Kaieteur News

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“I have no Sunday Edition NEWS intentions of leaving the game” AIETEUR

August 16, 2020

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $140

- Former pres. David Granger

Online readership yesterday, 160,040

Review of 3rd well plan (Payara)...

Consultant hired had resigned on corruption

Former Alberta Premier, Alison Redford

scandal, has little experience in field development evaluation PPP to demand more from Exxon on Local Content p.8

-says consultations on loopholes and robust legislation underway

We don’t want Ex-advisor refuses to flaring - VP Jagdeo hand over State assets

Govt. wants gas to power - Bharrat “as quickly as possible” Jagdeo Ministry pays “Coalition could persons to do not win elections based on SoPs I saw” nothing on month -Former Minister, Dominic Gaskin to month contracts

Woman who filed recount challenge given $7.5M contract in June by APNU+AFC

Guyana should take all the time it needs to review third well (Payara)

- Good reviews take months, even years - Oil Experts

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Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL TEL:624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210

Editorial

The New Government -The First Fortnight Though it is still exceedingly early, it is timely to do an honest examination of the first fortnight of the young President Irfaan Ali administration. As is appropriate with such commentary at a time like this, we emphasize the positives.

Still, in the interests of fairness and frankness, we must point also to the not so helpful, which could have been avoided; in this manner, the government is aware that all eyes are upon it and, further, that it must work assiduously to meet as many of the expectations that come with the territory of governance.

At the top of the list of the good and exciting, we must place the decision to place a hold on the Payara project until further review. A firm and courageous step has been undertaken, and we spare no time in saluting it. Allied to that delay was the decision to reach out to and engage expert advisors of our choice from the oil industry, with an emphasis on persons that Guyana can trust and depend on for the best possible guidance on how we should proceed. As if to prove its resolve, a known regional authority has been consulted and called to lend a helping hand.

We need that hand, many such hands; and this was one of the weaknesses that hurt Guyana in its dealings with crafty and savvy ExxonMobil representatives. It appears that President Ali and his team are listening and willing to learn from the mistakes that were made before. That is good and commendable, and we say so. The president and government must stay on this road, regardless of whatever negatives Exxon throws its way. It must neither blink nor back pedal and we commit to giving it as much support as is needed on this specific issue. There must be no retreating, no surrender.

Another positive is that the government has signaled its prioritization of bringing much resources and energies to get a clear and better handle on where Guyana stands with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote regions have recorded a rash of cases, and at an alarming level. It has launched a comprehensive programme dedicated to containing this scourge and bringing about a greater degree of confidence in citizens everywhere. We are encouraged and wait for accurate and timely updates. One new development that has also encouraged is that foreign governments and agencies have indicated a more aggressive response to request for loans and aid, which were held up during the lengthy interval of elections inaction. It is our hope that all this overseas (and domestic) good feeling and goodwill will be utilized wisely to touch the most people and in the most constructive ways possible.

The third area that provided evidence of the direction of Dr. Ali and his party’s vision and direction was the naming of a cohort of ministers to serve in the cabinet. This one generated some mixed feelings in us.

At first blush, there can be no denying the youthful faces and new names, with which quite a few Guyanese may not be familiar. This possesses the partly positive: no baggage, bright ideas, fresh vigor and, hopefully, the creative and the critical that can lift this society up and take it places. But that is as far as it goes for, in the next instance, there are a few familiar names and faces (for the wrong reasons) who are also present in the cadre of lawmakers identified. We wish it were not so, and that they were recognized and rewarded in some other less conspicuous and powerful way. They bring too much of what is old and wrong to the table, and that could serve to obscure any personal progress that they have made in the five years out of power. They will attract the wrong kind of scrutiny and could seriously distract from the many demanding tasks at hand that are faced by the new government. It was not worth the gamble, and something else should have been found for them.

Then, the government was bold enough to initiate investigations into 19 state agencies, with a focus on how money was spent, especially during the elections’ impasses, and what was received in return.

This just had to be done and done early, and this was regardless of the reactions of the previous government. The papers, projects, and people simply had to be revisited to determine what went where, how, and for what purposes. This

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

African Guyanese do not need Freddie Kissoon to speak for them DEAR EDITOR, Freddie Kissoons column, in Kaieteur News, of August 12,2004 contends that I let the people of African descent down‘ by virtue of my letter of August 10 in which I disclosed that CARICOM and the UN had been written to about the underlying ethnic problem in Guyana and that elections was but a manifestation of the problem. I urged them to look beyond elections if they were sincerely lending a helping hand to Guyana. He further contended that

also was laudable.

On the other hand, it was not so helpful that the government went after people associated with the David Granger so sharply and so soon. Political appointees and contracts abruptly rescinded, housing and embarrassing orders to vacate by yesterday took on the appearance of the punitive. To be balanced, some of those on the receiving end of the marching orders contributed to their public humiliation, since they ought to have done the honourable thing and departed on good terms.

Since this was not forthcoming on many fronts and from many more persons, the new government was compelled to act. We do not think that the Ali government handled this

knowing who I am would induce fatal “apoplexy”.

My immediate thoughts on Freddies contention was that he seems to think that the African Guyanese are in a state of apoplexy and need him to speak for them. That could only have resulted from his own state of apoplexy.

The position that was conveyed to CARICOM and the UN was not singularly Alexanders. It was the position taken by a forum of the International Decade for People of African (Continued on page 5)

with the smoothness and smarts that the situation demanded.

It must learn quickly.

It must learn that this society is angry (on both sides) and that it is hurting badly in some quarters. It is in urgent need of healing. The olive branch will have longer lasting effects, better results, than the scorching remembrances of the whips wielded unsparingly and publicly, and enthusiastically. The onus is on the new people to go about these thorny matters in a more prudent way.

In sum, there were many positives, more of the good and less of the bad, with the tone and stage set for the countless challenges that are ahead. As a reminder, there are many expectations. The government must deliver and consistently.

Sunday August 16, 2020

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We need to care about Truth and Reconciliation

The negative impacts of the non-contact Infrared thermometer

DEAR EDITOR, What I share today is sure to be considered untimely by many, even worthy of instant dismissal, but I will still ring the bell.

I plan on ringing it loudly and constantly, if only to remind of what we direly need, what was touched upon slickly during the elections travails, and what is now distanced from, even abhorred, in the post elections ecstasies.

More than a few were talking about Truth and Reconciliation during elections quagmires. Where are they now? How about that now? I listen and there is stony silence; there is only a cooling chill of previous ardors on the score of Truth and Reconciliation. As I grope for the conciliatory, I discover the recriminatory. Political appointees (I agree), public housing (agree again).

I depart from land leases from 2018; then someone mentioned the threat of yanking illegally granted radio licences. Where does it stop? What chance healing and reconciliation? What probability engagement in the search for truth, any truth, inclusive of suspect or spurious ones (if there is such a thing)?

I sense more than a programme emerging with spiraling viciousness. I detect a political pogrom. And because this is bitterly polarized and supremely sensitive Guyana, this instantaneously translates (or is interpreted) as possessing the implacably and irreversibly racial. I sincerely hope that we are not going to carry on like this for the next several years.

It is certain to backfire from built-up rages and resentments that fester with the retaliatory that, in time, finds outlets for flourishing; it will boil over. One former senior official in the previous government has signaled that he is not going anywhere. I think that he is going to get as much mileage and turbulence from this as could be extracted. It is called politics here.

As an aside, and all this gathers steam, I refer to SNs editorial of Sunday, August 9, where it made a terse, fleeting reference to phantom squads. I hope that such is found neither necessary nor significant (again), as the record of the denigrating and distressing accumulates. That, too, is part of our politics, though the convenient cover of “national security” was found to be as a shelter as any. I remind everyone that Guyanese partisans have long memories in this country, unforgiving ones.

If no other Guyanese desires to face reality, I do. There is sharp soaring fury on both sides, along with the all too human inclina-

tion to stick it to adversaries, to make the pay or grovel. I have a problem there.

There are great waves of hatreds that inundate consciousness and environment; to think that these public humiliations will peter out unaddressed is the height of serious misconceptions. This is what has reduced us to where we are (prejudices and passions) and reminds all about the perils embedded in what I shall call the social and racial ordering and structuring. In this time of excitable frenzy of victory, there is near to zero interest in listening to, responding to, or doing anything to address the known fears and hostilities that exist. To put bluntly, there is neither time nor thought on anything related to truth and reconciliation, on mending and healing. All efforts (including mine) die stillbirth. I must persevere. I hope that there is a convergence of circumstances that aid Guyanese to overcome this existential impasse, the one that matters.What we endured before and live with today is unhealthy and could prove to be seriously unsettling. I do not foresee, as much as I try, how this stagnated and suffocating state of affairs could continue unaddressed and unresolved indefinitely. The vitriol may be bottled up today, but the hatreds are going nowhere. It is a recipe for tragedy. I urge that there be some sensitivity for where stands are perched precariously, and that the appropriate overtures be initiated. I appreciate that there is no harder sell; it is one that collides with the hardest of hearts. That is a problem, a grave one. It should not be this way.

For if there is one thing that we should have learned from our elections traumas, it is that we are not One Nation, One People, One Destiny. Not by any convenience of the imagination. But Guyana is indisputably of two unforgiving polities trapped in one scorpion bottle. It is why I exhort, amidst the flurry of commitments towards Commissions of Inquiries on this and that (which I believe are needed in some limited situations), a Truth and Reconciliation Commission also should be high on the agenda. I did pen an earlier effort, which gained no media traction. And though I am beginning to feel like John the Baptist, I keep trying. I must check my head to ensure that it is still attached to the right place.

We need truth and reconciliation; we must work toward mending and healing… at some early time, in some shape and form. Does anybody care? I do.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

DEAR EDITOR, We are very concerned about the longterm effect of daily use of non-contact infrared thermometer on the forehead of healthcare workers and the general public. These thermometers were primarily used in the meatpacking and food industries, and for mechanical and building inspections to assess temperatures.

Now with COVID-19 in 2020, there is a massive upsurge in the use of these kinds of thermometer to check the body temperature of humans.

There are discrepancies in the temperature readings in different brands and minor variations when the temperature is taken from one region of the body to the other. There are variations on readings in the same person when it is made after walking, running, moving from one building to another, car or bus riding.

The main concerns are the adverse psychological, physiological, and neurological effects of having a gun shaped-like device pointed to someone’s forehead daily and repeatedly.

Some health care workers and patients re-

ported sleep disturbances, including nightmares after daily forehead temperature checks.

We are already exposed daily to radiations of many forms from our Wi-Fi, phones, watches, smart TV, microwaves, medical scans, airport scans, commercial building scans, and electrical appliances, to name a few. Direct forehead scans are still bothersome for cancer-causing potential, despite claims that they are safe.

Repeated and cumulative exposure to any form of radiation is not good since the longterm adverse effects can only be quantified after extensive population-based studies in tens of thousands of people over many years.

The best course of action is to take the temperature on the wrist rather than pointing to the forehead.

Once the infrared scanner is appropriately charged and aimed correctly, it will give a comparable temperature reading.

Yours truly, Dr. Keith D Cummings Dr. Audrey Baker Dr. Gerry Baker Dr. Isaac Davis Brooklyn, NY, USA

African Guyanese do not...

From page 4 Descent AssemblyGuyana (IDAPADA-G). In fact, I was not even present when the forum came to its conclusions. We can think and speak for ourselves and would not subject ourselves to Freddies fumigation while he is in a state of cerebral haemorrhage.

That he is in such a state is evidenced by his other utterances in the letter, to which I proffer the following responses.

1. There was never a Declaration of an APNU+AFC victory.

2. My motion, for Lowenfield‘s first report to be tabled, predated the Recount and was not in breach of any of GECOM‘s procedures or any judicial ruling or precedent.

3. My unequivocal posi-

tion on a Declaration was, and is, that the electoral process was corrupted to the extent that no credible result could be determined.

This position is public knowledge.

4. The position taken by IDPADA-G did not originate at election time. African Guyanese organisations have been articulating this position for years.

5. The United Nations Human Rights Commission report on Guyana, The McDougall report of February 2009, acknowledged and reported on the problem.

Hopefully as a humanitarian gesture, this letter provides Mr. Kissoon with sufficient prophylaxis for him to overcome his apoplexy.

Yours truly Vincent Alexander

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Sunday August 16, 2020

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The Guyana Defence Force deserves praise for its professional conduct

The change of government would have automatically put an end to political contracts

DEAR EDITOR, As we enter the third week of President Irfaan Ali’s administration, commentary on the five-month fiasco has ebbed and flowed; notably absent in all of the dialogue to date is praise for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the professional behaviour exhibited by the officers and ranks of that disciplined service. The GDF to its credit successfully navigated that treacherous, politically-charged environment that could have drawn it into confrontation with the forces aligned with democracy. To even greater credit, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, Chief of Staff (ag) issued a public statement to support the new Commanderin-Chief and the

democratically elected government.

We Guyanese have been subject to countless arguments by columnists, letter writers, and denizens of watering holes to the effect that the GDF is ethnically unbalanced and would act to keep the Granger/ APNU+AFC administration in power at all costs. I have never seen evidence of this and have pointedly refrained from ever making that argument, I am thankful that I relied on logic for my writings and can only hope that those who made those false assumptions are now willing to retract those statements and join in support of the GDF and expansion and enhancement of the role it (the GDF) plays in Guyana’s

security and development.

Shakespeare famously said, “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”

This cannot be one of those times; all Guyanese should take a few moments to recognize the democracy we cherish is a fragile chalice and for it to remain unbroken, we need a GDF that is unbiased and professional, thankfully this is what we have and all Guyanese can take much pride in the Force and its growth and evolution.

Let us not be shy in singing praises for the (much maligned) institution and its exemplary conduct throughout those testing times.

Yours truly, Robin Singh

Small loggers are confident Minister Vickram Bharrat will do great things DEAR EDITOR, The small loggers of Guyana would like to express their support for the new Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat. The loggers have confidence in Mr. Bharrats ability to take the industry out of the doldrums which the former APNU+AFC Government placed it. The former administration has basically bankrupted the forestry sector as the Guyana Forestry Commission is unable to pay staff for the month of July.

Several anti-development policies were implemented by the former government, which we are confident the Minister will reverse.

There has been a contraction in the sector since the APNU+AFC took office in 2015, as exports declined and so did foreign revenues; we the small loggers saw a decline in profits.

The roads to the hinterland are in a terrible state, with huge potholes, which make it im-

possible for vehicular travel.

The Forest Producers Association also needs to place a lot of emphasis on the small loggers and not just the upper echelon in the industry.

The FPA has neglected the small loggers for some time now. We want this trend to be reversed. The former administration paid no attention to the industry; they talked about the Green Economy, but failed to address the core issues of the logging sector like how they would deal with concessions, roads and other issues.

The new PPP Government has a vision for the sector and with the young and brilliant Minister at the helm of the Natural Resources sector, we are once again confident that he will do great things for the forestry sector.

Yours truly, Jadoopat Chatergoon

DEAR EDITOR, We are now witnessing an act, which is equally abhorrent as the attempt to rig the 2020 Elections and the refusal to concede electoral defeat; this is the refusal of former Director General of the Office of the Presidency to relinquish this political appointment which was specially created to circumnavigate his dual citizenship.

The Attorney General Anil Nandlalls letter clearly informed Harmon that his “services are no longer required…it is no longer possible or practical for you to perform these tasks under the new Government”. In a nutshell, there no longer exists such a job description as the Director General of the Office of the Presidency it has become redundant. Harmon is fully aware that such a political appointment will cease automatically at the end of the life of the government, which appointed him.

The fact that his contract extended beyond the life of his government is itself a devious attempt to perpetrate another fraud on this nation and to shamelessly rape the Treasury.

Harmons barefaced reply to the AGs letter speaks volume of his disdain for decency. He stated that, “…I do not respect your authority and your convoluted attempt to explain the arbitrary capricious action of a fraudulent Government to deny me of

contractual benefits.” This is no surprise since Harmon and his ilk never respect our Constitution and the Rule of Law. The AGs advised him to seek sagacious counsel which should persuade him that contractual benefits will only accrue upon the breach of a subsisting, valid and enforceable contract but in Harmons case, there is no longer such a contract. In addition, he unequivocally informed him that his expectation is woefully misplaced.

It would be worthwhile to look at the facts surrounding Harmons appointment. His contract was signed on May 1, 2019 for three years, expiring on May 31, 2022. Firstly, as I have mentioned before, the position was specially created to circumvent his resignation of his dual citizenship.

The salary and benefits he received under this new designation was more lucrative than his former position, as Minister of State, and afforded him the same power wielded by him. Secondly, the Coalition was already aware that with the NCM, there was a strong possibility that the appeal to the CCJ would see General Elections around September 2019. Thirdly, even if the NCM appeal was unsuccessful then the Governments tenure in office would come to an end by latest August 2020 when General Elections would have been due. Why would Harmons contract

come to an end in May 2022?

Was Harmon so assured that the Coalition would be having a second term? It is legally correct to state that Harmons appointment did in fact came to an end when the PPP/C Government assumed office and the Attorney General is legally correct as usual.

In addition, there is the deceitful ploy whereby some contracts do not have termination clauses. It must be understood that even if there is no such clause, it is reasonable to expect that all political appointments must come to an end with a change in government; this can also be likened to a force majeure, whereby a major event such as a change in Government has occurred and such contracts must come to an end.

All the political appointees are knowledgeable that such an event will bring an end to their contracts and to otherwise believe is just to play de ass and try to eke a few dollars more from an already raped and violated Treasury.

Therefore, all such contracts can be terminated and there is no need to give any notice since such notices would have already been given as soon as Parliament is dissolved and an Election date set.

Granger, please advise your political appointees and end this drama of shame and disgrace!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

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An upstream carbon tax would be entirely with provisions of both Environmental Protectionmeasure Act and Exxon PSA can be introduced and-the-carbon-tax/).

DEAR EDITOR,

We must focus more on protecting our heritage structures

I thank you sincerely for carrying my letter “Spotlight on Upstream Carbon Dioxide Emissions Tax” in yesterday’s Kaieteur News, which has been doing yeoman’s service to Guyana in its coverage of oil in Guyana.

Your note at the end of my letter provides an excellent segue for greater elaboration of the letter’s contention that an upstream tax on carbon would be entirely consistent with the provisions of Section 4 (4) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act and with the Production Sharing Agreement that was signed with EEPGL. 1. The proposed carbon tax will not tax income, nor does it apply to property held, transactions undertaken or activities performed for any purpose authorised or contemplated under the PSA. It is a tax on the carbon in the fuel that is extracted which carbon will become carbon dioxide (emissions) when combustion takes place.

2. The carbon tax that is being proposed can be achieved by a decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (the relevant public authority) using the “polluter pay” principle of environmental management that is specified in the Environmental Protection Act 1996.

As such, the proposed

without the need for any change in laws or regulations, either by amendment of existing ones or the introduction and promulgation of new ones.

3. If EEPGL were to dispute the upstream carbon tax, it will have to bear in mind that the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) will only consider it as a matter for arbitration by the ICSID if the tax is confiscatory or impairs the investment; otherwise, the domestic legal framework will apply.

But as is now fairly wellknown, oil companies explicitly include an internal price for carbon in their financial projections, so its Board would know that if the GoG were to impose an upstream carbon tax, its investments in Guyana will not be impaired.

As ExxonMobil itself states on its website, “ExxonMobil has included a proxy price on carbon in our business planning since 2007. This enables us to analyze the impact of a price on carbon on various investment opportunities.

This proxy cost, which in some regions may approach $80 per ton, seeks to reflect all types of actions and policies that governments may t a k e ( h t t p s : / / energyfactor.exxonmobil.com/ perspectives/exxonmobil-

But apart from that, the ICSID will find it difficult to make decisions that are inconsistent with any international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.

At a December 7, 2016, conference on enforcing environmental obligations, the ICSID panellists recognised that “the framework of international arbitration already [being] firmly established, ICSID and other international institutions could prove to be useful venues for the enforcement of environmental obligations.” Finally, in a 2018 article titled “Regulatory Chill in a Warming World: The Threat to Climate Policy Posed by Investor-State Dispute Settlement,” published in the journal Transnational Environmental Law, Kyla Tienhaara notes about the use of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) that “At present, there are no known cases where an investor has taken the step of formally launching ISDS over the introduction of a carbon tax, emissions trading scheme or renewable energy incentive scheme.” What has been taken to the ISDS however are measures such as bans on particular processes and quantitative restrictions that seek to limit carbon emissions.

Yours truly, Thomas B. Singh

DEAR EDITOR, With all that has been happening in Guyana, I would hope that at some point this government would place this matter on their expanding “To-do list”.

All over Guyana (with emphasis on the main areas) are incomplete structures of buildings; most with just the skeletal steel frames.

The majority of these unfinished structures have been in the same state for at least six years or more. People of Guyana, let’s face it; these are abandoned sites that will never be completed. My guess is either financial issues or legal wrangling are reasons for their current state. “Whatever” the reason for incompleteness, Guyana should make it a priority to get rid of these semi-completed structures.

They are embarrassing eyesores, for those of us who travel to Guyana frequently. These abandoned locations, even if on private land, need to be reclaimed by the government; and then resold to private individuals or acquired by the government.

In fairness, a public notice should be placed in papers with intent of pending possession. There should be no exceptions for owner (s) to ask for delays to complete these sites, for the simple fact that they have had more than five years to get the structures completed.

I bring these abandoned sites to our attention, because over six years ago a Church that was over 100 years old in the middle of a market was destroyed and in its place is now a business building. That was just stunning.

Does it makes sense to destroy historical structures, when they are unfinished structures that we all know will never be completed? No, I don’t think so. Instead of destroying part of who we are, this administration should reclaim these sites that have obviously been abandoned, to make way for new buildings.

All over Europe/Asia/America and even some of our neighbours in South America are sites of all kinds that go back to the 11th century, which are tourist destinations, including 15th century Buddhist temples in the middle of the Asian jungles. Another hot tourist destination spots are the Mayan structures in the jungles of Central America, which have been there for over two thousand years.

I bring this issue up, looking into the future. We must preserve our heritage, which includes the magical old buildings with wooden exteriors, even those dilapidated.

These buildings are unique and not seen anywhere else. We must protect our history/heritage.

Yours truly Chi Kansi

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Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

PPP/C to demand more from Exxon on consultations on loopholes local content and robust legislation underway W

By Kiana Wilburg hen it comes to local content which involves the hiring and training of Guyanese as well as the procurement of local goods and services, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration categorically stated that it has every intention of ensuring ExxonMobil is doing more than just the bare minimum.

Specifically outlining the government’s objective in this regard recently was Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a press conference that was held on Friday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Dr. Jagdeo said that the PPP/C will be demanding more from ExxonMobil.

His government was sworn in earlier this month after a five-month election standoff with the incumbent Coalition under David Granger.

The Vice President said the government made it clear to the American oil giant that it cannot claim, for example, the local content efforts of its sub-contractors are part of its efforts too.

Earlier this week, ExxonMobil told the media that it spent over $14B for the first half of 2020 on hiring,

training and procurement here. But that money also included costs incurred by its sub-contractors.

More importantly, not a shred of evidence was provided to validate that said expenditure. At the end of the day, Guyana will have to foot that bill.

The Vice President also expressed his dissatisfaction with reports that Guyanese are not being paid fair wages by ExxonMobil’s sub-contractors.

When the salaries are compared with those given to foreigners, Jagdeo said it is just downright discriminatory.

This state of affairs is just one of many that the Vice President said the government intends to change.

He insists that the PPP/C wants Guyanese to get “comparable wage for comparable skill.”

POLICY & LEGISLATION Jagdeo was keen to note that the PPP/C has every intention of bringing on board, robust local content legislation and policy. During the press conference, the Vice President alluded to his disappointment that the Department of Energy which was set up by the Granger regime, made no headway on this front.

NIS extends amnesty on interest for contribution payment The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has re-introduced amnesty on interest for payment of contributions for December 2019 owing at January 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020.

This was owing at August 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to NIS, the extended deadline for payment of the contribution without interest is September 30, 2020.

“Employers and self-employed persons who have existing agreement to pay outstanding contributions with the National Insurance Scheme’s Debt Recovery Unit are not entitled to the waiver of interest.”

NIS advised that persons requiring information should call telephone numbers 226-8376/227-3461.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

The Vice President also reminded that the PPP/C, during its time in opposition, would have paid attention to the ideas that were suggested by some of the best minds in the industry on how Guyana could claw back value in the area of local content.

He said that the PPP/C is aware that those suggestions were not taken on board. Dr. Jagdeo said that the PPP/C has since engaged Trinidadian local content expert, Anthony Paul, on some of his ideas while reminding that he was the one who had prepared the first two drafts on Guyana’s local content policy.

He is also aware of the fact that Paul was contracted by the United Nations Devel-

opment Programme to prepare a rapid assessment report on Guyana’s weaknesses and what needs to be done immediately to prepare the country for oil and gas.

While these documents have not been perused by the PPP as yet, Jagdeo assured that it would be done as the government wants the best minds helping Guyana. “…We want to get the best technical inputs before we come up with a negotiation brief that will be cleared at the policy level, and then we want to engage directly with Exxon to see that this happens.”

Jagdeo also noted that President Irfaan Ali is expected to lead consultations with the entire Guyanese com-

Persons need permission to travel in and out of Regions 7, 8, and 9 -Curfew shifted to 9pm in other areas The latest Official Gazette of COVID-19 measures requires persons traveling to and from border areas of Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine to first receive permission from the authorities. According to the Gazette, these persons traveling in and out of these specified regions will need authorization from the Minister of Health and must have a valid reason.In addition, mining operations in these regions are permitted but it was mandated that all miners must comply with recommendations made by the Ministry of Health.Persons providing transportation within the specified regions, whether by air, land, or water are required to have a passenger capacity of 50 percent of the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft’s licensed capacity.The specified regions have also received a special 6 am-6pm curfew; however, the curfew for all other regions have been extended to 9 pm.

These measures come in height of the highlighted regions being COVID-19 hotspots.These and all other measures in the new Gazette will be in effect from August 16 to August 31 as mandated.It was also disclosed that Guyana recorded 25 new COVID-19 cases along with four recoveries. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 674 with a total of 310 recoveries.

There are currently 104 persons in institutional isolation, 73 in institutional quarantine, and 21 persons in home isolation. The number of deaths remains at 22.

munity on local content. “We will deal with it directly at that level so that people will be free to express their views. We have heard from the Guyanese public. We have seen how labour is treated and we have seen how the business or opportunities that could have come to Guyanese are farmed out to people... Exxon would have to look at this.”

PITTANCE Over the past five years, Kaieteur News would have exposed how Guyana settled for poor local content terms from ExxonMobil, Tullow and Repsol.

Tullow which is the operator for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, is bound by its contract to pay during each year of the term of the Petroleum Prospecting License it has, or any renewal thereafter, US$25,000 for training.

This money goes into an account, which is managed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

In Uganda however, Tullow is required to deposit with the government, or its nominee for the exploration period, US$100,000 per six months; US$150,000 per 12 months for the development phase, and following the commencement of production, a deposit of US$300,000 per 12 months. In the case of Ghana, Tullow hands over US$300,000 annually.

Both countries also ben-

efitted from funding for the technological and infrastructural support.

With respect to Repsol, which is operating Guyana’s Kanuku Block, GGMC collects US$30,000. Meanwhile, this Spanish multi-national gives Liberia a “minimum” of US$250,000 annually and US$300,000 per year to Iraq.

They too, benefitted from an allowance for technological and infrastructural support.

In the case of Anadarko, which holds the licence for the Roraima Block offshore Guyana, the government settled for US$40,000 while this company contributes US$1M annually to Liberia and Mozambique.

As for ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and its two partners, Hess and CNOOC/ NEXEN, the government comfortably accepts US$300,000. But in the case of Liberia, Exxon is required to hand over US$750,000 plus a US$500,000 IT support fee.

It also gives US$500,000 annually for training of locals in Chad, along with the same IT support contribution that is granted to Liberia.

None of the Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) Guyana has with offshore or onshore operators, provide funding for technological and infrastructural support.

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

“Coalition could not win elections based on SoPs I saw” - Former Minister, Dominic Gaskin It would have been an impossible feat for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition to emerge the victors of the March 2020 elections.

According to Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive member, Dominic Gaskin, the Statements of Poll (SOP) he saw proved otherwise.

Gaskin, in an exclusive, explosive interview on Kaieteur Radio’s Room 592 on Friday evening with hosts Dr. Yog Mahadeo and Senior Journalist, Leonard Gildarie, explained that he worked the evening of March 2, 2020 and collected a number of SOPs. “We were not the custodians of the statement of polls (SoPs),” he said. “APNU took control of the statement of polls but we did do a tabulation; we did have a tabulation exercise where we would have photographed the statements of poll we would have collected and those were then sent to a centre where persons were engaged in recording those in a spreadsheet and doing a tabulation.”

Those were the very tabulations he had access to.

Asked whether it was possible for the party to have won the elections, Gaskin said: “No. Not based on what I saw.”

Gaskin was a former Business Minister, representing his party, the AFC. His father-in-law was former President, David Granger.

He had taken to social media to express his unhappiness over the elections imbroglio which saw the country in political limbo for five months since March 2 with the Coalition refusing to concede.

It sparked more than a dozen court cases, which saw

Former Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin

visa sanctions announced by the US on coalition officials, including ministers.

“Based on all the information I would have had because, unfortunately my spreadsheet was not complete, but based on the information available to me, it would have been very difficult for us to have won the elections.”

The APNU+AFC, during the National Recount, had wanted the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Justice Claudette Singh (ret’d) to declare the elections results using the fictitious numbers presented by District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, in his March 13 declaration, putting on record that their SoPs “mostly matched” his numbers.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) had then released their SoPs for public scrutiny and urged the coalition to do the same.

When asked whether the party would be releasing the SoPs in their possession for comparative analysis, it was Counting Agent and former Public Infrastructure Minister of the AFC, David Patterson, who had told the media during the exercise that the party

had no intentions of doing this.

The APNU+AFC, however, continued to maintain that their SoPs matched that of Mingo’s even after the PPP/ C was declared the winners of the election.

Gaskin, who has been vocal on the fraud committed by Mingo, said it would have been “impossible” for Mingo’s numbers to have been accurate.

And not only that, the former Business Minister said that of the information he has access to matched the numbers the PPP/C had in their SoPs. “...A lot of the information available at the time, that I had access to had correlated with the PPP Statement of Polls that they had made public,” Gaskin said.

Several requests were made to GECOM for the release of the SoPs in their possession; however, the Commission did not act despite a similar request being put forward in 2011 that was accommodated.

Then Opposition Leader, David Granger had requested scanned copies of the SoPs from the November 2011 election and the same was handed to his party.

Dem boys seh...

Stop begging, you morons!

De procession start. Dem foreign countries, wah eyeing we resources, dun start line up with dem donations.

De Chinese tek jump start.

Dem dun donate wan container scanner to de government. Dem seh it worth US$1M. Dat is how dem does operate. Dem does come bearing gifts but wah dem give with dem lef hand, dem does tek back with dem right hand.

Dem gan come soon with a nice package fuh lend we US$40M to do some project.

Except dat de project gan only cost them US$5M. So dem can gain US$35M when we gat fuh pay back de loan.

Dem Chinese is communist but dem does operate like capitalist when dem dealing with country like we own.

Jagdeo was de king of panhandling.

He did use to beg and borrow. He seh how it gan tek 10 days fuh review de Payara contract. Dem boys seh dat nah sound like review. Dat sound like a renew. Is only a moron gan talk such dotishness.

Dat is like telling a judge fuh complete a murder trial in 10 minutes. Dem boys know dat a prapa review will tek six months, minimum.

We done leff US$55B pon

de negotiating table. We done get a US$10B bill fuh Liza 1 and Liza 2. If Guyana could have saved US$5B from those two projects, we would all be living like dem people in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Is nah three-cents oil we gat out deh.

Instead of living like royalty, we deh scratching a living. And we government begging, borrowing and accepting donation.

Was de PNC/R wah put we in dis mess. Dem boys nah include de AFC because as far as dem boys concern, de ‘A’ and de ‘C’ done run away and leff de F.

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Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Ministry pays persons to do nothing on month to month contracts The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (formerly known as Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs

under the Coalition) has been paying temporary staff salaries with little evidence of work done. This was revealed

by Minister Pauline Sukhai who was recently reappointed to the post at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

During a virtual press conference held yesterday, the Minister told members of the media that since her return to office, she has met with a number of issues that raised her concerns.

According to Minister Sukhai, among the issues is the complement of additional staffers employed within the Ministry. “We currently have over 144 staffers at the Ministry which represents an increase to when I was there five years ago. However, what is of major concern to me is their performance,” the Minister said.She explained that several of the staffers were identified as temporary workers employed on a month-to-month contract.

“What we found is that they were being paid their full salaries but they are not fully deployed,” she added.

Sukhai later clarified that the staffers may not be able to work since they were not given the necessary tools to carry out their functions.

“For example, the Community Development Officers within the Ministry increased from 13 to 29 and most of them need a mobile or transportation to carry out their duties but they were not given any.”

Further, the Minister noted the Ministry had been no work plan in place for the year 2018- 2019.

“These are all deficiencies that must be addressed,” she said, while noting that some

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai of the temporary will have to Secretariat of the Ministry of Local Government and be relieved of their duties.

“Since there is no budget Regional Development, 23 in place we will have to staff were earning as much as, consider if we will re-engage in total per month, $7.73M,” Among those staffers, he some of them for different projects once the budget is said, were political appointees worked out,” the Minister of the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance added.

The situation at the For Change (APNU+AFC) Amerindian Affairs Ministry administration.

The Minister pointed out is being highlighted one week after newly appointed that among them was one Minister of Local Government Special Ministerial Advisor and Regional Development; on Local Government; Oscar Nigel Dharamlall, revealed a Clarke, who was earning similar occurrence at his $418,674 per month; a nonMinistry. Dharamlall told the taxable duty allowance of press that when former $25,000 per month and a Minister Ronald Bulkan sat at telephone allowance of the helm, he expended over $15,000 per month.

Clarke is a veteran $800 million in salaries to 56 contract staffers, but there member of the People’s was little evidence found by National Congress/ Reform, a the new administration to major component of the and a account for their work since Coalition, 2015.Dharamlall disclosed representative of APNU on that in the Minister’s the Georgetown City Council.

CARPHA turnaround time for COVID testing remains consistent As the regional reference laboratory, the CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML) continues to conduct tests for suspected COVID-19 cases for 18 of its 26 Member States.

Throughout the pandemic period CARPHA has been guiding laboratory action through science-based testing protocols based on the latest recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

CARPHA pledged to deliver results to the Chief Medical Officers within 24-48 hours of receipt of the specimens in February when testing commenced. To date, the number of samples with more than a 48 hour from reception at CARPHA and pending remain at zero. As of Tuesday, 11th August 2020 the number of samples tested totalled 13,815. None of the results of these samples have been delivered past 48 hours after receipt of the samples.

Backlogs and prolonged

wait times can complicate efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. A delay in test results can mean a setback for public health authorities to decide on a course of action to implement contact tracing, provide appropriate care and guidance, or to inform someone that they have not contracted the virus. CARPHA is determined not to delay the time it takes for people to get their results, and consequently, the CMML does not retain possession of backlogs in its facilities.

“CARPHA continues to adhere to good laboratory practices that produce accurate results. Our testing strategies and cadre of welltrained staff work to ensure that there is no backlog for tests or pending results. We know that timely reporting of laboratory results is important as it can make a difference to Member States,” said Dr. Gabriel M. Gonzalez-Escobar, Head of Laboratory Services and Networks at CARPHA. Dr. Escobar further stated, “The CMML remains commit-

ted to delivering prompt COVID-19 results to the Region. In the case of the COVID-19 laboratory emergency response, once a sample is received from a designated national public health laboratory, we issue the result within 24-48 hours.”

In June 2020, the CMML received a total of 3,250 samples, representing an average of more than 150 samples per business day.

This represented the largest number of samples processed, and a notable achievement in the history of the organisation.

CARPHA’s COVID-19 response, particularly in the area of diagnostic testing, is currently being supported by its International Development Partners (IDPs) including the European Union (EU), World Bank (WB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Donald Trump liable for copyright infringement of Eddy Grant’s mega hit, Electric Avenue

G

uyanese icon and musical superstar, Eddy Grant, has accused Donald Trump and his campaign of unauthorized use of Grant’s chart topping hit, Electric Avenue which topped the US charts in 1983.

According to a release issued by the Grants, Eddy Grant’s legal counsel, Wallace E. J. Collins, who is a leading copyright authority, sent a cease and desist letter to the Donald Trump campaign, which said that Grant is the songwriter and artist of the musical composition and sound recording of ‘Electric Avenue’.

“You have made an unauthorized use of our copyrighted work in connection with the political campaign of Donald Trump,” the letter states. It continues, “As a result of your wrongful unauthorized Infringing Use in connection with your controversial political campaign, substantial damage an irreparable harm has occurred and will continue to occur to my client and his reputation as an artist when affiliated in any way with your campaign.”

Attorney Collins said that his client has always had a reputation for standing for truth and justice for all. “(This) will be seriously undermined by any affiliation with the name Trump in this political context.

Such damage will extend to the value of my client’s musical catalogue,” Mr. Collins wrote to the Trump campaign.

He added that Trump’s campaign wilful unauthorized use, makes it liable for statutory damages as set forth in the law.

The fact that such infringement was intentional, subjects the Trump campaign to additional penalties under the copyright laws of the United States, the attorney pointed out.

“My client will also seek injunctive relief and additional monetary damages and legal fees in connection with such an infringement.”

The Guyanese musical great and superstar is just one in a line of musicians demanding that Trump and/ or his campaign, cease and desist using their words and music for political purposes.

The Trump campaign used the Grant’s song in a video criticizing Democratic Presidential candidate, Joe Biden.

The animated video, posted to the personal Twitter account of White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Scavino, plays unflattering audio quotes from Biden set to the tune of “Electric Avenue,” states Celebrity Access, the world’s leading

entertainment resource.

The publication also prides itself as being the independent voice and platform for entertainment professionals.

Attorney Collins, is demanding of the Trump campaign, that they immediately cease and desist from any further use “or exploitation” of Electric Avenue.

He is also demanding, that the Trump campaign, “hold any monies arising out of or relating to your campaign” and attributable to the infringing use of Electric Avenue, until “the matter is fully and fairly resolved”.

“We prefer to resolve this dispute expeditiously, in order to avoid time-consuming and costly litigation and the negative publicity that can surround the unauthorized use of such an iconic musical composition especially where the use indicates a f u n d a m e n t a l misunderstanding of the very meaning of the underlying work (Electric Avenue).

“If you know my client’s reputation, then you know that this infringing use in

connection with the name Trump in a political context is a serious transgression,” the attorney told the Trump campaign.

Speaking on behalf of Grant, he stated further, that it is his understanding, that all of the Trump campaigns’ transgressions, with regard to the use of other people’s music, have taken place during political meetings.

“In my particular case, they have sought to encapsulate my intellectual property into derogatory political rhetoric, further encapsulated in a video production that can only be construed, at best, as being wicked, thereby causing me considerable emotional distress.

I can understand the flagrant abuse of my rights being attributed to the worst Third World nation in the world, wherever that can be found; one that does not preach democracy on every available occasion.

“I fail to understand however, that such an organisation, dedicated to the promotion of the President of the United States, could so

Guyanese icon and musical superstar, Eddy Grant

seriously abuse my rights, as an artist, composer, arranger, producer and ultimately, the owner of these abused rights.

I call upon such arbiter, as is

responsible for this sordid abuse, to come forward like a man and let’s sort this thing out, in the way that America demands when such issues

are to be sorted, especially when they are wrong. Mr. Trump, I am calling on you.

You are the final arbiter and I await the word, from you.”

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Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Turning the tables in India

BY VINAYAK SURYA SWAMI s the country tack les the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated a push towards making India self-reliant through a series of measures and economic relief packages.

With the advent of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, a new world economic order is emerging and nations are just coming to terms with it.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has been quick in this realisation and has accordingly altered existing policies and introduced several multi-sectoral initiatives to further the vision of a thriving economy for India.

Reaffirming his belief, in a recent address, he said, “Howsoever big the crisis might be, India is determined to turn it into an opportunity.” He then called upon the nation for its support in this regard by making India “Aatma Nirbhar” or

A

Self Reliant. PM Modi also announced a relief package of INR 20 Trillion (equivalent to 10 per cent of India’s GDP) that will steer the country onto the path of rapid development and growth, and create a robust local supply chain.

India’s plan for self-reliance is intended to be a twopronged approach. The first step will be the undertaking of interim measures such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers to migrant workers and daily-wage earners. The second facet would be long-term reforms in growth-critical sectors that will make them globally competitive and attractive.

According to the Prime Minister’s vision, a self-reliant India will stand on five pillars: ‘economy’, that introduces quantum jump; ‘infrastructure’ in tuned with the new India, a ‘system’ based on 21st century technology; India’s ‘vibrant demography’; and ‘demand’, which will utilise our

requirement and supply chain to full capacity.

Starting right PM Modi’s vision of a capable, efficient and self-reliant nation, has quickly been realised and introduced as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative. Some immediate reforms are now being factored into policymaking decisions to bolster domestic capabilities and upscale production.

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ANBA) is focussed towards building entire value chains for domestic products that will enable local manufacturers to thrive and reduce the need for imports. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has already identified key sectors followed by measures to boost competitiveness, simplify procedures and encourage direct investments.

Holistic approach

The ANBA has identified the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector, with its significant contributions to the GDP, exports and employment ratio as the core area for economic revival and competence.

As a start, a more inclusive definition has been announced to bring a larger group of small-scale industries under the purview of the beneficial reforms and extend the cover for existing businesses allowing them to grow under the same canopy.

Over 500 million entities will be empowered to restart operations and get back on their feet with momentous reforms for the MSME sector.

These include the introduction of collateral free loans (total of INR 3,000 billion), INR 200 Billion in subordinate loans for reviving businesses and a significant infusion of almost INR 500 billion in the sector through several new funds being set up.

Equal opportunities With an aim to boost domestic production and expand quality exports, the MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India) scheme is poised to be replaced by the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exports scheme (RDTEP), to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and costs associated with exporting goods produced in India.

The government aims to extend these benefits to entities with a capability of generating employment in the country as well.

The export sector and domestic production will also benefit from the proposed reenvisioning of the existing costs associated with manufacturing.

The lowered taxes on exporting goods across borders in addition to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports will provide a level playing field to domestic manufacturers. A reform aimed towards increasing production potential locally and to ease the process of exports while simultaneously reducing the dependence on foreign products.

The new vision The start-up segment of the Indian space sector has been added as a direct beneficiary for the use of facilities and premier infrastructure of the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), India’s state-run space agency.

The move has come as an addition to ISRO’s ‘technology transfer’ initiative that provides new-age tech to private and

state-run entities towards the betterment of Indian industry.

The defence industry will also benefit from the freeingup of the space sector.

When it comes to innovative advances towards newage technology, the pandemic, and the new reforms, will act as a catalyst for development. Moreover, this move will also allow for an opportunity for DSRO (Defence Space Research Organisation), India’s new defence-oriented space agency, to become a nodal authority for positive outreach with space start-ups.

The government has also drawn up a new policy for privatisation of Public Sector Enterprise (PSEs) to boost public-private partnerships, which will soon be notified to the concerned sectors.

A stoic defence In a major highlight, the ANBA has also been extended to India’s defence sector. The FDI (foreign direct investment) cap has been raised to 74% from the existing 49%.

This will enable domestic manufacturers to source and utilise critical technologies that will help in the much needed modernisation and revamp of the production process.

The OFB (Ordinance Factory Board), a 200-year-old organisation will undergo corporatisation to make manufacturing autonomous, boost efficiency and increase accountability. In this reconstruction, one or multiple corporations will be added into the 41 factories currently falling under the OFB. Back to basics Special attention has been paid to the agriculture sector with its position as India’s largest livelihood provider and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. In a first, the sector has been considered at par with the industries in India, and the government, under the ANBA has announced a stream of pioneering reforms aimed towards empowering farmers across India.

Going forward, there will be minimal hindrance arising from trade and licensing agreements, thereby allowing farmers to easily accomplish business transcending state lines.

Millions of farmers will directly benefit from the INR 300 billion additional emergency working capital to stabilise production in these testing times.

With a INR 100 billion capital infusion, Mirco Food Enterprises will now be provided technological benefits in clusters (mango in UP, saffron in J&K, bamboo shoots in the Northeast, chilli in Andhra

Pradesh, etc.) to standardised quality and production as per FASSAI norms. The products will then be marketed to promote an increase in demand.

The list of reforms is also aimed towards utilising the surplus of agricultural commodities with amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, made to ensure adequate supply in times of scarcity. These amendments, by utilising the surplus and by providing a subsidy for the transport to deficient markets will create a secure supply/demand chain and protect the interest of Indian farmers.

PM Modi had very recently quoted Swami Vivekananda and urged Indians to use indigenous products and to promote Indian products in global markets, furthering his idea of ‘Vocal for Local’.

India needs to simultaneously boost authentic exports in order to carve a niche out for itself in the emerging world order. An effort which will not only fast track our journey to become a USD 5 trillion economy but will also ensure that Indian interests are safeguarded in the years to come.

Immediate effect To boost domestic production, the government has imposed an import ban on radial and pneumatic tyres used in two and four wheelers.

Global tenders of up to INR 2 billion will be restricted to boost production through MSMEs. INR 20 billion for fishermen through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Yojana (PMGKRY), an INR 50 billion scheme to create jobs for the thousands of migrant workers affected due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Restrictions on import of incense sticks, bamboo products and odoriferous preparations.

An import ban on specific lists of weapons/platforms to be notified on year-wise timelines to boost indigenisation and domestic production.

The imposition of an antidumping duty on specific steel products to ensure cheap imports does not disrupt domestic production.

(About the author: Vinayak Surya Swami is a Delhi-based journalist.

He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked as an apprentice Shipbuilder with the Indian Navy. A part-time writer since his teenage years, he switched to journalism to pursue his prurience for writing and travel.)

Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

The PNC should replace Granger if it hopes to survive If I had to use the personal factor in academic analysis, I would put David Granger in front of Donald Ramotar. The former PPP president during his tenure was very nasty to me. His first act of repression, after he was elected as minority president, was to terminate my UG contract.

In December, Ramotar was sworn in. One month after, my contract was ended at UG. President Granger never directed any animosity towards me. But the personal factor in historical analysis is a distortion of history. I can only disrespect my education if I use subjective factors in a comparative assessment of the presidencies of Ramotar and Granger.

Ramotar was lackluster but he came into power with a rich experience in politics.

Ramotar entered politics as an 18-year-old youth growing from GAWU shop steward to representing the PPP for eight years in Czechoslovakia, to being on the board of GuySuCo where he interacted with sugar workers, rising to the leadership of the PPP as its General Secretary. He made it to the presidency.

He was not charismatic and lived in the shadow of his dynamic predecessor, Bharrat Jagdeo. But his long praxis enabled him to gel with the ordinary folks. He was assured of his political self.

In terms of the essential nature of politics and what is required of a leader, Ramotar

and Granger cannot be compared; Ramotar is way ahead of him.

Any president that cannot ground with the masses and cannot relate to the media in a West Indian society is destined to fail and Granger failed. It is unbelievable that he has learnt nothing from his unsuccessful presidency. He will not serve the PNC successfully if made Opposition Leader. Mr. Granger is simply not made for politics.

Here now is an unlearned Granger.

When asked by the media if he is returning to parliament, an unchanging Granger remarked: “That is a decision for my party. I’m a servant of my party and the party has not contemplated that…When the party makes that determination, it will be announced.”

That is a silly answer that no politician anywhere else will offer for one fundamental reason - the leader is the apex of the party and its most important decision-maker.

Whatever is the party’s outcome, the leader has to explicitly tell his/her party what is, his/her decision as to his/her continuation at the helm.

Granger has an obligation to over 200,000 PNC voters and the PNC to tell them if he would want to return as Opposition Leader then add a commonsensical caveat – it is up to my party to decide.

When a shortlist appeared for Joe Biden’s vice-presiden-

tial choice, each lady told the press that she thinks she has the qualities to serve as vice president. Granger should be asked and pressed by a relentless Guyanese media to explain if he thinks he can serve as a competent Opposition leader.

If any sane party that lost an election in a country that soon will have a huge income from oil, there will be introspections, reflections, selfcriticisms, hard thinking and hard choices.

It doesn’t seem the PNC has those qualities to travel down those logical pathways.

It has just reaffirmed its support for its failed leader.

Granger has lost the presidency of a country that will be taking off into a large horizon.

Granger has created a situation where unless the incumbent will suffer tsunamic implosions, then it will use a buoyant economy to capture votes, which will naturally come its way.

This means Guyana can see decades of PPP victories.

If the PNC has any hope of surviving and expanding and accept the possibility of a return to power, it cannot be under its current, mediocre leader.

Granger failed as leader of the PNC. He failed as president. The PNC ought not to continue with his hierarchical position. In Guyana, mad politicians abound. And mad people are in the APNU+AFC.

Just imagine Khemraj Ramjattan confronted two Guyanese icons – Cheddi and Janet Jagan - and called into question their leadership qualities when he was a PPP executive. Raphael Trotman and Aubrey Norton tried to topple another icon – Desmond Hoyte. Vincent Alexander and Norton tried to oust Robert Corbin. Rupert Roopnaraine and Clive Thomas attempted to overthrow another giant – Forbes Burnham. David Hinds and

Tacuma Ogunseye went to jail for using violence to remove Burnham.

Now look today who is the leader of all these names mentioned here - a man devoid of any leadership qualities - David Granger. I end with one of my favourite French saying as I have done several times before.

“God is dead, Marx is dead, and I’m not feeling too well myself.”

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

Frederick Kissoon author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

The vital role which traditions play in fashioning academic success (A Review of David Granger’s, The Houses of Queen’s College) David Granger’s The Houses of Queen’s College examines the origins of an often overlooked aspect of any school’s traditions – its divisions into ‘houses.’ The ‘House’, as the author explains and as is well known, does not refer to a building but to a group of students not restricted to any class level.

Houses facilitate students’ participation in annual sports events in most schools. Students are assigned to ‘houses’ and they are required to represent these houses in the school’s annual sport events and other cultural activities.

Houses could become dormant after these events are concluded. Not so at Queen’s College. A student, upon entering the College, is asked whether a parent or relative belonged to a house and, if so, that student is invariably assigned to that same house to maintain the family tradition.

Students are assigned ties, colour-coded to represent the house to which they will belong throughout their College days. The House thereby becomes a life-long fraternity in which camaraderie and esprit de corps have been nurtured.

Queen’s College’s House system was introduced in 1916. It is an integral element of the College’s proud traditions. According to the book, it was modeled after the 19th century British public school House system.

The College’s 10 Houses are named after 10 historical personalities – Percival, Ra-

leigh, Austin, D’Urban, Pilgrim, Weston, Moulder, Woolley, Cunningham and Nobbs – most of whom were directly associated with the school either as masters or principals. The author describes them as “…sources of inspiration”: . William Piercy Austin – the College’s patriarch who was responsible for its establishment and early development; . Admiral John Henry Dacres Cunningham, a distinguished alumnus, was born in British Guiana and served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War; . Lieutenant General Benjamin D’Urban was the Governor who was responsible for the amalgamation of the former colonies of Berbice and Demerara-Essequibo and the first Governor of the United Colony of British Guiana. . Edwin Richard Denys Moulder, a distinguished alumnus, was born in British Guiana and served as College principal and later became a distinguished education official; . Captain Howard Nobbs, a veteran military officer of the First World War was the College principal from 1931 to 1951; . William Exley Percival was appointed College principal when he was only 29 years old; he helped to expand its intake during its early years; . Edward Pilgrim was a long-serving College master and was responsible for introducing the House system; . Sir Walter Raleigh was thought to be the discoverer

of British Guiana, mistakenly, and was executed during the reign of the English monarch, Queen Elizabeth I. .

Frederick Weston, a College master, was an avid sports enthusiast was killed in the Second World War at the age of 35; . Sir Charles Campbell Woolley was the Governor of British Guiana between 1947 and 1953 and was responsible for the construction of the College’s present premises in Thomas Lands.

The Houses are all named after individuals who were part of British Guiana’s colonial heritage. It is remarkable that the names of the College’s Houses were untouched by the ‘Guyanization’, which commenced in the 1950s and the co-education movement of the 1970s, all the more so considering the post-Independence renaming enthusiasm and the outstanding local alumni, which the College produced.

The House system represents part of Queen’s College rich intellectual culture and may provide answers as how the College was able to sustain exceptional standards successfully of academic excellence. Anyone seeking a richer understanding of the traditions, which have inspired excellence at Queen’s College will find this book enlightening.

David Granger, himself a College alumnus, is one of its most eminent and the fourth of Guyana’s nine Executive Presidents – the others being Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Samuel Hinds – who received their secondary education at Queen’s. The

College has not only produced Executive Presidents but, also, has three Prime Ministers, three Chancellors of the judiciary, several Chief Justices and high court judges, numerous Ministers and senior public servants, businessmen and diplomats.

Granger in his address at a convocation commemorating the College’s 175th anniversary in 2019, hailed its outstanding scholastic record.

He observed that, up to that time, the College had earned an unenviable reputation in Guyana and the Caribbean, having won the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) School of the Year Award three times in the previous five years and won the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) School of the Year Award three times in the preceding six years.

Granger quoted Professor Winston Mc Gowan “ writing

in his A Concise History of Queen’s College – and who had cited a UNESCO Educational Survey Mission to British Guiana from November 1962 to March 1963 – as reporting that: “Queen’s College has won for itself the unenviable position of the premier school of British Guiana…there is a great deal of evidence to support the claim for it as the premier school of the Caribbean. The whole tone of the school is permeated by the tradition and reputation built up over the years”.

Granger attributed the College’s rich traditions as one of the factors responsible for its standard of excellence.

Among those traditions is the House system.

Granger, as President of Guyana three years ago, addressed St. Stanislaus College’s annual graduation ceremony.

He emphasized the importance of traditions in educational excellence noting that it was no coincidence that the country’s top six secondary schools were all established more than one hundred years ago and still embodied certain traditions and values. He argued, then, that traditions sustain a College’s standards, evinced its values and reflect its intellectual origins.

The value of this book – The Houses of Queen’s College – extends beyond the recounting of the past lives of the 10 Caucasians after whom the College’s Houses are named. The book points us, also, in the direction of examining the vital role, which traditions play in fashioning academic success in the future.

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

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Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Coronavirus: What you can do to help yourself and help minimize the spread

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center As you should be aware, we are having a surge in COVID-19 infections in Region Four and the hinterland regions. We all need to be strategic, responsible and keep ourselves informed so that each of us can contribute in a greater way to help mitigate this surge. With this in mind, I have decided to compile the best evidence available thus far so that you can be able to make the right decisions and help us curb the spread before it becomes a national disaster.

Prepare your terrain (immune system) The stronger our terrain, the better are our chances of overcoming a bout of the COVID-19 infection. We therefore need to prepare our immune system for the battle by “arming� it ahead of time.

I had mentioned in a previous article on how we can prepare our immune system. I will therefore list the interventions below that science has proven to boost your immune system and studies are now confirming their importance in the battle against COVID-19.

Zinc Vitamin C Vitamin D Avoid stress If you need more information on how to prepare your immune system against the COVID-19 infection, you can web search using this link: h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2020/05/10/coronavirus-astrong-prepared-immunesystem-is-our-best-bet/.

Everyone wears a mask Regular readers of my column will know how much I have emphasized about mask wearing. If all of us wear our mask when we are out and about, we will break this surge and rid ourselves of this menace. While everyone is not compliant with mask wearing, those that comply and wear mask are at a lower risk of catching the disease and also at a lower risk of getting the severe form of the disease if they do get it.

Social Distancing When we speak, sneeze, cough or open our mouths, particles come out and can spread to others. While mask wearing minimizes this, we can decrease our risk further by distancing from others when we have to interact. At least six feet is the best distance but the further you can be from each other, the better.

Those who are in closed spaces are at higher risk so we should avoid closed spaces with others as much as possible.

Keep yourself and others

informed There are too many myths about COVID-19 and too many persons who do not believe in the disease in Guyana. As a result, there is lesser adherence to guidelines, which increase the risk of this disease spreading. We all therefore need to spread the word about the reality of this disease and keep ourselves informed about it so that we can make the correct decisions. Try to know the hotspots and avoid visiting those areas as much as possible. Ensure you get your information from reliable sources and educate others about this disease.

Get tested if you suspect you are ill The stigma about the disease and the fear of being isolated should not deter you from getting tested if you have symptoms suggestive of the disease. The earlier you get tested, the faster you can be placed on treatment which can help save you. You will also be able to know if you have the disease and protect your loved ones by avoiding them and getting them tested so that they can also get early care. The option of you get-

ting isolated at home is being implemented so you do not have to fear that you will be taken away from home.

Be honest and help authorities One of the most effective ways to curb the spread of this disease is for health authorities to know who has the disease and those that were exposed to it. The more information you give to authorities, the better are your chances of getting help and helping authorities to help others who may be at risk.

Once they are aware of everyone who are at risk, authorities may be able to prevent them from getting infected and avoid those that were not exposed from becoming exposed.

Early Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin use is key If you do get the disease, ask your doctor if you can be placed on Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine as soon as possible. There is strong evidence from studies showing patients that use these two drugs early having better outcomes from the disease. These drugs seem to prevent the virus from entering your cells and therefore

prevent the progression of the disease to the severe form of the disease if used early.

There are of course other treatment options available but they are for the hospitalized patients. The goal of this article is to help you make the correct choices to prevent you from getting the disease and if you do get it, to pre-

vent you from being hospitalized with the severe form.

We are all in this together, if one of us gets sick, all of us are at risk. We need to be responsible and fight together and not each other. I have provided the best available evidence to you; be responsible, take action and encourage others to do same.

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Dr. Zulfikar Bux

PAGE 24

SUNDAY ILL-PREPARED OIL INDUSTRY… 20 KEYAREAS GOVT. MUST URGENTLYADDRESS Before oil production began in December 2019, former President David Granger and his administrative team had received numerous lessons on what need to be put in place before a drop of oil was extracted and sold.

Granger’s counseling on how to best prepare Guyana for the looming revenues came from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Chatham House, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) and a slew of other internationally renowned bodies and experts. This counseling was being administered over a period of approximately five years. But when one examines the advice given versus what the new Government under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has taken over and must now build on, it leaves most transparency advocates with the firm conclusion that Granger has left Guyana completely illprepared for oil and gas. Not even half of the fundamentals for the efficient governance of an oil industry are in place.

One example—which does not begin to touch the tip of the iceberg—relates to a 2016 report from the UNDP that called for the government to complete an oil policy before moving to review the nation’s archaic petroleum laws. The reasoning for this approach was quite simplethe UNDP report that was authored by Trinidadian petroleum expert, Anthony Paul, noted that the policy is the foundation for what is to come.

It sets the stage and outlines the vision of the country regarding the kind of regulation it wants to have for the sector. Without that vision, one would be shooting in the dark.

To put it more simply, the policy can be likened to a plan for that dream house before it is built. That plan will say how many bathrooms, bedrooms and windows a homeowner would want. That plan then gives the builder a clear idea of what the end product must be.

Instead of following those sage words, the Granger administration went ahead and awarded a US$1.2M contract to an American law firm, Hunton, Andrews, Kurth LLP, to review Guyana’s oil

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

laws.

The UNDP document which Kaieteur News has reported on extensively, also underscored the importance of due diligence for all contracts that awarded. Even that advice was ignored. It took the investigative work of this newspaper to expose that the law firm hired to modernize the nation’s legislative framework, is actually registered as an EXXONMOBIL LOBBYIST! On the foregoing premise, Kaieteur News will examine some of the key pieces of advice the Granger administration failed to act on as well as some of the critical areas the new government must seek to address with haste.

This examination will be done in a multi-part series to show how the new government, using the advice and lessons already given, can begin to manage the present well, fix past mistakes and set the stage for a prosperous future.

1) Review of the Local Content Policy 2020: This document that was completed by an ExxonMobil associate, Dr. Michael Warner, does not have provisions which put Guyanese first in the industry.

It does not even require that oil companies and their subcontractors ensure that at least one percent of the services they use are Guyanese. It also hides from public scrutiny, all reports submitted by companies on their local content efforts.

Kaieteur News examined more than 30 policies across the world and none of them included such provisions.

2) Putting in place appropriate technology offshore to monitor the measurement of oil remotely.

3) Designing a roadmap to use a portion of the oil money

to build sustainable industries 4) Outlining benchmarks for Corporate Social Responsibility 5) Establishing a Depletion Policy 6) Establishing a Decommissioning Policy 7) Outlining a structure for what is to be expected in Field Development Plans 8) Strengthening key auditing agencies, specifically the Office of the Auditor General 9) Strengthening institutions that will be responsible for the expenditure of the oil moneyincluding the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Health.

10) Improving Guyana’s capacity to monitor and record emissions offshore, particularly in the case of the Environmental Protection Agency 11) Providing resources to the EPA so that it can make unannounced visits to the FPSOs while following safety standards.

12) Hire technical experts needed within the Ministries of Natural Resources, EPA, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) etc.

13) Improving and making public, Guyana’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan 14) Review of massive tax concessions/ tax holidays.

Example: provisions in oil contracts that allow tax exemptions on capital gains tax, personal income tax and withholding tax 15) Updating policy/laws/ regulations regarding direct and indirect transfers of interests in offshore blocks 16) Establishing a Petroleum Commission 17) Implement software

solutions for compliance monitoring and for operating requisite controls for expenditure of oil money 18) Update laws and regulations to address issues of ring-fencing, transfer pricing (and other financial loopholes/issues), health and safety of workers, monitoring of the environment (regarding issues such as flaring and stiff penalties for such infractions), pre-qualification criteria for oil blocks, etc.

19) Outlining a vision for the oil sector following consultation with citizenry 20) Strengthen and increase systems for reporting on decisions in the oil and gas industry GOVT. SEEKS INTELLECTUAL AUTHORS BEHIND ELECTIONS FIASCO …PRESIDENTALI ANNOUNCES “REVIEW” The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government led by President Irfaan Ali has made a strong commitment to review the events of Guyana’s five month-long 2020 elections.

It is vowing to hold those accountable who sought to “pervert and corrupt” the system.

Addressing his inauguration ceremony Saturday, President Ali made it clear that the painful events of the last five months are etched into the minds of Guyanese all across the world, “as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate.”

“Therefore, a review of events – related to the electoral process over the last five months – will begin shortly in order to determine, forensically, exactly what

transpired, and to hold accountable any persons who sought to pervert and corrupt the system,” President Ali said in his address at the National Cultural Centre.

Guyana’s 2020 Elections only came to an end on August 3, bringing to finality, the five month-long process dubbed “the mother of all elections.”

Though the voting process which ended on March 2nd, a timely conclusion to the election was marred by a series of events – the fraudulent acts of Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield and a string of court litigations brought by members of the then A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition… all aimed at granting a false victory to that party.

Already, the CEO is facing three private criminal charges related to the fraudulent declaration of results.

At the conclusion of the national recount, however, the will of the people was reflected revealing a win for the PPP/C. It was owing to these events that President Ali vowed to ensure it never reoccurs.

“All of us have an obligation,” he said “to the nation and to ourselves to ensure that never again should any generation of our people be subjected to such unlawful behaviour.”

More importantly, Ali committed to pursuing the necessary reforms for a more transparent electoral process more transparent and our democracy stronger – a call that has been echoed by many in the regional and international community who bore witness to Guyana’s elections.

The President then went on to commend member states of CARICOM and the international community including the Organization of American States, the Carter Center and the Commonwealth Group of Nations along with the resident diplomatic corps from the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and the United States who “fearlessly defended our people’s political rights.”

“Some of those who stayed alert with us, through those dark days are with us as a new dawn dispels the darkness of despair and shines a light of unbounded expectation on us today,” President Ali said.

Further, he paid homage to the late Barbadian Prime

Minister and the Leader of the Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission, Owen Arthur, who played an integral role in highlighting the fraudulent acts of Clairmont Mingo during the electoral process.

“He was a true friend of Guyana, a man committed to justice and the rights of the people…one man who put our country before himself in his determination that democracy should not die in Guyana, nor should our people be deprived of their political rights,” Ali said.

EU REMINDS PRESIDENTALI OF COMMITMENT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM The European Union is reminding newly sworn-in President Irfaan Ali that he has made a commitment to Constitutional and electoral reforms.

The statement came from the European External Action Service – the EU’s diplomatic service – shortly after the President gave the feature address at his inauguration at the National Cultural Centre Saturday.

“It is essential now that all parties and stakeholders work together diligently to overcome past differences and join efforts in uniting all Guyanese,” the EU stated.

The President reiterated the promise, during his address Saturday, when he said: “In our manifesto we pledged to pursue inclusionary Constitutional Governance. I intend to see that pledge is implemented.”

He explained that such reforms will be informed by consultation with the people.

“We will conduct a national conversation in which all ideas will contend, and all voices will be heard,” the President said.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has criticised the former Government for failing to deliver reforms as it had promised in its 2015 campaign. It said that it would make up for that.

The EU has committed to assisting Guyana with those reforms based on the recommendations in the final report of the electoral observation mission it fielded to Guyana’s 2020 elections.

The EU team consisted of dozens of observers, who later produced a comprehensive report with recommendations not only for electoral issues, but for many inter-related governance issues.

It also, throughout the electoral process, made (Continued on page 25)

Sunday August 16, 2020

From page 24 statements, sometimes in concert with ambassadors of America, Britain and Canada to nudge electoral stakeholders in the right direction.

“The EU has been a staunch supporter of democracy and rule of law throughout the entire process,” it stated. “We look forward to working together to further develop our strong partnership based on our human, cultural and historical links.”

The EU said it welcomed the democratic conclusion of Guyana’s electoral process and congratulated Ali on his swearing in.

MONDAY GOVT. WELCOMING NEW COLONIZATION IF IT APPROVES PAYARA – DR. MANGAL Good Governance Advocate, Dr. Jan Mangal, said that if the new Government approves the Payara project – Exxon’s intended third field development – it would be welcoming a new age of colonization for Guyana.

The company had submitted the Field Development Plan (FDP) in the latter half of 2019, even as it already received approval for and is forging ahead with two projects in the Stabroek Block – Liza Phases One and Two. In a recent Facebook post, Mangal said the third project should not be approved by the new PPP/C Government, at least not until a list of outstanding items is resolved, including a fair contract for the Stabroek Block.

“If the PPP approves the Payara project, then they are actively creating a new colony,” Dr. Mangal said.

“They are exploiting the whole country, and forfeiting our future.”

He also said that if they approve the project, “they are saying to Guyanese that they do not care about the people, and they do not care about the country’s wealth.”

“They are saying ‘welcome to the new colonization of Guyana’. We replaced ‘Bookers’ with ‘ExxonMobil’,” he told Kaieteur News.

Bookers, a British business firm, had operated in British Guiana, with sugar plantations being the lifeline of its wealth. The company’s economic power and reach into colonial Guiana’s affairs was so pervasive that the country had sometimes been called ‘Booker’s Guiana’.

To remedy the issues in the Stabroek contract and

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Kaieteur News

rebalance the order, Dr. Mangal is of the view that the new PPP/C administration will have to behave very differently than it has previously done while in power.

“Guyana can become a little Switzerland or Singapore,” he said in another post, “strategically situated and always well endowed, where everyone grows and benefits.”

The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which governs the operations of ExxonMobil in the Block is so rife with lopsided provisions that Global Witness ascertained that Guyana is set to lose US$55B over the life of the agreement. In addition, the contract effectively ties Guyana to its provisions, as any legislative or other changes made to affect the economics of the agreement would require Guyana to repay Exxon and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Nexxen for any losses incurred.

Besides the contract, oil production began in December of last year in a country that has not updated or introduced any of the legislation pertinent to the management of the sector, save and except for the Natural Resource Fund Act which is said to stand on shaky legal ground, as it was passed after the former APNU+AFC government was defeated by a No Confidence Motion.

As a result of the Government’s failure to prepare, Guyana finds itself unable to properly oversee and regulate ExxonMobil’s operations, even as the company is already on track to pump 340,000 barrels per day by 2022 from approved projects.

Kaieteur News has since outlined 20 key areas which must be urgently addressed for Guyana to prudently manage the oil sector.

this matter,” Minister Todd told the press during a briefing at the State House.

Todd said, too, that the PPP is “very happy to have his service” while adding that he is very committed to the process.

“This is not a political issue. It is a national issue and he recognizes this and he is very accommodating to us,” the Foreign Minister said.

Further to this, Minister Todd clarified that Carl Greenidge would not be retained as the Foreign Secretary which was the position he served under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration.

Whether Greenidge would be offered a position after serving as Guyana’s agent is still unclear. The Minister avoided giving any details in this regard. He did inform reporters however that any such decisions would depend on discussions between Greenidge and President Ali. Carl Greenidge had served as Guyana’s Foreign Secretary from May 2015 to July 2018 until he resigned from his post in the National Assembly as a result of being a dual citizen.

It was Greenidge who filed the case at the ICJ to settle the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela in which the latter is spuriously claiming a large percentage of Guyana’s territorial waters.

Guyana’s delegation on the case included Greenidge; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson.

The case was first heard in June 2020 where arguments were led by Guyana’s first Attorney General, Sir Shridath Ramphal.

The ICJ is expected to meet again in September when the matter will continue.

PPP/C RETAINS CARL GREENIDGEUNTIL CONCLUSION OF GUYANAAND VENEZUELA BORDER CASE

EXXON COULD HAVE 10 FPSOs PRODUCING OIL OFFSHORE GUYANA IN 10 YEARS – RYSTAD ENERGY

Former Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, has been retained by the Irfaan Ali led administration as Guyana’s agent in the ongoing Guyana/ Venezuela border case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Hugh Todd, Guyana’s new Foreign Minister, made this disclosure Sunday and stated that he was already briefed by Greenidge on the current position of the case.

“He is on the team and he will be to the conclusion of

Rystad Energy, an energy research and business intelligence company, projects that ExxonMobil will be able to place one Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore Guyana, every year for the next 10 years. The Norwegian firm projected that, to do so, ExxonMobil would be expending around US$50B in project sanctioning in the period.

Oil-focused publication OilNOW revealed this in a

recent report on Rystad’s work. So far, ExxonMobil has started production in Liza Phase One, and is on track to produce in Phase Two in 2022, with total peak production at 340,000 barrels per day.

The US$50B figure does not include the funds already partitioned for Liza Phases One and Two, which have already been approved. It is meant for the 14 discoveries made after the Liza field on the Stabroek Block.

“So, with the fields that have not been sanctioned yet – the 14 discoveries that have not been s a n c t i o n e d , ” Ry s t a d ’s Schreiner Parker is quoted as saying, “these fields would require somewhere around 50 billion dollars in green-field expenditure, and that’s spending from project sanctioning to first oil.”

Parker, who is the firm’s Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, told OilNOW that 1.2M barrels a day of production could be sanctioned by 2025.

He noted though that such investments could be jeopardized if the products are not able to be sanctioned.

“The danger is that this investment commitment of 50 billion dollars by 2030 is absolutely at risk if you cannot sanction these projects. That green-field

expenditure is only going to come from sanctioning – the money that’s spent from sanctioning the first oil.”

Parker is quoted as saying.

ExxonMobil has campaigned since the submission of its Field Development Plan (FDP) for the Payara project to be approved swiftly.

Transparency advocates like Dr. Jan Mangal have urged Guyana not to approve the project, as it would operate under provisions of a lopsided contract, and would be managed by a Government that is unprepared to regulate the industry.

Guyana’s ability to scrutinize costs claimed by ExxonMobil has also been a matter of concern. The company projected the development of Liza Phase One to cost US$4.4B in 2017.

The cost was later revised to US$3.7B in 2018, then US$3.5B in 2019.

Opposition Leader turned Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had said last year that such a shift in projections is concerning.

As for Liza Phase Two, ExxonMobil projected it to cost US$6B. Canada-based Engineer Darshanand Khusial has raised concerns that this cost, compared to the cost for Liza Phase One, raises several questions that must be answered before Government moves forward

with further sanctioning.

project

TUESDAY MIN. OF COMMUNITIES PAID HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS TO OVER 50 CONTRACT WORKERS – MINISTER DHARAMLALL NO PROOF OF WORK DONE… The then Ministry of Communities with Minister Ronald Bulkan at the helm expended over $800 million in salaries to 56 contract staffers with no evidence found by the new administration to account for their work since 2015.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall made that disclosure Monday during his first press engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre after a review of the records was conducted.

“We found that in the Minister’s Secretariat of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, 23 staff were earning as much as, in total per month, $7.73M,” he told the press.

Among those staffers, he said, were political appointees of the previous A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration. “From our (Continued on page 32)

Sunday August 16, 2020

T&T BEGINS CLOSING DOWN AGAIN: Masks to become mandatory Trinidad Express - A worrying increase in Covid19 coronavirus infections has resulted in a rollback in public health measures to reduce public exposure of risk.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced yesterday that Trinidad and Tobago had reached community spread and it was time to take action.

He said schools and all teaching institutions will remain closed at least until December 31.

Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination, however, will remain on August 20.

For the next 28 days, Rowley said, starting at 6am tomorrow all in-house dining at restaurant and bars will cease including food courts at malls. These food establishments will be allowed to sell take-out.

He also announced the closure of beaches and rivers, places of worship, gyms, contact sports, water parks, casinos and members clubs and cinemas.

Rowley said authorised gatherings of persons outside of homes will be no more than five.

Persons attending weddings and funerals will be reduced to 10. (Not ten at a time. A total of ten).

He said maxi taxi and taxis will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Travel to Tobago will also be restricted to essentials.

The prime minister made

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the announcements at the Diplomatic Centre in Port-ofSpain, as he delivered his first public address since being elected for a second term.

He said, “If these activities do not get the level of observance as we expect and numbers get far worse, even after we have done this, the next situation is to go into more complete closure. It is very important that what we are doing now is done to the letter so we don’t find ourselves in a situation where we have to do in the lockdown.”

Rowley said he was having discussions with the Attorney General on what action will take with respect to mandatory use of face mask.

However, a Cabinet has not yet been sworn in as the United National Congress (UNC) has requested a recount in five marginal seats.

As at yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Health reported 474 Covid-19 positive cases. Two deaths were reported on Friday, an elderly woman and a man.

The total number of deaths now stands at 10.

The second wave of the Covid-19 coronavirus began in July, with daily increases in positive cases.

SEA students will come out of August 20, and write that exam.

Those not wearing mask are endangering the country, said Rowley.

People will be asked to

Blossom Inc. - leading the...

From page 27 get justice and healing for those who are already abused.

We are making steady progress.”

Nonetheless, the founder noted that the work of Blossom Inc is far from over. As such, she noted that the organisation will continue to partner with the Child Protection Agency, Police, Director of Public Prosecutions, Regional Democratic Councils, Ministry of Health (hospitals), Education sector to help bring about the change.

Dalgety-Dean stated that “while those within the social services and civil society fields of work play an important role in helping survivors to heal through various support mechanisms, lots of education is needed for people to understand the effects of trauma and how it manifests so that society at large, including family and friends, resist the victim blaming that is so prevalent, even when dealing with children.”

In the meantime, the family and childcare advocate is pleased with the increase in successful prosecutions and the healing that it brings to survivors of sexual abuse.

According to Dalgety-Dean, seeing the positive results through enhanced coping skills of the clients who embraced the trauma focused therapy is also encouraging.

She noted that Blossom Inc. has been an advocate for the opening of the sexual offences courts. “Seeing that and being able to offer a “one-stop” safe place for victims to tell their story of trauma only once and to the same professional has been a reward in itself,” she said.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley stay home and avoid people.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh appealed that people not go for a last drink last night and today and act as though the lockdown was in place now.

He also asked that people not invite groups to their homes for parties and gettogethers.

It was also disclosed that the Caribbean Premier League cricket tournament will continue.

Rowley said that by cooperating, the life saved may be your own.

He said that at more stringent measure may have to be taken if the numbers continue to rise.

Long wait for Jamaica/US port security agreement almost over Jamaica Observer - The more-than-four-year wait for Jamaica and the United States to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) could end in a matter of weeks.

US Ambassador to Jamaica Donald Tapia on Thursday told journalists that the MOU is now well advanced, and should be signed by the end of next month.

“We are at the point of receiving the MOU this week.

It will then go back to Washington for the attorneys there to review it. Then it will come back to the Jamaican Government for final approval,” said Tapia.

“Of course, since the Parliament is dissolved… it will take a little while, but I believe that it has been passed [by] the Cabinet, so we should be able to sign the MOU anytime that it is received back.

“I would say by the end of September we should be able to sign the MOU. It might be before, but I doubt it, because the ministers are out in their districts, and so forth, so I would say it would be after the election,” added Tapia, who, months ago, expressed disappointment

that the deal had not been signed.

The CMAA, which the US has already signed with a number of other countries, would allow American intelligence and customs authorities to partner with local law enforcement to build cases against individuals involved in the shipment of illegal items to and from the island through the ports.

It is believed that the agreement will allow US authorities to wiretap conversations of people suspected of using the ports for illegal activities, and that has been the sticking point for the Andrew Holness-led Administration.

There has been no word so far from the Government as to why it delayed signing the CMAA for most of the life of the Holness Administration, nor has the Administration indicated what has changed to give Tapia the confidence that the deal will now be inked.In June, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang told Parliament that his ministry was awaiting a response from US Customs on the CMAA, after a “lengthy, roundabout and tedious process which lasted for more than a year”.

According to Chang, the process was completed when one of the major partners accepted a proposal from Jamaica’s Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte as the correct route to follow.

But, even without the MOU in place, Tapia told journalists that measures have been put in place to reduce the movement of illegal items through Jamaica’s ports.

According to him, these include the introduction of equipment, which is like a polygraph (lie-detector test), for most of the personnel who work on the ports.

several errors both forced and unforced, such as the identification of the Afro Trinidadian PM as a “blank man” and other indicators that the UNC’s campaign lacked direction.

“Notwithstanding a less than outstanding campaign and in the face of almost insurmountable odds, the UNC achieved a positive swing of 7.5 per cent and claimed an additional seat without the assistance of the Congress of the People (COP), which has been pivotal in the past.”

CADRES said that the issues over the past two months were presumably unchanged and dominated by a crime situation “that is as persistent as haemorrhoids and a COVID Crisis that appears to have taken a turn for the worse in the past two weeks.

“It is therefore reasonable to assume that COVID was the key factor in this election and the outcome would therefore be associated with it in one way or another. In this context it is striking that the voter turnout in 2020 was 58 per cent which is a 13 per

cent reduction on the 2015 turnout of 67 per cent and was also the lowest in Trinidad and Tobago since 1981.”

CADRES said the PNM emerged with 49 per cent of the popular vote, while the UNC emerged with 47 per cent and the COP 0.1 per cent with the remaining 3.9 per cent being shared among several smaller parties that competed.

“The electoral swing is also presented and the PNM statistic is -2.6 per cent, while the UNC’s could be either 0.2 per cent if we used cumulative UNC/COP votes in 2015 as a base or 7.5 per cent if we set the UNC alone in 2015.

“The critical points here are that the PNM has gone from being a party that controlled more than half of the popular vote in 2015 (52%) and is now effectively an unpopular government with 49 per cent. In addition, the negative swing of -2.6 per cent was significant in the context of a 2015 performance when the PNM increased its popular vote under (Dr. Keith) Rowley by an impressive 12 per cent,” CADRES noted.

US Ambassador to Jamaica Donald Tapia

CADRES says Trinidad and Tobago election outcome “somewhat surprising” BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) says the outcome of the Trinidad and Tobago elections “was somewhat surprising for several reasons” and that the “election therefore appears to have been one that turned on national factors”.

The preliminary results of the election has given the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) victory by a 22-19 margin in the 41 seats Parliament. But the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) has yet to officially concede defeat and has called for a recount in five constituencies.

CADRES, which has conducted opinion polls in several Caribbean countries, said that it conducted a poll in Trinidad and Tobago “some six weeks before the election and while the details are not in the public domain, it did project a PNM victory and a moderate swing towards the PNM which is consistent with other more recent published polls”.

CADRES noted that

UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar commentators generally agreed that the PNM was oncourse to victory; however, the margins appear to have been compromised significantly during the course of the election campaign.

“The suggestion that the UNC’s campaign was successful does seem peculiar in as much as most qualitative analyses of the two campaigns suggested that the PNM did better, while the UNC suffered from

PAGE 32

From page 25 records in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development,” the Minister added “we have been unable to verify and validate the performance of these staff because there is no record of their work, no documentation of their performance.”

Since the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) government took office a week ago, none of the 56 staffers have shown up to work. The Minister pointed out that one Special Ministerial Advisor on Local Government, Oscar Clarke was earning $418,674 per month; a non-taxable duty allowance of $25,000 per month and a telephone allowance of $15,000 per month. Clarke is a veteran member of the People’s National Congress and a representative of APNU on the Georgetown City Council.”Since we have taken office,” the Local Government Minister said, “we have not seen him and from the reports we have received, is that this individual turned up to work three half days per week earning this monumental…almost when you add it all up, possibly close to half a million per month,” Reference was also made to another Special Advisor, Rupert Hopkinson, who was earning $376,807 per month with a non-taxable allowance of $70,000 per month and a telephone allowance of $10,000 per month.

Hopkinson was a former REO for Region 2.

He also pointed out that Minister Bulkan also boasted of two other Advisors; Carmichael Thorne and Samuel Paris. Thorne was earning $488,250 per month plus $30,000 per month in non-taxable allowances, and telephone as well as a travel allowance of $20,000 per month.

“That is over $500,000 per month. And we have no record of any of the work they would’ve done,” the Minister said.He noted that these are persons whose contracts were renewed even after the passage of the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion and renewed for a substantial period so their contracts are still in effect.

“The fact that they have not yet turned up to work means that they are in terrible breach of their contracts,” he added.The Local Government Minister revealed that with many of the names found are “political operatives” of the APNU+AFC employed within the Community Councils Department. A total of 36 persons were found.

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Kaieteur News

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TAKES CHARGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FINANCE In response to “several queries”, the Office of the President (OP) of President Irfaan Ali said in a brief Monday that it will retain oversight responsibility for the areas of Finance and Natural Resources.

While President Ali has appointed several ministers to execute duties for the portfolios of Local Government, Public Infrastructure, Education, and Health, he is still to fill the post of Finance Minister, an omission that has prompted significant comment and criticism. In addition to other key responsibilities, the person occupying that portfolio would be responsible in the short term for preparing a national budget, funding government operations to the end of the year; Kaieteur News was made to understand from members of the government that the budget is expected to be presented by early September.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, in contrast, is currently headed by Minister Vickram Bharrat. The minister told Kaieteur News, Monday, that he is still engaging the senior officers in charge of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Energy Department, the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). He said that engagements thus far on what he has inherited indicate that there has been significant wastage and abuse which he intends to correct in the coming months. The Minister said that the forestry sector, in particular, needs a great deal of attention as hundreds of workers have not received their July salaries while millions of dollars remain outstanding to utility companies. Minister Bharrat said that these matters have already been brought to the attention of Cabinet and are under review.

MINISTER EDGHILL QUESTIONS WHERE $200M IN ASPHALT WENT Minister responsible for Public Works, Juan Edghill, Monday revealed to Kaieteur News that some $200M is owed to the Demerara Harbour Bridge Cooperation (DHBC) for asphalt procured by the previous A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration. This hefty

debt has raised further concerns with Edghill as he now questions which projects the tonnes of asphalt went to complete.

It was during an interview with Kaieteur News Monday afternoon when Edghill highlighted that he became aware of the debt when he had assumed office, only some days ago.

In fact, it was on Thursday last when the General Manager of the DHBC, Rawlston Adams, had convened a meeting with Edghill, at which point he indicated that the previous infrastructure ministry had owed the Demerara Harbour Bridge $200M.According t o t h e P u b l i c Wo r k s M i n i s t e r, t h e a s p h a l t , which is assumed to be in tonnes, were procured one month leading up to the March 2, General and Regional Elections. The last procurement of asphalt, notably, was dated at July 31, two days before the Guyana Elections Commission had declared Dr. Irfaan Ali as President.

Meanwhile, General Manager of DHBC told Kaieteur News Monday evening that all of the orders were made by the Chief Roads Officer under t h e t h e n P u b l i c Wo r k s Ministry. “They” Adams said, “would usually write to us requesting for an order and would ask us to deliver for the different road projects.”

When enquired about whether DHBC had informed the previous ministry about balances that were outstanding, Adams responded in the affirmative. “We would tell them everyone month what they owed us,” he said, while adding that the then ministry has always been late on their payments.

Compounding issues is the fact that the previous APNU+AFC failed to make themselves available for a takeover and transition meeting when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had assumed office. With this Edghill had expressed “If you have a handover then you have an institutional passage, but now we have to go into everything and we don’t want it to look as though we are conducting a witch hunt.”

Nonetheless, the minister indicated that he’s working to receive the details regarding the procurement of the roadbuilding material.

“We have to see the j u s tification for that expenditure,” Edghill said, “that it was indeed procured

Ministry of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

and on what terms,” while also adding that the $200M debt just shows the “slack management of the DHBC.” WEDNESDAY NO NONSENSICAL EXCUSE IS WORTH US$55B FOR PAYARA PERMIT – DR. MANGAL Good Governance advocate, Dr. Jan Mangal, said that no silly explanation

by ExxonMobil can make up for the US$55B Guyana is set to lose over the life of the lopsided Stabroek Block agreement. Global Witness had said that a loss at such a scale should be remedied by improving the deal. Dr. Mangal’s comments came after Exxon’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman, said during the company’s Q2 earnings call that the government should approve the Payara development swiftly because there are “weather conditions” that need to be met for Exxon to make a timely Final Investment Decision (FID).

The company also claims that a delay in approval would result in a loss of value to the country. The multinational’s advocacy for swift approval of Payara, the third development in the Stabroek Block, has been assiduous.

Be that as it may, there are several experts who say that Guyana should not allow itself to be pressured, and Dr. Mangal is one of them. He said that the Payara project should not be approved until there is a renegotiation of the Stabroek Block agreement which has been well ventilated as unfair and

signed under suspicious circumstances. Mangal is of the view that Guyana has to secure significantly improved terms for the people of Guyana. In addition, there is a long list of regulatory reforms and legislative updates necessary to empower government to prudently manage the petroleum sector. Kaieteur News continues to ventilate those issues.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, recently told another media outlet that the government is hoping to make a decision on Payara by this month-end so Exxon can make its FID. He is quoted as saying that the government wants to ensure that the field development plan (FDP) for the Payara project is one that would benefit the interests of the Guyanese people.

The former Government already approved two FDPs under the contract’s lopsided terms, Liza Phases One and Two. Dr. Mangal is concerned that this month-end could see President Irfaan Ali approving the Payara project with a silly explanation, he said, “to justify the shafting of a whole nation and its future generations.”

Exxon’s Senior VP had said that the company is confident that the government will approve the project, as it is in regular discussions with the major parties and had received assurances from them both.

“Unfortunately,” Dr. Mangal said, “the PPP believe they have to bend over backwards to accommodate the US (and ExxonMobil) for helping to kick out the

riggers.”

The recently concluded electoral process had seen the international community stand in solidarity in defense of Guyana’s democracy.

However, Dr. Mangal said it does not mean Guyana should bend to accommodate ExxonMobil.

“There are many in the US who despise what Exxon is doing around the world, and they may be leading the US later this year.”

“If we want a fair deal,” Dr. Mangal said, “and a chance to get back some of the US$55 billion, then we have to play hardball. We have to impact Exxon’s operations. But this takes leadership with vision and courage.”

UN WANTS ANSWERS FOR 2016 EXXON DEALAND SARA CORRUPTION PROBES The United Nations Human Rights Committee earlier this month wrote to the government of Guyana requesting explanations for a series of issues, including several reports of corruption including but not limited to Guyana’s petroleum sector and the controversial deal with ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC for operations on the Stabroek Block.

The deal was originally signed by Janet Jagan in 1999 and was in its final years, when former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, in 2016 utilised a bridging deed to grant what essentially became a new contract with negligible improvements in its terms.

(Continued on page 33)

Sunday August 16, 2020

From page 32 While local media outlets and civil society drew attention to a pervasive lopsidedness in the contract’s fiscal terms, as well as flagrant illegalities, the contract gained even more notoriety when globally respected anti-corruption watchdog, Global Witness reported that the terms of the contract are so unfair, that Guyana is set to lose US$55B over the life of the agreement.

The key focus of the report is Trotman, who it said ignored expert advice and signed the contract away in a worryingly short period, while on a lavish trip to the multinational’s Texas headquarters.

Global Witness called for an investigation into the award. However, the then David Granger government opposed the Global Witness report and defended the contract. There was no investigation. That is another issue raised by the UN. It requested that the government report on measures taken to ensure prompt and thorough investigations, including by the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) into all allegations of corruption, as well as prosecution and punishment of perpetrators.

SARA was established in 2017. It has received hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money, but has nothing to show for it.

One case pertinent to the oil sector, which came under SARA’s purview, is the suspicious award of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks just weeks before the 2015 elections by the then President, Donald Ramotar.

The suspicious nature of the award was brought sharply into focus when exposed by Kaieteur News. Nothing came of that investigation.

GERMANAUTHORITIES SEIZE OVER US$300M IN COCAINE STASHED IN RICE SHIPMENT FROM GUYANA German authorities Tuesday seized over US$300M worth in cocaine stashed in a shipment of rice originating from Guyana.

Reports suggest that Custom Officers discovered more than 1.5 tons of cocaine hidden in a container arriving aboard a ship from South America and coined it as one of the largest ever made at the port of Hamburg, Germany.

The police reported that the container had arrived at the end of June aboard the 300-meter-long container ship “CMA CGM Jean Gabriel” at the Hamburg port.

After being offloaded in Hamburg, the container was

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being stored in a container yard scheduled to be transshipped to Poland.

German investigators reportedly received a confidential tip about a drug smuggling operation and began a thorough search of the container yard. When this container was examined, officers found 47 large packages hidden between the rice sacks and within those packages, a total of 1,277 small parcels containing cocaine.

The estimated street value of the cocaine is placed at US$353 million.

The parcels all had various symbols on them, including a cat’s face, the Gallic rooster, and the Ampelmännchen (red and green traffic light symbols shown on pedestrian signals in Germany).

Several hundred of the packages were marked with the same logo.

Lesley Ramlall, Deputy Head of Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU, in an invited comment, told Kaieteur News that local investigators have since launched a probe into the massive bust.

THURSDAY PAYARA ON HOLD – AWAITING EXPERT REVIEW – PRES. ALI President Irfaan Ali has informed Kaieteur News that his government is in the process of securing an expert to conduct a review of the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP).

This means that previous plans to decide on the project

by August month-end have been put on hold.

The government had sought the assistance of the Canadian High Commission to find such an expert.

Speaking with Kaieteur News about this development, Good Governance advocate, Dr. Jan Mangal, said that the review requires a team of experts, not a single one.

He added that these reviews can take months, even years, as there tends to be discussion between the reviewers and the oil company on all the important issues.

Mangal said that if the government approves the development after mere months, then the people will know that the government did not challenge anything substantial to benefit Guyana.

The President noted that he has met with the various local stakeholders, with a view of determining what work has already been done on the project.

A UK firm, Bayphase Limited, had been hired last year to evaluate the plan.

ExxonMobil, meanwhile, had started preparations for development of the Payara field more than nine months ago. Despite receiving no approval from government, the company is actively funding the construction of the Liza Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, meant to produce as much as 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

It is clear that the company has bet a lot on Guyana and is attempting to pressure the country into permitting a plan it has not sufficiently scrutinized.

The multi-national has attempted to convince the Guyana government that a delay in approval of the project beyond this monthend would result in billions in losses for Guyana. This is evidenced by statements made by the company’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman, during its recent Q2 earnings call.

Experts disagree with Exxon’s call for swift approval, and have advised Guyana to take all the time it needs to ensure the FDP is robust.

Guyana has been advised

by Dr. Mangal to ensure it renegotiates the Stabroek Block agreement before it approves any further project.

Mangal told this newspaper that the previous government hired inadequate and unknown personnel. So, in this case, he expects that the Guyanese public is shown proof that the persons

hired are all qualified (via resumes and track record).

The public would have ample opportunity, in such a scenario, to background these individuals and ensure they are sufficient for the job, and not beholden to oil companies.

Mangal added that if the Payara review is mishandled, then Canada as the sponsor will look bad, “and Guyana will be damaged even further.”

GOVT. MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 – CABINET MEMBERS TESTED, TO WORK FROM HOME UNTIL RESULTS KNOWN Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) resulting in all members of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Cabinet being subjected to COVID-19 tests.

President Irfaan Ali made the revelation in a live broadcast and said the Minister informed him that he came into contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus.

Minister Todd was then subjected to a COVID-19 test and his results came back positive. All of the persons who came into contact with Minister Todd will be contacted to facilitate testing.

Further President Ali said: “All Cabinet members are to be tested as a precautionary measure” and they were advised to work from home until their test results are known”. On Saturday,

Minister Todd and the other cabinet members along with hundreds of officials gathered at the National Cultural Center for the inauguration ceremony of President Ali. And then on Sunday, the Minister was again present at a joint press conference with the President of Suriname, Chan Santokhi and President Ali along with the Suriname Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, and a delegation from the Dutch speaking nation.

The Minister also held familiarization meetings with his ministry along with a courtesy call from the United States Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch.

The President in his live broadcast also advised the general public to adhere to the measures set in place to protect them from the virus.

“This pandemic has no barriers and as such, we have to continue to take the necessary precautions. Wear your mask especially when out in public places and adhere to social distancing.

This is a time when all of us must come together, must work together to ensure the country and citizens remain safe,” President Ali said.

FRIDAY MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES SAYS… PAYARAAPPROVALWILL NOT BE RUSHED; WE WANT MAXIMUM VALUE FOR GUYANA Even though the PPP/C government may be desirous of granting the approval for ExxonMobil’s third

development project within a reasonable timeframe, it will not be rushing the review of the Payara Field Development Plan so as to compromise the integrity of the process. Making this statement Thursday evening during his first appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s Programme, Guyana’s Oil and You, was Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat.

The Minister’s remark was made in response to questions about the mindset of the government in handling the approval process. In this regard, he was keen to note that the government’s priority is rooted in getting more value for Guyanese. Minister Bharrat reminded that the 2020 elections fiasco which lasted for five months played a part in the government being placed into a “tight timeframe” to ensure that the approval is issued to the company. Be that as it may, Minister Bharrat said the government intends to ensure that the integrity of the process is not jeopardized in the haste to get the approval out. The Minister said, “So we have to ensure that we balance it. We have to ensure that investors are satisfied because we need investors in this sector but we need to ensure that when we sign a contract or a license, benefits can be derived for Guyanese.”

Further to this, the Natural Resources Minister said that the PPP/C Government is mindful of not repeating the mistakes of the previous administration hence the (Continued on page 34)

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From page 33 reason President, Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo would have insisted that they want to be satisfied with what is in place before granting approvals.

Minister Bharrat said that an independent consultant is being engaged, with the help of the Canadian High Commission, so as to provide the technical support that is needed. “…We are expecting the consultant in a matter of days so a review can be done.

At the end of the day, we want to ensure maximum value for Guyana,” the Minister told Kaieteur News.

ABOUT PAYARA According to documents submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the Payara development will be located in the eastern area of the Stabroek Block which is approximately 190 km (118 miles) from Georgetown.

The operator notes that oil production from Payara is expected to last at least 20 years with startup of the facilities expected to occur approximately in mid-2023.

EEPGL noted that it will drill approximately 35 to 45 wells offshore to support extraction of the oil from below the seafloor. It said that each well will be drilled using a floating drill ship. Also, each well will be directionally drilled to specific reservoir targets generally 4,000 to 5,500 meters (m) below the sea level.

Further to this, EEPGL said it will install some of the oil production facilities on the seafloor at approximately 1,500 -1,980 m (4,900-6,500 ft) water depth. It said that these subsea facilities include various types of pipes and hardware.

Kaieteur News understands that the subsea facilities allow the oil from the wells to be gathered and moved to the surface of the ocean for further processing.

EEPGL will then install other oil production facilities on a vessel which floats on the surface of the ocean. The vessel is called a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO).

It will be moored on location in approximately 1,800-1,980 m (5,900-6,500 ft) of water depth and will remain on location throughout the life of the facility. EEPGL said that oil production facilities on the FPSO will further process the oil extracted from below the seafloor.

The operator also stated that the FPSO will have the capacity to produce up to

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Kaieteur News

approximately 180,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

During the early stage of production operations, the FPSO is anticipated to produce up to an average of approximately 5,700,000 to 6,600,000 barrels of crude oil per month. These estimates are preliminary and are subject to change.

WE MUST INVITE OUR OWN TO INVEST INSTEAD OF TURNING TO FOREIGNERS – SURINAMESE PRESIDENT Instead of turning to foreign multinationals and inviting them to invest, President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, believes that small nations must first seek out their own for contributions to the economy. In this way, President Santokhi said that sustainable development would be achieved. The recently installed President of the Dutch speaking nation made these and other remarks during a press conference that was held at State House.

There, Santokhi spoke about the need to increase private sector partnership between Guyana and Suriname so as to drive economic development. The Head of State said that at the moment, Suriname is facing a financial crisis. Santokhi is of the firm view that indeed, he can solve some of his nation’s economic distress by turning to international agencies for the rescheduling of Suriname’s debt position. But he opined that more value can be had by learning from, as well as partnering with the private sector of his CARICOM brothers and sisters like Guyana.

The Head of State said, “…The sustainable development should come from the private sector, from the small and medium enterprises, and there is the opportunity to invite those companies to invest in Suriname and to work closely with the Surinamese companies. Those kinds of investments will be the sustainable backbone of our economy and that is what we have to look at.”

He added, “Very often, we as small nations, we are looking for big multinationals to invite and invest and very often, we are forgetting our very own companies. They are here in Guyana and Suriname. Let us give them the opportunity and invite them and see what kind of contribution they can deliver to strengthen the economy…”

The Surinamese President is hopeful that by extending the invitation to his own, they

can ensure the stabilization of the Dutch-speaking nation.

In keeping with his reasoning of using more locals and forming regional partnerships, Santokhi held talks recently with members of the private sector here. The President was keen to note that mechanisms like the Guyana-Suriname Chamber Corporation will be in place to ensure the shared vision of increasing private sector partnership is achieved.

ARMY STILL SILENT ON $1B SPENT TO PURCHASE, FIX 4 AIRCRAFT -ONE PLANE “CANNIBALISED” TO FIX ANOTHER… It appears that the army has little answers to the questionable purchase of four aircraft by the Coalition government in the last two years.

The transactions had come to light shortly before the declarations of the troubled March 2nd elections was made earlier this month, which saw a new administration, led by President Irfaan Ali, in office.

His Prime Minister is former army chief, Mark Phillips, whose task will most likely include ordering a probe.

Two of the aircraft are down with over $700M spent to purchase them and millions more to make them airworthy.

It is estimated that the final bill will be over $1B. Kaieteur News, over the last three weeks, has been reaching out to the army for comments.

Requests were sent to the Public Relations Department with an official there acknowledging receipt a few weeks ago.

However, since then, there has been silence.

Thursday, the official said she is on leave but will pursue the matter which has been sent to her superiors.

It was reported that parts of one of the planes were

“cannibalised” to fix another.

Persons, with knowledge of the transactions, said that the entire purchase of the planes stinks to high heavens and involves at least one local businessman who acted as a broker.

After the story broke, there were growing concerns over the costs and the due diligence conducted.

In 2018, just about three years after it entered office, the Coalition Government moved to buy four planes for the army – the smaller Islanders and two Skyvans.

The latter are capable of fetching soldiers.

The two Britten-Norman Islanders arrived around August 2018 while the two Shorts Sc-7 Skyvans reportedly came in June last year. The story was carried in the Sunday, July 26, 2020 edition of the Kaieteur News highlighting the over $700M that was reportedly spent on the planes.

Two of the planes are not in operation as they are grounded and there are reports that tens of millions of dollars have been spent to bring the planes up to regulations-readiness. It was the former Minister of State for the Coalition government, Joseph Harmon, who had told the National Assembly in early 2018 that the Islanders were first manufactured in 1976 while the Skyvans were first manufactured in 1977.

According to persons in the aviation industry, including persons knowledgeable about pricing, there is no way that Guyana could have spent that much on four used planes.

“We know the prices,” one source had told this newspaper, “Everybody knows. It shocked everyone that we paid that much for planes manufactured in the 1970s.”

According to another industry expert, $700M for four planes manufactured in the 1970s is just too much.

“Something smells to high heavens here. Repairs will carry that $700M price tag to over $1B. That is what we’re looking at. The Army must tell the people of Guyana what happened here.”

SATURDAY GOVT. SCRAPS GRANGER’S SHORTLIST OF TAINTED OILTRADERS – TO RETENDER CONTRACT TO MARKET GUYANA’S OIL Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the government has scrapped the shortlisted tainted oil and commodity traders shortlisted by the previous Granger administration to market Guyana’s oil.

During a press conference Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, VP Jagdeo made it clear that the PPP/C has put a hold on the evaluation of the bids that were submitted to market Guyana’s crude for the next 12 months.

It was under the previous APNU+AFC administration that the Department of Energy (DoE) had shortlisted 19 oil traders out of 35 applicants to market Guyana’s oil.

However, upon examining the list of traders which was publicized by the Energy Department, Kaieteur News found that 15 out of the 19 shortlisted companies have been linked to scandals, foreign bribery and widespread corruption. These well-documented malpractices, which have resulted in convictions and fines, have ensnared senior executives of these oil companies and traders, while others are still under investigation.

During the press engagement, VP Jagdeo reminded reporters that during the campaign season, the PPP/C had staunchly advocated for businesses not

to submit bids to the “illegal” APNU+AFC government, while adding that “it would be unfair to the companies who acted decently and did not put in a bid because they recognized that there had an illegal government”.

Jagdeo indicated that the PPP/C government has taken a decision to reopen the tender for that contract.

The tainted companies One of the companies shortlisted is China Offshore Oil International Pte Ltd. In 2015, this state-owned Chinese company had their former Deputy General Manager, Wu Zhenfang, under criminal investigation for accepting an undisclosed amount in bribes although it is unclear what the outcome of the case was. Another Chinese company, Sinochem, saw Du Keping, the former Vice President sentenced last December to 11 ½ years in prison for accepting USD $1.8M in bribes.

Russian energy company, Lukoil Oil Company & Litasco, is currently being criminally investigated by Geneva’s top prosecutor on suspicion of corruption of foreign officials and moneylaundering.

Gunvor Group, one of the world’s top energy traders was found criminally liable for corruption in the Republic of Congo and the Ivory Coast, after failing to avert its employees and agents from bribing public officials. The (Continued on page 35)

Sunday August 16, 2020

From page 34 trader was subsequently ordered to pay almost USD $94 million to the Swiss Attorney General (AG) in October of last year.

According to Reuters, the settlement includes a fine of 4M Swiss francs, out of a maximum of 5M, as well as gross profit plus interest it gained from oil deals in the two West African countries from 2009 to 2011, worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, a Norwegian company was in 2018 fined ROK $20M for misconduct and extensive corruption in Iran in 2002/2003 attempting to secure lucrative oil contracts for the company in that country. The Director for International Operations, Richard John Hubbard was also ordered to pay NOK 200,000 in fines for his involvement in the case. This was mainly achieved by hiring the services of Horton Investments, a n I r a n i a n consultancy firm owned by Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, son of former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Horton Investments was paid US$15.2 million by Statoil

to influence important political figures in Iran to grant oil contracts to Statoil.

French oil major, Totsa Total Oil Trading SA, was found guilty of corruption in the United Nations’ oilfor-food programme for Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s rule. In 2016 the Parisian Court of Appeal found the company guilty of corrupting foreign officials and was fined USD $820,863.

According to the Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC), an independent government agency in the U.S, British Petroleum Products agreed to pay a total of $303M in sanctions to settle charges of manipulation and attempted manipulation in the propane market in 2003 and 2004.

Adding to the list of infringements, a BBC World Report exposed how BP agreed to pay billions for Petro-Tim, a West African oil company owned by Romanian businessman, Frank Timis. This West African corporation was found to be in the centre of corruption in Senegal.

Documents showed that

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BP knew about the suspicious payments, which totaled to millions to the Senegalese President’s brother, Aliou Sall, and it went ahead with the deal anyway.

In 2015 Jiang Jiemin, the former chairman of PetroChina, International Brazil Trading Limited, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for taking bribes and abuse of power. A report stated that authorities also confiscated about 1 million Yuan ($157,600) from Jiang, after he failed to explain where it came from. Later in 2017, the Chinese court found Liao Yongyuan, the former vice chairman guilty of corruption and sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment. According to Reuters Liao had abused his various positions in the energy industry between 1997 and 2014 for personal gain, and between 2003 and 2015 took 13.4 million Yuan ($1.95 million) in bribes, and was unable to account for the origin of 21 million Yuan in assets.

Then there is the case of major, Stabroek Block p a r t n e r, E x x o nMobil.

Another GW investigation conducted in 2018 uncovered

that the US oil giant was complicit in corruption in Liberia, with the US $120 million purchase of Block 13 of the country’s oil lands, a block the company allegedly was aware had been previously awarded through bribery. It also suspected the block was partially owned by former Liberian politicians who may have illegally granted it to themselves while holding office.

But despite its concerns, Exxon went ahead with the deal. As has been covered by this paper, Exxon has also been linked to scandals in other countries, including the United States.

Finally, there is the company contracted to buy Guyana’s first three lifts of oil.

In 2011, Global Witness (GW) revealed how Shell Western Supplies & Trading Limited (Bahamas) participated in a vast bribery scheme for one of Africa’s most valuable oil blocks, known as OPL 245.

GW reported that Shell and Italian Oil Company Eni paid over US$1.1 billion in a murky deal for this lucrative asset located off the coast of Nigeria.

Following a lengthy investigation by the NGO, it was able to access documents showing that this money did not go to benefit the Nigerian people.

Instead, it went to convicted money launderer and former Oil Minister, Dan Etete, who had awarded himself ownership of the block in 1998 via a company he secretly owned, Malabu Oil and Gas. GW stated that the money paid for the block equals more than the A f r i c a n n a t i o n ’s 2 0 1 6 health care budget.

It is also one and a half times what the United Nations says is now needed to respond to the current famine crisis.

The deal which allegedly paved the way for billions to

be siphoned off to agents and middlemen in corrupt payments has also sparked law enforcement inquiries in six other countries.

HARMON SACKED, REFUSES TO MOVE Joseph Harmon, the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Campaign Manager was fired from his position as Director General of the Minister of the Presidency but remains adamant that his position still stands and refuses to move from the post.

The then David Granger administration had created the post of Director General specially for Harmon after he was forced to resign as a Member of Parliament and Minister of State in 2019, after the courts ruled that holders of a dual citizenship cannot sit as Members of Parliament; Harmon was a US citizen at the time.

Harmon as Director General pocketed a monthly salary of $900,000 along with a string of benefits. In addition to that salary, Harmon also received a nontaxable duty allowance of $250,000 per month; a nontaxable entertainment allowance of $100,000 per month; a non-taxable maid allowance of $128,000 per month and a non-taxable gardener allowance of $65,000 per month.

His housing telephone, internet, and electricity bills and security were funded by the State. He also received a personal driver and motor vehicle provided by the State along with 22.5% gratuity every six months.

In the termination letter seen by Kaieteur News, Harmon was informed by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall that the post of Director General did not exist prior either in the Public Service nor created by the Constitution or the

Legislation.

“It appears to have been the creation of political expediency,” the termination letter said.

Further, Harmon was informed that his “terms of contract” were not consistent with the usual contracts executed between the Government and its employees.

“Having regard to the nature of the job,” the letter said, “which you were engaged to execute and did execute, it is no longer possible or practical for you to perform those tasks under the new Government.”

Moreover, Harmon was also reminded of the fact that he no longer held the post as Director General after his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National COVID-19 Task Force.

“Presumably, you accepted that decision, in as much as you accepted the new as s i g n m e n t i n l i e u thereof, thereby rendering your removal as Director General consensual and the termination of the attendant contract, mutual,” the letter said.

Harmon in response to the letter told the Attorney General that his authority is not recognized.

“Please take notice that I do not recognize your authority and your convoluted attempt to explain the arbitrary capricious actions of a fraudulent Government to deny me of my contractual benefits,” Harmon said.

His reply warranted another response from the AG who in turn told Harmon that from the tone and content of his letter, “reason has not yet resumed its natural seat”.

Nandlall also sought to remind Harmon that he no longer has an enforceable contract therefore he is not entitled to contractual benefits.

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Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

‘DAYS LIKE DESE’ returns to local TV with COVID theme

G

EMS Theatre Pro ductions will be continuing its popular TV sitcom, ‘DAYS LIKE DESE’ from next Friday (August 21, 2020). It is expected that a new episode will be aired weekly on TV stations nationwide.

The sitcom, which was aired on local television for two seasons in 2017 and 2018, will return with a new message, according to its Producer, Gem MadhooNascimento.

“It will now be of 15 minutes duration and its theme will be based on COVID -19, its effects on our daily lives and coping with it, while still being entertaining,” Madhoo-Nascimento revealed in a press release.

Each episode, she explained, will feature two or three actors who will be filmed apart in respect to physical distancing. Filming would also be done mostly in open spaces.

Madhoo-Nascimento will be teaming up with Sean Thompson in scripting the episodes.

Thompson will also film and edit the series.

Episode One will feature two of Guyana’s most popular actors, Sonia Yarde and Simone Persaud.

The original ‘DAYS LIKE DESE’ was set in the living

Producer, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento. room of a mixed Guyanese middle-income family of good standing and moral ethics.

There were children, friends, grandparents, uncles, neighbours and cousins of various income levels and living standards.

Social cohesion was reflected deeply in the component of the extended family.

Issues affecting everyday life, for example, domestic abuse, climate change, recycling, trafficking in persons, conservation of basic every day utilities all played a major role in the series. Education through comedy was its main focus.

Actors were: Mark Kazim, Nathaya Whaul, Simone Dowding, Ron Robinson, Lavonne George, Mark LukeEdwards, Rajan Tiwari, Simone Persaud, Kirk Jardine, Michael Ignatius, Joel Gansham, Makayah Smith, Safira Abrahim-Williams and Kaylee Liverpool.

“We will continue to tell the story of this family. Most of these actors would be retained,” MadhooNascimento assured.

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Kaieteur News

Your Mental Health and You Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being. It is the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, your ability to manage feelings and deal with difficulties, and how much meaning and joy you get from your life.

Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It is the presence of positive characteristics, such as being able to cope with life’s challenges, handle stress, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.

People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. Improving your emotional health can be a rewarding experience, benefiting all aspects of your life, including boosting your mood, building resilience, and adding to your overall enjoyment of life.

However, many things that happen in your life can disrupt your emotional health and lead to strong feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety.

These things include: · Being laid off from your job · Having a child leave or return home · Dealing with the death of a loved one · Getting divorced or married · Suffering an illness or an injury · Getting a job promotion · Experiencing money problems · Moving to a new home · Having a baby The connection between the Mind & Body Good changes can be just as stressful as bad changes and when you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts in a way that might tell you that something isn’t right.

Your body can react in the following ways: · Back pain · Change in appetite · Chest pain · Constipation or diarrhea · Dry mouth · Extreme tiredness · General aches and pains · Headaches · High blood pressure · Insomnia (trouble sleeping) · Lightheadedness · Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is racing)

· Sexual problems · Shortness of breath · Stiff neck · Sweating · Upset stomach · Weight gain or loss Poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. Also, when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs may also be a sign of poor emotional health.

Improving your Mental Health First, try to recognize your emotions and understand why you are having them.

Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress, and anxiety in your life can help you manage your emotional health.

Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness, or anxiety are causing physical problems, keeping these feelings inside and bottling them up can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. However, keep in mind that your family and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone outside the situation, such as your family doctor, a counselor, or a religious advisor, for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health.

Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, school, or home that lead to negative feelings.

This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious, or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too.

You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful. Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy.

Develop resilience.

People with resilience are mentally tough and are able to cope with stress in a healthy way. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies.

These include having social

support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective.

Calm your mind and body.

Relaxation methods, such as meditation, listening to music, listening to guided imagery and yoga are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching, or breathing deeply. Ask your family doctor for advice about relaxation methods.

Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising to relieve pentup tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol just causes other problems, such as family and health problems.

Paying attention to the signs of Mental Illness Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many causes of mental disorders.

Your genes and family history may play a role. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, may also matter. Biological factors can also be part of the cause.

Mental disorders are common, but treatments are available.Mental and emotional health problems often arise when your nervous system has been compromised by overwhelming amounts of stress. The body’s natural and most efficient method of coping with stress and rebalancing the nervous systemis via face-to-face social contact with a trusted person.

This is why mental and emotional health is so closely linked with social health: helping yourself involves reaching out to others.

What are the symptoms of a mental illness? If a friend or loved one doesn’t seem themselves, how do you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious? Drinking too much, crying all the time or any other ongoing, significant change in a person’s behavior, thoughts or feelings could be telltale signs of a mental illness. Often it’s not a single change, but a combination.

The following signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health issue, but instead to reassure you that there might be good reason to seek more information about your concerns. · Feeling worried or anxious

· Feeling depressed or unhappy · Emotional outbursts · Problems sleeping · Weight or appetite changes · Quiet or withdrawn behavior · Substance abuse · Guilty or worthless feelings all the time · Changes in behavior, thinking and feelings In life we all face challenges from time to time and it is our reaction to these challenges that define how we are left feeling. Sometimes our reactions are based on where we are as a person at the time and we sometimes react without thinking thoroughly about the issue at hand. However, if we try to attain a calm, balanced and measured attitude we may find ourselves making less rash decisions and being in a better place mentally.

Many people who suffer from a feeling of a loss of empowerment often begin to feel irrational, down and depressed. Empowerment is a process that sets a goal that is personally meaningful and begins to work toward that goal.

To improve your sense of empowerment you can: Learn something new Learning is powerful and effective. When you gain new knowledge, it can help you feel prepared or inspire you to tackle something new.

It can also make you feel as though you have a fresh perspective or different skill set to retry something that may have been challenging before.

If nothing else, the act of learning can leave you feeling mentally stronger and more capable.

Give back It is easy to get stuck in your own world. We each get wrapped up on our own dayto-day problems and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and sometimes powerless.

When we help others, it allows us to see that we have

something important to offer to the world around us. In the process of giving back, we can also empower others while helping ourselves.

Take charge We often have a tendency to rely on our routines, the competency of others or even chance to get us where we are going. Although there are certainly aspects of our lives that we are not able to control that are as simple as flight delays or as complicated as illness, there are many things we can control. Those things under our control include our behavior, thoughts, and feelings. If we take the opportunity to show up in our lives with the right attitude and focus on what we bring the situation, we often find that we have more power than we thought.

Set goals Knowing what you want and going after it can go along way in making you feel powerful in your own life. The first step in goal setting is to begin by thinking about what

is meaningful in your life.

From there, think about what you may want to achieve or do that can bring a greater sense of meaning into your life. Start with goals that you know you can attain first. This can help build confidence and a sense of mastery. From there add goals that may be more challenging and keep going.

Make your own rules We all spend a lot of time worrying about what we “should” be doing. This tendency to live our lives according to the unattainable guidelines made up of absolute statements often leaves us feeling as though we are not good enough or that we have limited choices. So begin to think about how many times a day you say to yourself, “I should…” or “I have to…” and simply stop to think about whether that statement is accurate. You will likely find that there are plenty of times where you are making a choice, which gives you the chance to do something else if you want to.

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My favourite clothes ‘What are you doing, Mum?’ ‘I’m taking your old clothes to the charity shop.’

‘Wait! They still fit me. Look. Grandma knitted this jumper for me. It’s my favourite.’

‘The slippers are still OK though. Peter bought me these for my birthday.’

‘OK. Well, the trousers are fine. I got these for Christmas.’

‘Yes. Christmas 2002.’

‘Oh, why did I grow so much? I love these clothes. OK. You can take them.’

Fifteen minutes later ‘I didn’t take the clothes to the shop.’

‘Why not?’ ‘On the way I found someone who really needed some new clothes.’

Activity:

WORDSEARCH

Sunday August 16, 2020

Junior page

GOD’S EYE CRAFT SUPPLIES: ·Dowel Rods (these are often made with popsicle sticks, but I like the look of the dowel rods) · Yarn (try using various colors and weights – like a bulky pink yarn or metallic ribbon yarn) · Scissors GOD’S EYE CRAFT INSTRUCTIONS STEP ONE. TIE DOWELS TOGETHER. Start by taking two dowels and tying them together in the middle with a piece of your yarn.

Use a double knot to keep them securely connected. Next, twist the dowels so they are perpendicular to one another, and then you are ready to wrap.

STEP TWO. WRAP! There are basically two ways to wrap the yarn around the dowels: over and under.

By alternating the way you wrap the yarn, you can create different designs.

To wrap the yarn over the dowel, pull the yarn across the top of the dowel. Then, wrap it under the bottom back over the top, and onto the next dowel.

Like so: To wrap the yarn under, pull the yarn beneath the next dowel. Then, wrap the yarn up over the top of the dowel, back behind the dowel, and then move onto the next dowel. You can see this in the image below.

If you wrap the entire piece in one direction, this is what it will look like on each side: The over side looks flat, while you can see the yarn wrapped around the dowels on the underside. if you alternate the direction you wrap every other dowel (over, under, over, under, etc.), it will look something like FIGURE 5:And to get the look, I alternated under over and then changed directions every inch or so. Isn’t it fun the different looks you can get without even changing the yarn? But changing the yarn is easy peasy too.

STEP THREE. CHANGING YARN. While working with even one color of yarn can make a beautiful gods eye, I have a feeling you are going to want to add in some more color and texture with some different yarns. Switching yarns is simple.

All you need to do is tie the current yarn to a new piece of yarn with a double knot and keep wrapping. That’s it! Super easy. To keep everything looking tidy, you can trim and tuck in the ends when you are done wrapping.

I liked playing around with different weights and types of yarn. The thick ruffle yarn I used on some of my pieces created great texture.

STEP FOUR. ADD TASSELS OR POM POMS. When you are done wrapping, your god’s eye craft can be all finished OR you can add Some simple tassels or pom poms.

MAKING YOUR OWN YARN TASSELS:

Grab a scrap piece of cardboard, and wrap your yarn around and around until you have a loop of yarn the desired size.

1. Tie one end of the loop together with a small piece of yarn.

2. Cut the opposite end of the loop off the cardboard.

3. Tie and then wrap another piece of yarn around about an inch below the knot at the top of the loop. Secure the ends of the yarn with a dot of hot glue.

Tie the tassels to the ends of two dowels, hang, and enjoy!

Making myself better for Guyana

by Uncle Roy I love my country Guyana, And I want to serve it forever, So I will try always to do better To make it ever stronger.

I know I am not yet ready To make a real difference to my country, So I have to do now do my best To get good marks in every test.

This will prepare me for the occasion When I can help to build our nation, And make all Guyanese strong and free, And living together in peace and unity.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 16, 2020

PAGE 39

TEEN Contribute to your country’s progress TIME by making yourself the Best you can Be In last week’s article, soon after the installation of a new government in power, we encouraged you to try to do your part to further our country’s peace and progress. This week we suggest that you can make the biggest contribution towards this end if you focusing on making of yourself the best you can be.

We now offer some tips on how you can most effectively start on this effort::1. Exercise daily – Take some time every day to do some physical exercises, such as deep breathing, stretching, walking, running and lifting weights. This will keep your physique best able to help you in other areas.

2. Plan a schedule for your week – When you put down on paper, and also in your mind, what you should be working on each week, then you will find that you will be able to do much more of what is beneficial to you than just moving from day to day with no set plans. This can include your work at your studies as well as the ways you can help to maintain your housework.

3. Keep in mind the 5 highest priorities of your life – You should try to keep in your mind the things that matter most, and not allow other things to keep you from the proper direction you have chosen. These should include your family, your ambitions in life, your friends, and the things you need to do to

keep on track.

4. Say no to distractions – This is probably the biggest obstacle facing any young person who is trying to make it in the modern world. There are so many things that can keep your attention from the things that you really need to do that you can waste a lot of energy, time and resources in getting involved in these and move in the wrong direction. Keep telling yourself not to let the TV, cell-phone, idle friends and useless activities get in the way of your ambitions, both short and long term.

5. Try to improve your work in some way every single day, even in the smallest manner. Little by little this while show great progress over time.

Maintain this attitude of wanting to do better and your subconscious will help to keep you on track.

6. Try to get up early every day. You will find that by doing this you will not only feel better physically and emotionally, but your day will become more and more sufficient for all the things you have to do.

7. Expect the best and prepare for the worst. Always try to be optimistic, that is, looking for the best to happen, but still prepare yourself for the times when things may not go right.

Keep working on these aspect of your self-improvement and your life will also become more satisfying and enriched.

Acrostics Acrostic puzzles (also known as Anacrostics or Crostics) are sort of like a mix between a cryptogram and a traditional crossword puzzle. Solve the crossword clues to gradually fill in letters in the hidden quote. As the quote begins to emerge, it will provide you with letter clues for the words you've not yet found. Work the puzzle back and forth between the clues and the quote until you've revealed the solution! (Remember: the first letter of every answer will spell out the author and/or source of the hidden quote.) Each puzzle spells out the author and/or source of the quote in the first letter of every answer.

This is my Guyana

by Uncle Roy Guyana is my country, the land of my birth, It is as great and fruitful as any on this earth, With forests and mountains, animals and birds, To describe its beauty, you will run out of words.

Our people are so strong and work so hard, We plant many crops in our fields and yards, We dig for minerals, and fish in river and sea, We operate in office, store and factory.

I know that someday I will have to do my share To develop my country to keep strong and fair; I now try to learn at school all I could, So that when I grow up I will do my duty as I should.

I will always be loyal and true to this land, And defend my Guyana as long as I could stand; I will help my countrymen to be kind and trustworthy, And to work together to keep us united and free.

When each individual works to improve himself, the whole country will benefit from their potential.

Solutions to last week’s

KAKURO

PAGE 40

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

A

n itchy scalp and flakiness are the hallmark signs of this condition, but it may also cause other symptoms like greasy patches on the scalp and tingling skin.

Underlying causes of dandruff include dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on the scalp (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

While there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies can be just effective.

Here are 9 simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff.

1. Try Tea Tree Oil Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments ranging from acne to psoriasis.

Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff.

2. Use Coconut Oil Well-known for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is often also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

Coconut oil may help improve skin hydration and prevent dryness, which can worsen dandruff. summary The potential antimicrobial properties of coconut oil may improve skin hydration and reduce symptoms of eczema and dandruff.

3. Apply Aloe Vera Aloe vera is a type of succulent that is frequently added to skin ointments, cosmetics and lotions. summary Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, it may help reduce inflammation and decrease dandruff symptoms.

4. Minimize Stress Levels Stress is believed to impact many aspects of health and wellbeing. It can influence everything from chronic conditions to mental health . summary Stress can weaken the immune system and decrease the body’s ability to fight off infections that cause dandruff. Stress also often precedes episodes of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff.

5. Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Routine Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits. These include improving insulin sensitivity and increasing weight loss. Apple cider vinegar is said to help remove dead skin cells and balance the pH of the scalp.

Moreover, test-tube studies show that it may prevent the growth of certain types of fungus.

6. Try Aspirin Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties summary Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid has been shown to be effective in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.

7. Up Your Intake of Omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the body.

Not only do they make up the cell membranes that surround your cells, but they are also crucial in the function of your heart, immune system and lungs (26). summary Omega-3 fatty acids are important to skin health and can help reduce inflammation. Deficiency can cause dry skin, dry hair and dandruff.

8. Eat More Probiotics Probiotics are available in supplement form for a quick and convenient dose.

Probiotics may help enhance immune function and have been shown to reduce dandruff severity.

9. Use Baking Soda Found in kitchen pantries around the globe, baking soda is a quick, convenient and readily available remedy to help treat dandruff.

Treatment guidelines for other conditions like atopic dermatitis also note that baking soda baths can help provide relief from itchhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-totreat-dandruffiness.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 16, 2020

Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese woman taking the big apple by storm with new business ventures

Women continue to demonstrate their talent and drive with the multiple hats they wear as they take the world by storm and succeed at it.

Tandy Primo is one such woman who recently migrated to the United States from Guyana as she works to achieve the American dream.

It has not been a year since she moved to New York and as she adjusts to life here she is not wasting anytime to position herself for success.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit she did not sit by idly, instead she took the opportunity to start her own business - Zananie’s showroom based in New York.

Zananie’s Showroom is an online retail store, catering to customers who are not only looking to purchase products but have them personalized and customized.

The budding entrepreneur explained that, “shopping online for your custom apparel needs has never been easier. Along with other products we sell, we print on items which include mugs, badge holders, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, bags and so more.”

Tandy wanted to increase her revenue stream and so even though she has a stable she has added multiple businesses to her growing business ventures.

“I’m not really sure what the future holds and with the current situation we are facing,

but it pushed me to think outside the box. I am self driven and always looking to learn as much as possible. The world is changing and shopping online has increased significantly ever since. With everyone social distancing and waiting in long lines outside of stores, I took the initiative to start an online business where products can be shipped to customers’ doors,” she explained.

Her vision for her business is to expand not only online but have a physical storefront location providing the best customer service to customers as she grow as an entrepreneur, increase revenue and have customers worldwide.

As in anything there are challenges and Tandy explained that balancing her responsibilities is an aspect of her life she is constantly working on adding that, “I’m not only a business owner but I’m also a part time employee with United Parcel Services (UPS), a volunteer for King’s County Hospital NY and for Guyana Girls Rock Foundation.”

Tandy’s ambition is limitless and she is also a Paparazzi Jewelry Consultant and cofounder of a cleaning company.

That cleaning company, Shine Janitorial and Restoration Inc provides professional cleaning services to clients in the New York State area, and persons can visit their website at shinejr.com or call 212-401-0065 to contact them.

She is also taking advantage of the American way of doing business and said the best advantage of starting an online business is knowing that your retail store will never be closed, you can make money while you sleep .Everything is done online from registering your business to buying your products and having suppliers ship it directly to your customers.

Tandy’s advice to young people looking to start a business is simple, “just jump right into it. It’s not easy to start, it does take a lot of work and you have to be prepared to do just that- work. Don’t let any negative feedback hold you back. It’s better to try than fail then to not try at all.

She added that, “Network Network Network-never stop building meaningful relationships with your customers and people in your industry. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help, don’t see your competitors as competition, rather view them as potential partners and collaborate positivity with them to impact your business.”

Her final piece of advise is to, “to put God at the center of your business because without him you have nothing. Remember what he said, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be pa-

Home Entertainment... Five easy cocktails to make with Grey Gosse

Vodka is one of the most essential cocktails ingredients – its subtle taste makes it a great way to add alcohol to fruit juices or other mixers without overwhelming their flavours.

But just because vodka is a delicate flavour, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t effect the taste of your cocktail! A quality vodka will be smooth and just a little bit sweet and will make for a finer tasting drink in the end.

Today, we’re sharing recipes for some simple, fruity vodka cocktails with one of our favourite vodkas – Grey Goose. Grey Goose (which is distributed by Ansa McAL Trading Limited) is known for being one of the classiest vodkas, with a crisp and clear taste and a subtle hint of almonds. It makes for great cocktails, so try it in one of the drinks below and you’re sure to be delighted.

Cosmopolitan This tart, fruity classic is always a hit at a party. The combination of sweet orange Cointreau and sharp cranberry juice is delicious with smooth Grey Goose, and the little hit of citrus adds an acidic note. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a Cosmo.

3 parts Grey Goose Vodka 1 part Cointreau 2 parts Cranberry juice Squeeze of lime juice

Orange rind twist to garnish Pomegranate Martini This variation on a Cosmopolitan uses pomegranate juice for a distinctive sour, slightly floral taste which complements the sweetness of Grey Goose. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can even get a fresh pomegranate, chop it open, and drop a few of the seeds into your drink.

This cocktail can be mixed in advance, so if you have a bunch of vodka lovers coming round you can prepare a pitcher of this ready for drinking.

2 parts Grey Goose Vodka 1 part Cointreau 2 parts pomegranate juice Squeeze of lemon juice Orange rind twist to garnish Caipiroska This is a twist on a

Caipirinha, the classic cocktail of Brazil – but this version uses vodka in place of the Brazilian cachaça. A vodka like Grey Goose is less sweet than cachaça, so you might want to up the amount of sugar that you use if you have a sweet tooth. You need to muddle the lime with the sugar – that means that you put them both in a class and crush them together to release the lime juices, before adding crushed ice and pouring the Grey Goose over the top.

Grey Goose Vodka Lime wedges Brown sugar Vodka Gimlet Gimlets are usually made with gin, but this version uses vodka for a crisp flavour. You can add more or less simple syrup depending on how sweet you want the final drink to be, but we’ve found that

Tandy Primo

tient! They will not be overdue a single day.”

(Habakkuk 2:3 TBL) To shop her products visit zananieshowroom.com or follow her business pages on Instagram and Facebook @zananieshowroomny to keep up to date with all her new products and remember if you SEE IT. LIKE IT. BAG IT.

using less syrup allows the almond flavours of the Grey Goose to shine.

3 parts Grey Goose Vodka 2 parts fresh lime juice 2 parts simple syrup Lime wheel to garnish Sea Breeze This cocktail is a summer classic; just as refreshing as its name suggests and ideal for a hot day. Now spring is finally here we’re getting ready for the warm weather, and this drink is at the top of our to-do list! Grab the Grey Goose and start mixing pitchers for those summer picnics.

1 part Grey Goose Vodka 1 part grapefruit juice 1 part cranberry juice Lime wedge to garnish Happy Mixing this weekend Guys and remember to drink responsibly. (https:// www.urban-drinks.co.uk/)

Enetworks to air Entertainment Lovecraft country on August 16 via HBO For the lovers of dramatic television series, Enetworks has just the show for you to look forward to—Lovecraft Country. The show which premiers August 16 on HBO is an upcoming American drama horror television series developed by Misha Green based on the 2016 novel of

the same name by Matt Ruff.

The series is produced by Monkeypaw Productions, Bad Robot Productions, and Warner Bros. Television with executive producers including Jordan Peele, Green, J. J.Abrams, and Ben Stephenson. The story is about a young African American who travels across the

1950s segregated United States in search of his missing father. This begins a struggle to survive and overcome both the racist terrors of white America and the terrifying monsters that could be ripped from a Lovecraft paperback. Be sure to mark your calendars for this one.

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Businesses welcome Govt.’s local content plans The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Guyana Manufacturing & Service Association (GMSA) have jointly noted that they are pleased with the Government’s decision to pursue local content legislation.The duo stated that it is willing to work with the Government to maximise opportunities for Guyanese businesses in the oil and gas sector, and to develop the private sector. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had noted during a press conference on Friday that the Government did not find any framework in place to monitor local content, save for a few policy papers. As a result, the

GCCI President, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer

Government has decided to pursue legislation to hold oil companies and their subcontractors accountable.

The Government has engaged Trinidadian local content expert and energy strategist, Anthony Paul, to assist. The President is

expected to take a hands-on approach to dealing with consultations for the intended legislation.Jagdeo noted that ExxonMobil and its subcontractors will have to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Guyana.

CONSUMER CONCERNS

COCONUT OIL - USES OF THE WONDER OIL

By Pat Dial From time to time, this column has carried offerings on common foods which consumers use but of which they know very little. Today, we will have a short discourse on coconut oil, the oil of Guyana, just as olive oil is the oil of Spain, Italy, Israel and several other Mediterranean countries.

In the early years of the 19th century, cooking oil was imported. When indentured Indian immigrants began to permanently settle in Guyana, they began to grow coconuts to produce oil, first for familial, then for limited commercial usage. Their folk method of production could never be able to satisfy the market and some cooking oil always had to be imported to supplement the local production.

In the last quarter of the 19th century, the firm of Wieting and Richter began to industrially produce refined coconut oil and in a short time, they captured the entire cooking oil market.

At the beginning of the 1940’s, the Maharaja Oil Mills, which owned coconut plantations, began to produce oil and shared the market with Wieting and Richter. Guyana had become fully self-sufficient in the product and during the World War II years when there were shortages of all foodstuffs, there was never a shortage of cooking oil.

Until very recently, coconut oil was used almost solely for culinary purposes.

It was used to produce coconut milk widely employed in cooking; to produce bread and pastries such as coconut biscuits; and in various food preparations such as “cookups” and

“metemgee”.

It is a ubiquitous food-mix in Guyana. It was also widely used in making confections such as conkey, barfi, sugarcakes and a variety of other sweets.

It was even exported to sweet makers abroad who would use it to produce toffees.

It should be mentioned that the water of the unripe coconuts is used as a refreshing drink and as a convalescent food.

In passing, it should be mentioned that there was an old custom of anointing babies and small children with coconut oil before going to bed. Parents followed the custom mechanistically, but it saved children from bites of the malaria mosquito at a time when malaria was endemic in Guyana and was responsible for much of its mortality.

Coconut oil was in general use in Guyana until the 1970’s when data, later suspected as emanating from foreign oil Industry sources, convinced the consumer market that coconut oil contained “bad” cholesterol and was dangerous to health. This campaign against coconut oil was highly successful and consumers now used only foreign oils such as olive, corn, soya or canola. Then, just over a decade ago, the worldwide narrative radically changed and coconut oil was regarded as the wonder oil of the world, even better than olive oil.

Coconut oil is liberally endowed with lauric acid, which has great antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and this allows it to be used medicinally.

We mention below a number of non-culinary uses

of it: -It is a healthy skin moisturizer and is very easily absorbed. Rubbing it into the cuticles results in stronger nails. It could be used as a hair conditioner or hair dressing since it could fight off dandruff if massaged into the scalp.

-It is an excellent make-up remover. If one suffers from acne, a small amount of coconut oil rubbed on the face would relieve the inflammation and redness. It soothes sunburn.

It is used for body massaging since it has a lubricant quality and is easily absorbed.

It helps to eliminate body odors and a few drops in the armpit would kill the bacteria. It is an effective treatment for scrapes, scratches and superficial cuts and provides a barrier against dust and bacteria. It relieves bug bites and bee stings.

-It has many household uses: It could silence squeaking hinges; could treat leather and prevent dry-rot; rubbing wooden utensils and furniture with the oil would both preserve and brighten them; it removes rust by rubbing the oil on the rustaffected surface and leaving it for a few hours before wiping off; it could clean off grease from small motors.

-Good quality Pomeroon coconut oil could be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture’s outlet in Brickdam and from the Guyana Marketing Corporation, in addition to the supermarkets.

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

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

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SERVICES

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Visa Forms Preparer.

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1.Vacancy for evening cleaner caretaker (Male) 2. Domestic maid for day time.

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NOTICE NOTICE Elizabeth Sunich would like to inform the public that she is not associated with Trophy Stores.

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Primary and Secondary teachers at Institute of Professional Education. Grove E.B.D, Mon Repos E.C.D. #648-4948 DRIVER/SALESMAN, SECURITY GUARDS PREFERABLY WITH PERSONAL FIREARM, HANDYMAN 613-9218 Cook for Private Residence on East Coast. Contact: #2235273 or 223-5274 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: #6159132 Security Guard (must have experience, mature persons can apply). Contact: #2235274/ 227-5003 Driver Canter/ pickup contact: #223-5274/ 227-5003 Yardman/Handyman. Contact: #223-5273 or 2235274

Male Sales clerk between 25LAND FOR SALE 40 years for Hardware Store.

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1 field Accountant for fish processing plant. Must have a accounting experience. Salary $22,000 weekly.

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LAND FOR SALE FOR RENT

Mechanic, Fitter/Machinist, Welder Fabricator and Male cleaner. Apply in person to 1823 Industrial Site, Eccles.

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Fully Furnished property in Eccles. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Toilet & Bath and 2 Kitchen, USD$2000. Tele:#684-0495 Upper flat 3 bedroom house for rent. Locaion, 4th Avenue Diamond Scheme, E.B.D. Tele:#695-0251

Cook/Baker, Pitmen and Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: #231-2250

Fully Furnished, Grill/Mesh Windows, Doors. North and Oronoque St Bourda, 3 bedrooms A/C. Domestic / Business #226-7012

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STANDARDS IN FOCUS

Standard Available for the Storage, Handling, and Transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinders Sometimes we overlook the efforts needed to ensure safety, especially since these efforts have already been put in place by businesses and organizations from where we source our goods and services.

Taking the example of common Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, better known as cooking gas cylinders; these have become a common commodity in homes with gas stoves and though they are used daily, little thought is given to their safety.

Standards ensure safety; the GYS 264:2005 Standard provides the specification for the storage, handling, and transportation of LPG cylinders and ensures a great level of safety for those conforming to it.

Liquid petroleum gas is a highly flammable combination of hydro-carbon gases such as propane, butane, and isobutane, all derived from oil and gas wells. They have a number of domestic applications, the most common being cooking but if stored or handled inappropriately can cause a lot of damage.

In essence, the gas cylinders which we use at home contain these gases put under such extreme pressure that they become liquid at room temperature. This provides easy carriage and access to large quantities of the gas as they occupy less volume in liquid form.

Naturally, their container must be built to handle such extreme pressure while pre-

be transported in open bodied vehicles and fastened securely so that there is a diminished possibility of movement, tipping, or physical damage with restraints which cater for movements that may arise due to acceleration or braking.

An important point to note is that when stacking these cylinders onto vehicles, they must never exceed more than one-quarter of their height above the sides of the vehicle nor should anyone be allowed to travel in the same space as the cylinders.

They should not be dropped, thrown, or rolled horizontally on to vehicles but instead trundled on the foot ring or moved on a mobile ramp. Vehicles that carry over 225kg LPG must also be clearly labelled with “fire hazard” and “no smoking” signs and should have at least one fire extinguisher affixed.

Considering all of these, once followed, safety is ensured and incidences such as exploding cylinders, fires, and even overladen toppling vehicles can be avoided.

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

To purchase a copy of this standard, contact the Standards Information Centre of the GNBS and for more information call us on 219-0064-66, WhatsApp 692GNBS (4627), follow us on Facebook or Instagram @gnbsgy or visit our website www.gnbsgy.org.

Ex-minister’s advisor refuses to hand over State...

From page 3 Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, recently issued previous political appointees of the Granger-led administration a stern ultimatum- to resign or be fired from their respective posts.

The Office of the President has issued termination letters to more than a dozen and half appointees.

Teixeira stated that these appointees would have had a five-month interval to clear out of their offices and her

Wellington & Camp Street, Opposite Guyoil Gas Station, 123 ft length X 31 ft width.

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New home sea view,four bedroom,threetoilet $40,000,000 GYD Tel#6751510.

LAND FOR SALE

venting leakage and possess a single well-fortified outlet/ inlet that provides for the extraction of the gas for use and refilling. This is why LPG cylinders were created; and to ensure that they maintain the purpose for their use, the standard was developed.

A reminder must be given for the storage precautions that need to be applied when keeping these cylinders either outdoors or indoors, such as storage away from corrosive substances or excessive temperature and in areas where there is minimal tampering or physical damage, as well as well-ventilated areas above ground level and out of high traffic areas such as doorways or walkways.

They are required to be handled in such a way that their inlet/outlet valves are not compromised in any way and are expected to be carried bodily or rolled on their foot rings and NOT their sides.

In terms of transportation, the standard sets out the specifications placing emphasis on stacking and securing as well as segregating the cylinders from the transport crew.

It is recommended that the vehicles being loaded with the cylinders never exceed the gross weight of the vehicle itself and that all cylinders loaded are determined leak-free before packed.

Cylinders need to be separated from not just the cabin and transport crew but also segregated from the engine and exhaust system; in so doing, these cylinders should

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administration will not be bullied.These views were also shared by regional commentators Peter Wickham, Wesley Gibbings, and Orin Gordon who shared their perspectives on Kaieteur Radio’s ‘Room 592’ hosted recently by Dr. Yog Mahadeo and Senior Journalist/Editor, Leonard Gildarie. The panelists main-

tained that in the region, it is traditional for political appointees to vacate office when a new administration takes over.

Panelist, Orin Gordon, maintained that they should “Do the dignified thing and resign immediately to accommodate a smooth transition of power.”

Coalition as Opposition has...

From page 3 At this point, he continued, Guyana is now in a place where it can start looking forward to build on Guyana’s continued development after experiencing a “very difficult and stressful” five-month period. “I think it is now up to the new, legitimate government to push forward the manifesto and with what President (Irfaan) Ali said in his inauguration address.”

Quinn had been around for the 2015 elections, which saw the ending of the 23-year reign of the PPP/C.He would have among the other envoys of the western countries who walked out in March, in protest, from the Ashmin’s building, High Street, where the Region Four tabulation was thrown into confusion after Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, attempted to make declarations based on figures which had no basis.The US had announced visa sanctions on several persons of the Coalition who were accused of attempting to derail the declaration process which saw the Coalition’s first term ending unceremoniously.

Sunday August 16, 2020

PAGE 49

Kaieteur News

Woman who filed recount challenge given $7.5M contract in June by APNU+AFC

By Mikaila Prince ithin the two weeks that the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has assumed office, the new administration had unearthed a number of concerning issues. One in particular regards Ulita Grace Moore, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition candidate who had brought the very first post-election case for the Coalition, seeking to block the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) scrutinized recount.

According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) had awarded a contract to UPS Contracting Services on June 19 for the “weeding, cleaning and maintenance of East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road Shoulders and Railway Embankment” between the villages of Mon Repos and Enmore.

These works carried a price tag of GYD $7,516,000.

It was Moore through her Attorneys-at-Law, Mayo Robertson and Roysdale Forde, who had challenged the constitutionality of the agreement made between then President David Granger and then Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo to have a CARICOM team supervise the recount of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

The High Court had ruled on the case in favour of Moore. That ruling, however, was overturned by the Full

W

APNU+AFC candidate, Ulita Moore.

Court. While Granger had originally referred to Moore as a private citizen, he and other members of the Coalition have said that Moore and other litigants were acting on the Coalitions behalf.

The award of the contract would have come after the court cases, and while the Granger administration was still in caretaker mode.

Other documents seen by this publication show that the company, in which Moore holds the position of Managing Director, had become a registered business on October 23, 2019, and was addressed at Lot 187, South Better Hope, ECD. Later, on November 7, 2019, Moores business had received her Certificate of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which noted that it had been issued for the purpose of tender for a government contract. This certificate said that Moore had, “complied with the provision of, and fulfilled his/her obligations under the

Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01 as amended, to the satisfaction of the CommissionerGeneral, for the years 2016, 2017, 2018, that is to say, for the three years immediately preceding the year in which a tender is being made by him/ her/ them.”

On May 4 of 2020, a month after her elections case was concluded, Moore received her National Insurance Scheme compliance, which stated that, “Ms. Moores obligations to the Scheme have been met by her employer at the Ministry of Health…”

On June 19, when the MoPI dispatched a letter of acceptance to Moore: “This serves to notify you that your Bid for the execution of the weeding, cleaning and maintenance of East Coast Demerara public road shoulders and railway embankment- Lot 15: Mon Repos to Enmore for the corrected contract price of GY$7,516,000 is hereby accepted by our agency.”

The letter of acceptance

Letter of acceptance from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to Ulita Moore was signed by Permanent Secretary of the MoPI, Kenneth Jordan, and had also required that Moore sign and return enclosed contract documents, along with the relevant insurances.

A source close to the new Ministry of Public Works, which is headed by Minister Juan Edghill, related to

Kaieteur News yesterday afternoon that an evaluation will be conducted soon to assess whether Moore had begun any mobilization of her contractual duties.

In addition, the source was noted that the Ministry will be engaging the authorities at the National Procurement and Tender Administra-

tion Board (NPTAB), with the aim of determining what procurement methods were utilized for the awarding of the contract.

This means that the Ministry will be ascertaining whether the project was sole sourced, or whether there was a competitive bidding structure.

Cheddi Jagan Research Centre retains 99-year lease on Red House - after court battle

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, S.C. delivered a ruling on Friday which allows the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. (CJRCI) to retain occupation of the Red House, in Kingston.

The Chief Justice (CJ) ruling comes years after the matter filed by the CJRCI against a decision by then President David Granger to revoke a 99-year lease granted to for the historical property by his predecessor, Donald Ramotar.

Granger ’s decision was reportedly premised on a claim by his government that on March 30, 2012, the 99-year Red House lease agreement was initiated without the approval of either the President of the day or the National Trust of Guyana, in contravention of Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01.

CJRCI had moved to challenge the decision in court listing the Attorney General and the Lands and Surveys Commission.

The CJRCI moved to court after a group of staffers from the Office of the President descended into the

building and attempted to take possession. They wanted the occupants to immediately vacate the property.

However, an order was made by then Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards to preserve the occupation of CJRCI until the hearing and determination of the case.

In the Writ of Summons filed, the CJRCI through its Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall, claimed a number of reliefs including that its 99-years lease from 1st January, 2012, from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, is binding and in force and that the purported revocation

by President Granger was illegal, unlawful, and contrary to the plaintiff’s fundamental rights and freedom not to be unlawfully deprived of its property, guaranteed

by Article 142 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The Attorney General, Basil Williams, appeared for the respondents. The relevant affidavits were filed, written legal submissions

were ordered and done in 2018. The matter then awaited ruling.

On Friday, Chief Justice George ruled in favour of the applicant/ plaintiff, Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. and awarded costs against the respondents in the sum of $150,000.

In upholding Nandlall’s submissions, the court found that in examination of whether Red House was vested in the National Trust, the Centre was not properly registered in accordance with Section 15 of the National Trust Act and as such could not be categorized as a National Monument; that there was no evidence of misfeasance on the part of the former Commissioner; that the word of former President Donald Ramotar that the lease was granted by him was accepted; that the lease was not properly revoked by the President, David Granger and could only have been revoked for cause; that there was no evidence as to the breach of the lease by the lessee; that a lease for 99 years created

Former President, Donald Ramotar

Former President, David Granger

property and could not be easily terminated, and, as a consequence created property under the Constitution.

The Court also issued a permanent conservatory order against the respondents not to

remove items of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc. unless compensation is made.

The Court, however, did not award any constitutional relief because the Conservatory Orders granted were adequate.

PAGE 50

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

New board for GuySuCo; reversal of D&I charges -Agri Minister tells West Berbice

By Malisa Playter Harry inister of Agriculture, Z u l f i k a r Mustapha, during a visit to several areas in Region 5 (West Coast Berbice) yesterday, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the reopening of the four closed sugar estates.

The closure of the estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales, had displaced over 7,000 workers with the fallouts crippling businesses.The closure of Rose Hall and the Skeldon in Berbice say former workers complaining bitterly yesterday of the untold hardships.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic had promised in their manifesto to reopen the sugar estates that were closed.

That promise was reiterated yesterday during the outreach by the Minister.

He also announced that management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) will undergo extensive reshuffling with a new board of directors to be installed shortly.

“Shortly, we will have a new board of directors at GUYSUCO...We are looking to improve management, we know for a fact that the management of GuySuCo had lots of criticism and we want to improve that partnership between workers and management,” the Minister said.

He further stated that while the plan is to re-open the estates, the government and by extension, the Ministry of Agriculture will be

M

looking to also diversify activities within GuySuCo as a medium to improve its profitability.

He added that the goal is to ensure that “value added products” are produced. He pointed to the Co-Generation Plant at Skeldon and underlined that the CO-GEN could have been more beneficial if power was sold to the national grid.

“We have to be at that break-even point...because the cost of production is more than sale but we are committed to improving sugar…it will be one of the main foreign exchange earners for us and we are looking to make changes. We will address all issues,” he assured.He believes that sugar can be viable again and with the new improvements and new management, the sugar industry is expected to kick off on high gear.

While speaking to a few sugar workers, farmers at Blairmont, Mustapha underscored that while the estate at Blairmont was not closed, it was still affected “because there are critical needs for improvements in the field, there need to be improvements in crop husbandry and workers’ conditions.”

The Minister stressed that, “Over the past five years, sugar declined rapidly and although profits were not achieved under the then PPP/ C government, sugar workers still enjoyed a small increase, we used to still put money in the sugar industry because sugar is critical to our country not only to employ people but to also bring in foreign

exchange.”

He also mentioned that the Ministry will be embarking on a conditional survey to assess the current state of the closed estates…it is expected to take place shortly.

Meanwhile, the Minister touching on rice, stated that they are looking for new markets to expand exports and at the same time is focusing on improving the current ones.

He mentioned that while

Minister Mustapha addressing farmers and sugar workers at Blairmont.

“we have been exporting paddy to Panama and they owe GRDB and millers over $1B, we have to collect that.”

Among the other commitments made by the Minister were the reversal of the land rental and drainage and irrigations charges and the removal of VAT on agriculture machinery and pesticides.

Additionally, Minister Mustapha disclosed that a technical committee from the

Ministry together with the MMA and NDIA will work along with the farmers in the region to ensure that critical needs are addressed.

He added that the committee will work with the RDC and farmers organisations because “officers will not decide by themselves where these machinery will be going… we want a joint effort...we will try to help farmers as much as possible.”

Areas visited by the team include offices of the GRDB, NDIA, Region 5 Democratic Council, Foulis, Blairmont, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot. Additionally, it was announced that a hotline has been established for farmers to communicate with agriculture officers about issues affecting them.

Persons can call or send a message to 694-6978 if they have concerns or issues that are agricultural-related.

La Parfaite Harmonie police accused of selective COVID-19 arrests

Some shop owners of Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD), have accused the ranks stationed at the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station of being biased in their arrests under COVID-19watch.

One of the shop owners, who wished not to disclose his name, told this media house that he is not against police doing their duty to punish individuals for breaking the imposed COVID-19 restrictions.

However, he wants them to be fair in seeking the law breakers.

“What goes for one must go for all”, he said.

The shop owner and some other colleagues were recently arrested and charged for breaching the COVID-19 curfew measure.

He admitted that he had opened his shop a few minutes after the 8pm curfew.

“We had our shops in operation during the curfew

hours, a little after 20:00hrs,” said the businessman.

“There was mobile police patrol in the Westminster area and they saw my shop opened for business…they came in…cautioned me and told me to shut the doors before placing me in the pickup.”

The man said: “The ranks drove around a bit, pointed out a few other shops and arrested three others before driving off to the station.”

While travelling in the tray of the police pick-up, the businessman noticed many other business places in operation, including a drinking spot with a relatively large crowd. He proceeded to ask the ranks: “What about these businesses, won’t you stop and arrest them too?”

He said that the ranks assured him that they will come back as there is a space constraint in the vehicle.

At the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, the

businessman and the three other shop owners were held for a few hours before they were released on $10,000 bail and given a court date.

Surprisingly, the businessman said, no one else was arrested that night.

“Even at the station, it was only us for those few hours.

The patrol ranks did not bring in anyone else”, he added.

The following night, the owner decided to drive through the La Parfaite Harmonie area in his car, during the curfew hours, just to make sure that all businesses were closed. “I thought the streets would have been in total silence, but there were businesses opened, including the ones I saw while traveling with the ranks on the night of my arrest,” said the businessman.He told reporters that he stopped at one of the business to purchase some fast food and inquired of the owner whether or not the cops had warned or ar-

rested them for operating during the curfew hours.

“His response was shocking,” said the man: “…the boss lady said that she has a special permission from the ranks to operate her business.”He said he stopped at another shop, purchased an item and asked the owner the same question.

“His answer was even more alarming,” the businessman said.The shop owner claimed that the individual had told him that he pays royalties to the cops, for them to turn a blind eye on his business.Kaieteur News decided to notify the Region Three Commander, Errol Watts, of the shop owners’ accusations.Watts said that he is aware that his ranks of the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station have been making some arrests in the area but cannot verify if they were selective in their operations.

He also made it clear that police do not give special per-

mission for businesses to be opened during the curfew hours.

However, Watts agreed that his ranks must only transport three or four prisoners in one pick-up to maintain social distancing.

“But once the prisoners are dropped off at the station, the ranks must and should return for the other law breakers,” said the Commander.

Watts assured that he will pass on these instructions to the Inspector-in-Charge of the La Parfaite Police Station.

In fact, when this reporter spoke to the Commander, he was in a meeting with the heads of the various police stations across Region Three which included the said inspector.According to Watts, the reporter was placed on speaker so that his inspectors can hear of the accusations. He also briefed this newspaper of the other instructions he will be giving to the inspectors concerning

the COVID-19 enforcement operations.

Watts said it’s the duty of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to keep people safe. He added that the COVID-19 restriction measures were imposed to protect the citizens of Guyana.

With this being said, the Commander continued that his ranks must ensure that these measures must be followed by all.

He pointed that businesses including bars and rum shops should not even be opened.

“You don’t need rum to survive it…rum shops and bars are not essential services and must be forced to adhere and close its doors,” the Commander pointed out.

Watts assured that in Region Three, his ranks will be strict in ensuring that COVID19 rules are followed by everyone, so that the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic can be stopped.

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Sunday August 16, 2020

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Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Halep sets up final date with Mertens at Prague Open Romania’s Simona Halep reacts during her match against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza at the Australian Open. (REUTERS/ Hannah Mckay/File Photo)

(Reuters) - Romanian top seed Simona Halep beat compatriot Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets in the semifinals of the Prague Open yesterday to set up a final with third seed Elise Mertens of Belgium.

Halep was broken three times in the first set but managed to win the tiebreak before Begu, who finished her quarter-final match earlier in the day, ran out of steam as the reigning Wimbledon champion won 7-6(2) 6-3.

Begu’s quarter-final was suspended on Friday when she was leading Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-2 0-1 and the match went the distance yesterday with the Romanian winning 6-2 4-6 6-2

Serena Williams loses to woman...

Sunday August 02, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take charge of your health today, Aries. You'll likely wake up feeling energetic.

Take advantage of the energy boost from the planetary movements to actively do things that maintain your sense of well-being.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you saw something in a craft shop or art studio that you'd like to buy but can't afford, consider making it.

Even if you don't think you're artistic, you could surprise yourself if you try.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's the perfect day to head outside, Gemini. You'll likely be feeling positive and energetic, and the fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity may be long overdue.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It won't be surprising if you're frustrated with a close friend or partner who's far less ambitious than you, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) See about using your good relationships with friends and loved ones to get future group activities going, Leo. You're probably feeling great, and the idea of socializing appeals to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you lack a regular exercise routine, Virgo, today's a great day to remedy that. Exercise doesn't have to exhaust you or hurt. Even activities like walking or yoga are excellent ways to stay healthy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Put your ambition into action today, Libra. The day's planetary aspects should find you feeling energetic and positive, so take steps to achieve your goals.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't hesitate when it comes to taking on a project or making plans today. Extra energy will complement your organizational skills, making a perfect combination for handling almost anything.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today should go well for you, Sagittarius. Expect to feel a renewed energy and fresher perspective, especially concerning anything work related.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you may feel very creative and ambitious. You might want to use this energy to work on an artistic project, or you may choose to channel it into such activities as organizing your home or workspace.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be surprised if you feel super today. Chances are good that you'll enjoy renewed physical strength, with energy to spare.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The influence of the planetary aspects will bring an end to any lethargy you've been feeling, Pisces. It's an excellent day to head outside and do something active. Gardening or landscaping can make great use of your energy and creativity.

From page 54 victory. She never faced a break point until serving while trailing 5-4 in the second set.

T h a t ’s w h e n t h i n g s shifted.

Rogers earned three break points — each one a set point — and converted the third when Williams dumped a forehand into the net.

There were no breaks in the third set, and after Williams took the early lead in the tiebreaker, she was her own undoing with miss after miss, including a long backhand return to end it. ‘’I kind of made it difficult for myself by making a plethora of unforced errors,’’ Williams said.

With social-distancing rules in place, the players didn’t meet at the net for the customary post-match handshake. As they headed to their sideline seats, Williams smiled. Rogers simply sat down and quickly shook a fist.

Coco Gauff loses to...

From page 55 Brady’s heavy hitting kept her in control.

Brady broke again early in the second set and although Gauff briefly threatened a comeback, that was shortlived as Brady went on to reach her first final of 2020 having reached the last four in Dubai in February.

after a total of two hours and 40 minutes.

Begu had spent more than seven hours on court at the tournament and the fatigue was starting to show with the 29-year-old taking a medical time out in the opening set which allowed Halep to refocus.

“I didn’t play my best tennis but she was also tired... it was a good match,” Halep said. “I’m really happy that I could win it. It’s always tough to play against her, she’s a great player.

“She was playing really well at that point and she was kind of dominating the match.

Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad to play long matches because

sometimes you get the rhythm, and sometimes you get tired.”

Earlier in the day, Mertens got the better of Kristyna Pliskova to win 7-5 7-6(4), saving seven of eight break points to advance.

“It was a really close match, just a couple of points of difference,” Mertens said.

“We both served well, so it was difficult to break each other.

“In the end, it was just one break difference in the first set and I think I managed it well at the end. In the second set, we were both winning our serve and although I made a couple of errors in the tiebreak, I stayed mentally tough.”

PAGE 56

Ian Bishop on resuming cricket: If CPL can do it, anyone in the world can ESPNcricinfo - Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop feels the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) could provide a boost to cricketing countries that aren’t economically robust, if the tournament goes off smoothly.

Bishop, a well-regarded commentator around the world, contrasted how the CPL would have to ensure biosecurity during the Covid19 pandemic and how the England and Wales Cricket Board was doing it, in the series against West Indies and the ongoing one against Pakistan. He held that while the ECB’s resources made a biosecure environment feasible, if players took responsibility and ownership, then countries and boards without similar resources could also have a pathway to re-starting cricket.

“Firstly, the economic resources that England and the broadcasters put into that West Indies-England Test series and the Pakistan one that’s going on now is significant,” Bishop said during a press conference organised by the ICC following the worldwide premiere of its documentary Beyond the Boundary. “I don’t think there are too many other countries that will have the resources to do it like that because you’ve got two grounds where hotels are actually on the ground.

“There was one ground Southampton, where the first match was played - I could have a snooze in my room and wake up and walk ten yards down the corridor and go towards the commentary box and go back to my room, and sleep in between stints if I wanted to.

I don’t know if there’s any other ground that has that

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Ian Bishop uses a biscuit to demonstrate principles of fast bowling © ESPNcricinfo Ltd facility globally. The planning that went into it...The players did not leave the bubble - the West Indies team anyway for almost a month before and a month during the series. So, there are only a few boards that can economically reproduce that.”

Bishop, who is in Trinidad to commentate on the CPL, elaborated on what needed to be done in the tournament.

“Another testing ground is where I am now. I am sitting in the Hilton in Trinidad where our CPL T20 is going to start next week,” he said.

“We don’t have as many resources, economically, to put into it, but our folks have been brilliant in utilising the hotel and the staff, the protective forces in carrying out this bubble so far. We still have a month to go, but the end of that month, we will know even better how teams and countries and boards without the economic advantage can carry this out safely.

“So this [the CPL’s bubble] is another reason research and development project. And if we can do it here in Trinidad, I promise you

that anyone else in the world can do it because we are doing it without the millions of dollars that other territories may have, so keep an eye on the Hero CPL and if we can do this properly, it will be great.

“The players have to take responsibility, they have to take ownership of this, discipline themselves and mentally steel themselves in this new normal about staying away from the public and doing things responsibly.”

Bishop felt that with two series being held in England, women’s cricket could resume too.

“Now the women’s game and the administrators can look at this without endangering anyone’s lives and say, ‘Ah, we can play cricket safely.’

So now is the time to get back on the bicycle and start putting things in place because I don’t know the women’s game can continue to be as inactive as it has been.

We must now look to drive it forward, even if it’s for bilateral tours because we know we can do it safely.”

Former India captain MS Dhoni retires

India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lifts the trophy at the Taj hotel the day after India defeated Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai April 3, 2011. (REUTERS/Philip Brown) PA Sport - Former India captain MS Dhoni has announced his retirement.

The 39-year-old led his national team in limited-overs cricket from 2007 to 2016 and in Tests from 2008 to 2014.

Dhoni made the announcement on his Instagram page, writing alongside a video montage of his career: “Thanks a lot for (your) love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as retired.”

Dhoni retires as India’s most successful captain in limited-overs internationals having won three ICC trophies – the T20 World Cup in 2007, the World Cup in 2011 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

In the 2011 final Dhoni memorably hit the winning runs with a six as Sri Lanka were beaten in Mumbai.

His final international appearance was his 350th ODI, in the semi-final of last year’s World Cup, when he made 50 but India lost to New Zealand at Old Trafford.

In 90 Test matches the wicketkeeper-batsman scored 4,876 runs, hitting six

Dhoni’s final international appearance was at Old Trafford. (Martin Rickett/PA) centuries and taking 258 catches behind the stumps.

His one-day statistics are even more impressive, Dhoni registering 10,773 runs at an average of just over 50, with

321 catches and 123 stumpings.

Dhoni’s decision means he will miss the chance to sign off with a T20 World Cup on home soil next year.

Missed flights, personal issues, ‘unfair advantages’ make for a strange CPL SportsMax - The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) over the course of seven years has cemented its place in my heart as one of my favourite competitions.

This year, there almost was none, but the administrators of the CPL adapted, showing a willingness to innovate and Trinidad and Tobago, maybe not for the best reasons, stepped in to help fill the breach.

With travel restrictions the order of the day, with COVID-19 cases worldwide rising to more than 21 million cases, with more than 760,000 deaths, the CPL

could easily not have happened.

Players in the Caribbean who ply their trade in T20 leagues all over the world have been, in a word, stuck.

This is why it is incredulous to me, how one of these players managed to miss his flight.

Fabian Allen would have missed tournaments after the shutdown of sport and should have been anxious to get back onto the field. Mixing up the time of the only flight that would allow him to take part in the tournament seems careless on somebody’s part.

Then there was also an announcement that Ramnaresh Sarwan would not be taking up coaching duties with the Jamaica Tallawahs this season.

That announcement was in addition to an upheaval in the Tallawahs that began with Chris Gayle’s distasteful movement to the St Lucia Zouks and Andre Russell’s declaration that this would be his last season with the Tallawahs. Eventually Gayle would pull out of the tournament altogether, leaving a star-shaped gap in the competition.

Spare a thought for the Zouks though, who, while having good players in their

roster, seem to be lacking some star power.

Then there was more controversy once the teams got to Trinidad and Tobago.

Apparently, the local T&T players were not subject to the same protocols as visitors and those visitors got pissed.

Daren Sammy, skipper of the Zouks, was most vocal about this, saying no team should have had the advantage of being allowed to train early because they were not yet in the isolation of the bubble at the Hilton Hotel.

In addition, Sammy and others felt the longer the locals were allowed to stay outside of the bubble, the greater the chances of their entry being

unsafe for those already in the bio-secure environment.

Chief of CPL operations Michael Hall sought to reassure the other teams, however, that all precautions were taken to make sure the entrance of the T&T players into the bubble was safe. So, with just about four days to go before the start of the tournament, things don’t look great. And the CPL, while producing great cricket, has been a big seller because it showcases the self-proclaimed greatest party in sport.

But can the tournament stand just on the performances of the players?

Can the worldwide

acclaim it has garnered still be guaranteed without the fans? Can the pitches in the twin-island republic where the entire tournament is to be played, stand up to the rigours of as many games as will be played on them?

Whatever the case, just as the West Indies were the first team to stand up for cricket during these uncertain times, the CPL has stood up for the franchise format the world over.

If the CPL can manage to answer these questions in a positive way, then cricket might just come out on the other side of COVID-19 smelling like roses.

Sunday August 16, 2020

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Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Pacers top Heat to claim No. 4 in East The Indiana Pacers earned the right to be the “home” team to begin their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series against the Heat by beating Miami 109-92 on Friday in the both teams’ regular-season finale near Orlando.

The Pacers and Heat will next play in a best-of-seven playoff series, beginning Tuesday. Indiana will enter the postseason as the fourth seed in the East, while Miami will be No. 5.

With a majority of the teams’ best players sitting the game out — including the Pacers’ T.J. Warren and Domantas Sabonis, and the Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo — the loosely played game saw Indiana’s Doug McDermott and Miami’s Kendrick Nunn share game-high honors with 23 points.

The scary moment occurred when Heat swingman Derrick Jones Jr. took a hard fall in the third quarter and had to be tended to on the court for several minutes.

Fearing a neck injury, he

was taken off the floor on a stretcher.

Jones was diagnosed with a strained neck.

Philadelphia 76ers 134 Houston Rockets 96 Tobias Harris paired 18 points with seven rebounds in 24 minutes while Joel Embiid added 14 points and six rebounds in limited action as Philadelphia turned a blistering first-half shooting display into a runaway victory over Houston.

The 76ers shot 60 percent prior to the intermission, including a robust 10 of 16 on 3-pointers, in cruising to a 24point halftime lead.

James Harden recorded his 22nd double-double for the Rockets, posting gamehighs in points (27) and assists (10).

With a pair of free throws at the 5:39 mark of the first quarter, Harden passed Hall of Famer center Walt Bellamy (20,941 points) for 36th in NBA career scoring.

Toronto Raptors 117 Denver Nuggets 109 Stanley Johnson scored a season-best 23 points to lift Toronto past Denver in the

final regular-season game for both teams.

Several regulars either did not play or had limited minutes for the Raptors, who went 7-1 since the restart, have the second-best overall record in the NBA and begin the postseason next week as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Paul Watson added 22 points for Toronto, which rested Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet.

OG Anunoby and Serge Ibaka were out with knee injuries.

P.J. Dozier scored 20 points and Monte Morris added 16 for Denver, which is slotted as the fourth seed in the West. Top players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both played less than 11 minutes.

Los Angeles Clippers 107 - Oklahoma City Thunder 103 (OT) Terance Mann recorded career bests of 25 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, and Los Angeles defeated Oklahoma City in overtime in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Amir Coffey scored a

Indiana Pacers guard Edmond Sumner (5) dunks against Miami Heat forward Chris Silva (30) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at AdventHealth Arena. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) career-high 21 points before fouling out with 6.7 seconds left for the Clippers. Patrick Patterson had 17 points and a career-best 14 rebounds, while JaMychal Green added

13 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles.

Hamidou Diallo led the Thunder with a career-high 27 points, while Dennis Schroder contributed 17.

Schroder, who recently returned to the bubble after the birth of his second child, played in his first game since Aug. 1.

(Field Level Media)

Dembele’s late double knocks Man City out of Champions League

Cornet and Dembele match Messi as Lyon stars continue to haunt Manchester City.

Yahoo Sports - Maxwel Cornet and Moussa Dembele continue to haunt Manchester City as the Lyon stars equalled Lionel Messi yesterday with their goals against the Premier League side. The duo combined to score three goals yesterday, leading Lyon to the Champions League semi-final with a 3-1 victory over Man City.

Cornet left Pep Guardiola’s side stunned in the first half of yesterday’s Champions League quarterfinal as he fired underdogs Lyon into the lead. Cornet’s big moment came in the 23rd minute as Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi broke free from the City backline.

Following a spectacular tackle from Eric Garcia to dispossess Toko Ekambi, Cornet pounced as he fired a shot past Ederson and into the back of the net.

The goal gave Lyon a 1-0 lead early, but it wasn’t the first time Cornet got the better of the City defence.

Cornet previously terrorised the City rearguard in the 2018-19 Champions League, as Lyon faced off with Pep Guardiola’s side in the group stage.

After scoring the first of two goals in a 2-1 win at the Etihad in the first match of the group stage, Cornet fired two more in their second clash, a 2-2 draw back in France.

In the second half of yesterday’s clash, City fired back through Kevin De Bruyne, with the Belgian levelling the match at one apiece before Dembele added two goals of his own to seal Lyon’s win.

Dembele had previously fired a brace as a member of Celtic, as the French forward led the way in a 3-3 draw with Manchester City in September 2016.

With yesterday’s goals,

Olympique Lyonnais’ Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via REUTERS Cornet and Dembele each have four goals against City in the Champions League, giving them the joint-most goals against the club in the competition since Guardiola took over in 2016.

Maxwel Cornet has now scored four goals against Manchester City in the Champions League - since Pep Guardiola took charge of

the club, only Lionel Messi (4) has scored as many against them in the competition. Only Messi has scored the same amount since the Catalan arrived at the Etihad, with the Argentine firing four times as Barcelona faced off with his former manager back in the group stage in 2016.

Cornet has not had a

particularly prolific campaign for Lyon, having fired only four goals in 22 Ligue 1 matches this season.

The Ivorian international joined Lyon from Metz in 2015, having made at least 36 appearances in each of his first five full seasons with the Ligue 1 side.

Dembele, meanwhile, joined Lyon in 2018, scoring

31 league goals over his first two seasons with the club.

Lyon finished the 2019-20 campaign seventh in Ligue 1 after the French season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. The French side did, however, stun Juventus to advance to the quarterfinals, going through on away goals despite losing the second leg 2-1.

PAGE 58

Sunday August 16, 2020

Kaieteur News

Hamilton on pole as Mercedes sweep Spanish GP front row

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during practice at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

(Alejandro Garcia/Pool via REUTER

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton reacts after qualifying in pole position. (REUTERS/Albert Gea/Pool) (Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton clinched a recordextending 92nd career pole position in a Mercedes frontrow lockout with team mate Valtteri Bottas at the Spanish Grand Prix yesterday.

Six-times world champion Hamilton has won for the past three years at the Circuit de Catalunya outside Barcelona and he was quickest in all three phases of qualifying on

another hot afternoon.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s closest challenger in the standings, will start in third place with Mexican Sergio Perez lining up fourth for Racing Point on his return after missing two races due to COVID-19.

“Physically it’s tough,” Hamilton, who will be making his 150th career front-row start, said of the heat. “It’s the

fastest we’ve ever been round here so the forces through your body are pretty intense.

“The first lap was decent I guess, which did the job thankfully,” added the Briton, who was 0.059 seconds quicker than Bottas on the soft tyres.

His second flying lap was slower than the first time of one minute 15.584 seconds.

“I was here with the guys

until 10pm last night just looking over all the details — how can we improve, what are the areas, particularly for the race, because these Red Bulls are super fast,” added Hamilton.

The pole was his fourth of the season.

Bottas, who was on pole last year when the race was held in May, recognised the start would be his best chance of beating a team mate

who has won three of five races so far this season.

“I knew it was going to be close with Lew i s , a s always,” said the Finn. “Of course it’s annoying but he did a good job. And as a team, first row.”

Verstappen, 30 points behind Hamilton after winning at Silverstone last Sunday, had consistently been the closest challenger to the Mercedes pair in practice.

“It seems like I have a subscription on P3 (third),” said the 22-year-old Dutch driver, who took the first win of his F1 career at the circuit on his Red Bull

debut in 2016.

Canadian Lance Stroll will start fifth with Verstappen’s Thai team mate Alexander Albon sixth and the McLaren pair of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris seventh and eighth.

F e r r a r i ’s Charles Leclerc qualified ninth on another tough afternoon for team mate Sebastian Vettel, who failed to make the top-10 shootout for the second race in a row and will start 11th.

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly completed the top 10.

Further back, Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen had his best qualifying so far this year with 14th.

Serena Williams loses to woman ranked 116th; Coco Gauff wins LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Entering Friday, Serena Williams had played 967 tourlevel singles matches as a professional, with just four losses against opponents ranked outside the top 100 and none in eight years.

Well, it’s time to add to that list: Williams was beaten

by No. 116 Shelby Rogers 16, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the Top Seed Open quarterfinals. ‘’It’s good to know,’’ Williams said, ‘’I can play a lot, lot, lot better.’’

She’ll want to do so soon: The U.S. Open begins Aug. 31.

Rogers, who is from South Carolina, took six of the last eight points Friday after trailing 3-1 in the tiebreaker to collect only her third career victory over a top-10 opponent.

She also reached her first WTA semifinal since 2016.

Need to go even further back in the record books to find this sort of tournament exit for former No. 1 Williams: The owner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles hadn’t bowed out against someone so low in the rankings since No. 111 Virginie Razzano stunned her at the 2012 French Open.

Shortly after that, Williams teamed up with

Shelby Rogers reaches for a shot during action in her WTA tennis tournament match against Serena Williams in Nicholasville, Ky., Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who still works with her and was among the few people in the stands Friday — fans are not allowed at the first tennis tournament in the U.S. since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic.

It had happened only three other times, including in qualifying at Quebec City all the way back in 1995, when Williams was making her professional debut at age 14.

Now she’s 38; Rogers is 27.

‘’It’s every kid’s dream when they’re growing up, watching her play, to be able to do something like that,’’ Rogers said. ‘’Weird circumstances, weird setting, but a win is a win and I know we’re all just happy to be back playing.’’

Later Friday, 16-year-old American Coco Gauff reached her second WTA semifinal with quite a comeback. One point from trailing by a set and two breaks, Gauff won 10 of

the last 11 games to eliminate No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur 4-6, 64, 6-1.

Gauff was down 4-2 in the second set and facing a break point, but Jabeur sailed a backhand long. That was enough to let Gauff back into the match and she soon took full control.

In the semifinals, Gauff will meet Jennifer Brady, who advanced by beating Marie Bouzkova 6-1, 6-2.

Rogers was due to face Jil

Serena Williams returns a shot to during to Shelby Rogers during action in their WTA tennis tournament match in Nicholasville, Ky., Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley) Teichmann of Switzerland yesterday. Teichmann needed seven match points to reach the first hard-court semifinal of her career with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over CiCi Bellis.

The loss to Rogers was the third consecutive threesetter for Williams at the hardcourt Top Seed Open. She

dropped the opening set of each of the others before coming back to win, including against older sister Venus in the second round.

On Friday, starting after a rain delay of more than two hours, Williams seemed on the way to a much simpler (Continued on page 51)

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 16, 2020

PAGE 59

Golf hits New Heights in Guyana

W

i t h t h e introduction of golf in the heart of Georgetown on Woolford Av e n u e t h r o u g h t h e collaboration with Scouts Association of Guyana and Nexgen Golf Academy & Driving Range, the sport has achieved many milestones in a very short time.

Adding to the momentum was the addition of the Guyana Teachers Union as a partner in promoting the game to their 11,000+ teachers with the eventual goal of reaching thousands of school children.

Mark Lyte, President of GTU was happy to join forces with the Golf Academy, “We as teachers are at the forefront of learning and we must lead by example. From the tremendous discipline required to learn the game and the opportunities it opens to all, we see this as a perfect scenario for teaching and learning.”

General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald says one

of their main functions is to keep pushing for new avenues of teaching, especially in this new era of social distancing and the effect its having on education and sports. “Golf allows our kids and families to safely exercise, learn and have fun in a manner that conforms with the guidelines that we must adhere to in order to function. We seek out avenues that provide the most interesting manners of achieving our teaching goals in the safest way.”

“The Golf Academy & Driving Range will soon expand to encompass a complete state of the art putting green with several sand bunkers to challenge the skills of beginners and seasoned players,” according to Director Rudy Ramalingum.

“We will also look to add a swing analysis system along with the other aspects of learning.”

President of the Guyana Golf Association Aleem Hussain said, “For too long we have lagged behind our fellow CARICOM sister

From left Sumanta Alleyne, Mark Lyte, Aleem Hussain, General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald and Lancelot Baptiste. countries in the development and competitiveness of golf, especially at the junior level, and we believe that our country has the potential to compete at the highest levels, all the way to the Olympics.”

With the emphasis on younger women and children, the Academy has seen almost 300 new players start the game in the past two months, taking part in competitions and kids golf camps hosted by Coach Colin Ming, and sponsored

by Guyana Beverages (Distributors of Chubby and Oasis Water), Assuria, CIMGRO, AR Printery and many others.

Last weekend’s competition saw former G u y a n a O p e n m e n ’s Champion Mike Mangal and newcomer Michelle Codrington taking top honors in the Survival Shopping Complex tournament. The Academy plans on hosting weekly events that will feature lots of prizes including

motorcycles and possibly even a brand new car later in the year!

The low rates will soon be enhanced by special offers from Mon-Thurs such as Breakfast Included with early morning play and Complimentary Lunch from 11-2pm. “This is being done for two reasons, giving great value and allowing us to ensure that we space out our guests to adhere to social distancing guidelines,” according to Rudy Ramalingum.

The Golf Academy & Driving range offers classes for players of all ages and levels and guarantees that within 15 minutes, a newcomer to the game will be able to make proper contact with the ball and start having fun.

For more information, please visit their Facebook/Instagram pages: nexgen golf academy, call 645 0944 or simply stop by the convenient location on Woolford Avenue between Camp and Albert Streets.

YBG receives face masks from Overseas-based group In a release to the media, Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) has expressed gratitude to receive a donation of 60,000 3ply face mask from California to the Guyana Basketball Foundation; a non-profit organisation based in the United States and headed by Brad Doan, a USA basketball certified coach.

The released noted that, “Currently we are still unable to say for sure when we could return to active play since school is out and the coronavirus pandemic is yet to be brought under control. Nevertheless, with this donation, we are able to contribute to the efforts to combat this deadly virus in a meaningful way, as we remind all of our student-athletes of the necessity to wear a

face mask, whenever in public or among other people, and to adhere to the public preventative guidelines as a vital new habit.”

With this donation, YBG will seek to provide some support to the basketball fraternity, National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) participating schools and some other community partners in support of their efforts.

YBG reiterated its gratefulness stating that, “On behalf of all the groups and individuals who will benefit from this donation, I would like to thank Brad and his team and backers for donating lifesaving personal protective equipment for a sizable segment of our youth, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.”

Coco Gauff loses to Jennifer Brady in Top Seed Open last four in Kentucky

Two YBG officials with the donated masks.

BBC Sport - American Coco Gauff missed out on a place in the final of the Top Seed Open in Kentucky after a straight-set defeat by compatriot Jennifer Brady.

Brady, ranked four places higher than her 16year-old rival at 49, used her big serve and power to good

effect to win 6-2 6-4.

The 25-year-old will play Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann in today’s final.

Teichmann, ranked 63 in the world, got the better of S e r e n a Wi l l i a m s ’s conqueror Shelby Rogers 63 6-2.

Brady came into

yesterday’s semi-final having not lost a set and only dropping 11 games in the tournament.

She broke Gauff twice early on to open up a 4-1 advantage in the opening set and although Gauff recovered one of the breaks, (Continued on page 51)

Michelle Codrington (right) collects her winning prize.

rt o p S

Missed flights, personal issues, ‘unfair advantages’ make for a strange CPL This year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has the makings of a very strange tournament due to the current pandemic.

Golf hits New Heights in Guyana

Dembele’s late double knocks Man City out of Champions League

Four of Moussa Dembele’s seven Champions League goals have been against Manchester City. (Getty Images) 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.