Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

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

Backed by p. 3 Guyana contracts…

Dutch

Friday Edition August 05, 2022 - Vol. 24 No. 34

shipbuilder nets US$103M profit in 6 months

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 78,959

Oil-minded Guyanese

Rystad's Senior Vice President and Head of Latin America, Schreiner Parker

hammer Rystad Energy's

propaganda 'study' ...company admits to being ExxonM's client ...avoids questions on who paid for spreading of misinformation See story on page 13

Three men die as

UN Head whips oil companies for making truck topples on massive profits on backs of poor people Linden Highway

p.

14

...urges Govt.s to implement windfall tax to support vulnerable citizens

p.

3

No one has ever seen, known what Guyana US$600M oil insurance policy is about- Sources p. 2

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Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

No one has ever seen, known what Guyana US$600M oil insurance policy is about

By Zena Henry

W

hile the conversation regarding financial protection for Guyana against oil spills rages on, citizens are not only in the dark about the actual existence of the insurance policy, but sources have confirmed that the coverage is not in-country as is legally required.

Given their operations offshore Guyana, oil companies are required to have the necessary insurance coverage to provide the finances that is necessary to support clean up action. Additionally, this policy is supposed to be in-country, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr. Vincent Adams had stated. He had explained that moves were being made to not only have a reasonable oil spill policy available to Guyana, but that the policy was being prepared to be in-country since a local representative would have to be the broker for the oil spill coverage.

However, Kaieteur News understands that to date, the policy is not available here. The newspaper was told that based on

the law, Exxon Mobil and its affiliates are prevented from having the policy overseas, and that, “it has to go through a local company.”

This move is called “fronting”, where the oil company passes the policy through a local broker, allowing for some in-country handling of the service, the newspaper was told. As such, “the law does not allow for the insurance to be directly held overseas. It has to go through a local company,” the information stated.

It was noted too that any policy involving a foreign company has to be with a locally registered company.

“There is no information however as to who has the insurance policy or where it is located and my information is that it is not being done here,” the well placed sourced advised.

Outside of this, Kaieteur News was reminded nonetheless that local insurance companies may not be able to accommodate the size of the oil spill policy thus supporting the possibility of the coverage being outside of Guyana. It was clarified however that despite local companies' abilities “fronting” is

-Sources s till the option that meets the legal requirements in relation to having the policy represented by a local company. “So even if the hefty policy is outside of Guyana, it must be represented by a company registered locally.”

Guyana is said to have US$600M for each oil production project led by ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) offshore Guyana. EPA's current CEO told the media last April that there is a 'per occurrence' insurance coverage in case of the unfortunate situation. But to date, Guyanese have not been told where this insurance is located and with whom. Additionally, a bigger argument exists where stakeholders have expressed concern over the value of the oil spill policy given the “industry-leading” pace at which the country is developing its oil fields.

Shadow Minister with responsibility for oil and gas, David

Exxon oil spill response training.

Patterson, just over a week ago sought to have the National Assembly agree on having unlimited liability coverage for the oil sector here, which includes parent company coverage pass any expenses the operator may not be able to cover. Patterson highlighted during his contribution to the oil coverage debates, that there will also be additional threats of oil spills off Guyana's coasts. He point out that “the emergency response and cleanup of the British Petroleum Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have so far cost

more than $70B USD and still counting, but inexplicably, the Vice President of Guyana (Bharrat Jagdeo) has been waffling all over the place changing his tune from a $2B insurance from Exxon, to parent company assurance, to now peddling a piddly $600M insurance coverage which is less than one percent of the cost of the Macondo spill.”

Adams, who has been extremely vocal over the local insurance policy, as well as other stakeholders have called on the government to present the public

GuySuCo CEO defends purchase of “unsuitable” tractors ...says in-house experts decided on better technology to turnaround corporation

By Zena Henry

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uyana Sugar C o m p a n y (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer, Sasenarine Singh is adamant that as part of the ailing company's turnaround, suitable technologies must be applied in the mechanisation process of sugar cane production.

During an interview with this publication yesterday to clear up a number of issues relating to the purchase of articulated tractors against that of John Deere tractors, Singh told the newspaper that the company has embarked on a strategic fiveyear plan to stabilise the industry and in particular, intends to move ahead with a mechanisation programme using mainly the two types of machines. Given that only 50 percent of the company's manual labour is turning out, the CEO insists that mechanisation is the way forward and that two machines at the centre of a

rift between himself and r e s i g n e d B o a r d Vi c e Chairman Anthony Vieira, both have their places in supporting the work required by the sugar company.

The CEO is accused of pushing the GAME tractors which stakeholders claimed are “unsuitable” and more costly than the John Deere.

Despite this, they charged that the CEO is looking for more than G$1B to buy the unsuitable technology. The GuySuCo CEO has insisted however, that he makes no decision on his own. He told Kaieteur News that “GuySuCo's sub -committee of the Board basically made the decision that the (articulated) tractors were to be delivered in batches, contingent on a clear demonstration and certification of its suitability and performance.” He said it meant that other batches would not be procured unless the first batch performed and is unequivocally accepted by management and the board.

“There is nowhere on this

document where Sasenarine Singh is signing”, the CEO said. Instead, he highlighted that the Chairman of that subcommittee is actually a senior member of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU), suggesting that key sugar stakeholders had been involved in the process.

The CEO explained, that in 2020 he was warned by GuySuCo's technicians that if the company wants to see a turnaround in the industry, “we need to have the right technology on the fields designed for mechanisation, and the right technology for the manual fields.” He explained that the manual fields are the Dutch beds and mechanised fields, the broad bed. To select a better technology test were done with the equipment.

“On Dutch beds we are prepared to support tillage tractors that are fixed framed and the broad bed we are advocating for articulate tractors.” The operational advantages, he said, is that

there are three processes when it comes to tillage; ploughing, harrowing 1 and harrowing 2 “with the articulated tractors ploughing will be removed which means 23 percent of the operating cost will disappear.”

“There is a place in GuySuCo for both technologies; articulate and fixed frame,” Singh told the newspaper. He explained that while there are arguments for a particular type of tractor, GuySuCo has its people with qualifications, “And I as CEO have to listen to the technical people. The technical experts are basically saying that there is a place on GuySuCo's field for both technologies.” He continued that since these experts are agricultural engineers with the requisite qualifications, they found in their work that the articulated machines are much more efficient on broad beds with a financial saving some 23 percent,

removing at least one step in the GuySuCo CEO ploughing process.

Sasenarine Singh The drawbar power of the articulated machine is 171 hp while the fixed frame GuySuCo bought 9 fixed is 150, “this explains that it is frame machines and 6 better fuel efficiency and articulate machines. more power to the He clarified that when a implements. “A machine is trial was ordered to be done no good unless that thing to test the two tractor brands, (implement) at the back of it himself nor his executives called the plough is powered were present despite claims up. So if there is more power that he had manipulated the in that thing in the back, why process. would you go for less “I wasn't there during p o w e r ? ” t h e C E O trial so how can I verify these questioned. He added that things. None of my technical from January to June of this mangers were there,” Singh year, GuySuCo has spent charged. He said that the $42M in repairs “on the c o m p a n y s h a r e h o l d e r s brand that Mr. Vieira is wanted to do a test, they advocating for just to keep issued an instruction, “we them afloat.” “Mr. Vieira is said fine, you name the day, not an agricultural engineer. you take the tractors you The people who wrote the want, do what you gotta do, report are agricultural here is the field.” Singh also engineers and the work they denied seeing any GAME h a v e d o n e m u s t b e proposal which was sent to respected,” Singh opined. GuySuCo sometime last He explained that in 2022 June.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2022

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Dutch shipbuilder nets US$103M profit in six months Backed by …

Guyana contracts

...says order book increases to new record level of US$31B

By Kiana Wilburg

S

BM Offshore, the Dutch shipbuilder of Guyana's oil vessels, disclosed on Thursday that it earned a handsome net profit totalling US$103M or US$0.58 per share, for the first half of 2022.

This is significant since for the corresponding period last year, the company made US$61M or US$0.32 per share. Of particular interest to the company is the fact that its order book has increased to “a new record level” of US$31.1B. The company said its growth in this regard is backed by the contractual arrangement in place for Guyana's floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel called One Guyana. This ship is expected to serve ExxonMobil's Yellowtail Project in the Stabroek Block.

In its latest financial statements, SBM said it expects to deliver around US$9 billion net cash flow

from its Lease and Operate programmes for the remainder of the year which gives a unique visibility on cash flow for the next 28 years. The company said its teams continue to deliver solid results, despite the challenging environment, adding that it is thrilled about the bottom line projections for 2022.

On the overall project portfolio, SBM said strategic mitigating measures against inflation have b e e n p r o v i n g e ff e c t i v e o n controlling cost and protecting schedule on. Nevertheless, the company said parts of the portfolio remain sensitive to the pressure in the global supply chain and impact from COVID-19 pandemic.

Kaieteur News understands that the company's market outlook for new FPSOs remains positive as the world requires energy which is not only sustainable, but also affordable and reliable. It said this is what the company is delivering

The Liza Destiny FPSO that was built by SBM Offshore. through its competitive Fast4Ward® FPSOs which are also characterized by low emissions intensity.

The company said it has therefore ordered its seventh F a s t 4 Wa r d ® M P F h u l l .

Expounding on the Lease and Operate Division, SBM said it continues to deliver good results.

SBM said as well that the Liza Unity (FPSO) has been successfully ramped up in industryleading time, meanwhile the compression system for Liza Destiny (FPSO) was successfully upgraded. It said Brazil's FPSO, the Cidade de Anchieta, is progressing towards a safe restart.

To achieve its goal of net-zero by 2050, the Dutch firm said it has established the following intermediate targets: by 2030, a target net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions; a 50% reduction in scope 3 greenhouse gas intensity; and zero routine flaring in its fleet.

The company also reported seeing good progress under its emissionZERO® programme which aims to have a near-zero emissions FPSO available to the market by 2025.

In respect to new energies and services, the company said it is developing products and services compatible with its net-zero roadmap.

It was keen to note that the orderly transition from fossil to renewable energy will require companies to design and develop innovative solutions combined with the capability to reliably execute, finance and operate them.

At the same time, SBM said the transition will require maintaining discipline in providing value to all stakeholders with a particular focus on profitability and appropriate risk allocation.

As an energy transition company, SBM categorically stated that it is well positioned to support, make a difference and benefit from multiple pathways in the growing energy transition market.

UN Head whips oil companies for making massive profits - Urges governments to implement on backs of poor people windfall tax to support vulnerable citizens

By Kiana Wilburg

S

ecretary General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres has slammed fossil fuel companies for the “excessive and immoral profits” they made during the energy crisis sparked by the Russia-Ukraine war in February last.

The Secretary General issued a stern call for the massive gains of these firms to be taxed, and the money returned to vulnerable citizens to help them weather the financial storm. During the Conference of Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations in New York City on August 1, 2022, Guterres said it is immoral for oil and gas companies to be making record profits on the backs of the poorest people and communities and at a massive cost to the climate.

The Secretary General said, “The combined profits o f t h e l a rg e s t e n e rg y companies in the first quarter

of this year are close to 100 billion US$ dollars.” In fact, Kaieteur News' research found that oil majors such as Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Shell and TotalEnergies produced a combined profit of US$51 billion in the most recent quarter.

UN Secretary General, António Guterres The UN Chief said, “I therefore urge all governments to tax these excessive profits and use the funds to support the most vulnerable people through these difficult times. I urge people everywhere to send a

clear message to the fossil fuel industry and their financiers that this grotesque greed is punishing the poorest and most vulnerable people while destroying our only common home, the planet.”

Guterres said many developing countries are drowning in debt without access to finance and are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. He said some situations are so dire that nations can go over the brink. “ We a r e already seeing the warning signs of a wave of economic, social and political upheaval that would leave no country untouched,” said the top UN official.

He appealed to all global citizens that a firm stance be taken against fossil fuel companies as the current state of affairs is just reprehensible.

According to reports from several international news agencies, Spain and Germany will soon

introduce a windfall tax on energy companies from next year to fund measures designed to help citizens cope with inflation. Both territories would be following in the footsteps of Italy, America and Britain which have all introduced the said tax. For those unfamiliar with the term, a

windfall tax is a higher tax rate on profits that result from a sudden gain to a particular company or industry, often as the result of a geo-political disturbance, war or natural disaster that creates unusual spikes in demand and/or interruptions to supply.

In America, companies

face a 50 percent windfall tax on their mega-profits while a 25 percent is applied to energy firms in the UK. Closer to home, Trinidad and Tobago said in February that it would be strengthening its legislative framework in an effort to net more gains being made by oil companies (Continued on page 9)

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Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Great pretenders, great imposters, great postures The discovery of oil in Guyana has brought out the great darkness in us for the world to see. When Guyanese leaders and citizens should be projecting great strength, great passion and conviction, and great integrity and principle, very few can find these qualities in themselves.

It is why so many cannot rise from their weak positions, from their possible bargains and compromises made, and which exposes them for who they really are, what they truly represent. Those that we have today in Guyana for leaders are nothing but great pretenders, great impostors, great posturers. One man, the publisher of this paper, looked at what he sees is this great betrayal. For a great betrayal to occur, there must be those who are nothing but the worst of great betrayers.

A group made a promise, the firmest of heartfelt commitments, to do something about Guyana’s oil contract, which its members called some of the dirtiest, lowest names anywhere. The members and leaders of that political group were among the second set of pretenders and betrayers – pretenders because they did not have the interest, did not have the courage, and did not have the required principles to put on their helmets and go to war for this country and its citizens. The first set was from the political group that represented Guyana and came away with peanuts that can be counted in one hand, so paltry was what was obtained.

Two leaders raved and ranted about ‘renegotiating’ and ‘wrong end of the stick’ and so on, only for them to fall apart when the time came for them to make good on their fancy speeches and fighting words. Our cowardly leaders put their tails behind their legs and ran for the nearest hole, so afraid they are that the foreigners would expose the long yellow streak in them, which came from their lack of guts.

Leaders said that they were going to do this and do that to get more for Guyanese from that criminal oil contract. Then they crawled on their bellies with their noses buried in filth before Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge of ExxonMobil, and John Hess of Hess Corporation. Guyanese leaders know who is massa and who is boy, they know also that they are not masters of anything, not even here.

Senior Guyanese political leaders now work overtime at being great pretenders, great impostors, and great posturers.

They have become very good at those, with one deception after another, any number of dodges, and any kind of dance that circumstances require. Another set of leaders from another political group, the one that had a major hand in the existence of this devastating contract, is still to prove the truth and strength about them and of where they stand with this oil wealth of ours. If they were alone, that would be bad enough, but there are other pretenders, imposters, and posturers.

The vital issue of full oil spill liability coverage finally sees some light in Guyana’s National Assembly, and it is not even during sunlight hours, but late-night darkness. In another of Guyana’s dark oil hours, our own Guyanese parliamentarians went to war against each other over full liability coverage. This is one issue of such significance, with so much potential embedded danger that they should have been together and inseparable, but there they were battling one another, and finally bringing down to defeat the Motion for full company liability coverage in the event of an oil spill. If Guyanese needed to look for great pretenders, great impostors, and great posturers, they don’t have to look too far or too long anymore. They are right there in their own house.

Who is Guyanese and who is for Guyana is no longer a question requiring asking. For we do know who is for ExxonMobil and the other companies in its consortium of exploiters and ravagers. This is how Guyanese are betrayed by their own. This is how some leaders and their followers have lost all self-respect, the respect of the people, and any and all claims to the right to govern us. They serve the foreigners; they fall at the feet of the white man.

Increase pension to cushion cost of living impact on elders DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago I met a pensioner who was coming out of a supermarket and she greeted me and asked me what I was doing outside the supermarket and I told her that I was waiting for my wife who was shopping inside. Editor, what she proceeded to tell me caused my heart to break and left such a sick feeling within me that I decided to highlight the plight of pensioners in this country.

She told me her husband died a few years ago and she is receiving $17,500 survivors pension from the NIS and an old age pension of $28,000 from the government which gives her a grand total of $45,500 per month. She pays $10,000 per month for rent, an average of between $20,000 to

$25,000 per month in groceries and between $15,000 to $20,000 per month in the market buying the basic necessities like fish and vegetables. She cannot afford fruits and meat. Then she have to pay bills along with another amenity. By now Editor, I guess you get the drift; there is no way this pensioner can survive on the money she is receiving every month and so as the saying goes” she has to cut her belly to survive”, especially since the cost of living has skyrocketed. I know the high cost of living is affecting all Guyanese, but it is decimating the most vulnerable groups like the pensioners I would therefore like to appeal to this government to

do something for the pensioners of this country who have given their blood, sweat and tears to develop this country and make it what it is today so that this generation, including the President, vice president and the entire cabinet, can enjoy the bounties of this country today. And let me make this clear upfront, I do not believe in the one-off cash grant that this government is doling out to various sectors in this country, because after the money is finish, what next?

We are back to square one.

With regards to the pensioners, I would like to recommend that this government increase the NIS pension by 50 percent to all pensioners and the Old Age pension to $40,000 per month

with immediate effect to help cushion the devastating impact of the high cost of living on our pensioners.

After all, they do not have long more to live and the most this government can do is to make their last few years a happy one for them. I know infrastructure development is important for this country, but you cannot use all the oil wealth on infrastructure alone and neglect your people who are reeling from the high cost of living and the people in government, businessmen and investors are enjoying the good life. Please Mr. President, listen to the cry of the people and do something for the pensioners of this country. Thank you.

Yours Faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

GuySuCo working towards returning industry to point of 100,000 MT of sugar with 4 fully functional estates DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is aware of a letter penned by one Mr. Narendra Lall and published in the online version of Kaieteur News yesterday (August 4, 2022).

GuySuCo wishes to point out that since agriculture is a science, everything in the sector is evidence based, and Mr. Lall was not judicious in consulting the literature to understand the direct correlation between rainfall and Tonnes Cane per Hectare (TCH). Any agriculture professional would agree that the morphological and physiological characteristics of the sugar cane deteriorate when the climatic conditions experience above normal rainfall.

Just to gently guide Mr. Lall based on the literature, the learned Professors Samui, John and Kulkarni (2003), in the Journal of Agricultural Physics and Professor Biswas (1988) in his piece on the “Agriclimatology of the sugar cane crop” endorse the accuracy of what is happening in Guyana. It is definitely proven that intense rain fall will impact sugar yields. Therefore, any attempts to cast blame for the current state of sugar yields and create an illusion that the state of affairs is due to some doing of the CEO or any other functionary of the Corporation is emphatically misinformed and unprofessional on the part of the writer.

The empirical evidence will illustrate that the average long term mean annual rainfall

data between the periods 1956 to 2021 was 1,993 mm.

Over the last two years (August 2020 – July 2022), the average annual rainfall experienced in the industry was 2,829 mm; more than 836 mm of rain than normal. But what was quite alarming over the last two years was the fact that extremely intense rainfalls occurred during the months of April, August, October and November.

Moreover, these are historically some of the drier months of the year when the sugar industry is expected to make its greatest stride with respect to ploughing, planting and harvesting the fields. Hence the outcome of all this work is better sugar production from the factories.

From the rainfall records, it is clear that the driest years over the last 15 years were 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the

rainfall was 1,001 mm below the 67 years average. In such conditions therefore, there is a stronger chance of better cane yields, resulting in better sugar quality; hence higher sugar output. The same can be said for 2014 and 2019.

However, from the table above, we see that 2021 and the latest projection for 2022 indicates expected rainfall to be 958 mm and 597 mm above the 67 years average. Again, this climatic condition is not conducive for sugar production.

Since November 2020, the industry has been experiencing an extraordinary feature in the weather patterns with higher than normal intensity of rainfall in some of the traditionally dryer months (April, August, September and November).

It is important to note that November 2020 experienced

the worst downpour when examining rainfall in the same month for the past 15 years.

Same phenomenon occurred in April and May 2021, resulting in the worse flood in the industry for 40 years, and a National Disaster was declared in Guyana. Then in June 2022, the Sugar Estates again experienced their worst downpour for that particular month during the 15-year period. And all of these statements can be substantiated by empirical evidence which Mr. Lall failed to consult.

Notwithstanding these two years of challenging climatic conditions, the Corporation is committed towards progressing the agenda of ploughing more lands, and producing more sugar in the future. To this end, only on August 3, 2022, the CEO and a technical team met in two gatherings with the large rice farmers in Region 5 to explore a business venture to use private sector machinery to add to the fleet of state owned machinery on the Blairmont Estate to leverage our synergies in these difficult circumstances.

And the same was done by a technical team from Albion with the private cane farmers at Skeldon.

While the Corporation thanks the Lalls and Balls of Guyana for their commentary, their attempt to personalise and pull down, rather than add value to the process, is most regretful and we again ask, to what end? Is the agenda of the Lalls and Balls to rebuild the (Continued on page 5)

Friday August 05, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Opposition in furious motion DEAR EDITOR, I absorb three recent developments from Guyana’s Opposition Leadership, and conclude that this it is now an Opposition in motion, in escalation mode, one coiled by tension. The three developments involved that handshake, the Emancipation Day gathering, and the Opposition Rally the following evening. My thoughts will pinch; may even pierce. My position is clear on the handshake. Personally, I am against such step taken.

I will outdo anyone on courtesy. But I understand.

In these pages years ago, I proudly made a statement repeatedly: I will not break bread with some, so beastly I thought them to be. Further, I would walk out of any space in which they are, so destructive I calculated them

GuySuCo working towards...

From page 4 agriculture sector in Guyana or to destroy it?

GuySuCo’s agenda remains totally focused on the implementation of its fiveyear strategic plan and to return the industry to the point of 100,000 MT of sugar with four (4) fully functional sugar Estates.

What the Lalls and Balls are conveniently forgetting is the historical fact that all these sizeable production numbers they are quoting were produced by eleven (11) Estates and then seven (7) Estates. The reality today is there are only three (3) grinding Estates. It is just arithmetic; how difficult is that to figure out?

GuySuCo implores persons who wish to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Corporation to seek the truth by verifying and corroborating all information before seeking to publish halftruths towards their own personal agenda. These dastardly acts of trying to pull down using half-truths rather than build up with constructive suggestions could have an adverse and direct impact on 7,877 families whose husbands and wives work in the sugar industry.

Don’t these people have a right to put their shoulders to the wheel and build up the sugar industry just like the Lalls and Balls had in the yester-years?

Yours faithfully, GuySuCo Marketing and Communications Department

to be to this society. I have adjusted that harsh stance.

Growth. Though there are worse than before, I have disciplined myself towards self-improvement for they are my brothers, too. I think the Opposition Leader should ponder, for there is the high ground, and then there is the hard road, which I think is what beckons ominously. In contrast, viewed from the purely political side, I see some light (more shared another time). But to close this out, I remember Ariel Sharon with Yasser Arafat at the Wye Plantation, which reflected the underlying historical and ever—present passions that, rightly or wrongly, can overpower men and moments. Yes, when matters have deteriorated that far, sores ooze, and worse when rubbed deeply they hurt. Now I proceed to the Emancipation Day gathering, and the Opposition Rally held on Tuesday evening, which I bridge because, in their essences they feed off each other and build upon what came first. The clichés cascade. The Opposition has thrown down the gauntlet; raised the bar; drawn red lines.

All cleanly, powerfully describe how I interpret what came out from both assemblies. There is this conspicuous intensification of impatience. I sense a broadening escalation of disagreement. And I discern that the Opposition is mad as hell, not willing to take it anymore, and neither interested nor impressed with PPP Government gestures.

For there are those other gestures that are merely passing gestures, the productions of the moment.

A hand extended, a hug shared, a laugh delivered, a dollar and a minute spared.

None of those are enough, and I gather that the Opposition has had enough.

I am not part of the Opposition, simply present in Guyana’s fabric, and I am long past the stage of where the line representing more than enough has been crossed. It is what has crippled:

handouts and giveaways that have favoured and targeted simultaneously. Favoured supporting segments, and targeted those identified for punishment. I have warned to the winds that it is neither leadership nor governance, and the reward has been the regular rank partisan fare, which is all we know, and relish. When near to half of the electorate is made an example of, then I say that nothing could be more enough than that state. The passions and energies of the leadership voices that rose on Emancipation Day and the next day spoke for themselves on what is so grievously wrong here, and what cannot be allowed to continue, what must be confronted. It seems that that is where we are heading, for I heard challenges thrown out, and the issues burn so much that there is little left to scorch.

Such were the sharp resonances and soaring echoes that rippled out of those two congregations of Opposition supporters during August ‘Monday’ and Tuesday. In their own way, there were hymnals of a different church and an audience receptive enough and yearning enough to believe and to go down whatever hard road has to be travelled. Note how they came out without much mobilisation. The alternative is to recommit to today’s new slavery, and from which only self-emancipation must be the resolution since it now appears to be the only solution.

The issues are present, and they need not much stirring, much breathing upon them, to come alive. I don’t

think that there is any value to repeat any of them since they are so embedded in heart and consciousness of those on the receiving end of the extravagances (none in their direction), as well as being on the same side of the excesses (the deliberate political vengeances) inflicted as postelections pains.

Most regrettably, the delighted huffs and puffs with which those were wreaked on electoral losers have only, could only have, unleashed the hues and cries that came out of Emancipation Day and the day after. We have a hard day’s night ahead of us; it assumes every appearance of a long and winding road, an uphill one. This is where gauntlets thrown down, lines drawn, and sharp, ringing words uttered coalesce and concretise. They register.

They then ring and re-ring, register and re-register. And next they ripple ever outward.

I don’t like where we are, or where we are heading. Not one bit, not for one moment.

I think some mending is overdue. First, I think that there must be mending of minds, leading to mending of ways. It doesn’t have to be any other way. It is long past the time to be about good, inclusive governance, the usual leadership and regular old politics must be on the way out. If not that, then what?

Sincerely, GHK Lall

How will the President meet and consult with two very public occasions, Mr. Norton?onattempted to greet Mr. Norton DEAR EDITOR, It is appalling to me, especially since I have served two (2) of the former leaders of the People’s National Congress (PNC), politically and professionally, to see the level to which the present Leader of the PNC and of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, has fallen, by comparison with his predecessors.

I find it not only appalling, but disturbing, since it is critical for any democracy to function in the interest of its people that there is a strong and respected opposition to hold the elected government of the day accountable both in Parliament and in public as provided for by the Constitution and the rule of law.

The elected President of our country and let me repeat, the elected President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has now,

in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition and of his party, by the universally accepted means of shaking hands, only to be rudely, crudely and foolishly rebuffed.

The first was at a reception of the High Commissioner of the UK to Guyana and, most recently and even more offensively, at an event celebrating Emancipation Day. Mr. Norton’s public display of churlish bad manners by refusing to shake the President’s hand is to say the least childish and immature, but much much worse, he and his colleagues who have behaved in this manner towards the President, have displayed a complete ignorance of their duties and responsibilities as leaders of the Parliamentary (Continued on page 16)

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Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

President Irfaan Ali and his ministries have withstood the test of time, tactics and temerity DEAR EDITOR, Two years ago, the Ali administration was finally sworn into office after a five months impasse during which, the then President Granger led APNU+AFC Administration held this country under siege and had their knees on the necks of Guyanese, refusing to demit office even after a recount of the votes by international observers proved that the PPP/C Party had won the March 2020 general elections with a majority of 33 seats.

Only after the US had imposed visa sanctions and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called President Granger to “step aside,” then the legitimate PPP/C Party was legally allowed to take their rightful seats as the recognised Government, voted in power by the Guyanese electorate, not selected or installed by any regime. Plagued with economic, social and psychological instabilities, including floods, COVID-19, poverty, bankruptcy, crime, drugs and unemployment, the new government had preplanned with foresight and the answers to most of the problems, were outlined in their manifesto. Good things certainly come to those who

wait, for, “patience is virtue.”

From day one, for the reinvigorated PPP/C Party, there was no turning back, stalling for time or uncertain about the next move, as the fresh and energised President Ali led his team of dedicated players to pioneer this exciting nation through uncharted water, engineered by the potential of the promising oil and gas industry. This industry had started off on a wrong footing because of the lopsided oil agreement signed by the APNU+AFC Party and ExxonMobil. Facing the heat now to renegotiate the contract, the PPP/C Government is being bombarded with intolerable accusations and insults.

“Do nothing, fear nothing.” This saying helped guide the young administration to throw away the key of fear to pursue policies and principles based on fairness, equality and not discriminative.

There was much to be done with limited time and a craving expectation from a yearning population, all operative in a devastating vacuum left by the previous, devious and defiant APNU+AFC administration.

A raped Treasury and

unaccountable records provided the dismal task of grasping in the dark with only the dim light flickering from a match stick and not the luxury of a fluorescent tube. A peeved nation filled with anxiety, expected the new Government to revolutionise the country overnight and implement changes to satisfy the needs of each individual.

Such was the horrendous and improbable task lying ahead for this fearless team, but, guided with the principle of “where there is a will, there is a way,” Dr. Ali and his ministries have withstand the test of time, tactics and temerity. To compound the issue, political instability executed and instigated by the defeated party, certainly did not help any smooth transitioning and the pleasure of getting comfortable in any cushioned seats. The Granger/Harmon led racist insinuation contributed to the West Coast Berbice uprisal and the violence which spurred Afro Guyanese to retaliate against Indo Guyanese to leave a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. This effect was again replicated recently at the sad Mon Repos incident. The perverse Coalition Party meant to play havoc with the lives of the

PPP/C government and their supporters, but instead, included their electorate constituent also, not caring or being concerned about who lie in their path in order for them to succeed with their willful and mischievous plan to derail the peace, progress and prosperity of this nation at any cost. “Waste not, want not,” meant nothing to the blind leadership of a rudderless Coalition party.

President Ali recently remarked, “All of our programmes have accelerated development.” Undaunted by all the trials and tribulations, hurdles and impediments, the negativity of all the naysayers and the unplanned stumbling blocks, a resilient PPP/C Government paved its way through muddy water and foggy atmosphere to overcome all the hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, storms and hails, weathering all of manmade pessimism and nature’s gifts, to calmly manage the affairs of the nation, efficiently and effectively, bringing the economy back to a blossoming flower by yanking it from the jaws of death. As patient as David but passionate as Goliath, the gentle lamb of the Government, gentlemanly

eroded the Godzilla Coalition to evoke their promised manifesto and implemented their plans strategically, after presenting the biggest budget in the history of Guyana. This paved the way to unleash a series of humungous projects to metamorphose the new landscape of Guyana with massive infrastructure, ingrained in streets, roads, highways, culverts, kokers, bridges, water stations, pumps, wells, streetlights, airports, waterways, buildings, hotels, hospitals, houses, markets, schools, sports complexes, etc.

“Seeing is believing,” but the diaspora returning home after a prolong absence, cannot believe their eyes and are bedazzled on arrival.

The President did say, “Together, we have already accomplished a lot.” In its first two years, the PPP/C government has accomplished more than what the APNU+AFC government did in their last five years of governance. The government brought tremendous relief to the entire Guyanese population via, increases in social and security services, tax relief, school grants, flood grants, COVID-19 relief grants, hampers, old age

pension, bonuses, allowances, disability grants, agriculture grants, fishing grants, minimum wage, etc., all amounting to billions of dollars. There was no disparity but equality in the distribution of benefits and the meek call for discrimination practice from the baffled few are weak and unfounded, lacked any proof and used as a desperate means for political survival.

The PPP/C Government’s “proof is in the pudding.”

Damage control was a priority on the government’s “to do list” and Dr. Irfaan Ali has established Guyana’s name on the tongue of all the world leaders and brought international fame by his many visits and participation on the global scene.

He is renowned and well respected, having received accolades and applauses from all the international and regional heads of governments as a key player in world affairs. Through his astute leadership, his service and loyalty, his commitment and dedication to Guyana, the neighbouring countries, CARICOM and the world at large, he is opening doors for Guyana and Guyanese and all the major business (Continued on page 16)

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

If Guyanese did not enjoy a good laugh last evening when the so called independent group Rystad Energy tried to paint a glowing picture regarding the amount of money we are getting from this oil and gas contract with Exxon, then I do not know what else will tickle our people.

Coming out of the entire engagement, one thing was certain, Rystad did not, out of the blue, decide to come to Guyana and provide the so called “independent” review of the sector.

The Senior Vice President Schreiner Parker probably did not expect attendees to understand the intricate pieces of information he sought to report on, but it is getting clearer that Guyanese are getting shine! Outside of getting the agent to admit that Exxon Mobil is on its list of clients, he was pressed on the information he was providing while Guyanese themselves have been begging but cannot receive the necessary information that would allow them to assess their own oil industry the way he has done.

What is very real however, is that many will be coming to Guyana, some paid to divulge information that may very well be true but means nothing to the common Guyanese, because of the poor contractual arrangements.

It is clear also that arming ourselves with the relevant information will help us in protecting our oil wealth.

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Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

Corentyne farmers Businesses still struggling bemoan deplorable to benefit from oil sector state of access dams Six months after passage of local content law…

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ix months after the much vaunted Local Content legislation was passed, local small and medium-sized businesses are still facing barriers to benefit from the petroleum sector.

The issue was highlighted recently by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The Chamber in a statement said that it has taken note of recurrent contract bundling practices within Guyana's petroleum sector and expressed its disapproval of this practice.

According to the GCCI, contract bundling, which is the consolidation of the procurement of various goods and services under one contract, has seemingly become a practice of companies within the petroleum sector. Contracts are being solicited for Expression Of Interest (EOI) and Requests For Information (RFI) under one umbrella by various players in the industry.

The Chamber said too

President of the GCCI Timothy Tucker that the sum-effect of this practice is that Micro, Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are unable to compete in the space since the 'bundling' practice will set an artificial barrier to their participation.

Apart from its obvious hindrance to MSMEs wishing to service the sector, the Chamber believes that contract bundling works against the spirit and intent

of Guyana's Local Content A c t ( 2 0 2 1 ) t h e r e b y, defeating the objectives of the Act as it relates to private sector development.

The Chamber calls on the Local Content Secretariat of the Ministry of Natural Resources to examine this practice and its harmful effects on the full utilization of the Local Content Act and, by extension, private sector development in Guyana.

This is not the first time the issue is being highlighted.

Back in May, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat had put oil companies on notice that the Government of Guyana will not tolerate the shortchanging of citizens in their own country after it was brought to the attention of the administration complaints of unfair competition and other issues in the industry. Bharrat listed a number of issues he said are raised with him daily. To this end, he explained that (Continued on page 9)

...Mustapha blames heavy rain for not fixing them Rice farmers from #52 to #74 area on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne) were assured that all the dams in the cultivation areas would be rehabilitated as soon as possible.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a meeting with the farmers at the New Market Primary School on Wednesday.

During the meeting, many farmers told the minister that the dams were in a deplorable state and that they were having issues accessing their rice fields. In addition to the terrible state of the dams, farmers said that several canals in the cultivation areas needed to be cleared.

One farmer present said that farmers had rice that would be ready for harvesting in a few days but given the state of the dams, it would be difficult.

“We have in there about 70 acres of rice bearing there now. We need the dam to track out. The dam needs to track out now because of the continuous rain that falling.

There are areas where we need the machine to work.

This is urgent,” the farmer said. While responding to the farmers' concerns, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry has a continuous dam maintenance programme and called on farmers to be more responsible when

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

using the dams, especially during the rainy periods.

Mustapha told the farmers “Issues with dams don't exist only in Black Bush Polder or in the areas.

These are common issues across the country. We have to work together to develop better strategies and be a bit more responsible. When farmers cut their rice and use the dams irresponsibly, these dams are once again destroyed. Some farmers have no consideration for other farmers who have to use the dams. We have to begin taking into consideration that other farmers have to use it.

“When you use these heavy-duty machines like the tractors and combines, the dams will continue to be destroyed once this type of weather continues. This will continue until we can build permanent all-weather roads a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y.

Hopefully, we can start some of those works next year,” the minister explained further.

He also told farmers that while the ministry has been working across the country

to ensure all of the dams in the cultivation area were repaired, persistent rainfall due to climate change has been adding to the issues with maintaining the infrastructure.

“We are repairing these dams so that you, the farmers, can harvest your crop. For the last two years, we've seen changes in the weather and the harsh effects of climate change. We are now in August. July and August are supposed to be the driest months of the year and we are still experiencing constant rainfall across the country. That is why the ministry is working to boost the drainage system. By the end of this year, we'll have an additional 11 pumps in the system. We are working with a financial institution to be able to procure another 40 pumps so that we can have pumps installed at every sluice across the country.

I've also asked the NDIA to inspect those areas that have canals that need to be cleared so that we can develop a programme to clear those channels,” Minister Mustapha said.

Digicel launches LTE service in Lethem Digicel is delivering on its promise of the best customer experience throughout the country by launching LTE service in Lethem, Region Nine. The launch, the company stated in a release, brings faster speeds and access to information to the residents and confirms Digicel's position as the network of choice in the Rupununi with the widest and fastest service. This LTE service upgrade also means more opportunity for economic empowerment for Guyanese due to the direct correlation between access to broadband internet and economic growth. To date, Digicel has invested GY$5 billion in rolling out of LTE services across Guyana.

Connecting Guyanese to opportunity Digicel said its focus on delivering the best customer experience by ensuring its networks are superior and ubiquitous has seen an emphasis on speed, quality and coverage.

This, the company said was

independently recognised by Ookla with the telecoms provider winning Ookla's Best Mobile Network, Best Mobile Coverage and the Best Speeds awards.

Commenting on the company's commitment to delivering LTE services across Guyana, Digicel Guyana's CEO, Gregory Dean said: “When we launched in Guyana 15 years ago, we transformed the communications landscape with a promise to connect everyone everywhere to world class mobile communications. We are happy to be delivering on this promise to our customers in Lethem. This is a signal of our commitment to providing superfast connectivity for everyone everywhere via our LTE networks. We're proud to be connecting Guyanese to economic opportunities with our overall population coverage the best available in Guyana at 98.14 percent along with an industry leading LTE population coverage of over 90 percent.”

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

He who asserts must prove There is a maxim in our legal system that states, “onus probandi actori incumbit, namely”.

Translated, it means, “he who asserts must prove.”

In criminal cases, the standard of proof must be beyond reasonable doubt.

But in civil matters, the standard of proof is on the balance of probabilities.

Article 13, a civil society grouping, is accusing the PPP/C of corruption.

According to reports in another section of the media, Article 13 is alleging that the PPP had accepted help from all and sundry and upon assuming office had moved to reward those who had helped it. The group is also alleged to have said that such reward took the form of plum appointments, steering contracts in a particular direction. It is a common practice for political parties to reward their supporters with appointments. Indeed, one senior PPP/C operative has said that a member of a certain organisation was displeased that he did not get an appointment which he wanted. There is nothing corrupt about rewarding persons with appointments.

But that alone should not be the basis for an appointment.

This column is on record as expressing the view that the PPP/C’s appointment of

Charrandass Persaud as Guyana’s High Commissioner to India was bad optics. It has created the impression that Persaud was rewarded for his vote. The PPP/C should never have offered him anything since this tends to support the belief that he had a deal with them and is now being repaid for his vote.

But the appointment should not be deemed as bad.

Nor should any civil society member who used his or her standing or position during the elections to lobby for a government job should be seen as corrupt. It may not be the right thing to do but it is not corruption in the manner in which the average citizen thinks about corruption.

Article 13 went on to mention the allegations made against the Vice President in Vice News and said it was looking forward to the President establishing a Commission of Inquiry into the allegations. But who made the allegations. Those who assert must prove.

And why should the President establish a Commission of Inquiry into allegations for which a prima facie case has been made out?

Is Article 13 suggesting that anyone can be recorded saying something and that should be the basis for a Commission of Inquiry? One Senior Counsel has conceded

that there is no smoking gun.

What will the COI investigate? There is no face to go along with the sound byte about the persons who alleged certain things about the Vice President. And it is believed that the same person contradicted his own story when he said that the Vice President’s hands are clean.

So what is there to investigate?

The President had said that the allegations of money laundering should be investigated. But these types of investigations are not telegraphed. They take years to complete and involve painstaking efforts in building a case. Do not expect therefore any COI into money laundering. That is not how such matters are dealt with.

Article 13 is alleging that contracts are being steered in a certain direction. It may have had in mind an entity which was involved in the Building Exposition. But Article 13 is not alleging that a contract may have been steered. It is asserting that contracts are being steered.

“He who asserts must prove.”

A Public Procurement Commission has been appointed. The Commission is an independent body. It was established by the Constitution and is empowered to ensure that the

Dem boys seh...

Dem mothers smiling!

Christina was happy yesterday. She was smiling all de way home. She collect 90,000 dollars in de ‘Because We Care Cash’ Grant fuh she three children. She now gat de money fuh outfit dem children fuh go back to school in September.

Seeing is believing!

And receiving is trusting!

Christina nah worrying nah more about dem wah claim how de ‘Because We Care’ cash grant nah sustainable.

She 90,000 dollars richer dan she was on Wednesday.

August off to wan good start.

August use to be a month of stress and worries fuh nuff mothers.

Dem use to remind dem husbands and child fathers dat dem gat fuh push in some overtime because de children gat fuh get new uniform and shoes fuh go back to school.

And it use to be tough to pay de bills plus tek care ah de back to children’s school needs.

Dem parents get a big help dis week.

Dem nah gat to worry about uniform and new shoes

and knapsack. De $30,000 per child come in handy. And de people grateful fuh it.

Dem boys seeing big crowds and traffic jams outside some schools. And dem boys thought it gat accident.

But is people assembling from early morning fuh get de $30,000 because dem parents want ensure dat dem buy dem uniform cloth early and get it sew since dem dressmakers and tailors gat plenty wuk.

And de early bird catches de worm.

Talk half. Leff half.

UN Head whips oil companies for making...

From page 3 during the energy crisis.

Guyana is the only country thus far that stands out as the exception on this matter. After giving away major tax con-

cessions and favourable exemptions in the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) to ExxonMobil and its partners, authorities have said there is no interest in going

after a windfall tax. They reasoned that upsetting the deal or mood of the investment climate is not part of the administration's modus operandi.

Businesses still struggling to benefit from oil...

From page 8 local businesses have complained that oil companies have been bundling services for catering, security, garbage collection and other technical offshore support systems as

part of one contract.

This, Bharrat said, has been posing significant challenge to locals, as they are burdened to offer a service they are not registered to.

In fact, this often lends to the

oil company failing to achieve the local content targets.

To ensure that the breach of the fresh law is not the outcome, the Minister had urged that the practice be stopped.

procurement of goods and services and the execution of work (in relation to such procurement) is done in a fair, equitable, transparent and cost effective manner and in accordance with the law. As such, the Public Procurement Commission has oversight powers in relation to the award of government contracts.

Article 13 should also be aware that the Regulations under the Procurement Act provides for persons to contest decisions of procurement agencies. So there is a range of options which would allow for Article

13 to call for a review of any contract which it feels has been steered in a certain direction.

If Article 13 feels that there is corruption in the award of any contract, it can present its case to the Public Procurement Commission.

This could be one of the ways in which civil society organisations, rather than merely agitating, can help bring about improvements in governance.

If Article 13 finds that the Public Procurement Commission is pussyfooting with investigations or making feeble excuses, then it would

PAGE 9

be within its right to call for a dismantling of this Commission. Instead there can be calls to create a less costly body to investigate complaints about public procurement.

(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

Monday Friday August May 02, 05,2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Caricature and farce in social media I received a telephone call from Mr. Nohar Singh, the owner of Globe-Span which hosts a weekly interview programme using Zoom. Mr. Singh requested I be a guest on one of the programmes. I could not make it on the day he suggested but I did tell him, I would have declined the request anyway.

Unless Mr. Singh changes the format of his Zoom interview programming, I will not accept an invitation.

He has a right to shape his arrangement, I have a right to reject being in circumstances

that insult my dignity and love of country.

There are Guyanese living in Guyana who constantly appear on the Globe-Span platform, happy to be questioned by interviewers who do not reside in Guyana and haven't been to Guyana for “donkey years.” Maybe they need to be seen and heard and want the publicity. I certainly do not.

I am opened to being on any show but I refuse to be interviewed by persons who do not live in my country and

are discussing problems, issues, occurrences, projects, politics, social nuances, sociological factors in my country. I find that to be a caricature and a farce.

Over my long career in journalism and human rights activism, I have been approached by foreigners in person. They were journalists visiting Guyana. They were on the ground in Guyana.

Mr. Nohar's project has four interviewers – Mr. Charles Sugrim, Paul Tennassee, Dr. Asquith Rose and Mr. Vishnu Bisram, all of whom do not

live in Guyana and haven't been in Guyana in recent years. Mr. Bisram would assert that he visits Guyana often.

My contestation is that such an interview format is not only flawed but nonsensical. I would like to be corrected but I know of no such format in any other country.

How can you be an American living in Iceland and you are interviewing another American on election prospects in November and your guest is living in Greenland? The professional and decent thing to do is for an American living in the US to question another American who is living in the US on the likely election results in November.

The dialogue will be far, far more productive because interviewee and interviewer will have confronted angles and nuances in American society that will aid their capacity to make predictions about the mid-term elections in November in the US. I was sent a video in which Moray House conducted a Zoom

programme. The host was Ms. I s a b e l l e DeCaires. The guests were Dr. Alissa Trotz and Dr. Arif Bulkan. The topic was race and politics in Guyana.

Frederick Kissoon Host and guests have foreign residencies m edia programme named (maybe citizenship, I don't Politics 101. He comes to know) and have not been in Guyana each year. He is in Guyana for years now. I ask a Guyana at the moment. He commonsensical question? s p o k e a t t h e B u x t o n H o w d i s c e r n i n g a n d Emancipation talk and at the enlightening will be their APNU rally last Tuesday. He contributions when they do has access to political players not experience “the vibes” by so in his interviews he can tell being on the ground here? his guests he encountered I saw a Globe-Span a n d c h a t t e d w i t h a n programme with the four important political player A m e r i c a n - b a s e d that he met at a black pudding interviewers named above stand owned by an Indian discussing race and politics woman from Mon Repos. w i t h D r. B a y t o r a m Naim Chan has a daily Ramharack. With due respect morning show on Channel 6. to Dr. Ramharack who is a He dialogues with Guyanese qualified social scientists, he living in Guyana. Chan lives does not live in Guyana so he in Guyana. NCN has a will not have first-hand programme in which their k n o w l e d g e o f t h e Guyanese based journalists vicissitudes, vagaries, shapes have interesting discussions and contortions of Guyanese with interesting personalities politics. He is not in Guyana who can talk about what's to observe the forks and h a p p e n i n g i n G u y a n a bends in the political rivers of because they live in Guyana.

Guyanese politics.

I may be wrong but I see Messrs. Glenn Lall, no sense in a Guyanese on Sherod Duncan and Mikhail G l o b e - S p a n l i v i n g i n Rodrigues (Guyanese Critic) Montana asking a Guyanese are on social media and they residing in Wyoming about interview people and an how the local government o c e a n o f t h i n g s i s election in Guyana in 2023 is commented on by them. If likely to be fought. Surely you agree or disagree, they that has to be a circus. will tell you that they know (The views expressed in this or that because they have this article are those of the been talking to this or that a u t h o r a n d d o n o t person. necessarily reflect the David Hinds has a social opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

China has legitimate right to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity- Chinese Ambassador Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times.

The earliest records of Taiwan in the world are in Chinese history books from 1700 years ago. The Chinese were the first to develop Taiwan.

As early as 230 A.D., Chinese ships arrived in Taiwan. Around 610 A.D., the coastal inhabitants of the mainland of China began to move to the Penghu Islands of Taiwan. From the mid12th century onward, successive Chinese governments established administrative bodies in Taiwan to effectively govern the islands.

In 1894, when Japan launched the Sino-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty was defeated and Taiwan was occupied by Japan. In 1945, when the Second World War against fascism was won, Japan declared its surrender, unconditionally accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and the Cairo Declaration, and handed Taiwan back to China. Thus, Taiwan returned to the embrace of the motherland and came back under the sovereignty of

China.

Shortly thereafter, civil war broke out in China. In 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded, and some of the military and political personnel of the Kuomintang, with the support of the U.S. government, retreated to Taiwan after the defeat. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait fell into a special state of long-term political confrontation, but the fact that Taiwan and the Chinese mainland belong to the same China never changed.

Therefore, the Taiwan question is a legacy of China's civil war, and China has undisputed sovereignty over Taiwan.

The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations. The UNGA Resolution 2758 adopted in 1971 has stated in black and white the decision “to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its

government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations”.

International practice over the past 51 years shows that since the adoption of Resolution 2758, the UN and its specialized agencies and other international and regional organizations have unanimously observed the UNGA resolution by following the practice that “the United Nations considers 'Taiwan' as a province of China with no separate status”, “the 'authorities' in 'Taipei' are not considered to ... enjoy any form of governmental status”, and that the region should be referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China”.

Thus, there is only one correct version of "one China" : there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China.

On 3 August, UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres affirmed the one-China policy as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit has created tensions. " Our

position is very clear. We abide by General Assembly resolutions, by the one-China policy, and that is the orientation that we have in everything we do," he clarified.

The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, 181 countries including Guyana have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. The Chinese people have always remembered that in 1971, Guyana voted in favor of UNGA Resolution 2758 restoring the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations.

In 1972, Guyana took the lead in the English-speaking Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China.

China highly appreciates the commitment of successive governments of Guyana to adhere to the one-China principle, to firmly support China's position on the Taiwan question and not s u p p o r t t h e " Ta i w a n

China Ambassador to Guyana, GUO Haiyan independence" secessionist forces.

The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. Before and after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, the United States explicitly declared its acceptance of the one-China principle in three joint communiqués, including the "Shanghai Communiqué" of 1972, the "Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations" of 1978 and the "August 17" communiqué of

1982. The United States made a clear commitment in the China-U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations — “The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.”

Pelosi's visit to Taiwan is a blatant violation of China's sovereignty The executive, legislative and judicial branches are all parts of the U.S. Government, and they must therefore implement the oneChina policy that the U.S. Government has committed to. As Speaker of the House of Representatives, Pelosi is a political figure who is second in line to succeed the President, and she of course represents the U.S. Government in everything she says and does.

On 2 August, in disregard of China's strong opposition and serious representations, Pelosi visited China's Taiwan region. This is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions (Continued on page 18)

Over 2,000 gallons of crude

spilled from oil tanker in US waters The Hafnia Rhine vessel [Image courtesy USCG]

The spilled crude in the water [Image courtesy USCG]

The Maritime Executive - On Friday, July 29, 2022, a product tanker spilled fuel oil over the side during a bunkering operation with a fuel barge near Kenner, Louisiana, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Singapore tanker Hafnia Rhine was anchored at Mississippi River mile marker 115, a busy anchorage and barge fleeting area.

It was reported that the US Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received notice that the tanker had discharged oil during a fueling operation and as such the command center dispatched a pollution response team to investigate.

The responders estimated that the tanker discharged about 2,100 gallons of oil into the river before the crew managed to secure the source of the fuel oil. The drifting fuel slick contaminated estimated 50-60 barges downstream.

Tw o o i l s p i l l r e m o v a l contractors have been hired to respond, and they have deployed sorbent boom and containment boom around the affected barges.

The responders are also using sorbents to recover some of the

spilled oil. No injuries or wildlife impacts were reported, and the cause of the spill remains under investigation.

Oil spills are a periodic occurrence on the busy stretch of the Mississippi River upstream from New Orleans.

In 2019, a substantial spill of unknown origin or quantity drifted alongside the waterfront of New Orleans' French Quarter, a famous tourism and nightlife hub.

A similar spill affecting the same area occurred in April 2018, when a freighter hit a pier upriver of the French Quarter, and again later that month when a tanker accidentally discharged fuel oil near Norco, Louisiana.

On the local front, the Government of Guyana continues to allow American oil giant, ExxonMobil local affiliate, Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to operate bringing up approximately 360,000 barrels per day (bpd) with no proper insurance in place to safeguard the country in the event of an oil disaster.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2022

PAGE 13

Oil-minded Guyanese hammer Rystad Energy's propaganda 'study' ...company admits to being ExxonM's client ...avoids questions on who paid for spreading of misinformation

By Kiana Wilburg Rystad Energy, a research company that claims to be an "independent group" based in Norway was roughed up on Thursday evening after several Guyanese punched gaping holes into a “study” it produced with mysterious projections about the country's oil earnings into 2040.

The report titled, Guyana Upstream Industry and Country Benchmarking Update, was unveiled to members of the business community at Duke Lodge by Ry s t a d ' s S e n i o r Vi c e President (VP) and Head of Latin America, Schreiner Parker.

The VP noted, among other lofty statistics, that Guyana is projected to receive US$157B by 2040.

He also spoke about the amount of associated gas Guyana has and the fact that it is moving in the right direction by bringing it to shore through a pipeline project. Parker also praised Guyana for having a Natural Resource Fund in place, noting that it is a step in the right direction to good governance.

It was during the Question and Answer Segment however that a queue of oil-minded stakeholders led by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, strategically interrogated and debunked the methodology and basis upon which Parker and his Norwegian team arrived at several conclusions in their report.

Leading off the first set of questions was Ram who demanded to know the qualifications of the presenter or the entire range of expertise that underpinned the study. Ram contented that this was crucial to understanding the length and breadth of knowledge that supported the so-called study.

Given that the opinion-piece touched on several fiscal issues, Ram also asked if the study was subjected to a peerreview, be it internally, or

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram preferably, externally.

Parker said, “Rystad is an independent research house that puts out these types of reports for the general public because we believe it is of interest. It has not been peer reviewed and nothing that Rystad publishes is peer reviewed. It is 100 percent our own take on the situation here and based on our ability to gather research, and use our proprietary models which allow us to do our forecasting..."

He added, "It is an interest-piece and I don't believe it needs to be peer –reviewed.” Importantly, Parker did not answer Ram's questions about his qualifications or that of his teammates. Ram therefore concluded that the report by Rystad is not only authoritative in the absence of being peer reviewed but its reliability is compromised, to say the least.

Moving to the impacts of other external factors that could affect any future projections for revenues, Ram asked Parker to say whether environmental risks such as oil spills were considered in the so-called study. He contended that such an issue is critical to consider since the country stands to lose significantly in those circumstances. The lawyer pointed out that such an eventuality is not farfetched since many of the developments in the Stabroek Block, as well as the discoveries are concentrated in one area; as

disaster. Displeased with the flippant retort, Ram briefly commented that oil spills and other technical environmental risk factors ought not to be dismissed as “hypothetical” as they are real threats in the oil sector.

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall then took over the baton, commenting immediately that the presentation by the Rystad official left him wondering if the company was truly independent; if the government or Exxon paid him to deliver the study and Kaieteur News Publisher, i t s m y s t e r i o u s Glenn Lall extrapolations. On that note, such, the implications can be Lall asked Parker if he was aware, for example, of the wide ranging and massive. c hallenges Guyanese The Rystad agent said stakeholders faced with the that was not part of the scope of the company's essay, passage of the NRF Law adding that it does not seek to which he deemed so easily to hypothesize or postulate as to be a step in the right the potential impacts of direction. The transparency environmental disasters. advocate also challenged “…I would say that this may Parker to say how he arrived be outside of what we do. But at the conclusion that the gascertainly, that can be of to-energy project is viable for interest to others,” the Senior Guyana when he presented no facts, feasibility studies or VP noted. independent figures.

Ram asked if Rystad Lall also upped the penned such an oversight in a pressure by asking him if he cautionary note. Parker said it was not done as he believes is aware of any other contract i t i s u n d e r s t o o d a n d in the world that mirrors i n c u m b e n t o n a l l Guyana's 2016 Exxon deal stakeholders to employ which has a mere two percent practices to avoid any type of royalty and a 50 percent

Rystad's Senior Vice President and Head of Latin America, Schreiner Parker profit oil take, both of which swim in a sea of flawed provisions.

Parker danced once again, saying he can't say off the top of his head which contracts have similar provisions like Guyana's. He would only say there are many contracts around the world with royalty and profit oil arrangements in place.

This is pretty much akin to saying there are other humans outside of Guyana, each with hands and feet.

Parker also noted that he has a superficial understanding of how the NRF legislation was passed.

He told Lall that he only intended to show that it is a plus for Guyana to have such a mechanism since other nations do not have it. But here again, Kaieteur News in previous research has shown how several countries such as Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea have Natural Resource Funds in

place, yet, they are mired in extreme poverty and corruption.

On the gas-to-energy project, Parker could not present a shred of evidence to support his conclusion of why the gas-to-energy project is financially viable as asked by Lall. He noted nonetheless, that it is a necessary project and regurgitated the government's mantra that it will slash energy rates by half. Importantly, Parker did not pointedly answer Lall's question on whether he was paid by the government or Exxon to spread his company's propaganda. But following a question by Stabroek News, he confessed that Rystad is indeed a client of ExxonMobil. ( To s e e t h e f u l l presentation and Q&A segment, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/o ilnowgy/videos/4192949200 07538)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday August 05, 2022

CARPHA pushes breastfeeding GTT completes over 600 instillations of as long-term strategy for a Fibre within days of new area launches healthier Region

E

x c l u s i v e breastfeeding for six months benefits the infant, mother, family, community, country and environment,” states Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). “ T h e r e f o r e , breastfeeding is recognised as an effective strategy in achieving regional and global goals on health, nutrition, food security, economic growth and e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend that breastfeeding be initiated within 1 hour of birth, continued exclusively for the first 6 months of life, and that nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods be introduced at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

According to Dr. St John, early initiation of breastfeeding is critical to newborn survival, reducing their risk of morbidity and mortality. She said breast milk provides optimal nutrition for infants for their physical and mental growth and development, along with antibodies to prevent and mitigate childhood illnesses.

According to St John breastfeeding reduces the r i s k o f o v e r- n u t r i t i o n (overweight and obesity) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for both mother and child. Infants that are breastfed longer, have 13% lower risk of overweight and obesity and 35% lower risk of type2 diabetes. Women who breastfeed have reduced risks of postpartum overweight and obesity, 32% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, 37% lower risk of ovarian cancer and 26% lower risk of breast cancer4.

According to the CARPHA director, in Latin America and the Caribbean, many infants and young children do not meet the WHO and UNICEF recommendations for breastfeeding and ultimately lose out on its many benefits.

Only 54% of infants initiate breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; 37% breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of life which is below the global rate (44%); and between 31%-55% of children continue to receive breast milk up to 2 years of age2. Breastfeeding, more so when occurring exclusively, allows for healthier mothers and children who can in turn contribute meaningfully to the community and society at large. There is a reduced

CARPHA Executive Director - Dr. Joy St John tax burden on communities and governments to ensure children are properly fed.

Additionally, more funding is made available for community and national development. Reports indicate that the total global economic losses of not breastfeeding are estimated to be US$341.3 billion.

Breastfeeding is a naturally renewable resource that is environmentally sustainable as it does not require the use of natural resources (not even water!), provides no waste for accumulation in landfills (no packaging or disposal), and it does not pollute the environment.

Breastfeeding also contributes to infant and household food security.

Infants who are breastfed exclusively, require no other source of nutrition and are (Continued on page 17)

GTT's Home Solutions and Fixed Networks have connected over 600 homes to its high speed Fibre service within just five days of another phase of rolling out the service to several communities across the country to better the internet connectivity of an additional 20,000 homes before the end of the year.

The company said in a statement to the press that over the past weekend it launched the service in Leonora, Essequibo Islands West Demerara (Region Three) and also extended Fibre access from 7th to 17th Av e n u e i n D i a m o n d , Demerara - Mahaica (Region Four).

According to GTT, collectively, over 3000 homes will benefit from this improvement in internet access within the two communities. More than a 1000 persons promptly registered for the service; hundreds of them were immediately connected.

Within the coming days, the company said the remainder of the Diamond community is also expected to get access to the Fibre service along with several other communities across t h e c o u n t r y.

Chief Operations Officer of GTT's Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin said that as Fibre becomes available to more communities, residents can

upgrade to a more reliable solution which Fibre provides.

“Fibre is the future; it's more reliable, the quality is consistent and it doesn't age and degrade due to weathering,” said Thakurdin.

He also highlighted the option of a customer keeping their current landline number even while upgrading to Fibre.

“If you have a traditional landline and you have Fibre in your home, we encourage

Mbps and the option of an additional voice component with up to 10,000 free minutes.

In Leonora, Savitrie Lakraj, a Neighborhood Democratic Councilor of the Stewartville / Cornelia Ida NDC, represented the community at the launching of the Fibre service. She expressed gratitude to GTT for the improvement in internet connectivity within the community. She too has switched to GTT's Fibre.

“I think everybody

Residents of Diamond, Demerara Mahaica (Region Four) getting registered for GTT's fibre service.

you to access Fibre+Voice, it's going to work out much cheaper and you wouldn't have to pay a rental for your landline service.

Additionally, customers get free minutes and also several free call features such as call waiting and three-way calling” Recently the company doubled speeds on Fibre plans. Customers now get from 100 Mbps up to 300

would be happy with the service and we thank you on behalf of the NDC” Savitrie said.

She received a token of appreciation from GTT's Sales Manager of Home Solutions, Conley Baxter Dennis.

GTT's Business Solutions and sister agency Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) were also a part of the outreaches to the two communities.

Three men die as truck topples on Linden Highway Three porters were killed late Wednesday night after t h e t r u c k t h e y were in toppled on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway in the vicinity of Kuru Kuru.

Those dead are: Michael Edwards of Timehri Base Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Wilfred Phillips and Alicious Squad both of Pomeroon River, Essequibo.

According to a police report, sometime around 23:30hrs, motor lorry GNN 4083 which was driven by

47-year-old Shawn Lim of Hyde Park, Timehri was heading north along the western side of the highway when the accident occurred.

The driver told investigators that while driving he saw something ran across the road from east to west. To avoid a collision he pulled to the left and in the process he ended up losing control of the truck. The left side wheel ended up colliding with a barranca (a bump) which caused the

vehicle to topple several times into a ditch. As a result of this, the three porters who were all seated on top of some utility poles in the tray of the lorry were all pinned down at the bottom of the vehicle.

The men were pulled from underneath the poles in an unconscious condition by the police and publicspirited citizens who then rushed them to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment. The police

Scene from the highway accident.

Michael Edwards one the porters that died in the accident. reported that they were all seen and examined by a doctor who pronounced them dead on arrival.

Their bodies were taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where it is awaiting post mortem examination. Police stated that a breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver but no trace of alcohol was

found in his system. He is presently in custody

assisting with the investigation.

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

10 firms vying to supply PPEs to Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

D

uring the opening of tenders on Thursday, it was revealed that 10 companies

have applied for the contract to supply the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with a quantity of personal

Ministry of Labour- Board of Industrial Training Procurement of outboard engines.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

Subryanville, Peter's Hall, Rebublic Park, Diamond. contact: Ray's Realty 6279685

protective equipment for its looking to construct a training Department of Youth. Also centre for an estimated cost opened at tender board, the of $57 million. Below are the Office of the President is companies and their bids: Office of the President Construction of new training centre inclusive of air conditioning units, fire alarm and smoke detection systems.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Supply of personal protective equipment for Department of Youth.

House lot for sale in Culvert City Lethem,2M Neg near Airport & ball field.Tel:6583303.

Supply of assorted classroom tools Lot1- carpentry, Lot2- electrical installation, Lot3- masonry, Lot4- plumbing, and Lot5- welding and fabrication.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

Specialized Repairs/Service Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Pressure Pump, Stove, Treadmill, Dryer, Filtration System, Deepfryer Ect.6949733.

Hamid's On Saffon street is now opening on Sundays & Hoildays from 8:00 AM -1 PM. Contact 225-8721 Rengen Atchana herbal specialist cure stroke, Asthma & Any Pain.Interested persons contact 638-2044

VACANCY Vacancy- Lorry Drivers & Porters Contact: 650-0979 Chrome Construction Hiring Grader, Excavator, roller Operators & Truck driver for interior / Urban Road works Call: 679-5617 Chrome Construction Hiring One experienced Office assistance (Preferably female) Call: 679-5617 he Ministry of Manager to work at a Hotel Health on & Bar in Charity. AccommoThursday reported dation & Attractive salary- that within the last 24hours, 626-6909/632-2234 they have recorded a total of Part-time Domestic worker for 61 new cases, bringing the residence in Georgetown.

General house clearing & Clothes ironing- 632-2234

61 new COVID-19 cases

T

Experience Cashier CXC Passes in Maths & English, Knowledge of Quickbook, Apply in writing @ Wieting LAND FOR SALE & Richter Ltd WANTED Land with building theron Counter clerk & Porter to work Wanted one experience Hairsituated Now or Never at Hardware store. Monday - dresser at Magic Touch Mahaicony, suitable for busi- Saturday Call: 689-4041 Beauty Salon Tel: 225-6492 / ness or farming-608-8209/ Full time driving instructor, 5 686-3121 6117004 years driving experience, Farm Workers In Timerhi :617Friendship, East Coast 85x213 friendly, patient and good at 2032 / 617-2047.

Garden of Eden, Coldingen interacting, contact: 602-2583 Moblissa (Highway) 10 Acres 1 canter driver Tel:644-5957.

Contact:Ray's Realty 627Certified Accountant Send Male porters, female cooks for 9685 application to the manager Interior supermarket and live Agri Parts Machinery & Ser- in domestic for Georgetown, vices 202 Mandela Avenue 687-7638/660-9093 Alexander Village Georgetown Lorry driver,apply at RP'S Enterprise at Area K L e R e s s o u v e i r FOR RENT E.C.D,contact#220-2818 3 bedroom apartment located at Monrepos free water, Light & Wifi Call:645-9805.

Property for over 50 staff with parking Saffon Street bottom flat apartment building providence contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685 One upper flat at 41 Hadfield street W/Rust suitable for office or business call:651-7676/ 233-1591

WANTED Lathe Operator Call: 645-9333.

One male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

Experienced Receptionist bubbly & great personality, Computer literate and willing to work flexible hours Call:649-5005.

Experienced cashier, cleaner, Labourer and counter person.Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp & New Market St. Experience Waitress to work shift living on East Coast Preferably $22,000 Weekly. 6103974 Information on any family member of Jonas Bowser living in Guyana with surname Bowser, 264-2231

total number of confirmed cases to 70,009.

The Ministry via its latest dashboard revealed that one patient is in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 21 persons are in institutional isolation, 491 are in home isolation and to date, a total of 68,225 persons have recovered from the virus.

No one has seen, known what Guyana US$600M...

From page 2 with the relevant information associated with the policy.

Adams continues to challenge the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, to show the country precisely how much insurance the

nation has, from the company, to cover costs associated with the dreaded eventuality of an oil spill.

Adams claimed that he was able to get former Exxon boss Rod Henson to commit to parent company coverage and oil spill li-

ability, but the arrangements were not completed ahead of his departure from the agency.

He said that he was also able to get the former head to commit to US$2.5 coverage, but Routledge has so far denied these claims.

President Irfaan Ali and...

From page 6 entities want to come to Guyana to set up business. This is only the

beginning of the transformational development by the PPP/C Government, trading under

a “One Guyana” motto, for, “In unity, there is strength.”

Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall

How will the President meet and...

From page 5 Opposition to respect and understand the norms of democratic government.

My uncle, Peter d’Aguiar, once declared in Parliament that the job of the opposition in a democracy is to “oppose, expose and depose” the government of the day always respecting the rule of law.

True, but Mr Norton’s behaviour is akin to a declaration of defiance, is akin to a refusal to communicate with not merely his political opponent but with the head of state and head of government. How then does Mr. Norton expect the President to be able to meet or consult with him on any

matter whether official or otherwise? Mr Norton, by his own deliberate action, has effectively shut himself off from consultation by the President, has effectively isolated himself and his party from constitutional recognition.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

Anthony promises better healthcare for Guyanese With the advancements being made in the health sector, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said more persons residing outside of Guyana could travel here to receive medical care.

He told DPI Wednesday, that persons are already accessing Guyana’s health services as they are very affordable. “In the area of dentistry for example, there are lots of people who come back here to get dental services, because as you can imagine, dental services in North America are quite expensive so, we see a lot of Guyanese who come back home to get those services here, especially those who don’t have insurance coverage abroad,” Dr. Anthony said.

On January 24, 2022, the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill 2021 was passed in the National Assembly. The legislation provides the legal framework for the removal of human organs, tissues, cells, and biofluids for transplantation and blood transfusion.

“We were able to transplant a kidney for someone from Grenada, a doctor from Grenada, and I think since we have done that there have been lots of queries of whether we can do transplants for other persons, so this is something we are considering because we have the capability, we have the expertise, so it is something that is under active consideration,” Dr. Anthony said.

The health minister foresees a lot of persons returning for certain types of treatment as the quality of health care improves in Guyana.

“We will have to start working on, even for those persons in the diaspora, who, if they have insurance over there, to make sure that they can use their insurance here, in that way they can come here access the service and their insurance would pay for it, so that agreement is right now not in place but we are going to change that and hopefully their insurance will be accepted in Guyana,” Dr.

Anthony said.

Guyana has been making headway in a number of medical services. Government recently reopened the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port Mourant.

Corentyne. This facility offers services including cataract surgery and lens replacement.

Other procedures including hip and knee replacement surgeries are also done locally. “I think as time goes by, more and more people might want to come here, to get those types of sophisticated surgery,” Dr. Anthony said.

In two years, Guyana will open a state-of-the-art pediatric and maternal hospital along the East Coast of Demerara, which will provide specialty services that currently are only available overseas.

Treatment for cancers will also be improved and Guyana will soon be the first country in the Caribbean to roll out a holistic public health programme for Hepatitis -C. “I anticipate that once (Continued on page 18)

CARPHA pushes breastfeeding as long-term...

From page 14 less likely to get sick thereby, lessening the financial burden on the family. This allows for nutritious foods to be bought for other members of the family. This is especially important during times of economic crises, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many households face unemployment and loss of income.

The pandemic has proven to be a global threat to breastfeeding. Two recent studies in Western countries reported a decline in early initiation, exclusive and continued breastfeeding rates due to the pandemic, with one major contributing factor being a loss in support for mothers.

Breastfeeding is particularly effective against infectious diseases because it strengthens the immune system by transferring antibodies from the mother to the child. Mother to child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through breast milk has not been found to occur. The WHO and UNICEF recommendations on initiation and continuation of breastfeeding infants and young children also apply to mothers with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease as the benefits far outweigh any potential risks[10].

Mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are encouraged to practice respiratory hygiene (wearing a mask when breastfeeding), hand hygiene (frequent hand wash-

ing, including before and after touching the baby), and routinely clean and disinfect surfaces. If the mother is too unwell to breastfeed, she can be supported to feed expressed breast milk or to relactate (re-introduce breastfeeding after a period of cessation).

This year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week “Step up for Breastfeeding – Educate and Support” is aligned with thematic area 1 of the WBW-Sustainable Development Goals 2030 campaign which highlights the links between breastfeeding and good nutrition, food security and reduction of inequalities.

It will focus on strengthening the capacity of actors that have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society.

We all form part of the warm chain of support of breastfeeding – whether we are from or represent governments, health systems, workplaces or communities – and have a shared responsibility to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Let us all inform, anchor, engage and galvanise action to protect and support breastfeeding. A whole-of-society approach is needed to facilitate the development and implementation of regional breastfeeding policies and creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment.

This is in keeping with the Caribbean Public Health

Agency's (CARPHA) life course approach for the prevention of NCDs of which breastfeeding is a key factor.

CARPHA supports breastfeeding as a long-term strategy for a more productive and healthier Region and encourages mothers and families to see breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants.

CARPHA has led training in the WHO/UNICEF 40 Hour Breastfeeding Counselling Course; and training of Health Professionals in the 20-Hour Course for Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative as well as implementation and certification. The Agency has also supported Member States with the development of National Infant and Young Child Feeding Policies, Hospital Breastfeeding Policies and developed guidelines for anyone involved in the care and management of newborns, and pregnant or lactating women suspected of or confirmed to be infected with the COVID-19 virus.

CARPHA calls upon its member states to take a whole of society approach and implement and reinforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. By protecting and supporting breastfeeding, we are also protecting human rights and taking important steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind in the post pandemic world.

PAGE 17

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Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

Constitutional reform consultation doomed to fail - civil society group

C

ivil society group, Policy Forum Guyana has criticized the governance of this country, saying what passes for politics here is so removed from being civilized the recent announcement of the Government’s intention to launch a process of constitutional reform next month induces only eyerolling resignation.

“While a national conversation on our political battlefield is urgently needed and would be welcomed by Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), a formal constitutional process requiring 60% Parliamentary approval is not a serious proposal at a time when political leaders cannot even shake hands,” the group said in a statement Thursday.

Policy Forum Guyana believes that a consultative process - a Citizens Assembly – not involving political parties - on the meaning of Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution would be of far more practical value. “It is a foregone conclusion that whatever the issue, control of a Parliamentary process and its outcome would remain firmly in the hands of the ruling party from start to finish. Even were that not the case, the Parliamentary Opposition’s predictable reduction of such an initiative to a parade of all of its grievances, would be equally unproductive. In other words, the nation should not be exposed to a constitutional reform exercise which cannot meet minimum criteria of impartiality, independence and national healing,” the group stated.

According to PFG, while it welcomes the idea of public discussion, which Guyana so

badly needs, it believes it is imperative that this not be yet another exercise doomed to predictable control and failure. “The stated intention to imitate the Constitutional reform process of 1999-2000 is misplaced. That process worked well due to genuinely inclusive all-party leadership in the persons of Ralph Ramkarran PPP (Chair), Haslyn Parris PNC (Secretary), and Rupert Roopnaraine WPA. Moreover, the work of the Commissioners was complemented by the Civic Forum on Constitutional Reform which mobilised trade union, faith-based and NGO energies around reforms.

Nothing comparable currently exists in terms of political or civic relationships.”

The PFG said another acknowledged factor weighing against genuine consultation is the fact that the Guyanese economy was shifted by the PPP in the 1990s from total State control to total free market ideology, while leaving the same deformed Constitution in place.

“The constitutional reform process of 2000 removed the more naked powers of a paramount Presidency. By also reforming the electoral system and approving a system of 40 single-seat constituencies and a National Top-Up List of 25 seats the reform process also sought to undermine the culture of centralised decision-making. However, both parties found this democratic socialist hangover to be very congenial and it has remained in place.”

“The electoral reforms, while unanimously approved

by Parliament, were never

subsequently implemented.

Under the pretext that too little time existed to implement the full system in time for the 2001 system, 25 seats were divided between the 10 Administrative Regions with a National List of 40 seats, a system which has survived until the present. Neither of the two major parties has ever referred back to these unimplemented reforms,” PFG stated.

The group said in this context the central political issue is to find a method of implementing the approved reforms, not to open up another constitutional reform process to allow the major parties the opportunity to unravel them again.

It said Guyana urgently needs substantive deliberation among many different kinds of people woven into the decisionmaking process. This process should be funded by Parliament, but entirely outside of party control.

According to the group, in other countries, Citizens Assemblies are proving attractive and effective in contexts to which National Assemblies and Parliaments are unsuited.

Such Assemblies have been employed to help reduce complex subjects to a set of propositions that Parliament can use as the basis for policymaking. France and the UK used Citizens Assemblies to get to grips with the climate crisis and Ireland held one to help determine the abortion issue.

Citizens Assemblies, PFG said consist of a cross-section of citizens being selected carefully by a process known as sortition to ensure diversity, balance and

representativeness. The Assembly comes together over a fixed period, or a number of week-ends or other suitable periods. They are assisted and guided by experts and aim to draw up a series of recommendations on how to address a complex issue. Skepticism over nonexperts trying to accomplish this is inevitable, but experience in other places proved otherwise. Empathy

rather than expertise is far more relevant to seeing the plausibility of the other side’s case – which is the essence of thinking and acting politically.

Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) is proposing that Guyana needs a Citizens Assembly to give direction and recommendations to Parliament on how to move forward on implementation of the following portion of

Article 13: “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens in the management and decision making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being. In pursuing this proposal, the ruling party would reap greater rewards from trusting the Guyanese people than from controlling them.

China has legitimate right to defend national...

From page 12 of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués. It has a severe impact on the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and seriously infringes upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It gravely undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for “Taiwan independence”.

If the Chinese side doesn't firmly reject the manic, irresponsible and extremely irrational behavior of the United States, the principle of international relations on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity will become a mere scrap of paper, various kinds of separatists and extremist forces will intensify their activities, and the hard-won peace and stability in the region will be severely damaged.

The U.S. side claimed that China is escalating the situation, but the basic facts are that the United States first provoked China on the Taiwan question and blatantly violated China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The U.S. side claimed that there was a precedent of the U.S. House speaker visiting Taiwan. Yet the basic truth is that past mistakes cannot be used as an excuse to repeat them today.

The U.S. side claimed that it cannot restrain the Congress due to the separation of powers. But the basic norm of international law is that the United States must fulfill its international obligations, and key politicians should not misbehave.

The U.S. side also claimed that China's pursuit of reunification is a "threat" to Taiwan, but the basic logic is that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and the

Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China. It is lawful and justified that China upholds territorial integrity and opposes secession.

The ins and outs of the current tension over the Taiwan Strait are crystal clear, so are the rights and wrongs. It is the United States which started the trouble, created the crisis, and continuously escalated the tensions.

To avoid this crisis being forced on China, China made the greatest diplomatic efforts, but at the same time it would never allow its core interests and the process of national rejuvenation to be jeopardized. China would not sit back watching the United States play the "Taiwan card" to serve its domestic politics and the selfish desires of its politicians, nor would China ever tolerate deeds to create tension, stoke confrontation and instigate secession in the region.

The comprehensive measures China is currently taking and will take in the future are necessary and timely defensive counterattacks, which have been carefully considered and evaluated with an aim to safeguard national sovereignty and security.

These measures are in line with international and domestic laws, serve as a warning to provocateurs, and will maintain regional stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait. We called on all parties to see through the cause and essence of the current crisis, jointly oppose the U.S. side's risky adventures and provocations, continue to support China's legitimate position and measures, and jointly maintain regional peace and peace across the Taiwan Strait.

It is the firm commitment

of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people to resolutely safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity In the world today, the trends of turbulence and transformation are evolving, and deficits in development and security are looming large.

Faced with a world of change and disorder, the international community and the people around the world expect China and the U.S. to take the lead in upholding world peace and security and in promoting global development and prosperity. This is the responsibility of China and the U.S. as two major countries. The right way for them to deal with each other lies only in mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, noconfrontation and win-win cooperation.

The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, and no other country is entitled to act as a judge on the Taiwan question. The position of the Chinese Government and people on the Taiwan question has been consistent.

It is the firm commitment of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people to resolutely safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the common aspiration and sacred responsibility of all Chinese sons and daughters to realize the complete reunification of the motherland.

No country, no forces and no individual should ever misestimate the firm resolve, strong will and great capability of the Chinese Government and people to defend state sovereignty and territorial integrity and to achieve national reunification and rejuvenation.

Anthony promises...

From page 17 our programme gets going that we would see people coming here to access this type of treatment, In the United States its very expensive to access Hep -C treatment, so if you are not insured it’s going to be difficult for you to access that type of treatment,” Dr. Anthony said. (DPI)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2022

PAGE 19

No respite for suspended Opposition MPs Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton with some suspended members after filing the court case.

...Court refuses to grant injunction After listening to the initial submissions in the case filed for interim orders to put a hold on the suspension of eight opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), Justice Damon Younge on Thursday, refused the application for injunctive relief.

A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change APNU+AFC MPs: Sherod Duncan, Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, Vinceroy Jordan, Annette Ferguson, Natasha SinghLewis, Maureen A. Philadelphia, and Tabitha Halley were officially suspended from the National Assembly for a list of parliamentary infractions following the ruckus which was caused in the House on December 29, 2021, during the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) law.

The eight opposition MPs were suspended after a majority vote of in support of a motion to suspend them tabled in the House on July 22 last. The motion came as a result of a decision made at the level of the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges.

Following deliberations of the committee over the

December 29 ruckus, it was recommended that the Opposition MPs be suspended from attending several consecutive sittings of the House.

As a result of the suspension, the MPs will lose their pay as well as access to parliament and any business of the House.

The suspended MPs had filed a case in the court just hours before the decision to suspend them was taken. In the case, they outlined that they were not given a right to a hearing by the bipartisan Privileges Committee. The report of the committee shows that they were invited to show cause why they should not be punished but the MPs denied having committed any of the acts that they have been accused of.

They instead asked for details of the offences. The Committee relied on live video recordings and testimonies by the media and staff of the Parliamentary Office. At the filing of the court matter, the MPs expressed hope that the Court would grant a injunction to put on hold their suspension

from the House, allowing to attend parliament until the case is fully heard on its merits. However, when the matter was called at the High Court on Thursday morning Kaieteur News understands that Justice Young refused to grant the order for an injunction in the absence of essential information related to the case.

“I am not minded to grant any interim orders without having considered the Notices of Application that has been filed and, as indicated, not on the Court's file," the judge is quoted as saying.

Prior to the Judge's decision, Attorney for the applicants, Selwyn Pieters lobbied heavily for the stay to be granted so that the MPs can continue attend parliament until the full hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Pieters contended the case raises significant issues of constitutional law and policy, administrative law and matters of public importance – “particularly where, as here, quarter of the Opposition Bench has been suspended leaving over

Teen stabbed to death at Mabaruma

P

olice in Region O n e i s investigating the death of an 18-year-old labourer, Jude Christino who was stabbed in the neck at K u m a k a Wa t e r F r o n t , Mabaruma, North West

D i s t r i c t We d n e s d a y morning.

Enquiries revealed that the victim and two males were seen arguing. As the victim tried to run away, both males gave chase and started to beat him. An eyewitness

told police that one of the men then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in his neck, causing him to stumble and fall. They both then escaped in an eastern direction, leaving the victim lying motionless.

60,000 Guyanese voters without their representatives in the National Assembly of this Court does not intervene.”

Further, the lawyer pointed to the affidavit of Sarabo-Halley filed on July 28, 2022 where she set out individual, collective and public interest consequences of the decision of the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y.

“Particularly that the the next scheduled sitting of the National Assembly is on the 8th day of August, 2022, at

which it is expected that the Government will proceed to deliberate on Financial Paper No. I of 2022, which is in excess of $44 billion,” Pieters added.

He stressed that the suspension inhibits the democratic process by removing a duly-elected representative of the people.

Further, the people should be entitled to a transparent and open process to explain why their representatives have been suspended, which is also denied by the failure to

provide the allegations the Parliamentarians had to meet and to hear the other side in breach of the “Audi Alteram Parten” or “Listen to the other side” rule.

Despite the attorney's plea, Justice Younge deferred hearing the matter until Monday August 10, 2022 when further arguments will be heard in relation to the matter. In the meantime, the APNU +AFC opposition coalition has vowed to boycott the next sitting of the National Assembly.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2022

Friday August 05, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Chantoba Bright in women’s Triple Jump finals today - Phillips, Abrams in semi-finals

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) Chantoba Bright will compete in today’s Women’s Triple Jump finals, coming up against a star-studded lineup. Bright, who competes for Kansas State in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will come faceto-face with the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Kimberly Williams. Williams also won the women’s Triple Jump at the 2014 Games in Glasgow. The 22-year-old,

former CARIFTA Games standout jumper, will also face another Jamaican, Shanieka Ricketts who was the silver medallist in 2018 and second place at the World Championships in Eugene. More known for her accomplishments in the Long Jump while representing Guyana, Bright has a Personal best of 13.53m in the Triple Jump.

Meanwhile, when Track and Field continued yesterday, Kenisha Phillips turned in an exceptional performance in the women’s 200m; a run

that will see her through to today’s Semi-Finals.

Phillips’ performance was the only warmth provided for the Guyanese supporters on cold day three of Track and Field at the Alexander Stadium. In Front of another almost sold-out crowd in Birmingham, Phillips stopped the clock in a time of 24.13 seconds to secure a fifth-place finish in Heat Four of the Women’s 200m. Though the time was way off her Personal Best of 23.34s, it was enough to send her to today’s second

Friday August 05, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's an important lesson to learn today, Aries, so don't shy away from the classroom. It's important to control your attitude now or it's likely to control you. It could be that your ego is a bit too inflated

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's a great deal of fuel to keep your fire raging today, Libra. Powerful situations are apt to come your way in which you're asked to take decisive action. Don't shy away from added responsibility.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Consider the romantic relationships in your life right now, Taurus. It's important to remember that regardless of how hot and steamy a partnership is at first,

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Remember that one wrong move today could cause you to have a headache for a good long while, Scorpio.

Don't take uncalculated risks. There's dynamism and confidence in the air. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It's a long road to becoming exactly the person you want to be, Sagittarius. You can't change who you are. Input from every person you know and lessons from every bump in the road.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today is your day to become a hero, Gemini. You don't have to be dressed in fancy tights and a cape to make an important difference in someone's life.

Chantoba Bright will be in action in the women’s Triple Jump at her first Commonwealth Games.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) There's a great deal of fun to be had today, Cancer. Money isn't always necessary to make this happen, however.

In fact, money isn't a great way to keep score.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You should always leave a loved one with loving words, Capricorn. Each time you exit a room, consider that you're never going to enter that room again. Perhaps you'll never see those people again.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Remember that the important thing isn't necessarily what you're doing but the people you're with, Leo. There's a great deal of passion in the air today that you can latch onto and put to good use.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Just when you think you have absolutely no energy left, you're able to kick into a higher gear. Push beyond your limits today, Aquarius.

You'll find that you can achieve a great deal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) You could learn a tough lesson today, Virgo. More than likely, the harder the message hits you, the more important it was for you to hear. It's important that you accept failure gracefully.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Regardless of how you feel today, Pisces, it's important to own up to your mistakes.

Keep in mind that you're responsible for your actions.

No matter how much you might want to shrink away,

semi-finals of the women’s 200m to race alongside Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, Namibia’s 19-year-old sensation, Christine Mboma.

She told NCN Sport that competing at her first Commonwealth Games is surreal, while looking forward to the 200m semis, especially after failing to advance in the 100ms. “It was a great experience. I love the crowd, love the energy. I’m just grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to use this experience for other big meets in the near future,” Phillips said. However, things didn’t go so well for Arinze Chance, Noelex Holder and Akeem Stewart in the Men’s 200m. Stewart ran 21.42s to finish 5th in Heat 1.

Over in Heat 2, Chance crossed the line 6th place, running 22.22s and Holder equalled his Season’s Best time of 21.77s in Heat 7.

For Holder, the 22-year-old, making his debut at the Commonwealth Games, though not advancing, said he was happy for the opportunity. Stewart said they will focus on the Men’s 4X100m relay, where he’s confident of the country doing well.

Meanwhile, Emanuel Archibald did not live up to expectations in the Men’s Long Jump, where he finished 11th from a field of 12 jumpers.

Archibald had a leap of 7.83m to advance to yesterday’s finals.

The National Record Holder was far-cry from his record-setting 8.12m when only managed a best of 7.54m. The Bahamas’ LaQuan Nairn won gold with a distance of 8.08m, edging Murali Sreeshankar of India, who also had a 8.08m leap, forcing the officials to turn to the legal win limit, of which the former CARIFTA Games champion was in the negative. On day four on the track, Phillips (200m semis) will be joined by Aliyah Abrams as the only two Guyanese on show at the Alexander Stadium. Abrams will compete in Heat 2 of the women’s 400m, and will hope for a gold medal at her first Commonwealth Games.

Kenisha Phillips following her run in the women’s 200m Heat 1 at the Commonwealth Games.

PAGE 22

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

‘Sensational’ Natalie! ...historic performance from Cummings, Britton/Franklin at Commonwealth Games Table Tennis

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) It was a historic night for Guyana in Table Tennis, as Natalie Cummings reached the Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games, following her breathtaking win over Ruqayyah Kinoo. In one of the most intense matches at the Commonwealth Games (so far), Cummings was sensational in her seven-match (4-3) thriller against her

highly-ranked opponent from Mauritius. Her victory marked the first time any Guyanese would’ve progressed to the Singles Round-of-16 at the Commonwealth Games.

It was Cummings’ third time representing Guyana at the Commonwealth Games and it was clear that the diminutive athlete was playing towards reversing her 2014 and 2018 fortunes, where she exited in the Round-of-32.

Cummings was on-point

Christopher Franklin and Shemar Britton will be the first Guyanese pair to play in the Round-of-16 of the Men’s Singles at the Commonwealth Games.

in the first game, winning 115, but would lose the second 8-11. Buoyed by the cheers from the vociferous Guyanese contingent in the stands at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, Cummings clinched the third game 11-9. Kinoo showed her experience to win the fourth game 9-11 as the see-saw battle continued.

With the games 2-2, Cummings took the fifth 11-5.

However, just when everyone thought that things were favouring Cummings, Kinoo would once again even the match with a 6-11 win in game six. In the final game, Cummings showed pure class to come-from-behind to win 12-10 in an absolutely amazing match.

No Guyanese has ever gone that far in the Singles event of the Commonwealth Games.

The usually candid Coach Idi Lewis was surprisingly lost for words, only describing Cummings’ performance as “simply beautiful.” Today, Cummings will face 16-yearold Anna Hursey of Wales.

Cummings’ performance sparked life in the Guyanese Table Tennis team, which had a series of unfortunate events on the day. Shemar Britton and Christopher Franklin then added to the country’s historic run, with victory in the Men’s Doubles which ironically came against Mauritius’ Baboolall Muhammad and Brian Chan Yook Fo. Against

their African counterparts, Britton and Franklin won 3-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6).

Asked about the country’s performance at the Commonwealth Games, Coach Lewis said the players are doing better than expected, but bemoaned the lack of investment in sports in Guyana. “When you take into consideration the team’s preparation coming into these games and coming up against more heavily-funded athletes at these games, I think they’re performing way beyond expectations right now,” Lewis said.

He added, “When you talk about being on-par, everything comes back to funding. It’s hard to get away from that aspect.

There’s no shortage of talent in Guyana and that’s not just table tennis.”

Lewis stated that in-comparison to the players at the 22nd Commonwealth Games, Guyanese athletes, particularly those based in the Land of Many Waters, are overachieving. The popular Table Tennis coach is calling for a drastic change in the approach to sports in Guyana, noting, “You see some athletes this year and when you see them back next year, you’re seeing the gap widening. We’re still able to hold our own, but the gap is widening every day, so we need to change the way sport is being governed and the investment into sports.”

West Indies A reduce Bangladesh A to 135-6 on day 1 of 4 Day Test The first 4 Day Test Match between West Indies -A and Bangladesh-A at the Darren Sammy Cricket Grounds saw the visitors ending day one on 135 for 6 (43.0 overs).

West Indies -A won toss and decided to field and only

the current not out batsmen; M. Mithun* not out 42 and N. Hasan not out 23 made any real contributions with the bat. M. Mindley 3-43 from 12.0 overs and J. Greaves 225 from 10.2 overs did the damage with the ball for the home side.

Clayton leads Jamaican 1-2 in world juniors sprint (Reuters) - Tina Clayton led a Jamaican 1-2 in the 100 metres at the world junior championships in Colombia on Wednesday, sending out a message that the Caribbean island nation’s dominance of women’s sprinting is unlikely to end any time soon.

The 17-year-old comfortably defended the under-20 title she won in Nairobi last year in a time of 10.95 sec-

onds, with her school mate Serena Cole edging American Shawnti Jackson for silver at Cali’s Pascual Guerrero Stadium.

“Coming out, my mindset wasn’t about a personal best or championship record, it was to defend my title,” Clayton told the World Athletics website.

“I didn’t feel any pressure.”

Friday August 05, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Pele FC Alumni Corp. and University of Guyana ink historic Bursary Award agreement - Five students to benefit from full scholarships educational and professional goals and the special and unique qualities which make them a suitable candidate for the award 2. Two-character references 3. One passport-size digital

Discussions between the two enti- Discussions between the two entities before the signing. ties before the signing.

The Pele FC Alumni Corporation has taken its commitment toward the investment in the educational capacity of Guyanese youths to another level. The USA-based nonprofit organisation inked a signed a Bursary Award agreement with the University of Guyana which offers five undergraduate scholarships for new students to study at UG. This commendable initiative is being done under the Philanthropy, Alumni, Civic Engagement (PACE).

Inking the historic deal on behalf of Pele FC Alumni corporation was Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton in the presence of Chairman Denis Carrington and Executive Committee Member, Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith, whilst the University of Guyana was represented by Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, and Ms. Travonna Azeez.

Also in attendance at the very significant meeting was Dr. Mark Kirton who played an essential role in making the initiative reality.

Pele FC Alumni Corporation

Chairman Carrington commented: “Our UG initiative was the next step in our longrange plans of going deeper in reinforcing to our young people the importance of having a solid education as they transition into the work environment.”Treasurer Barton also added his voice: “There are countless reasons a student would have to apply for financial aid or receive gifted funding to attend university and no one should have their education limited due to a lack of household income.

These scholarships provide an opportunity for students to earn an education.

Without assistance from an outside source such as Pele F C Alumni Corporation, students may have trouble paying for the degree they need to enter the workforce and become contributing members of society.

This scholarship package to the University of Guyana has achieved one of our key initiatives in terms of promoting education.”Professor

Mohamed expressed her and the University’s delight in an initiative that will further empower the students who would benefit from the scholarships, whilst also complimenting the organisation for its continued investment in the educational pursuits of Guyanese youths.

Following are the requirements - Scholarship awardees would be required to maintain a Grade Point Average of at least 2.7 for each academic year and will be required to submit an official transcript to the Scholarship Committee at the end of each academic year.

- Each awardee will be required to attend an interview before the beginning of each new academic year.

- Applicants are required to send complete applications by email to Pelescholarships@gmail.com The submission deadline is Monday 15th August 2022 The application process also includes the submission of the following: 1. A 500-word essay presenting the applicant’s long-term

Canada-based Guyanese Gordon bags four wickets for Canada Canada continued to dominate the ICC World Cup Challenge League A limited-over tournament after recording an emphatic 188run win over Qatar on Wednesday at King City, North Toronto.

The hosts have now got four wins from as many matches in the six-team competition.

Canada will play their final preliminary round match today, Friday at the same venue against Vanuatu.

Canada batted first and rattled up a respectable 275-9 from the 50-overs, while Qatar were bowled out for 91 in the 26th over.

For Canada skipper and opener Navneet Dhaliwah hit an impressive 103 laced with 12 fours during his 116-ball stay at the crease.

He got support from Ravinderpal Singh who struck an unbeaten 56 and Nicolas Kirton scored 37. Mohammed Nadeem finished with 3-41 from his maximum ten overs and Muhammad Murad with 3-47 in his nine-over outing.

When Qatar batted, only Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim with a fighting 34 made significant contributions as former Guyana fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon snatched 4-22 off six overs and left-arm spinner Salman Nazar with 3-27

Jeremy Gordon

off 5.5 overs.

The top team in each league at the end of the competition will secure two of the six places in the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Playoff to be held later in 2022, alongside the bottom four of Men’s CWC League 2. The top two teams from the playoff continue in the hunt to participate in India, 2023.

Meanwhile, Dillon Heyliger is the other Guyanese in the team. The Essequibian Heyliger also represented Guyana but at the youth level. In the first match, Heyliger had a five-wicket haul against Denmark. In this game, Heyliger made 10 but did not take a wicket in his two overs which cost 11 runs.

photograph4. Acceptance letter from the University of Guyana 5. Engagement and active participation in community-based activities 6. Demonstration of verifiable financial need

7. Presentation of an essay on a subject to be determined and 8. Proof of residence in Region Four For more information, email pace@uog.edu.gy or call/ Whatsapp (592) 623 3156.

PAGE 24

DCC Summer Camp runs from August 15 - 26 Known as ‘the home of Legends’, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), is located in heart of the Queenstown Ward in the City and come August 15, the club begins its 2022 Summer Youth Camp.

The two-week camp is scheduled to conclude on August 26 and participants are asked to pay $1,000 or ($500) for one week. The registration fee for the participants, be-

Friday August 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

tween the ages of 7-years and 17, includes Cricket Gear, refreshments and Lunch.

Highly qualified Coaches Roger Harper, Mark Harper, Clyde Butts, Abena Parker, Derien Best and Kevin Ross will provide sessions in cricket basics (Batting, Bowling, Fielding) Skill development, Building and Improving Athletic Capabilities, Mental Skills, Personal and Life Skills, Discipline, Goal

setting and Tactical Awareness, Captaincy and Leadership Skills and much more. The Dress CodeisTrackPantsorSports Shorts, white tee or Polo Shirts, track boots, Sneakers and socks. Those desirous of being a part of this programme can contact Roger Harper on 673-2962, Mark Harper 678-9973, Mr Neblett 6860333 or 226-006. DCC has produced Test greats Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd and Roy Fredericks.

Last chance to register horses for Guyana Cup ...unregistered horses will be scratched The Bugle has been blown, and this is the last chance for all owners and trainers, who are wishing to enter their two and threeyear-old horses for the Guyana Cup day of racing on Sunday 7th August, 2022 to get them registered.

Therbhuwan Jagdeo, who has been collaborating with Nasrudeen Mohamed from the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee (JJTC) in respect to the rules of entry and racing on the Guyana Cup Day of racing announced, “If you know that your two and three-year-olds have not

been registered. You will be given an opportunity to have your unregistered horses registered and micro chip on Saturday from 8.00am at Rising Sun Race Club (RSRC) Rising Sun Village, Berbice.”

Jagdeo stated, “Dr Dwight Waldrond will be on the site from very early to have unregistered horses regularised.”

Jagdeo warned, “No horse/s will be allowed to take entry if they are not properly registered. Entry for unregistered horses will be thrown out by the JJTC when it is lodged on or before 7th Au-

gust, 2022.”

Jagdeo also revealed, “All horses entered to race on the day will have to undergo a veterinary inspection from 8.00am at RSRC on Sunday 14th August, 2022.”

In closing Jagdeo ended, “We wish to thank everyone in advance for their cooperation to make Guyana Cup day of racing a major success not only for themselves, or the promoters, and horse racing, but doing the country proud.”

Further information on the day’s activities will be announced on a daily basis.

WBCA to host youth camp The West Berbice Cricket Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, will be hosting a three-day camp for youths between the ages 10 to 12

years.

The camp will be held at the Fort Wellington school compound starting at 08:00hrs from Monday to 10th August.

Apart from cricket, the

youths will be tutored on Importance of Education in sports, Inter partner violence, discipline and leadership.

Cricket clubs are asked to ensure their participation.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2022

WCC camp underway

T h e Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee is currently hosting a camp for its young cricketers.

The camp, which caters for male and female cricketers between the ages of 12 to 20, commenced on Tuesday last.

Participants of the camp yesterday.

According to chairman of the WCC Khemraj Surujpaul, the one week camp is designed to assist the youths to become rounded individuals.

He added that such initiative is important on the island since it not

only keeps the youths meaningfully occupied, but it enhances their knowledge of the game.

Surujpaul said a number of cricketers from the island have don national colours recently and they want to ensure that more players

Sunshine Girls rally to stun Australia's Diamonds and top Pool A in Commonwealth Games netball SportsMax - Jamaica's Sunshine Girls rallied from a six-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun three-time gold-medallists Australia 5755 to top Pool A at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham yesterday.

In the intense battle between the unbeaten top two teams in the pool, Jamaica led by Jhanielle Fowler's 47 goals from 50 attempts and Shanice Beckford's perfect 10 from 10, outscored the Diamonds 17-9 to pull off their first

victory over the three-time champions at the Commonwealth Games.

Australia enjoyed a slim one-goal lead at the end of the first quarter 14-13 but as Jamaica gained confidence they matched the Australian's 16-16 to remain one goal down at the halftime break.

The experienced Australians surged to a fivegoal lead in the third quarter, winning the stanza 16-11 before the Jamaicans, the only team to score 100 goals

Sterling defence: Jamaica's goal keep Shamera Sterling on top of her game as the Sunshine Girls defeated Australia 57-55 in Pool A action at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on Thursday.

PAGE 25

in a m a t c h a t t h i s year's Games, turned the game on its head with a 17-9 scoreline to get a famous victory. Jamaica levelled the score with eight minutes to g o b e f o r e t a k i n g the lead for good with four minutes left to play.

Australia's Gretel Bueta led the Diamonds' scoring with 36 goals from 39 attempts while Steph Wood scored 19 goals from 22 tries in the losing cause.

from the island go on to play at higher levels.

Participants are being given lessons on the various aspects of cricket including laws of the game and captaincy, Nutrition, Table etiquette, healthy lifestyle and

discipline.

The camp is being held at G Square Cavaliers Sports Club and practical sessions are being conducted by coaches Zaheer Mohamed and Nandkishore Andrews.

'Sensational' Natalie! ...historic performance from Cummings, Britton/Franklin at Commonwealth Games Table Tennis

Caught in the act! Guyana's Natalie Cummings in action in the final match of his seven-game thriller against Mauritius' Ruqayyah Kinoo at the Commonwealth Games.

University of Guyana Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed (seated left) and Pele FC Alumni Treasurer, Patrick 'Labba' Barton (seated right) is pictured with other UG and Pele FC Alumni members following the signing.

Natalie Cummings is all-smiles after her historic performance at the Commonwealth Games.

s t r o Sp

Pele FC Alumni Corp. and University of Guyana ink historic Bursary - Five students to benefit Award agreement from full scholarships 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.