicating the many social ills of society.

Furthermore, a sports ground in this community

will economically enhance the well being of residents.

Small business ventures can be established which will assist in improving the quality of life of the entire community.

The ground can also be used for other non-sporting activities such as melas, pageants, school sports, concerts among other beneficial activities.

This community is also the home of one of Essequibo’s rising cricket teams, the Aurora Knight Riders. A simple check on facebook would reveal the impact this team is having on the youths as well as other members of society.

It is for these reasons and more, the r e s i d e n t s a r e ‘begging’ their president Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, who himself would have played a game of cricket with former Guyana captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and others on the island of Wakenaam sometime back, to do all in his ‘powers’ to ensure this dream become a reality.

Yours respectfully, P. Persaud.

however they would later start using sponge balls or discarded cricket balls.

Solomon first represented Berbice in 1955, under the captaincy of retired test player Robert Christiani at the inter-county level when they opposed Essequibo and Demerara in the Inter-county tournament for the Jones Cup at Bourda. He went on to captain Berbice in this tournament in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965. In 1960, Solomon also captained Berbice in a 3-day First Class match versus the MCC at Rose Hall, Canje, when he made his highest First Class score of 201 not out. He again captained Berbice at Rose Hall, Canje in a 3-day match versus an E.W. Swanton XI at the same venue in 1961. He captained British Guiana/ Guyana at the regional and international levels on numerous occasions. He first represented British Guiana in 1957 and scored successive hundreds while batting in his first three matches to mark a wonderful start of a brilliant First Class career.

He made his test debut on December 12, 1958 for the West Indies, being the 5th Berbician and 5th member of the Port Mourant Cricket Club to do so. He was also the 5th British Guianese to make his test debut for the West Indies within a period of nineteen months between 1957 and 1958. The others being Rohan B. Kanhai CCH, Lancelot Richard Gibbs CCH, Ivan Samuel Madray and Basil F. Butcher AA, this group popularly known as the Phenomenal Five.

He was hailed worldwide as the most dependable batsman of his time and the best fieldsman too. In the tied test West Indies vs Australia at Brisbane in 1960, six Australians were run out in the match, three in the first innings and three in the second innings, with Solomon accounting for one in the first innings.

In the second innings, Conrad Hunte with a direct throw to the wicketkeeper from deep mid-wicket ran out the first Australian during the latter part of the match.

Joe Solomon close-up, October 2016 © ESPNcricinfo Ltd Solomon followed up by running out a second Australian with a direct throw to the wicket from cover point.

Finally, with the scores tied, Solomon swooped in from square leg with one stump in view and in one motion threw down the wicket for his third runout of the match. A miss of the stumps from square leg would have given Australia victory. Both the players and spectators exploded in wild jubilation as thought the West Indies had won the match.

The Australians showed their love in wild celebration as they escorted Captain Sir Frank Worrell and his team in a loud motorcade to the airport for their departure from Brisbane.

After the death of Glendon Gibbs who was then serving as Guyana Cricket Board Secretary, in February 1979, Solomon was appointed Acting Secretary, and when President Berk-ley Gaskin passed on in May, 1979, Berbice Cricket Board President and 1st Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board Lennox Phillips was appointed Acting President of the Guyana Cricket Board until the Annual General Meeting in September, 1979.

When Solomon was elected President, serving until August 1980, he was succeeded by Major /General Norman Mc-Lean with then Deputy Commissioner of Police Balram Raghubir as secretary. Solomon also served as Selection Committee Chairman, Guyana Representative on the West Indies Cricket Board and

Here are his stats: Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns Tests 27 46 First-class 104 156 List A 2 1 Bowling averages Mat Inns Tests 27 14 First-class 104 List A 2

Regional Selector while serving on the Guyana Cricket Board. During his term as Coach at the Guyana Sugar Estates, access to all Sugar Estate grounds, housing and facilities were readily available for all levels of cricket. It was also during his term as a Selector that all cricketers knew that they would be fairly considered for selection to the National or West Indies team.

He was honored by the Government of Guyana with the Golden Arrow of Achievement, AA. In 2008, he was inducted into the Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Hall of Fame. In 2009, he was inducted into the Port Mourant Cricket Club Hall of Fame. In 2018, Solomon was honored by the Berbice Cricket Board with its Tribute to Hero Award. He is a member of the Phenomenal Five and Berbice All time cricket team.

His service to the sport has been long, dedicated and of an ex-ceptionally high quality and he is worthy of 10,000 accolades.

Career Span 1956 to 1973.

Now that he is in the nervous 90’s no one knows more than Joe, how to reach 100, as a coach he will tell you to first communicate with your partner. You should only be defending your wicket, let the wide balls go, push through the gaps and drive the balls that are there to be driven. Run ones and twos and hope for the fours. Hit everything on the carpet.

Forget the lofted drives, the threes and the sixes. Like Joe, you will get there. Yes, you can.

NO 7 28 0

Runs 1326 5318 1

HS 100* 201* 1

Ave 34 41.54 1

100 1 12 0

50 9 27 0

Ct 13 46 1

Balls 702 3659 12

Runs 268 1950 9

Wkts 4 51 1

BBI 1/20 4/.28 1/9

BBM 1/23

Ave 67 38.23 9

Econ 2.29 3.19 4.5

1/9

We love, admire and respect you Joe. You are our Hero, have a Happy birthday, keep smiling.

Mortimer George Secretary Berbice Cricket Board 1976 to 1983.

1987 Life Member BCB Observation Joseph Stanislaus Solomon AA ended his test career with am above moderate average of 34 runs per innings. How is this possible? Batting in the lineup after the great Rohan B. Kanhai CCH, the very Great Sir Garfield Sobers and the great Basil F. Butcher AA, it was Solomon who regularly came in, playing sensibly and allowing them to flourish, extend their innings, while he also scored valuable runs, even allowing the tail to wag.

It was for these reasons that he was hailed as the most dependable batsman of his time in test cricket. Further, he was the best fieldsman in his side, taking magnificent catches, roaming the hot spots at short mid-wicket or cover, cutting off certain boundaries, picking up the ball and in one action sending it over the stumps to the wicketkeeper or throwing down the stumps thereby getting a batsman out, saving numerous runs and lifting his side on his shoulders. Such an asset should never be undervalued. It is therefore my view that the authorities should find some way of account for this brilliance in the statistical scores.

The young cricketers of today, will be well advised to seek to emulate this Hero.

SR 175.5 71.7 12

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Usain Bolt ‘tests positive for covid’ - days after celebrating his 34th birthday at a party Daily Mail - Usain Bolt has tested positive for coronavirus just days after partying with guests including England star Raheem Sterling for his 34th birthday in Jamaica, according to reports in the country.

Nationwide90fm, a radio station in Jamaica, reports that the greatest sprinter of all time has contracted the disease and will spend time in self-isolation as a result.

The publication says Bolt took a test for the virus a few days ago following his party on Friday last week, and discovered on Sunday that he had tested positive.

Ye s t e r d a y t h e s p r i n t star posted a video on his Twitter page confirming he is in self-isolation at his home in Jamaica after taking a Covid-19 test on Saturday.

However the Olympic legend neither confirmed or denied having the deadly disease. But he does say he is not suffering from any symptoms.

He said: ’Good morning everybody, just waking up.

Like everybody, I’ve checked social media, social media’s

saying I’m confirmed [as having coronavirus]. I did a test on Saturday because I have work [abroad].

‘I’m trying to be responsible so I’m going to stay in for me and my friends.

Also, I have no symptoms.

‘I’m going to quarantine myself and wait to see what the protocol is. Until then, I’m quarantined by myself and just taking it easy. Be safe out there.’

Bolt was honoured with a surprise birthday party on August 21 which was attended by a host of big names.

Manchester City star Sterling, Bayer Leverkusen attacker Leon Bailey and cricket legend Chris Gayle are believed to have been in attendance.

Sterling’s season finished on August 15 when City were knocked out o f t h e Champions League, and the team have been granted a delayed start to the 2020/21 season because of their European involvement.

Footage from the party showed Bolt laughing and dancing with his guests and even taking the microphone while speakers blared out an

Adele song at the outdoor bash.

The guests also danced to the song Lockdown which was produced by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee in reference to the pandemic.

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt hailed it as the ‘best birthday ever’ in an Instagram post featuring a sweet picture of Bolt and his baby daughter Olympia.

It is not clear whether Bolt is suffering any symptoms of the disease but local media said he would ‘proceed into isolation’.

Bolt would be one of the most prominent sportsmen in the world to contract the coronavirus, after tennis star Novak Djokovic tested positive in June and American major sports leagues were disrupted by bouts of the disease.

Jamaica has recorded a total of 1,413 cases of coronavirus and 16 deaths from the disease, with infections soaring in recent days.

After recording just 174 cases throughout the whole of July, Jamaica has seen 267 infections in just the last four days.

The Caribbean nation avoided going into the kind of widespread lockdown seen in Europe at the height of the

National Senior Athletics Championships called off

By Calvin Chapman Increasing cases of the deadly covid-19 virus has put a damper on the hosting of the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) National Senior Championships, which has been rescheduled twice thus far.

The Championships was first pegged to be hosted on the weekend of August 8-9 at Guyana’s Premier Athletics facility; the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara but was subsequently pushed back to this weekend since the nation was poised to enter the final phase of reopening from lockdown in the second week of August.

However, increased testing has shown that Guyana may not have the perceived control on the virus that many thought and the AAG through President Aubrey Hutson has rightfully announced the indefinite postponement on the much anticipated event.

The administrator posited that, “We were planning in good faith to have the event run off in a controlled environment but recent developments have clearly indicated that we are nowhere done with this virus. We are urging not only our athletes but all Guyanese to practice social distancing and all of the necessary protocols set out by health authorities.”

Following World Athletics’ return to competition guidelines in May, the AAG decided that they would try to have as much as three meets by this month-end, inclusive of the Senior, Youth & Junior and a road race and had indicated that the local health

Aubrey Hutson - President of AAG authorities would have the final say on whether competition would be possible but the numbers speak for their themselves and those meets won’t be possible.

The last track meet in Guyana was the Early Season Classic that sped off in March of this year at the NTFC. Hutson explained that while he understands that many athletes would be relishing the opportunity to get back on the track, the health and safety of all is imperative.

The pandemic has also pushed back Guyana’s hosting of the South America under-23 championships to next year and the 50th Carifta Games from next year to 2022.

pandemic, but did shut borders to foreign arrivals in May. Borders were reopened in June, but travellers have to show a negative coronavirus test result in order to board the plane.

Travellers are then tested again upon arrival, and quarantined for 14 days if it comes back positive.

Overnight curfews are in place from 11pm until 5am, face masks are mandatory in public places, while gatherings of more than 20 people are not permitted.

On Saturday, prime minister Andrew Holness warned of a recent surge in cases and urged Jamaicans to ‘exercise greater vigilance’ to prevent the spread.

‘There is a need for consciousness… for conscious personal responsibility on the part of every citizen,’ he said.

Speaking a day after Bolt’s birthday, the PM said people should avoid gathering in groups of more than 20.

The Caribbean island’s chief medical officer Jacquiline BisasorMcKenzie said ‘parties and night club activities’ were linked to the recent spike.

‘What we are seeing is that many persons do not perceive a threat to

Usain Bolt celebrated his 34th birthday with an outdoor party where guests were singing and dancing outdoors. (Facebook) themselves. They believe that it happens to somebody else,’ she warned.

The management for Bolt have been contacted for comment.

Shelly in fine form Champion lowers 100m World-Leading time with 10.86 secs Jamaica Observer - World and Olympic Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lowered her own World Leading performance in the women’s 100m with a 10.86 seconds (0.9m/s) win at the sixth Velocity Fest meet held at the National Stadium in St Andrew, on Saturday.

The easy win saw her improve on her 10.87 seconds (1.4m/s) done on August 8 as she owns three of the top seven times run in the world so far this season, all on local soil.

World Championships triple jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts also recorded a season’s best 14.43m (1.2 m/s) that made her the second best performer on the World Athletics performance charts.

Fraser-Pryce has been in great form all year despite running practically by herself and Saturday was no different as she got out to a fast start and was ahead by 20 metres to motor away to the line well ahead of sprint hurdler Megan Tapper who ran a season’s best 11.82 seconds, not far from her 11.75 seconds personal best.

World and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Melaine Walker placed third in 12.85 seconds, her first competitive race in years.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double Olympic champion, was second overall as she won her section in 10.92 seconds (0.8m/s), the fourth best time of the year overall and her second fastest over the distance.

Ricketts had five of her six attempts over 14.00m and three were better than her previous season’s best of 14.21m set on August 8 as Cuba’s Liadagmis Povea owns the top three jumps so far.

Sandisha Antoine was second with 13.31m after taking just two of her attempts.

Yohan Blake, who was the youngest man to win a World Championships 100m gold

medal when he crossed the line first in Seoul, South Korea in 2011, ran a season’s best 10.15 seconds (0.0m/s).

Ramone Barnswell was second with 10.46 seconds and Nigel Ellis third in 10.51 seconds.

World Championships and Olympic bronze medallist Shericka Jackson won the women’s 400m in 52.29 seconds, beating training partners Janieve Russell, 52.37, seconds; and Junelle Bromfield, 52.60 seconds.

Rusheen McDonald, who had won all four 400m races he had contested so far this season, dropped down to the 200m and won in 21.21 seconds (1.6m/s) with Emmanuel Callendar taking second in 21.81 seconds.

Chad Wright threw 61.68m in the men’s discus and Samantha Hall threw 51.55m in the female discus.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

GAW tackle Tallawahs, Patriots face Tridents as CPL moves to Queen’s Park The teams will be hoping for better performances, especially with the bat as the Caribbean Premier League moves to the Queen’s Park Oval today with two matches.

Last year ’s finalists the Guyana Amazon Warriors will face Jamaica Tallawahs at 17:30hrts, while St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots will play defending champions Barbados Tridents from 10:00hrs in the opening contest of the day.

The Warriors went down to Zouks by 10 runs in their previous encounter, but their skipper Chris Green said his players are very positive.

“We have played four games so far, we had a scrappy win and unfortunately we fell short the other night, the boys are still in great spirit, I am really impressed with the way we are bowling and fielding. Batting in these conditions is pretty tough, we have got some guys who starts and showing a bit of form. Pooran. Rutherford and Paul in the last game got a good opportunity to bat, hopefully they can get a bit of form now and put some runs on the board,” he stated at a press conference held yesterday.

Green added that there is always pressure on every team to win games.

“There is always pressure on every team to win games, this year obviously with the different nature of the tournament and playoffs its crucial just to make that top four. We are well aware of what we need

to do, we are continuing to build, we want to play a better cricket at the back end of the tournament and I think we are on the right path. The batters getting in and get some time in the middle is something we have been starved of for the past six months. The bowlers have started to get that feeling back and I don’t think our batters are far away and once they start firing and we start getting into gear I think we can get where we want to.

We are third on the table now and I don’t think there is any need to panic, we have just got to stay positive, stay together as a unit and continue to learn through each game.”

The Warriors opening pair of Brandon King and Chandrapaul Hemraj have not yet repeat the type of form they showed in last year’s tournament, but Green is positive that they will come good.

“This is the nature of this game, I am not concerned on anyone’s form at the moment, some guys miss out, some guys get runs, if you look at King’s unbelievable run last year, there is always going to be pressure on him to try and match that, he is a quality player, he has done well for us in the pass and we have full faith in him coming right. Hemraj has showed glimpses of it as well through different stages and I back these guys. I don’t think they are far away from big scores.

Caribbean Premier League Standings TEAM M W L TKR 3 3 0 ZOUKS 4 3 1 GAW 4 2 2 JT 3 1 2 BT 3 1 2 STKNP 3 0 3

PT 6 6 4 2 2 0

NRR 0.728 0.302 0.313 -0.301 -0.538 -0.733

I t ’s a n e w g r o u n d n o w hopefully some better conditions for batting we have full faith in our players.”

Green added that they have discussed a number of options and if they want to arrive at their best XI for e a c h g a m e . “ We h a v e discussed different options, we have some quality players there. We need to access what’s our best XI for each game, we are managing our fast bowlers and ensuring they are in a great place for the majority of the tournament, we have got to do the same with our batsmen and ensure that all our players are in the best frame of mind. We have 10 games in 15 days so we don’t want guys fall by the way side, we have got to continue to rotate them and make a few fresh changes as we have done with Nedd. I think he has injected a lot of entertainment into our lineup and that youth policy obviously helps us there.”

The skipper said he is impressed with young Nedd.

“I am really impressed, a young player like that bowling spin particularly at that Jamaican side and the game against St. Lucia where he held his nerve. He was able to repeat what I asked of him, I think he is an exciting young talent for Guyana the West Indies. We have so much depth in this team having to leave someone like Romario Shepherd on the bench for that youth policy is an incredibly tough decision.”

Green pointed out that the pacers have done a great job and they want to secure their playoff spot. “We want to be peaking at the back end of the tournament and to utilize

those 10 preliminary games of solid learning and push our case for that first title.”

“We are taking one game at a time. Our prime focus now is on that Jamaica game, we had a great win against them and we want to continue to improve. CPL is different, we haven’t seen our fans to help get that positive energy, I think as a Guyanese team and playing at Providence is one of the profound things of the tournament. We love the energy and the excitement we get from playing in front of our home fans who really support us. We are extremely grateful for the messages that all our players are receiving from everyone in Guyana and around the world. This year is different, we are confined to the hotel, but we have got a really good family vibes within this team and that helps us through. We are on this learning phase and we want to continue to get better, we are going to lose some games along the way, but we want to win more and grow as a team, and we want to win the competition this year.”

Tallawahs skipper Rovman Powell said they have had a mixed start to the competition but still remain positive of making the playoffs. “The guys are still positive about making it to the playoffs and finals. We started pretty good but the game against Guyana really hurt us. The pitch was tricky pitch but we were supposed to get that score, it was an

Will there be more heroics from Andre Russell for the Tallawahs. (CPL T20 Ltd 2020) atrocious display for us,” he said. Powell stated that the lack of training may be the reason for their below par performance so far. “We were hoping we could have had a few practice games but it was affected by rain, we have to turn around the batting performances and support Andre Russell and set it up

for him.”

Powell is looking for a more batting friendly pitch in today’s game.

Today’s fixtures: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Barbados Tridents at Queen’s Park Oval - 10:00am Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors at Queen’s Park Oval - 05:30pm

All 77 NFL positive COVID-19 tests from weekend come back negative (Reuters) - The National Football League has cleared all 77 individuals who returned positive results for COVID-19 over the weekend after discovering a testing error

in a New Jersey lab, ESPN reported, citing sources.

A total of 11 teams were affected by testing irregularities, leading to c h a n g e s i n S u n d a y ’s practice schedules.

All the 77 tests from BioReference Laboratories that were in question came back negative during Sunday’s re-tests.

“The NFL immediately took necessary actions to ensure the safety of the players and personnel,” the l a b ’s executive chairman Jon R. Cohen said in a statement.

“Our investigation indicated that these were most likely false positive results, caused by an isolated contamination

during test preparation in the New Jersey laboratory.

“All individuals impacted have been confirmed negative and informed.”

Earlier this month, a Detroit Lions player and L o s A n g e l e s C h a rg e r s staff member also registered false positives for the virus, prompting the league to update its protocols.

Under the latest guidelines, players or staff who test positive but are asymptomatic must have two confirmatory tests the day after returning a positive COVID-19 result.

If both confirmatory tests are negative, the individuals can rejoin team activities.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 25, 2020

PAGE 25

BCB and Albion Cricket Club holds cordial discussion on the future of Berbice Cricket

B

erbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster on Thursday last led a seven-member delegation to visit the Albion Sports Complex on an invitation by the President and Executives of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC). The Albion Club had requested the meeting despite the pandemic crisis to discuss Berbice Cricket development and seek answers to several concerns of theirs.

The President, as part of his meet the clubs programme, readily agreed to the meeting within seventy-two hours. Since his election to the Presidency, the BCB leader has visited the majority of clubs in the county to listen to their c o n c e r n s a n d recommendations.

The BCB President was accompanied by Secretary Angela Haniff, Treasurer Dr. C e c i l B e h a r r y, A s s t Secretary Ameer Rahaman,

A s s t Tr e a s u r e r R o v i n Bahadur, Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu and Executive Member Mr. Edwards.

The Albion President Mr. Vemen Walters thanked the BCB for agreeing to the meeting and congratulated the executives on the great job they are doing on and off the cricket field. Among the topics that were discussed were immediate plans for Berbice Cricket, developmental programmes, relationship with the Guyana Cricket Board, the ongoing B C B / R H T Y S C programmes, functioning of BCB sub committees and representation of players at that national level.

Walters expressed some concern at the BCB involvement in several legal matters and stated that Berbice needs proper representations on the GCB as decisions were taken about Guyana Cricket without any input from the county. Foster explained that

- Butcher Fund donates clocks to Police ‘B’ Division

BCB Secretary Angela Haniff hands over donation to the ACCCC. the legal actions were about restoring democracy to Guyana’s Cricket and making sure that cricket development is for all Guyanese and not a selected few.

He committed to having an Albion executive in the BCB official delegation

Presentation of clocks to the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force.

whenever it meets with Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jnr. The President committed himself to work along with the Government of Guyana to develop the game and to work hard to return regional and international cricket to the Albion Ground, where the first ODI in the Caribbean was played in 1977 versus Pakistan.

Foster admitted that it was unlikely that any cricket would be played for the rest of the year but stated that efforts would be made to conduct developmental programmes off the cricket field. The BCB delegation also provided answers to the ACCC on the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, Covid-19 response project,

sponsorship after the COVID-19 pandemic and the work of the board’s four sub committees.

Foster disclosed that the BCB was trying to establish a working relationship with some regional cricket boards in its ongoing development effort and arrangements are being put into place for coaching of youths using the internet.

He also disclosed that numerous changes would have to be made in Berbice Cricket, including the reduction of cash prizes for finals and the attendance of spectators at matches. Both delegations agreed to meet in the future and Walters pledged Albion’s support towards the development of the game. The BCB

delegation also handed over a donation of stationery, clocks, cleaning detergent and a warm up football to the ACCCC. Meanwhile, the joint BCB/RHTYSC Basil Butcher Trust Fund on Wednesday last handed over twenty clocks to the Management of the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division.

Public Relations Officer of the BCB and RHTYSC Vice President Mark Papannah handed over the donation to ‘B’ Division Traffic Chief Mr. Williams.

Under the Fund, a total of $250,000 worth of clocks would be shared out to public institutions across Berbice including schools, churches, fire stations and post offices.

Usain Bolt ‘tests positive for covid’ - days after celebrating his 34th birthday at a party

The sprinter hailed the ‘best birthday ever’ in an Instagram post after turning 34 which featured a sweet picture of Bolt and his baby daughter Olympia. (Daoly Mail via Instagram)

Will the Warriors get it right this time to beat the Tallawahs a second time. (CPL T20 Ltd 2020)

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GAW tackle Tallawahs, Patriots face Tridents as CPL moves to Queen’s Park AAG calls of Senior Championship

National Senior Athletics Championships called off Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.