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AIETEUR NEWS

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

US$900M Gas-to-Energy Project…

Guyana must

Friday Edition August 06, 2021 - Vol. 23 No. 32

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

decide if it wants to-Int'l

become another T&T Expert

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 69,447

Govt. does not need Exxon’s fibre cable to monitor oil production …Pres. Ali living in ‘dreamland’, many options available for independent scrutiny - TIGI

Exxon will by 2024 deduct US$227M for works 20 years in the future - IEEFA’s Sanzillo Guyana needs a DPP re-charges Mining site GM and Security dedicated partner duo for Henry Guard found dead for education - Pres. Ali tells World Bank boys’ murders in their hammocks One baby is abandoned every month at GPHC - 33 patients left at the institution for the year so far

Bandits posing as gold dealers cart off $58M - Security in gold and cashguard held - It is absolutely vital that Africa remains impoverished for the continued lifestyle of the Europeans, Americans on Kaieteur and now the Chinese. - Pres. Ali continues to promise transparency and success for us. @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Govt. does not need Exxon's fibre cable to monitor oil production …Pres. Ali living in 'dreamland,' many options available for independent scrutiny –TIGI

T

ransparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), has lambasted Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, over his recent assertion that the Administration will rely on ExxonMobil's US$50M

fibre-optic cable—being laid to connect its onshore and offshore activities—for real time information on production, to say there currently exists a plethora of alternatives to independently monitor the operations.

TIGI's Alfred Bhulai, in a recent public missive fired back at President's Ali's assertion of his administration's transparency in the management of the oil sector.

Prefacing his arguments,

Bhulai in his letter recalled that President Ali told a virtual press conference on Monday last, when asked about the lack of transparency and information on the sector, “We are working now on a

TIGI Guyana Executive Member, Alfred Bhulai.

website that will have all the production details; that will have all the revenue details… that will have all the expenditure details. We are presently putting that system and institution in place.”

President Ali had said, in response to questions from Kaieteur News' Kiana Wilburg, “I do not believe that we have been hiding anything as it relates to the oil and gas sector, … every piece of information that the government has, every discussion we have had… has been made public and shared with the public.”

The TIGI Executive in response stated that, “If he (President Ali) genuinely

believes what he said, why did his MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources) not tell TIGI that the fibre-optic cable and internet had to be set up before the information that was requested months ago could be given.”

Bhulai in his missive observed that on Sunday, “we read that Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, said that government has nothing to hide and will be transparent in all oil and gas-related matters, and that he has suggested that the Ministry of Natural Resources set up a portal for the publishing of real-time information, but that initiative has not been taken up and it is unclear how the media would be able to access the information.”

He used the occasion to note that subsequently “…we heard that currently ExxonMobil is forging ahead with the laying of a US$50M fibre optic cable under its 'Fibre Optic Enablement Project' where it plans to connect the onshore and offshore operations so that there can be real-time (Continued on page 3)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 03

t… c je ro P y rg e n -E to s a G M 0 0 9 US$

Guyana must decide if it wants to become another Trinidad and Tobago -Int'l Expert

By Kiana Wilburg

E

xxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana are determined to quickly develop and monetize the oil and gas resources in the Stabroek Block. Its interests in this regard are aligned with the PPP/C Government which believes the pursuit of fossil fuel will fast track the nation's economic growth and development.

But there are risks that lie in the pathway of both sides realizing their shared interests.

According to Chatham House Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, Guyana could find itself facing the risks of oil dependence if it goes further into the abyss of fossil fuel development. These risks include corruption and fluctuating growth.

During a recent appearance on Kaieteur Radio's Programme, Guyana's Oil and You, the International Petroleum Expert alluded that one only

ought to examine the worrying state of affairs in Trinidad and Tobago to understand the risks in question. Her comment in this regard was in response to a query on whether Guyana is heading in the right direction by bringing gas to shore via a US$900M project, especially at a time when the rest of the world has begun a slow but steady march towards decarbonization.

“I think it is a critical question, and that is how much does Guyana as a new producer want to follow the path of countries like Trinidad and Tobago that have used as much of their oil and gas as possible to create petroleum value, which now amounts to a chain of dependence on the oil and gas because industries are using it as feedstock , cars are being driven with cheaper petrol and they are into refining so they have created a whole industry and economy around it,” expressed the Chatham House Fellow.

She added, “Guyana, starting today, (must say)

does it go down that route or does it pull toward a different identity and development path?”

Given Guyana's vast forest cover and the fact that it is known as a carbon sink, Dr. Marcel asserted that the country enjoys an identity of being a green State.

Confronted by the interests of oil companies and that its own, Dr. Marcel contended, that Guyana has witnessed the birth of two pathways or visions for its future. One road is paved with oil and gas and the other beckons the climate friendly benefits of projects that utilize sun, wind, and water.

Dr. Marcel said, she does not believe Guyana would want to choose the former which Trinidad and Tobago did. She noted nonetheless, that one would want to ascertain if Guyana wants to keep the pure focus on being a carbon sink and maintain the pristine forests thereby, sacrificing potential industrial developments and having gas as a cheap feedstock for some

Govt. does not need Exxon's fibre...

From page 2 oversight, and that the Minister of Legal Affairs said that the government will also be given a feed and it will also be able to independently monitor works.”

Adamant government does not require a fibre-optic cable to give the information requested, Bhulai contends that “between 2012 and 2014, I engineered, installed, and commissioned meters to read electricity and other interesting variables in real time remotely over the internet so that I did not have to physically visit to monitor energy in the industries I advised.”

According to the TIGI executive, “one of my associates saw such a meter installed at the (ExxonMobil funded) Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana

Limited (EEPGL).”

As such, he was adamant “the oil companies are very much aware of how to monitor and transmit the information, even if the politicians, the advisors they surround themselves with, and the EPA do not.”

He observed that the internet supported the necessary transmission of the data.

“It is not molecular biology or rocket science, because many Guyanese householders, who have installed security cameras, can, from anywhere in the world where there is internet, see on their cell phones what their home cameras are seeing.

The President had better check if his security knows about this version of the internet of things.”

Offering his services to the administration, Bhulai

suggests, “…should our leaders wish more of the clarity they professed to lack about how the media can access such information, they have only to ask… TIGI has teachers, who have lived for decades on the Guyanese teachers' pay scales, and who can teach them about Open Data, Open Contracting, and Open Government, where citizens live more satisfactorily with opportunities more according to their abilities, and less according to who they know.”

According to Bhulai, “the oil companies can run and monitor their operations continuously with computers and internet from satellite. In addition, when they do eventually put in the fibreoptic cable, we will expect even better data.

Let them not make more fools of us.”

industries. “It is once you get into the details that you realize that 'oh well I am willing to sacrifice a little bit of that green model to get s o m e o f t h e Tr i n i d a d e c o n o m i c p r o s p e r i t y, ” expressed the international expert.

She noted at this point, that this is where the question of Guyana's move to utilize its gas resources for cheaper electricity purposes comes in.

On this front, the Chatham House Fellow said, “Gas I have to say, is the most complex areas for countries that are part of the New Producers Group have to tackle, because it can be perceived as a transition fuel, though that concept itself has become really like a hot button issue in the world of climate change.”

She added, “If you think of it as transition fuel that helps you reduce your use of heavy fuel oil consumption, and reduce emissions so that later you transition towards a fuller green energy mix, the reality is that, it locks you

Chatham House Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel. into a carbon intensive energy use.”

Dr. Marcel emphasized that one does not put in place, expensive gas infrastructure only for it to last a maximum of 10 years. She said it has to be for about 20 to 30 years.

“This is expensive infrastructure so once it is in place, you have to make it worth it, hence, it does not h a v e t h a t f u l l e n e rg y transition potential,” expressed Dr. Marcel.

Taking the foregoing into consideration, the oil expert said it is crucial that Guyana thinks of the long term benefits and risks to pursuing for example, a US$900M gas-to-energy project.

She alluded that while it may seem in the short term, an effective fix to the country's energy woes and addressing carbon intensity rates, the long term implications can be way more troubling.

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Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Another kind of abuse The nation’s attention is usually focused and frightened by what occurs in the harrowing instances of domestic violence involving adult partners in the home.

But there is another kind of violence, and we call it that, which happens in families, leaving no less numb, still more disbelieving. These would be what are meted out to the elderly in our midst, and at the hands of their own relations, no less.

We had cause to report this recently: “Patient at GPHC believes that he was abandoned by relatives - Palms unable to house him” (KN July 26). The professionals at the GPHC have noticed this alarming situation, which, though not yet at the stage that it could be termed full-fledged trend, is still too frequent and worrying. Children and close relatives bring their sick elderly and dump them at the GPHC, and never another word from, or sighting of them, ever occurs again. These, who for all purposes and intents, abandoned are usually very ill, with chronic complaints.

Most of the time, they can’t care for themselves, so feeble they are, as is the story of the patient whose dreadful plight we covered.

Unfortunately, he is not alone. Like many of his peers, he is poor, with not more than the clothing on his back, and not a cent to fall back upon for support. Those that can’t do anything for themselves, in regular circumstances, have nothing left to fend for themselves. In the particular situation of this elderly patient, he can’t even walk, and is dependent on the kindness of complete strangers.

There have been reports of those elderly citizens, who once had assets to their name, but were stripped bare by their heartless children. They are then moved (dumped) into nursing facilities to care for them, so that the property that they owned, and in which they resided, could be sold, from right under their feet. They are powerless to prevent, since they had made such provision in a bona fide will or some power of attorney type document that gave decisionmaking powers to their offsprings. Or those cunning children colluded with corrupt officials to convert unintended bequests to themselves. Whether the now suffering elderly had or didn’t, too many of them are left on their own, and when they have the least strength to look out for themselves, and the least in resources to take care of their needs.

We have some facilities in place to care for our elderly, and we have some elder care laws that seek to prevent the physical abuse of their persons, along with prudent handling of their affairs by others, including at the hands of close loved ones. Both facilities and laws represent starts in a good direction, but they are far from comprehensive and robust enough to cater appropriately for the many needs of Guyana’s mounting numbers of elderly.

Many of our elderly citizens have been left behind by migrating adult children, partly through desire or agreement, or partly through convenience. Regarding the latter, the faster, more demanding, cosmopolitan environments in advanced societies are for the young, with little time or energy available to absorb the many requirements posed by elderly parents or relations. The best intentions fall apart, which extend to those left behind, alone.

Further, many elderly Guyanese who accompanied their sponsoring children to fast-paced overseas cities end up as overwhelmed babysitters, or alone at home, and for which conditions, there is less and lesser zeal. So, they either return home, or are packed up and sent back home.

There they may hibernate, or languish, unattended for years. Believe it or not, these are the luckier ones. Those who lived in poverty most of their lives face their later years with dread from wanting and not having. Though there are no overnight fixes, with space scarce, and the Ministry of Social Protection recently rolling out laudable elderly initiatives, there is so much still needed to give our old and weary, our sick and fatigued, some cushion in their silver years. High cost, high-profile projects capture the attention, but we also recommend that some priority be made for our needy elderly, as part of a broad sturdy safety net.

His Excellency has been transparent in his non-transparency Dear Editor, National leaders are held to the same impeccable standard as leaders of religion, leaders in industry, leaders in society. They must be irrevocably and unalterably committed to immaculate truths. Truths that stand inseparably with the accuracy of facts, the record of history, and the reality of circumstances.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has been exemplary in being about much of what contradicts truth, what is the reality of transparency with the oil industry of this country. He has been defiant with mounting deceptions; and as he goes, so does the rest of his government, the government of this hopeful nation.

The President and his Vice President have hidden themselves, when the sensitive things of oil surfaced.

Relevant information has been withheld (Payara report).

Necessary details kept secret (audit report). Need to know developments kept close to the chest (local content report). I humbly suggest to

President Ali that that is not transparency, but of someone who, having delivered an IOU on transparency to the nation during his inaugural, now does the equivalent of dodging bail. Or worse yet, pilots a successful jailbreak from the restraints of truths, facts, and accuracies.

If there has been what is believed to be transparency with those three (those three reports only), then I dare to say that his chief legal whisperer placed him on the wrong track. It is not of effusive truths and transparencies, but of the narrowest legal definition of the word; not the frankness and comprehensiveness that should have graced it. What could be so secret about local content that Guyanese have to be kept in the dark? What ominous light does it hold in store for citizens?

And by the same standard, there should be not a moment of hesitation in placing before the nation, the papers of Payara and the audit, without any doctoring.

I can venture into other secret areas, such as the OMAI contract, and what is really

the mystery with vaccine prices. Regarding the latter, I have refrained from joining any speculations, jumping on any bandwagon, which I think looks increasingly discreditable on my part, but infinitely more so on that of President Ali and his claimsindeed, his growing recordon integrity where transparency is concerned.

This is not just about oil, but also in other areas, where massive amounts of monies are involved, and billions are the norm.

One year ago, I started out by giving Guyana’s new President the benefit of the doubt. Today, I doubt myself, and with any doubt placed in the principled and prudent care of the President long since vanished. I cannot be cheerleader or worshipper or fawner for presidents or anyone. I trust to a point; thereafter, I go my own way, which is where I am with His Excellency and transparency.

I detect a leader so irreversibly entangled with secrecy that he takes himself seriously; he has become his own leading sales agent for the fictions that he and his people

manufacture about transparency. President Ali is of the belief that promising what he will do tomorrow should be enough to pull the wool over our eyes in what he promised, but did not deliver, for the last 365 days.

It is the first of his now increasingly decaying presidency. Such is already his legacy, with more to follow. In one short year, President Ali has outdone the last occupant of the White House, who had to skulk out of town in shame and disgrace.

I regret having to break my self-imposed peace, but I close with this little sharing.

When anyone says: trust me; I put on my thickest suit of armour. I don’t care whether it is President, Vice President, pandit or parson, maulana or minister; I put on my asbestos suit. Yes, I will risk that danger. I started out being generous to President Ali by assigning to him the role of Ali Baba, but now I wonder who is and who is not among the other 40. That is where the evidence of lack of transparency is, where the President finds himself. It is where I am, and now off I go.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

When is the Public Service to be Human Resourced?

Dear Editor, It is an interesting construct, at least from a management perspective; as it also invites enquiry about the communication and decision-making processes in Public Administration.

According to the 2021 Budget approved by Parliament the highest government decision-making levels consist of the following: Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister.

(There appears to be no Office of the Vice President).

The above consists of 347 employees. In so far as can be identified there are additionally eighteen (18) Ministries that employ some 18,967 staff.

However, the celebratory presentation in SN of August 1 includes twenty-one (21) Ministers and one Senior Minister – in the Office of the President; while there are Junior Ministers within some Ministries.

The largest of the Ministries include: Education - 3,153 employees Health - 4,257 employees Home Affairs - 8,172 employees making a total of - 15,582 employees Not to be overlooked however, is the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. For

while the Local Government Ministry itself contains just 149 staff, the Regional Development component includes some 14,557 employees across the 10 Regions. This compares with the total of 18,967 employees in Offices and Ministries combined.

Presumably all these employees fall within the sapiential purview of the Ministry of Public Service which itself is equipped with exactly 106 staff; yet more than the following Ministries: Tourism, Industry and Commerce - 105 Labour - 90 Housing and Water - 18 Parliamentary Affairs & Governance - 07 But what is truly interesting of the centerpiece of this organisational construct of the Ministry of Public Service is its core Human Resources Management capacity. One can only wonder how many of our decision-makers are aware, if at all interested in, the deliverables required from a function that is expected to be critical to the performance of public servants anywhere.

But that this Division is not regarded as a substantive contributor to the thousands of human resources recorded above, is reflected in its manning levels, as follows: Administrative - 4

Senior Technical - 2 Other Technical & Craft Skilled - 1 Clerical & Office Support -3 Contracted Employees - 2 = 12 It must be a matter of concern about what these overlooked persons are required to contribute. Note that throughout the remaining Ministries the following continue to flourish: Chief Personnel Officer Grade 12

Principal Personnel Officer - Grade 11 Senior Personnel Officer Grade 9 Personnel Officer II Grade 6 Personnel Officer I - Grade 5 The single Human Resources Officer in the Ministry of Public Service is at the same level as a Senior Personnel Officer.

It is likely that any of the above would have had (Continued on page 5)

GTT responds to customer’s concern Dear Editor, I write in response to a letter published in your newspaper on August 5, 2021 under the caption “Nobody at GTT truly understands the significance of Internet access in today’s environment” by Sandra Khan.

First, I would like to thank her for bringing this issue to our attention and noting some of the avenues we are currently exploring to better our service. At GTT we have been listening carefully to our customers’ needs and complaints, acting on them where we need to improve.

I can confirm that her issue has been resolved by our team.

We also made personal contact with Ms. Khan to ensure that her service was connected and working to her expectations. We are working to better improve our processes in line with our new company mission, to pivot GTT to become a 21st century customer centric organisation.

We commit to meeting our Together We Rise promises to reliably connect our customers, strengthen our community, and innovate for all in our country.

Sincerely, Eshwar Thakurdin Chief Operations Officer Home & Fixed Services, GTT

Friday August 06, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Teachers Union must put aside politics, rise in the national interest at such a time as this Dear Editor, At such a time as this, when an unpredictable deadly virus has killed over four million people and infected 196 million around the world, and there is no telling what would happen next, I expected the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to not only mould the nation but be the teachers and educators to the nation that vaccination is the road we must take. If not the teachers, who?

Vaccines do not kill, viruses do!

With only a disappointing 23 percent of teachers vaccinated and schools are scheduled to reopen in September after more than a year’s hiatus, the voices of reason should prevail. I fully agree with PresidentAli who said recently, he hopes teachers will show leadership and get vaccinated, as the government will not be exposing children to unvaccinated teachers. “Because

vaccines inoculate everyone against this dreaded deadly virus, all of us should be troubled by those who refuse to be vaccinated. The unvaccinated are now as deadly as the virus itself for they are not only susceptible to infection, they will carry it…the government has a responsibility to defend the health of all,” President Ali said.

However, according to a GTU statement, the President attempted “to cajole teachers to get vaccinated.” I ask what is wrong with “cajoling?”

“Cajoling,” means “persuading.” That’s what a Head of State should do!

When large numbers die or get sick and overwhelm the limping, limited, basic health care systems we have, whom would they try to blame? The union’s posture is reckless, when it says, “GTU is urging

...When is the Public Service From page 4 anything to do with the recruitment of the 2,365 Contracted Employees in the respective Ministries, and less with the 471 comparable recruits over the 10 Regions of which Region Nine employs the highest number 98, as compared to Region 6 68; and Region 4 - 39.

All the above statistics, of course, do not account for the Constitutional Agencies – Commissions, Tribunals, Audit Office of Guyana, etc.

Meanwhile there is still the pre-disposition toward recruiting the anachronistic ‘Typist/ Clerk’ (III, II and I) in this long acknowledged technological age.

Could someone please say where and when is the future of Human Resources Management in our Public Administration? But at the same time it may even be as critical to learn who evaluates the respective ranges of Ministerial responsibilities to arrive at an objectively factored compensation structure.

In the final analysis however, in the absence over the last three decades of any Performance Appraisals and Succession Plan, Human Resources Management may well be argued as being irrelevant.

Yours faithfully, E. B. John

‘all teachers and right-thinking Guyanese’ to resist any attempt if it becomes mandatory to take the COVID19 vaccine…Teachers! We will stand with you should there be any attempt to make vaccination mandatory for returning to the classroom.”

Because the union cares, won’t it be nicer for them to say if you voluntarily did not get the vaccine and the virus hits you, “we will pay all your medical and treatment expenses and take care of your families” while you are panting for breath on a hospital bed (if one is available)?”

The GTU will be hardpressed to defend itself for such an adversarial position, and it would not be lost on the nation if people have perceptions that a top leader of the GTU who was a candidate for the defeated PNC might be playing politics with the virus. I agree with Minister Manickchand when she said that GTU must decide if it wants to play politics or work for the nation’s education interests.

It sounds so silly when the Union says, “We wish to see awareness campaigns

that match the zeal of the vaccination drives to assure our members (and all Guyanese) during this trying time.” Since they are the expert educators, shouldn’t the GTU and teachers be leading the education and awareness campaigns, in the national interest? Teachers might be the most informed group in Guyana and can influence their communities by their example.

What more education do they need? Have they been living under a rock?

It is time for the parents, PTAs, school boards and civil society to speak up on this matter. Do parents want their children from nursery to high school be exposed to unvaccinated teachers? Is that a wise thing? So, it’s voluntary to take the vaccine and to remain unvaccinated posing high risks to our students in schools, but mandatory that teachers get hefty pay hikes and all kinds of allowances from the Government?

New York City just passed a rule that you must be vaccinated to go to gyms, restaurants, and other businesses. The PNC’s Dr. Karen Cummings and Burnham’s son-in-law, Dr.

Van-West Charles, both doctors, have shed their political hats and called on people to get vaccinated. I am a righteous person and not given to colourful language but my friend Suresh does. He said in his deep Corentyne accent, “Meh shack dem teachers nah get vaccinated.

Dem rass want kill ahbee pickney?”

“Nowadays everybody gat rights. Rights to use mariwanna and grow hemp, right to cross-dressing, right to sodomy, right to ask for reduce sentence when dem kill people mercilessly, and

now right fuh na vaccinate…

Dem ah watch too much Merican TV,” Suresh added.

“How come dem teacha nah seh, we have the right fuh Exxan pay taxes, and fuh renegotiate the kontrack, suh we cyan give dem mo pay raises?” Suresh said.

The GTU should know that teachers have their choice and the Government has a responsibility to protect the entire nation. GTU please put the nation’s interests first and do the right thing!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

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Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

Why can’t the Govt. publish Borrowes’ suspicions and accusations production data on the Natural Resources Ministry’s website?

Dear Editor, It has been weeks now that the government has been saying they need a dedicated website to publish oil production data. Why can’t the government publish the oil production data on the Ministry of Natural Resources website? It already publishes the oil lift data on this website.

If the oil production data is in PDF and spreadsheet form, it can easily be uploaded to the existing website. The Ministry of Natural Resources website appears to be using the free open-source software called WordPress. We at OGGN use (www.oggn.org) WordPress to run our website. It is just a few clicks to create a new page and embed PDFs and spreadsheets into the page, which take minutes not weeks!

Many countries such as Columbia and Nigeria upload production data to their websites within weeks of the oil being produced. One can find their PDFs and spreadsheets at the links

below. h t t p s : / / www.nnpcgroup.com/NNPCBusiness/BusinessInformation/Pages/MonthlyPerformance-Data.aspx h t t p s : / / www.ecopetrol.com.co/wps/ portal/Home/en/ Corporateresponsibility/ SustainabilityReports/ SustainabilityReports It has been five years since oil has been discovered, but we seem to lack capacity to get basic oil related activities accomplished. As part of our diaspora-peopled support to our country, on behalf of the Oil and Governance Network (OGGN), I would like to offer my services to help the Government of Guyana publish the oil production data promptly. Here are some of my qualifications: i) I previously worked for a major technology firm developing software that was used to deploy major online shopping sites for such companies as Costco, IKEA,

and SONY. For the product development, I held the role of Chief Architect and Programmer for one of the major technology companies in the world. ii) I have 15 patents granted in eCommerce, augmented reality, and security, etc. iii) I have received three Outstanding Technology Achievement Awards. iii) I have presented on technology to executives at some of the major companies in the World such as AT&T and Staples. A summary of my career is available at https:// w w w. l i n k e d i n . c o m / i n / cloudcommerce/. The government may contact me at dkhusial@oggn.org to help get the oil production data published. This will help to accomplish President Ali’s vision for transparency in all things.

Sincerely, Darshanand Khusial Oil and Gas Governance Network (www.oggn.org/ about)

The Coalition reneged on its pre-2015 promises, especially regarding sugar Dear Editor After the attempted rigging of Guyana’s 2020 elections, democracy was restored by decent minded citizens and the International Observers especially CARICOM. Yet, the APNU+AFC are peddling a false narrative that democracy was stolen from them, and the democratically elected PPP/C Government of Guyana was installed by foreign powers. If the APNU+AFC feels so strongly about it, why did they not continue in Government? Is it because their American Visas were more important?

The failure of the APNU+AFC experiment in government was that they really did not have a clue on how to take the country forward. Who can forget the pre-2015 election promise that sugar was too big to fail, yet they turned around and sacked thousands of poor Guyanese people? Or the rice farmers are private business, so they are on their own? Or telling people to become entrepreneurs when people lacked skills and financial resources to do so?

So, the story goes: the APNU+AFC told Guyanese that the PPP/C were corrupt

pre-2015 then when they got into power they did audits, only to find out there was no widespread corruption. Oh yeah, the APNU+AFC reduced VAT from 16 percent to 14 percent only to increase taxes in other areas and taxed previously exempt goods and services. How much of that VAT reduction was actually passed onto Guyanese? Then the PNC led APNU+AFC operated more on sound bites rather than sound policies.

Much like they are doing today with their false claims of the theft of democracy.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

Dear Editor, Edward Burrowes has arrogated to himself a whole lot of authority and learning.

He assumes but cannot authenticate. In his Aug. 03 letter, he pontificates that “The PPP (People’s Progressive Party) is reminded that in March 2020, citizens voted for the lesser of the evils.” This is somewhat ludicrous, and so I have to question him.

First, Borrowes has to explain the overwhelming statistical evidence that ‘skinup’ the egregious shortcomings of previous A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). In a mere fiveyear run, with almost a third being illegal, the APNU+AFC Administration, by virtue of u n p r e c e d e n t e d mismanagement, was inevitably toppled via the No Confidence Motion against it.

After that, for some 18 months, it carried on as though nothing happened, trampling on the sacred Constitution, as it bullied the country, thereby adding to the decline of the nation, at every level.

I revisit what was illustrated in the Bank of Guyana’s statement of Assets and Liabilities, published in the May 23, 2020 Official Gazette. It showed that the General Reserve stood “… at -$290,667,332. Additionally, Public Deposits have also depleted to below $0, also recording a negative balance of -$88,629,401,855.” Guyana’s Contingency Reserve account also reflected an alarmingly low amount of $2.3 billion.

Contrast this when APNU+AFC took office in May 2015, Guyana’s General Reserve had in its coffers just about $6 billion while the Contingency Reserve held $4 billion. This transits to the harsh reality that former regime actually spent $1.2 trillion in its five-year rulership, and thus left the economy in utter disaster. It abused the Contingency Fund and also bequeathed a US$400 million in new external

debt. Details herein proffered can be verified to the likes of Borrowes. He should explain the impact on voting, since according to the record, from 2015 to 2019, former government, APNU+AFC, overburdened the population with taxation and collected revenues totalling $992 billion and then proceeded to squander $1.2 trillion.

As regards the Heath Sector, the fact is that APNU+AFC spent in five years just as much as the PPP did in 23 years. In terms of medicines and medical supplies, that is $36.7B vs. $36.4B. However, shortages abound at hospitals and health centres, leaving the nation vulnerable, and the present Government with a monumental repair job.

So, the PPP/C was reelected after subsiding to the APNU+AFC, but people quickly realised their mistake and corrected it, and now, are in more support of the present Administration. In fact, I wonder how Mr. Borrowes will explain a contracting Opposition, if one were to consider the numbers showing up at protests and resignations/defections that were effected of recent.

Let me get to this “… perceived corruption and failure to honour a promise to create 50,000 jobs,” Mr. Borrowes must be reminded that his biases are what he deems perceptions, which are not reflective of reality. Job creation has begun, and it is in conformity with the PPP/C’s five-year plan, as set out in its Manifesto. Let us all be mindful that the havoc created by the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, more so, that the PPP/C had to clean up for A P N U + A F C ’ s mismanagement of the diseases. Mr. Borrowes needs to assess the number of projects on going, and what their realisation will mean in terms of employment.

Outside of the Oil and Gas sector, there are many things happening countrywide, but I will take only GuySuCo. It is common knowledge that

APNU+AFC wrecked this industry, leaving not only thousands of indigent families, but psychological and mental despair. What is currently obtaining is very refreshing. GuySuCo declared just a few days ago, that some 442 people will be rehired by Christmas of this year, and that 200 are already in the work force. This is a huge accomplishment, as in 2017, some 6,000-6,500 workers were put out of jobs. GuySuCo has made it public that by 20232024, when all is done with Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore; more than 3,000 persons will be coming back to work.

Let me close with a comment the volatile Oil and Gas debate that is consuming so many people. Guyana’s situation, if it can be deemed problematic and controversial, has its base in the APNU+AFC Coalition. In fact, it is on record, The Alliance For Change (AFC), the minority party in the Coalition, did admit that it was trying to secure the contract with oil giant ExxonMobil, to kick off operations offshore Guyana, but in fast-tracking that process, there were several loopholes in that contract, signed by its executive member, Raphael Trotman. I wonder if Mr. Borrowes did check to see if and how this single ‘give-away’ affected voting patterns.

This admission came directly from AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who served as First Vice President and Public Security Minister under the previous APNU+AFCAdministration that signed Guyana’s oil contract in October 2016. He explained that “… there was hardly anything the then coalition Administration could have done regarding the first contract that would not have been criticised.” This is where Borrowes should direct his angst and suspicions. I challenge Borrowes and those he claims he is speaking for, to debate, live, the PPP/C, on these matters, since he and I are not speaking live, face to face.

Yours truly, Henry Singh

COVID-19 restrictions not justified by statistics Dear Editor, I can only look on in alarm at the measures being taken to force our citizens to take the various COVID-19 vaccines. Ministers like to quote statistics but one we have not heard is the number of persons under 30, out of the 550, who have died from the virus in Guyana.

In their absence, let us examine the rates in the USA. Of the total 601,124 deaths, 572,433 were over 50, 28,691 were for those aged 0-49 and under 39 were 9,881. Under 30 there were only 2,807. So out of some 35M total COVID-19 cases the chances of dying for those under 39 was two tenths of a percent. And importantly this does not include cases where people

contracted the virus but had no symptoms and so did not take a test.

Another statistic the minister should provide is the percentage by age groups that have been vaccinated. If it is the case that the vast majority is over 40, then surely mass hospitalisations and deaths are now not likely.

So why then in Guyana are public sector and private sector employers forcing people out of work, treating them like lepers and taking bread out of their mouths? There is a cruelty to these restrictions that statistically cannot be justified.

Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

It is gratifying that others are speaking against what is happening in Guyana's oil and gas sector.

We welcome the “16 Civil Society bodies” that are raising their voices and sharing their concerns about the gas-to-shore project.

Under successive governments, it has been one improper or underhanded development after another.

Very little of what has been done at the leadership level gives sensible, clearheaded citizens reason for confidence or comfort. It has been lies, cover-ups, mistakes, and then more cover-ups.

We look forward to more Guyanese speaking out about the abominations of this government with our wealth.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

Pres. Ali and German diplomats discuss enhancement of bilateral relations

P

resident, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations with Germany and the European Union (EU), and it was reciprocated by visiting ambassadors from the European nation. President, Ali made this assertion at his office, during a courtesy visit

by Ambassador and Regional Director, for Latin America and Caribbean from the Federal German Foreign O ff i c e , H . E .

Marian Schuegraf and German Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Ute König.

The two parties discussed several areas, including Guyana's development

agenda, climate change, smart agriculture, t e c h n o l o g y t r a n s f e r, s u s t a i n a b l e e n e r g y, manufacturing, robotics, urban and rural planning, the COVID-19 vaccination programmes and industrial development.

The President outlined his transformation agenda for the country and emphasized, that the oil and gas sector is not the main staple of the economy since his German Ambassador Ambassador and Regional Director for Latin Government is working on to Trinidad and America Caribbean from the Federal diversification to enhance German Foreign Office, H.E. Marian Schuegraf. Tobago, H.E. Ute König existing sectors and to create new opportunities. leader in alternative energy providing a housing initiative income earners.”

“It will ensure that our that is sustainable, and one High on the agenda was and disclosed that his people have access to world- that will not only build also providing leadership on Government has received class healthcare, a world- homes, but create equity climate change. President Ali proposals, with regards to class education system, while especially among low- noted that historically, solar energy and investment G u y a n a h a s p r o v i d e d in transmission, from persons leadership on this front, of German heritage. On this w h i l e p o i n t i n g t o t h e note, he emphasised that expanded Low Carbon sustainable energy is also an important part of the mix and Development Strategy.

“This addresses issues of is a key component in community wealth, social Guyana's development.

“So I'm very happy that issues and ensuring that there is a transfer system that you're here at this time; and addresses various social we have an opportunity to listen to you and to discuss issues,” the President said. what to engage on.”

FOOD SECURITY ENHANCED FOCUS He further explained that ON GUYANA Guyana is also investing In her remarks, heavily in food security, which is especially important Ambassador Schuegraf for the region given its expressed gratitude for the vulnerability to natural audience with President Ali and the opportunity to learn disasters.

President Ali pointed to about Guyana and its the recent floods in Guyana, policies.

“It's a great pleasure to be Suriname and parts of Brazil and the resultant losses, and here to get to know more a l s o e m p a t h i s e d w i t h about Guyana as a country Germany over its recent but also about its policies. I floods. He attributed these think Guyana could be more occurrences to climate present on the EU's and change which he noted Germany's radar and we are s h o u l d b r i n g g r e a t e r here to change that.”

She acknowledged realisation for the urgent Guyana's stellar efforts in action required.

P r e s i d e n t A l i a l s o “leading in the world when it recognised Germany as a comes to untouched forests”

President, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali which she stated is “a treasure also for future generations”.

“I am particularly delighted on meeting you as President here, seeing that you're so much committed to the environment. This is something which is great for Germany.”

GUYANA AS A BEACON T h e G e r m a n representative also congratulated President Ali on Guyana's sustainability plans while managing the oil and gas sector.

“I learned about your Hydrocarbon Strategy and about your sustainability plans and I see this being supported on the highest level, this promises to be a development which could be a beacon and big signal in the whole region, not only for cooperation with Germany or the EU, this is a great basis.”

Ambassador Schuegraf also lauded Guyana's efforts to safeguard its biodiversity, while at the same time, utilising its natural resources (hydrocarbons). “…That is so important for other countries also in the region, to show that the (Continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 09

Election rigging is treason Election rigging constitutes treason. This is the firm opinion of Dr. Munyonzwe Hamalengwa, a Zambian Professor of Law. This is what he said, “There is no reason whatsoever why theft of an election in any country, through rigging, with incontrovertible evidence proving the same, should not attract the charge of treason.

He notes that, “Theft of an election is a fraudulent usurpation of power by an illegitimate government that has been turfed out of power by the country's voters. It is a c o u p d ' é t a t t o unconstitutionally and illegally cling to power by the incumbent government.”

He views as immaterial the fact that no violence may have been employed. He argued that violence is

embedded in the very fact of rigging an election.”

Dr. Hamalengwa says, “Election theft by rigging has grievous aggravating factors and must constitute treason.

A coterie of individuals with planning and deliberation aforethought, sometimes over a lengthy period of time, organised to engage in the overt and covert actus reus (action) with requisite mens rea (intention) to violate the constitution and electoral laws of their country.”

He goes on to argue that where individuals who participate in the conspiracy to violate the constitution and electoral laws of the country, would have sworn to follow and uphold the constitution and laws of the country and would have been found to have violated that very oath, this constitutes betrayal of

the constitution and laws of the country. And for him that is treason.

At present, a number of persons are before the court for acts of fraud in relation to the elections of March 2, 2020. Regardless of the outcome of those cases, there still needs to be addressed this issue of whether anyone committed treason in relation to those elections, that is whether there was an attempt at an electoral coup d'état.

The President under questioning has said that there will be a Commission of Inquiry into the elections.

By now, more than one year after the attempt at electoral rigging, the country is no wiser as to when this Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will take place.

The United States Capitol, the seat of Congress,

Falling tree kills miner A miner in Black Water Backdam, Kanowaruk River, Region Eight, was killed yesterday after a tree fell on him.

Ken Wilson, 25, aka 'Short Man' of Katoonarib Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine, died at around 18.30 hours yesterday while on duty.

According to information given by police, a 61-year-old male of Berbice Road, Mackenzie, was transporting fuel to Black Water Backdam in a motor Lorry #GLL 7502. On heading up a hill along the trail, the lorry got stuck in a muddy ditch.

The man then decided to attach a wire

rope, which was connected to his truck via a winch, to a tree in order to pull the lorry out.

When he attempted to operate the winch, the tree the wire was connected to, fell, hitting Wilson who was standing in proximity, pinning him to the ground. As a result, he received critical injuries and lost consciousness.

Wilson was subsequently picked up and rushed to the Mahdia Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is at the Hospital's mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. Investigation is ongoing.

Dem

Common Entrance boys seh... exam done!

Dem picknee write dem Common Entrance examinations dis week. Dem boys wish dem luck.

At one school one ah dem teacher decide fuh put he students through a trial test. One of de questions asked de students to fill in de blanks to de question.

“Old MacDonald had a _____?”

One of de children think fuh wan lang time and den write,” Old MacDonald had a f a r m . ” He friend wah sit down next to he ask he quietly, “How do you spell farm?”

De first student seh, “Man, that's easy. It's EIEIO.” It mek dem boys remember de story of de three recruits who bin trying to get into de police force.

Dem had to do a special examination.

De examiner tek de fuss

applicant into a room and show he a photograph for 10 seconds, and den ask de applicant, “If this was your suspect, how would you remember him?”

“Easy,” de first applicant say. “He only has one eye!”

“You idiot!” de examiner yell. “Of course he has two eyes! It's a side profile picture. You're too stupid to be a police. Get out of here!”

De examiner show de second applicant de picture and ask he, “If this was your suspect, how would you remember him?”

De second applicant answered, “He only has one ear!”

“You moron!” shout de examiner, “Of course he has two ears! It's a side profile picture. You're as dumb as the last person I tested. Get out of here!”

It was now de turn of de third applicant. De examiner

show he de photograph and ask, “If this was your suspect, how would you remember him?”

De third applicant was deep in thought but after a few minutes say, “I have it!

He wears contact lenses!”

De examiner is bewildered, but leaves the room to go check. He find out dat de person in de picture does indeed wear contacts.

“That's amazing!” he say to de third applicant, “I've never met someone as brilliant as you. Welcome to the team! Out of curiosity, how could you tell the man in the picture had on c o n t a c t s ? ” “Well he couldn't wear REGULAR glasses,” de third applicant reply.

“He only has one ear and one eye!

Talk half and pray fuh dem picknee pass dem exam.

was stormed by rioters on January 6 in what is viewed as an attempt to ensure that the democratically elected President of that country did not assume office. The inquiry into that riot has commenced with emotional testimony.

The United States will not allow those involved in that plot to escape easily. They will face the full brunt of the law, and that includes former President, Donald Trump.

In Guyana, all that the people are receiving is the usual blow-blow from the President. It is time that he comes out definitively and sets a timeline for the launch of the inquiry.

The many persons and groups who defended democracy during the period March to July last year should pressure the government to initiate the CoI into the elections.

This country came very close to political anarchy.

This country almost was returned to the status of political dictatorship – something that horrified those who lived under such a system.

It must have also frightened the entire Caribbean Community. They too must have been fearful of the dreaded consequences of elections rigging reaching their shores.

What took place in Guyana between March and July last year must not go unpunished.

The government keeps harping about “Never again!” However, it seems to be slothful in moving towards establishing a CoI into the matter. Could it be that it is contemplating a charge of attempted treason or some related offence under the common law?

If the government is still committed to a CoI, it should move with haste to establish one. The sessions can be held

virtually which would mean that the Commissioners to be appointed would not have to be physically present in Guyana, unless they need to see something. The evidence can be taken virtually and this would reduce tremendously the costs of the inquiry.

But costs should be immaterial. There would have been a greater cost to the economy and to the country if this diabolical plot had persisted.Those involved, including the political masterminds, must be brought to justice. It is nice to hear the government say “Never again!” But unless those involved are convicted, they will try it again.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday August 06, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

James Bond: Pussy Galore and Octopussy T

h e c h a r a c t e r, Pussy Galore in the James Bond movie, Goldfinger, was a fierce defender of her boss but later turned against him.

When I read James Bond's letter in the newspapers, defending Volda Lawrence in her fight with David Granger, it reminded me of Pussy Galore. But Bond's letter also reminded me of another James Bond movie, Octopussy.

Octopussy is a serious woman who leads a cult and is grateful to James Bond for a special favour Bond did for her. In Guyana, James Bond heads the campaign committee that is building the cult around Lawrence to topple Granger. In the movie, Bond rescues Octopussy from her boss and defeats him. Our local 007 is trying to do the same but the question is whether our local 007 has the testicular fortitude of the British James Bond to save anyone.

The letter is like a long,

meandering cult-like worship (remember Octopussy headed a cult) of Lawrence that says everything but says nothing.

Now Octopussy chose the British 007 to save her. In Guyana, Lawrence should be careful which cult member she assigns the task of helping her dethrone Granger. Surely, Lawrence has to know that the Guyanese James Bond is not in the category of the British Bond. The British 007 acts on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

He is a respected and admired hero.

In Guyana, our local 007 has more villainous traits than heroic characteristics.

Known as the street man of the PNC, 007 has never endeared himself to queen and country. I remember when an African youth, Keifer Burnett, was arrested by the Kitty police for two grams of ganja, his friends called 007 who told them what his fees were for a

police station appointment.

007 did not turn up unless he was retained by queen and country. I turned up in court for Burnett.

When he was retained by king and country (Granger and the APNU+AFC's monarchy) he ended up collecting more money in one month than his British counterpart would earn in a million years. When the king was toppled, after July 2020, the local Bond was charged with selling state land without due process. Bond of course reminds us of the ignorant emanation from Amanza Walton-Desir who said that Guyanese Indians are too mentally lazy to think for themselves so the PPP thinks for them.

Was it not the local 007 who hired a truck during the election drama and went through some streets of Georgetown announcing that APNU+AFC won the March 2020 general elections? The James Bond entourage passed by my

home on the Railway Embankment at Turkeyen heading for Plaisance to fool African people who I believe, like Indians, can certainly think for themselves.

Is this the type of James Bond that Lawrence has assigned to help her topple her boss in the PNC? I would suggest Lawrence look at how Octopussy solicited the British James Bond to help her demolish her boss. When it comes to the local 007, as they say in common parlance, “he ain't ready yet.”

If one studies Bond's letter meticulously, he hasn't done Lawrence any service.

In fact, he has desecrated the party that Lawrence wants to lead. As mentioned above, the letter is lengthy with suppressed lies rising to the surface. Time and time in his poor defence of Lawrence, Bond admits that the March 2020 Elections was not won by the PNC. I doubt whether he consciously knows what

he did.

Here are some eye-raising quotes from Bond's Frederick Kissoon protective piece – (1) “The decision to must know that the declare APNU+AFC the R e t u r n i n g O ff i c e r f o r winner by David Granger Region Four, Clairmont had nothing to do with Volda Lawrence and her Mingo, had to be the team but with Granger collector.

(3) – “Granger as himself.” Comment – here Campaign Director handled 007 is admitting that the PNC without officially being the elections poorly. He did informed who won the not marshal his troops, he election announced it had did not ensure that there were enough boots on the won. ground and in the places of (2) – “In the early aftermath of the 2020 poll countrywide, he did not E l e c t i o n s t h e r e w e r e display the degree of allegations of Region Four militancy required to keep tabulations being altered. the PPP/C at bay, he did not Even Granger's son-in-law, ensure adequate provisions D o m i n i c G a s k i n , were allocated to the questioned the results; yet various electoral districts.” amidst all this Granger Comment – finally, a PNC celebrates.” Comment – this stalwart point to the reason is the first time, a well- the PNC lost in March 2020.

(The views expressed in known PNC insider is this article are those of the acknowledging that there a u t hor and do not were accusations of fraud in the Region Four counting. necessarily reflect the Bond by recognising this opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Exxon will by 2024 deduct Bandits posing as gold US$227M for works 20 years dealers cart off $58M - Security in the future - IEEFA's Sanzillo in gold and cash guard held By the end of 2024—three years from now—ExxonMobil Guyana would have already recovered some US$227M worth in deductions for future works. The monies are deducted annually as Amortised Abandonment Costs, and fall under the category of recoverable costs by the Stabroek Block Operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

Amortisation refers to the systematic repayment of a debt or writing off of an account over a period of years. The payment schedule is documented in a recently published report by Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo.

According to the analysis, even before 2020, EEPGL had already deducted US$1M, and that was raised to US$16M by the

Tom Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis end of that year. This year, EEPGL, according to Sanzillo, anticipates deducting some US$18M as part of its annual recoverable expenses for abandonment costs.

By the end of next year the company will deduct an additional US$32M which then doubles in the following year –2023—to US$64M. In

2024 EEPGL will deduct from oil sold from the Stabroek Block up to US$95M for a total of US$227M to be deducted as Amortised Abandonment Costs—works to be undertaken some 20 years in the future at the projected end of the lifespan of the Liza 1 oilfield.

Decommissioning is the process of ending offshore oil and gas operations at an offshore platform and returning the ocean and seafloor to its pre-lease condition.

This would involve the removal of all of the subsea installations such as manifolds, pipes and valves in addition to the resealing of the exhausted well.

There will be some 17 wells to be decommissioned at the end of the anticipated 20-year life span. This publication on Thursday reported that by the end of 2024 ExxonMobil and its (Continued on page 18 )

Cops have held a security guard as they investigate a robbery where bandits posing as gold dealers managed to cart of $38M in cash and $20M worth of raw gold from a gold trader, located in Gordon Street, Kitty.

The multimillion-dollar heist took place around 1 0 : 0 5 h r s . y e s t e r d a y.

According to police, the name of the gold trading company they robbed is Wallison Enterprise.

Detectives believe that the robbery was carefully planned and perpetrated.

Based on the investigations conducted so far, they learnt that a white car had pulled up in front of the building.

Three men emerged from the car and reportedly approached the security guard where they indicated to him that they came to sell gold. The security personnel allowed them to enter the premises to conduct business.

Investigators reported that while in the waiting area, one of the men showed the cashier a parcel of gold that he wanted to sell, and immediately after, he and his accomplices pulled out guns from their waists and ordered her into the office where the gold and money were stored.

CCTV footage obtained from the company, showed that it might be the case where one of the men was (Continued on page 18)

One of the bandits presumably negotiating a price for his gold.

Two of the suspects strapping the employee with a plastic zip-tie

Employee being held at gun point

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 13

High Court to consider Lowenfield's termination of contract in case filed over his dismissal

T

he High Court is scheduled to consider, among other things on Monday, a motion to terminate the contract of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield.

The termination of the contract is being proffered as

part of the arguments in the case surrounding his removal from office following an amendment made to the motion for his dismissal presented by two of three of the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) appointed GECOM Commissioners, Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj.

Kaieteur News understands

One baby is abandoned every month at GPHC - 33 patients left at the institution for the year so far A total of 33 patients were abandoned at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), with one infant being abandoned every month at the Maternity Department. This is according to Clayton Neuman, Head of the Social Work Department at the hospital.

In response to questions posed by Kaieteur News, Neuman disclosed that for this year so far, approximately 12 males and six females were abandoned in the male and female wards. He also stated that 15 patients were abandoned at the Hospital's Dialysis Department.

According to him, two children per week are sent to the Child Care Protection Agency (CPA), while 15 adults were taken to the Palms Geriatric Home and Hugo Chavez Centre, for the year so far.

Kaieteur News understands that despite the hospital contacting the relatives of the abandoned patients, none have since returned to the hospital.

Neuman added that the abandoned patients are being treated like any other patient at the hospital, with respect and are given meals and attention.

However, he noted that when relatives abandon patients at the hospital, the institution is being affected. Some ways he stated are: patient turnover with no bed, staff burntout and nursing staff having to deal with patient dynamics, like fights and arguments.

Clayton Neuman, Head of the Social Work Department, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Neuman also stated, that the hospital plans on continue working to locate the relatives of abandoned patients or to find suitable, comfortable placements for them, to publicise patients that have no family contact and continue working with the Palms and other homes to take in patients.

Recently, Kaieteur News had reported on Mr. Ovid, an elderly man, who was abandoned at the Georgetown Hospital by his relatives. Mr. Ovid called 'Joku' of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, was admitted to the hospital on July 12, 2021, for an abscess. He was later discharged from the hospital but was stuck there since his family failed to return for him.A woman visiting her father in the hospital had noticed Mr. Ovid and informed this publication. During an interview with Kaieteur News, Mr. Ovid had related fear of his children never returning for him and the possibility of the hospital putting him out on the street. He was, however, later admitted to the Palms, where persons who had read his story continue to visit him and donate personal care items.

the motion for dismissal was amended to include the termination of the contract on July 27 last and laid over to the Court on Wednesday.

This comes after Lowenfield was granted an interim injunction barring GECOM from discussing a motion for his dismissal.

Last week, Justice Jo-Ann B a r l o w, g r a n t e d t h e temporary order restraining GECOM from proceeding with the hearing of the notice of motion for dismissal

based on the complaint by Commissioners Shadick and Gunraj, which is the subject of the court action until Monday August 9, when she is expected to deliver her ruling on the merits of the injunction application.

S o f a r, G E C O M ' s attorney, Kim Kyte, who requested leave to file an application in response to the submission for injunctive relief is preparing to present a case for the amended motion, which includes the

termination of the CEO's contract instead of the case of the motion for his dismissal, which requires a fair hearing.

Kaieteur News understands that with the amendment before it, the court will now have all the alternatives before it as it relates to Lowenfield's termination of office.

The publication was told that, granted the judge considers all the options for Lowenfield's dismissal, the (Continued on page 17)

CEO of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield.

Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Guyana needs- Pres. a dedicated partner Ali tells for education World Bank P

r e s i d e n t , D r.

Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday met with a visiting delegation from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) — a member of the World Bank Group — to discuss Guyana's transformation agenda. The visiting highlevel team was led by the World Bank's Vice President responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, and the Country Director for the Caribbean, Ms. Lilia Burunciuc.

President Ali stressed that while the oil and gas sector is important, it will not be Guyana's sole sector moving forward. He said that funds will be used to help strengthen other sectors, including tourism, agriculture, educational

services for export, health services for export, ICT, environmental services, industrial development and manufacturing, among others.

President Ali said that the most inhibiting factors to growth and development in the country are the cost of energy and the country's human resource capacity—both of which, he noted, the Government is aiming to enhance. To this end, he told the visiting officials that the Government wants a “dedicated funding partner for education.” “ We w a n t a n international partner,” the President said, “who will commit to the education sector: primary, secondary, technical education, even building our international capacity. And that is an area

that we would like to explore in great detail. To build a funding programme with the World Bank that focuses heavily on the education sector.”

President Ali also expounded on the Government's development framework, which focuses on an expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). This strategy, he noted, will also address issues of equality, human rights, climate change, environmental services, among other key areas.

SUSTAINABILITY “We have made it very clear that we have to exploit the oil and gas resources but to do so in a manner that does not change our standing on the environment. We have a very strong standing on the environment.”

The President told the

group that the Government is pursuing an energy mix of s o l a r, w i n d , g a s a n d hydropower to ensure energy sustainability and reliability, which in turn will also reduce the cost of energy by 50% before the end of 2024.

“This will bring us closer to being very competitive in the Region to support development in manufacturing.”

President Ali also explained that while there are opportunities in the oil and gas sector, there are also massive opportunities in other sectors like agriculture.

He pointed to the recent public-private partnership by a consortium to grow soya beans and corn with the intention of providing the local livestock sector with feed that is usually imported.

This, he said, will save

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

millions of US dollars and is in line with CARICOM's goal of 25% by 2025—a plan to reduce importation in the Caribbean Region by 25% in the next four years.

WORLD BANK IMPRESSED Mr. Jaramillo said that the World Bank is very pleased that the Government has clarity and consistency as it relates to its

development plans.

He also stated that the visit to Guyana has left the team impressed as it relates to the country's emphasis on the expanded LCDS, human resource capacity and educational development, the Government's handling and response to the COVID19 pandemic and its focus on involving the private sector (Continued on page 18)

Former employees charged for stealing AC Units by forging a bill Two former employees of Gafsons Industries Limited were on Wednesday, hauled before a City Magistrate after they were charged for allegedly stealing two airconditioning units from Gafsons, using a forged bill.

The men, Komolram Persaud, 25, a bus driver of Lot 471 Section 'C,' Block 'Y,' Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, and Robin Singh, 29, unemployed of Lot 129 D, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, both appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Persaud and Singh were jointly charged with larceny

of clerk or servant and forgery with intent to defraud. The first charge alleges that between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2021, while being employees of Gafsons Industries Limited, they stole two air-conditioning units valued at $273,186, property of the company.

The second charge alleges that during the same period, with intent to defraud, they forged a document claiming to be from Gafsons Industries Limited.

Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the defendants bail in the sum of $150,000 each and the matter was adjourned to August 11, 2021. However, Singh told the court that he is unemployed and does not have any money to post bail and as such, he was remanded to prison.

Charged, Komolram Persaud.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 15

Health Minister warns Ministry of Health records against selling fake two more COVID-19 deaths COVID-19 vaccine cards - says efforts afoot to digitise system

I

n wake of concerns over the possible forgery and selling of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, Minister o f H e a l t h , D r. F r a n k Anthony, has said that his Ministry is working on a system to generate digital versions of the COVID-19 vaccination card.

During Wednesday's COVID-19 update, the Health Minister told the media that digital document and a corresponding digital database would help ease the concerns about possible forged documents, as well as help give persons easier access to show proof of vaccination when visiting businesses and government ministries and agencies.

While Dr. Anthony gave no definitive timeline for the completion and release of a digital card, he noted that employees of the Ministry

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. are in the process of creating electronic copies of the cards as part of the first step towards digitising the system.“We are digitalising our records right now, and we have a few options that we are looking at right now

on how we can do this,” Dr. Anthony said, emphasising that the new system would be calibrated in a way to detect cases of forgery, given that there have been reports of persons attempting to forge the cards and corrupt the process.

“We have had reports of persons who are forging the card, and if we find anyone forging the card they will face the law, because we have a law that deals with forgery…In Section 240 of our criminal law, our Criminal Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, forgery is an offence and you can be prosecuted for forgery.….If you didn't get vaccinated, why would you get a card to say that you're vaccinated?

The vaccines are free. It's there, go get it,” Minister Anthony said.

Dr. Anthony noted that (Continued on page 17)

Six-year-old drowns in reservoir

Travis Dwayne Jacobis called 'Junior,' a six-year-old of Lot 118 'A' Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, died by drowning on Wednesday at Tiger Creek Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

According to Police reports, the child was with his grandmother, who is a cook employed with Adrian John Mining Operation at Tiger Creek. It is alleged that she was in the kitchen preparing lunch for the workers while Travis was in the kitchen area.

After some time, she noticed he was missing and immediately made checks

around the camp. When he could not be found, an alarm was raised. A search party then began combing the area and his slippers were seen floating in a reservoir pond some 30 feet away from the kitchen.

Joshua Grant, a pork knocker, jumped into the 10-foot-deep reservoir and eventually brought up the lifeless body of Travis, which was rushed to the Mahdia District Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The body is presently lying at the Mahdia Hospital Mortuary (MHM) awaiting an autopsy.

Investigations are ongoing.

Two more persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died on Wednesday. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported yesterday that the latest fatalities are two women, a 56-year-old and a 54-year-old both from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Both women died while receiving medical treatment at a medical facility and as a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 553.

Further, the Ministry via its COVID-19 dashboard reported that within the last 24 hours they have recorded 84 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 22,789.

Presently, there 89 persons in institutional isolation, 13 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 661 persons in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 21,473 persons have recovered after testing positive for the disease.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 06, 2021

Friday August 06, 2021

DPP re-charges duo for Henry boys’ murders The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, has discontinued Isaiah Henry’s murder charge against Anil Sancharra and Vinod Gopaul, and has filed a new joint murder charge against the duo.

Anil Sancharra, 34, called “Dan Pole” and “Rasta,” of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, and Vinod Gopaul, 30, called “Magga,” of Yakasari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, were yesterday re-charged for the murder of Isaiah and Joel Henry.

The new joint charge comes almost one-month after Magistrate, Peter Hugh, discharged Isaiah’s murder matter against Sancharra and Gopaul citing that there was no admissible evidence of murder established against the two-named accused.

Attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd, who is representing the two, had argued that the State had not presented evidence of murder against Gopaul and Sancharra.

Magistrate Hugh, later ruled in support of Todd’s argument. However, the men had remained on remand pending the outcome of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Joel Henry, Isaiah’s cousin. The court had set to commence the PI

Anil Sancharra. of Joel Henry’s death on Tuesday August 10, 2021.

Following Magistrate Hugh’s decision to discharge Isaiah’s murder against the duo, the DPP had contended that there is sufficient evidence in the case. She has since discontinued Joel’s murder charge against the duo and re-charged them jointly for the murder of both Joel and Isaiah Henry, whose mutilated bodies were discovered in Cotton Tree Village backdam, West Coast Berbice, last year.

The matter was yesterday heard via Zoom at Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court. The indictable charge was only read to Sancharra since Gopaul was not present. The matter was adjourned to August 10, 2021, and transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court when the charge is expected to be read to Gopaul.

when we catch you, you are going to feel the full brunt of the law,” the Health Minister said, adding that persons who have purchased counterfeit documents would also be put before the court.

He stressed: “The people who were buying the vaccination card, if there’s such actions that are currently ongoing, I just want to warn people that this is an offence,

Vinod Gopaul.

Isaiah and Joel were murdered between September 5, 2020, and September 6, 2020. The bodies of the two teens were found dumped in the Cotton Tree backdam last year, and earlier this year three men were arrested and charged for their murders.

The third accused, Akash Singh, 20, called “Monkey,” a fisherman of Zeelugt Squatting Area, East Bank Essequibo, was charged separately for the murders; his stepbrother, Gopaul, and Sancharra were jointly charged. Prior to the court proceedings, police had indicated that they secured a confession and it was on those grounds that the men were charged.

and we will be taking very stern measures against anyone who’s trying to do this.”

The Minister ‘s comments followed the recently published gazetted COVID19 measures for August which stipulate, that vaccination booklets are to be presented when visiting government agencies, restaurants and cinemas.

...High Court to consider Lowenfield’s From page 11 case will conclude at a more expeditious rate.

Last month Lowenfield, through his lawyer, Nigel Hughes, filed a motion seeking a declaration that he is entitled to the protection of the rules of natural justice and the right to a fair hearing and determination for the motion of his dismissal brought by Gunraj and seconded by Shadick.

Among other things, Lowenfield made an application for an order restraining the two named Government commissioners from participating as adjudicators in the hearing of the motion for his dismissal. He has requested a declaration that Gunraj and Shadick, cannot properly participate, hear and

determine their own complaint against him, in the motion for his dismissal.

The CEO is seeking a declaration that GECOM, the named respondent in the matter, having determined that there shall be a hearing of the motion for his dismissal is bound to provide him with a fair hearing.

According to the grounds for his application, Lowenfield explained that since he is entitled to the rules of natural justice, to a fair hearing in keeping with the terms of his employment contract, the two named Government GECOM commissioners cannot participate in the deliberations of his dismissal since their participation would “infect the deliberations of the

Mining site GM and Security Guard found dead in their hammocks Employees of a mining operation in Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, yesterday found two of their colleagues dead in their hammocks.

The dead men were identified as Richard Bachan, the General Manager of the operation, and Niles, only name given, the Security Officer.

Their remains were found

...Health Minister warns against selling From page 15 persons found in possession of bogus documents would face imprisonment.

“The fine, if you’re found guilty of forgery, would be up to three years imprisonment.

If you forge a vaccination card, then you will be liable to this type of punishment, if caught. So, I want to encourage people to desist from such practices because

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Commission with bias.”

Lowenfield along with other GECOM officials are currently before City Magistrates facing charges for electoral fraud. Those charges stemmed from a series of alleged grave violations by the GECOM workers connected to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and for their defiance of the instructions by the GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, who instructed that the recount figures be used for the final results of the elections. In June, GECOM had decided to send Lowenfield and Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, on leave.

around 06:00 hrs.

The workers who found them told police that it appears as if someone had bludgeoned Niles to death while Bachan was probably shot or stabbed.

Both men would usually sleep in a watchman’s camp located close to the work ground to guard the sluice box and the mining pit.

Investigators were told that they were the only ones

left in the watchman camp on Wednesday night.

It is suspected that it might have been a robbery gone wrong because after further checks around the area, it was found that the gold mat from the sluice boxes were missing.

Niles’ AR-15 rifle could not be found as well. A bloodstained crow bar was found lying close by the scene.

Murdered overseas-based Guyanese man died from strangulation and blunt trauma to the head - Major Crimes Unit now assisting with investigations A Post-mortem examination carried out on the body of overseas-based Guyanese businessman, Hemraj Pardesi called ‘Prem,’ who was found dead in his yard at Lot 9 Reliance, East Canje, Berbice, revealed that he died from strangulation compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

The examination was performed by Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan at the New Amsterdam Mortuary yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that ranks from the Major Crimes Unit are now assisting local authorities in Berbice with the investigations, as two suspects still remain at large.

Presently, there are five persons in custody, including the suspect that confessed on Wednesday.

Pardesi was killed during the course of a robbery at his house in East Canje on Tuesday night between 23:00 hrs. and midnight. Police the very next day arrested four persons and acting swiftly on information, apprehended a fifth person who was hiding in the waters of the Canje Creek aback of the Rose Hall Estate, East Canje. He has since been identified as Maryo Bissoondyal. He subsequently cracked under questioning and confessed to being an accomplice in the crime, while implicating two

Hemraj Pardesi. others, Jason Isaacs and a female.

Kaieteur News had reported that Bissoondyal confessed and told police that their intention was to rob Pardesi of money, which he had at his home. The suspect said the female lured Pardesi out of his yard with a phone call to come over at her house.

She then made contact with Isaacs when Pardesi left to go home. Bissoondyal said when Pardesi entered his yard, they attacked him near his steps and struck him to the head with a steel rod and duct taped his neck until he passed out. The suspect told police that they then took the keys Pardesi had on his person to gain entry into the upper flat. They then ransacked in the building in search for the cash.

He said Isaacs escaped

with a bag while he escaped empty handed and went into hiding until he was found and arrested. Police found Pardesi’s body between 23:30 hrs. and 23:45 hrs. Tuesday night at the bottom of his outdoor steps that leads to the upper flat of his twostorey concrete and wooden property. He had returned to Guyana a few weeks ago and was carrying out some renovations to the property.

Pardesi, in the company of a friend on Tuesday, visited a commercial bank and had withdrawn a large amount of cash. He had also made withdrawals from the bank several days prior to his death. After returning back to the Reliance property, the individual is said to have left the premises around 22:30 hrs. Tuesday and shortly after the suspects entered the yard and attacked Pardesi.

Police in a statement said Pardesi was last seen alive and well by his nephew on the said date, in the company of another male. His body was found lying face down, motionless with what appeared to be blood coming from his nose, and duct tape around his neck. Traces of what appeared to be blood was seen on the steps leading to the upper flat and the entire upper flat of the building was ransacked. There was no sign of forced entry.

...Pres. Ali and German diplomats discuss From page 8 development for people is possible while preserving the natural treasure and exploiting the richness. So, therefore, the region and also Europe will look on you and how you deal with that issue.”

On this note, President Ali pointed to the importance of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), in Glasgow, Scotland later in the year, and expressed the hope that Germany and the EU can push the agenda for the developing

world in terms of the creation of climate vulnerability funds, and also for the greater commitment in targets.

“So we’d have to have a greater commitment for realistic targets. So I think the EU and Germany as part of the EU, you guys have a great responsibility also. We look forward to working with you.”

The President said that he was pleased with the meeting and the interest shown.

“There is so much we have to work on together…You can count on

Guyana to play our role in global leadership in terms of the environment, making responsible decisions and being part of a responsible coalition to face challenges,” President Ali said in closing.

Ambassador Schuegraf assured the President that she would pass on the information discussed to her colleagues and Government Ministries in Germany, and expresses optimism at intensifying bilateral relations between her country and Guyana.

PAGE 18

OWTU accuses T&TEC of endangering workers, public NEWSDAY - A decision to dismantle the staff rotation system at the electricity commission could act as a covid19 superspreader and put both workers and the public at risk.

The decision has aroused the suspicion of the representing Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), which contends that the intention is to replace workers with private contractors.

President general of the OWTU Ancel Roget said the decision to scrap the unionsanctioned agreement to rotate workers, and bring them all out to work instead, will put the public at risk when crews respond to emergency calls and go into homes and offices.He said what is happening at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is in contravention of the public health protocols and goes against appeals by the Prime Minister for adherence.

Roget called on the ministers of Public Utilities and Labour to intervene and stop this “chaos” or, he warned, T&TEC would not be able to guarantee a reliable and efficient supply of electricity.

He said the union intends to write to the Minister of Health to identify the contraventions to spur him to

act or find out whether T&TEC is excluded from certain guidelines. The union is also considering legal action.

At a news conference yesterday at the OWTU’s Paramount Building headquarters, San Fernando, Roget made it clear the union has no objection to all workers returning to the job, but insisted it must be done on a phased basis after risk assessments.

“We are not opposed to having all the workers come back out to work. But it must be done in a safe, secure and responsible manner and it must be consistent with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and consistent with the agreements we (the union and T&TEC) made.

“If management is allowed to go ahead with what they are planning, we could face some problems in this country with respect to the spread of not just covid19, but with the new delta variant.”

He said everyone, “regardless of whether it’s an essential service or not, everybody is entitled to protect his or her own life.

Your life comes first.”

Roget said he was not at liberty to say what action the union would take for the preservation of the lives of

those it represents.

There was agreement to rotate workers after several meetings between management and the union on safeguarding lives at T&TEC, which saw two covid19 deaths to date, over three dozen cases and more than 112 workers in quarantine before the rotation.

The numbers significantly decreased after the rotation measure was implemented. There were no disruption owing to the reduced numbers of workers and there were reportedly no disruptions to emergency responses or services.

“The reality is that the measures we put in place bore fruit, so why would you go against that now? There is no justification. Somebody is trying to provoke the union.”

The union called on general manager Kelvin Ramsook and human resource manager Jacqueline Cheeseman “to do the right thing.” Roget called on Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales not to let T&TEC management “set you up.” but instruct them to do the right thing.

He said Labour Minister Stephen Mc Clashie, who is responsible for the OSH Authority, must also do the right thing to protect the lives of the workers and the public.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro rages against probe, threatens to act beyond constitution RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, raged against a Supreme Court investigation into his conduct and threatened to respond outside the limits of the constitution, escalating the clash between the far-right leader and the judiciary.

Bolsonaro’s comments came after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes approved an investigation into the president’s unfounded accusations that Brazil’s electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud.

“This investigation is not within the bounds of the constitution, so the antidote to this is also not within the bounds of the constitution,” Bolsonaro said on social media, without specifying further the nature of the threat.

Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil’s electronic voting

Friday August 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

St. Vincent’s Prime Minister injured amid massive protest Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has been injured amid a major protest now under way in the capital, Kingstown. The Prime Minister was hit on the head with a stone.

The protest is against changes to the Public Health Act that would make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory. Vaccination against other illnesses that trigger a public health emergency would also have been mandatory.

The Prime Minister was on his way back to Parliament, where the amendments were scheduled to be debated on Thursday, when the incident occurred. Video footage circulating on social media shows blood to the right side of his head as he is rushed from the area. Shouts of “shield, shield” could be heard as Prime Minister Gonsalves was covered by security forces after being hit.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves. (Jamaican Gleaner)

...Guyana needs a dedicated partner From page 14 in its progression. The World Bank officials also applauded President Ali for the Government’s aggressive and ambitious vaccination programme. Mr. Jaramillo specifically highlighted the vaccination rates, which he stressed is one of the best in

the Region, and the Government’s creativity by having drive-thru vaccination options, among other initiatives.

The visiting officials also explained that they are concerned with the strain the pandemic will put on the education sector and agreed

to put education at the center of discussions.

Vice President, Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, were also at the meeting at the Office of the President.

...Exxon will by 2024 deduct From page 12 partners Hess Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Company are set to rake in some US$42.7B in profits, and deductions for interest on loans, abandonment costs, profits and annual operating expenses among other deductions from the oil being produced in the Stabroek Block.

Guyana by contrast will have received by then a total of US$3.3B, US$633M of which would be used to pay taxes on behalf of the contractor, ExxonMobil Guyana. It would mean that the oil consortium currently operating at the Liza I oilfield’s take would be some 85 percent of the projected 555 million barrels of oil scheduled to be produced from the Stabroek Block during that period—

representing recoverable costs such as expenses and profits.

Guyana’s take during the same period in contrast, sees the country earning some US$3.7B total, of which US$523M accounts for royalty earned. Of its total take however, US$653M would represent taxes being paid by Guyana on behalf of the US oil major operating in the Stabroek Block.

Total royalty for its oil for Guyana at the end of 2024, is pegged to be US$523M or $100M less than what the country will take from its share, to fork over to the treasury as taxes—foregone revenue from ExxonMobil Guyana.

These are among some of the startling revelations documented in a recent analysis conducted by

Sanzillo. According to Sanzillo’s finding, development costs alone to be recovered EEPGL— ExxonMobil Guyana—during the period would amount to some US$24.7B of its total recoverable costs pegged at US$39.4B. Sanzillo in his report notes that prior to 2020, ExxonMobil Guyana had already recovered for oil produced and sold in excess of US$3.4B, while costs recovered during that year amounted to $2.2B in bills to be recovered from cost oil.

This year, according to Sanzillo, ExxonMobil and its partners are slated to recover as part of its Field Development Costs, US$2.8B. Next year, the amount goes up to US$4B, then to $4.7B in 2023 and US$7.6B by the end of 2024.

...Bandits posing as gold dealers cart off

President Jair Bolsonaro system is vulnerable to fraud without providing evidence.

Critics say Bolsonaro, like former U.S. President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses in 2022. He has already threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed.

Bolsonaro is calling for adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change

the current all-electronic voting system. A proposal to that effect is currently with Congress, with a committee set to vote on it yesterday.

Analysts believe it has little chance of becoming law.

The president has called for people to take to the streets, and last weekend thousands of his supporters held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal.

From page 12 allowed into one of the offices to sell the gold he claimed to have brought.

That suspect was masked, heavily built, wore a black shirt and carried a haversack on his back. It appeared that while in the office, he was probably negotiating the price rate for the gold with the employee.

The employee seemed to be clueless that the man was a bandit and continued to negotiate with him. As they conversed another man entered, also carrying a haversack. A few minutes later a third individual entered.

As the employee was

about to cut open the parcel of gold that they were supposedly selling, one of the men barged into another section of the building. The two who remained took off their haversacks - one of them pulled out a parcel of plastic zip-ties from his haversack, while the other grabbed hold of the employee’s hands.

Together they strapped the employee’s hands with a zip-tie and forced him into the section of the building where their accomplice had entered.

In other camera footage, two of the same men were seen holding two more employees – a female, the cashier, and a male – at gunpoint in an office. They

sent them out of the office and cleaned up some accessories, such as cellphones from the desk as they exited.

According to a police report, they had handcuffed all of their victims with zipties after ordering them to open two metal safes. They had reportedly stocked their haversacks with the gold, cash and the employees’ cellphones.

The bandits then locked them into a room and left the premises escaping in the waiting white car.

Investigators reported that the cashier then raised an alarm and the security guard came to their rescue.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

A

1 6 - y e a r- o l d bandit yesterday received a “good thrashing” from residents of Second Street, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, after he robbed a 17-year-old mechanical student of his belongings and attempted to escape.

Kaieteur News was informed that the suspect was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after

receiving treatment for the injuries he suffered at the hands of public spirited residents.

It was reported that just after midnight, the young student was at a shop located at Hammer Head Street, Kaneville making a purchase, when the 16-yearold and his accomplices approached him.

There, one of the bandits placed a knife to his neck, while the other two men

searched him.

According to police reports, during the ordeal, the victim received a cut to his hand before he was robbed of his black BMX bicycle and $240 in cash.

After he was robbed, the 17-year-old told investigators that he ran home and raised an alarm with persons in his area about what had transpired.

The persons who came to the young man's rescue searched

the area and eventually caught one of the assailants.

The robber was beaten and then handed over to the police, while the other two suspects managed to escape.

He was arrested and taken to the GPHC to seek medical attention where he was admitted.

Up to press time, the other two suspects were not captured.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

PAGE 19

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Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

Friday August 06, 2021

Match schedule for West Indies U-19 Rising Stars tour of England St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Rising Stars U19 team will tour England for six Youth One-Day Internationals in September.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced the match schedule for the series which see West Indies Rising Star U19s take on England Under19s at The County Ground, Beckenham and The Polo Farm, Canterbury from Saturday, September 4 to Friday, September 17.

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket said: “The first West Indies U19 tour to England took place in 1970, 51 years ago.

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Kaieteur News

Such overseas tour opportunities have always formed a vital part of the development of cricketers in the West Indies and we are delighted to partner with the ECB to make this tour a reality. We have been working with our players for most of the year and this opportunity to experience foreign conditions will be a critical part of their career path.

“We have a talented group of 56 young men presently in Antigua preparing for some ‘trial matches’ from which 18 players will be selected for the Rising Stars U19 tour to England. This is all part of our preparations for the ICC U19World Cup early next year and we want to ensure that

we have a well prepared squad when we host the tournament for the first time in the West Indies.”

ECB Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said: “With no international U19 cricket having been played for well over a year now, we’re really looking forward to our U19 men’s team getting back to action, in what should be an exciting and competitive series against West Indies.

The opportunity for our best young players to test themselves against their international peers is a key foundation of their development and an important contributor to future international success.

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CANCER(June21–July22) Today's energy has you rethinking all areas of your life, Cancer. If you aren't as challenged by your job as you think you should be, perhaps it's time for a change. The trick for you will be figuring out what it is that you want to do.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today's energy has you rethinking all areas of your life, Cancer. If you aren't as challenged by your job as you think you should be, perhaps it's time for a change.

The trick for you will be figuring out what it is that you want to do.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You've been on a wild ride for several months, Libra - all that excitement in your personal life and career! If major changes for the better haven't yet occurred, know that they will.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Foreign lands and new opportunities beckon today, Scorpio! Keep your eyes and ears open as these opportunities may come to you from an unusual or unexpected source.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The astral energy indicates that you may have extra money in your pocket. Take care to invest this money wisely rather than spend it all.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This will be an interesting day provided you keep your eyes and ears open to the opportunities that arise.

Don't be afraid to take on new challenges.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You finally begin to feel like you're making progress.

You're intent on completing some projects that have long been in the works. After many hours of concentration and focus, you make the last adjustments and proclaim it finished.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This is a passionate, creative day. Your blood is hot and passion is on your mind. With luck, you have a significant other who can benefit! If not, you will have to find another way to burn off that energy.

We’re also looking ahead to the next U19 World Cup which is due to be held in early 2022 and so it’s important that we can start building towards that event.”

The Rising Stars U19 Tour is a key component of CWI’s investment in developing the next generation of international West Indies Men’s cricketers.

Following the tour, CWI will also be investing in further development camps and international matches before the World Cup. This will help prepare for the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022 and then beyond to help the Rising Stars develop to compete and perform at the elite level in regional and international cricket.

Full Match Schedule – West Indies Rising Stars U19 Tour of England Saturday September 4: 1st Youth ODI – Beckenham Monday September 6: 2nd Youth – Beckenham Wednesday September 8: 3rd Youth ODI – Beckenham Friday September 10: 4th Youth ODI – Canterbury Tuesday September 14: 5th Youth ODI – Canterbury Friday September 17: 6th Youth ODI – Canterbury

...RMA’s fully empowered to From page 20 shared that his executive has led the way in this regard and he is encouraging all in the football fraternity to take the jab. The encouragement drive in this regard he said would be intensified in eth coming weeks and months.

“As we set out to ensure that the entire football fraternity and all of its stakeholders are fully vaccinated. We have made it a requirement that those that are working within our ATC Programme, that they are vaccinated.

While we are in no position to issue any mandate in that regard, we expect that our members would behave responsibly and that they would understand the importance of protecting the kids that would be under their care.”

Forde posited that it’s a very important step to ensure that on field action returns.

TD Greenwood spoke to the youth development structure that the Federation has in place within the respective RMA’s.

Equipment distributed include one pair of regulation size goalposts, 50 balls, bibs, cones (small, High, superdome), adjustable training hurdles, magnetic erase tactical board, ball bags, medical kit, ball pump, ball needles, ball pressure gauge, equipment bag, stop watch, whistle and field marking tape.

...Rapinoe, Lloyd lead U.S. From page 22 volleying home a right-footed shot to regain the U.S. lead, 2-1. Lloyd would then get in the action right before halftime in the 45+1’ by receiving a ball between two Australian defenders and hammering a left-footed shot that beat Australia GK Teagan Micah to give the U.S. a 3-1 lead at the break.

Lloyd was at her predatorial best on her second goal in the 51’ by anticipating a headed back-pass

from the Australian defense and finishing through the legs of Micah to make it 4-1.

Australia would mount a comeback, though, and they pulled to within to 4-2 in the 54’ courtesy of a well-placed header from Caitlin Foord.

Australia then made it a nervy final few minutes for the U.S., as the Matildas cut the gap to 4-3 in the 90’ on Emily Gielnik’s right-footed strike, but in the end, the U.S. would hold on to secure the Bronze.

...Volcano Cricket Team of USA From page 23 disciplined and focused individual. Ramdeen also noted the role his late father played in his life and stated that he was humble to be involved in a project to honor his dad.

Meanwhile, Foster also handed over a grass cutter to the Management of the Chesney Cricket Club under the BCB Ground Enhancement Project. Under the spe-

cial project, the board has distributed a total of 22 grass cutters to clubs across the county.

The main objectives of the project are to assist clubs in the county to prepare their venues for the season.

Foster urged the President of the club, Mr. Narine Deonarine to take care of the equipment and to use it for the intended purpose.

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 06, 2021

RMA’s fully empowered to take charge of - Equipment handed GFF Academy Training Centers over on historic day On a historic day at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre, the Federation’s first step to return to play plan was executed when the nine Regional Member Associations (RMA) were presented with equipment to execute the efficient running

of the Academy Training Centers (ATC).

The ATC’s which was initially run by the GFF (launched in 2017) in the various RMA’s did not function the way the Federation had envisaged and this led to a revision of same by the national body in

2019 and a decision to empower its affiliates to execute and run these centers with the Federation maintaining a full supervisory role.

GFF President Wayne Forde, Technical Director Ian Greenwood and Youth Development Officer Brian

Joseph all shared remarks at yesterday’s historic activity which saw many of the Coaches that would be leading the programme along with representatives of the RMA’s present.

While the impact of the TC’s would have been positive in terms of production of quality players, Forde also noted that in evaluating the ATC’s, some key challenges were identified.

“We did not see the level of involvement and engagement from our Associations and we felt that the programme was perceived by them as an exclusive GFF development programme and their input was not that necessary.”

This has led to a remodeling of the ATC programmne which has now been handed over to the RMA’s, each becoming the

owner and full custodian of these ATC’s. The nine RMA’s are Rupununi, Upper Demerara, East Bank, Georgetown, East Demerara, Berbice, West Demerara, Essequibo and Bartica Football Associations.

Forde is optimistic that the members would take greater responsibility for running the ATC and to ensure that it is successful.

A competition component would be introduced which would see intra ATC rivalry at the various levels being introduced from U11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 for boys and girls.

“We believe that this competition would drive our members to crave the identity of having the best academy programme in the country. So we are all excited about these changes and we just hope that our partners

who are our RMA’s will join us in bringing life t these plans.”

The GFF head shared that the ATCs’ are the bedrock of transforming Guyana’s football landscape in a positive way and that’s why the Federation would have invested heavily in this regard and they’ll continue in this vein.

“But we also know that the only way that this can work is of the Associations and the clubs within the Associations commit themselves to working within this comprehensive youth development structure that has been recognised by FIFA as one of best youth development programme and structure within our region.”

Touching on the issue of vaccination against the covid-19 pandemic, Forde (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 23

Bahamas’ Steven Gardiner - Thiam wraps up wins 400m gold heptathlon defence BBCsport - Steven Gardiner won Olympic 400m gold to secure the Bahamas’ first medal of the To k y o 2 0 2 0 G a m e s .

Gardiner, the current world champion over the distance, crossed the line in 43.85 seconds.

Colombia’s Anthony Zambrano took silver, while 2012 champion Kirani James of Grenada won bronze, completing his full set of Olympic 400m medals, having finished second in Rio. World record holder Wayde van Niekerk’s reign as defending champion was over when the South African, who has struggled with injury over the past five years, finished fifth in the semi-finals on Monday.

In his absence, Gardiner produced a superbly balanced race, holding back

as James and American Michael Norman went out hardest and then reaping the rewards as he stretched clear in the home straight.

“When the gun went off I stumbled a bit coming out but I recovered, I kept it moving, and with 200 metres to go I started to push a little bit. And 100 metres to go, I gave it all I’ve got,” Gardiner said.

“I came across the line and saw my name on the big screen and I was in first place. I’m just happy.”

Elsewhere, in the absence of Britain’s injured world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Nafi Thiam retained her heptathlon crown. The Belgian finished with 6791 points, 102 ahead of the Netherlands’ Anouk Vetter.

Vetter’s team-mate Emma

Oosterwegel took bronze with 6590 points.

Johnson-Thompson, whose build-up to Tokyo was disrupted by an Achilles tendon injury before she suffered a calf injury on her other leg in Wednesday’s 200m, won gold in Doha with 6981 points two years ago.

C a n a d a ’s D a m i a n Warner became the fourth man in history to break the 9 , 0 0 0 - p o i n t s b a r r i e r, following Kevin Mayer, Ashton Eaton and Roman Sebrle, as he claimed gold after taking bronze in Rio and at the world championships in Doha in 2019.

France’s Mayer was second with 8726 points, while Australia’s 21-yearold Ashley Moloney took bronze.

Thiam dissolved into tears as she was congratulated by silver medallist Anouk Vetter after the finish line.

GOA assist with airfare for Guyana’s CAC Team The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) during a press conference yesterday at Olympic House, Lilliendaal, announced that it will be funding airfare for seven of the 10-member team that will represent the nation at the 2021 Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships which will be held in San Salvador, El Salvador from August 12-16.

Attended by the local based athletes, travelling coach, Videsh Sookram, and President of the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF); Keavon Bess, it was revealed that veteran bodybuilder Rawle Green will also be part of the team.

The contingent which includes eight athletes and two officials are scheduled to depart on August 10 and 12 in two groups.

The eight athletes are Kerwin Clarke, Emmerson Campbell, Yannick Grimes, Darius Ramsammy, Rawle Green, Nicholas Albert, Roger Callender and Rosanna Fung.

Bodybuilding will make its debut at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Chile and GOA’s

Juman-Yassin hinted that that top performers from this CAC Championships could be part of Team Guyana for the 2023 Games.

GABBFF President, Bess, thanked the GOA for their support and revealed that while the competition at the CAC Championships is expected to be stiff, his team is mentally and physically prepared to make themselves, their supporters and sponsors proud.

Coach Sookram expressed confidence in the team. He shared that it was the best team he has ever put together for the CAC Championship and he is super confident of a good outing. Despite the contributions of the GOA, Bess posited that the team is still lacking some funding which he is optimistic will be secured in time.

An Attorney-at-Law by profession, Bess also revealed his intentions to bid for the 2023 CAC Championships during the CAC Congress that will be held on August 13 in El Salvador during the Championships.

(Calvin Chapman)

Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas holds his national flag as he celebrates after winning gold.

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 06, 2021

Guyanese exceeded expectations says 4-times Olympian Aliann Pompey

By Sean Devers Guyana sent seven athletes to the Tokyo Olympics but when the next Olympics Games is held in Parris in three years time, it will be 44 years since Boxer Mike Parris won a Bronze medal in the 1980 Games in Moscow.

Guyana has participated in 18 Olympics since the first as British Guiana in 1948 and Parris’ Bronze is Guyana’s only medal in the biggest multi-sports event in the World. However, Fourtime Olympian Aliann Pompey who travelled to Japan as Athletes Representative said most of Guyana’s newest Olympians’ performances exceeded expectations.

Pompey was speaking from Tokyo on Wednesday night’s Sean Devers Sports Watch on Kaieteur Radio.

“I think the first order of business is to congratulate all of our Athletes on qualifying for the Olympic Games and I want to be deliberate and say qualify for the Olympic Games because it’s not something that’s just given to you. The Athletes have all qualified and earned their spot to be here” stressed Pompey, who won the gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The Guyanese, like athletes around the World were robbed of ideal preparation due to the covid19 global pandemic and had to deal with wearing masks for extended periods, no fans

in the stands, staying in a ‘bubble’ and dealing with the mental aspects of competing while adhering to several covid restrictions.

The magnitude of the stress and pressure to perform in these testing conditions was exemplified by the World’s number one Gymnast, American Simone Biles showing the effects of mental fatigue.

“We can all agree that the Olympic Games is the biggest stage in sports hands down and so any Athlete that comes here and performs at their absolute best, their personal best or their season best I think it speaks to their ability to rise to the occasion” continued Pompey who has competed at the World Championships in Athletics eleven times.

“This goes back to their ability to prepare and what sort of investment has been put into their preparation and their ability to get here and do well, especially Chelsea, Aleka and Aliyah. They came out here and exceeded expectations as it were” added Pompey holds the South American indoor record for the 400m.

Born on February 24, 2006, 15-year-old Aleka Persaud is the youngest-ever athlete to represent Guyana at the Olympic Games.

Aleka finished second in her heat in the 50m freestyle in a time of 27.76 which was her Personal Best and a Guyana record. She is now set to compete in the Junior Pan

Am Games in November in Colombia.

Australian Emma McKeon won her sixth medal at Tokyo Olympics, by winning the Gold in Women’s 50m freestyle in 23.81. Aliyah Abrams, who set a new season-best of 51.44s, is the first Guyanese female since Pompey, to qualify for a 400m semifinal at the Olympic Games.

In the semi-finals she ran her race in a time of 51.46.

Pompey qualified to the semi-finals in London (2012), Beijing (2008) and Athens (2004), but her closest to a spot in the final was in 2008 where her time was 50.93s. Pompey still holds the Guyana 400m record at 50.71s set in August 2009 at the World Championships in Germany.

Guyana’s first Table Tennis Olympian, 24-yearold Chelsea Edghill, got off her maiden appearance at the quadrennial showpiece by defeating Sally Yee of Fiji 41 in her preliminary round match but lost to South Korea’s Yubin Shin in round one.

In the preliminary match the Chelsea dominated and won 11-5, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8 against Yee who was in her second outing at the Olympic Games. However, in the round of 32, Edghill couldn’t handle the 17-yearold Korean who was lethal in a 4-0 sweep. Shin’s victories were recorded 11-7, 11-8, 11-1, 12-10.

Guyanese sprinter

Rapinoe, Lloyd lead U.S. to Bronze Medal

Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd. (Photo FIFA)

Tokyo, Japan – The United States Women’s National Team earned their first ever Olympic Bronze Medal thanks to a 4-3 victory over Australia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Bronze Medal Match on Thursday (yesterday) at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Japan.

Megan Rapinoe and

Carli Lloyd each had a brace to pace the U.S. to the win. It was a scintillating start from the U.S. with Rapinoe opening the scoring in grand style. The 36-year-old took a corner kick in the 8’ and promptly curled it in from the corner flag for the goal and a 1-0 U.S. lead.

Back came Australia and

it was 1-1 in the 17’ when Sam Kerr was able to squeeze in her left-footed shot in under U.S. GK Adrianna Franch. Rapinoe would answer in kind in the 21’ for her second goal of the day by taking advantage of a misplayed clearance from the Australian defense and (Continued on page 19)

Emanuel Archibald bowed out of the Tokyo Olympic Games in Round One of the Men’s 100m at the Olympic Stadium. Archibald, who qualified with a run of 10.30s in the Preliminary Round, clocked 10.41s in Heat two of Round One. Italy’s Lamont Jacobs won the 100m final in a time of 9.80s, earning the title ‘World’s Fastest Man’ and is the first Italian to ever win the 100m final.

Twenty-two-year-old Guyanese pugilist Keevin Allicock lost by a unanimous decision to number 7 ranked Alexy Cruz in the first round while Jasmine Abrams, the younger sister of Aliyah, failed to pass the 100m preliminary round.

“Aleka had a personal best in her event, Chelsea got past the first round after not winning a game at the Pan Am Games two years ago.

She comes to the Olympics and wins here first match while Aliyah qualified for the semi-finals in her event” posited Pompey who has represented Guyana at the Summer Olympics in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012.

“Keevin, in Boxing, after some controversial judging but although the scores were adjusted he still lost his fight even though he fought quite well.

The other athletes did fairly well also. I think there is a lot to take away from here. It’s one of our bigger

Aliann Pompey

teams we have sent to the Olympics Games and I think the results overall are good.” explained Pompey, who received her bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in 1999.

In 1984 in Los Angeles Olympic games, Guyana sent 10 Athletes which is the biggest contingent this County has ever sent.

“Can we improve on the performances? Of course we can. We have asked a lot of our Athletes here and they showed up and did pretty well” concluded Pompey.

We have found out exactly what we wanted to - WI skipper Pollard

D

espite three of the matches in recent T20 series against Pakistan being severely affected by rain, West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard said they have found out exactly what they wanted to as they look forward to the successful defence of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which will commence in October in the UAE. Speaking after the fourth washed out game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Pollard stated that they were looking to finish off with a win but noted that there are certain things that they do not have control over the weather is one of them.

“In all honesty we have found out exactly what we w a n t e d t o . We w e r e disappointed to lose some guys (injuries), obviously how compact the games were guys weren’t able to get through it, even myself missing the entire series against Australia. As a team we know exactly what we wanted to do, how we want to go forward and what is needed, and having the opportunity to have 18 guys here I thought we saw what we needed and hopefully let’s see what happens in the CPL as it comes around the

Kieron Pollard corner in a couple weeks,” he added.

The game was Dwayne Bravo’s last international in the Caribbean and Pollard lauded the all-rounder for his contribution to the team.

“His dream was always to play for the West Indies and starting his career at Bourda in 2004 and finishing it on home soil. He has been fantastic and has done a lot for us budding all-rounders.

Since he has come back as well in terms of the knowledge he has shared in the dressing room words can’t describe the impact he has had on the bowlers, and it’s not just from a cricketing point of view but from a life point of view as well. Yes, it’s his last international game in the Caribbean, he will be looking to see if he gets selected for the world cup coming up, he has been great for us and we continue to thank him and hopefully in

different aspects of his life he will be able to contribute as well,” the captain stated.

Pollard spoke highly of Obed Mc Koy and Hayden Walsh Jr. stating that the duo has worked hard on their game while adding that Fabian Allen is a fine for the side and they need to continue working with him.

With regards to the world cup Pollard said they have spoken a lot throughout the series. “We spoke about how we want to go about playing our cricket and when we practice we want to keep improving. Obviously when we go into a tournament the aim is to win but there is a process that we have to go through. With that been said it would be very exciting times coming up, a lot selection quandary, we will never be perfect, but we are going to pick the best team to wear the maroon at the World Cup.” Pollard noted that he is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family. “They have been with me in this entire block of matches but it is something that is needed and we look forward to these sort of breaks.”

Having won the second T20I by seven runs, Pakistan took the series 1-0. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 06, 2021

PAGE 25

Two more youths benefit from BCB/ Michael Ramdeen Memorial Trust Fund Two Under-13 youth players on Wednesday last benefitted from a donation of a cycle as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continue to make a positive difference in the lives of youths in the Ancient County.

The donation of the cycles was done under the BCB/Michael Ramdeen Memorial Trust Fund and the players benefitting were Antonio Depaul and Sohail Mohammed. BCB President Hilbert Foster noted that the players were selected by the management of the Chesney and Edinburgh Cricket Clubs based on their discipline, attitude and promise for the future.

Foster, who is also the Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board and a Director of Cricket West Indies said that former Berbice player Kevin Ramdeen contacted him with the idea of assisting youth players with cycles in memory of his late father, who was an outstanding cricket Administrator in Canje.

The late Michael

Ramdeen served as the Coach of the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club for a long period and was highly respected. His two sons, Kevin and Richard Ramdeen both played at the junior level.

Richard played for the West Indies at the U-19 level and also represented Guyana at the senior level including the Champions Cup in South Africa. Under the fund, a total of eight cricketers would receive a cycle from the BCB, one each month from between May to December.

Kevin Ramdeen has also committed himself to assisting several youth players with educational materials during the Christmas season. Foster noted that with the BCB being unable to play tournaments due to the ongoing rainy season and covid-19 pandemic, efforts are being focused on off the field activities.

He informed that currently, the Board is working on a historic youth

coaching manual which is expected to be published in two weeks. The 32-page manual was specially prepared by eight cricket coaches including Winston Smith, Julian Moore, Travis Hardcourt, Leslie Soloman and Michael Hyles.

Among the topics covered are batting, fast bowling, off spin, leg spin, running between the wicket, wicket keeping, mental approach to the game, attributes of a good batsman, physical fitness and fielding.

Foster stated that every youth player in the county would receive a copy while the BCB would also donate several copies to players in Demerara and Essequibo.

Kevin Ramdeen noted that he was very impressed by the Hilbert Foster led administration and as such was delighted to invest in the development of players and the game.

He stated that the game of cricket had enabled him to follow his dreams and shaped him into a very (Continued on page 19)

Volcano Cricket Team of USA support Alberttown fire victims

Hadassa Punnusami (right) presents the cheque to Tattiana Jervis in the presence of Zameer Hassan and Sabrina Campbell.

Volcano Cricket team of the United States of America has supported the family of Fifth Street, Alberttown that was affected by fire recently. On July 22, the family suffered losses after a fire damaged sections of their house.

The team recently handed over a cheque worth $140,000 to the family during a simple ceremony held at the St. Roses High School in Georgetown. Head Mistress, Paula Hamilton and young Hadassa Punnusami, who is a student of the school, started the

initiative of rendering assistance to the family.

Those affected were Sabrina Campbell, George Jervis and their two Children.

Campbell has expressed gratitude to the team and others who have assisted. Zameer Hassan a representative of Volcano Cricket team said the players are happy to assist the family and singled out Mark Kippins, S. Seenanan and Robin Punnusami for their contributions.

Anyone who wishes to help this family can contact them on 676 9671.

Chesney receive grass cutter The two young cricketers with their fathers after the presentation.