Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Suriname President Wednesday Edition NEWS Santokhi and delegation touch down in Guyana for second official visit August 18, 2021 - Vol. 16 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 81,689

Int’l Expert finds no evidence

that ExxonMobil can

prevent another Macondo disaster at Liza 1 Project Guyana owes ExxonMobil annually more than what it earns …as ongoing exploration drives up recoverable costs - Sanzillo

Sophia man was Taxi driver loses reportedly lured death car trying to make bytoahis phone call an extra pickup - girlfriend, man in custody

Opposition LGC Commissioners deny unanimous decision led to Town Clerk’s replacement

Coalition was misled by Exxon negotiator with US$18M ‘gift’ in 2016 - Former Finance Minister

Our Manganese and Gold are being fetched away

@11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

We are acting like the richest people around What is good for poor people also is good for poor countries. Poor citizens usually have to skimp and squeeze every drop out of each hard-earned penny that comes their way. It should also be the same way for countries, namely, impoverished and struggling ones like Guyana. Not too long ago, in the dark pre-oil age, commentators from rich countries used to dismiss us as backward and suffering from appalling poverty. But here we are in Guyana today behaving as though we are richer than Bill Gates, are more prosperous than the combined wealth of Middle Eastern oil countries. We are poor, but behave as though we are richer than the richest around.

We don’t have any major oil money in our hands yet, but we are giving it away hand over fist, like children, who have no idea of what is the worth of a dollar that came the hard way. One of our Sunday headlines tells the story: “Guyana loses US$1 million daily in rental for 24 supply boats from Exxon…Pays US$43,000 more per boat, per day than Suriname, T&T” (KN August 15). If this was the reckless, spend thrift behaviour of brothers, or good friends, we would have held them and shook them like a doll. But this is a country of which we speak that is conducting its oil business like this and, we are sure that there are many Guyanese, who feel like doing the same to our irresponsible leaders, meaning, shaking some sense into them.

Just so that poor citizens, alongside educated Guyanese, understand how much is involved, we convert into Guyana dollars: it is over EIGHT MILLION GUYANA DOLLARS DAILY AND THAT IS FOR ONE BOAT ONLY. When the 24 boats are added up, that is almost G$200M daily, which means billions in overcharges on a weekly basis alone. This is not just leadership stupidity, this has to be leadership madness and leadership deviousness, of a kind not seen anywhere else; certainly not in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

We think we have so much money that we give it away, which is what our leaders are doing with our money, prosperity, and future. It is not their money, but that which belongs to us, but is being given away to Exxon in this grossly barbaric fashion. What is wrong with our political leaders in government after government with this oil wealth of ours? What is really going with them, and in what they are doing with this oil of ours, this national treasure that is the property of all Guyanese?

When something as blatant as overpaying by US$43,000 per boat per day (G$8M per day for each boat), then there has to be more to it than we know. On the other hand, that can be attributed to careless error and honest mistake.

Guyanese have to ask themselves these questions: who in their right minds makes such arrangements? Who here could be getting what from Exxon, through well-placed and trusted shadowy middlemen, via some still secret payback scheme? In other words, who is getting a cut of this boat action?

For regardless of how this is looked at, it flies in the face of all reason, or anything thing that could be used to justify what is one more oil crime committed against the peoples of this country, compliments of Exxon and leading Guyanese politicians. This can only be the work of fiendish and compromised men who don’t deserve to be leaders, or to be anywhere near the levers of power. While they engage in huge giveaways like these, and still bigger ones that are slowly coming to light, a great mass of citizens are struggling to get by, in the face of severe financial hardships that have been their lot for generations, and which are now made more unmanageable and unbearable by a wounding, devastating pandemic.

When our costs are this much, have no relation to reality or prices paid by our neighbours then, beyond a doubt, we are on the road, not to lasting prosperity, but to continuing hungering poverty. These are the leaders citizens vote for, who then turn right around and sell them out with things as inexplicable, even unimaginable, like this.

Please explain Dear Editor, On Monday, the President made some announcements, (1) about old age pension, (2) about public assistance, and (3) about 75 kWh free electricity payable to GPL. I would like to know if the GPL credit is for one month or if it is for every month.

I would like to know, if a household use over 75 kWh, can’t the g o v e r n m e n t arrange for us to get the first 75 kWh free and we would pay for the amount over the first 75 kWh. Please note that pensioners does get the first 10 cubic feet water free, we

have to pay for any amount over the first 10 cubic feet.

That same formula should apply for the GPL credit.

The President said that water fee reduce by five percent; that is not correct, water rate go up from $60.90 to $74.00, and to $112.00.

Please explain, why our

water bill has two different prices, the first 10 cubic is at $74.00, any amount above that is $112.00 per cubic.

Why can’t the first 10 cubic be at $112.00, and above that let it be $74.00 per cubic?

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Azad

Congratulations to the Government/ GOAL Awardees - plan needed Dear Editor, Lists of awardees were published in a 20-page supplement of the dailies. The ‘scholarship’ awards have been made to the following Universities: 1) International University of Applied Sciences, Germany - which will be conducting four BSc. and one MSc. programmes related to Information Technology.

2) Jain University of India - which will be offering a wide range of 36 programmes of periodicities from 1–3 years, preeminent amongst which are several versions of financial management programmes, interspersed with a one-year course in Human Resources Management. 3) UWI Open Campus - except for the three BSc. Nursing, another five scholarship programmes at this institution will be for Diplomas of one year duration.

In addition, UWI will be conducting some 22 sixmonth programmes; but the periods for Therapeutic Massage and of all things, Certificate in Wedding Planning and Decoration, are not specified. 4) The University of Southern Caribbean - has been

selected to conduct a single BSc. programme in Special Education. 5) Indira Gandhi National Open University - is another extensive educational institution, which will be delivering some 25 programmes – ranging from six months to three years, the one exception being a two month Certificate programme in Motor Cycle Service and Repair for which there are about 120 awardees.

This still does not compete with the approximately 450 awardees to the Certificate Course in Food and Nutrition. (What a hungry public!)

But the review reveals an unfamiliarity described as ‘SQA Level 6 Programme,’ which the Jain University will conduct over a four-month period. One can only wonder how the University will cope with approximately 1,600 students on this course.

Subject to correction, there is a total of 108 ‘Programmes’ distributed over the following periodicities: 3 years – 22 2 years – 23 1 year – 28 6 mths – 33 4 mths – 01 2 mths – 01

Admittedly, the foregoing is but too brief and inadequate an analysis, if at all it may be so called. Much more importantly to all concerned, particularly the awardees (including teachers) would be future careers. Who will be responsible for starting some; and developing the current ones?

Who will conceptualise, design and implement the strategic plan that will be necessary to ensure employment and satisfy ambitious males and females?

At first glance, some successful graduates may be relevant to various departments of the Public Service; but when one looks at the variety of programmes, the latter will be outnumbered by those graduates who would more reasonably fit into the private sector, however formal or informal. Actually, one understands that many of the latter are already employed and self-employed.

There is little time to wait.

A strategic plan for employment and career development is still needed in respect of the parties for whom the new and upgraded skills have relevance.

Additionally, consideration has to be given to the future entrepreneurs who must be helped to be self-sufficient. Nor is it too idealistic to expect some productive academics emerging for use at our own University, who will need financial support to engage them.

How is it assumed that the Hospitality and Tourism Industry will absorb new qualified performers and at what cost? Which brings us to the substantive consideration of evaluating prospective jobs, particularly in the Public Service, for the more professional graduates? What would be their respective market values – one, two, three years from now?

Perhaps more imperatively is how the 33 graduates of the sixmonth courses will be dealt with?

In the meantime, however, none of the above answers questions as to the terms and conditions applicable to the various awards, which must be satisfied, particularly by those already in the public sector employment, and possibly in the private sector.

The crux would be the costly distribution of the technology to facilitate this expansive ‘virtual’ process.

Yours faithfully, E.B. John

Proposed Public Servants Reconciliation Fund Dear Editor, I would like to enquire from President, Irfaan Ali, about what are his plans to provide alternative employment for those hundreds of public servants, whose services were terminated from August 2020.

Usually, in circumstances such as these, many people would migrate to seek employment in other countries, however, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and many of the countries where Guyanese would normally migrate to, are experiencing challenges in most sectors.

Additionally, Guyana is now becoming one of the wealthiest countries in the Western Hemisphere or even the world, so many of those persons would prefer to remain and contribute towards the development of this country. There is a high level of frustration and hopelessness currently in the country, among citizens. One of the factors for

this hopelessness among persons, whose services were terminated in the public service, is their inability to access professional work. Where else can someone with a master’s degree in Public Sector Management gain employment to utilise their learnings, but in the public sector, or perhaps at the university or in consultancy?

Another point, many of those persons whose services were terminated are highly qualified professionals, and because of the way in which they were terminated, international organisations are, and may be, hesitant to employ them; in some cases, out of concern that the government may not support this decision.

President Ali should inform international organisations that the government will not disapprove of them employing former public servants whose services were terminated from August 2020, because the

government recognises that these citizens need employment to take care of themselves and families, to use their talents in meaningful ways and contribute to the growth and development of their country. Many of these former public servants are currently not doing well financially and economically, and the government needs to find alternative employment for them. Our ‘Next Level Support Network’ (NLSN) that was formed to provide support, had established a small ‘Fund’ and the monies are almost exhausted in the ‘Fund,’ one year later.

Very often, when the termination of these public servants is raised, a counter argument is that the APNU+AFC government had dismissed over 6,000 employees from GuySuCo; however, before each and every one of those 6,000 employees’ services were terminated, meetings were

held with them, alternative employment opportunities were offered within the corporation, where possible, and their benefits were paid.

A programme was also developed, the ‘Sustainable and Resilient Communities Programme’ (S&RCP) which included an ‘Alternative Livelihoods’ component.

This programme endeavoured to retrain/reskill those ex-employees in areas of their interest; explore alternative employment in other public sector agencies and the private sector. Those who desired to become entrepreneurs also received training and support.

Partnerships were developed between GuySuCo and the private sector to provide them with advice on finance, business, investment, insurances, etc.

There were persons, I was told, from the (Continued on page 6)

Wednesday August 18, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Issues of concern, which need urgent action I have parted ways with the PNC/R Dear Editor, The following areas of life are in need of urgent attention from the Government. In brief, here they are. The crime situation in Guyana, of recent I observe that petty and other serious crimes have taken a toll on Guyanese. In the City of Georgetown, there are gangs operating in the municipal markets, namely, Stabroek and Bourda. The police force seems to be unable to totally have the situation under control; perhaps, the police force needs more powers to effectively have the situation under control. Visitors and overseas relatives are not going to visit because they would not feel safe.

Also, infrastructure roads, canals cemeteries, etc.

- all of the just mentioned and others, seems to be falling apart, most of which was due to the heavy rainfall we had and are still having. I would strongly suggest that the Government of the day bring back some oil money deposited with the Central Bank of America, we need to have good durable infrastructure. As for the Le Repentir Cemetery, some of the deceased that were buried there have given their lives to better Guyana. Driving through Cemetery Road is like driving through a forest.

What a shame!

The next thing is the Georgetown Seawall enhancement. The First Lady started a very good project to enhance the Georgetown Seawall for which she must be

complimented. But the present situation there has left much to be desired. The GT Seawall is now taken over by vendors who have no regard for citizens who go there to relax. Loud, loud music is the order of the evenings, trampolines having taken over the whole front going up the stairs. About three months ago, I wrote and suggested that the vendors and trampolines move westwardly where there is a lot of space to vend, etc.

Senior citizens like me need to use the three side benches to sit and relax, since most of us have given the best part of our lives to serve this country. The whole GT Seawall needs to be regularised with zoning, etc, since vendors have taken

over the Seawall, left, right, and center.

Then, there is old age pension. It was in April of this year when Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, made an announcement saying that he is not in favour of giving a second stimulus now, but would like to do something for the senior citizens (old age pensioners) and those who are vulnerable because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present monthly old age pension of $25,000 can only purchase 12 ¾ loaves of (Continued on page 6)

Dear Editor, I would like to announce that I tendered my resignation as a member of the People’s National Congress/Reform on May 22, 2021. In fact, since 2019, I became an inactive member and have not participated in any political activities whatsoever. I thought that the party would serve the needs of its members and all people of Guyana. I envisioned a country where all people

would be treated equally regardless of colour, religion or income. I had hope that all the people will be given a chance of a good life, but unfortunately this was not the case and I no longer cannot stand by and watch helplessly. I therefore refuse to continue to traverse in this pathway, and I am prepared to work with those who have Guyana first.

Yours truly, Narine Chattergoon

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Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PPP/C building on Coalition foundation, but still coming up short Dear Editor, Kindly permit me space in your letter column to publish my missive.

Last week the People’s Progressive Party/Civic celebrated its first year in office, the government has, over the last year, failed to address the needs of the Guyanese people while it continues to focus on frivolous matters and cheap politicking, while the people of this country continue to suffer. It has been one year of hampers and promises.

Nonetheless, Editor, I wish to focus on the government’s housing programme.

In the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Regime’s 2020 Manifesto, on page 36, under the caption “Affordable Housing,” this is what the Introduction said: “Hallmarks of PPP/C governments have been the housing program providing affordable housing to all Guyanese. The PPP/C 1.0 NO. 1.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

families.” Further, they claimed that under the “APNU+AFC, no new housing schemes have been established and construction has slowed in existing schemes and the following promises were made for the housing sector, these include but are not limited to; create 10,000 house lots annually, invest in support infrastructure in existing and new housing schemes, reverse VAT on building materials, facilitate affordable financing for home ownership, promote home ownership, particularly among youths and young professionals, through tax and other incentives, promote partnerships and incentivise private sector involvement in the sector.”

Within its first year, the government has thus far boasted of allocating six thousand (6,000) house lots a clear shortfall from the ambitious ‘10,000’ mark.

HOUSINGAREAS DEVELOPED SCHEMES Pln. Recht Door Zee, WBD Parcel 123-125 Providence, EBD Section ‘D’ Non Pariel, ECD Pln. Providence Phase IV, EBD Pln. Peter’s Hall Block 11, EBD PP La Penitence, Georgetown Amelia’s Ward, Linden 129 Pln. Experiment, WCB 52 Pln. Onderneeming, WBD Pln. Prospect Tract ‘E,’ EBD TOTAL LOTS TOTAL LOTS

developed and distributed 112,766 house lots to Guyanese families, 80% of which went to low-income

NO. OF LOTS 25 1258 30 97 279 18 17 18 19 186 2068 4273

Editor, the PPP/C regime has highlighted its housing plan for the two decades - as ambitious as it maybe - it

shows the foundation which was set and left behind by the APNU+AFC government.

Editor, when the coalition took office in May 2015, our medium-term goal for the housing sector was “to improve the quality of life through the provision of adequate and affordable housing solutions.” While the PPP/C regime in its 2020 Manifesto has accused the “APNU+AFC of not developing no new housing schemes. This is far from the truth! The APNU+AFC record speaks for itself.

While we did not enjoy a full term in office, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, through the Ministry of Communities, was able to accomplish the following, though they were challenges and constraints in the Housing Sector inherited from the PPP/C government, because of their failed policies and programmes geared not to favour women, NO 11 12 13 14 15 16 Pln. Pln. 19 20 21

Experiment, WCB; Amelia’s Ward, Linden; and Prospect, EBD. The Coalition Government, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, through the Ministry of Communities then in 2019, was able to acquire lands and made advancement payments to the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission in the following areas:

moving the housing sector in the past and they will continue with their old habits and ways of doing business.

Many have reported that people have started to compromise the system, where persons desperate for an allocation are paying in excess of Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) to process their applications.

Like other ministries, the

NO LOCATION 1. Ordinance/Fortlands 2 Lethem 3 Kwakwani 4 Amelia’s Ward 5 Wisroc

ACREAGE 27 110 25 220 27

Editor, there are in excess of 300 housing areas incomplete across Regions, which require road upgrades.

The Coalition Government assessed the cost implications to have the works done in these areas and it would have cost the

PPP/C government pre-May 2015 had no plan or roadmap for the housing sector and I can guess there is none, but Guyanese are being plagued with imaginary dreams by this regime and should be mindful and careful of its FAILED POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE HOUSING SECTOR. In conclusion, in a clear comparison of the two governments’ policies for the housing sector, I do believe that the coalition government had a better plan for housing, since we were building and creating wholesome and cohesive communities, rather than “bush lots.”

A classical model is the Perseverance area on the East Bank Demerara, just take a TOUR. Yours in service, Ms. Annette Ferguson Member of Parliament APNU+AFC

SCHEMES TO BE DEVELOPED NO. OF LOTS Pln. Mon Repos, ECD 202 Pln. Vigilance, Bladen Hall and Strathspey, ECD 848 Pln. Annandale, ECD 377 Pln. La Bonne Intention, ECD 455 Parcel 115 Providence, EBD 193 Prospect Phase 3, EBD 614 Cummings Lodge, Georgetown 370 Experiment, WCB 670 Pln. Fortland/Ordinance, EBB 251 #75 Corriverton, 257 #79 Corriverton 36

youths, public servants, single mothers, elderly, disabled and low income earners, but rather their

...Proposed Public Servants Reconciliation Fund From page 4 then Opposition PPP/C, who it was claimed, were encouraging some of these workers not to participate in the S&RCP, so that it would not have been very successful, even at the expense of the ex-employees’ development. I know that this would be denied, but Rose Hall Estate was one of the places where this occurred, and it was one of the reasons why the enrollment for the programmes was low.

The APNU+AFC government also erred by not providing sufficient financial support for this programme. At one point, a discussion was started for G$1 billion dollars to fund the programme, which was a shock-counteraction and shock-absorption mechanism. This money could have been given to an agency like the Small Business Bureau. In order for us to really move forward, we must speak the truth about why we are where we are as a people, and as a country, hence I made these references.

It has been one year after the declaration of the March 2020 elections and several months since many of those ex-public servants are out of jobs and are not earning an income. I would therefore like to urge that the government consider the following: that some of those agencies, which were closed, many without good reason, be reopened and ex-public servants are re-employed. One such agency that should be reopened is the ‘Social Cohesion’ agency. This could be the implementation agency for the President’s ‘One Guyana’ programme. As one examines the development of the country over the past year, it is

friends, families and cronies, a typical example of which is the “PRADOVILLE 2 FIASCO.” The CORE challenges facing Guyana’s housing programme are as follows: cost of financing, inadequate public infrastructure and services, the need for strategic planning, low take up in housing schemes and the need for a revision of the current configuration of processing applications.

Editor, it is an understatement by the PPP/ C regime to say that the APNU+AFC government never developed “NO NEW HOUSING SCHEMES.” Well, as the last sitting minister with responsibility for housing under the David Granger Administration, let me highlight the accomplishments of the Housing Sector for May 2015 to May 2020, twenty-one (21) new housing areas were established, namely:

evident that the government does not have sufficient required expertise to grow and develop the country; therefore, I would suggest that many of these professional, highly experienced ex-public servants be re-employed.

I will be running for President in 2025 and one of my goals is to grow the population to about1.2 to 1. 5 million. As a matter of fact, I/we have already started to develop that plan. Therefore, we will have need for each and every Guyanese who is currently living in Guyana, and many from the Diaspora, as well as other foreigners. I would also like to suggest that the government establishes a ‘Public Sector Reconciliation Fund.’ What the government has done over the past year has created new ‘cycles of hurt’ and opened old wounds. The purpose of the ‘Public Sector Reconciliation Fund’ will be to conduct an assessment of those public servants, within a given period, who were wrongfully terminated, and have not received adequate benefits and provide them with financial support to assist them with opportunities for a second chance to accelerate their growth to attain economic and financial stability, as well as part of the healing and reconciliation programme and mechanism. This will also bring an end of unnecessary termination of public servants when governments change.

Finally, if President Ali’s government is not receptive to the ‘Public Sector Reconciliation Fund’ idea, I intend to establish it when I become President in 2025.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Presidential Candidate 2025

Housing units were allocated in the following areas: Perservance, EBD; Onderneeming, WBD;

government close to $50 Billion dollars.

The PPP/C regime has failed tremendously in

Hakeem Jeffries repeated the lies peddled to him by APNU+AFC Dear Editor, I ask that you kindly allow me space in your column to talk about a few things, which I observed over the weekend in relation to the APNU+AFC’s anti-PPP protest and rally in Brooklyn, NY. To say that I find it all to be comical is an understatement.

The coalition and their activists made a big fuss claiming that they were hosting the protest and rally in demonstration against racism and discrimination by the government. However, from the start of all the speeches, the only racism that was noted was that coming out of the mouths of the speakers. I found it to be quite hypocritical that they were rallying against racism but still found it appropriate to be racists themselves.

I wish to draw attention to the speeches that were made by the US Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries, over the

weekend at both the luncheon, which they hosted, and the rally. Jeffries was critical of the US Ambassador in Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, calling for her removal. He said that it is time for the Biden Administration to act on the matter. His comments were quite surprising given his stature and the fact that he repeated the lies peddled to him by the APNU+AFC without any sort of hesitation. You also recall that this same Jeffries was the lone voice in support during the APNU+AFC’s attempt to rig the March 2, 2020 elections.

Back then, he urged the US Government to stop meddling

in Guyana’s affairs; a position he is now walking back on with his pleading for the Biden Administration to meddle in Guyana’s affairs. But what is comical is that, he is clearly not on the same page with the APNU+AFC when it comes to his position on the Ambassador.

If the Opposition truly felt that the Ambassador is racist as the Congressman claims, then how come the Leader of the Opposition and a delegation of his MPs met with her several times over the past months? It just shows how ridiculous these people are.

Yours truly, Adron Pires

....Issues of concern, which need From page 5 bread per month, nothing remains for a little piece of cheese to partly meet calcium needs, or for butter to meet a little dietary fibre, or for coffee or tea. I do hope the Vice President do something now,

old pensioners are suffering.

Best regards, Senior citizen Editor’s Note: While it is not much, President Ali this week announced a cash payout of $25,000, which will benefit all old age pensioners.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

The United States' EPA is sounding the warning on climate change. Where is Guyana's EPA?

The United States' EPA made its position clear to a US Federal Regulator body – consideration of climate change for gas projects is a must.

What is a “must” for Guyana's EPA, other than giving Exxon every greenlight possible for oil projects?

Whose interests is Guyana's EPA representing? PPP leaders? Exxon's? Or the Guyanese people?

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Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Opposition LGC Commissioners deny unanimous decision led to Town Clerk's replacement

T

wo oppositionnominated members of the Local Government Commission (LGC) have issued a joint statement refuting the claims made by the Chairman of the LGC, Julius Faerber, that the decision to replace Acting Town Clerk for the City of Georgetown, Sherry Jerrick, was a unanimous one.

In their statement disseminated on Monday, Commissioners Nicola Trotman and Joan-Ann Romascindo, claimed that Faerber's account contains a number of “factual inaccuracies, designed to create mischief and to misinform the media and the public.”

As such, the two LGC representatives outlined a number of issues, which they intend to correct and clarify. Among them is the claim of unanimous support by all seven LGC Commissioners present on the matter of Jerrick's performance as Acting Town Clerk for the City of Georgetown.

The two Commissioners contended that this is simply not

the case, as Commissioner Trotman did not vote. As such, they stressed that the vote was a majority, not unanimous. Further, with regard to the matter of the appointment of Candace Nelson as the Interim Town Clerk for the City of Georgetown, the Commissioners said that the matter was never raised or discussed at the statutory meeting.

“The assertion that it did is a bold face falsehood. The Chairman has admitted to having made a unilateral decision which has not been ratified by the Commission to date,” the Commissioners added in the statement.

According to them, “Commissioner Trotman raised the issue of who would act as Town Clerk should Ms. Jerrick be reverted to her substantive position and Commissioner Carvil Duncan vehemently interjected, stating that the matter of who would act was not tabled for discussion and consequently no such discussion should be entertained. The Chairman agreed with

Commissioner, Nicola Trotman Commissioner Duncan and no discussion on the matter took place.”

As a result, Trotman and Romascindo noted that they are both unaware of when and at what meeting the Commission is

Commissioner, Joan-Ann Romascindo. purported to have made the decision to appoint Candace Nelson as Acting Town Clerk.

“We did not participate nor were we invited to any such meeting. We present these facts in an effort to allow for the truth to be

known,” the two Commissioners said in their statement.

The statement follows days after Faerber explained the decision by the LGC to revert Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick, to her former position as Deputy Town Clerk, and appoint Candace Nelson to act as Interim Town Clerk of City Hall in keeping with the law.

Faerber, during a press conference held on August 3, said several meetings were held with Jerrick to clarify several redundancies that were occurring at City Hall. He said that the Commission subsequently came to the conclusion that Jerrick was not performing her duties up to par, and a unanimous vote was then made among the seven Commissioners to have Jerrick reverted to her previous position of Deputy Town Clerk.

Additionally, he noted that according to the Local Government Act, the Commission also has the authority to revert an (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

PAGE 09

Because we care… about business The Working People's Alliance (WPA) was the first to demand the payment of direct cash transfers or cash grants from the oil proceeds be paid to the public. The APNU+AFC leadership however did not support that proposal.

The APNU+AFC had its reasons. It knew the implications of that awful agreement which it signed with the oil companies and therefore realised that the resources were simply not there to pay direct cash grants at the level and scale envisioned by the WPA. In August 2018, Professor Clive Thomas had called for direct cash transfers to households.

Thomas was quoted as saying, “Whether it be US$5,000 [G$1M] per year or whatever it works out at, we can put the figure together – there must be a mechanism in place to ensure every single household and by extension every single person, sees the benefits of oil and gas in terms of cash or cheque received in their accounts.”

The APNU quickly attacked this proposal. One of the leaders of the smaller parties of the partnership came out swinging. He was reported as accusing Thomas of making irresponsible statements, accusing the renowned economist of raising people's expectations.

The then President appeared unsure. At first, he said he did not know much about the proposal and that it sounded like a handout. His

Dem

boys seh...

Minister of Finance was more cautious. He was reported in one section of the media as saying that he preferred investments in social programmes. This is what he was reported as saying: “Rather than just giving people Five thousand (US) dollars a year, why not look at issues such as education, health, youth programmes, small businesses…so I would rather hear more debate about using our resources to create opportunities for people so that they themselves could have lasting incomes as opposed to short-term incomes because monies that you are going to be giving out will soon end and you would have pitched your lifestyle sooner or later to the monies that you receive and when you can't no longer give those monies, then what is going to happen?”

The AFC, the other main Party in the Coalition, supported the idea of direct cash transfers. The Party expressed support for direct cash transfers, seeing it as a means of assisting neglected segments of society. The Party opined that it did not believe that the concept of direct cash transfers should be dismissed without further examination.

Jagdeo, ever the cagey politician, exploited this ambivalence and division within the ruling APNU+AFC Coalition. But mindful also about the meager rewards, which would flow from the oil contract, he offered support

for direct cash transfers to targeted segments of the population.

The oil revenues have not yet been touched but the PPP/C government has been doling out cash grants to targeted segments of the population. It has paid out a $25,000 per household COVID-19 cash grant; a $19,000 per child educational cash grant and how it is providing a $25,000 cash grant to pensioners, the disabled and those receiving social assistance. Farmers will also receive billions in flood relief assistance. And the resources for these sums are coming not from the oil proceeds but from local revenues.

The combined cost of these cash grants to the treasury is estimated to be around G$30B. The PPP/C has also promised public servants an increase for later this year retroactive to January. This will add a few more billions more to the tab.

It is amazing that the PPP/C could have found these resources considering the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic and from this year's devastating floods and in spite of the reduction of taxes and fees.

It shows that where there is the political will, resources can be found to assist persons.

And as mentioned earlier, the oil revenues, fast approaching US$500M, is still untouched. But the working people should not for one harbour any expectations that they will see receive direct cash

Not trusting de vaccine is not trusting science!

Dem boys read how all teachas and all health care workers gat to get vaccinated in Ontario. It not voluntary, it mandatory over deh. But we gat some people hay mekkin styles and excuse.

One ah dem excuse is dat de vaccine don't prevent infection so why tek it. Well yuh should tek it because it gan prevent de worse form of de infection in the majority of people wah get vaccinated – dat is what an efficacy rate of over 50 percent means. But a few cases – wat dem call breakthrough cases – can get through because no vaccine is 100 percent.

Tekkin it also means yuh protecting yuh family. Yuh less likely to spread it if yuh vaccinated dan if yuh nah vaccinated.

Tekkin it protecting yuh because yuh nat likely to get seriously sick or die if yuh vaccinated. So even if per chance yuh get

infected, once yuh vaccinated, yuh not likely fuh end up in de hospital.

Dat is why dem excuse dem people mekkin is fart.

But even if yuh nah kay bout yuh own health or de health ah dem around yuh, yuh should still tek de vaccine because dat is de only way, other dan a total lockdown, dat de pandemic gan end.

And den things can return to normal and yuh could get on with yuh life as usual.

Another excuse is dat dem nah trust de vaccines. Not trusting de vaccines is not trusting science.

If yuh nah trust de best scientific minds in de world, yuh should not trust anything associated with science. Dat means if yuh get any other disease or get in accident, yuh should not go to de doctor.

Talk half and stop mekkin silly excuses!

transfers from the oil revenues. They will not see a blind cent from the oil revenues.

No, the oil revenues are reserved for other purposes, not for the small man. The oil revenues will be invested in projects and these projects will benefit you know who.

Nor should the average citizen think that the cash transfers are being given out of a sense of goodwill. These cash transfers are being injected to support the

stuttering non-oil economy.

The business class, which is aligned to the PPP/C, is believed to be concerned about the slowdown in commerce.

They are losing money. The billions, which are being injected in order to stimulate greater business activity because the government knows that every cent of these cash transfers, will be spent in the supermarkets, shops and stores.

In addition, when the

back pay is paid in December, the same will happen. The workers will unload every blind cent in shopping. The business community will be happier and the workers will say, “The PPP/C is such a caring government!”

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Wednesday August 18, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Hakeem Jeffries lacks the democratic instinct that Sarah-Ann Lynch possesses Any fool can be elected in open, democratic systems.

Any dangerous idiot can also be elected. Over the past five years, completely unacceptable creatures for complex reasons in many countries have been voted into office. Some notorious examples are Brazil, the Philippines, the US, Italy.

Hakeem Jeffries of the US House of Representatives is an embarrassment to A m e r i c a n d e m o c r a c y.

American legislators have research aides. They can have their aides ascertain the facts on the ground. Maybe Jeffries and his aides are incompetent.

Jeffries himself should research the conduct of his host, Rickford Burke, during one of the most immorally disgusting attempts to deny people their right to vote.

Does Jeffries share the unpleasant words of Burke

against esteemed CARICOM nationals that refused to accept rigged elections in Guyana? I was on a radio programme with Burke and Mark Benschop where Burke's remarks were made.

Jeffries should ask Burke for the tape.

Jeffries should tell the people of the world as a congressman if he accepts that the then major opposition party, the PPP in the March 2020 election committed fraud and stole the election from the party he supports in Guyana, the PNC. Jeffries shared the same platform at the rally in New York with several PNC leaders who have been fooling people like Jeffries and their African Guyanese supporters on the results of the election.

There are so many questions Jeffries should be asked and it would be a test of

his character to see how he answers. One is which congressional colleagues of his described the March election as being tampered with by the PPP? Which CARICOM head accepted that the election was flawed?

Which government represented at the UN pronounced on the illegal results of the election?

Jeffries comes from a background of fanatical racism. One of his relatives is a professor that is openly racist against all other races in the world.

It is up to his multi-racial Guyanese constituents to resuscitate the pressure they put on him last year when he tried to insinuate that the PPP rigged the March election.

Hundreds of East Indian Guyanese who voted for him contacted him about the misinformation he was receiving and he backed off.

Now he is at it again.

The episode of ignorance surrounding Jeffries will now tell Guyanese in the US and Guyana what stuff Indian Guyanese in New York are made of. He must be relentlessly pursued through pickets and demonstrations wherever he goes. Indians in New York must transmit their anger to Jeffries. They must use pellucid and frank language to tell him he is an embarrassment to American democracy. I am asking someone in New York who reads this column to email it to Jeffries to let him know he is morbid racist, anti-East Indian ideologue and an enemy of democracy.

Jeffries wants the current US Ambassador to be removed. I want this column, if it is used in any research way into the future, to record me as saying that the current US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, is one of the finest woman diplomats this world has produced. She is a courageous woman who stood up in a small, relatively unknown, Third World country and valiantly fought

for the right of that country's citizens to have their vote counted.For this c o u r a g e o u s safeguarding of democracy, a 10th rate Frederick Kissoon congressman like e rected in some outstanding Jeffries wants her to be removed. Jeffrey should do spot in Guyana. Young Street the decent thing and compose where the US Embassy is on a document of compelling should be renamed after her. evidence of what makes Ms. This lady is a giant whose Lynch ineligible to continue integrity can never be as ambassador. He should matched by a mediocre compose a dossier as to what politician like Jeffries.

This lady and several of makes him eligible to be a her fellow diplomats saved congressman.

I suspected this man was t h i s c o u n t r y f r o m a a blatant fool when he tried to permanent nightmare. For support the rigging last year. that, Guyanese should be He quickly backed down and eternally grateful. But he needs to explain his Guyanese should be vigilant present conduct to Guyanese each moment of the day for a Indians who must demand it long time to come, people as early as last week. like Hakeem Jeffries, deeply Guyanese in New York must ingrained in anti-Indian come out in vast numbers and racism, will continue to demonstrate outside his throw gasoline on the fire of office. That show of anger ethnic strife in Guyana.

(The views expressed in must go for days and days.

L e t m e e n d t h i s this article are those of the commentary here by a u t h o r a n d d o n o t repeating maybe for the necessarily reflect the fourth time the necessity of opinions of this newspaper.) having a bust of Mrs. Lynch

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Sophia man was reportedly lured to his death by a phone call - girlfriend, man in custody Keon McPherson, the Sophia man found dead on Sunday with gunshot wounds to his body, might have been lured to his death by a phone call Detectives had discovered 24-year-old McPherson's remains around 04:00hrs. lying in a yard at 'C'Field, Sophia. Detained for questioning in relation to his death, are McPherson's girlfriend and another man.

Detectives believe that his killing probably stemmed from a triangular love affair, but it could also be a pre-

meditated act of luring McPherson to his death by a phone call. It is believed that the phone call was all part of a plan to murder McPherson in retaliation to an altercation he had during the early evening hours on Saturday.

According to family members, McPherson had gotten into a heated argument with the woman over money she had allegedly squandered out.

They claimed that the argument turned physical between them, and McPherson was attacked by

one of his in-laws and some other men.

He was reportedly assaulted but had managed to escape them and went home that evening. Relatives said that after he freshened up himself, McPherson began to drink and they assumed that he was probably trying to console himself following the argument with his girlfriend and the altercation that followed.

Close to midnight, recalled the relatives, McPherson received a phone call from a woman. He

related to them that the individual wanted him to go meet them. At first, recounted his family members, he was reluctant to go but the individual kept calling his phone and eventually he left his 'D' Field, Sophia home for a location in 'C' Field.

“He had left home in long-foot shorts,” said one family member. They were expecting him to return but he never did.

Family members said that initially, they were not bothered because although

McPherson would have fights with his girlfriend they would make-up back and he would end up sleeping there.

However, this time around this was not the case, around 06:00hrs. on Sunday, McPherson's brother received news that his brother was found dead in a yard.

He informed the rest of the family members and they made contact with police who took them to officially identify McPherson's remains. The family members detailed that when

Shot dead, Keon McPherson. they saw his body, it was still clad in the long-foot shorts he had left home with on Sunday night.An autopsy (Continued on page 22)

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

AG rejects claims of discrimination by Lyken Funeral Home

A

ttorney General ( A G ) , A n i l Attorney General, Nandlall, SC, has Anil Nandlall, SC. rejected claims that Lyken Funeral Home is being subjected to discriminatory treatment, in wake of the recent decision taken by the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force to discontinue busine s with the parlour.

Earlier this month, cofounder of the home, Dawn Stewart, announced that she had initiated legal action against the Health Board, an arm of the Ministry of Health, after it instructed the Guyana of some health protocols, this Police Force (GPF) to cease is not the case. She claimed doing business with her t h a t t h e p a r l o u r w a s company. compliant with all the Stewart said that while necessary protocols, hence, the Ministry of Health's the move was one meant to reason for withholding discriminate against her. business from the parlour In response to a letter was because it was in breach written by the Attorney for

Co-founder of Lyken Funeral Home, Dawn Stewart.

the funeral home, Khemraj Ramjattan, Nandlall s explained that his careful examination of the matters related to the claims of discrimination, prove otherwise.

The AG noted that among other things, the

requirements, which were imposed upon Lyken, were also imposed upon each and every funeral operator.

“Significantly,” he added “every other operator in the sector has complied with this request except for [Lyken].”

In the letter, the Attorney

General noted that interestedly, from the first year an application form was received from the funeral home completely filled out with supporting documentation signed by Gordon Lyken.

He said therefore: “For

your client to now allege that this licencing requirement, and the fees payable in relation thereto are new impositions, is ingenious….I dare say there has been resultant compliance from each of those operators, other than your client. In the circumstances, all and every allegation of discrimination is hereby rejected.”

The AG noted too, that the sector in which Lyken operates is one that can easily constitute a public health hazard, if not scrupulously managed and conducted.

Added to this, he said “You will agree with me that the Public Health ordinance which encompasses the main regulatory network of this sector, as well as, the nation's public health apparatus, is completely archaic and out of (Continued on page 24)

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Police called in after drunken brawl erupts at bar

Bar where the incident took place Police were called in on Monday after a drunken brawl erupted at the Chill Out Bar located at Harlem, West Coast Demerara.

According to a police report, the brawl erupted among a set of patrons at 19:10hrs.

Initially, police were informed that an alleged robbery under arms was being perpetrated at the bar. A party of policemen showed up at the bar within 15 minutes.

Upon arrival, they saw a group of drunken men involved in a big brawl. Ranks intervened to restore order and managed to arrest six men who were all placed in a vehicle and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station. Police stated that the ages of the suspects in custody are 18, 46, 23, 25, 23, and 20.

Recounting the entire ordeal at the bar to

Kaieteur News were eyewitnesses who described the scene as a chaotic one. All of sudden, stated the eyewitnesses, persons began cursing each other. Shortly after, they continued, patrons were pelting bottles and pool balls, throwing bar stools, and attempting to hit each other with pool sticks.

Employees and other customers were reportedly fearful of being attacked and decided to duck and hide under tables and behind the bar. Some of the employees related that they were left in a state of shock because it was the first time something like that occurred at the establishment.

Kaieteur News understands that after order was restored, employees found that a few of their barstools were broken, along with a table and some of the pool sticks.

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Energy Chamber inks MoUs with Texas-based Engineering University The Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) took full advantage of the opportunities to collaborate with international companies at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) being held in Houston, Texas.

On Monday, GOGEC inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station Turbomachinery Laboratory (TEES-TL) and the University of Texas, at Austin, Petroleum Extension (PETEX), Cockrell School of Engineering.

A statement from GOGEC outlined that the MoUs are underpinned in the spirit of mutual areas of collaboration in capacity building through education and training, and to promote strategic partnerships with

local players in the energy sector in Guyana with international organisations.

GOGEC pointed out that the MoUs signed between President, Manniram Prashad, and TEES-TL's Director of Global and Corporate Partnerships, Greg Gammon, aim to maintain a close collaboration with the company and its important role in research and workforce development within technical areas of Rotordynamics and Mechanical Systems, Thermal Fluids and Combustion, and Computational Modeling and Design.

The company's operations are based in College Station, Texas.

Meanwhile, the strategic partnership with the University of Texas, at Austin, Petroleum Extension

(PETEX), Cockrell School of Engineering will see the institution offering sector specific training courses and Executive Education in the Petroleum Sector, through the Training Institute of GOGEC. This, according to the GOGEC President, will address the need for capacity building specifically for the oil and gas sector and companies operating within the full value chain. Both signings were witnessed by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch.

“GOGEC also wishes to thank the United States Embassy in Guyana for facilitating these strategic collaborations to help propel Guyana's development,” the statement said.

GOGEC President, Manniram Prashad, (second left) signs MoU with Greg Gammon, Director of Global and Corporate Partnerships at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station Turbomachinery Laboratory (TEES-TL), (second right) while Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, (left) and US Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch, (right) watch on.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Four women are Guyana's latest COVID-19 fatalities Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported that four women, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 582.

According to the Ministry, the latest fatalities are that of a 34-year-old and a 44-year-old both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and a 70-year-old and 71-yearold both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). All four women died on Sunday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Further, the Ministry via its daily COVID-19 dashboard reported too that within the last 24 hours they recorded 100 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 23,675.

P r e s e n t l y, t h e r e 9 1 persons in institutional isolation, 12 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 940 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 22,050 persons have recovered from the virus.

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Opposition LGC Commissioners... Sophia man was reportedly lured...

WANTED SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Houseplan drawing and estimates.K.Lakeram Building Contractor.Call:2160671/692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267.

Experience welders between ages 30-45.MechanicDoosan & Excavator operator.Tel:223-5273/74.

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

Taxi drivers to work and keep.Tel:225-3234/628-1183.

Taxi driver & dispatcher at Princess taxi.Located at RamadaPrincess Hotel.Tel:616-5419,2657075,265-7076.

FOR SALE Household used:Dining tables,Mirrors,Side & Centertables,Floor lamps,Carpets.Call:6553070,662-2652.

Pure breed german shepherd pups,11 wks old.Price $100,000.Call:615-6589/6500347.

16x6Truck,1 Freightliner,1 Sylphy,1 Hilux LN 172,1 JCB loader.Tel:673-4002/ 665-3676.

FOR RENT Vr e e d - e n - h o o p junction.Place for hair salon, pedicure, manicure ,other.Call:603-6400.$15,000 per month.

Unfurnish 3 bedroom upstairs & 3 bedroom downstairs house.New Road Vreed-en-hoop.Call:6433170 or 688-4604.

Furnish & unfurnish apt 1 bedroom,2 bedroom,3 bedroom.Diamond,Providence & H e r s t e l l i n g E.B.D.Call:682-6238.

VACANCY Factory workers and sale representatives.Must have a soundsecondary education.Call:223-0090.

Rider's for a delivery with o r w i t h o u t bike.Professional,neatly a t t i r e d , w e l l mannered.Tel:642-6832/ whatsapp.

C l e a n e r, m a i n t e n a n c e worker,labours to work with P.S.G.C.S.Call:621-6969 or 615-7784,7-4pm.

Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs.Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340.

Security officers male & female 18+.Lamaha St between Waterloo & Parade.Call:2234172/632-0510.

Experience carpenter.Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb Street Bourda.

Experience welder.Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb Street Bourda.

Vacancy at People's choice kitchen:Cooks, Cashiers,Handymen, Canter staff.Tel:679-9449.

Vacancy for a domestic maid.Call:637-6700.

WANTED Puri Roti Cooks.Apply @Shanta's,225 Camp & New Market Streets.

Mechanic 5-7000 day for machine equipment to maintainand repair, Excavator,loader, grader.China Railway First Group.Tel:632-1122.

Porter and Welder/ Serviceman.Applicants m u s t b e experienced.Call:231-2250.

One female cashier & one malewelder/fabricator@Del ice Co.Call:642-9191/2311408,8am-1pm.

Kitchen help/assistant, must live in town. Must have experience. Location: Duncan St. Call Cathy: 6778906.

From page 8 employee from one position to another.

This, he said, is evident in Act 12 of 1980. Faerber had quoted the Local Government Act 18: 2013, Article 30, stating that it enables the Chairman of the commission to unilaterally make decisions on behalf of the local government body.

However, in response City Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine, has protested the

commission's decision to revert Jerrick from her position as Acting T own Clerk.

Mayor Narine said the former Town Clerk has proven herself to be competent to the councillors during her two years' of service to City Hall.

The Mayor said, too, that the Council will not be honouring Nelson as the Interim Town Clerk, and has mounted a legal challenge to the Commission's decision.

Guyana owes Exxon annually...

From page 3 that the actual development plan for the Stabroek Block is to make more investments, “in fact, additional costs are already being incurred for more exploration.”

To this end, Sanzillo observed, “these additional development costs will be added to the total development costs and push back the date when the country will receive payments in the $6 billion per year range.”

According to Sanzillo, robust annual revenue payments to Guyana will be delayed as additional development costs are added to the

cumulative unrecovered balance and that “the actual number of years until Guyana receives more robust profit oil payments is uncertain. For Guyana, actual total development costs are unknown.”

According to Sanzillo, the contractor has not disclosed the total development costs for Payara or the total development costs needed to reach the maximum amount of extractable oil. In addition, there have been no mutually agreed-upon, publicly available oil price projections—a key factor in estimating the rate and level of cost recovery.

From page 12 conducted on his body confirmed that McPherson was indeed shot to death. His family described him as a hardworking youth who did all he could to provide for his girlfriend and her children.

The relationship with his girlfriend, however, was described as a 'toxic one” with many disputes and fights.

Those fights would always

end with one being injured.

His relatives alleged that during one such altercation, which took place a few months ago, McPherson was stabbed to his back by his girlfriend. Despite the many bloody battles between them, McPherson would tell his family members that he loves her and the couple would always forgive each other and get back together.

President Santokhi, Surinamese...

From page 3 delegation. Further, he noted that Santokhi’s visit is a continuation of the two countries fortifying its bilateral ties: “The two countries both have small populations, similar challenges and similar opportunities.

We have to see how we can merge our thinking and make sure that our policies reflect that integrated approach to bring betterment for the people of the two countries.

Some areas of discussion include infrastructure, transportation, human resources capacity and capability, trade, security, agriculture, removing barriers for our people, including oil and gas are key areas of focus.”

Additionally, the two Presidents will also discuss priority issues on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agenda as well as the economic and social repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on their countries. In August 2020, Presidents Ali and Santokhi committed to collaborating in the oil and gas sector. Specific attention on preparing citizens to reap the full benefits of the oil and gas operations in the respective countries was one of the areas of discussion.

Over the last two months, both countries have also been faced with significant flooding. A statement issued by Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

PAGE 23

Bids opened for construction of Port Mourant Hospital's Out Patient building Yesterday, during the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration Board (NPTAB), three

companies submitted Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the construction of a new Out Patient Building at the Port Mourant Hospital

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Rehabilitation of 18km of the Main Access Road at Ituni/Tacama, Region 10 Bidder International Imports & Supplies Japarts Construction Inc.

Amount Tendered $398,755,802 $449,592,650

GSK Excavation Services Inc.

$411,773,980

Associated Construction Services H. Nauth & Sons Civil Engineering AJM Enterprise Mekdeci Machinery & Construction Inc. Mohamed’s Enterprise STP Investments Inc. Eron Lall Civil Engineering R. Razack Enterprise Eagle Transportation & General Construction Castilho Engenharia e Empreendimentos Inc. Aronco Services Inc. Collin Talbot Contracting Services Vals Construction Stment Investment Inc. Engineer’s Estimate

$425,677,700 $453,392,200 $492,196,800 $499,685,185 $815,367,890 $497,923,600 $489,568,550 $461,408,215 $462,781,500 $463,141,526 $563,580,225 $559,527,355 $495,196,800 $623,963,200 $464,773,500

Complex. The procuring entity was the Ministry of Health.

Under this Ministry too, bids were also

Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Supply and Delivery of one new vehicle Bidder Marics & Company Limited Car Care Enterprise

Amount Tendered $7,650,250 $8,700,000

Central Housing and Planning Authority Construction of Core Houses at Sophia Housing Area, Georgetown, Region 4, Lot 1-5 Amount Tendered

Bidder Tri Star Industries Inc.

(Lot 1)$35,404,790 (Lot 2)$35,404,790 (Lot 3)$35,404,790 (Lot 4)$35,404,790 (Lot 5)$35,404,790

Kalco Guyana Inc.

R. Kissoon Contracting Services

Guyana Livestock Development Authority Construction of Access Road, Bridge and Fence at Garden of Eden

Bidder

Amount Tendered

STP Investments Inc. Fazam Future Builders LGS Branes General Building Construction Engineers

$24,537,816 $19,702,408 $19,695,992

Million Mountain Engineering DN&D Civil Engineers Services Zebo & Sons Construction Gopie Venture Company Engineer’s Estimate

$23,893,272 $20,708,216 $22,316,418 $18,682,760 $23,351,706

GuySuCo Supply and Delivery of Lot 1: Motor Road - Grader (1) , Lot 2: Vibratory - Compactor/Road-Roller Bidder Industrial Supplies of Guyana Inc. Farm Supplies Guyana Tractor & Equipment IBIS Construction Equipment Sales & Rental Inc. Machine Inc. Guyana Limited General Equipment Guyana Limited

Amount Tendered (Lot 1)$44,688,611 (Lot 2)$24,369,624 (Lot 1)$19,000,000 (Lot 2)$13,800,000 (Lot 1)$29,500,000 (Lot 2)$19,000,000 (Lot 2)$21,600,000 (Lot 1)$39,528,000 (Lot 2)$18,360,000 (Lot 1)$39,757,500

Supply and Delivery of three complete sets of Land-Leveling Equipment

Bidder Massy Motors Guyana Limited Game Equipment LLC (USA) General Equipment Guyana Limited

Amount Tendered $101,193,000 US$1,000,497 $231,597,000

AJM Enterprise

Ivor Allen Contracting Services

Aruca Investment

Bidder Greenidge Refrigeration Services Clean Star Construction Services JR Engineering Solutions AYN Construction & General Services

Bidder Sheek Feeyaz Hassan HR Distributors

$126,687,150

Ministry of Health Construction of new Out Patient Building at Port Mourant Hospital Complex Bidder Memorer Enterprise A Mohabir & Sons Supermarket & Hardware N&S General Engineers & Contracting Service Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $36,517,437 $30,801,368 $38,686,758 $31,463,630

Sterling Products Limited Kerry Jawis

Renovation to the Patient Ward at Mibicuri Hospital, Black Bush Polder Bidder Singh’s Brother Contracting Services Memorer Enterprise A. Mohabir & Sons Supermarket & Hardware N&S General Engineers & Construction Service

Amount Tendered $23,099,516 $17,704,920 $25,089,361

Engineer’s Estimate

$19,919,845

BPI Guyana Inc. Memorex Enterprise

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce The design and development of the ESW for Trade I n Guyana Electronic Single Window for Trade Bidder Crimson Logic NUCTECH Co. Limited TTEK Inc. (Barbados)

Amount Tendered US$3,024,000 US$756,000 US$2,751,810 US$3,934,000 US$550,760

Distribution Services Limited

Audit Office of Guyana Supply and Delivery of one motor-vehicle Bidder Amount Tendered

Beharry Automotive Limited Ideal Autos Inc. Massy Motors Guyana Limited Marics & Company Limited Ansa Motors Guyana Inc.

$7,845,852 $8,800,000 $6,700,000 $7,973,500 $6,860,000

Supply and Delivery of one photocopier Amount Tendered The Hardware Depot $3,850,000 Copy Fix $3,500,000 Laparkan Trading Guyana Company Limited $3,490,000 PBS Technologies Guyana Inc. $2,090,300 Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) Procurement of Office Supplies Bidder

Bidder I&S Sankars Importers & Distributors Laparkan Trading Guyana Company Limited PBS Technologies Guyana Inc. TP Udit General Store Geysei Capital Inc.

Amount Tendered $5,701,850 $4,413,750 $1,661,500 $2,040,000 $9,742,500

Design and Supervision of Construction of Port Kaituma Registration Office at Port Kaituma, Region One Bidder

Amount Tendered

PVS Structural Engineers

Technical and Financial proposal submitted

Engineering & Management Consultancy Inc. PME Consultancy Engineers Inc.

Technical and Financial proposal submitted

Kalli Tech Inc.

Technical and Financial proposal submitted

Innovative Engineering Consultancy

Technical and Financial proposal submitted

(Lot 1)$24,325,960

Amount Tendered $23,844,000 $1,180,000 $8,462,000

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Supply and Delivery of Dietary Supplies

Amount Tendered

Toolsie Persaud Limited

(Lot 1)$26,320,960 (Lot 2)$26,320,960 (Lot 3)$26,320,960 (Lot 4)$26,320,960 (Lot 5)$26,320,960 (Lot 1)$22,376,560 (Lot 2)$22,376,560 (Lot 3)$22,376,560 (Lot 4)$22,376,560 (Lot 5)$22,376,560 (Lot 1)$31,700,860 (Lot 2)$31,700,860 (Lot 3)$31,700,860 (Lot 4)$31,700,860 (Lot 5)$31,700,860

Guyana Revenue Authority Provision of maintenance service for Air Conditioning Units, Lot 1-7

Assorted Materials for Fabrication of Cane Transport Punts (Barges) Bidder

(Lot 1)$40,000,110 (Lot 2)$40,000,110 (Lot 3)$40,000,110 (Lot 4)$40,000,110 (Lot 5)$40,000,110

opened for the renovation to Patient Ward at Mibicuri Hospital, Black Bush Polder.

Below are the companies and their bids.

Amount Tendered $9,010,800 $31,185,545 $25,707,876 $18,309,600 $23,068,136 $678,025 $32,995,200 $3,048,000 $3,510,400 $2,160,000 $34,622,112 $27,525,061 $23,926,737 $17,991,348 $642,000 $33,082,560 $4,826,664 $104,413,800 $25,715,700 $21,053,160 $20,106,240 $26,262,560 $34,509,000 $24,659,032 $39,694,093 $77,796,526

Technical and Financial proposal submitted

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Procurement of Inflatable Craft Tactical Equipment, Aluminum Vessels Generator, Voltage Regulator, Container Blast Freezer Concrete, Concrete Mixer Bidder Gopie Venture Company Dax Contracting Services General Equipment Guyana Limited Farm Supply Limited General Marine Company Tells Engineering Services

Amount Tendered $23,625,616 $29,600,000 $28,725,000 $17,095,000 $14,829,841 $5,422,500

K&K Boat Building & Out Board Mechanic Services IBIS Construction Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc.

$15,957,000 $7,252,360

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

AG rejects claims of discrimination...

From page 13 sync with the modern realities. The COVID-19 pandemic made this excruciatingly clear.”

Nandlall noted too, that on December 14, 2011, at a meeting of the Central Board of Health, a decision was taken to have all funeral homes inspected and duly licenced with payment of an annual licencing fee of $20,000 per annum. This decision was made to the subject regulations duly promulgated under the Public Health Ordinance.

According to the AG, since 2012, funeral homes were notified of the decision and were informed to make formal applications for licences.

As part of the process, Nandlall outlined that in the routine discharge of their statutory duties, the public health ordinance, inspectors carry out inspections at periodic intervals at the premises of operators in the sectors.

The AG noted that it was during one of these inspections in 2019, that it was drawn to the attention of the operators of Lyken's Funeral Home, that the stench emanating from their operations, specifically the refrigeration units, which accommodated the decomposed bodies.

According to Nandlall,

the owner was notified by way of a letter dated June 27, 2019, of recommendations that corrective measures be taken to address the fundamental public health issues. “...This quite lengthy letter was to the then Director General, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minster of Social Protection; Minister of Public Security; Commissioner of Police; Director of Environmental Protection Agency and Mayor and City Council…Your client has either failed, refused, and/or omitted to address this eminently dangerous public health hazard to which thousands of Guyanese are exposed,” Nandlall added.

Significantly, he said that the funeral home has never denied the toxic nature of their operation nor the hazardous state.

He continued: “The response has always been one of seeking more time to rectify what they, by their conduct, have accepted as a serious public health hazard…

Indeed, I am enclosing a letter dated January 21, 2021, in which Gordon Lyken informs Ms. Johnson that a separate facility to store decomposing human remains is being constructed at Lyken Funeral Home, and that the facility was about 90% completed and he requested some 3 months for its completion.

Clearly, the three months have expired without avail. I am instructed this is merely one of the several extensions granted to your client.”

In the circumstances, Nandlall noted that the decision arrived at by the Central Board of Health was neither capricious nor whimsical. This drastic but necessary decision was taken in a global public health pandemic and in the public best interest.

Moreover, the Attorney General said that given the contractual arrangements, he has advised that any monies owed to Lykens by the Guyana Police Force, should be discharged within a reasonable time.

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

Taxi driver loses car trying to make an extra pickup A 21-year-old taxi driver on Monday got his car hijacked after he stopped to pickup two male passengers on the road while he was heading to where he was dispatched to make a pickup. According to a police report, the man left his East Coast Demerara (ECD) home driving a silver Toyota Premio motorcar bearing the number plate PXX 4041, which valued at $1.5M, after he received a job to do a pickup at the Giftland Mall. It was further stated that while en route to the mall at Hope Turn, East Coast Demerara, he stopped for the two males who flagged his car down. The men indicated to the driver that they were heading to Strathspey, ECD; since Strathspey is before

the mall the driver decided to take the other job – one man sat in the front passenger seat and the other sat behind the driver. While driving along the Cove and John Public Road, East Coast Demerara, in the vicinity of the Women's Leadership Institute, the man that was seated behind him placed a knife to his neck and demanded that he stopped the car. The driver complied, and the man seated in the front passenger seat then forced him out of the vehicle before they drove away with his car.

The matter was reported to the police and checks were made to locate the hijacked car but so far, these have proven unsuccessful. The matter is being investigated.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Wednesday August 18, 2021

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Fitness Express maintains support for Carlos ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffith Manager of Fitness Express, located at John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville has maintained his company’s support of Guyana’s leading powerlifter, Carlos Petterson-Griffith as the strongman seeks to build on his legacy of success for Guyana.

Ahead of competing at the 18th Annual NAPF/

...26 players selected for Fitness Express Manager Jamie Mc Donald (right) hands over sponsorship to Carlos Petterson-Griffith.

Tuesday August 17, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you'll have a banker's precision, Aries. You will recheck everything from your expenses to your investments to your children's pocket money, not to mention how much you've paid back on your loans.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Do you wonder whether other people are attracted to you, Taurus? If you'd like to reassure yourself, you could work on your outward appearance today.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're probably looking for new objectives in your career and personal life. Today you'll get the opportunity to share some dynamic ideas with new people.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) This will be a great day for you! Your children, grandchildren, or siblings may have a lot of excess energy.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A wonderful day lies ahead.

Life is giving you more space and freedom at the moment.

You could take advantage of this space to do something with your creativity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do you feel like you're in a video game and about to get eaten by a monster? Today you should try a new game avoiding stress! Whether this concerns your career or personal life, you need to find some neutral territory where you can relax.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) After a few days of moving in slow motion, today you will get back all of your energy, Libra. Your instincts will be excellent and draw you to the people who can help you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you've encountered a lot of resistance on some of your projects, Scorpio, you should probably let them go.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The planetary positions are telling you to watch what you eat, Sagittarius. Why don't you think about eating more fruit? Buy the nicest fruit you can find and really be good to yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) What a perfect day to go to a spa, get a massage, or enjoy a sauna, Capricorn.

You've accumulated a lot of tension and stress lately, and you may have had a hard time trying to calm down.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you've been hesitant about whether you should go on a diet, this would be a great day to start. If you're one of those people who really doesn't have to watch what you eat, good for you!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you don't feel that you make enough money, this is the time to do something about it, Pisces. Are you sure you're doing everything you can to earn as much as possible?

From page 27 fast-medium) Nicholas Lewin Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Anderson Mahase Age: 18 (Left-hand bat/left-arm spin) Matthew Nandu Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Shaqkere Parris Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) Kelvin Pittman Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm fast-medium) Isai Thorne Age: 16 (Right-hand bat/right-arm fast) Shiva Sankar Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast) Vasant Singh Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm legspin)

FESUPO Pan-American Regional Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida, Jamie Mc Donald handed over sponsorship to Petterson-Griffith towards his expenses in Florida.

That apart, Mc Donald also noted that his company provides a monthly supply of supplements to Griffith to ensure that his stays in shape and is ready to do his best for Guyana.

“We are just happy to maintain and build on our support for Carlos who has shown his class over the years, not only in Guyana but on the Caribbean and International stages. As he

embarks on another quest to do his best, we are happy to support this leading Guyanese athlete and we wish him and all the other athletes the very best in Florida.”

Petterson-Griffith thanked Mc Donald and his company for their continued commitment towards his continued success, promising that he will once again make himself and the nation proud.

After competing here in Orlando, Petterson-Griffith will not have time to rest as he would turn attention towards the World Championships at the end of September.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday August 18, 2021

26 players selected for West Indies Rising Stars U-19s High Performance Camp ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the 26member squad to continue preparations for the West Indies Rising Stars U19s tour of England next month.

The squad was selected following targeted coaching sessions and an eight-match trial series in Antigua last week. The players will now continue training and planning sessions this week with a final 18-member squad for the tour to England

to be named at a later date.

Head Coach, Floyd Reifer said: “The screening trials went very well. We saw s o m e e x c e l l e n t performances and it was not easy to cut down the large number of such talented young players. You could see the enthusiasm was high in all the players, and the spirit was high in all the teams. We have to do everything we can to encourage all of the players who came, to continue working on their

game. A more intensive camp has started where we will push forward to improve the skill set, the mindset, and the tactical awareness of the 26 players, before cutting the squad further. More will go into the tactical sessions as we work towards the Tour of England and onto the ICC U19 World Cup. We will also promote the West Indian brand of cricket that we want to play going into that World Cup, without neglecting the fundamentals.”

The West Indies Rising Stars U19 tour of England will feature six Youth OneDay Internationals at The County Ground, Beckenham and The Polo Farm, Canterbury from Saturday, September 4 to Friday, September 17. The West Indies Rising Stars U19s High Performance Camp is a k e y p a r t o f C W I ’s investment in developing and preparing the players for the ICC U19 World Cup to be played in the West Indies early next year.

U19 Rising Stars Squad Onaje Amory Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin) Anderson Amurdan Age: 18 (Right-hand opening bat)

Ackeem Auguste Age: 17 (Left-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin) Justin Beckford Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin) Teddy Bishop Age: 18 (Right-hand opening bat) Carlon Bowen-Tuckett Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/wicket-keeper) Jaden Carmichael Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm spin) McKenny Clarke Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/rightarm fast) Rivaldo Clarke Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) Amrit Dass Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm chinaman)

Giovonte Depeiza Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm spin) Nathan Edwards Age: 16 (Left-hand bat/left-arm fastmedium) Andel Gordon Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/left-arm medium-pace) Sion Hackett Age: 18 (Right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast) Justin Jagessar Age: 16 (Right-hand bat) Jordan Johnson Age: 16 (Left-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin) Kyle Kissoondath Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/rightarm leg-spin) Johann Layne Age: 17 (Right-hand bat/right-arm (Continued on page 25)

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Team Guyana arrive ahead of tomorrow’s start, 12 nations to compete 18th IPF/NAPF/Pan American Regional Powerlifting C/ships

By Franklin Wilson in Orlando, Florida compliments of Pele Alumni, Fitness Express and the Trophy Stall

P

resident of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Gordon Spencer and the Guyana based strongmen and woman arrived in Orlando, Florida, USA yesterday afternoon ahead of what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested championship at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando International Airport from August 18-21.

Headlining the Guyana team is Carlos ‘The Showstopper ’ PetersonGriffith, one of six male athletes with the lone female being, Nadina Taharally, who have all expressed confidence that they will represent Guyana with pride.

The USA based duo of Nairanjan Singh, Guyana oldest competing powerlifter and Manager Kerma Singh are expected to arrive today.

Competitive action will lift off tomorrow with the females taking center stage, Taharally will be in action in the 76 kg Masters 1 category, Classics (Raw) competition.

President Spencer commented: “We have arrived safely, our athletes are upbeat and management is taking every precaution to ensure that our athletes are ok. We have examined the facility in Orlando here and it’s to our liking and our intention is to do well.

Everyone is settled in at this time and focused on doing themselves and nation proud.”

Spencer informed that the trip has been a good one to date and the Federation is very thankful to all the sponsors and others who have contributed towards the team being here to do their

best for Guyana.

“We were well received I must say from the organisers of the championship and we’re ready….”

The opening ceremony is set for this evening from 18:00hrs.

NAPF General Secretary Robert Keiler (left) and GAPLF General Secretary Roger Rogers after inspecting the competition venue yesterday.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Partial training for Boys team to Jnr Pan Am C/Ships - Inaugural Jnr Games in Colombia set from Nov 26 - Dec 5

By Sean Devers t’s been close to two years since a Squash tournament has been organised by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) but according to GSA’s Owen Verwey, the game is slowly being partially opened; but only for the junior Boys team to train.

The Covid 19 Pandemic, which shut down most things in Guyana since March 2020, forced the cancelation of several regional Squash tournaments including the 2020 Junior Pan Am Games.

A rg u a b l e G u y a n a ’s strongest Junior Boys team of Shomari Wilshire, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Michael Alphonso and Nicholas Verwey were favourites at this tournament.

The last tournament

I

held by GSA was the 2020 Bounty Farm handicap tournament in February which was won 12-year-old Louis Da Silva who defeated Mohryan Baksh in the final.

“At the moment Squash is not fully reopened, only partially reopened for the Junior Boys team that has qualified to play at The Junior Pan American Championship (Panam) in Cali Colombia.

The inaugural Junior Pan Am Games in Colombia has been rescheduled to November 25 to December 5 2021.

Guyana had ruled Junior Squash for 12 consecutive years until 2016 and the Boys team, led by Shomari Wilshire, is expected give a good account of themselves

despite the prolonged inactivity.

“The process getting the partial reopening involved the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) writing to the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport to seek permission for this Squad to begin training for this competition.

The GSA has ensured that all the COVID-19 protocols were in place and, the players, coaches (Carl Ince and assistant coach for this team Kristian Jeffery) and others fully observe these,” explained Verwey.

The GSA said the Association has agreed to use specific locations only to limit the exposures of everyone and those locations are the Georgetown Club, the Racquet Center (when

construction works are completed), and an encamped location for intense training sessions.

“We have ensured that all the players, coaches and the association executives are comfortable with this arrangement,” the GSA Head added.

“The Players are overjoyed with the opportunity to get back on court and play, as anyone can imagine. The GSA and parents are also happy for them.

The requirements are the same as issued by the COVID-19 regulations: The mandatory vaccination for all adults interacting with the players and all players over the age of 18, the required social distancing unless absolute necessary, the GSA

Owen Verwey has been sanitizing the facilities in use and have put the necessary sanitizing and temperature checking measures in place. These measures govern everyone at the facilities,” Verwey continued.

Verwey said the GSA is also hoping for the boys under 18 years of age, be

given some priority when the appropriate vaccination arrives in Guyana.

“There are no local competitions being organized at the moment, it’s just training. Anyone entering those facilities must be fully vaccinated,” Verwey reminded.

Verwey disclosed that there was an effect on the fitness and the players’ level of game due to the prolonged period of inactivity.

“However, both coaches have noted the rapid recovery that has been seen in the players and their abilities to further improve.

The coaches were impressed with this,” concluded Verwey, who took over the Presidency from David Fernandes at the GSA’s Elections on July 14, 2021.

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Afghanistan’s Qais Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq and Waqar Salamkheil set to feature in CPL 2021

E

SPNcricinfo T h r e e Afghanistan players have been named in the reshuffled squad lists for the upcoming CPL season: the Jamaica Tallawahs’ Qais Ahmad and the Guyana Amazon Warriors pair of Naveen-ulHaq and Waqar Salamkheil.

Ibrahim Zadran and Shafiqullah Ghafari, who had originally been drafted by the Tallawahs and the Barbados Royals respectively in May, were not part of the final squads.

Afghanistan is in the midst of major upheaval, with the Taliban taking back the political reins following the withdrawal of US troops from the country.

It remains to be seen how cricket is affected by these events, though ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari has been quoted saying he expects the sport to carry on as before.

“We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a twoday break with the change in regime,” Shinwari told PTI on Monday.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Naveen, who was the top wickettaker in the Vitality Blast in England, is already serving his quarantine in St Kitts, which will host the entire CPL season starting August 26.

The top-tier Afghanistan players - Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman weren’t part of the initial list.

They are expected to be playing for Afghanistan in their three-match ODI series against Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place at Hambantota in early September.

Meanwhile, it is understood that South Africa allrounder Chris Morris, who was the Royals’ firstround pick, has opted out of the tournament for personal reasons.

In his place, the Royals have signed the New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Glenn Phillips, who has been in good form in the Vitality Blast as well as in The Hundred. Phillips has been a CPL regular, ever since his Auckland coach, Mark O’Donnell, drafted him as a

replacement for Shakib Al Hasan at the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2017. He has been the Tallawahs’ leading scorer for three consecutive seasons.

South Africans Anrich Nortje and Rassie van der Dussen, who were originally drafted by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, will miss the tournament, as will Sri Lanka’s legspin-bowling a l l r o u n d e r Wa n i n d u Hasaranga. All three will be involved in South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka, which begins on September 2 and will clash with the CPL. Saint Lucia Kings, though, have retained Faf du Plessis as their captain. du Plessis had recently been ruled out of the Hundred after failing to recover adequately from the concussion he suffered during the PSL two months ago. It remains to be seen whether he is fit again for the CPL. Seam-bowling allrounder Isuru Udana is set to turn out for the reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders, having retired from international cricket following Sri Lanka’s whiteball home series against India.

He will be joined by Tim Seifert and Yasir Shah at TKR. Shah, who is currently part of the Pakistan squad in the Caribbean, will replace Sandeep Lamichhane, while Seifert, who was not initially retained at the draft by TKR, is back in for the Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe will tour Ireland for five T20Is and three ODIs from August 27.

The England trio of Ravi Bopara (Patriots), Samit Patel (Kings) and Jake Lintott (Royals) have also won late deals.

ESPNcricinfo understands that they will arrive in the Caribbean after playing in the Vitality Blast quarterfinals for their respective counties.

Lintott, the Somersetborn left-arm wristspinner, had not even registered for the Hundred draft nearly two years ago, but is now Southern Brave’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with ten strikes in seven games.

Singapore-born Hobart Hurricanes batter Tim David will replace Matthew Wade at the Kings. David had a

breakout PSL and then extended his strong form at Surrey. Netherlands’ Paul van Meekeren, who was recently in action for Durham in the Royal London one-day cup, will fill in for Nortje at the Patriots.

The entire CPL will be hosted by Warner Park from August 26 to September 15.

The 33-match tournament will allow fans to attend at up to 50% capacity of the 8,000seat venue - as long as they show proof of vaccination to enter the stadium facility.

Players, support staff, commentators and broadcast crew in the CPL bubble can move directly to the IPL bubble in the UAE. Squads Jamaica Tallawahs:

Andre Russell, Chris Green, Carlos Brathwaite, Rovman Powell, Haider Ali, Chadwick Walton, Fidel Edwards, Qais Ahmad, Jason Mohammed, Migael Pretorius, Kennar Lewis, Shamarh Brooks, Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Abijhai Mansingh, Joshua James, Kirk McKenzie, Ryan Persaud.

Saint Lucia Kings: Faf du Plessis, Keemo Paul, Wahab Riaz, Tim David, Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Usman Qadir, Samit Patel, Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Mark Deyal, Roston Chase, Javelle Glen, Keron Cottoy, Jeavor Royal, Kadeem Alleyne, Alzarri Joseph.

Tr i n b a g o K n i g h t

Riders: Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine, Colin Munro, Yasir Shah, Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Khary Pierre, Isuru Udana, Tim Seifert, Anderson Phillip, Denesh Ramdin, Tion Webster, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Leonardo Julien, Ali Khan.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Ravi Bopara, Paul van Meekeren, Sherfane Rutherford, Sheldon Cottrell, Fawad Ahmed, Devon Thomas, Rayad Emrit, Asif Ali, Colin Archibald, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Dominic Drakes, Joshua Da Silva, Mykile Louis.

Barbados Royals: Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Thisara Perera, Mohammad Amir, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Oshane Thomas, Kyle Mayers, Hayden Walsh Jr, Azam Khan, Raymon Reifer, Justin Greaves, Ashley Nurse, Jake Lintott, Nyeem Young, Joshua Bishop, Smit Patel.

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Nicholas Pooran, Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Hafeez, Brandon King, Naveen-ulHaq, Romario Shepherd, Wa q a r S a l a m k h e i l , Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Ashmead Nedd.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Wednesday August 18, 2021

Men’s T20 World Cup: The tournament starts on October 17; Super 12s begin on October 23 with Australia vs South Africa and England vs West Indies

India vs Pakistan in Dubai on October 24

ESPNcricinfo - The India vs Pakistan Super 12s Group 2 game at the men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will be played on October 24 in Dubai. The date was confirmed as the ICC announced the tournament schedule yesterday. The tournament’s first round kicks off on October 17 in Oman, with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh playing Scotland. The final will be played in Dubai on November 14, with November 15 marked as a reserve day.

The Super 12s - round two of the tournament, with two groups - will begin on October 23, with Australia facing South Africa in Abu

Dhabi and England up against West Indies in Dubai.

India vs Pakistan aside, another big-ticket encounter in this round includes England and Australia playing in Dubai on October 30.

England and Australia are part of Group 1 in the Super 12s, along with South Africa, West Indies and two qualifiers from the first round of games. India and Pakistan are in Group 2, along with New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifiers.

The top-two teams from the two Super 12 groups will play the semi-finals. The first on November 10 in Abu Dhabi and the second on November 11 in Dubai. Like

the final, both the semi-finals will have reserve days.

The tournament’s first round features Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia in Group A, and Bangladesh, Scotland, PNG and Oman in Group B. Oman and UAE are co-hosts for the tournament, with the first round being played in Oman, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The second round is spread around the three UAE venues of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai.

This will be the first time in over two years that India and Pakistan will play each other, their last meeting being at the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019.

As has been the case often in the past many years,

bilateral ties between the two countries are on hold because of political tensions, meaning they only face each other only in multi-team tournaments, like the World Cups.

This edition of the World Cup was initially scheduled to be held in Australia in 2020, but it was postponed because of the pandemic.

Then, it was slated to be played in India this October but, again, complications triggered by the pandemic forced a venue change.

Incidentally, 2021 was also due to feature a T20 World Cup as per previous ICC schedules, and that second tournament will now to be played in Australia late next year.

Sammy tags West Indies favourites Daren Sammy, the twotime T20 World Cupwinning West Indies captain

who unveiled the schedule in a virtual function on Tuesday along with Dinesh Karthik and Isa Guha, told T20worldcup.com that he expected West Indies to grab the most attention at the tournament.

“When you look at West Indies - and I might sound a bit biased - in the last [three] tournaments we have managed to get to the final four, win in two out of that [2012 and 2016],” Sammy said. “Our players, the calibre of players we have when you look at captain [Kieron] Pollard, the universe boss Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Evin Lewis - I could go on... it’s a long list of guys who can take the attack to you.

“But, in this stage, every team looking at the group stages would be thinking, ‘Wow, you got to start well’.

And I expect England and West Indies to come out of that group [Group 1 in the Super 12s]. [I predict that the team] that tops this group gets to the final.”

Karthik said he expected Group 2 in the Super 12s to be highly competitive as well: “If five Asian teams come through and you have New Zealand there... that’s a tougher group; I am looking forward to some high-octane action.

“It’s going to be close call for me between Pakistan and New Zealand [with India being the other team to get through from Group 2 to the semis].

My heart says I would love to see a Pakistan there, but New Zealand find ways to always punch above their weight. They are a pretty well-rounded team with a great leader in Kane Williamson.”

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 18, 2021

ECB saddened at the passing of Coach Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles The Essequibo Cricket Board is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Coach Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles and wishes to extend condolences to his family, colleagues and the Berbice Cricket Board.

A release from the ECB stated Coach Hyles was a loved and respected Coach who had an eye for technical flaws in players and the know-how to correct those flaws. He was one of the four coaches who successfully ran our first and only Summer Academy in the early 2000s, the three others being Alfred Maycock, Vibert Johnson and Forbes Daniels. Players from this Academy went on to represent Guyana at the Junior Regional Level.

Mr Hyles was also the Coach of the Essequibo Franchise team which won the Senior Three Day 2016/2017 tournament the first and only time ever that Essequibo won a Senior Three/Four Day Tournament. Some of players who have fond memories of Coach Hyles are Antony Adams Ryan Hercules, David Wallace and Norman Fredericks.

“Even as a stern and serious Coach, they remember the humorous side of him, for when as the Chairman of the National Junior Selectors they asked him why he had three

Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles pens...blue, black and red, his reply was ‘When I mark your name in blue, you are gone through (selected), when I mark in black, next year you coming back, but when I mark in red you are out.”

Coach Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles’ name has now been written in red and although we know that it will never again be written in black, his commitment was genuine and true when it was written in blue.

May his soul have the eternal rest in peace it deserves.

Overseas based Guyanese Bodo slams 169 in OSCL competition Canada-based Guyanese Ravi Bodo struck an aggressive 169 to guide Leguan Warriors to a resounding 114-run win against Miss Pheobe Cricket Club (MPCC) on Saturday last in the Ontario Softball Cricket League 20-over competition.

The left-handed Bodo struck five fours and 19 sixes as Leguan Warriors posted a substantial 273-5 from the allocation of 20-overs, while MPCC replied with 159-5 at Ashtonbee Park in Scarborough.

The rampant Bodo also got support from Vishaul Balram with 41 and 24 from

former senior Essequibo Inter-county opening batsman Radesh Monasar.

Praveen Kumar claimed three wickets for 43 off three overs. When MPCC batted, Praveen Pansare churned out a solid batting effort with 85 not out.

Kumar returned with the bat to make 25, while Ashok Sridharan offered fight with 21 and extras assisted with 26. Monasar proved his allround capability by snatching three wickets for 19 runs from his maximum four overs. Other scores were available up to press time.

N o t a b l y, s i n c e t h e

Ravi Bodo

formation of the League in 1996, only four other batsmen got over the 150 mark: Fazil Sattur with 205 not out, Vijay Prashad 196, Polly Shivrathan who made 169 and Rovendra Mandolall 154.

The action continues this weekend with another set of matches across the Greater Toronto Area.

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