Kaieteur News

K

Cop allegedly NEWS caught in sexual act with underage boy AIETEUR

p.

3

Monday Edition August 08, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 31 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 73,545

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

Jagdeo flip-flops on Exxon contract

...now saying deal not the “worst in the world”

...attacks critics who point out flaws

p.

2

‘Put up or shut-up’ p.

3

...Former EPA Head challenges EPA, Exxon to publicise oil spill policy

Missing farmer found dead with mouth taped p.

14

Opposition warned against boycotting scrutiny of $44.7B supplementary budget p.

13

Guyana's oil ships to help SBM pocket billions in leasing fees this year ...company set to rake in record-breaking US$9B

PAGE 02

Monday August 08, 2022

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo flip-flops on Exxon contract ...now saying deal not the “worst in the world” ...attacks critics who point out flaws

A

fter repeating on r e c o r d numerous times that Guyana has one of the worst oil deals in the world, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo seems to no longer believe his own words.

On Saturday during an outreach in Patentia, West Bank Demerara, the VP told hundreds of Guyanese, seeking part-time jobs, that saying the contract is the

worst in the world is simply not true. In his address, while admitting that Guyana has a bad deal and that it must be changed, the former Head of State on the same breath insisted that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) now stands in the middle where the contract is concerned.

According to him, “The contract was bad, we have to change it in the future but we are not going to renegotiate

now… on the other hand you have Kaieteur News and a few others who say it's the worst contract in the world, that's not true too.”

Instead, Jagdeo said, “We stand in the middle and we are not going to be populists in orientation because government's side that are populists in orientation and say things that people only want to hear, they can never craft a

sustainable policy for the country…”

Jagdeo has been charting the way forward with regard to the management of the oil and gas sector in the country.

He was keen to point out, “when I see the schizophrenia out there and almost the extremism that we notice in the newspapers everyday swinging from one end to the other in terms of policy making, the PPP

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the West Bank Demerara residents on Saturday. cannot succumb to that because if we only succumb to that form of policy making then we'd lose sight of the bigger goal and the big goal is sustainability. The big goal is long term development, however hard it is.”

The Vice President has, during public meetings and press conferences cursed the 2016 oil contract signed by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition. In fact, during his time as Leader of the Opposition in 2018, he told members of the media that the contract made him “depressed”.

He was reported as saying, “You know, all weekend, since this contract was released, I walk around and I am a little bit depressed. I feel sad without knowing why and then I think about it. Frankly speaking, when you work so hard to move a country from where it was – heavily indebted and no money to spend on itself to one of the lowest indebted countries in the western hemisphere … – to where we are today and just when we have the possibility of turning the corner, to have a Government come in and squander because of incompetence, a future that

we could have by making bad agreements.”

Jagdeo is on record also noting, “When you compare what we got with what ExxonMobil is getting out of this contract, it seems as though the renegotiation (of the 1999 Janet Jagan oil contract) worked significantly in their favour, not in our favour.”

Not only him but other members of the Cabinet including Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Natural R e s o u r c e s M i n i s t e r, Vickram Bharrat are on record contending that the Exxon contract is the worst in the world and Guyana is left tied to such an agreement as a result of the former administration's incompetence. Back in June last year, Minister Bharrat in describing the oil deal said, “The PSA which was signed in June 2016 is probably one of the worst agreements in the history of this world or among all oil countries in this world. That was probably the worst oil deal ever.”

Similarly, Nandlall in an interview aired in September last year by Globespan stated that the Product Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with American oil giant, (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2022

PAGE 03

‘Put up or shut-up’ ...Former EPA Head challenges EPA, Exxon to publicise oil spill policy

A

s arguments and claims of dishonesty regarding the amount and availability of oil spill insurance for the Stabroek Block rages on between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency's former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Vincent Adams and ExxonMobil executives, Adams has once again challenged both parties to put the matter to rest by making public, documentation proving the important policy.

Both the EPA and Exxon have taken shots at Adams who is insisting that before being removed from the EPA, he had set certain motions in place that would have brought Guyana a step closer to managing particularly, the environmental affairs of its nascent oil and gas industry.

One vital area is the provision of insurance for oil spills. Adams is accused of dishonestly claiming that he had secured from former Exxon country President Rod Henson, the company and its partners' commitment to guarantee oil spill coverage pass what its operating company, EEPGL could afford, thus committing to unlimited or full liability coverage.

In response to the accusations, Adams has pointed out that even now, the very commitment exists in all the environmental

permits issued to Exxon. He argued however, that the company is just not adhering to the laws and is being allowed to operate by the EPA and the government without the necessary requirements. Adams pointed out that the specific language is available in all Exxon permits; signed by Henson and those who came after. It states at Section 12.5 of the permit that the “Permit Holder must provide from the Parent Company or affiliate companies...one or more legally binding agreements to the EPA, undertaking to provide adequate financial resources to pay...their respective obligations regarding the Stabroek Block if EEPGL or its co-ventures fail to do so.”

At Section 12.4, the Permit also speaks to the EPA reviewing the insurance policy. The “…review is subject to Provision of the amount of cover; supplementary to cover gaps in the primary cover; notification to EPA of modification, cancellation, expiration, intent to renew, renewal or non-renewal and expiry dates of the policy; reports on whether the insurance policy is maintained or renewed for EPA to determine if it is acceptable or if it requires a replacement policy; the final insurance policy or certificate of insurance; and evidence of payment of premium”.

Cop allegedly caught in sexual act with underage boy A police rank has found himself in hot water after he was allegedly caught in a sexual act with an underage boy in Berbice, Region Six. Kaieteur News was told that sexual encounter between the rank and the boy, only age 15, took place in May last year but reports are only now surfacing after a video was leaked.

According to information received, the officer and the teen are known to each other. On the day when the sexual act took place, the teen's parents were not at home.

The officer visited and engaged in the sexual act with the teen.

Investigations are ongoing.

Exxon oil spill response training

Section 12.3 of the Permit says also that it is subject to Section 12.1, which among several other requirements, include insurance for pollution caused in the course of the Stabroek project… “in accordance with the EPA and the Bank of Guyana.” The document says failure of EEPGL to fulfill the obligation will result in a breach of the permit and immediate termination of same.

“What the above says and signed off by Mr. Henson, is that insurance has to be obtained by EEPGL, plus parent companies Exxon, CNOOC and Hess have to provide written agreements guaranteeing coverage of all costs over and above the insurance value,” Adams said. He charged that, “If insurance plus parent company guarantee to cover all costs over the insurance value is not unlimited/full coverage, I don't know what is!”

Additionally, he pointed out, the guarantee does not cost Exxon, since it's only a guarantee. Adams reiterated however that, “…the exact language (is) copied into the Payara, Yellowtail and the modified Liza 1 Permits.”

He questioned therefore, what more proof is required to highlight that the language for unlimited/full coverage for Guyana already exists.

“You keep trying to fool people with your false line that you are in compliance with the nation's laws and regulations, but disingenuously keep evading the question as to why you are operating Liza 1 and 2 without meeting those legal requirements enshrined in those Permits,” Adams abraded Exxon. He urged them to explain how they are you in compliance with the nation's laws when they are operating without meeting the permit's legal requirements. Adams insisted that, “in the name of transparency… please make

public, the insurance policies and the parent company guarantee to meet those legally required Permit conditions to prove your case.”

The EPA has told Guyana that there is a 'per occurrence' insurance coverage of US$600M related to oil spills and a $2B parent company guarantee is being worked out. Given the frequency of oil spills in the technically driven sector, and the number of projects on stream and those expected for Guyana in the future, many stakeholders have argued that the sum is inadequate given that major clean ups run into several billion of US dollars.

Kaieteur News recently reported that the Insurance Association of Guyana and Bank of Guyana have confirmed that discussions were being held years ago toward facilitating the oil spill insurance policy incountry as is legally required. A locally registered

insurance company/broker is supposed to “front” the policy since foreign companies are required to have insurance in-country.

Checks have not revealed which local agency holds the oil spill insurance policy.

In a public missive, Janelle Persaud, Exxon's Media and Communications Manager and Public & Government Affairs said that ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers are responsible for their activities in the Stabroek Block as provided by the Petroleum Agreement, the Environmental Protection Act, and other relevant laws, regulations, and environmental permits. It is not an insurance company that is liable to the Government for these obligations, but ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers.

To date the EPA, nor the government, has satisfied citizens' oil spill concerns by detailing the contents of the policy.

PAGE 4

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Corruption

C

orruption is gnawing away at the fabric of Guyanese society. Corruption is chewing on the soul of this nation, ripping it into shreds. The problem is that it is all over, and just below the surface in countless disguises.

Though they may be well camouflaged, Guyanese are so seasoned to corruption that they can smell it and the people who are engaged in it from a distance. Yet very little is done about the local epidemic of corruption, and this is despite the bright promises and stirring claims of leaders in this PPP/C Government to be thoroughly and powerfully against corrupt practices, and those who are part of such.

Recently, a man came out with some sharp claims about deception and corruption at a State entity that drains the nation’s coffers, so limping it is, so much of a helping hand it needs.

The man is not a regular Guyanese, but one who served on the board of directors of this State corporation, until he couldn’t take it anymore.

He resigned in disgust and came out in the public domain to state where he stood with corruption in this country. He could not have been clearer or harsher with what he put before every Guyanese to consider. In substance, he said that he had never seen corruption in this country, given the levels at where it is today. Where corruption has been in the last two years is the worst that he has ever seen it to be.

This is a man who knows how this country works, a man who has grown up around business and where huge amounts of money are discussed and spent with specific objectives in mind, and what kind of conduct makes those objectives achievable.

In other words, it is how to push for, and insist, that the benefit of every penny is had from every dollar spent.

With that kind of background and experience, this man knows corruptions when he is around it, when it is in play, no matter how sophisticated the schemes may be.

This is because he has seen it all, and it became so bad that matters exploded inside the State agency first, then spilled over into the media and before the public.

Many billions in scarce taxpayers’ dollars are employed to prop up this State corporation, which means that Guyanese are entitled to the very best use put to every single dollar, except that they are not getting that return from their investment, so to speak.

Because it is a struggling State entity that is under the public microscope with these scorching allegations, Guyana’s President didn’t have the luxury of sticking to the sidelines in the pretense that it is none of his business, and that it is a matter for the board to work out to the satisfaction of all the clashing parties, and their claims and counterclaims.

The latest development in the media is that the President is readying to move have some meeting of the minds of the warring parties in the State entity, viz. the board of directors and the senior management officials, so that some sort of shaky peace can return and lead to more agreeable relationship going forward.

Though this is commendable in terms of leadership initiative, it is our thinking that the President is going about this in the wrong way, in that he has his priorities wrong.

This is not a matter of Presidential peacemaking, but one that, of necessity, should be focused on getting to the bottom of the savaging claims of corruptions laid on the table.

Our simple thinking is that if there is some truth to what the former director has said, then it is an open and shut case of what must follow next. Once there is corruption present, then those responsible must be dealt with in the sharpest way possible. Hard punishment would be required, the only choice available, regardless of who is involved.

This is how corruption is handled, if a start is going to be made in cleaning the clogged corruption stables, with strong messages sent.

The first is don’t even think about it, for there will be accounting and it will be transparent.

Safe operating limits are not maintained on Liza-1 as per the EIA DEAR EDITOR, On Saturday August 6, 2022 the Communications Manager of Esso Exploration wrote a letter that appeared in the major Guyanese newspapers in which she made a number of points with regard to the EPA permits.

However, it appears this letter had misleading statements.

In the letter, the Esso Exploration representative states, “Production rates on

the Liza facilities are maintained within safe operating limits at all times.”

The Liza-1 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), see here https://www.oggn.org/ wp-content/uploads/2022/ 08/Volume-I-Liza-Phase-1EIA.pdf, states on page 28, “a design rate of 100,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), with potential to safely operate at sustained peaks of up to approximately 120,000

BOPD.” HESS has said, a few months ago, see this link https://seekingalpha.com/article/4504112-hess-corporation-hes-ceo-john-hess-onq1-2022-results-earningscall-transcript, that Liza-1 will be producing more than 140,000 barrels a day. This link https:// p e t r o l e u m . g o v. g y / d a t a visualization?tid=203&tid_1=All shows a Guyana govern-

ment website indicating on June 2, 2022 that Liza-1 was pumping about 149,000 barrels of oil a day.

Given 149,000 is greater than 120,000 then how are safe operating limits maintained at all times on Liza 1 as claimed by the Esso Exploration communication manager?

Regards Darshanand Khusial on behalf of OGGN (www.oggn.org/about)

Glad that the EPA finally being forced to come clean DEAR EDITOR, Wow! What a difference it makes when you get caught with your pants down! Information that the EPA up until now, have been hiding and kept rebuffing as “misinformation”, are now coming out of the woodwork.

Nevertheless Editor, I am more than thrilled that we may have finally figured out what it takes to get EPA to come clean, bringing to light the people’s information that they have been hiding and denying.

I am happy that the EPA now confesses to having a pathetic $600 million insurance, when for two years, they have ignored questions as to whether or not they have any; but can see why they would be scared to face up to that embarrassing amount.

I am also happy that they are now confessing that negotiations were indeed ongoing between Exxon and the EPA on Parent Company guarantee over and above the insurance amount, when for two years, they were denying it took place. They pretended not to know anything about the Bank of Guyana’s (BoG) involvement in bringing the insurance to Guyana, until the recent revelations by the BoG and the Insurance Association of Guyana, and the exposure of a December 15, 2022 letter from EPA to EEPGL identifying a Tripartite Agreement with the BoG. Nonetheless, we are still waiting on their confession concerning their covering up of Exxon’s flaring by falsely declaring that the EIA allowed for a flaring cap of 14 billion cubic feet of gas, only to be thrown under the bus by Exxon’s plea of no such knowledge. The bottom line is that the EPA is only now being forced to do some serious somersaulting after getting tangled up in its own

web, but I hope that this is a sign of the re-birth of transparency which has been dead for two years now.

Editor, let’s now get to the substance beyond the smoke that the EPA is blowing. First, it was rather slick that they would divulge that the Liza 1 Permit did not have any insurance coverage whatsoever; yet, no mention that it was current Executive Director, Mr. Parsram, who signed that Permit 16 months before I took over.

They also tried to dance around the fact that it was because of my recognition of this serious neglect why I stood up to Exxon against enormous push-back and added inclusion of unlimited/full liability coverage into the Liza 2 Permit – the exact language which they have copied into the Payara, Yellowtail, and revised Liza 1 Permits, but now spinning that they clarified my language.

I challenge the EPA to show their clarifying difference, but in the meantime, here is the language in the Liza 2 Permit of which I speak, for all to see and judge for themselves: Section12.1 states: “The Permit Holder shall have insurance...”

Section 12.4: “The EPA shall review insurance policy…review is subject to Provision of the amount of cover; supplementary to cover gaps in the primary cover; notification to EPA of modification, cancellation, expiration, intent to renew, renewal or non-renewal and expiry dates of the policy; reports on whether the insurance policy is maintained or renewed for EPA to determine if it is acceptable or if it requires a replacement policy; the final insurance policy or certificate of insurance; and evidence of payment of premium”.

Section 12.5 states “Permit Holder must provide from

the Parent Company or affiliate companies...one or more legally binding agreements to the EPA, undertaking to provide adequate financial resources to pay…their respective obligations if EEPGL fails to do so.”

Section 12.6 states The Permit Holder…shall be strictly liable for any discharge or release of pollution, contaminant in any amounts.

What the above undoubtedly states and signed off by Mr. Henson of Exxon, are the unambiguous requirements for insurance by EEPGL, plus a written guarantee agreement from parent companies Exxon, CNOOC and Hess to cover all costs over and above the insurance value to pay for damages “in any amount…if EEPGL fails to do so”.

To any normal thinking person, “in any amount” would mean unlimited amount; and therefore, insurance plus parent company guarantee to cover “any amount” over the insurance value, would add up to unlimited/full coverage.

By the way EPA, that unlimited guarantee above the insurance does not cost Exxon a single penny, since it’s only a guarantee.

The EPA must therefore explain to the people of Guyana why they are allowing Exxon to renege on signing an unlimited guarantee agreement already enshrined in the Permit as shown above, to replace it with a meagre total coverage of $2.6 Billion USD ($2 Billion parent company guarantee + $600 Million in insurance).

I wish to bring to the attention of the EPA that the cost of the Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico has exceeded $70 Billion USD. This means that the EPA is accepting that if there occurs a Macondo size spill,

Guyana would be left holding the bag to cover the remaining $68 Billion which is about 34 times our entire national budget, not to mention the long-lasting devastation and even bankruptcies of economies throughout the Caribbean. Even a spill as little as one-tenth the size of the Macondo, would cost three times the total $2.6 Billion Exxon’s coverage that the EPA is so giddy about, and over three times Guyana’s entire national budget. It is therefore a most heinous act against not only the people of Guyana, but also against our Caribbean and South American neighbors, f o r t h e E PA t o n o w b e stooping to Exxon in cutting back the unlimited/full liability protection (in the Permit as shown above), down to their proposed cap of only $2.6 Billion USD. Additionally, the EPA is obligated to the citizens of Guyana, for whom they work, to answer the question which they have been shunning, as to why the Liza 2 was allowed to start-up and Liza 1 Permit renewed, without Exxon meeting these requirements in the Permits.

Lastly, since the EPA now appears to be trying to make amends by starting to be transparent, it could start to prove itself by providing to the citizens of Guyana, at least monthly: the amount of oil produced; the amounts of water produced, sea water injected, and produced water dumped into the sea; and the amounts of gas produced, reinjected and used for other purposes. We look forward to this goodwill gesture of transparency and wish to remind EPA once again, that all of the requested information and data belong to the people of Guyana.

Sincerely, Dr. Vincent Adams

Monday August 8, 2022

We should all set aside our differences and deal with the oil giants and those exploiting our mineral and natural resources DEAR EDITOR, Now that the Head of a major International Institution has drawn attention to the world of the massive sums being earned by oil companies operating in every continent in the midst of rising cost of living and millions around the globe living in poor conditions, we in Guyana must take note.

In his address this week, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres recommended that countries where these oil giants operate should apply a special tax which should be used to ease the burden of the millions of men and women who do not enjoy the full benefits of this God-given resource.

In this regard, Guyanese should listen and thank the likes of Kaieteur News publisher, Glenn Lall, articles and editorials in the independent media such as Stabroek News, the advocacy of Dr. Vincent Adams, Facebook Advocates, Janet Bulkan, GHK Lall and others for their consistent crusade to inform the Guyanese public so that as a people, we can agitate for a better deal for this country so that this and succeeding generations can benefit from the bounty and kindness of the divine creator.

Guyana is a country with no natural disasters, no earthquakes, no hurricanes, no excessive heat to cause combustion and forest fires, no flooding. Guyana is so blessed that we enjoy beautiful weather every day of the year and each and every day; we should thank the Creator whether we are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhist, Baha’is, Rastafarians for this generosity in a country with fewer than a million people.

In discussing our good fortune, one old timer observed that the Creator has given to us these many benefits but left us with the burden of some politicians who seem unable or unwilling to take advantage of this generous goodness we inherited.

Our history points to the fact that for centuries, Massa

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

has controlled our material resources by a clever and well-practised technique of controlling the mind of the local people using the wellknown technique of divide and rule.

Assuming that our current leaders need and understand history, a few months ago, I wrote identical letters to President Ali, GS of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, copied to the Special Advisor of the President, Gerry Gouveia and Leader of the PNC, now Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.

My letter asked that we should all set aside our differences and, like knights of the round table, sit around the table, hammer out a common strategy to deal with the oil giants and those who are exploiting our mineral and natural resources.

I suggested that they identify some person/ persons to bring them together for the sake of Guyana.

The only response I have had so far, expressing a willingness to sit and talk with others, has been from Mr. Aubrey Norton, This failure to respond to this initiative is inconsistent with the rhetoric of One Guyana and our Independence Motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny. This is a sad and sorry situation.

Are our Leaders so blind, so obtuse and so selfopinionated, that they cannot understand that if we approach these conglomerates, government and opposition, making the same demands we will obtain greater benefits for our people.

When there was a need to face a mighty conglomerate, in the interest of the people, our two Titans, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan got together. Why aren’t our current Leaders learning?

Frankly Editor, we don’t need a single new investor to make Guyana grow and be prosperous. What we need are Guyanese and other experts, honest men and women to monitor, control and ensure those who are

already here, pay their fair share of taxes, and accurately report the quantities of oil, bauxite, timber, gold and diamonds being harvested.

Beyond that, let us leave some of these non-renewable resources for the use and benefit of future Guyanese who would be developing the appropriate technology and resources. Let me quote the wisdom of a former Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister who superintended Trinidad’s Independence “oil don’t spoil.” As a Guyanese I say, ‘gold don’t rust, bauxite and timber don’t disappear and give our fish and fauna a chance to multiply.”

Why have we not used up the World Bank Loan signed and agreed in March 2019 to provide for the training of Guyanese and others to acquire the skills to manage the oil and gas sector such as producing up to date legislation and strengthening the capabilities of relevant agencies such as the EPA, Ministry of Finance, Guyana revenue Authority, etc?

It is no secret that with the dark clouds of corruption, we are not now reaping a fraction of the potential benefits, so why run all over the world, inviting new Investors and Investments when we lack the institutional capacity to deal with what we already have.

Silly steps of sheer stupidity reminiscent of the Biblical injunction of sowing seeds on barren ground or are we comfortable to operate in an environment, which allows for secrecy, nepotism and corruption. A Government that is truly wedded to inclusive democracy should initiate meaningful consultation, to provide expertise particularly in the oil sector and also immediately double the wages and salaries of public sector employees who after all must keep the engine of the ship of state well maintained and functioning, the soldier, the police, the fireman, the teacher, administrators, security personnel, etc. Dear Editor, this letter is one of hope because again, leaning on human history, I still believe that the ‘pen is (Continued on page 6)

Government’s solar plans most commendable DEAR EDITOR, I am very pleased with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who stated that “30,000 households (are going) to soon benefit from solar energy.”

This disclosure was made at the Fourth Regional Committee Meeting for the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the International Solar A l l i a n c e ( I S A ) t h a t was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) a few days ago.

Fantastic! This kind of talk reflects reality and development and points to a rapidly evolving Guyana.

The minister explained, quite rightly t h a t “ S o l a r e n e r g y, i s playing an important role in achieving energy inclusivity, particularly through the deployment of solar solutions in hinterland and remote communities ... as Guyana has an off-the-grid population with these persons residing in hinterl a n d a n d o u t l y i n g areas.”

N o w, f o r a f e w comments on this most i mportant project, as I think that many people are still not quite au fait with this kind of drive worldwide.

For one, distributed solar energy is on the global rise, generating enough e l e c t r i c i t y t o power millions of h o m e s e a c h y e a r, a n d resulting in annual carbon dioxide emission reductions equivalent to taking some 4.4 million p a s s e n g e r v e hicles off the road.

So, in terms of public policy, Guya n a i s r i g h t on track, playing its part in driving the g r o w t h o f s o l a r energy, as it is recognising the enormous benefits that solar power can provide b o t h t o d ay and in the

future.

I add further that rooftop solar power generally adds value to the electric grid. It not only reduces t h e n e e d f o r generation f r o m a n d investment in central p o wer plants, but over the long lifetime of solar energy systems, it also can increase price stability and grid r e l i a b i l i t y, a n d r e d u c e e n v i r o n m e n t a l compliance costs.

Therefore, one must compliment the pioneers and pushers of this kind of mindset.

A s e c o n d f a c t o r, rooted in scientific data mind you, is that for each 1kW of solar ins t a l l e d , home value could increase up to 3-4%.

For example, if a property is worth $30 0 , 0 0 0 , t h a t m e a n s a n i n c r ease of anywhere between $9,000 to $12,000.

Do the math and see what is the value for a non-solar 5 million house? So, at the personal level, solar consideration is the way to go.

How about thinking on some overall benefits? Here are a fewPositive Impact on the Environment; Reduction of Energy Bill; Energy Production d u r i n g P e a k H o u r s ; S olar Energy Is Applicable Everywhere; Less Electricity Lost During Long-Distance

Transport; Improvement to Grid Security; and Job Creation.

A closing caveat is in order, as many may want to criticize this move, which is in its incipient s t a ges.

The m i n i s t e r n o t e d that, “with the support of the Indian Exim (Export-Import) Bank, we have already concluded a project to procure and deploy 30,000 household solar units to bring solar electricity to 30,000 homes.”

H e deta i l e d t h a t , “Even though our energy transiti o n m i g h t not comprise solar as the bulk producer to the grid, solar energy is playing a tremendous role in achieving energy inclusivity because even though it is at a small level, at the community level, from that one project, 30,000 households which did not have electricity will now have electricity.”

As we all know, many households are far away from the g r i d t o b e a b l e to connect but it is good to know that 30,000 households are now going to get electricity for the first time ever and similar solutions can be deployed for other remote areas.

For many like me, it is a win-win situation.

Yours truly, H. Singh

PAGE 6

The Commission has no outstanding decision for the Secretariat pertaining to the conduct of to the conduct of LGEs pertaining LGEs. DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your newspaper to respond to a statement attributed to me in an article titled “GECOM Secretariat still awaiting decision on local gov’t polls - as preparations continue”, authored by Lakhram Bhagirat, and published in the online edition of the Stabroek News dated August 6, 2022.

Editor, let me at the outset acknowledge having responded to a telephone call from Mr. Bhagirat seeking clarity on issues associated with preparations for Local Government Elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In this regard, my very first comment to Mr. Bhagirat was that I am not authorised to, and will never speak for the Commission.

Thus, I was bewildered to read in the abovereferenced article that the comment “… but the responsibility for identifying a date rests with the Commissioners and Chair.” was ascribed to me as an extension to the following comment that “the Secretariat is currently in preparation mode”.

Editor, I categorically deny having said any such thing to Mr. Bhagirat. I could not have said that even by mistake simply because I am fully aware beyond any doubt, as I have always been, that it is the statutory responsibility of the Minister of Local Government to pronounce the date for Local Government Elections (LGEs) - based on advice

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

provided to him by GECOM about its state of readiness f o r t h e conduct of such elections.

Had Mr. Bhagirat done his homework, he would have found enshrined in Section 5 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act Cap. 28:03, that “An election shall be held on such day as the Minister by order appoint”.

A c c o r d i n g l y, h e w o u l d have realised that it is not GECOM that is responsible to identify a date for LGEs, and would have precluded himself from writing such a fallacy.

Editor, considering (i) that I am not a subscriber to the online edition of the Stabroek News, and (ii) due to the absence of the article from y e s t e r d a y ’s ( A u g ust 6, 2022) printed edition of the Stabroek News, I am not aware whether any other erroneous comment was attributed to me.

Accordingly, I am unable to respond as the case might be.

However, it would be careless of me if I were to ignore the title of the article which is equally deceptive as is the comment ascribed to me.

The use of the word “still” in the article’s title infers that the GECOM Secretariat, of which I am the Head, had expected some kind of decision on LGEs from the Commission, had not as yet so received, and was awaiting that decision – whatever it might be. In this regard, it is of vital importance that I make it unequivocally clear that the Commission has no outstanding decision for the Secretariat

In fact, I would be the first to note that the Commission would not be in a position to give any decision pertaining to t h e c o n d u c t o f L GES without having been appropriately advised in writing by me as the Head of the Secretariat.

F u r t h e r, i t w o u l d b e negligent of me to overlook the need for all Stakeholders to be duly informed about preparations for LGEs. In this regard, the farthest that I would go at this time is to say that a modified Work Plan for LGEs has been submitted to the GECOM Chairman for consideration by the Commission.

The mere position that such consideration is yet to take place obviously precludes me from touching on any aspect of the Plan in the public domain.

In conclusion, Editor, I wish to underscore that publishers cannot and must not disregard their responsibility to ensure accuracy in what they propagate, especially on matters of grave national interest as is the case in point.

The di s s e m i n a t i o n o f disinformation, whether deliberate or inadvertent would always carry deleterious effects.

Whenever this happens, one cannot help construing such action as being linked to some kind of deliberate agenda aimed at helping someone or harming another. I sincerely hope that this is not one such case.

Vishnu Persaud Chief Election Officer GECOM

Rystad Energy – Guyanese must get down to the hard questions and answers DEAR EDITOR, I treated myself to the rarity of listening to the recent Rystad Energy presentation at Duke Lodge. Rystad’s Mr. Shreiner Parker tried manfully during the Q & A segment to represent the product prepared by Rystad’s packaging and marketing insiders (analysts). He, however, could have been much smoother and more persuasive at crucial points in his delivery; he stumbled and vacillated too often, too clumsily. My interest was less on Mr. Parker, and more on his Guyanese questioners, who ran the gamut from inquirers to probers to interrogators.

They were even some helpers and boosters into Mr. Parker’s distinctly American flavoured spiel.

I have problems with failure to disclose timely on independence and oil company relationships; qualifications of developers of the marketing package about Guyana’s oil; and the underpinnings for Rystad’s position that the gas-to-shore project is “viable” and “necessary.”

These are not paltry issues, but have much meaning for this largely ignorant and captive society. Still, I was troubled by the local audience of questioners, and the responses articulated by Mr. Parker.

First, I heard of models and lush numbers for Guyana decades hence.

I did not hear hard questions about the underlying assumptions in those models.

After all, the best models are only as good as the quality of the assumptions fed into them, the conclusions resulting.

In standard American speak, too often it is a case of the GIGO effect -garbage in, garbage out, but doggedly to accentuate the positive.

It is a fact of life, business life included, that nobody celebrates negatives.

Then, the thinking was

that Guyanese fact finders and truth seekers would push for the kind of stress tests conducted on Rystad’s alluring numbers, how rigorous those stress tests were, with the range of numbers result therefrom.

Oil price, demand levels, interest rates, currency considerations, force majeures (pluralised for emphasis), hedging costs, and competing energy developments, including radical ones. Admittedly, 20- and 30-year scenarios are eternities in a commodity as choppy as oil. Currently, gasoline prices are falling in the U.S., but demand is falling also. Did the oil powers price overdo pricing, leading to initial demand destruction?

Simply stated, Guyanese needed to peel back the onion to get to the real truths about their future, even if it had to make Mr. Parker’s eyes drip.

Chris Ram, Glenn Lall, SN’s Marcelle Thomas, and Demerara Waves’ Denis Chabrol were relentless questioners, even if there were the sometimes top heavy, or thinness. The follow up required to pin down Rystad (the speaker is only cagey messenger) to unravel what all these numbers may (may) mean for Guyanese.

The moderator, Mr. Rambarran I think, managed with balance and aplomb. On the other hand, I was taken aback when other Guyanese were very pleased to engage in self-marketing or demonstrate charming sophistication, only to succeed at their objectives, which were to feed into Rystad’s lovefest and bolster it, like foreign corner men with Guyanese accents.

It was a classic case of boosterism through shameless personal hucksterism.

Now, it is opportune to offer this position: Guyana needs pure business reporters armed with commensurate knowledge and skills, who understand both theory and

practice, what they actually mean. They need to get in the minds of presenters.

Fly at 35,000 feet with snake charmers and their enthralling numbers; but be adept at crawling through the weeds to get to the bottom of clogged swamps.

Next, everybody is telling us how an oil spill is the equivalent of a Black Swan event (1 in 10,000 years). It is until it happens.

A more down-to-earth scenario is preferred. Air travel is the safest statistically.

That is, until a catastrophic one involving people occurs. Thus, contingencies like airline insurance (mandatory); automatic passenger insurance (credit card courtesy, business practice); and passenger self-coverage (voluntary). But it is layers of such protections costing cold cash. Relative to oil spill insurance, the conversation is of billions.

The question and concern are whether that cost has been factored in Rytsad’s splendid numbers. Meaning, the what ifs -disclosures and their level of materiality, probability of occurrence, and contingencies taken, all featured. These are standard in SEC filings.

My thinking is that everybody is highlighting the good new days ahead, and how great they will be.

Fabulous! My hope, my plea, is for both foreigner sellers and Guyanese watchers to approach honestly and frankly with all cards on the table. There is one card that should always ace Exxon’s card and the card of the Guyana Government.

It is that of the Guyanese people.

Let’s us try our best to get to the bottom of the thickets and tangles of luscious numbers.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

We should all set aside our differences...

From page 5 mightier than the sword.’

I remember the following written by Mark Almond, “Why do people revolt?

What are the roots of revolution? How do some uprisings succeed in overturning society while others fail? Civil Discontent is as old as human society.

History has been punctuated by uprisings, injustice and ambition have fed the urge to transform society. For most

of recorded history, the vast majority of humankind has been peasants toiling for the benefit of a few masters. Once the demands of the local lord were satisfied, there was little left to meet their own basic needs. Yet revolt rarely led to fundamental change.

Uprisings pock mark history as do their frequently brutal suppressions, but successful revolutions were rare until modern times.”

Dear Editor, let us ask all

of our Leaders and those they purport to lead, to wake up from their slumber and together tackle the same monster that thought that nothing was wrong with slavery, imperialism, indentureship and colonial exploitation.

Let us together tackle that monster like men and not mice.

Sincerely Hamilton Green Elder

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

T U T Shifting, sinking sand L N N T U U L N L B U .

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . .

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

L N .

T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU .

T .

N .

N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B .

L .

N .

B T . . .

N T U N N N L U U U B L .

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday August 08, 2022

Kaieteur News

After all the big talk that the oil contract the APNU+AFC Government signed with ExxonMobil was the worst ever, the PPP/C Government has now changed their tune.

It is almost embarrassing to hear the Vice President, Bharrat, the chief cook and bottle washer of the Irfaan Ali Government saying meekly to party faithful on Saturday saying that, “the contract is the worst in the world is simply not true.”

He even went on to say that, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) now stands in the middle where the contract is concerned, which means that the deal is neither good nor bad. Such hypocrisy and flip-flopping is dangerous for this country.

We at this newspaper have never been convinced that our leaders have the people's interest at heart and for this, we consistently urge citizens to demand their rightful share.

Imagine in the not too distant past, numerous PPP spokespeople, when the party was in the Opposition, had raged against the contract signed by the then APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

The party's spokespeople went to town with one scornful putdown after another on how terrible, how vile, the contract with Exxon was. The attacks against the Coalition continued when the PPP returned to power in 2020, and has never really let up in intensity, with every opportunity seized to remind all Guyanese how criminal the contract was. In parliament, in the media, and in the outreaches before captive audiences loaded with docile supporters, PPP leaders or ministers lashed and bashed the contract. It was another way of burning the Coalition in effigy before frenzied and delirious believers.

And now to hear Jagdeo virtually saying that the contract is good to go; is enough to cause anyone to throw up. God bless Guyana!

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Monday August 08, 2022

Kaieteur News

Secretariat to improve auditing, investigative capacity to monitor oil companies' compliance Local Content woes…

By Renay Sambach

A

s l o c a l businesses struggle to benefit from the oil and gas sector, despite the Local Content legislation being in effect, the Guyana's Local Content Secretariat is seeking to improve its auditing and investigative capabilities, to monitor oil companies' compliance with the law.

This is according to the Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab. In December 2021, Guyana passed its local content legislation, which caters to locals getting first preference in the country's oil and gas sector. The Local Content law is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana's oil and gas sector; employ persons, buy services and the way that they procure goods.

Under the Act, the Local Content Secretariat (the Secretariat) has been established and functions as the focal point for the monitoring, evaluation, coordination, and reporting of Local Content in the petroleum operations of Guyana.

Therefore, the Secretariat key role is to monitor and evaluate companies' performance with respect to the Guyanese utilization targets outlined in the Act. In the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) 2022/2023 magazine titled, 'Guyana-Investor Paradise'Pertab gave an overview of the country's local content legislation and also share the future direction of the Secretariat.

Pertab first shared that at the end of the year, the Secretariat will conduct an in-depth review of the companies' achievement of

the Local Content targets set out in the Act. He noted that the review will be done with the aim of amending the target percentage for future years.

Notably, he added that the review will not only inform the updating of the targets but will also identify additional areas for Guyanese participation based on the procurement activities of companies operating in the sector.

Pertab added that the Secretariat is also seeking to develop its investigative and auditing capabilities to adequately perform its functions regarding monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Act by oil companies. “This would serve to verify the information submitted to the Secretariat by companies operating in the sector,” Pertab noted.

Moreover, he noted that

the Secretariat will continue to strive to play an even greater role in the development of local suppliers and ensuring that adequate investments are made by companies in this regard. Hence, he said the importance of local content development in driving structural change and developing a productive, diversified, and complex economy cannot be overemphasised.

A mere six months after the legislation was passed, local businesses have been catching hell in the oil and gas sector. Several members of Guyana's private sector have voiced their concerns in relation to several local content issues. Just recently, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, reiterated the issue of the bundling of contracts by oil companies which has been stifling local businesses.

The Chamber in a statement said that it has taken note of recurrent contract bundling practices within Guyana's petroleum sector and expressed its disapproval of this practice.

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

The Chamber said too that the sum-effect of this

Director of Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab

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

Apart from its obvious hindrance to MSMEs wishing to service the sector, the Chamber believes that contract bundling works against the spirit and intent of Guyana's Local Content Act (2021) thereby, defeating the objectives of the Act as it relates to private sector development.

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

Back in May, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat had put oil companies on notice that the Government of Guyana will not tolerate the shortchanging of citizens in their own country after it was

brought to the attention of the administration complaints of unfair competition and other issues in the industry. Bharrat listed a number of issues, which he said are raised with him daily.

To this end, he explained that local businesses have complained that oil companies have been bundling services for catering, security, garbage collection and other technical offshore support systems as part of one contract. This, Bharrat said, has been posing significant challenge to locals, as they are burdened to offer a service they are not registered to. In fact, this often lends to the oil company failing to achieve the local content targets. To ensure that the breach of the fresh law is not the outcome, the Minister had urged that the practice be stopped.

Another bugbear is the payment delays from oil companies to local businesses.

Kaieteur News had reported that local businesses servicing the oil and gas (Continued on page 17)

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

Janet outfoxed them all

Mrs. Janet Jagan was one of the craftiest politicians in the PPP. Following the death of her husband, she showed how shrewd a politician she was.

She would have heard, during the hospitalisation of her husband in the United States, about the maoneuvres which were taking place privately about a possible successor to Cheddi.

Cheddi did succumb.

Janet Jagan, his wife and most senior party leader, came back ready for those who were privately plotting to succeed him. She returned with her husband’s body armed with a letter which he had signed designating her as his choice to succeed him.

Given Cheddi’s stature within the party, this was her ticket to be the party’s Presidential candidate for the 1997 general and regional elections.

If there were any doubts that she desired to succeed her husband, these were dispelled by her deportment when he stepped off the plane.

She did not shed a tear publicly.

She projected the image of a woman in command, strong and unbending, not a woman who was weak and in mourning. She was projecting

the image of a President-inwaiting Janet Jagan was a cunning political tactician.

She could not have survived politically for so long without a Machiavellian streak.

As much as she had the party’s support sewn up, she wanted to expose the hands of those who harboured ambitions to succeed her husband. She was keen to expose those who could threaten her future Presidency.

All along Janet Jagan came back with one plan in mind: to succeed her husband.

She played the PPP’s Central Committee like a banjo drum so to flesh out those who harboured ambitions to succeed her husband.

She made a deft political ploy.

She threw a cat among the pigeons when she approached Ralph Ramkarran to ask him whether he would be interested in the job.

Among the working class, he was a relative political unknown. He did not hold public office between 1992 and 1997 and therefore was not well-known among the working class.

Even though he was the son of a PPP stalwart and a man long seen as Cheddi’s right hand, Boysie

Ramkarran, Ralph was not among those whose names were being bandied about as possible successors to Cheddi.

The name most featured among working class people was Reepu Daman Persaud, the man many saw as the third in command after Janet.

He was the name most cited as likely to succeed Cheddi as the party’s presidential candidate.

Janet, however, was keen to expose those with ambitions to succession.

Ralph Ramkarran was the cat which she threw among the pigeons. And immediately the fight began. One person got up and tore into Ramkarran.

He has written about this episode in this week’s Conversation Tree.

His middle class background would not have prepared him for such a stern political onslaught.

Janet Jagan knew fully well that the party’s leadership would not go for a candidate like Ramkarran who did not have the standing among the working class and whose names was hardly featured as a successor to Cheddi.

But having thrown his name in the hat, the others with ambitions had no choice but to respond. One man got

NA man threatened reputed wife over school cash grant A 45-year-old man last Friday appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court and was charged with threatening his reputed wife for the “Because We Care” cash grant that was distributed by the Ministry of Education.

Angel Price of Savannah Park Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice made his appearance before Magistrate Renita Singh a n d w a s c h a r g e d with threatening behaviour towards his reputed wife and mother of his three children.

He was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 and ordered to stay 100 ft. away from the mother of his children.

Prince before being taken to the court lockups called on his reputed wife to assist with $10,000 to bail him.

Dem boys seh...

People desperate fuh leadership Dis country desperate fuh leadership. People suh desperate dat dem looking fuh leaders from anywhere.

Imagine a man wah gat nuff money does be appearing pon Facebook.

De man does gat on a shades. De man deh tekkin’ out picture and being kind to people.

He nah seh a word as yet. He nah give no political opinion pon any subject. De man doing he own thing and people holding umbrella over de man. Imagine people watch at dis man and start fuh talk about how dem want de man fuh be President. De man never express interest in politics.

Yet people want de man fuh be President.

It just show how de people desperate fuh leadership. Dem looking left, right and centre. Dem picking people wah nah express no interest in leadership.

Popularity is not a recipe fuh good leadership. De American television did mek Donald Trump popular with de Apprentice. And look how de turn out!

But it also show how people fed up with de present crop ah leaders. De people get let down too often. Dem get frustrated and because dem frustrated dem losing patience. De people running out ah hope.

Dem did vote fuh change and dem get exchange. Dem bin vote again fuh change de change and dem had to wait lang fuh it.

Now dem realise dat wah dem get is a return to wat dem bin want to change de fuss time. Dem looking fuh example of leadership.

It mek dem boys remember de time when dem had to interview somebody fuh a job.

Dem Boys ask de person fuh give a good example of leadership.

De person seh, “Ok, I am hired!”

Talk half. Leff half.

up and ripped Ramkarran’s credentials to shreds.

But in so doing, he also exposed his own ambitions, and in a communist party that is a surest route to be purged. From that moment onwards that person’s fate was sealed.

The one person who understood the machinations which were taking place was Roger Luncheon. He adopted the most logical and sensible position. He effectively was questioning ‘why the party was debating about a candidate when we have the best person here, Janet Jagan’.

Not only was she the most

senior party leader – already a virtual elder – but she was the best-suited person to attract a sympathy vote from the masses.

But Dr. Luncheon must have also seen through her ploy to expose those with ambitions or he could have been part of the plan hatched

by Janet. He tried to save those persons from committing political suicide.

But the die was already cast and could not be reversed.

Those who attacked Ramkarran’s presidency and those who failed to lend their support to it had no choice.

Once the cat was among the

PAGE 9

pigeons, there was bound to be a confrontation.

This played right into the hands of Janet. She had them where she wanted them. And since they could not decide, she ended up deciding for them. She decided on herself.

She was among the smartest politicians that ever lived.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Monday Monday August May 02,08, 2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The PNC will have a new leader after 2025

I

refer to a published interview with Hamilton Green in this newspaper of Monday, October 16, 2017. His answer to the first question is important and is precious historical stuff.

There is an item left out in the publication. When I arrived, Mr. Green and I chatted informally in his s t u d y. I a s k e d i f t h e leadership of the PNC, including President Burnham, thought that his street boy, bully boy image was not what the PNC wanted in its leader and that explains why Dr. Ptolemy Reid and Mr. Desmond Hoyte were promoted at his expense. His answer was yes.

No serious leader of the

PNC in the 1970s and 1980s thought Green was leadership material not because he didn't deserve the leader position but because the society's perception of him was that he was the raging bull for the PNC. They feared the road corner confrontationist was all he was.

Robert Corbin suffered the same fate. But he eventually made it to the top only to be rejected by many of his colleagues including at the time, the big names of Vincent Alexander and Aubrey Norton. In the 2006 elections, the African and Cr eo le/M u latto mid d le classes rejected Corbin and that was the end of his time as PNC leader.

The man that the Creole/Mulatto class saw as the embodiment of what the PNC should be after Burnham and Hoyte was David Granger. In his retirement days, Mr. Granger was part of the urban Portuguese/Mulatto world in Guyana. He became one of the closest friends of the founder of the Stabroek News, David DeCaires.

Mr. Granger founded a magazine devoted to social and political issues named Guyana Review. The Guyana Review was anti-government and it ran into financial trouble because business folks were uncomfortable advertising in it out of fear of governmental victimisation.

Mr. DeCaires agreed to

buy the Guyana Review and paid an enormous sum involving millions for it far in excess of the copyright value of the magazine. Soon after Stabroek News ran into trouble and sought a $200 million loan from Republic Bank and began charging online readers.

It is the only one of the four dailies that you cannot read for free on the internet.

When Mr. DeCaires died, his home was turned into a foundation named Moray House and from its inception has been supportive of Mr. Granger both as Opposition Leader and President. Today, Moray House is the bedrock of anti-government carping.

Circumstances arise to give opportunity to a political dreamer when the dream looks far from being realised.

Barack Obama came to power favoured by two unique situations. America wanted to be unburdened by

politicians who sought overseas wars. Mrs. C l i n t o n represented an era dominated by Wa s h i n g t o n conspiracies that Frederick Kissoon voters were fed up with.

He won with huge Mr. Obama did not become the new America and absenteeism. He took less the new president every than 50 percent of the vote.

As PNC leader, Norton human on Planet Earth hoped he would be. In fact, if rated shows that he is incapable of by independent analysts (and (1) understanding how and he has been evaluated by a why men and women should leading Black professor; learn from the past; (2) how more on that later), he would important it is to make the not be six on the list. The transition from the mode of circumstances favouring a ordinary street fighter to Black woman president in the board-room negotiator; (3) next two years in the US will that Guyana in 1997 when “slo fyaah/mo fyaah” was not be there.

The circumstances that born is not that Guyana any give the opportunity to more.

The post 1997 dialectics Norton to become PNC leader in December 2021 will have reshaped Guyana to not be there in 2025. First, the exclude leaders in the PNC dialectics of politics degutted taking Guyana down the David Granger's survival. He pathway of Caribbean pariah was a non-performer as status it had for several p r e s i d e n t a n d a n o n - decades.

Mr. Norton is performing performer as opposition the only way he knows and he leader after August 2020. has been performing like that His intimate comrades in the PNC's hierarchy were all his life.

H i s s i m p l e , tired and psychologically jaded. Volda Lawrence commonsensical mistake is that his audience is not the admitted she needed a break.

No one of substance in same. His old audience is the PNC had the energy to long gone.

He will not survive after oppose Harmon for the leader he loses the 2025 election, position, and if they did, they and lose he will. would have beaten both (The views expressed in Harmon and Norton.

Circumstances honoured this article are those of the Norton but the warning sign a u t h o r a n d d o n o t was larger than Mount necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Roraima.

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Monday August 08, 2022

Kaieteur News

2 cars stolen in 3 days ...Police recover one stripped at Success, ECD

By Shervin Belgrave

T

wo silver-grey Toyota Premio motorcars, one belonging to Kaieteur News and another to a CANU officer, were stolen at separate locations across the coast of Guyana within three days.

The CANU's officer's car was the first to be stolen on Friday July 29 last in front of his home at Unity on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Two days later around 02:00hrs on July 31, Kaieteur N e w s ' c a r, P P P 8 1 9 5 disappeared from in front of one of its employee's home at Crane on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

As police investigators try their best to track the suspects via leads, they have managed to recover one of the stolen cars on Thursday, stripped of its music set and other parts at Success on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). The recovered car was positively identified to be the one stolen from the CANU officer.

Speaking with the Kaieteur News, the officer (name provided) said that he had parked his vehicle in front of his home around 22:00hrs that evening and went to bed.

He woke up around 04:00hrs the following morning and found his car missing.

The officer lodged a report with police and almost six days later, investigators were able to locate his car but it was stripped of its parts.

Kaieteur News was told that the thieves had removed the music system valued at $700,000.

They even removed the bumper, mirrors and other expensive parts. The car's licence plate was also removed and

Kaieteur News' stolen car that is yet to be recovered.

The CANU officer's stripped car that was recovered at Success, ECD on Thursday.

Charged for stealing cars, Ravin Singh replaced with one marked “On test”. Investigators believe that thieves did this to make it look as though they had just bought the car so they can drive around freely without being stopped by a police officer.

It is suspected too that they were able to remove the car from the CANU officer's home with the use a “flat point” screw driver. So far, investigators are clueless about perpetrators.

However, their investigation had led them to search a home at Le Souvenir, after they were tipped off that the owner is an auto dealer that (Continued on page 18)

Charged for stealing cars, prominent auto dealer, Andrew Archibald

Leon Lewis suspected member of the carjacking gang.

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2022

PAGE 13

Opposition warned against boycotting scrutiny of $44.7B supplementary budget T

By Davina Bagot

he Opposition is being warned against boycotting Parliament today where a $44.7B supplementary budget by the government is to be considered.

Transparency advocate Dr. Yog Mahadeo said that the political decision by the group that represents close to half of the voters in Guyana must be not be taken lightly as a whopping $44.7 billion will be withdrawn for

Dr. Yog Mahadeo

AFC Chairperson, Catherine Hughes spending by the government, without being scrutinised by those whose job is to do just that. Mahadeo in an invited comment on the matter told Kaieteur News that the proposed boycott of Parliament plays right into the hands of the ruling party.

He explained, “Lack of scrutiny and oversight at the National Assembly is an obvious outcome as the cycle of corruption and cronyism continues.” Mahadeo continued that the proposed boycott is a political decision that will not do any good, but rather give the PPP/C free rein to allocate funds as they desire.

“Guyana needs nationalistic thinking decisions that can create a better future for all Guyanese, not just for a party or its loyalists. I think that the Coalition can do better in developing political strategies.”

Addressing the root cause of the boycott, Mahadeo said he believes the attempt to remove the mace was “illogical, improper and ineffective”. Additionally, the founding member of civil society organization, Article 13 reasoned, “We must remember that Guyana's winner-takes-all politics renders a minority party ineffective since a majority party will do whatever it wants. The Coalition was in power just three short years ago and squandered its opportunity to make fundamental changes to our political system. The current ruling party, while in opposition, bandied around all verbiage in proposing change. But now in power, nothing substantive will happen because they enjoy their dominance.”

Leader of the Opposition Mr. Aubrey Norton last Tuesday told a rally that the government will be left to speak to itself, as his side of the House will not be present today to scrutinize the $44.7 billion being sought in supplementary funding.

Norton was keen to note that the decision was arrived at following what was described as the “unconstitutional suspension” of eight Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs). The MPs were suspended over the unauthorised removal of the mace last December. The Opposition was hoping to

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones

secure a court order to prevent the suspension of the MPs from the National Assembly; however, the High Court refused to grant an injunction.

The A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change APNU+AFC MPs: Sherod Duncan, Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul and Natasha Singh-Lewis will be required to be absent from four consecutive sittings, while Annette Ferguson,

Maureen A. Philadelphia, Tabitha Halley and Vinceroy Jordan would be suspended for six consecutive sittings. It was revealed that the MPs will each lose four to six days pay each month and they would not be allowed within the precincts of the Parliament Building or Chamber, use of the library or participation in committee meetings.

O n S a t u r d a y, t h e Opposition Chief Whip,

Christopher Jones in an exclusive interview with this publication confirmed that the APNU faction will not be present at the scheduled Sitting. In this regard, he was asked how he feels about missing an opportunity to examine the $44.7 billion in additional funds being requested, six months after a $552.9 billion Budget was passed.

To this, he explained, that the Speaker of the National

Assembly has not been allowing the Opposition to function as it should, and he believes that questions would be casually dismissed as per normal, by the PPP MPs. “We have been scrutinising these financial papers forever and we have been asking questions in the National Assembly and the answers that we get are less than any answer, so even in being there, you ask them a million (Continued on page 18)

PAGE 14

Berbice cricketer dies in motorcycle crash

T

wenty-five-year-old Clifton Lindie, a cricketer of Berbice died in an accident early Sunday morning when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a trench on the East Bank Berbice Public Road.

Reports are that Lindie of Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice had met up with some friends for some drinks Saturday night and the outing took him into the wee hours of Sunday.

He was making his way home on his motorcycle along the East Bank Berbice Public Road when he lost control and ploughed into a trench.

Residents responded and assisted in escorting Lindie to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead arrival. Lindie played for the Tucber Park Cricket Club, first and second division team and did so with distinction, the club said in a post on Facebook yesterday.

The Berbice Cricket Board through its President Hilbert Foster also extended condolences on the loss.

5

Sunday August 08, 2022

Kaieteur News

Clifton Lindie

H e mentioned that Lindie produced "many outstanding performances over the years" and noted that he represented New Amsterdam/Canje at the under-19 stage.

"His passing will surely be a loss to Berbice Cricket as we have lost a bright young prospect. We pray that the Almighty comforts his family and loved ones at this difficult time," BCB said.

Missing farmer found dead with mouth taped

The body of a missing farmer was on Sunday found floating in the Essequibo River with his mouth gagged, police have confirmed.

The dead man was identified as Romeo Persaud, a resident of Tuschen, West Coast Demerara who did farming at Hog Island located in the Essquibo River.

Kaieteur News learnt that he had left the Island on Friday in his speedboat. He reportedly never made it to his destination.

His boat was found that same afternoon drifting on the river but he was nowhere to be seen. Around 08:00hrs on Sunday, reports surfaced that the man's body was seen floating in the Essequibo River. After it was retrieved, family members later positively identified the remains to be that of Persaud. Kaieteur News was told that the man's body was found with the mouth taped and investigators believe that foul play might be involved in his death.

Investigations are ongoing.

Romeo Persaud, the missing man who was found floating in the Essequibo River with his mouth taped.

persons walk away with $$$ from Digicel Cash Vault promotion

Five Digicel customers walked away with over $500,000 in cash on Saturday night, after being the first to participate in the company's S u m m e r C a s h Va u l t promotion.

Digicel first Cash Vault draw show which was held at Movie Towne, five personsGermain Knight of Georgetown, Sheneza Caesar o f K w ak w an i, Tr ud y Ramberan of Georgetown, Amar Persaud of Grove and Ramdai Ramnand of Berbice who were able to spell the word C-A-S-H by topping up, were in the winners' circle. Apart from

automatically winning $500,000 each, they won additional cash prizes as they had one minute to grab as much money in the vault.

The draw which was spiced with live entertainment by Samuel Medas, also had the media participating in the promotion.

The final draw is slated for August 27 and the qualifying period of this draw ends on August 25, 2022.

Moreover, customers who would have collected letters since the beginning of the promotion will have those letters rolled over for the final

draw.

To qualify, customers must top up with $1000 or more (Scratch Cards or electronically) to collect the letters to spell the word C-AS-H to enter into the draw.

Once the top-up is successful, the customer will receive a text message with their electronic letter.

Customers can keep track of their letters collected by texting 'GRAB' to 1441.

Customers spelling the word C-A-S-H within the qualifying periods will participate in the draw for a chance to win up to three million dollars ($3,000,000).

Scenes from Digicel's first Cash Vault draw show which was held on Saturday at Movie Towne tarmac.

The five contestants who were part of Digicel's Cash Vault live draw show.

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2022

PAGE 15

Buxton, an integral part of the country's development - Pres. Ali

P

resident Irfaan Ali on Saturday said t h a t t h e community of Buxton is included in the government's programmes and policies designed to bring prosperity to every Guyanese.

“I know what it is like to respect every single Guyanese as Guyanese. I know what it is like to celebrate each other as Guyanese. And, I'm going to lead a battle that includes Buxton for the upliftment of every single person and let me be very clear, every single one of you, every single Guyanese is welcome on board.”

The Head of State gave this assurance as he delivered remarks while extending congratulatory greetings during the ceremony to commemorate the Buxton- Friendship Museum, Archives & Culture Centre's 4th Anniversary as well as the graduation of the first-ever computer programme at the Centre on Saturday.

E c o n o m i c Empowerment for Buxton President Ali said that the government is actively working on a number of initiatives in several areas, including agriculture that will bring economic empowerment and improve the livelihoods of the residents of the community.

“I've already tasked the Minister of Agriculture. He has outlined a clear pathway on developing the farm-tomarket road and developing the drainage canals, and I said to him, we must work, as my brother from the school of entrepreneurship said, we must work to make Buxton, a bread basket of food production.”

He assured those gathered that government is ready to work in advancing the potential of agriculture in the area. “Let's get this body to bring the farmers together to deploy the land that you have here collectively so that we can advance the potential of that land into opportunities in agriculture.

I am saying, you are knocking at open doors. We are ready to work with you on advancing a project like this.”

The President also pointed to the importance of history and culture in shaping the understanding that we are all part of the family of humanity.

“I know how important it is for you and these young people.

I know how important history is, I know how important culture is, and history and culture should shape us to an understanding that we are one part of a singular whole, and that is the whole of humanity.

Every culture, every system, every history points us to that singular whole that we are part of one family, the family of humanity.”

Given this rich historical tapestry, he told those present that even as they celebrate, they must do so in “the true context of the facts” and recognise the contribution of our African Guyanese brothers and sisters towards the development of Guyana continues today.

“This country is blessed, and part of that blessing is the rich contribution of our African brothers and sisters to the development and advancement of our country, and this contribution has not stuck in history. This contribution has continued up to today…”

He recognised several notable Afro-Guyanese who serve in government, the judiciary and public service, among other institutions.

President Ali told the first graduates of the BuxtonFriendship Museum, Archives & Culture Centre computer programme that their achievements are linked to job creation. “I'm very happy today that we have all these young people graduating in technology, but how do we link that to job creation? I'll tell you how.

Right now, I'm working with an African Guyanese who

did exceptionally well at Amazon. And what is she doing for us? She is developing a tech platform in which we can certify young Guyanese to work at Amazon in tech field. Jobs are coming to you, and we're going to invest in that programme.

We are now working out the modalities of that programme, and who is developing it? A young African Guyanese. Let us celebrate them. Let us honour them.”

Advancing a 'One Guyana' The President reiterated that he is willing to work, with hands extended, with everyone in moving the country forward. “Let us get real. Let us get honest. Let us get dignified. And, I can

President Irfaan Ali and staff of the museum

speak to you so openly because my message is constant, and it's clear because I believe in one Guyana and moving this country together as one Guyana. Every single hand that is willing to shake my hands, I am ready to shake that hand and move this country forward, and for every single hand that is not ready to shake my hand, I give them the time and space to do so. “ The Head of State said that government will continue to work hand in hand with all the people of Guyana to advance economic and social development. He said this will be achieved by addressing livelihood issues through training and development, education,

empowerment, and access to capital, improving healthcare and education.

“We are together as one.

We are ready to work with you. Let us for a moment, remove biases, let us for a moment, remove propaganda and narrative that are inhibiting the growth and development.

Let us allow ourselves a little space to give an opportunity so that we can create a better future for those that will come behind.”

Following the ceremony, President Ali and the delegation joined guests for a walk-through of the museum and a viewing of the exhibits.

Several Cabinet ministers joined President Ali in celebrating with the community, including (Continued on page 16)

Norton urges PNCR to get into campaign mode ...as General Council focuses on rebuilding party, connecting with grassroots The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) over the weekend held its second General Council Meeting for 2022 with a heavy focus on rebuilding the party and connecting with the grassroots.

The conclave was held at the party's Headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia. In a press release, the party noted that the General Council is its second-highest decision-making forum. The theme for this weekend's General Council, “REBUILDING OUR PARTY, CONNECTING WITH OUR GRASSROOTS BASE,” reflected the need for the Party to further strengthen itself as a modern political organization and to redouble its efforts to protect and advance the social and economic interests of Guyanese in their homes and communities,” PNCR said.

According to the party, Saturday's programme was chaired by the Party Chairman Shurwayne Holder and included the General Secretary's Report and the Feature

Address by Leader of the PNCR, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton. In his address to the attendees, Mr. Norton called for the party to slip into a campaign mode and to spread its messages not only in its strongholds but across all communities in Guyana.

He urged the Party's entire leadership to focus on the big picture and not to allow small disagreements to create unwarranted internal division. He reiterated the Party's call for a clean voters list and for a n imparti al and C o u n c i l trustw coincided with orthy PNCR Leader, the 37th death Chairpe anniversary of Aubrey Norton rson for the PNCR's GECOM. Founder Leader The first day and First Executive of the General President of the Co-

A section of the General Council over the weekend. operative Republic of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

On the second day of the General Council, the participants listened to and discussed reports from the Party's regions and arms.

Workshops were held to discuss the question on: “WHAT NEEDS TO

BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE FUNCTIONING OF PARTY REGIONS, SUB-REGIONS AND GROUPS.” The General Council concluded with a Charge by the Party Leader. Representatives from all ten regions attended on both days.

PAGE 16

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana COVID-19 death tolls climbs to 1272

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

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

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

Hamid's On Saffon street is now opening on Sundays & Hoildays from 8:00 AM -1 PM. Contact 225-8721 Rengen Atchana herbal specialist cure stroke, Asthma & Any Pain.Interested persons contact 638-2044 At Essential customer brokerage, get all vehicle and heavy machinery cleared for $20,000 Call: 639-0910/ 684-9994

VACANCY Vacancy- Lorry Drivers & Porters Contact: 650-0979 Experience Cashier CXC Passes in Maths & English, Knowledge of Quickbook, Apply in writing @ Wieting & Richter Ltd Counter clerk & Porter to work at Hardware store. Monday Saturday Call: 689-4041 Full time driving instructor, 5 years driving experience, friendly, patient and good at interacting, contact: 602-2583 Certified Accountant Send application to the manager Agri Parts Machinery & Services 202 Mandela Avenue Alexander Village Georgetown Vacancy exists for Sales Woman,Counter Attendant @Dian's Deli Bar St Kitty.Tel:225-3700.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded another Covid-19 fatality which takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 1,272.

The latest casualty is that of an 87-year-old man of Region Four (Demerara Mahaica).

The man was unvaccinated. The ministry also reported on Sunday 26 new infections with one patient in the Intensive Care Unit. The ministry expresses sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased and promised to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to render any assistance needed.

The Ministry is also appealing to the general public to respect the confidentiality of the deceased and his family and to allow them to mourn their tragic loss in peace. All Guyanese are being encouraged to continue to observe the public health measures set out by the Ministry of Health.

The public health measure encourages: the need for everyone five (5) years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for ev-

One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English & Math , grade 1or2 Email application:techserigy @yahoo.com or call 642-9823.

Forklift Operator,Delivery clerk / Sales Clerk /Delivery clerk. Contact : 227-1511 / 2272486 Vacancy for Driver, ages 3545. Contact:266-1287 Vacancy for Paint Technician/ Mixer, experience required. contact: 226-1287/ 226-1270

WANTED Experienced cashier, cleaner, Labourer and counter person.Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp & New Market St. Experience Waitress to work shift living on East Coast Preferably $22,000 Weekly. 6103974 1 General Domestic, age 38 or older to work in Herstelling.

Call:697-0157 Wanted One General Worker to work at Guest House. Call 225-6337 / 218-1400

WANTED

Wanted one experience Hairdresser at Magic Touch Beauty Salon Tel: 225-6492 / 686-3121

LAND FOR SALE Friendship East Bank , 85x213 Garden of Eden East Bank, Soesdyke Double lot & Moblissa Contact:Ray's Realty 627-9685

Farm Workers In Timerhi :6172032 / 617-2047.

Male porters, female cooks for Interior supermarket and live in domestic for Georgetown, 687-7638/660-9093

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Lorry driver,apply at RP'S Enterprise at Area K L e R e s s o u v e i r E.C.D,contact#220-2818

Peter's Hall, Rebublic Park,Nandy Park Providence & Subryanville -contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685

Lathe Operator Call: 645-9333.

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

six feet from others and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop Car& Van license Call.642-9823.

Pitbull pups for sale already got the first vaccine contact: 603-2640

2 two bedrooms apartment for rent at New Scheme Herstelling, phone:671-4757

and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining a safe distance of

Maid to cook & Clean for East Bank area call 615-9132.

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

eryone to get a COVID-19 booster dose after completing the primary vaccination series; the need for correct

Jagdeo flips-flops on Exxon contract...

From page 2 ExxonMobil is one of the most lopsided agreements signed in the country's history. To this end, the AG noted that the lopsided contract must be a mistake that Guyana learns from when going forward with signing future oil and gas agreements. Provisions in the 2016 PSA While both the PPP and former Coalition government are determined to stick to the lopsided 2016 oil contract, citizens in Guyana have mounted daily protest action, high-

lighting the need for changes to be made so that they can secure benefits from the deal.

They believe that the present agreement only favours the oil company, as Guyana receives a mere two percent royalty for its sweet light crude and settled for 50 percent profit sharing, after Exxon takes 75 percent of the earnings to clear its expenses.

The deal that the oil company often brags about to its shareholders, also forces Guyanese to pay their share of taxes, amounting to mil-

lions of US dollars each year.

This figure is likely to further balloon as more operations come on stream. In addition, the country is allowing ExxonMobil to operate offshore without full liability coverage in the event of an oil spill, which means that the risk is borne by Guyana. Another key provision that is lacking in the document is ring-fencing provision, which would avoid the oil company from using the petroleum revenue in one field to cover for expenses in another.

Buxton, an integral part of the country's...

From page 15 Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, Minister

of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Wa l r o n d , M i n i s t e r o f N a t ural Resources,

Vickram Bharrat and representatives of the Ministry o f C u l t u r e , Yo u t h a n d Sports. (DPI)

Monday August 8, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Secretariat to improve auditing, investigative capacity to monitor oil...

From page 8 sector continue to lament the lengthy time it takes the oil and gas companies to pay them for goods and services provided.

The issue of late payments has been a sore one and is being blamed for the stifling local businesses.

Last month, the GCCI had interacted with Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, where they raised several iss u es of pertinent importance, including, regulating payment arrangements in

the oil and gas sector.

On the same issue, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had stated that the legislation provides for the government to regulate the payment terms to local companies.

He said, “…the issue of paymen t t e r m s , we spoke of it in opposition, we raised it with the oil and gas companies and that h a s to change and the l e g i s l a t i o n provides for us to regulate this.”

T h e Vi c e P r e s i d e n t noted that a 90-days pay-

ment term to smalls firms in Guyana is not acceptable. “ We a r e g e t t i n g around to regulating that to ensure that Guyanese c o m p a n i e s c o u l d have better paym e n t t e r m s , ” Jagdeo noted.

D u r i n g a n i n t e r view with this publication, the Attorney General explained that local businesses have complained of a systemic delay in payments for good supplied and services rendered.

“They complained that this delay is hav-

ing severe impact on their limited capital and liquidity thereby hampering their ability to discharge their contractual obligations,” he added.

Acco r d i n g t o t h e Minister, the local businesses related to the government that in many instances, they are unable to secure sufficient credit facilities and as a result, they have to flunk the fin a n c i a l c a p i t a l i n s o m e occurrences.

It was noted that in some instances where they are required to pay VAT

(Value Added Tax) in relation to monies that they have not yet received, in respect to transactions that they have not received payments f o r.

As such, Nandlall noted that th e b u s i nesses are requesting some form of regulations that would limit the timeframe for the credit arrangements.

“One avenue that is being explored is the promulgation of regulation for the Local Content Act to address the issue,”

t h e A G n o t e.

He recalled that when the Local Content Act was being debated in the National Assembly, the government made a commitment that after it becomes fun c t i o n a l – i f any inadequacies were to arise o r d i f f i c u l t i e s encountered, regulat i o n s w o u l d b e m a de t o address the issue.

Notably, the Attorney General stated that if the amendment to the local content legislation is not effective – the government will then explore other means.

PAGE 18

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

2 cars stolen in 3 days...

From page 12 sells spares and had expressed interest buying a car recently. Ranks searched the premises and had found some old car parts lying around but there was none that belonged to the recovered stolen car.

The owner of the home related to this newspaper that she knows nothing about the stolen car. She even claimed that she is not in the business of selling car parts anymore and now runs a plant shop.

The woman further stated that even if she was still selling car parts, it won't be stolen ones because she is an honest businesswoman.

In the meantime, as investigation continues, police are also hoping to recover the second stolen car that belongs to Kaieteur News. Footage seen by this media house captured some men dismantling the car before removing it from in front of the Kaieteur News' employee's home.

Anyone who might have seen the missing car bearing licence plate PPP 8195 or knows where it might be, is asked to report to the nearest police station. It should be noted that these two cars are

not the only ones that have been stolen in the last few months.

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), in January this year had cracked down on one of the gangs that have been stealing cars in the city for quite a while. SOCU's operation had led its investigators to recover two stolen cars at a workshop at Montrose, ECD and arrested a number of individuals suspected to be part of the gang.

Among those who were arrested was the workshop owner, Ravin Singh and a prominent auto dealer, Andrew Archibald Samaroo.

Samaroo had turned himself in to police after a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

Samaroo, Singh and another man, Leon Lewis were charged in February, for stealing the cars recovered by SOCU and that matter is currently before the court. Singh and Samaroo are presently out on bail. Lewis was placed behind bars on remand but this newspaper is unsure if he was able to obtain bail at a subsequent court hearing.

According to reports, the men are accused of being a part of a gang that would le-

gally purchase cars that were destroyed in road accidents.

The gang would store these vehicles and then send out its members to hijack or steal one similar to the “crashed cars”, they had bought.

The stolen cars would then be taken to a workshop where mechanics are tasked to make them look like the legally purchased “crashed cars”. Mechanics would remove parts and the engine numbers from legally purchased cars and place them on the stolen ones before they are resold to unsuspecting buyers.

The parts removed from stolen cars would then be resold in the local market as spares. With this style operation, the gang is able to operate un-detected for years because all their paper work for the vehicles they sold are legal and it was difficult for law enforcement officers to track them down.

Nevertheless, recent developments have allowed SOCU to make a major breakthrough in its bid to dismantle the gang but carjacking operations in the country continue.

Opposition warned against boycotting...

From page 13 questions and they don't answer,” The MP pointed out, adding, “We raised these matters with the Speaker for him to somewhat instruct them to answer but as the Standing Order puts it, a Minister can answer in the way he or she chooses.”

Jones said that due to this provision, ministers are allowed to share “absolutely no details” which is the usual course.

This means, he said, “The PPP has made a mockery of the Parliamentary settings that would allow for scrutiny, transparency and accountability.

We had lines of questions before that were dismissed by the Agriculture Minister for example, who was questioned by Khemraj Ramjattan. The Minister responded by saying the same way in which you used to give gun licence.”

Confident that its presence in the National Assembly will reap no benefit in understanding the need for the additional funds, the Opposition said it will be dissecting the financial papers on social media to share its views over the next few days.

In addition, the Chief Whip indicated that an Opposition press conference will be hosted on Tuesday where the parties would make its position known on the supplementary budget.

He was keen to note that, “some of the provisions that they are asking for, there is

the Standing Orders that state the only time you can come with a supplementary document is when the matters that you are requesting the money would have had to be unforeseen. In one of them, they got $4 billion for electricity arrears.”

In light of this, Jones enquired, “How is it that a Ministry doesn't know that at the end of every month, they got to pay electricity and every year in the Budget, there is an allocation for electricity charges. So how is it that they coming for electricity charges and arrears, so therefore where is the money that we allocated year after year for the Ministry of Finance to pay GPL?” Particularly interesting the Opposition MP said was that none of the supplemental funding will go towards addressing the cost of living crisis burdening every Guyanese.

He argued that nothing was being done to subsidize the cost of electricity or reduce the cost of basic food items, all while public servants continue to be ignored an increase of salary.

AFC to join APNU S i m i l a r l y, t h e A F C Chairperson, Catherine Hughes said that the party's MPs will not be attending the sitting on Monday, as it will be standing in solidarity with the eight MPs suspended since they were not given a hearing. According to her, “We are standing in

solidarity with them just because due process did not take place.” She was posed with the same question, if the AFC believes it would be missing an opportunity to offer scrutiny on the monies being requested. She explained, “The reality is that Parliament really has not operated to the level that it is intended to operate.”

Hughes sought to put in perspective that the Parliamentary Session will be closing off by Wednesday, however the Opposition continues to be sidelined by the government's side with the assistance of the Speaker in throwing out Motions that seek to address national issues, such as the high cost of living and full liability coverage for example. As such, she told Kaieteur News that none of the Opposition recommendations have been considered to date, as government simply uses its majority to pull the strings.

Hughes assured that the AFC will also be scrutinizing the money in the public domain to highlight its thoughts on the additional funding. More importantly, the Chairperson reasoned, “What is most offensive also is the lack of information. You are asking for billions of dollars and your explanations are so broad for development. There is absolutely no breakdown of what the project is.”

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2022

Guyana's oil ships to help SBM pocket billions in leasing fees this year ...company set to rake in record-breaking US$9B

S

BM Offshore, the Dutch shipbuilder for Guyana's floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels said its leasing and operating revenue for the first half-year of 2022 increased to US$854 million from US$752 million in the year ago.

The company said this reflects mainly: the Liza Unity (FPSO) joining the Guyana fleet during the first quarter 2022, increased operating service scope for the Liza Destiny (FPSO), and the extension of a lease for the FPSO Kikeh in Malaysia.

Given the foregoing performance, SBM said it expects to deliver around US$9 billion net cash flow from its Lease and Operate contracts for the remainder of the year. Additionally, SBM said its market outlook for new FPSOs remains positive as the world requires energy which is not only sustainable, but also affordable and reliable. This is what the company said it is delivering through its competitive Fast4Ward® FPSOs, which are also characterized by low emissions intensity. The company also has a line of sight for several other Guyana ships, thereby allowing for a substantial revenue flow for more than 20 years.

L E A S I N G ARRANGEMENTS Kaieteur News understands that the Liza Destiny (FPSO) contract covers the basic contractual term of 10 years of lease and operate.

The Liza Unity (FPSO) and Prosperity (FPSO) contracts cover a maximum period of lease and operate of two years, within which the FPSO ownership and operation will transfer to the client, ExxonMobil's affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The ONE GUYANA FPSO which will serve the Yellowtail Project in

the Stabroek Block has a contract that covers a maximum period of lease and operate of two years, within which the FPSO ownership and operation will transfer to the client.

OVERALL PORTFOLIO On the overall project portfolio, SBM said strategic mitigating measures against inflation have been proving effective on controlling cost and protecting schedule on.

Nevertheless, the company said parts of the portfolio remain sensitive to the pressure in the global supply chain and impact from COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve its goal of net-zero by 2050, the Dutch firm said it has established the following intermediate targets: by 2030, a target net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions; a 50% reduction in scope 3 greenhouse gas intensity; and zero routine flaring in its fleet. The company also reported seeing good progress under its emissionZERO® programme which aims to have a nearzero emissions FPSO available to the market by 2025.

In respect to new energies and services, the company said it is developing products and services compatible with its net-zero roadmap. It was keen to note that the orderly transition from fossil to renewable energy will require companies to design and develop innovative solutions combined with the capability to reliably execute, finance and operate them.

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

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

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday August 8, 2022

Volodímir Zelenski

Monday August 8, 2022

Family Foods supports Dhyan Carter dominoes Family Foods has supported the Dhyan Carter birth anniversary dominoes tournament wh i c h i s s e t f o r S u n d a y.

The competition will be played at Turning Point and among the teams set t o take part a r e M i x U p H a m m e r, F a n d H , Gold i s M o n e y, P r o v i d e n c e , Phantom and All Season.

Dhyan Carter (right) accepts the cheque from the CEO of Family Foods.

Monday August 8, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Sometimes, it's amazing to see how your relationships can spin so easily out of control, Aries. Today you may have to deal with a lot of tension within your group.

You'll almost feel as if no one understands the situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, Libra, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things. Life can seem so beautiful on some days.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You sometimes have difficulty making up your mind. You don't always know exactly what you want.

Today, Taurus, you'll be at peace with yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will find a clean page on the agenda today, Scorpio.

You should try to think only about yourself. This will allow you to meditate about your life and be at peace with yourself. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will wake up today on cloud nine, Sagittarius. Your morale is at a peak. You will feel totally free and be able to clearly perceive the essentials of life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sometimes we all feel a little lost, Gemini. We often want to move mountains and use all our energy and enthusiasm to try to do so.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have a natural ability to accomplish a great deal rather easily, Cancer. But today you may feel snowed under with projects. Things around you might be moving quickly.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your day has finally come, Leo. You have your own vision of life and you like sharing it with others. You're far from thinking that you're any sort of new messiah.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Today you'll have the strange feeling that something is floating in the air.

The time is right to try to understand the different needs of your family circle.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The The astral energy will have you reminiscing all day long over childhood memories, Capricorn. These memories will take you to the houses and places where you were raised.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You love interacting with people others might consider eccentric. You can't help it. You're simply attracted to them. You will probably encounter one of these people today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have always tried to build up your health using traditional methods, and you take great care of yourself.

West Indies...

From page 22 Najanni Cumberbatch Realeanna Grimmond Zaida James Djenaba Joseph KD-Jazz Mitchell Ashley Ramnath Samara Ramnath Shunelle Sawh Kate Wilmot Team Management Steve Libu r d ( H e a d Coach) Merissa Aguilleira (Team Manager) Samantha Lynch (Assistant Coach) Jamal Smith (Assistant Coach) Asia Joseph (Strength & Conditioning C oach) Tori-Ann Grant (Physiotherapist) MATCH SCHEDULE – at Broward County Stadium 8 August: 1st Women’s U19 T20I – 6:30pm (5:30pm Jamaica) 9 August: 2nd Women’s U19 T20I – 6:30pm (5:30pm Jamaica) 11 August: 3rd Women’s U19 T20I – 10:30am (9:30am Jamaica) 12 August: 4th Women’s U19 T20I – 10:30am (9:30am Jamaica) 14 August: 5th Women’s U19 T20I – 10:30am (9:30am Jamaica)

Guyana 4th...

From page 23 we can put together the same team, get more practice, I’m sure we can break the national record and compete with the big guys out there.”

Yesterday’s 4x100m relay finals brought the curtains down on Guyana’s participation at the Commonwealth Games, finishing without any medals. At the 2018 games, Troy Doris won Guyana’s lone medal, gold, in the Men’s Triple jump. Now, the country will have to wait another four years for the games in Victoria, Australia.

Shariff, Callender earn...

From page 23 3 to 1. They also drew against Oman.Round 8, played on August 6th was victorious for the Open team against Brunei Darussalam with CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton and Roberto Neto winning against their opponents and Loris Nathoo gaining a half point from a draw with his opponent.

Match results: 3.5 -.5 in favour of Guyana.

Round 9 continued on

August 7th with the Open team faced off their neighbours of Suriname, while the Women faced off against Guam. Games continue daily with one round per day and are being played at the Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre. Play starts daily at 15:00 Indian Time - 05:30 Guyana. Links to live games can be found on the Guyana Chess Federation Website: www.guyanachess.org.

PAGE 22

Australia edge India to win first women’s Commonwealth cricket gold

India’s players with their silver medals. (Getty Images) AFP - Hot favourites Australia held their nerve to beat India by nine runs in a Twenty20 thriller yesterday, winning the first women’s cricket gold medal in Commonwealth Games history.

Opener Beth Mooney top-scored with 61 as Australia made 161-8 in their 20 overs in the warm Birmingham sunshine.

India appeared to be on course for a shock victory when they were 118-2 in the 15th over but a clatter of wickets slowed their charge.

They still found boundaries to keep them in the hunt and reached the final over with 11 runs needed and two wickets in hand.

But Meghna Singh was run out off the second ball and Yastika Bhatia was trapped lbw the following ball.

Victory underlines the dominance of Australia’s women, who are also world champions in the 20-over and 50-over formats.

Australia had earlier looked set for a bigger total after they had rattled along to 83-1 off 10 overs.

But captain Meg Lanning was dismissed for 36 courtesy of a brilliant piece of fielding by bowler Radha Yadav, who back-flicked the ball onto the stumps to run her out at the non-striker’s end.

Tahlia McGrath was next to go, caught brilliantly by Yadav at backward point.

Australia were unable to create the momentum they wanted, losing wickets at regular intervals in the face of an impressive performance by India in the field.

Mooney was dismissed in the 18th over, the victim of a stunning catch by Deepti Sharma, who clung onto the ball one-handed as she backtracked.

India restricted to Australia to just 36 runs in the last five overs, taking five wickets.

India scored 12 off their first over in response but lost in-form opener Smriti

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

Jess Jonassen sealed victory with the final wicket.

(Getty Images)

Mandhana, bowled by Darcie Brown.

Shafali Verma (11) was caught off a skier in the third over by McGrath, who was allowed to play despite testing positive for coronavirus.

But Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur rebuilt the innings at a raucous Edgbaston, where most of the support was for India.

But just when India appeared to be taking the game away from Australia, Rodrigues was bowled by Megan Schutt for 33 in the 15th over, ending a stand of 96.

The following over India suffered a huge double blow when Pooja Vastrakar was caught in the deep off the bowling of Ash Gardner and Kaur was caught by wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy off the next ball for 65, leav-

National Under-19 cricket team off to St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Guyana Under-19 team prior to departure for the CWI Rising Stars Regional Under-19 tournament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana Under-19 Cricket Rampertab Ramnauth, game between 1st Place team team took off this morning for who struck an unbeaten cen- in Group A Vs 1st Place in St. Vincent and the Grena- tury against Trinidad and To- Group B at Arnos Vale, 2nd dines where this year’s CWI bago in the Regional Under- and 3rd Place game between Rising Stars Regional Under- 17, is expected to lead the bat- 2nd Place in Group A vs 2ND 19 tournament will be held. ting department with support Place in Group B at Park Hill, Alvin Mohabir who led from the talented Mavendra while the 5th and 6th Place the Guyana Under-17 team in Dindyal, Zachary Jodah, game between the 3rd Place the recently concluded Re- Tomanni Ceasar and in Group A and Group B will be played at Cumberland. gional Under-17 tourney will Mahendra Gopilall.

On August 27, CWI will have the distinct privilege of The team will be coached being captain for two national by former National Senior host a presentation ceremony teams within a given year. He team player Andre Percival, then the teams depart on Auwill be supported by Vice- while Budhesh Chatterpaul gust 28. The full squad reads: Rampertab Ramnauth, Captain Jonathan will serve as the Manager.

Rampersaud. West Indies Guyana opens the tourna- Tommani Caesar, Mavendra Under-19 express fast bowler, ment on August 9 vs Trinidad Dindyal, Alvin Mohabir (CapIsai Thorne, is expected to and Tobago at Park Hill then tain), Jonathan Rampersaud lead the bowling department play Leeward Islands at Park (Vice-Captain), Zachary along with pacer Bruce Hill on Aug 14-16. The third Jodah, Mahendra Gopilall, Vincent, fast bowling all- and final preliminary match Sachin Balgobin, Zeynul Shamar rounder, Rivaldo Phillips, left- before the playoffs will see Ramsammy, arm-spinner Jeremy Sandia, Guyana taking onJamaica at Yearwood (W/K), Jeremy Sandia, Bruce Vincent, off-spinner Jonathan Arnos Vale on Aug 19-21.

Rampersaud and skipper On Aug 24-26, Round 4 Rivaldo Phillips and Isai Mohabir (off-spin). will see the 1st and 2ND Place Thorne.

West Indies name Women’s U19 squad to face USA U19s in Florida

ing them 121-5.

They stayed in the hunt but it was ultimately too much and they were bowled out for 152 with three balls remaining in their innings.

In the bronze medal match earlier on Sunday, New Zealand coasted to an eightwicket win over England.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat but could only muster 110-9 in their 20 overs.

England captain Nat Sciver top-scored with 27 and Amy Jones hit 26 but the total looked well short of par.

New Zealand raced to 46 after just four overs and shrugged off the loss of Suzie Bates (20) and Georgia Plimmer (four) to reach their target with more than eight overs to spare.

Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, top-scored with 51 not out off 40 balls.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection Panel yesterday announced the West Indies Women’s U19 squad for their upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) Series against USA Women’s U19. The two teams will meet at the Broward County Stadium in Florida from 8 to 14 August.

The 12-member squad will be led by Ashmini Munisar with Shalini Samaroo as the vice captain. The selectors originally named 15 players but three were unable to secure traveling visas to make the tour. Munisar is a righthanded batter and off-spinner, while Samaroo is a lefthanded batter and off-spinner.

The team has a number of other exciting allrounders, including Djenada Joseph, who was the leading run-maker in the CWI Rising Stars U19 T20 tournament played last month. The most experienced player is Zaida James, the lefthanded batter, who was traveling reserve for the West Indies Women’s Senior team

earlier this year. Last year she represented West Indies Women’s “A” Team against Pakistan “A” Team.

The Head Coach is Steve Liburd, the former Leeward Islands batsman and West Indies Men’s U19s Assistant Coach; with Merissa Aguilleira, the former West Indies Women’s captain, as the Team Manager.

Both teams have qualified for the inaugural ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup taking place in South Africa in January 2023 and this upcoming series will be ideal preparation for the global event.

Ann Browne-John, Lead Selector for West Indies Women said: “History has been created with the selection of this West Indies Under-19 team. No cricket tournaments were played during the pandemic, and it was therefore not only important, but also an eye-opener to view the girls in the recent U19 tournament. The selectors were extremely pleased with the quality of skill shown by these young players. The

team has a good mix of batting and bowling including some left-handers.”

Browne-John added: “There are a few players including the captain Ashmini Munisar and Djenaba Joseph who recently played major roles for their senior teams in the regional tournament in Guyana. This series as well as a few other planned upcoming events would help the players in their development thrust as they prepare for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January.”

The first two games will be held under floodlights with 6:30pm starts on Monday 8 August and Tuesday 9 August. The remaining three matches in the series will all be daylight games with 10:30am starts on Thursday 11 August and Friday 12 before the fifth and final match of the series on Sunday 14 August.

FULL SQUAD Ashmini Munisar (Captain) Shalini Samaroo (Vice Captain) Asabi Callender (Continued on page 21)

Monday August 8, 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

India spinners rip through Windies to secure 4-1 series win SportsMax - Ravi Bishnoi claimed career-best Twenty20 International figures as India thrashed West Indies by 88 runs in Fort Lauderhill to win the series 4-1.

Shreyas Iyer top scored with 64 off 40 balls and Deepak Hooda made 38 as India posted 188-7 in the final match of the series in Florida yesterday, T h e Wi n d i e s w e r e skittled out for 100 in reply, with all 10 wickets falling to spinners for the first time in a T20I. Bishnoi took 4-16, while Axar Patel (3-15) and Kuldeep Yadav (3-12) also capitalised on West Indies’ batting frailties as Shimron Hetmyer (56) scored over half of their runs.

India were not fazed by losing Ishan Kishan early on, Iyer and Hooda putting on 76 for the second wicket to put them on course to an imposing total.

Iyer finally f e l l t o J a son Holder after H a y d e n Wa l s h s a w t h e back of Hooda, but captain Hardik Pandya m a d e a brisk 28 before he was run out by Odean Smith.

Smith (3-33) claimed his third scalp by sending Axar (9) packing in the final over, but the Windies were soon in big trouble in the run chase.

Axar bowled Holder for a duck with the third ball of the innings before getting Shamarh Brooks (13)

stumped and the tweaker also cleaned up Devon Thomas (10) in the fifth over.

Kuldeep stepped up to remove West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran, reducing the Windies to 50-4, before Bishnoi trapped Rovman Powell (9) and Keemo Paul (0) lbw with successive balls.

Hetmyer was running out of partners as the procession of wickets continued, with the lefthander falling to Bishnoi, who then finished off the job by getting Obed McCoy caught in the deep.

India put Windies in a spin Bishnoi was outstanding as the Windies failed a trial by spin, with Axar and Kuldeep also tormenting Pooran’s side.

The excellent Bishnoi took four wickets for the first time in the shortest format at international level, ending the series on a high note.

Iyer shows his class With such competition for places in a T20 World Cup year, Iyer gave another exhibition of his class.

He struck two sixes and another eight boundaries, setting India on their way to a total that was far too many for the Windies.

Scores: India 188 for 7 (Iyer 64, Hooda 38, Smith 3-33) beat West Indies 100 (Hetmyer 56, Bishnoi 4-16, Kuldeep 3-12, Axar 3-15) by 88 runs.

Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India with 64 off 40 balls. (AFP/Getty Images)

Axar Patel took three wickets inside the powerplay. (Associated Press)

So close!

Guyana 4th in 4x100m relay finals at Commonwealth Games

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham (Team Guyana Press Attaché) So close, but yet so far!

Guyana’s team of Akeem Stewart, Emanuel Archibald, Arinze Chance and Noelex Holder ran 4th in the men’s 4x100m finals at the Commonwealth Games, with a time of 40.05s.

The quartet’s performance had them finishing behind England (38.35s), Trinidad and Tobago (38.70s) and Nigeria (38.81s). It was the first time the country would have participated in the relay at the games which started in 1930. A capacityfilled Alexander Stadium saw Akeem Stewart giving Guyana a blistering start in lane 8, handing the baton over to Archibald on the second leg. The National 100m champion had a tough leg running against England’s Zharnel

Hughes. At the time of the handover to Chance, the Englishmen, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago had caught up with Guyana.

Chance hammered his turn and was fourth by the time the handover to Holder.

In the final leg, Holder had to cover some grounds to push the team into their finishing position. Guyana’s exchanges could’ve been tighter and finishing just outside the medal bracket could be blamed on their poor execution of the baton. “The world knows now that Guyana is coming!” Stewart said in a post race interview.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athlete stated that the race execution didn’t go according to plan, but, they’re grateful for the results.

According to Archibald, “Fourth place at the Commonwealth Games is

good. It means we’re one step away. We need more competition (in the Relays), so maybe they will send us to the NACAC Games to give us another opportunity.”

The NorthAmerican, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Senior Championship is set for August 19 - 21 in The Bahamas.

Meanwhile, Arinze, like Archibald, is asking for more chances to major meets.

Though disappointed at not securing a medal, the University of South Carolina All-American stated, “If you look at the guys and the teams who beat us, they got full support from not only their federation and their government, but their local fans.”

“We came out here not knowing what to expect and we were able to get fourth, in great company, so I know a lot of people might say we didn’t get a medal, but to us, I

think we did pretty good.

Things didn’t go as planned, but we practiced no more than three days, including today, and if we get more opportunities to run the 4x100, we will be able to not just break the national record but win a medal for Guyana,” Chance said. The country’s National 4x100m record (39.59s) was set at the 1975 Pan Am Games, by James Wren-Gilkes, Dennis Collison (father of former NBA player Darren Collison), Clifton Schultz and Aubrey ‘Skinny’ Wilson. “Many people didn’t expect this from Guyana,” Holder shared.

Flanked by his smiling teammates, Holder noted, “One of the major things we would like is to have more exposure like this. Putting together a team, random members and still did well…but, if (Continued on page 21)

Cricket Gear for Young & Promising Cricketers in Guyana

MSC Academy participant latest to benefit The Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers Guyana” continues to contribute to cricketers here, especially those who can’t acquire it.

Former Berbice cricketer Anil Beharry, who along USA’s Kishan Dass initiated this venue, said the project is pleased to contribute one pair in of cricket shoes to thirteenyear-old Orion Hope, compliments of Cricket Equipment Guyana after former National youth player Devon Ramnauth approached the Dass and Beharry, they readily obliged.

“Hope is a student of St. Joseph Secondary School and recently attended his first summer cricket academy con-

ducted by Malteenoes Sports Club and fell in love with the game instantly. My partner in this initiative and I are happy to help our young cricketers.”

Total cricket related items collected so far: $230,000 cash, two trophies, twelve cricket boots, nineteen pairs of batting pads, twenty-one bats, fifteen pairs of batting gloves, nineteen thigh pads, one pair of wicket keeping pad, one arm guard, six cricket bags and two helmets.

In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman.

To date, thirty-eight young players from all three

Orion Hope counties of Guyana have already benefited from three junior gear bag, two trophies, one arm guard, fourteen bats, one box, two helmets, eleven pairs of cricket shoes, ten pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and twelve pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board also benefited.

Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit.

“We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin,

Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall , Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul and Dr Cecil Beharry,” Beharry noted.

Beharry thanked to the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

PAGE 24

Monday August 8, 2022

Kaieteur News

2022 Guyana Cup…

JJTRC host historic Post-Position Draw

Guyana’s most prestigious horseracing event, Guyana Cup 2022, made a historic stride yesterday when they held the official Drawing for the three feature races of

the 14th edition of the meet, at the Pegasus Atlantic Conference Center.

The three races that carry a combined purse of USD $64,585 (approx. GYD $13.5m)

are the Banks DIH Guyana Cup, Associated Construction Services Derby Stakes and the Vals Construction Sprint Classic.

For the most anticipated

event, the Banks DIH Guyana Cup, the total purse for this one mile (1600m) race is USD $35,880 (approx. GYD $7.5m) and features 11 horses including the two-time Guyana Cup winner, Vera’s Finally.

The starting stalls for this race has Calibogue Sound of Slingerz Racing Stable in stall one followed by Everesting (Master Z), Alado (Master Z), Memories (Shaun Mohammed), Jessica’s Pride (Night Eyes), Detroit Steel (Simply Royal), Queen Domina (Slingerz), Our Stuie (Jagdeo Racing Stable), Settling Star (Asif Kahdeer), Vera’s Finally (Jumbo Jet) and Wild Texas Tom (Jagdeo), in that order.

The Associated Construction Services Derby Stakes also takes place over a mile long trek, but has seven competitors for the event that carries a USD $17,940 purse (approx. GYD $3.7m).

Like A Million from the Jumbo Jet Racing Club was drawn in the first stall, while Irish Princes (Owner: N Dookie) occupies the second stall, Glamarous Star (A Rampersad) is in third followed by Amazing Grace (PHVH Racing Stable), Black Time (Shocking Racing Stable), Heartland (Bronson Cheefoon), Judge Not (Martin Pestano) and finally, Color of Sacrifice (Shaun Mohammed).

There are seven registered starters for the Vals Construction Sprint Classic which runs for 5 and ½ furlongs (1100m). They will be competing under a purse of USD $10,765 (approx. GYD $2.2m).

Looking to Heaven (Jumbo Jet) copped stall one from the Draw followed by Lady Bird (Ephraim’s Thoroughbred), Early Bird (R&R Syndicate), Signal Note (Rising Sun), Nuclear Fire (Jagdeo), Regal Intension (Jumbo Jet) and Convertor (Singerz), respectively.

Prior to the Draw, brief and reassuring remarks were made by Banks DIH’s Troy Peters and Irshad Mohamed of Vals Construction.

Banks DIH’s Communication Manager, Troy Peters

JJTRC President, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., makes a point during his speech at the Pegasus Atlantic Conference Centre.

President of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., was very appreciative in his remarks for the support that has been inputted to assist in elevating the event among the most prominent in the Caribbean and World Stage.

After that, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., delivered the feature address which was centered on the cohesion of people working to achieve an ultimate goal that enhances Guyana in various fortes.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, also made an impromptu visit to the his-

toric event and commended the JJTRC for the venture which has garnered a tremendous amount of support in every aspect.

He also made mention of the late Justice Cecil Kennard, who was very prominent in the horse racing fraternity.

Meanwhile, under a week remains before the staging of the event at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC), Berbice on Sunday, August 14. The registration process was official closed yesterday. The oganising committee anticipates and exciting day of competition which will be followed by a performance by Jamaican artiste, Skillibeng.

WDCA supports Balgobin West Demerara Cricket Association has supported national Under19 Selectee Sachin Balgobin. The Association recently presented

a bat to Balgobin.

The Association President Azeem Khan congratulated Sachin and urged him to continue working hard on his

game.

Khan said he is pleased with the progress West Demerara players have been making in recent times.

Kaieteur News

Monday August 08, 2022

PAGE 25

Shariff, Callender earn conditional Women Candidate Master Titles at Chess Olympiad Guyana's top chess players continue to earn victories at the ongoing FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.

With only three rounds remaining in the tournament contested by more than 2000 chess players around the world, two players on Guyana's Women's team have Sasha earned their first titles. Jessica Callender Shariff (Photo credit: earned her Conditional WCM title after Khushal Lam) Round 7 on August 5th, while Sasha Shariff earned hers after Round 8 on August 6th. Both players gained 4 wins out of 7 games.Chess players are bestowed titles by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) based on their performance and are referred to by the titles before their name based on their ratings. It is a metric of a chess player's rank.

Sagicor Junior Tennis in St Lucia

Guyana's DeNobrega advances to KO stage After a seven-hour delay, the Rebels Tennis Club of Guyana began the roundrobin stage of the Sagicor Junior Tennis tournament on Saturday at the St Lucia National Tennis Centre.

The Rebel Tennis Club's foursome started with a win when Nathan DeNobrega, just from representing his club in Trinidad defeated Antigua's number 5 seed Xavier Williams 4-0, 4-0 before Navindra Arjun lost to Tr i n i d a d i a n Ye s h o w a h Campbell 2-4, 4-2, 4-5, 3-7 in competitive battle.

Renola Jordon, the lone female in the Guyanese team, beat St Lucia's Anaiah Bousquet 4-2, 4-2.

In the afternoon session, DeNobrega beat St Lucia's number two Sanjay Lake 5-3, 4-1, while Guyanese Arjune was focused in his win over Christian Evans 5-3, 5-4.

Jordon defeated Anaiah Bousquet 4-2, 4-2 before DeNobrega beat Trinidadian Oliver Harrigan 4-1, 4-2 to qualify for the knock-out stages as he finished undefeated in the roundrobin format. (Sean Devers)

Nathan DeNobrega (left) beat Anitigua's Xavier Williams 4-0.4-0 to advance to the KO stage.

The WCM title will be added to their names once they achieve rating points over 1800. These titles have been earned for life and cannot be lost.

Sasha Shariff is currently rated 1183 and Jessica Jessica is rated at 1295.

For the remaining members of the Callender (Photo credit: Women's Team, Pooja Lam earned her first Khushal Lam) point against Sinnalone Sihavong from Laos, while Nellisha Jonson won against Dasavong Moukda of Laos and drew against WFM Jambo Linda of Malawi.

Reserve player Anaya Lall who has so far been subbed in for three matches earned a victory against Nathaela Baguida from the Central African Republic.

As a team, Guyana's Women have defeated Laos and the Central African Republic (Continued on page 23)

2022 Guyana Cup… JJTRC host

historic Post-Position Draw President of the JJTRC, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.

The impressive line-up of metal on the line for the victors of the three feature events.

Banks DIH's Communication Manager, Troy Peters

rts o p S

Australia edge India to win first women's Commonwealth cricket gold

Commonwealth Games champions Australia step on to the podium. (Getty Images)

So close!

Guyana 4th in 4x100m finals at Commonwealth

India spinners rip Windies relay through to secure Games 4-1 series win

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