Kaieteur News

Ministers' 7% Satuday Edition December 04, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 46 increase is more NEWS than what a minimum Guyana’s largest selling Price $80 daily & New York’s most wage public servant takes popular weekly home for the entire year

K

AIETEUR

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online readership yesterday, 75,840

Guyana continues to rely on ExxonMobil for data on oil & gas resources - independent survey yet to be done 6 years on

European group eyes 'sweet' oil find in Orinduik Block Doctors complain Wakenaam residents fume over about G$41 clogged trench daily licence fee - NDC seeks Lands & Survey intervention Amerindian chief demands fresh consultations with Canadian mining company…Marudi mining agreement

Turkey threatens to The protest continues stop Exxon’s drilling for change to off Cyprus coast ExxonMobil’s contract.

Kaieteur Block owner emerges from the shadows into the insurance sector with T&T partner; while Guyana waits for Jagdeo to get Exxon to acknowledge US$2B insurance coverage, don’t be surprised if Ryan Perreira’s Company steps in. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

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Turkey threatens to stop Exxon’s drilling off Cyprus coast T

u r k e y h a s threatened to p r e v e n t ExxonMobil's search for oil and gas off Cyprus—an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea—after that country awarded the rights to Block 5 in the island's Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ).

Cyprus on Thursday awarded natural gas exploration rights for Block 5 to the ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum consortium, with the US giant given administrative rights as the owner of 60 percent of the consortium.

The Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry subsequently claimed that a part of the licenced area in question violates Turkey's continental shelf in the eastern Mediterranean, just hours after the deal was announced.

T h e e a s t e r n Mediterranean has in recent years become an energy hotspot with big natural gas finds for Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt.

Turkey's push to secure a share of the resources has exacerbated tensions in the region.

Ankara was accused of “gunboat diplomacy” when, in February 2018, the Turkish navy prevented an ENIleased drillship from reaching its drilling destination in Cyprus' Block 3.

T h e E u r o p e a n Commission has urged

A map denoting the location of the controversial oil block off the coast of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.

Turkey to initiate and sustain de-escalation in the region, while vowing to defend the interests of member states Greece and Cyprus if it didn't.

Turkey, however, does not seem to be backing down, arguing it is protecting its rights and those of Turkish

Cypriots.

As Turkey argues, the self-proclaimed 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', recognized only by Ankara, lays claim to any energy resources discovered off its coast as the island's natural resources belong to both communities.

“Turkey will never allow a n y f o r e i g n c o u n t r y, company or ship to engage in hydrocarbon exploration activities in its maritime jurisdictions,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey accused Cyprus of escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by

Manager charged for fraudulently converting SUV money to his own use A sixty-one-year-old manager was yesterday hauled before a City Magistrate where he was charged for fraudulent conversion.

The court heard that the defendant, Robert Ramdass, of Lot 248 Second Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, fraudulently converted $1,585,000 that was given to him to purchase a motor vehicle into his own use.

Ramdass was arrested, subsequently charged, and placed

before Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrate's Courts.

He denied the charge, which stated that between May 1, 2021 and November 30, 2021 at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being entrusted with $1,585,000 by Ramdeo Bispat for him to deliver one new model Xtrail, he converted same into his own use.Magistrate Bess granted the defendant bail in the sum of $250,000, and the matter was adjourned to January 13, 2022.

The defendant, Robert Ramdass, at court yesterday.

awarding exploration and drilling rights to the venture.

Turkey “will continue to resolutely defend” its rights and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', the Foreign Ministry said.

ExxonMobil and its partner, Qatar Petroleum, are licenced to exploit Block 10, where natural gas was discovered at the Glafcos well.

In February 2019, the consortium discovered a huge natural gas reserve off the coast of Cyprus in block 10, the island's largest find to date, holding an estimated five to eight trillion cubic feet of gas.

Block 10 is 2,572 square kilometres, with ExxonMobil again holding 60% interest, and Qatar Petroleum owning the other 40%.

The consortium plans on drilling an appraisal well in Block 10 in December, with results expected by the end of February.

The discovery of nearby Egypt's huge Zohr offshore reservoir in 2015 has stoked interest that Cypriot waters hold the same riches.

Cyprus has pushed ahead with exploring offshore energy resources, despite the collapse in 2017 of UN talks to end the country's decadeslong division.

Tu r k e y w a s w i d e l y condemned for sending drill ships into Cyprus waters for energy exploration; the EU has also sanctioned it.

In the first half of 2022, ENI and Total are expected to drill in their licenced blocks, including an appraisal well at ENI's Calypso discovery in Block 6.

They called off 2020 Cyprus explorations due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

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

Crime in the face and in every place

I

n our Sunday August 1st edition, we carried a story titled, “Bandits caught on camera choking, robbing foreigners.” It is a disheartening welcome to Guyana, one which those foreigners did not bargain for, did not include in their Guyana travel plans. But it is now undeniable that crime is now hands down, in just about every place in this society, which the cameras caught of how Guyanese (and others) are waylaid and violated and traumatised daily.

Crime stories are so normal now as to be numbing in the routines of them occurring. The fact that this particular crime was caught on camera and pictured in our August 1st edition, in the middle of its unfolding, revealed so much of what is the standard here, and relayed so much, for all the world to see, wherever KN can be accessed and viewed. Political leaders and law enforcement authorities may not like such a disclosure. But before they get defensive and take aim at the media, the better first step would be not to smooth over with slick public relations releases and statistics (from which no one is comforted), but to acknowledge that crime is a serious problem, and on an everyday and everywhere basis. The fact that this specific instance of a crime in commission, as caught on tape, did occur in the crowded Stabroek Market area says so much about crime in general, and that it is going to happen anywhere, without regard to the best of precautions taken, and whatever government and the police do.

If such a brazen example of crime could happen by the Stabroek Market, and in broad daylight, then we say it: no place is safe; which means that no citizen is safe, not even the upholders of the law, and whatever the dictates of the law. The Stabroek Market space is not some way out, remotely travelled area. Rather, it is mostly congested, and under normal circumstances provides better cover for pickpockets to operate . But the mostly younger Guyanese bandits of today do not need the covers of either the crowd thronging the busy area, or that of darkness, in which to function at will. They could care less about the camouflage of crowds, or the presence of such, which was what was confirmed by their actions and broadcast by the evidence of the surveillance cameras.For there were the robbers choking and robbing, and unconcernedly and powerfully engaged in their criminal business, while law abiding Guyanese took great care to mind their own business and hurry along with that business. There were walking and moving passersby observing and proceeding as though nothing of particular importance was happening, with a violent robbery in full flow. There were seated vendors (possibly) watching helplessly and stonily at the spectacle of two possibly related robberies taking place right before the eyes. They all know better than to raise an alarm and interfere in any way, for they know that they can be the very next victims, or marked for later targeting. There were approximately six citizens right in the vicinity, maybe double that number, who were conspicuous for the careful distance and steady indifference they displayed. When the many are held hostage by the few, it is evidence of where things are. It is of how thin the line of protection is, mostly nonexistent, that stands between civility and daily criminal anarchy, between safety and growing insecurity.

This story and this picture tells citizens where we have been for a while now, and the criminal depths to which we have descended, and with which citizens all over grapple, and come out of on the largely losing side. This is regardless of what the official statistics say, however they are compiled, and with whatever objectives were in mind, when they were assembled. We are at the stage where the law is neither respected nor feared, and with the same to be said for officers of the law. When that happens, then the bottom is close to dropping out, if it has not already totally fallen off. This is where we think that we are, as lived by fearful citizens, and now anxious and alarmed outsiders.

IS THIS THE WAY CONSULTATIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CARRIED OUT? DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for providing me the opportunity and space to comment on the recent visit of the high level team to Aishalton on Saturday the 29th November, 2021, concerning the signed agreement between GGMC, the Rupununi Miners Association, Romanex, and Aurous. The visit came after the SRDC wrote a letter to the Minister and published a press release denouncing the agreement as being signed in violation of our right to free, prior, and informed consent.

The November 29th meeting was framed as a “consultation” over the mining agreement. “Consultation” is a distorted word, especially by the authorities that be, including the mining companies and politicians. The meeting on 29th November cannot be considered a consultation, as we were provided with no prior information or time to prepare for the meeting. The Toshao was not even afforded the respect of advance notice for the meeting. Instead, on Friday the 28th November, a regional official visited some communities and told residents to say they support the mining in Marudi and to say that 90% of our people mine in Marudi, when we know that is not true. Agents of the regional official were walking around our villages in the night to have documents signed. Is this the way ‘consultations’ are supposed to be carried out?

At the meeting in Aishalton on November 29th, we heard the principle of Free Prior and Informed Consent mentioned several times. The

principle of FPIC was similarly invoked by our Head of State at COP26 in Glasgow.

These speeches sound inspiring, but what is happening on the ground is a horse of a totally different colour.

Our communities have still yet to even receive any copy of the signed agreement, let alone have any meaningful opportunity to participate in the negotiation and drafting of the agreement. Indeed, respecting our right to FPIC is impossible now that the agreement is already signed; the only remedy now is to revoke the agreement and recommence the process of discussions over what activities to allow at Marudi with our effective participation.

Statements by government representatives in the meeting and in the press seem to suggest that a few is raising objections to this agreement because we do not want development for our communities. This is false. The issue is not about whether we want mining or not, or the possible benefits of mining, or about how many permits have been granted previously; the main issue is that this agreement, which authorizes activities on our traditional lands and will have direct impacts on our Indigenous Communities, was signed without our effective participation and inclusion in decision-making. Marudi is a sacred mountain and is in our Traditional Lands, in an area where we have a pending extension application, and we have formally claimed it as such as since the 1967 Amerindian Lands Commission Report.

It is true that there have been mining permits issued over Marudi for years, but any change in circumstances immediately demands meaningful and effective consultation with and the consent of the rightsholders, the Wapichan nao, before any agreement can be signed. Don’t put the cart before the horse and say that all is well because it is not. We have previously objected to decisions being made about Marudi without us and we will continue to do so once we are being excluded from decisions that will have lasting impacts on our villages.

The continued and serious violation of our rights as Indigenous Peoples to Free Prior Informed Consent and to effectively participate in decision-making affecting us violates the protections in the Constitution of Guyana for our cultural heritage and way of life, as well as the rights protected in international conventions incorporated therein. In addition, in 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice, our nation’s highest court, explained that our “Constitution’s Preamble indicates the determination of the Guyanese people to ‘forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law’” (McEwan and Ors v. A.G. Guyana, [2018] CCJ 30 (AJ), para. 61, per PCCJ Saunders).

Where was the broad-based

participation when our lands, our sacred mountains, were again burdened by mining concessions and permits, and we learned of this via a Facebook post? Imagine if this were your house or your farm.

Imagine if this was one of your sacred places, your church, mosque or temple.

Where was the concern for social justice and the fundamental human rights of indigenous peoples, we who must live with the direct consequences when the others have all moved on? In the same case, the CCJ further explained that our constitutional promise of equality prohibits the State from adopting measures “that treat a group of persons as secondclass citizens or in any way that otherwise offends their dignity as human beings” (para. 66). This is how we have been made to feel; second-class citizens, whose dignity and rights have been trampled on, yet again.

I demand of the present and future governments to respect us as first-class citizens who deserve respect, especially for our rights to our lands, territories and natural resources, our right to be consulted in accordance with our traditional norms, and our right to give our consent, be it negative or positive, free of political interference, intimidation or any other form of coercion.

When are we going to stand up and ensure that human rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected and upheld?

Chief Tony James, Wapichan Elder

NOT ENOUGH SHELTERS TO CARE FOR ANIMALS DEAR EDITOR, Time and again, there have been numerous calls from the general public to have animals, both large and small, to be removed from the streets. This missive will zoom in on small animals, i.e., dogs and cats.

The large animals, such as horses, cattle and pigs, are an entirely different kettle.

Editor, only those who are directly involved will ever truly understand. It is an endless daily battle. Any attempt to educate the society about the importance of animal wellbeing and welfare is an uphill task, since often times, the welfare of an animal is perceived inferior to that of humans.

Editor, the sad reality in Guyana is that there are simply not enough homes for all the animals, and shelters are out of space. The shelters back home are filled to capacity. There is simply not enough space or resources to house

all the animals. On any given day, an average of about 20 kittens and puppies are surrendered to any of the local shelters, the GSPCA might have a higher number. Now, multiply that number by seven and you get the reality. There is simply no space!

For those that are not surrendered, they are dumped every day. Some are placed in bags and dumped in trenches or by the road side.

Some are dumped at garbage dumps. Some killed by the very owners. These pups and kittens are left to the elements of nature, diseases and parasites. No one to care for them.

No one to shelter or provide for them. Their next meal is not guaranteed and their illnesses get progressively worst. Internal parasites proliferate. Attacks from older animals left them wounded.

Attacks from humans, who despise them, are even worst, - chops, poison, burns etc.

Left untreated, their wounds become infected and infested, their diseases and parasites are then spread to our pets and, in some instances, to us humans.

When animals are placed in overcrowded shelters which also comes with its complications. Reduced personal space for animals increases their stress levels, encourages fighting and obsessive-compulsive disorders (Stereotypies) such and clawing, biting, head butting, teeth grinding and gnawing etc. Overcrowding also increases the incidence of diseases and disease spread.

Editor, in some cases euthanasia is inevitable. Euthanasia is never an easy option but it can be the most humane option. Euthanasia saves an animal from such torment. But again, it’s one of the hardest decisions to make. It is, however, the last option. This procedure is fast and painless,

for the animal, but never for the veterinarian performing the procedure.

Hence spaying and neutering is strongly encouraged. If people really care about their animals and do not wish to have kittens or pups, the conscious sacrifice must be made to have these procedures done. Spay and neuter are surgical procedures done under general anesthesia and should only be done by a licenced veterinarian. In the females, a small incision in made to gain entry into the abdominal cavity, and the ovaries and uterus is removed. In the males, a small incision is made under the belly and the testicles are removed.

The benefits of having these procedures done are many; no pups or kittens, no birth complications, reduced incidences of reproductive tumors, reduced aggressive (Continued on page 6)

Saturday December 04, 2021

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Kaieteur News

REGION 2 NEEDS PORT AT A RESPONSE TO RAMHARACK’S ANTI-JAGANISM CHARITY/POMEROON DEAR EDITOR The Region 2 Essequibo coast and surrounding areas (islands as well as deep in the Pomeroon River area) have been neglected by both governments. Development is lagging behind other areas.

The Region has all the requirements for major development projects. It desperately needs a port that comes with an immigration/custom office to facilitate easy trade and movement of goods and people. A port would mean a better connection and would create a livelihood for everyone in the region.Charity can be transformed into a major transportation as well as trade (import and export) hub. It can also be transformed into a deep water harbour.The Pomeroon River mouth has been silting up. It must be dredged. Dredging would improve navigation as well as land drainage.The URP is calling on the government to dredge the Pomeroon River mouth so that water will able

to flow freely. Dredging will help to prevent the kind of flooding that took place last May and June. Dredging mitigates flooding and protects fishing. It also protects people against contaminants.

It facilitates the flow of water allowing large boats to traverse the river. A port at Charity will facilitate business with interior regions as well as the islands, and a custom area will allow for international trade. Larger ships will come to the port. Ships won’t need to go to Georgetown to discharge goods. They can come directly to Charity. The Georgetown port is costing Essequibians too much in transportation cost while shipping directly to charity will reduce costs.A Charity port will create more business for the entire Region raising value of property as well as standard of living. Goods will be cheaper for the people in the greater Region 2 area as transportation costs will be less. Import and export will be

cheaper.An immigration and custom duty port will allow for marketing and export of local produce. Imports can come directly to Region 2 rather than for goods to go to Georgetown, where they would need a truck to go to west Demerara and then continue to the ferry crossing to finally reach Essequibo or the islands, costing so much more money. Exports will also be facilitated – reducing costs and providing greater profits to farmers who export their goods. Jobs will be created through the port. It will bring in more revenue for Guyana since taxes will be collected since there will also be more trade and employment. It is a win-win for all.Thus, The URP is calling out to the Government to put a full Custom house in Pomeroon so that the people in the area can finally have a sustainable livelihood with import and export.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader of URP

PPP GOVERNMENT TREATMENT OF FORMER MINISTER WINSTON JORDAN DESPICABLE DEAR EDITOR The unlawful and vulgar arrest of Winston Jordan has cemented the position that the PPP regime is now a naked dictatorship.

This arrest comes mere weeks after Bharrat Jagdeo publicly expressed disappointment in the Special Organised Crime Unit’s sloth in not going after political targets.

This public chiding was meant to literally whip SOCU into action, and act it did.The nation needs to be reminded that Winston Jordan was, at all material times, a gazetted Minister, with responsibility for Finance, within the President David Granger constitutionally appointed Cabinet of Ministers. As per the Constitution of Guyana, and established Commonwealth practice, Ministers operate under the doctrine of “collective responsibility” and are answerable to the National Assembly of the Parliament.

At all times, Minister Jordan acted within the strict parameters of the Constitution and Financial Management and Accountability Act (FMAA).

No decision was personal or

without Cabinet approval. To charge and prosecute a former Minister for taking actions pursuant to a decision(s) of Cabinet is vulgar, abusive, unlawful and unconstitutional, and as the PPP recognised when it withdrew false charges against Dr. George Norton, an individual should not be singled out and persecuted while acting on behalf of the collective of the Constitutional body known as the Cabinet.

It is no coincidence that SOCU has slithered into action following the biting and justified criticism leveled against the regime for doling out a paltry 7% increase for public servants and for mismanaging the public debt in particular, and economy, in general.

This action is meant to silence Winston Jordan who has been very vocal on PPP mismanagement of the economy, and all who like him,

are crying out for fairness and justice.

It is important to recall that in December 2006 the PPP government entered into a 20 year lease arrangement with an option to purchase, between NICIL and BK Inc. This agreement was signed by former head of NICIL Winston Brassington and witnessed

by Marcia Nadir Sharma. In 2009 BK Inc. exercised their option to purchase. This matter subsequently engaged the courts from 2013 long before Mr. Jordon was Minister of Finance and through to 2017 when it was finally settled.

The AFC joins with those who consider themselves as patriots, right-thinking and law abiding to condemn in its loudest voice, this latest act of atrocity and violation of the human rights of a citizen Winston DaCosta Jordan.

Regards Alliance For Change

DEAR EDITOR It was with a great deal of sadness that I read Ramharack’s lengthy article in the “Stabroek News” of November 28, 2021 headlined “Re-imagining Cheddi Jagan: Cultural Moorings and Political Recklessness”. The author is a well-known antiJaganist, one of those middleclass Indians who hates Jagan’s pro-working class politics.

First of all, he, like so many anti-Jagan commentators, blames Cheddi Jagan for the struggle he and the PPP leaders and members waged for independence of this country.

He has certainly taken the side of the British Colonialists and imperialists who did not want to see this country become independent under a party that would put the Guyanese nation as its priority and the interests of workers and farmers taking a central part in a free Guyana.

He has repeated the old slogan of Jagan being “outmaneuvered by the West and Forbes Burnham”.

The fact is, Jagan was not “outmaneuvered”. It was the cause he and the PPP represented, the cause of freedom, and the broad masses of the Guyanese people who were betrayed by the West and the PNC which was led by Burnham. How could the West talk about Democracy and did everything to frustrate the democratic will of the Guyanese people expressed in free and fair elections in 1953; 1957 and 1961: How can they speak about human rights and deliberately instigated and financed racial clashes in the society that killed many and left a trail of destruction in our land and a legacy of racial prejudice that we have not fully recovered from. Is this what Ramharack admires when he speaks of Jagan being “outmaneuvered?”

Forbes Burnham, by collaborating with those plots and becoming the main man of imperialism, (he received money from the CIA until 1973 as revealed in documents released by the State Department of the US and British Foreign Office) was as guilty as the British and CIA. Forbes

Burnham chose the “easy” road by working with hostile foreign powers against the wishes of the Guyanese people. He did this on the promise by the US and UK to put him in power. There is nothing noble in that as far as I am concerned.

Cheddi Jagan is disliked by some of the Middle Class Indian intellectuals, like Ramharack because he refused to abandon the working people because he refused to adopt racist politics to counter Burnham’s PNC racism in the 1960s and because he stuck with his class approach to the issues in Guyana. These positions of Jagan and the PPP were never a secret. Jagan was always open and honest with the Guyanese people.

At a public meeting on June 17, 1964 Cheddi Jagan made his position clear on that matter. He dismissed the idea of making the PPP an Indian Party. He said publicly that many persons approached him on that issue. Here is a direct quote from that meeting “…I can understand their fears (Indians) and their feelings but I have had to tell them that the PPP was not interested in putting Indians on top but to see justice for all…”

Dr. Jagan went on to say that “…the solution to the problems of this country lies in the unity of the working class…” that was the position he held to the day he died.

Cheddi Jagan made such empathic statements at a time when racially instigated violence was at its highest. It was just after the Wismar holocaust (using Burnham’s words) and violence raging on the Coast. Dr. Jagan toured the troubled spots on the East and West Coast and his message was the same, unity.

Only PPP leaders of that period went out publicly with that message of uniting our people.

The real “fundamental” sin of Jagan for Ramharack and others like him who hate

the PPPs politics, is due to the fact that Jagan refused to practice the politics of race.

Ramharack and his ilk cannot forgive Jagan because the masses of Indian Guyanese, workers, farmers, patriotic business people, agreed with and supported him and rejected the racist politics that some of Ramharack’s heroes wanted to pursue. They rejected those elements because the masses saw that they were insincere and Jagan’s way was the only viable route.

The Indian refugees from Wismar/Christianburg and Mackenzie chased Dr. Balwant Singh when he visited them in Ruimveldt and tried to instigate racism among them. This is a strong indicator that PPP supporters accepted the Party’s line and rejected racism.

Balramsingh Rai, who Ramharack is trying to make into an Indian hero, was no defender of Indian Guyanese.

He was simply trying to use the Indian Guyanese masses to fulfill the diabolical plans of the colonial masters to further promote racism in BG. He had refused to join the PPP in 1953 and instead he joined the NDP, which was the political arm of the League of Coloured People, headed by John Carter. He lost his deposit securing only 6.2% of the votes cast in the Central Demerara Constituency, his home town.

In 1962 Rai was the Minister of Home Affairs when the riots started but did not lift a finger to push the police to stop the attacks on Indian Guyanese on the streets or to prevent the arson of IndoGuyanese owned businesses in Georgetown. It is true that Cheddi Jagan was a Marxist.

However, to call him “an inflexible Marxist” is an absolute misrepresentation of the man. Throughout his life Jagan warned against dogmatism and sloganeering. Indeed, because of the great creative work he was doing (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Mechanic placed on $550k bail for allegedly stealing car

A

19-year-old me chanic was on Fri day granted $550,000 bail by a City Magistrate for allegedly stealing a Toyota 212 motorcar that was entrusted to him by Campion Chester for repairs.

Justin DeSantos, who resides at Lot 206 Section ‘C’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on October, 23, 2021, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he stole one Toyota 212 motorcar #PLL 1118 valued at $1.3 million, being the property of Chester.

However, DeSantos’ attorney added that his client turned himself in when he received the news that he was being called upon by investigators in relation to the matter. He explained that his client, DeSantos, was asked to do repairs on the said car, after which he dropped the vehicle off at the named location, as directed by Chester.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor objected to bail, noting to the court, that the address the defendant gave the court and the one he shared with investigators are completely different; he emphasized that the defendant went into hiding after stealing the vehicle.

He further explained to the court that the defendant has several similar matters lodged

at the Turkeyen police station that are currently under investigation, and also noted that if the defendant is granted bail, it is likely that he may commit the same offense again.

The attorney for the accused then argued that his client has two addresses; apart from that, he argued that

DeSantos stopped a police patrol that was passing at the time and turned himself in.

The prosecutor countered that ranks acted on information received as to his whereabouts, and that was what led to the arrest of the accused.

He is expected to return to court on January, 13, 2022.

Charged, Justin DeSantos

Pay your taxes or lose your properties - Municipal tax amnesty

Individuals, companies, trusts or partnerships that fail to pay outstanding rates shall be subjected to Pirate Execution. This is stated in the new Municipal Tax Amnesty policy, which took effect from yesterday up until March 31, 2022. Pirate execution is a practical foreclosure provision in procedural law, which allows the sale of mortgaged properties, without going through legal and formal court proceedings.

The Mayor and City Council yesterday launched this Municipal Tax Amnesty policy, which aims to forgive the tax liabilities of ratepayers

for a limited period. This period started on December 3, 2021 and will conclude on March 31, 2022. During this time, ratepayers will be required to pay a specific amount.

The City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, during a press briefing stated that the purpose of this policy is to benefit those who have been outstanding tax defaulters for years and is intended to provide a helpful avenue to ratepayers pursuant to the Municipality District Council Act. The mayor advised the business sector, along with residents, to take advantage

of the amnesty, and he made reference to the fact that individuals or organisations who are granted a tax amnesty for this year will not be eligible for another amnesty within the next five years.

This publication previously reported that the mayor, during an interview, stressed the fact that revenue collection for the city is a decadeold issue that needs to be fixed. The council’s annual budget is about $2.2 billion, while its revenue collection is around $700 to $800 million per year, which in the mayor’s opinion, can’t even manage the city.

NOT ENOUGH SHELTERS TO CARE...

From page 4 dominant behaviour in males and females, less straying and injuries related to straying and a longer healthier life for your pet are just a few to mention. But with all surgical procedures, there are risks related, some of which include are post-surgical bleeding, infection of incision site, and in rare cases, allergic reaction to

the anesthetic used.

Book an appointment with your local veterinarian to get these procedures done. Also, there are numerous animal welfare organizations and animal activist that assist with reducing the cost to have these procedures done.

Please contact your local animal welfare organization or activist to get help.

Also, you can do your part by adopting or fostering an animal, donating food, cleaning agents, toys, or volunteer your time at a local shelter or with an activist in your area.

Regards Anurama Ramgobin Tails of Hope Animal Rescue.

Saturday December 04, 2021

A RESPONSE TO RAMHARACK’S...

From page 5 to advance the country, the British in the early 1960s was not in agreement with the US to remove him. They pointed out to the US how he was changing the country very rapidly for the better and they thought they could work with him. The British even told the Americans that the US was mistaking Jagan’s nationalism for communism. That was because Jagan was promoting national democracy improving the economy and the people’s welfare. It is in that period that many local businesses emerged and the size of the working class increased.

His Government of that period represented the broad masses of people which included all classes of Patriotic Guyanese.

Under Jagan and the PPP leaders British Guiana had one of the soundest economy of all the British colonies. In Per Capita Income British Guiana was one of the best of all the countries in the Commonwealth which was at similar stage of development as BG. In fact, even when the PPP government came under intense pressure, including an economic blockade in 1963, the economy of British Guiana kept growing. This was due to the creativity of Cheddi Jagan and his colleagues in the Cabinet and the PPPs Executive.

Many of the PPP achievements in that period stand today as monuments of that generation of PPP leaders and members.

Let me now turn to this talk about culture. It appears that for Ramharack, culture is confined to Hinduism. Well, even here the PPP made its mark.

It was the PPP that removed the discrimination against non-Christian religions.

Let me remind Ramharack that up to the late 1950s a Hindu or Muslim could not hold a job in the Public Service, or in the teaching profession or as nurses.

It was the PPP that put an end to that so that those positions were no longer the preserve of only Christians.

Marriages under Hindu and Muslim rites were not legal. Jagan and his colleagues changed that as well.

Moreover, Cheddi Jagan, the Marxist, attracted many religious leaders to his cause.

Those persons came to join the struggle from their moral religious and cultural convictions.

It was Reverend Belgrave who was the Master of Ceremonies when Freedom House was opened in 1957. Reepu Daman Persaud was a towering leader of both

the PPP and the Hindu Community, so too was Boodram Mahadeo, a highly respected Pandit, a leader in the Rice Producers Association and a leader of the PPP. The leading Muslim Priest at that time was Yacoob Alli, he was head of the Guyana United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman and also a member of the Central Committee of the PPP. Does this sounds like Jagan was an “inflexible Marxist?”

All those persons were highly cultured, possibly far ahead of Ramharack. No other movement promoted culture as the PPP, both in and out of government. Recall that the best poems of Martin Carter, Rudy Luck and Sydney King were produced when they were members of the PPP engaged in the anti-colonial struggles.

It was in the PPP’s “Thunder” and “Mirror” that Wordsworth McAndrew and scores of local poets were first published and gained prominence.

The conditions created by the PPP government from 1957 to 1964 allowed the flowering of arts and culture in that era. I do not think we have another period that can compare to that time when Guyanese artists came into their own.

The PPP began as early as 1958, under Brindley Benn’s leadership, the History and Culture Week which sought to make Guyanese aware and proud of their multi-cultural heritage.

The idea was to develop a unique Guyanese Culture in which the varied cultures of our ancestors would have developed and interact with each other to make us all culturally richer.

The only opera about this country’s struggles was written during the PPP’s time in office between 1957 to 1964.

It was performed in Germany and other European capitals.

From 1957 to 1964 we had a flourishing of literature as well. The Guyana prize for Literature had its beginnings under the PPP. National competition was promoted to bring out our best writers and our best painters. A Premier’s Prize was put up by Cheddi Jagan for the best stories written by Guyanese.

Many really good books came out in that period by such giants like Jan Carew, Wilson Harris and Edgar Mittelholzer among others.

The PPP produced great artists that made it on the international scene.

Ramjohn Holder known throughout the world as “Pork Pie” from the British Sitcom had his beginnings in the PPP. Cheddi did not have the habit to be quoting religious

books nor was it necessary for him to be sighting Shakespeare to demonstrate his depth. However, I have no doubt that he was one of the best read persons in our country. All you have to do is to read his works to realize what a powerful mind and towering man he was.

Ramharack cannot appreciate Jagan because Jagan’s PPP fought for working people and patriotic Guyanese of all races. Jagan was a principled man who refused to betray the aspirations of the Guyanese people for real independence and not neo-colonialism. While Cheddi made compromises on many things during his lifetime, he refused to compromise the principles of Freedom and Sovereignty.

The dislike of this group is in the first place a class bias. Ramharack represents that group of Indian middle class intellectuals who wanted Jagan to betray the working class in the hope that that small group could live like lords or kings at the expense of the people.

It is sad that instead of condemning the betrayal by the colonial power and the CIA people like Ramharack blame the victims, Jagan, the PPP and the working people who supported and sustained them.

It is this class position of Ramharack’s that leads him to admire those in Guyana who sold out and joined with the oppressors so that they could benefit from high offices at the expense of the people. It is that position that makes Ramharack and others similar to him opposed to Jagan.

Finally as the proverb goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. What were the achievements of those who sided with the colonialists and the CIA? What were they able to achieve for the Guyanese people? Those brilliant, cultured, sophisticated brown and black Englishmen, whom Ramharack seem to be in love with, show me what benefits their work brought to the ordinary man in Guyana.

Under that type of “smart”, “cultured” collaborationist leadership that Ramharack is so obsessed with. Guyana was reduced to a state of extreme backwardness and poverty.

Unfortunately, people of the mentality of Ramharack, across racial lines, have contributed to that.

Don’t blame the victims; examine yourself.

Regards Donald Ramotar Former President

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Some public servants are so low that they're even stealing the money for feeding programmes for school children.

Public servants are stealing, political leaders are stealing, and all of them are lying and covering-up.

Guyanese: how long will this sickness, this nonsense, be tolerated?

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Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

European group eyes 'sweet' oil find in Orinduik Block A

consortium of European oil companies believe that it is very close to making a 'sweet' oil find, in Guyana's offshore Orinduik oil block, in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

At least, this was the announcement made this past week by minority partner in the consortium, UK-based Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas. The company, in making the announcement, said it is optimistic about the prospects for a major discovery, “noting that the eastern section of the licence area is very close to several fields within the neighbouring Stabroek block.”

Eco said, in a report on its performance in the first nine months of 2021, that it was working with its partners to update the inventory of drilling targets, and to choose exploration drilling sites.

To this end, it was announced that “the consortium hopes to make a final selection and begin preparations for drilling in the near future”.

The company said its partners are capable of drilling wells that target stacked or multiple target sections and they have sufficient funding for their drilling plans.

The British company did not immediately identify any

A map illustrating the size and location of the Orinduik Block.

Eco's President and CEO, Gil Holzman of the drilling sites under consideration.

It did stress, however, that the eastern section of Orinduik had the advantage of proximity to Liza, the first oilfield to come on stream at Stabroek.

As such, “Eco continues to firmly believe that Orinduik offers significant upside, with the eastern section of the block closer to the established Liza oil trend than any other block offshore Guyana.”

The company, in making the announcement, reminded that it had already made two oil discoveries within highquality sandstone reservoirs at Orinduik – one in the Jethro-1 exploration well, which encountered 55 metres of net pay, and another in the

Joe-1 well, which encountered 16 metres of net pay.

Both Jethro and Joe have, however, been deemed noncommercial, as they contain heavy oil.

T h e c o m p a n y nonetheless said, “the consortium is still hopeful of finding light crude, which

will command higher prices.”

Gil Holzman, Eco's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in making the announcement observed that, “on our Orinduik block, we are close to finalising the drilling targets selection process, and continue to see substantial

prospectively in the light oil Cretaceous section on the block”.

The near-term will be exciting, he said, and drew reference to “ExxonMobil's Fangtooth-1 well, just north and down dip of Orinduik on the Stabroek block.”

Eco currently has a 15 percent stake in the Orinduik

block, while the other consortium partners are—Operator—Tullow Oil, and TOQAP, a partnership established by Total Energies (France) and Qatar Petroleum.

The 1,800km2 Orinduik Block is situated in shallow water (70 – 1,400m), 170 km offshore Guyana.

Doctors complain about G$41 daily licence fee

F

or the past five years, medical practitioners, mainly doctors, have been paying an annual registration licence fee of $10,000 to the Guyana Medical Council.

Effective from December 1, 2021, they were instructed to now pay a fee of $15,000 annually, which means that their daily fee was increased from some $27 dollar to $41 a day.

The sudden increase in this fee has left some doctors complaining and outraged, because according to them, they were never consulted by the Council on the fee hike.

Kaieteur News understands that five years ago, the annual registration was raised from $7000 to $10,000.

A doctor, who requested anonymity, told Kaieteur News yesterday that it was only on December 2, he knew about the sudden increase after receiving an email from the Council.

Table showing the new payment method for the medical practitioners.

Annual Licence Full Licence

The email reads “After careful deliberation the Medical Council of

Guyana has decided to increase the licencing fee structure. The

increase seeks to offset the increase in expenditure for the regulation of the practice.”

“We are very upset and disappointed in the Medical Council's decision” one of the doctors said.

The doctor said it is not fair or correct, because they should have been consulted or given proper advisory on the sudden move.

Given that the global pandemic is still upon us, the medical practitioner said that they, too, endure hardships and the sudden increase in fee does not sit right with them.

Yesterday, this publication reached out to the Chairman of the Medical Council, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, who explained that the increases are necessary due to the increasing costs to carry out important statutory functions.

“Over the past several years, the Medical Council has been steadily

improving the quality of its services to medical practitioners and its regulatory functions.

These include promoting and hosting educational activities, keeping the fraternity informed via media, and a well-maintained modern webpage, giving access to relevant resources, including laws and regulations and educational activities.

Processing and printing of certificates and retention of competent staff to carry out these and other functions of its secretariat,” Dr. Rambaran shared.

He added that the $5000 increase is far less than what most other countries in the Caribbean Region annual registration fees looks like.

When questioned if there was any consultation with the medical practitioners on the increase, he noted that there was consultation, but not every medical personnel was consulted.

Saturday December 04, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Abandon the idea of the fire station at D’Urban Park!

The proposed construction of a fire station at D’Urban Park should be abandoned. The area should be retained as a green zone within the city.

Green spaces are considered as open areas where there are trees and vegetation set aside for recreational use or for the aesthetic purposes they provide.

Among the few green spaces which exist in the capital city are the Botanical Gardens and National Park and small area opposite the National Assembly which was developed by now President, Irfaan Ali. Green spaces are disappearing from Georgetown.

Even the green parapets are being asphalted over and those which survive this entombment are being degraded by the parking of vehicles and vending. Squatters are encroaching on government reserves. There are few green spaces remaining in the city.

D’Urban Park is among those few green spaces which remain. It should be preserved as a green space and a historic sporting and recreational space.

It was considered the home of horse racing in Guyana during the 1940’s. It was acquired from the Demerara Turf Club in 1971 as part of Burnham’s great socialist experiment.

When Forbes Burnham began his assault on the propertied class in Guyana, he decided that the symbol of their prestige, the race course at D’Urban Park, had to go, since this was not in keeping with the “egalitarian” society that he was attempting to build.His excuse for the closure of the race course was the need to build a road link between what was then old Georgetown and the housing areas of North and South Ruimveldt which had sprung up.

There was also talk that the road link would facilitate

the easy movement of bulk sugar and for opening a road link to the proposed new housing areas in South and North Ruimveldt.

And so D’Urban Park became public property, and was converted into a series of playfields on which the children of the poor of South Georgetown could play.

This development helped to ease a great deal of social tensions in those parts, and it did allow for the development of the skills of South Georgetown.

Lodge itself produced a football club which, in a short period of time, made it into the first division in local football.

Burnham and Hoyte however ran the economy in the ground and the big plans which they had for D’Urban Park, including the establishment of banked cycling track, were never implemented.

But despite this, the residents of Lodge and Wortmanville, two of the larg-

Dem boys seh ...

Christmas is a time fuh giving and fuh begging Dis is de season fuh doing good. Nuff people does be nice to one another dis time ah de year.

Sometimes yuh does wonder whether de person yuh bin know all year round does be so nice! And den after de New Year done dem gan back to dem sour ways.

Is dat does mek de Christmas so nice.

Well, dem also gat people wah does try fuh tek advantage of yuh at dis time ah de year. Dem does see yuh and ask, “Wah happen to meh Christmas?”

Dem boys does look dem straight in de face and tell dem, “Merry Christmas!”

It does mek dem boys remember de story of de man who hand bin tight.

De people use to call he a miser. One day a man who does beg for a charitable organisation pay he a visit.

“I know yuh mek good money last year. How come yuh never made a donation to meh charitable organisation?” he ask de miser.

De miser look at he and seh, “Well, did yuh also know

Dem boys seh ...

bout meh elderly mother, who doing surgery for she heart attack? Or bout meh brother, who gat a family of seven, and can’t pay he own mortgage? Or bout meh disable son, who need therapy? ”De man from de charitable organisation bow he head in shame, “Ah sorry.

I had no idea. ”De miser tell he, “Well, none of dem getting a cent off me.

What make you think I giving you a donation?”

Talk half. Leff half.

est wards in the country, had somewhere to engage in sport and recreation.

Both Burnham and Hoyte retained the area as a green space.

The PPP/C turned it into a jungle. They simply neglected the area and as such there was no recreational space for the people of the surrounding areas.

For more than two decades the area was neglected under the PPP/C. At one stage it awarded a contract of some G$90M for the development of the area but it is not clear how much of that sum was utilised in the works undertaken.

When the APNU+AFC came to power in 2015, they opted to develop the facility into a recreational park with the capacity to hold national events.

The end result however

was a public monstrosity with the area effectively being converted into a military drill square.

Instead of grass what we had was asphalt, concrete, stone and some terribly unsightly wooden stands. There has never been a full and detailed account of what was spent and collected for the project, but it is believed that a number of private enterprises donated to the project with the government contributing close to a billion dollars.

Now the PPP/C, lacking appreciation of urban planning and the need to preserve green spaces is going to construct the Headquarters of the Guyana Fire Service on a section of the land.

This will deface this formerly evergreen area. The entire area could have been developed, without any great expenditure, into a vast park

with playfields for cricket, football lawn tennis and athletics just like the Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain. A jogging park could have been developed and also a playground for smaller children.

It is not too late to salvage D’Urban Park and convert it into a heritage site and recreate, as far as possible, something akin to the old D’Urban Park; a vast green space for recreation and sporting activities.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday December 04, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

GHRA versus the AG: Corrugated, convoluted, contorted Guyana In a forthcoming column I will ask the question why no diaspora Guyanese hasn't contacted Germany about the moral double standards of the Guyana branch of Transparency International.

For now let's look at the farcical reply of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) to the pungent exposé of the flimsy existence of the Guyana Human Rights Association by the Attorney-General (AG).

One general observation is important before we proceed. The caricature and farce of non-existent organisations in Guyana the past 25 years has been encouraged by the media and have been met with general silence by the Guyanese society. The latest saga in this disgusting affair centred on a new entity formed by PNC parliamentarian, Amanza Walton-Desir (AWD).

When David Granger as leader of the PNC accepted

AWD's organisation into the APNU, several central committee members of the PNC criticised him for not consulting the leadership of the party. They claimed AWD's organism simply does not exist. Granger himself in naming his parliamentarians after the 2020 general elections made reference to paper organisations.

Here is what the recently AFC dossier titled “The Way Forward” had to say on the subject of non-existent organisations in Guyana: “The AFC needs to closely examine the prospects and possibilities of a six-party coalition, where some members are virtually nonexistent, except for their names appearing on paper and whose contribution remains questionable.”

Once the name WPA comes in view, all Guyanese know that it represents a caricature and farce and the name WPA is kept alive by a

certain section of the press.

This party for decades now has had no congress, no elected executive committee, no membership and for the longest time had four or five people speaking for it. It is simply a moral repugnancy to speak of a living political party named the WPA. In the coalition named APNU, there is supposed to be a party called National Front Alliance headed by a man named Keith Scott. This exists on paper only.

For decades now, the GHRA, founded in the 1970s

by Mr. Mike McCormack became dormant. The media carried episodic press releases of the GHRA but as a functioning entity that confronts human rights violation in the state sector, private power and society in general, the GHRA is invisible. Two factors caused the GHRA to lose its physiology. One was the rise of television in Guyana with local televisions newscasts.

The other was the expansion of newspapers in the 1990s.

What happened is that in those two realms, human rights violations were exposed and people with grievances went there, particularly to CN Sharma and the Kaieteur News. The GHRA became more irrelevant as the 1990s wore on because it did not have numbers to prolong its work with the bulk of its task falling on its founder, Mr. McCormack, who is currently in his late seventies.

The GHRA has become a press release organisation.

But even in this department it falls down badly. There was no press release condemning five months of election rigging. No press release on what Mingo did. No press release on the four different election results announced by the Chief Election Officer.

Here is what the Attorney-General said three days ago about the GHRA: “When this country was

under siege for five months, I don't recall hearing a single w o r d o f Frederick Kissoon condemnation coming a genda. f ro m t h i s h u m a n Here now is the key to rights organisation. This organisation was silent. Now, understanding the failure of we are trying to correct the the GHRA over the past two system, repair the wrong, decades. In response to the rectify the wrong, tighten the AG, the GHRA noted that it wrong, we are trying to has been in existence for over repair the damage and here is forty years. But if you have this organisation beating its one person at the helm of an chest and criticising us and organization for more than 40 years, energy, enthusiasm, misguidedly so.”

How can any decent, innovative thinking will fade nationalist that wants a future as the person gets older and for this country disagree with society's problems multiply the AG's observation? The daily. This is what happened man is right. The GHRA is in March 2020 with the horribly wrong. Even if it has election rigging. There were lost its steam over the no young, vibrant leadership decades, the election drama in the GHRA to confront demanded every voice of election rigging. Guyana c o n d e m n a t i o n . N o w desperately needs a new suddenly the GHRA has human/civil rights grouping.

(The views expressed in found its voice on the a m e n d m e n t s t o t h e this article are those of the Representation of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t People's Act. You have to be necessarily reflect the dishonest not to see a hidden opinions of this newspaper.)

Stop providing lip service and implement structural changes for people with disabilities - Advocacy group to Govt. …as President pledges empowerment for PWD

O

n the occasion of International Day for Persons with Disabilities yesterday, the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) appealed for the Government to put an end to its 'lip service' and implement concrete plans for the vulnerable group.

In a public statement, the advocacy group for persons with disabilities (PWD) said, “The key stakeholders including policy makers need to stop providing lip service to the community of PWDs and implement structural changes that will be sustainable and positively impact the lives of PWDs”.

The GCOPD complained that, for too long, PWDs have been forced to live on the 'fringes of society', depending on the benevolence of others for their survival.

“This dependency on charity is as a direct result of the lack of equal opportunities to live productive independent lives. It is a well-known fact

that the majority of PWDs are unemployed and live in poverty. We need to change this status quo. We, as a society need to create an enabling environment for PWDs,” the group asserted.

In addition to this, the advocacy group noted that PWDs must be included in all levels of decision-making, bearing in mind that such decisions will impact their lives.

The group further made it clear that PWDs are more than capable of making decisions, and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to guide the process of creating a more inclusive Guyana for all PWDs. In this regard, the GCOPD said that it is the group's hope to have more opportunities for equal employment in both the private and public sector, an opportunity for a meaningful education, access to public buildings w ithout any barriers, access to sports and recreational facilities and equal access to all services

President Irfaan Ali without discrimination.

Moreover, the advocacy group said it must be given the opportunity to meaningfully participate in decision-making and have equal access to information in accessible formats, along with access to necessary resources to live independent, productive lives.

“As we observe International Day for Persons

with Disabilities (IDPD) 2021 under the theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) takes this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to respect and fulfill the rights of Persons With Disabilities,” the group said.

Furthermore, it called on “all Guyana” to ensure that the rights of PWDs are respected and promoted.

“Please remember, disability affects all of us at some point of our lives. No one is invincible. A disability can be acquired in an instant.

Stop pretending that PWDs are a different breed of people. PWDs are human just like every other member of society, with the same basic human rights. Guyana we need to do better. We need to create meaningful change in the lives of PWDs,” the group insisted.

Meanwhile, Head of

State, President Irfaan Ali in his message on International Day for Persons with Disabilities only said that his Government is committed to creating the space for PWDs to be given a voice.

“As I have alluded to before, my Government is committed to establishing an inclusive democracy that will give voice to and involve constructive engagement with the disabled community.

We are prepared to work with our most vulnerable to guarantee a greater role for them in decision-making, to generate their own pathways to personal development and to tap into their undervalued

Programme Coordinator, Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, Ganesh Singh

potential,” the President assured.

He added that the incumbent administration will seek sustainable solutions to the plight of the disabled community. In fact, he noted that emphasis will be placed on empowering them economically and socially, enhancing their skills, supporting them with long-term social protection, and providing rehabilitative care where necessary.

According to him, persons with disabilities are “entitled to the full benefits of citizenship, including free nursery, primary and (Continued on page 16)

Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Wakenaam residents fume over clogged trench - NDC seeks Lands and Survey intervention

Water “backing up” into the residents’ yard as a result of the stagnant trench.

By Shervin Belgrave Residents of Good Success Housing Scheme, Wakenaam, Region 3 are outraged over a clogged trench that has been causing them to suffer severe flooding when it rains.

Not only would their homes be flooded, but the water would be “smelly” because of the waste fluids from septic tanks and household sinks.

The residents added that poisonous snakes also inhabit the clogged trench and would sometimes enter their homes.

One of the residents, Salim Manaus, explained that the trench is filled up with silt, which is causing “wastewater” to remain stagnant.

“The water is not flowing, and when the rain fall the thing does back up in your

yard”, he told Kaieteur News.

Manaus pointed out that the trench has been in this condition for months, and his neighbours have been pleading with the Wa k e n a a m / L e g u a n Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for assistance to clean the silt out of the trench, but to date nothing has been done.

Driven by frustration, the residents approached Kaieteur News in September to publicize their concern.

In the letter they wrote, “As a boundary of the village (Good Success) there is a trench about 350ft in length that needs to be dug up so that residents can have drainage.

This is supposed to be done by the NDC, but it has been neglected for ages”.

“It is overgrown with bushes, the water is stagnant (Continued on page 18)

The trench alongside the dam that is privately owned.

Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Guyana continues to rely on

ExxonMobil for data on oil &

gas resources Since the Liza discovery six years ago in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, Guyana continues to rely on ExxonMobil and its partners (Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited) for data on its oil and gas reserves. There have been promises by the previous and even the current administration for independent seismic assessments to be conducted, but this is yet to be fulfilled.

Just recently, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat disclosed that the government was told by Exxon that its current drilling programme is resulting in the discovery of a lot more gas.

The Minister said, “What we were told recently by Exxon is that their current drilling programme is discovering a lot more gas than they did previously, so we are heading into an area where there [is] more gas deposits mixed with the crude and more than what Liza One and Liza Phase Two has.”

The Minister was keen to note, however, that the

government is not necessarily underwhelmed by this report from Exxon since in his eyes, it confirms that Guyana's US$900M gasto-shore project would not be left stranded after Liza Phase One and Two's resources have been depleted.

Bharrat said, “So this is a project that would not fail…But Exxon is hitting more gas now as it heads further east, closer to Suriname.”

Earlier this year, the PPP/C Government had published an Expression of Interest (EOI) for private investors or a consortium to be part of the US$900M project. The EOI which was advertised by the Ministry of Natural Resources, called for a joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited ( EEP G L) — Ex x o n M o b il Guyana.

According to the EOI, the government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL

(Natural Gas Liquids) / LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) facility and related facilities.” This includes, according to the Ministry, design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by Natural Gas, where the power will be delivered into the Guyana Power and Light's (GPL) distribution grid. This is in addition to industries that can utilise the gas for, “Natural gas driven developments and growth.”

The EOI also stated that interested parties can bid to take part in any of the elements individually or collectively. It was noted, however, that any submission for the first and third aspects of the project, namely design and utilisation of gas or the industrial park, “must demonstrate the nexus between the projects, as detailed.”

Responses to the EOI, the Ministry said, should contain adequate information, including the capabilities (technical and financial), track-record, profile and relevant information on the

- independent survey yet to be done 6 years on information on expected pricing, volumes, and ability to manage potential variable gas flows.

The Ministry, in its invitation, noted also that the decision on Wales was taken after extensive evaluation of multiple sites with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The Wales Development Zone (WDZ), it said, has been identified as the termination point for the pipeline from the Liza Area in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.

The WDZ encompasses over Natural Resources Minister, 14,000+ acres of land of which approximately 1,300 Vickram Bharrat acres will be set aside for heavy industry/gas-related applicant or consortium. investments. The project, This is in addition to according to stakeholders, is e v i d e n c e o f f i n a n c i a l expected to see some 27 resources available for the kilometres of pipeline being proposed project, and should buried from the Crane, West include a business plan. Coast Demerara (WCD) That plan, the Ministry said, location to Wales, in addition must include a description of to some 200 plus kilometres the proposed project, details of pipeline from the Stabroek on land required and related Block where the Liza Destiny infrastructure, required Floating Production Storage q u a n t i t i e s o f g a s a n d and Offloading (FPSO) electricity (capacity [MWhr] v e s s e l i s l o c a t e d . and energy [kWhr]), with A c c o r d i n g t o t h e

administration, WDZ will be the location for the termination of the gaspipeline measuring over 225 km from the Liza Area.

Additionally, it will involve the establishment of a gasprocessing plant (GPP) and a Natural gas liquids facility (NGL) capable of producing at least 4,000 bbl./day, including the fractionation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The private partners will also be expected to take part in the operations of the establishment of a power plant to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW as a second phase, in addition to the establishment of an industrial park comprising industries that can utilise gas, steam and/or electricity.

Minister Bharrat has since disclosed to this newspaper that the government has received an overwhelming response to the EOI from some of the interest stemming from Europe, and even regionally.

He said these are still being evaluated by the Gas-toShore Task Force.

Several Acts to be overhauled and tabled

next year, among them the Domestic Violence Act - AG - domestic violence and virtual hearing rooms commissioned

S

everal Acts will be overhauled and tabled next year in the National Assembly, in the Government's effort to strengthen laws and systems to combat domestic violence and related issues plaguing society.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, disclosed the aforementioned on Friday during his address of the commissioning of one of several domestic violence and virtual hearing rooms in Regions Five and Six. He stated that domestic violence has a devastating spinoff effect on individuals and the society and, as such, he noted that next year, there will be an overhaul of the Domestic Violence Act and the tabling of new Bills, that deals with domestic violence,

in the National Assembly.

The Minister explained that domestic violence strikes at the heart of society, and some of the spinoff effects that evolve from it are: violent crimes, suicide, prostitution and sexual abuse.

He then added “So revamping the Domestic Violence Act would be a small measure only, but that will be done.

A new Trafficking in Person legislation will also be tabled shortly in the National Assembly, our Sexual Offences Act will be subjected to overhaul in 2022, as well as our Restorative Justice Bill will be tabled in the National Assembly in the year 2022.”

Moreover, one domestic violence and virtual hearing room was commissioned at

New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court, Region Six and the others were commissioned at Weldaad, Blairmont, Whim, Reliance, Springlands and No. 51 Magistrate's Court, Region Five.

In attendance at the event were: Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Justice Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s Edwards; Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane George; Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, other members of the judiciary and UNICEF's Child Protection Specialist, Patricia Gittens.

The Chief Justice (Ag) chaired the ceremony and remarks were made by the Chancellor (Ag), the Chief Magistrate, the UNICEF representative, and others.

Recently, However, it was highlighted during the

Yesterday at the commissioning of one of the domestic violence and virtual hearing rooms. commissioning of one of the domestic violence and virtual hearing rooms that, while a large number of women worldwide are victims of domestic abuse, there are also men who suffer at the hands of their partners.

It was noted that when it comes to men being victims of domestic violence, those

matters are not often reported due to the stigma of men being abused by their partners.

Representative of the Guyana Poli c e F o r c e ( G P F ) , D e p u t y Commander of Region Five, Vishnu Hunt, in his address stated that the Force will not tolerate any

form of domestic violence and will see to it that justice prevails in every matter.

If you or someone that you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can reach out to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, emergency hotline on 914, or contact the nearest police station.

PAGE 16

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Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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LEGAL NOTICE 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1006 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION. PETITION NO.FD-1006 BETWEEN: THEGG(ORINTHIA NARISSA nee DUBLIN) PETITIONER-andTHEGG(KENNARD) Respondent TO: KENNARD THEGG Lot 793 Phase 1B, Linden, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of July, 2021 a petition for divorce was filed against you by ORINTHIA NARISSA THEGG nee DUBLIN the petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of November, 2021, the petitioner was directed to effect service of her petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

the world wide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35(thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 25th day of January, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry via Zoom Meeting ID:503 218 6789 and Password: court1a. IN DEFAULT of your filing Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts (Georgetown, Demerara.). The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 9th day of November, 2021.

NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you, on the 28" day of October, 2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by ERNESTINE BARKER, in which the Applicant claims: (a) An Orderdirecting the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) to delete the name LEON LOGAN from the allocation of the parcel of land situate at Lot 537 Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Guyana; (b) An Order directing the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to process the allocation of said Lot 537 Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Guyana in the sole name of ERNESTINE BARKER (formerly known as ERNESTINE BARKER); ( c ) Such further or other Order as this Honourable Court deems just. UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Ms. Shellon Boyce, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at “Maraj Building”, Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, emaillegalaid@netwroksgy.com copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 (twenty-eight) days after the final publication of this notice, to prepare an Affidavit of defence in Form 1 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on Ms. Shellon Boyce, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, to whose address for service and place of business is at MarajBuilding”, Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, emaillegalaid@netwroksgy.com, and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such Affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF Judicature OFGUYANA COMMERCIAL DIVISION 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA1474 BETWEEN: ERNESTINE BARKER Applicant -and- CENTRAL HOUSING AND PLANNING AUTHORITY LEON LOGAN Respondents NOTICE: LEON LOGAN (last known address) No. 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice TAKE

AND FURTHERED TAKE NOTICE that this matter is adjourned to the 12" January, 2022, at 11 :45 am Via Zoom - details: 461 884 5616 passwords, Court 6, before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall

Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1000 with three new deaths

A

pproximately 1001 persons, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died.

This is according to the Ministry of Health, which recorded three new COVID-19 fatalities yesterday.

In a press release, the Ministry revealed that the latest fatalities are that of two fully vaccinated persons and an unvaccinated person.

Guyana’s latest fatalities are that of three men, a 65year-old and a 70-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and a 59year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam).

It was reported that the men died over a four-day period (November 30 to December 3), while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 41 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 38,068.

The dashboard also shows that there are 17 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 63 persons in institutional isolation, 963 in home isolation, and none in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 36,024 persons have recovered from the virus.

Stop providing lip service and...

From page 10 secondary education and, eventually by 2025, free university education. They are entitled to free treatment at public health institutions, to apply for social protection and government house lots, and to enjoy freedom from discrimination in employment”.

He nevertheless acknowledged that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PWDs who require homecare and other forms of special care were impacted.

As such, greater attention needs to be paid to protecting the vulnerable sections of society during the ongoing recovery, President Ali noted.

This year, International Day for Persons with Disabilities is being held under the theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”

Saturday December 04, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Ministers’ 7% increase is more than what a minimum wage public servant takes home for the entire year Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, members of the Cabinet and other constitutional officeholders have had their retroactive salary increase effected in law by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

This is since the formal order has been passed and gazetted by the subject Minister, in keeping with the exercise of his powers under the Constitutional Offices (Remuneration Of Holders) Act. The publication of the order in the Official Gazette would effectively give legal effect to those constitutional officer holders.The order stipulates, that increases be retroactive to January 2021, and to be calculated to include salaries due as at December 31, 2021. That order was signed by Dr. Singh on November 29 last shortly after he publically announced the across-the-board seven percent increase in wages and salaries for public servants and constitutional officehold-

ers.

The order, as such, brings into legal effect the salary increases for those officeholders, whose remuneration is governed under that law.

As such, Head of State President Ali, is guaranteed to collect some$1.8M more on his Christmas salary, as based on his $150,000 monthly increase.

This is versus the $4,900 monthly increase for minimum wage workers in the public system, amounting to a $58,000 increase in their Christmas pay, which accounts for their retroactive adjustments.

Other officeholders now guaranteed their retroactive payments, include the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, among others.

Dr. Singh on November 11 last had announced that public servants would be benefiting—in their December salary—from a seven percent increase, retroactive to January.There was no pay increase the previous year.”I am pleased to announce now that

Head of State, President Irfaan Ali your Government will be paying an across-the-board increase of seven percent to public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional officeholders, as well as government pensioners. This increase will be granted retroactively to 1 January 2021, and work will start immediately to ensure that it is processed and paid to eligible employees together with their December salary, and in time for the festive Christmas season,” the Minister explained.

A government minister, earning $869,000, will now re-

ceive an increase of $60,830 to this or her monthly salary, with the signing of the Order

by Dr. Ashni Singh.

As such, it would mean that the monthly increase on the salaries paid to a government minister is more than the increased provided for an entire year for the minimum wage worker.

Leading up to his announcement, the Minister reminded Guyanese of all the money spent this year to “directly improve” disposable household income.

Incidentally, during his presentation, Dr. Singh said that the Government has recognised “the existence of a number of anomalies and disparities across positions within public service salary scales, as a result of which there are marked inconsistencies across the pay received by persons holding similar qualifications, but occupying different posts, depending on the agency in which they work, the post to which they are appointed, and the salary scale in which their post is

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh classified”.The announcement, however, has since been met with intense public backlash as meager, with many pointing to the fact that the 7 percent increase will be taxed, meaning that there isn’t really a 7 percent increase in disposable income being provided to public servants.President Ali had attempted to deflect criticism against his administration and called the lamentations by some trade union as politicized statements while blaming his predecessors for the state of the economy and an inability to pay a higher

increase. He had a different position days before the Finance Minister made the announcement, telling the nation in a public broadcast to brace for an increase in the cost of living, as a result of the global supply chain crisis.

The President said, “What are we doing today is presenting you with the facts, with reality, with what the government is doing to address issues that are global in nature, how we are defining policies to address these issues, the impact global challenges is having on our economy, and the way in which the government is addressing those challenges.”

To this end, he added that he believes that it is very important for all Guyanese to understand that “We do not live in an isolated environment and we are part of the global community.” The President said that Guyanese are part of the process of globalisation and what occurs globally; while highlighting that the country is also affected by global challenges.

Amerindian chief demands fresh consultations with Canadian mining company

…Marudi mining agreement “It is true that there have been mining permits issued over Marudi for years, but any change in circumstances immediately demands meaningful and effective consultation with, and the consent of the rights holders, the Wapichan, before any agreement can be signed.

Don’t put the cart before the horse and say that all is well because it is not.”

This is the position of Amerindian chief and Wapichan elder, Tony James.

James, in a letter to this newspaper, pointed out that Governments future and present must respect the rights of indigenous people and consult them in accordance with traditional norms, and their right to give consent, regardless of negative or positive outcome.

“I demand of the present and future governments to respect us as first-class citizens who deserve respect, especially for our rights to our lands, territories and natural resources, our right to be consulted in accordance with our traditional norms, and our right to give our consent, be it negative or positive, free of political interference, intimidation or any other form of coercion,” the Wapishana leader urged. Furthermore, he said the way in which the people of South Rupununi, Region Nine learnt of the agreement was disrespectful.

“When are we going to stand up and ensure that human rights of indigenous peoples are respected and

upheld? Where was the broad-based participation when our lands, our sacred mountains, were again burdened by mining concessions and permits, and we learned of this via a Facebook post? Imagine if this were your house or your

farm. Imagine if this was one of your sacred places, your church, mosque or temple,” the Amerindian chief contended. In addition to this, he argued that last Saturday’s meeting cannot be labeled a consultation with the village, especially since the community and Toshao were merely informed a day before the proceedings.

In fact, the village leader argued that the community is still clueless as to what agreement was signed, since it is yet to be made available for their viewing, although it was requested during the ministerial visit last week.

“Our communities have [still] yet to even receive any copy of the signed agreement, let alone have any meaningful opportunity to participate in the negotiation and drafting of the agreement. Indeed, respecting

our right to free, prior and informed consent is impossible now that the agreement is already signed,” James said.

As a consequence, he said the only remedy is to revoke the agreement and recommence the process of discussions, with regard to the activities the villagers will allow at Marudi. Marudi is a sacred mountain and is in the Traditional Lands, in an area

where the Wapishana tribe currently has a pending extension application. The land has been formally claimed by the indigenous group since the 1967 Amerindian Lands Commission Report.

The Wapishana people

have previously objected to decisions being made about Marudi without prior consultation or participation in decision-making.

“The issue is not about whether we want mining or not, or the possible benefits of mining, or about how many

permits have been granted previously; the main issue is that this agreement, which authorizes activities on our traditional lands and will have direct impacts on our indigenous communities, was signed without our effective participation and inclusion in

decision-making,” the Amerindian chief explained.

He said that the continued and serious violation of the rights of the indigenous people to free, prior and informed consent and to effectively participate (Continued on page 18)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

Wakenaam residents fume over...

From page 14 and smelly and it is home to several reptiles, and the mosquito problem is unbearable”, the residents continued.

They had also pointed out in the letter that they have been appealing with the relevant authorities to address the issue, but they have not gotten any positive response.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday, the residents related that the condition of the trench remains the same and making matters worse, they noted that the rainy season has already begun, and it seems like they will have to spend the holidays flooded with water that is hazardous to their health.

Kaieteur News has since contacted the NDC and it has been told that a letter was dispatched to the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) to intervene in matter.

The NDC chairman, Tareeq Ahmad, said that the overgrown bushes have been cleared, but the silt could not be removed because the excavator cannot access the area to do so.He explained that the only way for a machine to access the area is via a dam that is privately owned.

Ahmad related that the dam is a part of a private estate, and its owner in the past

had allowed them to use the dam.However, the owner reportedly sold the dam to another man and that individual does not want the excavator to walk there.Ahmad said the man showed the NDC a sale agreement proving that he had legally purchased the area.On the other hand, residents are disputing this and have said that the dam is a part of the government's reserve and cannot have a private owner.Moreover, they noted that not allowing the NDC to clean the trench is affecting their health. They had even submitted to this newspaper a plan from the Good Success Housing Scheme to back up their contention.Meanwhile, Ahmad pointed out that other reserve lands that can be used for access to the trench, but residents have fenced that off, too.As a result, he said, the NDC has written the GLSC to conduct a survey of the area and remark the boundaries, and provide a solution regarding the dispute, on whether the dam belongs to the government, or if it has been legally leased to the private estate.

Until this is sorted out, residents will have to continue living with a stagnant, overflowing trench.

Amerindian chief demands fresh...

From page 17 in decision-making violates the protections in the Constitution of Guyana for their cultural heritage and way of life, as well as the rights protected in international con ventions

incorporated therein.

In 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice explained that our “Constitution’s Preamble indicates the determination of the Guyanese people to ‘forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law’”.

In this regard, James pointed out, “Where was the concern for social justice and the fundamental human rights of indigenous peoples, we who must live with the direct consequences when the others have all moved on?

In the same case, the CCJ further explained that our constitutional promise of equality prohibits the State from adopting measures “that treat a group of persons as second-class citizens, or in any way that otherwise offends their dignity as human beings”.

This is how we have been made to feel; second-class citizens, whose dignity and rights have been trampled on, yet again”. Last Saturday, a

ministerial team comprising of Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai rushed to Aishalton village to meet with residents, after they began protesting the signed agreement with the Rupununi Small Miners to reboot operations.

Kaieteur News understands that a new prospecting licence to Aurous, a Canadian mining company was also granted, which permits exploration for gold on the sacred mountain.

The controversy over government’s signing of the agreements, without consultations with the indigenous people, has attracted the attention of a Caribbean Human Rights lawyer. The lawyer believes that the incumbent administration should not only apologise to the locals, but rescind the contract until the required processes are followed.The Human Rights lawyer, Malene Alleyne, explained the importance of consultations. “This is essential, so that any consent that is given by the Wapishana people is informed, so they give their con-

sent knowingly and voluntarily,” Alleyne said.

Additionally, the Human Rights lawyer pointed out that another requirement is that these consultations must be in good faith, with the objective of reaching an agreement, which must be in accordance with the Wapishana people’s own traditions.

Saturday December 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

Saturday December 04, 2021

Fitness Express signs...

From page 25 hampers on behalf of the GFF, Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph offered his sincere thanks to Fitness Express for coming on board to support the return to play.

“This year, we have three tournaments running simultaneously, so it's a huge event for us,” Joseph said.

“I'm happy to hear that footballers are coming into the store now to buy supplements because the name itself – Fitness Express – is so connected to the sport, where fitness is such a major part of everything we do.”

“Thanks again for coming on board in such a big way,

and we look forward to developing this partnership as we go forward into a new year,” he said.

The GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup is scheduled to be held over the period December 12 – January 1, the GFF Women's Super 16 Festival 2021 to be held over the period December 11 – January 2 and the GFF-K&S

Futsal Championship to be held over the period December 14 – January 8 will be played in venues across the country, including in Georgetown, Buxton, St Cuthbert's Mission, Providence, Leonora, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, and Essequibo.

CWI names West Indies Rising Stars U19 ...

From page 23 experience for all of us. I learned a lot about leadership on that tour and I would say I have grown since then. We have worked hard to reach this stage and we are ready ahead of the World Cup.” FULL SQUAD Ackeem Auguste (Captain) – left-hand bat Giovonte Depeiza (Vice Captain) - right-hand bat/leftarm spin Onaje Amory – right-hand bat/right-arm off-spin Teddy Bishop – righthand bat Carlon Bowen-Tuckett – right-hand bat/wicket-keeper Jaden Carmichael – righthand bat/left-arm spin

Saturday December 04, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your value system may take on new spiritual and idealistic aspects today. Mundane affairs could assume new meaning for you. You might even see spirituality in your job.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Other people are important to you. Today your relationships could take on even more significance than usual. You could meet some interesting people, and if you're not involved, you might even fall in love.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A group encounter, perhaps spiritual or metaphysical, could take place at your home tonight. This group will probably manage to do whatever it aspires to do. Intuition, energy, and imagination are all around you.

CANCER(June21–July22) Group activities concerning spiritual, metaphysical, or humanitarian interests could take place in your area today. You'll meet some new friends. If you aren't currently involved, this could provide a chance to meet someone special.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're a spiritually inclined person, but today your mind is on other planes. Insights and revelations could come thick and fast, and you might want to express them through art.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may be taking a back-seat approach when it comes to love and romance.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this kind of attitude works to your advantage.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Other people take on special importance today. Romance is very much on your mind, whether in friendships, business partnerships, or relationships of all kinds.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) A new or existing romance could take on a spiritual aspect that creates a stronger bond between you.

The works of past great masters, perhaps some from exotic lands, inspire your creative drive.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) New business contacts could bring the possibility of pursuing a new career in the psychic, spiritual, or healing arts, or perhaps in painting, writing, or another of the fine arts.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Dreams and meditation could bring up deep-seated emotions from the past that have been blocking your growth without your realizing it. Both seeking and giving forgiveness may take on new importance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Spiritual matters come to the forefront today. You'll want to throw yourself into the study of a spiritual or metaphysical discipline that appeals to you the most. Friends or a group may want to join you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you aren't romantically involved, don't be surprised if romance comes your way today, perhaps in your neighborhood. Even if you are involved, you'll make a new friend.

McKenny Clarke – righthand bat/right-arm fast Rivaldo Clarke – righthand bat/wicket-keeper Jordan Johnson – lefthand bat/right-arm leg-spin Johann Layne – righthand bat/right-arm fast Anderson Mahase – lefthand bat/left-arm spin Matthew Nandu – lefthand opening bat/right-arm leg-spin Shaqkere Parris – righthand opening bat Shiva Sankar – right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast Isai Thorne – right-hand bat/right-arm fast Reserves Anderson Amurdan – right-hand opening bat

Nathan Edward – lefthand bat/left-arm fast-medium Andel Gordon – left-hand bat/left-arm medium-fast Vasant Singh – right-hand bat/right-arm leg-spin Kevin Wickham – righthand bat/right-arm wrist-spin ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Groupings: Group A – Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates Group B – India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda Group C – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe Group D – Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Venues:

St Kitts and Nevis – Warner Park Cricket Stadium, Conaree Cricket Centre, (Sandy Point - Warm-up match venue only) Guyana – Guyana National Stadium, (Everest Cricket Club - Warm-up match venue only) Trinidad and Tobago – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Queens Park Oval, Diego Martin Sporting Complex Antigua and Barbuda – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Coolidge Cricket Ground West Indies Rising Stars U19s World Cup match schedule January 14 – v Australia at Guyana National Stadium January 17 – v Scotland at Warner Park Cricket Stadium, St Kitts & Nevis January 21 – v Sri Lanka at Conaree Cricket Centre, St Kitts and Nevis Plate and Super League fixtures to take place between January 25 and February 4 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Queen's Park Oval and Diego Martin Sporting Complex.February 1 – SemiFinal, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda February 2 – Semi-Final, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda February 5 – Final, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Saturday December 04, 2021

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships

Roulette stay unbeaten in women's division The battle between the two undefeated ladies' sides was a spirited and intense affair. The GBTI GCC Roulettes and GCC Ignite took to the court each with two wins and no losses under their belt up to that moment. The Roulettes would fire the first shot with an opening minute stunner

by Abosaide Cadogan through a penalty corner.

Makeda Harding bullied her way into the circle and evened the score at 1-1 four minutes later but Leo Berlie produced a brilliant piece of stickwork in a solo goal to give Roulette a 2-1 halftime lead.

The second half saw Roulette tighten the screws

Roulette's Kirsten Gomes (left) in a foot race with Ignite's captain Aliyah Gordon for the ball. on the match as Cadogan scored her second penalty corner in the 30th minute and Shebiki Baptiste the final

Roulette goal in the 33rd minute for a 4-1 Roulette victory.

The other female clash

of the evening saw the GCC Spartans earn their first victory by holding off (Continued on page 21

Abosaide Cadogan unleashes a powerful shot to score the opening goal for Roulettes.

Points standing: Men First Division: Pepsi Hikers 12, Bounty GCC 6, Guyana 40s 4, 50 Not Out 3, Saints 2, YMCA Old Fort 1 Women's Division: GCC Roulettes 9, GCC Ignite 6, GCC Spartans 3, Saints 3, Misfits 0 Men Second Division: Hikers Cadets 7, YMCA Old Fort 6, GCC Pitbulls 6, Saints Scorpions 4, Saints Sensations 3, GCC War Dogs 0 Full Results are as follows: MALE Division 50 Not Out defeats Saints by 4 - 2 Goals: 50 Not Out (4) – Philip Fernandes 3, Alan Fernandes 1 Saints (2) – Baraka Garnett 1, Hilmar Chester 1 Pepsi Hikers defeated YMCA Old Fort by 11 - 0 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (11) – Aroydy Branford 4, Robert France 3, Randy Hope 1, Jamarj Assanah 1, Orlando Machado 1, Rayon Branford 1 FEMALE Division GCC Spartans defeated Saints by 2 - 0 Goals: GCC Spartans (2) – Vanessa Pires 1, Gabriella Xavier 1 GCC Roulettes defeated GCC Ignite by 4 - 1 Goals: GCC Roulette (4) – Abosaide Cadogan 2, Leo Berlie 1, Shebiki Baptiste 1 GCC Ignite (1) – Makeda Harding 1 MALE Second Division YMCA Old Fort defeated Saints Sensations by 3 – 1 Goals: YMCA Old Fort (3) – Shaquon Favorite 3 Saints Scorpions (1) – Naresh Mahadeo 1 Bounty GCC Pitbulls defeated Saints Scorpions by 5 – 1 Goals: Bounty GCC Pitbulls (5) – Meshach Sargeant 3, Samuel Woodroffe 1, Lennox Carrol 1 Saints Scorpions (1) – Baraka Garnett 1 Games continue and conclude this weekend beginning at 3PM today and tomorrow.

Ignite's Sarah Klautky tries to block the tackle of Roulette's Alysa Xavier.

Saturday December 04, 2021

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CWI names West Indies Rising Stars U19 squad for ICC Ackeem Auguste to Captain 15-member U19 Men's Cricket World Cup team with Giovonte Depeiza as Vice Captain ST JOHN'S, Antigua – The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announced the West Indies Rising Stars U19s 15member squad and five reserves for the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup to be played in the West Indies in January-February 2022.

The squad will be led by Ackeem Auguste, the lefthanded middle-order batsman, with allrounder Giovonte Depeiza, as the vice captain. They were also at the helm during the six-match Youth One-Day International Series in England in

September. The players were selected following the recent high performance camp and preparation matches which featured 28 players at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The West Indies Rising Stars U19s have been drawn in Group D alongside Australia, Scotland and Sri Lanka for the 16-team tournament which will be played from January 14 to February 5. Matches will be played in Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, and Guyana. Before the ICC

U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, a five-match warm-up series is being planned with details to be announced in coming days.

Lead Selector Robert Haynes said: “Overall, the selectors are very pleased with what we have been seeing from these players and we expect some very exciting cricket in the World Cup. The batting is solid, our concern coming out of the tour of England was the middleorder, but we saw some really good performances in the camp and some very good partnerships. The bowling is

very good, and we think we have the right combination of spinners and fast bowlers.

This is a balanced squad and the players are very excited.

It is now for these youngsters to go out and put on display what they learned in the camps which were organized for their benefit.”

Haynes added: “I must also commend the coaching staff and everyone involved in getting these young cricketers prepared for this level of competition. It has not been an easy task with the COVID-19 pandemic in our midst, but we have overcome

several hurdles and have a team which is well organized and ready for the challenges ahead.”

Head Coach Floyd Reifer said: “Coming out of the last camp in Antigua, we have seen a lot of improvement and development in the players, and we came up with a very good squad. I'm confident that we have a well-balanced team going into the World Cup, and we have the team to do very well in the tournament. We have a lot of talented players and what we are working on is the tactical side of our

preparations. We have batsman who can bowl well and bowlers who can bat as well, so we have a good balance.”

Captain Ackeem Auguste said: “It is a special honor to be named to captain the West Indies team. To represent the people of our region is a special privilege and it's a really exciting time for me and my team-mates and we know this is a great opportunity on the international stage. We had the tour of England earlier this year and that was a good (Continued on page 21)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 04, 2021

Sri Lanka bowl West Indies out for 132 to take series 2-0 SportsMax - Sri Lanka completed a series sweep of the West Indies yesterday winning the second Test by 164 runs at Galle. Needing to make 297 or bat out 93 overs on the final day, the West Indies folded for 132 all out in 56.1 overs.

Lasith Embuldeniya 5-35 and Man-of-the-Series Ramesh Mendis 5-66 bamboozled the West Indies, which had gone to lunch at 65-2 after facing 30.4 overs in the pre-lunch session.

However, on the resumption, the Caribbean men lost their remaining eight wickets for 67 runs.

Nkrumah Bonner made 44 in another defiant performance.

Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed early by Ramesh Mendis Dec 02, 2021 © Getty Images

Ramesh Mendis picked up three wickets in an over in the second session Dec 02, 2021 © Getty Images After Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed for six with the score on 15, Bonner and Jermaine Blackwood had mounted a partnership of 50 runs without much drama until Blackwood was out on the stroke of lunch for 36.

After lunch, Shai Hope (16) and Kemar Roach (13) were the only batsmen to make double figures as the Sri Lankan spinners cut through the lineup that offered little resistance as the West Indies were all out in 25.3 overs after the interval.

Resuming after lunch at 65-2, Hope and Bonner had taken the score to 92 when Mendis took three wickets Hope, Roston Chase (0) and Kyle Mayers (0) - in the 44th over.

Holder (3) and Bonner followed shortly thereafter as the West Indies slipped further from 92-5 to 108-7 before Roach and Joshua da Silva, who remained unbeaten on four, attempted to mount another lower-order stand. However, when Roach became Embuldeniya's fourth victim at 128, it did not take long for Sri Lanka to wrap up the innings as Mendis claimed Veerasammy Permaul for one and Embuldeniya delivered the final rites when he dismissed Jomel Warrican for three.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had resumed from their overnight score of 328-8 with Man of the Match Dhananjaya de Silva on 153 and

Embuldeniya on 25. The pair extended the ninth-wicket partnership of 107 to 126 before Embuldeniya was bowled by Jason Holder for 39.De Silva remained not out on 155 as Sri Lanka declared at 345-9.

Holder finished with figures of 1-26. Veerasammy Permaul, who had eight wickets in the match, took 3106 and Roston Chase 2-82.

Sri Lanka won the first Test by 187 runs.

Scores: Sri Lanka 204 (Nissanka 73, Permaul 5-35) and 345 for 9 declared (Dhananjaya 155*, Permaul 3-106) beat West Indies 253 (Brathwaite 72, Mendis 670) and 132 (Bonner 44, Embuldeniya 5-35, Mendis 5-66) by 164 runs.

DeSinco lends support to Buxton youths Donates books and stationery to area museum Mr. Frank DeAbreu (left) of DeSinco presents the items to the two President's College recipients at the Buxton /Friendship Museum.

Frank DeAfreu, Chairman of the DeSinco Limited Company, is no stranger to Guyanese, especially sportsmen and women and youngsters pursuing their dreams. He and his company have helped many athletes, sports clubs and organisations over the years and are still continuing that trend.

On December 1st, Mr. DeAbreu made a donation of several educational books and stationery to the Buxton/Friendship Museum on the East Coast of Demerara

and also two recipients of the President's College School who are in fifth form.

DeSinco and its partners around the country have noted the importance of literacy in society had is lending support to children's reading interest.

The company is committed to children's education and will continue to sponsor children who cannot afford to sit their CSEC exams, a release informed.

A special thank you has been extended to Mr. Harry Persaud, a Headmaster who has been instrumental in this venture.

Saturday December 04, 2021

Fitness Express signs up to boost GFF preparations for year-end tournaments

F

itness Express has joined the growing c o r p o r a t e community lending its support to the Guyana Football Federation's (GFF) year-end trio of tournaments, with the donation of hampers containing fitness products for players to enhance their preparations for the return of senior competitive football.

Fitness Express Manager and Owner Jamie McDonald said he was happy to offer his support to football, especially because more and more players were using fitness supplements to optimize their performance on the pitch.

“Over the last 10 to 11 years, Fitness Express has had a rich heritage of giving to the powerlifting, bodybuilding and strength sports, but over the last four or five years, a lot of footballers and endurance athletes have been coming in for supplements,” McDonald said.

“I feel that we need to give back support to the footballers using supplements day in and day out, so we are really happy to be on board for this tournament this year – to start now and maybe do a little bit more in the future,” he said.Accepting the (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

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Sri Lanka bowl West Indies out for 132 to take series 2-0 GFF Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph accepts hampers containing fitness products from Fitness Express Owner Jamie McDonald (right) to support the GFF's year-end tournaments.

rt o p S

Lasith Embuldeniya struck in the last over before lunch Dec 02, 2021 © Getty Images

Ackeem Auguste: Captain of ‘West Indies U19 Rising Stars

CWI names West Indies Rising Fitness Express signs up to boost GFF preparations for year-end tournaments Stars U19 squad for ICCU19 Men's Cricket World Cup

Isai Thorne

Matthew Nandu

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