Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 30, 2020
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
Exxon and Guyana: The Showdown Looms Exxon has taken off its gloves. The first thing that is noticeable is that there are brass knuckles beneath the company’s stance and stare. Now Guyana must put on its own game face and armour and get ready to do battle. Our leaders cannot flinch; our citizens cannot stay out of the fray, for the interests of all are intertwined in what develops over the next several days and weeks, and where things finalize. There is the future of this country that is involved, and all of us should be consumed and raise voice and hand in objection to the low moves contemplated by Exxon, and as announced by it. Exxon’s Country Manager, Mr. Alistair Routledge, went public to make clear his company’s position. Mr. Routledge speaks for the company and is the conduit for what the discussions concretized at its highest elevations. His message was a combination of several messages, which ranged from the soothing to the bluffing to the threatening. As is usual in matters such as these, Exxon would have dug deep to extract from its prior experiences with other furiously agitating and sharply demanding countries, from its deep well of corporate human resources wisdoms, and from its large and multi-layered bag of tricks to send a set of messages to Guyanese leaders and Guyanese citizens. First, there was the opening greeting (a partial admission) and salvo (a carefully directed shot across the bow). It was said and read like this. “…Guyana is one of the better opportunities for us in the ExxonMobil portfolio (but) it is not the only one” (KN August 27). In that single sentence told a half truth and then ratcheted up the pressure on Guyana with the subtlest of reminders, a cautionary note well thought out and well delivered. Guyana is not “one of the better opportunities” but the absolute best that there is in the ExxonMobil portfolio. There is no other country on the face of the earth that has a contract that is so one-sided and so draining and damaging to the host country. We at this publication invite Exxon to make public a side-by-side matrix of its global country holdings, if only to prove the accuracy of our claim. Or to disprove our contention that what Guyana got from Exxon and where it stands in comparison to others among the oil producing nations is the worst of the worst. In fact, we feel so strongly and confidently about this, that we challenge ExxonMobil to go the whole nine yards and prove us wrong. For the bottom-line is this, which is repeated for emphasis: Guyana is the best (the absolute best) opportunity and by a country mile, in the vast sprawl that is Exxon’s portfolio. Do not rob us and then attempt to insult our intelligence. But that is exactly what the powers at ExxonMobil delivered through the auspices of Mr. Routledge in that stern warning that was meant to be sobering, perhaps, intentionally shocking. For in that same sentence, the Country Manager seamlessly switched gears to warn in a most nuanced fashion, “but it is not the only one.” What he did not say in strong language, we will say for him: Exxon has other lucrative relationships that are just as, if not more, prospering, and we have the option to reposition our investment and focus on those that are on the table elsewhere. Most specifically, Exxon will pack up its bags and leave. Mr. Routledge then proceeded to bare his teeth in a defiant snarl at Guyana: “if we don’t get the agreement as we are looking for…the investment money will go elsewhere.” The Cosa Nostra would have been proud because what we heard was that Exxon made an offer that should and cannot be refused. We say go and don’t let the door hit on the way out. Guyanese leaders must neither shiver nor surrender in what is the equivalent of a poker game with the highest stakes in the middle of a Mexican standoff. Mature and responsible corporations, genuine and honest partnering
ExxonMobil country President conjures impressions of a slave master ground, who wants to continue to rape us of our resources, and Dear Editor, Like most Guyanese, I was shocked to learn that the President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, threatened this nation, a sovereign state, when he said that the company would take its investments elsewhere if it doesn’t get what it is looking for during negotiations on the Payara Field Development Plan. Editor, I am not only appalled that Routledge would take his arrogance thus far but I am more so troubled as to the impressions his behaviour conjured; impressions of a slave master who wants to beat us into the
ones, do not fulminate against host countries in this disdainful and menacing manner, as in: it must be our way, or no way at all. We do not believe that ExxonMobil would have even thought of responding in this fashion with a European oil producing nation, such as Romania or Norway. But this is the demeaning stroke meted out to a largely coloured Third World nation. Like we said at another time, there is the condescension of embedded prejudices apparent when facing off against people of colour. Further, it should be noted that we said, “Guyanese leaders” and not leaders of the still new government only. On this matter, on this confrontation with ExxonMobil, there is neither government nor opposition, nor can it be about the division of either the political victors or the electoral vanquished. This is about the future of Guyana and the prospects of all its children, which are now about to ground to a jarring standstill right before the nation’s eyes. The government must be strong, and the opposition
leave us with barren lands as he walks away with the riches for his people. When will we stand up against this? When is Guyana going to see ExxonMobil for what it is and demand what it deserves? When will we bring an end to the crass attitude of this company? If we don’t do something about this today, I am afraid we will be leaving a Guyana that will have nothing to offer future generations. Yours truly, Concerned Guyanese
leaders must rally alongside it so that Guyana can be stronger. There is no other way, if this society is to succeed and surmount what amounts to an existential oil threat from Exxon. There is no other way of looking at this. There is no other way for this country to go about the hard and heavy business of its conversations with Exxon. Guyana has a chance to salvage something from the wreckage and haemorrhage of its oil holdings. Exxon intends to bleed us dry. We must stand up for what is fair. We must not retreat before whatever comes at us, whether through the heavy-handedness of a bull rush, or the subtlety of some slick corporate manoeuvring and blustering by Exxon. Whether an attempt at overpowering bullyism or skillful bluffing, Guyanese leaders and the Guyanese people must not blink. Though it may fall on the deafest of ears, we call on all leaders and every citizen to not surrender. We at this paper will not, for we will continue to fight to our last breath. Maybe even beyond.
Sunday August 30, 2020
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The coalition has forfeited any possibility of power sharing
The EPA needs to stand its ground Routledge response to Exxon’s reluctance to pay the five hundred thousand dollars fines against Exxon imposed by the EPA - “The fines, we believe,
DEAR EDITOR, In dealing with the multitude of social and economic ills, and the seemingly deep state corruption left behind by coalition supporters, the PPP/C has a daunting task ahead. President Ali, VicePresident Jagdeo and Prime Minister Phillips all pledged to govern with transparency and accountability. Transparency is a necessary step towards weeding out potential corruption in the political system, particularly as Guyanese seek to harvest the benefits of what Professor Clem Seecharan in a forthcoming book on Cheddi Jagan refers to as “Oil Dorado”. The expectation is that the PPP/C, now given new life, and a unique opportunity for reinventing and reimaging Guyana, can avoid the previous pitfalls and fundamental mistakes of good governance, and focus on developing a robust economy. The bar for performance assessment must surpass that of all previous administrations. Despite the promise of becoming the “Dubai of the Caribbean”, Guyana’s
economy remains, euphemistically, a “donkey cart economy”, still in dire straits after five years of APNU+AFC mismanagement and misrule. The Bank of Guyana has reported that from May 2015 to May 2020, gold reserves dipped from $15 billion to $715 million, and the Contingency Fund was reduced from $4 billion to $2.3 billion while the general reserve and public deposits, both in the red, dropped from $6 billion to negative $290 million, and $4.8 billion to negative $88.6 billion respectively. According to the 2017 Human Development Index (HDI), Guyana was placed at 0.670 (out of 1), with an average life expectancy of 69.8 years, an average of 11.5 years of schooling, and a Gross National Income of $7,615 per capita expressed in constant 2011 international dollars, converted using purchasing power parity (PPP) rates. The lowest HDI value, 0.528 in 2017, was associated with the gold/diamond mining and forestry community, primarily among members of the Amerindian community who
reside in District 8 (PotaroSiparuni). The aggregate data used to measure the HDI should show incremental increase in all of Guyana’s population in the future, particularly in life expectancy and the rate of literacy. In this moment of economic regeneration, PPP leaders should consider two things. One, while all PNC (and coalition) terms have extended beyond the stipulated constitutional duration, some PPP terms in office were forcefully cut short by street protests, violence and destruction of public property. Unquestionably, the national distrust that existed between the two major parties, with events following the no confidence vote, has widened. As a Stabroek News editorial (8/ 23/2020) acknowledged, “there can be no provisions for the sharing of power if they are not underpinned by a measure of trust; for obvious reasons, it simply would not work.” The behaviour of coalition leaders effectively forfeited any possibility of (Continued on page 7)
If we reject our best, how can we escape the resource curse? DEAR EDITOR, A patient with cancer would want an experienced world-class oncologist to give the diagnosis and prescribe the treatment. For a lifechanging event, one wouldn’t fire the oncologist in the middle of their assessment and then seek advice from a replacement with much less qualifications and experience. But it appears the Government of Guyana has done just that in forcing EPA Head Dr. Vincent Adams to take his vacation at a critical period in the assessment of the Stabroek Block oil operations. Dr. Adams has stood his ground and was not intimidated by the oil companies. He has pursued them on even minor fines for environmental spills which they have refused to pay. He indicated that he was working on the loopholes in the Liza 1 permit. The Liza 1 permit was ap-
proved in 2017 before Dr. Adams began his contract with the Government of Guyana in 2018. The oil companies have already ignited more than 10 billion cubic feet of gas from Liza 1 which is estimated to cost at least US$24 million to offset the resulting emissions. These same companies that preach sanctity of contracts to us, couldn’t keep their promise to stop the flaring by August 10. It is about three weeks now since August the 10 and they are unable to give a new date of when the flaring will stop. We need strong leadership like that demonstrated by Dr. Adams to pro-
tect Guyana from being exploited by the oil companies in their pursuit of shareholder profits. Dr. Adams has 30 years of experience in the US Department of Energy with key leadership roles ranging from nuclear to environmental. He earned his PhD from University of Tennessee. If we reject our best, how can we escape the resource curse? Yours truly, Jerry Jailall Darshanand Khusial Dhanpaul Narine Ganga Ramdas Mike Persaud John Peters Charles Sugrim
DEAR EDITOR, A KN article, “APNU+AFC approved Liza Phase One permit the same day it received Exxon 1500 page EIA”, makes me wonder if it was really the government that signed or the head of the EPA that signed on behalf of the government. The EPA should have its independence. Another damning revelation! Instead of granting permission within its confines for five years, the EPA granted 23 and 24 years for Liza One and Two respectively. This asininity is now before the courts, compliments of TGI’s Dr. Troy Thomas and quite rightly so, in the interest of preserving our environment for future generations. One can understand the kind of leverage Exxon must have felt it has over the EPA, for country manager of Exxon, Alistair Routledge, to say, “We believe it is not the best use of the government’s money or our money to take such a relatively small issue to court”, in dismissing Exxon’s reluctance to pay $500,000 dollars penalty for 5 spills of hydraulic fluids to the EPA. Routledge’s statement reminds me of - “small debts, I don’t remember and large debts, I don’t pay”- a popular phrase juxtaposed by con artists around the globe. It mirrors the cynicism emanating from Exxon towards our EPA.
are not applicable to us,” should be construed as a show of disdain for the laws of Guyana and the EPA. He is essentially saying that Exxon has the right to decide what constitutes a breach of Guyana’s EPA. My definition of a spill is an accidental or intentional release of an unfriendly substance into the environment. For Routledge to assert that hydraulic fluids constitute “no significant impact to the natural environment” is an attack on the resolve of the EPA, if it has any, to effectively safeguard the environment. Granting Exxon’s EIA a run of 20 odd years when 5 years was its prescribed maximum is definitely not a sign of resolve. No wonder the head of the EPA had to be sent home. My father would often say that if you “let the little atrocities (spills) to go unchecked, you are essentially inviting the big ones to haunt you.” The EPA needs to stand its ground. In fact, the only thing I see that has “no significant impact” in this scenario, is the $100,000 dollars fine per spill; this should be multiplied by 100 to get Exxon to take note. This will give Exxon the impetus to be mindful of the environment and adhere to safe extraction practices. Yours truly, Rudolph Singh.
Getting rid of CH&PA’s Saul was unusual and improper DEAR EDITOR, I learnt with disbelief, that the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul received marching orders, by way of a letter signed by the Minister of Housing, Hon. Collin Croal. I have decades of experience in the political and administrative arenas of Guyana and find such an approach at best unusual, if not improper. Mr. Saul was identified by the then CH&PA Board as the best candidate among those who had responded to the vacancy advertisement sometime in 2017. To the best of my knowledge, a sub-committee of the Board examined and interviewed prospective candidates for the post of CEO. The Board at that time consisted of representatives of the two major political parties, the municipalities and
civil society. The recommendation of the Board as a formality, was sent to the Minister for his approval. I can state without fear of contradiction that Saul’s appointment had absolutely nothing to do with his politics, his race or his religion. He was simply the best candidate. The protocol, as I understand it, should be for the Board to consider whether his services should be retained or not. Something seems to be wrong, very wrong, in the State of ‘Denmark’. In spite of the different views about the election results, I publicly express good wishes to the President and government, hoping that together we can find a path to unity, peace, predicated on good governance and justice meted out to every citizen.
As one who has been in the political hustlings since 1953, I fully appreciate the need for a government to have in place senior decision-making officers, with whom they are comfortable and who will faithfully carry out the wishes of the sitting Government. However, when a Minister seems to unilaterally assume the role of a designated authority, in this case the CHPA, something is very wrong. I am copying this letter to Vice-President Jadgeo, who is not only experienced, but the most seasoned and astute political gladiator, as such I am sure, he will give his subordinates good guidance, confident he shares our desire to preserve the sanctity of our nation state. Hamilton Green Former Chairman, CH&PA
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The success of day trading as is being advertised is false
The scene is being set for arbitrary police in Region 5? 4. How does the Crime action by theof herpolice constitutional powers Chief request information
DEAR EDITOR, Quite recently, there has been an appearance of advertisements seeking to lure persons into “educational platforms” which will enable attendees to become rich. These advertisements are all extremely similar. A typical advertisement usually begs one provocative question “Do you own a computer or smart phone and want to make money from your home?” This question is both rhetorical and clever – since the ads appear almost solely on Facebook and other social media and virtually all humans want more money. In addition, these advertisements depict an overly simplified three step plan – LEARN, TRADE, EARN. The major issue with this three-step plan lies within step three; the desired outcome is for the most part times never achieved by actual day trading but by recruiting others to the institution. For example, with IM Academy recruiters are paid USD$150 for recruiting 3 persons, USD$600 for 12 persons, and larger sums for more recruits. The conclusions of the author are grounded from the facts unearthed in a 2020 comprehensive study titled “Day Trading for a living?” by Fernando Chague, Rodrigo DeLosso and Bruno Giovannetti which can be found with a simple Google search. Essentially, the study evaluated the profitability of day traders in Brazil. Moreover, they assessed all individuals who day traded mini-Ibovespa futures contracts which are the preferred assets by day
traders in the country being the third most traded equity index futures and options contracts in the world ahead of the E-mini S&P 500 Futures and S&P 500 Index Options, for example. It was found that a mere 1% of day traders earned more than the Brazilian minimum wage which is pegged at US$16 dollars per day. This 1% of day traders in real terms amount to just 17 persons. Furthermore, it was also revealed that half of that 1% earned more than the starting salary of a bank teller ($54 per day). There is also a misconception that the study helps to deal with. There is a thought that the longer you do it, the better you get at it then the more money will be made. However, it was unearthed that the probability of an individual exhibiting a positive profit monotonically decreases with the number of day he/she trades. “We show that it is virtually impossible for an individual to trade for a living today, contrary to what brokerage specialists and course providers often claim. The previous literature was not so clear about this.” This is the concluding paragraph of the study. Suffice it to say, the only earners from the three step process are the so-called “educational platforms” which require monthly payments between USD$150 to USD$250 per month. In subsequent letters, I will inform of legitimate, less risky and worthy investment options but until then keep your day jobs. Yours truly, John Edghill, MBA
DEAR EDITOR, The installation of the PPP/C in Government has seen a flurry of activities post haste, not least among them the reassignment of police officers. It has also seen actions being undertaken by the Guyana Police Force that brings into question the professionalism of the Force and the motives behind some of the Force’ actions. As Commissioners of the Guyana Election Commission, we see the actions being taken against GECOM employees and more particularly the demands being made on GECOM as reeking of ulterior motives; targeting of GECOM employees; and disregarding the Rule of Law. We are also concerned that these occurrences are following on from political pronouncements. The Chairperson of GECOM has been written to, by the Crime Chief, as follows: “ I do hereby write with reference to the above caption matter to inform you that upon receipt of formal reports together with the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the exercise
under Article 187 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Guyana Police Force has initiated criminal investigations against Keith Lowenfield, Clairmont Mingo and others who are alleged to have been criminally responsible for the post 2nd March 2020 Regional and General Elections incidents.” Our concerns are manyfold: 1. Is the Crime Chief following up on the private criminal charges or is he responding to quite distinct allegations? If he is following up on private criminal charges, how is that possible since those who initially made the allegations have done so without presenting an iota of evidence to support those charges. That would be tantamount to abuse of the justice system and the perpetration of injustice against Lowenfield et al. Private criminal charges are premised on the presentation of evidence by those bringing the charges. 2. If they are not following up on the private criminal charges how does the DPP come into the picture without first receiving a file from the police, requesting advice on a matter on which investigation has already been undertaken? 3. The reference to “the post 2nd March, 2020 Regional and General Elections incidents” has no specificity. Is the Crime Chief referencing the riotous behaviour at the Ashmin’s Building or the accusation of assault leveled at the current Minister of Home Affairs or the attack on the
from GECOM, which is clearly protected from such requests? Section 102 (2) enacts that “the Chief Election Officer shall keep all parcels received in pursuance of subsection (1) in safe custody and, subject to the provisions of this Act and any law made under Article 163 of the Constitution, allow no person to have access hereto.” The said material being requested is that which was “received in pursuance of subsection (1)”. Section 140 (2) also specifies that, “no evidence of any deliberation of the Elections Commission regarding its business shall be admissible in any court.” 5. Reference to “and others” in the Crime Chief`s assertion seems to suggest that the others are any persons who the police may wish to so treat. That sets the scene for possible arbitrary action, by the police. 6. Isn’t it the jurisdiction of the High Court, arising out of the hearing a petition, to determine if fraud was committed, during the course of an election? Is an attempt being made here to pre-empt a petition and to otherwise tieup the documents which are required for the hearing of a petition? We bring these matters to the attention of the people, the final arbiters of democracy, whose freedom can be threatened if the police are allowed to act capriciously and flout the Rule of Law. Yours truly Commissioners: Vincent Alexander Charles Corbin; and Desmond Trotman
We have no confidence that the EPA can make key decisions without Dr. Adams
DEAR EDITOR, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) is asking the Government why Dr. Vincent Adams, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is being sent on leave before he decides he can. We see no reason for removing our best qualified person for reasons other than misbehaviour, especially when ExxonMobil wants to release reservoir water into the ocean instead of injecting it into the wells. Unless there are secret considerations, it is not as complex as they make out. The reservoir water does not have to be treated any more than already provided
for under the present environmental permit. It is also for Dr. Adams to decide on the Payara approval permit. We have no confidence the EPA can make those decisions without him. This agency needs more and qualified staff to execute their mandate according to law. We would be more confident if Dr. Adams is there also to interview the candidates. The country must be prepared to accept any costs to stop this and any flaring. Those who are enjoying the prospects of oil wealth should have been prepared to pay for the consequences. Yours truly, Alfred Bhulai TIGI Director
Sunday August 30, 2020
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Dr. Adams’ work remains unmatched in the areas of energy and the environment
We must be unified to get the best benefits from oil
DEAR EDITOR, The decision of the new Government to effectively terminate the services of Dr. Vincent Adams, Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), will be demoralizing to many, who like myself, while not knowing him personally have been impressed with the leadership he has brought to the environment and energy fields. Whether or not Dr. Adams continues to be an Executive member of the AFC, there is no public evidence of his taking the EPA in a politically partisan direction. Rather than feed our toxic politics of assuming anyone hired by the previous administration is ready to sacrifice professional standard for partisan benefit, the new administration would be better advised to extend the approach adopted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The border issue with Venezuela is considered non-partisan, thereby allowing the services of Carl Greenidge, Foreign Minister in the previous administration
and others not aligned to the ruling party, to be retained. Surely, this approach is even more urgently needed in the area of energy and the environment especially when negotiating with the likes of Exxon with its economy equal to that of a mid-size country. Recruitment of the best professional services of qualified Guyanese requires they be protected from the absurd assumption that they are ready to abandon years of professionalism to partisan politics. Publicly available information confirms that Dr. Adams is the most accomplished Guyanese energy expert by virtue of his academic background and career path. As one of the highest-ranking civilians in the US Department of Energy, he led multi-billion dollar environmental and energy projects; developed, created and instituted complex technologies at over 20 world-class laboratories and universities and served as the US representative to the international Atomic Energy Agency on technology and
standards development. His work in both the environmental and energy fields is unmatched by any other Guyanese. While the performance of the EPA under Dr. Adams leaves room for improvement, there is general agreement that this relates to resource and inadequate staff rather than to Dr. Adams personally. Unless convincing evidence is provided of less than professional behaviour on the part of Dr. Adams, suspicion will continue to mount that it is precisely professionalism, rather than the lack of it, which is the problem for the administration. This is particularly the case given its conspicuous silence on the environment and climate change, while lionizing extractive industries. His dismissal removes the one person who the average Guyanese could feel some measure of confidence in defending the national interest with respect to oil and gas and the green economy. Yours truly, Mike McCormack
The coalition has forfeited any... From page 5 power sharing with the PPP/C, a political model of government clearly rejected by the coalition (really PNC) from 2015-2020. Guyana’s political future may very well lie in inclusive governance, the PPP/C’s preferred method of addressing Guyana’s ethnic problem. Two, the PPP/C government cannot ignore the interests of the 35% (the PPP/C received crossover votes) of the population or Guyanese who did not vote for that party. It must address their interests, despite the shenanigans of the leadership of the PNC. If we are to ascertain the “new” role of the PNC, following Granger’s purges, one simply has to listen to the indignation of coalition supporters on the Mark Benschop radio show or the Zoom presentations of Brooklyn-based Rickford Burke or review the narrative found in The Village Voice, an online newspaper ostensibly run by PNC supporters. That paper now claims prominent APNU apologists like Lincoln Lewis. Previous editorials brazenly refer to the new government as a “mad mob” which is on a “path to domination” and threatened “retaliation for the road the PPP/C has decided to travel” while calling on “the armed
forces to resist attempts by the PPP to turn them against the Guyanese people.” (Aug 9 and 16). Predictably, with a more vocal Joseph Harmon at the helm, the PNC will revive its calls for power sharing, while accusing the PPP/C of “ethnic cleansing” and discrimination against its supporters. Concurrently, the PPP/C must acknowledge that the coercive institutions of the state has remained in the hands of primarily one ethnic group following the militarization and party paramountcy of Forbes Burnham. This imbalance must be addressed to reflect Guyana’s changing demographics. It was a paramount reason behind coalition leader’s refusal to concede defeat on March 3. Unlike Robin Singh’s misconceived “logic” (KN, August 16, 2020) against those who called for reform in the army, we ought to remember that it was the army that participated in electoral excesses and it was the disciplined forces that were Hoyte’s “kith and kin”. The GDF was never tested in the 2020 election because there was no Rodney-like opposition against the illegal Granger occupation and the Western powers met with Guyana’s military leaders to ensure they would remain behind the barracks. Mr. Singh should be re-
minded that a COI, of which David Granger was a member, had recommended that the disciplined forces should be balanced, modernized and professionalized. Additionally, Guyana’s security burden must be shared by all Guyanese, not only Africans. Overall, given Guyana’s anticipated emerging role in the region, one would also expect that the army, air corps, and coast guards will be budgeted more than the traditional 2% of GDP expenditures the military has received since 2015. The disciplined forces would also welcome modernized inventory, rather than the “secondhand platforms” the Guyana Defense Force has received from Brazil, China, Russia, the UK, and the US in the past. Aside from these fundamental institutional changes, and societal appeals for a constituencybased Constitution, Guyanese should welcome a federal state which empowers local communities throughout the country. Additionally, to discredit the anticipated opposition charges of discrimination, the government should assess the impact of public policies through Ethnic Impact Statements in order to assure the public that all Guyanese are beneficiaries of “Oil Dorado”. Yours truly,
DEAR EDITOR, This is my personal call for every Guyanese and all of Guyana to join hearts and hands in a unified bloc on our oil. To get the best benefits from it and to secure what is rightly due to us, please listen. I call upon our leaders in government first to set the standard and lead the way. This, of vital necessity, must include President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, Prime Minister and Ret’d Brigadier Phillips, and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, to be in the forefront of the charge to get the best for us on our oil. Bring back former President and Prime Minister, Sam Hinds, to lend voice and presence in what is a national undertaking. Similarly, I call upon former President Granger, former minister of the sector, Raphael Trotman, and others from the opposition to walk hand in hand and side by side with government leaders in a prominent display of unity regarding our oil. On our oil, there can be no partisanship, no division, none of the deep-seated rancor from our elections’ wounds or history. Exxon loved that. For these reasons and more, I reach out in appeal to all religious leaders, including Roman Catholic (my own), the wider Christian community, and Hindu, and Muslim, and all the rest of belie vers from other streams, even nonbelievers. This oil wealth of ours is the gift of divine providence. Let us represent it, advocate for it, fight for it, and live for it. If we have to starve for it, then let it be. If we must die for it, then we must. This is what the publisher and people of Kaieteur News have done without letup, without concern for costs or the kind consideration of those who stand in disagreement and objection. KN has led the way. President Ali and his inner councils should observe, listen, and follow this example. All Guyana, inclusive of public and private sectors, literate and unschooled citizens, home-based and diaspora members, prisoners and freemen must rise o the occasion, answer the challenge that comes with our oil ownership. This is a trust. A sacred trust to
be treasured and held close. Nothing must come between on our oil. No forces, no matter how powerful and wellresourced, should be allowed to stand against our people and their interests, our willingness to struggle with every breath, and raise every muscle to get what rightly belongs to us, for what should be coming to us. It is a fair share. It is an authentic partnership. It is of the honest and progressive terms with which we could live comfortably and proudly. Exxon, hear us! There can be no disunity and division on this oil. If we insist on being the same way and walking the same old pathways, then there is the high probability that our oil riches will mean more poverties in pocket and spirit. We cannot afford disunity now. We must be together on this oil, if on nothing else. It is better to be rich and prosperous bigots and fools than to be a poor and dismal mass of humanity that wasted the national bounties because of individual and collective stupidities. It must be togetherness at all levels. It must be holding one head with one vision towards one oil objective: what is best for us. I think we can do so. I believe that we have it in us to rise to the occasion, by recognizing the dangers, and committing to doing our part. We can be a force to reckoned with; a presence to be regarded with respect and apprehension as to our potentials; a tower of strength that stands before all comers from all quarters. I know firsthand what Guyanese have gone through. I am familiar with what Guyanese have achieved under the sternest of tests and duress here and everywhere that we have graced with our energies. I say we can get more for our oil. I strongly believe that we can put our differences behind us, for a long moment, if only to get to the land promised by our oil. We cannot fail each other now. Together we must be. By all. Unified we should be, if we are to succeed with our oil. By all, with all, for all. Yours truly,
G.H.K Lall
Open Letter to Mr. Alistair Routledge, Country Manager of ExxonMobil in Guyana Dear Editor, On behalf of the National Directorate and members of OVP (Organization for the Victory of the People), I wish to remind the Country Manager of ExxonMobil in Guyana, Alistair Routledge, that we are the descendants of Indigenous peoples; survivors of genocide, the Trans-Atlantic Trade in Captured Africans; survivors of a holocaust, and Indentureship; survivors of brutal exploitation and discrimination. We are a nation-state of proud peoples. We produced some of the very best leaders and revolutionary intellectuals: George G. M. James, Jan Carew, Ivan Van Sertima, Ras Makonnen, Martin Carter, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Walter Rodney to name a few, who, had any one of them been alive today, would have told you to pack your traps a long time ago.
Please do not threaten us. This is not about APNU+AFC or PPP. This is about our sovereignty, national patrimony and dignity. This land and its resources are the patrimony of we, the Guyanese people. We are sitting on some of the largest oil reserves in the world. A former president of Guyana, Forbes Burnham, never tired of telling foreign investors like yourselves, that if we don’t get a good deal, then best we “leave it in the ground”. In his words, “We have seen in Guyana and other under-developed countries, foreign owned extractive industries prosper while the native population remains poor and destitute…we must now get the large share of the cake; otherwise what is the difference between Guyana and a c o l o n y ? ” We have survived thus far
without oil, gas and, most definitely without ExxonMobil. Our national salvation and destiny is not in your hands. We are well aware of why former President Hugo Chavez, and the Bolivarian Revolution in neighbouring Venezuela, expelled ExxonMobil. You, Mr. Routledge, work for a company that is known all over the world as a strategic player and corporate predator for the US Empire. We may not be the only “star girl” to use your words, in your portfolio, but you are not the “star girl’s” only suitor. When you are sitting on some of the largest oil reserves in the world, there is certainly no shortage of suitors. Yours truly, Gerald A. Perreira OVP (Organization for the Victory of the People)
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Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
Leguan Stelling contractor warned to complete work in timely manner
Assessments being conducted at the Leguan Stelling
S. Maraj Contracting Services has received a stern warning from Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar, to complete his work at the Leguan Stelling in a timely manner. This was after the ministers carried out a visit to Leguan on Friday to address
matters at the island and assess the ongoing works at the stelling which has been dragging on. Minister Edghill said that the project has seen poor administration. This project was awarded to S. Maraj in 2018 for $412M. However, the estimated costs later changed to $580M.
The project was expected to be completed within six months. It was stated that the delay was a result of additional works needed along with the initial engineer’s estimate and quantities being deficient. In January this year, the former Minister within the Ministry of Infrastructure,
Jaipaul Sharma, had told Kaieteur News that the residents, mainly those within the business community and farmers, had been requesting extensions on the project to facilitate their goods and services and movements of their produce. He related that it had put a strain on the contractors and contributed to the
failure in meeting the project deadline. He also lamented that the contractors cannot work with the ferry mooring at the stelling. “It interferes with the work that is being done… and I constantly receive calls from residents requesting I allow the ferry to go to Leguan to move to produce”, Sharma had said. Owner of the construction company Sattrohan Maraj had also stated that an arrangement was made with the Transport & Harbours Department to facilitate the mooring of the ferry during the routine morning and afternoon schedules to allow daily commute between Leguan and Parika but the midday trip often had to be cancelled to facilitate works on the stelling. Despite the arrangement, the deployment of the M. B Sandaka vessel to Suriname to service the SurinameGuyana route left one vessel operating between Bartica and Parika and Parika and Leguan. According to Maraj, another hindrance had also occurred in December 2019, where a section of the stelling
had collapsed. It was stated that they were obligated to divert from the upgrade project on the stelling to conduct emergency repairs. In addressing the residents of Leguan, Minister Edghill also said, “The commitment that we will give to you is that wherever work is being undertaken, the unpriced bill of quantity must be placed public in the community so that people could be able to examine and check to make sure what needs to be done is being done.” Edghill also contended that upon the conclusion of the project, the elderly must also be taken into consideration and the necessary facilities to cater for them should be established. It was also highlighted that safety signs need to be installed in order to prevent injuries to passengers who still utilize the stelling. Some $250M was allocated for the upgrading of Leguan and Bartica Stellings in the 2018 budget. Another $160M was also allocated to assist in reconstructing the Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek Stellings, into modern water taxi terminals.
NDC Councillor wakes up to home burglarized A Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Councillor woke up yesterday only to find that his Hyde Park, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home was burglarized. Investigators believe that the thief/thieves entered the councillor’s house between the 01:15 to 02:05hrs. The councillor, Phillip France, 72, and his wife, Sheila France, 68, had secured their house just before 01:15hrs and retired to bed. However, at around 02:05hrs, France’s wife,
Sheila, woke up and entered the living room to check the time. While in the living room, Sheila noticed that several louvre panes were missing from one of the windows. She alerted France who joined her immediately and noticed that an access door on the lower flat was also ajar. Upon investigating what transpired, France soon realized that his 48" flat screen television valued at $300,000 was missing. His mountain bicycle worth $18,000 was also gone.
Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
First Lady joins Dubai group in talks to increase opportunities for women
The First Lady during the virtual meeting.
First Lady, Arya Ali, yesterday participated in the first of a series of meetings, which was organized by the Dubai Vigilance Group (DVG) to reflect on the role of women in today’s society. The meeting, which was initiated by Her Royal Highness, Sheikha Afra Dalmook of Dubai, was the first of its kind between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and leaders of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). It was held under the theme, “A moment of reflection for women in this current state of global affairs”.The inaugural discussion sought to create a foundation for the building of a clear and defined partnership between the UAE and the Caribbean, as the two seek to deepen their relations.
In this regard, according to a government two ideas were proposed and will be up for discussion in the coming weeks. The first is the establishment of a UAECARICOM Women’s Association and the second, the formation of a CaribbeanDubai Chamber of Commerce. During the discussion, Her Royal Highness Sheikha Afra Dalmook reflected on the role of women, their journey and accomplishments over the last few decades. “She highlighted that women can be the compass for success since they are the centre of gravity of each society. She also noted that in order for women to overcome current challenges which they face, strong commitments must be made to ensure that women are put at the centre of development.”
For her part, First Lady Arya Ali believes that women across the world continue to navigate societal challenges, which disproportionately affect them and restrict them from climbing the social and economic ladders. She is of the unwavering view that serious work must be done to increase opportunities for women and respond to their changing needs. “To support these commitments, the First Lady intends to champion several causes which are aimed at providing social and economic support for women and other vulnerable groups across Guyana.” One such initiative involves the provision of start-up capital for micro and small scale businesses owned and operated by women.
Dem boys seh...
De police do a Bingo pon Mingo Dem hold Mingo fuh three days. When Mingo think he would be spending de weekend at Bell-a-drum, he find out that de police tun de three into five, just like Mingo bin do with dem numbers pon de Statements of Poll. Five gon be de Mingo man unlucky number. He could end up spending five years in de slammer. And all because of a spreadsheet and a bed sheet. Dem boys hear when he was at Eve Leary, dem police bring two bed sheets and give he. When de police give he de two bed sheets, he ask them: “Wha dis fuh?” De police seh: “You just said, ‘“I want two sheets.” Mingo get vex and shout: “I said I want to sh&%.”
Dem boys watching fuh see wha gon happen to de Lolo man. Dem feel he do mo magic with dem numbers dan de Bingo man. De Lolo man gat problems. He bin buy pliers and radio sets wha nah wuk way back before de 2015 elections. De Auditor General de seeking an explanation but de Patto man bin tell de Auditor General fuh “leave my man alone.” Dem boys nah know if Claw-dette can seh de same thing. Not after how de Lolo man try to dis she. Dem boys hear how de Auditor General reopening de investigation into de pliers and de nonworking radio sets. Dem boys listen to virtual press conference. De Rum-
Juttan man and Trotty bin deh pon it. When dem reporter ask question about oil, Rum-Juttan answer instead of dem man wha sign de oil contract. Imagine duh! Despite claiming how de election fraudulent, de HAPNew +HAY-Eff-See still tekkin up dem seats in parliament. Kathy seh she feel de parliament should be held virtually since it is not safe because of COVID. But while dem big ones wan stay home and attend parliament, Lil Joe calling pon he supporters to tek to de streets in a manifestation. Talk half and remember dat poor people is always sacrificial lambs fuh dem politicians.
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Kaieteur News
Ex PM Nagamootoo, fmr. Minister Sarabo-Halley and others jumped line and received houselots – Minister Croal -approvals for some granted on August 1...a holiday Several houselots allocated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) this year have been placed under review. Among them is the allocation of houselots to former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, former Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarrabo-Halley and others. It would raise eyebrows because under CH&PA rules, one cannot benefit from houselots if that person al-
ready owns a property. Newly appointed Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, told Kaieteur Radio’s ‘Room 592’ hosts, Dr. Yog Mahadeo, and Kaieteur News Senior Journalist/Editor, Leonard Gildarie, on Friday, that the two former senior government officials are listed among the persons who applied for their houselots in June and received their approved allocations the following month.
Croal noted that their applications would have superseded over 68,000 requests by Guyanese who applied for lands but have been placed on the waiting list for years now. As such, the Minister noted that a decision was taken to review the questionable transactions. According to Croal, since his assumption of the Ministerial post earlier this month, he was able to critically as-
sess and examine the system for the allocation of houselots. He noted that a number of issues within the CH&PA were brought to his attention. “The system is clearly overwhelmed with requests yet we are finding that some applications that were given priority are new in comparison to others and there are some persons who never got houselots,” Croal explained. He continued that as re-
Minister of Housing Colin Croal
Ex-PM, Moses Nagamootoo
Former Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarrabo -Halley
cent as August 1, 2020, some of these questionable allocations were made. “What we found interesting is that the houselots were given out on August 1, 2020 which we all know is a national holiday—a day before the new government was sworn in,” Croal said. He noted, too, that several persons who allocated lands for housing could not be located.“We need to find these persons and determine how it is that they received their allocations…it was part of a former government’s move to get votes with the promise of a houselot,” Croal added.As such, the Minister said a decision was taken to place all issuance and allocation of houselots on hold, “until we can determine who was given what and on what basis.”Additionally, Minister debunked claims that the review is part of ploy by the new government to take back the lands. “We are reviewing the system to ensure what has
been happening was a fair and transparent issuance of lots. That‘s all we are going through the process now for.” Further, the Minister said that policies are being developed to ensure that priority is given to the category of people based on the set guidelines and criteria. Earlier this month, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, noted that the new administration is tackling the immense backlog of houselot applications at the CH&PA. She noted the lack of a comprehensive housing policy, by the APNU+AFC Coalition administration, is one of the reasons for the accumulation. The alarming figure, Rodrigues said, represents applicants spanning several years, many of which in some cases, have not been allotted houselots due to unavailability of developed land in their preferred area.
Toddler killed in motorcycle accident A toddler died on Thursday last after she was struck down along with her elder sister by a motorbike on a roadway at Kriako Village, Barama River, North West District (NWD), Region One. The toddler, Nesiha Alexander, 1, and her 13-year old sister were hit down by the motorcycle at around 19:30hrs on Wednesday. Police said that Alexander was being held in the arms of her sister who was standing at the side of the roadway. Without warning, a motor-
cycle operated by a 25-yearold man slammed into the children. The impact flung them a short distance away and Alexander landed on the surface of the road where she received injuries to the head and body. The toddler was picked up in an unresponsive condition and taken home to her parents who later journeyed to the Kumaka District Hospital. At around 09:00hrs, the following day, doctors pronounced Alexander dead.
Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
Heritage Month activities will not exceed $15M - Minister Sukhai
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, stated that the cost attached to the holding of Amerindian Heritage Month activities will not exceed $15M. This is because the activities will be conducted virtually to keep with regulations of the Novel Coronavirus. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, over the past weeks, would have been assessing the country’s situation with COVID-19. They
would have taken note of the startling rise in cases and finally decided to commemorate Guyana’s first people virtually. In a virtual media launch held on Friday, Sukhai stated that there will be a ceremonial launch on September 1 at 11:00 am. Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, will be delivering an address and there will also be remarks made by Minister Sukhai and other leaders
within the Amerindian community. The celebrations will be held under the theme, “Fostering Traditional Practices for a Safe Environment”. There will be cultural presentations and performances by various groups all around Guyana which will be broadcasted live by the National Communications Network (NCN), the Department of Public Information (DPI), and the Ministry’s Facebook
page every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday during the month. There will also be a focus on Indigenous cuisine and persons will be able to sample various dishes at the Ministry. The dishes will also be free of cost. However, persons are required to make reservations for the dishes depending on the dates and availability. There will also be an Art Exhibition from September 730 to showcase the arts and crafts of talented Amerindian
artists across the country and this will be live-streamed as well. The concept of online marketing for heritage month will also be explored. Principal Regional Development Officer (PRDO), Anil Roberts, had previously told Kaieteur News that the Ministry was endeavouring to market crafts online. Roberts had stated that this was imperative as COVID-19 protocols had to be kept with and administering physical purchasing would have put a
strain on keeping with the social distancing guidelines. It was also disclosed that the Ministry will also be engaging the younger generation in online lectures via the Zoom application. Guyana has been observing Indigenous Heritage month since September 10, 1995. The month of celebration was introduced in honour of Guyana’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament, Stephen Campbell, whose life and work will also be recognised.
Health Ministry mum on rising deaths COVID-19 numbers -onThree Friday, no The Soesdyke junction situation at a roadside bar last evening.
On Friday last, Guyana recorded three new COVID19 deaths pushing the death toll to 35 and despite being repeatedly pressed for details by the media, the Health Ministry has failed to release important details about the victims, and has remained silent on key issues relating to the pandemic. Up to press time, no such information has been made
public. August is already being labelled as the deadliest month Guyana has seen since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic touched the shores back in March -with a total of 15 deaths recorded. A Kaieteur News analysis recently done by journalist, Kemol King, showed that for this month, one in every four Guyanese who took the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test yielded positive results. The numbers continue to rise and Guyana shot passed the 1,000 mark with a total of 1,184 confirmed cases recorded and a total of 8,079 tested as of yesterday. With the way the statistics is looking, Guyana appears very far from flattening the curve. The Health Ministry’s silence on the matter is a cause for major concern. Rumours of contaminated tests and the virus being a ‘hoax’ are just among the issues the Health Ministry has had to deal with of recent. The new administration, when they took office, has slackened the COVID-19 curfew moving it to 9pm – 5am,
info on victims
an hour later than the previous. They also allowed mining activities to be resumed despite a high number of cases in those regions. That move was not well regarded by many who took the view that providing more time would only aid the spread of the virus. The Ministry in a release had said that the extension was meant to allow further assessments and consultations on the development of updated protocols leading to the systemic opening of Guyana’s economy. Further, they stated that the Government of Guyana has initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response system and have taken into consideration multiple approaches used in other parts of the world, particularly in the Caribbean. These measures seem to not be of any consequence, as Guyanese traverse local bars and pack the seawalls and other areas, not practising proper social distancing measures or even, wearing a mask – despite a hefty fine being placed on those who disobey.
Bandits walk into Melanie shop, rob its owner Two bandits - one armed with a gun, yesterday walked into Andy’s Variety Store and robbed its owner of cash and cell phones.The robbery took place just after midnight at Stall Four, Linden Drive, Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The owner, Andrew Jacobs, 42, told investigators that one of the bandits approached, pointed the gun at him and demanded cash. Another stood a short distance away. Jacobs then handed over a black plastic bag containing two cell phones and $300,000 in cash. The men took the plastic bag and hurriedly exited the shop. The owner said that the cell phones are worth $100,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Sunday August 30, 2020
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Kaieteur News
The last 24 hours Quamie Dalton
From page 20 something greater, by making himself irreplaceable in her heart. “He had a sweet and addictive personality and that is impossible to eradicate,” she said.“You could be sad and feeling stressed out but Quamie would come and pull the blind and the door and molest me until he paints that smile on my face. He would hug, kiss, pinch my skin and say ‘mammy skin tasting nice’.”As Elainna reminisced on her cherished moments with her son, she said, “Now that he is gone, I am comforted with that whispering sound in my ear ‘Mammy skin tasting nice’.” ENOUGH LOVE Quamie’s sweet personality was not only shared with Elainna but also impacted the life of his father, younger siblings and eventually his stepmother, Asanti, too. Oneil, his younger brother, says he will never forget the many times they spent fishing, swimming and playing together as kids and even as young adults. “My fondest memory of Quamie is the first time he learnt to swim. I was 10 and he was 13 and we were at the West Bank riverside with my dad,” said Oneil. He giggled for a bit as he continued his tale. “When you ask him to pass the soap, he would throw it because he was afraid of coming close to the river, so dad asked him to pass the soap and he threw it. With a wicked smile, dad ran and grabbed him and he started screaming because he knew that he was gonna get thrown into the water. We all laughed but he learned to swim. It was a fun-filled day
for all of us and one to remember for a lifetime,” said Oneil. Asanti, on the other hand, remembers him as a “gaff man” who always had her cracking up with his funny stories. “He always telling me some joke and some “nancy story” that would make you laugh,’’ she shared. She described him as an individual who loved his brothers very much and would do his utmost to make them happy with his cheerful attitude. “He was very respectful and each time he passed in a bus that he working on, he would shout out ‘Aunty Santi, ah coming back fuh lunch; I love you,” she recounted. According to her, “He was a man of his word and never forgot birthdays; he loved to attend birthday parties and make the party lively,” she added. TROUBLING DREAM One day, however, Asanti’s pastor told her of a dream that troubled her deeply. It involved Quamie. “My pastor told me that he had a strange dream of Quamie being involved in a tragic accident,” she revealed in a sombre tone. Asanti said she became worried about Quamie and told him about the dream and urged him to be careful with his job as a bus conductor. Quamie too, she related, seemed disturbed and stayed off the road for a while but returning to the regular grind. From all indications, Quamie had either forgotten about the dream or had in fact made peace with the way he was destined to exist the world. Asanti said she kept re-
membering the dream. In fact, she said that she kept trying to brush aside the thought that something terrible could happen to someone she cherished so much. Nevertheless, her fears would resurface again on August 10, 2020. THE LAST 24 HOURS Quamie got up very early on the morning of Sunday August 9, 2020. He made a phone call to his boss and told him that he would not be working that day. He gathered his siblings and headed straight to the bedroom where his mother Elainna was resting. He did his usual routine of pinching, kissing her skin and whispering in her ears before joining her on the bed along with his youngest sister and brother. He told his “jokey stories” and cheered up everyone, he even took photos and videos of his mom while she was speaking. After hours of playing and joking around, he got up and made another phone call to his cousin and asked him ‘what you doing for your birthday?’ Quamie then dressed up, kissed his mother and notified her that he will be leaving to celebrate the birthday of his cousin and close friend. At the birthday celebrations, friends recalled that Quamie partied like never before; they recorded videos of him dancing, and cracking jokes to make everyone happy. For them, it was a night to remember. He attended three separate parties before deciding to head home. “Everyone wanted Quamie to party with them, he was such a joyful soul; there was never a dull moment around him. He is one person
that we have never seen sad, and that personality of his is one that he shared with everyone to make them happy,” his friends said. Just after mid-night on August 10, the car in which Quamie was travelling in to head home, crashed into a light pole before sailing over a sand heap and landing on a minibus parked at the side of the road. Public-spirited citizens pulled an unconscious Quamie and his friends from the wreckage and rushed them to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. DREADED NEWS Elianna, like most mothers, was at home anxiously waiting for her son to come home safely. But her anxiety quickly turned to grief when she got the disheartening phone call during which someone requested that she visited the hospital immediately. Yes, the love of her life, Quamie, was involved in an accident. As she travelled to the hospital in a car with relatives, the driver pointed out to her the scene of the wreckage. Tears flowed as she arrived at the
hospital with some hope that just maybe her son’s condition was not fatal. But hope evaded Elainna when she entered the emergency ward and saw her son lying unresponsive on a bed attached to a life support machine. Her heart broke and she walked up to his bedside, held his hands and said, “son is your mammy Elainna, I am right here.” As she gazed upon Quamie, her mind flooded with fond memories as she prayed for him to recover. A few hours passed and then Quamie took a deep breath and his hands started moving. His mother felt a
great relief and thought to herself that he was getting better. She exited the room leaving her daughter behind but minutes later her daughter rushed out the room screaming ‘mammy mammy; Quamie’. Elainna recalled rushing back into the room accompanied by doctors only to see her son bleeding from the nostrils. A doctor examined Quamie and at 06:00hrs pronounced him dead. It was in that moment that Elainna realised that, that Sunday was the last time that she would ever hear Quamie’s jokes or have him pinch her skin or kiss her cheeks.
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Bandits between Thursday night and Friday morning broke into a truck of a Wakenaam businessman and stole 350 cartons of cigarettes valued $1,248,219. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched, which led to the arrest of three suspects- one from Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo and two from Wakenaam Island. The suspects are presently in custody assisting with the investigation.According to a police report, the alleged robbery was committed on Noon Persaud, 81, of Lot 22 Good Success
Kaieteur News
Wakenaam Island. Enquires disclosed that the incident happened between 18:30hrs on Thursday, 27th August, 2020 and 05:30hrs on Friday 28th, August, 2020. Kaieteur News understand that on Thursday evening, Persaud secured his cigarettes along with other items in the tray of motor lorry GKK 5673 which was parked under a shed in his yard. He then went to bed.The following day, about 05:30hrs, Persaud woke up and discovered a portion of his back fence which is made of zinc, was bent. Further checks
Sunday August 30, 2020
were made and he discovered all the cigarettes from the tray of his motor lorry were missing. An alarm was raised and the matter was reported to the Sans Souci Police Station. An investigation was launched and on Friday around 14:00hrs, police acting on information went to Good Success Centre Ground where they recovered 318 cartons and 8 packs of cigarettes.The items were taken and lodged at the police station.Further investigations were carried out which led to the arrest of the three suspects.
Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
Lions Clubs helping to bring COVID-19 relief Last week Sunday, August 23, 2020, Lions Clubs of Guyana - Region 2 provided COVID19 relief to families living in Chateau Margot Sideline Dam. Hampers with essential food items and disinfectants were presented to more than 15 households that occupy the Dam. One of the residents reached out via the District’s Facebook page requesting assistance. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, Lions Clubs in Guyana have been reaching out to communities they serve by providing COVID-19 relief in the form of hampers, preventative measures (distribution of face masks, installation of sinks, etc.) and
provision of medical supplies for the at-risk population. Clubs in Guyana are a part of a global team - Lions Clubs International - which is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.4 million members in approximately 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. To date, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has provided 340 COVID-19 Relief Grants valuing US$ 5,179, 492. Guyana is a recipient of one of these Grants which has boosted the Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 response with the acquisition of several computer systems and PPEs for the purpose of contact tracing.
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Sunday August 30, 2020
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Keeping kids focused during the COVID-19 pandemic
For families, this school year began with conflicted messages as parents scrambled to understand what the right thing was. Children were left confused and saddened as open houses turned to virtual meetings and their friends were more often than not, a still-frame on
Google meet or Zoom. Initially, learning from home during the pandemic was a novel, welcomed idea. It gave us an opportunity to slow down and be present while being home, with nowhere to go. However, this novelty is slowly wearing thin as parents from around the world
began to usher in a new school year within the confines of their homes and without any of the pomp and ceremony. This change was daunting as normalcy and lack of a routine perpetuated fear and anxiety in the minds of children and parents alike.
As parents struggle to navigate this time of school closures and social distancing , the burning question is: how do I keep my child focused while being the parent, teacher, and in some cases, an employee? 1) Keep the day structured Educators have requested that children attend classes in an environment conducive to learning, in clothing they would typically wear to school. This requires children to get up and get ready for the day in much the same manner they would if they were attending classes on campus. Have a “home room” where they look over their agenda, write down tasks for the day, goals they have, etc. Factor in time for play as this is how children learn best! Ensure that reading time is scheduled each day and incorporate your child in the creation of these plans. This gives them a sense of responsibility and control over their day. 2) Make learning fun Recognizing that the learning environment will appear very differently for your children is key to ensuring they have fun. Setting up a classroom
space, buying new school supplies, school clothes shopping (if only online) will create a feeling and an environment that facilitates fun and enjoyment. Offer rewards in the form of stickers or small consumables that mimic the reward system found in school and finally, make sure they participate in live sessions with their teachers and classmates. 3) Stay connected As humans, our desire for human connection is a real and natural element of our beings. It is important for us during this time to help our children focus by creating spaces where connection can happen at the right times. Perhaps, virtual meetings, a special time to connect socially with classmates, online study groups, etc. This is especially important so that children are able to utilize the live sessions with their teachers to maximize their learning rather than using that time to chat and play with their classmates. 4) Allow some flexibility Allow children to be creative and explore their interests. Take their classrooms outside, incorporate nature walks into
science, bike rides into physical education and by all means, do math with sidewalk chalk! Flexibility alludes to less anxiety, thereby allowing the child to remain calm, focused and ready to learn. 5) Have open conversations: Address the “elephant in the room” Don’t negate any feelings your child may be experiencing during this time. Their feelings are valid and real and we should not minimize their concerns. Of course, many children do not understand what is happening and while we should aim to not scare them, we should definitely address the virus that has wreaked havoc and upended life as we knew it. Make sure children know that the same concerned, unopinionated manner that their teachers received their concerns in school, will be the same way they receive them virtually; and if nothing else, ensure they are comfortable addressing those concerns at home. This is truly unchartered territory for all. Staying safe, healthy, and flexible while maintaining focus and incorporating fun into learning should be our ultimate goals.
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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
We must never forget those 5 months of 2020
I
was walking my dog on Thursday after noon, when this young man in an open back pick-up pulled up. He thanked me for my support for democracy during the five-month ordeal we have just passed through. I said to him: “Have you lived through the days of Forbes Burnham?� He said he was born in 1979 so I told him he missed the permanent monarchy of President Forbes Burnham. I briefly explained the nature of Burnham rule and emotionally recounted that what happened on March 4, 2020 with Clairmont Mingo was something all Guyanese who lived through the reign of Burnham had to fight against with every ounce of passion. I described what the kingdom of Burnham was like. He rigged every election from 1968 and to change the constitution to make his rule monarchial, he rigged the 1978 referendum. There was nothing even vaguely democratic about Burnham. Whatever ideas Burnham gave birth to, he implemented without consulting any section of Guyana. There was no distinction between pathways that were harmless and harmful. Burnham sought no audience from any quarter for what he had in his mind and what he wanted to implement. The absurdities of
Burnham’s rule were incomprehensible. He decided school children must do mass games; university students, public service scholarship holders and UG students must do compulsory national service in the interior; his party should be paramount to the state so it should have an office in each major ministry of government; what types of foods should be banned; what types of clothes public servants must wear to work. The reign of Forbes Burnham was frightening and demoralizing. He rode on horseback sharing out cigarettes in south Georgetown. Young men ran to his horse to collect their smoke. He ordered public servants to do compulsory cleaning jobs at the weekends at the state-owned Hope Estate while he rode his horse and shouted at them if they appeared to be doing their grass-weeding too slowly. This was what the reign of Forbes Burnham was like. But the evil in his reign scared you to death when you realized that he was not elected, could not be removed through free and fair election and if fate destined him to live in the nineties, he would dominate Guyana forever. This is why free and fair election is phenomenally priceless. By the time of the 1980
election, Forbes Burnham had become a hated figure. He rigged the 1980 election giving his party 77. 7 percent of the vote compared with 19.5 percent for the PPP. If Walter Rodney had contested the 1980 election and if the 1980 election was free and fair, Burnham would have suffered a humiliating defeat, spending the rest of his life in jail. What the psychotic misrule of Burnham revealed is that a country can die a slow death if people are not allowed to change their governments. In 2011, the PPP lost. In 2015, the PPP lost again. In 2020, the PNC lost and refused to concede taking us back to a Burnhamite wasteland and indeed Guyana became a Draculean wasteland under Burnham. It boggles the mind to think that President Granger could see this unelected tyrant as his hero. What was heroic about a politician that could never win an election contest yet acted as if he was the greatest gift to Guyanese? Those young souls that braved the elements and the danger of COVID-19 in fighting for free election in March, protecting the ballot boxes in Kingston and at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and spending endless hours protecting the CARICOM observed recount need to internalize the lessons of the Burnhamite psychosis. They
were not born when Burnham became the king of Guyana and the future became hopeless. They must now spend the rest of their lives sharing the knowledge they gained from the just concluded five month ordeal. We conclude with a simple description of how Burnhamite psychosis could have been reborn if Clairmont Mingo, Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers, Claudette Singh, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman, leaders in the PNC, WPA and AFC and the recently retired police commissioner, Leslie James, were not
stopped by brave international diplomats. Granger would have become the president. In 2025, the same GECOM team would have engineered another PNC victory (by which time, the AFC would have become shamelessly absorbed into the PNC). Granger would have appointed his successor. Those born in 2020, by the time they reached 25 in 2045, the only government they would have known was the PNC. They would have become sad as we did under Burnham because they would have known that the right to vote
Frederick Kissoon and have it counted did not exist. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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A penetrating analysis of the functioning of Guyana’s parliamentary system (A Review of David Granger’s The public trust: Parliamentary democracy in a small state.) David Granger’s The public trust: Parliamentary democracy in a small state provides a penetrating analysis of the functioning of Guyana’s parliamentary system. The book dissects the fundamental shortcomings of an institution which is supposed to epitomize representative democracy. The book was written eight years ago when Granger was Leader of the Opposition. A minority government was then in place with the two Opposition groups – A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change –together holding a one-seat majority in the National Assembly. Granger wrote this book conscious that the configuration provided an opportunity for greater inclusion but that such inclusion, in the context of the constitutional role of the legislative branch, required improvement in the functioning of the National Assembly. The public trust: Parliamentary democracy in a small state can become a catalyst for triggering a broader discourse about the need for parliamentary reforms. Its republication in 2020 is timely and relevant. The country’s fractious politics has given rise to demands for greater inclusionary democracy. With executive power-sharing now firmly relegated to the political backburner, the role of the National Assembly assumes greater importance in holding governments accountable and in forging greater consensus. Guyana’s chronic political crisis had spawned strident advocacy for constitutional reform. No less significant, however, is the refashioning of the institutions of representative democracy so that they can make a more meaningful contribution to good governance. Granger uses the findings of Sir Michael Davies’s report – entitled A Needs Assessment of the Guyana National Assembly– as the starting point for his analysis. Davies was commissioned to provide technical and procedural advice and to undertake a functional review of the Assembly’s Standing Orders, parliamentary committees’ record-keeping, its human resources, administration and material needs. His report, published in
February 2005, identified a number of weaknesses among which was the lack of independence of the Legislative branch from the Executive. Davies called for steps to be taken to ensure the Assembly’s independence,
colonial societies which have retained the Westminster model. The introduction of universal adult suffrage and, later, political Independence, made local legislatures more representative but these
noting that this was necessary if the legislature was to exercise effective scrutiny of the Executive. Guyana’s National Assembly, like the country’s judicial and public administration systems, has its roots in its British counterpart – the House of Commons. The British, as an imperial power, transplanted its institutions to its colonies. Granger makes an incisive point about this process, however. He notes that the relationship between the Crown and the Legislature was not modelled after the House of Commons. He argues that the system was so constructed as to emasculate both the Governor (of the colony of British Guiana) and the pre-Independence local Legislative Councils, thereby placing effective control in the hands of the British parliament and the Foreign Office (WestminsterWhitehall). Structurally, therefore, the local legislatures, mirrored the House of Commons but functionally, however, were actually designed to consolidate power externally. Herein may lie the germ which has infected legislatures in post-
changes did not alter, fundamentally, the adversarial characteristics inherent in the Westminster system. Despite this, the Westminster parliamentary model is considered ideal for the exercise of sovereignty through the passage and repeal of laws and the exercise of oversight of government. Yet, parliamentary oversight is viewed, generally, as weak. Political analysts have suggested that here are three reasons for this – first, the absence of parliamentary institutions to provide effective oversight; second, the lack of capacity to determine when sanctions should be imposed; and, third, the system’s being hobbled by parties in government reluctant to sanction their Ministers. Another identifiable defect is the suitability of Westminster parliamentary systems to multi-ethnic societies. Strident criticisms are often made of the majoritarian parliamentary system, the most common of which is that it exacerbates societal divisions. Constitutional reforms, instituted periodically, have
not led to marked improvements in the effectiveness of National Assemblies. Reforms have been promulgated on the basis of making the country’s political system more relevant to its ethnic, ideological and political diversity. Ironically, constitutional reforms have tended to treat parliamentary reforms as internal to National Assemblies. Constitutional reforms have failed to alter, also, the National Assembly’s adversarial culture. Nor has it diminished the dominant role which the Executive has exercised over the management of the Assembly, as is borne out by the ‘Davies Report’. The public trust: Parliamentary democracy in a small state makes out a case for change. Granger implies that this change must aim at restoring public trust. He points to a number of areas requiring action–transparency and accountability, strengthening the committee system, translating representative democracy into good governance, the
need for more frequent sittings, the expense and time involved in transporting hinterland parliamentarians to Georgetown and, significantly, the suggestion that parliamentarians should be ‘full-time.’ Granger has not offered a menu of measures to redress the Assembly’s shortcomings. He has merely pointed to the need for reforms to improve the functioning and independence of the National Assembly and the vital importance of its regaining public trust. Granger was elected as President of Guyana in 2015. He set about ensuring greater independence for the National Assembly immediately. His government promulgated the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2015 which allows for greater financial autonomy for constitutional agencies such as the National Assembly. This was an important first step in affording greater independence to the National Assembly.
The passage of this legislation was crucial to removing the Executive’s stranglehold on the Legislative branch. It allowed for the National Assembly to determine how it would spend its resources. The public trust: parliamentary democracy in a small state reveals the yet unfinished business of improving the functioning and administration of the National Assembly. Reports by consultants and advisors often end up gathering dust; their recommendations unimplemented years after. Granger’s book may help resurrect that sturdy body of studies and reports. Constitutional reform is necessary to improve representative democracy. Granger’s book reminds us that so, too, is parliamentary reform. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Coronavirus: Where do we go from here?
By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center As the case numbers continue to increase in Guyana, behavioural change to help mitigate the spread is not consistent in the population. We have to be careful as the medical system is struggling to cope with the demands of managing the rise in COVID19 cases, and the nonCOVID-19 conditions that are also slowly increasing. As I said before, our medical system in Guyana was never designed to cope with a pandemic. The healthcare providers are literally putting their safety and lives at risk to ensure we continue to cope with the increasing demands. We need to implement and adhere to strategic measures to ensure the health system is not overwhelmed or we will all suffer greatly. The spread is too great and there is no turning back. What we do as a people will determine how much we suffer or how fast we recover. Today, I will discuss options that will help promote the latter. What is the main goal? At this time, there is enough community spread that will see a continuation in the spread of the disease even if we were to lockdown. In any case, if we were to do a strict
lockdown, we will still have to face the virus upon opening up; our economy would however be too weak from the lockdown and may be a major detriment to us fighting the pandemic. We therefore need to find a balance between moving the economy forward and preventing the medical system from becoming overwhelmed. The best way to do that is to slow down the disease spread but allowing sufficient public activity to sustain our economy. My focus today will be on interventions that will prevent the medical system from becoming overwhelmed. The economic measures are beyond my expertise and once we get the medical interventions right, the economy will benefit. We need to take prevention measures seriously The key to fighting this disease is to avoid getting it altogether. By practicing preventative measures, we limit the spread of the virus and prevent our country from becoming overwhelmed. Imagine, if we all were to wear masks when we are out, the virus would be stopped in its tracks and we will all be able to thrive. Do not get deterred if others are not wearing their mask; studies are showing that even if 50% of the country wears their masks that
would be sufficient to control the spread of the virus. In addition to mask wearing, we can boost our chances of winning by practicing these other measures: -Avoid crowded environments and deliberate gatherings -Social distance more than 6 feet when interacting with others -Keep our hands clean at all times -Getting tested if we suspect we have the disease Utilize treatment options EARLY Another way we can prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed, is to minimize hospitalizations from the disease. You may be thinking that this is beyond your control if you were to get the disease. Actually, you may have more control than you know. Numerous studies have shown that there are medications once used early, can significantly reduce the chance of the disease progressing to the more severe form and thereby, preventing hospitalizations. These medications are now part of the National treatment guidelines and you can opt to use them even before getting your results. Once your doctor suspects that you have the disease, you can decide to initiate the treatment while you await your
results. The earlier you start the following treatments, the better your chances of preventing the severe form of the disease: -Hydroxychloroquine -Ivermectin -Azithromycin -Vitamins C and D and Zinc (you should use these daily to ensure your immune system is prepared to battle the disease) Do not hesitate to request these treatments early if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. You will be helping yourself and at the same time, avoiding hospitalization which is a key factor in preventing the system from becoming overwhelmed.
How long will this last? This is not a question that anyone can definitively answer. The best answer is until we can find an effective vaccine and have sufficient numbers for everyone. This may take us to mid-2021. In the meantime, we are in the middle of a surge which we need to control before it gets out of hand. If we were to take the actions that I described immediately, I am optimistic that we can have control of this virus by the late October to early November. We then should be able to sustain our livelihoods and ‘ride the tide� until a vaccine becomes available. I therefore urge you all to
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Dr. Zulfikar Bux get on board and encourage others to be responsible so that we can all live through this pandemic. Let’s arm ourselves with our masks and battle this virus knowing that there are early treatment options available to help us in the event that we falter.
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SUNDAY EXXONMOBIL GIVING WISHY-WASHY ANSWERS ON CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS FOR PAYARA – EPA HEAD INSISTS ALL CONCERNS HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE APPROVAL As the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) Government continues with the review of the Payara Field Development Plan for ExxonMobil’s third project in the Stabroek Block, there have been growing concerns about the US oil giant’s posture on environmental issues. One of the most critical concerns remains that of flaring…which releases over 200 toxic chemicals into the nation’s atmosphere. As a result of mechanical issues being experienced with the Liza Destiny’s gas compressor system, ExxonMobil has flared from December 2019 to now, over 10 billion cubic feet of gas. Until it fixes the faulty equipment, ExxonMobil will continue to flare over 12 to 15 million cubic feet of gas per day as confirmed by head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams. Furthermore, Kaieteur News would have confirmed with sources close to the review of the Payara plan that ExxonMobil is pushing to retain the loopholes in its Liza One and Two permits which allow for flaring. Dr. Adams, who is in the process of correcting this state of affairs, confirmed this too. The official said: “The problem is that a lot of things slipped through the cracks in the beginning because ExxonMobil was not being questioned enough from the regulatory side, from the side I am on. And this was because we lacked the competence at the agency. The right questions were not being raised because we did not have the competencies in the agency…” In addition to this, Dr. Adams recalled that he had received some concerns from international lawyer, Melinda Janki regarding the Payara Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Janki had partnered with one of the industry’s most revered scientists, Dr. Mark Chernaik who pointed to troubling flaws in the EIA. One of the flaws highlighted was that there was no study on the cumulative impact of carbon emissions that would be released when Payara, Liza
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One and Liza Two, are operating simultaneously offshore Guyana. Dr. Adams said that those matters are critical while adding that they are still being worked through because “they are always sending answers which so far have been inadequate.” Dr. Adams added: “They have to address every single environmental question and concern raised during the EIA process. And once again, that has not been completed.” He was keen to note that ExxonMobil cannot start development without approval for the EIA. MAID’S OTHER SON PARTICIPATED IN BURNING BODY OF KIDNAPPED CANADIAN – RICE FARMER STILL BEING GRILLED Investigators attached to the Major Crimes Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Georgetown are still grilling the Corentyne rice farmer who has been named as the mastermind into the shocking murder of a Canadian citizen from Number 69 Village. While the police remained tightlipped on the current status of the investigation, Kaieteur News understands that the rice farmer, who is accused of being the mastermind, has started to open up to ranks. Nicholas Jaipaul, who came to Guyana in January with his 86-year-old grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, was kidnapped from his vacation home at Number 69 Village Sunday night. His burnt remains were found at a desolate location at Moleson Creek on Thursday after a suspect, said to be a son of one of the maids for the Jaipauls, led them to the location. He reportedly confessed to strangling and then burning the body of the young Jaipaul. He had named the rice farmer as the mastermind behind the crime. The rice farmer reportedly owes a large amount of money for the rental of Ramkissoon Jaipaul’s rice lands with the matter currently before the court. Kaieteur News had been told that the suspect is the son of a maid who has been cooking for the Jaipauls since January. Based on information provided by a source, the suspect had visited the house of the Jaipauls on Sunday to pick soursop leaves and had spent a few hours “gaffing with the victim”. It is believed that the
suspect returned that night and lured the victim out his house and then killed him. The plan was to kill the Canadian and then lured the grandfather to a location to pay a ransom of $50M for the young Jaipaul. However, the plan was derailed after the worried grandfather made contact with the police after not finding his grandson in his room. The police immediately jumped on the case and had ranks at the grandfather’s home. It was reported that the day after Nicholas went missing, the grandfather received an anonymous call from someone saying that they had his grandson. RAMKARRAN, SHUMAN, GOUVEIA APPOINTED GOVERNMENT ADVISORS The Irfaan Ali administration on Saturday August 22, 2020 announced three new political appointments as advisors. The Office of the President, in a release, announced that Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Capt. Gerald Gouveia, was appointed National Security Advisor to the President while Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Lenox Shuman was appointed Advisor to the Minister of Public Works on Civil Aviation. The third and final appointee was leader of A New And United Guyana (ANUG), Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran, as the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Border Issues. While Shuman and Ramkarran were unreachable for comments, Gouveia told Kaieteur News that the task at hand will not be easy since there is a lot of work to be done. He added that immediately on the agenda would be reforming the security sector along with boosting border security. MONDAY $1.6B OCEAN VIEW HOSPITAL… “DEAL SMACKS OF ILLEGALITYAND CONSPIRACY” …FORENSIC AUDITORS WILLHAVEAFIELD DAY WITH INVESTIGATIONS – ANIL NANDLALL The $1.6 billion Ocean View Infectious Diseases Hospital deal entered into by the previous Granger led administration remains one of
great concern for the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government. The deal, according to the Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall reeks of “illegality and conspiracy” between the owner Jacob Rambarran and the APNU+AFC and he added that the forensic auditors along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) when called upon will have a gold mine within which to operate. Nandlall said that while in opposition, the PPP/C strongly spoke out with concerns about the large sum being expended to refurbish the Ocean View Hotel despite it being deemed “an emergency”. With the APNU+AFC operating in caretaker status, the deal caused much concern, as according to Nandlall, the money was used from the Consolidated Fund without any parliamentary oversight. “That is clearly,” Nandlall said, “in violation of the Constitution and we said that from the beginning.” He went on to question the soundness of such a hefty deal, whether the move was a reckless one by the former Finance Minister Winston Jordan. “Would a competent Minister of Finance invest that kind of money in the circumstances on that property?” he asked, adding that such a question would have to be confronted at some point in time. The AG stated that a number of factors need to be taken into account – whether $1.6 billion was a reasonable cost to expend on the old facility, whether the property was owned by the Government, and what did the money expended achieve. For each of those questions, Minister Nandlall, continued, the key concern would have to be “would a prudent reasonable,
competent Finance Minister preside over that kind of expenditure and authorize that kind of expenditure.” “Speaking for myself, I don’t think so,” he said. Nandlall was of the firm view that the project is tainted with “criminal recklessness and criminal negligence.” It was only after Government had already expended millions to commence on reconstruction did the rental agreement signed between owner, Rambarran and the Health Ministry come to the fore. “A Minister of Finance like any other Minister,” Nandlall explained “owes a fiduciary duty to the taxpayers in relation to the expenditure of taxpayer funds. It is the same kind of responsibility that a director owes to a shareholder.” The press had continuously questioned then Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence along with the Finance Minister Winston Jordan and President David Granger on the deal but little detail was made public, outside of the cost. Yet, even that had several variations, with the project starting out at $250 million then moving to a $1 billion then finally, $1.6 billion cost just for rehabilitation. At the hastily put together launch of the facility, Lawrence had informed the media that properly outfitting the hospital would cost as much as three times the figure expended. The APNU+AFC government had gazetted an acquisition order to compulsorily acquire the property. However, the owner – who was noticeably silent throughout the rehabilitation period –demanded that the new administration fork out $52 million in rental payments owed to him by the previous government and threatened to revoke his property if this was not done. It was for these reasons
that the AG also stated that, “From top to bottom, this deal smacks of illegality and conspiracy too.” “You have that money being spent on private property,” he said “then you begin a process to compulsory acquire. You rent the man’s property and do not pay him rent and you are now purporting to buy the man’s property?” Turning to Rambarran’s ultimatum, Nandlall questioned his role in the deal stating, “I don’t know what role this man is playing.” He said, “He rent it first and then he go and get himself a valuation, never said a day that rent has not been paid for a whole year. Has now sent a letter asking for rent when the new government comes into power, you write to us? The whole transaction has to be forensically examined and appropriate action taken.” The Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has already made it clear that Rambarran would have to wait a very long time before he would receive any funds from the new government. EXXONMOBIL HAS TO COMPLY WITH FINES IMPOSED BY EPA – VICE PRES. JAGDEO If there are clear cases of environmental breaches and the laws regarding fines are enforced in a fair way then ExxonMobil or any other oil major has to comply. Making this state ment during a brief engagement with Kaieteur News was Vice President and former Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo. This newspaper asked the official for his thoughts on the fact that ExxonMobil is refusing to pay a US$1000 or $200,000 fine handed down by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the spill of hydraulic fluid in the Stabroek Block. Jagdeo (Continued on page 33)
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From page 32 said, “If the law requires this fine then the company has to comply. There is no discretion in dealing with the law.” As a result of Exxonmobil’s refusal to pay the fine, the EPA had taken the decision to haul the American oil giant before the local courts, but that course of action is on pause at the moment said Dr. Vincent Adams, the agency’s Executive Director. Speaking with this newspaper Sunday, the official said that ExxonMobil made contact and asked for discussions on the matter between the lawyers of the regulatory body and that of the multinational. The EPA head said, “The new head of Exxon Guyana, Alistair Routledge, he called me and said he wanted to have discussions between the lawyers and so the case is on pause until those discussions have concluded. Let’s see where it goes because they already paid for one fine which totals US$500. They have US$1000 left. I just don’t understand their case because they don’t have one.” Dr. Adams reminded that ExxonMobil is refusing to pay the fine because it believes that the spills were so minor that there was no harm done to the environment and therefore believed that the fine should not be instituted. The regulator however shares a different view. He said that Exxon had six spills, three of which they were pardoned since the EPA wanted to work with the company to improve its safety culture and operations. But even after he exercised efforts in this regard, the EPA head said that the company had three more spills, therefore bringing the total to six. The EPA Head said that the spills occurred because ExxonMobil was not following the requirements of its permits which state that it must follow the manufacturer ’s instructions or guide. Had this been done in the setting up of the hydraulic hose for the Liza Destiny, the spills would not have occurred
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in the first place expressed the head of the regulatory body. Taking the foregoing into account, Dr. Adam’s said he fined the company for breaching its permit requirements as he said its actions on such a fundamental matter send a dangerous signal about the company’s safety culture. MASTERMIND IN CANADIAN CITIZEN’S MURDER DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRIME – BROTHER OF SUSPECT ALSO IMPLICATES THE BUSINESSMAN The rice farmer accused of concocting the plan to murder Canadian citizen Nicholas Jaipaul is reportedly denying that he played a part in the grizzly crime. This was disclosed by a senior police source in Region Six. However, while he is denying his involvement, both sons of the maid have since implicated the businessman. They told police that they were already paid some of money promised and was expected to receive the remainder after the job was completed. Kaieteur News was told that investigators are looking to secure an extension to keep the rice farmer in custody based on the new information gathered. He is being questioned at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, Georgetown. Nicholas Jaipaul, 23 arrived in Guyana on vacation with his 86year-old grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul in January. They were staying at the home where he grew up at Number 69 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and were expected to secure a flight out of the country in May but due to the closure of airports and restrictions imposed during the COVID pandemic, they were forced to remain in the country. The younger Jaipaul went missing Sunday night and was feared kidnapped by his grandfather, the police were informed and a probe was launched. The following day, the grandfather
received a call on his landline phone from an anonymous caller saying that they had young man. The call was subsequently traced to a location in Georgetown where the son of the maid that cooked for the Jaipauls was arrested. Under intense interrogation, the suspect confessed to strangling the man and burning his body. He said he had the help of his brother, a former murder accused, and was promised $500,000 to kill the Canadian and lure the grandfather with a ransom to also be killed. He implicated the Corentyne rice farmer as the mastermind. The plan was reportedly concocted by the rice farmer because he owed a large amount of money to the grandfather of the victim over the rental of his rice lands. The businessman was subsequently arrested. Based on information provided by a source, the suspect had visited the house of the Jaipauls on Sunday to pick soursop leaves and had spent a few hours “gaffing with the victim”. It is believed that the suspect returned that night and lured the victim out his house then killed him. Police were led to the burnt remains of Nicholas Jaipaul located in a desolate location surrounded by thick vegetation at Moleson Creek on Tuesday. There, a skull and pieces of bones were found. Samples were taken to be analyzed and a post mortem examination was done at the scene by pathologist Nehaul Singh. TUESDAY IT WOULDN’T HURT EXXONMOBIL TO PAY ITS OWN TAXES – FOREIGN INVESTORS ExxonMobil would have no difficulty paying its fair share of taxes to Guyana. The share it would have to pay is actually quite manageable. That is the view of The Value Portfolio, a column on Seeking
Alpha, where investors provide analyses of energy sector companies. A recent analysis on ExxonMobil, discussed Guyana, where it finds offshore represent some of the most significant the company has ever made. The agreement governing the fiscal agreement between Guyana, Exxon and its partners, Hess and Nexen, grants the oil companies a permanent tax holiday, Not only are the companies exempt from taxes, Guyana has also agreed to give the companies tax certificates so they can avoid paying taxes in their home countries. It is common for tax exemptions and other generous concessions to be granted to keep investors in otherwise difficult situations. But in Guyana, ExxonMobil is quite lucky. The Value Portfolio noted that the break-even rates for Guyana’s crude are “incredibly low”. The breakeven rate is the price at which a company can sell a product, making neither a profit nor a loss. Exxon’s Liza Phase One rate is US$35 a barrel, and Liza Phase Two is set to start in 2022 at US$25 a barrel. These are some of the most attractive breakeven prices in the world. The Value Portfolio pointed to a letter by Chartered Accountant, Tameshwar Lilmohan, to Kaieteur News in February, which states that Guyana is set to lose US$15B from the corporate income tax exemption. “This exposé represents just one aspect of the many perils of the Guyana-ExxonMobil Petroleum Agreement,” Lilmohan said. The Value Portfolio investors say that while ExxonMobil’s technologies and abilities are useful to Guyana, the US$600B in oil Exxon is expected to produce at a price of US$60B a barrel is a good enough amount that the company can manage the little it would cost it to be taxed. If Guyana taxes ExxonMobil for its operations, the contract would require Guyana to repay Exxon for
every cent. However, renegotiation of the agreement is an option, once Exxon and its partners agree to do so. The tax holiday is just one of many unfair provisions in the Stabroek Block agreement, which has garnered international condemnation. Lilmohan said in his letter that “In the interest of a clean and healthy relationship between Guyana and the Contractors going forward, I am proposing that this Agreement be revisited and revised to produce a fair, equitable and legally binding Agreement.” Global Witness found that the deal is so lopsided that it will cost Guyana US$55B over its lifetime. The Government continues to be urged to renegotiate the contract, which was inked by former Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in 2016 under suspicious circumstances. Global Witness has urged Guyana to investigate the circumstances under which the award was made, and renegotiate with haste. Experts have advised Guyana to renegotiate the agreement before it approves Exxon’s third intended development, Payara. ADVISORY COMMITTEE BEING ESTABLISHED TO ADDRESS FISCAL LOOPHOLES IN OIL DEALS – VICE PRESIDENT JAGDEO The 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil is fraught with fiscal loopholes. One of these speaks to the absence of ring fencing provisions. As a result of this state of affairs, ExxonMobil can transfer costs from unsuccessful wells to those that actually are. It can also transfer costs from developing wells and deduct it from producing wells. This results in a reduction of the profits that would be available to split between the government and the oil company. During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, was asked to say how such fiscal loopholes would be (Continued on page 41)
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From page 33 addressed. The former Head of State acknowledged that indeed this is a challenge but was keen to note that it would not be allowed for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks which the American multinational intends to drill before the end of the year. Further to this, the official said that the government has taken steps to set up a committee which would provide advice on these matters, among others. Dr. Jagdeo said, “…They will say, ‘this is what you can achieve in light of the loopholes in the contract.’ They are going to put together a negotiating brief which will say – ‘here are the activities that could form part of local content and help Guyana retain more value’.” The official said that the government will be benefiting from the experience of Trinidadian Petroleum Expert, Anthony Paul, and the others. “We will talk to them (because) this is about getting more value for our people,” the Vice President expressed. IMF CONCERNED Since 2015 to now, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious concern about the absence of effective ring fencing provisions in Guyana’s oil deals In 2018 for example, the IMF warned that Guyana could very well experience delays in receiving its portion
of the profits from ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase One Project. According to the Fund, ExxonMobil can allocate costs from any oil well or even the entire field, to another due to the absence of the said provisions. This means that expenses from the entire Liza Phase One Project can be carried over to Exxon’s Liza Phase Two Programme. ExxonMobil has already told the IMF that the cost to
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develop the Liza Phase One Project will be approximately US$4B. The Liza Phase Two is projected to cost over US$8B. The Fund warned, “This asymmetrical (irregular) treatment of profit and cost oil will benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue. For example, in the case that multiple fields are developed, the amount of profit oil to be shared from the first producing field will be reduced by costs incurred in developing subsequent fields. This could have significant implications in terms of delaying government revenue, especially in a large, multi-field project.” The IMF also bemoaned the size of the contract area ExxonMobil has control over. In this regard, it stated that the contract area of the Stabroek block is disproportionately large by international standards. Kaieteur News would have reported that the block is equivalent in size to 1,150 Gulf of Mexico blocks and contains multiple prospects and play types representing additional multibillion barrel unrisked exploration potential. The IMF strongly suggested that the government of the day should consider a ring-fencing rule for future developments. PONZI SCHEME OWNERS STILL IN CUSTODY AS COPS VISIT THEIR HOME As investigators continued their probe into an alleged multi-billion dollar pyramid scheme involving
Accelerated Capital Inc., its two principals, Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael, remain in custody. Investigators are zeroing in on how and if the money taken from investors ever left Guyana and whether due diligence was conducted to determine if money collected came from legit sources.The latter is important as the country has tough international anti-money laundering laws. Monday, as the 72-hour maximum period for keeping suspects in custody expired, lawyers were desperately attempting to get bail. However, AttorneyGeneral Anil Nandlall, was concerned in ensuring that there are no attempts to flee and that there are measures in place for “victims” to receive reimbursement. Garcia-Dominguez is reportedly assuring investigators that he has the means to wire the money down but he cannot do so while in jail. The Bank of Guyana has already waded into the matter. Based on the Bank of Guyana investigation, it appears that several banks, including Bank of Baroda; Republic Bank; Demerara Bank Limited and the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry have all closed the accounts of Accelerated. Based on the transaction history, the accounts did not contain many transactions as is being reported. Definitely not billions. At one time, the highest balance at Bank of Baroda was $14.6M. “Previous accounts at commercial banks showed transactions, including
foreign exchange transactions, which were small and insignificant.” So how did billions of dollars left Guyana? It was not through the banking system. GarciaDominguez has an explanation. He says that the cash was paid to locals for bitcoins- bitcoins are digital currency. WEDNESDAY ONE IN EVERY FOUR TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 IN AUGUST – K/NEWS ANALYSIS Of all of the months of COVID-19 testing done since Guyana’s first detected case in March, August has yielded the most worrying results. For every four tests done this month, one turned out to be positive. August is also on track to be the deadliest month for Guyana in the wake of the pandemic. Eleven persons have already died this month after contracting the virus. The new PPP/C Government had seen the need to ramp up testing as soon as it took up office, conducting as many as 300 tests per day. Guyana had only recorded 413 cases by the end of July. In the past 25 days alone, it recorded 647 more. These numbers are sure to change the tide of public reaction, whereas a low rate of testing before yielded statistics which gave a false sense of security. Guyana is far from flattening the curve. In March, Guyana had done just 52 tests, with 12
turning up positive. Two of those persons died. Back then, many people were afraid, as much like today, where one in every four persons tested positive. Noticing the gravity of the issue, the former APNU+AFC Government announced early in April that it would be implementing emergency measures to tackle the pandemic, including a curfew, closure of a series of businesses, and bans on social activities. In that month, testing increased ten-fold, 70 new cases were detected and 11 more people died. Testing further doubled in May, but a false sense of security threatened to set in when 61 cases were detected (less than in April), and only three persons died. Testing slightly decreased in June to 960, with 92 testing positive, but no one died. By the end of June, Guyana had recorded 245 cases of COVID-19. Even then, the rate of testing was extremely low, with only 32 tests done per day in that month. Yet, there was talk of re-opening the economy. In July, 2,127 tests were done, yielding that 168 more persons had tested positive for COVID-19. An analysis of testing and results as of July 31 showed that one in every 11 persons tested positive. In early August, the PPP/ C took up office, after a contentious and protracted electoral season. It immediately noted deficiencies in the public health infrastructure to manage the pandemic. But despite ramping up (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 testing at a rate higher than any other month, giving a truer idea of the impact of the pandemic, the government slightly relaxed the curfew and decided to allow mining, despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in certain hinterland parts. In a recent press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo brought to the public, plans being discussed for the reopening of the economy, even though some international experts say the pandemic may last well into 2021, or even 2022. Guyana’s recent statistics brings new urgency to calls for stringent measures to be taken by the government and the people to contain the spread of the pandemic. Otherwise, upcoming months threaten to be much deadlier. MINGO AND ASSISTANT ARRESTED ON ELECTIONS FORGERYALLEGATIONS Police ranks Tuesday arrested the Returning Officer (RO) of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and his assistant, Carolyn Duncan, on elections forgery charges. Mingo’s arrest comes just five days after the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) announced that a comprehensive investigation will commence into allegations of electoral fraud committed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and others. According to information reaching this publication, the RO of Region Four was arrested at around 15:45 hrs at his home located in Abary, Region Five. Sources told Kaieteur News that Mingo was escorted by the ranks to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Eve Leary, Kingston where up to press time, he remained in police custody. Sometime later, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Mingo’s assistant, Duncan, was arrested too. Information obtained by this newspaper suggested that hours after Mingo was grilled by investigators, a decision was made to arrest Duncan as well. Police sources were unable to verify whether Mingo and his assistant will be detained for the normal 72 hours or whether a decision will be taken to release them on bail. However, Kaieteur was able to confirm that the pair’s arrest was in relation to serious allegations made of document forgery with the intent to deliver fraudulent
results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections. Attorney-at-law and member of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C), Charles Ramson, had filed private criminal charges against Mingo and the People National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) Chairman, Volda Lawrence on March 13. Those charges are in relation to a pair of fraudulent elections declarations for Region Four. Only on Tuesday last, Lawrence appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in relation to these charges and was granted bail. According to reports, the Chairperson of the PNCR was released on $100,000 bail for a joint private criminal charge, which alleges the forging of a document that was used for a fraudulent election declaration on March 5, 2020. The public was notified as well that her co-accused Mingo was yet to be served with his court summons. EXXONMOBIL SAYS IT TRAINED 24 TECHNICIANS FOR GUYANAOPERATIONS – BUT CONTINUES TO DODGE KEY QUESTIONS ON LOCAL CONTENT Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, announced Tuesday that it has trained 24 Guyanese who will be working on the Liza Destiny vessel from next month as maintenance technicians. The multi-national oil giant noted that this is the first group of
Guyanese who would have undergone an extensive 18month training programme that it organized in Canada. ExxonMobil said that the technicians will work under the supervision of the Liza Destiny’s operator, SBM Offshore, so as to produce Guyana’s oil and gas. It was also noted that these trained Guyanese will replace experienced international workers over the coming years. Even as it sought to present the foregoing picture regarding its efforts to train locals, the company continues to doge critical questions that would expose just how genuine is its interest in building local content in Guyana. For more than four years, ExxonMobil has failed to provide disaggregated data on how many Guyanese it has trained for senior positions between 2015 to 2019 as well as the salary scales for each job title. The company has also failed to show how it has invested in institutions that will build capacity for Guyanese not just in the oil sector but for those sectors which the nation envisions will help to steer it clear of the damaging effects of oil dependency. Just about two weeks ago, the oil giant also sought to give the nation the impression that it has expended billions of dollars on the procurement of goods and services as well as on the hiring of nationals. It said specifically that for the first half of 2020, it spent
over $14B. What it neglected to remind, is that Guyanese will have to pay for every cent it expends on local content. Importantly, those costs for 2020, as well as those for previous years, totalling over $50B, are yet to be audited by the Government of Guyana. THURSDAY EXXON SAYS IT WILL TAKE ITS MONEY ELSEWHERE… “IF THAT IS A THREAT, IT WILL NOT WORK” – GOVT. WILL CONTINUE ITS DUE DILIGENCE; WE WILL NOT BE RUSHED – VICE PRESIDENT JAGDEO “…Guyana is one of the better opportunities for us in the ExxonMobil portfolio (but) it is not the only one. And indeed, if we don’t get the agreement as we are looking for on Payara (the company’s third Field Development Plan), the investment money will go elsewhere in ExxonMobil’s portfolio.” Those were the words of ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge, during an online interview Wednesday which Kaieteur News and other media entities were not invited to. Since making the comment, many local and international transparency advocates expressed concern that the American oil giant is issuing a threat to a Sovereign State while it exercises its right to review all aspects of the Payara plan.
But if the company intended to send a threat to Guyana, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, categorically stated that it would not work. During an invited comment with this newspaper Wednesday evening, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that the position as noted by the company will have no effect on the quality of due diligence being carried out by the government on ExxonMobil’s Payara Field Development Plan (FDP). The Vice President said, “…The Head of ExxonMobil Guyana has spoken and I guess that he speaks on behalf or represents the interests of his shareholders but we represent the Guyanese people. And I can assure everyone that the quality of the review of the Payara FDP will not be compromised or rushed because of this position by Routledge. It will not be influenced. The government of Guyana will continue its due diligence and we will follow best practice.” Routledge’s comments which have since attracted harsh criticisms, was made in response to queries about calls to review the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) so that Guyana could get more value for the exploitation of its oil and gas resources. Routledge was keen to note that ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana have had very little discussion on this front. He did note however that the PPP/C administration wants to have all the oil deals reviewed and
not renegotiated. Out of respect for the sanctity of contracts, Routledge said it is important that only a review is done and not a renegotiation. The Country Manager said, “…Internationally, contract sanctity is important to all companies. If we enter into contracts with governments and they change down the road, then it is very difficult for us to make commitments on projects that have typically 20 to 30 years investment. And how can we make those commitments if we are unsure if terms will change? So it is important for everyone to understand that sanctity is important.” With this in mind, the official was asked to say what he believes to be the purpose of the review if not to have a renegotiation of certain provisions that would give Guyana more return. This was asked in light of the heavy criticisms over the last five years that the Stabroek Block deal is in favour of the company and not Guyana. Routledge was quick to note that he does not believe that the deal is lopsided, but rather, a representation of “aligned interests”. He said, too, that if the contract was “more challenging” for ExxonMobil “then to be honest, I don’t think in this environment, investment dollars would be coming to Guyana currently.” The official continued, “It is a global business and especially in these days where (Continued on page 43)
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From page 42 commodity prices have fallen, the investment dollars will flow to where it is competitive. As I said in opening remarks, Guyana is one of the better portfolio opportunities for us but it is not the only one and, indeed, if we don’t get the agreement we are looking for on Payara, the investment dollars will go elsewhere in ExxonMobil’s portfolio.” Further to this, Routledge said that there are benefits to reviewing oil deals without moving to renegotiation. In this regard, he said that both parties get an opportunity to understand what is required of each other and if those requirements are being met. He said, too, that it provides an opportunity to examine what other areas in the contract both parties can work on together to maximize value. In this regard, Routledge noted that local content is one of those areas. “While we have made a lot of progress…there is still much more that can be done,” the official concluded. COMPANY WITH DEADLY ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD COMPLETES BUY-IN OF GUYANA GOLDFIELDS Zijin Mining on Tuesday announced the completion of its acquisition of Guyana Goldfields for C$323 million. In a release, the company boasted of its ownership of Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Inc. and what that means for Zijin’s gold resource reserve. “The acquisition of Guyana will increase gold resource reserves to over 2,300 tonnes,” it stated. But with the company’s arrival to Guyana’s shores, comes its deadly, and environmentally unsound past, which threatens the
health of Guyana’s natural environment and the safety of its workers. The company is plagued with several instances of grave and disastrous impact. Here are two of the worst. In 2010, Zijin was forced to approve a payout of US$7.5M to various individuals, after a dam collapsed at a tin mine, owned by its subsidiary, Xinyi Zijin, killing 28 people. Reuters reported that 523 homes were destroyed in the Guangdong province due to the collapse. The parent company said that the money was meant to assist “victims” downstream from the mine, in line with the company’s social responsibility, and that it had “deep sorrow and regret” over what happened. A report by the provincial government had found that Xinyi Zijin was responsible for the July collapse of the dam because of safety and construction violations, which became exacerbated by a typhoon. Reuters reported in February 2011 that a local Court said 800 lawsuits had been filed against the company for the collapse, with claims likely to amount to 300M yuan. Other reports in late 2011 by ChinaDaily say the lawsuits amounted to as many as 2,499. The company had to settle with many of the victims of the fatal collapse, in addition to its principals being fined millions in yuan over the incident. Earlier in the same year of the dam collapse, the company was responsible for a toxic spill at a copper mine, contaminating a river, killing thousands of tonnes of fish, and leaving communities of tens of thousands in despair over their access to clean water. It was fined $1.4M,
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according to Reuters, for the toxic waste seeping into the Ting River. The losses in fish were estimated to amount to 22.2 million yuan. The company was fined 30 million yuan (US$4.5 million) by a court in the Fujian Province for the incident. The company is also reported as saying that several of its managers and other employees were imprisoned for years, in addition to having to pay fines imposed on them. The company was also made to rectify the damage, including clean-up of the pollution. Zijin makes quite the show on its public relations, playing up the money it donates to various groups and communities, but its website does not own up to its polluted past in the same way. Despite the skeletons in
its past, well ventilated by this newspaper, Guyana h a s w e l c o m e d Z i j i n ’s acquisition of Guyana Goldfields with open arms. President Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet have already spoken highly of their commitments to protecting G u y a n a ’s natural environment, the dignity of its workers, and respect for Guyana’s fair share of the exploitation of its natural resources. Guyana has a tainted history with Guyana Goldfields, in this regard, and all eyes are on the new government to see how it will contend with foreign companies like Zijin and their transgressions. GUYANA RECORDS FIRST SUCCESSFUL SKULL TRANSPLANT SURGERY Annalisa Latchman, 24, a single mother from Lima, Essequibo, Region Two, was given a new lease on life after she became the subject of a successful skull transplant operation performed on Saturday August 23, 2020. The surgery – a first of its kind to be conducted in Guyana – was performed by prominent Guyanese neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital. While speaking to the press via zoom Wednesday, Dr. Dukhi noted that “the historic procedure,” was conducted following a careful examination and analysis of the patient’s condition. The doctor first saw Latchman last July. At the time she had been suffering from excruciating headaches and had a growing indentation on her left side forehead due to her condition.The condition
diagnosed as craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, Dr. Dukhi said, is a bone disease of the face and skull that replaces normal bone with fibrous tissue. That tissue, the doctor said was not as hard as normal bone; it was more fragile and was pulling about 40 percent of the patient’s skull into her brain. “That’s why she had the asymmetrical facial look where the left side was more indented into the brain and the right side was where it should be,” he added, noting that the condition can affect an afflicted person’s daily activities. He added that the disorder could have severely disrupted the functions of Analisa’s brain if it had been allowed to progress. “In Analisa’s case, her left eye had begun to recede noticeably,” Dr. Dukhi explained, adding that “her symptoms fit into the classical progression of the disease, which causes distortion of the face.” According to Dr. Dukhi, the condition only occurs in 10-15 in every 100,000 babies born. The symptoms for persons suffering from craniofacial fibrous dysplasia begin to appear as early as two years old. “Clinical signs of indentation commence between 10-12 years of age and as the patient begins to grow the signs of indentations become more pronounced,” he said. Owing to the rarity of the patient’s condition and the fact that the treatment which was only available overseas could cost a minimum of US$200,000 – a sum the single mother could not afford – Dr.
Dukhi decided to render his services free of cost and perform the surgery locally. With the assistance of businessman and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital board member, Christopher Fernandes, Dr. Dukhi and his team were able to carry out the procedure for a fraction of the cost. Latchman and her relatives were only required to come up with US$11,000— just about GYD$2M – and the remainder of the operational expenses was taken on by Mr. Fernandes and the hospital’s team. FRIDAY EXXON’S THREAT TO TAKE INVESTMENT ELSEWHERE SHOWS HOW WORRIED IT IS – GUYANA HAS NO REASON TO BE AFRAID DR. MANGAL Upon noting the recent comments of ExxonMobil Guyana’s President, Alistair Routledge, to the effect that the company would take its money elsewhere if it does not get its way with the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP); Petroleum Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal believes this just exposes how worried that company is. During a recent interview with Kaieteur News, the former Presidential Advisor stated that even if ExxonMobil wants to take its investment elsewhere, Guyana has nothing to fear. In fact, he said that this sort of posturing is expected. Dr. Mangal said: “If ExxonMobil were ever vulnerable to a single country, and a single block, it is now. (Continued on page 44)
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From page 43 Guyana has immense leverage over ExxonMobil since it needs Guyana much more than Guyana needs Exxon. With Exxon’s current portfolio, Exxon does not have a future without Guyana.” The anti-corruption advocate added: “This could be a ploy between the PPP/C and Exxon where they want to make it look like the government is squeezing Exxon but then nothing really changes. Another scenario is that ExxonMobil is genuinely worried and they are coming out with this kind of threat and that is fine. This is ok. Guyana should not be scared, since ExxonMobil is supposed to jump up and down and say, “We are going elsewhere”.” But even if this happens, Dr. Mangal said Guyana has two oil projects already streamlined, with one already producing oil since last year Christmas. Further to this, the international consultant posited that having a third oil project under a lopsided Production Sharing Agreement is not in the nation’s interest. The anti-corruption advocate stressed: “The third project Payara should only be approved if we get a fair, new production sharing contract for the whole Stabroek Block. Guyana should think long term about this. Remember it was only a couple years ago we did not have oil, so if we need to wait a couple more years for a better deal, then fine, Guyana can wait.” Further to this, Dr. Mangal said Guyana can focus on getting prepared for the sector and “cleaning house.” He posited that time is always on the country’s side. In fact, Dr. Mangal said that the country can only benefit in these deals if it take time to do things properly. In this regard, he said that Guyanese should pay attention to what happened when the last government rushed into a very bad deal.
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“So I completely disagree with those who say Guyana does not have leverage. That is what Exxon would like Guyana and Guyanese to believe, but it is false.” It seems that the approval by the government for the FDP is being held up over concern for key environmental issues. The first matter relates to flaring. ExxonMobil wants to keep the loopholes it got in its Liza One and Two permits which allowed for flaring while the other matter pertains to the dumping of toxic water in the ocean from the company’s operations. Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency has been opposed to allowing the multi-national to have its way on these critical issues. Since these matters have been exposed in the media, ExxonMobil declared that it could take its investments elsewhere. EX T&T ENERGY MINISTER, LOCAL CONTENT EXPERT, AMONG SIX ON LOCAL CONTENT ADVISORY PANEL President Irfaan Ali Thursday announced his appointment of six individuals to an advisory panel on local content. The list is constituted by Trinidadian energy strategist, Anthony Paul; former T&T Energy Minister, Kevin Ramnarine; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge; former President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta; USbased Chartered Accountant, Floyd Haynes; and trade unionist, Carvil Duncan. The panel is tasked with executing consultations and reviews, and making recommendations to inform the country’s local content policy. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said that local content legislation is one of the government’s priorities where the oil sector is
concerned. The government has constantly been urged to renegotiate the Stabroek Block agreement for the betterment of the people of Guyana, but it has indicated that local content is the area it will heavily focus on, instead for a better deal. The panel is notably constituted by a majority of Guyanese, as well as experts from Guyana’s close sister state, Trinidad & Tobago. Jagdeo had noted the need for local expertise in the management of the sector. “I strongly believe,” President Ali is quoted as saying, “that Guyanese must play an integral role and benefit from the fortunes of the sector.” The President reportedly acknowledged that there is a lot to be done, and committed to working towards capacity building, and technology transfer and partnerships for the development of a proper policy. The panel will be chaired by Nokta. The Government heaped accolades on his record on the environment. It noted his academic qualification in the areas of Environmental Assessment and Management, and Environmental Studies, his many awards and scholarships, and his two decades of experience working in environmental assessment and management, conservation, tourism development and climate change. Nokta has worked on several environmental and adjacent initiatives in the past in service to his country, including serving as Advisor to the President and as Head of the Office of Climate Change. More recently, Nokta served as the President of the GMSA, and is currently the Chief Representative for the Caribbean for the Delhi-based Energy and Resources Institute. Greenidge has extensive experience in politics and governance. He is an
economist who was Finance Minister from 1983 to 1992. He was the Secretary General for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. He served as Opposition spokesperson on Finance and International Economic Cooperation, and as Foreign Affairs Minister, then Foreign Secretary up until the 2020 elections. Greenidge’s history in oil is not without controversy. He was accused by Former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal of displaying the most resistance in the former David Granger government, to the publication of the controversial, lopsided agreement with ExxonMobil for operations in the Stabroek Block, and the US$18M signing bonus. Both matters were kept hidden from the public for over a year. Greenidge has otherwise been retained by the new administration to serve as Advisor on Borders to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is expected to continue to be instrumental in the efforts to protect the Essequibo region from Venezuela’s claims. The Government touted the 30 years of experience of Haynes, who is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner, with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard. It is noted that Haynes is an adjunct Professor in Finance, and Accounting at the University of the District of Columbia and a public lecturer in Leadership and Management. He is also the founder and President of Haynes Incorporated, a Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d international accounting and management consulting firm, and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Ramnarine served as Energy Minister at T&T from 2011 to 2015. The Government said that he created a positive climate for investment during his tenure, including the fiscal
reforms, which resulted in major investments in deepwater exploration. Prior to being appointed Energy Minister, he held positions in the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and at British Gas where he worked as the Lead Economist. With a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business (M.B.A.), Ramnarine has worked as an energy consultant and as a lecturer at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, following his time as Energy Minister. In 2014, he was named “Energy Executive of the Year” by the Petroleum Economist magazine. Paul worked with Guyana previously, when he created two earlier drafts of Guyana’s local content policy, including mechanisms to avoid shackling Guyana to confidentiality provisions, which would have provided for transparent reporting by oil companies on their local content commitments. However, the former APNU+AFC government ignored the policy, replacing Paul with Dr. Michael Warner – a UK consultant affiliated with ExxonMobil who later removed Paul’s safeguards. The Trinidadian also notably was hired by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to conduct a rapid analysis of Guyana’s oil industry’s regulatory framework in 2016. In addition to pointing out loopholes to plug and urgent legislative updates to be made, Paul noted the need for a National Upstream Oil and Gas Policy, a document to guide the development of Guyana’s petroleum legislation and regulatory framework. Paul has about four decades of experience in extractive sectors. He has worked with oil major, BP, and several governments. Paul formerly served as an advisor of Chatham House, and is a governing board member of the Natural Resource
Governance Institute. His most recent work is with the Government of Mozambique as an Advisor. Duncan is the former Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), former Director of Guyana Power & Light (GPL), and current President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG). Notably, Duncan’s time at GPL was also controversial. He was freed in 2018 from a $27M larceny charge linked to misappropriation of the funds. SATURDAY APNU+AFC APPROVED LIZA PHASE ONE PERMIT SAME DAY IT RECEIVED EXXON’S 1,500-PAGE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT One year after rushing to sign the lopsided Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, the APNU+AFC administration allowed the company’s Liza Phase One permit to be approved on the same day the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. Exposing this revelation Friday was international lawyer, Melinda Janki. In a statement to the press, Janki said she is one of the lawyers representing former Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI) Head, Dr. Troy Thomas in a lawsuit against the EPA. The regulatory body is being sued for giving ExxonMobil a 20year permit when the law only allows for five-year permits to be issued. During her compilation of evidence for the case, Janki found that the permit issued for Liza Phase One was issued on June 1, 2017, the same day the regulatory body received the EIA which contains around 1500 pages. Taking this into account, Janki said, “The (Continued on page 45)
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From page 44 environmental permit for Liza Phase One, states that it was granted on the basis of the Environmental Impact Assessment dated 1st June 2017. But the environmental permit is also dated June 1, 2017. When did the agency review the 1,500 pages EIA? And what else did they miss? Guyana’s people deserve a candid assessment of this project because they are the ones who will live with its consequences.” The lawyer added, “The law clearly states that an environmental impact assessment must describe the direct and indirect effects of a project on the climate and on marine areas. Exxon’s environmental impact assessments did not do that.”Janki stressed that the EIA for Liza One was seriously data deficient and based on assumptions that go largely unexplained and unexamined. With this in mind, she alluded to the fact that Guyana is now facing a number of environmental issues with ExxonMobil’s operations offshore. In this regard, she reminded that ExxonMobil had commenced operations in December 2019, but since doing so, it has flared an estimated 10 billion cubic feet of natural gas. ExxonMobil and EPA officials have attributed the flaring to a faulty component in the gas reinjection system. Despite several promises by Exxon that the problem would be remedied and the flaring would cease by August 15, the company has recently acknowledged the mechanical issues persist and that flaring is ongoing. (https:/ /www.nytimes.com/reuters/ 2020/08/21/business/ 21reuters-guyana-oilexxonmobil.html?searchR esultPosition=2)
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Liza Phase One. Yet, the APNU+AFC administration went full steam ahead with approving the permit for the project on the same day it received the EIA. Dr. Adams told Kaieteur News that he is not a proponent for the dumping of produced water into the ocean. He said that the Liza Destiny vessel is already depositing 4,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean and in about six years, it will get to about 300,000 barrels. Dr. Adams said: “I have worked in the oil fields as a Production and Reservoir engineer and we injected every single drop of water. If you are onshore, the water would obviously have to be re-injected. Also, the World Bank has made it clear that you should only dispose of produced water into the ocean when it is not technically feasible.” In ExxonMobil’s case, the EPA Head said that this is more than feasible. GUYANAWILLNOT TOLERATE EXXON’S ARROGANCE AND DISRESPECT – RAM
Just a few days ago, Head of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams who has since been sent on leave with immediate effect, noted that there were a number of issues that slipped through the cracks when the first permit was issued. In this respect, Dr. Adams was keen to note that the matter of flaring is one which the EIA did not address. He told Kaieteur News that while the EIA does note that flaring can happen during a start-up or in the case of emergencies, there is very
little information on worstcase scenarios and what impact that would have on the environment. Another critical matter the EIA is silent on relates to the disposal of produced water. When oil companies drill the seafloor to extract oil, it is not only oil that comes up with it. Water is part of the mixture too. As a result of it not being needed, it is separated and disposed of. The critical issue is how that disposal is being done. International best practices dictate that this produced
water should be re-injected into the earth’s surface. Research conducted by Kaieteur News notes that in some cases, the produced water is discharged into oceans and other offshore water channels. Because no two geographic regions are alike, studies are done to assess the environmental risks of the produced water’s toxicity on marine life before granting approval for the disposal of it into the ocean. In Guyana’s case, not a single study was done for the
Chartered accountant, attorney and anticorruption advocate, Christopher Ram, is of the firm conviction that the President of ExxonMobil, Alistair Routledge, was totally out of place when he recently threatened Guyana, a sovereign state, by asserting that the oil giant will take its investments elsewhere if it does not get its way with the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP). Ram said it was improper for him to go public with what essentially constitutes a threat while adding that such arrogance and disrespect would not be tolerated by Guyanese.
He explained, “It is disrespectful for a company to treat a sovereign country like this. I don’t think that kind of approach is going to succeed with Guyana. Also, I really don’t think it is in Exxon’s interest, and its partners, to behave as arrogant as the President of ExxonMobil did.” The Chartered Accountant said it is clear that ExxonMobil wants Guyana in the same position it had the APNU+AFC in 2016 where it got what it wanted in the Stabroek deal and more, on a platter. He said that some of the things it got were also illegal, “but it can’t be the same, Guyana won’t tolerate that nonsense anymore.” The attorney-at-law believes that the PPP/C administration should write Routledge and express its displeasure with his “not so cleverly disguised threat to a sovereign country.” Ram stressed the new government cannot allow itself to be bullied on the first possible occasion by Exxon. “Guyanese will not accept that,” he added. It seems that the approval by the government for the FDP is being held up over concern for two key environmental issues. The first matter relates to flaring. ExxonMobil wants to keep the loopholes it got in its Liza One and Two permits which allowed for flaring while the other matter pertains to the dumping of toxic water in the ocean from the company’s operations. Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency has been opposed to allowing the multi-national to have its way on these critical issues. Since these matters have been exposed in the media, ExxonMobil declared that it could take its investments elsewhere.
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Addressing Domestic Violence The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) US defines domestic abuse as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, and or other abusive behavior as part of a systemic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another”. It is a global epidemic, affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. In short, anyone could become a victim of domestic abuse. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and emotional abuse. Physical Violence – this is the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury, or harm. Physical violence includes, but is not limited to, scratching; pushing; shoving; throwing; grabbing; biting; choking; shaking; aggressive hair pulling; slapping; punching; hitting; burning; use of a weapon; and use of restraints or one’s body, size, or strength against another person. Physical violence also includes coercing other people to commit any of the above acts. Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted, attention and contact that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone else (e.g., family member or friend). Some examples include repeated, unwanted phone calls, emails, or texts; leaving cards, letters, flowers, or other items when the victim does not want them;
watching or following from a distance; spying; approaching or showing up in places when the victim does not want to see them; sneaking into the victim’s home or car; damaging the victim’s personal property; harming or threatening the victim’s pet; and making threats to physically harm the victim. Psychological Aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally, and/or to exert control over another person. Psychological aggression can include expressive aggression (e.g., name-calling, humiliating); coercive control (e.g., limiting access to transportation, money, friends, and family; excessive monitoring of whereabouts); threats of physical or sexual violence; control of reproductive or sexual health (e.g., refusal to use birth control; coerced pregnancy termination); exploitation of victim’s vulnerability (e.g., immigration status, disability); exploitation of perpetrator’s vulnerability; and presenting false information to the victim with the intent of making them doubt their own memory or perception (e.g., mind games). Sexual violence - is divided into different categories. Rape or penetration of victim – This includes completed or attempted, forced or alcohol/drug-facilitated unwanted vaginal, oral, or anal insertion. Forced penetration occurs through the perpetrator’s use of physical force against the victim or
threats to physically harm the victim.Non-physically pressured unwanted penetration – This includes incidents in which the victim was pressured verbally or through intimidation or misuse of au-
According to the United States Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2007, domestic violence in Guyana is “widespread” . At least one out of every three women in Guyana has report-
thority to consent or acquiesce to being penetrated. Unwanted sexual contact – This includes intentional touching of the victim or making the victim touch the perpetrator, either directly or through the clothing, on the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks without the victim’s consent. Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences – This includes unwanted sexual events that are not of a physical nature that occur without the victim’s consent. Examples include unwanted exposure to sexual situations (e.g., pornography); verbal or behavioral sexual harassment; threats of sexual violence to accomplish some other end; and /or unwanted filming, taking or disseminating photographs of a sexual nature of another person. Domestic Abuse in Guyana
edly been a victim of domestic violence. Sources consulted by the Research Directorate indicate that the problem of domestic violence affects women in Guyana of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Help and Shelter, an organization founded in 1995 that specializes in combating all types of violence, especially domestic violence and child abuse, compiles data on the characteristics of the clients it serves. According to statistics updated on 6 August 2008, Help and Shelter served 324 clients between 1 January 2008 and 30 July 2008. Country Reports 2007 reports that Help and Shelter handled a total of 739 cases of domestic violence in 2007 (US 11 Mar. 2008, Sec. 5). Of these cases, 538 involved spousal abuse directed against women.
Statistics released by the government of Guyana on 12 June 2008 indicate that there were over 3,600 cases of domestic violence reported in 2007 as compared to 1,708 the previous year.. The largest increase was recorded in Berbice, where the number of reported cases rose from approximately 300 cases in 2006, to approximately 1,890 cases in 2007 (ibid.; Guyana Chronicle 12 June 2008). In 2014, the Guyana Police Force reported 3051 cases of domestic violence. In addition, 1684 cases were followed through, while 1500 offenders were warned and 18 cases were referred to the Probation and Social Services Department at the Human Services Ministry. There are presently over 1000 pending matters. How do we deal with Domestic Abuse in our personal lives? HELP & SHELTER Help & Shelter was founded in 1995 to work against all types of violence, especially domestic and sexual violence and child abuse. The following is a real life account of someone who got out of a bad domestic situation and has successfully moved forward with life. “I came to legal aid to get help with domestic problems I was having with my husband. After going to Help & Shelter they told me about legal aid. Legal aid helped me with getting orders for domestic violence I was experiencing and getting a divorce from my husband. I found legal aid very welcoming. I had been suffering
with some of my problems for years and when I talked to my lawyer, he gave me advice and told me what I could do to deal with my matter. After talking with him I felt safe and such relief. Things would be okay. We went to court and my husband is now away from me and out of the house. It is much better. I don’t have the stress that I had before. My children used to be scared and upset all the time but they are getting better now. They still get upset sometimes, but I am talking and counseling with them and they are getting there. I am getting there too. Now that everything is over I can finally spend the time I want focusing on my children. I am looking forward to spending time with them and seeing them finish school. I suffered in my situation for a long time but legal aid finally helped me get out”. The numbers to call to access such assistance is 2254731, 227-8353, or access their website for all the necessary information: http:// www.hands.org.gy/ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 1996 The Domestic Violence Act of Guyana was passed in December, 1996 in order to give legal protection to persons who have suffered abuse or are at risk of suffering domestic abuse. Who is protected under the Act? Any person who is suffering domestic abuse is automatically eligible to be (Continued on page 48)
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Chadwick Boseman: Black Panther star dies of cancer Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer, his representative said. He was 43. Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side, his publicist Nicki Fioravante said on Friday. Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, his family said in a statement. Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman: ‘Everybody’s minds are opening up’ “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther.” Boseman had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis. It is believed he married his long-term partner, the singer Taylor Simone Ledward, earlier this year. The couple had no children. Boseman paid tribute to Ledward in his acceptance speech at the 2019 NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, where he won the trophy for outstanding actor in a motion picture. He said: “Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you.”Chadwick Boseman’s most memorable roles, from Black Panther to 42 – video Chadwick Boseman: the unbear-
able loss of a prince of American cinema | Peter Bradshaw Born in South Carolina, Boseman graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013’s 42 drew attention in Hollywood. Boseman died on a day that major league baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day. “This is a crushing blow,” actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter, one of many expressing shock as the news spread across social media. Mark Ruffalo, who starred alongside Boseman in the Marvel films, playing Hulk said it was an honour working with Boseman. “All I have to say is the tragedies amassing this year have only been made more profound by the loss of Chadwick Boseman,” he said. “What a man, and what an immense talent. Brother, you were one of the all time greats and your greatness was only beginning. Lord love ya. Rest in power, King.” i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god ... ‘<e&’< =E<B& forever and ever ... https://t.co/ 9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/ awX3DiTVwn— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020 Don Cheadle, who also starred with Boseman in the Marvel films, posted a picture of them together: “i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god ... forever and ever ...” “This broke me,” said actor and writer Issa Rae.I’m just heartbroken... he was a wonderful human
Enetworks to air 2020 MTV music video awards tonight at 8PM Aficionados of music, the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! Tonight at 8PM on the E1 Channel, the team at Enetworks will be airing the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards which will be hosted by Keke Palmer. Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are the most nominated acts with nine each. Nominees for Push Best New Artist were revealed on July 23, 2020, and other categories were announced on July 30. Fan voting also began on July 30 and ended on August 23. Nominees for Song of Summer, Best Group and Everyday Heroes: Frontline Medical Workers were additionally released on August 24. The awards were originally scheduled to be held at Barclays Center for the first time since 2013. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was expected to be held with “limited or no audience”, as one of the first major indoor events to be held in the city since the onset of the pandemic in the state, with MTV also announcing plans for the show to “[span] all five boroughs” to “pay homage to the strength, spirit and incredible resilience of NYC and its beloved residents”.
MTV eventually scrapped the indoor component of the ceremony at Barclays after “close consultation with state and local health officials” and announced that it would be conducted in an outdoor format across the city; the Center will host the 2021 show instead. New one-off award categories for “Quarantine Performance” and “Best Music Video from Home” were added on July 30 in light of the ongoing pandemic. Furthermore, three additional categories were announced on August 24: Song of Summer, Best Group and “Everyday Heroes: Frontline Medical Workers”, with the latter created “to celebrate performances by COVID-19 first responders”. The awards will be simulcast live by ViacomCBS halfsister network The CW on August 30, marking the VMA’s first ever broadcast on terrestrial television in the United States.
being. RIP Chadwick Boseman!! pic.twitter.com/OEHuyjeXNU — Leslie Jones > (@Lesdoggg) August 29, 2020 His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and his Wakanda Forever salute reverberated around the world after the release of Black Panther two years ago. It took in more than $1.3 bn in global box office and is the only Marvel Studios film to receive a best picture Oscar nomination. I’m gonna have to tell Cy, Bowie and Zen that T’Challa has passed. What other king can I tell them about now? pic.twitter.com/AFEFxJOFd5 — Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) August 29, 2020“Chadwick’s pass-
ing is absolutely devastating,” said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, in a statement. The man with a manifesto: how Chadwick Boseman changed film forever“He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend. Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. He embodied a lot of amazing people in his work, and nobody was better at bringing great men to life. “He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss, and we are grieving tonight with his family.” He took on his first producing job in last years action thriller 21 Bridges, in which he also starred, and was last seen on-screen in Spike Lees film Da 5 Bloods as the leader of a group of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War.Get on Up star Chadwick Boseman: ‘James Brown understood his audience’ Boseman completed one last performance, in an adaptation of August Wilson’s Neflix film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The film, in which Boseman stars alongside Viola Davis, finished shooting last summer.Even at the outset of his Hollywood career, Boseman was clear-eyed about and even sceptical of the industry in which he would become an international star. “You don’t have the same exact experience as a black actor as you do as a white actor. You don’t have
the same opportunities. That’s evident and true,” he said while promoting 42.‘Seize it. Enjoy it’: Chadwick Boseman embraced the joy and gravity of his films “The best way to put it is: How often do you see a movie about a black hero who has a love story ... he has a spirituality. He has an intellect. It’s weird to say it, but it doesn’t happen that often.” Asked about his own childhood heroes and icons, Boseman cited political leaders and musicians: Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Marley, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest and Prince. Deeply private and often guarded in his public appearances and interviews, he was nonetheless eager to communicate the significance of his work and its impact on the broader culture. The former US president Barack Obama described Boseman as “blessed”. He tweeted: Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years. https://t.co/KazXV1e7l7 — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2020 Former vice president and current presidential candidate Joe Biden wrote, “The true power of Chadwick Boseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even super heroes.”
Enetworks offers exclusive coverage of CPL via DreamTV Streaming serving
E-Networks Inc. – Guyana’s leading TV service provider - recently announced that it is offering free access to its new DreamTV Stream service to everyone, not just E-Networks customers, so that all can enjoy its live, exclusive coverage of this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament. This offer is valid for the entire CPL 2020 tournament, which will be played up to September 10. DreamTV Stream is E-Networks’ new, multiscreen OTT (over-thetop) TV experience, which delivers live and on-demand TV via an internet connection. Persons can download DreamTV Stream by
searching for “E-Networks DreamTV” on the Amazon Store (Firestick), Android-based TVs (Sony, Sharp, TCL), and Android and Apple iOS mobile phones. With DreamTV Stream, viewers can watch more than 100 live channels on-thego on their phones, and on up to five devices (depending on their ENetworks package) in their homes – all in crystal-clear high definition quality. For step-by-step instructions, persons can visit www. e n e t w o r k s . g y / d r e a m t v stream. E-Networks inked the deal for the exclusive broadcasting rights in Guyana to the CPL 2020 with
SportsMax parent International Media Content Ltd (IMC), which is the regional broadcast rights owner. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s CPL will be played only in Trinidad & Tobago, likely without any fans allowed in the stadiums. This means that cricket fans can enjoy “The Biggest Party in Sport” only on TV – and E-Networks will be delivering all 33 matches on E2, which is available on all of the company’s TV platforms: Satellite, Wireless, Fiber and Mobile. First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) had a combined broadcast and digital viewership of 312 million in 2019.
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Addressing Domestic Violence
From page 46 protected by the Act. Any abused person, adult or child can get protection from: • A spouse, fiance(e) or reputed spouse, or partner with whom they live • Anyone who lives in the household today or has lived in the past, but not tenants or employees unless there were sexual relations with them • A relative • Any person with whom the victim has had a sexual relationship What is classified as abuse under the Act The words that are used to describe abuse are ill treatment, violation, molestation, seduction and betrayal. It need not be only physical violence. Abuse can also be “Psychological Abuse” This means any activity which per-
sistently humiliates the victim, dishonors her or him, or lowers their self esteem like : • Not allowing them to handle their own things or property • Blackmailing • Watching over them in a way which is threatening • Not allowing the victim to eat or sleep well • Manipulating the children • Causing the victim emotional agony Harassment has to be proved in order to qualify for protection under the Domestic Violence Act. Harassment is defined in the Act as: • Verbal abuse - “cussing up”, screaming, humiliating • Threatening with physical harm or violence • Breaking things or damaging things which are important to the victim • Making the victim
scared or afraid of physical or psychological harm • Threatening the victim • Hiding things belonging to the victim • Watching over the house, work place, school or anywhere the victim goes for daily business • Making unwelcome advances • Using abusive language IFYOU HAVE DECIDED TO LEAVE The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realizing that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Make a plan for how you are going to leave, including where you’re going to go, and how to cover your tracks. Make one plan for if you have time to prepare to leave the home. Make another plan for if you have to leave the home in a hurry. If you can, keep any evi-
dence of the physical abuse and take it with you when you leave. Make sure to keep this evidence in a safe place that the abuser will not find – this may mean that you have to keep it in a locked drawer at work or with a trusted family member. If the abuser finds it, you could be in more danger. Such evidence of physical abuse might include: Pictures you have of bruises or other injuries. If possible, try to have these pictures dated; Torn or bloody clothing; Household objects that the abuser damaged or broke during a violent episode; Pictures that show your home destroyed or messed up after violence happened; Any records you have from doctors or the police that document the abuse; Whenever you are hurt,
go to a doctor or to an emergency room as soon as possible if you can. Tell them what happened. Ask them to make a record of your visit and of what happened to you. Be sure to get a copy of the record.A journal that you may have kept with details about the abuse, which could help prove the abuse in court. Get a bag together that you can easily grab when you leave. Some things to include in the bag are: Spare car keys; Your driver’s license; A list of your credit/debit cards so that you can track any activity on them. Money Phone numbers for friends, relatives, doctors, schools, taxi services, and your local domestic violence organization.A change of clothing for you and your children.Any medication that you or your children usually take. Copies of your children’s birth certificates, school & immunization records. Copies of legal documents for you and the abuser, such as passports, green cards, medical records, insurance information, birth certificates, marriage license, wills, welfare identification information and copies of any court orders (such as your protection order or custody order). Copies of financial documents for you and the abuser, such as pay stubs, bank account information, a list of credit cards you hold by yourself or together with the abuser. Any evidence you’ve been collecting to show that you’ve been abused. A few things you want to keep, like photographs, jewelry or other personal items. Hide this bag somewhere the abuser will not find it. Try to keep it at a trusted friend or neighbor’s house. Avoid using next-door neighbors, close family members, or mutual friends, as the abuser might be more likely to find it there. If you’re in an emergency and need to get out
right away, don’t worry about gathering these things. While they’re helpful to have, getting out safely should come first. Hide an extra set of car keys in a place you can get to easily in case the abuser takes the car keys to prevent you from leaving. Try to set money aside. If the abuser controls the household money, this might mean that you can only save a few dollars per week; the most important thing is that you save whatever amount you can that will not tip off the abuser and put you in further danger. You can ask trusted friends or family members to hold money for you so that the abuser cannot find it and/or use it. If you are not employed, try to get job skills by taking classes at a community college or a vocational school if you can. This will help you to get a job either before or after you leave so that you won’t need to be financially dependent on the abuser. Getting a protective order can be an important part of a safety plan when preparing to leave. Even if you get a protective order, you should still take other safety planning steps to keep yourself and your children safe. A legal protective order is not always enough to keep you safe. Know your Domestic Abuse options and Laws.Leave when the abuser will least expect it. This will give you more time to get away before the abuser realizes that you are gone. If you have time to call the police before leaving, you can ask the police to escort you out of the house as you leave. You can also ask them to be “on call” while you’re leaving, in case you need help. You can get out of an abusive relationship / marriage / situation. Gather your thoughts, and if you have children sit and speak with them about the plan especially if they are of an appropriate age. It may be your only chance of giving them a future and keeping yourself and them alive.
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FRONT PAGE COMMENTS RECAP
As we continue on our mission to enlighten the nation about what Guyana deserves from its massive oil wealth, we at Kaieteur News have published a series of front page comments in hopes of having our leaders take the necessary actions in order to realize the desired outcomes. Today we recap the front page comments of the past week for your reading pleasure.
SUNDAY
Tricky Exxon! ExxonMobil is cunning. The new government must not fall for its excuses or entrapments. ExxonMobil says that it will be forced to reduce production because of ‘gas flaring’ concerns. That is a lie.It is an example of how the company can say the right things in public (cry at the funeral), while plotting against us (ripping us off), as regular production continues unchecked. The Guyana Government must demonstrate that it has the backbone to resist the trickery of ExxonMobil. Payara
represents a golden opportunity to obtain deserved benefits, such as a fairer sharing of the Field Development Costs. Guyana was saddled with billions (USD) in costs for the Liza 1 and Liza 2. Every effort must be made to prevent the same from happening again. Payara should set the standard for all future oil negotiations.We must get it right with Payara, because if our new government does not, then we will pay the same high price for all the subsequent field development projects. The PPP/C government must not feel obligated to the
Americans because of the latter’s stance on the justconcluded elections. America had to take such a stance, because it stands for democracy, human rights and free markets.Instead of feeling that something is owed America for its electoral help, the PPP/C government must show it possesses the required fortitude. Guyanese leaders must not be weighed down with a sense of indebtedness, but instead, be vocal and dogged in obtaining what is due to the country.Our leaders must ensure vastly improved benefits from Payara.
MONDAY
When will we get some sense?
The Sunday edition of the country’s other newspapers carried headlines of the former Coalition government spending G$50M or US$250,000 on legal challenges to the noconfidence motion and elections. These news reports have gone viral and are exciting public interest. This preoccupation by the government and other media outfits reflects a smallminded mentality. Instead of focusing on the billions of United States dollars which companies like ExxonMobil are gouging from our pockets, there is an instead an obsession with scoring political points over a quarter of a million United States dollars. Our easily distracted leaders are focusing on the small potatoes while the big yams are escaping their attention. Our leaders have to stop thinking small and being petty-minded. They must think and act big in relation to our
resources, especially our massive oil wealth. Their concern must be to derive big benefits for the rights to our oil, rather than fighting over pennies. As a nation, we must think big, since our oil holdings are huge. When we quarrel and haggle endlessly, about legal fees, we are viewed by companies, such as Exxon as a backward Third World country, likely to be entrapped and conned of our wealth. When we bicker over $50M of the taxpayers’ money spent on legal fees, we lose sight of the bigger picture. Unless we change our mindset, and change it immediately, we and our children and their children will remain in abject poverty for all eternity. It is time for our leaders to cease being petty and, instead, concentrate on stopping the continued bleeding of our wealth at the hands of the oil companies. Wake up Guyana!!!
TUESDAY Renegotiation has to be our primary focus ExxonMobil has refused to pay the extremely small fines imposed by Guyana’s environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Exxon’s blunt refusal and delays in paying these token fines reflect its absolute contempt and disrespect for Guyana, its laws and its people. These fines are akin to the cost of candies. Yet, the EPA has had to threaten legal action in order to ensure compliance by ExxonMobil. This is part of the strategy which oil companies employ when dealing with poor countries. They force the local regulatory agencies to expend their energies and limited financial resources in going after candies while they are clearing out the whole confectionery store. It is a strategy to frustrate and to humiliate, to have us bowed and then force us to eventually beg. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has had to send a stern warning to ExxonMobil that it will have to pay the fines imposed by the EPA. That it had to take such a high-ranking official to read the riot act to Exxon shows the disregard and indifference shown by the com-
pany. Exxon must comply with the country’s environmental regulations. At the same time, the country must not lose sight of the bigger picture, rather than counting the crumbs that are being thrown its way. Guyana must focus on the immediate renegotiation of the scandalous Production Sharing Agreement. Yes, we must insist on respect for our environmental laws, but we must also recognize that it is these minor issues with which the oil companies want to keep us preoccupied while they have license to steal our oil wealth. Guyana’s Vice President, with vast oil oversight responsibilities, is no doubt strategizing about how to beat Exxon at its own game. Guyana should not take its eye off the prize: the opportunity which is now presented to obtain a better deal and to stop the heist of our oil riches. Environmental penalties must be paid but, more importantly, we should also receive our just dues.We should avoid fighting over candies when this only diverts our attention and allows the oil companies to plunder our resources.
THURSDAY
We have an obligation to our children!
Exxon is facing increasing demands to give Guyanese a fairer deal, including through higher royalties, profit-sharing, taxes and improved environmental safeguards. In retort, Exxon is now threatening to take its money elsewhere.
Exxon has a well-documented history of putting its money into countries and those countries ending up poorer after the company was done with them and their oil. Before Exxon came to Guyana, we were eating and mostly happy, but if we allow Exxon to have its way, we
might still be eating but we would definitely be unhappy. Exxon has an obligation to its shareholders to provide the maximum profit possible. We have an obligation to our children to bring them the best future possible.
FRIDAY
No alternative to renegotiation Exxon says it is amenable to a review but not the renegotiation of its contract. It says that renegotiation would compromise the principle of sanctity of contracts, which is critical for investment planning. Renegotiation of contracts is not unusual, illegal, improper or unreasonable. It happens all the time. The central purpose of a review is to pronounce on what can be improved. Renegotiation, thus, is the natural progression, which flows from any genuine review of agreements. The Government of
Guyana cannot be all things to all people. The new government has not shown any sign that it is intimidated by Exxon or obligated to the Americans because of its support for electoral democracy. Trinidadian Prime Minister, Keith Rowley rightfully said last year: “There’s a role for the government in ensuring that the people… while being participants in this very lucrative business, get more than crumbs that fall off the table.” The government should not be unsettled by the threat of investment flight or the loss of commodity markets.
ExxonMobil has greater reason to remain than to leave. Guyana is a rich vein of fortune for Exxon and its partners. Guyanese has had enough of these red herrings that leave us hungry and hurting. We repeat that it is time to renegotiate the Exxon contract. It must give Guyanese something better on which to hang their hopes. As such, we proclaim that there is no alternative to renegotiation. Guyanese are entitled to a fairer share of their wealth. Renegotiation must follow any review.
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Sunday August 30, 2020
Junior page
No dogs! It was half past three and Katie had just finished school. Her mum was waiting at the gates with Jessie, the dog. ‘Can we go to the park with Jaia, Mum?’ said Katie. ‘All right, we can go for half an hour,’ said Mum. When they got to the park, Katie and Jaia ran towards the swings and slides. ‘Come on!’ shouted Katie. ‘Let’s see how high we can go on the swings!’ ‘You can’t come in here, Jess!’ shouted Katie and Jaia. Mum took Jessie over to the bench and tied him to it. She sat down and started
to read the paper. Half an hour later … ‘Did you have a nice time?’ Mum asked. ‘Yes, it was brilliant! I went the highest!’ said Katie. ‘No, I went the highest,’ said Jaia. ‘Come on, we need to take you home,’ said Mum. That night, Jessie couldn’t sleep. He was thinking about the park. Quietly, he got out of his basket and walked downstairs. He squeezed through the cat flap – he was outside! He ran towards the park. Soon Jessie was at the park. He walked towards the swings. The gate was open. He went through and
looked around … The playground was full of dogs! Jessie climbed up the ladder, went down the slide, whizzed round on the roundabout, went up and down on the see-saw, bounced on the springy and went up and down on the swing. ‘Wooooof!’ barked Jessie. He went as high as he could on the swing. Soon it was time to go. Jessie got off the swing, went through the gate and walked back home. He squeezed through the cat flap, walked upstairs and got into his basket. He looked at Katie. ‘I went the highest,’ thought Jessie. And went to sleep.
Slitherlink - Penrose Fill in some of the dotted line segments to form a meandering path that forms a single loop. The path does not cross itself, branch, or touch itself at corners. The numbers indicate how many line segments surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of line segments. There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to mark segments that cannot be filled in.
How to Make a DIY Pencil Organizer by papernstitchblog
Materials for Rollup Pencil Caddy tea towel with an interesting design* sewing machine / thread (optional) thin leather strip 8-12 inches long Making a Pencil Organizer (Instructions) 1. Lay your tea towel flat and using a pencil to measure fold up the bottom section, pin on each side and sew. 2. Continuing to use your pencil to measure decide how wide you would like for each section to be, pin and then sew. 3. Fold over your top section and decide how far you would like the fold to come. If your towel is just the right length you can skip this step. But if not, cut off excess fabric and hem. 4. To finish, iron your fabric at the fold and sew a seam from side to side to make a flap that will lay flat. 5. (Optional) To keep the rollup secure, you can add a leather strip, tied in a knot. I didn’t attach mine to the actual rollup – just wrapped it around and knotted it after everything was rolled. But you can sew the two pieces together, if it makes more sense to have that piece connected. This rollup pencil organizer that works for all kinds of things, not just pencils. It would make the perfect makeup organizer! You can use it for makeup brushes and tubular makeup items (like eyeliner, lipgloss, etc). Speaking of brushes, artist brushes would fit perfectly in the slots of this rollup too.
The truth is always the best There are times when it happens That I have to tell others About something that has happened To myself or a sister or brother. This thing that I have to tell Can make me look bad or good, And I have to make up my mind To tell a lie or the truth as I should. Then I must always remember That the truth is at all times the best, As, whenever I cheat and tell a lie, It will always end in a big mess. We know that honesty is the best policy In all the things we do and say, So tell the truth at all times, And you will always be in the right way.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 30, 2020
TEEN TIME
Keep on taking the steps to become the Best you can Be
By now you must be seeing the positive results of using progress in your studies. Some people develop a wonderful practice of writing down their thoughts about what is the tips we have been giving you to improve yourself. happening to them every day, and this can be good reading in The following have much to do with emotional qualities, the future, and help you to see things more clearly. and will serve to keep you on the path to personal satisfaction. 17. Take the time to develop the relationships with those 14. Strive to be happy. People often feel that, because who mean much to you. Spending time alone with a brother there is nothing really exciting happening to them, then they or sister, a father or mother, and really exploring your cannot enjoy life. The fact is that real enjoyment of life does thoughts and feelings with them, can lead to great benefit to not come from thrills or extraordinary events. One can derive both of you, and give you a clear insight in how to live a better the greatest pleasures from the simple things around at any life. Take the time to celebrate with them anything they have time – a walk in one’s neighbourhood, observing the trees, the been successful in, and they will surely do the same for you. birds and animals, even the people going about their everyday 18. Work to build your relationships by courtesy to all. tasks. A lively conversation about what is in the news, or One of the main reasons why some people fail in their about what is happening in one’s own life, can be just as relationships with others, whether it is with parents, teachers, uplifting. The list can be endless if you tax your own mind to bosses or others with whom they associate, is because they do come up with things to do. not pay enough attention to being polite to these persons. The 15. Be content with what you have. Each of us at any result is that they fail to impress them, even though they may given time must have what is needed to make us happy if we be otherwise good enough in other areas of their behaviour. only appreciate it and do not lust over what other people This is always surprising when we know that courtesy possess. Your own health and talents, the love of your family, costs nothing, and does not take much energy and time to how you are being successful at what you are doing, all these maintain in any situation. On the other hand, people who are can make you feel contented. Happiness is a choice, and you mannerly will more often be successful in their interpersonal can be happy in any circumstances if you have a contented communication, although they may not measure up in other mind. aspects. 16. Do things that work to make your time benefit you. Be kind-hearted and attentive enough to others and make Getting rid of distractions like watching less television will a point of being extraordinarily polite, and you will find that allow you time to really get connected to your family and doors will open to you that were closed before. friends, and do the things necessary to make you successful. Look out next week for more of these rewarding tips Read something worthwhile daily – a good story, passages which will move you towards your best. from the scripture of your religion, instructions on how to ***********************************
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Be the Best of whatever you are If you can’t be a tree at the top of the hill, Be a bush down in the valley, But be the best little bush by the side of the hill, Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a bush be a grass, And some highway happier make; If you can’t be a snapper, just be a patwa, But be the liveliest patwa in the lake. We can’t all be captain, some have got to be crew, There’s something for all of us here, There’s so much work to do, and lesser to do, And the task you must do is quite clear. If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail, If you can’t be the sun, then be a star; It isn’t by size that we win or we fail, Just be the best of whatever you are.
Life is most interesting and rewarding when we realise that it must be a continuous process to keep learning and improving.
Bridges Connect these islands with bridges until each island can be reached from any other island, and each island has as many outgoing bridges as its number. You may only connect islands vertically or horizontally and bridges may not cross. There may be one or two bridges connecting pairs of islands, but no more than two. Each puzzle has a unique solution that can be found without making guesses.
Solutions to last week’s
INKIES
Killer Sudoku
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Things you need to know about taking care of a new tattoo 1. Follow your tattoo artist’s advice Aftercare advice will vary from studio to studio, and sometimes even artists in the same studio will have different ideas of what heals best. Listen to the instructions your artist gives you – most will have a leaflet with their advice printed out for you to take away. 2. After a few hours gently wash the tattoo The majority of advice will tell you to leave the covering on the tattoo for the first 2-5 hours, then to carefully remove it and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild liquid soap, like Carex. 3. Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturising cream You should then apply a thin layer of an unscented moisturising cream like Bepanthen (nappy rash cream) – your artist will tell you which they recommend. You can either then recover with clingfilm/gauze, or leave it open to the air, depending on your artists advice. Generally, studios will advise you to repeat the cleaning process 3-5 times a day. 4. Keep the tattoo clean and dry Keep the tattoo clean and dry, and avoid soaking it in water for at least a month (showers are ok, baths are not). If your clothes are likely to rub on it, keep it covered with gauze/clingfilm and medical tape. 5. Avoid direct sunlight Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight unless necessary. Healed tattoos, especially coloured ones, can fade in the sun – so when it’s completely healed, make sure it’s covered in a high SPF (check out our best sun creams here), if you’re going to be catching some rays. 6. Be patient with healing times Healing times depend on how well you heal and the size of the design. This can range anywhere from around a week for simple, small line designs, to several months for complex, larger designs. Keep following your aftercare instructions for as long as the artist told you to, and make sure the tattoo is kept wellmoisturised and clean for a good few months after that, avoiding abrasive skin products. 7. Do. Not. Itch. As the tattoo heals, it may scab or flake slightly. Avoid picking at it, as this may remove the ink in that area and lead to patches fading or being removed altogether. If it itches, don’t scratch – slap it lightly instead. This should only last for the first few weeks or so – if it stays raised, itches uncontrollably, is red around the design, keeps bleeding for more than a day or so after having it done, or is continuously hot to the touch, go back to your artist or seek medical advice. Infected tattoos are very rare but can happen, and it’s always worth getting it checked out if you’re worried about it. 8. Go back to the studio for touch ups, if needed If you do lose ink, your studio should retouch it for free – bad tattoos and service lead to bad reputations, so it’s in their interests to make sure you’re happy with the final product. After about 6 weeks, go back if you need touch-ups on any area of the tattoo.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 30, 2020
Sunday August 30, 2020
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Kaieteur News
APNU+AFC never had any intention of getting the best value for Guyana’s oil resources Parliamentary records expose…
By Kiana Wilburg When the APNU+AFC administration had buckled under pressure in December 2018 and released the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) it signed with ExxonMobil, international and local stakeholders were thrown into a state of bewilderment. They asked, perhaps more than a million times over, how former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, could give away Guyana’s prime oil assets for crumbs. Kaieteur News and other media entities had asked the former Minister to provide the names of the experts who advised him to accept, for example, a mere two percent royalty, a US$300,000 annual payment for local content, and
a deal which overall, is filled from page to page with gaping loopholes for significant revenue leakage. He never provided those names. But more queries followed. Importantly, Guyanese wanted to know why the official it elected to protect its interest, not only failed to do so, but gave ExxonMobil and its partners, an oil deal so unfair to the nation, that another of its kind cannot be found in any other part of the world. While the full truth to these questions may not be known at this point, what this newspaper has been able to ascertain via parliamentary records, takes transparency advocates a bit closer to understanding the modus
operandi of the APNU+AFC regime during negotiations with ExxonMobil back in 2016. Those documents made it clear that neither Trotman nor the APNU+AFC administration ever intended to get the best deal for Guyana, even though they were fully aware of the quality of the resource at stake. During a meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources held on May 18, 2018, Trotman had appeared to make a presentation on the oil industry and other matters. Many questions were asked, one of which was proffered by the then Chairman, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, who sought to ascertain which party initiated the changes to the
Cocoi Heron (Ardea cocoi)
From page 36 include whitemouth croaker, wolf fish, various Leporinus species up to 200 mm long and streaked prochilod. This heron has also been observed to feed on carrion and Callinectes blue crabs. In Colombia, chicks have also been observed being fed predominantly fish and less frequently with amphibians and crustaceans. The cocoi heron is classified by the IUCN
as least concern because of its extensive geographical range, apparently increasing population trend and large population size. Individuals in some territories are affected by agrochemicals, environmental modification and human interference with nests and eggs; but these issues do not constitute damaging threats and therefore do not threaten the species with extinction. (Source: Wikipedia)
terms of the agreement and whether this was done in the nation’s economic interest. Trotman noted in response to the first part of the query that it was the Government that initiated the changes. To the second aspect he said: “No, Sir. We are already going to earn 50% (Continued on page 62 )
Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman
Sunday August 30, 2020
...JAILALL TIWARI KISSOON
From page 60 his people with opportunities that many took for granted. Mind you, Jailall was still practising law while helping Burnham on the campaign trail. Burnham would move on to becoming the next President of Guyana and after he won, Jailall was positioned to become a Minister. But his principles would not let him accept the post after learning that he was required to join the party first as well as become a “Yes man”. ALONG CAME HOYTE By 1985, Guyanese politician, Desmond Hoyte, had taken over as Prime Minister and the following year, he had gotten familiar with Jailall who he subsequently made a Junior Minister of Agriculture. He also served at the then Ministry of Environment. Given his tenacity for politics and how he aptly and poetically married or laced it with the power of law, Jailall was soon moved to the Office of the Prime Minister where he provided advice and offered years of stellar service until elections were held in 1992 and the People’s Progressive Party led by former President, Cheddi Jagan, took office. After dabbling in the life of politics for seven years, Jailall thought it was time that he returned to his first love— law. Jailall was keen to note however that the political life did leave him with several invaluable lessons. In his own words, he said,
“Politics taught me that some men are crawlers; they would not contradict their leader. There are others who would lightly test the waters. They would never be outright in telling you no. And finally, there are some who will speak the truth in their opinion and damn the consequences.” The respected lawyer said, “I am of the firm belief that you must speak your truth. I saw men for whom, everything is ‘Yes comrade leader’. And as soon as he left the room, ‘To (hell with) comrade leader. I don’t stand for that.” A FAMILY FOR LAW Mr. Kissoon who returned to law with no regrets after serving more than a decade in politics, is currently the senior partner of Kissoon and Kissoon Law firm and much to his honour and joy, he was proud to note that he and his siblings have a record for the highest number of persons from one family to be qualified as barristers at the Inner Temple. At the time of publication, the Kissoon family had over 16 lawyers. LIFE TODAY Though his love for the law has never waned over the past few decades, Jailall admitted that the appendages of old age have not allowed him to feverishly practice the law. The 83-year-old noted that he consults on cases. “My children do not wish me to attend court but I consult with them on legal issues.
And we discuss cases so I have become a backroom lawyer. Most of the time, I relax and I am focusing constantly on what I call my success due to the grace of God whom I love and have sincere devotion and cry in gratitude and thankfulness while seeking forgiveness for my errors.” Though he remains proud for his material accomplishments, such as the honour he received last year from the Bar Association for serving 50 years in the distinguished profession, Kissoon said unreservedly, that his most invaluable treasures/achievements remain the love of his life, the late Champawattie and the fruits that love bore: Mahendra, MBA; Rishi, a lawyer, Rene, a lawyer; Sandil, a Judge; and Satyesh, who is also a lawyer. Kissoon noted that his children and the love they bestow upon him are indeed the greatest glory he receives while adding that he is so deeply and unequivocally proud to have them at his side. He shared that his wish for his family is that they are led by integrity at all times. “Even if they have to eat mud, honesty and integrity must always remain the bedrock of the family while pursuing knowledge with God’s grace,” said Jailall who made it pellucid the power of being led by principle and devotion to God is the greatest gift, the great legacy he hopes to pass on to the next generation of Kissoons.
Exxon determined to exploit... From page 57 gas project, a $13B venture that would double the country’s gas exports in just a few years, PNG set out to negotiate for more. Kua told ABC Australia that the government saw it necessary to use the experiences of neighbouring nations in Southeast Asia as guidance during negotiations. From other nations’ experiences, PNG learnt of the parameters ExxonMobil operated in, and noted that what PNG was offered was not enough. “When you look at that and you compare it to Papua New Guinea, the total state take is far, far lower than what you’re offering for those other countries,” Kua told ABC Australia. He said that when they went to the negotiating table, the state showed ExxonMobil what it was willing to offer other countries, and said: “Why don’t you bring it up so that there is parity?” ExxonMobil did not appreciate that. Minister Kua said that the response the state got from ExxonMobil’s representatives is that they are obligated to stick to the terms they already set out, and that Papua New Guinea is not en-
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Kaieteur News
titled to any more than what was being offered. Kua stressed that the offer was the lowest in comparison to anything else in the neighbourhood of Southeast Asia.A spokesman for ExxonMobil told Reuters the company was disappointed an agreement could not be reached.Though talks broke down, ua did not allow it to down his spirits. “This exercise” he said, “has restored the dignity and pride of all of us as a nation, and that means a lot more to us.”Asked whether the country is willing to let the gas stay in the ground if the terms for
the state do not improve, Papua New Guinea’s Energy Minister said: “We are happy to wait for a few weeks, months, years. If it happens, it happens. But it’s going to be on our terms.” He said that Papua New Guinea has grown and changed; that the people have become educated professionals who are advising the government to demand more. “We are taking a position based on proper advice from our own people.” He said. “It’s their country. That’s the way they want us to run it, and that’s how we will run it for them.”
Trump administration halts election security briefings for Congress, citing leaks
John Ratcliffe
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States’ top intelligence office told lawmakers it will largely stop holding in-person briefings on election security, officials said yesterday, signaling it does not trust lawmakers to keep the information secret. President Donald Trump’s new director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, notified the House and Senate intelligence panels on Friday that it would send written reports instead, giving lawmakers less opportunity to press for details as the Nov. 3 election approaches. An official in Ratcliffe’s office, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was “concerned about unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information following recent briefings.”The move drew a heated rejoinder from House Democrats, who
have focused on foreign efforts to sway the presidential election in 2016 and again this year. “This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public’s right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement yesterday. Ratcliffe’s office had offered to hold in-person briefings for the House and Senate oversight panels next month, even after concerns surfaced about leaks from previous meetings, a House committee official said. It later rescinded the offer. The decision was first reported by CNN.The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said this month that
Russia, which orchestrated a hacking campaign to sway the 2016 election in Trump’s favour, was trying to “denigrate” Trump’s 2020 Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. And it said China and Iran were hoping Trump is not reelected.“For clarity and to protect sensitive intelligence from unauthorized disclosures, we will primarily do that through written finished intelligence products,” the ODNI official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.Ratcliffe, a close political ally of Trump, is a former member of the House intelligence panel and was a vocal defender of the president during investigations of Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 election. He told senators during his confirmation hearing this year that “the intelligence I deliver will not be subject to outside influence.”
Glenn Lall appeals decision on East ... From page 13 official for the exercise of his discretion in matters relating to public interest. As such, he held that the trial judge erred in law when she determined that he failed to file a Notice of Claim pursuant to Part 56.91 (4) of the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 and the Judicial Review Act which was fatal to the application and in contravention to the principles relating to what constitutes a fatal omission in accordance with the law and rules of Court.In the appeal, Lall said too the trial Judge
failed to recognize the overriding objective and duty of the Court to determine all the matters in dispute between the parties and failed to consider that the actions of the former Minister were subject public law principles including that of reasonableness, abuse of discretion, malice and ultra vires. “The trial judge erred in law in refusing to make the order of certiorari quashing the decision made on the June 11, 2020 by Jordan and published in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette
number orders 64, 66, 67, 68 69, 70, 72 and 73; The trial judge erred in law by ruling that the appellant failed to establish or satisfy that his public interest is being affected…” Lall said in an appeal of the decision. As such, he asked that the Appeal Court order of the Judge dated August 20, 2020, be set aside and or reversed and his whole claim be allowed.The appellant also requested that cost be awarded to the parties involved which include the NICIL, Jordan and the Attorney General.
Oil companies seek friendly Police slaps Mingo with several charges... on Exxon’s dime, according to However, the count and a recount both ...Global Witness. From page 14
From page 3 with its leadership, during the Stabroek negotiations. “The trip included a first-class flight, limousine transportation, and an extravagant dinner at an exclusive restaurant,” Global Witness stated. It wondered whether the friendliness and gifts violated Exxon’s internal policy, which stated that such may “improperly influence pending business decisions.” Exxon had opposed such insinuations, and Trotman had said he saw nothing wrong with travelling to Texas
Yet, in the end, what resulted was an internationally condemned, legally unsound, and fiscally lopsided agreement which Trotman signed away in a very short period, against experts’ advice that he should wait to better understand the value of Guyana’s oil and advocate for much better terms. More recent revelations show that Trotman never intended to secure better terms for the exploitation of Guyana’s patrimony.
would like to remind all that the rights of our citizens are paramount and they must be afforded equal protection and timely access to legal counsel.” “We are cognizant of the fact that The District 4 Returning Officer has now been charged but at least 3 of the 4 remaining detainees have surpassed their 72 hour hold period and as such, we are requesting an update on the status of these detainees,” the party said. The police are investigating allegations that Mingo produced two sets of fraudulent figures on separate occasions that placed the incumbent Coalition in the lead for the March 2 elections.
indicated that the PPP/C had won the elections by a clear margin of 15,000-plus votes. The actions of Mingo was caught on camera in the presence of local and international observers and political parties representatives. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, as well as Chair of the People’s National Congress Reform, Volda Lawrence, a former Health Minister, are before the courts now on private criminal charges in relation to the elections. The country was in limbo for five months with the PPP/C only taking office this month after several court cases. There have been calls for a full probe of the post-elections crisis with criminal charges.
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Sunday August 30, 2020
Kaieteur News
Allowing Payara to go...
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From page 16 international standards and Mainhardt’s colleague, Ute Koczy, Financial Campaigner at Urgewald, agreed implicitly. In an invited comment, he said, “Approving Payara’s permit would not only spell disaster economically, but also environmentally. Exxon’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment as well as their Management Plan are so below international standards that we must assume that coastal marine ecosystems with their protected species are at existential risk in Guyana.” Koczy stressed that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Payara concession fails to carry out a study to determine the economic and social values of coastal-marine ecosystem services. If there are no agreed upon values assigned prior to a severe event, he opined that the oil companies can simply tie a government up in court for decades, as was the case for the Exxon Valdez spill thirty years ago in Alaska. Further to this, Koczy said that the ESIA failed to conduct an inventory of birds and Red Listed International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aquatic species in Regions One and Two, where some of the most pristine bird and aquatic habitats are located, and where the country’s only coastal protected area has been declared. Should any of Payara’s wells have a blowout, the NGO campaigner said that these wetlands will be severely impacted. Koczy said that this is a pattern that mirrors the ESIA’s for Liza Phase One and Two. Koczy said too that Exxon has not identified the true impacts of their patented chemical dispersants, nor has it presented alternatives with little or no toxicity to the rich fisheries and nursery areas along the coast. He is of the firm conviction that Exxon must explore these options instead of holding on to its toxic, patented dispersants which are still found in high concentrations in the Deepwater Horizon area. Taking the foregoing into account, Urgewald cautioned that a rapid approval of Payara’s permit is to the detriment of Guyana while adding that no further permits should be approved for the Stabroek Block.
APNU+AFC never had any... From page 53 of 3.2 billion barrels. If we are to multiply that figure, if you have calculator any member may multiply 3.2 billion by 50%; it would be in the realms of US$300 billion and half of that is already coming into Guyana. We are already going to be wealthy. We wanted to anchor ExxonMobil into our waters and to let them know that we are a serious Government and that we are serious in developing the resource, if they were serious in doing so.” Trotman also demonstrated to the committee that he had at the very least, a fundamental understanding of the resources offshore Guyana. The former Minister had said: “I should add that as of December 2017, the known reserves are in Guyana, as discovered to date. Let me rephrase that, the known reserves as of December 2017, stood at 3.2 billion barrels of recoverable petroleum. I should add that that figure is going to increase because there were two subsequent discoveries, which are still being analyzed in terms of quality and quantity, but as of December 2017, it was 3.2 billion barrels. I believe at this point in time that Trinidad has reserves of 86 or 85 million barrels of oil. That should give you a context of the volume and value of what we have.” Trotman said that the reason behind the Government giving
ExxonMobil all that it wanted and more, and particularly, not negotiating in Guyana’s best economic interest, was due to the spurious claims being made by Venezuela regarding Guyana’s territorial waters. Trotman argued that the Government of Guyana had two pre-eminent objectives in 2015 and 2016. “The first was to bring production at the earliest possible time. Why? We needed to assert our sovereignty over our resources, given the 2015 decree by Venezuela and the utterings that were coming from there, hence the reason why we are going to production in what is considered relatively record times,” the former Minister stated. Secondly, he posited that the APNU+AFC regime saw a need to protect the nation’s resources by saying, “this is ours.” In this regard, he added, “To use an analogy, imagine having a mango tree in your yard but someone says that that mango tree is his or hers and it starts to bear. What you would want to do is start picking the fruits as quickly as you can before the other person gets to them, or before the matter becomes bound up in court.” The former Minister told the committee that the APNU+AFC regime had no pretence to make about the foregoing matters for in its perspective, nothing else was more important.
Sunday August 30, 2020
Supply man now faces murder charge after victim dies
West Berbice police experiments with body cams:
A man who was found beaten and barely conscious in his yard, on August 14, died on Wednesday last while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Dead is Romeo Roopnarine , 42, of Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, (ECD). Roopnarine’s demise comes exactly seven days after his assailant, Linden McCurdy, also of Supply, Mahaica, was initially charged for attempted murder. He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate Court. The charge alleged that McCurdy attempted to murder Roopnarine by beating him during an alleged argument. On August 14, Roopnarine’s brother visited his home and discovered him lying in his backyard “beaten beyond recognition”. The now dead man’s brother had picked him up and with the help of another rushed him to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where he was treated and later referred to GPHC. While in the hospital, Roopnarine was able to relate to relatives and identified his attacker to the police.McCurdy was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody. Investigators had stated that the assailant was at Roopnarine’s home when they had a misunderstanding.
In an effort for senior officers to better monitor the interactions between ranks and members of the public, and to also gather evidence in cases where persons commit offenes, ranks within Regional Division #5 have started using body cams.
STANDARDS IN FOCUS PRODUCING QUALITY COCONUT WATER BASED ON NATIONAL STANDARDS The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is a key agency that supports trade and enhances business competitiveness through the implementation of standards. Standards are primarily voluntary, but they play an important role in Guyana’s economy by facilitating easy business interactions and confidence in the products and services emanating from the various sectors. Over the years, the GNBS has been zealously advocating for local food manufacturers, food operators, and agroprocessors to purchase and implement the national food standards which it has available. Many of these food standards were developed from regional and/or international food standards. Hence, their contents are in harmony with regional and international requirements. Two such standards are the Guyana Standard, GYS 508:2013, ‘Specification for Packaged natural coconut water’ and GCP 30:2013, ‘The Code of Practice for Packaged natural coconut water’. These standards are identical to the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) Standards and were adopted by the GNBS for use in the local coconut water industry to facilitate trade among CARICOM member states and other jurisdictions.
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It is, therefore, necessary for our local manufacturers to provide objective evidence that they are conforming to these minimum requirements. The GCP 30 was developed to streamline the coconut water industry by defining requirements for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water. This Code of Practice gives recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water, detailing the harvesting, packaging, storing, transporting, and distributing of the product. For example, under ‘Harvesting’, the standard states that the ‘Freefall of coconuts should not be allowed; coconuts should be lowered to the ground.’ Proper harvesting techniques ensure minimal or no damage to the coconuts; thus contributing to an untainted end product. The standard also guides as to the location, internal structure, and fittings, floor design, drains, windows, and doors of buildings and facilities for processing coconut water. Meanwhile, the GYS 508 was developed to differentiate the production of undiluted natural coconut water; that is, coconut water which has been packaged in its natural state without the use of additives. According to the
standard, additives can be considered as ‘…artificial substance or ingredient...added to the coconut water to enhance quality or preservation.’ This standard also includes analytical parameters/limits for the composition of the coconut water, physiochemical limits for coconut water, and microbiological limits for coconut water, which provides objective evidence and the necessary assurance that the coconut water is conforming to the recognized requirements. Additionally, the standard gives guidance for the labeling of natural coconut water; that is, ‘the name of the product shall be Packaged Natural Coconut Water.’ Processors of coconut water who desire to guarantee their customers that they are producing coconut water, which is safe for human consumption, based on the requirements of recognized standards, these standards are for you! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190069, 219-0065, 219-0062, WhatsApp us on (+592) 692GNBS (4627) or visit the GNBS Website: www. gnbsgy.org.
Dead: Roopnarine
CONSUMER CONCERNS GNBS’APPROVAL OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OBLIGATORY By PAT DIAL Sellers in the markets and shops, over the centuries, have been known to exploit consumers by giving them less than the correct weights and measurements of the goods purchased and this form of theft has been forbidden in the ethical codes of all religions. Governments have tried by various means to control this abuse by sellers and to protect the consumers. In Guyana, this responsibility has been entrusted to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). The GNBS administers the Weights and Measures Act and addresses matters such as the Imperial and metric systems of measurements and the accuracy of the mechanisms used for measurements. The most popular of such mechanisms are scales. The GNBS is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the scales used by sellers are accurate and accordingly, sellers by law, have to register their scales with the GNBS which calibrates them. Unfortunately, the GNBS, like many such enforcing bodies worldwide, never has resources enough to ensure the consumers are protected in all circumstances. For example, a seller may have two scales- a GNBS registered one and one which is doctored to short-weight the buyer. When the GNBS inspector visits his establishment, the seller would produce the registered scale. But there are other
kinds of subterfuges. Recently, for example, the GNBS issued an advisory to vendors, shopkeepers and other retailers to discontinue their use of unregistered dial scales. These dial scales which many retailers have taken to using were designed for domestic use and their mechanisms are easily damaged from continuous and commercial usage and a damaged scale would inevitably short weight the purchaser. In the final analysis, it should always be kept in mind that the consumer or purchaser has to make the necessary effort to ensure that he receives value for money. In the first place, purchasers should immediately examine the goods purchased and this will give him a good idea if the goods purchased are of correct weights/measures. If there is suspicion that there is short measurement, the purchaser must challenge immediately or one could challenge the scale the seller is using and demand to see the GNBS’s stamp. In the markets, if a seller has his goods at inordinately cheap prices, then it is quite likely his scales have been doctored or the goods are expired. The buyer could take his complaint directly to the GNBS since they are entrusted with supervision of the country’s weights and m e a s u r e s . In the alternative, he may contact the Guyana Consumers Association, the
Competition and Consumers Commission or the Consumer Division of the Ministry of Business headed by Ms. Cheryl Tinnis. Over the years, the GNBS has been urging vendors and other retailers to use the recommended metric devices and these include the metric red equal arm scales, the metric platform scales, electronic scales or the dial alter scales which have been approved by GNBS. Metric scales are a security for the future since, by law, the weights and measures of Guyana are already metric and it is only a matter of time before the law is enforced. Use of metric measurements has become imperative, not merely because they are more convenient and efficient, but because Guyana, with its oil resources, is fast moving on to the international stage which has already gone metric. Use of accurate metric measurements would also be an insurance for the survival of vendors and retailers, since, except they could hold the trust of purchasers, custom will go to the supermarkets where the measurements are generally accurate. It would therefore be in the long-term interests of retailers and customers as well to use accurate scales stamped by GNBS. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Police shoot, capture man wanted for marketing agent’s murder Police ranks, on Thursday last, shot and captured a known offender who was reportedly wanted for the murder of Navindra Samaroo. Samaroo was a marketing agent who was shot and killed on Middle Road, La Penitence last month. The wanted suspect, Wayne Castello, 27, of 333 East Ruimveldt, was captured at around 20:05hrs at a Genip Lane, East Ruimveldt. Police said that they had received information of the wanted man’s whereabouts in the area and decided to pay a visit. Castello was at a roadside when he saw the ranks approaching. He immediately attempted to mount a black motorcycle and ride away but the ranks saw this, stopped and disembarked their patrol vehicle.
Realizing that he was trapped, Castello reportedly pulled a gun from his waist and began shooting at the lawmen. The ranks returned fire and a bullet struck Castello on his foot. The wanted man fell to the ground and the ranks seized the opportunity to relieve him of the gun. He was then transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical treatment. Kaieteur News tried contacting Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum yesterday to ascertain more details but he was unreachable. According to reports, on the day Samaroo was killed, this newspaper was told that he was heading back to work in a Toyota Spacio motorcar. While driving through Middle Road, he slowed
Murdered: Navindra Samaroo
Captured suspect in Samaroo’s murder: Wayne Castello
Taxi driver robbed of car on Agriculture Road A taxi-driver was on Thursday robbed of his motorcar at Agriculture Road, East Coast Demerara, by two bandits who posed as customers. The victim has been identified as Mohanlall called Mohan, 68, of East Coast Demerara. According to a police report, on Thursday about 11:45hrs, Mohanlall was parked in front of Digicel at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, when he was approached by the two suspects who told him that they needed a taxi to take them to National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The victim agreed and the suspects entered the car, one sat in the front passenger seat and the other in the back seat. While the victim was proceeding south along the Agriculture Road, one of the
suspects told the taxi driver that he already passed their destination. The taxi driver turned around the car and proceeded north on the said road. While on the way, one of the suspects told the victim to stop the car. When the driver stopped the car, the suspect in the back seat held on to the driver’s neck while the other suspect that was in the front seat came out of the vehicle, pulled the driver out of the vehicle and threw him on the ground. The suspects then made good their escape in the victim’s white Toyota 212, HC-336. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. Anyone with information on the missing car is asked to contact the nearest police station.
down to manoeuvre a pothole. Two men rode up on a motorcycle beside the car. The pillion rider appeared to have demanded something before pulling out a gun and shooting Samaroo. The man then jumped off
the bike and grabbed something through the car window before speeding away with his accomplice. Samaroo died sometime after.Details about the perpetrators were sketchy and investigators spent hours that
day reviewing video footages from nearby CCTV cameras. Sometime later, Kaieteur News was told by a source that police had detained a man for questioning. According to the source, the man was Navindra’s best friend, a bike
mechanic from Albouystown. Some speculated that he might have been the mastermind behind the robbery. However, police did not find much to implicate the man in the crime and he was subsequently released.
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Cycling: Britain’s Deignan beats Vos to win La Course thriller
UCI Women’s World Tour leader Trek-Segafredo rider Elizabeth Deignan of Britain celebrates on the podium. (Pool via REUTERS/Stuart Franklin)
Sunday August 30, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It's probably in your nature to want to include everyone in your plans today, Aries. Perhaps you're running around making sure everyone is being cared for.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Emotionally, you should be doing well today, Libra. But when it comes to taking action, you're apt to be indecisive. Every option seems to look fantastic.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may find that you have a strong will now. Once you get fired up to go somewhere, there's little chance that anyone can stop you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's tension in the air today, Scorpio, and you might be restless and anxious to start something. There is plenty of energy around to feed you, but the trick is to make sure that you're doing things for the right reasons.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) - Calm down today, Gemini, and be careful about accusing someone of something when you don't have all the facts. Keep your wrath under control. If you strike out now, you may find that you lose their respect forever. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be feeling a bit more in touch with your warrior side than your emotional side today. More than likely this will set the stage for conflict in your world of hopes and dreams.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may be feeling a bit more in touch with your warrior side than your emotional side today. More than likely this will set the stage for conflict in your world of hopes and dreams. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may be focused on a certain trajectory, but today you could run into complications based on overlooked issues.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may find that someone or something is thinking or working opposite to the way you are, Leo. This feeling is aggravated even more by a strong warrior force that wants to be recognized.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Pay attention to your body today and feel free to stop when your body says to stop. There's a strong aggressive force asking you to take action in one way or another.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Pay attention to your body today and feel free to stop when your body says to stop. There's a strong aggressive force asking you to take action in one way or another. Make sure that you are considerate of others.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Emotionally, you should be doing well today, Pisces. But when it comes to taking action, you're apt to be indecisive. Every option seems to look fantastic. You probably aren't going to want to miss out on anything.
Trek-Segafredo rider Elizabeth Deignan of Britain and CCC-Liv rider Marianne Vos of the Netherlands sprint toward the line. (Pool via REUTERS/Stuart Franklin) NICE (Reuters) - Britain’s Lizzie Deignan edged a thrilling sprint finish along the Nice seafront to beat great rival Marianne Vos and win La Course by Le Tour de France on Saturday. The hilly 96-km route around the Mediterranean city boiled down to a battle between a leading group of six, also featuring Dutch world champion Annemiek van Vleuten, Katarzyna Niewiadoma, Demi Vollering and Deignan’s Trek Segafredo team mate Elisa Longo Borghini. As the sprint wound up in the final kilometre along Promenade des Anglais it looked as though Vos, who out-sprinted Deignan for gold at the London Olympics in 2012, had nailed a second successive victory as she opened up a sizeable gap. But Dutch great Vos (CCC-Liv) had been forced to make her move too early. On the long final drag Monacobased Deignan dug deep and she surged past on the line. Vollering was third. “It was just a relief that I won it,” Deignan said. “What
...Brace puts Bridgmohan From page 71 heading into the stretch before reeling in the leaders and getting to the front at the sixteenth pole. Bridgmohan is the younger brother of the well known Shaun Bridgmohan who has notched over 3300 wins in a stellar career. The season at Indian Grand began June 15 and runs until November 18.
a performance from TrekSegafredo today, every single rider played their part, then me and Elisa only had to wait for the finale and she did the perfect job: she forced Marianne to sprint early and I took advantage of that. “It’s phenomenal to win La Course. Sometimes when you’re training hard and things aren’t going your way, it’s really frustrating but finally it feels the luck is on our side.” The victory
completed a good month for former world champion Deignan who also won GP Plouay for the third time. La Course by Le Tour, featuring the cream of women’s professional cycling, is the curtain-raiser for the Tour de France which started later yesterday in Nice. The women are still without a multi-stage Tour de France of their own, although support is growing to start one possibly as early as 2022.
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David Warner, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade find form before Australia warm-up washed out ESPNcricinfo - Australia’s opening batsmen made the most of a truncated first warmup match on their tour of England with Aaron Finch, David Warner and Matthew Wade finding form before the
intersquad game at the Ageas Bowl was abandoned due to rain. The contest between a Finch XI and a Cummins XI had already been cut to a 20over affair because of a poor
forecast and the weather closed in after 5.5 overs of the Cummins XI chase when they were racing along at 60 for 0 in reply to the Finch X’s 150 all out. Warner had resumed the
T20 form that lit up the Australia season during which he averaged 138.33 with a strike-rate of 142.12. He struck 42 off 35 balls in an opening stand of 75 in 9.2 overs with Finch who made 40 off 29 deliveries. The innings fell away once the stand had been broken when Ashton Agar bowled Finch. Josh Philippe (20), one of three uncapped players on the tour, and Mitchell Marsh (23) made starts but the final eight wickets fell for 38 runs. Kane Richardson struck twice in an over to remove Marnus Labuschagne and Daniel Sams - the latter for a first-ball duck. The lower
order was wrapped up by Pat Cummins (2 for 26) and Adam Zampa (2 for 18). The Cummins XI were soon out of the blocks in the chase as Wade cracked three sixes in an unbroken stand with Marcus Stoinis - both players in the positions where they have enjoyed considerable Big Bash success. AJ Tye’s first over back in Australia colours was taken for 22. “It was nice to get out there and play some cricket, unfortunately the weather has closed in on us,” Wade said. “The bowlers got some overs under their belt and managed to have a little hit “Starcy was certainly
flying in so it was nice to get a couple out of the middle. Just to stand in the middle with no nets around you is valuable. The bowlers haven’t had a lot of match practice, it’s all good bowling in the nets but then go and stand in the field is always the hardest part so these matches are vital for us.” The Australians hope to fit in at least three more intersquad games before the opening T20I on September 4. Scores: Cummins XI 60 for 0 (Wade 36*) v Finch XI 150 (Warner 42, Finch 40, Zampa 2-18, Richardson 216, Cummins 2-26).
Sunday August 30, 2020
One more Chennai Super Kings player tests positive for Covid-19 ESPNcricinfo - One day after news that an India international was among tenplus Chennai Super Kings contingent members to test positive for Covid-19, it has emerged that one more player, uncapped at the highest level, has also tested positive for the virus. This, even as Suresh Raina has returned home because of “personal reasons” and the team’s training sessions pushed back until at least after September 1. The BCCI issued a statement yesterday saying, a total of 1988 RT-PCR Covid tests were carried out between August 20 and 28 “across all participant groups in the UAE” which include “Players, Support Staff, Team Management, BCCI Staff, IPL Operational team, Hotel and ground transport Staff. “13 personnel have tested positive of which 2 are players. All the affected personnel as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from other team members. They are being monitored by the IPL Medical Team.” Though the statement did not mention which team those 13 personnel are from, it is understood they are all from the Super Kings camp. One of those found positive is the wife of a senior franchise official, though the official himself has tested negative.
The infected persons are understood to have been moved to a different hotel from the one the team is housed in, and are being monitored by medical personnel behind closed doors. As a result of these developments, the Super Kings have been forced to postpone the start of their training sessions in Dubai to September 1. According to the IPL’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), all those who tested positive will now need to undergo at least two weeks of further quarantine and clear two more tests before they can rejoin the group. It is believed that the positive test results are from the final round of testing in the UAE, which is part of IPL’s Covid-19 protocols comprising three tests that are mandatory for every person who is part of the tournament. According to the protocol, every person must be tested at the airport upon landing in the UAE, followed by two tests at the hotel on days three and six. The protocol also makes it mandatory for everyone to undergo a six-day quarantine after landing, when they are not supposed to mingle even with team members or colleagues. Only once the squad members clear all the mandatory tests can teams start their training.
Suresh Raina gears up to train at Chepauk. (PTI) The IPL is to start on September 19, but the schedule is yet to be finalised. The development is bound to put the IPL on alert simply because the Super Kings, who finished runners-up in 2019, are expected to play defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener. “If there are 13 cases from
only one franchise then it is an issue for sure for everyone,” an unnamed official was quoted as saying by PTI. “The biggest aspect will be whether foreign cricketers will now start being panicky as they are more touchy about these issues. We need to keep a tab on players’ mental health.”
‘Hungry’ Wells eyeing big season for City, Bermuda BRISTOL, England, CMC – Bristol City striker Nahki Wells is “hungry” ahead of the new English Championship season and the 30-year-old Bermudian believes it could be the best of his professional career. Wells, with four preseason goals under his belt already, says he is in good physical shape, is highly motivated and determined to play his part in helping the West Country club push for promotion again to the Premier League. He is also ready to pull on his national team shirt again when Bermuda play in World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers. “I’m hungry and totally looking forward to the season,” Wells told Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper. “I’m just taking it one game at a time in pre-season, focusing on my fitness and being as sharp as I possibly
can be. “I do really believe this is going to be my best season yet. If I can reach my personal milestones and targets that will hopefully help us towards trying to achieve promotion.” Wells, who scored five goals for City last season after being sold by Premier League club Burnley in the January transfer window and 15 earlier for Queens Park Rangers, where he had been on loan, has every reason to be optimistic after notching a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over League Two outfit Cheltenham Town last week. “This is our third week of pre-season now and we’re in a good place at the moment,” Wells added. “The preseason is going well and we’re all up to speed.” City drew 1-1 against Premier League side Aston Villa in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday and were to host League One outfit Swindon Town in another friendly yesterday ahead of their League Cup
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Bermuda international Nahki Wells. first-round match at home to Exeter City on September 5. Meanwhile, Wells is also looking forward to his international commitments. Bermuda will be involved in World Cup qualifiers from October 8 to November 17 and will resume their bid to qualify for the Gold Cup next July. “I definitely still have intentions of representing my country and doing my best to help us qualify for the Gold Cup and have a good run to see what we can do in the World Cup qualifiers,” Wells
added. Bermuda have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Aruba, Cayman Islands and Suriname in the World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Canada (October 8) and Suriname (November 13) and will host Aruba (October 13) and Cayman Islands (November 17) at the National Stadium. The group winner will progress to the second round. “Those are some games that I’m looking forward to,” Wells said.
Kristoff wins stage one as Pinot crashes on postponed Tour stage one NICE, France (Reuters) Alexander Kristoff won the opening stage of the Tour de France while Thibaut Pinot, who is hoping to end the home nation’s 35-year wait for a local champion, was one of several riders to take a tumble during a rain-hit ride yesterday. Norway’s Kristoff outsprinted Danish world champion Mads Pedersen after 156 km around Nice. Pinot trailed by some distance but was credited with the same time as the winner since the massive crash occurred within three kilometres of the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais. “For the moment he’s fine, but you always need to wait a few days to see if there’s been consequences or not,” Pinot’s sports director at Groupama-FDJ, Philippe Mauduit, told Reuters. Dutchman Cees Bol finished third. Colombian Nairo Quintana, twice a Tour runner-up, fell earlier while Pavel Sivakov, one of defending champion Egan Bernal’s key lieutenants, hit the ground twice. Pre-stage favourites Sam Bennett, Caleb Ewan and Giacomo Nizzolo also crashed on slippery roads as rain wreaked havoc during the stage. Organisers postponed the start of the Tour de France by several weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. STRICT RULES The race got off to an eventful start as rain made the roads extremely slippery. “There must have been 100 riders crashing. Everyone struggles, everyone got scared,” said Pinot’s team mate Valentin Madouas. “It was like an ice rink.” The multiple incidents had prompted the Jumbo
Visma team to ask the peloton to take it slow in a descent, but Astana refused to take the foot off the gas pedal. Their decision backfired, however, as their team leader Miguel Angel Lopez aquaplaned head first into a road sign. The Colombian got back on his bike. In another descent, Primoz Roglic’s team mate George Bennett also crashed, meaning riders from the top two teams Jumbo Visma and Ineos Grenadiers - were nursing bruises after the first day. Pinot, who is considered as one of the title contenders behind favourites Roglic and Bernal, sustained bruises on his leg and shoulder. The race started in front of scarce crowds in central Nice amid fears of a coronavirus second wave as the number of daily cases has been rising within France at an alarming rate in recent weeks. Riders and their staff are part of a race bubble in order to minimise risks of infections and French health authorities on Saturday imposed stricter regulations in the event of coronavirus cases. They ruled that a team should be withdrawn if two or more of its members — including riders and support staff — tested positive within seven days, race organisers said yesterday. Riders, however, put on a brave face. “I think nobody imagined 2020 to be like this. But we have to go through this for the good of everyone and the fact that the Tour is starting is already a good thing,” triple world champion Peter Sagan told reporters.
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Incredible Pollard wins the un-winnable CPL - A Kieron Pollard heist for the ages saw the Trinbago Knight Riders rescue a seemingly impossible win against the Barbados Tridents, showing the rest of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 that not only can they win without Sunil Narine, they can do it without DJ Bravo. Pollard smashed nine Hero Maximums in his 72 off 28 balls, and though Khary Pierre still had work to do to finish the job, it was the Knight Riders captain who made the game his own. Johnson Charles started aggressively, cutting Akeal Hosein and whipping Pierre for four then lofting Hosein for six. But Hosein struck in his second over, Shai Hope caught at slip trying to cut a quicker ball, just before rain briefly held things up. Charles took another boundary off Hosein, taking the Tridents to 37/1 off the Powerplay. Fawad Ahmed and Pollard kept Kyle Mayers quiet, but Charles swept well off Fawad, paddling for four and lofting for six . A t halfway, Charles had 44 of the Tridents’ 59/1. Pollard gave Tion Webster his first T20 over, and while Webster started well it eventually went for nine. Mayers sent a Seales full toss for six, but Charles then steered another full toss straight to point Pierre could have dismissed Tridents captain Jason Holder but Webster dropped a low chance at long-off. Mayers finally got hold of Fawad for a pulled four, and after 14 overs the Tridents were 92/ 2. Hosein though recovered from Sikandar Raza dropping a simple catch off Mayers to bowl
Kieron Pollard clubs one over long-on, Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents, Queen’s Park Oval, CPL 2020, August 29, 2020 ©Randy Brooks - CPL T20 / Getty Holder as he tried to launch him over midwicket. Mayers and Corey Anderson scrambled eight off Pollard, but Raza deceived both with drift and turn. Mayers was caught at long-off and Anderson stumped to leave the Tridents on 107/ 5 in the 17th over. Ashley Nurse and Rashid Khan responded emphatically. Nurse swept then cut Raza for four to get off the mark, and Rashid smacked Fawad for four then pulled him for a Hero Maximum. Fawad though recovered to dismiss Rashid, Raza taking a d i v i n g c a t c h a t c o v e r. Nurse brilliantly manoeuvred a Seales
...Phillips surge sets up Tallawahs win From page 29 Lewis hole out to long-on, Mujeeb grabbed a simple caught and bowled off Cottrell, and Lamichhane bowled Sodhi with a googly. The game was already lost when the final wicket fell, Brathwaite picking up a third as some compensation for his duck today and his mauling by the Tridents’ Kyle Mayers on Wednesday. Winning without the injured Andre Russell, who is expected to be fit for Tuesday’s game against the Trinbago Knight Riders, will please the Tallawahs camp no end, but the struggles continue for the Patriots who have left them-
selves with a lot to do in the last group matches of Hero CPL 2020. Fixtures: Sunday 30 August 2020 match 19 and 20 Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks Queen’s Park Oval 10:00am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors Queen’s Park Oval 02:15pm Scores: Jamaica Tallawahs 147/6 (Phillips 79*, Blackwood 27, Bonner 16, Asif 14; Emrit 3/32, Imran 1/7, Sodhi 1/27) beat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 110 all out (Lewis 21, K Powell 21, Kelly 16; Brathwaite 3/11, Permaul 2/20, Lamichhane 2/27, Edwards 2/39, Mujeeb 1/12) by 37 runs.
yorker over point for six, but then a pull went high rather than long and Seifer held the skier. Pollard gave himself the 20th, and Mitchell Santner pulled him for a wonderful Hero Maximum. The captain
recovered to go for just singles off the rest, but the Tridents had a what looked a good score on the board. At the start of the Knight Riders chase Webster drilled Santner for four to get off the mark, but Holder’s extra bounce did for both him, splicing a pull to mid-on, and the dangerous Colin Munro, edging a cut to Ashley Nurse at slip. At 6/2, the Knight Riders were in danger of feeding after just two overs. The Tridents went to the off-spin of Nurse to target the left-handed Darren Bravo, but the righthanded Lendl Simmons got himself on strike and hammered two contrasting Hero Maximums - the first got barely head high, the second almost cleared the stand. Holder called on Rashid, and the Afghan answered with a wicketmaiden. Bravo survived an LBW shout playing forward but then fell in that manner playing back. The Knight Riders had stumbled to 27/3 off the Powerplay. Hayden Walsh Jr started nicely, and Raymon Reifer struck with a cutter that
Seifert edged to the keeper. Hosein guided a four past third man, but at 48/4, the Knight Riders were well behind the game at halfway. Santner conceded just two, nearly having Hosein stumped twice. Off the returning Rashid, Simmons barely cleared deep midwicket with a sweep and Hosein was lucky his loft didn’t carry to long-on. But the luck did not last, as Hosein sliced a Walsh Jr googly far enough for Holder to take low at long-off. Thus, when Pollard strode to the middle, his team needed 87 off 39 balls. The captain served notice of what was to come, launching Walsh into the scoreboard first ball. Holder brought back Rashid, but Pollard attacked him too, hammering a flat Hero Maximum over long-off. Simmons then ran past one to give Hope an easy stumping off Santner. Rashid gave away only four off his last over, and with four overs left the Knight Riders needed 66. Amid sending Walsh Jr to all parts of the Queen’s Park Oval for four sixes in one game-turning over, Pollard turned down a single, and next over Raza sacrificed
himself to ensure he was run out and Pollard regained strike. Reifer started the 18th well, but Pollard somehow managed two fours. The Knight Riders still needed 31 off 12, but Pollard punished Holder for missing his yorker with two brutal Hero Maximums. Reifer got the nod for the 20th, with 15 to defend, and Pollard again started with a six. Holder appeared to have swung the game back the Tridents’ way, running out Pollard as he desperately sought a second, but Reifer’s length deserted him and Pierre kept his cool, levering a full toss over point for a score-levelling Hero Maximum. The Tridents were done, and the winning runs came next ball with a slice past third man. The Knight Riders surely cannot afford to be without players of the class of Narine and DJ Bravo for long, but they still had someone capable of winning the un-winnable. Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders 149/8 (Pollard 72, Simmons 32, Pierre 10*; J Holder 2/27, Santner 1/13, Rashid 1/21) beat Barbados Tridents 148/7 (Charles 47, Mayers 42, Nurse 19, Rashid 12; Raza 2/11, Seales 2/21 Hosein 2/30) by 2 wickets.
F1 Belgian GP qualifying: Hamilton smashes lap record to head Mercedes 1-2 Autosport - Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole for Formula 1’s 2020 Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Valtteri Bottas with a new Spa track record, with Max Verstappen pushing Bottas close in third. Both Mercedes drivers and Verstappen will start the race on the medium tyres as they were able to get through Q2 on what is a better race tyre than the red-walled softs the rest of the top 10 will start on if the track is dry. Ferrari managed to avoid losing a driver in Q1, but Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel were both eliminated in the next segment, one year on from the former taking pole at Spa. When it came to Q3, Hamilton led the way after the opening runs with a 1m41.451s - a new track record - while Bottas had time to make up after locking up and running wide on the large kerb at the exit of La Source. But, while Bottas was able to improve early on the final runs on the soft tyres in Q3, Hamilton went even faster - setting personal best
times in the first and third sector, and going fastest of anyone in the middle part of the track, where Mercedes has been dominant all weekend. The world champion’s last lap looked in control all the way around as he blasted to a 1m41.252s to improve the best time. Running behind, Bottas lost time all around his final lap and wound up 0.511 seconds adrift. Verstappen was left frustrated to finish just 0.015s behind Bottas, complaining that he ran out of battery energy at the end of his final lap. Daniel Ricciardo will start fourth after Verstappen’s lastgasp lap pushed him down one spot, with the Renault driver abandoning his final effort. Alex Albon put the second Red Bull fifth ahead of Esteban Ocon, who found enough time with the session’s final flying lap to deny Carlos Sainz Jr P6 for McLaren. Racing Point drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll took eighth and ninth after
only completing one run in Q3, while Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 after setting a personal best on his last run but not finding enough time to move up the order. Personal best times were not enough to save Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly from elimination in Q2, as the Racing Point drivers gained significantly from their first attempts to get through the middle segment on the medium tyres. Stroll and Perez jumping up the order from P11 and P12 after the first runs ultimately did for the AlphaTauris despite their own improvements, which meant they ended up in the positions just outside the top 10. Both Ferraris were ultimately knocked out in Q2 for the first time in 2020, with Leclerc heading Vettel in P13. George Russell again got his Williams into Q2, but abandoned his first run, with his second good enough only for P15 after the Ferraris found time on their second efforts. In Q1, Vettel was under pressure to improve having
sat 19th after the first runs had been completed, but the danger of both works Ferraris being knocked out in the opening segment remained. A battling warm-up lap for the drivers still needing to improve left both Vettel and Leclerc having to run without a tow at the head of a pack of cars. But they still managed to gain enough time to get through to Q2, with Vettel jumping up six spots, although Leclerc had a nervous wait as he was shuffled down to P15, complaining later about the lack of a tow. The top four drivers knocked out in Q1 all set personal bests, but Kimi Raikkonen, Romain Grosjean, Antonio Giovinazzi and Nicholas Latifi could not match the delighted and surprised Russell in splitting the Ferraris. They will start P15-P19, with Kevin Magnussen last in the second Haas after his final run was ruined by a long trip through the Stavelot gravel trap, where he nearly ran into the wall to his left as he struggled to slow his Haas machine.
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Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to lift FA Community Shield LONDON (Reuters) Arsenal beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties yesterday to lift the Community Shield, the curtain-raiser for the English domestic season, after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw on a chilly afternoon at Wembley. Gunners captain and match goal-scorer PierreEmerick Aubameyang blasted home the final kick of the afternoon to complete the north London side’s second win over the league champions in the space of six weeks after a shortened summer break. Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, match goal-scorer Takumi Minamino and Curtis Jones all scored for Liverpool in the shootout, but late substitute Rhian Brewster blasted his shot onto the bar. Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares and David Luiz all scored for the Gunners, before Aubameyang finished the job to lift his second trophy within a month following the side’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea on Aug. 1.
Arsenal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Community Shield, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Pool via REUTERS/Justin Tallis)
Phillips surge sets up Tallawahs win CPL - Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finally saw a team choose to bat first and win as Glenn Phillips accelerated after a sluggish start to bat through the innings and get the Jamaica Tallawahs a total that a faltering St Kitts & Nevis Patriots batting lineup never looked like achieving against a disciplined and skilful bowling attack. Promoted to open, Nkrumah Bonner steered Sheldon Cottrell for four and drove Ish Sodhi for the game’s first Hero Maximum, but in trying to pick up a second off Imran Khan he chipped to Cottrell at longon. The Tallwahs reached the Powerplay at 28/1. Jermaine Blackwood got off the mark with a Hero Maximum off Sodhi, but Imran continued to be hard to hit. Patriots captain Rayad Emrit brought himself on, going for seven, and at halfway the Tallawahs were 53/1. First ball after the break, Blackwood carved Cottrell for four. Phillips ended that over with his first four off his 24th ball, but the Tallawahs lost Blackwood when he picked out Dunk at long-off off Emrit.
Glenn Phillips accelerated after a sluggish start to bat through the innings. (CPL)
Phillips finally hit his first Hero Maximum off his 28th ball, lofting Jon-Russ Jaggesar over long-on, but should have fallen two balls later, Nick Kelly spilling a simple chance. Imran t i g h t e n e d t h e s c r e w, finishing his miserly spell (the most economical completed spell of Hero CPL 2020) with a maiden to Phillips who was now 28 off 36 balls. After 14 overs, the Tallawahs were 79/2.
Asif Ali tried to pick up the pace, lofting the last ball of Jaggesar’s spell for a Hero Maximum, but fell in the next over, Sodhi’s last, trying to repeat the trick. Evin Lewis must get credit for a well-judged catch on the midwicket boundary. Phillips at last clicked, passing a run a ball off his 46th delivery and reaching 50 off his 47th with three Hero Maximums off Cottrell. While he managed
another Hero Maximum off Emrit, the Patriots captain dismissed Rovman Powell and Carlos Brathwaite in quick succession and the Tallawahs reached 18 overs at 126/5. Cottrell started the 19th over with three full tosses, the first a beamer, but finished by bowling the struggling Chadwick Walton. Phillips kept going to the end, levering a low full toss over long-on for a sixth
Hero Maximum and whipping a four through square leg. Phillips’ acceleration was stark - he scored 38 off his first 44 balls and 41 off his last 17, and at the end he was visibly drained, so much so Walton took over as wicket-keeper. The Patriots too changed their openers, a groin injury to Lewis meaning Kieran Powell came up the order. While Chris Lynn opened his account with a Hero Maximum off Fidel Edwards, Edwards got revenge next ball with a late outswinger that hit middle stump. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l bowled two overs apiece and conceded just one boundary, with Kieran Powell dropped by Asif off Mujeeb. The new opener cashed in with a lovely lofted four off Edwards. The Patriots closed the first six at 39/1. The Patriots stumbled further when Ramdin edged a cut to keeper Walton off Permaul. Ben Dunk was bowled fourth ball by Brathwaite as part of a wicket-maiden, and Kieran Powell in trying to break free off Permaul gave Walton a stumping with time to spare.
Between the Powerplay and the drinks break, the Patriots faced 20 balls and lost 3/6. That stumping was Walton’s last act behind the stumps, as a recovered Phillips resumed his duties after drinks. After 10 overs, the Patriots were becalmed at 47/4 with Lewis injured, and with two overs of Mujeeb and four overs of Sandeep Lamichhane still to come. Emrit got his team their first boundary in 30 balls, but he fell two balls later leading-edging Brathwaite to point. Lewis could be delayed no longer, which in turn brought Lamichhane into the attack. Kelly swept for four, but still the over went for just six, and after 13 overs the required run rate had climbed to 11 an over. Rovman Powell brought back Mujeeb who went for just four. Lewis and Kelly managed a brief flurry of boundaries off Lamichhane and Edwards, but Edwards had the last laugh as Kelly dragged a pull onto his own stumps. The Tallawahs’ elite spinners would be denied no longer. Lamichhane’s seamup variation saw the valiant (Continued on page 68)
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Sunday August 30, 2020
GOA selects 8 sports officials Video Analyst Ravishwar Latif seeks assistance from Sports Minister for Panam training Ravishwar Latif at Guyana National Stadium, Providence during a first-class match.
GSA’s David Fernandes
T
Boxing Coach Terrence Poole M.S.
he Guyana Olympic Association after receiving an invitation from the Panam Sports Office to participate in a Webinar on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model has selected a mix of eight local sports coaches and officials to participate. Panam Sports has reached an agreement with Sport for Life from Canada to share their knowledge and programmes with all the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) through their new Webinar educational series on Zoom and the Panam Sports Channel on
Rugby Coach Theo Henry
Youtube. The presentations on the LTAD model will be over an eight week period with two hours every week on Wednesdays starting from this week, September 2, 2020. Those identified from Guyana are David Fernandes who is the President of the Guyana Squash Association, Terrence Poole (Boxing), Shavin Green (Table Tennis), Shyka Gonsalves (Swimming), Roger Peroune (Karate), Kenisha Headley (Athletics), Theodore Henry (Rugby) and Nicholas Fraser (Allied Arts).
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ricket West Indies (CWI) regional Video analyst Randy Latif is requesting from Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jnr. financial assistance to enhance cricket here. According to Latif he really wants to make cricket analysis a career but is saying financial support is a hindrance. Latif stated that he works with young and aspiring cricketers across Guyana to help detect any deficiency. He strongly believes because of his expertise in the area of analysing the game from a bird-view, it will help cricketers come out better. For the past three years, Latif had done regional fourday matches for Guyana Jaguars at the Guyana
National Stadium, Providence and the regional limited-over tournament as well, but he is eager to travel with the teams when playing matches in different territories. In 2017, Latif attended a CWI Analyst Training Camp and mentioned that motivated him to be a professional in this area. “I was encouraged from there on; I love what I [am] doing and I want to do it for my country so the cricketers would benefit; but I just need financial assistance to move forward,” Latif related. He continued to say that he is a teacher by profession but wants to be employed as a cricket analyst permanently by analysing players and have stats available and to stream the game.
“I can be available for a cricket consultant to the Guyana Cricket Board to provide footage to the headcoach so they can work with that along with the stats,” Latif assured. He also took the opportunity to say that with statistics like these it must be noted that it can address players’ downfall and strength as well. “I have been doing coding as code reflects on the area of strength and weakness of specific players which includes wagon wheel, worms, accuracy and variations,” Latif revealed. Latif is not only ambitious to work in the cricket environment. He is also a qualified CWI umpire and would have played the game at the youth level domestically.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 30, 2020
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The Rise of a Sports Industry The Guyana Golf Association welcomes the announcement of the new PGA-standard golf course, one of two that is scheduled to be built in the Maraiko Bay megaresort in Mahaica. “This will put Guyana in the enviable position of having two world class designed golf courses that will host international competitions and provide local and expats with top quality facilities to play on,” said Aleem Hussain, President of the Guyana Golf Association. To put things in context, Saudi Arabia is spending over US$1 BILLION to construct 13 golf courses ...in the desert! The revenues generated from golf tourism and local play is far more than traditional tourism and with more than 58 million golfers close by in the USA, Guyana must take its rightful place as a contender for that segment of business. “The television broadcast rights and advertising opportunities for a developing country are
amongst some of the interesting factors that golf will bring to Guyana,” according to Hussain. “We will be able to showcase our natural resources, business and investment opportunities, and ecotourism beauty to millions of viewers who tune in to watch tournaments.” The Maraiko Bay Golf & Country Club will set the standard for other developers and ensure that Guyana is recognized as a top golf destination in the region. Smaller countries such as Barbados and Trinidad have a combined 13 golf courses and Guyana, despite its size for many years has had only a small 9hole course. Over the past three years, golf has increased in visibility and popularity and the Guyana Golf Association has been the driving force for the development of the sport, focusing on new players (more than 300 new players, mostly women and children) have taken up the game at the Nexgen Golf Academy &
Aleem Hussain
Driving Range on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown in the past two months. Partnerships with the Scouts Association of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers Union, along with the planned introduction of the sport to the schools around the country have helped to drive its rise in popularity. The ultimate goal is the formation of an Olympic team to represent Guyana. Currently, the Academy
is offering free training camps to students ages 4-15 (sponsored by Guyana Beverages, Nand Persaud, CIMGRO, New Trend Auto, Assuria General, AR Printery) and low cost sessions for all persons with weekday specials that include free breakfast or lunch with minimum one hour play. For more information: call 645 0944 or visit their Facebook page Nexgen Golf Academy.
Brace puts Bridgmohan into double figures SHELBYVILLE, Indiana, CMC – Jamaican jockey Jermaine Bridgmohan broke into double figures at Indiana Grand on Thursday when he logged a double on the 11race card in the American midwest. The 32-year-old won with favourite Mongolian Humor in race five and with 13-5 chance Happy Sonrisa in race seven, to move to 10 wins from 46 mounts for the season. Deshawn Parker tops the standings with 55 wins but just seven clear of Fernando De La Cruz, with Barbadian Rocco Bowen lying seventh on 20 wins. After finishing last and then second from last in his two previous rides on the card, Bridgmohan tasted success over a mile, pairing with five-year-old chestnut mare Mongolian Humor to crush the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by
10-½ lengths. Mongolian Humor pressed the early pace set by 5 - 1 c h a n c e Queenofcatniphill and 17-2 bet Bloody Mary Mornin before snatching the lead on the far turn and drawing off impressively to dominate the stretch run. Bridgmohan’s second win came in another mile trip when he carried the threeyear-old brown filly Happy Sonrisa to a 1-½ length victory over the three-yearold and upward maiden fillies and mares. Graceful Choice, the longest shot in the field at 671, produced the early splits of 24.10 seconds for the quarter and 49.84 for the half as Atalanta Belle chased under pressure from Mavalous Mavalous. Bridgmohan found himself starved for racing room at the quarter pole but shifted the filly to the outside (Continued on page 65)
Incredible Pollard wins the un-winnable
Khary Pierre leaps in celebration on hitting the winning run for TKR. (CPL)
Kieron Pollard launches one over the ropes, Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents, Queen’s Park Oval, CPL 2020, August 29, 2020 Š Randy Brooks - CPL T20 / Getty
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rt Hamilton smashed the Spa lap record to head a Mercedes 1-2.
Kristoff wins stage one as Pinot crashes on postponed Tour stage one
F1 Belgian GP qualifying: Hamilton smashes lap record to head Mercedes 1-2
Phillips surge sets up Tallawahs win Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to lift FA Community Shield
UAE Team Emirates rider Alexander Kristoff of Norway celebrates after winning the stage. (Pool via REUTERS/Christophe Petit Tesson)
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