Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Bulk of GPL's $3B Satuday Edition December 11, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 47

Operations and Maintenance fees paid to private partners- Dindyal

NEWS

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 74,500

Jagdeo planning to remove key 22-member accountability and

oversight body for oil money Exxon claims US$30 billion pumped into Liza 1, 2, Payara & Yellowtail, so far Min. Bharrat claims One dead slick definitely not oil, after boat despite no verification on trial run

capsizes US$17M loan to Vishnu Persaud is rehabilitate three new GECOM Chief regional hospitals Election Officer …says Exxon, CGX, others did not report any spills

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Oil sector will be plagued with difficulties until death - TIGI if “original sin” not fixed President GPL's CEO, Bharrat Dindyal, says he cannot guarantee NO blackouts for the Christmas Season, even after spending US$35M more than they budgeted for 2021. Let's have a complete breakdown of how, where and what this money was spent on. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Saturday December 11, 2021

Saturday December 11, 2021

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Exxon claims US$30B pumped into Liza 1, 2, Payara & Yellowtail, so far T

h e E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—claims to have pumped some US$30B into its operations in the Stabroek Block, with regard to the development of the Liza I, II, Payara and Yellowtail projects, thus far.

The revelation was made

by ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge on Thursday last, during the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (GCCI), 132 n d Awards Ceremony, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The Exxon Mobil official was at the time speaking to the role of the private sector in the development of Guyana's energy sector.

To this end, he revealed, that his belief is Guyana needs to invest in its people through education and training in order to build capacity to not just service the local demands, but also to compete internationally.

As such, he pointed to the opportunities available in the development of its Stabroek Block Projects so far.

According to Routledge, with the Liza I field producing since December 2019, the second Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will come on stream in the N e w Ye a r , t r i p l i n g production from Guyana.

T h e P a y a r a Development, which he said was approved by Government last year, is expected to begin production in 2023.

According to the ExxonMobil President, the company is also currently in discussions for development o f i t s f o u r t h project—Yellowtail.

He further noted that the four projects, along with works on the Gas to Shore Project, cumulatively accounts for US$30B in Foreign Direct Investment in Guyana, by the ExxonMobil led consortium.

He was adamant that the money pumped into the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil will generate billions in revenue in coming years.

Routledge used the occasion to remind that the company has a scope for up

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

to 10 developments in the Stabroek Block in future and pointed to the five discoveries to articulate “who knows where this could go.”

With the oil major boasting of some US$30B being pumped into Guyana, it would be poignant to note that government has, through its failure to audit bills submitted, to pay some US$11B for the Liza I & II

projects, in addition to precontract costs.

It would mean that ExxonMobil has been deducting money out of cost oil to service those payments, none of which was ever checked and verified by the Guyana Government.

This past month, the political opposition had called the failure on the part of the administration, a

dereliction of duty.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press briefing, had said the government is disappointed that it has not been able to push through with critical audits, which cover over US$9B in expenditure for the Stabroek Block's Liza Phase One and Two Projects.

The Vice President said, “…we have been very disappointed that we have not been able to select a group to do the audit of the post-2017 expenditure by Exxon.

The reason is that we didn't have strong local content. We had two groups, two local groups that came in but they were not strong enough. We want to build the capacity in Guyana to do this audit. We think that our people have enormous skills, forensic skills and auditing capacity.”

The former President added, “…we're looking to see if we can't have an arrangement, where we have a consortium of our local people to come together to do part of this work, while working alongside an international group.”

That position, however, was roundly rejected by a number of civil society organizations, among others.

Routledge in his address, and speaking to the opportunities for the private sector used the occasion to note further, that many of its large contractors have relocated operations locally, and pointed to the fact that ExxonMobil itself is looking to set up another shore base.

He told those in attendance almost 100 percent of its supply chain for its offshore activities has been relocated to Guyana and that “this has created opportunities for the Guyanese private sector.”

Speaking to future developments, Routledge said that when it comes to the Yellowtail Development, this will see the build out of another shore base facility locally by the company, ”that will enable an increase in fabrication and load out activities in Guyana.”

He concluded that Guyanese should not only benefit from the revenues to be had, but should also play an active role in the development of the resource.

Oil sector will be plagued with difficulties -TIGI until death if “original sin” not fixed President H

e a d o f Tr a n s p a r e n c y International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Mr. Fred Collins holds the view that good governance of the oil sector will continue to be undermined if “the original sin” or root case is not fixed by the leaders of the day.

During his recent appearance on Kaieteur Radio's Programme, Guyana's Oil and You, Collins said the “original sin” refers to the 1999 award of 600 blocks as part of the Stabroek Block licence to ExxonMobil when the law only allows for 60. This newspaper had previously reported that former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman had a golden opportunity to correct this illegality but chose not to, citing various reasons, such as the law allowing for such awards to be done in the event of special circumstances.

But Collins was keen to note that he does not agree with this line of argument while noting that the country will pay the price for failing to correct the state of affairs that reflects total disregard for the law.

The TIGI President said, “…when we examined the contract certain things became very clear and one of those was what we call the original sin and that original sin was the wholesaling of the blocks which the law does not allow. The law requires, and still does, that the maximum number of blocks that could be awarded on a single license is 60 blocks, but 600 was awarded instead.”

He said this “original sin” has resulted in a domino effect of dire consequences that now plague the sector and would continue until the end of the industry if not addressed. Due to the sheer size of the block, Collins

noted that ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, have the ability to produce multiple projects across a massive acreage. He noted that the absence of ring fencing provisions to prevent costs for projects in the development stage are not deducted from those which are producing has also made matters worse. Collins noted that if the Stabroek licence had 60 [blocks] as the law prescribes, the impact of no ring-fencing provisions would not have been so economically damaging.

With no ring fencing provisions in place and the leverage to go as fast as it wants with exploration and development, ExxonMobil has racked up astronomical costs, which the State is yet to audit. In fact, Guyana is yet to audit over US$10B in costs Exxon said it expended from 1999 to 2017. Even if

TIGI President, Fred Collins Guyanese authorities conduct the audits tomorrow, they would essentially be left at a disadvantage since the two-year timeline to object to ineligible costs has elapsed.

What also complicates this predicament Guyana is caught in, is the fact that ExxonMobil has the most favourable relinquishment

provision of all the oil companies in the basin.

Following negotiations in 2016 with Trotman and other officials in the David Granger administration, the oil company is allowed to relinquish 20 percent of the oil block in seven years when the law prescribes that 75 percent of the concession be returned in that timeline. This was made possible due to a loophole in Guyana's oil laws.

This very matter was raised a few months ago by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram during an interview with Kaieteur News.

Ram, who is also a member of TIGI, had explained that the initial period of a prospecting licence is four years. Such licence is subject to two renewals of three years each.

Expounding further, the lawyer said, “The standard

provision in the Petroleum Act is that on an application for first renewal at the end of the four years, the company is required to give up 50 percent of the blocks granted and on an application for the second renewal, which is at the end of seven years, it is required to give up 25 percent of the remaining concession.”

He added, “At the end of the 10 years, which brings you to the end of the third renewal period, the company has to give up all portions of the block not subject to a production licence…”

He noted that under normal circumstances, ExxonMobil would have been expected to follow the foregoing process. Instead, through the reckless abuse of the loophole in the law, which obliges that the subject Minister can vary the r e l i n q u i s h m e n t arrangements, no (Continued on page 22)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 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

Guyanese don’t be fooled Many voices were raised to high volumes over the US$9.5B in unaudited bills that Guyana’s oil czar, the Vice President publicly conceded had to be paid because time had run out. Guyanese looked at that US$9.5B in unaudited bills and kicked up a racket, let out screams of agony, since they are the ones who will have to pay. It is an enormous amount, in Guyana dollars, unimaginable and unnerving, to a great many Guyanese, yet there was their own Vice President stepping up to the microphone to announce, rather casually, that we have no choice but to pay, since the permitted two years are gone. After the sustained outbursts and pushbacks, His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, decided to run to the rescue and offer some damage control: he promised an audit of the huge multi-billion dollar bills submitted by Exxon.

Guyanese may be pleased at this presidential development and ease back on their haunches, trusting that the right thing will be done in the right way by the right people with the right results favouring Guyana’s interests.

On the other hand, we at this paper are not so trusting, because we think that this is more hoping for the best, that we may get lucky, and that a clean, comprehensive, and credible audit of those billions in bills from Exxon will happen. We are this skeptical, because our key political operators have made promises that sounded sincere and sensible before, many of them, only for this country and its people to end up holding the nasty end of the stick, very costly ones.

We are skeptical because we look at what is happening in Africa, and involving another powerful and cunning oil company with global reach. This was the story, not altogether surprising, that we carried recently: “A lesson for Guyana…French oil company sends auditors on fishing expedition in Mozambique -as hundreds of millions in ineligible dollars in cost are detected -Guyana still to scrutinise billions of US dollars expended by Exxon” (KN November 29). There is a harsh, costly lesson for us with this kind of audit precedent, certainly not the only one of its kind, as the citizens of Mozambique are discovering to their dismay. It is where a genuine and probing and dogged audit sheds light and leads to the revelations of how companies really operate, how they cheat with every trick at every turn. Oil companies have had many decades of experience, and armies of highly skilled accountants to cook their books and dump the damage on the heads of gullible and unsuspecting Third World countries. Oil companies are not just robbing the poor, they rob the dead, and the unborn, so callous and criminal they are. It is for good reason, therefore, that we say that we are skeptical. Exxon has proven to be very wily, and this company with global reach has its tentacles everywhere, with powerful grip sucking the life of all those touched. Look at our compromised governments, take a peek at our conspiring private sector, and peer beyond at our professional elites already in the bag and sewn up hand and foot.

Indeed, our headline and strapline tell the grisly financial story of what has occurred in Mozambique; it is the dollar equivalent of brutal physical crimes committed against citizens by corporate oil bandits. Hundreds of millions of US dollars are involved, and the game is on, and which would have been blindly and docilely paid. But only if Mozambique was as nonchalant with its expenses and as helpful to France’s Total S.A, and Italy’s ENI, as our own Vice President of oil is to America’s Exxon. There is a lesson for us Guyanese, many of them.

As Mozambique citizens are finding out, oil companies drag their feet to release documents, provide documents that have no bearing to the project, and withhold financial documents that have no bearing to the project. It is of diversions, stonewalling, and misleading in Mozambique.

In a sense we are glad that the Vice President readied Guyana to pay Exxon, because the outcry leading to the President’s audit promise opened our eyes as to what Exxon could likely attempt here. Lessons are there for us from Mozambique.

Wrong will always be wrong regardless of whether we be religious, atheist or agnostic DEAR EDITOR I am troubled. I am sad. I am concerned about what seems to be a lack of reference points in our society; an ignoring of unchangeable absolutes! Wrong will always be wrong regardless of whether we be religious, atheist or agnostic.

Who teaches a toddler to instinctively say NO when ordered to do something?

That innate rebellion is in each of us and must be tempered!

By now you must be wondering where I’m heading! Here goes... Where are we as a Nation when our precious young people, seemingly unaware of how valuable they

are, in school uniform, shamelessly perform and record sexual acts and post them on the internet? Have we become so “modern” that the still small voice of conscience that nudges us when we do wrong, has been muted?

Have we as parents failed our sons and daughters by not instilling in them, at an early age, that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and should allow nothing or noone to tarnish that image! Has shamefacedness and dignity been relegated to the dustbin of archaism? Have we as a nation/ society unwittingly sent the message that doing wrong is ok - just don’t get

caught? A few weeks ago, we read about a Permanent Secretary caught taking bribes in a ‘ sting’ operation. That case file traverses back and forth from the DPP to the police.

Meantime, in another ‘sting’ operation, staffers in the Health sector are caught selling vaccination cards. The former (the PS) is the recipient of a ‘decent’ salary. The latter may be underpaid.

Wrong will always be wrong, regardless of who is the perpetrator, and we trust that justice, tempered by mercy, will be meted out in a fair manner (if it is to be called ‘justice’). King David, that distinguished statesman of old

reminds us in 11 Samuel 23: 3 “...He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” According to Martin Luther King Jr. : “ the time is always right to do what is right”.

Let’s get back to basics - Fear of God, regard for our fellow human being. Only as these values are seen as a priority and are routinely instilled in our homes, schools, places of worship and even recreational spaces, will we have a society, filled with individuals, brimming with and fulfilling their potential; a society of which we all can be proud.

Regards Claudia Heywood

International Human Rights Day

DEAR EDITOR, International Human Rights Day was on Dec 10.

This was the date some 73 years ago that nations signed the universal declaration of rights of people — many, many rights including the right to freedom of speech, holding government accountable, etc.

In very few countries are the universal rights actually implemented and or enforced.

In fact, almost every country violates them — some more than others.

The western White countries developed countries have greater respect for human rights than the nonWhite developing countries.

In most developing coun-

tries, if you invoke and exercise freedom of speech and critique the government, you will be victimized. You will lose your government job or contracts and even find yourself in lock up for a contrived crime.

If you have to be a ‘yes’ man or shut up.

The UN Charter came into effect declaring social equality for all and respect for human rights as well as rights to choose a government in free and fair elections. There are also many other rights.

Are the rights enforced?

Today, around the globe, so many hundreds of millions have been denied socio-economic and political equality

and denied the right to vote to choose a government in periodic free and fair elections. So many have faced racial discrimination and denied employment opportunities. Also, the most vulnerable, the poor, the physically and mentally challenged are neglected. Immigrants and those seeking better economic opportunities in every country are targeted for abuse. There is also human trafficking.In so many countries, governments have behaved like people don’t matter. Poverty and hopelessness pervade so many countries.

A small percentage of the people in every country controls the overwhelming bulk

of the wealth while others are struggling to make ends meet.

Government must pursue measures to narrow the gap.

Human Rights declarations are supposed to be more than mere empty words.

They must be followed by enforcement of measures and or by actions. Socio-economic and political reforms are needed to narrow the gap between rich and poor and to encourage participatory governance. We must show zero tolerance for election rigging and for corruption that robs our people wealth to narrow the widening gap between rich and poor.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The Government has neglected us DEAR EDITOR, As a concerned resident of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara I am penning this letter to have my voice heard, since we as residents have decided to remain silent on the matter.

Windsor Forest is located within the La Jalousie/ Nouvelle Flanders NDC. I have a few points I would like to make public, for the sake of victimization and verbal abuse I wish to remain anonymous.

Let’s get started.

I have noticed government ministers visiting all other areas on many occasions.

To this date we had about four visits from government ministers since the PPP took office. Twice Hon. Nigel Dharamlall visited, once Hon.

Zulfikar Mustapha and once Hon. Indar Deodat. Has the government forgotten us?

I would like government to know that you have won our entire area but yet you are neglecting us.

We have a dictatorship leader at the NDC. The Chairman, Rajesh Kadernauth, his main objective is to serve himself and his family while the rest of the area is left in shambles.

The Hon. Dharamlall knows of this man’s behaviour but yet they seem to allow him to carry on in office. You cannot ask persons from the NDC to give a report Hon. Minister, you need to reach with the residence of the area. Listen to the concern of the people.

I have noticed Hon.

Charles Ramson doing a spectacular job going around to various ground and rehabilitating them. I would like Hon. Charles Ramson to know that in Windsor Forest there is also a ground which needs rehabilitation too. Every time Mr. Ramson visits region 3 he seems to forget about this ground. I used to enjoy going to the ground and watch the local team play cricket.

From what I understand too, the local team has internal issues which are orchestrated by the NDC Chairman, Rajesh Kadernauth. From my observation and conversation with some of the members of the team, they have stop maintaining the ground because the NDC does little to assist but when the ground is in playing condition the NDC

wants to use it as they like.

This seems a bit unfair to me.

This has stifled cricket in this area.

Lastly, I am calling on the Minister of Agriculture to have another visit or send a team to investigate how the flood relief monies were shared out.

I think persons were not even affected by floods and still got cash grant.

Who is doing the ground work? Personally, I think a lot of investigation should have been done before giving out such a grant.

That is my 2 cents on some issues in the La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders NDC. I will end by saying his “The PPP has forgotten Us.” Yours Respectfully, Anonymous

Has corruption become so endemic in Guyanese Society that no one cares?

DEAR EDITOR In his letter “I wish to remind the Prime Minister of commitments

made that are yet to yield results” (SN, 9th December 2021) MP Lenox Shuman says that there is over Two Billion

Dollars missing from the Amerindian Fund.

Has corruption become so endemic in Guyanese Society

that no one cares?

Where is the investigation? Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

Saturday December 11, 2021

Local content law will result in extreme Dutch Disease DEAR EDITOR, In February I had previously written on the government’s approach to local content policy cautioning that fixed and over ambitious schedules for the levels of employment and materials might not be the best approach to such a complex subject.

Ten months later we see the emergence of legislation which is rumoured to be sent to Parliament for debate imminently but may have unintended consequences that would be harmful to the country’s overall development. When President Ali spoke about the local content policy at the February seminar he emphasised it would be across all sectors. This was a good point as it would not result in the mass migration of jobs to the oil industry. However the subsequent debate and the draft schedules have centred on the oil sector.

These mandates if passed will send the industry into

overdrive to secure skilled labour from other sectors rather than risk being in violation of the legislation. This will be made even more urgent should the law be retroactive.

While the heads of the private sector bodies are talking up local content, many local companies are complaining of having lost workers to the oil sector over the past year and this will accelerate with the proposed legislation. Add to that the redirection of capital and entrepreneurial focus and we have a classic and extreme example of Dutch Disease. This directly contradicts the President’s own pronouncements of creating a diversified economy.

If they don’t decide to scale back investments, it is a certainty that foreign companies will begin to adjust their contracts with suppliers as soon as the legislation is passed to reflect and stay in line with the new laws as well as create whole departments to monitor compliance. They will not wait around for any

administrative body to be formed to regulate the legislation.

More jobs you may say?

In fact no, as they will simply be siphoned off from the civil service, traditional manufacturers or construction companies, some of which are already moving to work with the industry rather than the government. Slippage in deadlines and cost overruns through higher labour costs for vital infrastructure are occurring and will increase.

Local content policy should not be some zero sum game about grabbing as much from the other party in the short term. The energy sector is probably one of the most collaborative industries on the planet with goals of sharing risks and maximising outcomes for all parties. A more holistic and flexible approach would have better long term benefits for Guyana and even for the local private sector.

Yours sincerely Lynn Nicholas

Guyanese need fairness more than prosperity DEAR EDITOR The most pressing worldwide threat to human rights is the neglect of equality which together with freedom constitutes the fundamental pillars of human rights. Systematic removal of constraints and regulations in the world of finance and economics has resulted in the global crisis of inequality which has brought the world to the verge of climate catastrophe. The United Nations is calling on International Human Rights Day 2021 for “ A new social contract which more fairly shares power, resources and opportunities…and which supports better, fairer and more sustainable societies for present and future generations. A human right-based economy should be the foun-

dation for a new social contract.”

The November COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow was the most recent manifestation of popular rejection of economic systems which work for the benefit of privileged minorities, excluding greater and greater sectors of humanity. Together with spontaneous people-driven movements in recent years including massive migration from the global South to the global North and actions such as Me Too! and Black Lives Matter! represent a popular rebellion against the consequences of the extreme competitiveness of market-driven policies .

The call for a human rights-based approach to economics must start with an

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overhaul of the clauses of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Art.17 of which states “Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others”. The global authors of the UDHR never envisaged a situation of wealth inequality that would grant those with incalculable wealth a right to own as much property as they had money to buy.

The proposal of the United Nations for a new social contract, without denying the right of private property ownership, must also impose the limitation of ensuring that such ownership does not prevent or infringe on the rights of others to also own property. Rather than ‘ownership’.

(Continued on page 6)

Something is seriously wrong at the agency DEAR EDITOR, The more we learn about the EPA’s lack of oversight and thorough review of projects that are harmful to our citizens and the environment, the more it is becoming evident that something is seriously wrong at the agency.

Our Amerindian brothers and sisters are not getting the protection from the government as they were promised in the constitution.

Luckily the Deputy Speaker is addressing this issue.

Our fellow citizens are at risk in the Houston area, but luckily a talented environmentalist is looking into that issue as well.

Our Government needs to hold itself to a higher standard and the Vice President who was recognized internationally as a champion of our planet, needs to demand better from the EPA. An EIA is not to be dismissed so easily. If we are determined to be conserva-

tive when it comes to projects that impact our health, then insisting on an EIA would be the better approach.

Those working at the agency are forgetting that they are also in the same boat as everyone else.

It serves well to remember the lack of investment in the public hospitals during the 80’s and the deadly impact of those poor decisions on the level of treatment that was received by the highest office in the land.

Our decisions must not be based on thinking that it will affect them and not me. Our families live, exist in an ecosystem where what happens in an area miles and even oceans away, can have a detrimental impact on our lives.

The current pandemic should be a reminder of this fact.

Comrades, our people deserve better and our agencies need to rise to the challenges before us.

Growth brings with it opportunities for progress, but

we must progress in a way that does not create problems for those who come after us.

An EIA is the responsible thing to do in most cases where mining of our natural resources is the focus of the project.

Our agency can no longer buckle under the burden of what is before us as we develop. Our home grown champion of the planet must not allow Guyana to be reckless in its approach to development.

Our Government must show those who they govern that the health and well-being of every citizen, no matter how young or old, takes precedence over the reckless and irresponsible generation of wealth.

The EPA must correct its course and refocus on protecting our communities from the harm that comes from the mining and resource extraction Industry.

With concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee

I urge ExxonMobil and its Associates and Consultants to Respect and Obey the Laws of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I read an article in the Kaieteur News on November 28, 2021, titled ‘Exxon’s Consultant apologises for unauthorized use of Shyam Nokta’s signature on Yellowtail EIA’.

Further, I read another article in the Stabroek News on December 7, 2021, titled ‘Nokta says apology settles unauthorized use of signature on Yellowtail document’.

The Kaieteur News article stated ‘The Consultancy firm Environmental Resources Management (ERM), con-

tracted by ExxonMobil to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment on the Yellowtail development, has recently apologised to Shyam Nokta for using his signature on the project’s

Non-Technical Summary (NTS) that was mistakenly published on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website.

The Stabroek News article stated that ‘Nokta is the founder of the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) and is also a represen-

tative of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government since he was on the party’s list of candidates for the 2020 general and regional elections.

It is important to note that this apology came after ‘questions were raised by.

(Continued on page 6)

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I URGE EXXONMOBIL AND ITS...

From page 5 Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly with regard to the credibility of the document, given that it is required for an independent company to conduct the EIA. In the letter of apology published in the Kaieteur News on November 28, 2021, and signed by one Mr. Steve Koster P.E., Senior Partner, Partner-In-Charge, Yellowtail Development Project EIA. It stated ‘The proponent for the Yellowtail Development Project submitted to and received approval from the ‘Guyana Environmental Agency (the EPA) a list of consultants to conduct the EIA. This list did not include Mr. Shyam Nokta, or his company, Environmental Management Consultants (“EMC”). In conduct of the EIA, ERM did not engage with or involve Mr. Nokta or EMC. ERM has no current relationship or engagement with Mr. Nokta or EMC to provide support to any EIA concerning the Yellowtail Development Project or otherwise’ The letter further stated, ‘It is with deep regret that Mr. Nokta’s electronic signature was inadvertently included

by ERM on the cover of the version of the EIA non-technical summary for the Yellowtail Development that was posted on the EPA’s website’.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Editor, I would like to know what is the likelihood of my signature inadvertently appearing on an ExxonMobil’s corporate strategy, business strategy, communications political affairs strategy or social development strategy, and be published on a website if I was not recruited by ExxonMobil?

Now, these are areas directly within which I work as a consultant, as Mr. Nokta works directly in areas of the environment. The probability of this occurrence is extremely low.

So, the consultants casually indicated, in my interpretation, ‘oh we are sorry, small thing, why the big fuss; and Mr. Nokta says Oh I don’t have a problem with my signature being used by someone else, it was a mistake, small thing’. Editor, this is a very interesting development which also highlights the inequalities in our administration of justice system, generally.

I would like to take this opportunity to urge ExxonMobil, its associates, and consultants to respect and obey the laws of Guyana, also as a ‘corporate citizen’, to broaden its efforts to support the promotion of greater social and economic inclusivity in its business endeavours.

I wish that the justice ad-

ministration system would be just as forgiving as Mr. Nokta and his lawyer was, to the following people: Mr. Winston Jordan, former Minister of Finance, Mr. Ketith Lowenfield, former Chief Executive of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Ms. Roxanne Myers, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, and the other staff and former staff members of GECOM who are implicated in legal matters; Mr. Trevor Benn, former Commissioner of Guyana Lands and Surveys, Mr. James Bond, Attorneyat-Law, Mr. Brian Tiwari, Mr. Rickford Burke, and so many others from specific groups and perceived associations.

This is also about economics and has reputational implications. While Mr. Nokta and the ExxonMobil consultants get to move on to another payday with an apology, the lives and reputation of many of the individuals mentioned above, are being destroyed; which impacts on their ability to earn a living and even to exist. I will now hand these negotiations over to the lawyers of these individuals whose names were mentioned above, as well as many others.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Rule of Law Advisor/Advocate

Is the US hinting that Govt. is colluding with others to defraud its people?

DEAR EDITOR The article US Govt. calls on Guyana to ‘stamp out’ corruption (KN Dec. 9) should give us food for thought. Is the US Ambassador to Guyana hinting that the present Government of Guyana is colluding with others to defraud its people?

“Government operations, she said, needs to be transparent, such that citizens and

the media can provide oversight and hold officials accountable” According to the Ambassador “procurement processes that comply with anti-corruption standards will ensure a level playing field for investors.

Editor, am I reading too much into Ambassador Lynch’s words or is the US

Ambassador a true diplomat?

If I am wrong so be it, but if I am right then President Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo should come clean and let the people know what changes have been made to our oil contract.

Maybe something to this end can be said in your next Editorial.

Yours Truly Gloria holder

GUYANESE NEED FAIRNESS ...

From page 5 the emphasis on property rights in a world of seven billion people must surely shift to ‘use’ and ‘access’, with those enjoying the luxury of massive property ownership compensating those who have access to none.

An example of the enormity of such a challenge to the powers that be was manifest at the recent COP26 Climate Summit where fossil fuel sector lobbyists (over 300 in number) successfully resisted attempts by the combined governments of the planet to effectively subject the workings of that sector to the demands of nature. Piecemeal amendment to the dominant order will not succeed without greater appreciation of the need to replace the competitive, exclusionary dynamic operating at the level of societies with a more caring, community-oriented vision of the future. Apart from the ethical outrage generated by extreme competitive economics, this approach fosters dysfunctional societies. While enjoying unprecedented levels of luxury, such societies complain of widespread stress, loneliness, mental illness, high levels of crime and social disorder.

Guyana, like the rest of the world, over the past thirty or so years, has been subjected to rigorous application of the market economy, a process in

which individuals are encouraged to constantly measure their own worth in terms of material progress, focused on doing better than their neighbour. We acquire material possessions not because those we possess have outlived their usefulness, but to keep pace with or, preferably, be better than our neighbours. Rather than satisfaction and security, Guyanese lives have become stressful and exhausting.

Mainstream Guyanese politics has abandoned any attempt to provide a shared vision capable of inspiring us to create a better society.

‘Prosperity’ has replaced equality as the measure of success in Guyana, judging by official statements. A taste of what prosperity as the national ambition entails is captured in the recent consultation document entitled Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Rather than a proposal of how Guyana will create a caring, safe, inclusive and healthy society by 2030, the climate crisis is seen as an opportunity for Guyana to make money by commodifying every natural resource – land, forests, water, ocean. It is an invitation to the global business community that Guyana is up for grabs.

This is a looting approach to development – looting from the future, from other

species and from other Guyanese has consumed Guyanese politics, which seemingly has no place for intergenerational justice, i.e. how to ensure the next generation and other species inherit all the opportunities and resources this generation enjoys, while constantly talking of the need to reduce domestic violence, suicide, alcoholrelated road carnage, respiratory diseases, the warning signs of material success and social failure in many rich countries are resolutely ignored.

The current generation of Guyanese inherited a combination of vast natural resources and a small population which together with the discovery of oil have created the illusion that Guyana is somehow exempt from the global social and climatic crises the rest of the world must adjust to. A first step in restoring a balance between society and nature would be for each educational institution, business, faith community, sports clubs, professional and trade unions to draw up a climate justice programme for itself and its manner of operating, rather than look for leadership to the political sector.

Regards Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association International Human Rights Day

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Chris Ram says that the Liza 1 and Liza 2 audit findings should be made public.

We agree, but take this further.

EVERY ASPECT OF GUYANA'S OIL BUSINESS SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC. This is how UNTRUSTWORTHY PPP leaders are to Guyanese.

Anything they do should be audited and made public.

This is how scampish our leaders are.

Nobody trusts them, not even their own supporters.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 2021

Bulk of GPL's $3B Operations and Maintenance fees paid to private partners - Dindyal GPL's CEO, Bharrat Dindyal (right) and Bharat Harjohn, the entity's Divisional Director of Operations.

T

he Guyana Power a n d L i g h t Company (GPL) this year spent some $3B for its annual Operations and Maintenance (O&M) costs, the bulk of which was paid over to private partners of the utility company, who were engaged in the management of some of its electricity generation capacity.

This was disclosed by the

Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharrat Dindyal, who briefed media operatives this past week on the entity's preparedness for the Christmas Holidays.

According to Dindyal, the power company expended some $600M internally this year for O&M expenses.

“Our maintenance cost this year is over half a billion dollars. It is broken down into O & M f e e s .

He explained a significant part of the maintenance cost, the $3B expenditure, is actually paid for the management of the generation facilities at Kingston, Georgetown, Garden of Eden (GoE) on the East Bank Demerara, and the Vreed-en-Hoop location, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a (WBD).

The Kingston Facility is managed by Power Producers and Distributors Inc (PPDI), while the GoE plant is managed by Wartsilla.

“Internally for GPL,” Dindyal disclosed that its O&M expenditure “would be probably over $600M.” PPDI was incorporated by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration which had removed the Wartsilla arrangement since it was proving costly.

That arrangement was scrapped and PPDI was incorporated in 2016 with the local former Wartsilla employees.

There has been no public announcement that a new arrangement had been inked with Wartsilla, prior to Dindyal's announcement.

Expanding on the O&M undertaken by GPL thus far for the year was the power company's Division Director of Operations, Bharrat Harjohn.

Slated for completion on December 15—before the team's transition into emergency response mode—Harjohn noted that “some of the areas we would have touched on in preparation for the holiday season, we would have replaced defective line hardware; we also replaced defective poles, we would have serviced our switches, our transformers.”

He added that this includes the 69KV transmission lines and the primary distribution feeders and substations.

Elaborating on the process, he said it takes into account generation to substation, then to transmission network, back to a substation, thence to the transmission network again, before reaching the customer.

“We would have touched on all areas in the process in terms of making sure that each component in that process is healthy for the holiday season.”

Additionally, he cited the clearing of vegetation among other areas that would have been included in the power (Continued on page 22)

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Old Traditions

A grieving mother who had just lost her son, related to reporters what a good boy he was. According to the mom, the lad worked for $5,500 per week. Each week he would only keep $500 for himself and give her the rest.

Upon reading this, it struck me that long ago, your first pay envelope would usually go to your mother who would determine what you got as spending money.

It was a sign of respect then for sons who had just started to work to give their salaries at the end of each week to their mother. This would usually continue until the son was ready to get married or leave the home.

But once under the roof of “Ma”, a working son would be obligated to hand over his entire salary to his mother.

Over the years, this tradition began to be watered down.

Eventually, it became a custom that only your first salary should be handed over to your mother. I was never comfortable with this practice, but out of respect for the wisdom of my elders, I too followed suit and when I began to work, I handed over my first pay envelope to my mom.

She took out something and gave me the rest. I said to myself that from the second week, I would not hand over the entire pay package but would instead give her just what she had taken out, assuming this to be for my board and lodging. I felt that by handing over my first pay envelope, I had fulfilled the custom in those days.

The second week came and I was paid. As a responsible and obedient child, I carefully counted out what was for Ma and pocketed the rest.

Instead of going home, I decided to have a binge with the “boys” at the corner shop.

We drank a lot that day but I

made certain that the money for my mother was safe and secure.

When I went home, halfdrunk, my food was waiting for me as usual on the table. I then took out the money and gave it to my mother. She counted it, looked at me, counted it again, and then asked, “What happen son, they short pay you this week?”

I explained in the best way I could that the money she had was for her and that I had the rest. I did not mention that a quarter of it had already been spent at the corner shop drinking rum. My mother gave an understanding nod and went about her way.

For years, I continued this practice of each week, taking out my contribution to the home and giving it to my mother. She always willingly accepted it without fuss.

Whenever I got an increase in my salary or worked overtime, I would usually increase my contribution.

Also, on special occasions, I would ensure that my mother would get something extra. In those days, it was not unusual for us to give our parents money for their birthday, anniversary or at Christmas. I thought I was being a good boy.

This practice continued for years until the stunning Mrs. Tom walked into my life and I told myself that I had to get married. The plans were set in motion. Then days before my wedding, I went to give my mother the usual contribution to the home.

She held my hands and said, “No more, son! You will soon have a wife and the money has to go to her.” Then she did something that I will never forget. She took out a bankbook and gave it to me.

Puzzled, I opened it and when I saw the balance, I nearly dropped dead. With that sum,

I could buy a house. I turned to her and asked why she was giving me the book.

She quietly and without much of a fuss said, “It is yours!””Mine?” I queried, “How come?” ”It is yours!” she said. ”But mom, I cannot take your money. You have done enough for me all these years.

I cannot accept all this money in your bankbook,” I told her. ”The bankbook may be in my name, son. But the money is all yours,” she said.

I was puzzled. “What do you mean that the money is all mine?”

I asked. ”Do you remember the money you used to give me each week from when you started working? It is all there.”

My mother had saved every single cent that I had given her all those years. She had saved it for me.

She never touched it. She never complained after that first payday about how I was no longer handing over my full salary to her. She never muttered a word of protest. All those years she was saving for me what I thought was my contribution to the home.

That day when my mother gave me that bankbook, I learnt a lesson in life. I had thought all along that I was my own “big man”. The cockiness of youth had led me to believe that I needed not stick to tradition and that I could manage my own affairs.

However, when I saw how my mother set aside that money all those years until she felt I really needed it for the most important step a man could take – marriage – she taught me never to be too “big for my boots” and never to dismiss age-old customs.

This is why while I was saddened to learn about the death of that boy, I was pleased to hear how much of

Dem boys seh ...

Some people memory shorta dan dem temper Dem politician tun like de man wah went to de doctor. He tun to de doctor and seh, “Doctor, I have a serious memory loss problem.”

De doctor ask he, “How long yuh gat dis problem?”

De man ask, “wat problem?”

A thing happen and dem politician develop amnesia.

Dem tun fuhgetful. Dem can’t remember.

Dem short-term memory gone. Who sign seh dem nah know wah dem sign, when dem sign and who sign with dem.

Is suh when yuh nah want answer question. Yuh does suddenly get fuhgetful. Or yuh does remember conveniently.Just like de man who dem boys ask how long he had short-term memory loss he answer, “As long as I can remember.”Dem boys remembering good though.

Dem remember who bin seh how dem gan renegotiate de ExxonMobil contract. Dem remember how dem bin talk bout sanctity of contract.

Dem boys bin tell de story bout Memory Man.

De man had a memory like wan elephant. One day a lil girl go up to he and ask he “Wah yuh had fuh breakfast on 4th October, 1954?”

Memory Man tun to she and answer: “eggs!’

Thirty years later, de lil girl tun big woman and spot Memory Man at de café.

She go up to he and ask, “How?”Memory Man seh: “scrambled.”

Talk half and remind dem politicians dat 30 years from now dem boys can ask dem bout dem oil blocks.

his salary he gave to his mother each week. I still shudder at the thought of just how much richer I would have been had I followed tradition and given my entire salary each week to my mother.

However, the lesson was worth it.

I hate to see good traditions go down the drain. I hate to see young people feeling that

they should be able to control their own finances when they begin working. I wonder just how much of the younger generation hand over their earnings to their mothers when the month comes.

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

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday December 11, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Khemraj Ramjattan said I'm a PPP agent I have always opined on these pages that there must be public responses to terrible propaganda sprouted by p e o p l e w i t h a Mephistophelean agenda. If not pliable minds become poisoned when they accept these propagandistic outpourings.

Yesterday I was on the Eve Leary seawall and an African vendor approached me and said, “Freddie yuh right, we deh hay and Burke in America.” He was referring to my writing on Rickford Burke proudly proclaiming that he lives in the US but in the same breath urging people to run government leaders off the road.

All the time, I am

supplied with things written and said about me that I was not aware of. A few days ago, I was directed to a television interview Khemraj Ramjattan did in which he described me as a PPP agent.

I hope my reply here open the eyes of Guyanese to see the kind of politicians we have.

Khemraj told his host at one time we were close and during that period he did legal work for me for free when I was on the side of the AFC. But he didn't mention what they were about. They were all libels and one contempt of court charge, all of which were done in my service to my country of which both Khemraj and the AFC benefitted through the rise of consciousness in the

Guyanese people through my activism and which no doubt resulted in the collection of votes they got in 2011 and 2015.

In the interview Khemraj mentioned how I now hold opposing opinions to the AFC. But he was not asked if some of those opinions can be argued with cogency and evidence. One of the compelling questions that were not asked is that if the PPP chose me to be an agent for them why did Khemraj, who was a powerful figure in the government, not make me the same offer because at the time we were close?

Surely, any logical mind would accept that in asking me to be an agent, the PPP saw some intellectual and

political worth in me. Let us say for argument's sake that I am an agent for the PPP, why Khemraj did not put the same proposal to me when he and his party shared half of the power between 2015 and 2020?

We m u s t a l w a y s remember what Timothy Jonas of ANUG said during the election rigging. He cynically and facetiously observed that if the PPP was in opposition and could have so rigged the election and got all those international observers to verify their rigging then they deserved to be in power.

Could one use the same methodology and apply it to Khemraj? Aren't the PPP leaders better politicians, competent strategists that they saw the talent of a nonPPP person and made him an agent but the AFC under Khemraj, while having me as a friend, didn't have the intellectual capacity and commonsense to propose to me to be an APNU+AFC agent?

The part that I like in the interview is when Khemraj intoned that in what he and

the AFC are currently doing, he would hope once more I s w i n g m y opinions back in support of the AFC. That was a sad statement by Frederick Kissoon Khemraj. He majored After he described me as a in law so I don't know how much he studied the PPP agent I was waiting to great German philosopher, see if he would have said the G e o rg H e g e l . H e g e l identical thing about expatiated on how the Dominic Gaskin. You see Gaskin devastated his own dialectics work.

The dialectics have left party, the AFC, by publicly the AFC behind. Time and rejecting the AFC's claim that life in Guyana have moved it won the election. Gaskin on, leaving Khemraj and the dubbed Mingo's numbers as AFC to become as lifeless as f a l s e . O n t h e s a m e yesterday's rain. I am not p r o g r a m m e i n w h i c h employed by the PPP. I Khemraj called me a PPP receive not one cent from the agent he said Charran took a PPP but yet I am an agent of bribe. But not a word on the PPP. Khemraj is close to Gaskin's motive! I wonder the PNC and sprouts in why? I end with what I wrote Pavlovian ways the sermons above.

You educate this young of the PNC. Yet he didn't describe himself as a PNC nation by responding to the agent. Is he a PNC agent? Are mischief people sprout all the there WPA personnel alive time, as Khemraj did.

(The views expressed in today that were PNC agents for Burnham? The answer to this article are those of the that question is in the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t released files of the US necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) government.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Min. Bharrat claims slick definitely not oil, …says Exxon, CGX did despite no verification not report any spills M

inister of N a t u r a l Resources, Vickram Bharrat is confident that the 'oily substance' floating on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean is not from an oil spill, even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not even collected samples to run an analysis.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event on Thursday evening, the

Minister reasoned that the substance could not have been oil, since its operators, ExxonMobil-in the Stabroek Block-and CGX Energy Incoperating in the Corentyne Block, have “no such” reports.

Furthermore, he noted that the substance is suspected to have leaked from a vessel.

According to the Minister, “I think we know that offshore we do not

produce, or you do not extract gasoline or diesel offshore, you extract crude so what we would have seen is maybe diesel or gasoline that was probably deposited or leaked from transporting cargo, a fishing vessel”.

Fishermen were the first to report the incident, and even though a source at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) had related that the matter was being probed by the National Oil Spill

Committee, no information on the substance has been forthcoming.

In fact, the Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram related to this paper that the agency also is not in receipt of any samples.

He, however, pointed out that Skytruth assisted by examining satellite imagery for the areas near a current drilling activity, and general areas 45 nanometers offshore Guyana but “they were unable to turn up any image of oil spill event for the period November 30 to December 4, 2021”.

SkyTruth uses satellite imagery to study and document environmental impacts on earth, according to the company's website.

A local fisherman, who had brought the issue to the attention of Kaieteur News told this newspaper yesterday that the EPA had promised to contact him for information with regard to the substance, but never made efforts to visit the site.

According to him, on the day the substance was sighted, he had observed a ship offloading fluid into the ocean.

“It get some ship been a pump out some water from it and when they pump it out,

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

this is wah been a float and this is what I telling these people let them go and check, but they nah want fuh see wah is the cause,” he said.

The fisherman complained that the offshore operations have been severely impacting his livelihood.

He said, “Me expense right now a $1.6 million and when you go out deh you nah get no wuk. All the wuk man them you can't even pay…me can't make back me money and right now me broken. Me invest me money and make me boat two years now and me can't make back the money wah me work for 25 years”.

Last Friday, fishermen

operating in the Atlantic Ocean offshore Guyana told Kaieteur News of the growing concerns over what they describe as an oily film floating at different points of the water.

The substance has been leading many in the fishing industry to believe that the oil companies might be covering up a possible oil spill.

According to reports received by this publication from a number of fisher folks operating from Essequibo to Berbice, the oil floating in the water could possibly be the cause for the decline in their fish catch.

According to the reports, the black oily substance (Continued on page 22)

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Vishnu Persaud is new Chief Election Officer - Opposition Commissioners oppose appointment, says they will take legal actions

W

i t h t h e endorsement o f t h e Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), (Ret'd) Justice Claudette Singh, Vishnu Persaud was yesterday elected as the country's new Chief Elections Officer (CEO)/ Commissioner of Registration.

According to a GECOM press release, the newly elected CEO comes with almost two decades of experience working at the entity. Persaud once served as the Public Relations Officer (PRO), and as the Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) for three years, under former C h a i r m a n D r. S t e v e Surujbally – he also acted as CEO on several occasions.

GECOM has been without a CEO since August last, after the commission took a decision to dismiss Keith Lowenfield, who is currently before the court for his involvement in the alleged rigging of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and events that followed.

Following the advertisement for qualified persons to apply for the vacant position, 17 candidates applied. The process concluded after the

Opposition nominated GECOM Commissioners (from left) Charles Corbin, Vincent Alexander, and Desmond Trotman.

New Chief Election Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud.

Chairperson of the GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh.

seven-member GECOM commission reviewed several applications for the post of which Persaud and Leslie Harrow, former Jamaican Chief Elections Officer were selected from a combined shortlist of persons to be interviewed.

Both men were then

interviewed and yesterday, following the deliberation among the commissioners, the three Government nominated commissioners voted for Persaud to be elected as the new CEO, while the Opposition nominated commissioners voted against. This resulted

in the Chairperson voting in favor of Persaud, who came out as the superior of the two candidates vying for the post.

The press statement also noted that, Justice Singh justified her reason for endorsing Persaud by having heard the commissioners and having read the endorsement of former Chairman Dr. Surujbally – she is of the view that Persaud has acquired institutional knowledge having been

employed with the commission for 17 years.

It was further stated that Justice Singh posited that Persaud is not only knowledgeable with the understanding and management of the work of the CEO's office, and the operational functions of the Secretariat, but also with the geography of Guyana's 10 Administrative Regions.

Owing to the reasons highlighted, it was further stated that the GECOM

Chair had no hesitation in endorsing Persaud's appointment, since he has the necessary skills, experience, and expertise that makes him eminently qualified to handle the job.

Moreover, once Persaud is officially appointed, takes the Oath of Office and all contractual and procedural matters are finalised he is expected to assume office in the new week.

It was stated in the (Continued on page 20)

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Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Jagdeo planning to remove key 22-member accountability and oversight body for oil money

By Kiana Wilburg To ensure the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) faces no encumbrance to its operationalization, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee will not be featured in the amended legislation, which will be tabled in the National Assembly next week Thursday.

During his address at the 2021 Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Gala on Thursday evening, the Vice President said the current legislation which was passed by former Finance Minister, Winston

Jordan is “written like an a c a d e m i c p a p e r. ” H e continued, “It is cumbersome. It is almost impossible to operationalize and there are measures there that don't lend themselves to people understanding how it works.”

He said the government will, therefore, make four major sets of changes in the NRF legislation with the first being the removal of the oversight committee consisting of 22 organizations. The Vice President is of the firm conviction that such an arrangement would hinder the smooth running of the fund. He said, “…it is almost impossible to get anything

done with 22 different organizations having oversight responsibility.”

Kaieteur News had reported in 2018 when the NRF Bill was first tabled that it had paved the way for the creation of the “Public Accountability and Oversight Committee”, which was tasked with providing the nation with independent assessments on the management of the Fund and the utilization for withdrawals from the Fund.

It is also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the compliance of the government and other relevant persons when it comes to the principles of t r a n s p a r e n c y, g o o d

governance and international best practices, including the Santiago Principles, when using the Natural Resource Fund.

The Committee, according to the existing law, was expected to include a representative from civil society organizations and community based organizations, a nominee to represent women with the nominee being nominated by civil society organizations; a nominee of the Bar Association of Guyana; a representative of the Guyana Consumer's Association; a nominee of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a nominee of Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI); a nominee of the Guyana Press Association; a nominee of most representative associations of trade unions; a nominee of the Private Sector Commission, one from each of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils and a nominee from academia who is nominated by the governing council of the University of Guyana.

Additionally, the former Government had paved the way for the Committee to have financial resources to carry out its functions. It was also expected to publish biannual reports of its activities on its website and that of Parliament's.

While Jagdeo did not say if the amended law would feature any mechanism for oversight from civil society groups, it is crucial to note that Ghana, which Guyana is

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

currently consulting on its legislative framework, has a similar arrangement in place for the oversight of oil money saved and expended by the government.

In 2011, the Parliament of Ghana had passed the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, which included the establishment of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC). The 13 civil society members of the committee—which includes representatives of the unions, traditional chiefs, journalists, lawyers, chartered accountants and religious groups, who are appointed by the Minister of Finance for two to three year secure terms—are mandated to: Monitor and evaluate compliance with the Petroleum Revenue Management Act; Provide a

platform for public debate on whether petroleum revenues are being used to advance development priorities; and Provide an independent assessment of the management and use of petroleum revenues.

The PIAC represents the only legislated petroleum revenue management oversight body in Ghana, consisting entirely of civil society members and therefore completely independent. Since its establishment, the Committee has been successful in holding the Government of Ghana accountable on how it spends and saves the citizens' oil money. It has also been instrumental in recommending several areas for improvement, many of which to date are at various stages of implementation.

Govt. wants to build more schools in Region Three

G

iven the growing populace in Region Three, the Government of Guyana is looking to build more schools in the Region to facilitate every child in ensuring that they have access to an education.

This disclosure was made by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Wednesday at an event in the Region at t h e We s t D e m e r a r a Secondary School.

The Minster said places like Tuschen and La Parfaite Harmonie are growing communities in the Region, which means schools will have to be built to facilitate

the children coming into the areas.“We also need a primary school at Tuschen and a primary school at Parfaite Harmonie. Those are growing communities, you know more primary means that people are coming in to live, and so we now have to get more schools,” she explained.

Adding to the list of institutions, are nursery and secondary schools, Minister Manickchand noted.

“In Region 3 we have 14 high schools, the newest one just got commissioned; it's at Parfaite Harmonie, the West Minister Secondary school…This Region is going to have one more high

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand. school,” the Education Minister revealed.

Currently, the Region (Continued on page 22)

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 2021

P&P Insurance Brokers spreads Christmas cheer

Representatives of the various organizations with their cheques flanked by Mr Vikash Panday (L) and Ms Jaya Panday (R).

P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited on Friday afternoon hosted its annual Christmas donation exercise. The company has been making donations to several organisations over the past 15 years to assist them in their humanitarian relief e ff o r t s . T h i s y e a r t h e company extended Christmas cheer to 12 caregiving, charitable organisations, donating $125,000 each to them. The donations were made at the company's headquarters on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

Executive Director Vikash Panday, stated that in the spirit of Christmas, the company makes these donations every year to aid these organizations with their charitable work.

“We make this Christmas presentation to 12 o rg a n i z a t i o n s . We a r e donating $125,000 to each organisation, making the total contribution $1,500,000. We hope that you will use this money prudently and the real

beneficiaries are the persons you serve and help,” stated Panday.

Further, he stated that the donation is just one of the channels the company uses in an effort to assist the less fortunate and to honour its community service responsibility.

Mr. Panday said that all the organizations in their own way have been making a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate and he was happy to contribute to the cause.

The organisations that have benefitted from the company's donations are: Bless the Children Home; Canaan Children's Home; Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre; Uncle Eddie's Home; Friends of the Archer's Home; The Dharam Shala; The David Rose School for the Handicapped; Cheshire Homes Guyana; Hauraruni Girl's Home; the Tina Insanally Foundation; Bal Nivas Shelter; and the Joshua House Children Centre.

One dead after boat on trial run capsizes A 2 3 - y e a r- o l d m a n reportedly drowned on Tuesday December 7, after a boat on a trial run reportedly capsized in the Mahaicony River, East Coast Demerara (ECD).He was identified by police as Michael Saffee of Grove, Mahaicony.

According to police, the boat he was captaining at the time capsized around 17:45hrs on that day.

The investigators reported that it was a long metal boat powered by 48 horsepower (HP) outboard engine. Detectives learnt that some repairs were conducted on the vessel and Saffee and his boss, Vishan Harrypersaud, 53 - the owner of the boat - decided to take it on a trial run.

About one mile away from the Mahaicony Stelling the metal vessel reportedly spun suddenly and capzised, throwing Saffee and his boss overboard.

Harrypersaud, who survived the incident, told the detectives that he had managed to swim to a corner of the river, but when he got there, Saffee was nowhere

Dead Miachael Saffee around. He was rescued by a passing boat and reported the incident to police when he arrived at Mahaicony.

Ranks were immediately sent to visit the scene, only to discover the submerged boat with its engine nearby, and which was tied to a tree trunk.

Saffee's father, Toney Saffee, conducted a search of his own, and discovered his son's remains floating on the southern side of the river. .

Police were called in to retrieve the body and a post mortem conducted on the remains yesterday concluded that Saffee had drowned.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Fish vendor placed on $20k bail for unlawfully wounding man Vishal Ally, a 25-yearold fish vendor of Lot 37 Rahaman's Park, Georgetown, was yesterday crossed-charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Trevon Williams, whom he accused of stealing his cellphone.

Ally appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, where he was granted bail of $20,000 after a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf for unlawfully wounding Williams.

On the day in question, he left his phone playing in the downstairs area of his home, and went upstairs for a while. When he returned downstairs his phone was missing.

Williams and some other

friends were under the house and, as such, Ally enquired about the missing phone.

Williams told him not to accuse him of stealing, 'before he start bussing people head'. The two men then had a heated exchange of words. Later that night, Williams and his friends allegedly started pelting Ally's house with bricks.

Ally came outside armed with a knife and Williams was armed with a cutlass.

They both received injuries and Ally was rushed to the hospital. Williams was later arrested, but was released on station bail, since Ally was hospitalized for four days.

After being discharged from the hospital, he was at

Saturday December 11, 2021

Truck engulfed into flames on Corentyne Public Road

Charged, Vishal Ally The truck on fire yesterday. home resting for two weeks before he was charged.

Ally was told to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts yesterday and he did.

Williams did not appear in court.Ally is expected to reappear in court on January 21, 2022, and the matter was transferred to Court Two before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Ally's sustained injuries after the heated argument.

The driver of a doubleaxle truck transporting laterite soil from No.63 Village to New Amsterdam is counting his lucky stars after he managed to escape unhurt from the truck he was driving, when it caught fire on the No.62 Village Public Road. The incident occurred around 08:30hrs yesterday.

According to the owner of GYY 6066, Kevin Abdulla of Lot 9 Port Mourant,

Corentyne, Berbice, the truck was being driven by Leston Velloza.

Velloza told the owner that he was driving along the No.62 Public Road and heading in the direction of New Amsterdam when the tyre located at his driver's s i d e b l e w o u t .

As a result, the entire wheel caught fire, which caused the brake line to be damaged.

The driver said he steered the

vehicle to the corner and exited, but within minutes fire engulfed the entire front section of the vehicle.

Police who were on duty at the No.63 police outpost, located a short distance away, saw what was taking place and contacted the Fire Service, which arrived some 15 minutes later.

The driver of the truck sustained no injuries, according to Abdulla.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

US$17M loan to rehabilitate 3 Regional hospitals

T

he Ministry of Health (MOH) is expected to have more medical services at three Regional hospitals in the country. This will be financed by a US$17.5 million loan from the Government of India, and will be expended to advance and modernise the three medical facilities.

The three hospitals are the Suddie Hospital in Region Two, the West Demerara Hospital in Region Three, and the Bartica Hospital in Region Seven.

On Wednesday, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

told members of the media during the handing over of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternity Ward, that the designs for the upgrades at the three Regional hospitals should be completed by early 2022.

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony explained that once those designs are complete, the projects would go out to tender; thereafter, the works are expected to begin. The Minister added that there is not yet any specific timeline for the completion of the much-needed works at these hospitals.

He further added that the

upgrades to these hospitals would include establishing out-patient facilities; accident and emergencies sections; outpatient clinics; laboratories; imaging facilities; in-patient wards; and operating theatres.

The Ministry is focusing on upgrading health services in other parts of various Regions.

As an example, Kaieteur News had previously reported on April 26, 2021, when Minister Anthony had commissioned the newly upgraded Diamond Diagnostic Centre on the East Bank of Demerara as a 'Smart Hospital'.

Unvaccinated Region Six men died of COVID-19 Two unvaccinated men from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported that the men died over a two-day period (December 9 to 10), while receiving treatment at a

medical facility.

The country's latest fatalities are that of a 45year-old and an 84-year-old.

As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,016.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 51 new infections, taking the total

number of confirmed cases to 38,453.The dashboard also shows that 14 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 46 in institutional isolation, 743 in home isolation, and 4 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 36,634 persons have recovered from the virus.

The Smart Hospital initiative comes under a United Kingdom funded $835M project seeking to transform five health institutions in Guyana into 'smart' facilities.

The other hospitals to be upgraded are the Mabaruma and Lethem Regional Hospitals, the Leonora Cottage Hospital, and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

The general aim is to upgrade the facilities to standards that are 'green' and 'safe', lessening their carbon footprints. In addition, the SMART hospitals also promote better work and patient flow.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday December 11, 2021

Vishnu Persaud is new Chief Election...

From page 13 release that the commission is hopeful that, with Persaud's extensive experience in the agency, he will execute the functions of the office of Chief Election Officer and Commissioner of Registration within the

confines of the law and deliver with excellence.

According to reports, GECOM required the CEO to be examined and approved by members of the commission.

Among the other requirements for the CEO

post, candidates must have the requisite qualifications, which include a Post Graduate Degree in Public A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , L a w, Management or relevant discipline from a reputable and recognised institution, and specific training and

verifiable experience in managing election systems, along with at least 10 years of experience in a senior management position overseeing and directing diverse operations aimed at achieving targets within specific deadlines.

Also, it was required for the candidate to have at least 10 years relevant experience in Management of National Elections and Election Systems.

Meanwhile, the Opposition nominated GECOM Commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond

Trotman have disassociated themselves from the decision to elect Persaud as the country's new CEO. During their press conference yesterday afternoon, A l e x a n d e r stated that he believes Harrow is more qualified for the position, the process in which Persaud was elected was flawed, thus serving as their reason for voting against the decision that was made yesterday to elect Persaud as the CEO. Alexander highlighted, that based on the incidents

that occurred during the last General and Regional Elections the populace has lost confident in GECOM and, as such, they believe that citizens will be more confident in GECOM with someone neutral as the new CEO. The Commissioners also highlighted that Harrow has experience as the CEO for Jamaica, making him a suitable candidate for the job since Jamaica has a larger population than Guyana.

According to them, legal actions will be taken soon to challenge the appointment of Persaud as the new CEO.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News VACANCY Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25-50 car/van licence.

Call:642-9823.

Porters,TM log Truck drivers, Chainsaw & Mill operator, Diesel mechanic. Call:6097675/674-1705.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building C o n t r a c t o r. C a l l : 2 1 6 0671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267.

Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property at lot 'W' Bent street Wortmanville Georgetown.

Please Contact 227-3626 , 610-3977 , 786-474-0854

WANTED Live in waitress 18-25 yrs.

Tel:610-3974 salary $25000 wkly.

Able bodied porter,to work on Sheriff St 6 day weekly.

Contact:689-4041.

One (1) male able bodied clerk. Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

KitchenAssistant, Babysitter & Sales person .

Must have secondary education. Call:659-5559.

ExperiencedCashier, Counter sever Roti/ Puri cook, handy boy. Apply Hack's Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Security officer.Apply at Herdmanston Lodge,Peter Rose & Anira St Queenstown 225-0808.

Fitter/Machinist,Welder Fabricator,Mechanic,3 yrs experience.Apply at Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site.

FOR SALE Pure breed German Shepherd pups,black & tanned. Contact:665-9140.

1 CAT 428 Backhoe $3-5M,1 CAT 416 Backhoe $2M. Houselots available @ Blankenburg. Contact:6500402/652-0251.

Food stuff, lotion/ body wash, furniture. Call for more infomation 227-3626, 2264554, 610-3977

Professional soup cooks.

Kitchen assistant,cashier/ manager,great pay. Easy work, short hrs. Must live in GT. Call: 675-1509.

Skilled Carpenters, Mason, Welder & Labourer to work in Georgetown & Linden.

Call:615-7526/602-9469.

One handyman from Grove or Land of Canaan.Call:6680306/694-7817.

Wanted a domestic worker.

Call:689-5531.

4 1/2 acres land & commercial mall on Enmore Public Road.Excellent investment opportunity. Call:609-7675.

VACANCY

TO LET Enmore mall commercial space for medical facility. Call centre and any other type of business 609-7675/674-1705.

PENPAL Indian overseas male seeks female age 30/35.Call:6029975.

Vacancy exist for Security Officers,male & female 18yrs & above. Contact:223-4172/ 632-0099.

Dish-Washer,Counter Staff, Bond Clerk,Meat prep d e p t , P o r t e r. A p p l y : Bettencourt’s Diner. Call: 231-1368/223-1938.

One experience Hairdresser and One Nail Tech.Call:2256492 Magic Touch Beauty Salon.

1 Accountant & 1 Inventory clerk.Email application to techserigy@yahoo.com or call 642-9823.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Police investigating discovery of a body in Three Houses Police are investigating the discovery of the body of an adult male near the embankment of Three Houses River, Three Houses, St Philip.

Police said they received a call around 7:55 Am

yesterday.

Officers responded to the scene and confirmed the discovery.

“At this stage we are appealing for information regarding this matter. Anyone who might have witnessed or

has any knowledge of this incident is asked to contact the District C Police Station at 416 8200/ 8204 or Oistins Police Station at 418 2612 / 2610 or any police station.

More details to follow.

(Nation News)

Bharrat claims slick definitely not oil,despite...

LEGAL NOTICE 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1467IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.FD-1467 BETWEEN :(BAKER) TREVON ORIN Petitioner-and- (BARKER) TERRISHA MARCIA nee MAXWELL Respondent BEFORE THE HONOURABLE MADAM JUSTICE DAMONE YOUNGE(IN CHAMBERS) DATED THE 16TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2021 ENTERED THE 22ND DAY OF NOVEMBER,2021 UPON READING the Without Notice of Application on the part of TREVON ORIN BARKER, the above named Petitioner filed herein on the 11th day of November,2021 and the Affidavit of the said Petitioner sworn to and filed herein on the 11th day of November,2021 in support thereof AND UPON HEARING Attorneyat-Law for the petitioner IT IS ORDERED that personal service of the Petition with Affidavit in support of Notice of Proceedings, and Acknowledgement of Service, by a person authorized by the Registrar be and is hereby dispensed with AND that the mode of Substituted Service of the said Petition with Affidavit in Support of, Notice of Proceedings and Acknowledgment of Service shall be effected on the Respondent by way of advertisement of a Notice of Petition in 2(TWO) Consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the worldwide web. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Respondent be and is hereby granted thirty-five (35) days after the date of the second and final Publication of such notice of petition within which to file an Acknowledgment of Service, a Notice of Intention to Defend, an answer and/or Cross Petition. AND IT IS FURHTER ORDERED that

From page 12 could be seen close to the coast in the vicinity of the Anna Regina koker in Region Two. This publication also spoke with some fishermen from the Berbice area, who reported sightings similar to those reports emanating from

the Essequibo Coast.

This newspaper has since been provided with a number of video footage captured by different individuals from various points in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where the fishermen

would ply their trade.

The videos depict a dark, sometimes foamy film floating on the ocean surface.

In a number of the videos, sailors could be overheard shouting, words to the effect of “oil, this is oil; this got to be from an oil spill.”

Govt. wants to build more schools in...

From page 14 only has one 'primary top' institution, which is the Saraswati Vidya Niketan that houses over 300 students.

Aiming to remove students from primary top, the Minister noted that another secondary school is important to the Region.

Kaieteur News understand that a nursery school

is being constructed in Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Minister Manickchand further mentioned that presently works are being done to complete a dormitory at the Leonora Secondary School, which would house some 65 students.

The importance of the dorms is to facilitate those children along the Demerara

and Essequibo Rivers, who would usually have to travel long distances to attend schools.

Last, she stated that the Centre for the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPC) that was recently constructed will soon be opened, and it will house 120 teachers making it easier for them to access training.

Oil sector will be plagued with difficulties...

From page 3 relinquishment is required after four years and only 20 percent after the end of seven years, compared with 75 percent in normal situations.

He was keen to note that the first person to utilise this loophole was Janet Jagan in LEGAL NOTICE an Affidavit of Publication sworn by the Attorney-atLaw for the Petitioner with copies of advertisement exhibited thereto be deemed sufficient proof of service of Petition herein. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 21st day of March,2022 at 10:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID:845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445.

the 1999 Pre-discovery Agreement and made worse under the 2012 model Agreement produced during the time of former President, Donald Ramotar and former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud.

But, the Chartered Accountant reserved his disgust with Trotman, Greenidge and Granger, the key players in the 2016 post-discovery Agreement and its relinquishment provisions.

Ram expressed the fear that, with little oversight and undisclosed arrangements between ExxonMobil and the

Government, the blocks to be given up in 2023 can be subject to any form of machinations via production licenses.

ExxonMobil and its friends are pushing for more and more explorations licenses, so that by the time the first relinquishment is due in 2023, the 20% would be of a considerably reduced portion of the Stabroek Block.

To date, ExxonMobil has made over 20 discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

It is also rushing to find more oil discoveries before the end of the year and no doubt before 2023.

Bulk of GPL's $3BOperationsand...

From page 8 company's maintenance program. The bulk of the maintenance, however, was not aimed at reducing the 26 percent losses—technical and commercial.

During that press engagement, Dindyal told media operatives that the investments in maintenance were targeting the reliability of the system and, as such, would not impact on the system losses significantly.

The CEO conceded that the power company currently experiences technical and commercial losses at some 26

percent.

He quantified this to mean some G$16B being lost annually.

According to the GPL CEO, the company loses some $5B directly related to the theft of electricity. This is in addition to losses incurred as a result of tampering and other mechanisms.

Additionally, he said, the technical line losses amount for some 11 percent of losses.

As such, it would mean that GPL loses in excess of 18MW directly due to the aged transmission and distribution network.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Region 6 man succumbs to COVID-19

PAGE 23

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Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 2021

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Ministry launched pro bono initiative for gender-based violence victims T

he Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) in collaboration with the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) on Thursday launched its Legal 500 pro bono initiative as a part of its mandate to end gender-based-violence, specifically against women and girls in Guyana.

This initiative will ensure free pro bono legal services to 500 gender-based-violence victims, which will be provided by the GBA, as it is equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to provide high quality essential legal services.

The accessing of justice and legal services can be a challenge for vulnerable groups of people across Guyana, as legal costs are relatively high. There might also be limited aid reach in certain regions, backlog of lengthy trials, lack of resources, and many other challenges.

The accessing of free legal resources by victims can diminish the losses experienced by women, children, families, and communities across Guyana.

“We have been crafting, tailoring and working dedicatedly and committedly on many factors towards the one goal of eradicating, eliminating violence against women and girls and I always say men and boys too, because we must not forget them. And, so if we look at the broader structure of our service delivery, as it relates to gender-based-violence, domestic violence in all of its dimensions, it is imperative that we also have tactical solutions that can be considered low high-end fruit, access to justice is an important, very important and significant aspect to curb what we see right across our country" Human Services Minister, Dr. Vindya Persaud stated.

The Minister expressed thanks to the GBA for its

contribution to the initiative, which will help assist 500 victims. The minister further stated that she looks forward to that number expanding in the future. The partnership was finalized by the singing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MHSSS and the GBA, which took place on Thursday.

To ensure this initiative is effectively managed, the ministry has engaged other international bodies to provide funding and technical support, through the establishment of a legal probono referral department within the MHSSS. The Minister has signaled her intention to engage other existing law societies to provide legal pro bono services and stated that, “access to justice is even more important when someone has experienced domestic violence, and this initiative will complement the already existing and overburdened legal aid services”. The Minister acknowledged the contribution of the GBA and thanked it for “unhesitatingly partnering with the Ministry”.

The Minister indicated that she looks forward to a time when, “there will be a lesser need for this type of service, but for now, the Ministry is ensuring that every survivor has access to justice as is their fundamental human right”.

“At the Bar Association of Guyana we are happy to lend our assistance in this fight against gender-based violence. As officers of the court we are duty bound to serve you. The initiative being launched today is one part of the series of actions we would have noticed within our society to fight gender-basedviolence.

It is one part of a bigger machine and when all the parts are put together provides a cohesive and complete approach at all levels of the system" the President of the GBA, Ms. Pauline Chase responded.

Pesident of the GBA, Pauline Chase and the permanent secretary of the MHSSS, Shanielle Hoosain-Outar signing the MOU

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindya Persaud

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 2021

Saturday December 11, 2021

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Referees are “Ready To Go” for Super 16 – GFF Head of Refereeing The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) match officials have completed their preparations for the yearend trio of senior competitions, with the GFF Refereeing Department providing expert physical, match scenario and technical sessions with professionally trained instructors to ensure the safe and well-managed return to play.

Recent sessions at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence have seen 25 short-listed match officials taking part in theoretical classes, covering competitions rules and guide-

lines, recent changes to the Laws of the Game and COVID-19 protocols in line with government regulations.

The group also took part in physical training and match scenarios on the FIFAfunded all-weather pitch to put their learning into action.

“It is customary for these major tournaments that, prior to the commencement of that tournament, we organise these sessions, so that our referees can become familiar with the competition regulations,” said GFF Head of Refereeing and Executive Committee member Dion Inniss.

“We issued a number of

reminders on procedures that will be followed during the tournament, and we also ensured they were brought up to speed with the COVID19 regulations that have been stipulated by the authorities,” Innis continued. “They assimilated quite well all that was instructed by our group of competent instructors, and we are very confident that they will officiate these tournaments very well.”

The GFF Refereeing Department has been highly active this year, providing training and workshops for match officials involving national and international instructors,

in order to keep its cohort of registered referees and assistant referees up to date on the Laws of the Game and physically prepared for competition.

“Returning to football has been great – I would have done a few youth games in the U13 tournament, which was a great initiative by the GFF to have youths playing some football at the grassroots, not just for players but the referees,” said workshop participant Shavin Greene.

“Now that we are having the year-end tournament coming into play – it’s most welcome,” Greene said.

“Training and preparation so

far has been great and we have tried to stay active and keep fit throughout the pandemic.

We’re ready to go and let’s have a great tournament from both the referees and the players.” The year-end football festival kicks off this weekend with the GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021, which will starts today, December 11 and draws to a close on January 2. The GFFK&S Super 16 Cup follows hot on the heels of the women’s tournament, being played between December 12 and January 1, while the GFFK&S Futsal Championship will take place over the period December 14 to January 8.

“It’s great to have football restarting,” said match official

Denisha Isaacs. “It’s a great initiative for the upcoming players and referees. The preparation for this tournament was very challenging due to the COVID pandemic, but we had grassroots sessions and the annual referees’ assessment programme.

Now, with the help of our local and international instructors, it’s great to see everyone out again and looking forward to a really good tournament.”

Since September 2020, the GFF has been running its nationwide “Get Involved” campaign to recruit more referees for both men’s and women’s football for all age groups. For more details, please contact the GFF Refereeing Department.

Throne says goal...

Saturday December 11, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The day ahead looks promising. Your energy is gradually returning, and you're beginning to feel more enterprising about your domestic life.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Try to imagine that you're in your creative workshop and you've given up using all your usual tools in order to find new ways to give form to your inspiration.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Your private life is probably in the throes of great change.

This change is likely related to profound transformations that are taking place in your

behavior, in particular your nervousness.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It wouldn't be surprising if you enrolled in a class that's very different from your normal activities. For example, a surfer may get a sudden urge to learn about computers, or a technology.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some of the planetary movements are currently helping you understand that the best place to discover treasure isn't always where other people tell you to look.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) No one's more forward thinking than you now.

You're in tune with new inventions and trends, and you may have an irresistible desire to join an avant-garde

group. .

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You couldn't be in a better position in your personal life. The time is ripe to thumb your nose at your demons for the last time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today's forecast is excellent for you. The celestial bodies can't help but smile on the tempestuous energy of your character.

You would be advised to act on your strong intuition.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Devote your energies to human psychology today.

It's a good day to try to sell your ideas. Concentrate your efforts on those whose help you need.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) There is some likelihood that you'll have an electrifying emotional encounter today. Some of life's more mundane details may trigger arguments that, although violent, are cathartic and short.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The current astral configuration could be described as a crisis phase, although today's events won't be unhappy.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have a pleasant day ahead. Optimism and creativity prevail. You can avail yourself of all the freedom necessary to encounter happiness.

From page 28 County Tournament included Thorne, Dindyal and Ramnauth who had represented the West Indies U15s.

In May 2021 at Providence, in a practice match was organised by the GCB, which was streamed live to give the Regional selectors an opportunity to pick players for a training squad for the U-19 tour to England.

In that game which was affected by rain, General Marine Eagles asked Amazon Hawks to bat. Hawks made 120 in 26.5 overs, while Eagles, in reply reached 124 for 12 in 26. Thorne, showing his control and pace had 326.

In December 2021 Former West Indies pacer, Reon King held a fast bowling clinic and was high in praise of Thorne who turned 17 on September 23.

AIBA can return...

From page 30 sports integrity, but still needed to make more progress.

“We are already implementing some of the recommendations Professor McLaren has made,” he said.

“And we are very serious about making sure that fair fights are ensured by a powerful combination of regulations, processes, people and culture.”=

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Saturday December 11, 2021

‘Always wanted to be in a World Cup, playing at home is special’

By Sean Devers

A

t 17, Berbician Isaiah Throne was one of two Guyanese on the West Indies U-19 tour of England last month for a six-match Youth ODI series.

The genuinely quick fast bowler captured eight wickets from the four matches including two consecutive three-wicket hauls; hitting 85 mph consistently with raw pace.

West Indies fast bowling icon Sir Curtly Ambrose, who took 405 Test wickets from 98 matches, accompanied the Young West Indies team to England as bowling Coach, was high in praise for Thorne’s pace and control.

“It felt great coming from one of my favourite fast bowlers and that has inspired me strive to keep improving on my pace as I continue to learn the skills of fast bowling and work harder to hone my craft,” said Thorne whose favourite fast bowlers are Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Jofra Archer.

Thorne has come a long way and gotten stronger and taller since he burst on the scene as a 13 year-old for Berbice in the 2018 GCB U-15 inter-County tournament and is excited to play for the West Indies in the 14th edition of the U-19 World Cup. West

Throne says goal is to help Windies win U-19 World Cup Indies are grouped with Sri Lanka, Scotland and Australia.

The 2022 Event will be held in the West Indies from January 14 with the host facing Australia at Providence in Guyana.

“It’s a wonderful feeling…I always wanted to play for West Indies U-19 at a young age and will more special for me since it means a lot that I’ll be feeling more comfortable playing at home,” said Thorne, who has aspirations of joining John Trim and Brandon Bess as Berbicans pacers to play Test Cricket.

Throne will be encouraged by the Tucber Park pair of Romario Shepherd (who has 7 ODIs & 6 T20Is) who is presently in the West Indies ‘white ball’ squad and Nail Smith who has 20 wickets from seven First-Class matches.

They both hail from the New Amsterdam/Canje area in East Berbice.

Since West Indies, led by Brian Lara, participated in the first World Cup, won by host Australia in 1988, West Indies have just one title when Shimron Hetmyer, another player from the Canje area, led them to the Cup in 2016 in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh won the last

Reon King with Thorne at Albion last Sunday.

World Cup in New Zealand, while India has the most titles with four World Cups.

In September of this year, Thorne and Nandu returned home after participating in the just concluded West Indies tour of England.

Thorne said since returning from England he has been working really hard on improving his game.

When asked what is the biggest difference playing in England and playing in the Caribbean, Throne said the ball swings for a much longer time there than in the Caribbean.

This is Thorne’s second trip to England; in January

2019, he was picked in a West Indies U-16 squad for a Tour of England to take part in a series of matches sponsored by the Barmy Army.

Thorne explained that for him to continue to improve he must remain disciplined, while adding that his fitness level is most important.

“For the World Cup I intend just keep doing the right things and get the job done for my team. My goal for this tournament is to win the World Cup for the West Indies. I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity and my mom and dad,” said Throne.

The quickest teenaged

bowler in the Caribbean was not always a cricketer and even when he got into cricket he was not a pacer but bowled leg-spin.

Throne lived with his mom for four years in Barbados and informed that his first love was Track & Field. He won gold medals in National School Championships in the U-12 400m and the U-14 High Jump.

An eight-year-old Thorne would go to the Young Warriors Cricket Club which was not too far from where he lived. So it was not too surprising that he would gravitate to cricket in his teenage years.

Thorne attend the Cumberland Canje secondary school where he ‘mostly’ took part in track and field.

“I used to watch a lot of games on TV and from going to the cricket ground and I developed a love for the game and Mr Anil Beharry, Amir Rahaman and my mom kept encouraging me to keep playing,” remembered Thorne, whose hobbies are listening music, watching Football, participating in Basketball and track and field.

“I started at Young Warriors Club and then moved to Tucber Park before joining Rose Hall Canje Club. As I got

older I saw that I could get a career in cricket,” continued Thorne.

On August 15, 2018, the UWI, under the Faculty of Sport, with the initiative from the Sagicor UWI cricket High Performance Centre, held a fast-bowling speed test for future pacers, ages 16 to 22 at the Albion ground.

Thorne, then 13, had just played for Guyana at the U15 level and was also invited to the session. He showed his potential to bowl fast by clocking 72-73 mph.

“In 2018 I played for the first time for Berbice against the President X1. The next year I played for Berbice U15 and U-17 teams.

But because of the Covid, there was no inter-county cricket played last year and this year, so I never got the chance to play U-19 for Berbice,” said Thorne, the only player from Rose Hall Canje to represent West Indies at the youth level.

A year later Throne, Mavendra Dindyal and Ramnauth were the Guyanese selected for the West Indies U-15 team which toured England.

In February 2020, GCB/ Dave West Indian Imports and Exports Under-15 Inter (Continued on page 27)

Saturday December 11, 2021

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Root and Malan lead rearguard to revive England’s first Test hopes

SportsMax - England captain Joe Root and Dawid Malan mounted a fine rearguard to help England get back into the first Ashes Test against Australia with an unbroken 159-run third-wicket partnership.

The tourists reached 2202 at stumps on day three at the Gabba, trailing by only 58 runs, with Root 86 not out and Malan 80 no.

Australia had added 82 to their overnight score – led by Travis Head, who passed 150 for the second time in his Test career – before being bowled out for 425, with a 278-run lead.

England appeared well behind in the game at 61-2 when Mitchell Starc had Haseeb Hameed (27) caught behind by Alex Carey.

But Root and Malan combined for an excellent partnership, as batting conditions improved on a bright day in Brisbane where only five wick-

ets fell.

Australia had resumed on 343-7, with Head and Starc continuing their 85-run eighth-wicket stand well into the first session before the latter fell for 35.

Mark Wood then claimed the final two wickets – including Head with a yorker for 152 – to finish with 85-3.

In response, England opener Burns, who was clean bowled with the first ball of the series, almost fell for a pair when umpire Paul Reiffel gave him out lbw from Starc.

Burns successfully had the decision overturned, with the early bounce taking it over, but did not capitalise on the reprieve for long, caught behind by Carey as Australia skipper Pat Cummins deceived him for 13.

Hameed had played well before he tickled a Starc delivery down leg through to Carey to fall for 27.

However, Root and Malan

Dawid Malan and Joe Root put on an unbroken 159 for the third wicket • Dec 09, 2021 © Getty Images

Letter to the Sports Editor

Fraser further questions GASA President Dear Sports Editor, Mr. Scott, Thank you for your response to “clear the air of the governance concerns”, although you have not cleared the air at all with your response and I will explain how.

My letter delved into the OASP funds and two central sets of actions that implicate GASA in corrupt practices: 1.

The lack of action and covering up of financial improprieties in 2018.

2.

The provision of false information to FINA this year in order to receive higher amounts of funds for the 2022 OASP funds.

In your response, you stated: “We table a modified version of the by-laws alongside a code of conduct … this could not have been adopted except through an extraordinary meeting”. So you are admitting to giving false information to FINA under Q14?

“We have reached out to the Olympic association …

for guidance on setting up a disciplinary committee … not fully achieved due to time constraints”. So you are admitting to giving false information to FINA under Q15? “We have revisited the selection policy for national athletes, to present a level playing field”. While there may have been an inclusion of the selection guideline in the meet summons of the last selection meet held, this selection guideline was not followed and I will explain. In August, a time trial was held and it was stated that the male and female swimmers with the 2 highest FINA point aggregate scores from eligible meets during the period would be representing Guyana at the PANAM Junior Championships in Cali that ended two days ago (December 5, 2021). The daughter of a coach, who had the 4th highest FINA points, was selected. Is this the level playing field that you were referring to? On the same point, it is curious that in your

response you remained very silent on the coaches’ selection policy. Just last night at a Technical Committee Meeting, a Dorado Coach was sidelined once again for national duty even though you have said that GASA is implementing a rotation system for coach selection.

Mr. Scott, can you please furnish us all with a list of all of the international meets GASA has attended and list the name(s) of the coach(es) who travelled under your tenure? Finally, in your response on the OASP funds you failed to refute any of the points of my letter.

This definitely does not clear up the misconceptions at all.

You have only managed to admit to giving false information to FINA on Q14 and Q15. Please address the other ten points of my letter.

Thank you in advance for your usual quick response.

Yours sincerely, Nicholas Fraser.

responded with a gritty stand.

The England skipper was clinical off his pads, hitting 10 boundaries, while Malan was excellent square of the wicket, also finding the rope on 10 occasions.

Record for Root Root’s attempt to play at the final ball of the day from Cameron Green almost undid his hard work, but the England captain remains well poised for a 24th Test century and fourth Ashes hundred after being dismissed for a

duck in the first innings.

Six of Root’s tons have come in 2021 alone, and this knock has now taken him clear of Michael Vaughan (1,481 in 2002) with the most England Test runs in a calendar year (1,541).

Aussie bowling concerns The first session on day four will be critical for both sides, with only 10 overs left until Australia take the new ball, desperate to get more wickets before England take the lead.

Josh Hazlewood did not bowl in the final session on day three, only getting through eight overs in the second innings in a slight concern for the hosts, while spinner Nathan Lyon has struggled, failing to take a wicket so far in the match.Scores: England 2 for 220 (Root 86*, Malan 80*, Cummins 1-43) and 147 trail Australia 425 (Head 152, Warner 94, Labuschagne 74, Robinson 3-58, Wood 3-85) by 58 runs.

GFF president shares condolences after passing of George Green The President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) this week paid tribute to former national team coach and player George Green, who passed away on December 4, aged 83.

“It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of George Green,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“There are no words to express the sadness we feel for this loss that affects us all.”

“An exemplary player, coach and administrator, Mr.

Green was a man committed to sport,” Forde continued.

“Thanks to his undoubted human qualities, his legacy and career will be remembered and truly missed. He left us many treasured memories that cannot be replicated.

In these difficult moments of irreparable loss, we accompany them from a distance and hope that our words will serve as a small consolation.”

Green represented what was then British Guiana between 1958 and 1966, before

taking over the role of coach of the national team until 1980.

He also represented the West Indies football team, touring England in 1959, and coached Caribbean sides against England’s Hull City and China’s Guangdong Province.

After a glittering career as player and coach, Green worked for the Department of Youth & Sports and coordinated the national Coca-Cola Secondary Schools U19 tournament.

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Kaieteur News

Reports: Steve Kerr to be next USA Basketball coach Reuters - Steve Kerr will succeed Gregg Popovich as the new head coach of USA Basketball, multiple outlets reported yesterday.

Kerr was an assistant on Popovich’s gold medal-winning squad at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Kerr, the head coach of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, will coach Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to ESPN. Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few are expected to be named as Kerr’s assis-

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) tant coaches, per the report.

USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill has been meeting with candidates for several months to replace the 72-year-old Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs head

coach stepped down after the Tokyo Games. Kerr, 56, has won three NBA championships since becoming head coach of the Warriors in 2014.

He was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 2015-16.

Saturday December 11, 2021

AIBA can return as good standing Olympic member, says McLaren TORONTO, (Reuters) After years of corruption world boxing’s governing body (AIBA) can return to a good standing Olympic member, Richard McLaren, the head of the independent investigation commissioned by the AIBA said yesterday.

In the second of three reports to be issued by McLaren, the Canadian law professor detailed an organisation (AIBA) spinning out of control, creating a decentralised system of match-fixing.

In the initial findings of his investigation released in September, McLaren described a bout manipulation system which existed in boxing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and resulted in the removal of Executive Director Karim Bouzidi along with several referees and officials.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the AIBA in 2019, stripping it of involvement in this year’s Tokyo Games over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues. A decision its role at Paris 2024 has yet to be taken.

Boxing was not included

International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Umar Kremlev listens to sports lawyer Richard McLaren during a news conference ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland June 28, 2021. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse) in the initial sports programme for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles announced by the IOC on Thursday.

McLaren said he believes there has been improvement in the operation and administration of AIBA under the leadership of current President Umar Kremlev and Secretary General Istvan Kovacs, but there was still much to be done with the third phase of his investigation and recommendations to come next year.

“It is hard for an organisation to engage in

self-reform,” said McLaren.

“If they do it is in a situation like AIBA is in with the IOC where they must or they are out.

“But it takes the right people with the integrity to run the organisation, rules can be perfect but the people have to be better.

“If that happens and they implement the recommendations ... I think it is possible for the sport to reform.”

Kremlev said AIBA was on the right track in terms of (Continued on page 27)

Of failures, platitudes...

From page 31 apology from Gayle…a repetition of a similar 2020 rant directed at Ramnaresh Sarwan during the Caribbean Premier League? Instead, we were made to take Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave’s word that he had a “quiet word” with him about the Sir Curtly incident. What is not a “quiet word” is the announcement by Grave of basically a benefit game for Gayle in Jamaica against Ireland.

It is ironic that an individual such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul who dedicated his life to West Indies cricket - not franchise tournaments was never afforded such a courtesy, but Gayle who turned his back on both regional four-day cricket as well as Test cricket in 2014, while pursuing lucrative Twenty20 contracts here, there and everywhere, is being gifted a “retirement” game. This is the environment being nurtured by the present CWI administration. Of course, the players must be allowed to make millions while the sun shines, but they can’t have their franchise cake and eat West Indies leftovers too.

One can recall Gayle turning up two days before the May, 2009, Lord’s Test because the IPL tournament in South Africa was perhaps more important. West Indies were mauled in the series.

Again, in keeping with the acceptance of mediocrity, following the West Indies’ failures in the World Cup, CWI indicated they would be retaining Pollard whose great captaincy acumen is as much a myth as Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster (just ask Hayden Walsh Jr. whose cricket continues to suffer under his leadership), as well as the selection panel of Roger Harper.

Skerritt said there would be no knee-jerk reaction to our pathetic performances. Perhaps, one can also interpret that as any attempt to right wrongs in our cricket, or to cultivate a culture of accountability and professionalism in the present environment, equates to knee-jerk reactions. God help us! The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cricket across the globe.

This has led to the cancellation of four-day cricket in the Caribbean since last year.

However, first class cricket has resumed in countries such as Pakistan and India, among others, but to date, CWI has not restarted the regional first -class game.

Yet, we are sending the West Indies team to play Test cricket without proper, lengthy four-day game preparation and expecting different results to what has transpired in Sri Lanka and what took place against South Africa in the Caribbean in June.

These are areas where CWI must concentrate its efforts rather than the hierarchy of the organization playing personality politics with the game.

West Indies cricket captains on the field have become adroit at finding positives and stretching euphemisms at post-defeat media chats.

West Indies leadership off the field has turned cricketing rhetoric that cushions its shortcomings, into high science.

The latter is easier fixed than the former but on-field travails are likely to worsen if the present status quo remains reluctant to enforce the standards and commitment that it ought to and must.

Saturday December 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Of failures, platitudes and the status quo Barbados Today (Wade Gibbons) - There is perhaps nothing more palpably pathetic than listening to West Indian captains trying to speak positively after unending defeats.

But if one really wanted to find the ineffectiveness dressed in finery, one need not look further than the present Cricket West Indies (CWI) administration. Much has been written about the state of affairs of West Indies cricket on the field. But hard as it might seem Regional cricket is neither hopeless nor is it broken.

However, remove CWI’s cosmetics and the fault lines within are widening with every platitude and excuse that emanate from the organisation’s hierarchy.

But let’s give our cricket situation some context. Similar to our politics and much of our social interactions in the Caribbean, everything appears to be mired in a form of “old-boys club” philosophy. And when one does not play ball with the “boys” one can expect backlash even from regional Prime Ministers.

It might be lost on many but West Indies cricket has regressed under the presidency of Ricky Skerritt. One would not believe this though, especially with the silence from erstwhile noisemakers such as the likes of Prime Ministers Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Dr Keith Mitchell who have

somehow become afflicted with acute laryngitis.

In sports, like most endeavours, discipline, consistency, accountability, performance and commitment are paramount. One must question whether the present administration and many of the cricketers who have been resurrected by CWI have ticked all or any of those boxes.

Former West Indies opener Philo Wallace hit the proverbial nail on the head when he recently accused CWI of basically ceding control of West Indies cricket to the players.

Skerritt from the outset, has appeared to move away from an environment of discipline and accountability which former President Dave Cameron had attempted to instill in West Indies cricket on and off the field, to one where in an effort to ingratiate himself with the players, his administration has not held its ground on player commitment, discipline, performance and general standards. Indeed, CWI has become so numbed by failure that it now seemingly embraces it with the occasional platitude.

Back in 2002 with the lack of commitment and rising failure that are now attached to the regional side being evident then, as well as several question marks over Brian Lara’s captaincy, CWI president Pat Rosseau sacked then manager Skerritt. This

Chief Selector Roger Harper

CWI President Ricky Skerritt

followed a series of failures against England, Australia and South Africa. But the weak-kneed board reinstated Skerritt and Rosseau and his deputy Clarvis Joseph resigned. Rosseau made it clear then that their decisions were made after “evaluating team performance”.

Team performance and accountability were high on the agenda of former president Cameron as well. No one it seems took notice that he tried to make players commit to West Indies cricket and rewarded them for doing so, including those outside of the international set-up. No one seemed to notice that the West Indies team won three global championships under his watch, even though there were still a lot of work to be done with the regional game.

But it was trending in the right direction. Instead, terri-

torial boards and a few prime ministers became preoccupied with Cameron’s style and his alleged arrogance. He seemingly snubbed the ‘oldboys club’. That was his sin and he was dumped by the territorial boards after a successfully orchestrated public relations campaign.

The likes of Dwayne Bravo and crew who were on the ill-fated 2014 tour of India that threatened subsequently to pauperise West Indies finances further not surprisingly found their way back into the firmament under Skerritt. An investigation one day might reveal more than what was told on the surface, both in India and in the corridors of some regional boardrooms. India were not particularly enamoured of Cameron.

After all, the business-like Jamaican had challenged the International Cricket

Council’s status quo, particularly the finance model that favoured India and disadvantaged blocs like the West Indies.

One might never know what played out among the regional boards and India, especially with the massive forgiveness of debt by India, post-2014, and any conditions which might have been attached. But as Wallace suggested, administrative control of regional cricket has slackened. It is a lack of firmness with the players that has contributed to the likes of Darren Bravo now being a pitiful memory of what could have been. He was called out by Cameron for his inconsistency, denied an A grade retainer contract which he did not merit at the time, and rather than attempt to raise his game, he took the road of petulance.

Bravo started his career around the same time as India’s Virat Kohli, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, England’s Joe Root and Australia’s Steve Smith. But while they have all progressed, average in the 50s in Test cricket, Bravo wallows in the mediocrity of a batting average of 36. A victim of a CWI environment where high performance is a mere sweetsounding term that can be conveniently side-stepped. It is not happenstance that the likes of Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre

Russell have noticeably better stats for their various franchises, especially the Indian Premier League, than they have for the West Indies.

Their longevity for these franchises rests on performance.

For the West Indies, where the cliques are well entrenched, poor performances do not often result in removal of certain players. Russell has become the poster child for failing and pulling up lame while in West Indies colours, but subsequently turning up for one franchise or the other across the globe. But if CWI continuously drops the ball on enforcing commitment and performance, why blame the players for milking this errant administrative system as much as they possibly can.

The West Indies team failure at the recent Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates can be linked to off field administrative ineptitude. In a tournament where athleticism and fitness can be as important as batting and bowling form, exemptions were given to oldsters Chris Gayle and Ravi Rampaul.

Attitude and discipline went through the window with Gayle’s obnoxious riposte to legendary fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose’s 100 per cent accurate assessment of the 42-yearold Jamaican’s participation in the team. Where was the rebuke from CWI? Where was the (Continued on page 30)

Hamilton impressively responds Simmons challenges to Verstappen in practice Windies torise to the challenge against Pakistan ahead of tomorrow’s showdown SportsMax - West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons, says he’s looking for the young players to put their hands up during their whiteball tour of Pakistan starting December 13.

The West Indies will face Pakistan in three T20I and three ODIs during the tour that concludes on December 20 and Simmons is expecting members of the team to stand up and be counted.

“We’re looking to see who’s going to put their hand up to be a major player in this team. It’s about them putting up their hands and saying we want to go forward with this team. We want to do the things that are necessary to help this team win,” Simmons said.

Speaking in a press conference Friday after the team’s arrival in Pakistan, Simmons

acknowledged that this is the team’s first white-ball assignment since the disastrous World Cup campaign and that it is time to move on from that.

“We know what happened in the World Cup and we’re not going to go back there. We’re looking to move forward and see who now wants to move forward with this team and our different ideas of how we want to play,” he said.

The former Ireland and Afghanistan coach also expressed that while many know what these players are capable of, it is time for them to show it in high-pressure situations.

“Yes, we have an idea of what they can deliver, but they’ve got to go out there and start showing us now that they can deliver under pressure. Playing against Pa-

kistan in Pakistan is as much pressure as you can get,” said Simmons.

Simmons says he’s anticipating how the mental approach within the squad will change.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how things are going to change within this squad, not just from a cricketing point of view but also an attitude point of view,” Simmons said.

The West Indies coach also noted the threat of Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“He’s been brilliant for Pakistan and I’m sure he will continue to improve. Our batsmen will work on plans to of how to play him, how to score off him and we’ll see how their plans work out when the games come about,” said Simmons.

SportsMax - Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen set the pace in yesterday’s two Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice sessions as the Formula One title race remains too close to call.

The championship will be awarded after tomorrow’s final race, which Hamilton and Verstappen enter all square on 369.5 points.

It is only the second time – after Emerson Fittipaldi and Clay Regazzoni in 1974 – the top two have been tied in the standings ahead of the last grand prix of the season.

Verstappen’s superior wins record means he would take the title if neither driver finished in the points, but that seems unlikely – barring a dramatic crash – based on yesterday’s results.

The Red Bull posted the fastest time in the first session at one minute and 25.009

seconds, with Hamilton back in third, behind Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

But Hamilton, Esteban Ocon and Bottas all beat Verstappen in FP2, the defending champion out in front with a time of one minute and 23.691 seconds in a session that was much faster than FP1.

The second session, in which Verstappen was more than six-tenths off the pace,

should in theory be more indicative of the race, taking place later in the day at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen’s final weekend in Formula One got off to an unconvincing start as the retiring former champion hit the wall at Turn 14 in FP2.Raikkonen emerged from his car unharmed but left Alfa Romeo with plenty of repairs.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Chess-Carlsen blows Nepomniachtchi away to claim fifth world title Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi and Wesley So of the U.S. play a semi-final game during the World Fischer Random Chess Championship 2019 at Henie Onstad Art Center in Baerum, Norway, October 29, 2019. (NTB Scanpix/Berit Roald via REUTERS)

(Reuters) - Norway’s Magnus Carlsen claimed his fifth world chess crown in Dubai yesterday with a crushing 7.5-3.5 victory against Ian Nepomniachtchi, who faded badly after going toe-to-toe with the Norwegian defending champion in the early games.

The 31-year-old Carlsen benefited from a blunder by his Russian challenger to win his fourth game of the match, with the black pieces, to take an unassailable lead in the best-of-14 contest.

“I didn’t expect it go quite like this. I think it was just a very good professional performance overall. No regrets at all, just very satisfied,” said Carlsen.

His large margin of victory made it the most onesided world championship since Jose Raul Capablanca of Cuba defeated German Emmanuel Lasker 9-5 in 1921 - an outcome that few would have bet on during the contest’s initial stages.

“After five games there were five draws and I’d had

very, very few chances to play for anything more,” Carlsen added.

“Then everything kind of clicked and after that it all went my way. You don’t expect to necessarily run away with it in a world championship.”

The contest sprang to life in game 6, won by Carlsen with the white pieces after seven hours 45 minutes and 136 moves - the longest game in world championship history.

A dull 41-move draw followed before Carlsen won again with white as Nepomniachtchi, winner of the Candidates tournament in April, blundered a pawn move in the middle game.

Nepomniachtchi made another error in game 9, letting his light-square bishop get trapped after just 27 moves and leaving Carlsen on the brink of a fourth successful title defence.

After another draw, Friday’s game 11 showed that Nepomniachtchi, the world number five, had not recovered from his earlier defeats

Norwegian chess player Magnus Carlsen participates at the Energy Denmark Champions Battle 2019 in Circus Building, Copenhagen, Denmark May 22, 2019. (Claus Bech/Ritzau Scanpix/via REUTERS)

as he lost focus again.

“These things which happened here, they have never happened to me at basically any events,” a disconsolate Nepomniachtchi said of his blunders.

“In my career I lost quite some stupid games but not as many in such a (short) time.”

Saturday December 11, 2021

Paul Hall appointed interim Reggae Boyz head coach following ‘Tappa’ Whitmore sacking SportsMax - Paul Hall has been appointed head coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz following the sacking of Theodore Whitmore, the Jamaica Football Federation has confirmed. Hall will be in charge for the remainder of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers that resume early next year.

“Bearing in mind that the World Cup campaign is still ongoing, the JFF has decided to appoint former assistant Paul Hall to lead until the World Cup cycle ends,” a statement from the JFF read.

“The JFF wishes to thank Mr Whitmore for the work that he has put in with the team over the years.”

JFF President Michael Ricketts confirmed Hall’s appointment saying, “Paul is the new head coach. We have had discussions with Paul and he is willing and ready.

Everything is in place for him to take over.” Hall is no stranger to the Reggae Boyz.

He was a member of the team that historically qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup

Paul Hall is the new Reggae Boyz Head Coach. along with other Englishbased players Fitzroy Simpson, Deon Burton and Robbie Earle. Hall joined the coaching staff in June on a part-time basis while still being employed by the English club Queens Park Rangers.

The decision to fire Whitmore stems from a recommendation from the JFF’s Technical Committee, who voted almost unanimously to fire him after what has been a

disappointing final round campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After eight games, Jamaica has seven points and lies sixth in the eight-team table.

Jamaica has only one win so far after wasting glorious opportunities to defeat the United States at the National Stadium in Kingston in November and Costa Rica a few weeks earlier.

NBA roundup: Without starting guards, Grizzlies get by Lakers Reuters - Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 25 points and Desmond Bane added 23 as the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies returned to their winning ways Thursday with a 108-95 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.

Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton added 12 points each as the Grizzlies won without starting guards Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks, who are in COVID-19 protocol. Brooks was a late scratch after playing Wednesday.

The Grizzlies have won six of their last seven games, all since Morant originally went to the sideline last month with a left knee sprain.LeBron James scored 20 points with 10 rebounds and 11 assists for the Lakers to record the 100th triple-double of his career.

Anthony Davis had 22 points with eight rebounds for Los Angeles, which is just 35 on the road since Nov. 1.

Spurs 123, Nuggets 111 Derrick White poured in 23 points and Lonnie Walker IV added 21 off the bench as San Antonio rolled over visiting Denver.Dejounte Murray

Memphis Grizzles forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at FedExForum.(Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports) added 20 points for the Spurs, with Doug McDermott hitting for 17 and Drew Eubanks scoring 14.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic had 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, recording his second consecutive tripledouble and his fifth in 20 games this season.

Aaron Gordon led all scorers with 25 points, and Will Barton added 19.Jazz

118, 76ers 96 Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points, and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 21 rebounds as Utah beat host Philadelphia.

Hassan Whiteside contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, Bojan Bogdanovic had 14 points, and Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 11 each for the Jazz, who won their sixth in a row.

Mike Conley and Rudy Gay had 10 points apiece.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 19 points and nine rebounds, but he appeared to be hampered by an apparent rib injury in the second half.

Seth Curry scored 18 points, Tobias Harris added 17 and Tyrese Maxey had 11 for the 76ers, who had their three-game winningstreaksnapped.

Saturday December 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Port Mourant Training Centre are champs Volleyball powerhouse Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) came out champions of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) League competition which came to an end recently.

The competition, which was sponsored by the Trophy Stall Berbice branch, saw three teams participating.

Those competing were PMTC, Rollers Volleyball Club of New Amsterdam and Vikings of Blairmont.

The final was played between PMTC and Rollers under floodlights at the

Blairmont hardcourt and saw PMTC winning the best-offive encounter by a 3-0 margin.

The scores were 28-26; 25-18 and 25-22.

At the end of the competition the winning teams and top individual performers were presented with their accolades.

The top individual performers were adjudged as: Steffon Norah of PMTC, he was voted as the (MVP), Errol Fingall of Rollers the (Best Setter) and Ronaldo Bobb of PMTC (Best A t t a c k e r ) .

Reports: Steve Kerr to be next USA Basketball coach Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - Steve Kerr will succeed Gregg Popovich as the new head coach of USA Basketball, multiple outlets reported yesterday.

Kerr was an assistant on Popovich's gold medalwinning squad at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Kerr, the head coach of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, will coach Team USA at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to ESPN. Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Gonzaga head

coach Mark Few are expected to be named as Kerr's assistant coaches, per the report.

USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill has been meeting with candidates for several months to replace the 72year-old Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs head coach stepped down after the Tokyo Games.

Kerr, 56, has won three NBA championships since becoming head coach of the Warriors in 2014. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year in 2015-16.

(Field Level Media)

The winning PMTC team was coached by former national captain and Coach Levi Nedd, who is also the current president of the G u y a n a Vo l l e y b a l l Federation (GVF).

More competitions are expected to be staged shortly. (Samuel Whyte)

The winning PMTC team pose with their silverware.

Simmons challenges Windies to rise to the challenge against Pakistan Phil Simmons

Port Mourant Training Centre are champs Hamilton impressively responds to Verstappen in practice ahead of tomorrow’s showdown Isaiah Thorne

Root and Malan lead rearguard to revive England's first Test hopes

'Always wanted to be in a World Cup, playing at home is special'

Throne says goal isp.26 to help Windies win U-19 World Cup