Kaieteur News

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Sunday August 08, 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

The underbelly of Guyana The made-up face of Guyana sparkles, but the sheen only goes so far beneath the surface. It is the well-tended face that is presented to the world with overwhelming power, to be seen, regardless of interest, agreement, or healthy skepticism. But there is another side to Guyana, which is less of quantity and its gloss, one that goes deep and to many dark places. Today, we speak of that other side of Guyana beneath the smiling face, and the sweet words that flow, especially from political leaders. It is the underbelly of Guyana, of which no one speaks these days, not many have so much as passing interest in, given the rush of discoveries, the pace of cascading events. The underbelly of Guyana is long and, living up to its name and situation in the nation’s anatomy: it is out of sight, mostly. That is, until we at this newspaper place it in the public domain, where all can see, and make their own judgment calls, take positions for themselves. We have presented the regrettable developments via numerous news articles of crime that run many Guyanese underground, making virtual prisoners of them. This includes the rich in their camera-equipped, dog-guarded, high steel-fenced and, sometimes, armed manned security presence. Sometimes, with tens of thousands of licenced firearm holders, there are guns in the family home, yet even that legal presence does not bring the serenity of sturdy confidence. It is difficult for a society to exist to its fullest potential, while marshaling and utilising the fullness of its assets, to get where its citizens, individually and collectively, envision that they can go. But of this we do not speak here, where the preference is for the smooth messages of public relations professionals conveying to fearful citizens that there is nothing to worry about, that things are under control, statistically much better. The Americans having a scornful saying: go tell that to the Marines. It is because U.S. marines are the ones who have to face the fire, with their bodies and spirit. So, too, it is with Guyanese going about the demands of their day, while navigating what has become the dark underbelly of a national criminal zone. This should not be, and of this we should be speaking more and all the while truthfully and openly. In a similar manner, this country’s oil finds sparkle in the abundance of quantity and dollars dreamed about, and that could come, but only if managed right at the political leadership level. The long underbelly of political leadership is slimy, and does not speak of any quality where integrity in the handling of this oil is concerned. Too many material matters are withheld, with too much crawling around by leaders, like snakes in the grass and night, with the kind of quality disclosures that are timely, and clearly inform the nation that the best is being done with the nation’s oil wealth, and on the most principled basis. It has not been so, not even by margins that could be tolerated, but only of one sneaky leadership trick following the other. Leadership secrecies stand as the most damaging, the more monstrous, crimes being committed upon the hopeful, dependent citizens of this country. Guyanese are bombarded with loud noises about money being spent in the many billions, yet there are those who are abandoned, because of circumstances, or the heartlessness of our times. As leaders manifest their callous disregard for citizens, the same is being played out, to a discomforting degree, by family members abandoning their elderly, and mothers abandoning their newborn, at the staggering rate of one a month, at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Meanwhile, our youths are captivated and, soon enough, controlled by the lures of the fast crowd and fast money, which sets them riding around on bicycles and motorcycles to rob commuters at will; and in cars to terrorise villages and homes, with similar freedom. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But leader after leader have wasted the moments to make real meaningful differences in every walk of Guyanese life, and particularly where such counts, with those who need it the most. This is the long, concealed underbelly of Guyana, and it festers.

Govt. bungled vaccine programme, should have completed vaccination of 50 and over age-group Dear Editor, Reference is made to comments in another section of the media by Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, in which he said, “We’re not dealing with the virus that came here in March 2020. We are dealing with an entirely new virus. The Delta virus has proven to be five

times more transmissible, but also 20 times more deadly.” Could the advisor please refer to the studies that establish the twenty-fold deadliness of the Delta variant? In the absence of such it would be advisable that he does not lose his credibility by scaremongering the Guyanese public into getting

vaccinated. The facts are thus: given that the vast majority of people who die or are hospitalised from COVID-19 are over 50, the government made a terrible mistake in not concentrating on fully vaccinating that age group ahead of offering it to those under 50. In its mad rush to brag that it was ahead of

everyone else in the Caribbean, it quickly offered the vaccine to everyone. It then ran out of vaccines for those over 50, who needed it the most when they failed to secure adequate supplies. This public health failure is why our death rate remains so high. Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas

Supercharged telephone service Dear Editor, They call it Customer Services. But the latter named seem normally incapable of providing answers to a complaint. This reader had to sympathise totally with the letter writer of August 05, about the customer disservice at GTT. In the instant case, a bill

has been submitted for payment in relation to a numbered instrument that was never installed. The related complaint addressed to the Chief Executive more than a year ago was totally ignored. Now GTT has produced a bill unrelated to the only numbered instrument that has been

installed for more than 10 years. This is a remarkable instance of ‘offline service’ – to the extent that the total charge is no longer supported by details of the calls made on what is in fact a landline. Surely, this is subject to auditing. How many calls, for how long, to where? Surely, by now the

technology in operation, as well as the operators would have been fully vaccinated against such pandemic malfunctions. What we have is more than a disservice. It is an accounting concoction that invites the attention of auditors. Yours faithfully, Senior Citizen

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Sunday August 08, 2021

Unprofessional attitude at Ministry of Education Dear Editor, According to Kaite Roberts, Career Consulting, professional behaviour is a form of etiquette in the workplace that is linked primarily to respectful and courteous conduct. Being conscious of how you treat co-workers and clients, and ensuring a positive workplace attitude can help you to improve your productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. With much dissatisfaction and frustration, I am compelled to pen this letter so that the public can become aware of what teachers have been enduring whenever they visit the Ministry of Education at 21 Brickdam. It is about time teachers be treated with respect when they visit their respective Department of Education or even the Central Ministry. I would like to relate two separate incidents that I experienced with a clerk attached to the above-named ministry, who deals with signing of teachers’ contract. On Monday August 3, 2021, I travelled from New Amsterdam to Georgetown to sign a contract since I am attending the University of Guyana. Upon my arrival, I was told by the clerk, who was not wearing a mask and had an infant next to her, that the Ministry does not have any blank contract forms available, and if I need one, I should borrow from someone then go to Metro and photocopy. I responded in the negative and said, “I will not be doing that.” I further said the Ministry should have had these forms available online

so that teachers can easily access and complete same before going there. That day did not end well for me since I was treated in the (in) correct manner. I feel that the Ministry of Education needs professional and competent clerks to manage and assist teachers whenever they visit and need guidance in those technical areas. Nevertheless, I am happy that I managed to get a form and my contract was successfully signed. On August 4, 2021, my cousin contacted a representative from the said ministry about the signing of her contract, because her passport had expired and she was in the process of getting it renewed. She was told to visit the office to sign her contract and they will use the receipt she received from the passport office. The following day, I accompanied her to the Georgetown office to get her contract signed. When we arrived, the same clerk in charge of verifying documents, not wearing a mask again, greeted us like this, “Wah yall doing here? Yall from Region 6? Me in get no appointment with nobody to look after any contract.” My cousin responded that she was advised to come in since she will be allowed to get it done. She then replied “Me ain’t know who could tell you doh but is nah me u talk to.” As the argument continues, my cousin suggested that communication be improved at the ministry so as to avoid these ‘mix ups’ and confusions. The clerk responded in a rude tone, “Well me tell you is nah me

call you and you should tell personnel that not me.” It is clear that the attitude portrayed by this clerk was uncouth and unprofessional. In my view, she doesn’t deserve to be a public servant since she cannot serve with politeness and respect. Editor, much work needs to be done by Senior Education officials to ensure that workers treat

citizens in a courteous and respectful manner. As teachers, when we are having visits from officials from the ministry, we often try to ensure that they are treated with respect. It is time these workers from the ministry stop treating teachers like trash. We demand respect and if we cannot receive it naturally, we will be forced to

demand it by will power. Too often, teachers are afraid to visit offices because they feel they will be talked down upon and some are even afraid to visit because of the way they will be treated. Why does it have to be like this? Why are educators being treated this way? I am appealing to the Minister of Education to ensure that professional

development sessions be done with these clerks attached to the ministry. This will be beneficial not only to them but to the entire system, which I think needs overhauling, washing and cleansing. Again, I emphasise, “Teachers need to be respected.” Yours faithfully, Annoyed Teacher

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The PPP’s first year record Dear Editor, As the PPP/C celebrates its first year in office, it is important that we examine its performance. In order to get a true perspective, I think we have to examine the general environment in which that party ascended to national political leadership, as well as other factors, which I set out to do below. After the elections were called in March 2020 and polls were closed, from ascertaining the results of those elections to the declaration of the winner was an extremely rough and treacherous journey. It took the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) five months to produce the result of an election that involved less than 600,000 people. During that time, too, the novel Coronavirus disease that first struck in 2019, and which threatened to unravel human society, was raging all over the world, ravishing the lives of millions of people and collapsing global economic, health and social systems. The implications were and (still are) very staggering for global trade, commerce, and industry. Developing countries were hard hit by the fallout of this virus, at the base of their economies and fragile public health systems. In Guyana, those events have conspired to provide unprecedented challenges for the new ruling party, PPP/C. Importantly, in the midst of all of that, the government had to win the trust of the people. Generally, large swaths of the population had grown weary of promises because they have derived no tangible benefits from the previous administration over the preceding five years. In fact, one of the high negatives of that period was the termination of services of thousands of workers in the sugar industry and the loss of thousands of more jobs across various sectors due to their incompetent management. The termination of sugar workers had a crippling effect, economically and socially, on entire villages and communities in which those workers reside and those businesses, in those areas, that depended on the support of those workers. Indeed, it was a devastating blow to ordinary people. Therefore, on its coming into office, the PPP/C had to

Sunday August 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

immediately grapple with economic problems, public healthcare, education, national safety and security, and the issue of public trust in government and governmental systems. The government did not shirk its responsibility but rose squarely to those challenges. In its budget, ($330 Billion) in 2020, the government put in place, a menu of measures to help citizens. There were wide-ranging incentives and a review of tax measures. This allowed Guyanese to benefit from $20 billion in relief to their pockets. These include the reversal of VAT on water and electricity, the removal of VAT and duties on machinery, equipment. In addition, numerous concessions and support for farmers and those in the extractive and manufacturing industries. Again, the government moved swiftly to offer assistance to the people. Cash grants were distributed to households across Guyana. The National Assembly in December 2020 approved a $17. 4 billion Supplementary Budget, with $2.5 billion in additional monies for the COVID- 19 cash grant programme. Billions of dollars in cash were given to Guyanese to help cushion the effects of economic hardship due to COVID-19. Of course, a number of other relief programmes were activated by the government. Food hampers and cleaning supplies were distributed to citizens. In addition, the Ministry of Education provided care packages for children of school-going ages. Also, the “Because We Care Cash Grant” programme has been rolled out. Each child, in the school system, will receive $19,000 per year, to assist with school supplies and associated things. The government has also enhanced public health care and made numerous interventions to contain the spread of the virus and save lives. Old age pension has been increased, and frontline workers benefited from additional help from the government. While all of these things are happening, the government is keeping the economy on the path to growth and prosperity. The government continues to sustain the delivery of public services to citizens and businesses. The private sector is increasing its strides and global and international corporations are showing keen interest in doing business in Guyana. These include Wal-Mart, Amazon, Apple, Amerisource Bergen and United Health Group.

There are now huge market opportunities available to countries and corporations. Again, in the face of this pandemic, the government has been upgrading infrastructure. I think one of the first good moves of the government in this regard was the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector in Guyana. This immediately created a positive impact, throughout this country, and a competitive environment in that sector, which resulted in the benefits of consumers. It allowed for improvement in that technological infrastructure and quality of service. In the housing sector, the government has already given in excess of 5,000 house lots to citizens. Again, the government by this action is e n c o u r a g i n g homeownership. This in turn could facilitate personal and family growth, which would ultimately benefit the country. Within the macro plan are special arrangements for housing schemes in the hinterland and for professionals. I believe no one can successfully doubt the government’s great success in this area of its national governmental responsibility. More people now own their own homes and can better plan for the future for their families. Another driver is the willingness of the government to partner with the private sector, nongovernmental organisations, community-based organisations and groups to make systems work and to put Guyana on a trajectory of national growth and development. Again, they can collaborate with key stakeholders. Each will bring a unique and important perspective when considering options and various solutions to challenges. As a result, collectively, they are better able to manage those solutions and appropriately respond to the dynamics of our country in these very uncertain times. Finally, the government has been able to balance immediate and long-term needs. Beyond those aforementioned things, there has been a series of initiatives, in public finance, information and medical technologies, security, oil and gas, tourism, healthcare, education, judicature, social welfare and the environment. All aimed at encouraging investments, and lifting the nation Guyana to a new plateau of sustainable economic prosperity for all Guyanese. Yours faithfully, Thomas Cole

Amaila Falls Hydro Project is the way to go Dear Editor, I write to you today in regard to the Amalia Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which the Government of Guyana is looking to revive. Over the years, I have paid close attention to the project and with its revival on the way, I write with much enthusiasm. I strongly believe that the AFHP is the way to go, and I commend the Government for looking in its direction once again. With the advent of climate change, we can all agree that it is time for countries to do more so as to mitigate the effects, which it may have on the earth. One of the things that was taught to us in school is that countries should try to implement strategies that would help them to become carbon neutral to save the environment. However, we see many countries lacking in this regard. Nevertheless, Guyana is presented with a great opportunity where it can transform its electricity sector into becoming much closer to emission-free status. This opportunity is through the AFHP. If memory serves me right, it was in 2016 when the Government of Guyana and the Government of Norway commissioned a study by Norconsult AS to carry out an initial analysis on the project. The study was objective and

based solely on facts and the results reflected same. One of the things that the study concluded was the fact that the electricity sector in Guyana could be significantly changed for the better if its hydropower potential is developed. The fastest way for that potential to be developed was noted as the AFHP, which would see Guyanese benefitting in the long run. With this in mind, I believe that with Guyana being projected to grow significantly in the coming years due to its oil reserves, the AFHP would see even greater economic growth for the country. This would obviously propel Guyana further on the world stage, which would in turn, allow for more foreign direct investments and economic development. Our leaders appear to be focusing on the right direction by putting much needed emphasis on the hydropower project. Coming back to the study by Norconsult, the findings also showed that the project would not have much negative environmental and social impacts. In fact, no resettlement will be required and there will be limited human activity in the area directly affected by the project. In addition to this, the live storage volume will be small compared to the annual water flow, and the plant will be operated mainly

as a run-of-river plant with little impact on the downstream river hydrology for the most part. This would mean that the AFHP would not interfere with communities and citizens residing in and around the area. Once the project is completed, there would not be any negatives, as every Guyanese will benefit in some way from cheaper electricity. It is time for Guyanese to embrace projects such as the AFHP and lend support in whatever way possible. I say this because we all want development, and we all want to live in a society where we are able to continually better our lives. The AFHP will give us that reality. In addition, the project will give way for other generating sources to be added in parallel like sun, wind and thermal production for renewable energy. From the way I see it, the AFHP has more advantages than disadvantages and I am sure the few disadvantages, which exist, can and will be dealt with by the Government before work commences. As such, I reiterate my call for Guyanese to lend support towards this project as the 2016 Norconsult study paints a very promising future for Guyana should we capitalise on the opportunity to transform our electricity sector. Respectfully, Anson A Paul

Vaccination still a choice, but mandatory buildings and under certain circumstances government other public places, provide Dear Editor, Just what was the purpose of the protest action at the Square, if the call was in support of government’s get vaccinated call. It was thought the measure imposed on unvaccinated persons was mandatory vaccination, but

in retrospect, it is not, and cannot be described as an edict. The measures and new requirements have now placed the onus and responsibility on persons. It is their decision: get vaccinated and be able to get back to work, access

public transportation, or do not. The individual’s decision and theirs alone. With adult and mature attitudes should come the capacity to be sensible and rational. So just what did the protest achieve? Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Failures in Local Government at several levels Dear Editor, It would be remiss of me not to comment on what is passing for Local Governance and epitomises the current regime‘s approach to governance; and more importantly not to suggest what was intended and is doable for the achievement of Good Governance in Local Government. In a previous letter, I identified where the Minister of Local Government was vesting himself with authority that is not his, and in so doing sought to curtail Local Democratic Councils from

exercising the authority, which parliament bequeathed them, to wit: the authority to adjust the rates for the purpose of exacting taxes on properties and ultimately raising revenues. Section 54(2) of the Local Government Act reads thus: “If, after discussion and, if necessary, altering and amending the estimate and the rate proposed, the local authority by a majority of votes agrees upon an estimate and a rate, such estimate and rate shall be transmitted to the Minister for notification.” The

Minister was instructing local authorities that they are not authorised to effect new rates as provided for in the Local Government laws. He has no such authority. The misrepresentation of the provisions of the Laws of Guyana, and the unlawful attempt to exercise authority in relation to local authorities, seems to be the culture of some, who are vested with some authority in Local Government System, as is also the case in most quarters. This is exactly what the Chairman of the Local Government Commission demonstrated when he asserted that in between (Continued on page 63)

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday August 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

More and more Guyanese are coming out against this expensive and secretive gas-to-shore project.

Yet the PPP, under the President and Vice President, barrel ahead recklessly without paying any mind to what Guyanese are saying, or the serious concerns they have. In the mixed-up minds of the main leaders of this country, this is what passes for accountability and answering to the people. Apparently, the accountability part of democracy does not apply here. Now the government announces that it is looking for a Project Manager and Senior Engineer for the gas-to-shore project. This is accountability in Guyana. Only in Guyana, since leaders don't dare something like this in Jamaica or Trinidad or even Haiti. Think about that fellow citizens.

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The Cuyuni River

Crowbar might have killed worker, security guard found dead at mining camp

I

t might have been a crowbar that was used to murder a

security guard and another worker at a watchman's camp close to their mining site in the Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven. The murdered men are identified as 31-year-old Steven Niles, the security guard, and Suresh Bachan, 62, a worker, who were found dead - one in a hammock and the other on a makeshift bed around 06:00hrs. on Thursday. N o t t o o f a r a w a y, according to information received by Kaieteur News, a blood-stained crowbar was found. An autopsy conducted on their remains on Friday revealed that the men were bludgeoned to death with a heavy object. Based on the report, both men died from blunt force trauma to the head with Niles also suffering a fractured spine. Their cause of death is leading investigators to believe that the crowbar found nearby was probably the murder weapon. However, Commander of Region Seven District, Dion Moore, explained that detectives cannot directly link the crowbar to the crime just yet, because other evidence collected from the scene could lead them to another possible murder weapon. With regards to who their killer or killers might be, Moore said his detectives are currently combing the area to trail them down. The dead men were employed with a mining operation that is based in the Black Water area. Kaieteur News understands that at the end of the work day, all of the employees of the operation went to their base camp, which is located some distance away from the work ground. After having their meals,

Murdered, Steven Niles

Murdered, Suresh Bachan Niles and Bachan returned to the work ground where they would spend the night in a watchman's camp to guard the pit and the sluice box. The following day when the General Manager of the operation and the other employees arrived at the work ground to commence the day's work schedule, they found them dead. Further checks revealed that the top mat from the sluice box was missing along with Niles' weapon, an AR15 rifle.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 08, 2021

Kamla: Governor Hilaire mismanaging Central Bank N E W S D A Y Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Central Bank Governor Dr. Alvin Hilaire must account for what she believes is his mismanagement at the bank. In a statement yesterday, Persad-Bissessar recalled that at the launch of the Central Bank's Financial Stability Report 2020, on Thursday, Hilaire had said he was optimistic about the state of the economy. She believes TT's current economic situation does not reflect that optimism. "Given the severity of our economic crisis, one wonders what inspires this 'optimism' expressed by the Central Bank Governor. He either clearly doesn't read

Dem

boys seh... Even after TV come to Guyana, dem cinema bin close down. But even before dis happen dem boys bin stop going to de cinema. Every time dem boys go to de cinema is either somebody in front of or behind dem coughing or smoking. Dem nah bin show no concern fuh dem boys right to life and so dem boys decide dat dem nah go back no cinema or place where people smoking or coughing. Some people now complaining how dem rights getting violated by being coerced to take de vaccines. Nuff ah dem guvment office seh if yuh nah vaccinated

Dr. Alviin Hilaire how own reports or wishful thinking has replaced datadriven monetary policy at the Central Bank," she said.

According to the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Report of May 2021, PersadBissessar noted, "Domestic economic activity contracted in the fourth quarter of 2020 primarily due to sharp declines in the energy sector and indicators point to continued weak activity in early 2021." She added the Central Bank's Financial Stability Report also noted that the number of people retrenched increased to 2,744 in 2020 compared to 1,530 in 2019. It also said there was a contraction of economic activity by 8.8 percent. “These are alarming statistics that need to be properly addressed by the Central Bank Governor."

Vaccine gat more rights dan you and me yuh gat to book appointment. Dem boys vaccinated but dem prefer de appointment because nuff ah dem guvment workers does like gat yuh sit down fuh hours. So dem boys plan fuh mek appointment because dem gan get through quicker. B u t d e m w a h complaining bout getting vaccinated nah complaining to dem airlines. Dem nah gan tell de American immigration how dem gat rights and dat how dem nah gat to be vaccinated. But chastisement does start right home. Dem boys nah know wah

rights dem critics talking bout. You nah gat no right fuh go anywhere yuh please. Yuh gat fuh follow de rule and if de rules seh how yuh gat to get vaccine well yuh gat to follow de rules. De Constitution talk bout de right to liberty. But de same Constitution seh how dat right applies except where provision mek in de law fuh measures to prevent de spread of infectious or contagious diseases. Dat means dat de guvment gat a right fuh put limitations on yuh liberty in order to fuh protect other people from disease. Ta l k h a l f a n d n a h complain bout dem COVID19 restrictions!

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Sunday August 08, 2021

15 companies submit bids to market Guyana's oil…

More than 50% tainted by alarming acts of corruption S

ince issuing its Invitation For Bids (IFBs) in July for companies to submit bids to sell Guyana's oil entitlement from the Liza Destiny vessel, a total of 15 regional and international companies submitted tenders. Upon a preliminary review of the companies vying to sell Guyana's crude,

Kaieteur News discovered that eight of the bidders and/or their primaries are linked to scandals, foreign bribery and widespread corruption. These companies include China Offshore Oil Singapore; Sinochem International London; Liatso SA Switzerland & Lukoil Pan America; Equinor ESA;

Totsa Total Oil Trading SA; Shell Western Supply & Trading Limited; Vitol SA; and Mercuria Energy Trading SA. These well-documented malpractices, which have resulted in convictions and fines, have also ensnared senior executives of these oil companies and traders while others are still under

investigation. The tainted companies One of the tainted companies is China Offshore Oil International Pte Limited. In 2015, this stateowned Chinese company had their former Deputy General Manager, Wu Zhenfang, under criminal investigation for accepting an undisclosed amount in

bribes. Sinochem, another interested Chinese company, saw one of its former Vice Presidents, Du Keping, sentenced last December to 11 ½ years in prison for accepting US$1.8M in bribes. Executives of the Russian energy company, Lukoil Oil Company & Litasco, were in 2018 criminally investigated by Geneva's Attorney General on suspicion of corruption of foreign officials and money laundering. Equinor formerly known as Statoil is a Norwegian company that was fined $20 million Norwegian krone (NOK) in 2018 for misconduct and extensive corruption in Iran in 2002/2003. Reports state that Equinor had attempted to secure lucrative oil contracts for the company in Iran. The company's Director for International Operations, Richard John Hubbard, was also ordered to pay NOK$200,000 in fines for his involvement in the case. This was mainly achieved by hiring the services of Horton Investments, an Iranian consultancy firm owned by Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, the son of the former Iranian president. Notably, reports indicate that Horton Investments was paid US$15.2 million by Equinor to influence important political figures in Iran to grant oil contracts to Statoil. Another bidder, Totsa Total Oil Trading SA, was found guilty in 2016 of corruption in the United Nations' oil-for-food programme for Iraq during Saddam Hussein's rule. In the same year, the Parisian Court of Appeal found the company guilty of corrupting foreign officials and was fined over US$800,000.

Prior to this conviction, Total in 2013 had agreed to pay $398.2 million to settle US criminal and civil allegations that it paid bribes to win oil and gas. United

States authorities had alleged that between 1995 and 2004, Total paid about $60 million in bribes to induce an Iranian government official to help the company obtain lucrative development rights in three oil and gas fields. In 2019, Shell was prosecuted for criminal charges relating to a $1.3 billion settlement for an oil exploration licence in Nigeria. According to an article by CNBC, it was alleged that although the funds were paid to the Nigerian government, the money actually went to Malabu Oil and Gas — a company linked to the former oil minister, Dan Etete. Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, and four ex-Shell managers also faced charges of international corruption in Italy, where prosecutors allege that they were aware that payments would be pocketed by individuals rather than the Nigerian government. Stabroek Block partner, Hess Corporation, is also caught in the limelight with these tainted bidders. Reports show that the Government of the U.S Virgin Islands had in 2015 sued Hess Corp. for more than $1 billion, alleging that the US company abandoned a massive oil refinery it had pledged to operate through the year 2022. According to details from an article by Canadian Business, “the complaint alleged a pattern of misconduct by executives at Hess, which operated with Venezuela's state-owned oil company what was once the world's largest refinery before closing it in 2012. It said Hess conspired to strip the facility's assets in order to leave the government with claims against a broke, polluted and inoperable refinery.” One other oil trader vying to sell Guyana's crude is Vitol SA. This global top oil trader, which is based in Switzerland, was implicated

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Conservation International Guyana pulls out from US$10M Exxon funding - move reportedly over concerns about oil companies' poor environmental practices

K

aieteur News has learnt that Conservation International Guyana (CIGuyana) has recently pulled out from a US $10 million funding from oil giant, ExxonMobil, due to the companies' poor environmental practices. ExxonMobil Foundation, in July 2018, had stated that they will contribute US$10 million to a new collaboration with CI-Guyana and the University of Guyana (UG) to train Guyanese for sustainable job opportunities and to expand community-supported conservation.

According to ExxonMobil Guyana, the investment was intended to support Guyana's Green State Development Plan which was labelled as the country's 15-year development plan that aimed to diversify Guyana's economy and balance economic growth with the sustainable management and conservation of the country's ecosystems. Exxon was to provide the funding over a five-year period. The initial grant money was to fund a feasibility study driven by Conservational International (CI), (Continued on page 13)

Throwback to the signing of the Agreement between Exxon and Conservation International-Guyana in 2018. From left to right: Head of the ExxonMobil Foundation, Kevin Murphy; Communications Representative of CI-Guyana, Sara Bharrat; Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Ivelaw Griffith; President of Conservation International, Jennifer Morris; Vice President of CI-Guyana, David Singh and Technical Director of CI-Guyana, Curtis Bernard.

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Conservation International Guyana... From page 12 through its affiliate, CI-Guyana, to further define the details of the programme. Once defined, Conservation International Guyana and the University of Guyana would deliver the education, training, research and retention programmes that would help ensure that economic growth reinforces Guyana's environmental development goals. After the initiative was launched on August 20, 2018, CIGuyana had come in for flak for entering this partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation due to the contrast of the two companies; with CI-Guyana being a carbonreducing, conservation organisation while ExxonMobil is a carbon releaser that has been accused of denying the impact of fossil fuels on climate change. Contacted last night, Executive Director at CI-Guyana, Curtis

Guyana Bernard, would only confirm via email that, “CI and the ExxonMobil Foundation terminated the grant agreement that was signed in 2018 which was indeed intended to fund conservation and sustainable development initiatives.” However, a source with knowledge of the pull out stated that it was due to the oil giant's poor environmental record.

Exxon has been under increasing pressure recently with regard to the company's environmental practices. As of Friday, according to online media outlet, Bloomberg Green, ExxonMobil was suspended from the Climate Leadership Council (CLC), a procarbon tax group backed by conservation groups and some of

the world's biggest corporations, including CI. The move comes just weeks after an Exxon lobbyist was secretly recorded by Greenpeace saying that the oil giant only voiced support for a carbon tax because it knew such a policy would be almost impossible to implement. “After careful consideration, we have decided to suspend

ExxonMobil's membership in both the Council and the Americans for Carbon Dividends, our advocacy arm,” CLC Chief Executive Officer, Greg Bertelsen, said in a statement. Exxon's CEO, Darren Woods, reportedly apologised for the lobbyist's comments at the end of June, saying that the comments in no way represent the company's position and reiterated support for a carbon tax. The oil explorer already was under intense investor pressure to bolster emission-reduction efforts after an activist investor won a key boardroom battle that replaced a quarter of the directors. Exxon had stated that the CLC's decision is disappointing and counterproductive and that it will in no way deter their efforts to advance carbon pricing, of which they believe is a critical policy requirement to tackle climate change.

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Brazil's Bolsonaro fans judiciary flames, calls top judge 'son of a whore' BRASILIA - (Reuters) Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Speaking to supporters in southern Brazil, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. The insult was uttered during a live broadcast shared on Bolsonaro's Facebook account but later deleted. Copies continue to be shared on social media.

Justice Barroso, speaking at a forum on electoral systems after the comments, said that if his actions were causing such a nuisance, it was a sign he was doing his job properly. Bolsonaro has railed for weeks against the electronic urns used in Brazil and pushed for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former U.S. President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses next year's presidential election. He has threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed. With his popularity

Jair Bolsonaro

Luis Roberto Barroso falling after overseeing, the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll,

opinion polls show Bolsonaro trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio

Lula da Silva, though neither of them has officially announced they will run.

Early last week the Supreme Court approved an investigation into the president's unfounded accusations about voter fraud. O n F r i d a y, S e n a t e President Rodrigo Pacheco criticized Bolsonaro for his attacks on the Supreme Court and offered to mediate, saying the president's insults against Barroso were unacceptable. Pacheco said Bolsonaro must respect the results of next year's election even if he fails to change the all-electronic voting system - which the president groundlessly claims is vulnerable to tampering.

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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! I

n case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our entire nation.

SUNDAY The Cossacks are coming. All Guyana should be frightened, with the PPP Cossacks and this Natural Resource Fund that they are bringing from Kazakhstan. The next thing Guyanese would know is that PPP leaders went to Transylvania, had a talk with Count Dracula, and come back here to suck more blood from Guyanese. Out of nowhere, PPP leaders went and found a NRF in Kazakhstan and want to use that as the model for Guyana. Kazakhstan is a place where political leaders have enriched themselves by using provisions in their NRF to rob the population. This is what PPP leaders want to do here. Rob Guyanese blind. Enrich themselves. They taste blood from this oil. Now, like Dracula, they want more. MONDAY It is now one year since the PPP/C Government is in office and Guyana continues to suffer from a transparency deficit, especially in the oil sector. The country is yet to have proper production reports

regarding the Stabroek Block oil, ExxonMobil's Local Content Reports continue to be hidden from the public's eye, and the last audit report on close to US$1B spent by ExxonMobil remains cloaked by veils of secrecy. To President, Irfaan Ali, and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, this is not what you promised! This is not what the people voted for! It is time you honour their promise to ensure Guyana's oil sector is illuminated by transparency and accountability! TUESDAY The PPP government rushes ahead with drilling. But it drags its feet on new petroleum laws. Why the mucking around and mamaguying around? Why is the coalition opposition not saying anything, applying no pressure? Who controls them (both political sides), if not Exxon? Who controls the EPA, through the PPP government, if not Exxon? Guyanese: how long are we (YOU) going to put up with this nonsense? WEDNESDAY

ExxonMobil has caught some of our political leaders real good. Exxon sits back and smirks: NO RING FENCING PROVISIONS! This means the company gets to charge and pass on old costs, inflated costs, unverified costs, costs on future projects and maybe even some imaginary costs to the Guyanese people. Despite calls to change this state of affairs, our leaders remain silent! Why are we making ourselves such a laughing stock in the eyes of ExxonMobil? THURSDAY Take a quick look at Guyana and its oil. Updated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): NO! Ring fencing provisions: NOOO! Modernising petroleum laws: No! Transparency with oil and gas reports: No, No, No! Take more nonsense from Exxon: YES! Thank you, PPP leaders (Opposition, too)! FRIDAY 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. SATURDAY Governments in this country have a knack for dealing with losers. There was the Amaila Falls project and look who

they got to lead the way. There is oil and we are dealing with bankrupts and those who shelter under the law to dodge responsibility for the damage done. The PPP took two rich oil blocks and give them away secretly to people, who knew nothing about oil, and may not have even had a proper shirt on their backs. Come on Guyanese, open your eyes to the pattern!

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ActionCOACH Guyana …The network helping local companies and business grow and achieve success By Rehanna Ramsay

A

and went to work on filling that gap,” he said. Since then, under the auspices of Dr. Doerga and his dedicated team of over 12 staffers, ActionCOACH Guyana became the only International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 certified educational institution and business Development Company in the nation. It falls under the umbrella of A c t i o n I N V E S T CARIBBEAN INC. (ACI), which is also ISO 9001:2015 certified and provides quality mentorship and training to over 500 local business owners, executives, and managers and staff, offering them the insight and training

ctionCOACH Guyana, an educational institution and business d e v e l o p m e n t c o m p a n y, provides unique services to help local businesses, business strategies, which entrepreneurs and companies help to create new jobs in develop and achieve success. Guyana. It offers individuals and To date, the company entities step-by-step boasts thousands of techniques on how to individuals who have been manifest their success goals directly impacted by its with the assistance of services, resulting in clarity experienced and and growth. Through its accomplished business business coaching, chief trainers and coaches. The executive officers (CEOs), company, which started in managers and those in 2014, is the brainchild of leadership positions can get Guyanese entrepreneur and the freedom and lifestyle they business development coach, Dr . “I had worked with the Upper Corentyne Chamber of V Commerce and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce i s and a list of other places where I helped to provide

Dr. Doerga (second from left) and the ActionCOACH Guyana team. looking to achieve some personal, business and team alignment with her staff to help achieve the business goals. The businesswoman noted that she received the motivation she needed to help her achieve her objectives. “I would definitely recommend coaching because coaching brought the guidance, clarity and drive I needed to push me and the business in the

questions to bring out the ideas in you and of course I see myself and the business growing exponentially and as the years roll on, increasing our product line, increasing our market reach and really standing above all others in the industry. And with the help of ActionCOACH, that is very, very possible because you are being held accountable, you are being taught new strategies,” the

support for local businesses but I realised there was a need for a facility that offered business development and so I brought the Action Coach Franchise and went to work on filling that gap.” h nu Doerga. Dr. Doerga explained that the idea to start a coaching entity was developed after he recognised a need for business training facility while functioning at various capacities in corporate Guyana for many years. “I had worked with the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and a list of other places where I helped to provide support for local businesses, but I realised there was a need for a facility that offered business development and so I brought the Action Coach Franchise

they need to achieve their set goals.The company, which is headquartered at Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, also offers similar service to NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and Governmental agencies in Guyana. Among its host of services, ActionCOACH offers leadership development, corporate training, and behavioural assessment reports for personal and business growth.According to Dr. Doerga, the company has been helping to drive the local economy by being directly or indirectly responsible for the pursuit of innovation ideas and

Dr. Doerga engages students at a coaching event.

s ought when they first went into business for themselves. ActionCOACH trains entrepreneurs and business leaders to achieve a business that can thrive on its own, so that they can have time to pursue other goals. Via its website, the company displays testimonials of individuals in the micro, medium and largescale companies that have experienced the positive impact and growth using its service. Among those featured, is the CEO of Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Avia Lindie, who noted that when she signed up for coaching with ActionCOACH she was

Founder of ActionCOACH Guyana, Dr. Vishnu Doerga. direction which I wanted to go,” the CEO said. Another beneficiary of the services of ActionCOACH is businessman, Andre Cummings, who connected with the business development institution in 2016. In his testimonial, Cummings noted that “What drew me to ActionCOACH is…they speak about getting better at business, they speak about creating a profitable enterprise that works without you.”“And if you look at the testimonials that ActionCOACH has, many, many businesses – small, medium and large – will talk about the development and how working with ActionCOACH changed their business from the ordinary to the extraordinary.” The results were rewarding. “Over the years, my business has grown tremendously. Not only my business but my personal life as well,” he said. “Having an ActionCOACH, they really ask you the right

businessman added. Caribbean Motor Spares, an auto sales company that has been expanding its reach across Guyana in recent years, attributes its significant growth and development to the guidance a n d s u p p o r t o f ActionCOACH as well.“Our foundation as a business certainly was made stronger through the implementation of the policies, processes and systems supported by t h e m … B e f o r e ActionCOACH Guyana, we were as every other regular business in the market. Today through intense learning and development, Caribbean Motor Spares stands tall in professional and courteous customer service, systems and regulation. We are proud of ActionCOACH Guyana. They have the skills, attitude and capacity to support businesses in growth and development, Hardial Doobay, General Manager at Caribbean Motor Spares Guyana reported.Joshua Kissoon, the CEO at Techlify

Inc. expressed similar sentiments. He noted that with the assistance of Dr. Doerga and his professional team, he was offered multiple professional coaching and training services to grow his personal attributes and business. Kissoon noted that the experience helped to nurture h i s l e a d e r s h i p , communication, management and decisionmaking qualities, while extensive training aided in improving effective rapport building. Another success story relates to the charismatic p r i v a t e s c h o o l o w n e r, Camille Deokie, the proprietor of Camille's Institute. The teacher-turned entrepreneur noted she was worried about how she would survive when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the closure of businesses and schools last year.However, with the intellectual capacity and networking support ActionCOACH brought to the table, her business was able to achieve in one year what we had planned for three years - in spite of the pandemic. “The things we accomplished in a short period of time – growth, systemising the business, time management, goal setting, working towards ISO certification – justify the partnership with ActionCOACH,” Deokie said.The private school director is confident that the budding Oil and Gas industry will create many opportunities for the economy as well as the education sector as institutions move towards providing training in Oil and Gas and meeting the general education needs of a growing and diverse population. As such, with the guidance of ActionCOACH Guyana, Camille's Academy is working tirelessly to become ISO certified in the near future, thereby creating history as the first school locally to be dubbed ISO

Sunday August 08, 2021

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety. SUNDAY NORWAYS 44IN PIPELINE COSTS US$3.8M PER MILE, GUYANAS 12IN PIPELINE TO COST US4.7M PER MILE The worlds longest underwater Natural gas pipeline is some 725 miles long and was constructed at a cost of some US$2.8B or just about US$3.8M per mile for a pipeline that is about a meter in diameter. The Langeled Pipeline delivers 26 billion cubic meters (900 billion cubic feet) of Natural gas to UKs National Transmission System each year; the price tag came in at 1.7 billion pounds (US$2.8 billion). At the time of completion, it was longest sub-sea pipeline ever built with a diameter of 44 inches. Guyanese were given an estimated cost for the pipeline during a media briefing held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the local head of the gas-toenergy taskforce, Winston Brassington, disclosed that the offshore pipeline and riser are projected to cost some US$630M while the onshore pipeline will run from Crane, West Bank Demerara, to the Wales termination point would amount to some US$100M. Guyana is paying just about US$4.7M per mile for its 153 miles of pipelines, according to official figures touted by the gas-to-shore taskforce. As such it would mean that Guyana is earmarked to pay about 25 percent more per mile than the amount it cost Norway to build Langeled, and for a pipeline that is, at 12 inches in diameter, significantly smaller. The Langeled Pipeline project included the construction of a new gas terminal at Nyhamna to process the gas coming from Ormen Lange. A consortium now exports Natural gas from Nyhamna to Easington on the east coast of England through this state-of-the-art marine pipeline. Building the pipeline was said to come with immense technological challenges since the North Sea bed is not a flat bottom but is a treacherous series of channels, trenches, and ridges and it has cyclical plate tectonic events, not to

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mention a number of existing pipelines. It plunges to depths of 5 km (3.2 miles) making water pressure a significant factor in design and construction. As such, an autonomous underwater vehicle, Hugin, a product of Kongsberg Maritime, was employed to survey the seabed, using advanced radar to determine the most cost effective route. With an understanding of the features and hazards, design engineers went to work on plans to allow a 44inch pipe, with 25mm (1-inch) thick walls, to negotiate the terrain while minimising impact on fisheries and ecosystems. In order to lay the pipeline, a remotecontrolled underwater excavating vehicle called the Nexan Spider, capable of moving underwater mountains, prepared the seabed floor. Three million tonnes of rock was brought to areas of the sea floor to level the terrain where needed. The pipeline was built using 100,000 pipe sections, each coated in asphalt to reduce corrosion and a stability coating of concrete. Two pipe laying ships, including Solitaire, the largest pipe laying ship in the world, laid 8 km (2.5 miles) of pipe a day. Once the pipe was laid, deep-water hyperbaric welding teams welded the pipes together from inside a watertight enclosure called Pipeline Repair Habitat. The project was completed in 2006 after three years of work and both Norway and the UK have benefitted enormously from the project; the UK receives about 20% of its Natural gas directly from the pipeline. Meanwhile, despite public consternation over the feasibility and environmental impacts related to the Guyana Project, the Stabroek Block Operator has begun geotechnical and geophysical pipeline route surveys within Guyanas Exclusive Economic Zone, along the Demerara River and off the Demerara Coast. The survey area is approximately 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometres) from the Coast of Guyana and covers an area of 457.4 square nautical miles (1568.9 square kilometres). This exercise is scheduled to conclude on October 15, 2021, and will incorporate the use of the OSV Cape Davis, which will display the international signal for vessels engaged in such activities. MARAD had said this operation would incorporate the use of the vessels MV Wise Fox, MV Risen Star and MV Sealand Chirp, which will all be

displaying the international signal for vessels engaged in such activities. The purpose of the surveys is to inform the most ideal route for the proposed Natural gas pipeline. The massive project includes the construction and operation of a pipeline that will transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MSCFD) of dry gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to an onshore Natural gas processing plant which will drop the pressure of the gas, dehydrate it, separate out propane, butane and pentanes +, and treat the gas to the specification to be received by a planned 200 Megawatt power plant. The project site lies approximately 23 km upriver on the West Bank of the Demerara River on abandoned sugarcane fields. The project is expected to pave the way for a massive industrial park to be established at Wales, which is expected to stretch across over 10,000 acres of land while the pipeline will terminate at Crane. Exxon is currently conducting a number of public scoping meetings across Guyana ahead of the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the proposed gas-to-energy project. The EPA had previously anticipated that the project is expected to affect a vast portion of the surrounding environment in one but or another, and consequently requires an Environmental Impact Assessment to be done. EXXONMOBILPARENT COMPANY DEMANDS MILLIONS IN FEES FROM GUYANAS OIL …MONEY IS DEDUCTED ANNUALLY FROM OILAS RECOVERABLE EXPENDITURE Guyana has a signed Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which holds a 45 percent stake in Guyanas Stabroek Block, together with its partners Hess Corporation Guyana and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). EEPGL, is incorporated in a known tax haven the Bahamas with a registered office in Guyana and is the company commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana the operator for the Stabroek Block. To date, the expenditure for which the company

deducts through the sale, of as much as 75 percent of the crude produced in the Stabroek block, has in large part remained in the domain of the partners and has never been shared publicly. A recent study on Guyanas Oil and Gas industry and the economics involved by Tom Sanzillo, Director of financial analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), has uncovered that EEPGL in fact pays its parent company ExxonMobil Corp. based on Texas USA a hefty Parent Company Overhead (PCO) fee. A PCO fee is described in business circles as a fee charged by an operator to its co-venture partners in respect of costs of support services from its parent organisation such as Human Resources security and procurement services, and is most commonly charged on the basis of a percentage of all other sums charged to the joint account. According to Sanzillo in his analysis, EEPGL prior to

2020 paid over US$73M in PCO fees to its parent company. Sanzillo in his July 2021 report said, that EEPGL paid ExxonMobil Corp. US$35M last year and will this year fork over US$4M more, or US$39M in PCO fees. Next year, Sanzillo predicts the fee being paid to the US based parent company to increase to US$53M and then US$64M the following year. Slated to collect US$93M in 2024, it would mean that by the end of the next three years EEPGL would have paid over to the Texas based ExxonMobil Corp. almost half a billion US$ in fees, or US$360M total. Sanzillo s analysis reviewed the pre 2020 period up to 2024. This publication had reported that Sanzillo in his findings had found too that another of the expenditures for which Guyana is being charged a hefty amount relates to the interest being charged on the loans contracted by EEPGL. He had found that on the interest alone that is being

paid by the company through recoverable cost oil, the country prior to 2020 had paid U S $ 1 4 3 M . For 2020, according to Sanzillo, interest on loans accounts for US$229 and this year, he projects the amount to be some US$336. Guyanas total share from production in the Stabroek Block is projected at US$226M, a difference of US$110M. Based in his projections, by 2024, Guyana would have had to repay some US$2.8B on loans for projects that had been approved up to July this year the month the analyst report was published. According to Sanzillo, next year, he is projecting that the payment for interests would amount to some US$488M, while the countrys total take for that year would be US$434M or US$54M less. For 2023, Sanzillo projects governments total share to increase to US$905M while the US oil major will utilise some US$661M from cost oil to use for interest on loans. In 2024, the financial analyst predicts total earnings for (Continued on page 26)

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From page 25 Guyana to be US$1.3B while the interest payments alone for that year would amount to U S $ 9 4 6 M . The total recoverable costs, according to Sanzillo, are currently far in excess of annual gross revenue from production. He observes in his analysis that a portion of gross revenue goes to retire development costs in addition to paying for operations and profit and the remaining unrecovered balance is carried over each y e a r . ”It is generally assumed that as each year passes, new wells (Liza Phase 2 and Payara) could be added and revenues grown commensurately.” It was noted too that robust annual revenue payments to Guyana will be delayed as additional development costs are added to the cumulative unrecovered balance. MONDAY TWO OUT OF FIVE COMPANIES VYING TO AUDIT \]EXXONS COSTS AFFILIATED WITH OIL GIANT Since issuing its invitation in April for interested companies to submit bids to audit ExxonMobils 2018- 2020 costs, five entities come forth in hopes of being selected for the job. These companies are: Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants; Rosa, Correia & Associados (RCA) Inc. in partnership with Swale House Partners; Gaffney Cline and Associates in partnership with Squire Patton Boggs; Calender Law Firm; and Eclisar Financial and Professional Services. Upon a preliminary review of the companies vying to verify ExxonMobils costs, Kaieteur News has discovered that at least two out of the five interested companies and/or their primaries are associated with the United States oil giant. One would recall that in January 2020, Bayphase, a company headquartered in the United Kingdom, was hired under the former APNU+AFC administration to review the Field Development Plans (FDP) for Payara — Exxons third development offshore Guyana. During that same period, Kaieteur News had reported that the company was not only a client of ExxonMobil but even a number of its primary contractors are working in Guyana. These included NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), Schlumberger

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Kaieteur News

and Technip FMC. This paper had shown too that Bayphase never gave any unflattering reports on its clients. Kaieteurs research has also found that Gaffney, Cline and Associates Incorporated also has links to ExxonMobil. Gaffney Cline and Associates Incorporated, is a consultancy firm that has been in the business for some 50 years. On its website, it boasts of its work, which “enables energy companies and governments to navigate economic and technical uncertainties by providing creative and practical solutions”. According to a biography on the Natural Resources Forum, the Principal Commercial Manager of Gaffney Cline, Ryan Perreia “brings over 12 years of experience in the energy sector, from industry and advisory roles, with majors (ExxonMobil) and operators (Centrica Energy), as well as working with joint venture parties and national oil and gas companies.” Kaieteur News is unaware of whether these companys ties would disqualify them from winning the contract. However, the Consultant is required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest arising out of other assignments. The expression of interest of this project relates specifically to the consultancy for Cost Audit under Sub-Component B.1 of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project that is funded by a US$20M World Bank loan. The assignment for cost audit will also require the provision of on-the-job training to the staff of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and other agencies as directed by the Government of Guyana on the audit process. Furthermore, the company selected would be expected to assess the impact of the audit on future Profit Oil revenues. The duration of this assignment is expected to be four months, commencing June 2021. The Consultants physical presence would be required, as agreed by the Client, for at least 30 days of the four months and as set out in the Implementation arrangements. Importantly, local firms with the required skills, qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply for this consultancy. Wherever necessary, the government said

that the eligible partnership that exists between a local and international firm that can perform these tasks should be expressed in an application. TUESDAY PRES. ALI SAYS GOVT. HAS BEEN TRANSPARENT IN OIL AND GAS SECTOR - BUT STILL TO RELEASE CRITICAL REPORTS After being sworn into office on the heels of a most tumultuous General and Regional Elections in 2020, the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had pledged that transparency would be one of the key hallmarks in the oil and gas sector. But after one year of being in office, a noticeable information deficit still persists. To date, Guyanese have not seen a single Local Content Report, which ExxonMobil submits to the government on a quarterly basis, production reports on the Stabroek Block have not been released, and the report on the audit of US$460M ExxonMobil claims was spent pre-2015 in search of oil remains cloaked in secrecy. Also hidden from the publics eye despite a promise that it would be released, is a report that was done by Canadian consultant, Alison Redford. The former politician who is tainted by scandals regarding the misappropriation of tax dollars had spearheaded the review of the Field Development Plan (FDP) for ExxonMobils US$9B Payara project in the Stabroek Block. When asked to say when Guyanese can expect to see transparency on the foregoing matters, Ali during a virtual engagement with the press Monday said, “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, any change in any agreement, it has been shared with the public.” Ali continued, “Many of the areas you outlined, the government itself is identifying technically competent support staff that would come on stream with us in the new structure we are designing for the sector to do the analysis in all the areas you have outlined and to present their findings to the population.” The Head of State added, “We recently advertised for various posts within the unit and it is our hope that very soon, we can put together the structure and the team to further enhance our work in having an open and transparent system of management and information sharing in the oil

and gas sector.” Ali said too that his government is currently working on a website, which would house all the production, expenditure, and revenue collection details on the oil sector. He gave no timelines for when this would be completed or when the reports Kaieteur News enquired about would be released. EXXONMOBILS LOCAL CONTENT REPORTS Since assuming office, neither the President, nor his Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has ensured the release of ExxonMobils local content reports despite calls by this newspaper and other stakeholders. In fact, Monday made one year since the Ali government has been in office and the public is none the wiser about the ExxonMobils true performance on hiring and training locals and using indigenous products and services for the period 2016 to 2021. These reports, which are yet to be seen by the public, are produced in accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that was signed for the Stabroek Block. Article 18 of the PSA specifically states, “Within 60 days prior to the beginning of each year or part thereof as applicable, the Contractor and the Minister shall provide a yearly plan for the utilisation of qualified Guyanese resources for the upcoming year. Following the submission of the plan, the Contractor and the Minister shall meet to discuss and consider the effectiveness of the plan.” Since being in office, the PPP/C Administration has said nothing about its engagements with ExxonMobil on this front, especially as it relates to the local content utilisation plan for 2021. Article 18 goes on to state, “The Contractor shall provide half-yearly reports submitted within 30 days after the end of each half-year to the Minister outlining its achievements in utilising qualified Guyanese resources during the previous half-year and make appropriate adjustments to the yearly plan to better accomplish the goal of increasing the qualified resources available for use by the Contractor in its Petroleum Operations and other entities performing petroleum operations in Guyana.” To date, neither the Head of State nor the Vice President has disclosed these reports for the public to peruse and hold the oil companies accountable. Neither has also informed the nation about whether they reviewed previous local content reports

submitted by Exxon and partners and whether those were satisfactory and in keeping with the PSAs call for increased use of Guyanese services and skills. US$460M PRE-CONTRACT COSTS Upon reviewing reports pertaining to the audit of US$460M ExxonMobil claimed was spent prior to the discovery of oil in 2015, a reliable source during a recent interview with this publication, deemed the findings to be “an abomination”. In fact, the source urged this newspaper to challenge the government to make the audit report public, as it would expose how many loopholes have been left unaddressed. Kaieteur News used the opportunity Monday to do this but the President did not say when the report would be released. This publication had previously reported that the audit of the pre-contract costs was done by IHS Markit, a British firm, at a cost of US$300,000 ($62.6 million) in 2019. The contract had to be extended in May 2020 at no cost, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, former Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe, had said this was mainly due to flight restrictions. Following the audit, a final report was awaiting comments from ExxonMobil for some time but those have been received. The source

had said it is quite saddening, especially in the interest of transparency and accountability, that the government has been silent about the results thus far. The reputable industry stakeholder who is also a trusted advisor to the administration further noted that the political opposition should utilise the powers of special select committees on natural resources to demand answers on these audits which will cost Guyanese taxpayers billions of dollars. The government advisor further questioned, “If these reports are not made public, how else will the Guyanese people know that the company selected for these audits did their job and gave the country value for money? How else will the public be able to have confidence that the government can be trusted to be a prudent overseer?” EXXON TO RENT MORE HELICOPTERS …GIVES INTERESTED PARTIES TWO WEEKS TO CLEAR FIRST HURDLE Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has contracted a fleet of helicopters from Bristowan international air transportation company specialising in helicopter servicesbut with its ramped up activities in (Continued on page 27)

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From page 26 Guyanas Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the company is now looking to secure the services of additional suppliers. According to the invitation for interested parties, EEPGL intends to establish an enabling agreement for the provision of offshore helicopter and passenger handling services. EEPGL said, it is looking to “identify suppliers who can provide air transportation in support of offshore exploration, development activities.” Notably, the “suppliers will be required, but not limited, to supply appropriate aircraft.” This is in addition to supplying, “ground support equipment, furnish competent crews and personnel operated by them, and maintain aircraft and associated facilities provided by EEPGL. ExxonMobil made the request for information for potential suppliers on July 29 last, with potential suppliers being given a little over two weeks to clear the first hurdle by having their submissions in by August 13. The new agreements being proposed by EEPGL will inherently evolve into fullfledged contracts, to be paid from cost oilup to 75 percent of crude produced in a given month. The request by ExxonMobil comes at a time when more information is coming to light with regard to the operational and other expenses being undertaken by the oil company. To date, the expenditure for which the company deducts through the sale, of as much as 75 percent of the crude produced in the Stabroek Block, has in large part remained in the domain of the partners and has never been shared publicly. This publication reported on one such set of previously

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unknown publicly expenses on Sunday last that was documented in a recent study on Guyanas Oil and Gas industry and the economics involved by Tom Sanzillo, Director of financial analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), that ExxonMobil Guyana in fact, pays its parent company ExxonMobil Corp. based in Texas, USA a hefty Parent Company Overhead (PCO) fee. A PCO fee is described in business circles as a fee charged by an operator to its co-venture partners in respect of costs of support services from its parent organisation such as Human Resources security and procurement services, and is most commonly charged on the basis of a percentage of all other sums charged to the joint account. Another set of expenses reported on by this publication relates to the rental of supply boats. ExxonMobil Guyana is currently seeking three classes of specialised supply vessels to support its offshore operations. The company currently has an active request for information for the provision of multi-purpose support vessels, platform support vessels, and fast support vess e l s . The company, in making its request, indicated that EEPGLExxonMobil Guyana subsidiaryplans to put in place an enabling agreement(s) for the provision and operation of multipurpose support vessels(MPSVs), platform support vessels (PSVs), and fast support vessels (FSVs) for offshore activity in G u y a n a . The company in its invite noted that the delivery dates for the supply vessels would be October 1 or January 1, 2021, depending on the type of vessel being provided.

This publication had also recently reported that ExxonMobil Guyana is currently utilising 24 supply vessels to support its drilling operations at the Urau-1 well in the Stabroek Block at a cost of some US$1.3M daily. This is for each of the vessels being rented at a cost of some US$55,000, as neighbouring oil producers, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, spend some US$12,000 for the rentals of their supply vessels. According to a recent notice by ExxonMobil, the 24 vessels it recently rented were to support its drilling operations in the Stabroek Block, this time using the MODU Stena Carron to spud its Urau-1 well, some 101 miles offshore G u y a n a . That drilling area encompasses an area of 0.29 square miles and mariners are being warned to stay clear of the vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vic i n i t y . The supply vessels being employed to support the drilling activity include Gary Rook, Russell Bouziga, Robert Adams, Seacor Nile, Sanibel Island, Jack Edwards, Holiday, C-Installer, Kirk Chouest, Roger White, Charlie Commeaux and the Ted Smith. Others being employed are Paradise Island, Seacor Demerara, Clarence Triche, Seacor Congo, Horn Island, Russell Adams, Seacor Murray, Seacor Amazon, Seacor Mixteca, Emily Day McCall, Michael Crombie and Guyana Hero. Kaieteur News has since been reliably informed that according to the company s contracts, they are to be paid whether the vessel is used in a day or not. WEDNESDAY AMAILA FALLS HYDRO PROJECT UNSUITED FOR GUYANAS ELECTRICITY DEMANDS …WHY INVEST US$1B, FOR SO LITTLE POWER? - DR. KWESI SANSCULOTTEGREENIDGE The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is attempting to resurrect one of its failed flagship projectsthe Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP)but eminent critics have already begun to not only question the rationale behind the move, but its location and cost effectiveness altogether. These concerns have been raised since official pronouncements on Guyana s projected electricity note that the proposed project at 160

megawatts (MW)and as adumbrated on Tuesday by Head of State, President Irfaan Aliwould not suffice. The suppositions were proffered recently by Dr. Kwesi SansculotteGreenidge, who in a recent public missive, noted that “there are a number of questions around the AFHEP that still need to be answered specifically, around the cost, location, scale, and the rationale.” Dr. SansculotteGreenidge in publicising his reservations noted that in terms of the financials and location, “one has to ask why Amaila,” since “the site is not connected to any major artery, nor any major development plan. The majority of the Regions inhabitants lives along the Ireng and the Pakaraimas and therefore would not even benefit from the access roads.” He posits, “in essence, the AFHEP would require huge investments in infrastructure leading literally nowhere and connected to nothing.” Added to this, the government estimates that even without a huge jump in industrial output, Guyana would need some 460MW of power by 2025, he observed. According to Dr. Sansculotte-Greenidge, “one had hoped the PPP/C would be able to dream a bit bigger than the previous government” and questioned, “Why not invest in a site that would meet our needs not only now, but also for moderate growth in consumption?” Referencing the Norconsults report on the AFHEP of December 2016, he observed that the study argued that the Potaro basin has potential for other hydro sites, which could also utilise the transmission lines and other infrastructure developed for AFHEP. “Additionally, the Norconsult report explicitly stated that more studies were needed to understand the hydrology of the basin and to assess if there is indeed enough water for one, much less two hydro schemes.” He reiterated, “…while the Norconsult report stated that AFHEP was the best site at around 150MW- the question we now need to ask ourselves is would a larger site make sense?” Dr. SansculotteGreenidge suggested that “when one considers the rapid annual increase in electric consumption, the answer can only be yes.” He noted that the gas-toshore power project at 250MW, plus the Hope Beach Wind farm at 40MW “will give us some breathing room while

we develop a more fit for purpose hydro project.” According to Dr. Sansculotte-Greenidge “Amaila might have made sense in 2011, but the question is, does AFHEP meet the needs of Guyana in 2021 and beyond or will this ole dawg come back to bite us all?” As it relates to cost, Dr. Sansculotte-Greenidge noted that the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that the average investment costs for large hydropower plants typically range from as low as $1,050/ kW to as high as $7,650/kW. Utilising the AFHEP 2011 price tag of US$900 million for 165MW, he calculates the AFHEP comes in at around $5,500/kW. This he asserted is expensive by global standards. President Ali in an address to the nation marking his one year anniversary in Office, spoke to the importance of energy sufficiency, reliability, affordability and sustainability, and said “your government has commenced investment in the energy sector, aiming for a new generation capacity of at least 500MW in the immediate term, with the option to expand this further in the longer term.” To this end, he pointed to the proposed “gas-to-shore project terminating at the Wales Development Authority, which will see 250MW of new power generation constructed; the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project which will deliver another 160MW of new power; and solar generating capacity which will also be installed to deliver at least 30MW of power…” ‘TRUE COST’ OF COVID-19 VACCINES UNKNOWN ...AS GUYANA SPENDS $2.2B TO DATE PROCURING COVETED DRUGS — HEALTH MINISTER While Guyana has already expended some $2.2B on vaccines meant to combat the

novel Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, the true cost of the vials of medicine is not known on the international markets, since “countries were required to sign confidentiality agreements that prevents the disclosure of price.” The situation obtains, since governments have been outbidding each other to get access to the vaccines, among other factors. At least, this is according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who, during Tuesday’s sitting of the National Assembly, responded to enquiries made by A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Shadow Minister for the sector, Dr. Karen Cummings. The opposition member had sought to query from the Minister whether the administration had in fact managed to procure enough of the coveted COVID-19 vaccines in order to contain the outbreak domestically and to achieve herd immunity. This is in addition to ascertaining from the Substantive Minister, the factors that influenced the purchase of the AstraZeneca, Sputnik V and Sinopharm in preference to Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. To this end, Dr. Anthony informed the House through a written responsethat while there was an agreement with COVAX for vaccines to cater for some 20 percent of the population, “COVAX had difficulty fulfilling this commitment because of the global shortage and funding difficulties.” As such, he disclosed that this quota has not been filled. Speaking directly to the Moderna vaccine, the Health Minister informed the House that in the early part of the year, that company could not export the vaccine to other countries because of export restrictions and supply commitments to the US Government. As it relates to the Pfizer version of the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Anthony said that (Continued on page 28)

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From page 27 the company had made bilateral commitments with more affluent countries, and that doses from that company would only become available from next year. According to the Health Minister, there has been a global shortage of the raw materials used for the production of the vaccines, and that this too, has led to lower availability. Compounding the situation, Dr. Anthony informed the House that increased domestic demand for vaccines as manufacturing countries experience surges of cases due to new strains, has led to countries stopping exports in order to fulfill their domestic demands. According to Dr. Anthony, these factors, among others, “have contributed to vaccine inequity, where many of the richer countries have been able to vaccinate their population while poorer nations struggle to acquire vaccines.” As it relates to the amount of money spent thus far, Dr. Anthony informed the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the government “has spent approximately $2.2B Guyana dollars on vaccine purchase and logistics of getting vaccines to Guyana.” THURSDAY EXXON & PARTNERS TO RAKE IN US$42.7B IN OIL FROM STABROEK BLOCK BY 2024 …AS COUNTRY PAYS US$100M MORE IN TAXES FOR OIL COMPANY THAN IT EARNS IN ROYALTY By the end of 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana is slated to receive some US$42.7B representing 85 percent of the take from some 555 million barrels of oil scheduled to be produced from the Stabroek Block during that periodrepresenting recoverable costs such as expenses and profits. Guyanas take during the same period in contrast, sees the country earning some US$3.7B total, US$653M of which 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 taxesforegone revenue from ExxonMobil Guyana. The taxes projected for Guyana to pay by the end of 2024 amounts to some $653M. These are among some of

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the startling revelations documented in a recent analysis conducted by Tom Sanzillo, Director of financial analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). According to Sanzillos finding, development costs alone to be recovered by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)ExxonMobil Guyanaduring 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. This publication had recently reported that among the monies being deducted as part of the recoverable expenses through the sale, of as much as 75 percent of the crude produced in the Stabroek Block, has in large part remained in the domain of the partners and has never been shared publicly. The recent study on Guyanas Oil and Gas industry and the economics involved by Sanzillo, had uncovered that EEPGL in fact pays its parent company ExxonMobil Corp. based on Texas USA a hefty Parent Company Overhead (PCO) fee as part of its recovery f e e s . A PCO fee is described in business circles as a fee charged by an operator to its co-venture partners in respect of costs of support services from its parent organisation such as Human Resources security and procurement services, and is most commonly charged on the basis of a percentage of all other sums charged to the joint account. According to Sanzillo in his analysis, EEPGL prior to 2020 paid over US$73M in PCO fees to its parent company. Sanzillo in his July 2021 report said, that EEPGL paid ExxonMobil Corp. US$35M last year and will this year fork over US$4M more, or US$39M in PCO fees. Next year, Sanzillo predicts the fee being paid to the US based parent company to increase to US$53M and then US$64M the following year. Slated to collect US$93M in 2024, it would mean that by

the end of the next three years, EEPGL would have paid over to the Texas based ExxonMobil Corp. almost half a billion US$ in fees, or US$360M total. Sanzillos analysis reviewed the pre 2020 period up to 2024. This publication had reported too that Sanzillo in his findings had found that another of the expenditures for which Guyana is being charged a hefty amount relates to the interest being charged on the loans contracted by EEPGL. He had found that on the interest alone that is being paid by the company through recoverable cost oil, the country prior to 2020 had paid U S $ 1 4 3 M . For 2020, according to Sanzillo, interest on loans accounts for US$229M and this year, he projects the amount to be some US$336M. Guyanas total share from production in the Stabroek Block is projected at US$226M, a difference of US$110M. Based on his projections, by 2024, Guyana would have had to repay some US$2.8B on loans for projects that had been approved up to July this year the month the analyst report was published. According to Sanzillo, next year he is projecting that the payment for interests would amount to some US$488M, while the countrys total take for that year would be US$434M or US$54M less. For 2023, Sanzillo projects governments total share to increase to US$905M while the US oil major will utilise some US$661M from cost oil to use for interest on loans. In 2024, the financial analyst predicts total earnings for Guyana to be US$1.3B while the interest payments alone for that year would amount to U S $ 9 4 6 M . The total recoverable costs,

according to Sanzillo, are currently far in excess of annual gross revenue from production. He observes in his analysis that a portion of gross revenue goes to retire development costs in addition to paying for operations and profit and the remaining unrecovered balance is carried over each year. “It is generally assumed that as each year passes, new wells (Liza Phase 2 and Payara) could be added and revenues grown comm e n s u r a t e l y . ” It was noted too that robust annual revenue payments to Guyana will be delayed as additional development costs are added to the cumulative unrecovered balance. 16 CIVIL SOCIETY BODIES UNITE AGAINST GAS-TO-SHORE PROJECT …SAY OIL PROFITS MUST BE PASSED ON TO CITIZENS, NOT PAY FOR QUESTIONABLE PIPELINE Several civil society bodies are calling for independent, Guyanese-driven energy consultations in relation to alternatives, especially given the uncertainties and likely cost overruns, in addition to environmental and other yet unknown impacts, from the proposed US$900M gas-to-shore energy initiative project. “The implications of building the pipe-line need to be appraised objectively and transparently and compared with renewable and sustainable energy options.” This, since the current, “piecemeal announcements on construction of a gas pipeline and other mega infrastructure projects in the already congested mouth of the Demerara River is generating

widespread public exasperation.” The foregoing sentiments were expressed in a recent joint statement endorsed by a number of civil society bodies including: Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Guyana’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana), Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB), Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), East Coast CleanUp Committees (ECD7), Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous People (GOIP), The Benab Foundation, Red Thread, Rights of Children (ROC), Silent Walls Mural Project and the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana. According to the grouping, “it is uncontested that the gas pipe-line is eminently unjustifiable in terms of Guyanas energy needs which can be summarised as replacement of Bunker-C fuel as the main source of electrical energy.” According to the civil society bodies, justification for the pipeline has to rely on providing energy to a range of new industrial projects, “which as yet have not been identified, much less justified.” As such, “in the absence of such projects, constructing a gas pipe-line is equivalent to building the run-way before determining whether an airport is feasible.” To this end, the organisations have since called for a systematic, inclusive and transparent consultation process on energy options available to Guyana. Economics Addressing the finances related to the project, it was noted that over-estimating benefits and under-estimating costs of large-scale infrastructure projects is routine worldwide and that nine out of 10 roads, bridges, tunnels and railways built over the past 70 years were estimated by an Oxford University study, to average cost over-runs of 30 percent and upwards. “The more spectacular international over-runs include the HS2 rail project in the UK, which will absorb costs similar to building hundreds of new hospitals or thousands of secondary schools. Dams built in China, India and Pakistan averaged over 90 percent cost over-runs.” It cited as example too, that “similarly the iconic Sydney Opera House bankrupted everyone associated with its construction, including the architect; the Denver airport, the San Francisco Bridge, the list goes on.” Guyana, the group noted,

“could add the Skeldon Sugar Factory, Amaila Falls and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as our national contribution to this dismal list of mega-miscalculations.” It was pointed out that “these calculations relate to relatively standard projects on land” and “against this pattern of miscalculation, the US$900M price tag on the underwater proposed gas pipe-line is notional at best and the risk assessment is 90 percent certain to be 30 percent higher at least.” The group remarked too that, “one of the many unknowns of the project is the impact on the deep sea. The deep sea is the most difficult area on Earth to access. To date, far fewer humans have explored its deepest regions than have walked on the moon. It is also extremely vulnerable to human disturbance. No one can predict the repercussions of a deep-sea gas-pipeline. Scientists believe that as many as 10 million species may inhabit the deep sea.” To this end, the joint missive reiterated, “The citizens of Guyana will be paying the bill for which the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) will likely be the first port of call for financing the pipe-line.” That Fund, the organisations reminded, “…consists entirely of proceeds from the sale of oil which as a shared natural resource inheritance belongs entirely to future generations of Guyanese people.” Dividends The grouping was adamant, “the current generation has a right to the interest generated by the Fund which should be distributed in some form of citizens dividend; how that dividend is to be shared and the Fund managed is another consultation longpromised but not yet delivered.” The catalogue of serious challenges posed by a gas pipeline is lengthy, the group reiterated, citing as “most pressing,” the economics such as cost, markets, longevity factors in addition to climate related hazards from flaring, methane leaks and emissions. According to the grouping, “It is incumbent on Guyanas civil society to coalesce around more acceptable positive alternatives to Guyanas energy needs.” Adamant that determining acceptable alternatives cannot be limited solely to the convenience of the current generation of Guyanese, nor driven by industrial and commercial considerations alone, the grouping suggests, “Decisions of this nature must (Continued on page 29)

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From page 28 include our obligations to future generations of Guyanese and also to resolving the worlds climate crisis.” FRIDAY GOVT. DOES NOT NEED EXXONS FIBRE CABLE TO MONITOR OIL PRODUCTION …PRES. ALI LIVING IN DREAMLAND, MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR INDEPENDENT SCRUTINY TIGI Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), has lambasted Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, over his recent assertion that the Administration will rely on ExxonMobils US$50M fibreoptic cablebeing laid to connect its onshore and offshore activitiesfor real time information on production, to say there currently exists a plethora of alternatives to independently monitor the operations. TIGIs Alfred Bhulai, in a recent public missive fired back at Presidents Alis assertion of his administrations 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 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

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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 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 fibreoptic 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 fibre-optic cable, we will expect even better data. Let them not make more fools of us.” US$900M GAS-TOENERGY PROJECT… GUYANA MUST DECIDE IF IT WANTS TO BECOME ANOTHER TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INTL EXPERT ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana are determined to quickly develop and monetise 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 nations economic growth and development. However, there are risks that lie in the pathway of both sides realising 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 Radios Programme, Guyanas 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 decarbonisation. “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 Guyanas 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 utilise 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 industries. “It is once you get into the details that you realise that oh well I am willing to sacrifice a little bit of that green model to get some of the Trinidad economic prosperity,” expressed the international expert. She noted at this point, that this is where the question of Guyanas move to utilise 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 into a carbon intensive energy use.” Dr. Marcel emphasised 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 have that full energy 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-toenergy project. She alluded that while it may seem in the short term, an effective fix to the countrys energy woes and addressing carbon intensity rates, the long-term implications can be way more troubling. SATURDAY EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT OF OIL COMPANIES IS WHERE GUYANAS NEEDS TO BE INTL EXPERT As Guyana continues its preparations for the oil sector, Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, is of the firm view that focus should be on the oversight of oil companies. Dr. Marcel

made these and other remarks during her first appearance last year on Kaieteur Radios programme called Guyanas Oil and You. There, Dr. Marcel said that Guyana needs to outline the rules by which the operators are to work. She said these have to be laid out along with having pellucid policies to guide the sectors development. The Chatham House Associate Fellow said, “So for example, what is Guyana going to do about flaring and what are the rules for it? In some stances, there are rules, but the rules have to be better developed I think and then also, I would say building the i n s t i t u t i o n s . ” Dr. Marcel said that in light of the size of the discoveries, there is certainly a justification for establishing a regulatory agency for the petroleum sector. This was supposed to be in the form of a Petroleum Commission but the legislation to bring it into being remains stuck in a Parliamentary Select Committee. Dr. Marcel said it is important that Guyana begins to build the regulatory capacity needed for the oversight of costs as well as capacity within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ”But it all takes time. It has only been five years and it is a lot to develop in such a short time, so kudos to Guyana for doing as much as it has. It is a big challenge, because Exxon is on a quick pace of development by industry standards and it is difficult for government to keep up and get all the agencies and policies up to date,” the Chatham House Associate Fellow stated. While there is still much for Guyana to get done, Dr. Marcel was keen to note that the nation has done some things right. In this regard, she said that it has demonstrated that there is a vision for the use of the oil resources. Dr. Marcel commented that a vision is an important component in managing the sector, since the purpose for the resource is not in question. “So that is very good,” the Petroleum Governance Expert added. In terms of revenue management, the official said that the Ministry of Finance has done good work, as it has laid out the rules for spending versus saving. She also lauded the creation of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), which she deemed to be an important aspect of preparedness for the oil sector. Moreover, Dr. Marcel was keen to point out that the authorities need to be mindful of the challenges that could come with spending the oil (Continued on page 30)

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From page 29 money. She alluded to the fact that Guyana has to ensure the right programmes for the effective spending of the money would need to be in place. She noted that there are several examples around the world, TimorLeste being one of them, where the respective agencies were unable to spend the full budget they received. That only led to more issues. Dr. Marcel said that Guyana may very well face this challenge; and therefore, preparations to guard against this would be prudent. EXXONMOBIL SUSPENDED FROM INTL CLIMATE COUNCILIT HELPED FORM ExxonMobil Corp. has

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Kaieteur News

been suspended from the Climate Leadership Council following a secretly recorded video that showed one of the

companys lobbyists detailing its strategies to delay climate action. Exxon was among the first corporate backers of the centrist group, known for its advocacy on a carbon fee and dividend proposal, but the sting tape released in June cast significant doubt on the companys support for carbon pricing. “After careful consideration, we have decided to suspend ExxonMobils membership in both the Council and Americans for Carbon Dividends, our advocacy arm,” CLC and Americans for Carbon Dividends CEO, Greg Bertelsen, said in a statement. “We continue to believe that we will establish lasting climate solutions by bringing together a broad and diverse group of stakeholders who can work to-

gether to address this enormous challenge.” The suspension, first reported by Bloomberg, and then by E&E News, stems directly from the secret recording of Keith McCoy, a senior director for federal relations at Exxon. McCoy told a group of Greenpeace activists posing as headhunters that the company only supports carbon pricing because Congress lacks the “political will” to pass it. The tape raised suspicions that Exxon had been supporting groups like the Climate Leadership Council to green wash its public image while it continues to produce more fossil fuels. It has become part of a wider congressional investigation into the fossil fuel industry, with House lawmakers looking to bring McCoy in for testimony. Exxon, for its part, disavowed McCoys comment and says it will continue to advocate for the policy. “CLCs decision is disappointing and counterproductive,” Exxon spokesperson,

Casey Norton, said in an email. “It will in no way deter our efforts to advance carbon pricing that we believe is a critical policy requirement to tackle climate change.” Exxon had given $1 million to the group in 2018. While thats a fraction of the companys total lobbying budget, it did mean the company was offering direct financial support for a specific plan to address climate change. The CLC and its sister organisation advocate for the socalled Baker-Shultz proposal, which would slap a fee on carbon emissions starting at $40 a ton, with revenues returned to the public via a dividend check. Exxons membership has ended, but the CLC plans to allow the company to reapply later. CLC had initially defended Exxon after the sting tape dropped in June, noting that the company had “helped bring other organisations on board in support of carbon pricing.” But a CLC official said the incident initiated an internal review that

resulted in the suspension today. The companys name and logo has been removed from the groups website, which still features tags for its other corporate members, including BP, Shell and Total. The Alliance for Market Solutions, another carbon tax group that gets financial support from Exxon, defended the company today. Executive Director, Alex Flint, said Exxon has “always characterised a carbon tax as an essential part of a longterm climate policy.” “When ExxonMobil is involved, the discussions about energy and climate policy are serious, and serious climate conversations frequently conclude that a climate policy based on a carbon price is preferable to one dependent on regulations and subsidies,” Flint said in an email. (https://www.eenews.net/articles/exxon-suspendedfrom-climate-group-aftersting-tape/)

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Cheddi Jagan would not have done these violent things to me Frederick Kissoon

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Sunday August 08, 2021

Rotary Club of G/Town Central conducts Kimbia outreach

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i t h Community Service being one of Rotary's Avenues of Service, Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC), visited the Kimbia Community on the Berbice River to conduct reconnaissance for the development of internet and library facilities at the Kimbia Primary School. The two-day visit, according to a release the Club issued, took place during the Emancipation holiday weekend and Rotarians also took the opportunity to carry out a medical outreach and distribute supplies to residents. During the visit, Rotarians met with parents, school-aged children and teachers at the Kimbia Primary School. More than 40 children were provided with back-to-school supplies including backpacks, pencils, rulers, erasers, sharpeners, exercise books and water bottles. Prenatal care packages were also distributed to pregnant mothers. The residents also benefitted from the services of medical personnel within the Club who provided

pressure tests and gave medical advice to those experiencing various ailments. Under the guidance of these practitioners, medication and supplements were also issued to those in need. Included in the group of Rotarians who visited the community were an Electrician and an IT Specialist, who were able to restore the electricity supply to the school's computer laboratory, which was powerless since the start of the year. The school's computers and printers were also serviced and made operable after they were out of service for an extended period. The President of the RCGC, Jeffrey Walcott, expressed delight at the opportunity afforded to the Club to once again reach out and offer needed assistance to the residents of Kimbia. He indicated that in keeping with the Rotary District 7030's mandate to curb childhood obesity, the Club will lend support to outfit the school's playground with equipment. Teachers and parents alike expressed heartfelt

RCGC Service Project at Kimbia Primary School. gratitude to the Rotary Club for choosing to serve in their community. The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, the release added, extends special thanks to companies and organisations that stepped forward and donated supplies for distribution to the community of Kimbia – these included the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT), New Era Book Store, Soigné by kashifbrowne, Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc. and the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Health.

President, Jeffrey Walcott, addressing the residents.

Rotarian, Dr. Dason McKenzie, providing medical advice.

Distribution of medication and supplements to residents.

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Coronavirus: By avoiding vaccination, you're a risk to yourself and a “friend” of the virus By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

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here has been uproar worldwide as governments implement measures to protect the wider population against this evolving virus. Most of the uproar comes from persons who choose not to be vaccinated and feel disadvantaged by the measures being implemented. I have been fighting the fight and risking my life and that of my family from day one of this pandemic. Like so many health workers who are in similar situations, I longed for the day when vaccines will be available so that we can overcome this virus and get back to some semblance of normalcy. I never thought that the biggest challenge would have been to convince persons to take their vaccines so that we can win this war against COVID-19. There is enough data now that COVID-19 vaccines work and is our best weapon against this deadly virus. I am not sure why so many persons are choosing to put their lives at risk by avoiding vaccination against COVID-19. Today I wish to focus on the unvaccinated and help them to understand the risks they are taking when they

choose to not be vaccinated. You're a risk to yourself Data released from numerous studies have been showing that those who are dying from COVID-19 are predominantly the unvaccinated. Before the vaccines, one's risk of dying had more to do with their age and if they had medical conditions that weakened their immune system. The virus has evolved since then and the healthy and younger unvaccinated populations are dying more every day. Even if you do not believe in the data being released, make your decision based on facts and not assumptions. There are enough deaths from COVID-19 recently that you can go around and speak to relatives of the deceased to ascertain their vaccination status. I am at the frontlines and I will guarantee you that you will not be able to find people dying from COVID19 who were properly and fully vaccinated. By avoiding vaccination against COVID-19, you are priming yourself to be a “hot” target for the virus and suffer from its devastating effects. You're a risk to others While we worry for those that are unvaccinated, we worry even more of the risks they pose to the wider society.

The virus feeds on the unprepared and uses them to multiply and mutate into stronger forms. The virus will not go away once there are persons that are unvaccinated and have an unprepared immune system. It will “feed” on them and use them to spread to others and evolve into forms that will at some point, become resistant to vaccines. When one chooses to be unvaccinated, they are destroying the progress being made by those in society that chose to be vaccinated. We are now in a time where an unvaccinated person becomes a moving target for the virus and a public health threat to society. You're adding unnecessary tension to the health system It is not easy as a health worker to be fighting this war for so long and put up with all the challenges associated with being in a pandemic. We are tired and overworked and are looking forward to the end of this pandemic more than most, since we are the ones that have faced the brunt of the effects of the pandemic more than any other. It is not easy to remain normal when we have to see our patients suffer daily and suffocate to death from this dreaded virus. We have so many scars and are pleading to you to get

vaccinated so that you do not have to be in our memory like the many others that suffered from this virus. If you get vaccinated, chances are extremely favourable that you will not

be hospitalised or die from this virus. You are therefore helping us by allowing us to focus on others that are very sick from non-COVID-19 related conditions. We do not want to see you beg like many others to be vaccinated when they are hospitalised from COVID19 and cannot tolerate the suffering that comes with this disease. We prefer you to be vaccinated beforehand and never see you as a patient. We don't want to see you suffer when you have a choice. We prefer to use our time to help those who didn't have a choice and are suffering from other nonCOVID-19 conditions. You're now a “friend” of the virus This virus has taken millions of lives and we all should want to eradicate it. Mass vaccination will

achieve this goal and the faster we get vaccinated, the likelier we are preventing lives from being lost to this virus. Every day we avoid vaccination, is a day we have enabled this virus to continue along its deadly path. It is sad, but we are at a stage in this pandemic where our choice determines which side of war against COVID19 we are on. We are either on the side of defeating the virus by being vaccinated or on the side of enabling the virus by being unvaccinated. The war against COVID19 can come to an end soon or it can continue for the foreseeable future. We have the winning formula; it is in the form of vaccines. Get vaccinated and let's defeat this virus and exit this pandemic before it's too late.

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Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

The Evolution of Eyelashes: From Ancient Needling to Eyelash Extension Domination By Latoya Zephyr Hey lash babes, well weve certainly come a long way when it comes to the beauty industry...more so with lashes and extensions and lash lifts. So lets learn of the fascinating history of eyelash enhancements. 1. Ancient Beginnings Greater societys eyelash fascination dates back to Ancient Egypt where androgyny was all the rage as both men and women coveted tinting treatments, ointments, and brushes to achieve fluttery, voluminous and fanned-out lashes. As time progressed, thousands of early Roman women endeavored to have the longest lashes as humanly possible after famed philosopher Pliny the Elders assertion that long lashes were a direct result of being chaste and of maintaining upright morals. In the 19th century, women took the famous quip that “beauty is pain” to the extreme as needling lashes to ones own eyelid became a popular practice throughout European cities. Interestingly enough, nearing the end of the 1800s, there were recorded historical accounts of eyelash extension experimentation with failed attempts of gluing lashes to the upper lashline. 2. 1900s: From the Silent Screen to the Masses. Hollywood film giant D.W. Griffith became an eyelash pioneer while shooting scenes for his directorial work, Intolerance, back in 1916. Upon watching outtakes of silent film actress Seena Owen, Griffith decided something visually lacked. The director’s solution to said problem included transforming Owens eyelashes into a more “supernatural” form. The crews resident wigmaker was commissioned to gluing human hair lashes onto Owens lash line with spirit gum as the lash adhesive. As expected, Owen suffered a mild reaction as a result of using the spirit gum.Luckily, they got the right shots before the eyelid progressed in the reaction. 3. 1940s & 1950s: Stunning Starlets & Remodeled Materials Golden Age film icons including Rita Hayworth, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Gene Tierney proudly sported falsies during Hollywood outings and for major

photoshoots. Fake eyelashes became a staple in makeup artists kits as falsies elongated and opened clients eyes. More innovation came about during the 1950s when eyelash warehouses swapped human hair for plastic materials to mold fake eyelashes (which is still a widely used practice today). The cateye look came into being in this decade. 4. 1960s, 1970s, & 1980s: Young & Fun Lashes. Departing from a more classic Hollywood glamour look, the 1960s paved the way for bold, experimental, and daring makeup styles. Among the makeup trends included dramatically lengthened upper lashes with an added emphasis on the lower lash line (sometimes additionally painted on via the use of liquid eyeliner). Iconic supermodel Twiggy was known nationwide for her doll-like eye look and penchant for wearing stacked fake eyelashes. Like most trends, falsies faded for a brief period during the 1970s and 1980s (although “Goddess of Pop” Cher continued to don her favorite lash styles during her onstage performances). 5. 1990s & 2000s: Bombshell Beauty & Mainstream Monopolization. The era of the 1990s experienced a resurgence of public interest in falsies after popular models such as Cindy Crawford, Anna Nicole Smith, and Pamela Anderson achieved an elegant bomb-

shell look in the bat of an eyelash. In the 2000s, falsies became a multimillion dollar industry as they started being manufacturedinternationally and sold in the likes of drugstores, high-end department stores, and online retailers. 6. Modern Era: #InstagramGlam In the early 2000’s, semipermanent lash extensions were innovated in South Korea & Japan, as strip lash wearers looked for a safe solution to have their lashes last longer. Extensions did not come to the U.S. until a few years ago. Kim Kardashian, reality star and contour queen, has popularized the more everyday glam aesthetic embraced by millions of young women worldwide. Lashes now have become a must-have for the current Instagram generation. Semi-permanent lash extensions finally provide a way to give natural looking lashes that would not just peel off. Lash addicts love the ease of lash extensions - you wake up with your lashes looking perfect! For clients who want the added effect of looking like they have permanent eyeliner, they can ask their lash artists for flat lash extensions. A d d i t i o n a l l y, l a s h lifts+tints have significantly progressed with innovation, giving even more options for those who want perfect curl with low maintenance. For lash novices, eyelash extensions and lash lifts are now the best, most innovative method in the beauty industry for long lashes.

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Apothic Red: The perfect wine for a night of endless possibilities Inspired by Apotheca, a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century, the wines of Apothic are truly unique in style and taste. Apothic Red defies traditional blend conventions by delivering the unexpected in every sip, redefining the Red Blend category with a distinct and bold twist. The Blend - Apothic Red is made out of a blend of Zinfandel, which has dark fruit notes, Syrah, which has hints of boysenberry, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which both have luxurious layers of black cherries. A Bold & Smooth Style With notes of black cherry, vanilla, mocha, and a tinge of mischief, this exquisite combination entices the senses with seductive intensity and a luxurious texture. Be sure to enjoy this selection for a night of endless possibilities.

The Not-So-Colourful Butterfly By Stacie Eirich

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nce, there lived a not-so-colourful butterfly named Sunny. She hadn't started out that way. She began life as a colourful caterpillar – pea green and mustard yellow with black spots. She climbed trees with her caterpillar friends, May and June. Sunny loved climbing, and she loved munching on leaves, right after the rain when they were ripe and juicy. But what she loved more than anything was to tell stories. Her stories were full of adventure – pirates,

witches, wizards, brave heroes who fought dragons and princesses who spoke their minds. She loved to sit in her tree and weave tales to the other caterpillars, spinning a magical story web around them. She told them in sun and shade, and by the light of the moon. Her friends loved to listen but agreed that Sunny was, well – strange. Or at least, different from them. Sunny dreamed of the day when they would spin into a chrysalis, beginning their transformations into butterflies. Sunny imagined her wings with rainbow colours sparkling in the sunlight. One day, when the first Spring buds were forming, Sunny curled into a candy cane shape, hanging upside down from a branch, and began to spin her chrysalis. After two weeks, Sunny popped out in excitement. She imagined how beautiful her rainbow wings must look. She flew down to a stream not far from her tree, peering into the water at her reflection. “No!” she gasped aloud. She couldn't believe her eyes! Staring back at her was a butterfly dark as night, with no bright colours. This was not what she had imagined at all! No, no – this would not do. What would her friends say when they saw her?Butterfly shocked by reflection in water

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She couldn't bear to find out. She lowered her head and flew high up in her tree. If only I could be a caterpillar again, she thought. The sun rose higher in the sky as she sat thinking all day, thinking so hard that she didn't even notice when the sun set and May and June perched down on a branch beside her. “Wow, what big wings you have!” May said. “You look like the midnight sky,” said June. “We've missed your stories – tell us one please!” “Yes, tell us one!” May

Junior page Foam Ball Octopus Craft Craftymorning.com Materials Needed: ·Googly eyes ·FloraCraft Make It: Fun Foam Balls ·Purple paper ·Scissors/Glue ·Sequins ·Purple paint Start by cutting off a piece of the styrofoam ball on the bottom so it sits flat. Place the ball in the center of a sheet of card stock paper and have them draw 8 wiggly legs. Cut out the octopuses legs and have them paint the ball purple (or any color they want). While the ball dries (ours took along time!) have the kids glue on colored sequins to make the octopuses tentacles. Once the ball is dry, hot glue some funny googly eyes on and connect it to the paper. There you have some cute octopuses!

echoed. Sunny hesitated. Did she really look like the midnight sky? She looked up at the dark blue sky above her, dotted with tiny stars. It was beautiful. Sunny let out a breath and began “Once upon a time, there was a not-socolourful butterfly…” As she spoke, she felt just like she had as a caterpillar – breathless, excited, full of adventure and dreams. Sunny smiled. She felt beautiful, just as she was.

FUN WITH POETRY

The clock There's a neat little clock In the school-room stands, It points to the time With its two little hands. It is never late to do its work, And always does it with gusto; It tells when us to start And when to stop and go. And may we, like that little clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is always right.

Each 5-square partition must contain all five pictures. Identical pictures may not touch horizontally, vertically nor diagonally. The puzzle has only one solution.

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Development of a Sense of TEEN TIME Belonging largely depends on one's own efforts Although your sense of being accepted as a person depends largely on those from whom you most expect to get this personal acceptance, everyone has the responsibility to do his/her part in this effort. To develop this vital sense of belonging within an environment which is safe and leading them in the right direction, teenagers will need to involve themselves in three areas, the first of which we discuss this week:1.The creation of an accepting environment in which they are supported by their peers. This can be achieved by getting involved in organisations which are geared toward providing some service to themselves and to others. As members of an organisation, all have the obligation to contribute towards achieving mutual understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all others. It must be remembered always that other persons have the same emotional needs as we have and, as we must help them to satisfy these, we will be able to benefit in the same way. Everyone must be treated as equals, even though some would be in positions of

authority, which would help all to feel accepted for what they are. Membership of a worthwhile organisation gives a sense of group pride and increases this feeling of belonging. Anytime one feels a part of something larger than oneself, especially if one is doing his bit to keep it running, it enhances this sense and our personal worth. Social and emotional support is essential to the development of selfconfidence in every human being. For those adolescents in whose homes this support is lacking, b e c a u s e parents/relatives are emotionally distant, harshly critical, abusive or neglectful, then it is important that they g e t this br

ace from their peers in a healthy manner. Again, if you experience any feelings of shame, loneliness or sadness, it may be necessary to look for pleasant and respectable friends, especially those who have similar experiences, and whom you can trust and discuss your mutual problems. Ensuring that you do your part in this whole effort towards this sense of belonging will go a long way towards its development.

Sudoku sandwich

Each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column,and 3×3 block. The numbers outside the grid indicate the sum of

the cells sandwiched between 1 and 9 in that row or column. There is only one solution.

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Invictus by William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

Do your part to being a responsible member of an organisation, and you will be rewarded by being fully accepted.

Solutions to last week’s

Kraze Maze

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Home Remedies for Frizzy Hair, Plus Tips for Prevention 1. Apple cider vinegar Healthy hair has an acidic pH level, which ranges between 4.5 and 5.5. When hair's pH balance is in this range, the cuticles remain closed and flat. When hair gets too alkaline, cuticles can open up, giving a frizzy appearance. 2. Coconut oil Coconut oil is high in lauric acid. When applied to hair, coconut oil is easily absorbed and can helpTrusted Source add moisture to the hair and reduce protein loss. 3. Argan oil Argan oil is rich in moisturizing agents, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. It also contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E. 4. Avocado Avocado isn't just a trendy toast topping. This superfruit is packed with nourishing ingredients, some of which may help strengthen your hair, like vitamins A and E. It's also packed with moisture, which can help hydrate your hair and tame frizz. 5. Egg Eggs are high in saturated fats, biotin, and vitamins. There isn't much evidence that links eggs to a reduction in hair frizz, but some people believe an egg mask can make hair healthier, shinier, and frizz-free. Hair serum Hair serum coats the hair, providing shine and protection against humidity. Hair serum doesn't heal damage, but it can help protect hair from the elements, helping it retain moisture. Leave-in conditioners are used after shampooing and are applied the same way you'd use any conditioner. The difference is, instead of rinsing out the condition, you leave it on your hair. Leave-in conditioner can help add softness and moisture to hair, keeping it frizz-free. You'll want to purchase a conditioner that's specifically formulated to be left in. A good one to try is the good stuff frizz control oil. Hair mask Hair masks can provide megadoses of beneficial ingredients to hair that may help keep it nourished, moist, and frizz-free. Look for one that's sulfate-free, such as Aveeno Oat Milk Blend overnight hair mask. Tips to prevent frizzy hair Taking care of your hair means taking care of you. The best way to do this is to ensure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet. Poor nutrition can lead to dull hair or even hair loss. Here are more tips for improving your hair's health and reducing frizz: Don't overshampoo. Washing hair too much can dry it out, making it frizzy and unmanageable. Even oily hair should be given a breather between washings. Reduce heat. Heat and frizz go together. Wash and rinse your hair in cool or warm water. This goes for styling, too. Don't use the highest setting on your styling tools. Always protect your hair with an anti-frizz or smoothing cream before styling or blow-drying. Protect hair from humidity. You can't stay inside every time it rains or is humid, but you can protect your hair from the elements. When humidity is high, covering your hair can make it more difficult for hair to absorb moisture from the air. Wear a hat or scarf. Leave-in serums can help too. De-frizz without eliminating exercise. If you have frizzy hair, working out can ruin your coif fast. Cover your hair with a baseball cap or bandana while participating in sports, both indoors and out, and while swimming. Make hair care a priority. Using weekly masks and products designed to reduce frizz can help maintain a sleek look, no matter what the weather or activity.

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The Court A look at fraud charges that landed a Journal former GRDB accountant before the court By Renay Sambach

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n this edition of 'The Court Journal,' I will take a look at Peter Ramcharran's court cases. Ramcharran, 40, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, is a former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). He was slapped with 32 fraud charges after he was extradited during 2019. Ramcharran was extradited from Canada to face fraud allegations amounting to $414M – all of the charges are related to his role at the GRDB. In Canada, Ramcharran had first applied for refugee status. After, he was turned down in December 2017, he sought a review of his extradition process, but this was turned down as well. Ramcharran had reportedly been studying in Canada when authorities swooped down on him in June 2017 following a request for his extradition. Concerning extraditions, it is not often that Guyana is successful in this quest, especially from North American countries. The extradition of Ramcharran would be seen as a huge plus for authorities here who have been insisting that it is a tool in the fight against crime, particularly of the whitecollar variety. After being extradited to face the fraud charges, it was on March 6, 2019, that Ramcharran made his first court appearance. The charges levelled against him alleged that he fraudulently c o n v e r t e d a n d misappropriated funds. The offence took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, at the GRDB's Lot 16-17 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown headquarters.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The six former GRDB board members who were charged.

After going through the trial process, Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, had underscored that she is of the view that Ramcharran intended to willfully deprive the entity of the monies with his unlawful action. During a plea in mitigation, Ramcharran's lawyer, Nigel Hughes, sought to point out that his client's actions had no ramifications on the GRDB, the State or the Ministry of Agriculture. In asking the court to exercise leniency with its punishment, Hughes had said that his client has an unblemished criminal record and is “deeply remorseful” for what happened. In fact, the lawyer told the court that the monies were not stolen; they were just not recorded in the ledger. Ramcharran's sentencing

Police ranks carrying Ramcharran from the prisoners' chute after he collapsed. was handed down based on the fact that the defendant evaded the police for almost

two years, the sum of monies involved and the prevalence of the type of offence. Taking into account the abovementioned, the Chief Magistrate instituted the custodial sentence. During February 2020, he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment after he was found guilty on one of the charges. Ramcharran was found guilty as charged for omitting $145M from the rice entity's ledger. His conviction was one of the first major convictions for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force, which instituted the charges against him. However, in May 2020, Ramcharran's lawyer appealed his conviction and

he was released on $2M High Court bail pending the outcome of the appeal. It should be noted that Ramcharran still faces the other charges. Moreover, the former accountant was heavily implicated in the probe with regards to the six former GRDB board members who were also charged. The officials who were charged are former General Manager of the GRDB, Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General Manager of GRDB, Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Producers A s s o c i a t i o n ( R PA ) , Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company, Badrie Persaud, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance) Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine – in October 2019, Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, dismissed the charges against them. The rice entity was responsible for executing a major oil-for-rice deal worth billions of dollars with neighbouring Venezuela. That deal ended suddenly in 2015 by a hostile Venezuela after the then Coalition Government came into office. A forensic audit, one of several ordered by the Coalition Government, had found several alarming things at GRDB. The GRDB found itself in the spotlight after a forensic

Peter Ramcharran

audit of that entity revealed that among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the administration of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion dollar oil-forrice arrangement, which the GRDB was clearing out for farmers. However, millions of dollars of those monies were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements including rental of ships and other deals for a few millers.

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==CONSUMER CONCERNS== IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES BEING RECOGNISED By Pat Dial Mangroves have always been an important part of the Guyanese Ecosystem and its value as a waterbreak against the ocean was immediately recognised by the early Dutch settlers of the 16th and 17th centuries since they had come from a country, which waged a continuous struggle to keep the sea from inundating their land. Subsequent colonisers and settlers, though they recognised the value of mangroves, were rather nonchalant about them and sometimes villagers who lived on the coast would cut down mangroves for firewood. With the increasing knowledge of ecology over the last two or three decades, the population have come to have an awareness of the value and importance of mangroves. But oddly, it was only within the last two years when the issue became politicised that the population became emotionally committed to

saving the mangroves: The pipeline that would be bringing gas from the offshore oil wells to the installations on West Bank Demerara would necessitate the clearing away of some mangrove and this opened the way for the Opposition parties to raise an outcry against the destruction of mangroves. All the political parties committed themselves to protecting mangroves and their supporters learnt how valuable these trees were. Mangroves are trees and shrubs, which grow along the coastline. Their long roots go deep into the earth and as such are not easily uprooted; they therefore provide a natural sea defence, prevent soil erosion and facilitate soil deposits from the sea that eventually create land. In addition, they provide convenient nesting places for fish and crabs, flowers on which the beekeepers' bees could feed and are an ecotourism attraction. The Minister of

Agriculture, Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, in his message on the occasion of International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems on July 26 last, sums up the value of mangroves to Guyana: "Mangrove Ecosystems play an important role in the flood protection of vulnerable coastal communities. They also provide important ecosystem services such as maintenance of fisheries, c o a s t a l b i o d i v e r s i t y, livelihoods and food security. In Guyana, the mangrove ecosystem provides a range of services to local communities, these include fisherfolk, farmers, beekeepers, coastal ecotourism operators and indigenous communities." Mangrove play an important role in combating climate change since they not only lessen the effects of rising sea levels but also reduce the effects of global warming by removing carbon from the atmosphere,

linking them with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). In 2010, Government entrusted the Mangrove Restoration Project to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) with Ms. Kene Moseley as Project Coordinator. So far, the Project has been responsible

for the restoration of 500 hectares of mangrove. This year $51 million have been committed to the capital programme to support construction of rock and geotextile tube groynes and completion of topographic surveys to monitor the shoreline elevation of Regions Two and Four. The programme of

mangrove protection and restoration will be a success since the Government is fully committed to it and the population is more aware than formerly of its importance. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday August 08, 2021

Guyana records two additional COVID-19 deaths T

wo females - a 79-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 55-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) - are the country's latest COVID-19 related deaths. The Ministry of Health in a statement revealed that both patients died while receiving medical care at a facility. This takes the total number of deaths to date from the pandemic to 556, with 10 persons dying for the month of August so far. Meanwhile, 89 new infections were recorded from 1,535 tests, taking the overall number of

confirmed cases since March 2020, to 22,932. The new infections were recorded in: Region Three (eleven cases), Region Four (55 cases), Region Five (three cases), Region Six (9 cases), Region Nine (10 cases) and Region Ten (one case). There are 18 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 90 persons are in institutional isolation, 698 persons are isolated at home and 5 patients are in institutional quarantine. To date, 21,570 persons have recovered from the dreaded virus.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 08, 2021

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==GNBS IN FOCUS== GNBS' new Oil and Gas Department stringently monitoring measurements of crude onboard FPSO vessel As the National Metrology Institution with legislative responsibilities for ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices in all sectors of the e c o n o m y, t h e G u y a n a National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays an important role in the Oil and Gas industry. To be more efficient in this evere x p a n d i n g s e c t o r, t h e organisation established an Oil and Gas Department in 2021. Inspectors in this Department are responsible for monitoring the custody transfer of Guyana's crude from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore. They are tasked with ensuring the measuring instruments used in the transfer and testing of the crude are calibrated and

accurate, since inaccurate measurements can affect payments for the commodity. There are currently nine Inspectors in the Oil and Gas Department; however, this number will increase as the FPSO vessels offshore are added to meet the demand for oil production. In order to adequately perform their duties offshore, Inspectors were required to undergo stringent training both locally and overseas. Through support of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project, the GNBS has benefitted from the training of several Inspectors to enable them to competently witness the proving/verification of the custody transfer metres used on FPSO vessels.

Two of those training sessions are the Tropical Helicopter Under-water Escape Training (T-HUET) and Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS). These training sessions are important since majority of their journey to the FPSO vessel is over the Atlantic Ocean. T h e T - H U E T programme focuses on escaping from a helicopter following ditching and sea survival techniques while CA-EBS is a training on how to use the Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System. In addition, Oil and Gas Inspectors last month completed an advanced Petroleum Measurement Course offered by the University of Texas at Austin, Petroleum Extension

(PETEX) that was customised specifically for the GNBS. Wi t h a c c u m u l a t e d trainings and experience in the verification of measuring instruments, Inspectors are required to spend 28-32 days offshore on a rotation basis demonstrating their competency. With COVID19, quarantine is required days prior to their stint offshore. While offshore, Inspectors verify the custody transfer meters and pressure gauges during the transfer of crude from the FPSO to the various oil tankers; they inspect storage tanks before and after every transfer, and witness the composite sampling and testing of crude oil to determine the API gravity, density, salt content, H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide) and the amount of

sediment and water in the crude. This by extension determines the net volume transferred to the cargo tanker. As a new oil-producing nation, it is important for state agencies with responsibilities for oil and gas to build capacity to effectively monitor the sector which inevitably will ensure the country receives value for its resources. ExxonMobil and its partners working on the Stabroek Block continues to announce new discoveries, and sees the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop its current recoverable resource balance by 2027. Moving forward, the GNBS Oil and Gas Department will increase its human resources and other capacity to serve on the other FPSO vessels. It will also be

developing its capacity in Gas measurement in the near future, as the Government pursues the Gas-to-Shore project. Further, the GNBS is looking to formalise collaboration with the American Petroleum Institute (API), which would facilitate access to training and standards to be adopted for use in verification and metering. The GNBS Oil and Gas Department functions in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and other Government Agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 2190065 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Dualis PVV 8961 2.5 neg.Tel:677-2542.Own by a Doctor,first owner. One motorbike UH 115 T4 G X i n e x c e l l e n t condition,price $150,000 negotiable.Call:657-0950.

Sale of property at Lot 87DAlbertSt Alberttown.3 b u i l d i n g f r o m Lamaha.24M,Price negotiable.Tel:675-9217. 20 room Hotel on Sheriff St for sale as a going c o n c e r n . P r i c e negotiable.Tel:632-6072. Robb,Charlotte,Norton,Mc Doom,Betterhope ,Enterprise,East Coast,Zeelugt,Uitvlugt & Adventure Essequibo.Ray's Realty,627-9685.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine,Stove etc.Call Nick#630-1600. Book your swedish massage and get a free manicure,Home visits available.Call:623-0594.

LAND FOR SALE C a r m i c h a e l St,Queenstown,Middle Rd,Bartica,Friendship,Garden ofEden,Yarakabra Soesdyke Highway.Ray's Realty 6279685.

WANTED

FOR SALE Pure breed German Shepherd pups,black,tanned & pure white.Contact:6659140. 2&3bedroomhomes. Onderneeming, WBD,Tuschen,EBE H a s l i n g t o n , ECD.Whatsapp:673-6210/ 694-9793. Two houses one yard income generator,Diamond H/SchemeE.B.D.34M negotiable.Contact 6572951/612-9697.

Pilot to fly 172/206 Cessna Xen Aviation.Send a p p l i c a t i o n t o rtilak@adamtiumholdings.com Domestic/Cook.Tel:2235273/74. Male & Female to work in factory.Apply in person R.P'S Enterprise,Area "K" L e R e s s o u v e n i r E.C.D.Tel:220-2818. Welder fabricator for grill work.Call:621-5310. Experienced mechanic and servicemen needed f o r m i n i n g operation.Call:697-2533. Experienced bartender for Bar Lounge,1 experience cook from around Ogle Area.Tel:610-3974. Male & female to work in Interior & female cook.Tel:687-7638/674-1767.

FOR RENT Vr e e d - e n - h o o p junction.Place for hair salon, pedicure, manicure ,other.Call:603-6400.$15,000 per month. 3 bedroom upstairs & downstairs apt Vreed-enhoop,1&2 bedroom furnish in Providence.604-6664/ 682-6238. Business:Hadfield St,Garden of Eden & Paradise.Residence: Meadowbank,Ogle & Paradise.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

Sunday August 08, 2021

Kaieteur News

1 welder/fabricator for inter i o r , $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 monthly.Experience 5 yrs and over.Contact:642-2359.

VACANCY One salesman,5 subject cxc.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking& cashing.Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

Roads in La Parfait Harmonie leave much to be desired, with much danger accompanying Dear Editor, Because I needed surgery, my daughter who lives in Onderneeming, W.B.D, invited me to stay with her for a few weeks. To get into the scheme you drive down the West Bank Demerara Road as far as Goed Fortuin and turn onto the La Parfait Harmonie ‘New Road.’ I was amused when driving down this roadway, I saw vehicles engaging in what seemed to be a computer game. Vehicles were turning out of their lane into the opposite lane and then turning back into their lane, sometimes barely avoiding collision. On observation, I realised that all of this was caused by potholes in the roadway. Drivers going into Parfait along this road need to learn the art of zigzag driving. You zig out of your lane into the opposite lane and then zig back into your lane before colliding. It calls for a lot of skill and might even be introduced at the next Olympics if the Guyana Olympics Association makes representation. My VACANCY Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call:615-9132. Driver Eccles office,Car/Van licence.Call:642-9823. Female cleaner office.Call:642-9823.

for

One clerk for TSI Eccles officeEnglish& Mathematics,grade 1 or 2 . E m a i l application:techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6429823. Factory workers and sale representatives.Must have a sound secondary education.Call:223-0090. For person to assort goods.Apply at Alabama Trading.65 Robb Street Bourda. For security.Apply at Alabama Trading.65 Robb Street Bourda. Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs.Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340. Cashier,Sales representative (in doors),Driver-Lorry/ Canter & Porter.Tel:2275286/609-2995. Email: survival.humanresources@ gmail.com. Receptionist & Room Attendant,25-50yrs.233 S o u t h R o a d Lacytown.Tel:225-2304.

amusement turned into horror when we got into the area known as Onderneeming. Here many of the roads consisted of patches of water and larger patches of land. When I was a young man, I worked along the stretch of the Essequibo River between Anarika and Bootakari. In the dry season, the river was so low that there were patches of deep water and many sandbanks with caimans basking on the sandbanks. This called for skillful navigation. Here in Onderneeming, skillful navigation is also needed. The only things missing are the caimans. When the sun shines here the water dries up, but sadly, the craters remain.

Roads were never built in this part of the scheme. When in government, APNU had allocated a sum of money to build them, but apparently, the money grew wings and flew away. I was informed that when the PPP came into power, Mr. Croal, the Minister of Housing, visited the area and saw no reason to build these roads. This is not a case of repairing roads, but a case of building roads. People are encouraged to go into debt and build nice homes and then the ministry fails to keep its promise to build the necessary roads. GPL has done its part. There is power. GWI has done its part. There is water. The Ministry of Housing has failed miserably. It makes

no sense to talk of building new schemes when the existing ones are not properly serviced. No one seems to know who is in charge. Some say the Ministry of Housing. Some say the NDC. Only the Father knows. I couldn’t help laughing out loud when standing on the veranda. Two of our neighbours’ ducks were gliding around and ducking their heads in a pool of water on the road. We may laugh, but I always say ‘laugh story fuh small bai (or politicians?) ah death to crappo’, and oh! How many poor crappoes live in Onderneeming. If he cares, President Ali can investigate, rectify, and regulate. Sincerely, E.C. Lobert

PPP/C not practicing democracy, but lip service Dear Editor, Democracy is not just about winning elections. It is also about how you govern. Key tenets of democracy are accountability, transparency and good governance. These tenets are not just about how a government feel they are

doing; it is about how citizens feel a government is doing. While the PPP/C Government has been democratically elected, I personally feel that democracy is not being practiced but rather being paid lip service to. What needs to change is that the

PPP/C needs to be a more democratic political party. These are grassroot changes that need to take place before we can expect the PPP/C to practice democracy at a national level. Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

...Failures in Local Government From page 6 meetings of the Commission, ‘he is the Commission’ and under that guise sought to remove the Acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown and appoint someone he deemed fit. There is no such provision in the Local Government Commission Act, Act No. 18 of 2013 as assented to by President Ramotar on November 6, 2013. Faber`s act is ultra vires and unlawful. The Commission has to meet and be quorate before such decisions can be made. Let’s assume he had such authority, and let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Administrative Law has been enhanced and strengthened to ensure that discretionary powers are not exercised arbitrarily or unreasonably. There must be good reason for such decisions. Faber in his phony communication proffered the following: this decision “is to facilitate the Commission embarking on

the process of substantively filling the post of Town Clerk.” Faber would be hard put to explain the nexus between his proclaimed intent and removing the sitting Acting Town Clerk. The intrigue does not end there. It has also been reported that “members were asked at their statutory meeting … to agree to have acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick, revert to her substantive post … due to underperformance” quite contrary to what the letter conveyed and in the absence of any process or finding in that regard. What a tangled web the Chairman seemed to have weaved. It is unfortunate that the Commission and the Chairman in particular, has not given priority to the institutional development of the Commission. The legislation provides for the Commission to make regulations for the conduct of its affairs. Such a development would create the basis for the Commission to

be transparent rather than nefarious in its operations. Rather than giving leadership to the development of local government, the Commission seems to be going down a path of malfeasance and Bad Governance. What is illustrated above is pervasive in the current scheme of Governance and undermines the letter and spirit of the Constitution. The people are constantly schooled about the Rule of Law while those in authority embrace lawlessness. The country is crying out for Good Governance rather than political machinations that are hindrances to human rights and nation building. No amount of wealth generation can substitute for the realisation of human rights and institutional development, which are the corner stones of nation building. Vincent Alexander Former Co-Chair Local Government Task Force

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The Local Govt. and other commissions have fallen way short of expectations DEAR EDITOR, The Local Government Commission (LGC) got our attention last week on the defective manner it appointed a Town Clerk. Likely, within the month, the majority party on the commission will repair this defect and the LGC will cease to make further news — until the next bit of “nonsense,” as Stabroek News put it in its Friday editorial. The LGC is now four years old (granted, the new membership is only months on the job). But from its early days, no signs emerged that the commission focused on how to improve the quality of local governance. Yet, it is one of several constitutional bodies on which taxpayers have spent billions of dollars collectively with little return. I, therefore, call again for an impact assessment of these entities as part of a

comprehensive review of all the 1999/2000 constitutional changes(https://www.stabro eknews.com/2019/10/25/opi nion/letters/we-need-asystematic-evaluation-ofthe-1999-2000constitutional-reforms/). Any fresh round of constitutional reform would be a wishful exercise if not informed by an analysis of the fate of the 1999/2000 amendments. But to focus for now on the LGC and the other commissions. They have not delivered as envisioned for several reasons: (i) The nation has lost sight of, and the enthusiasm for, the transformative role these commissions were set up to fulfil, as discussed during the multi-stakeholder constitution reform process of 1999. To illustrate: the mission of the LGC extends far beyond mundane staff appointments. It encompasses proposing

policies and practices to promote effective local governance, as well as enhancing the capacity of local government organs (see section 13 of the LGC Act). Similarly, the Ethnic Relations Commission's (ERC's) mandate reaches as far as pursuing the enactment of specific legislative and administrative measures to entrench equality of opportunity and nondiscrimination in public entities. Blame for this loss of vision and appetite must rest with the political parties and the several civic organisations that sat on the reform commission (such as the TUC, the religious organisations, and the private sector). U n f o r t u n a t e l y, commissions, once up and running, hardly rose to overcome this problem. (ii) The mechanisms to appoint commissioners have

turned out to be flawed. For the LGC, the mechanism whereby the government and the opposition parties select 7 of the 8 commissioners has led to the LGC being no more imaginative than the respective party headquarters. For the ERC, WGEC (Women and Gender Rights Commission) and the other rights commissions, the multi-stakeholder mechanism has produced commissions with weak expertise and narrow focus. The mechanism used to appoint the public procurement commissioners may have avoided these jeopardies by requiring them to have relevant knowledge. The best approach may lie in a marriage between stakeholder representation and expertise; (iii) Appointees do not work full time on commissions. Other jobs are their main preoccupation and income.

However, the mandates of these commissions are too large for part-time commissioners; (iv) The shortness of tenure (3 or 4 years) and the sloth of (re)appointments have dented institutional c o n t i n u i t y, c a p a c i t y building, and memory. The ERC, for example, was dormant from 2007 until resurrected by the Coalition government in 2015. At present, several commissions have no appointees; (v) the secretariats of commissions have not evolved beyond performing mostly routine administrative duties. As such, they have not accumulated technical capacity in the subject area of commissions, such as in human rights, conflict resolution, or good governance; and (vi) only on rare occasion has there been public pressure on commissions. The starkest

example is the recent public outcry over the ERC's apparent impotence during the 2020 WCB incident. To be sure, many good citizens have served and continue to serve as commissioners. But time and politics have reduced the grand mission of these entities to mere sideshows. To recapture the spirit that inspired their founding would require untypical Guyanese drive and creativity. At least for now, let's start by asking the LGC that the next time it makes news it must be to inform us of the measures it is taking to, for one, building the technical capacity of local government councils and, for two, ensuring the government increase the paltry subvention to councils by several million dollars next year. Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe

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Sunday August 08, 2021

Sheltez Tennis Camp set for August 9-20 The Sheltez Tennis Club’s two-week Tennis Camp will be held from August 9-20 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the National Park. Entrance fee for the 4-10 year age group at the Sports Hall is $3,000 and will run 911AM, while the National Park Camp cost $5,000 to enter and caters for the age group of 11-18 and will be conducted between the hours 11AM to 2PM. The Camp is open to all skill levels; Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced and two weeks of fun and tennis is eagerly anticipated. National Tennis Coach Shelly Daley informed that those desirous of registering

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for tomorrow’s camp can call telephone number 642-5672. “This is our club’s second camp for the summer. The first one ended on the 30th July and was attended by 25 kids. We are hosting another twoweek camp and the same locations and hope to attract more kids to join” disclosed Daley Daley said that since tennis is not a physical sport and can be played within the required distance, the players are safe and all COVID-19 protocols will be followed. “Lifebouy brand is on board once again to make sure the kids are sanitized and safe at all times, while our other sponsor is Rohit’s Hardware Store.” (Sean Devers)

can say I’m the best in my weight,” Sürmeneli said. “I’m going to work to stay the best.” Galal Yafai and Stoyka Krasteva also won gold in their respective flyweight divisions at the Kokugikan Arena. Yafai claimed the powerhouse British team’s first gold at his second Olympics, while the 36-year-old Krasteva capped a surprisingly dominant run at women’s flyweight with Bulgaria’s first boxing gold since 1996.

...USA Men’s Basketball team National Tennis Coach Shelly Daly

Sunday August 08, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your energy might turn toward beautifying your home. Perhaps you've decided to repaint or go in a completely new direction in your decorating taste.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're naturally a kind, compassionate person. Today your feelings are likely to be focused not only on those close to you but also on all the world's population.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A number of loving communications may come your way from people who live in distant states or exotic lands. You're feeling especially affectionate now, Taurus, particularly regarding those closest to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) With today's planetary aspects, Scorpio, you're likely to feel a rush of love. This includes love for family, friends, partner, and all life forms. The reality of spiritual advancement through love is all around you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A small amount of money might come your way today, Gemini. It could be a gift, dividend, or bonus. You may want to squander it on gifts for yourself.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're feeling especially loving and passionate, and likely to want to pursue a romantic encounter with the special person in your life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You should feel and look great today. Your charm and social skills are at a high level, and your joviality and gift for conversation should make you a welcome guest at any social event.

...Knockout punch: Brazil’s From page 67 actually scored two of three rounds for Gu, whose punch-and-hold style can be infuriating to watch and to counter, but those scorecards were even because Gu was docked a point for holding. Sürmeneli has been one of the world’s top fighters over the past two years, losing only one bout since 2019 — and that was a split decision during which she got injured. “There are really good boxers in every weight, but I

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a great time to form or strengthen romantic relationships. If you aren't involved, chances are you will meet someone. If you are, expect your relationship to develop a new spiritual bond.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your psychic abilities and imagination are operating at a very high level, Leo. You face other people with a profound, spiritual love. They will return it!

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is an ideal day to begin a creative venture. You've had many ideas and creative urges. Today it's time to choose one and take the first step to making your vision a reality.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some friends associated with a group you admire might take you to some kind of rally. This could be a lot of fun for you. You could make some new friends. You're naturally inclined toward humanitarian concern.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your naturally loving nature gets a boost today, Pisces. You could look especially attractive, so don't be surprised if you draw admiring looks from strangers. Romantic novels and movies could seem appealing now,

From page 66 say about the Slim Reaper when he decided to leave the Bay Area and take his talents to Brooklyn by signing with the Nets. More from ESPN: “Kevin Durant is exactly who we thought he was,” said Draymond Green, who won two titles with him in Golden State as well as the 2016 Olympic gold. “He’s one of the greatest players to ever play this game. One of the most special guys you’ve ever seen lace their shoes up and take a basketball court.”

As for Fournier, who propelled France over the Americans earlier in the tournament, he had trouble overcoming the stifling defense of 2021 NBA Champ Jrue Holiday. He scored 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, ESPN reports. You love to see it. Now let’s take that excitement and positive momentum and shower it on the USA women’s team, who will play against Olympic host country Japan for their SEVENTH consecutive gold medal Saturday evening.

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Sunday August 08, 2021

Hassan gets 3 distance medals in amazing Olympic odyssey

T

OKYO (AP) — By the time she reached the 65th and final lap of her eight-day Olympic odyssey, Sifan Hassan’s neck had seized up and she couldn’t turn her head. She could barely breathe and she couldn’t feel her arms anymore. As she neared the end, she couldn’t see properly and thought “why did they move the finish line?” Her legs knew right where it was. Deep into her sixth race across three distances that covered more than 24 kilometers on Tokyo’s sweltering Olympic track, Hassan burst past worldrecord holder Letesenbet Gidey to win the 10,000meter gold yesterday. “I have never gone deep like I have gone today,” Hassan said. No one has. Two of her medals were gold — the 10,000 added to the 5,000 she won to kick off the Games. She also won a bronze in the 1,500, the race that nearly ended it all near the start of the quest. After the 10,000 win, Hassan was crying on the medals stand. Crying for the wins, but also for something else. “I’m so happy,” she said. “I’m relieved. I’m finished. I can sleep.” Gone now, Hassan said, were the “stupid

nightmares” that kept waking her as she fretted over whether she’d made a disastrous decision to try all three events. Who else would think of such a thing? “There’s something wrong with me,” she said. “But I am really happy. Grateful.” Hassan had run three 1,500- and two 5,000-meter races by the time she lined up against Gidey for Saturday’s start. She’d also tripped over another runner in one of her 1,500 qualifying rounds and had to pick herself and sprint the last lap to win and keep her quest for the triple alive. Her last obstacle was Gidey, who holds world records in the 5,000 and 10,000, and was fresh — here for only one race and hoping for only one gold medal. Gidey led for much of the race, with Hassan tucked in behind her. As they came out of the last turn of the last lap, Hassan commanded her legs to go one more time. They did, and Gidey — slightly thrown as Hassan launched her attack while they approached a bunch of lapped runners — had no response. Hassan won in 29 minutes, 55.32 seconds. Kalkidan Gezahegne also passed Gidey for silver, with Gidey holding on for the bronze. Hassan said she knew she’d won, but not much else registered. What happened

Sifan Hassan, of the Netherlands, wins the women’s 10,000-meter final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Gold medalist Sifan Hassan. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

just before and just after the finish line was a blur. “Then, I wanted to celebrate,” she said. “But when I finished I just fell down. I couldn’t breathe.” Hassan lay on her side on the track as a medic applied an ice pack to her neck and to the side of her head. But it lasted just a minute or two. She soon bounced back to her feet and draped a Dutch flag over her shoulders, ready for her third round of celebrations.

Fanny Blankers-Koen is the only other woman to win three individual track medals at an Olympics. It was a relative breeze for the Dutch sprinter in the 100, 200 and the 80-meter hurdles (she also won a gold in the 4x100-meter relay). Not since the days of the great Emil Zatopek has a distance runner clinched three individual medals. Zatopek incredibly got golds in the 5,000, 10,000 and marathon at the 1952

Helsinki Olympics. In more recent times, a 5,000-10,000 double was considered the limit for the greats — runners such as Mo Farah, Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba. Hassan ran the 1,50010,000 double and won both at world championships two years ago in Doha, Qatar. Now this. Hassan, who was born in Ethiopia and left when she was a teenager to settle as a refugee in the Netherlands,

said running during her formative days in school was how she burned off her “excess energy.” That has stayed with the 28-year-old through her career. Amid her hectic schedule, Hassan also squeezed in a few training runs in Tokyo, as if six topclass distance races at the Olympics weren’t enough. Would she bother going for another run on Sunday? “No,” she said. “I’m going to have coffee and chill out.”

USA Men’s Basketball team defeat France for 4th straight Gold Medal The Root via ESPN - When the US men’s basketball team lost to France in the preliminary round of play at the Tokyo Olympics, France’s Evan Fournier had this to say about the squad: “They are better individually, but they can be beaten as a team.” It’s clear the men were able to figure out their chemistry issues the more time they played in Tokyo, as their tournament run culminated in an 87-82 win over France during the final. ESPN reports this was the fourth straight gold medal that the men’s team has won at the Olympic Games. Kevin Durant was the standout player during the game, which took place yesterday morning in Japan (or Friday night in the United States). He finished with 29 points, and according to ESPN, 21 of them were scored in the first half when the team struggled with shooting. From ESPN: “This is one of those special journeys,” Durant said. “When you’re a part of a team that’s evolving by the second, it’s amazing to see. Each game we continued to grow. I’m grateful we all committed to it, we stuck with it

The U.S. men’s basketball team poses for photos with their gold medals during the medal ceremony at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan.

and we finished it off.” D u r a n t ’s d o m i n a t i n g

performance also elicited praise from his former Golden State

Warriors teammate Draymond Green. If you remember, Green

didn’t have a single nice thing to (Continued on page 65)

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Sunday August 08, 2021

PAGE 67

Supplement support continues Knockout punch: Brazil’s Sousa for Clarke and Campbell from takes gold on spectacular KO Fitness Express

Jamie Mc Donald and Emmerson Campbell pictured.

With the cost for athletes preparation continuing to a steep hurdle to navigate, local business, Fitness Express, located at Sheriff and John Streets, Campbellville continues to assist the navigation of that financial hurdle. The support of supplements to two of Guyana’s leading body builders has continued and recently, two-time Central American and Caribbean gold medalist and five-time Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke along with multiple time Mr. Physique (Guyana) winner, Emmerson Campbell made the trek to Fitness Express to receive their supplies. Their to present the athletes with the items was Managing Director Jamie McDonald who expressed his company’s delight at being able to continue supporting the athletes which he has been doing for a few years now. “As these guys prepare to depart for the

IFBB 48th Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador, from August 12 – 16, Fitness Express is happy to be continuing a tradition of support we have started for a few years now. We are conscious of what it takes to maintain a sculpted body that can match and even be better than your competitors, thus our consistent commitment.” Mc Donald noted that Fitness Express has been supporting other athletes not only in body building but other sports and it is their way of giving back to the athletes and community whist thanking them for their continued support. Both Clarke and Campbell expressed thanks to McDonald for his unflinching support and promised to do themselves and the nation proud at the CAC Championships.

Kerwyn Clarke receives a bottle of protein powder from Jamie McDonald.

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak, left exchanges punches with Brazil’s Hebert Sousa during their men’s middleweight 75-kg boxing gold medal match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) TOKYO (AP) — Hebert boxer. But the third-seeded o n l y O l y m p i c g o l d Sousa decisively lost each of Sousa’s defensive skills and medalists. the first two rounds in the cleverly angled punches had The Tokyo middleweight men’s middleweight final. put him in the final after field was stacked with gifted U k r a i n e ’s t o p - s e e d e d surprising victories over two fighters who should all be Oleksandr Khyzhniak had f e r o c i o u s p u n c h e r s : successful pros whenever battered the Brazilian to the Kazakhstan’s Abilkhan they choose to take the step. brink of defeat at the Tokyo Amankul and Russia’s Gleb Sousa, Khyzhniak and Olympics. Bakshi. Bakshi were joined on the When only a knockout Sousa also realized he medal podium by the could save him, Sousa threw got the benefit of the Philippines’ Eumir Marcial, a punch that changed the Olympic referees’ mandate who lost a thrilling, narrow fight and changed his life. to stop bouts at the first sign decision to Khyzhniak in the S o u s a s t o p p e d of trouble for a boxer. finals and headed home to Khyzhniak with a left hand to After his legs buckled resume his pro career with the jaw midway through the and he ended up on his back, his country’s third boxing third round yesterday, Khyzhniak quickly got up. medal in Tokyo. stealing a spectacular victory The Ukrainian star was The division also and securing only the second clearly aware the fight would included non-medalists gold medal in Brazil’s entire be stopped if he didn’t Amankul, the Dominican Olympic boxing history. desperately try to continue. Republic’s Euri Cedeño, After one cinematic Khyzhniak was on A r m e n i a ’ s A r m a n moment, Sousa emerged on unsteady legs, although they D a r c h i n y a n a n d top of the medal podium as might have settled during a U z b e k i s t a n ’ s F a n a t the champion of what was s t a n d i n g - e i g h t c o u n t . K a k h r a m o n o v — a l l almost certainly the best, Instead, referee Muhammad burgeoning talents in an deepest weight class at the Arisa Putra Pohan waved off uncommonly deep, powerful Kokugikan Arena. Sousa t h e f i g h t t o p r o t e c t group. cried as he kissed his gold Khyzhniak, and Sousa Welterweight Busenaz medal before gently putting collapsed to his knees in Sürmeneli appeared to be it around his neck. disbelief. Khyzhniak’s counterpart as “I don’t have that many “My feelings are very the top contender for the Val knockouts, but I train for mixed,” Khyzhniak said. “I Barker Trophy in the them a lot in my sparring won’t say that I am in full women’s field, and she s e s s i o n s , ” S o u s a s a i d agreement with what the didn’t fall short in her own through a translator. “I referee did, but the match is final. The powerhouse remembered what I did in the match, and we have the puncher persevered through sparring, and I did it a few results. I didn’t get the a clinch-filled bout with times — and I got lucky.” situation at all. The judge China’s Gu Hong to secure Indeed, Khyzhniak had stopped the fight at a moment Turkey’s first gold medal in spent the fight’s first 7 1/2 when I could have probably boxing. minutes smacking Sousa continued. I cannot say it was “I came as a champion, around the ring with his even a really strong punch and I return as a legend,” vicious combination of that hit me. I showed the Sürmeneli said. power and accuracy. referee I could continue.” The final capped a Khyzhniak clearly is one Khyzhniak still won dominant tournament for of the top talents in the entire Ukraine’s first boxing medal Sürmeneli, whose four 286-person Tokyo field, and since 2012, but he fell opponents all failed to win he seemed likely to be a agonizingly short of joining over any judge on the final strong contender for the Val Wladimir Klitschko, two- scorecards of her four fights. Barker Trophy as the timer Vasyl Lomachenko Two judges in the final tournament’s overall top and Oleksandr Usyk as its (Continued on page 65)

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Sunday August 08, 2021

Brazil beat Spain 2-1 for men’s soccer gold medal

Brazil soccer players celebrate during the medal ceremony. (Reuters) YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Soccer’s ultimate winner is still finding time to collect new titles. Dani Alves is an Olympic champion at 38. Draped in the Brazilian flag, the captain cherished the 43rd winners’ medal of a career that shows no sign of winding down. All that’s missing from the set of major honours after this 2-1 victory over Spain — secured in extra time by Malcolm — is World Cup glory. Don’t write off the game’s most decorated player trying to make it to Qatar next year. After all, the right back was determined to come to the Tokyo Games after not being part of the 2016 Olympic gold on home soil in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. And he managed to play all of Brazil’s six games in Japan — 600 minutes in 16 days.

“This is a dream coming true, to be on the top of the Olympic podium,” he said. “No matter how much history you have, how much experience you have. I came here for the first time and to come back with the biggest prize ... I am lost for words.” It was Alves who set up the opener, keeping alive Claudinho’s cross and hooking the ball back into the area for Matheus Cunha to strike into first-half stoppage time. “My captain Dani, he’s unbelievable, he helps everyone,” Cunha said. “I think this feeling, he comes to the group and the feeling goes up.” He was one of only three permitted overage players in a youthful squad that idolized him growing up as he collected trophies at Juventus, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. “ Yo u k n o w t h e

Players of Brazil celebrate winning the gold medal after the match. (REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh) difference in age is a little bit (big),” the 22-year-old Cunha said. “I’m like a little boy when I saw Barcelona, the Brazil national team, and now we were together, we take one gold medal for Brazil.” They had to work for it against a Spain side featuring six players coming straight from the run to the European Championship. Spain tied it in the 61st minute when Mikel Oyarzabal volleyed in from Carlos Soler’s cross. Spain hit the crossbar twice late in regulation time — from Oscar Gil and Bryan Gil. The inability to find the

target meant Spain ended up with silver — just like at the 2000 Olympics — after Malcom’s winner in the 108th minute. The 24-year-old forward, who came off the bench for extra time, held off Jesus Va l l e j o b e f o r e r a c i n g forward and seeing his shot from a tight angle deflect off goalkeeper Unai Simon’s left boot and fly into the net. The goal secured another title for Brazil in Yokohama, 19 years after winning the World Cup. Unlike in 2002, there were no fans allowed in the stadium 45 minutes from Tokyo because of the pandemic. That was a

tournament too early for Alves, who was only just starting his career. Now playing back home for São Paulo, Alves wasn’t part of the Brazil squad that lost the Copa America final to Argentina four weeks ago. Neymar, whose penalty clinched the 2016 Olympic t i t l e , c o u l d n ’t g e t a n exemption from Paris SaintGermain to do double-duty this summer. Richarlison managed to from Everton and scored a tournamentleading five goals in Japan. “See this, Neymar? I didn’t feel the pressure, I took the No. 10 shirt and was the top goal-scorer of the

tournament,” he said. “Now you will have to listen!” Even FIFA, on its Twitter feed, called Richarlison’s workload “insane” — highlighting his 20 games in under three months in four competitions on three continents, covering the end of the Premier League season with Everton and World Cup qualifying with Brazil before the Copa America. “All the sacrifice at the club, in the trainings, every (painkilling) injection I took to be able to play was worth it,” Richarlison said. “I am going to make a tattoo to celebrate this achievement.”

Chopra wins India’s 1st gold in Olympic track and field TOKYO (AP) — Neeraj Chopra held a corner of the India flag in each hand and raised it over his head. A half-hour later, the tricolor was flying at the top of the mast at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium and Chopra was standing atop the medal podium, feeling on top of the world. A first gold medal in Olympic track and field for a nation of 1.3 billion, its first in any sports since a shooting title in 2008, had to be cause for celebration. Chopra won the javelin title at the Tokyo Games with a personal-best throw of 87.58 meters on Saturday night, securing the title with a throw to spare. “It feels unbelievable,” he said. “This is our first Olympic medal for a very long time, and in athletics it is the first time we have gold, so it’s a proud moment for

me and my country.” India’s only previous medals in Olympic track and field were two silvers won by Norman Pritchard in the 200 meters and the 200-meter hurdles at Paris in 1900. Historians have debated whether the results for Pritchard should be recorded for India or Britain. He was born in India to a British colonial family, moved to London before qualifying for the Paris Olympics and later moved to the U.S. and embarked on an acting career. There’s no disputing this one. Chopra, a junior officer in the Indian army with the Rajputana Rifles, made his first mark on international athletics with a world junior title in 2016. Two years later, he became the first Indian athlete to win the javelin at the Asian Games and at the

Neeraj Chopra, of India, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Commonwealth Games. He set a new benchmark in Tokyo, holding off Jakub Va d l e j c h ( 8 6 . 6 7 ) a n d Vitezslav Vesely (85.44), both of the Czech Republic. India has won eight Olympic gold medals in field hockey, more than any other

nation, and the return of the men’s team to the medal podium at the Tokyo Games — a bronze — after a 41year drought prompted widespread celebrations. A first gold medal in track and field is set to make Chopra a star in India.

It didn’t take long before the rewards started flowing in and he was on the phone with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cricket is the allconsuming sport in India, and all of its powerbrokers were watching. The Board of Control for Cricket in India quickly announced a cash reward for the Olympic medal winners. Military leaders chimed in, too. Chopra was ranked fourth heading into the Olympics and had some issues with his technique in the hot and steamy conditions. “But in my second throw I feel it’s my PB,” he said. “Finally I’m an Olympic champion.” He knew there’d be plenty of sports fans watching on TV at home, flicking between India’s

cricket test match in England and the Olympics. “So proud moment for India and for me because they’re supporting me a lot,” said Chopra, the son of a farming family. “Today they’re all in front of the TV and they’re supporting me — so thank you India.” Former world champion Johannes Vetter of Germany was favored to win, but placed ninth after the first three attempts and was out of contention early. He had praise for Chopra. “He’s a really talented guy, always really friendly,” Vetter said. “I’m happy for him.” Chopra said he’d given everything he had in the competition. “I hope after me India can win more medals in athletics,” he said. “I don’t have anything left — I gave my 100% on the field.”

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Sunday August 08, 2021

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Forde declares open GFF Referees Course facilitated by Dianne Ferreira-James By Franklin Wilson resident of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde yesterday officially declared open a two-day Referees Course which is being facilitated Guyanese born and former FIFA Referee now Head of Referring at the Bahamas Football Association, a Referee Assessor and Instructor, Dianne FerreiraJames. Some 30 Referees (female and male) are participating in the Course which will conclude today at the GFF National Training Centre, the first programme of its kind to be held at the facility. Just off her debut as an Elite Referee Assessor at the Concacaf Gold Cup which ended in the USA on Sunday last where she served as the Referee Assessor in the final between the host nation and Mexico, Ferreira-James, a Bartician like President Forde, said she was elated to be able to give back to the sport that she loves. “From my heart, I am here to give you the best I can to prepare you for your next course that is coming up shortly.” She also told the participants that she is well aware that Guyana has talented officials and she wants to see them back in

P

GFF President Wayne Forde (seated center) flanked by Dianne Ferreira-James (right) and GFF Head of Referring Dion Inniss take time out for a photo with participants and Instructors yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre. (Franklin Wilson photo) numbers on the FIFA list but they must display the commitment and love for the sport which can propel them to great heights. “It starts with you, what can you do to help yourself get better? Anything else that you get outside of that would be a bonus. So for the next two days, we’ll be one family, interacting, learning the laws of the game. At the end if the session, you’ll leave here at least knowing something more than what you came with.” President Forde in declaring open the Course said it was a moment of

celebration for all stakeholders with the Referees being one of the most important arms of the stakeholder group. “This is also an accomplishment for you, that you should feel proud to speak about in the public and to your friends because four years ago, we did not have this, and what you are seeing here is just the beginning of what this venue will eventually evolve to. It’s a proud moment for all of us.” Noting that the current times are truly unprecedented with the continued challenges being

faced as a result of the covid19 pandemic which has new strains around, Forde stated that since March 2020, everyone would not have been able to do what they loved to do, being involved in the game at a competitive level. Forde posited that the course presented an opportunity for a new beginning: “We are at a state where we can simply reset the clock in every aspect of how we want to run the game, grow the game in Guyana.” Participants were challenged to learn as much

as they can from the former top Guyana, Concacaf and F I FA R e f e r e e w h i l s t focusing on their duty to protect the integrity of the game on and off the field of play. Head of the GFF Referees Department, Dion Inniss said he was elated to have Ms. Ferreira-James back home to kick off preparations for the next RAP Course set for later this month. He stated that the Course would have been in the pipeline for some time now. “Ms Ferreira-James is always looking for ways of

contributing to referees development in Guyana and we are happy to have her here to share the latest knowledge in this very important aspect of the sport.” Inniss, himself a former FIFA Assistant Referee noted that the programme is timely as they are anticipating a re-start to competitive football in the not too distant future. “We are preparing so this is ideal. We haven’t met in person since 2019 so this activity which has attracted our top officials from all over Guyana is most welcome.”

Allyson Felix wins record-setting 11th Olympic medal as USA women breeze to 4x400 gold

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ahoo Sports - TOKYO — She got 11 with a little help from her

friends. In her last race as an Olympian, Allyson Felix ran the second leg of the U.S.’s dominant gold-medal winning 4x400-meter relay team, earning her 11th career Olympic medal. She passed Carl Lewis as the most decorated American track and field athlete of all time, and is the most decorated woman ever in the sport. The USA women ran 3 minutes, 16.85 seconds, the fourth-fastest time ever. Poland won the silver medal (3:20.53) and Jamaica won bronze (3:21.24). “I just came out really at peace, and wanting to soak it all in,” Felix said. “Obviously complete confidence in this team. I think this is a really special team because we’re not 400-meter runners — I don’t consider myself a 400

specialist, we all do different things and it was really cool to come together and to get to close out the Olympic Games and for me, my Olympic career in this way.” The talent and star power of the U.S. quartet was nearly unprecedented. Felix received the baton from 400 hurdles world record holder and gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin and handed off to Dalilah Muhammad, who had the 400 hurdles world record before McLaughlin and won the silver medal here. The anchor was 19year-old Athing Mu, who won the 800 gold and in June had the fastest 400 leg in NCAA history, 48.85 seconds. “It’s an amazing group of women right here,” McLaughlin said. “Once in a lifetime opportunity, so I think we all just knew going in it was going to be fast and just have fun with it.” “I was just honored,”

Muhammad said of the chance to be part of Felix’s last Olympic race. “Of course [Felix] earned it, but she’s so deserving of it too and so definitely inspired by her throughout my entire career and I’m truly just honored to have been part of this team with her. I think we’re going to look back at this and think about how special this moment really was.” It was the seventh straight Olympics the U.S. women have won the 4x400. Felix was a member of each of the last four, though she acknowledged that her role was different this time — where in the past she would have been one of the legs counted on to be fastest and really pull the team to a win, this time she saw herself as the veteran bringing experience. Given the four women who ran last night, it was easy to wonder if the 33-year-old world record was in play. The Soviet Union ran 3:15.17

at the 1988 Olympics to edge out the U.S. team for gold; the Americans ran 3:15.51 that year. Getting under that mark required the women to run an average of 48.78 seconds per leg; according to World Athletics their splits were: McLaughlin 49.96 seconds, Felix 49.58, Muhammad 48.97 and Mu 48.34. It was still the fastest 4x400 since that ’88 Olympics. The relay gold capped a stellar showing for the women of U.S. track and field. Of the 26 medals won by Americans during the meet, 15 were thanks to women, including five of the seven golds the U.S. claimed. “I think it was awesome,” Felix said. “I think the women showed up; I think we’ve been showing up on the track, off the track, in all of the ways. To me, I loved it. I love seeing it. “Sitting back and watching

each woman perform, it was inspiring. It was like, ‘OK, who’s next?’ and it was kind of like a buzz.” Felix is the most decorated female track and field athlete in history, having broken a tie with Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey with her 400 bronze on Friday night. Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi won 12 total Olympic medals across the 1920, 1924 and 1928 Games. Standing on the podium, Felix said she closed her eyes and took a moment to take it all in. “To be surrounded by these women in that moment was really special,” she said. While Felix repeatedly said this was her last Olympics, when asked if it’s possible to see the same four women team up next year at the World Championships, which are being held in the United States for the first time, she didn’t say no. Instead, she said, “We’ll see.”

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Sunday August 08, 2021

GGA makes donation to Region six From left Ms. Ally, Mr. Jaiprasad, REDO Ms. De Lacruz, Aleem Hussain and REO Ms. Pearce.

Coach Joaan Deo makes a point to a youngster.

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he Guyana Golf Association continued its efforts to promote the sport with donations of equipment to the REDO of Region six, ensuring that as many areas as possible have access to the game. Receiving the equipment were REDO Ms. De Lacruz, REO Ms. Pearce, SWO Mr. Jaiprasad and Ms. Ally. Ms. De Lacruz stated, “Berbice has demonstrated our interest in Golf and Berbice Educational Institute captured first place in the Inaugural school tournament held by the Guyana Golf Association. We intend to hold onto that ranking and rest assured that Region 6 will put every effort into developing top

talent for the national team.” There are now plans to host a Golf exhibition and competition in Albion to give Region 6 and give many the opportunity to experience the joy of playing the game for the first time. Dozens of businesses have already indicated that they will support the venture and contribute prizes for the event. The GGA and Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit (Ms. Barker-King and Mr. Langhorne) have scheduled the ‘Train the Trainers’ programme for Regions 2, 4, and 5 in September now that sufficient equipment and balls are available for the expansion of the sport to an additional 50 schools. This will give the most

populous six out of the ten regions access to the sport before the end of 2021 and more than 10,000 potential players from whom a national team and potential Olympic team can be selected. As was promised by the Ming family and Neil Jones, several dozen Golf clubs and balls were given to the GGA to support its efforts to grow the game. The Association and Nexgen Golf Academy is currently hosting a second Golf Camp in memory of former Coach Colin Ming. On Thursday, the camp featured an appearance by Priyanna Ramdhani & Akili Haynes of the National Badminton Team and its President Gokarn Ramdhani who

remarked, “It was amazing to see the reaction from the kids to the exposure to both our sports and the potential for developing strong athletes is evident from the efforts being made by Aleem and his team.” Hussain said that the assistance provided by Dr Joaan Deo, who has demonstrated extraordinary patience in taking our 3-6 year students under her personal care, reflects her passion to develop an Olympic team, “Dr. Joaan has been with me every step of the way ever since we started the outreach to schools, even at the Giftland Mall and University of Guyana. She has shown selflessness in her devotion to

helping others learn the game.” Because of the increased interest in the sport, the Academy has added more coaches (Samuel Carter, Vishal, Colin Wong, Margo, Gwyneth Carter, Russ Hayward and Miguel Wong) and even had a guest coach appearance by Leaknarain Shivraj on opening day. The camp will conclude on Saturday with a skills competition and graduation after the final week of training that will include Table Tennis and Archery. For more information about the sport or how to get involved as a sponsor, coach or to learn the game, visit the Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue or on Facebook or Instagram.

Anguilla to be represented at three major cycling competitions

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he Valley, Anguilla - The 2021 Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships and Pan American Cycling Championships will be held in the Dominican Republic from August 11-15, 2021. Anguilla will be represented at this event by four cyclists and two officials. The cycling team consists of the following members, Hasani Hennis, Delroy Carty, Huekeemi Hughes, and Zambezi Richardson and the officials are the President of the Cycling Association Sharon Richardson-Lowe and Vice President, Calvert Junie Fleming. The Elite Caribbean Cycling Championship will take place on August 12 & 13 with a Time Trial and Road Race respectively. Hasani and Delroy will be competing in the TT event, while all four cyclists will participate in the road race. The Caribbean Cycling Championships has an Under 23 segment, for which Zambezi Richardson is registered. Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominica, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican

Hasani Hennis and Jamual John. Republic, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines & Trinidad & Tobago will all be represented at the Caribbean Champs. At the last Championship which was held in 2019 in Cuba, Hasani secured 3rd Place in Time Trial for both the Elite and Under

23 categories. Due to the pandemic and to help cut costs for both the host country and participating countries, the governing body for cycling International Cycling Union (UCI) along with the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI) decided to hold the hold

both competitions (Caribbean Championships and 2021 Pan American Championships). The Pan American Cycling Championship will run on August 13 & 15 with the Time Trial on the 13th and the Road Race on the 15th. August 14 will serve as a rest day for the Caribbean Cycling Championships participants to recover and prepare for the big event on August 15. Represented at the Pan American Championships will be Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela along with all the listed Countries for the Caribbean Champs. From the Dominican Republic, the Anguilla team will travel to Antigua, where they will participate in the Antigua’s Three Stage Subway Race on August 21 & 22. The Antigua three-stage race will have a 4-mile Time Trial on the morning of August 21 and a 42mile Circuit Race in the afternoon. The road race will be on Sunday, August 22, and will be 67 miles. A three-stage race is judged

on time and the cyclists with the lowest accumulated time will be crowned the winner. In 2019, the last time Antigua held the event, Hasani captured first place in the time trial and placed second overall. Mrs. Sharon Lowe President of the Anguilla Cycling Associations said, the cyclists have been training hard and are anxious and eager for competition as there hasn’t been much since Covid-19. She said she is confident that the team will display an excellent performance. Cyclists such as Hasani and Zambezi have been competing at an international level in the United States and Europe. As a result, the aforementioned have gained great exposure and knowledge, which will assist the entire team in formulating plans and strategies for these competitions. The Anguilla Cycling Association wishes to extend a hearty thank you to the Government through the Department of Sports for the assistance they provided in making this trip possible. The Association extends best of luck and safe travels to the team.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 08, 2021

AAU Junior Olympic Games

Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison places 5th in Heat 3 of 14; ends 39th of 96 competitors

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Air Badminton for young Golf players

Participants being taken through their paces during the exercise.

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Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison at the AAU Junior Olympics in Texas.

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n debut at the A m a t e u r Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games which took place in Houston Texas from July 28 August 7, 10 year-old USA based Guyanese sprinter Alpha ‘Flash’ Harrison represented the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ with pride but did not make it past the first round of qualifying. The New York based athlete whose school is PS 115 in Brooklyn New York, competed in the Boys 100 Meter Dash 10 years-old (Prelims) and was good for 5th in Heat 3 of 14 in a time of 13.74, seven runners faced starters orders in this heat. His time saw him ending 39th of 96 competitors, overall. The top three runners in H a r r i s o n ’s h e a t w e r e Dashaun Morris II in 12.79,

Elijah Jones 12.92 and Kedari Hogan, 12.95. Alpha’s father, Lindon said that they are not disappointed but his son’s performance is encouraging as with harder training in a more stable environment, he can go very far in the sport. He shared that the challenges brought on by the covid-19 pandemic were among the issues they faced in preparing for his son’s first trip to the AAU Junior Olympics Games noting that he’ll be attending many more in the future. The senior Harrison is extending gratitude to Pastor Rush of Brooklyn New York, the Sadloo Family of Queens New York and Alpha’s school for the support given to ensure his participation at the 2021 edition of the AAU Junior Olympic Games which concluded yesterday.

he Guyana Badminton Association in Partnership with the Nexgen Golf Academy launched the Air Badminton, the new outdoor game to the young boys and girls of the Golf Club which was introduced and conducted by National Players Priyanna Ramdhani & Akili Haynes and was assisted by Matthew Klautky. Priyanna and Akili have also qualified for the Pan American Youth Games in Cali,

Colombia in November 2021 where they will be taking part. “The GBA is extremely happy Mr. Aleem Hussain, President of the Golf Academy, allowed us to promote Air Badminton to the 60 young athletes present and this will help with the spreading of interest in Badminton,” a release noted. “We have done a lot during the past Months after the Pandemic held us down for over a year and a Half. Since

December 2020, we launched Air Badminton at the National Park, The University of Guyana, St. Roses High S c h o o l a n d t h e S h u t t l e Ti m e Programme at the New Amsterdam Secondary School, Berbice High School, Mackenzie High School and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School. We also had our National Tournament last Month,” the release from President Gokarn Ramdhani informed.

The youths and coaches at G Square Cavaliers SC in Wakenaam.

G Square Cavaliers SC hosts coaching camp G Square Cavaliers Sports Club of Belle Plaine Wakenaam recently hosted a one-day coaching clinic for young male and female cricketers. The session was conducted by coaches Nandkishore Andrews, Forbes

Daniels, Anthony Adams, Nathan Persaud and Terry Newton. The session covered the basics of batting, bowling and fielding. Andrews told Kaieteur Sport that the session was aimed at getting the

Essequibo U 19 players back to the field and similar sessions will continue in other areas across the county. Andrews stated that he was pleased with the interest shown by the youths and urged them to remain committed.