Kaieteur News

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Mom seeks justice for rape of girl, 12…

DPP had NEWS recommended elder teen be charged AIETEUR

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

Friday Edition August 27, 2021 - Vol. 23 No. 35

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 70,878

Guyana operating without oil regulator for almost 2 years - more transparent and accountable govt. needed - Int’l Analyst Woman assaults 1 dead, 3 injured cops who tried after AGM’s pick-up to stop music suffers tyre blowout

Missing notes of evidence results in postponement of appeal hearing COVID-19 One in custody for torching claims lives Canje businessman’s vehicles of 4 women

- reward offered by victim for anyone with information

Unvaccinated GPHC staffers locked out of compound - say they won’t be forced to get vaccinated CGX, KAIETEUR operators to start drilling holes searching for oil and the bills will on Kaieteur come in the billions on our backs while you mumble and grumble.@11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

One in custody for torching Canje businessman's vehicles - reward offered by victim for anyone with information

P

o l i c e o n Wednesday morning arrested one person in connection with the setting on fire of a Canje businessman's vehicles Tuesday night. Commander Jairam Ramlakhan confirmed that the suspect was arrested yesterday morning and he is being questioned by investigators.

Three vehicles belonging to Betsy Ground, East Canje businessman Doodnauth Moses called 'Chenick', 46 were Tuesday night set on fire by an unidentifiable male.

Police in a statement said that motor bus PPP 391 and car PSS 1113 were parked on the eastern side of the premises and Moses's canter truck GWW 3612 that is used to transport goods for his business was parked on the

northern side of the premises when the incident occurred.

The businessman who operates a Supermarket, Superbet, Western Union and auto sales at the location said that at approximately 20:00 hrs on Tuesday, he had secured his business place and ventured to the upper flat of his premises with his two sons and wife. A short while after, one of his sons who was in close proximity to the surveillance screen saw a bright light flash on the screen and he shouted for him.

A closer look showed that his motor vehicles were on fire.

Moses said he armed himself with his licensed firearms and ventured to the front of his yard and discharged four rounds from his shotgun and four from his .32 pistol; the suspect had already left the scene. The fire service and police were contacted immediately; they arrived shortly after.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV footage with a man who was seen throwing a substance on the parked vehicles and then lighting them with a match.

Meanwhile, Moses has indicated that he is offering a $200,000 reward for anyone who may have information about who else might have been involved in committing the act.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

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Guyana operating without oil regulator for almost 2 years - Int'l - more transparent and accountable govt. needed Analyst

By Kiana Wilburg

A

s world leaders take steps to wean their respective energy systems off fossil fuels and onto cleaner sources of power such as solar, hydro and wind, there are quite a few things Guyana can do to ensure its petroleum industry is uniquely qualified to stand the test of time.

In this regard, Energy Consultant and Co-Director at Americans Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin posits that Guyana can pursue a diversified economy in a proactive and thorough manner.

Deakin said too that the new oil producing State can ensure there is an efficient blend of oil and gas production with Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation (CCSU) technologies.

He was keen to note however that the foregoing strategies must be accompanied by “a more transparent and accountable government.”

Although the ruling party has bashed the previous administration's Natural Resource Fund law for being too politicised, Deakin said the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has failed to introduce legislation to create a new fund. He also noted that the Petroleum Commission to manage the country's oil sector is yet to become a reality despite the country producing oil for nearly two years.

Deakin asserted that President Irfaan Ali appears to have recognised the urgency of the situation, as he recently pledged to create the Petroleum Commission by year's end. As he lauded the government's renewed promise, he said the government must take steps to be more transparent. He said too that the way forward for the country must include incentives for CCSU, renewable energy and naturebased solutions.

“The path is being charted for Guyana to become an energy powerhouse, but without these strategies, it 'is more likely than not' that it will be left behind in this rapidly changing energy sector,” the international consultant

noted.

ALI INSISTS ON TRANSPARENCY On the 2020 election campaign, President Ali had promised that the oil sector would be characterised from end to end by transparency.

In spite of this pledge, this newspaper had highlighted that following his first year in office, an information deficit still persists in the sector.

To date, Guyanese have not seen a single Local Content Report, which ExxonMobil submits to the government on a quarterly basis, production reports on the Stabroek Block have not been released, and the report on the audit of US$460M ExxonMobil claims was spent pre-2015 in search of oil remains cloaked in secrecy. Also hidden from the public's eye despite a promise that it would be released, is a report that was done by Canadian consultant, Alison Redford.

The former politician who is tainted by scandals regarding the misappropriation of tax dollars had spearheaded the review of the Field Development Plan (FDP) for ExxonMobil's US$9B Payara project in the Stabroek Block.

Challenged on the lack of transparency in this regard,

Ali had said earlier this month, “I do not believe that we have been hiding anything as it relates to the oil and gas sector.

Every piece of information that the government has, every discussion we have had, any change in any agreement, it has been shared with the public.”

Ali continued, “Many of the areas you outlined, the government itself is identifying technically competent support staff that would come on stream with us in the new structure, which we are designing for the sector to do the analysis in all the areas you have outlined and to present their findings to the population.”

The Head of State added, “We recently advertised for various posts within the unit and it is our hope that very soon, we can put together the structure and the team to further enhance our work in having an open and transparent system of management and information sharing in the oil and gas sector.”

Ali said too that his government is currently working on a website, which would house all the production, expenditure, and revenue collection details on

International Energy Consultant, Arthur Deakin

President, Irfaan Ali

the oil sector. He gave no timelines for when this

would be completed or when the reports Kaieteur News

enquired about would be released.

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Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Marijuana and the Police We use a caption from a recent Sunday’s edition of this newspaper to make several points. The title was, “Police destroy marijuana farm in Berbice, armed men escape” (KN July 18). There is both the good and not-so-good with this police action, and on which we share our position, which is sure to raise some hackles if not in some segments of society, then at least in upper levels of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The cultivation, production, sale, and use of marijuana in this country are all illegal activities. The fact that the GPF is going after what stands under our current laws as a criminal activity is a good thing. We say so unreservedly.

Additionally, as our caption noted, there were armed men (most likely with unlicensed firearms) who beat a hasty retreat into the bushes, and from where they fired shots at members of the GPF (also illegal and unacceptable actions).

So, what transpired was crime upon crime, several of them.

Members of the GPF could have been seriously injured, even fatally so, in the lawful commission of their duties.

This is wrong all over, and we make no bones about saying so.

In the next instance, there are those who take the position that marijuana use has medicinal value, and the entire apparatus of its use should be legalised. That is, from the time it is in the ground to harvesting and shipping and selling and partaking. Relative to this particular area, we reserve comment for another day, even as we acknowledge the growing volume of voices expressing thoughts along these lines. What we are focused on today is the work of the GPF with specific references to marijuana cultivation suppression and elimination, and the targeting and apprehending of those producing and those consuming the product.

We have presented our thinking on the actions of the GPF re. marijuana matters. But we must ask this question: is this really the best use of the limited resources, human and financial and strategic and other resources of the GPF? To be frank, we do not think so, and this is even as we recognise that violations of the law are occurring. We would hope that the response from the top tiers of the GPF would not be damned if it is done, and damned when nothing is done, since this is not where we are going at all.

The places where we are going speak for themselves.

This society is plagued by crime; or, at least, there is the perception of such a plague, and the fears that accompany it. Citizens are robbed almost at will in the vicinity of the bus parks located in one the most congested areas in the capital city.

In broad daylight, before the presence of onlookers, and with a known police presence nearby, commuters and shoppers are waylaid, assaulted, and violently separated from their property. The same also applies around stores and banks. Home invasions are a constant threat, and domestic violence is never far from the next harrowing headline reporting numbing brutality. The latest is that rapes are up 70 percent, and this is for mainly children under 16 years old. Traffic is a daily nightmare with little in the manner of road discipline or orderliness or even basic courtesy.

Still further, with the advent of more business activity and sometimes large sums of money at work, white collar crimes are also on the rise. Impersonation and fraud and Ponzi schemes are too frequent for comfort, while there are ongoing concerns about severe public service corruptions involving an endless brigade of bureaucrats and citizens.

By now, a picture should be emerging and registering on Guyanese who already know so, as well as to those who didn’t care and didn’t want to know, unless they find themselves on the wrong end of a gun or a deal gone sour.

Because of all this, we at this publication think that it is commonsense for GPF seniors to utilise better the limited resources available, to make a difference in these areas and on crimes closer to home to countless citizens. Curtailing of illegal marijuana activities is important, but there are others that should be prioritised higher.

Royal runaround at GTT for a BLAZE service reconnection Dear Editor, Wow! Just wondering when GTT will actually DO LESS (of something) and not DO MORE (of nothing).

On Monday, 16th August 2021, I went to GTT office at 55 Brickdam to reconnect my Blaze account #502-6820 which I suspended for six months (March to August 2021). When I requested the suspension, I was never told that I had to pay a rental fee of $1500.00 per month. Thus, imagine my surprise when told this outstanding balance must be paid before being reconnected. Even more surprising was the fact that I had to pay for the entire August month on my next bill. Half the month has already gone so GTT is requesting a full month’s payment for a half month’s service.

The Customer Service Representative (CSR) told me the service would be reconnected within 24 hours or latest 48hours. I waited patiently on Tuesday and Wednesday, still no service.

Then, I paid a return visit to

the GTT office on Thursday,19th August 2021, where I met the manager, supervisor and the C. S. R. (I knew the manager and C.S. R. from prior troubles at GTT, the supervisor, I met for the first time.) I impressed upon them the urgent need for the service and was promised speedy reconnection. The manager even told me to send the relevant information to mobile # 616-3665.This included r e f # 1 8 6 7 8 8 , fsan#znt8038f30fc, name and address. I even sent it to her mobile number just in case.

Surely, I thought my troubles were over, but they would only get worse. Later, that afternoon, a call to the manager’s mobile number for an update from my contact number went unanswered.

On Friday, 20th August, 2021, I decided to call from another number, she answered and said, “I am looking into it and will get back to you later.”

Needless to say that never happened. Forget 0488, that is 10 times worse.

After trying repeatedly

but unsuccessfully all morning, on Monday, 23rd August, 2021, I again visited the office in the afternoon. I got more of the same i.e., the information was sent off and she was awaiting a reply. This is exactly one week after receiving payment to initiate reconnection but failing to do so. On Wednesday 25th August, 2021, I again visited the office to see the manager.

This time I was told I cannot see her, contact must first be made with a C.S.R, who would determine whether she would see me. Luckily, the supervisor came out of the inner office to solve an unrelated problem.

I got her attention and again reminded her of my plight. Same song, different singer. Whilst speaking with the supervisor, the manager opened the inner office and was about to come outside.

On seeing me, she froze, (there was a clear line of sight of about six feet with no obstruction) calmly closed the door and melted away.

It took just one minute to process the payment for the

service, but 9*24*60=12960mins later, I am still without the service. To think of GTT as a service organisation (a utility at that) is an abomination to say the least.

They are very good at collecting our money but where is the service. I prefer a visit to the dentist; it is much more efficient and a lot less painful. I can recall a similar problem in the recent past with another customer (one Sandra Khan). When the problem was highlighted, the usual promises (empty) were made, but here we go again.

In closing, it took no less a person than the ex-CEO Justin Nedd to solve a simple problem I had with GTT. Although GTT boasts of having several hundred employees (mostly locals), it seems that only the CEO works.

So, I am hoping this correspondence reaches the eyes or ears of the CEO. I was a staunch supporter and loyal customer of GTT, not anymore.

Dale Thorne

GPL’s response to customer’s claims Dear Editor, In response to a letter published in your newspaper on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, under the caption “Unethical practices at GPL,” the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL) wishes to unequivocally state that it does not condone employees’ execution of duties that are not consistent with the Company’s established procedures.

There are established policies and procedures for applications of New Services inclusive of Changes of Tenancy.

An application for a Change of Tenancy is required, processed and effected when an account holder vacates a premises and the incoming tenant is desirous of executing a Contract with GPL for service.

The requirements are legal proof of occupancy, in the form of a Transport, Certificate of Title or Tenancy Agreement, which must be notarised by a Justice of Peace, along with valid identification.

As an ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Company, every

corporate action is supported by a controlled documented procedure that staff are expected to adhere to. Failure to adhere to these procedures would lead to the appropriate disciplinary actions against the employee(s) in accordance with the Company’s Disciplinary Policies.

Fraudulent documentation will lead to immediate termination of service.

These established procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure the highest level of transparency

and consistency in transacting business.

GPL is open to reports of any malpractices being conducted by staff. The two recent letters in the press gave no specific information to assist in identifying the accounts nor the employees involved.

All reports will be investigated to ensure honesty in our business and service to customers.

Sincerely, Public Relations Unit Guyana Power and Light Inc.

Angry and anguished questions generated by a one-year-old dictatorship Dear Editor, What sort of government turns on its public servants?

What calibre of leader of a country presides over a nation in which its police are called in to remove unvaccinated citizens from their place of employment?

Where in these modern times one ethnic group is completely and deliberately shut out of the banqueting hall of economic festivities of their country? Where in progressive democracies anywhere in this world, hospitals are denied drugs to treat citizens because of the p e o p l e ’s noncooperation with oppressive policies?

Are we wrong in registering a statement of fact that the Guyanese people are living under a one-year-old dictatorship that will not relent but will g r o w s t r o n g e r, i f n o t stopped in its tracks. How do we treat with the evil manifestation of a dictatorial regime?

Guyana must be able to breathe the fresh air of freedom, justice and equality. We must not wait a year before elections to exert ourselves vigorously i n h o l d ing this corrupt administration accountable.

Neither must we fail to consider all options before us (nonviolent) in retaliation

to political, social and economic oppression.

Where on earth can one argue against the concept of MY BODY, MY CHOICE? Why must our babies be subject to forced vaccination when we are yet to determine the safety of vaccines available to us?

Approximately 25 years in the struggle and I have never called on the people of our nation to have a violent revolution, but my heart will not hold up to another bout of the state violence and the murders of men, women and children that had gone with it during the 23 years of PPP rule. Never again!

Look at where we are at currently and the conversation we are engaged in across the nation.

Shouldn’t the conversation be how we enjoy the untold wealth of our country?

Shouldn’t we be raising our heads proudly as recipients of the bountiful spoils our nation possess or must we prepare ourselves for the legacy of poverty, divisions and civil war while one percent of our countrymen and women become stinking rich and America runs off with our wealth?

RESIST! RESIST! RESIST! Norman K. Browne Social/Political Activist

Friday August 27, 2021

Foreign Secretary ignores President on diaspora data loss Dear Editor, The Office of the President acknowledged receipt of two letters (attached) from diaspora advocate Wayne Forde about severe diaspora-related concerns.

The President’s office stated that President Ali instructed the Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, to respond to the two letters dispatched by Mr. Forde. On Thursday, August 19, 2021, the Confidential Secretary in the Office of the President confirmed for a second time that President Ali instructed the Foreign Secretary to respond to the communique from Mr. Forde.

The Foreign Secretary ignored both requests from President Ali to respond.

The first letter was dispatched to the Office of the President on July 25, 2021.

When there was no response, Mr. Forde sent a second letter on August 1, 2021 detailing a significant loss of diaspora data with vital personal/professional identification information by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Excerpt from letter #2: “More than 7,700 Guyanese individuals and organizations participated in sharing their names, addresses, skills, education level, interest in contributing to Guyana, and other d e m o g r a p h i c , psychographic, and personal information. Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot locate the data or identify where it was stored.”This matter is critical to the more than 800,000 Guyanese living abroad.

Sincerely, Wayne Forde

That unlucky, unheeded Article 13 in our Constitution Dear Editor, Is Article 13 of our Constitution doomed from the beginning because the number 13 is supposed to be unlucky? Was 13 chosen for this clause to be deliberately overlooked?

Why is such an important Constitutional mandate continued to be ignored by all successive Governments? Why are we robbed of an inclusive political system which would provide increasing

opportunities for us and our organisations to fully participate in the management and decisionmaking of our country?

Though the number 13 is sidestepped in places like the USA and Canada, we must not jump over our number 13, too.

Because we are Guyanese, we must institutionalise, immediately, our number 13 for all our benefit.

Sincerely, Muhammad Alli

Protest by visa applicants over vaccine requirement?

Dear Editor, According to an online news report, applicants for US Permanent visas are now required to be vaccinated against the pandemic in new measures

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Kaieteur News

recently released. Can this requirement be classified as mandatory? Will there be protests and marches against this requirement? I expect so.

Shamshun Mohamed

‘Demerara’: a primer on its history and significance in products Dear Editor, I take this opportunity to make a contribution to the recent disclosure that ‘Demerara Rum gets geographical indication recognition in EU’ (S/N 26.8.21).

I begin by stating that Guyana recognised the value of having Geographical Indications many years ago.

This was demonstrated when, as a Member of CARICOM, such protection was being negotiated in the context of the WTO TRIPS Agreement, which concluded in 1995, and the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA), which were formally launched in 1998. Jamaica was the strongest proponent supporting the use of Geographical Indications as part of their national branding strategy.

In the negotiations, Guyana’s original interest was in recapturing exclusive use of the term ‘Demerara Sugar’.

It was around this time, I began paying a keen interest in foreign trade matters even while I served as Foreign Minister. At the same time, discussions began in Brussels with an EU lawyer, Bernard O’Connor, on how best the term ‘Demerara’ is used on several products from Guyana could be protected in law.

Around 2001, the then Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) began work to determine how ‘Demerara Sugar’ came to be so named and how it came to be regarded in international markets as a generic term. In that same year, having been assigned CARICOM’s Spokesperson on Sugar and responsibility to superintend the negotiations at the WTO, I began working closely on such matters with Nisa Surujbally and Ian McDonald at GuySuCo, as well as with trade specialists at the CARICOM Secretariat and the RNM. The records would show that the term ‘Demerara Sugar’ appears to have been first used in London. At that time, the United Kingdom had a

very high tariff on the import of refined sugar to protect the domestic refiners of sugar in the UK. Much of the sugar arriving from the West Indian plantations was called ‘Barbados Sugar’. Very dark brown, with a strong molasses flavour, it was an unrefined sugar crystallized from the first boiling in the mill, sometimes called ‘Muscovado Sugar.’ The original term ‘Muscovoado’ has its origin in old Spanish and Portuguese words for “unrefined”. That unrefined sugar attracted a very low tariff. Then came the development of the ‘pan evaporation process.’

While serving as Foreign Trade Minister, conversations with experts at GuySuCo advised me that pan evaporation extracted a significantly greater amount of molasses making the sugar, amongst other things, much easier to handle. It appears that the first shipment of sugar processed using pan evaporation, arrived in London from Demerara.

Being neither refined sugar nor ‘Barbados Sugar’, UK Customs were persuaded to create an intermediary tariff band to apply to this new ‘Demerara Sugar’. With the ready acceptance of and consumer interest in this sugar in the UK market, particularly for glazing cakes and sweetening tea at tea houses in London, use of this pan evaporation process naturally spread to other plantations in the West Indies. That particular sugar’s popularity also encouraged some refiners in London to colour some of their white sugar to resemble ‘Demerara Sugar’ in order to meet the rapidly growing demand.

This initiated a ‘Trade Description Complaint’ at the London Magistracy.

Experts say the original ‘Demerara Sugar’ got its appearance and its flavour from the residual molasses coating the crystals. Its relatively large crystal size was also favoured by bakers for glazing. However, the records of that Magistracy’s case suggest that consumers in London quickly began to purchase indiscriminately,

any yellow crystal sugar labelled ‘Demerara Sugar’.

The Magistrate concluded that the term had become generic based solely on the appearance of the product.

The dilution of the pan evaporated sugar’s connection with Demerara therefore was the result of the producers’ initial interest in competing with price rather than seeking a premium for a differentiated product, and their delay in defending the origin and description of the product.

As the saga of the sugar’s Demerara connection evolved, it appears that this difficulty was further compounded in the 1970’s when the UK-based Billington Company, sensing a growing demand for high quality natural products, began requesting ‘raw’ sugars for import. With the supply from Guyana not being able to match the demand for ‘Demerara Sugar’, the company turned to Mauritius and introduced them to the methods for producing specialty sugars, including what they described as ‘Demerara Sugar’. With no protest from Guyana, this further diluted Guyana’s claim to exclusive use of the term for this specialty sugar.

On the other hand, Billington’s marketing of specialty raw sugars helped with the differentiation between the colouring of refined sugar and the production of genuine ‘Demerara Sugar’. Around 2004, with the launching of the negotiations for a WTO compatible trading arrangements with the EU, discussions were held between the RNM and GuySuCo on a strategy to recapture the term ‘Demerara Sugar’ to be used exclusively for the specialty sugar from Guyana. There was already an effort to protect the term as a trademark and re-establish the link with Guyana through the use of the term ‘Genuine Demerara Sugar’.

On July 6, 2005, I presented Bill No. 12/2005 entitled ‘Geographic Indications’ in the National Assembly. The Bill was passed on 21/7/2005. It

provided for ‘protection for Geographical Indications in order to fulfill the obligations of Guyana under the Agreement on TRIPS of the WTO and related matters’.

This was the first but important step. However, protecting the term ‘Demerara Sugar’ as a Geographical Indication required work to be done to identify the unique characteristics of ‘Genuine Demerara Sugar’ and the link between these characteristics and the agro-climatic conditions of its location of production in Guyana. It was quickly recognised that the distinguishing flavour of ‘Genuine Demerara Sugar’ must come from the residual molasses, and that the unique agronomy of cane production in Guyana contributed to this flavour. The RNM, therefore, suggested that the effort to establish Geographical Indication protection should be expanded to ‘Demerara Molasses’ and ‘Demerara Rum’, the latter itself made from ‘Demerara Molasses’.

Getting protection for ‘Demerara Molasses’ would support the existing GuySuCo efforts to market ‘Genuine Demerara Sugar’ until they succeeded in recapturing ‘Demerara Sugar’.

Unfortunately, by the end of the EPA negotiations in 2007, the development of the appropriate legal framework and GI product specifications had not been completed by any of the CARIFORUM States. The EU, therefore, agreed to provide technical support for the development of CARIFORUM GIs and the Parties would, in 2014, begin negotiating the future protection of both these and specific EU GIs. GuySuCo, with the assistance of Bernard O’Connor, began looking at alternative legal instruments to provide protection for ‘Demerara Sugar’. In the end, the 2015 elections intervened, and the proposals were not pursued further by Guyana.

In spite of the technical support provided by the EU and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), only the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and (Continued on page 6)

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...‘Demerara’: a primer on its history and significance in From page 5 Guyana have managed to protect certain GIs domestically. The slow pace of the development of other GIs within the context of the EPA has delayed the agreement to provide mutual protection for specific GIs under the EPA. Rather than wait, and with the advice and guidance of Bernard O’Connor, Guyana correctly decided to proceed with what is called a ‘Direct Application’ to the EU for protection of ‘Demerara Rum’. It should be noted that the EU usually gives direct applications

greater scrutiny than those to be protected under a negotiated trade agreement.

Under the trade agreement, while the GIs are also published for opposition, there is usually a greater reliance on the home State to ensure that the GI meets the criteria for protection. In effect then, in the EU market, the direct grant has a greater assumption of validity.

Guyana is to be congratulated on this successful conclusion of its work over the last few decades. The grant by the EU of GI protection for ‘Demerara

Rum’ now allows any local rum producer meeting the product specification located within the defined production area to use the term exclusively. The use of the term ‘Demerara Rum’ by rum producers outside of the defined area, or within the area but not meeting the product specifications is, therefore, now illegal under EU law. There are three factors that add value to products that consumers know by a term that is protected as a Geographical Indication, particularly in the EU market.

First, the term tells the consumer that the product has a particular quality, characteristic or reputation that other similar products may not have. This simplifies the search requirement of the consumer ’s purchasing

decision. Second, the mark that is used to identify GIs acts as a quality indicator, assuring the consumer that the product will have that particular “quality, characteristic or reputation” that they expect. It also tells them that there is validity in the claim to its origin. An important aspect of this for producers is the need for them to have a code of practice and a control methodology in order to maintain the characteristic and the origin link underlying the GI. Related to the validity of origin is the third factor, viz; the ease with which protection of a GI can be enforced as opposed to trademark protection or protection under trade description legislation. It is the weakness of the latter that

allowed ‘Demerara Sugar’ initially to be considered as a generic term.

Because of these factors, for most agricultural and food products, wines, and spirits, EU consumers have been found to be willing to pay a premium on the price of similar products not identified through a GI. On average, this premium ranges from 20 percent to 50 percent although, depending on the product, it can get as high as 140 percent. And it must be recognised that there are products for which a Geographical Indication adds little or no value. As many products known by terms that can be protected as GIs are produced in rural agricultural areas, this price premium being tied to those locations usually provides those producers with greater incomes. Incidentally, the geographical origin connection also allows for a spill-over effect of the premium into other products from the same location,

particularly where those products are also quality controlled. The result is that the production and promotion of Geographical Indication products can attract rural investment and have a significant and positive rural development effect.

Guyana should continue to develop its capacity to understand and produce those products known for their unique, origin-linked characteristics by specific terms, and ensure that they protect the added value of using these Geographical Indications. ‘Demerara molasses’ should be next on the list, but other products like ‘Cassava Cassareep’, ‘Wiri Wiri Pepper’, ‘Hosororo Cocoa Sticks’ and many others for which Guyana is well known should also be addressed.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation

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Kaieteur News

Guyana has been urged to engage Exxon to RENEGOTIATE this country's lopsided oil contract.

We have news for all and sundry who think that we will do better. Whatever crumbs was coming before, we may get a few more of those same scraps.

This is what we believe that the VP and Exxon have come up with to setup Guyanese with high hopes, and then unload a bag of nothing much on them. Jagdeo will then get to say: he did what the PNC couldn't do.

He RENEGOTIATED, even though the most disturbing clauses and condition of the contract will remain intact.

That is Jagdeo's idea of renegotiating.

That is part of the continuing sleight of hand that he plays with Guyanese.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

COVID-19 claims lives of four women

The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that four women, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 606.

The country's latest fatalities are that of a 56-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 69-year-old, a 78year-old and an 82-year-old all from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

All four women died while receiving treatment at a medical facility; their deaths occurred over a two-day period (August 24 to 25).

Further, the Ministry reported via its daily COVID-19 dashboard that they recorded 151 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,864.

Presently, there are 22 patients, who are admitted into the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 109 in institutional isolation, 1,510 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 22,617 persons have recovered from the virus.

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Mom seeks justice for rape of girl, 12…

DPP had recommended elder teen be charged

T

he Director of P u b l i c Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, had earlier this month recommended that the elder of two brothers who had allegedly raped their 12year-old cousin be charged.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) then confirmed that the advice was received from the DPP, but stated, however, that the 19-yearold suspect is out of the jurisdiction and no arrest has been made.

Kaieteur News had reported yesterday that the 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her 19 and 16-year-old cousins a year ago but that little action has been taken by authorities although the incident had been immediately reported.

According to information from an official at the DPP Chambers, since the incident reportedly happened, the file was sent to the chambers on three occasions.

This publication understands that the file was first sent to the chambers in October 2020, and on that

occasion, the DPP had advised that both the suspects and the victim undertake counselling.

However, the victim's mother was not satisfied with the DPP's first recommendation and the file was sent back to the DPP Chambers in March 2021 – at that time, the DPP advised the police to conduct further investigations.

The file was then sent back to the chambers and on the third occasion, the DPP recommended that the older suspect be charged and noted that no charge should be laid against the younger brother due to lack of evidence.

It was also clarified that an official had informed the victim's mother of the status of the case.

“We had reassured her that advice was given for one of the two to be charged, so she is aware.

We have been meeting with her all the time,” the official said.

During an interview with this publication, the woman shared that on August 2, 2020, around 16:45hrs, her cousin's 19year-old son had asked her daughter to assist them with

setting up their stall. “We don't live far from each other and my cousin usually sells pholourie, egg ball and other snacks, so me and my daughter would usually go over and help her peel cassava and stuff,” the frustrated mother related.

It was while her daughter had gone to give her assistance, the mother noted, that the rape occurred.

The woman stated that on that day, she was ill so she had sent her daughter over alone. She added that around 17:00hrs, she had gone outside to see if her daughter was in front of the yard since that's where the stall is usually placed.

But according to the woman, she did not notice the stall, her daughter or anyone else. She said that is when she decided to go to the back of her home (in order to get a better look at her relatives' home), that was when she saw the 19year-old boy coming out of the house and her daughter followed shortly after.

She recalled that when she saw her daughter's face when she came home, it was clear that something was (Continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

PAGE 09

THE PLAYBOOK When in Opposition, the PNC/R and its sidekicks are predictable. They have a playbook which guides their political activism and which is foreseeable and unchanging.

The first tactic which is employed by the PNC/R is the use of the race card. The idea is to foment racial antagonism so as to undermine the government, keep the country divided in the hope of restoring their dwindling political fortunes.

The key is to either create an incident or use an incident and twist it into a racial narrative. When Hoyte lost the 1992 elections, the PNC/R used a land dispute at a place called Rosinante to stir up racial animosity. It did not succeed but it became the basis for labelling the then PPP/C government as being discriminatory to Africans.

After the PNC/R's failed attempt to steal the elections of 2020, it used a horrific incident on the West Coast Berbice to foment racial animosity.

And now we are once again seeing the race card being played by some of its overseas based supporters who are falsely claiming that only PPP/C supporters were receiving the cash grants and that there is racial discrimination taking place.

In support of its wild c l a i m o f r a c i a l discrimination, the sidekicks of the PNC/R allude to some 2,000 public servants who

were dismissed. They have never presented a list of the names and ethnicities of the alleged 2,000 public servants.

Public servants enjoy security of tenure and can only be dismissed by the Public Service Commission.

And the Public Service Commission is an independent constitutional body clothed with autonomy and has NOT dismissed 2,000 public servants.

The PNC/R argument is invalid. Its logic is flawed: workers have been dismissed from the public service; the public service is dominated

by Africans, therefore the dismissals are race-based.

Not necessarily!

The conclusion does not necessarily flow from the premise. The fact that contract employees may have been terminated since the PPP/C took office does not automatically establish that these terminations were based on race.

It is a convention that political appointees lack security of tenure and can be removed upon assumption to office of a new government.

The APNU+AFC Coalition had done the same when it assumed office in 2015.

It would be interesting if a comparison can be done between the two lists of terminated persons. The Coalition also sent home thousands of sugar workers but the supporters of the APNU+AFC do not concede

that these terminations were based on ethnicity.

The claim of racial discrimination however is the traditional battle cry of the PNC/R. It uses this to mobilise its supporters, and to restore whatever is left of its tattered political credibility.

It also plays the role of victim in seeking to internationalise this contention of racial discrimination.

The second tactic from its playbook is for the PNC/R's sidekicks, particularly in the trade union movement to claim ethnic economic marginalisation. The most often used basis for this is the so-called preference given to the Indian-dominated sugar industry as opposed to the African-dominated bauxite industry.

The facts however do not support this assertion. For more than a decade, under PPP/C governments, the faltering bauxite industry was sustained by subventions provided by the State.

In fact, on a per capita basis, Region 10 enjoys a far higher degree of support from PPP/C governments than many other Regions, as was so compellingly argued by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in a letter – “Linden/Region 10 received greater attention, subsidies from the PPP/C” – published in the Stabroek News of October 6, 2016.

The last income and

Dem

Life is about boys seh... coercion!

Who vex, vex! Dem boys telling it as it is. Dem wah get tun back at hospital gate nah gat no excuse. Dem bin had two week notice fuh get vaccinated and if dem nah vaccinated dem should ah go and get a negative test.

I s d o w n r i g h t irresponsible fuh any medical personnel – professional or nat – fuh deh wuking in wan hospital and nat be vaccinated. Yuh dealing with sick people and some ah dem gat compromised immune systems because of dem illness or age. And yuh want fuh march in deh without being vaccinated?

Yuh cannot be exposing sick people to risk. In dem boys book, dat qualify as irresponsible. In some other people book, it might be

called medical malpractice.

Va c c i n a t i o n i s n a t mandatory. And don't come with dat talk about “your body, your choice”. You have a choice. Either get vaccinated or produce a negative test. Yuh doing dat fuh travel to foreign country so wat wrong with doing dat fuh help protect dem sick people in dem hospital.

Now, yuh claiming dat de government practising vaccine coercion. Yuh entire life is coercion. From de day yuh born, yuh parents nah want yuh suck yuh finger.

Dem school ah send yuh in detention or give yuh licks fuh coming late, not doing yuh homework or talking too much in class.

When yuh go home, yuh parents tell yuh no food unless yuh do yuh chores and

if yuh complain, dem lock yuh in de house and tell yuh, yuh grounded.

When yuh get big is de same coercion at wuk. Yuh boss giving yuh wuk to do and denying yuh time off.

And when yuh absent, yuh gat to produce medical certificate showing dat yuh was sick and could not work.

When yuh deh pun de road is de law does coerce yuh fuh drive within de speed limit and stop at major road.

And when yuh dead, yuh family does spend yuh money without yuh consent!

But yuh vex when government tell yuh dat if yuh nah vaccinated, yuh gat to show a negative PCR test.

Talk half and remember every day is another brick in de wall!

expenditure survey also debunks the claim of ethnic economic marginalisation.

In a study undertaken by Dr. Ramesh Gampat and entitled “Guyana: Population, Poverty and Ethnicity”, it was found that there is greater income/consumption inequality amongst Indians than Africans. And more Indians lived in poverty than Africans.

The third tactic from the PNC/R's playbook is the mushrooming, every time the PPP/C is in office, of extremist talk show (and now social media) activists. They spew their almost daily

poison of division and animosity, reverting to s w e e p i n g a n d unsubstantiated generalisations. These extremist elements have a large following who tune for their daily fix of vitriol.

The PNC/R's playbook of political activism is predictable.

And it is predictable because the PNC's and the PNC/R's attempt to benefit from electoral rigging always leaves it in a crisis of legitimacy.

In addition, in order to deflect from its sordid electoral past, the PNC/R

finds itself having to resort to the same old ignoble tactics of claiming racial discrimination and ethnic marginalisation. Unable to offer credible opposition to the PPP/C, its sidekicks resort to extremists to drool out their daily drivel on talk shows and now on social media.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday August 27, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Eusi Kwayana, my mother and mother-in-law

O

ne evening, after being part of an NCN panel discussion on the one year presidency of Dr. Irfaan Ali, I walked on the lawns of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre with one of Guyana's young politicians – Kian Jabour, General Secretary of ANUG. I offered a few names to M r. J a b o u r t h a t a r e prominent in Guyana then disparaged the names. I indicated to Mr. Jabour that I am more than double his age and would know these horrible humans that we think are democratic minds but are scoundrels. What I told Mr. Jabour, I would repeat to any young politician because that is my moral duty to the next generation.

I don't give a damn who is popular, wealthy, eminent and I don't give a damn what people think of me about

what I say about them. The last time I checked, I didn't take my plate to them. I have written two columns in recent months respectively on Ramon Gaskin and Rex McKay. I expressed my dislike for both men. This is who I am.

At the advanced age I have, I will show the youth of this country the true colours of those we think are honourable folks. When my mother and mother-in-law were older people and I was younger, they both spent decades asking me what I was doing in politics with someone like Eusi Kwayana.

My mother and motherin-law lived through the turbulent era of the fifties and sixties when Kwayana, known then as Sydney King, preached the sermons of race, perpetuated race narratives, advocated racial galvanisation and participated in behavioural

manifestation that had violent, racial overtones.

My two old folks knew him and always showed me his true colours. I was young, stupid, naïve and drowning in idealism and the little philosophy I read from books. When in March 2020, Kwayana showed his true colours, memories of what my mother and mother-in-law warned me about this man came tumbling down.

I will spend the remaining years of my life conjuring up the memories of what these two old ladies said to me about Kwayana. It is not possible to escape these thoughts because Kwayana is showing his true colours often, the latest being a long letter in the Kaieteur News last Wednesday.

As I read that letter, I realised how wise our older

Frederick Kissoon f o l k sc a n b e . I h a v e attained the age of both ladies and the younger generation ought to learn from the experience of older folks like me. My sister who is abroad was speaking to my wife last Wednesday, and indicated to my wife that our mother never liked Kwayana because she knew inherently Kwayana was all about race.

I have no regrets about my past idealism. I admired Kwayana, Fidel Castro, Clive Thomas, Moses Bhagwan, among others back then. I grew up, went to three universities and saw things differently. I was no longer a fan of Castro. It took

the incident of rigged election way, way into the future to open my eyes to the names, which I cited above.

How could I have known in the 1970s and the 1980s that one day in the 21 st century, the names cited above would prove to be questionable prophets? Humans cannot see into the future. As the world gets older, more knowledge will be revealed that will make us wiser people.

It is happening in relation to what we never knew about Barack Obama. The analyses that are pouring out non-stop on Afghanistan are revealing that his presidency was not as enlightened as we thought.

I read Kwayana's letter in disgust. I had to read it because reading such adumbrations is my work.

It is laced with racebaiting, anti-PPP venom and subtle support for election riggers in the 21st century in Guyana. This was not the Kwayana who I knew as a very young, political activist. Just one quote will

demonstrate the twisted mind of Kwayana. He wrote, “It is clear that by merely declaring the PPP administration to be fraudulent and stopping there, the present Leader of the Opposition has in no way obstructed the processes or machinery of government.”

The present opposition leader and his party leader went up to Region Five just after the PPP came to power in August 2020 to stop the machinery of government.

They incited people that resulted in violent attacks on Indo-Guyanese. The violence didn't spread nation-wide maybe because Kwayana was not able to return to Guyana to become Sydney King once more. I suspect we will receive many more letters like the one last Wednesday from Kwayana and I will keep replying to educate the youth of my country about those who wanted to turn Guyana into Rwanda.

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

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Missing notes of evidence results in postponement of appeal hearing The appeal hearing of Hansel Andre Lewis called 'Smiley,' who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the attempted murder of another man on January 1 2013, has been postponed.

The matter which was scheduled for hearing at the Appeal Court yesterday was deferred to another date after the State Prosecutor and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Diana O'Brien, informed the court there was some missing notes of evidence in relation to the case.

During the brief hearing, the court ordered that efforts be made to locate the said missing evidence, and, as such, a 21-days adjournment was granted.

Further, the Court noted that a decision would be made as to whether the matter would be heard on the adjournment date based on the status of the missing notes of evidence.

Lewis is appealing the outcome of the case on the grounds of the severity of

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Hansel Andre Lewis. the sentence. Back in 2016, he faced a trial after he was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable Chris Burrowes called 'Boonee.'

He was found guilty for the attempted murder by a 12-member jury. The man was sentenced to 13 years for the stabbing, following a trial before Justice, Brassington Reynolds, at the Berbice High Court.

It was reported that Lewis had slashed the man's throat following an

altercation. The victim was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital and taken to the Intensive Care Unit where doctors p e r f o r m e d e m e rg e n c y surgery on him. Lewis, a deportee from the USA, went home and was subsequently arrested for the crime and charged.

During his trial, Burrowes had told the court that he knew the accused for a number of years. He had recalled being in the vicinity of the Rainbow Bar, New Amsterdam, where he had drank Banko and was standing on the road.

Lewis who was smoking something had come and stood next to him. He upbraided the accused who told him he liked to “talk.”

An argument between the two ensued and the victim reported that he had just finished urinating and was in the process of zipping up his pants when the accused pulled out a knife from his left side pocket and stabbed (Continued on page 18)

Woman assaults cops who tried to stop music

The woman who assaulted the cops.

O

n Wednesday night, between the 21:00 and 21:30hrs, an intoxicated woman assaulted a police officer because he tried to stop the music.

According to a police report, a noise nuisance complaint was made via telephone against persons playing loud music at Façade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Policemen responded, and upon arrival, ranks were greeted by loud music coming from the premises of the suspect. As the police entered the yard, they saw the woman and three other persons consuming alcohol. They warned the woman to turn off her music and she started shouting, “Shoot

Screen shot from video showing woman assaulting the officer.

me, shoot me...” and cursing out the police.

According to the video, the police attempted to uplift the music set amplifier because the woman had refused to turn off the music; in response, the woman became aggressive and physically assaulted, abusing them with a series of expletives.

Due to the woman's behaviour, one of the

officers' phone was damaged.

Subsequently, the police seized the music equipment and took it to the Parika Police Station and lodged a complaint.

The 32-year-old woman was arrested and brought to the station for the offence of making loud and continuous noise and other offences.

She is presently in custody, pending charges.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

PAGE 13

Scores of children turn out to receive Pfizer vaccine O

ver two hundred children in the company of their parents received their jab of the US-made Pfizer vaccine at the St. Stanislaus College yesterday.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education (at the secondary level) launched the rollout of the vaccination programme for children between the ages of 12 to 18 years.

The country, last Tuesday received a total of 146,250 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the United States of America which is only to be administered to the children population.

To facilitate the rollout of the vaccine, A student of St. Stanislaus College receiving parents and guardian were given consent forms in order for children to be his shot of the Pfizer vaccine yesterday. administered the vaccine. To date, the

Woman's house set on fire by grandson

A

50-year-old w o m a n i s c u r r e n t l y homeless after her 17-yearold grandson set the home, which they shared on fire.

The woman has been identified as Usha Persaud, 50, of Lot 240 No.60 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The incident is said to have occurred following an argument between Persaud and the teen.

Reports are that yesterday morning at about 08:00 hrs, there was an argument between the two and Persaud left the home to venture out,

leaving her grandson in the house. Shortly after flames were seen emanating from the building by neighbours.

The police were contacted and according to authorities, the teen lit a kerosene stove and placed it under the bed.

This caused the fire to catch on the mattress, burning it and the entire building.

Police said checks were made for the suspect but he was not found. However, Kaieteur News understands that the fire service did not show up to the scene.

Investigations are in progress.

The remains of the house, still ablaze.

Ministry of Education has received over 4000 forms from parents giving their approval.

In her brief remarks, the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand who expressed the importance of the vaccine for the safe reopening of schools told the gathering that, “vaccinations and inoculations are the only way to get over this virus.”

“We are no longer talking my friends about getting past the virus and coming to school, we are talking about getting past the virus so that you can live,” the Minister elaborated.

Manickchand noted that the process to get the vaccine was not easy, and as such, she encouraged parents to get themselves and their children

vaccinated before there is any available.

The Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony who expressed similar sentiments as Minister Manickchand, told parents that, “we would like to see our students come back to school, we want to see t h e m b a c k i n t h e classroom…because they are the people who are going to take this country to the future.”

He noted that in order for this to happen, it is to ensure that the children are vaccinated.

As vaccination for children gets underway, the various vaccination sites for children to receive the Pfizer vaccine will be published on the Ministry of Education's Facebook page.

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

AFC claims APNU Region Four Chairman is - Failed in tabling excluding its councillors motion to remove him “We entered at the local government elections as a coalition and we won 20 seats and I still consider us as a coalition.”This is a phrase pulled from a brief interview with Region Four Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy as Kaieteur News was seeking

clarity on a motion tabled yesterday to remove him and Daniel Seeram, both members of a Partnership for National Unity (APNU) from the chairmanship position by two Alliance For Change (AFC) councillors.

The AFC councillors had

reportedly failed in their bid to remove them after it was disallowed but intend on trying again at the next statutory meeting of Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four. Despite the situation, Sandy said he still considers

the APNU+AFC to be a coalition, AFC in a press release it sent out yesterday, explained the grounds of the motion and claimed that Seeram is excluding its representatives on the council in the management of the affairs of Region 4.

“The alienation and exclusion of the AFC and its representatives by the Chair is seen in that he currently holds Chairmanship of key committees including the Tourism Committee which to date has never met as well as the Drainage & Irrigation Committee”, stated the AFC. According to the AFC, Seeram is currently the sole representative on the Sea Defence Board of the Ministry of Public Works, the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Board of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Covid Task Force within the Office of the Prime Minister.

This action, continued AFC, deviates from the historical norm of sharing these positions with other councillors and the spirit of partnership, which is fundamental to the APNU+AFC coalition.

Additionally, AFC stated

Region 4 Chairman, Daniel Seeram

Region 4 Vice-Chairman, Samuel Sandy

that its councillors' action to file a no-confidence motion against him and his vicechair is a “direct response of continued failures and shortcomings in the management of the affairs of the people in this key geographical region”. AFC believes that one of the reasons of these shortcomings is because of a decision to suspend Regional Administration of Committee meetings, without any word to councillors. This according to the AFC “has created chaos and information short

flows frustrating the work of the council”.

The party noted too that the Personnel and Human Resources Management Committee has not met for over eight months and because of this, fourteen health care workers' contracts were not renewed and two nurses were not being paid for several months.AFC claimed too that there is a deterioration of the relationship between Seeram and his vice chairman, Sandy on matters of principle, approach and (Continued on page 20)

15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, (at left) during the Baker's Institute Conversation.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021 Dead, Gordon Mansfiel

PAGE 17

One dead, three injured after AGM's pick-up suffers tyre blowout A chief security investigator employed with Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) has died and three others injured after the company's pick-up suffered a tyre blowout yesterday.

Dead is Gordon Mansfield, 55, a retired member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and injured are the driver of the pick-up and two other AGM employees. According to AGM's (Continued on page 19)

One of the injured employees being taken to the helicopter to be airlifted to Georgetown

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

PAGE 18

Unvaccinated GPHC staffers locked out of compound - say they won't be forced to get vaccinated

Scores of medical personnel from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were yesterday locked outside of the health care facility due to the fact that they were unvaccinated and could not provide a negative PCR test.

This is in keeping with the Government's “no vaccine, no entry” policy.

Earlier in the month, the Ministry had announced that unvaccinated health care workers will be given u p t o y e s t e r d a y, Wednesday, August 26, 2021, to at least take the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, before the Government's mandatory vaccine or negative PCR requirement came into effect at the hospital.

According to a letter seen by this publication, from the Director of the Hospital's Human R e s o u r c e s M a n a g e r, Odessa Wickham, copied to the heads of the hospital department, the hospital remains committed in its mandate to ensure the health and wellbeing of all staff under its preview and by extension, the Guyanese people during the COVID19 pandemic, and the safety of our employees cannot be emphasized enough.

The letter further stated that effective from yesterday, the hospital will be enforcing the COVID19 protocols in accordance to “The Official Gazette 29th July, 2021, Legal Supplement – B” that governs the COVID-19 measures.

However, the healthcare workers who were locked out of GPHC were adamant that they should not be forced to take the vaccine since it is their human right and also that if the hospital wants them to provide a negative PCR test regularly, then the hospital should foot the bill.

They argue that it is unconstitutional to force them to make a medical

choice, more so when they are not “adequately informed” on the harmlessness of the vaccine.

Over 50 unvaccinated staffers of the GPHC were locked out of the compound. Yesterday morning, when Kaieteur News visited the hospital, the unvaccinated hospital employees were standing in front of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit with their umbrellas due to the fact that it was raining.

One staffer, a doctor, stated, “We are not against anyone taking the vaccine or the government's effort to achieve herd immunity but it is the manner in which they are doing it that concerns me.”

He further noted, “The same compound that we worked at throughout the pandemic last year without any vaccine, the same compound, they are locking us out of because we are executing our right to not be vaccinated… We are locked out of one of the busiest health care facilities because of the Government's forceful measure to implement the vaccine on us.”

Other frontline workers stressed that just like how other persons can choose to take the vaccine, they would appreciate having the same opportunity so that they can chose whether or not they want to be vaccinated.

While speaking to this publication, another health care worker stated that instead of being forced to take the vaccine, why not better educate them since most of the frontline workers are skeptical about the vaccine. Other hospital staffer stated, “If this vaccine was really working, we would have had to be paying for it to protect ourselves against the virus,” and “Why should we be forced to take the vaccine then we have to treat unvaccinated patients regardless, this is nonsense. Those unvaccinated patients have the right to not be vaccinated and same goes for us, we will not be forced.”

Same sentiments were shared by other medical personnel, who made it clear that unless the government reviews these measures, they refuse to be forced to put something into their body without knowing the effect it can have on them.

Scenes from GPHC yesterday morning.

Friday August 27, 2021

...DPP had recommended elder

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PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

From page 8 wrong. “She said, 'Mommy, I wanna tell you something but I'm scared.'

So I said, “Babe you can tell me, what's wrong, I won't beat you and then she told me that when she went over by her cousin, the 19-year-old cousin held her down, put on a condom and raped her, then his younger brother held her down and raped her too.”

“My daughter told me that she kept screaming for (her) aunty but she didn't come down. And that every time, she screamed for help, her cousins went and peeped to see if anyone was coming,” the mother shared.

...Missing notes of evidence From page 12 him to his neck.

While testifying at the trial, the man mentioned that he had a good look at the accused. “There was nothing blocking me. I held on to my neck. It was bleeding and the accused calmly walked away.”

Burrowes stated that he subsequently went to his parents' home not far away. He collapsed and was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted for emergency treatment.

VACANCY WANTED 1 western union representative 5 CXC inclusive Maths &English,3pump attendant,sound secondary education. Tel:646-3117/2740144.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office.English& Mathematics,grade 1 or 2.

Email application:techserigy @yahoo.com or call 6429823.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 25-50,Car/Van licence.Call:642-9823.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call:615-9132.

Senior accounts & Sales Clerk & Cashier,must have 4 CXC subjects.Apply at Alabama Trading, 65-66 Robb St Bourda.

Vacancy for Night handy man. Call:637-6700.

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

Cook/Baker,Kitchen assistant & Pitmen for interior location.Applicants must be experienced.Call:231-2250.

Security officers male & female 18+. Lamaha St between Waterloo & Parade.

Call:223-4172/632-0510.

Porter and Welder/Serviceman. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250.

The disturbed mother said that when her daughter confided in her, she was left in such a state of shock that she suffered an epileptic episode.

She noted that when she recovered, she took her daughter to the hospital and the doctors examined her and found that she was sexually active. The hospital then called in the Welfare Department who then notified the police and the matter was reported.

...One dead, three injured From page 17 Director of Corporate Office, Compliance & Government Relations, Peter Benny, the pick-up suffered the tyre blowout and toppled around 10:00hrs. at Kilometer 33 along the Buckhall Road, Region Seven. The AGM employees were at the time heading to the company's Buckhall facility from its mining operations located in the Region Seven locale. Shortly after the accident, the injured workers were picked up and rushed to

the Buckhall facility where they received medical attention from the onsite medical personnel working with the mining company. They were subsequently airlifted to the city by the Guyana Defence Force's Bell 412 Epi Helicopter and taken to the Woodlands Hospital. Mansfield, however passed away whilst receiving treatment for the injuries he had sustained.

AGM is currently owned

by Chinese company, Zijin Mining Inc.

PAGE 20

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

AFC claims APNU Region Four...

From page 14 operations; hence, it is proving to be a negative impact on the council's ability to function.

One example that the AFC gave was a situation where several contractors were not paid for close to six months after Sandy, the head of the works committee failed to convene meetings and sign off requests in a timely manner.

AFC is of the view that their fundamental differences in approach and operations makes it difficult for the citizens of Region Four to receive optimal services and they must be solved urgently.

Meanwhile speaking with Kaieteur News last evening, Sandy said AFC's bid to remove Seeram and him, yesterday was disallowed by him.

Sandy explained that Seeram is currently out of the country and he had to act in his capacity.

He detailed that as the clerk was about to speak on the motion, he decided to

stop him on grounds that no notice of a motion was submitted to the Chairman's office.

According to standing orders that govern the Council, Sandy said that the Chairman should be given notice six days before it is tabled at the meeting. Copies of the motion, he related, would normally be submitted to the Chairman for him to review and if there are sufficient grounds then he will include it in the agenda of the meeting.Asked why this standing order was not followed, Sandy said that clerk had received copies of the motion but had failed to hand them over.

AFC in its press release stated that it “had laid formal notices of no-confidence in the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region Four to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Region 4, Donald Gajraj.Although the AFC councillors had disagreed with Sandy's decision to disallow the motion, AFC stated

that its councillors will remedy the defects and table the motions again at the next statutory meeting of the council.

It was reported in another section of the media that the motion was proposed by AFC councillor, Armarnauth Chinkan and seconded by his fellow AFC councillor Neilson McKenzie.

Out of the 20 seats that APNU+AFC holds in the Region Four RDC, AFC occupies six. It should be noted that this not first time there has been disagreement between AFC and APNU councillors.

In 2020, the accord between the two parties was breeched when Seeram and Sandy were elected as chair and vice-chair. According to the accord, the chairmanship position will be filled by an APNU member while AFC will fill the Vice Chairmanship position; however that vicechairmanship position was taken away from the party after Sandy, another APNU member won the votes.

Friday August 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Root extends form of life with 121 for England in 3rd test

England captain Joe Root celebrates scoring a century during the second day of third test cricket match between England and India, at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, England, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

LEEDS, England (AP) — Carrying on the best form of his life, England captain Joe Root scored his third century of the series against India to move his team into a prime position to win the third test at Headingley yesterday.

Root struck 121 — adding to knocks of 109 and 180 earlier in the series and three other three-figure scores in 2021 — as England reached 423-8 at the end of Day 2, for a lead of 345 runs.

Root, who has two double centuries in his remarkable scoring run this year, has tied England’s record for the most test hundreds in a year. No

Friday August 27, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring the two of you closer.

Your emotions are intense right now, so you need to use your intuition to judge exactly how much of your feelings you should reveal.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Information received from far away could excite your passion to learn more about a subject, Taurus. You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Money matters are likely to be advanced today through your intuition and inner power, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A surge of inner power could have you feeling like you can move mountains. If you've been contemplating a course of action that others believe impossible, this is the time to get it going..

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Emotions could be running high today, Libra. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure, and political issues could come up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Heightened mental powers might have you spending a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind, Scorpio. Your curiosity is especially high right now.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Sagittarius, your intuition is increased today to the point where you feel like a mind reader, like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you've never met before.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You should be feeling especially passionate at this time, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening together!

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Memories from your past could resurface. You might wonder why you're suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you back.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you've been feeling less like yourself lately, Aquarius, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again.

You could decide to finish the unfinished tasks around you today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today represents a beginning in many ways. A friend from the past could reappear in your life, Virgo, and bring up memories both pleasant and disconcerting. Don't worry too much about it.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an outlet for it. An intimate evening with a lover would be a good idea.

Creative passion is also strong, and you could be hit with sudden inspiration.

previous test captain has scored six centuries in a calendar year.

India, which was dismissed for 78 in just 40.4 overs on Wednesday, had no answer to Root’s array of shot-making on the ground of his English county side, Yorkshire, and the fans in Headingley’s raucous Western Terrace serenaded their man as he hit a boundary into the leg side to reach his century.

Root removed his helmet, leapt into the air and screamed “YES!” before being lifted off his feet by teammate Jonny Bairstow.

Resuming on 120-0 after dominating day 1, England lost both openers — Rory Burns (61) and Haseeb Hameed (68) — before lunch to bring Root to the crease.

He shared a 139-run partnership with Dawid Malan, who was caught behind down the leg side off the final ball of the second session for 70 to end his impressive first test innings since 2018.

Bairstow added 29, and both Jos Buttler (7) and Moeen Ali (8) fell cheaply.

England still moved beyond 400, with Craig Overton (23) and Ollie Robinson (0) at the crease at stumps.

England players wore black armbands in honor of Ted Dexter, the former England captain from the 1960s who died on Wednesday.

India leads the five-match series 1-0.

Stumps England 423 for 8 (Root 121, Hameed 68, Shami 3-87) lead India 78 (Anderson 3-6, Overton 314) by 345 runs.

...Venus joins From page 20 able to compete at the US Open next week.

“I plan to spend the next several weeks getting healthy and preparing to play well this fall. Thank you all for supporting me. I want to wish all the players the best of luck in New York.”

The 22-year-old Kenin, who also goes by Sonya, is one of an impressive crop of young Americans in the game, along with Jennifer Brady, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins.

U.S. Open main draw matches begin on Monday.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Friday August 27, 2021

Diamond League: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce runs

third fastest time in women’s 100m history

B

BC Sport – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran the third fastest time in women’s 100m history to edge out Elaine Thompson-Herah in their latest encounter at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Fraser-Pryce clocked a stunning 10.60 seconds to beat the Olympic champion.

Jamaican compatriot Thompson-Herah registered 10.64 secs - the fastest losing time in the event’s history.

As Olympic silver medallist Fraser-Pryce won, Shericka Jackson - who took bronze in Tokyo - was third again.

Fraser-Pryce maintained her pace on the home stretch to hold off Thompson-Herah and set a new personal best.

“Believe it or not, I have still not run my best race - I know there is more to give,” the 34-year-old said.

“I still need to work further on perfecting my technique. There will be more from me this season.

“My goal is to break into the 10.50-range.”

Thompson-Herah ran 10.54 secs at last week’s meet in Eugene, Oregon but says she has “no plans” to break Florence GriffithJoyner’s world record of of 10.49 secs.

“My body is feeling tired after a long season and especially after having done a personal best four times in a month,” she said.

“I have no plans to break the world record and I never thought of getting so close. I

am simply going to continue working hard, finish this season strong and come back even stronger next season.”

S w e d e n ’s A r m a n d Duplantis finished in a shock fourth place in the men’s pole vault after failing to clear 5.82m.

It is just the second time in his past 30 competitions that Duplantis, who won gold in Tokyo and took the title in last year’s Diamond League, has not finished first.

American Chris Nielsen won the event on countback after clearing 5.82m.

Elsewhere, Norway’s Olympic champion Jakob

Ingebrigsten pipped Ethiopia’s Abeba Aregawi to win the men’s 3,000m.

Ingebrigsten clocked a season’s best time of seven minutes 33.06 seconds to take top spot.

There was victory for Great Britain in the women’s 4x100m relay, with the quartet of Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Ashleigh Nelson and Daryll Neita winning in 42.44 secs.

B r i t a i n ’s J a z m i n e Sawyers jumped 6.66m to continue her fine season with third place in the long jump, with compatriot Abigail Irozuru seventh.

Jemma Reekie ran a

season’s best 4:04.72 in the 1500m for a fourth-place finish, while Jodie Williams was seventh in the 400m.

J a m a i c a ’s O l y m p i c champion Hansle Parchment was last in the 110m hurdles as the USA’s Devon Allen took victory in 13.07secs. Britain’s Andrew Pozzi finished seventh.

Tokyo gold medallist Ryan Crouser of the USA won the men’s shot put after setting a meeting record with his opening throw of 22.81m. The next meet takes place in Paris tomorrow, with Britain’s Dina AsherSmith returning to the 100m line-up.

Veteran Jamaican racer Peter Lain Rae awarded Order of Distinction ‘He is an inspiration to young guns- GMR&SC’s ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson’ Described as a veteran of many forms of motorsports, renowned Jamaican race driver Peter Lain ‘Zoom Zoom’ Rae has been rewarded with the Order of Distinction by Jamaican Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness.

In a letter to the renowned speedster, PM Holness wrote, “It gives me great pleasure to inform you, that acting on my advice His Excellency The GovernorGeneral has conferred the honour of the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) upon you for

Fifty (50) years of service in the field of Sports, especially, Motor Racing in Jamaica”.

The letter further stated that the appointment to the order took effect on Independence Day, Friday 6th August, 2021. The Annual ceremony of Investiture is projected to take place on October 18, 2021 barring no challenges from the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Life Member and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer who is a very good friend of Rae,

Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson said of Rae’s award on behalf of the local body, “He is an inspiration to young guns; age is not a factor for my brother. He is very deserving of this recognition and I congratulate him.”

The honour of the Order may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who renders outstanding and important services to Jamaica and upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honorary member). The motto of the Order is “Distinction through Service”.

Venus joins sister Serena, Kenin in missing U.S. Open ( R e u t e r s ) - Ve n u s Williams will miss the upcoming U.S. Open due to an injury, becoming the third U.S. female after her sister Serena and Sofia Kenin to announce on Wednesday they would not take part in the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

Two-time U.S. Open champion and former world number one Venus made the announcement in a video posted on social media.

“Not the best news from Serena and I today,” she said.

“I, too, am unable to play the U.S. Open. It’s super, super, super disappointing,

having some issues with my leg all this summer and just couldn’t work through it.”

The 41-year-old Venus, who has seven Grand Slam titles to her name, said she would miss competing at her “favorite slam” and wished all the other players good luck.

Earlier in the day, younger sister Serena withdrew with a torn hamstring, making it the first time since 2003 that neither has appeared at the tournament in Flushing Meadows. read more The siblings add their names to a long list of players who will miss the

tournament due to injury including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Simona Halep.

Fifth seed and 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin withdrew from the competition with a breakthrough COVID-19 infection.

“I am writing with disappointing news,” Kenin wrote on Twitter.

“Recently, I tested positive for Covid-19.

Fortunately I am vaccinated and thus my symptoms have been fairly mild. However I have continued to test positive and thus will not be (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

Amazon Warriors end TKR’s unbeaten run with perfect start to 2021 CPL CPL - Guyana Amazon Warriors kicked off the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a 9 run win over defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders.

The Knight Riders won the toss and put the Amazon Warriors into bat and despite Shimron Hetmyer’s 50 they were able to restrict their opponents to 142/7.

However, the Amazon Warriors were to produce an even better bowling performance taking wickets at regular intervals to get their campaign off to a winning start.

The Amazon Warriors began their innings well with Chandrapaul Hemraj striking two sixes but he was caught at short third man once Sunil Narine entered the attack.

The Amazon Warriors then sprung a surprise with

the hard hitting Odean Smith entering at number three to maximise the PowerPlay overs. Smith justified his promotion with 24 runs from 15 balls but once he fell the Amazon Warriors innings lost impetus leaving them struggling at the halfway stage on 57/3.

When Isuru Udana removed Shoaib Malik for a laboured 2 runs from 12 balls and Akeal Hosein got rid of Mohammed Hafeez shortly afterwards it looked as if Guyana had given themselves too much to do.

Captain Nicholas Pooran walked in at a surprising number seven with five overs remaining and tried to up the ante with Shimron Hetmyer but Pooran then fell to a stunning Darren Bravo in-out-in catch on the boundary.

Vice-captain Hetmyer had anchored the innings

throughout the flurry of wickets and he cashed in at the death with some lusty blows to score the first 2021 Hero CPL 50 and ensure Guyana ended on a tricky total to chase.

Despite losing the wickets of Lendl Simmons and Colin Munro in the PowerPlay the Knight Riders were ahead of the game at the end of the 6 overs.

The turning point came with the introduction of Imran Tahir as he removed both Sunil Narine and Bravo in quick succession and the Amazon Warriors then continued to take wickets at regular intervals.

Smith put the game in the balance when he forced Tim Seifert into a false shot to leave the Knight Riders on 78/5 after 12 overs and it was to go from bad to worse for the Knight Riders when

Romario Shepherd got Kieron Pollard to nick behind to Pooran for 2 runs.

Late hitting from Dinesh Ramdin kept the Knight Riders in the game but when he fell to a smart catch from Malik all hope was lost.

PAGE 23

Imran Tahir celebrates the dismissal of Sunil Narine, Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders, CPL 2021, Basseterre, August 26, 2021© CPL T20/ Getty Images

Today action continues with Jamaica Tallawahs v Saint Lucia Kings at Warner Park from 10:00am behind closed doors, while Trinbago Knight Riders face Barbados Royals at the same venue from 07:00pm.

Scores: Guyana Amazon Warriors 142 for 7 (Hetmyer 54, Narine 2-17, Hosein 2-17) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 133 for 9 (Ramdin 28, Shepherd 3-15, Tahir 2-12, Smith 2-10) by 9 runs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Friday August 27, 2021

Rupununi and Upper Demerara FA President’s react to GFF ATC ownership The respective President of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA), Ryan Farias and his counterpart from the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), Terrence Mitchell have both expressed delight and given the thumbs up for the move by their parent body, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to hand over full ownership of the Academy Training Centers (ATC) to the body Regional Members Associations.

R e c e n t l y, t h e G F F handed over thousands of dollars in equipment to its members to ensure the successful roll out of the ATC’s to enable them to execute the job of training the next generations of the nation’s youths with ease at every level, including boys and girls at the Under-11, 13, 15, 17 and 20 levels.

In the area of female development, there would be Pilot Projects at the U9, 11, 13, 15 and senior levels. GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood had noted that the RMA’s needed to become the driving force for the development of the game at the community level.

RFA’s Ryan Farias: How do you feel about the ATC programme now that it will be owned and

Ryan Farias President, Rupununi FA operated by your Association?

RF: The ATC is a great youth development programme and as the President of the RFA, I am very excited about the opportunity to own and manage our ATC. I know our members will come together to ensure that this programme will quickly become the best in the country.

Do you believe the ATC programme is a good youth development programme?

RF: The evidence is

clear, all of Guyana’s youth teams are performing better and better at international competitions and that is c r e d i t t o t h e AT C programme. Like anything new, it had its challenges but I am convinced that once we at the Regional Member Associations take up our responsibilities to manage the ATC properly, we will see even more benefits in a very short space of time.

How do you feel about owning your own academy and being able to test your players at the various age groups against your peers?

RF: We have a lot of talented players in the Rupununi and I am confident that we can compete with

Terrence Mitchell President, Upper Demerara FA any Association at any age level. I can’t wait to show all of Guyana what the RFA players can do. I believe you will now see many more players from the Rupununi in the National teams.

Do you think you have the talent and fire power to win the inaugural ATC competition at any particular age group?

RF: We have a special ingredient call passion; I don’t believe there is a greater love and passion for football in Guyana than what exists within the hinterland regions of this country. So yes, we have the fire power to win at any level both male and female.

Are you satisfied with the

support your association is receiving from the GFF? Yes, the RFA is fully satisfied, additionally; I would like to commend our visionary leader, President Wayne Forde for truly changing the course of Guyana’s football. He has brought more changes than any other time in the history of the game in this country and I am very proud to serve alongside him.

UDFA’s Terrence Mitchell How do you feel about the ATC programme now that it will be owned and operated by your Association?

TM: It is an excellent idea to help us expedite the development of our youth football with the support of

the GFF ATC programme.

Do you believe the ATC programme is a good youth development programme?

TM: Yes it is. I don’t think we have ever seen attention like this ever given to youth football, this is commendable.

How do you feel about owning your own academy and being able to test your players at the various age groups against your peers?

TM: Owning our own programme helps since we are familiar with the pros and cons of our football development. Now that we can access support, will assist in meeting our goals for the youths which will put us in the right standing to compete with our peers.

Do you think you have the talent and fire power to win the inaugural ATC competition at any particular age group?

TM: I do believe we here in the UDFA have what it takes to challenge any other Association, considering our history in Association football competitions.

Are you satisfied with the support your association is receiving from the GFF? TM: We do. The vision of President Wayne Forde for national football is clear.

It is to ensure that all and sundry will be treated fairly and or equally, having the same access to all materials to develop the game. This is to emphasise the M FAP programme.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 27, 2021

PAGE 25

GBA to join AIBA affiliates for global celebration for Int’l Boxing Day today

“Cricket Gear For Young And Promising Cricketers In Guyana” Project A rep from Pomeroon Cricket Committee presents Ronaldo Casiemero with his gear.

Umar Kremlev AIBA President

Essequibo youths receive cricket gear Three under 15 cricketers from the Pomeroon, Essequibo in Region 2, were recipients of cricket gear from project: “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”.

Ronaldo Casiemero, Usain Rose and Harold DeMattos, all age fourteen, were the outstanding performers at the recently concluded under 15 tournament run by the Pomeroon Cricket Committee. Three bats, two pairs of batting pads and four pairs of batting gloves were earlier handed over to Sherman Austin for distribution. Two of the three bats will be handed over shortly. Total cricket related items collected so far: cash for first aid kit, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, eleven bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four cricket bags.

Sixteen young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and the East Canje area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, five bats, six pairs of batting pads and four pairs of batting gloves. Two clubs in the Pomeroon area will soon benefit from two used bats.

Items collected so far: cash for first aid kit, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, eleven bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four gear bags. Youths and clubs from the Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and East Canje area have already benefited from six pairs of batting pads, four pairs of batting gloves and seven bats.

This project is a joint initiative by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry.

Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and

promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting will be done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

Persons who wish to make a contribution can contact Beharry or Kishan.

We also take this opportunity to say thanks to Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Hilbert Foster, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Vishal Mohabir and Sherman Austin.

More distribution will be done as they receive the gear from the USA.

For the first time, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will join AIBA in celebrating World Boxing D a y, w h i c h i s s e t t o showcase all facets of the sport in innovative ways, today with an activity at the Andrew Six Head Gym in Albouystown.

Local officials, celebrities and champions will conduct a variety of training sessions and exhibition bouts.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, had previously stated, “We see it as an event that shows that boxing is unified throughout t h e w o r l d . We h a v e organized several activities.

Our organizing committee is spearheaded by two of our AIBA Three Star coaches – Terrence Poole MS and Sebert Blake. And on Friday

Usain Rose collects his gear.

August 27, Guyana will join hands with most of the 203 countries affiliated to AIBA, to showcase what we have and to be part of the International Boxing Day.” The GBA’s activities, though curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis gym in Albouystown.

The event was initiated in 2017 by now President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Umar Kremlev, in his role as Secretary General of the Russian Boxing Federation.

In the spirit of unity in boxing, community betterment efforts are also being put in place as part of the events. Some Federations are to work with the local youth and charity organizations.

The main programme will take place in Belgrade,

Serbia, the soon-to-be host to AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships. The schedule includes outdoor training at the main city square with Roy Jones Jr, boxing masterclasses, show bouts and much more.

AIBA President Umar Kremlev will also host several media events, to continue the conversation about the organization’s progress and its plans for further social development of boxing.

AIBA plans to continue celebrating International Boxing Day annually and hopes that the events today will convince more boxing fans, new and old, athletes, officials, and everyone else in the community to recognize this day as a fun, inspiring and necessary milestone in the sports calendar.

Canada-based Guyanese Kadir slams 131 in 10 overs

R

Harold DeMattos presented with his gear.

Steve Ninvalle GBA President

iaz Kadir struck a scintillating 131 for Young Warriors in the semi-final of the 2021 Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League ten-ten semi-final match last weekend at Greenbriar ground, Brampton.

The Canada-based Guyanese destructive right-handed Kadir started the innings with Randy Roopnarine and they posted up a cameo 93-run stand to see Young Warriors amass a massive 191-2 from the 10-overs.

When Heritage Boyz batted, they only managed 124-5 at the expiration of the 10overs. Kadir hammered 18 sixes and two fours during his rampant 29-ball occupation.

Roopnarine also showed a great amount of aggression as well hitting four sixes to contribute 32.

In Heritage Boyz’s innings, Ryan Sitaram offered a fight with 43, while Kishawn Fiedtkou made 36 and 24 from Terry Persaud.

Meanwhile, Young Warriors also went on to win the championship having defeated Toronto Knight Riders by seven wickets.

Riaz Kadir