Kaieteur News

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Maid’s other Sunday Edition 10 AIETEUR son participated NEWS in burning body of Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most kidnapped Canadian popular weekly

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August 23, 2020

Price $140

- rice farmer still being grilled

Online readership yesterday 135,450

ExxonMobil giving wishy-washy answers on critical- EPAenvironmental Head insists all concerns have matters for Payara to be addressed before approval p.

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Ramkarran, Shuman, Two Kaieteur News reporters test Gouveia appointed positive for COVID government advisors p.

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- Guyana spends billions to renovate old hotel but only has one testing machine

APNU+AFC spends over p.

49 $92M on Law Reform Commission but no work done - Attorney General

Coalition used close to $50M tax dollars to pay for elections, - special audit other court cases to follow - AG p.

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Contracts of

$15M boat “political fat cats” bought by Reg. 6 of SARA to be 50p. two years ago scrapped - AG never used p.2

Tricky Exxon!

ExxonMobil is cunning.

The new government must not fall for its excuses or entrapments.

ExxonMobil says that it will be forced to reduce production because of 'gas flaring' concerns. That is a lie.

It is an example of how the company can say the right things in public (cry at the funeral), while plotting against us (ripping us off), as regular production continues unchecked.

The Guyana Government must demonstrate that it has the backbone to resist the trickery of ExxonMobil.

Payara represents a golden opportunity to obtain deserved benefits, such as a fairer sharing of the Field Development Costs.

Guyana was saddled with billions (USD) in costs for the Liza 1 and Liza 2. Every effort must be made to prevent the same from happening again.

Payara should set the standard for all future oil

negotiations.

We must get it right with Payara, because if our new government does not, then we will pay the same high price for all the subsequent field development projects.

The PPP/C government must not feel obligated to the Americans because of the latter's stance on the justconcluded elections. America had to take such a stance, because it stands for democracy, human rights and free markets.

Instead of feeling that something is owed America for its electoral help, the PPP/C government must show it possesses the required fortitude.

Guyanese leaders must not be weighed down with a sense of indebtedness, but instead, be vocal and dogged in obtaining what is due to the country.

Our leaders must ensure vastly improved benefits from Payara.

Six months later...

“We might as well shut Wales cold storage, down the oil sector if agro-processing project Guyanese don’t share - 200 acres prime, waterfront lands gifted to foreign company in the prosperity”– VP Jagdeo No work started on

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Sunday August 23, 2020

$15M boat bought by Reg. 6 two years ago never used

T

he Regional Administration of Region Six had in

2018 purchased a boat and engine to use in the riverain areas when needed.

The purchase was an initiative under the then Regional Executive Officer

Kim Williams-Stephens.

The cost of the boat and engine was bought at a price of $15M but has never been used.

According to a regional official, the boat was bought from KP Management, the same company that the Not used: The boat at Whim

controversial bulldozer was bought from.

The boat has been in storage at Whim since it was bought and delivered in

December 2018 and is yet to be utilized for the purpose it was bought.

The regional official said that the 150hp engine bought

was not compatible with the boat, hence it being left down. The region previously had a boat but it had stopped working years now.

Queen Elizabeth II congratulates Pres. Ali - expresses her desire to deepen ties

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resident Irfaan Ali has received a congratulatory

letter from Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, who has expressed her desire to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

In her letter, Queen Elizabeth said: “The ties between our two countries and people are longstanding, and I look forward to your Presidency bringing renewed opportunities to

Queen Elizabeth 11

build on the friendship between the United Kingdom and Guyana as fellow members of the Commonwealth.”

Queen Elizabeth also wished President Ali and “the Guyanese people every success for the future”.

Ali was sworn in earlier this month after a hardfought five month battle, in and out of court over the elections results, by the incumbent Coalition.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

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Ramkarran, Shuman, Gouveia appointed govt. advisors T

he Irfaan Ali administration y e s t e r d a y announced three new political appointments as advisors.

The Office of the President, in a release, announced that Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Capt.

Gerald Gouveia, was appointed National Security Advisor to the President while Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Lenox Shuman was appointed Advisor to the Minister of Public Works on Civil Aviation.

The third and final appointee was leader of A New And United Guyana (ANUG), Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran, as the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Border Issues.

Wh ile S human and Ramkarran were unreachable for comments, Gouveia told Kaieteur News that the task at hand will not be easy since there is a lot of work to be done. He added that immediately on the agenda would be reforming the security sector along with boosting border security.

Background on new appointees Captain Gerry Gouveia is a veteran airline transport rated pilot with 40 years of service in the aviation, security and tourism sectors in Guyana. He is a former military officer with an excess of a decade of service in the Guyana Defence Force where he served as the Chief Pilot of the Army Aircorps.

Gouveia graduated from the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and is the current Chairman of the Private Sector Commission.

In addition to his wealth of knowledge and expertise, he has formal training from institutions such as the NTSB Academy in Washington DC in Aircraft Accident Investigations, Ge o rg e Washington University in Virginia USA in Aviation Safety and Security and the Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies in the National Defence University all in Washington DC, in areas of National Defence and Security.

He is a fellow of the Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies in the National

Army chief briefed on security at Kaikan

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u r i n g t h e command visit to L o c a t i o n Eteringbang, on Wednesday, the army's Chief-of-Staff (COS) Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has urged ranks to take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19.

He also thanked the troops serving there for their tireless and professional service to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana.

T h e C O S w a s accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the One Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir; Staff Officer General Three, Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Howell, and medical doctor, Dr. Ivor Semple, among others.

“Brigadier Bess urged the soldiers to steadfastly adhere to all the safety measures required to ensure their continued safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which is impacting Guyana,” the army said in a statement. “ Yo u a r e g i v i n g exemplary service while enduring the sacrifice of being separated from your families and loved ones. I thank you,” he said. “With the

number of COVID-19 infections and deaths increasing, you must protect yourselves. Wear your masks and practice social distancing at all times. Remember too, to sanitise your surroundings and wash your hands frequently.”

T h e L o c a t i o n Commander briefed the Chief-of-Staff on matters relating to security and operations at the location.

Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran - Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Border Issues Capt. Gerald GouveiaNational Security Advisor to the President Defence University in Washington DC. Lenox Shuman, Leader of the Liberty & Justice Party, is a licensed pilot with a wealth of aviation experience.

An old student of the North Georgetown Secondary School, Shuman furthered his studies in Canada where he gained his piloting qualifications and experience.

His 8,000 hours of flight experience was garnered through his flying of the following types of Aircrafts – Pa-31; NMK-II: C-172, 180, 185, 206; Pa-34; Beech Baron: DHC-2, 3; Be-18, 100, 200, 1900D; DHC8Q400; B738, 757,767.

He is the holder of Canadian and US Airline Transport Pilot License with Single and Multi-Engine Land and Sea Aircraft ratings. No stranger to service, Shuman served as Toshao for Pakuri from 2015 to 2018 and Vice Chairman of the National Toshao Council.

Lenox Shuman - Advisor to the Minister of Public Works on Civil Aviation Ramkarran, a founding member of ANUG, is no stranger to the Guyana/Venezuela territorial dispute. From 1994, Mr. Ramkarran was appointed Guyana's facilitator in Guyana/Venezuela Border UN Good Officer process.

He also continued to serve on the Ministerial Team for the Guyana/Venezuela Border Dispute from 1994 to present. Mr. Ramkarran also served as Speaker of the National Assembly.

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Kaieteur News

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

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

Editorial Why Can’t We Be Like Neighbours?...We Must Learn

W

e are good at talking about ethical, transformational, and servant leadership, along with all the other kinds of sterling national leadership that inspires listening citizens. We do so at every opportunity and with great skill. But when challenge comes with proofs delivered, we fail miserably.

Look at what happened in neighboring Suriname with their elections and how it was wrapped up in a fair span of time after some short-lived hesitation and resistance. Why couldn’t we be the same way, instead of fostering fear and fueling fading hopes?

Look at what happened in fellow CARICOM member, Trinidad and Tobago, in their just concluded elections, and how leaders rose to the occasion of what is best for the nation and showed the kind of mettle of which they are made. Why can’t we be the same way, conduct ourselves at the same laudable heights, instead of dragging process, country, citizens, and all reputations into the gutter?

No matter how kindly this is looked at, there is but one conclusion. It is that Guyanese leaders do not have what it takes to manage themselves better, to adjust their visions, to accept and respond to the will of the people and to the dictates of this process called democracy.

In this regard, and given what happened, the leaders of the former coalition government stand as unequalled examples of what was wrong and what was uncalled for and highly unacceptable in this region.

No elections, and this is regardless of what is at stake, should make honorable men stoop so low, as to lose all that they stood for, or as it was believed by many that they embodied deep inside. But this is what happened, and we are the worse for it.

When we most urgently needed the standing up, and sacrifices, for the sacredness of that abstraction and antiquated convention called country, all we in Guyana received in spades was the usual that is about party and party only and foremost.

Now we pay, and live with, several heavy, wearying prices.

There are the raw passions and sharp divisions that rage.

There are the hurts and the hates that hobble and cripple.

And there are the settled suspicions-the hardest of unmoving suspicions-that obstinate and difficult men and women, on one side, waged an unholy and unsuccessful war to thwart the electoral process by blatant attempts at cheating. And alongside that is the other side of the same coin is that there are many similarly thinking supporters on the defeated side, who are adamant that they are the real victims of wholesale deceptions and elections riggings.

Any rational and reasonable person sifting through the clashing positions and narratives for some grains of truth would be certain to reach this point and ask this question: it is only about the party and about the tribe; it is about victory and nothing else, regardless of the overwhelming elements of surrounding realities.

And the closely related inquiry that comes to mind is this: where is the broadly national and genuinely patriotic in any of this? Where are those ingredients when men, not unwise to the ways of Guyana or the wider world, cast everything to the winds and roll the dice in reckless disregard for the outcome, and its significance for the welfare of the population? How we need a different kind of citizen to lead us somewhere else!

How we could use them, if only they possess the vitalizing visions that lift us upward!

It may help to listen to Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, losing political contestant in the Trinidad and Tobago elections, who is now consigned to the role of Leader of the Opposition for the next several years, should she consent to stick around, should she be able to overcome her wounds.

In an article captioned, “The people have spoken” (KN August 19), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar shared some thoughts that should resonate with Guyanese, regardless of political loyalties.

She said, “the results have shown…that our nation is deeply divided on which party should be running the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.”

She said also that she was disappointed. Who would not

Sunday August 23, 2020

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

Poor building codes are likely responsible for fires DEAR EDITOR, All fires are preventable (except arson) and almost all are caused by irresponsible conduct. The recent fire on Sheriff Street which saw a magnificent place of commerce reduced to ashes in the space of a few hours is ample testimony that there is a dire need for the safety of people and the safeguard of property in Guyana by the Housing Authorities. Earlier, on Feb.18, 2020 in Regent Street, the Sachi Store was reduced to ashes in similar manner. I recall that it was only last year when I opined in a letter that Guyana has poor building codes and weak existent safety enforcement procedures. In that year, residential fires have left more than 100 persons homeless throughout the country. The massive fire on the western half of Pike and Thomas Streets in Kitty in 2019 is the type of destruction I have constantly written about in this newspaper.

The fires at Plaisance and Ms. Jocelyn Dows Charlotte Street complex together with fires at Cummings Lodge and

be after a closely fought, and very intense, political battle?

That person, that political competitor, would be less than human.

But it is where Mrs. Persad-Bissessar went next that stands out and separates her (and her party) from here and how our own leaders do things in Guyana when confronted by similar disappointing circumstances.

This is what the losing contestant had to say: “I am not prepared to fan the flames of hate.”

And “now is the time for reconciliation and healing among

at the Medical Storage bond in Patentia (West Demerara) are sad testimonies to the tragedy unfolding in Guyana on a regular basis. Fazias Collection building on Avenue of the Republic fell victim to similar tragedy. The fire at Gafoors bond three years ago further supported the fact that proper procedures are not being followed in the construction of buildings in Guyana. The Congenital Super Center in Cane Grove which was reduced literally to ashes in November 2016 is also a case of weak non-existent fire safety practices. Guyana needs a complete overhaul of its building policies and codes and safety standards, which according to some construction experts, are outdated. The experts have alleged that many buildings in Guyana generally do not confirm to designate classification.

For example, many single-family homes are converted into tenant occupied portions so that homeowners can accommodate family members and at the same time obtain rental income to help defray mortgage payments and other expenses. The (Continued on page 6)

our people. We are one nation.” Nothing like this has been heard or has happened in Guyana. And even when it comes through the platitudes of political propaganda, there is the lingering sense of the deepest of hypocrisies.

Why can’t we be like our neighbours? Why is it that elections here rise to a matter of life and death? This is how we die on our knees with this time no different than any other. We must be honest with ourselves-all our leaders-and we must rededicate ourselves, all of us, to learn well from our neighbours.

Sunday August 23, 2020

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The Americans cannot be bystanders in our issues with Exxon DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the caption “What Exxon is doing with Payara is what it did to Trotman in 2016 -Chris Ram” (KN August 19). This is my take on a position advanced by the ubiquitous commentator.

In my own words this is what I understood was Mr. Ram s position. The Americans were influential in our draining quest for electoral democracy. I agree. They must now bring similar interest and energy in our endeavors to move Exxon to get a new deal, a fair deal that is a square deal. That would be welcomed. After all, it is the fabled American Way. As I envision this, the thinking is now that the first stirrings of electoral democracy have registered, my fellow Americans must seamlessly realign presence and weight into our pursuitsindeed, our labors-for oil democracy. Ditto for the B &C & E plenipotentiaries that did so much for so few so recently right here. They must neither be absent nor silent now. It

cannot be that that is none of our business; if elections were, then everything is on the table, with nothing looming larger than Exxon and us.

It is their business, all of them; well, at least, I am making it so, especially for Americans. I remind them what President Calvin Coolidge authoritatively said almost 100 years ago: “the business of America is business.” That speaks for itself and to the power of its inferences, implications, and insights. With that as context, I reach now into history and prior American involvements in the commercial sphere, including oil.

I start randomly in 1953 and in faraway Iran. A leader named Mossadegh had bright ideas about his countrys oil ownership and management. That collided with the interests of the Anglo-Persian/Iranian Oil Company. He went down, the company stayed up and flourished. The Iranians have America and The UK to thank for the rest.In 1954, it was the same story, only closer, as in Guatemala, where a national-

ist (those are viewed as terroristic to the capitalistic) like Mossadegh, Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala, had to suffer through paying dues under the boot of American influenced intervention to oust him from power for crimes against capitalism. His crime was resisting a company called United Fruit, now Chiquita Brands. And in 1972, ITT reached inside the Nixon White House to topple Allende in Chile. We know what followed afterwards.

My position is simple and stark. Where big business interests are involved (in jeopardy) political America rolls up its sleeves and gets down to business; the real business of regime change; the record attests.

Now I leave history and return to political Guyana.

Political America and its Western allies weighed-in heavily in local affairs during our death struggles for electoral democracy. Mr. Ram recognized that. Now he is on record (and so am I) to urge that the same drive and energy must be manifested as

No to power-sharing at the Executive level

The right to govern is granted by the people when they exercised their right to vote. They exercise this right after being duly informed by the political parties contesting the elections. Each Party presents their program/manifesto on how they will serve the people. Each extol their own virtues while exposing the weaknesses of the other parties while campaigning.

The people then choose who will serve them best when they exercise their right to vote. Each party had the opportunity to present their case before the vote. They cannot cry foul or change the rules after the vote.

As per our laws and regulations, the right to govern is granted to the political party with the largest block of votes. Representation in parliament is also based on that block of votes which in this case give the PPP/C 33 seats, the Coalition 31 seats and ANUG/LJP/TNM joinder list 1 seat for a 65 seat parliament.

We already have shared governance. All 65 members of Parliament share in the governance of the country.

The 33 members of the PPP/C joins with the Executive President to become responsible for governance while the remaining 32 members has the responsibility to hold them accountable for good governance.

If all 65 members of Parliament were to join with the Ex-

ecutive President to govern, who will be authorized by our existing laws to hold them accountable? I do not believe dialogue should be about shared executive power because a vibrant opposition is always necessary to give the people a different perspective. Guyana is known to be high on the Corruption Index and low on the Transparency index. In other words, politicians In Guyana are not generally known to always put the people first.Every day we are getting more revelations on how the Coalition shared the National Pie. Can you imagine what would happen to the National Pie if the Coalition were to share in Executive Power? After both parties finish sharing, imagine what will be left for the rest of the Guyanese.We need an effective opposition that cannot be blamed for the failures of the current government to give us an option come next elections.Of course, nothing is there to prevent the current

administration from implementing 2 policies: 1. A condition of employment by the government in a non-political position must be to be non-political. Government employees are to serve all Guyanese without fear or favor. Kith and Kin preferences are not to be part of government services. You cannot be actively involved in supporting or opposing political parties. You keep your political views to yourself and exercise your choice only when voting. You must leave gov t employ when you want to be political.

2. Employ as many qualified opposition party supporters who are qualified for the position subject to the condition 1 above. I say no to shared Executive Power.

Yours truly, Sase Shewnarain

this countrys new leaders wage an uphill battle for what I label oil democracy. All we are asking for is a fair hearing and the fair shake of fair cash flow. What could be more American than that? We also need the fairness that comes from the freedom and space to review comprehensively the Payara project, that Field Development Plan.

I strongly believe that America can play a significant role (like the one noted in our elections) to influence ExxonMobil to do right by us.

I call upon it to do so. It could work behind the scenes. It could make mediatory and conciliatory pronouncements in public. I distance from any thinking that posits this is outside of its sphere of op-

erations. That was not the case with ITT and United Fruit, for starters. In the instance of Guyana, America gets to play angels, by coming out on the side of the little guys and the good guys.

That, too, is a hallmark of singular American ideals and nobility. I exhort that America be so for Guyana in its tussle with Exxon. Our leaders must lobby the US to lobby for us with Exxon; US heavyweights must bridge the gap.

Exxon has a virtual open line to the State Department and the White House; it is a two-way communication channel, and one which must be utilized for the benefit of Guyana. I close with something from 1953 with the then President of GM, Charlie Wil-

son, presenting this to the U.S. Congress: “I ve always believed that whats good for the country is good for General Motors, and vice versa.”

And I recall where he reportedly said that the business of General Motors is the business of America. Whether he did or not, here is my point.

Today, the new GM is ExxonMobil.

Today, ExxonMobil interests and American interests (what is good for both) are inseparable. Today, Guyana needs both.For all the above, I say that the Americans cannot be bystanders in our issues with Exxon. It must do its part and lean on this American icon. It has the required heft.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

We need to learn the lessons on local content from Trinidad

DEAR EDITOR, Trinidad & Tobago has long been the example that everyone in the Caribbean envied when it came to oil and gas. But the protracted decline that seems to have happened there should be a lesson for us here in Guyana.

As Kevin Ramnarine, T&Ts former Energy Minister, has pointed out publicly, his country desperately needs to change its approach to contracts and exploration if it wants to remain a fossil fuel powerhouse.

For decades, Trinidad allowed oil exploration only on terms that greatly favored the government. From profit sharing to strict local content rules, Trinidad was the gold standard.

Our own governments new local content consultant Anthony Paul was instrumental in developing these rules. And for a while, companies were willing to pay that price and Trinidad benefitted.

And then they werent.

Fracking and other new technologies unlocked vast new deposits of natural gas

around the world and suddenly Trinidad didnt look so appealing. Companies took their investment dollars elsewhere. The country coasted, depleting existing wells and remaining in denial of the problem for years until it finally has to face facts: offshore exploration off the coast has declined so much and for so long that now the country is running out of gas.

Look at the closing of Petrotrin in 2018 and the thousands of workers laid off in shutdowns of steel and ammonia plants and you will see what happens when a country that builds an industrial base around hydrocarbons runs out.

Analysts estimate that Trinidad has maybe one decade of gas left and small discoveries have not been enough to stop the plummeting revenues and dwindling sovereign wealth fund.Guyana should be wary of making the same mistake.

Governments are right to want the most out of their resources, but there must be a balance.

Offshore exploration is expensive and risky. If the math of breakeven costs, government take, local content rules and global markets doesnt work, they will move elsewhere. Its just business.

Yours truly, Donald Singh

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Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

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The PNCR must systematically reorganize to walk its talk

DEAR EDITOR This letter skirts the recent PNCR palace intrigues to discuss instead the party s recent statements on organizational change.

The party announced recently its intention “to rebuild and strengthen” and “to continually renew itself”. Giving substance to this desire for change, however, requires the party to overcome its over-reliance on ad-hocism.

An appetite for systematic approaches must be developed. With this mindset, the party must necessarily start with its strategies. Here, we have not overlooked its mission as the starting point.

But, for a political organism that has just lost government, its mission is obvious: regain the support of the majority of the people as quickly as possible.

From strategies, the party must then rebuild its structure. It should then look to fill that structure with the right staff and skills (Change Management 101). A few words on all of these.

Regaining the support of the majority comes down to formulating and executing strategies to remain relevant and important to people (their rights and welfare) and to the countrys future. What strategies come to mind?

First, APNU must direct far more attention to the fact that it still governs in four regions and in several NDCs. The party must craft a strategy to boost the performance of these councils.

Second, a strategy to leverage its parliamentary presence. If the opposition has any power in the National Assembly, that power resides in the parliamentary sectoral committees (such as those for economic and social services). The constitution assigns them the “responsibility for the scrutiny of all areas of Government policy and administration.” The coalition must be far more creative and aggressive than previously in leveraging its chairpersonship and membership of these committees to co-govern and to fix targeted problems on the ground.

Third, APNU must become the countrys strongest public protector and complaints authority against government abuse and misrule. In this regard, the Chris Jones case presents the opportunity for it to demonstrate its readiness.

Fourth, APNU has to lead the way on constitutional reform.

Fifth, APNU must have a strategy on how it interfaces with the PPP government to resolve specific issues directly affecting its supporters and the wider public. Contact with the PPP could range from ad hoc meetings with individual ministers to instituted government-opposition task forces, as we have had before.

Outside of this set of strategies lies the election petition. How could it be leveraged politically? Then, also of importance is the matter of inter-coalition relations (both within APNU and with the AFC). The need

now exists here for formal decisionmaking structures.

Strategies shape organizational structure.

The PNCR needs to discard its archaic structure for one that responds to a heavier strategic load.

The party should establish directorates for (i) parliamentary and political affairs, (ii) optimizing the performance of RDCs, NDCs and CDCs, (iii) citizens complaints and response, (iv) public relations (a persistent weakness), (v) constitutional reform, and (v) civil society and diaspora outreach.

Given those strategies and structure, we move to staffing and skills.

Off the bat, the PNCR needs to dump the self-defeating culture of side-lining human resources because of internal rifts.

All hands must be on board. A strategies-based structure provides the opportunity to give genuine work to a larger number of leaders and activists.

As a bonus, suitable appointments could also minimize the fallout from the recent purge.

No ten-point criteria is needed here to fill positions in the new structure. Only the persons ability to get the job done must matter.

Finally, one hopes that behind all the partys recent lofty rhetoric, real strategic planning is going on.

One also hopes that internal political intrigues do not reduce the party to a smaller version of itself.

Yours truly, Sherwood Lowe

Poor building codes are likely responsible for fires from page 4 flaw in the above example is that when a single family building is converted into a multi-family dwelling; using the same original electric systems could result in overloading because of the increase use of wattage due to the powering of more electrical appliances. As Guyana entered the technology era, a host of electrical appliances such as toasters, microwave ovens, blenders, computers etc., are utilized almost always, invariably, from one outlet. A microwave oven, an air condition unit and an iron can use enough wattage to induce overloading of the electrical system and precipitate electrical sparks and a sudden outbreak of fire. Extension cords, some of which are hidden under carpets with their multiple connections could pose a fire hazard. Then to make matters worse, there is the situation where persons break off the third prong with the earth wire in three way plugs to accommodate plug-ins. It is important for the public to understand that the earth wire provides safety in case of an overload or electrical shocks from externalities such as lightening.

It should be a policy for single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings to be registered with the Building Department where registration numbers are issued for purposes of inspection on a yearly basis, or by complaints from the public. Furthermore, in order to prevent fires from spreading from one building to another, a minimum space of roughly

10 feet should be allowed between buildings, especially in residential areas. This is a requirement that should be incorporated into the building codes and zoning regulations in Guyana in order to facilitate smooth and orderly evacuation as well as to allow easy access to firefighters and other first responders.

It is vitally important for commercial buildings, attached or unattached to have adequate and suitable sprinkler systems to douse flames of fires before the arrival of firefighters. In addition, Guyana should have a policy for automated oxygen retardant systems to be installed inside of buildings to smother fires and smoke alarms installed along corridors to warn occupants of dwellings on the eruption of fires.

Also, the government should have a policy to conduct inspections semi-annually or annually on sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and oxygen retardant systems. Finally, all bonds, regardless of what is stored in them, must be sectionalized much like the compartments in oil tankers to limit the spread of fires to other sections of the buildings.

These policies, though rigid in nature should, in the final analysis, be mandated by law to prevent further tragedies. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance if those in authority is truly serious about preventing fires and save lives.

Yours truly, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

We might as well shut down the oil sector if Guyanese don’t share in the prosperity - Jagdeo Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is of the firm view that if the Guyanese people do not share in the prosperity of oil, there is no use in keeping the local industry running.

He appeared on last Thursday’s edition of Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil & You with hostess, Kiana Wilburg.

The philosophy of the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration, he explained, is that though it wants oil companies to find success here, that success must not come at the expense of the Guyanese people, whose patrimony is the oil and gas.

He said that the party made a promise to the people on the campaign trail, that they will benefit, and that the government will observe that promise faithfully.

Since it assumed government, the President Irfaan Ali administration has signaled its discontentment with several provisions in the contract with ExxonMobil which need improvements. It has also signaled its intention to significantly improve the capacity of the public regulators to scrutinise oil companies’ operations by updating legislation and training key personnel.

Jagdeo has repeatedly stressed the importance of local content, and has noted the need for legislation. The government also intends to audit local content costs claimed by oil companies and their sub-contractors.

He explained that local content costs should only be recoverable if they are reasonable.

Pertinent to this development is the involvement of Trinidadian local content

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo expert, Anthony Paul, who the government has reached out to for help. The government hopes to have draft local content legislation by year end.

While the government has committed to improvements on this and several other key oil sector issues, the status of the controversial ExxonMobil agreement governing operations on the Stabroek Block remains a sore spot.

The government has committed to renegotiating every other agreement, except for the contract for the Stabroek Block.

Dr. Jagdeo has agreed time and time again that it is a poor contract with lopsided provisions, but for whatever reason, he has made it clear that the Stabroek Block agreement is the sacred cow and will not be renegotiated.

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Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil giving wishy-washy answers on critical environmental matters for Payara -EPA head insists all concerns have to be addressed before approval

By Kiana Wilburg As the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) Government continues with the review of the Payara Field Development Plan for ExxonMobil’s third project in the Stabroek Block, there have been growing concerns about the US oil giant’s posture on environmental issues.

One of the most critical concerns remains that of flaring…which releases over 200 toxic chemicals into the nation’s atmosphere.

As a result of mechanical issues being experienced with the Liza Destiny’s gas compressor system, ExxonMobil has flared from December 2019 to now, over 10 billion cubic feet of gas.

Until it fixes the faulty equipment, ExxonMobil will continue to flare over 12 to 15 million cubic feet of gas per day as confirmed by head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams.

Furthermore, Kaieteur News would have confirmed with sources close to the review of the Payara plan that ExxonMobil is pushing to retain the loopholes in its Liza One and Two permits which allow for flaring.

Dr. Adams, who is in the

process of correcting this state of affairs, confirmed this too.

The official said: “The problem is that a lot of things slipped through the cracks in the beginning because ExxonMobil was not being questioned enough from the regulatory side, from the side I am on. And this was because we lacked the competence at the agency. The right questions were not being raised because we did not have the competencies in the agency...”

In addition to this, Dr. Adams recalled that he had received some concerns from international lawyer, Melinda Janki regarding the Payara Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Janki had partnered with one of the industry’s most revered scientists, Dr. Mark Chernaik who pointed to troubling flaws in the EIA. One of the flaws highlighted was that there was no study on the cumulative impact of carbon emissions that would be released when Payara, Liza One and Liza Two, are operating simultaneously offshore Guyana.

Dr. Adams said that those matters are critical while adding that they are still

being worked through because “they are always sending answers which so far have been inadequate.”

Dr. Adams added: “They have to address every single environmental question and concern raised during the EIA process. And once again, that has not been completed.”

He was keen to note that ExxonMobil cannot start development without approval for the EIA. PAYARAEIA In the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Payara Project, one gets the impression that the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by ExxonMobil’s projects would not be at an alarming rate.

The document notes that GHG emissions only increase in 2022 with the initiation of production operations for the Liza Phase Two Development Project, and then again in 2023 with the initiation of production operations for the Payara Project.

It was noted that cumulative GHG emissions peak in 2025 and then decrease steadily over the next 15 years from approximately 6,500 kilotonnes per year to approximately 5,900 kilotonnes per year, as predicted production levels gradually

EPA Head.

Dr. Vincent Adams decrease for the five development projects.

But a deeper analysis by reputable scientist Dr. Mark Chernaik of Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) found significant anomalies that may have escaped the attention of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency. The scientist and attorney-at-law said: “The claim that the project’s emissions would be ‘over the next 15 years from approximately 6,500 kilotonnes per year to approximately 5,900 kilotonnes per year’ is grossly inaccurate as these emissions do not include indirect

emissions, that is, the end use of the products derived from the crude oil.”

Based on FPSO key design rates provided in the EIAs for Liza Phase 1 (100,000 barrels per day), Liza Phase 2 (220,000 barrels per day) and Payara (220,000 barrels per day), cumulative oil production by ExxonMobil is expected to be around 540,000 barrels per day, or 197 million barrels of oil per year for the years 2024 to 2030.Taking this into consideration, the scientist said that the average carbon dioxide emissions from production and eventual combustion of crude oil (including its refined products will not be 6,500 kilotons per year or 6,500,000 metric tons, as Exxon claims, but roughly 85 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year for the years 2024-2030 inclusive.

Dr. Adams said that upon noting the foregoing which Kaieteur News exposed, he has challenged the oil giant for a response.

He said too that the American super major was asked to address other concerns raised by Dr. Chernaik.

According to the scientist’s report, the severe social costs of greenhouse gas emissions of the

Payara Development Project combined with the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two projects were not presented to decision-makers in the EIA. Dr. Chernaik explained that the social cost of carbon represents the economic cost associated with climate damage (or benefit) that results from the emission of an additional tonne of carbon dioxide. It is intended to include (but is not limited to) changes in net agricultural productivity, human health, property damages from increased flood risk, and the value of ecosystem services due to climate change. Based on his computations, the social cost of ExxonMobil’s projects would be US$34.8 billion. It was also noted that the indirect cost of the said emissions would be US$717 billion.

When these and other concerns are taken into consideration, the American scientist concluded that any approval granted would be done with a lopsided understanding of the impact these projects would have on the environment.

Dr. Adams is now making efforts to correct this state of affairs.

Army medic helps to delivery Kaikan baby Guyana Defence Force(GDF) Medic, Lance Corporal, Thirston Tappin, has rendered medical attention to a Kaikan resident, resulting in the safe delivery of a baby boy.

According to the army yesterday, Nairobi Marquez, 34, of Kaikan, a community in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni, Region Seven, delivered the baby at her home on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

Tappin is currently serving at the GDF location at Kaikan, which is on Guyana’s border with Venezuela.

Tappin had been attending to a Guyanese resident in the area when he was asked to provide assistance to Marquez.

According to the army, upon receipt of the permission of his superior, Lieutenant Quason Mac Andrew, the medic proceeded to the woman’s home and assisted.

The mother and newborn were later transported to the Kaikan Health Center for further care and treatment.

Marquez, a Venezuelan national, is residing with a Guyanese relative in Guyana.

Thankful: LCPL Tappin is seen with Marquez (at right) and her newborn baby.

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Two Kaieteur News reporters test positive for COVID-19 -Guyana spends billions to renovate old hotel but only has one testing machine

Two Kaieteur News reporters were recently informed that they tested positive for COVID-19, but the time it took to receive their results has shed light on worrying details about the management of the pandemic by the previous administration.

The need for testing for the staffers became evident after it was announced that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, had tested positive. The reporters had been exposed to members of the Cabinet.

In keeping with protocols of the newspaper, the reporters are currently in isolation at home, and are cooperating fully with the efforts of the Ministry of Health.

As a result of this news, staffers of several departments of Kaieteur News are to be tested over the next few days.

One issue of particular concern was the time it took for the reporters to receive their results. While they were told at the time of testing that those testing positive would be likely to receive results by the next day, the results actually came eight days later.

Several checks within that period revealed that a backlog at the laboratory processing the samples had built up.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, told Kaieteur News yesterday that the backlog had racked up to about 800 samples during the week.

The Minister explained that due to a ramp-up in testing by the new administration, the limited infrastructure held by the government to process tests posed a challenge.

Presently, there is only one Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, which is manually controlled, in use. It has the capacity to process 80-90 samples in about nine hours, according to Anthony.

Kaieteur News understands that there is only one shift per day.

This would not do, as the ramp up in testing sees the country taking hundreds of samples in any given day.

The former APNU+AFC government spent billions in the COVID-19 period it held government, including $1.6B to renovate the old Oceanview Hotel at Liliendaal.

Projects like this one was supposed to build capacity to accommodate patients. But without the requisite testing, there would be few patients to house.

The Minister said that testing in the past was very restrictive. However, the Government is now allowing asymptomatic persons to be

tested as well.

Recent testing statistics have provided a much clearer, more sobering picture of how widespread the pandemic really is.

The numbers had rocketed pass 900 cases as of yesterday.

Dr. Anthony explained that the government is steaming ahead with training for persons to assist with processing of test samples. That way, instead of conducting a single shift of samples processing per day, the Ministry would facilitate three shifts, potentially taking the testing capacity to 300 samples per day.

The government has also, according to Anthony, put in an order for another machine - one that’s automatic and

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Dem boys seh...

Ponzi gat some people sittin pun posey Dem boys is like de Critic. Dem nah know who is dem great grandfather. But dem boys gun start fuh search because, like de Critic, dem boys gat lil Portuguese blood running through dem veins. And dem Portuguese bin own nuff property lang ago in Guyana.

So dem boys might be entitled to a lil piece of de country.

Dem boys gat to go by Ogle and see if dem gat any pasture deh wha dem boys can claim was dem great, great grandfather own. And dem boys gun put down some stave and claim de land.

A man wha named after a

famous American car try fuh claim some land and end up in front of de courts. Dem boys see plenty video of de incident and dem boys proper disappointed with de man wha named after de American car.

Duh sort of low-life behaviour nah set a good example fuh de younger generation.

Dem boys bin expect better from he. Dem boys seh dat if he gat de right paper, he should use the right method fuh get de land. But he can’t assume because was he great, great grandfather land dat he entitled to de land.

Dem boys know plenty people who great grandfather nah leff nuttin fuh dem.

Dem boys also know dat

some people about to lose dem land, dem house and dem money. Dem get caught up in a Ponzi scheme.

Is suh when yuh is a sucker and yuh excited fuh get quick money. Dem gat a lot of suckers in Guyana.

Dem does fall easy fuh man and woman with sweet talk, fancy ride, nice clothes and good looks.

If de man wha bin named after American car bin had good looks, he too might a get some land and would not have had to mek a fool of himself by throwing tantrum in village.

Talk half and remember dat if it is too good to be true den it can’t be true.

much more efficient. He said that then the government may be able to do 96 tests in two

hours, instead of 96 in nine hours. As for quarantine facilities, Anthony assured that

there are enough facilities to contain persons who are not able to isolate at home.

PAGE 10

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Maid’s other son participated in burning body of kidnapped Canadian

Motorcyclist caught riding up one-way assaults traffic rank, attempts to escape

-rice farmer still being grilled Investigators attached to the Major Crimes Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Georgetown are still grilling the Corentyne rice farmer who has been named as the mastermind into the shocking murder of a Canadian citizen from Number 69 Village.

While the police remained tightlipped on the current status of the investigation, Kaieteur News understands that the rice farmer, who is accused of being the mastermind, has started to open up to ranks.

Nicholas Jaipaul, who came to Guyana in January with his 86-year-old grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, was kidnapped from his vacation home at Number 69 Village Sunday night.

His burnt remains were found at a desolate location at Moleson Creek on Thursday after a suspect, said to be a son of one of the maids for the Jaipauls, led them to the location.

He reportedly confessed to strangling and then burning the body of the young Jaipaul.

He had named the rice farmer as the mastermind

behind the crime. The rice farmer reportedly owes a large amount of money for the rental of Ramkissoon Jaipaul’s rice lands with the matter currently before the court.Kaieteur News had been told that the suspect is the son of a maid who has been cooking for the Jaipauls since January.

Based on information provided by a source, the suspect had visited the house of the Jaipauls on Sunday to pick soursop leaves and had spent a few hours “gaffing with the victim”. It is believed that the suspect returned that night and lured the victim out his house and then killed him.

The plan was to kill the Canadian and then lured the grandfather to a location to pay a ransom of $50M for the young Jaipaul.

However, the plan was derailed after the worried grandfather made contact with the police after not finding his grandson in his room.

The police immediately jumped on the case and had ranks at the grandfather’s home.

It was reported that the

The motorcyclist in the process of beating the traffic rank

Murdered: Nicholas Jaipaul day after Nicholas went missing, the grandfather received an anonymous call from someone saying that they had his grandson.

Meanwhile, this publication understands that the suspect was named together with his brother in the death of their step-father from Port Mourant Village, in 2015.

In that matter, the suspect had escaped while his brother was charged for the murder and subsequently freed at the High Court in 2016 for the murder. It is understood that the brother that was freed assisted the suspect in burning the body of Nicholas.Presently in custody is the maid, her two sons and the rice farmer.

A motorcyclist riding up a one way on King Street, Georgetown, yesterday, was caught on video brutally assaulting a traffic rank.

He was caught after attempting to escape.

The brutal attack on the police officer happened just after 15:00hrs.According to a video seen by this publication and posted on social media, the traffic rank appeared to be holding on to the man’s scooter just before the attack.

The motorcyclist cuffed the officer twice to the face and followed up with several left and right punches to the

body. As a result the rank’s cap fell off and he was forced to let go of the man’s motorcycle. While the officer was recovering from the blows, the motorcyclist picked up the scooter and ran with it towards Regent Street where he attempted escape.

However, the assaulted rank along with his colleague who witnessed the attack gave chase behind the man and held on to him again.

This time they were backed up by other ranks and the motorcyclist was arrested.

He was handcuffed and

escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where it was found that he was not the owner of a motorcycle license or in the possession of insurance for the scooter. He is currently in custody pending charges.

Police said that the traffic rank along with his coworker were carrying out their duties at the intersection of Regient and King Streets when they saw the motorcyclist riding-up the one way on King Street without a helmet.

As they were approaching the motorcyclist, he jumped off the scooter and (Continued on page 47)

the hire car, HC 6304, was heading in the direction of Linden when it collided with the trailer of a motor lorry.

Investigators detailed that the car was speeding along the highway in the vicinity of Kuru Kururu when it decided to overtake another car which slowed down to accommodate a motor lorry turning north onto the western side of the road.

However, the hire car crashed into the rear wheel of (Continued on page 48)

Dead: Kevon John Newland

Passenger dead in highway smash-up One person was killed and three others were injured yesterday after a hire car crashed into a truck along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Dead is Kevon John Newland of Wisroc, Linden, Region Ten. Among the injured is Orin Rose, 30, the driver of the hire car; Shemron Niles and a female passenger.

According to police, the fatal crash took place at around 11:20hrs.

Kaieteur News learnt that

GPL looking for up to 30MW of power

Growing demands for energy has Guyana searching now for 30 megawatts of power.

According to the stateowned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), through a ‘Request For Expressions of Interest’ published Friday in Kaieteur News, the purpose for the expressions is to identify appropriate suppliers which can potentially fulfill the minimum requirements for supplying firm power generation to the Demerara/ Berbice Interconnected System.

The move would raise questions whether GPL and the new government has abandoned an ambitious 46mw project at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara.

The project has already seen the civil works being started.

That project would have helped to reduce the generation woes that has been dogging GPL. The country has been

facing a growth in demand for power that has overtaken the capacity it has to generate.

There has been an attempt to build a 165mw hydropower project at Amaila Falls but it was shelved by the Coalition Government which lost the March 2nd elections.

According to GPL yesterday, the present call for EOI does not constitute an invitation to tender and only suppliers deemed qualified

by GPL shall progress to the next stage of the process.

GPL said that the supply of a minimum of 1MW and a maximum of 30MW of ‘Firm Power Generation Capacity’ should come with the appropriate sub-station where necessary, to interconnect with the grid at either 13.8KV or 69KV. Generating unit size shall not exceed 10MW. According to the project scope, GPL shall only be responsible for grid connection at the point

of interconnection with the existing network infrastructure.

“Suppliers shall be responsible for all activities necessary to finance, insure, test, commission, operate and maintain the power generation and associated facilities, It was made clear that suppliers shall be responsible for all activities necessary to finance, insure, construct, operate and maintain the power generation and associated facilities, including all activities relating to fuel supply, cooling water, substations and other related facilities required for complete operation of the power generation and interconnection facilities and the supply of electricity to the grid, The EOIs have to be delivered on or before September 4th to the GPL Tender Board, Duke Street, Kingston.

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Sunday August 23, 2020

Our Frontline Worker of the Week is…

Nurse Coretta Alves

By Romario Blair

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues to intensify in Guyana, being in the line of duty appears to be increasingly difficult for our health care workers on the frontlines. Despite the challenges they face, however, our health care workers continue to selflessly render their life saving services with some of them even going above and beyond the call of duty.

Coretta Alves, who works as a professional nurse at the Institutional Quarantine area at the Suddie Hospital, is one of the many professionals who have been doing a remarkable job caring for our COVID-19 patients.

Nurse Alves has been in the profession for over eight years and she believes that the best part of being a nurse is being emotionally available for a patient; without any sort of prejudice.

But for her, being a nurse wasn't exactly her dream career. Nursing and caring for people she doesn't even

With her loving daughter Annalee

know, however, is today something she has grown to love. It was therefore no surprise, that when the opportunity presented itself for her to work in the COVID-19 Quarantine area, she willingly signed up.

FALLING INTO PLACE Nurse Alves grew up in C a p o e y, w h i c h i s a n Amerindian community famous for its natural lake on the Essequibo Coast. There she grew up with her mom and four siblings. She attended the Capoey Primary school, before attending the Abrams Zuil Secondary School. She graduated from secondary school with nine subjects and then pursued studies at The Business School.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Nurse Alves said that following her graduation from secondary school, she was yet to focus her mind on a career choice.

In explaining how she stumbled on to nursing, she said, “After I finished school I went back home by my aunt…one day I was sitting by the landing and an NDC officer, who was in the community for a meeting, asked me why I wasn't in school. I told him I'd finished school but wasn't in a job… he then asked what I thought about nursing. Since my mom was a village councillor he helped me to fill out some applications.”

When asked if she knew what she was signing up for, a giggling Nurse Alves replied, “I had no idea what I was signing up for…I didn't even know what the profession was about because I was in the business stream. I didn't know whether I was signing up for professional or assistant nursing. But a

Prepared to wage war against COVID-19

of Nursing and there I did a diploma in professional nursing, wrote my exams in 2012 and became a registered nurse on the 11th May 2012,” she related.

Ever since, she has been working at the Suddie Hospital. “From the 2nd August (2012) I have been working there; I worked in critical care for a year, then in the ICU.” For the past two years, Nurse Alves has been the head nurse in the hospital's emergency Department. She admitted that moving to the hospital's COVID-19 Quarantine area, was indeed a huge step, but her decision was fuelled by the need to help others. “I stayed in nursing because I love being a nurse. I love taking care of people and so when the opportunity came up for me to volunteer in the quarantine area I did so without hesitation.”

Wo r k i n g i n a n institutional quarantine facility, she said, entails

can cause us to do “twoFear things; either we cower, or we fight… We should fear COVID-19 in the sense that this virus is out there, but we should fight back by adhering to precautions.

”

couple months after, my name was in the papers and I was placed in professional nursing.”

Nurse Alves said that for once, everything appeared to be falling into place, even to the point that she started to love the idea of becoming a nurse. “So eventually I got into the Georgetown School

monitoring the patients' vital signs, making sure they take their medications, and most importantly ensuring that patients are comfortable.

Nurse Alves admitted too that there is a completely different approach, when it comes to health care delivery in the quarantine area, which can be challenging from time

Nurse Coretta Alves

to time.

She went on to explain, “being isolated is hard, not only for the patients but for you as a nurse as well. I would describe it as a very emotional phase. As a nurse you're accustomed to being there physically with your patient and it helps a great deal in offering emotional support. But with COVID19 that's not the case because minimum physical contact is recommended when dealing with COVID-19 patients.”

Nurse Alves, in a sad and emotional tone, explained, “There was this recent experience I had where there was a little child in quarantine. The child she was crying, and she was taking off the saline saying she wanted to go home.

Honestly as a nurse it's hard n o t t o b e c o m e compassionate when something like that is happening…usually in a situation like that I would've picked up that child and try to comfort her in my arms.

But witnessing that from a distance and being able to do

Sharing a moment with friends

little to help the situation was heart breaking, because it could've been my child in there.”

NECESSARY SACRIFICES Nurse Alves has made a number of huge sacrifices as part of her dedicated effort to help battle COVID-19. She said that she was quite aware of the risks of working in the Quarantine Department, and as a result, had taken the decision to temporarily isolate herself from her daughter. Her daughter and only child, Annalee Alves, is just nine years old and is staying with her grandmother so that she can remain safe.

Nurse Alves said that temporarily giving up her daughter, who she has seen only twice in five months, has been one of her greatest sacrifices. “My nine-yearold daughter is with her grandmother because right now it's risky that I am here and have to go home to her.

So when school closed in March I sent her to her grandmother.

The fact that I've seen her twice since then… it's very hard because the way I was raised, I lived with my parents for 11 years, then I came to the coast I had to live with my aunt. I never wanted my daughter to live with anyone other than me. But it's something I can't help because my working hours are longer now and it's risky because she's only nine; I can't take that risk of being around her. I talk to her as often as I can and I pray to God to keep her safe,” Nurse Alves shared. Because she is (continued on page 49)

Kaieteur News

Bibi Aarifa Sahadeo

Sunday August 23, 2020

This week's beauty is the captivating Bibi Aarifa Sahadeo. This 22-year-old beauty enjoys drawing and being a make up artist. One of her favourite quotes says, "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Sunday August 23, 2020

Pioneering Guyana's first child/family bereavement Charity…

Marva Langevine

By Rehanna Ramsay

J

ust over a year ago, a young teacher from Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD), copped the Queen's Young Leaders Award (QYLA) for her inspiring work of helping bereaved families cope with their loss.

Since then, under the auspices of its founder and QYLA, Marva Pamela Tiffiney Langevine, and her small group of dedicated supporters, the Guyana Golden Lives Organisation (GGLO) has reached out to dozens of families by not only offering sympathy and moral support, but by providing tangible assistance in a variety of practical ways during their time of grief and loss.

This week, we at Kaieteur News have chosen to feature Ms. Langevine as our 'Special Person', for not only her noteworthy efforts but the unique way she found to support members of her family, community and nation.

Despite the setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Langevine a teacher attached to the Stewartville Secondary School is still finding ways to reach out to families particularly children dealing with the loss of a parent.

“When the pandemic hit, I knew that they would need support more than ever, so with the assistance of my sponsors. I put together

is a 'Special Person' Spending time with Mikeisha's boys

money to help them with groceries, bills and whatever else they were in need of,” she said.

During an interview with Kaieteur news, Langevine opened up about plans for GGLO and some of her personal goals for the future.

She spoke of how she discovered her purpose in the most unusual way – through the death of a dear friend, Mikiesha.

It was about four years

ago and she was preparing to compete in the Miss World Guyana Pageant.

“I was thinking of a cause to highlight for my 'Beauty with a Purpose' project, which was part of the competition process. I had a few ideas, but I thought that there were already enough organizations doing great work for things like cancer awareness, so I wanted my project to help scope out those that didn't

yet have a support network.

At a loss, I paused for a few minutes and said a prayer.

Almost instantly, the name “Mikiesha” popped up in my thoughts.”

Langevine explained that Mikiesha had died from a rare form of cancer in 2014.

She was the mother of two beautiful boys, who were one and four years old when she died.

At that point, the Miss World Guyana contestant went online and began to research “what happens to children after their parent/s die.”

That research opened her eyes to a whole new area of n eed an d s u p p o r t f o r bereaved children and families who have experienced a similar loss.

Since then, Langevine has been working to raise awareness and provide support for families and children in those difficult circumstances.

Through GGLO, Langevine has hosted several workshops and awareness talks on the importance of providing therapy to those affected by grief.

She noted “I always wanted to become a teacher but after I realized how much support is needed with aggrieved children and their families, my focus shifted to helping to provide counselling and therapy.”

Sharing a moment with members of her extended family

Receiving her award from Queen Elisabeth II at Buckingham, Palace

GGLO Founder, Marva Langevine

wanted to become “ Ia always teacher but after I realized how much support is needed with aggrieved children and their families, my focus shifted to helping to provide counselling and therapy.

”

CHILDHOOD AMBITIONS However, before she found her purpose in providing comfort to those grieving, Langevine, who grew up in the village of Den Amstel, spent most of her days wanting to teach. She remained focused on that goal.

She shared briefly on her childhood and the special bond she has with her family.

“I grew up with my extended family. My cousin Trisha, brother George Jnr. and I call our maternal grandmother "mummy" because she cared for us after our mothers migrated.”

Langevine noted, however, I am a daddy's girl so I would spend weekends and holidays with my father, George Langevine, who also lived in the village. The family soon moved to Linden after her grandmother migrated to the United States.

In Linden, she attended Wismar Hill Primary School before she too migrated to live with her mother in Barbados shortly after writing common entrance.

“I was placed at the St. Michael School in Barbados and I was happy to reconnect with my cousin Trisha, who migrated to Barbados when she was eight,” she said.

Despite some harsh comments about being a Guyanese living in Barbados, Langevine was still very outgoing and became involved in acting, modelling and athletics.

“Growing up I was always bold and enjoyed reciting poems. Even when people teased and said bad things about Guyana, I (continued on page 13)

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 15

A comprehensive audit of SLED is required A

controversy has erupted over the arrest of former Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, and the search of his home.

Supporters of Jones have sought to focus on the actions of the police; while his critics have zeroed in on his eligibility to benefit from the Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Project.

Both sides have their arguments but there is no reason why both sides of the debate should not be the focus of a much deeper investigation. In other words, the issue of eligibility for grants as well as the legality of the actions of the police can be the subject of a much wider probe.

The police claimed that they were conducting an investigation into simple larceny.

But it is difficult to understand how the police are going to establish simple larceny by someone who was granted goods under the Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Project. The elements of simple larceny do not appear applicable in this case.

For a conviction on a charge of simple larceny, a number of elements have to be established. One of those elements is having goods without the consent of the owner.

If on the other hand, the goods are in the possession of someone who has not applied it to the purposes for which it is intended and have not returned the goods to the rightful owner, then this a m o u n t s t o misappropriation, not larceny. But that is for the lawyers and prosecutors to argue about.

If the project has not materialized, then the State can repossess the property which was not used, as yet, for the intended purposes but it would appear a great leap to establish simple larceny.

This is no different from the state giving someone materials to do a project. If the person does not commence the project within

a certain time, then the state can repossess the materials since it belongs to the state.

Of more immediate concern of any investigation should be the process by which grants were disbursed under SLED. As far as public information is concerned, SLED allowed cooperative groups to be issued with grants so as to establish small businesses.

The project was designed to help group and not individuals.

It was not intended to benefit single individuals and therefore there is a need to establish whether the case presently in the public domain was a single proprietorship venture or involved a group.

If it was the latter then who were the other persons involved, and why were the items not put to use earlier.

The project application would establish the name of the group, if any, and the identity of the beneficiaries.

SLED was not assigned a great deal of resources. This was a small programme with a limited Budget.

It could therefore only have assisted a limited number of groups. As such, great care should have been taken to ensure that all the projects financed were viable, undertaken by groups or organizations whose bona fides were verified and that the funds or goods disbursed were utilized for the intended purposes and beneficiaries.

How it is that the items were assigned to one individual rather than a group requires some explanation and the police would no doubt be ascertaining this fact.

A comprehensive audit therefore should now be undertaken of all SLED projects. The first objective should be to examine whether the criteria established was met in relation to disbursements of goods or cash. The audit should determine whether any private individuals benefitted under the initiative.

According to reports in the media, SLED was geared

to assist groups of persons who established cooperative societies. It would have defeated the purpose of SLED if individuals rather than groups received assistance.

Second, the audit should examine the bona fides of the groups assisted. This should be done to determine whether there was any partisanship in

disbursements and whether any shadowy organizations benefitted from the programme.

One would assume that at the minimum, the Ministry of Social Protection, which was administering the project, would have ensured that the cooperative groups society are not cardboard groups.

Third, the audit should

determine whether the sums of goods disbursed were applied for the purposes for which they were intended.

This will guard against misappropriation or the project being used for private benefit. Greater attention should have been paid to possible conflicts of interests.

Fourth, the audit should do an evaluation of the

projects undertaken to see whether they were successful or not. This is an important aspect since it would make an assessment of how successful were the projects funded.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Sunday August 23, 2020

COVID-19 and its consequences for Caribbean diplomacy

By Sir Ronald Sanders

T

he COVID-19 pandemic is severely limiting the work of diplomacy. It could have a lasting adverse effect on international relations if finding a vaccine continues to elude global researchers for much longer.

Critical to the work of diplomacy, at every level, is interpersonal contacts at which relationships are forged, attempts are made to iron-out differences, or, at least, some deal is struck – even if it is to defer divisive decisions.

But the protocol of managing the coronavirus has halted such contacts.

Physical meetings and conferences have been replaced by constrained, strait-jacketed, virtual meetings.

Restaurants, famous as venues for deal-making, are firmly shut. The result is that off the record discussions are simply not possible.

There would be few in the diplomatic world who do not assume that telephone calls, and discussions on virtual digital platforms are not recorded –

therefore as little as possible is said, constraining the possibility of compromise.

Since March, it has been impossible for diplomats in international organisations, such as the United Nations bodies and the Organization of American States (OAS), to conduct face to face meetings either in Councils or in one-on-one discussions.

In Washington, for instance, US government buildings, offices of members of the US Congress, and Embassies have been closed to the public with most officials

and diplomats forced to work from home.

Meetings, conferences, and bilateral discussions have had to be held on virtual digital platforms like Zoom and Kudo.

But while these meetings are better than nothing, they are inadequate to the task of diplomacy much of which relies on interpersonal contacts.

The OAS now holds all meetings of its Permanent Council and Committees through a virtual platform.

S u b s e q u e n t l y , representatives make speeches at each other.

Lost is the opportunity for dialogue that could help to bridge the divide between governments. Meetings lack spontaneity and flexibility.

Often, they are interrupted by failures in technology.

The most significant i n j u r y t o m u l t i l a t eral diplomacy is that diplomats cannot negotiate effectively by disembodied virtual means.

F o r e x a m p l e , negotiating resolutions and declarations is a painstaking process in which every word matters. One word could change both meaning and intent. Therefore, great care is placed on the consequences of the use of a word to a country.

As an example, the words “Climate Change” and “Global Warming”, much as they represent existence and survival to small states, conjure a different importance for industrialized countries, particularly those that deny the existence of both phenomena.

T h e i n t e n s e negotiations, required to reach an understanding, if not an agreement, on the use of these terms, are undercut by the restricted nature of online meetings.

One of the big challenges that the OAS will face in October is how to persuade Foreign Ministers from 33 countries to sit in front of their computers at home over two days to participate in the Organization's General A s s e m b l y, i t s h i g h e s t decision-making body.

The meeting will be held

in name, but its quality will be gravely undermined.

General Assemblies are more effective for the opportunity they provide for Ministers to talk with each other outside the formal Council.

It is in the corridors and in the lounges that problems are overcome, new relationships are forged, and old ones strengthened.

There will be no such opportunity this year.

Indeed, a raft of new Foreign Ministers, including three new ones from Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, will not have the chance to meet their counterparts from the US, Canada, and Latin America.

The problem is also acute at the United Nations both at the levels of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

Up to July, the Security Council could not vote on important issues because its rules do not allow for such voting at informal meetings which is how virtual meetings are characterized.

R e c e n t l y , representatives have gathered physically once a week to vote on some important issues, but, even so, the work of the Security Council is greatly delayed and impaired. Significantly, this has suited the bigger powers that have taken advantage of Security Council paralysis to advance their national positions, and even their rivalry.

Similarly, in the UN General Assembly, no formal electronic voting system has been established because some members still resist it. Consequently, resolutions can only pass by consensus of all member states.

Since such consensus cannot be negotiated, only minimal compromises are made. That, too, suits the few giant nations, long intolerant of the many dwarf countries.

All of this makes the world a less safe place. It provides the opportunity for powerful countries, which have the capacity for noncommercial travel, to make arrangements with other countries, outside of the multilateral system.

Sir Ronald Sanders Invariably, thes e arrangements serve the interests of the more powerful government.

There is no question that meetings held on virtual platforms have proven that they are beneficial for some purposes. If they continue, they will save governments and businesses a great deal of money that, hitherto, had been spent on travel and accommodation.

They should be retained for routine meetings on non-controversial issues.

But for hard-bargaining and on matters that require careful negotiation, virtual meetings are unhelpful to diplomacy whose effectiveness depends on interpersonal contacts, building relationships and the ability to explore possibilities that are not formally on the table.

Small states, like those in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are being left out – and left behind. Unlike powerful states, they need a functioning multilateral system in which to represent their interests – right now that system is fractured even more than it was prior to COVID-19.

The effects of the pandemic have limited the diplomacy of Caribbean state, including their capacity to negotiate with the nations whose policies most greatly affect them.

This situation calls for more cohesive policies by CARICOM governments and collective action by all of them in every international organisation.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The view expressed are entirely his own.)

Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Sunday August 23, 2020

Rupununi Essence attracts raving reviews for being a true Guyanese beauty elixir By way of clever marketing tactics, many of today’s skincare products promise beautiful, blemish free, youthful skin. But how many of those claims are actually true and more importantly, how do we know those products are safe?

While these products may be giving us the results we want, they could be subtly harming our bodies.

And there’s nothing beautiful about that! This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with products which have sources you are familiar with, ingredients that are simple and processes that can be trusted. Let’s go back to times long ago (about 7000 years to be exact), when only nature’s purest and finest ingredients were used for skincare and their effectiveness and safety were guaranteed.

Some of nature’s finest beauty ingredients can be found in Guyana’s diverse Rupununi savannahs. Envision mother nature’s most superb potion for supple smooth skin, growing from

seed to a tall straight tree, encased in a beautiful wooden shell and referred to as the treasure of the forest. What is this wonder seed you ask? It’s none other than the crabwood tree seed!

This very special tree is known by many names, such as AndirobaSaruba, Brazilian Mahogany and Carapa and the oil from its seeds is highly valued for its multibeneficial nature. It is also found in countries like Brazil and Peru, and they flourish in Africa.

The tree’s leaves, bark, and seeds have been used extensively by the indigenous people to cure a number of ailments. Director of Resource Management for Iwokrama Dr. Raquel Thomas notes that crabwood oil has known antifungal properties and a study at Iwokrama showed over 40 different uses for it, including for trush, skin moisturizer, insect repellant, hair, wood oil repair, joint pains, swellings, and rheumatism and sunburn treatment to name a few.

Crab wood oil has also been

used as a natural agent to remedy skin injuries and to heal and reduce scars.

There is another oil you may be more familiar with that nature gave us, which has similar properties. It is the ever versatile coconut oil which contains moisturizing saturated fats which replenishes and retains hydration to leave your skin nourished, soft, smooth and glowing.

Now I’ll tell you about one other oil that does wonders not just for your skin, but for your senses too. It is none other than the humble lemongrass (commonly called fever grass). It is usually used in Guyana in tea, particularly when you’re feeling a little under the weather.Lemon grass oil is not just energizing and aromatic, it also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. In skincare, this is essential to reducing that agonizing inflammation and suppresses bacterial growth on your worst acne days.After learning about three of

For many years I have used multiple products on my skin from different well-known and expensive brands, which unfortunately have never provided the results that the makers claim.

But one day my husband brought home a wonderful gift for me from his first visit to Guyana called RUPUNUNI ESSENCE (Facial Cleanser and Skin Nutrient). I was absolutely delighted with the excellent results. After very little time my face felt very clean, soft and well hydrated and protected through the day. It almost seems magical in its effect and the way it makes my skin feel. Furthermore, the product is made with natural ingredients and helps protect my skin from the impacts of leading a busy and active life.

Alejandra (Bogota, Colombia) If you haven’t tried Rupununi essence yet, then I think you should definitely give this local product a shot.

I felt a difference in one wash and since I have very oily skin, my skin was left smooth and not too dry.

It helps that it smells great and comes in a pump cover bottle, the packaging is beautiful. Most of all the ingredients are all-natural in my view, that’s the best part of it.

One of the best local products I’ve come across so far, I give this a 5 star!

- Susana (Make-up artist, Guyana) I, like many others, tried various expensive high brand products and while the results were okay, I felt it was not enough. So when I was first introduced to the Rupunini Essence Facial cleanser I have to admit I was a bit skeptical (this was my typical foreign minded mentality at that time-my perception has since changed).

I researched the product and it dawned upon me that the main ingredients were what my grandmother and mother used, and to me, they had perfect, healthy skin. So I took the big plunge and three years later since my

introduction, I am still hooked. The mere fact that facial cleansers have to be used on a regular basis can also affect one’s budget, thankfully the manufacturers understand this fully and have made it very affordable.

When my daughter became a teenager recently and the usual fiasco of acne concerns followed, she had a long list of expensive facial products she needed, I asked her if she wanted to try my Rupununi Cleanser and after m u c h ‘ n o ’s , l o t s o f objections, (she felt it was an ‘old people thing’ because her mother was using it), she

nature’s best elixirs, I’m sure you’re anxious to know how you can get these benefits right at your fingertips and in one heavenly potion too.

Not to worry, through a collaboration between the Medicine from Trees Group and the Makushi Research Unit of Bina Hill, North Rupununi, with the assistance of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), the Rupununi Essence Luxury Facial Cleanser and Skin Nutrient was created four years ago.

This product combines the benefits of the crabwood seed oil, lemongrass and coconut oil using modern methods and state of the art science to give you 100% quality controlled natural skincare.

But Rupununi Essence is much more than a luxury facial cleanser.

It will directly benefit hinterland communities, from the crabwood oil producers across the country to

the soapmakers, making the environmentally sustainable extraction of the oil more economically viable and providing the potential for further research and development of ancient medicinal knowledge into modern natural skincare.

Over the four years since its introduction, Rupununi Essence has amassed quite a following, t e s t a m e n t t o i t s e f f i c a c y, consistency and value. Below holds just a few of the testimonials about this one of a kind Guyanese beauty elixir.

FIVE STARS! I have acne sometimes and I decided to try this Cleanser because of the Natural Ingredients of crabwood and lemongrass especially.

It works really well in helping me remove my

makeup, unclog and clear my pores.

There’s a nice refreshing feeling on the skin after use; I really am happy with the results.

-Reneé (BROMELIAD. Rnc, Guyana)

Rupununi Essence is an amazing product with ingredients known to Indigenous women for centuries in particular the Crabwood Oil. I also am a fan of this product because it supports the women of the North Rupununi and this impact in livelihoods shows that partnerships can have far

reaching sustainable implications for communities.

I personally use this product and love how my face feels after washing.

I have given many persons as gifts and they love it and friends with skin problem have testified that it works.

- Raquel (Iwokrama, Guyana)

I happened to buy a bottle of Rupununi Essence at the airport two years ago and since then I have been hooked.

My skin has never looked or felt this good.

I have since compared

finally tried it and it has worked wonders for her.

Needless to say, Rupununi essence facial Cleanser is now on the top of the shopping list. I fully endorse and recommend this product.

– Phoolkumari (Radio and Television personality, Guyana)

After trying many different products for my acne, Rupununi Essence was introduced to me by a friend in 2018.

I have been using it ever

R

upununi Essence products are available at Pharmacies, Supermarkets and Beauty Supply stores in Guyana as well at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

the results with many of the leading brands and guess what...this is my choice.

I’m so proud of my homeland for producing this excellent product!

- We n d y ( L o n d o n , Ontario) since.

Not only has this product gotten rid of my acne, but it has transformed my skin, keeping it clean and smooth!

-Simone (New York)

and from the IAST by calling 222-4215 or ordering the products through Instagram or Facebook. Deliveries during COVID-19 restrictions are available from the IAST.

Sunday August 23, 2020

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Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

APNU+AFC: Complex and not so complex reasons for the untergang

O

ver the coming months, I will ana lyze the 2020 electoral untergang of the APNU+AFC in the 2020 election.

It will not be a series. I will just from time to time, pinpoint some of the deciding factors in the defeat.

One cannot point to a cluster of variables to explain the democratic defeat of the PNC and the AFC. There were small factors and there were crucial ones.

What happened over the past five years in the APNU+AFC’s tenure was that the small factors and the formidable ones met in a fiveyear-old confluence and this led to the gradual erosion of voters’ confidence, respect and admiration.

Where to start is a problem. The causes for the election evisceration are oceanic.

What I will do is offer specific acts and combine them with broad analytical interpretations as I go along. What I mean is this.

I will cite one particular event as a factor in alienating the nation, for example, the immediate salary hike for the leadership after they came to power in 2015. Then I will also look at the theoretical causes for the defeat, for example, the AFC’s complete loss of identity.

I now begin the series which will definitely not be sequential so please do not expect a continuation tomorrow. A caveat is in order. You cannot treat the APNU+AFC

as a single entity when you are assessing the untergang.

There were specificities and particularities in both the APNU and AFC that existed independent of each party. I hope to highlight these weaknesses in both organizations as I go along.

I start with what I consider the ugliest and nastiest manifestation of degenerate politics I have seen in my 50 years of participating in political activities.

Others may not see my example here as containing the depravity I assign to it, but academics put different weight on varying factors.

As I wrote several times in these columns, the decision by the AFC the day of selecting their Cabinet members in May 2015 to offer a complete stranger to politics the Cabinet post of Minister of the Environment, was unheard of anywhere in politics.

For me that was deep, moral turpitude that was destined to destroy the AFC and the government it was part of.

From that moment, I had absolutely no more use for the APNU+AFC regime.

I made a decision as early as that time that I will use my pen to expose the ethical rut of the APNU+AFC administration. Such people could not be fit to administer the future of Guyana if they could leave their soldiers who struggled in the trenches with them and offer an entire ministry to a personal friend.

The AFC’s continuation in power was marked by a

dangerous decline in morality to the point that by 2020, it had lost its raison d’être. I will return to the particularities specific to the AFC that contributed to the electoral demise but let’s go across to the APNU. One of the amazing scenarios that the five-month election rigging game birthed was the persona of David Hinds.

Hinds became, more than any other surrogate, even more than any PNC or AFC leader, the preacher of line of ethnic apocalypse should the PPP be allowed to be declared the winner of the election, a fact that the world accepted.

Hinds mouthed off dangerous rhetoric, the intention of which was to get African Guyanese to create “physical trouble.”

It was not hard for anyone to imagine what a young Sydney King did to inflame racial tensions in the 60s when you watched at how Hinds performed for five months.

But Hinds’ defence of ethnic domination the past five months was ironic.

His party, APNU, fell in 2020 because he, Hinds, and his fellow WPA inclusions in the APNU+AFC regime, were emasculated after 2015. The bond that the PNC and WPA cemented to contest the 2011 national election brought euphoria to African Guyanese.

It dissolved the animosity that existed between Rodneyite Guyanese and Burnhamite Guyanese.

Society’s suspicion began to mount after 2016 that the PNC had used the WPA. This caused two sets of alienation and societal disgust.

One was that the middle class Africans who loved Rodney turned away from the Granger presidency.

The other was that the very sycophantic behaviour of the WPA alienated

Guyanese in general. AFC voters told themselves if the PNC could treat the WPA like that, then what they wouldn’t do to the AFC. AFC voters began to drift back to the PPP. Hinds himself help to generate this alienation and disgust with his critiques of the power intoxication of his own government.

(The views expressed in

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

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Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

Sunday August 23, 2020

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Kaieteur News

A foundational text deserving of inclusion in schools’ social studies curriculum (A Review of David Granger’s The Village Movement: 1839-1889. The cradle of the nation.)

David Granger’s The Village Movement: 1839-1889 is an informative and richlyillustrated book written for children. The book’s subject highlights the efforts of Africans, Chinese and Indian indentured immigrants and the country’s indigenous peoples in building a nation from the bottom-up through the establishment of villages.

Granger wrote this book in 2010, prior to becoming the President of Guyana. He has produced another book with the same title and which celebrates the historic Village Movement triggered after the abolition of African enslavement in 1938.

The establishment of villages was not unique to Africans. Indigenous peoples lived in village even prior to the arrival of the Dutch in the late 15th century. Chinese and Indian indentured immigrants also were engaged in establishing villages even though there efforts never surpassed, in speed and scale, that of the African village movement.

The only ethnic group which did not pursue such an enterprise was, surprisingly, the Portuguese. They preferred to settle within the existing villages and towns, despite creating their own social organizations.

Villages were an integral, but often overlooked, aspect of nation-building. Granger addressing an Emancipation celebration in 2016 recalled how Emancipation led to the transformation of villages into a nation. One of the instruments of this transformation was the village movement. He has related the central role of villages in economic enterprises, education, housing

and the fostering of social cohesion and communal solidarity, in other addresses which he delivered as President of Guyana.

Granger has been in the forefront of highlighting the role of villages in nationbuilding. He moved a motion in his country’s National Assembly on 7th November 2013. The motion called on the then government-of-theday to designate the 7th November “as a ‘National Day of Villages’ in order to honour and respect the pioneering purchasers [and] to promote national appreciation of the village movement at all levels. The motion, though carried, had to wait until Granger was President in November 2016, to be implemented.

Granger has belaboured, consistently, the importance of villages to nation-building.

He has highlighted the role of villages in triggering economic emancipation and as an agent of socializing free people and feeding the country’s population. The village, he noted, helped to train and hone the skills of artisans. It has nurtured generations and still does today. The village is described, aptly, as the cradle of the nation.

The Village Movement: 1839-1899 is divided into 30 one-page sections. Each provides a concise but rich source of information about the various village movements – African, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous.

Granger writes that that the village movement was a movement of ordinary people who sought to improve their lives and build strong communities. He described the village movement as orderly process of great achievement.

The book Introduction’s summarizes the significance of the Village Movement and

how it subsequently spawned the construction of churches, homes, schools, bridges, road and farms. The book examines the antecedents to the Village Movement, the arrival of indentured immigrants and the historic purchase of Plantation Northbrook, by freed Africans. This purchase led to mass migration of Africans off the plantation and the erection of free communities. It goes to examine the economic enterprises engaged in by free villagers as well as the monumental challenges which they faced within the villages, including the effects of flooding, poor drainage and high taxes.

The response to these challenges helped to birth the system of local government but also triggered protests.

The book also examines non-African attempts at establishing villages. It examines the protections which were offered to Indigenous villages – Guyana’s first villages which were established long before colonization.

Granger proceeds to examine Indian and Chinese attempts at establishing villages and settlements, including at Hopetown on the Kamuni Creek, Helena, Whim, Bush Lot and Maria’s Pleasure. It ends by examining social aspects of village development, including education, religious worship and sport.

The Village Movement 1839-1889 is richly illustrated

with drawings by Barrington Braithwaite. The drawings are vivid and provide a picturesque commentary to the book’s varied themes, providing a smooth and seamless narrative.

The book is a product of extensive and scrupulous research. Granger, again, has mined a wealth of sources in researching the book. Among the references which he recommends for further reading are works by Alan Adamson, Dale Bisnauth, Basdeo Mangru, Winston Mc Gowan, Mary Noel Menezes, Brian Moore, Walter Rodney, Trev Sue-A-Quan and Allan Young.

Villages as physical and

social constructs remain vital to national development.

Granger has argued elsewhere that the majority of Guyanese still live in villages and can trace their roots to villages.

The Village Movement 1839-1889 is a foundational text deserving of inclusion in the school’s social studies curriculum for both primary and secondary school students. It represents a valued source of information on the quinquagenarian following Emancipation.

This period saw the most transformative demographic changes in British Guiana’s history with the introduction of indentured immigrants, the

mass migration of Africans off the plantations and the establishment of African, Indian and Chinese villages and settlements.

The village movement reminds us yet again that not all great movements are the product of a top-down process.

David Granger with this book ensures that villages, their role in nation-building and the ordinary folks who pioneered their development are accorded their due and deserved recognition.

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

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Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Coronavirus: Life in the ER is getting tougher; help us to help you

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center “Doc it’s becoming very difficult for us”.

Those were the words of a member of my team recently while taking care of patients in the Emergency Room (ER) at GPHC. While I had noticed the surge in patient numbers over the past few weeks, it’s never easy hearing the toll it is taking on the ER staff.

The ER at GPHC is the place that never sleeps. No matter what’s the obstacle (believe me there are many), my ER team is always ready to practice ‘MacGyver’ tactics to ensure we can continue to deliver for our patients. It is a thankless job that has become even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are now seeing an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases in Guyana and if it con-

tinues to surge, it will take a toll on us in the ER and the healthcare system in Guyana.

THE UNPRECEDENTED RISE IN COVID-19 CASES Over the past weeks, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

This is a sharp rise when compared to the slow rise in the initial numbers. My biggest worry is that we haven’t reached our peak and if we do not improve on our preventative measures, it will overwhelm Guyana.

We need to learn from other countries and not make the same mistakes that have cost so many lives and have left so many incapacitated.

We have also seen the increase in COVID-19 cases at the ER. While we are managing to keep the ship afloat, I am beginning to see the possibility of kinks that can overwhelm us if our COVID-19 cases continue to climb at unprecedented rates.

THERE IS EVENARISE IN NON COVID-19 CASES In the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana when persons were more adherent to restriction guidelines, the number of patients coming to the ER had dropped significantly.

This gave us the time to adapt and also manage with the smaller number of COVID19 cases that was coming. It does take more time and effort to manage COVID-19 patients than non COVID19 patients because of factors too numerous to mention.

Unfortunately, as persons have become more tolerant to the situation and less adherent to guidelines, we are seeing a rise in non COVID-19 patients presenting for care. What is distasteful, is the fact that many of these non COVID-19 emergencies are avoidable.

There are many trauma cases presenting during the curfew hours; quite a few of

them are intoxicated with alcohol. Injuries from interpersonal violence are also prevalent. These are all avoidable conditions that add to our already stretched lists of patients.

HOW IS THE ER STAFF COPING? No one can ever say they are fully prepared and are doing well during a pandemic.

This is a first time experience for us all.

Working in the ER, or the “fast lane” as it’s sometimes called, you have to be resilient and cope with abnormal amounts of stress on a daily basis. In a pandemic, stress levels can go through the roof and overwhelm any system including hospitals and their ERs. For now, we are coping; but there are signs of things getting out of hand. There is only so much that our system was designed to handle.

If this surge continues, we may become overwhelmed and it will not be good for us

and our patients.

Every day we continue to strive and find the balance between concurrently caring for COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients while pushing our safety levels to the brink. I am fearful of the day that we will not be able to find that BALANCE. HOW CAN YOU HELP US TO HELP YOU? Every week I write and ask for us all to practice preventative measures. It’s the only way for us to safely maneuver and be successful against this pandemic.

Today, I’m pleading for the sake of my ER team and all the health workers in Guyana to: · Stay at home and social distance if you have to go out · Always wear a mask when you are out · Practice good hand and general hygiene · Adhere to restriction guidelines · Spread the word about preventative measures to ev-

PAGE 23

Dr. Zulfikar Bux eryone you know If all of us do these five things well, I’m confident that we will flatten this surge and win the fight against this pandemic.

With COVID-19, the health workers need you more than you need them. I wish to thank my ER team at GPHC for their unfaltering will to strive for their patients during this time; what we do matters, let’s keep doing it.

To my fellow health workers in Guyana, keep up the will to battle and soldier on. To my fellow Guyanese, be responsible; please help us so that we can help you.

PAGE 24

SUNDAY REVIEW OF 3RD WELL PLAN (PAYARA)…

CONSULTANT HIRED HAD RESIGNED ON CORRUPTION SCANDAL, HAS LITTLE EXPERIENCE IN FIELD DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION The consultant selected to review the Payara field development plan for ExxonMobil’s third Stabroek Block project is ex-Premier of Alberta, Canada, Alison Redford.

This was announced Saturday August 15, 2020 by the Ministry of Natural Resources following questions from Kaieteur News about the individual who would be hired by way of a grant from the Canadian High Commission for this technical job.

Following a detailed background check, Kaieteur News was able to find a wealth of information about Redford’s political and legal prowess.

The same, however, could not be found about the years of experience the Queen’s Counsel has in finding loopholes in field development plans.

In fact, this newspaper found that it was only in November 2017 that Redford took a position as a “policy advisor” in Kabul to the government of Afghanistan to help reform its Ministry of Mines and Petroleum which has a reputation for corruption and mismanagement.

In a statement to the press, the Ministry of Natural Resources said that Redford now serves as a World Bank Advisor on Gas Sector Reform in Pakistan and also as an advisor in other jurisdictions, as they develop new approaches to upstream regulation and community engagement.

The Ministry said, too, that she has worked on several bilateral and multilateral projects particularly in energy sector

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

regulation and has worked in multiple countries on behalf of the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the European Union.

Here again, nothing was mentioned about her background in reviewing field development plans.

The Ministry also said that Redford has commenced the review of the Payara plan but the names of the other members and their experience in reviewing field development plans were not mentioned. The said review is expected to be completed by August 24.

Kaieteur News spoke with several experts who were part of evaluation teams in the Caribbean and Africa and all explained that the job is by no means one that can be dealt with merely at the policy or legal level. It involves, for example, assessments of the oil company’s plans for reservoir mapping and management. This deals with how the oil companies will go about getting as much oil and gas out of the ground as efficiently as possible. The members of the review committee would therefore need to have years of geological, geophysical and reservoir engineering knowledge.

Further to this, Field Development Plans also explain how the company will go about selecting the best well paths and design the wells for drilling to penetrate as much of the reservoirs as possible and/or locate injectors to help with enhancing production, but safely and cost effectively.

It also provides information on the economics to model the various options for reservoir depletion, production rates, costs, equipment (including FPSO) purchase or lease, etc.

The experts said it would therefore mean that Guyana would need a team which has experienced consultants as well as data and equipment (technology) to do interpretations and/or validate what has been

provided by ExxonMobil.

One specialist said: “Even though ExxonMobil is a world class operator, it is not recommended to just accept their plan, as their objectives (rapid rate of production) may not be in sync with the country’s…”

Another expert said: “There are tradeoffs that can occur during the approval process and the government needs to know how much oil or gas it wants to leave in the ground. It has the power to control depletion…Guyana has to remember that the faster it approves these plans, it is putting more pressure on itself to regulate in the absence of strong institutions.”

As is well known, Guyana has a long way to go in strengthening its institutions.

Apart from Redford’s apparent inexperience, Kaieteur News’ background check also found that the former politician had demitted office in 2014 following a slew of scandals.

In 2013, Redford had attended the funeral of Nelson Mandela. Her attendance, however, created a controversy when it was revealed that the Alberta government covered the approximately CDN $45,000 cost for her trip, including roughly CDN$10,000 for a privately chartered flight to return to Alberta from South Africa for a swearing-in of the new Alberta Cabinet.

Redford’s travel further elicited disapproval from Albertans when it was revealed that her then 12-yearold daughter and a friend had

accompanied her several times on official government planes.

In mid-March 2014, Redford repaid the costs of the Mandela funeral trip and apologized. It was reported in the press that the money was repaid only after weeks of refusals to do so, and Redford “only relented after tensions within her caucus spilled into the public realm.”

The fallout over the Mandela funeral trip had led to further scrutiny, with subsequent revelations of Redford’s expenses to promote the province and questionable spending, while her government was making public service cuts. This led to charges that she was abusing her political power with a culture of entitlement.

On March 19, 2014, Redford announced that she would resign as premier of Alberta, effective March 23, 2014. She was succeeded by deputy premier Dave Hancock, as the interim party leader and premier until Jim Prentice was chosen as a successor at a leadership election, which was the Progressive Conservative Party’s third contest in eight years.

Further to this, Redford had announced her resignation as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Elbow on August 6, 2014, one day before an Auditor General’s report into her travel expenses was scheduled for release.

On August 7, 2014, a report by the Auditor General of Alberta noted that as Premier, she and her office

had “used public resources inappropriately,” “used public assets (aircraft) for personal and partisan purposes” and that Redford “was involved in a plan to convert public space in a public building into personal living space.”

The report concluded that these abuses arose due to an “aura of power around Premier Redford and her office and the perceptions that the influence of the office should not be questioned.”

GUYANASHOULD TAKE ALL THE TIME IT NEEDS TO REVIEW PAYARA - GOOD REVIEWS TAKE MONTHS, EVEN YEARS – EXPERTS Experts say that Guyana should take all the time it needs to review ExxonMobil’s third intended development in the Stabroek Block, the Payara project, as proper reviews may even take years to be properly undertaken.

Guyana is already projected to have to repay nearly US$10B in unscrutinized development costs to ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess and CNOOC for the development of the first two projects, Liza Phases One and Two. Despite the sheer magnitude of those costs contained in development plans approved by the former APNU+AFC Government, the current PPP/C administration appears to be following in its predecessor’s footsteps, as it is looking to decide on a review of the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP), in

less than two weeks.

The former Government had hired a UK consultant to review the plan late last year and was expected to make a decision this year.

However, that was interrupted by the country’s protracted electoral process.

ExxonMobil has, for some time, pressured Guyana to grant swift approval to the Payara development, claiming that a delay in approval would mean billions in losses for Guyana.

The company intends for the Government to grant the approval in time for it to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) by September.

It claims that “weather conditions” require such a timeline, or else there will be significant delays.

Experts have frowned on this state of affairs, as they know that proper field development reviews may take a very long time because Governments want to ensure that they safeguard the interests of and secure maximum benefits for the people.

Outspoken international lawyer, Melinda Janki, for one, said that the Government is entitled to take all the time it needs to ensure that the FDP for Payara is properly reviewed.

“If the government is going to consider Payara, they have to identify all of the threats to Guyana and impose conditions on ExxonMobil to protect Guyana from those threats.”

She does not believe that the excuse of “weather (Continued on page 25)

Sunday August 23, 2020

From page 24 conditions” is of substance.

She said that it’s silly.

Good Governance Advocate and former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal, has similar views.

He said that the Payara development plan cannot be adequately reviewed by an individual in a couple months.

The Government, with Canada’s assistance, has procured World Bank advisor, Alison Redford, to spearhead the review. Mangal opines that much more is needed.

“FDPs need a whole team of experts,” he said, “it needs facility experts for the stuff on the surface, it needs subsurface experts for the reservoir, it needs drilling/ production experts, it needs flow assurance experts, it needs marine and meta-ocean experts, it needs operations experts, it needs cost/ scheduling experts, it needs commercial experts, and export pipeline experts, etc.”

He said that if this government accepts that one expert can review a plan so quickly, then Guyana has not progressed from where it was in 2016/2017 with former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who had signed away the Stabroek Block to ExxonMobil in a lopsided agreement which has been estimated to cost Guyana billions in losses.

The Guyanese public is aware that, almost a year ago, ExxonMobil had already decided that it will produce oil from the Payara discovery, despite the fact that Guyana has given no approval.

It has already handed out several contracts for works to be done in preparation for Payara, including for the ongoing construction of the Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The truth is, Janki explained, that Exxon needs Guyana to give it “free oil”, and stabilise its financial position.

However, she doesn’t believe this should be allowed to happen. She pointed out that ExxonMobil continues to flare hundreds of millions of cubic feet of gas from the Liza One project, letting toxic cancer-causing pollutants into the environment. She also reminded that ExxonMobil has signaled its opposition to paying paltry fines for small fuel spills at the same project.

Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr. Vincent Adams had said that such an attitude can spell disaster for Guyana, as much larger, more disastrous spills are a possibility in this industry.

“It would be totally

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irresponsible for the government to look at Payara, let alone approve it when ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso is not even running Liza 1 properly,” Janki told Kaieteur News. “The Liza 1 flaring is a disaster for Guyana. Liza 1 has to be fixed before there is any talk of Payara. Esso [Exxon’s subsidiary] has not paid the small fines imposed by the EPA for fluid spills. You don’t give concessions to companies that show so little respect for the laws of Guyana and the EPA.” Mangal’s advice is for the Government to wait until after the US Presidential Election in November, as the candidates on the Democratic Party’s ticket, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, would be more amenable to a renegotiation of the Stabroek Block agreement.”We are losing US$55 billion now with the current contract,” Mangal told Kaieteur News.

As he has maintained for years, Dr. Mangal said the Government must seek renegotiation before it approves any further developments.

PPP TO DEMAND MORE FROM EXXONMOBIL ON LOCAL CONTENT – CONSULTATIONS ON LOOPHOLES, ROBUST LEGISLATION UNDERWAY When it comes to local content which involves the hiring and training of Guyanese as well as the procurement of local goods and services, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) administration categorically stated that it has

every intention of ensuring ExxonMobil is doing more than just the bare minimum.

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

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

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

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

Earlier this week, ExxonMobil told the media that it spent over $14B for the first half of 2020 on hiring, training and procurement here. But that money also included costs incurred by its sub-contractors.

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

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

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

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

PPP/C wants Guyanese to get “comparable wage for comparable skill.”

“I HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF LEAVINGTHE GAME” – FORMER PRES. GRANGER “I am not going anywhere. I am not moving out of the political scene!”

These were the words uttered by former President David Granger, when asked about whether he has any intentions of hanging up his proverbial gloves from politics.

It was during a Tuesday radio programme, on Benschop Radio, that Granger indicated that during his five years as President, he travelled the length and breadth of Guyana, and had discovered that there are a plethora of issues at the “grassroots levels” which need to be addressed.

“Now inevitably,” Granger said, “because of the limit of man and woman power, when a party goes into office, many of the senior party officers also go into government. I was the leader of my party, but I was President. Volda Lawrence was Chairman, but she became responsible for health, and so on. So it tends to remove talented persons from political party participation, to some extent, not totally.”

Considering that his party lost the March 2 General and Regional Elections to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) by some 15,000 votes, the party leader now believes that it is necessary to rebuild the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) political confidence at the

grassroots level.

He added that he “looks forward to working to reconstruct and to build the relationship between the party and the political representatives.”

Granger said that he wants to ensure that people of the country understand the importance of the political system, as he added that it is why he has insisted to all parties in the APNU that the purpose of the political participation system is to represent.

“That’s what the law says; the representation of the people, and I want to strengthen that representation,” he noted.

While there will be complete and comprehensive participation by David Granger in the politics of this country, the former President was unable to say whether he will be serving as the Leader of the Opposition or in the National Assembly.

“That is a decision for the party. I am a servant of my party and the party has not contemplated that,” he said.

MONDAY REVIEW OF 3RD WELL PLAN (PAYARA) …

APPOINTMENT OF CANADIAN CONSULTANT HAS ALL THE HALLMARKS OF THE OIL CURSE – INT’LLAWYER The recent appointment of former Alberta Premier, Alison Redford to review the field development plan for ExxonMobil’s third oil project, called Payara, has all the hallmarks of the oil curse says international lawyer, Melinda Janki.

The transparency advocate’s strong comment comes on the heels of a missive issued by the government on Saturday evening to the effect that Redford, an ex-politician who resigned in 2014 for inappropriately spending Canada’s tax dollars, is leading a team on the review of the Payara plan. The PPP government had also said that Redford was hired thanks to a grant from the Canadian High Commission.

Her team consists of “the former Deputy Minister of Energy in Newfoundland, Canada, senior international reservoir engineers, and Mr. Jay Park, Q.C, Managing Partner of Park Energy Law based in Canada and the United Kingdom.” It is significant to note that the members of Redford’s team were not initially released by the government – this information only became public late Saturday night.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Janki categorically stated that Guyanese have had enough of secrecy and strange decisions in the petroleum sector. She is of the view that the government must publish the criteria which it used in order to select Redford and her team for this important review. Further, Janki posited that the evaluation of the Payara Field Development Plan should be put on hold until ExxonMobil addresses the ongoing issues with flaring aboard the Liza Destiny vessel.

As a result of mechanical issues with the vessel’s gas compressor system, ExxonMobil has flared over 10 billion cubic feet of gas. On a daily basis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it continues to burn between 12 and 15 million cubic feet of gas per day. Taking this into account, Janki said that ExxonMobil needs to repair the harm it has done to Guyana and apologize publicly to the Guyanese people for polluting its air space with over 250 toxic chemicals on a daily basis.

Apart from this, Janki insisted that the government should have openly advertised for a competent team leader who is versed in the evaluation of field development plans rather than accepting a former politician who was involved in a financial scandal.

Janki said, “This is an extremely bad start for the PPP/C government. It has all the hallmarks of the oil curse—appointments made in secret, a team that has no loyalty to Guyana and apparently lacks the technical skills needed to correct ExxonMobil’s field development plan, and money from a foreign government (Canada) to insert its people into Guyana’s petroleum sector.”

The international lawyer added, “The review of the Payara Field Development Plan must be put out to tender in accordance with the basic rules of transparency and good governance.

If Redford’s team is the best, they’ll still win. If not, they shouldn’t be doing the review.”

Also in agreement with Janki is former Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal. Upon noting that Redford was selected to lead the review of the field development plan, Dr. Mangal questioned whether the PPP is trying to compete with the APNU+AFC faction for mismanaging Guyana’s oil (Continued on page 32)

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K O

BO

Book: Gender Variances and Sexual Diversity in the Caribbean - Perspectives, Histories, Experiences Edited by Marjan de Brun and R. Anthony Lewis Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD ‘Gender Variances and Sexual Diversity in the Caribbean' is a compendium of scholarly, conceptual writings on our most primal force, a force that has arguably shaped and defined societies since days beyond r e c a l l . Wa v e s o f psychoanalytic possibilities form the underbelly of this sociological blueprint.

Music, media, religion, human sexuality and, above all, patriarchy in Jamaican society, are presented within the framework of Oedipal phenomenology.

Notable is the issue of patriarchy, hardly a genetic, instinctive blueprint; for while sex is a primeval need, its formation and expression are indicative of a society's psychological health.

Contributors of this fine work explore this theme, seemingly in tandem, each complementing the other.

Sunday August 23, 2020

Shifting Sands: Sex and Culture in the Caribbean

In 'Conceptualizing Sex/Gender Diversity Considerations for the Caribbean,' writer Rhoda Reddock states, “In addition to clear identities as male or f e m a l e , p e o p l e are...expected to behave and act or perform their perceived gender in ways appropriate to their sex...[I]n much of the Global North until recently - the strict classification into binary opposites precluded... ambivalent spaces from emerging. The result often was that persons manifesting specific kinds of non-binary gender markers would be hidden, made visible or driven underground.”

Anna Kasafi Perkins' 'Male and Female Created He Them,' offers that “biblical injunctions frame responses to issues of gender and sexuality in Jamaica, particularly in relation to LGBT community, [and that] important aspects of the national discourse on gender find their root in the patriarchal stories in the Hebrew Scriptures.”

'Taboo and Obligation' written by David Plummer forays into archetypes and the most primitive energy of the unconscious self. He avers that homophobia cannot be explained through

the narrow prism of heterosexism. He convincingly opines, “For me, heterosexism” just does not cut it as an adequate explanation. Such powerful, almost primal responses suggest that any explanation had to consider deeply indoctrinated attitudes, intense taboos and the workings of power.”

Ronald E. Young's 'The Variability of the Sexes from a Sociobiological Perspective' speaks with the same provocative and revelatory reach.

Donna P. Hope's 'The Impact of Jamaican Popular Culture in Shaping Normative Conceptions,' identifies language codes that insightfully gauge the boundaries surrounding gender and sexuality. These boundaries invariable move forming a new, unimaginable zeitgeists.

“As postmillennial mores continue to shift,” she notes, “dancehall culture has become a site for the signalling of incremental transformations in the terrain of gender and sexuality, particularly male identity, [and] that onstage and offstage borders have proven more fluid with the capacity to signal new possibilities.”

She argues that the moniker Shebada has been absorbed into dancehall slang and Jamaican language.

“Shebada,” she notes, “is another term used for sexuality that is suspect or,

alternatively, for a woman who behaves “like a skettel.”'

In like vein, R. Anthony Lewis' 'Dem Bow Translation, Globalization and Dancehall's Recalibrated Anti-Gay Discourse' examines hypersexuality and the castration complex. The male imago is defined by a pop culture that reinforces heterosexuality while outlawing 'other' practices of embodied pleasure which [did] not conform to this norm.”

Moji Anderson's “Bring it Cross?” - Sexuality and “Passing” in Jamaica,' examines the complex nuances of passing as heterosexual. It is decision, a process that proves psychologically suffocating.

“Some participants said being gay is 'like being in a prison without bars.'”

In 'The Myth of the “Free Pass” in Jamaica - An Assessment of the Representation of Women who Love women in the Media,' “Gemma D” argues that “[t]he failure of local media to report violence against queer women...is a result of male fascination with intimacy between two women, which is a stark contrast to public repulsion at intimacy between two men.” She adds that the queer woman challenges the feminine ideal, positing that voyeurism (as a result) “is a t e c h n o l o g y o f reappropriation that seeks to

reinscribe men's claims to women's bodies in a patriarchal society.”

Every contributor offers insights into the complexities of sex, sociopolitical dominance and identity. But the sands are shifting, they concur. Once unbending, monolithic beliefs are losing ground to more divers positions.

And as an abundance of literature garishly market competing positions, the present and the future is slowly reconfigured. While the jury is still out on the outcome, there is a sense that the grip of conservatism has w e a k e n e d . S u r e l y, i t s p o n t i ff s , t h e f r u i t o f castration complexes are losing ground; their ways having cost incalculable

damage to the psyche. And now, righting the social and psychological wrongs of the past is a commitment to which every writer herein has pledged.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this n e w s p a p e r. ) F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby/ww w.glenvilleashby.com Gender Variances and Sexual Diversity in the Caribbean - Perspectives, Experiences, Histories Copyright 2020 Publisher: UWI Press, Mona, Jamaica ISBN 978-976-640-741-4 Available at Amazon Ratings: Essential

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 32

From page 25 industry. Based on her weighty political background, Dr. Mangal said it is clear that Redford’s expertise is not in reviewing such plans. The transparency advocate said, “This is a very sad joke, at the expense of Guyana. Did the PPP not look at Ms Redford’s bio? Do the Canadians take Guyanese for fools? How many field development plans has she reviewed for similar deepwater projects like Payara? I assume zero until told otherwise. Guyanese need to object to this inappropriate business. This is so disheartening.”

EMERGENCYBUDGET IN 21 DAYS – VICE PRESIDENT JAGDEO The Irfaan Ali People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) administration is working assiduously to craft an emergency national budget within 21 days to help cushion the current economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, under normal circumstances, it would take approximately 179 days to prepare a National Budget, but the new government aims to have that time period cut down to just three weeks.

“The reason is that the country and the help that people need, in many of the sectors, cannot be made available to them unless we have an early Budget. So, we will have to work overtime to get the National Budget ready in another three weeks,” Jagdeo disclosed during a press engagement at the Arthur Chung Conference Center.

That time period commenced when the circular was sent out to all Ministries and Public Corporations this week. Public corporations have until Wednesday to make their budgetary submissions while the various Ministries would have until today.

While a new Cabinet has been implemented, a Finance Minister is yet to be identified and that portfolio will be controlled by the Office of the President.

The country has been operating without a 2020 budget after the David Granger led A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration fell in 2018 after a vote of no confidence.

The five-month delay of a declaration of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections also contributed to a 2020 budget not being

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

released.

Notwithstanding this, the previous government still accessed billions of dollars from the treasury and, according to Jagdeo, this presents a “hamstring” issue hampering them from providing an adequate budget.

“Although we did not have a budget,” he said, “$116 billion dollars was disbursed from the treasury and that was midyear.”

Jagdeo also blasted the previous administration for what’s going on, what he termed a “corrupt spending spree” knowing that they were not operating with a full budget.

“Just before the elections,” the Vice President said, “the government went on a corrupt spending spree and many of the ministries awarded contracts although they knew they didn’t have money to fulfill the contracts.”

One such deal he pointed to was the US $10.7 million loan given to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) by former Finance Minister Winston Jordan for the purchasing of a Wartsila plant.

Jagdeo said, “This was not a loan for public service, so this was in my view, an illegal disbursement.”

He pointed out that nowhere in our financial laws would they allow the Minister of Finance to disburse from that amount a loan for capital expenditure.

Also, Jagdeo stated, the previous government released over a billion dollars for COVID related activities from the capital side. “$1.134 billion to the Ministry of Health, and $150 million to the [administrative] regions so that is $1.4 billion dollars,” he explained.

Because of these, the new administration will be starting the budget with $135 billion spent already on the capital side.

TUESDAY PPP/C GOVT. SHOULD RENEGOTIATE, INVESTIGATE EXXONMOBIL’S EXPLOITATIVE DEAL– GLOBAL WITNESS As the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) settles into office, one of the world’s foremost anticorruption bodies,Global Witness, has renewed calls for there to be an investigation as well as a renegotiation of the ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which robbed Guyana of US$55B. This significant revenue

loss was highlighted in the organization’s February 2020 exposé called Signed Away.

That report noted, among other things, that the Stabroek Block deal has bad financial terms thanks to Exxon’s aggressive negotiation tactics with inexperienced Guyanese officials. The Global Witness investigation also showed that Guyana’s lead negotiator – former-Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman – rushed to sign Exxon’s deal despite knowing the company would soon announce new oil find results and while experts were telling him to seek more information.During negotiations, Trotman also suffered an apparent conflict of interest as he was close political allies with one of Exxon’s Guyanese lawyers.

The lawyer – Nigel Hughes – has denied he represented Exxon on the deal, but admitted that his firm had represented Exxon since 2009 and that he has worked for the company on other matters.Global Witness was also keen to remind that Exxon’s licence is the subject of ongoing litigation in Guyana, with civil society groups arguing that it is illegal. And in August, the UN Human Rights Committee demanded Guyana both address reports of corruption during the award of Stabroek and state how oil drilling was compatible with efforts to fight climate change.

Even though the lopsided deal sees Guyana being robbed of billions of US dollars, transparency advocates at Global Witness are of the firm conviction that Guyana still has an opportunity to turn its misfortune around. Jonathan Gant, Senior Campaigner at Global Witness, said in a statement to the press Monday that President Irfaan Ali has a remarkable opportunity to make a new deal that reflects the interests of all Guyanese and not just ExxonMobil. He said that Guyana’s new Head of State is facing a golden opportunity especially when one takes into consideration that ExxonMobil is increasingly dependent upon Guyana’s oil for its success.

Global Witness also holds the belief that renegotiating the Stabroek contract with Exxon is possible. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, Global Witness pointed out that the company was highly dependent upon its Guyanese oil finds. As oil prices have crashed during the pandemic, Exxon has continued to point investors to Guyana as a reason for hope.

In addition to renegotiating the deal, Global Witness strongly advocated for President Ali’s government to investigate the Stabroek deal to determine if it was properly awarded.

The non-governmental organization also noted that Guyana’s recent national elections have exacerbated the country’s divisions, as such, the new government must now seek to heal the country and show the people that it is prepared to both investigate Exxon’s licence and get the deal Guyana deserves.

“Now is the time for President Ali and Vice President (Bharrat) Jagdeo to not only make good on their campaign promises, but to do one better,” said Gant.

“Guyana’s oil licences – including Exxon’s Stabroek – should be renegotiated.

Guyanese people deserve a better deal. And if the government is not prepared to give them this, then the people should call for these bad deals to be cancelled.”

AS COUNTRY BATTLES SURGE IN COVID-19 CASES… EMERGENCYMEDICINE SPECIALIST PROMOTES IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM - SAYS EARLY TREATMENT CAN HELP PREVENT SEVERE FORM OF THE DISEASE “The stronger our immune system, the better are our chances of overcoming COVID-19.” This is the advice proffered by Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux. Dr. Bux, since the outbreak of COVID here, has

outlined a series of measures that once adhered to, can help to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Sadly, a number of persons have not been paying heed and the consequence has been a surge in cases.

Guyana has thus far recorded more than 700 cases with 24 fatalities.

Fearing that the situation could become a national disaster if left unchecked, Dr. Bux has compiled what he describes as “the best evidence available thus far” with the aim of helping persons to make wise decisions that can help reduce the spread of the disease.

High on the agenda in this regard, he noted, is the need to “prepare our immune system for battle by arming it ahead of time.” To do this, he added, can be as simple as ensuring that the immune system is well boosted with zinc, vitamin C and vitamin B, and the benefit of sufficient rest cannot be underestimated.

Dr. Bux has continuously emphasized too that among the tactical moves that can help to counter the spread of COVID-19 is the wearing of face mask while in public. “If all of us wear our mask when we are out and about, we will break this surge and rid ourselves of this menace.

While everyone is not compliant with mask wearing, those that comply and wear mask are at a lower risk of catching the disease,” the medical practitioner noted.

Addressing the surge in cases in his most recently weekly column in this newspaper, Dr. Bux said, “We are having a surge in COVID19 infections in Region Four

and the hinterland regions.”

And because of this development, he insists that, “We all need to be strategic, responsible and keep ourselves informed so that each of us can contribute in a greater way to help mitigate this surge.”

In taking note of an evident increase in social activities, Dr. Bux asserted that in order to win the fight against COVID-19, social distancing is still a very important measure to adhere to.

According to Dr. Bux, “There are too many myths about COVID-19 and too many persons who do not believe in the disease in Guyana. As a result, there is lesser adherence to guidelines, which increase the risk of this disease spreading.”

For this reason, he stressed the need to “keep ourselves informed about it so that we can make the correct decisions. Try to know the hotspots and avoid visiting those areas as much as possible. Ensure you get your information from reliable sources and educate others about this disease.”

APPEAL COURT REDUCES 83-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO TORCHED WIFE TO DEATH The Court of Appeal has reduced the 83 -year old prison sentence for Delon Gordon, who was convicted for torching his wife to death.

The Appellate Court bench which comprised Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud, Dawn Gregory and Chief Justice, Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, on Friday reduced (Continued on page 33)

Sunday August 23, 2020

From page 32 Gordon’s sentence replacing it with a 21 year prison term instead.

In determining the appeal, the three Justices held that the 83-year’s sentence imposed by High Court Justice, Navindra Singh, was too excessive and severe having considered all the circumstances of the case.

Gordon had challenged the decision of the jury at the Court of Appeal in Kingston, Georgetown after a jury convicted him of murdering his partner, Natasha Johnson, by setting her afire in their Better Hope, East Coast Demerara home.

The incident occurred on July 4, 2011.

Attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd, appealed the conviction and 83-year sentence of which a minimum of 50 years has to be served before Gordon could become eligible for parole.

According to reports, Gordon set the house on fire with Johnson, himself and three children inside.

Johnson was burnt extensively and had to be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A post mortem examination revealed that Johnson had suffered from a dislocated nasogastric tube, brain haemorrhage and congested kidneys with heavy lungs that oozed a bloody liquid.

These injuries led to Johnson suffering from Adult Distress Respiratory Syndrome (ADRS), which was brought on as a result of trauma from the burns, eventually leading to her death.

Among several grounds, Todd challenged the evidence of prosecution witness, fire investigator Gregory Wickham. Todd contended that the verdict of the jury was unreasonable, in that, it cannot be supported by the evidence adduced at the trial.

Further in questioning the testimony of the lone eyewitness, Todd noted that the lighting conditions in the couple’s home and how he could have allegedly seen Gordon pouring out kerosene from a stove, since another witness had testified that the area in which the couple lived did not have electricity.

WEDNESDAY WHAT EXXON IS DOING WITH PAYARA IS WHAT IT DID TO TROTMAN IN 2016 – CHRIS RAM Because Trotman fell for Exxon’s ploy in 2016, Guyana is stuck with a very onerous contract, according to Ram;

one that the oil major and its partners continue to boast about.

Anti-corruption advocate, Christopher Ram Tuesday evening pointed out that what ExxonMobil is currently attempting to do with the Payara project is what it did to former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman when it pressured him into signing away a contract with unfair terms, against expert advice and with little negotiation.The attorney-atlaw made these comments on the first edition of Kaieteur Radio’s newest show, Corruption, Governance and Justice, hosted by Kiana Wilburg.

“We know that Exxon bullied Trotman and the APNU government and they incompetently allowed themselves to be bullied,” Ram told Wilburg.

He said that the best spin one could put on that situation, avoiding the spectre of corruption, is that there was gross incompetence on the part of Trotman and the APNU+AFC Government.Global Witness had published a report earlier this year, confirming the reportage of this newspaper over several years; that the Stabroek Block agreement is lopsided and will result in significant value leakage for Guyana.

The anti-corruption watchdog said that Trotman’s signing away of 6.6 million acres of Guyana’s patrimony was done on a lavish Exxonpaid trip to its Texas headquarters. Its findings were so concerning that it recommended an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the award, and renegotiation of the terms. The nongovernmental organisation even reiterated its recommendations recently.

This time around, ExxonMobil is pressuring the newly installed PPP/C government to grant swift approval for Payara, its third intended development in the Stabroek Block.

The multinational has attempted to convince Guyana that it will lose out on billions if it takes its time to properly review the Field Development Plan (FDP) for Payara, and that there are “weather conditions” that could hurt a sound investment.

“Now, we don’t have winter in Guyana,” Ram said.

“It’s not like they had to have it because the weather would have changed [in 2016]. The tide is not going to change.

So, it was really a repetition of what they succeeded with in the case of Trotman.”

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Because Trotman fell for Exxon’s ploy in 2016, Guyana is stuck with a very onerous contract, according to Ram; one that the oil major and its partners continue to boast about. His view is that the contract, riddled with illegality and lopsidedness, should be renegotiated.

Of Exxon, Ram said, “You knew everything what you were doing, and you took advantage of the gullible APNU+AFC administration.”

The lawyer told Wilburg that there is an opportunity now for President Irfaan Ali to persuade Exxon and its partners that the contract as it is cannot stand, and to correct its deficits.

Ram said that, despite the contributions of the US and other sections of the international community in protecting Guyana’s democracy over the last five months, Guyana must say that it reserves the right to not be rushed, and to undertake a proper review of the contract and the Payara FDP. “They cannot appear,” he stated, “to be totally insensitive to Guyana and I’m hoping that good sense will prevail.”

INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY REVIEWER URGENTLYNEEDED TO KEEP EXXON IN LINE – CONSERVATIONIST When one takes into consideration, the nonchalant attitude of ExxonMobil towards doing all that is necessary to protect the environment while exploring and developing Guyana’s oil resources, it is clear that the nation is in urgent need of an independent third party reviewer. This was recently noted by conservationist, Annette Arjoon-Martins.

Since the discovery of oil five years ago, ArjoonMartins has been one of the nation’s fiercest advocates of ensuring there is adequate

protection of Guyana’s environment. She told Kaieteur News that an independent third party reviewer working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would certainly help in this regard as it would strengthen the regulatory might of the nation so as to keep ExxonMobil in line.

To date, ExxonMobil has burnt over 10 billion cubic feet of gas which releases more than 250 toxic chemicals into the airspace. The American multinational said it has been forced to flare due to mechanical issues experienced with its flagship production vessel the Liza Destiny’s gas compressor system. In addition to this, ExxonMobil was fined by the EPA after it was found that there were six instances of hydraulic fuel spills in the Stabroek Block. Instead of paying up the paltry fine that totals US$3000, Exxon has told the EPA that it is opposed to same since the spills were minor and did not result in any irreparable damage.

Considering this posture of the company, Arjoon-Martins articulated that Guyana not only needs a strong independent party reviewer but also, a strong National Oil Spill Contingency Plan which has been reviewed by top experts in the industry and made to have enforceable fines in an effort to dissuade ExxonMobil’s apparent disregard for Guyana’s environmental laws.

The conservationist also stated that there needs to be mandatory oil spill drills in the real marine environment “as the public relations gimmick where 150 Amerindians were transported to watch two booms in the side of the Waini River doesn’t count.”

Another key step, she said, is for there to be training on how to treat marine animals or birds which have been oiled. Further to this, the staunch advocate for the

protection of the environment said that ExxonMobil should be made to submit all outstanding marine environmental baselines which are absolutely necessary for regulators to monitor and manage the impacts of Exxon’s operations on the marine environment.

Another key requirement she expressed is for ExxonMobil to complete the oil spill risk assessment that the EPA had required to be done over a year ago.

Arjoon told Kaieteur News that the foregoing are just a few of the key actions Guyana needs to urgently take if it is to keep ExxonMobil in line. She is hopeful that the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat can play a lead role in this regard.

CANADIAN CITIZEN MISSING; GRANDFATHER FEARS HE WAS KIDNAPPED A 24-year-old Canadian citizen who was vacationing in Guyana with his grandfather has been reported missing since Sunday. The missing person has been identified as Nicholas Ramkissoon Jaipaul, of Canada.

According to his 86-yearold grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, he and Jaipaul returned to Guyana in January on vacation and were scheduled to return back to Canada in May but because of the COVID-19 restrictions, they have been stuck in Guyana since then.

He disclosed that on Sunday night he had retired to bed and left his grandson awake and it wasn’t until the next day (Monday) that he realised the young man was not in the house. He stated that Monday afternoon he received an anonymous call telling him that the caller had his grandson.

“When they called they asked me where I am and I

said I am downstairs and then they ask where is Nicholas and I said he is upstairs and then the person said well check and see he is not upstairs and that they have him”, he said. He did not recognize the voice nor did the person ask for a ransom to be paid for the return of his grandson. He disclosed that the young man would normally accompany him when he is heading out or spend most of his time at their vacation home at Number 69 Village. He also mentioned that he would visit a neighbour in the afternoons and subsequently return home in the nights.

Meanwhile, another relative of the missing man disclosed that the house has a grill door with a padlock and after it was reported to the police that he is missing checks to the grill door revealed that the lock was open and not broken. He believes someone entered the house and kidnapped the 24year-old.

“He was staying at the grandfather place and apparently they have a grill door with a padlock when we checked and the police checked the padlock it was opened, it wasn’t broken”, he said.

Persons who may have information about the whereabouts of Nicholas Ramkissoon Jaipaul can contact his grandfather on number 338-4222 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated in confidence, they have assured.

THURSDAY GOVT. SHOULD CONSULT THE GUYANESE PEOPLE ON EXXON’S PAYARA PROJECT – CHRIS RAM Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram said that the Government of Guyana (Continued on page 34)

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From page 33 should hold public consultations with the Guyanese people, as part of its review process for the Payara project, ExxonMobil’s third intended field development in the Stabroek Block.

Ram appeared on Kaieteur Radio’s newest show, Corruption, Governance & Justice, with hostess Kiana Wilburg.

A Canadian World Bank advisor, Alison Redford has been hired to lead the review of the controversial Field Development Plan (FDP).

ExxonMobil has pressured both the former and current governments to grant swift approval to the project, before Guyana could undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of the project. Experts like Dr. Jan Mangal and Melinda Janki have said that if Guyana is to consider Payara, it should take all the time it needs.

Ram is positing that it is necessary to ensure local voices are heard.

“Don’t only ask Canadians. Don’t only ask foreigners,” he said. “Why not have open consultation in Guyana on the same issues?”

He explained that while Guyana welcomes the expertise and contributions of foreign helpers, Guyanese must have a voice.

“After all, it is our patrimony. It is not theirs… if you are saying this is our patrimony, then give us a voice.”

Pertinent to the interests of Guyanese are the provisions in the FDP, or the lack thereof, which speak to issues such as local content.

Two FDPs have already been approved; the first for Liza Phase One which is already in production mode, and the second Liza Phase Two, which is on track for startup in 2022.

These approvals have beckoned concerns about the sheer magnitude of the costs foisted upon Guyanese taxpayers, which Guyana hasn’t even begun to scrutinise. Janki had told Kaieteur News that if Guyana is to consider Payara, it has to get the two earlier projects in order first, including ExxonMobil’s flaring at the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Mangal said that the entire Stabroek Block agreement should be renegotiated first.

Rife discourse in the public has revealed discontentment with the consultant the Government has procured to lead the review of the project. There are multiple concerns. Firstly,

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Kaieteur News

Redford’s experience reviewing Field Development Plans (FDP) has not been proven. Secondly, she is a former politician, who was forced to resign her post as Premier of the Canadian province, Alberta following a sustained scandal over mismanagement of public funds for partisan and personal purposes.

ENGINEERS SCRAMBLE AS SPRING TIDE COLLAPSES SLUICE DOOR AT DIAMOND/ GROVE – DOZENS OF HOMES UNDER WATER; DIAMOND SECONDARY IDENTIFIEDAS TEMPORARY SHELTER Dozens of home owners were scrambling Wednesday evening to stave off flood waters in the Grove/Diamond area as a heavy spring tide collapsed a sluice door.

Several ministers were on the scene of that major breach on the East Bank of Demerara with emergency work scheduled to start when the tide fell Wednesday evening.

It will continue today, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, told Kaieteur News.

He was there with several other ministers including Prime Minister, Mark Phillips; Ministers Juan Edghill, Deodat Indar and Kwame McCoy. Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts, were also there.Residents of ‘Market Street’, Grove, said that they saw water rising rapidly after 6pm, when the spring tide reportedly would have also cause breaches at Mahaicony, on the East Coast of Demerara.

At the sluice door area at the Grove/Diamond area, the fury of the tide twisted the sluice door, telling a stark tale of Mother Nature.

The water of the Demerara River was flowing by the thousands of gallons, swiftly rising the canal that drains the New Diamond/ Grove Housing Scheme to alarming levels. There were fears of homes in the new schemes being flooded.

Scores of homes along the Diamond ‘Back Street’ and Grove ‘Market Street’ area were flooded with residents saying they never saw waters rise that fast.

The river dam area is also lined with scores of Venezuelan migrants squatting. They were spared the flooding.

According to the Prime Minister, he rushed away from a budget preparation meeting after hearing the

news.

He said that it is unfortunate that the incident would happen so soon with the new government but it is a clear signal that much has to be done.

Minister Mustapha also made it clear that the maintenance would have to remain critical on the infrastructure agenda of the country. He disclosed that mobilizing of piles had started and work was expected to commence 11pm Wednesday night, when the tide went down. According to Minister Edghill, it will take about two tides to get the doors fixed.

He too expressed worry about the maintenance programme, insisting that it is high on the agenda of the Ministry of Public Works.

Residents whose belongings were in the lower flats, lost almost everything from furniture to freezers.

There were tears in the eyes of some.

One woman said she came back home to settle down recently and lost everything; her bed included.

According to a government statement, emergency workers started early to identify shelter with the Diamond Secondary School picked. Residents were urged to call the CDC’s hotline for further assistance and to access the shelter (6007500 and 623-1700).

FIRE DESTROYS DESINCO’S BUILDINGS ON SHERIFF STREET It was chaos Wednesday

afternoon as fire ripped through three DeSinco Trading Limited buildings on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

While firefighters struggle to control the blaze hours after arriving on the scene, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, shared some concerns as it relates to how the fire was handled by firefighters.

Around 13:20hrs, a fire of yet to be determined origin, erupted in the wooden upper flat of the Associated Packers Industry building (which belongs to the owner of DeSinco Trading). When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, the fire was under control as members of the Guyana Fire Service were seen hosing the building.

However, the fire quickly escalated since firefighters started experiencing issues in getting water, which resulted in the fire spreading to a back building.

According to a source, the top flat of Associated Packers Industry building is used as a home and the back building is a bond, which stores items for DeSinco Trading, a large distributor of consumer products.

As the firefighters struggle to control the burning buildings, members of the Guyana Police Force also had a difficult time controlling a large crowd that gathered to watch the fire.

After the police officers were able to set up barriers some distance away from the fire, some persons were still trying to get closer to the scene.

A woman in the crowd

shouted, “The fire wasn’t this big, now look what happened; they allow the fire to spread and now they can’t control it.” Another man yelled, “This is what they using our tax payers dollars to do…they send trucks that don’t even have water. How can a fire truck come to (put) out a fire without water in the tank?”

While persons continued to voice their concerns, the owner of DeSinco Trading Limited, Frank De Abreu, his wife and other relatives arrived on the scene.

However, Mr. De Abreu, shortly after his arrival began hyperventilating. According to reports, he was rushed to a hospital for medical reasons.

Some of his relatives remained at the scene of the fire.

FRIDAY EXXONMOBIL WANTS TO KEEP LOOPHOLES IN LIZA 1&2 PERMITS THAT ALLOWED FLARING Before the Government grants its approval for the Field Development Plan (FDP) for ExxonMobil’s third project in the Stabroek Block, called Payara, there are two major environmental issues which have to be addressed.

One that is of grave concern is the fact that ExxonMobil is opposed to being bound by provisions that would prevent it from flaring once Payara gets up and running.

In fact, the American multi-national wants to preserve the same ambiguous language of its first permit for

the Liza Phase One Project which allowed it to flare over 10 billion cubic feet of gas on the Liza Destiny vessel. The company had blamed the need to flare on the mechanical issues experienced with the vessel’s gas compressor system. That equipment is currently being fixed in Germany.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News Thursday, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams confirmed that indeed, one of the issues of concern relate to flaring.

When questioned about why the company would want to preserve the loose terms despite concerns raised about the dangers of flaring, Dr. Adams said: “Well it tells you all you need to know about the mindset and safety culture of the company we are dealing with.”

The EPA Head said he has a duty to protect the nation and ensure that the same blunder with the first permit is not made again. “After all, the granting of approvals requires that we learn from the mistakes made in the award of previous permits and incorporate those learnings into whatever we are doing going forward…I am not here to make a career, I am here to protect Guyana.”

As it relates to ExxonMobil’s opposition, Dr. Adams sought to remind that he is entrusted with the power to withdraw or change unilaterally, any permit that is granted.

The EPA Head said: “I am

Sunday August 23, 2020

already rewriting the permits for Liza One and Liza Two…” FAILURE TO PAY Dr. Adams was also keen to note that the EPA is in the process of taking ExxonMobil before the courts for its failure to pay the authority a fine that totals less than US$2,500 for the spilling of hydraulic fluid in six instances in the Stabroek Block. The EPA Head said that ExxonMobil is insisting that that the spills are not major and did not result in any environmental harm, as such; it does not believe it should be made to pay the fine.

But Dr. Adams said he disagrees with this as the permit granted to the oil giant, clearly states that it has to follow the manufacturer’s guide on the use of materials and equipment.

Due to its failure to follow such a simple instruction, Dr. Adams notes that there were six spills.

“And now, they want to direct the EPA and tell the EPA what is in its laws and what those laws actually mean. It is ridiculous that they are pushing back on this…,” the EPA Head said.

He added, “… When you consider this issue with flaring and then this refusal to pay this fine, it is clear to me that the culture of this company is production above safety. They are all about cutting corners for their bottom-line. We cannot continue like this…We have to take a firm position against ExxonMobil.”

LIZA DESTINY DUMPING 4,000 BARRELS OF TOXIC WATER DAILY INTO THE OCEAN – EPAAGAINST PAYARA BEINGALLOWED TO DO THE SAME As a result of Guyana not having the relevant technical expertise during the review of the Field Development Plan (FDP) for ExxonMobil’s first project called Liza Phase One, many critical environmental issues slipped through the cracks.

One of them pertains to the disposal of produced water into the ocean which ExxonMobil is hoping the government would miss once again in the review of the Payara FDP. When oil companies drill the sea floor to extract oil, it is not only oil that comes up with it.

Water is part of the mixture too.

As a result of it not being needed, it is separated and disposed of.

The critical issue is how that disposal is being done.

International best practices dictate that this produced water should be re-injected into the earth’s surface. Research conducted by Kaieteur News notes that in some cases, the

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Detectives and the pathogist Dr. Nehaul Singh at the scene where the remains were found. produced water is discharged into oceans and other offshore water channels. Because no two geographic regions are alike, studies are done to assess the environmental risks of the produced water’s toxicity on marine life before granting approval for the disposal of it into the ocean.

In Guyana’s case, not a single study was done for the Liza Phase One or Two Projects.

Yet, Guyana went full steam ahead with approving the permits for those projects.

Recognizing the grave mistake made in this regard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is headed

by Dr. Vincent Adams, wants ExxonMobil to put systems in place for the reinjection of the produced water for the Payara project. Kaieteur News was able to confirm with key officials close to the project that ExxonMobil is not pleased about this request and has rejected it.

When contacted Thursday, EPA Head Dr. Vincent Adams said that he is not a proponent for the dumping of produced water into the ocean. He said that the Liza Destiny vessel is already dumping 4,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean and in about six years, it will get to about 300,000 barrels.

Dr. Adams said: “I have worked in the oil fields as a Production and Reservoir engineer and we injected every single drop of water. If you are onshore, the water would obviously have to be re-injected.

Also, the World Bank has made it clear that you should only dispose of produced water into the ocean when it is not technically feasible. In ExxonMobil’s case, it is more than feasible.”

MAID’S SON CONFESSES, LEADS COPS TO BURNT REMAINS OF MISSING CANADIAN CITIZEN – SAID WAS HIRED BY RICE FARMER TO KILL GRANDFATHER TOO twist to the missing

Canadian’s case, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit with the assistance of members of the Cold Case Unit of the Guyana Police Force along with Berbice detectives have stumbled upon what is believed to be the burn remains of Nicholas Jaipaul.

Jaipaul’s burnt remains were discovered in a desolate area, in Moleson Creek, Berbice Thursday. His killer reportedly led police there after confessing to a crime which involved a well-known Berbice businessman.

Jaipaul, a Canadian citizen, returned to Guyana in January with his 86-year-old grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, for vacation.

The police had this week arrested an Upper Corentyne rice farmer who has been identified as the mastermind in the crime. Also arrested was the son of the maid who has been working with the Jaipauls since January. Also in custody are the maid and her co-worker who had been with the Jaipauls for years. A brother of the suspect is also in custody.

The police have since squeezed a confession out of the maid’s son and based on the information provided to Kaieteur News by a police source close to the investigation, the suspect who is a 30-year-old from Number 70 Village, told police that he was hired by a rice farmer.

The rice farmer is said to be from Number 70 Village. He hired the maid’s son to kidnap and kill the Canadian and his grandfather. He said he was promised $500,000 to commit the act. It was revealed that the rice farmer owed the grandfather of the victim money and the matter is still before the courts.

He revealed, in disturbing details, that the plan was to kill Nicholas Jaipaul and then call the grandfather and demand a sum of $50M be paid for the safe return of his

grandson. The idea was to lure him to a location where he would have also been murdered.

However, that plan fell through the cracks when the 86-year-old reported that his grandson was missing, and police ranks were immediately sent to his home to monitor him and the calls he received on his telephone.

The man had told Kaieteur News that his grandson may have gone missing Sunday night after he retired to bed because the next morning he woke up and saw him nowhere in the house. It was that same day that he received an anonymous call saying that they have his grandson. But the police were present and the call was traced to a location in Georgetown.

SATURDAY EXXON WILL HAVE TO SPEND MORE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT – VP JAGDEO Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that ExxonMobil and the other oil companies will have to spend more in order to ensure Guyana’s natural environment is safeguarded. He appeared on last Thursday’s edition of Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil & You with host, Kiana Wilburg, and discussed the new administration’s plans for the oil industry.

The Vice President noted that bigger countries have flouted their responsibilities to international climate conventions, while Guyana is a carbon sink, meaning the country absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. It is in that context he noted that, while concerns about the environmental impact of oil production are considered, Guyana needs development and infrastructure which oil can fund for decades to come.

He elaborated on some of the plans the new government has to ensure Guyana operates

sustainably, and explained that these will require ExxonMobil and other oil companies to give much more than they are currently giving. These include regulatory systems to fine the consumption of fossil fuels in Guyana, and renewable energy projects.

He also noted that there has to be discussions, where the Payara project is concerned, about offsetting emissions. It is yet to be ascertained that ExxonMobil and its partners on the Stabroek Block are committed to maintaining the health of Guyana’s natural environment, in terms of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the operations they are funding on the Block.

ExxonMobil, the operator, has racked up several infractions which constitute a going concern about the integrity of and permissions for its future operations. It has already received approvals to produce at the Liza Phases One and Two projects, and has been pressuring the government to grant swift approval to Payara, Payara is the third oil well ExxonMobil intends to develop on the Stabroek Block. As each Field Development Plan (FDP) is reviewed, the government, which is a fledgling in the industry, develops its capacity to better scrutinize oil companies’ plans. In the case of Payara, the government has met up with several issues pertinent to consider, which had previously slipped through the cracks.

These include ExxonMobil’s refusal to pay paltry fines stemming from small fuel spills at its Liza Phase One project.

Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams has said that the refusal says a lot about Exxon’s attitude, and that it could spell disaster in the future, as much larger spills are always a possibility in this industry. The EPA has said that it intends to take ExxonMobil to court.

Secondly, the company has flared over 10 billion cubic feet of natural gas at the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, despite the fact that the gas is supposed to be re-injected into the reservoir. The company has blamed the issue on a defective gas compressor system which is reportedly being repaired in Germany.

Dr. Adams had informed this newspaper that there are issues in the Liza Phases One and Two permits which relate to flaring, and that the EPA would work toward plugging those loopholes.

However, ExxonMobil’s third development plan indicates that it wants to keep the ambiguous provisions which allow it to flare.

Jagdeo has said that the PPP/C Government does not want flaring. In his view, the company will have to expend

what is needed to fix these issues. He had also said in a recent conference that before any further approvals are granted, the Government must be able to ascertain that there are adequate provisions to safeguard Guyana against any environmental disaster.

PONZI SCHEME OPERATORS ARRESTED Owner of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI), Yuri Dominguez and his wife were arrested by police on Thursday evening for operating an alleged Ponzi/ Pyramid Scheme.

Dominguez, a 34-year-old Cuban national along with his 32-year-old Guyanese wife Ateeka Ishmael, were said to be operating ACFI, which posed as private investor group which educates members to operate in the Stock and Foreign Exchange Markets.

In 2014, an investigation was launched into a similarly titled entity in the US by the name of “Accelerated Capital Group” which later resulted in them being fined US$400,000.00 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on accusations of them executing unauthorized trades in, selling customer investments and executed trades in customer accounts.

Dominguez’ firm had recently come under the radar of the new government when several complaints were filed by members of the public about their operations. This prompted a full investigation where it was found that the operation has received hundreds of millions of dollars from thousands of Guyanese, according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall , and has also violated several pieces of legislation.

Police sources disclosed that several persons have surfaced, giving their stories about their investments into the fund and being owed significant amounts of money. As previously reported by this newspaper, a high-level team consisting of the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, Governor of the Central Bank, Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit and Head of the Guyana Securities Council, assembled to swiftly investigate the operations of ACFI. It was found that the firm was not legally registered to obtain investments in Guyana and their application to be legalized was never approved.

The man’s electronics and bank accounts have since been ceased and he was directed by the Guyana Securities Council to give account for his wealth obtained on the stock market.

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Must Know Facts About Ginger: Though ginger has a load of health benefits that comes packed with it, here are some must-know facts about this healthy spice.

- Ginger is used for medicinal purposes to cure inflammation, pain and nausea.

- The use of ginger dates back to 3000 years of rich history. It has never changed in its medicinal properties since time immemorial.

- Ginger helps in treating Asthma.

- Ginger can reduce menstrual cramps.

-Excessive intake of ginger cause acid reflux, diarrhoea and irritation in the mouth 15 Healthy Benefits of Ginger: Now that you know that ginger is very useful for your health, here are some pointers that will shed some more insight in what way is ginger said to be beneficial for you and your family.

1. Reduces Cold and Flu: Winter is the best climate to sip a hot cup of ginger tea and this will automatically stabilize your body condition and keep you warm. It enables you to sweat once you consume it and this is said to be good for your body. So, if you are suffering from a bad cold and flu all you need to do is to prepare some ginger tea and you will feel better in no time.

2. Good for Your Heart: Ginger is good for your heart such that it reduces cholesterol and lowers your risk of having any sort of blood clots. Most importantly, it regulates blood sugar levels. Ginger can in future become an integral medicine for treating diabetes and heart diseases. So, a little bit of ginger added to your everyday diet can work the trick of keeping your heart healthy.

3. Treats Inflammation: Inflammation is said to be the process wherein white blood cells protects us from infection and viruses. But sometimes this may go wrong and cause severe joint pain and so forth. In this process, your bodies immune system begins to cause damage to its own tissues thus resulting in inflammation. Ginger consists of anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants that can cure inflammation.

4. Prevents Cancer: According to a study by the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that ginger was very effective in blocking prostate cancer cells and their growth. However, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to reduce your risks of having cancer.

5. Ginger Improves Brain

Functionality: The anti-inflammatory properties available in ginger can also keep you alert and helps in good brain functionality. It basically increases your presence of mind. Ginger root can improve cognitive function as per a study by the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

6. Treats Muscle Pain: Ginger is said to cure muscle pain and all you need to do is to consume 2 grams of ginger may it be in the form of powder or paste, you will witness the difference within 11 days. Also, it is advised that you conduct some simple elbow exercises in order to experience speedy relief. It may not have a faster impact, instead, it is a much safer way in which you can stay away from side-effects that western medicines offer.

7. Treats Severe Indigestion: Severe indigestion is also called chronic digestion or dyspepsia that involves reemerging pain and severe discomfort in the upper part of your stomach. If your stomach does not empty itself soon, it causes indigestion and this scenario ginger can empty your stomach faster and prevent indigestion. Ginger soup can do the trick an can help you empty your stomach within 20 minutes after consumption.

8. Prevents Nausea: If you have vomiting sensation then you need to ginger as a natural home remedy to prevent it. All you need to do is to chew some raw ginger or simply sip some hot cup of ginger tea and this will cure you of nausea and reduce your risks of having cancer.

If you are suffering from nausea due to motion sickness, then ginger again plays the trick. The best part about ginger is that it is best to use even when you pregnant and it prevents nausea quite well.

9. Ginger Protects the Liver: Ginger is said to protect you from harmful chemicals that can hurt your liver. It also reduces the risks of your liver from ageing. There are heavy metal and drugs that get sedimented on your liver and ginger is said to wash it away.

Most importantly it protects your liver from damaging and scaring.

10. Ginger Reduces Menstrual Cramps: The pain that a woman goes through during her menstrual cycle may be unbearable for some, but ginger can succumb to that pain. It is said that 1 gram of ginger a day can ease menstrual cycle if take for a continuous 3 days.

11. Ginger Reduces Cholesterol Levels:

Ginger is said to reduce cholesterol that is linked to having a high risk of heart diseases. However, if you want to reduce cholesterol then you need to consider adding 3 grams of ginger powder added to your food.

12. Ginger Can Kill Bad Bacteria: Ginger has the capability to kill bad bacteria and viruses that are prevalent in the cellular structure. How good can it ever get to kill bad bacteria by just consuming some ginger? All you need to do is to add ginger to your everyday diet and you will witness the changes. Moreover, ginger can be consumed in raw form as well as cooked form. A little bit of ginger tea can do the trick.

13. Protects you From Alzheimer’s Disease: Ginger is said to be a preventive agent against Alzheimer’s disease and chronic inflammation including anti-ageing. There are several studies that have conducted research on the Alzheimer’s disease on lab rats and found that ginger is a good repellant to people suffering from Alzheimer’s diseases.

14. Ginger Protects DNA: Ginger protects your DNA from getting damaged and causing deformity among newborn. Also, some researchers conducted a study covering 100 fertile men wherein they were given 500mg of ginger powder for a continuous 3 months and this had resulted in the increase of sperm quality. Thus, ginger is said to protect your DNA. 15. Ginger Treats Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is commonly found among most old people wherein people suffer from severe joint pain and stiffness in the joints. A study had employed 247 people as samples and gave them ginger extract. Shockingly, this has resulted in a reduction of joint pain. Also, a little bit of ginger, cinnamon and sesame oil can helps in reducing the pain faced by osteoarthritis.

Health Benefits of Ginger for Skin: If ginger has healing capabilities, well, you need to know that this spice is also good for your skin. So if you are battling yourself with acne every day then you need to consume ginger every day and this will help you bid goodbye to acne. Here are some of the medicinal benefits of ginger on your skin. % Anti-Ageing: Wrinkles are the first sign of ageing and a little bit of ginger tea every day can remove those wrinkles and prevent

ageing.

- Glowing Skin: Applying a little bit of ginger on your skin can refresh your skin and make it glow. The same can be the case if you just have a glass of ginger tea.

- Skin Toning: Ginger makes your skin look healthy and softens it, thus making it look young and fresh.

- Reduces White Scars: Ginger has the capability of reducing white scars and all you need to do is to just place a piece of ginger on the white scars for a minimum of 15 minutes and this will do the trick.

Healing whiteheads naturally is better than going in for skin treatments that may make your skin appear even worse.

Health Benefits of Ginger for Hair: Ginger is also said to be good for your hair such that it prevents hair fall and dandruff. Here are some of the benefits that ginger can do to your hair. * Helps in Hair Growth: Ginger increases the blood circulation to the scalp of your hair and this enables hair growth. *Prevents Dandruff: Ginger consists of antiseptic properties that help prevent dandruff. Consuming ginger helps you sweat and when you sweat from your hair, it produces natural oils that act as antiseptics preventing dandruff. * Treats Split Ends: Ginger has antioxidants in it that can prevent split ends and dry hair related problems. * Reduces Hair Fall: Ginger root can prevent hair loss.

It can be consumed in the form of food or tea or sometimes you can make it a paste and place it on your hair and allow it to dry for some time.

Healthy Ginger Recipes: Ow that you have understood how good ginger can be for you, let’s understand some healthy recipes in which you can add this spice too.

These below-listed gingerbased recipes are simple and can be done on a daily basis in a few minutes.

1. Chicken with Ginger Topping: This is a tasty dry dish with added benefits of ginger toppings on lemonicious chicken. This dish can be made within 50 minutes and this is how healthy it can get.

Preparation for Chicken with Ginger Topping: Here is how you can prepare this jaw-dropping dish of chicken with ginger topping. % Firstly, slice the chicken thigh in 2 to 3 big pieces and put in a small bowl.

Then add ginger garlic, chilli powder, lime juice and one tablespoon of oil.

- Once this is done, you

need to keep it on the fridge and marinate the chicken.

- Then, chop some onions and fry them in a pan for 8 minutes with some turmeric powder.

- Once this is done, you need to add all of the mixtures to the chicken and then fry it till it turns golden brown.

Then add some tiny ginger pieces on top and your chicken with ginger topping is ready.

2. Ginger Lemon Fizz: With ginger chicken, you need something which is fizzy and refreshing to keep your taste buds alive. Ginger lemon fizz will give you a citric burst that will add an energizing appeal to your taste buds.

Preparation for Ginger Lemon Fizz: Here is how you need to prepare a glass of ginger lemon fizz for yourself.

- Firstly, fill 200ml of water in a glass and add sugar, ginger and squeeze some lime.

- Once this is done heat it for 5 minutes and then keep it aside to cool naturally.

- Add a little bit of soda in it once it is cool and then drink it up.

Risks of Consuming Too Much Ginger: Ginger may have loads of benefits and this means that you can consume it on a limited basis. However, if your one among those people who are sensitive to ginger, then you should not be consuming it, as this can lead to further health complications. Excessive consumption of ginger may lead to the following problems.

- Consuming excessive ginger may increase heartburn - If in case you are taking blood thinning medications, then you need to consult your doctor before you consume ginger.

- Ginger packaged supplements cannot be trusted. It is advised that you consult your doctor about the same.

Note: If you are of the assumption that ginger offers loads of benefits and that you prefer consuming it for faster relief, then you may be inviting unnecessary trouble.

FAQs Ginger has loads of health benefits and healing properties. However, many researchers are still studying this spice as it has something more to say with its 3000 years

of rich legacy in India. Here are some frequently asked questions that will give you insight into ginger and many other health benefits and risks.

1. Is ginger garlic paste good for you?

Ginger garlic paste is definitely good for you as this has healing properties. Both ginger and garlic are said to have anti-inflammatory benefits such as - Reduces blood pressure - Helps in good and faster digestion - It is a natural painkiller - Reduces your risk of having stomach cancer - It is anti-ageing.

2. Does ginger tea have side-effects?

No!, ginger tea does not have any side-effects, but if in case you are allergic to it then you may face irritation with ginger in the beginning.

Also, excessive consumption of ginger can cause health complications. So make sure you consume it in limit and stay healthy. Excessive consumption of ginger can lead to stomach ulcers or heartburns.

3. Is ginger beer healthy?

If consuming ginger is good for you, then having a mug of ginger beer is even healthier. In fact, the best way of consuming beer is in its beer form. Compared to other carbonated drinks, ginger is said to be healthier.

The health importance of ginger is still being researched and let us hope to see in as a natural way in which it can be used to treat heart diseases in future. However, since time immemorial this spice has been used for curing purposes and as a result of its medicinal properties still remain till this day. All you need to do is to make yourself a cup of hot ginger tea and you will prevent yourself from a load of health problems.

News on Ginger: Ginger Water: A must add Supplement to Your Diet -21st January 2019 Well, if ginger tea is said to be good for your health, then you need to try ginger water. New researches state that this root based spice has loads of health benefits because of its anti-inflammatory properties.(https:// www.medlife.com/blog/15health-benefits-ginger-skinhair-recipes/).

Sunday August 23, 2020

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Kaieteur News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tandy Primo

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

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

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

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

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

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

the same name by Matt Ruff.

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

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Isaac Newton

I

saac Newton was born in Lincolnshire, England in 1643, where he grew up on a farm.

When he was a boy, he made lots of brilliant inventions like a windmill to grind corn, a water clock and a sundial.

However, Isaac didn’t get brilliant marks at school.

When he was 18, Isaac went to study at Cambridge University.

He was very interested in physics, mathematics and astronomy. But in 1665 the Great Plague, which was a

terrible disease, spread in England, and Cambridge University had to close down.

Isaac returned home to the farm. Isaac continued studying and experimenting at home. One day he was drinking a cup of tea in the garden.

He saw an apple fall from a tree. ‘Why do apples fall down instead of up?’

From this, he formed the theory of gravity. Gravity is an invisible force which pulls objects towards the Earth and keeps the planets moving

around the Sun. Isaac was fascinated by light. He discovered that white light is in fact made up of all the colours of the rainbow. Isaac also invented a special reflecting telescope, using mirrors. It was much more powerful than other telescopes.

Isaac made another very important discovery, which he called his ‘Three Laws of Motion’.

These laws explain how objects move. Isaac’s laws are still used today for sending rockets into space.

Thanks to his discoveries, Isaac became rich and famous.

However, he had a bad temper and often argued with other scientists.

‘You stole my discovery!’

Sir Isaac Newton died in 1727 aged 85. He was buried along with English kings and queens in Westminster Abbey in London.

He was one of the greatest scientists and mathematicians who has ever lived.

INKIES Fill in the blank squares so that each row and each column contain all of the digits 1 thru 3.

The heavy lines indicate areas (called cages) that contain groups of numbers that can be combined (in any order) to produce the result shown in the cage, with the indicated math operation. For example, 12× means you can multiply the values together to produce 12.

Numbers in cages may repeat, as long as they are not in the same row or column.

The Clock There’s a neat little clock In the school-room stands, It points to the time With its two little hands, It is never late to do its work, And does it the whole day through, It tells us when to start And when to stop and go.

And may we, like the little clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is right.

Sunday August 23, 2020

Junior page How to Create Beaded Baubles with Safety Pins Misty Spinney (Sep 12, 2012) Materials – safety pins of various sizes – beads – elastic string – chain

First up, the Safety Pin Ring.

For this one, we used those itty bitty gold safety pins often found in sewing kits.

Place beads on half of the pins you’re using. When you string, place each beaded pin on the elastic, then follow with a nonbeaded pin in the opposite position (upside down) from the beaded pin.

Continue and then secure by tying the elastic at each end.

Hard to believe that safety pins can look so chic!

Next, the Cuff.

You can use just about any size safety pin for this.

We used a standard 1 1/2 inch size.

The process for this is the same as the ring, but

you’ll probably want to lay things out and organize by color. For every beaded pin, string on a non-beaded pin until you’re done.

Secure by tying the elastic at the ends, and you’re done!

Looks pretty darn good with a pair of polka dot pants, don’t you think? ;) Finally, the Necklace!

For this one, you’ll use a variety of sizes to create a chic design.

We limited our color palette to blue and silver to keep things a little more simple.

Bead your pins and string onto the elastic with non-beaded pins in between, like with the other projects. Attach chain on each side, add clasps, and that’s it

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

We are continuing with these tips which you can follow to use the time you have at home to make the best of yourself and what you are doing TEEN TIME

*Whether you practise a religion or not, remember that you can do much more with the help of God. Take some time for prayer every day, and your life will become more fulfilled and productive.

Prayer is more effective when you indulge in this practice in the company with others, so you should consider taking part in some communal service, and also praying with others in your family. * Eat the right foods, so that your body is properly nourished with all it requires to grow and perform its functions more efficiently. Teenagers tend to like fatty foods, which add unnecessary weight to your body, block proper digestion and retard brain function. A proper diet makes all the difference to your health, so make a serous attempt to identify and follow this * Act in such a way as to be an example to those who may be looking up to you.

I am sure you can identify younger persons in your family and neighbourhood, and some related to you or your friends who are looking to you for some guidance. If in no other way,

you can just be an example in proper behaviour to them, and this can go a long way in helping them, as well as get to add more value to your own life. * Smile at strangers, be polite to everyone, respect your elders and generally develop a cheerful disposition. You can never tell when someone you meet on the street and elsewhere will have to help you in some way at some later time. Even without this, courtesy and a happy attitude will get you liked by everyone and make you develop a good mood always. *Try to do the right thing always, even though it may mean some cost to you.

Knowing you take pains to follow your conscience will make you feel worthy, and inspire you to do the same always.

You may not always see immediate results when you push yourself to act right, but be sure that whenever you follow your conscience good will follow at some time.

It would be of greater benefit if you can cut out these tips every week and keep them in a place where you can readily access them. Reading them regularly can help to impress them in your mind, and making following them automatic and easy.

PAGE 39

The duty and joy to improve The happiness of life is living it, it seems to me, In finding problems, then struggling till you’re free; In seeing wrongs and righting them, in dreaming splendid dreams, Then toiling till the vision is as real as moving streams.

The happiest mortal on the earth is he who ends his day By leaving better than he found moving along the way; Were all things perfect here, there would be naught for man to do, If what is old were good enough we’d never need the new.

Our only happy time of rest is that which follows strife, When we make some contribution to the joy of life; And he who has oppression and conquered it is he, Who really knows the happiness and peace of being free.

The miseries of earth are here and with them all must cope.

He who seeks for joy, through care and pain must grope; Through disappointment man must go to value pleasure’s thrill, To really know the joy of health a man must first be ill.

The wrongs are here for man to right, and happiness is had By striving to supplant with good the evil and the bad; The joy of life is living it and doing things of worth, In making bright and fruitful all the barren spots of earth.

In facing odds and mastering them and rising from defeat, And making true what was false, and what was bitter, sweet.

For only he knows perfect joy whose little bit of soil Is richer ground than what it was when he began to toil.

Self-improvement results also when we strive to better our surroundings

Solutions to last week’s

Acrostics Killer Sudoku Killer Sudoku (also called Sum Sudoku) are a kind of hybrid puzzle that combine the best features of Sudoku and Kakuro (cross­sum) puzzles. Like a regular Sudoku, the rows, columns and 3x3 blocks contain the digits 1 thru 9. In addition, the dotted lines indicate areas, called cages, which also contain a set of non­repeating digits. If you add up the digits in a cage, you get the sum shown in its clue.

HINTS: 1. Unit of speech — PHONEME 2. Landmark birthday — TWENTYFIRST ANSWER: "Not only have women been successful in entering fields in which men are supposed to have a more natural aptitude, but they have created entirely new businesses." — Lucretia P. Hunter

PAGE 40

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

Tips for Staying Healthy A healthy lifestyle can help you thrive throughout your life.

Making healthy choices isn't always easy, however. It can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise regularly or prepare healthy meals. However, your efforts will pay off in many ways, and for the rest of your life.

Steps you can take: Be physically active for 30 minutes most days of the week.

Break this up into three 10-minute sessions when pressed for time. Healthy movement may include walking, sports, dancing, yoga, running or other activities you enjoy.

Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose a diet that's low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and moderate in sugar, salt and total fat.

Avoid injury by wearing seatbelts and bike helmets, using smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home, and using street smarts when walking alone. If you own a gun, recognize the dangers of having a gun in your home. Use safety precautions at all times.

Don't smoke, or quit if you do. Ask your health care provider for help. UCSF's Tobacco Education Center offers smoking cessation and relapse prevention classes as well as doctor consultations for smokers trying to quit.

Drink in moderation if you drink alcohol. Never drink before or while driving, or when pregnant.

Ask someone you trust for help if you think you might be addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS by using condoms every time you have sexual contact. Condoms aren't 100 percent foolproof, so discuss STI screening with your provider. Birth control methods other than condoms, such as pills and implants, won't protect you from STIs or HIV. Brush your teeth after meals with a soft or medium bristled toothbrush. Also brush after drinking and before going to bed.

Use dental floss daily.

Stay out of the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun's harmful rays are strongest. You are not protected if it is cloudy or if you are in the water — harmful rays pass through both. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that guards against both UVA and UVB rays, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Select sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun's rays.

Maintaining a Healthy Outlook Women today have busy, demanding lives. You may feel pulled in different directions and experience stress from dealing with work, family and other matters, leaving little time for yourself. Learning to balance your life with some time for yourself will pay off with big benefits — a healthy outlook and better health.

Steps you can take: Stay in touch with family and friends.

Be involved in your community.

Maintain a positive attitude and do things that make you happy.

Keep your curiosity alive. Lifelong learning is beneficial to your health.

Healthy intimacy takes all forms but is always free of coercion.

Learn to recognize and manage stress in your life. Signs of stress include trouble sleeping, frequent headaches and stomach problems; being angry a lot; and turning to food, drugs and alcohol to relieve stress.

Good ways to deal with stress include regular exercise, healthy eating habits and relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation. Talking to trusted family members and friends can help a lot. Some women find that interacting with their faith community is helpful in times of stress.

Get enough sleep and rest. Adults need around eight hours of sleep a night.

KINGS AND QUEENS

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 41

Kaieteur News

THE

PAGE 42

Sunday August 23, 2020

STORY WITHIN THE

Wrong Approach!

By Leonard Gildarie

T

he news remain grim. I was targeting the end of September for the number of COVID-19 cases to reach 1,000. Based on the current trajectory, it may be way before. As we speak, the count in the last week alone is nine deaths. That is nine out of a total of 31 deaths.

There is a raging pandemic that has engulfed the world and I am fearful for Guyana. It will be our single biggest challenge we have to confront head on.

It will not be easy and take billions of dollars to overcome. It has wiped out our trade gains and shut hundreds of businesses down.

At this time, it is nigh impossible to project when it will be over. I see talks of phased openings and I laugh.

They know not what they say. Our biggest problem continues to be our attitudinal resistance to what is right before our eyes.

I am not sure what else to say to our people about how irresponsible we are as a people. I agree that we are generally a laid-back people who love to mingle and visit family and friends.

The countryside, especially, has been cavalier in the approach despite the warnings. It appears that many took it upon themselves to translate the warnings by authorities to mean the avoidance of visiting Georgetown.

I was at Rose Hall Market, Berbice last week and saw a municipal policeman barrelling down on a few vendors who had no masks. They indeed had them, but not wearing.

The majority wearing them did so half heartedly, with the masks barely covering their mouths. It is the same across the country.

We have taken the wrong approach. It should be regulations for all to wear a mask when you are out in public, whether by yourself or not. Drastic, is it? No‌we do have a population to protect. I saw the videos of police raiding bars where

people were drinking.

Perhaps none was more graphic when the Region Three police commander marched into a bar at Crane, West Coast Demerara and told the stunned patrons sitting not to leave. There were cars in front and police recorded them.

On the East Coast, similar cases were recorded.

I am aghast that we so badly wanted a drink that it would not suffice for us to buy and go home?

The body count is piling up and it appears that age is just a number. I wish I could be a little softer in my language.

Guyanese would find it hard to believe that while we have closed our borders, there are groups who are actively working to break the laws.

Kaieteur Radio reported Friday that nine Cubans along with a conductor and driver were intercepted at the Berbice Bridge checkpoint that evening.

A city minibus was stopped and detained while the COVID-19 taskforce in Region 6 arrived to screen and quarantine the Cuban nationals and the two Guyanese. The group reportedly arrived through the Number 79 Village entry/exit point and were heading to Georgetown.

It was also reported that two other Cubans were also caught just as they arrived at the Number 63 beach with their luggage. They were taken to the Springlands Police Station.

Berbice police have an uphill task monitoring several illegal entry points into Region 6. Those points include Scottsburg beach, Numbers 61-65 beach area, Rose Hall, Nigg or Fyrish K o k e r. T h i s f o l l o w e d confirmation that just a few days ago, five Cubans tested positive for the Coronavirus out of the 7 cases in Region Six. The other news that came to the attention of the people was the arrival of the police at the home of Christopher Jones three nights ago.

The police claimed he had state property. Jones and

Leonard Gildarie his attorneys insisted it was a grant for a barbershop. The equipment at his house came from a grant for which he was approved.

We are not here for that.

The issue was with the police. Did they arrive with a warrant? I like the rule of law. The law should work or be perceived to work.

The police knew that the equipment was there. What was the compelling reason to want to rush and not have a warrant?

I don't have to agree with Chris Jones and his politics or his divisive role in the recent elections.

What I would stand with him and all Guyana with is the protection of his rights. I hate to think what his young children were thinking.

The rule of law must be paramount in Guyana.

The abuse of the court systems in the last few months has the people of this country rethinking.

The videos of police ranks in the Ashmin's building ordering GECOM officials and commissioners and others to leave has left bitter tastes with us.

When the police can flout a court order so easily in the glare of social media cameras and think it is okay, it should sound a warning bell for all Guyana.

It can happen to me and it can happen to you.

It can create a way of thinking for the police and even politicians that rules don't apply to them.

There is a message here, folks. There are Guyanese, as evidenced from the last few months, who will not sit idly by and see lawlessness.

We have voices. We have pens. We have social media.

The messages will be clear. The police top brass must make statements.

Admitting we messed up can only cause us to improve.

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

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 43

Marva Langevine is a 'Special Person'

From page 14 defended it.

I found Barbados to be a very xenophobic place for Guyanese but I loved my country and would defend it at all times,” she added.

As such, soon after completing the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) in 2009, she returned to Guyana.

By then, the high school graduate was already passionately making a positive impact on other young people and knew exactly where she would be focusing her efforts.

She explained, “I always wanted to do something great for my country… My parents wanted me to be a lawyer but my dream was to become a teacher.”

Focused on her dream of teaching, Langevine applied to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) the following year. During the i n t e r v i e w, s h e w a s encouraged to choose Spanish as her major.

“I did and seven years later, I am now a Graduate Head of Department for Modern Languages at Stewartville Secondary,” Langevine noted with satisfaction.

Since then she has taught at St. Joseph High, North Georgetown Secondary and Uitvlugt Secondary schools.

Having graduated CPCE in 2012 with an Associate Degree in Education, the young teacher moved on to study for a Bachelor of Education degree (Spanish Major) at The University of Guyana. She completed UG in 2017 but returned for a six month inaugural Diploma in Psychology course at the University of Guyana in 2018.

“I still have a few mentors who envision me having a career in law in the future. We'll see what it holds,” Langevine asserted.

BY DIVINE DESIGN In the meantime she remains focused on the work of GGLO – the child bereavement charity that has been making a difference to persons who suffered the loss of a loved one.

The teacher stressed, “I have found my calling in helping the aggrieved not only by offering sympathy and moral support, but by providing tangible assistance to them.”

Langevine said that while her inspiration stems from the death of a close

friend, her Christian faith also provides that you cater for those in grief. She believes that it was by divine design that GGLO was established.

In this regard, she pointed to James 1:27 which states that: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." She recalled too that it was prayers that led her to do the research on childhood bereavement.

“I remember it was the first time I had even heard about such a thing. That night was the moment I discovered my purpose. I had found a cause that I felt immediately connected to

attention.”

“This is how I inadvertently began to champion the cause of childhood bereavement awareness,” said Langevine who received the Beauty with a Purpose Award for her projects that provided appropriate support services to help the families along their grief journey from the M i s s Wo r l d G u y a n a Organization.

Langevine was further delighted when she was chosen for Guyana at the prestigious Queen's Young L e a d e r s Aw a r d — a Commonwealth programme by no other than her majesty the queen in 2018.

She noted that having the value of her work recognized by none other than her

Marva Langevine after she copped the beauty with a purpose prize in 2016 and by finding something that was close to home, it just fuelled my passion. I believe this was a vision from God and I give him all the glory.

That scripture which states that true religion entails being there for the fatherless and widows in their time of distress stays with me,” she said.

Further realizing the harshness of the realities of living without a parent, both psychologically and economically, Langevine remains motivated to do all in her power to assist.

She recalls when she decided to make the bold step to form a non- profit organization dedicated to grieving children, after using her platform in Miss World Guyana (2016) to spread awareness on the impact of loss on children, “it was almost as if by divine leading that more and more cases of children struggling to cope with their grief, and widows having a hard time providing for the home came to my

Majesty the Queen was indeed an honour.

“The award entailed bespoke learning, training, mentorship from world renowned experts, and general support needed to strengthen and grow the NGO,” she said FUTURE OF GGLO Holding the creation of the GGLO among her greatest achievements, Langevine is looking at the future with a view of advancement and expansion of its efforts.

With the help of her selfless family, friends and supporters, she is hoping to champion the cause and pioneer Guyana's first child/family bereavement charity.

At present, the child bereavement charity gets support from a few local businesses and a few overseas donors. Langevine noted too that GGLO also benefited from an annual fundraiser from the British

Daddy's girl: Ms. Langevine and her father, George

High Commission.

The charity does not have a meeting place and as such, Langevine opens up her home once every month to allow the children to meet and have social activities.

When the charity held its first Christmas party last December, Langevine said it was hosted in Meadow Brook at the home of one of her mentors, Dr. Melissa Va r s y w k — C o u r t s a n d Digicel Guyana supported the initiative by providing toys and goodies for the children.

While meeting with the children is not on the cards f o r n o w, L a n g e v i n e continues to spread awareness about the importance of grief response and how to support children and adults who are aggrieved.

She is hoping to make the various social networks and care facilities aware of its necessity.

In fact, every November which is designated Grief Aw a r e n e s s M o n t h , Langevine helps to facilitate sensitization programmes in schools in Region Three.

She said that her plan is to have grief workshops for teachers and trained teachers; since it is important for teachers to know how to deal with children in grief.

“I also want to conduct research on to help children and people in this part of the world overcome their grief because what I have found is that most of the information available is taken from western parts of the World like Europe and we know the culture is vastly different from ours.”

At present, the teacher has made a proposal for the Childcare and Protection Agency on grief support for children in their care. She said her main concern the children of domestic homicide.

“I always wonder whatever happens to them after parent/s are taken so gruesomely from them. How do they manage to adapt normal lives?” she asked.

Among other things, Langevine is hoping to develop here therapy skills.

Moreover, she endeavours to pursue studies in the field and hopes that the Government and other stakeholders will show support for the initiative.

In the meantime, GGLO works closely with Women's Wednesday Guyana and Covenant Home for Children. Last November, the charity organized its first grief symposium.

It was facilitated by Ms. Janelle Chase-Mayers, a Grief Recovery Specialist from Barbados.

The partnership with the Wellness Center-Guyana has since resulted in the creation of grief support groups for children and adults.

Once a month, she usually takes the children out

Kaieteur News

PAGE 44

Sunday August 23, 2020

Eligibility for U.S. Government Benefits due to Coronavirus and the “Public Charge” Rule

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram

W

ith over 30 m i l l i o n p e o p l e unemployed in the U.S. and availability of certain U.S. government benefits, many lawful permanent residents (or green card holders) and temporary non-immigrant visa holders are confused as to what benefits they can apply for and use without

being considered a “public charge”.

We will try to address some of the common questions about public charge and U.S. government benefits under coronavirus.

Do people with green cards need to worry about using government services due to the coronavirus?

No. The current public charge rule applies to people seeking to obtain a green card and does not apply to

those who already have a green card.

The new rule also requires those seeking to extend or change their nonimmigrant status to submit information on public benefits use.

This means that lawful permanent residents—those who already have green cards—do not need to worry about triggering the harsh effects of the public charge rule by using government

services during the coronavirus.

Does filing for unemployment put someone at risk under public charge?

No. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the public charge rule, it made clear that receiving unemployment benefits is not considered to be receiving a “public benefit.”

This is because unemployment is an “earned

benefit” that workers pay into with their paychecks.

This includes Medicare and Social Security. People seeking to file for unemployment generally must be legally authorized to work. Some states extend unemployment benefits to individuals with DACA, while others do not.

Does receiving government support for a coronavirus test put someone at risk under public charge?

No. Guidance posted on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website says that “USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination. ”The rule itself also exempts the use of Medicaid benefits for treatment of an “emergency medical condition.”

Immigrants should not worry about using emergency Medicaid if they become sick with the virus and need treatment.

Could a period of unemployment due to the coronavirus put someone at risk under public charge?

Maybe. Immigrants who are laid off due to the coronavirus could have their diminished financial wellbeing counted against them if they apply for a green card in the future or are forced to rely on public benefits to survive.

However, USCIS has indicated that individuals in

Gail S. Seeram that situation should provide additional evidence along with their application for a green card. They can explain that the hardship was due to COVID-19.

NOTE: Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. S e e r a m o ff e r s a f r e e consultation to discuss related fees for a process and explain options. Our office will NOT tell you how to complete the legal process on your own.

If you seek legal representation, then legal fees will be due to our office.

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

Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA Call | text 407-292-7730 WhatsApp 407-353-1363 Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Live chat: www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law Copyright ©Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

g ts in s... re ture e t In rea C

T

a r y a T

he tayra (Eira barbara) is an omnivorous animal from the weasel f a m i l y, n a t i v e t o t h e Americas. It is the only species in the genus Eira.

Tayras are also known as the tolomuco or perico ligero in Central America, motete in Honduras, irara in Brazil, san hol or viejo de monte in the Yucatan Peninsula, and high-woods dog (or historically chien bois) in Trinidad. The genus name Eira is derived from the indigenous name of the animal in Bolivia and Peru, while barbara means "strange" or "foreign".

Tayras are long, slender animals with an appearance similar to that of weasels and martens. They range from 56 to 71 cm (22 to 28 in) in length, not including a 37- to 46-cm-long (15 to 18 in) bushy tail, and weigh 2.7 to 7.0 kg (6.0 to 15.4 lb). Males are larger, and slightly more muscular, than females.

They have short, dark brown to black fur which is relatively uniform across the body, limbs, and tail, except for a yellow or orange spot on the chest. The fur on the head and neck is much paler, typically tan or greyish in colour. Albino or yellowish individuals are also known, and are not as rare among tayras as they are among other mustelids.

The feet have toes of unequal length with tips that form a strongly curved line when held together. The claws are short and curved, but strong, being adapted for climbing and running rather than digging.

The pads of the feet are hairless, but are surrounded by stiff sensory hairs. The head has small, rounded ears, long whiskers, and black eyes with a blue-green shine.

Like most other mustelids, tayras possess anal scent glands, but these are not particularly large, and their secretion is not as pungent as in other species, and is not used in self defence. The species have a unique throat patch that can be used for individual identification.

Tayras are found across most of South America east of the Andes, except for Uruguay, eastern Brazil, and all but the most northerly parts of Argentina. They are also found across the whole of Central America, in Mexico as far north as southern Veracruz, and on the island of Trinidad. They

(Eira barbara)

are generally found in only tropical and subtropical forests, although they may cross grasslands at night to move between forest patches, and they also inhabit cultivated plantations and croplands.

Tayras are solitary diurnal animals, although occasionally active during the evening or at night. They are opportunistic omnivores, hunting rodents and other small mammals, as well as birds, lizards, and invertebrates, and climbing trees to get fruit and honey.

They locate prey primarily by scent, having relatively poor eyesight, and actively chase it once located, rather than stalking or using ambush tactics.

They are expert climbers, using their long tails for balance. On the ground or on large horizontal tree limbs, they use a bounding gallop when moving at high speeds.

They can also leap from treetop to treetop when pursued. They generally avoid water, but are capable of swimming across rivers when necessary.

They live in hollow trees, or burrows in the ground.

Individual animals maintain relatively large home ranges, with areas up to 24 km2 (9.3 sq mi) having been recorded.

They may travel at least 6 km (3.7 mi) in a single night.

An interesting instance of caching has been observed among tayras: a tayra will pick unripe green plantains, which are inedible, and leave them to ripen in a cache, coming back a few days later to consume the softened pulp.

Tayras breed year-round, with the females entering estrus several times each year for three to 20 days at a time. Unlike some other mustelids, tayras do not exhibit embryonic diapause, and gestation lasts from 63 to 67 days. The female gives birth to one to three young, which she cares for alone.

The young are altricial, being born blind and with closed ears, but are already covered in a full coat of black fur; they weigh about 100 g (3.5 oz) at birth. Their eyes open at 35 to 47 days, and they leave the den shortly thereafter.

They begin to take solid food around 70 days of age, and are fully weaned by 100 days. Hunting behaviour begins as early as three months, and the mother initially brings her young

wounded or slow prey to practise on as they improve their killing technique. The young are fully grown around six months old, and leave their mother to establish their own territory by 10 months.

Wild tayra populations are slowly shrinking, especially in Mexico, due to habitat destruction for agricultural purposes. The species is listed as being of least concern. (Source: Wikipedia)

>>> Pic name Tayra

PAGE 45

Kaieteur News

PAGE 46

Sunday August 23, 2020

A nightmare that became reality...

t n a r ig m e r a f o y r to s e Th th a e d y b d te n u a h s a w o h w

Dead: Zameer Isffenhani

By Shervin Belgrave

S

ince his return, Zameer Isffenhani, a re-migrant from neighbouring Venezuela, had been working tirelessly to fulfil his dreams of a better life for his family. But there were many nights when those dreams turned into nightmares.

His daily job reminded him of his worst fears and painted tragic scenes in his mind. He understandably had many sleepless nights.

Nevertheless, he tried to brush off those horrible nightmares and continued working because it was the only way of surviving and providing for the ones he loved. He motivated himself each day by having a mindset that these horrible thoughts would never come to pass.

However, on his son's

birthday, August 5, 2020, his nightmare became a reality in the most horrific of ways.

Isffenhani met what some have termed an untimely demise when he was crushed by a speeding canter which slammed into the back of a parked garbage truck on the Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD) public road.

ADAPTABLE Born on August 22, 1974 at Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, Isffenhani left the shores of Guyana with his parents at the early age of 14 for Venezuela. Life was not the best in Guyana during the 1980s so his parents Lalit and Chandra decided to move to the neighbouring country.

At the age of 20 he met a fellow Guyanese migrant, Natifa Khan, in San Felix.

The two became friends and eventually fell madly in love with each other. They soon were married and were ready to start a family of their own.

Their union produced five beautiful children who adored their dad for his dedication towards them and their mom.

“Zameer was always hard-working and his main objective was to take care of us all,” said the now widowed Natifa.

Throughout the good years in Venezuela, she recalled, Isffenhani worked as a salesman for an Ice-Cream Company. He was very successful and built a posh house for them. Despite the success, Isffenhani found

himself following in the footsteps of his father to return to Guyana.

Dark days had engulfed Venezuela and, like his father, he was eventually forced to uproot his family and leave everything behind.

This all went down in the year 2017.

But according to Natifa, “returning to Guyana was very rough. Zameer was our motivation, he had dreams of success and even planned on building a new house on a land his grandfather had given him.”

Upon their return, Isffenhani and his family settled at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. But just like many migrants and remigrants, finding a job for Isffenhani was especially difficult. In his bid to help sustain his family, Isffenhani was eventually able to secure a job with Puran Bros.

Limited as a garbage collector earning $3,300 per day.

At first, Isffenhani, according to his wife, had no qualms about the role he had to play as a garbage collector, but then things began to change.

INGRAINED FEAR “Zameer came home one day and said, 'Nati this work that I am doing is very dangerous and it is giving me nightmares',” recalled Natifa.

Her husband's co-workers had often told him about employees who died tragically while working behind a garbage truck. They told grotesque tales of colleagues falling from garbage trucks and being crushed to death. He also heard of horrific crashes, which saw vehicles like magnet, dangerously colliding with garbage trucks.

These stories haunted Isffenhani and eventually he started having eerily specific nightmares of a number of injurious things that could happen to him while on the job.

“Many days he would discuss his fears with me and I would tell him, 'boy you have to get rid of those negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones, nothing will happen to you; soon you will find a better job',” Natifa often assured Isffenhani.

Zameer and Natifa in happier times

Posing with his five children

By mustering up a great deal of courage and often reminding himself that he was his family's breadwinner, he was eventually able to conquer his fear. Well, at least so Natifa thought.

“Every day he would bring home sweet meats and tasty snacks for his children,” Natifa remembered.

As she sifted through immortalised memories of her husband; several that can make her smile on an 'offday', she recalled, “we developed a habit of sharing the same cup of coffee in the mornings and discussing our children's future.”

“Zameer was always positive, he placed his fears aside and spoke of a bright future and was always playful and jovial. He joked around a lot and loved watching movies with the kids, and, oh boy! he loved to dance. But the apple of his eyes was his daughters,” said Natifa as she re-lived her cherished moments with

Isffenhani.

Her voice and countenance changed as she recollected her last moments with her beloved husband.

“It was August and we were making plans for a big birthday celebration, Zameer was preparing for another milestone on August 22, not only was he excited, but as is customary in our family this day would have been a mega celebration for the entire family since his eldest son and daughter were born in August as well,” Natifa said.

But the exciting plans were soon dashed when word came to the family that Isffenhani's worst nightmare had in fact come true.

ANGUISH With immense anguish, Natifa remembered the last night she spent with her husband. It was August 4, last and she recalled that “He came home from work and his daughter ran to greet him.

She asked him: 'whose food

will you eat tonight?' She told him that she prepared him soup and that I prepared him fish curry.

Not wanting to disappoint his daughter he responded: 'I want soup'. He ate the soup, showered and left for his room and not long after he called for fish curry; he ate that too,” Natifa said as an involuntary smile formed on her face.

After ensuring that her husband was well fed, Natifa then tidied up the house and retired to bed with him.

“While lying on the bed with him, he gaffed with me and told me about the house he was planning to build for us.

He soon grew tired and fell asleep,” she recalled.

The following morning at around 04:00hrs, Isffenhani woke up, made coffee, drank some and carried some for his wife, who was still in bed, before leaving for work.

Natifa remembered running down the stairs to kiss him goodbye but by the time she arrived he was already entering a bus on the public road. She smiled and returned to bed.

But as fate would have it, a few hours later she received a phone call that drove her to tears. A coworker had called to notify her that Isffenhani was involved in an accident and had died.

That tragic morning, his son's 24th birthday, at around 05:30hrs, a canter truck crashed into the rear end of the garbage truck on which Isffenhani was performing his duties. He was crushed in the process and died instantly.

Natifa has no desire of keeping alive the memory of that tragic day when her h u s b a n d 's w o r s t f e a r s became a reality. She would much rather remember the superb person he was and the many outstanding things he did to show how much he cared.

Although still grieving the loss of her husband, Natifa chooses to stand strong and has taken over Isffenhani's position as the breadwinner of the family.

Her children too have promised to support their mother in the quest to achieve the plans that Isffenhani had envisioned for them.

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

No work started on Wales cold storage, agro-processing project

PAGE 47

-200 acres prime, waterfront lands gifted to foreign company Days before the March 2nd elections, there were a flurry of announcements by the state-owned National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited/Special Purpose Unit (NICIL/SPU).

One of the projects was the leasing of 200 acres of former sugar lands at the closed Wales estate, West Bank Demerara.

That sugar estate was the first of four to be closed by the David Granger-led administration for poor performance.

However, more than six months after the deal for a number of investors to build a cold-storage facility, it seems little or no work has been done on the lands.

A visit to the estate and photos taken could find little evidence of construction.

Persons who were asked could say little and said they are unaware of any work.

The investors were the same ones for an ambitious, two-hotel project at Ogle, East Coast Demerara where lands, once under sugarcane were allocated, and strategically located in an area not far from a planned four-lane highway linking with the East Bank Demerara.

The investors were planning to build a cold-storage facility that will work with a state-constructed agro-processing project, reporters and others were told at a launching at Wales on February 20th.

It was disclosed then that the investment company, Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated (CMEI), will secure overseas markets for farmers.The transaction was being looked at closely as there was interest in Guyana getting value for the assets which once was controlled by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

GuySuCo now has only four estates under its belt, down from eight.

The sugar industry nosedived in the last two decades after losing its preferential European market, and facing migration of workers, aging factories and lower world prices.

With little capital injection,

Wales was the first to go, sparking deep anger in the mainly Indian-populated community.

The Coalition Government has argued that the lossmaking sugar industry has been one of the biggest drags on the economy.

At the Wales area, there were thousands of acres of canelands which had to be divested.

NICIL/SPU had the task of finding investors.

Back in February, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)- which was then in Opposition… had made it clear that no transaction could be conducted at this time, at least no major ones by the government which is in campaign mode, ahead of a March 2nd elections.

Leading the CMEI investors is well-known Guyanaborn, New York-based businessman, Edmon Braithwaite.

At the launching of the cold-storage project in February, Braithwaite told farmers; the then Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, and others, that his team of investors has the experience to enter almost all sectors in Guyana.

He said that an “incredibly capable” CMEI intends to work with farmers and others in Wales to ensure that their produce meets the market.One of the investors was announced as Mike Elliott, who CMEI said has experience in building hotels across the world.

According to Rachael Henry, NICIL’s Business Development Officer, the transaction will be clear testimony

One of the investors, Edmon Braitwaite

Motorcyclist caught riding...

From page 10 began walking towards the King Fish Snackette.

The officers called out for him to stop but he continued walking until he entered the snackette. The traffic rank decided to take possession of the motorcycle. However, as

he was doing so, the man ran out of the snackette and began hitting the rank.

On social media, there were divisions on the incident with persons saying that the police rank aggravated the situation by throwing the first punch.

of the entity’s evolving role.

She pointed to the $4B food import bill Guyana is saddled with annually, and pointed out that a number of former sugar workers have been leased lands.

Former Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood addressing the gathering at Wales, West Bank Demerara back in February, days before the elections. A number of the overseas investors are seated in front.

PAGE 48

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

STANDARDS IN FOCUS WATER RE-FILLERS SHOULD CONFORM TO NATIONAL STANDARD

FOR RENT SERVICES

VACANCY

Visa Forms Preparer.

Tel#626-7040, Publish your Death Annoucements & In Memoriams online. Email: dthmemo@gmail.com

Counter Attendants. To work at Dian's Deli,opposite Kitty Market.#621-7862/225-3700 Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#609-8184/6396648.

Security Guard (must have experience, mature persons can apply). Contact: #2235274/ 227-5003 Driver Canter/ pickup contact: #223-5274/ 227-5003 Sailors. Must be STCW competent.Tele:#226-1100, 226-5380 One Live-in / Night Babysitter. Interested persons kindly. Contact tel: 6006887. Between: 9:00am5:00pm. Location: East Bank Demerara.

Apply within. 1 cook & Assistant and 1 counter attendant.Apply via email: jacquelinepinder811@gmail.com Primary and Secondary teachers at Institute of Professional Education. Grove E.B.D, Mon Repos E.C.D. #648-4948 Sales girl. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda.

One general domestic. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:#6159132 Female cleaner for office and home. Call:#642-9823

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Appliance repairs,spares & Serviceto refrigerator, washing machine/dryer, treadmill, stove, dishwasher, deep fryer, Call#694-9733.

Call Alti (agent) on 643-3972 to invest in the stock market.

Cosmetology class $10,000.

Contact Melissa for more information: #695-5633 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 6105846 or 661-8158

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS & SUV’S CALL :656-0087/643- 5122 E M A I L : P R O A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM

Driver.Call: #623-5255 A Maid. Call:#600-6887 to apply.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Volkswagen Jetta White PYY series. Tele:#689-0999 Toyota ToyoAca (GYY) Truck. Power everything.

Aluminum Tray roof, removable canvas, rubberized undercarriage. Call:#676-5256 Nissan Sylphy 2014,2016 low mileage, fog lamps.3.55M. Call:#660-2528 1- Daf 65, Hiab Truck 21 ft tray.Tele:#623-3839 or 6555117 Juke 2.4 nego. Excellent condition.17 inch rims, hardly use, first owner. Tel:#692-7857 Nissan. One old model Blue Bird,Lady Driven, excellent condition.Tele:#664-6728

Fully Furnished, Grill/Mesh Windows, Doors. North and Oronoque St Bourda, 3 bedrooms A/C. Domestic / Business #226-7012 PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 bedroom apartment at Herstelling.Tel:#601-0223 1 bedroom apartment to rent, Diamond New Housing scheme. Tel:#216-0644, 6012175 Furnished-4 bedroom,3 toilet & bath, 2 kitchen in Eccles.

US$2,000. Contact:#684-0495 Businessplace. Any kind of business. Alexander St.Kitty.

602-5076/225-0701

WANTED Tyre Repair Technician. Call: #227-1717 Lathe operator, welder and handyman at S.S machine shop.Contact:#645-9333 One Security Guard.Call: #227-1717 Millenium Manor Hotel. Experienced Receptionist wanted. Must be computer literate. Come in with Application.Tel: #223-0541 Live in Maid. Call:#674-9114 Experience Roti/Puri cook, Sweet Meat maker, counter server. Apply at Hack's Halaal with written Application.

Driver (Canter and pickup).

Contact Rohan at Innovations America.Tel:#226-9416/ 19, 502-8587 Cashier.Contact Rohan at Innovations Amercia.Tel:#2269416/19, 502-8587 Sales Representative.Contact Rohan at Innovations Amercia.Tel:#226-9416/19, 502-8587

LAND FOR SALE Located on Regent Street, Opposite Guyoil Gas Station, 123 ft length X 31 ft width.

Tele:#625-1514 6 Blocks, 6629 acres mining land in Potaro mining district2.Contact: rawle1@gmail.comor +1(347)558-6101 Farm New Scheme $4M & $8M (East Bank) Schoonord (100ft X 50ft with 20ft Reserve) $5M. Tele: #656-0701

The number of water refilling establishments continues to grow countrywide to serve the needs of residents purchasing potable water in the various communities.

However, the quality of water for human consumption, especially for drinking purposes, cannot be compromised because of the adverse effects this can have on health and safety. To ensure that suppliers conform to the best practices of producing and bottling water, the Guyana Standard – Requirements for water re-filling premises- was developed in 2017.

This Guyana standard was prepared by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards through the Technical Committee- Foods.

It stipulates the requirements for water re-filling premises that produce and retail non-packaged water for human consumption.

In the development of the standard, it was recognised that the number of water refilling premises has grown over the decade in Guyana, as an economic venture to fulfill consumer demands for wholesome drinking water.

However, the methods of producing the water and the way it is offered for sale necessitate the development of requirements. The standard is intended to benefit all water re-fillers and consumers.

In the formulation of the

Urgently need one Land to buy in Farm or Herstelling New Scheme. Direct from Owner. Tele# 617-9930 Courteous and able willing handyman. Herdmanston at Anira Peter Rose Street.

Assistant cook. Must know to bake, cook roti/puri. Tele: #628-7553 Honestdriver salesman.Must have lorry licences,experience in sales and work flexible hours.#233-3512

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property at Sale at Agriculture Road, E.C.D. Tel: #6429633 Active Business Place at Covent Garden Island, E.B.D. Serious Inquiries only. Call: #615-7784 or 621-6969 8 House Lots corner to corner with new model house.

Corentyne. Price 3.77 Crore. #: +346-818-0822 New home sea view,four bedroom,threetoilet $40,000,000 GYD Tel#6751510.

FOR SALE Windows. 30X48 Sash Windows with screens, white frames, reflective or tinted glass $12,800. #679-3325 Automatic soap Dispensers, Temperature Guns and Face Masks. Wholesale & Retail.

Delivery Available. Call: #6765256 All in one buy, entire boutique closing down, sale all ladies clothing. #225-0571/600-5076

standard, requirements were extracted from the a number of other critical standards, which included the Code of Practice for packaged water, the General Principles of Food Hygiene, Specification for the Labelling of CommoditiesPart 1: General Principles, Specification for Packaged Water, and Pre-requisite Programmes on Food SafetyPart 1: Food manufacturing.

Therefore, the water re-filling standard should be considered as very useful document that must be owned and adhered to by all businesses in the bottling and sale of water. Consumers have the right to ensure that the operations of these entities are in conformance with the requisite requirements.

After all, no one wants his/her health and safety to be affected by water or any other food item purchased for consumption.

Regarding the requirements of the water re-filling standard, the standard covers where such facilities should be located, and the design and layout. Such facilities should not be located in areas with objectionable odours, smoke, dust and other contaminants.

Design should prevent access by unauthorized persons; process areas (floor and walls) should be washable and cleanable; and materials used should not be a source of contamination. Process areas should also be drainable.

Workers changing facilities, toilets, eating areas, fuel storage areas are also addressed by the standard.

These must be catered for by all establishments and properly located to prevent cross contamination. The standard requires that storage tanks be made of inert materials and must be cleaned regularly.

Cleaning and sanitation schedules must be established and records kept as

evidence of implementation.

According to the standard, water re-filling facilities must be labelled with the brand name or trademark, if any, the address of the facility, net content of bottle water sold, the source of the water used, and the recommended storage conditions.

Treatment modification to water, if permitted by authorities, must also be stated.

All records pertaining to certification, maintenance, sanitation, production, water quality test, pest control, waste management and recall must be maintained. Personnel handling product should refrain from activities such as smoking, chewing, spitting and eating. They must be trained and have food handler certificates.

Testing of water quality is a requirement of the standard.

Testing must be done by a recognised laboratory to ensure compliance with microbiological requirements and other parameters for purified water.

Non-conformance by water refilling stations can be significantly reduced if all those involved in such business make the effort to purchase a copy of the standard from the GNBS and adhere to the requirements. The GNBS is exploring the possibility of certifying these entities under its product certification programme so that consumers can readily identify those who are producing bottle water ideal for human consumption.

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

For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219- 0066, visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org, message us on WhatsApp: 692-GNBS (4627)or like us on facebook: @gnbsgy

Passenger dead in highway ...

From page 10 trailer before spinning and slamming into the side of the truck.Public-spirited citizens who were passing by stopped and pulled out the semiunconscious occupants of the car from the wreckage. One of the injured passengers…the female, regained full consciousness and fled the scene while the others were placed in an ambulance and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Center.At the hospital, Newland was pronounced dead, while the driver, Rose, was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition. Niles was treated and sent away. Police were later able to track down the female passenger who fled and take her to the hospital where she received medical attention.

The wrecked car.

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 49

Kaieteur News

Coalition used close to $50M in tax dollars to pay for elections, other court cases - Special audit to follow –AG Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, says he has uncovered enormous spending of tax dollars by the previous administration on the elections and other court cases.

During a press conference yesterday, the Attorney General pointed to several receipts for close to $50M in tax dollars which the former Attorney General, Basil Williams, spent procuring lawyers to represent members of the A Partnership for National Unity Government +Alliance For Change government for the electionsrelated litigation and other political/personal matters.

The Coalition should have been paying for the cost out of party coffers.

There had been suspicions that the money was coming from the treasury.

Stressing the financial records in his possession only relates to some of the spending, the Attorney General announced he will be seeking the services of the Auditor General to conduct a special audit into the spending.

“These are spending on

Former AG, Basil Williams matters in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice…

I stress that this is only some of the records not all, so I may need the professional service of the Auditor General to get a complete picture of the entire bill in relation to those cases,” he said.

In the meantime, Nandlall outlined that for the case against the Coalition’s unilateral appointment of GECOM Chair, the former Attorney General retained two Barbadian Queens Counsels, Hal Gollop and Ralph Thorne. Together the two lawyers were paid approximately $10M for their

Attorney-at-law Neil Boston, SC services.

“This doesn’t include hotel and accommodation that are all in the retainer contract …that I will have released later,” he said Further as it relates to Ralph Thorne, the AG said that again he was paid with state funds- $4.2M to represent the former AG in his private capacity in a case where was sued by the former Solicitor General, Prithima Kissoon.

In regards to the noconfidence motion cases, Nandlall pointed to a battery of lawyers who earned big bucks.

Among them, Nandlall

Our Frontline Worker of the Week is…Nurse Coretta Alves From page 12 seldom able to visit her daughter, a smiling Nurse Alves said that she decided to get her a puppy.

EMOTIONAL STRENGTH For most of us, being in a sad and emotional setting, can eventually lead to secondary post- traumatic stress. Nurse Alves said that her past experiences have helped her in coping with the horrors of COVID-19. She went on to share experiences that occurred before the pandemic.

“As a nurse, who has been in the profession for over eight years,” Nurse Alves said that she has had “quite a number of experiences, which left me in shock for days.”

“As a nurse, at times you witness people die in front of you. This one time I had a patient who was an elderly woman. Now her husband had died, and we were worrying how is it we can tell her that her husband had died. But before we could tell her, her daughter got the news, her daughter rushed in the ward crying and there the daughter fell down and died of a heart attack. All I could've done was to embrace this elderly woman and that thing really bothered me for a while,” Nurse Alves noted. But it was experiences like those that helped her to become a resilient health care professional.

FEAR FACTOR The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc all across the globe and quite a number

of persons in the medical field have agreed that the virus can be hard to trace and contain, since infected persons can at times exhibit no symptoms.

When asked if the public should fear the coronavirus, Nurse Alves responded by saying, “Fear can cause us to do two things; either we cower, or we fight… We should fear COVID-19 in the sense that this virus is out there, but we should fight back by adhering to precautions.”

“We need to be more educated about it. We need to know what it does to the body and when we try to give information, we need to put it to the level of the people. Sometimes when we are explaining these things, but we need to do it in a way they understand and stop using too many medical terms.

Most Amerindian communities are being infected and the level of information that was fed to them I'm not sure if they understood what was happening,” Nurse Alves added.

Nurse Alves pointed out too that while COVID-19 is described as a dreaded disease, there are a few advantages that have been derived from it. She highlighted, for instance, the fact that the outbreak has served as a wakeup call for a number people. “Prior to COVID-19, nurses weren't recognized that much in Guyana; people never use to take the Health Department serious but now it's different.

During COVID-19 people see

the importance of health, something they had put aside for so long. Eating healthy and exercising to keep themselves strong and how important it is to have checkups, some people now are getting that… Some of us get to spend more time with our families and spend time with God. Some have realized that we've been too busy and so we slow down and say hey, we need to check what our priorities are,” Nurse Alves noted.

Most of us look forward to the day when COVID-19 will be a thing of the past. We look forward to the time when life can revert to the way it used to be. The question remains, however, how long will it take?

According to Nurse Alves, “the end of COVID-19 depends on the cooperation of the people. I believe that if we stand together and if we do this together, we can be better in a few months.”

She underscored too that “Most of our patients here are recovering but most of them show symptoms so persons need to take precautions. Not because you're not feeling sick means you are not infected. Sometimes you can be infected and not know, and you pass on the virus to someone who has a weakened immune system…”

Moreover, Nurse Alves has concluded that “The only thing that can protect you is wearing your mask, the social distancing and the washing of hands as often as you can.”

Attorney-at-law Mayo Robertson

Attorney-at-law, Maxwell Edwards

Attorney-at-law, Rosydale Forde, SC

said, was attorney-at-law Maxwell Edwards who was paid $4M for his participation in the no-confidence case; Senior Counsels, Rex McKay and Neil Boston who represented Compton Reid, a farmer from New Amsterdam who had challenged the noconfidence motion in his private capacity- they were paid $12 M by the Attorney General’s Office. Dr. Francis

Alexis, Q.C from Barbados was paid $5M in the same case.

In another instance, Nandlall pointed to a case where attorney-at-law, Roysdale Forde, SC, appeared on behalf of the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in a private case. In this case, the AG explained that Jordan had sued now Minister of Public

Works, Juan Edghill in his private capacity, “but here again, a lawyer is being paid from the state‘s purse over $1.7M.” Other invoices, Nandlall told the press, related the payments for attorney-at-law, Mayo Robertson, who also represented the Coalition’s interest in a number of recent elections’ cases. “We have a (Continued on page 49)

Coalition spends over $92M on Law Reform Commission…no work done The Coalition Government had expended over $92M to pay secretarial staff, rent a building on Robb Street, and pay for other facilities for a Law Reform Commission (LRC) which remains inoperable years later.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made the disclosure during a press conference yesterday.

Nandlall noted that project has received funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) but had not been performing in accordance with the schedule of work and as a consequence was placed under review by the IDB. According to Nandlall, given the non-performance of the LRC, the IDB has indicated the willingness to pull the plug on the project.

The AG noted that “since 2016, the bill was passed and the LRC was established. In 2017 it was staffed with 11 persons earning over $2.1 M per month doing nothing.

The government had rented a building from 2017 to now… from my calculations amounts to over $92M but no commissioners have been appointed nor no work done.”

In the meantime, the AG said they will be moving swiftly to appoint commissioners for the LRC and get the project off the ground.

The LRC is a statutory body mandated by the Law Reform Act of 2016.

According to the law, the LRC shall consist of three to seven members including a Chairperson, who is appointed by the President, fol-

The building rented on Robb Street to house the LRC lowing consultation with the Minister of Legal Affairs.

The appointment of the members is vital to the function of the Commission which is mandated to review, simplify, modify and systematically develop the law. Nandlall had previously criticized the spending on the LRC project.

In 2017, he revealed that the Ministry of Legal Affairs rented the 2nd and 3rd flats (not the 1st flat, which is normally the high rent yielding flat) of a building located at 59 Robb Street, Bourda, for over $1M per month.

Former Attorney General, Basil Williams, had disclosed too, that the agreement was signed between the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Michael and Michelle Wharton.

The rental was from December 1, 2017 to November

30, 2018. He revealed that staff hired included a Legal Officer, with a salary of $700,000; two Legal Clerks, $150,000 each; three typists at $130,000 each; two office assistants, $100,000 each; a cleaner, $75,000 and one driver, $120,000.

As part of the agreement, the government has to pay its own electricity while the landlord pays the water. Additionally, the agreement stipulates a security deposit of $1.7M. Government also agreed to pay the first two months of the tenancy before occupation of the building.

According to Williams, the Commission was in its final stages of readiness. He outlined that persons have been interviewed for the position of Commissioners while staff have been hired.

PAGE 50

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Contracts of “political fat cats” of SARA to be scrapped – AG

Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, has announced that the new Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government will move to terminate the contracts of the upper management of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA).

During a press conference yesterday, Nandlall told the media that the new administration has no issue discarding the contracts of these “political fat cats” at the up-

per management of SARA. Those, he said, pocket salaries of up to $1M per month along with benefits.

Nandlall, however, added that the Government is concerned about the welfare of the 40-odd secondary staff if the agency is to be dismantled.

“Our concern are the lower staffers…there are about 40 staffers in SARA and we shut the agency down, you are putting 40 persons out of work and that is our

concern right now. But those at the top, we have no difficulty in disposing of their contracts,” the Attorney General said.

SARA, formally known as the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), was birthed in 2017 by the then A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition administration, But according to the AG, it has been “rendered redundant” for their inability to pro-

Headache for Berbice as more Cubans illegally cross into Guyana Eleven Cubans along with two Guyanese are currently being held at the quarantine facility in Georgetown after they were arrested in Berbice on Friday evening.

Information provided to Kaieteur News by a senior police source revealed that nine Cubans along with a conductor and driver were caught at the Berbice Bridge checkpoint in a bus.

They were on their way to Georgetown.

The Region Six COVID-19 Taskforce was immediately contacted and Cubans and two locals were all screened and transported to a quarantined facility.

A senior police source confirmed that the bus bearing license plate number, BSS 8772 and Route 40 sign, was stopped and detained.

Based on information provided, it was confirmed the Cubans arrived through the Number 79 Village entry/exit point and were heading to Georgetown.

Meanwhile, two other Cubans were also caught just as they arrived at the Number 63 beach with their luggage. They are presently at the Springlands Police Station.

The senior officer disclosed that the police are having an uphill task monitoring several

Nabbed: The Kitty bus that was caught with the illegal Cuban passengers.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall duce a winnable case since being established.

It was for this reason that the agency, headed by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member, Dr. Clive Thomas, was ordered to be disbanded

by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, a few days ago.

Commenting on this, the AG said: “SARA has not done anything. As far as I am aware, it has filed a series of cases against PPP leaders, that’s all it has done in office, in relation to the infamous Prado Scheme as they call it.”

After Thomas was appointed head of SARA, he hired persons whose major qualification appeared to have been their association

Head of SARA, Deputy Director of SARA, Professor Clive Thomas Aubrey Heath-Retemyer with the APNU+AFC coalition.

He later brought on board Aubrey Heath-Retemyer who is closely aligned with the coalition, along with Desmond Trotman.

SARA has received close to $600M to fight corruption.

In 2018, the agency had a budget of $260M and in 2019, it received $285M. For its establishment in 2017, it also received another $116M.The agency had pursued a number of cases but ended up with dead ends.

It had gone after the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) back in September 2019 with claims that it had acquired a property in

Kingston that houses its headquarters for $244M, less than its actual value.

The High Court, however, ruled in favour of the bank, on the grounds that SARA lacked the legal standing for such a matter.

Further, SARA attempted to bring a case against Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. in an attempt to recover billions of dollars from the company over the Sanata complex. SARA was expected to recover more than $3B in state assets from that deal but the case was halted because of a court litigation brought by social activist, Ramon Gaskin, challenging the legality of the SARA Act.

COVID-19 cases barrels down on 1,000-mark The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announced 35 new cases of the novel Coronavirus yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 925.

According to the Ministry’s daily update, there are currently 11 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

It was also reported that 74 persons are in institutional isolation, 383 persons are in approved home isolation and there are 79 persons in institutional quarantine.Region one has had 132 confirmed cases; Region Two -seven cases; Region Three- 51 cases; Region Four- 297 cases; Region Five- two cases; Region Six-Nine cases; Region Seven -179 cases; Region Eight- 12 cases; Region Nine- 171 cases and Region 10- 65 cases. Of the 925 confirmed cases, 457 are male and 468 are female.

Also, out of the 6,760 tests conducted nationally, 5,835 are negative.

A total of 31 deaths has been recorded with nine just last week alone.

illegal entry points into Region 6. Those points include Scottsburg beach, Numbers 61-65 beach area, Rose Hall, Nigg or Fyrish Koker.

Just about three days ago five Cubans tested positive for the Coronavirus out of the 7 cases in Region Six.

Coalition used close to $50M in tax dollars to...

From page 50 long invoice here for the Robertson law firm. He was also paid for the no-confidence case $1.9M, an additional $1M in another case involving the AG and Anil Nandlall and the sum of $600, 000 in another matter,” he said.

As it regards the Eslyn David case, where that private citizen also challenged the results of the elections using the recount figures, Nandlall disclosed that the coalition through the Attorney General Chamber paid Maxwell

Edwards again roughly $4M for legal services.

Nandlall emphasized there is need for an examination for what he believes were irregular spending of tax dollars in the personal interest of one political group.

“You must appreciate that these things have to be the subject of a special audit to determine whether these payments were properly made. And as I said this is just a work in progress I don’t think I was given everything,” Nandlall stated.

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 55

Kaieteur News

Sebert Blake’s dream of producing an Olympian...

From page 54 “When Cliff Anderson lost his sight I moved to the Sports Hall with Gordon Williams before going to the Police Boxing Gym where I brought back Pan American medals and numerous Caribbean Gold Medals between 1993 and 1998 when I left there.

My Coaching revolves around the Coaches who taught me as a Boxer. I incorporate what they taught me when I was boxing and what I learnt on different International Coaching courses. I got into to Coaching to give back to the Sport,” continued Blake.

Blake moved to the now defunct YMCA Gym in Albouystown where he reunited with Coach Morgan

before returning to FYF where he is still the Coach.

Blake related some of his best memories as a boxing Coach.

“I remember when I first started Coaching a lady walked into the Gym with two short kids who turned to be Michael and Dexter Jordon who went on to dominate Amateur boxing at the youth level.

I also Coached Lennox Allen (the 35-year-old lost in the USA two Saturday nights ago) from age 14 and I taught him a lot, he was one of the Boxers who learnt to Box and learnt to fight, he could do everything at every level of boxing, he was a very smart kid back then.

I think he was close to getting to the 2004 Olympics but we did not get to go to the qualifiers in Brazil.

I am confident that Keevin (Allicock) will qualify and break 41-year-old drought since Mike Parris’ achievement in 1980, by giving Guyana it’s second Olympic Medal next year,” Blake noted.

Blake has had the opportunity as a Boxer and Coach, to visit several countries including Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, Antigua, Aruba, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, USA, Canada, Australia, Hungry, Mexico, Germany, Russia and England.

“The Covid-19 has affected me a great deal when it

Sunday August 23, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your intuition is likely to be very keen today, Aries. Accurate psychic insights could come to you thick and fast.Your imagination is also strong, and you might come up with ideas to enrich your home.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Get-togethers with friends or meetings with a small group, if possible, should prove informative and enlightening today, Taurus, although some of it may be a bit perplexing.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today things could be rather hectic at work. You'll probably be very busy and happy with whatever results you produce.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some new information about an interesting field could have you browsing the web and looking through books to learn more. This could involve law, philosophy, history, or spirituality.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might learn about new and creative ways to increase your income, possibly involving technology in some way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Social events could put you in touch with interesting people in intriguing professions, Virgo. You might get involved in some fascinating conversations that provide you with a lot of useful information.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A friend or colleague could recommend some books that you want to read right away. Be sure you take breaks and rest your eyes from time to time to avoid eyestrain and headaches today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today your mind will be quick, insightful, and inspired, Scorpio. Your creative impulses should go a thousand miles an hour and ideas should pop in and out of your head like crazy.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If visitors are able to pop in and out during the day, you'll be in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company.

Expect interesting news and stimulating conversation.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook.

Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be surprised if your inbox fills with email or your phone rings off the hook.

Friends, relatives, and colleagues could have great news and useful information.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today your physical and mental energy should be operating at a very high level. You probably won't spend much time inside if you can avoid it. Expect get-togethers with friends and colleagues, if possible, and some stimulating, animated discussions.

comes to boxing. Our Gym has been closed since March and we hope to get back soon but have to get approval from the GBA, GOA and adhere to protocols set out by the Government and the Health Ministry.

We do one session per day in mornings at Durban Park but this involves no sparring due to social distancing rule. I only work with the adults with the younger ones being advised to stay at home,” informed Blake.

He says his biggest challenge as a coach is working with under-privileged youths and dealing with the females.

“When you come to Gym to want to work, you have your plan set out but when you look….one of the strengths of a Coach is to observe the kids….and see some of the kids come to the Gym, they are willing but there are weak and you as the Coach have to make sure that they get something to eat before they go home.

It’s sometimes difficult dealing with females Boxers; you have to be a father, a councillor, a brother, a Coach,

Nabi and Chase lead...

From page 52 impress, the ominous Lewis edging a cut to the keeper off a quicker ball. With Obed McCoy also accurate, Sammy was able to ramp up the pressure on Denesh Ramdin and Ben Dunk, and despite Ramdin’s Hero Maximum last ball before the drinks, the Patriots needed 9.5 an over off the last 10. Dunk succumbed to the pressure, missing a sweep and giving Chase a 3rd wicket of a fantastic spell.

Tight overs from Williams and Nabi pushed the required run rate up above 11, and Powell, Ramdin, Tanvir and Emrit all fell trying to slog Kuggeleijn.

The Patriots’ keeper deserves credit for a good lone hand, and Cottrell launched a few lusty blows to narrow the margin of defeat, but other than their mid-innings batting wobble the Zouks were in control throughout, and with their well-stocked spin attack could be a force later in the tournament if the pitches tire as expected. The Patriots meanwhile have work to do if they’re not to be cut adrift.

Scores: St Lucia Zouks 172/6 (Fletcher 46, Nabi 35*, Deyal 30, Najibullah 28; Jaggesar 2/29, Tanvir 2/ 41, Emrit 1/14) beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 162/8 (Ramdin 46, Lewis 29, Cottrell 26*; Kuggeleijn 4/ 33, Chase 3/12, Nabi 1/17) by 10 runs.

a friend and sometimes even a mother.

It’s not like the boys where you can give then rough talks.

You have to deal with crying, young ladies are emotional so

you can’t talk to them anyhow.

But you have to try to understand how to deal with different people in different in different ways,” added Blake.

Warriors defend the...

From page 53 dropped at long leg by Nedd, he would not get a second life. Hetmyer held his nerve at long-on and sent the Tallawahs to the drinks break reeling. Naveen kept the pressure on, and Nedd was unplayable at times. At 41/4 after 12, the Tallawahs had to confront the possibility of losing an unlosable game, and that became even more real when Brathwaite was bowled by Paul.

Nedd finished a remarkable debut with four dot balls to Russell, and the Tallawahs now needed 69 from the last six overs before Powell clubbed Naveen down Green’s throat to leave Russell still to get off the mark and batting with the tail.

Russell finally hit his first Hero Maximum of the tournament, and while Tahir returned to trap Lamichhane LBW for a duck, but when he took the 17th over for 11 runs, the 18th for 17, and the first two balls of the 19th for 10, it looked like he was going to win yet another game singlehandedly.

But Naveen responded

with four dot balls in a row, and crucially kept Russell off strike for the last over. Paul’s execution was perfect, and though Russell battered a Hero Maximum onto the roof to bring up 50 it was too late.

Both sides will be wondering what happened after 39.1 overs that defied logic.

The action continues today with another double header starting from 10:00am. Trinbago Knight Riders tackle Barbados Tridents in the opening contest at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad.

That will be followed by the Guyana Amazon Warriors in back to back matches clashing with the St Lucia Zouks at the same venue at 02:15pm.

Scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 118 all out (King 29, Hemraj 21, Taylor 21, Naveen 14; Brathwaite 3/14, Mujeeb 3/ 18, Lamichhane 2/8, Russell 1/16) beat Jamaica Tallawahs 104/7 (Russell 52*, Powell 23, Asif Ali 14; Green 2/10, Hemraj 1/3, Nedd 1/10, Naveen 1/22, Tahir 1/26, Paul 1/33) by 14 runs.

PAGE 56

Sunday August 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

SMNT Head Coach Máximo confident Guyana can win Group F

By Franklin Wilson Following the Draw for the First Round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022 on Wednesday last at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich where Guyana was drawn in Group F, Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team Márcio Máximo has revealed that he is very optimistic the ‘Golden Jaguars’ can roar through the group and book a place in the next round.

The other nations drawn in this group are Trinidad and

Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Guyana’s first match, all things being equal given the ongoing battle with the covid-19 pandemic curtailing sports in a major way, would be on Thursday October 8th away to Trinidad and Tobago.

Five days later, here in Guyana, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ is scheduled to welcome the Bahamas.

Máximo, spoke with Kaieteur Sport from his home in Brazil: “About our Concacaf

World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022, I think that we have chance to qualify in this first round, the group is balanced. It will depend on how the players will be after this interruption. I learned through my career as player also coach that prognosis should be proven in the field; not in theory; also according to the principles of our programme.

Máximo, who some months ago would have mentioned that there would be a balance of players from

the international pool as well as the local set up, reiterated the point stating that the Technical staff will continue with the same principles of our programme.

“Balance between the numbers of internationals, export and local players in all competitions will be maintain as well as our level of competitiveness and at the same time we will continue to develop our local football and local players.

That’s why we are here; that’s why Mr. Forde hired us, otherwise we will walk in a circle, going back to the same place. Competitions are episodic but development is forever. We have to work on both fronts. Create and improve our local idols as well with identification with our local fans.” While a few sports would have re-started and been completed around the developed world, namely, football, cricket, basketball and motor racing among others, the lockdown in Guyana is still in effect for the most part with no sports being able to restart.

Lot’s of training and meeting of the technical minds have been taking place virtually and Máximo revealed that they {Technical Staff} have never stopped working despite the

GFF SMNT Head Coach Maximo and Assistant Wilson Toledo plotting the way forward. pandemic.

“All our staff stayed in touch. I and Coach Wilson Toledo are still waiting for the airport to reopen in order to return.

Once Government gives the approval for sporting activities to resume our local staff will immediately start the training on the field with our guidance until we get there.

Also, we are very happy with the signals that the new government gave to us when President Forde met with the new Minister of Sport. For me

their support is crucial to our success as well of the private sector.”

“The lockdown affected everyone. We hope that the clubs of our international players will soon return to training and we will the same way with our locals. We will try maximise our time that will be valuable.

We would be critical and be a determining factor would be the professionalism of each one in their individual training during this pandemic period. It will make a difference.”

Nabi and Chase lead Zouks to victory CPL - A powerful start and a late acceleration saw St Lucia Zouks overcome a middle-overs slump to post the highest total of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) so far, and with the offspinners again excellent that proved too tough an ask for a St Kitts & Nevis Patriots team who’ve now played three, lost three.

Patriots captain Rayad Emrit chose to bowl, but while Sheldon Cottrell and Sohail Tanvir started tightly to Rakheem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher was able to pick up boundaries off both.

Cornwall retired ill in the third over, and while Mark Deyal started with a Hero Maximum first ball, he should have fallen off his third when Ben Dunk missed a slip catch off Jon-Russ Jaggesar.

Jaggesar’s frustration grew when Kieran Powell stepped on the rope while trying to complete a juggling catch.

The Zouks were quick to take advantage, Fletcher taking a liking to Tanvir and Deyal, peppering the legside off Jaggesar to power the Zouks to 64/0 off the Powerplay. The onslaught continued as the field went back, with Deyal launching

his third Hero Maximum to bring up the 50 stand off just 27 balls.

Ish Sodhi took a good juggling catch at mid-off to dismiss Deyal off Emrit’s first ball. The Patriots captain foxed Najibullah Zadran with an array of slower balls, but the Afghan powered a pair of reverse sweeps off Sodhi and the legspinner was frustrated when Fletcher was dropped again on 38. Another Najibullah four saw the Zouks motor to 91/1 at halfway.

Jaggesar finally got his man when Fletcher picked out deep midwicket. With the Zouks so well set, it was a surprise to see the anchorman Roston Chase come into bat, and he fell to a spitting Jaggesar carrom ball before he could make much of an impression. Tanvir picked up Najibullah and Sammy caught behind in the same over, and at 123/5 in the 15th the Zouks were in danger of wasting a good platform.

Cornwall was well enough to return but hit only one boundary before he was freakishly run out. A Nabi leading edge spun back onto the bowlers’ stumps with Cornwall backing up looking for a run, and Emrit had ample time to complete the run-out.

Nabi showed his class with two huge Hero Maximums off Tanvir, one of which went literally out of the ground. Another flurry off the 20th took the Zouks to an imposing total despite their mid-innings stutter.

Nabi was back in the action immediately, bowling an excellent first over to Chris Lynn and Evin Lewis.

Saad bin Zafar was not so accurate - when he dropped short Lynn pulled, and when he overpitched Lewis drove and paddle-swept - but a stunned Lynn had to depart when Najibullah sprung magnificently to take the catch of the tournament so far.

Lewis toyed with Scott Kuggeleijn, dispatching a Hero Maximum over square leg and paddling the followup slower ball very fine for four.

But it was the New Zealander who was waiting at long-on when the recalled Joshua Da Silva toe-ended a straight hit off Chase.

Kesrick Williams, bowling a rare Powerplay over, mixed up good and bad and the Patriots ended the Powerplay at 52/2.

Chase continued to (Continued on page 51)

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 57

Kaieteur News

Warriors defend the lowest total in CPL history - Andre Russell’s unbeaten 52 off 37 balls goes in vain TAROUBA, Trinidad, – Guyana Amazon Warriors overcame losing 10/62 in 81 balls and a vintage onslaught from Andre Russell to record the lowest successful defence in Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) history in an astonishing game against the Jamaica Tallawahs yesterday.

After a Powerplay charge the Amazon Warriors lost 10/ 62 as Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane ran riot.

But last year’s finalists roared back with the ball to take bursts of 3/4 and 4/25, leaving the Tallawahs needing 60 from the last 4 overs, from which position even Russell at his most devastating wasn’t enough.

After Tallawahs captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl, Fidel Edwards generated significant swing, but Thomas was wayward

and Brandon King punished him mercilessly. The fact that one of his Hero Maximums was off a no-ball because too many fielders were behind square on the leg-side added insult to injury. Thomas was not seen again with the ball.

Chandrapaul Hemraj was quick to pounce on anything short from either Mujeeb or Russell, and with King continuing to time the ball sweetly the Amazon Warriors raced to 56/0. All seemed to be going swimmingly.

But Mujeeb sparked a remarkable turnaround. First a ball skidded past King’s sweep, then next ball the inform Shimron Hetmyer was done by a quicker off-spinner.

When Hemraj steered the first ball after the Powerplay to the fielder at point, the Amazon Warriors had slumped from 56/0 to 57/3 inside four balls.

That became 67/4 when

Nicholas Pooran tried to cut Mujeeb and edged behind.

Sensing an opportunity Powell went on the attack, introducing Lamichhane and keeping a slip in. So panicked were the Amazon Warriors that Sherfane Rutherford came out with two left gloves.

Lamichhane did not disappoint. His first over was tight, and in his second his googly spun big to leave Rutherford only able to give Mujeeb a second catch at point. Ross Taylor found himself fighting a lone hand, and the Amazon Warriors found themselves in a hole at 85/5 after 12 overs.

That hole got deeper still.

Paul skied to Phillips trying to pull Carlos Brathwaite’s third ball, Amazon Warriors skipper Chris Green lost his leg-stump to Lamichhane, and eventually Taylor clipped Brathwaite straight to deep

midwicket to leave the Amazon Warriors 99/8 after 16 overs.

Naveen-ul-Haq showed a deft touch, but debutant Ashmead Nedd couldn’t stay with him as he was farcically run out. Naveen tried to hit out but gave mid-off a simple catch to give Brathwaite a third wicket and put the final nail in the coffin - or so it seemed.

At the start of the chase

Green sparked panic with a pair of LBWs, removing Chadwick Walton with the first ball of the innings and ending Nkrumah Bonner’s first Hero CPL game since 2016 shortly after. Imran Tahir got a rare outing in the Powerplay, and threatened immediately with a maiden.

Nedd’s debut may not have gone well with the bat, but the first ball of his T20 career removed Phillips. Asif Ali joined captain Powell in the 4th over with the score 4/

3, and though he was beaten with his first two balls he got off the mark with a commanding cut shot.

The Amazon Warriors bowled, fielded and appealed as though angered by their own batting, and the intensity didn’t let up after the Powerplay. Naveen let rip some whole-hearted LBW appeals, Nedd got bounce and sharp turn, and Paul hit Powell on the helmet with his first ball. While Asif was (Continued on page 51)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

Sunday August 23, 2020

Another success story from the Ghetto

Sebert Blake’s dream of producing an Olympian is within reach

By Sean Devers ‘Don’t let your community change you, you try to change your community’ these were words of 46-year-old former boxer turned Coach, Sebert Blake who grew up in the rough environment of Albouystown.

His first overseas trip was in 1992 when he won a Silver Medal in at the CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas and during his career as an Amateur he won Gold medals at the Caribbean level in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and won a Bronze Medal at the 1997 Pan Am Games in Colombia.

In 1999 Blake represented Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Gym in the National Boxing Champions for the first and only time after he had joined the Police Boxing Gym. Blake attended the 2000 Olympic trials in Florida which prematurely brought the Curtains down on his Boxing career but opened the door to his Coaching Career which began in 2001 at the FYF in Albouystown.

In 2013 Blake attended an IOC 3-month Coaching course in Hungry through the (GOA). Terrence Poole and Carl Franklin had previously benefited from this course.

Blake, in 2014, joined National and GDF Head Coach Terrence Poole as the only Guyanese International Boxing Association (AIBA) certified three-star Boxing Coaches.

Blake was the Coach of Keevin Allicock and Colin L e w i s i n l a s t y e a r ’s

Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

In 2010 Shondell Alfred knocked out American based Guyanese Corrine Van Ryck DeGroot at the Princess Hotel in Providence, Guyana to win the WIBA title and become the second World C h a m p i o n f r o m Albouystown after Andrew ‘Six heads’ Lewis won Guyana’s first World title in 2001.

Blake, who coached the FYF’s female Boxer in that bout, said any Coach’s dream is for his fighter to win a World title and rates that as one of his most memorable moment as a Coach, especially since he was voted as WIBA Trainer of the year.

“The defence of her title was very pleasing since we worked really hard and her tough preparation, and it paid off with her spectacular knock-out of DeGroot,” said Blake with pride in his voice.

In 2016 Blake was Coach when Guyana captured 10 Gold Medals and a Silver in the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Barbados.

This was the most medals Guyana had ever won in a Caribbean Boxing overseas Tournament.

Blake is employed as a Network design specialist with the IDB GOG AU Power Utility Upgrade Programme at GPL and has two sons (Trevor and Quincy). He has been married to Samantha Daniels-Blake for over 25 years.

His eldest son Quincy was a former Athlete with the Police Progressive Youth Club and is presently

Coach Sebert Blake (right) collects the best boxer prize on behalf of Keevin Allicock from former world rated boxer Terrence Ali.

Blake, GCB Head Peter Abdool and Shondel Alfred. severing in the US Navy. His wife lives in the USA with their 11-year-old son.

Blake became interested in Boxing when he moved to North/East.

Blake spent his first 13 years in Albouystown before moving to North East La Penitence where he still lives.

He has four brothers and a sister and attended Sir Ross Nursery school in James Street Albouystown, then Carmel Primary which went up to fourth form and became a Community High in 1985.

He did a four-year course at GEC (now GPL) and also attended GTI and GITC. “At school I played Table Tennis at the YMCA and Darker’s Club, I played cricket and Football. But I was more serious about Tennis; I played with Joanna Johnson and Sydney Christophe.

I had a good friend, Keith Phil; we are like brothers. Unfortunately, he was born without half of an arm and for some reason I could never beat him and quit Tennis since I felt that a

person with one arm should not be beating me,” continued Blake.

“Growing up in a community like Albouystown and to a lesser extent North/East, was a bit tough, we went to the people in the Cemetery, we ran, played in the gutters…. everything that kids do in those communities.

I grew up in a single parent home with our grandmother and mom, we did not have everything that we would like but we were a loving family.

My mother did all she had to do to make us a loving family and achieve as much as we could as young people living in such a place. But then again it’s you who has to have that ambition to pull yourself out of any situation that’s not conducive for you.

I have lived among the good the bad and the ugly in Albouystown but you can’t let the community change you, you have to change the Community. I am here today as a living example and testimony to that,” Blake disclosed.

“I had a friend (Oradell Saul) who brought home a medal and a big Trophy and said he won it in Boxing and said to myself he is so skinny and won in boxing and if he could win I could win too.

And that’s how I started boxing,” added Blake He joined the Cliff Anderson Boxing Gym, located in North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and started training with Cliff Anderson.

“It was tough because although most of boys were younger than me but they already understood the art of the Sport.

The late Alan Harris fought like Mike Tyson at the Gym and I pattered myself

after him. We would go and run together; he was my role model at the Gym. The best Boxer I ever faced was a Cuban Boxer at the 1997 Pan Am Games in Colombia. I lost in the semifinals and won a bronze medal. In the same Championship I fought a guy from Mexico in a five-round fight, each round lasted two minutes and we went the full five rounds. That was the most gruelling bout I had ever been in and that was my most memorable fight.

I was the National Flyweight Champion and that year boxing in Guyana had taken a bit of a lull. We were not travelling much; we were to go the Caribbean Championships that year but it fell through.

We got some funding to go the Pan Am Games and Coach Lennox Daniels pushed me up to Bantamweight (119 lbs).

I was very small for the Bantamweight category but I was very fast with my punches so I was able out punch my opponent.

At the end of the bout the score was 26-13. I was throwing four and fivepunch combinations. The Mexican was bigger and tougher than me. All I had were punches in bunches and a big heart and I came out the winner.

Locally my most memorable bout was against Esuan Rose, we fought three times and I never won since every fight ended in controversy. I felt the judges beat me,” declared Blake.

Blake explained he got into Coaching after attending the 2000 Olympic trials in Florida.

“I lost to a Venezuelan in the quarter-finals by one point. After I lost that bout, sitting in the audience was

the manager/Coach of Evander Holyfield, Pennell Whitaker.

He was scouting boxers for their camp and congratulated me on my performance. He told me that if I was able to qualify for the Olympics they would contract me so I returned home and thought that would be a great opportunity for me. So I withdrew $130,000, my own money, with some support from the guys at GEC (now GPL) I went to represent Guyana in Argentina and lost to a Canadian 8-13.

At that same tournament I told Coach Daniels I was finished with Boxing since my hopes was to go to the Olympics. President of the GOA, K. Juman-Yassin said if I qualified I would get back my money,” Blake disclosed.

Blake lost the fight, the chance of qualifying and his money and quit Boxing. But boxing haunted him from the period 2,000, 2001.

“Being at home, not running, not doing anything for eight months haunted me. One day I passed by the FYF Gym in Albouystown.

Coach Winsel Thomas had left the Gym in 1999 and I saw nobody was coaching and started coaching there in 2001,” said Blake, who favourite Boxer is Pernell Whitaker.

Blake worked with many Coaches at different Gyms including his first Coach Cliff Anderson, Gordon Williams who p r o d u c e d t w o Wo r l d Champions Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite and Vi v i a n H a r r i s , C o l i n Morgan, Ray Robinson Jones, Mike Barker, Umber Green, Kid Carrington among others.

(Continued on page 51)

Kaieteur News

Sunday August 23, 2020

PAGE 59

Sports Minister meets with IKO Karate Academy

T

he International K a r a t e Organization [IKO] Academy of Guyana recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport; Charles Ramson Jr. at his office on Main Street, Georgetown.

The delegation which was led by the Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKO Academy of Guyana Shihan Jeffrey Wong (7th Degree Black Belt), included the Vice Chief Instructor and Vice Chairman Professor Aubrey Mendonca, Vice President Waynewright Orderson, Committee Members Trevor Hurry and Eulex Stephens, and Karatekas Aliya Wong Third Dan, Tyler Orderson Third Dan, Tashana Wong Third Dan, Otto Harris Second Dan and Chelsea Ram Second Dan. The Vice President of IKO Academy, Orderson, presented to the Minister their plans for developing the sport of Karate-do in Guyana over the next five years and beyond and proposals of how the Academy could collaborate with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to advance the martial art and combat sport throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Professor Mendonca pointed out to the Minister

L-R: Vice President Waynewright Orderson, Karatekas Tyler Orderson 3rd Dan, Tashana Wong 3rd Dan, Aliya Wong 3rd Dan, Professor Aubrey Mendonca, Hon Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Shihan Jeffrey Wong 7th Dan, Eulex Stephens Committee Member, Karateka Chelsea Ram 2nd Dan, Trevor Hurry Committee Member, Karateka Otto Harris 2nd Dan. that contrary to the belief in some quarters, martial arts classes do not make youngsters violent and asserted that juvenile delinquents in Guyana could benefit from classes to help to rehabilitate them.

Mendonca highlighted the fact that learning karate can combat bullying as research has shown that martial arts reduces physical and verbal aggression, theft and vandalism. He indicated the intention of the Academy w i t h t h e M i n i s t r y ’s permission to provide free classes to help to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents at the Juvenile Holding Centre in

Sophia and at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Holding Centre in Essequibo, Region Two of Guyana.

Karateka Tyler Orderson in his presentation to the Minister dealt with the concept of sports tourism, particularly in the discipline of karate-do and the impact it could have on our country’s economy.

He pointed to the fact that sports tourism is a huge and growing industry around the world, with important economic implications for the sport, the event, and the impact of travel and tourismrelated benefits on host Ninvalle (seated centre) is flanked

by Agard and Braithwaite (left), Chase (right) and Craig are at the back.

Referee, Judges receive certificates for seminar participation Five local boxing referee/judges, who participated in the two-day seminar for Caribbean officials, yesterday received their certificates.

The certificates were presented by Americas Boxing Confederation

(AMBC) Vice President Steve Ninvalle who was responsible for organising the event. Over one hundred and fifty officials from the English Speaking Caribbean, Curacao, Haiti and Suriname participated.

AIBA One Stars Lawrence

Assanah and Richard Braithwaite and Elton Chase, Guyana’s first and only AIBA certified International Technician Officer (ITO), Jermaine Craig, Shenice Agard and Colin Rodney were the Guyanese representative.

destinations. He expressed the belief that sports tourism could become a viable and sustainable component of Guyana’s overall tourism product, making a tangible contribution to national development.

Another Karateka Aliya Wong underscored the benefits that karate training can have on the children of Guyana, helping them to build their self-confidence and emotional skills so they have the chance to reach their full potential in everything they do. She proffered the desire of the IKO Academy of Guyana to introduce Karate classes into the school system through the PE curriculum all across Guyana since the physical education and sport syllabus of CSEC offered by

CXC includes karate-do as one of their subject areas.

Miss Wong said that although the benefits are there for all to see, some people still regard martial arts as a violent physical activity, rather than a form of self-defence and suggested that the best way to get rid of such false ideas was to promote the true value of martial arts in the schools.

Shihan Jeffrey Wong assured the Minister that even though Guyana is in the midst of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic like every other country in the world, that it was his intention when it was considered safe and responsible to resume training, to abide by the Ministry of Health and

Government of Guyana restrictions and recommendations regarding limits on social gatherings, physical distancing and hygienic measures.

The Chief Instructor outlined to the Minister, protocols that the Academy has developed for the various clubs / dojos under its purview to reduce risk as they return to karate training during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The Minister thanked them for the visit and assured the Academy as an avid sportsman himself, of his commitment and that of his ministry to working along with all sporting bodies for the benefit of the people of Guyana.

Spo

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Ashmead Nedd was impressive for the Warriors and is joined by teammates in celebration of a wicket. (CPL)

Chris Green appeals successfully against Chadwick Walton, Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs, CPL 2020, Brian Lara Stadium, August 22, 2020 © Getty Images

Warriors defend the lowest total in CPL history

- Andre Russell’s unbeaten 52 off 37 balls goes in vain

SMNT Head Coach Máximo confident Guyana can win Group F

Flashback! Unity is strength! Senior and Under-20 ‘Golden Jaguars’ and Technical Teams listening to Head Coach Márcio Máximo and Wayne Dover following a training session on January 18.

Another success story from the Ghetto

Sebert Blake’s dream of producing an Olympian is within reach Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.