Kaieteur News

K

Exxon's Ogle HQ NEWS to supply national - Country grid with solar power Manager

Sunday Edition

AIETEUR

December 12, 2021

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $140

Online readership yesterday, 71,995

Jagdeo to remove committee which oversees sustainable withdrawals - says arrangement from oil account complex, not transparent Natural Resource Fund Law... p.3

GPL to now find US$1.3B more to take power from Amaila, Gas Plant - as CEO hints at more loans, foreign partners

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

EPA depending Int'l experts want on fishermen's Yellowtail help to tackle EIA to be oil spills scrapped Guyana's history of granting oil licences and contracts marred by corruption - TIGI p.

43

Chinese Company accused of destroying livelihood of Port Kaituma residents

Azerbaijan completes new US$40M int'l airport in 8 months …10 years later US$160M and counting CJIA still incomplete The American President suddenly got a wakeup call and realised that his people were being short changed for quite a while now by the oil companies despite them receiving up to 19% royalty; while our leaders defending the sanctity of the 2% we are getting.

@ 11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Housing Ministry allocated $6B but spends $14B on projects outside their portfolio; GPL spends $7B more than what was not budgeted - where Radio did those $15B come from? $15B is equal to 105% increase for every public servant, how come the Govt. can ONLY find $1B to give 7% increase? 99.1/99.5FM

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.

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 03

Jagdeo to remove committee which oversees sustainable withdrawals from oil account Natural Resource Fund Law...

The current Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation recommends that a f i v e - m e m b e r Macroeconomic Committee be established to oversee and provide suggestions on withdrawals from the account. The arrangement however, does not find favour with the PPP/C government. The administration believes it is utterly flawed for compliance with transparency and accountability.

On this premise, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently disclosed that the amended law which will be tabled on Thursday will not contain this feature.

He said, “...In opposition, we had said the Minister of Finance was too directly involved in the management of the Fund and had too much of an influence in the legislation so we will insert a Board that will sit between the minister and the management of the Fund.”

The Vice President added, “But then there is a complex macroeconomic committee that reports to the

- says arrangement complex, not transparent

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo minister and calculates the economically sustainable sum that can be withdrawn and there is no transparency on how this sum is being calculated.”

The local oil czar also flagged provisions of the law which reposes in the Minister the power to appoint members of the committee.

The current legislation says the Macroeconomic Committee shall consist of the following five members appointed by the Minister: a representative of the Ministry who shall be the Chairperson of the M a c r o e c o n o m i c

Committee, a nominee of the Leader of the Opposition, a representative of the Bank nominated by the Governor of the Bank, a nominee of the Private Sector Commission and a leading international expert in macroeconomics identified and approved by Cabinet.

It notes that all members of the Macroeconomic Committee shall be persons with at least 10 years of experience of applied macroeconomics and shall hold a minimum of a m a s t e r ’s d e g r e e i n economics or a related field from a reputable university.

The law also states that the Minister can terminate the appointment of any m e m b e r o f t h e Macroeconomic Committee who contravenes the provisions of the Act. Jagdeo further noted that the Minister also has the leverage to determine on his own, what the fiscally

sustainable amount for withdrawal could be.

Noting that the foregoing goes against the grain of transparency and accountability, Jagdeo said the government has taken the decision to have it replaced with “a simple and clear formula that the citizens can understand. It

will not be complex, it will stay below this sum on an annual basis the money comes directly to the Treasury...and larger shares will be saved for future.”

He assured that the new and improved formula will be very simple for citizens to understand and will cater for public disclosure.

On Saturday, Kaieteur News had reported on another committee Jagdeo said would not be part of the amended legislation. He said the new law will no longer have a 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee while adding, “…it is almost impossible to get anything done with 22 different organisations having oversight responsibility.”

Kaieteur News had reported in 2018 when the Continued on page 53

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Sunday December 12, 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

Gas project EIA must be credible and made public We are thankful that those at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have come to their senses. Though belated, it is still gratifying, to learn that the EPA has “determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment is required” (KN December 6 –”EPA orders EIA for Exxon’s US$900M gas project”). It is mindboggling that this is only happening now, with so much involved, so many genuine fears articulated publicly by alarmed Guyanese with why it should be done. It is our hope that the EIA conducted and delivered will measure up in every respect.

Whatever the EIA memorialises must be made public immediately upon completion. The EIA report for the gas project must not follow in the footsteps of other reports secreted away, such as Payara and audit reports. These reports are the business of the Guyanese people and they have every right to know in a timely manner, since delay generates suspicion of leaders doctoring the final product to conceal their tricks and other crooked agendas. This project has been plagued with disagreement and distrust from very early on, which is why it is compulsory that no more secrecy be a part of the mix.Similarly, the group and its people spearheading this sensitive and crucial EIA studymust pass smell test and credibility test. Interestingly, we point out that the EPA stated that it has also approved Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to conduct the EIA. We must be frank and mention that we were not too impressed with what was being held out as a simple and sincere error involving a signature pasted on to a recent report to give it some standing in the local context. This is not being said to cast aspersions, since genuine mistakes happen. Rather, this must be presented to the public because of what the terms of reference for the EIA contain.

As our article stated, “One of the terms notes that the company must examine the introduction of increased dangers such as fire, explosion, spills, chemical and other hazardous substances to the surrounding environment, including coastal communities.” Whatever is examined or done or reported in this regard must be comprehensive and authoritative, while reassuring us that it is on the up and up.

For this represents the core of the concerns of Guyanese, and over which they must and will be relentless.

The great majority of Guyanese have been content to be complacent and accept hook, line, and sinker whatever Government leaders put before them, and gets an impotent EPA to endorse as the genuine article, meaning, that there is no need to worry. On the other hand, foreigners have been harsh and unaccepting, because they foresee the possibility of their livelihoods and future being taken out of their hands in the worst way imaginable, if they are unconcerned and unobjecting today. Foreigners want robust reassurances, and Guyanese should not be lagging in applying pressure to Government leaders, and the EPA. This is because all that it takes is one oil spill of limited consequence (not even a fully catastrophic one) for all the oil and gas below the seabed to mean nothing to us. The embedded dangers “to the surrounding environment, including coastal communities”cannot and should not, be minimized, but given every expression and ventilation. There are several reasons for this, but we highlight only two today.First, the gas project involves almost 250 kilometers (km) of pipeline in total, with some 220 km being offshore, and another 27 km of connecting pipeline onshore. Trouble could come from any point in this near 250 km of pipeline, with disastrous effects to locals. Second, at the time of this writing, we are still to be fortified with proper insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill, either offshore or anywhere else. We note keenly the arrival of a new insurance group positioning itself to provide coverage, and we are very doubtful.

We have seen this before on everything involving these oil discoveries from the inception, including contracts, signing bonus money, and PPP and PNC leadership trickeries and concealments. It is why the completed EIA must speak on its merits, once made public. Too much is involved, simply too many dangers, too many bona fide fears.

Please do not delay naming new members of the Police Service Commission D e a r E d i t o r, Guyana should be breathing a sigh of relief with news that a new Chief Election Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been named. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Vishnu Persaud. He has his work cut out for him.

We are aware of the importance of having functioning Constitutional bodies in place. They are a very critical part of the structures that help run the

country.

Supposedly independent and semi-autonomous, these bodies represent all that are supposed to be fair and transparent-decisions taken by responsible and qualified members of society who have been chosen because of what is perceived to be c a p a c i t y a n d professionalism, among other things.The wheels must continue to turn in Guyana.

Editor, I refer to the GECOM story as there are

rumblings in another area.

Police ranks and officials have been complaining bitterly about no promotions in more than two years.

The Police Service Commission is charged with the task of dealing with promotions of senior officers.

Below a certain rank, the Police Commissioner has t h a t d u t y .

The fact of the matter is that the life of the Commission expired since August and there has been no news of

another one being appointed.

We need not remind that the Guyana Police Force plays an integral role in the running of the country, despite the challenges.

We cannot have this situation to continue where morale within the Force can be threatened. I therefore call on the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to quickly remedy this s i t u a t i o n .

Cobeer ‘Anand’ Persaud

Sunday December 12, 2021

The US has spoken on corruption - will Guyana listen?

DEAR EDITOR, Guyana observed International Anti-Corruption Day last week. The message of the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, soberly and clearly remind us that there is a growing intolerance to corrupt public officials in a world made smaller by social media. There is very little that can happen and if known that can remain hidden. Such is the power of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the internet.

Stabroek News reported that the statement from the US Ambassador will be seen as further pressure from Washington on the Guyana Government which is still to finalise Natural Resource Fund legislation.

The diplomat warned: “International Anticorruption Day is an annual opportunity to bring attention to the continued importance of combating corruption, ensuring accountability, and fostering transparency.

Around the world, corruption threatens security, hinders economic growth, and siphons away public and private resources.”

It was noted that that US President Joe Biden was meeting virtually with world leaders, including our own President Irfaan Ali to announce meaningful commitments and initiatives, and to engage with civil society and the private and philanthropic sectors, since they play a critical role in supporting democracy, fighting corruption, and protecting human rights.

The Ambassador reminded that in the United States, politicians and corporations alike know there are consequences ranging from jail time to hefty fines if they engage in corrupt activities or violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. “Governments and institutions around the globe cannot allow corruption to flourish. Constructing a legislative framework that deters corrupt practices and promotes transparency is an essential step in addressing corruption. Enhancing the capabilities of criminal justice institutions to investigate and prosecute corruption is also crucial to exposing malign

Choice of the word ‘appointment’ in headline to announce GECOM’s CEO improper DEAR EDITOR, The headline “GECOM appointing Vishnu Persaud as new Chief Election Officer” (SN, Dec 10), seems to suggest that the appointment was unilateral, high-handed and did not follow procedure, as was an-

other appointment to that agency some time ago.

The word ‘appointing’ jars and has done a disservice to the CEO elect, who was part of a democratic and transparent process.

Shamshun Mohamed

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

influence.” Lynch told Guyana that Government operations should be transparent such that citizens and the media can provide oversight and hold officials accountable.

“In addition, procurement processes that comply with international anti-corruption standards will ensure a level playing field for investors.

Private sector actors must also answer for any role that they play in corrupt practices, and when choosing private sector partners it is advisable to choose the reputable over the most convenient. Most importantly, a robust civil society and free press are critical to holding leaders responsible for their actions.”

The above are very powerful and pointed words.

Editor, it is clear that the US embassy in Georgetown know things that we don’t.

US embassies do not issue statements willy-nilly. The officials and Washington DC are very careful.

The US knows what it expects of Guyana.

ExxonMobil is steaming forward and any government and bodies have to toe the lines. There are worrying signs that a number of businesses/contractors have buddied themselves to the administration.

The recent scandals over (Continued on page 6)

The role played by external migration and politics DEAR EDITOR, Any serious discussion on the topic of the presence or absence of desirable role models in the various racial and ethnic communities in Guyana, must examine the role played by both external migration and politics.

External migration was most prevalent after the Second World War. The mother country was devastated and needed workers to rebuild most of its infrastructure. Labour was needed to rebuild and man its railways, doctors and nurses were needed to staff hospitals. Money was scarce and cheap labour was, thus, needed. What better place to secure such a labour force than from its colonies? Thus, migration from the colonies, especially those of Africa, India and the Caribbean, was

encouraged and facilitated.

This outward movement of many of our most capable residents depleted our villages and country of skilled and respected residents.

The calypsonian Dr. Wittie, who seems to have been among these early immigrants, speaks honestly and intelligently about what movement away from his village meant for the young of his village. In his song “Model citizens,” he gives us these lines: The values instilled in me Were never passed on and A generation got lost Because I big brother was gone.

Transmission of values were broken, The criminal, the corrupted Began to have their way, I left the village wide

open, With no-one to raise de child.

So now I stand a conflicted man, Because I’m a model citizen, But in another man’s land.

It must be said that as far as the perceived or real shortage of role models in communities during the period discussed above, it was our Afro Guyanese community that was affected the most. For it was this community, in the main, that “took advantage of the ‘opportunity’ to move to the motherland. The perceived or real reduction of role models in the Indian community in significant numbers came a bit later.

There were two clear events that led to a real or (Continued on page 6)

KN and SN can be trusted for balance and holding all accountable DEAR EDITOR, I peruse four newspapers to get a balanced view of what is happening in Guyana.

These are Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, the Guyana Times and the Guyana

Chronicle.

SN and KN have the right ethos to hold them all accountable.

As Guyanese, we need to move past the “my political party right or wrong”

mentality and hold them all accountable.

Keep up the good work SN and KN and a big THANK YOU. Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PPP, PNC have created an opening Vishnu Persaud is the right for the emergence of an Oil person for role of GECOM CEO I can’t think of anyone most helpful. He showed that EDITOR, Renegotiation Party in 2025 election DEAR I salute the appointment better suited and one more he was smart, wise, discern-

DEAR EDITOR, The PPP has signalled its adamant intention to not renegotiate the bad oil contracts signed by its twin, the PNC, in a recent article by Kemol King, of the Department of Public Information.

Failing in overall oil governance, the PPP may regret not honouring its election promise when it cited the Global Witness report, which said Guyana stands to lose US$55 billion (27 years of the Guyana budget), and that the PPP will renegotiate the oil contract if it wins.

It turns out that’s a ‘promise made, promise not kept.’

(A revised projection by the Oil and Gas Governance Network -OGGN- indicates that we stand to lose US$92 billion).

The Exxon boss revealed that both the PPP and the PNC promised them they will not renegotiate the oil contract. This means the PPP was secretly telling Exxon one thing and telling the voters the opposite.

If both the PPP and PNC will not pursue renegotiation, this creates an opening for a new party to emerge with a solid platform of renegotiation of the oil contracts.

And both the PPP and PNC may regret this in 2025.

Such a party must not make the mistakes of the tiny ‘fly by night’ parties that emerged for the 2020 elections but have now been vaporised and neutralised by senior counsel appointments, board appointments, speakership/consultant positions, and similar goodies doled out to those party lead-

ers.

An early start for such a new oil renegotiation party will ensure they are solid in time for the 2025 elections.

Why should renegotiation of the oil contract be the number one priority for all Guyanese?

If the oil contract remains as is, the working class – the minimum wage and low-income people who work hard and honestly - will remain in persistent poverty until they die. ‘Working poor’ means you work hard and give it all you’ve got, but you are still poor.

The ‘working poor’ will never be able to get out of poverty no matter how many billions of barrels of oil we find in Guyana, because the bulk of the profits will go to the oil companies and their subsidiary companies that get duty free concessions and pay no taxes, and the business class, whom Dr. Jagan used to call the “bourgeoisie” and the “petty bourgeoisie.”

These “working poor” (including teachers, nurses, policemen, some public service workers, security guards, store workers, subsistence farmers, small vendors, domestic workers) will never be able to own a car for their family transportation.

If they are lucky to have a house, they will be paying the mortgage until they die. This group of ‘working poor’ will not afford to go to private hospitals like the well-to-do people; they will have to rely on public hospitals and clinics where medicines are in short supply, and services are poor.

If your family member has a bad medical condition that has to be treated abroad, you would have to make appeals in the newspaper begging the public to donate to your medical fund, while Cabinet members can go abroad at taxpayers’ expense and get special treatment.

Nation, that’s why renegotiation is such an important thing for everyone to fight for regardless of race, regardless of which party you like to support, religion, or other consideration.

Without renegotiation, ‘cat eat your breakfast, lunch, and dinner,’ as national hero Mr. Glenn Lall, and the independent papers - Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have been telling us.

The oil companies and oil businesses will feast off the fatted calf, while poor people have to eat the crumbs that fall from the masters’ tables.

Nation, renegotiation is important because Guyana needs more money to fund a massive infrastructure plan to repair, pave and build crumbling roads and bridges across Guyana.

The money we are getting now from oil under the current contract will never be enough to take care of all of Guyana’s needs in flood and sea defence control, health, education, water, electricity, internet services, wage and salary increases, etc.

The two major parties that have betrayed our country have created an opening for a new “Oil Renegotiation Party.”

Our future good life depends on it! Think about it!

of Vishnu Persaud as GECOM CEO. He is the right person for the job with the requisite skill set, knowledge, experience, competence, ability, discipline, work ethic, and personality to carry out the body’s functions. Vishnu Persaud is a professional and a man of integrity and is the most qualified candidate for the position. He is politically un-aligned.

GECOM’s Chair, Justice Claudette Singh has made the right decision to vote in support of Mr. Persaud. She is the ultimate professional and a non-political and nonpoliticised person. She has not made decisions based on politics or partisanship, but on the law. She has been deliberate in her decision making. As a former judge, she recognises the importance of the law. It is wrong for anyone to impugn her integrity.

qualified than the known applicants for the role of CEO of GECOM than Vishnu Persaud.

He is a technocrat and a great resource professional. It is widely known that he was unjustly robbed of the Deputy CEO position in 2017, when the then Chair, James Patterson, chose a less qualified person for the position.

Vishnu Persaud is deserving of the position having served in a deputy role at GECOM for a period of time and, prior to that, as scribe, as well as the agency’s PR person.

While there, he was outstanding in his performance.

He served with commitment, zeal, and dedication. I recall making a request to then Chair, Dr. Steve Surujbally for some documents pertaining to my research for the 2006 elections. The Chair directed me to Mr. Persaud. He was

ing, and professional in his several roles at GECOM before he was unjustly not rehired. I am confident that he will be equally competent, if not more, in executing his duties and responsibilities.

I know Persaud has worked hard to reach this point, and I’m so happy that he has been duly recognised for his competence being hired for this new assignment.

It is well-deserved.

I’m extremely pleased with the choice and I’m confident that he will serve the country well.

With this new appointment comes a new mantel of responsibility.

I am confident he will carry them out with grace and professionalism. I wish the new CEO all the best in this new term of office.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The role played by external...

From page 5 perceived reduction in the amount of role models in the East Indian community. First it was with the coming of independence and the perception by East Indians that with the presence of a PNC led government their interests could not be guaranteed. This led to a very noticeable movement of wellto-do and educated East Indians out of Guyana. The second reason was politics.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan seems to have had a distrust of intellectuals. One can see this by any look at how he made a number of them feel uncomfortable and marginalised in the PPP to the point that they had to leave Jagan’s party. Examples of this situation would be Chandisingh, Balramsingh Rai and Vincent Teekah (of course, there are those who will say it was ambition that led these men to leave the party). While ambition might have played a part, I do not

believe it was the sole reason.

Thus, Dr. Jagan was left in the main, surrounded by mediocrity. A situation with which he seemed most comfortable (one would note how Jagdeo after cementing his leadership of the party, moved to sideline many of these less educated/ competent from Cheddi’s era). It would be closer to truth to recognise that both Africans and East Indians have suffered from the loss of a larger reservoir of role models, and the reasons discussed above, at least, form part of the story of how this came to be. At the same time, it would be incorrect to say there is an absence of role models living in the various communities in Guyana. Christopher Ram and Kaieteur News’ Glenn Lall in their fight against corruption, makes them worthy role models. Nigel Hughes and Carl Greenidge as they fight to ensure the “small man’s” interest is

represented. Attorney Davis James and Jean LaRose fighting for the rights of indigenous people - are all worthy role models.

But should we limit our search for role models to those who are alive and living in our immediate environment, and of our own race or ethnic group? I think not. How could Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King junior, Marcus Garvey, Louis Tolstoy, Chekov, not be among my role models?

While it is nice to have wonderful persons as part of one’s community, I urge young Guyanese to realise that God has made humans of every race, every ethnic group that you will do well to emulate. So, seek persons, who dedicate their lives to the service of the downtrodden, the disadvantaged, the voiceless of whatever race, as your role model, and you will be alright.

Yours truly, Claudius Prince

The US has spoken on corruption...

From page 5 the issuance of large parcels of lands, billion dollar contracts to build fire station headquarters and the massive fraud in the distribution of flood relief to farmers, have not helped President Irfaan Ali. He has to steer clear and pay attention to what the Ambassador is saying.

The government has to ensure “accountability, and fostering transparency.

Around the world, corruption threatens security, hinders

economic growth, and siphons away public and private resources.”

President Ali promised to shed the negative images of a few businessmen who hog the state contracts and are untouchables.

As a country making leaps and bounds, we have to divorce ourselves from anything that can blacklist us.

We may be able to hide dirty money in Guyana. We cannot be blind to the fact that the US has infinite resources and has the capacity to know

who the players are.

The year 2025 will decide whether Irfaan Ali is another Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia or whether he suffers the curse of being pulled in by the tentacles of these businessmen who dole out millions for elections and now want their pound of flesh.

Irfaan Ali can rise to greatness. He just needs to remain focus and not fall to the pressures of a few businessmen.

Ayube T. Khan

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

T U T N N T U N U L L U B .

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

L . .

B .

T . .

N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

N .

B .

T . .

N T U N N N U L U U B L .

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

China took over Uganda's international airport.

Given the loans Guyana is borrowing, China is positioning to take over this country.

That is why China lends us so much money.

They know Guyanese Governments will squander and can't payback.

Then, China takes over Guyana.

PAGE 07

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Unvaccinated woman, 76, is latest COVID-19 fatality A 76-year-old woman from Region Six (East Berbice– Corentyne) is Guyana‘s most recent COVID-19 fatality.

The death has increased the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 1,017. The Ministry of Health yesterday revealed that the woman was unvaccinated and died on December 10, last. The death has already brought this month’s death toll to 17.

Meanwhile, Guyana has recorded a total of 391 new infections.

The new cases were re-

corded within a 24-hour period in Region Two - one case, Region Three - seven cases, Region Four - 19 cases, Region Five - three cases and Region Six - nine cases.

Additionally, the Ministry noted that there are 16 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 44 patients are in institutional isolation and 779 patients are in home isolation.

To date, 36,636 persons have recovered from the virus.

==GNBS IN FOCUS==

Your child deserves safe toys and playthings this holiday As we move deeper into the holiday season and closer to Christmas Day, it is customary for parents to begin to consider what toys or gift items they would present to their children. Of course, many would agree that finding the perfect toy for their little ones could be a challenge, especially with innovations, new varieties, costs and the special preference of the child. To ensure safety and durability, it is also crucial for quality to be considered when purchasing these items.

Toys and playthings are one of the categories of products monitored by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under its Product Compliance Programme especially during the Christmas holidays. This is necessary to ensure that poor quality toys do you get into the hands of

children, and for toys on sale to have the requisite labelling information, outlined in the Guyana Standard Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 12: Labelling of Toys and Playthings to guide their use.

According to the standard, labels shall have the name and/or description of the item, country of origin and manufacture, name and address of manufacture, packer or distributor, and a registered trademark or trade name. For toys, which are inherently hazardous, labels must also include precautionary instructions.

As the GNBS maintains its monitoring efforts based in the standard, the added vigilance of parents during purchase and use of toys and playthings can also help to (Continued on page 12)

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

GPL now has to find US$1.3B more to take power from Amaila, Gas Plant - as CEO hints at more loans, foreign partners The ‘cash-strapped’ Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will have to, in the coming years, find some US$1.3B in order to substantially upgrade its Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network.

This is in order to efficiently take off and distribute to consumers electricity to be generated from the proposed Gas-toShore Energy Project, estimated to cost in excess of US$1B as well as the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP), pegged at some US$1.2B in its previous incarnation.

The disclosure was made this past week by GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharrat Dindyal, who was at the time providing members of the local media corps with update on the utility company’s preparedness for the Christmas Holidays in addition to some future plans.

Government has since retained the controversial Chinese contractor, China Railway First Group (CRFG)—the company that had previously signed a contract to build the said project several years ago and to be paid for by power purchased from the project to build the 165 megawatt (MW) plants.

Works are also currently underway to bring to fruition a Natural Gas fired Electricity Generation Plant with an additional 250 MW to further supplement the existing 186MW GPL generating capacity.

According to Dindyal, the projected energy demands for the country is expected to triple in the coming years. He pointed to the expansion of housing schemes by the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority as among the contributing factors.

“Of course electricity is an important part of the infrastructure needed within those communities, so we work with those developers whoever they are,” he said.

Asked to expand specifically on the company’s planned development and expansion programme, he quipped that this was an issue he had wished to have a separate engagement with the media.

He nonetheless disclosed that its programme schedule for 2022 to 2027 by firstly indicating “you would expect that with the Oil and Gas business and how it’s developing in Guyana there is going to be rapid development in the country.”

As such, he said “there is envisaged to be massive expansion of housing, high income, middle income, and of course low income houses.”

This, in addition to an expansion of commercial and manufacturing activity domestically and as such, by 2027 the company is anticipating a tripling of power demand.

“As you know there are significant plans to address that (demand),” said Dindyal and reminded, “we have heard about the 300MW gas to power plant, we know that a contractor has been identified for the AFHEP 165MW,” in addition to GPL’s own plans to install additional generation from solar farms.

To this end, he was adamant “there is going to be massive expansion in the transmission and distribution system, automation , new control centres, a vast number of new substations, so there is going to be massive investments as we see it, designed to serve the projected load—this tripling of demand.”

Asked specifically about the cost and source of funding for the touted “massive investments,” Dindyal told media operatives “that’s going to be a combination of sources.

GPL’s internal sources (and) foreign direct investment, of course, a lot of it is going to be funded by loans.”

According to the GPL CEO, the total cost is expected at about US$1.3B. The power company, as indicated by Dindyal, is operating at a $2.6B deficit and is in fact currently surviving on loans to meet its obligations.

At present the utility company’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) system is, as described by its own officials, as fragile and experiencing some 26 percent in technical and commercial losses—line losses and electricity theft, among other means.

Speaking to the fragility of the system during that press engagement, it was noted that while the company will have sufficient generation capacity in its system, it is unable to give a guarantee that there would be no power outages— blackouts—for the 2021 Christmas holiday season.

This is since the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (BDIS), which is the country’s primary transmission and distribution network for power put into the grid, is in a fragile state, leading to power outages for reasons ranging from heavy winds to an errant driver.

The sentiments were expressed by Dindyal and GPL’s Divisional Director of Operations, Bharat Harjohn.

The GPL CEO did, nonetheless, laud the improvements to the system; (Continued on page 56)

Dem boys seh ...

Silence is not always golden If you see when somebody get rob and de police come and ask you if you see de person who committed de act, do you have a right to say dat you reserve de right to be silent? Dem boys nah think suh. As far as dem boys know, de law requires you to cooperate with de police.

If you see a crime and you keep quiet, den dat can be interpreted to mean dat you frustrating de course of justice. In English common law, dem does call it perverting de course of justice. In America dem does call it obstructing justice.

De last time dem boys check, a crime is a crime. And de police gat a right fuh investigate any crime regardless of whether it tek place in a constitutional body or not.

Fraud is fraud and de police can investigate any fraud.

And people obligated to cooperate with de police.

You have a right to remain silent. But if de police believe you have knowledge or ought to have knowledge of something and you nah talking, den dem gat every right to press charges for perverting de course of justice.

Think about what would hap-

pen to justice in dis world, if everybody could pick up demselves and decide dat dem nah talk wah dem see.

De world would end up in chaos and justice would be dead.It mek dem boys remember de story of a man in an interrogation room.

De man shouted, “I’m not saying a word without my lawyer present.” ”You are de lawyer,” said de policeman.”Exactly, so where’s my present?” replied de lawyer.

Talk half and leff de other half fuh when you see wrongdoing.

GPL’s CEO, Bharrat Dindyal (right) and Bharat Harjohn, the entity’s Divisional Director of Operations.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Sunday December 12, 2021

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY!

I

n case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our entire nation.

SUNDAY This gas-to-shore project is a real fishy story.

Guyana's fish catch is dwindling, and everybody is hiding.

Guyana's waters indicate signs of polluting, but the EPA, the Govt. and the VP are not talking.

Meanwhile, everything is going up, and Guyanese are going down.

PPP leaders are taking them for a ride and then taking them down.

MONDAY Together the PPP and PNC leaders have witnessed and even helped orchestrate many crimes committed against Guyanese.

Their day of judgment will come. They will have to answer for the many crimes

they thought they had gotten away with year after year.

Guyanese take comfort in this: God don't sleep. He knows all of them. He will deal with them.

TUESDAY 'Sign or sink, stupid.'

That was the hard choice a state engineer faced, which he put before the PAC. It's Christmas daily in the regions.

Guyanese people paying and PPP and PNC cronies celebrating.

This is the type of governance, which PPP and PNC portray in Guyana.

What our leaders and their people are doing with roads and schools, they are doing it with oil too.

WEDNESDAY

Exxon is rushing ahead without Govt. approval with an FPSO for 4th project.

It is the handshake dealings that it has with the PPP Government.

It is called governance between conspirators, with a wink and a nod.

What is a handshake between Exxon and PPP leaders is not good for Guyanese.

THURSDAY 7% is a slap in the face.

7% is a stab in the ribs.

7% is not even worth looking upon.

7% has to be a sick joke in an oil producing nation.

FRIDAY Guyanese are saying AUDIT Liza 1, 2, & Payara BEFORE approving the 4th

project.What is so hard about that for the President and Vice President?

How come they don't want to possibly save this country some money?

US$10M, or US$5M, even US$1M in savings that could help some needy sector in Guyana.

SATURDAY 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 G U YA N A ' S O I L BUSINESS SHOULD BE

MADE PUBLIC. T h i s i s h o w 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.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. launches new corporate training modules

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. (ACI), the premier business training and coaching institute in Guyana, has announced the launch of its new corporate training modules learning management system (LMS), which includes 144 courses that will facilitate effective training for personal and professional skills development.

ACI’s cloud-based LMS is affordable, accessible and device-responsive, and boasts high-end digital functionality supported by the company’s well trained support team.

The range of corporate training modules include administrative skills, career development, human resources, supervisors and managers, personal development, sales and marketing, workplace essentials, and Microsoft Office Suite.

The modules are self-paced and allow learners to easily navigate the interface to track

as well as assess their progress and performance.

Learners are also provided with digital certificates upon completion of a module.

Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. stated that introducing the LMS was a result of increased market demand from local public and private sector entities as well as independent professionals for competency-based digital training, particularly as Guyana’s labour force and business landscapes transform with the burgeoning oil and gas industry.

In his remarks, Keon Smith, Coaching Director and Certified Business Coach at ActionCOACH Guyana indicated that the new LMS expands training opportunities for Human Resource professionals, CEOs, managers, and other business professionals and provides multiple activities that are excellent tools for

The gathering at the launch of ActionInvest Caribbean’s new management course. developing different skills, careers and the local workforce.ACI was also

proud to announce that its Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown office and train-

ing facilities are now powered by a 10 kilowatt solar system, adding to the company’s commitment to delivering world class education through sustainable methods.

For more information, persons can contact an ACI company representative on telephone number: +592 223 – 5583 or send an email via info@actioninvest.org.

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certi-

fied educational institution and business development company of Guyanese origin benefitting from female ownership and leadership.

ACI is focused on becoming the Caribbean’s solution to professional and organisational growth through an action-oriented team delivering targeted business development services to entrepreneurial individuals and organisations.

Your child deserves safe toys...

From page 9 protect children. The following are some useful tips to consider when purchasing these items: 1.Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and for what ages the toy is most appropriate. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way, especially if they cannot figure it out by themselves.

2.Think Large. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking. Take caution with toys that can be unassembled by children into many tiny pieces.

3.Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking. If such toys are the preference of older children, make sure they understand the implications.

4.Avoid toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child’s hearing.

5.Look for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are fitted tightly and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable.

Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause chok-

ing or suffocation if swallowed.

6.Buy plastic toys that are sturdy. Toys made from thin plastic may break easily.

7.Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says “nontoxic.”

8. Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years.

They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.

9.Electric toys should be “UL Approved” or carry any other certification mark.

Check the label to be sure.

Lastly, age recommendations on toys can be helpful, because they offer guidelines on the following: ·The safety of the toy (for example, if there are any possible choking hazards) ·The ability of a child to play with the toy ·The ability of a child to understand how to use a toy ·The needs and interests at various levels of a child’s development For further information, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065, WhatsApp: 692-4627 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Ram & McRae spreads Christmas cheer to charities - David Rose Special needs school, Dharm Shala among beneficiaries Rose Special Needs School, the Red Cross C h i l d r e n ’ s Convalescent Home and the Missionaries of Charity of New Amsterdam.

Each of them received a cheque for a sum of $250,000 on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 which is likely to go towards the furtherance of their respective operations.

The simple handing over ceremony took place at the offices of Ram and McRae, Wa t e r l o o S t r e e t , Georgetown. There, Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram the Managing Partner addresses recipients at the ceremony. of the firm, Christopher Ram expressed how happy he was to be a part of such an impactful Six charitable organisations were treated to an early Christmas gesture. He went on to tell the compliments of Ram and McRae recipients, “we applaud the work Chartered Accountants and you are doing and we want you to do more (hence the donation). We Professional Services firm.

The firm, according to a hope that society will recognise release, contributed a total of your work and [on behalf of all of $1.5M to the organizations. Among us here] we wish you all the best for the beneficiaries are the Uncle the season and the New Year.”

He hinted that the Ram and Eddie’s Home, the Dharm Shala, the Beacon Foundation, the David McRae firm foresees much more

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram flanked by representatives of the various charitable organisations. gestures like this in the future, building on a practice that has been ongoing for years. There is also the intent to target more local charities.

One of the representatives receiving the donations, Pastor Gary Erskine of the Dharm Shala, explained how these donations would aid the functions of these organisations. He detailed that the Dharm Shala caters to those who

have been rejected by society and even by their own relatives as a result of their mental illness, economic incapacity and even special needs.

“The Dharma Shala has been in existence for over 100 years. It’s a private home and it is run as a charitable home and we take in the very poor without proper documentation, without birth

certificate or ID but as long as they come to our gate we receive them so we trust the father (God) that this donation goes a far way,” he said.

The other representatives briefly stated that this donation can be considered a blessing to their organisations as it will alleviate some of the needs that currently exist with the Christmas holidays quickly approaching.

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 15

International experts want Courts gives away 2nd Suzuki Yellowtail EIA to be scrapped vehicle to lucky customer A group of international environmentalists have teamed up to demand that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scraps the Yellowtail development Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), given that the document fails to address critical subjects such as the impacts of the total waste brought to shore, and baseline data for Guyana’s fisheries sector.

In a letter to the EPA, that was seen by Kaieteur News, the experts Simone MangalJoly, Alfred Buhlai, Vanda Radzik, Janette Bulkan, Denuta Radzik, Jerry Jailall, Alissa Trotz and Maya Trotz, who all participated in a virtual meeting on November 11, to discuss the impacts of the project on the environment, said that not only were their questions not answered by ExxonMobil’s Consultant, the Environmental Resources Management (ERM), but the recommendation for the firm to provide answers in writing, before the closure of the public comment period, has fallen on deaf ears.

The public feedback on Esso Exploration Production Guyana Ltd’s (EEPGL), E x x o n ’s s u b s i d i a r y, Yellowtail Environmental Impact Assessment closes on December 15, 2021.

Given that the Consultant is yet to assure the environmental experts of the safety of the project, they have demanded that the EIA be declared null and void.

They said, “The Environmental Assessment Board cannot possibly consider that the current 60day period for public scrutiny of this EIA is valid when the Final Terms and Scope remains hidden from

Environmentalist, Vanda Radzik

Environmental Expert, Alfred Bhulai the public.”

The group reasoned, “The public relies on provision of information to make an informed evaluation on the adequacy of the EIA during the 60-day feedback process. The ERM states in the Yellowtail EIA volume I revision 0-2, October 2021, pages 4-7, that EEPGL seeks to support open dialogue and receive stakeholder feedback, opinions, concerns, and knowledge regarding the way the Project may interact with the natural and social environment. Through consultation, EEPGL’s

objective is to identify key stakeholder issues and concerns. Consultation or dialogue activities involve a two-way flow or exchange of information between stakeholders and EEPGL or the Consultants.”

The group added, “However, this has not been our experience with EEPGL or its consultant, ERM. Instead, we were treated to a sustained period during and since the virtual consultation in which they did not provide answers to the actual questions we asked and have ignored requests to provide answers as a follow-up to the virtual meeting.”

The experts, who together have decades of expertise when compiled, also noted that even after combing through the EIA document, they were unable to find a transparent record, in the form of transcripts of discussions, held with other stakeholders, during the preparation of the EIA, to determine if the questions or concerns that other stakeholders raised were in fact addressed.

As a consequence, the group documented a list of questions that have arisen t h r o u g h t h e Vi r t u a l Consultation, by way of statements made by EEPGL, ERM, and the EPA. On the ‘Impacts of total volume of waste brought to shore for the lifetime of the Yellowtail project’ the experts said they need to know “What is the exact quantity of waste that will be brought on shore for the life of the project? What is the constituent component of that waste? How will the waste be transported and offloaded at treatment Continued on page 56

Shayla Sarmento and daughter standing beside her brand new Suzuki vehicle.

At the Gifland Mall on Thursday last, Courts Guyana handed over another brand new Suzuki vehicle during the second draw of its Christmas promotion. The winner, Shayla Sarmento, expressed gratitude to the Courts family for her brand new vehicle.

She stated that she was on her way home when she was notified that she was the “next winner”. According to Sarmento, she was in denial for a few days following the call since she could not believe it was actually true.

“I even wanted to cry because I wanted to buy myself it (vehicle) for Christmas, and being a faithful wife to Courts for six years, I was rewarded with a car,” she stated.

The winner encouraged other citizens to continue shopping at Courts, since their loyalty could pay off in the end. “After six years of busing them, they finally heard me,” she said jokingly.

There are two remaining vehicles still to be won. Customers are required to shop for items at Courts to the tune of $59,999 and over which will make them eligible to fill a coupon and drop it in the entry box. The third draw will be this week and the fourth will follow shortly after Christmas.

The courts team encourages persons to shop within the next two weeks as the promotion ends on December 24, 2021.

Kaieteur News

Safia Shaw

PAGE 18

Sunday December 12, 2021

This week’s beauty is a career-driven woman. Safia Shaw is a dental professional. She hails from Leguan, Essequibo Island, and holds a diploma in General Dentistry.

She is currently pursuing a course in Medical Administration at George Brown College, Canada. She loves to paint, taking long drives, listening to music and spending quality time with friends and family. Her favourite quote is: “Paradise lies at the feet of thy mother.”— The Prophet Muhammad.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

WHAT IS THE NEWS? W

hat is the news? How d o e s a journalist decide whether an item or occurrence is newsworthy?

In a small society like Guyana, it is not unusual to find very trivial and often mundane items making the news. Smallness in size can translate to smallness in outlook. But not everything that is not earth-shaking is unworthy of being newsworthy.

Consider the following: “Yesterday was joyous in the Ramsmith household. A new member was welcomed into their ranks. A bouncing baby boy was born to Mrs. Ramsmith at 2am at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The child, the fourth in the family was immediately named Lucky.

The father Mr. Ramsmith is a tailor and his wife is a housewife.”

Now consider this story:

“The anticipation is over! It is a boy! The President of Timbuktu was yesterday the proud father of a bouncing baby boy. The child, the first for the First Family, was delivered at 2am yesterday.

An official release from the Office of the President said that the mother is doing just fine and in high spirits.

The child has been named Prince.”

Now which one of these births do you think is newsworthy? Obviously it will be the birth of the child of the public figure. The birth will be a matter of public importance quite unlike the birth of the tailor’s son which will be treated as simply a private matter not serious enough to warrant being of public interest.

Importance plays an important role in determining whether a matter is newsworthy or will be carried as a news item.

Since not all matters of

public interest can be accommodated, some items will receive greater attention and thus coverage while others will not.

Criminal offences are by their very nature – being an offence against both the person and the community – are matters of public interest.

However, not all crimes are reported even though all of them may be of public interest.

Similarly, most civil matters will not be of public concern. But certain civil matters by virtue of their significance will be reported on while most others will not feature in the media.

The scale of an event is also significant. The story of a Minister handing over a few plastic barrels and some seeds may have some public interest element, but an editor that is pressed for space can legitimately refuse to accommodate such a story because it is not as if an

entire community is being rescued by a relief package.

Similarly, a Minister paying a field visit during which nothing of real significance happens other than his presence would never out-challenge another story about an accident on the streets.

If any Minister wants to go and take out a picture of him or her watching a rice field, that minister is free to do so and to place that picture in his or her professional album rather than expecting the press to carry it as a newsworthy item.

In Guyana we have a situation where when certain companies have a promotion this becomes a major news story in itself.

One can understand if a major prize is at stake that the newspapers would want to keep their readers abreast of who is the winner. But in some instances you find

small promotions being given publicity.

On the other hand, if someone wins a school raffle, you do not expect this to be a news item, except if the newspaper is involved in providing a community service to the organisation that ran off the raffle.

In Guyana, also, we have a most interesting phenomenon. In colonial Guyana, persons aspiring to high office would usually have to be known public figures before they are selected to hold such offices.

Thus, you would have found that well known persons who would have no need to place their pictures in the papers everyday so as to become known to citizens.

In Guyana we have a situation where a number of unknown personalities are suddenly catapulted to public office and some of these individuals believe that the more their pictures

are in the papers, the better they will be seen as doing something.

Well not every photo opportunist or publicity seeker is newsworthy.

Today, the media is being unduly summoned to all manner of unnecessary briefings and turning of the sods events.

These things are often public relations and selfpromotion exercises which the media should not rush to give publicity to.

The media needs to be more discriminating when it comes to what is newsworthy and what is not.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Sunday December 12, 2021

Democracy Summit missed an essential ingredient

By Sir Ronald Sanders

U

S President Joe Biden declared at the opening of a “Summit on Democracy”, which he convened on December 9, that “democracy needs champions”.

He is perfectly right.

And, he has good reason for saying so. Last year, the US which trumpets itself as the bastion of democracy – almost became a fascist state after President Donald Trump, supported by a pliant Republican party, did everything he could to maintain power, including encouraging a mob march on the US Congress on January 6 in the wake of his loss of the presidency to Biden.

It was a frightening time for the world where fascist and autocratic leaders had emerged in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America determined to rule with little regard for human and political rights, or for democratic principles generally, especially a free press and freedom of citizen expression.

Had Donald Trump succeeded, his behaviour would have emboldened the existing tyrannical leaders and spawned a few more.

Tension and conflict would have escalated, dividing the

world not on traditional ideological grounds, but on a contest between those that value democracy and those who regard it as a nuisance and an obstacle to their own control.

Democracy in the US was undoubtedly gravely threatened by President Trump’s desire to hold power at any cost; to dismantle what his one-time political advisor, Steve Bannon, described as the ‘deep state’, but which is really the checks and balances of public servants sworn to uphold the US Constitution and the law; and to threaten and coerce compliance even by elected officials in the US Congress.

But, that is not the only aspect of US democracy that was – and remains – a threat.

The emergence of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and the wanton and unconscionable killing of black people by police and individuals, empowered by centuries of oppression and repression, are manifestations of the flawed state of democracy and human rights in the US. Justice for black people without whose enforced servitude and without whose blood, the US would never have been built (and the word ‘never’ is used without fear of contradiction), is the

putrid sore in US society.

Democracy in the US will remain flawed and human rights will continue to be unserved, until, as the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said, “justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”.

The saving grace of the US, unlike in many countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa and a few in Europe, is the strong commitment of decent and well-thinking people to protecting and preserving the institutions of the US. Persons such as the Secretary of State of G e o r g i a , B r a d Raffensperger, who President Donald Trump told to find 11,780 votes so that he could overturn his defeat by Biden in that state, and lay claim to the Presidency. Outstanding were the judges of the US Supreme Court and state courts, including those appointed by Trump, who put upholding the law above any other considerations.

The prospect of Donald Trump returning to the Presidency in 2024 no doubt brings a shudder down the spine of many, including President Biden. So, this Summit on Democracy is not just concerned with “the global competition of the 21st century” which the

President said “is one defined by democracies versus autocracies”; it is also about competition for the soul of the US and the direction it takes.

T he agenda of the Summit was set by the US government, even though over a hundred leaders were invited.

They were each given the agenda and asked to speak on particular issues which focused on combating corruption, defending against authoritarianism, and promoting human rights.

However, opening the Summit, President Biden said that “working with our Congress, we’re planning to commit as much as $424 million in the next year to shore up transparent and accountable governance, including supporting media freedom, fighting international corruption, standing with democratic reformers, promoting technology that advances democracy, and defining and defending what a fair election is”.

But an essential element is missing from the US plan.

It takes no account of the imperative of spending money on correcting global economic inequities and on development. Essential to sustaining democracy globally is development. In

underdeveloped countries with large pockets of poor, unemployed and discontented, political parties exploit these conditions to foster unrest and civil disturbance.

So, it is all well and good to provide money to defend against authoritarianism and to promote human rights.

These things are extremely important but they are not enough.

By themselves, they will not sustain democracy anywhere, including in the US. In part, it was the dissatisfaction of the poor, the unemployed and the disgruntled who responded to President Trump’s coded message to “Make America Great Again”.

It is also what helped to bring authoritarians to power in other parts of the world.

Two days of an organised and rigid virtual meeting with a pre-planned outcome statement and a pledge of money to fight corruption, demand transparent and accountable governance, standing with democratic reformers, promoting technology that advances democracy, and defining and defending a fair election, may send a signal to countries not invited to the

Sir Ronald Sanders Summit, but it won’t satisfy hunger, unemployment, poverty and need.

If governments can’t overcome those conditions and improve the lives of their people, then no offering of democracy will cut it.

We m u s t w e l c o m e President Biden’s efforts to champion democracy, but the plan needs rethinking – this time with the involvement, rather than the attendance, of the leaders of the most vulnerable countries.

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

The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday December 12, 2021

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY Pres. Joe Biden to increase royalties for Exxon & other majors – says current arrangement with oil companies shortchanges Americans US President, Joe Biden recently disclosed his aggressive plans to reform the American oil and gas industry, starting with the increase of royalties paid by ExxonMobil and other oil majors.

This was specifically noted in a U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) report that was prepared in response to an Executive Order 14008 on “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.” The order stipulated that the DOI conduct a review of Federal oil and gas leasing and permitting practices.

During that process, DOI made a damning observation.

It said, “Modernization of the Federal oil and gas programme has been delayed for decades to the detriment of the American public, their public lands and waters, the environment, wildlife, and more. In its current form, the programme falls short of serving the public interest in a number of important respects.

It provides insufficient opportunities for public input, shortchanges taxpayers and States, and tilts toward opening up low potential lands without adequately considering competing multiple-use opportunities.”

Furthermore, the review found that the Federal oil and gas programme which fails to provide a fair return to taxpayers, even before factoring in the resulting climate-related costs that must be borne by taxpayers; inadequately accounts for environmental harms to lands, waters, and other resources; fosters speculation by oil and gas companies to the detriment of competition and American consumers; extends leasing into low potential lands that may have competing higher value uses, and leaves communities out of important conversations about how they want their public lands and waters managed.

The document also notes that the fiscal components of the onshore Federal oil and gas programme are particularly outdated, with royalty rates that have not been raised for 100 years. Companies typically have been charged 12.5 percent the value of oil and

gas extracted from onshore leases, under a rate dating to the 1920s. For offshore leases, royalty rates have ranged recently from 12.5 percent to 18.75 percent. But the Biden administration wants these rates increased.

Kaieteur News also observed that the report identifies a number of recommendations that begin to modernise Federal land management.

The reforms serve three main programmatic goals: Provide a fair return to the American public and States from Federal management of public lands and waters, including for development of energy resources; design more responsible leasing and development processes that prioritise areas that are most suitable for development and ensure lessees and operators have the financial and technical capacity to comply with all applicable laws and regulations; and create a more transparent, inclusive, and just approach to leasing and permitting that provides meaningful opportunity for public engagement and Tribal consultation.

DOI said these recommendations represent an overdue reform agenda, which is urgent even as the Interior Department begins to take into account new stressors and new opportunities for public lands and waters, including addressing biodiversity loss, tackling climate change, and deploying new technology ranging from harnessing offshore wind in public waters, to sequestering carbon on public lands.

Accordingly, DOI said the report focuses primarily on necessary reforms to the fiscal terms, leasing process, and remediation requirements related to deficiencies with the Federal oil and gas programme.

As the Department considers how to best implement the recommendations contained in the report, it said the Administration will continue to work closely with Con-

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

gress, State, Tribal and local officials, industry, labour organisations, environmental justice communities, and stakeholders to ensure that proper consideration is given to creating jobs, harnessing American ingenuity, and building a brighter, more sustainable future.

Yellowtail EIA “significantly deficient” on waste management – Environmentalist Oil giant ExxonMobil has failed to outline in its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Yellowtail development, exactly how much waste would be generated and if the present facilities can accommodate same, even though this is a requirement by the regulatory body, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This is according to Environmentalist, Simone

Mangal-Joly.

In an invited comment, she said, “The Yellowtail EIA is significantly deficient in many ways.

One of those ways is it does not account for how toxic waste brought to shore will be disposed of for the full life of the project. It treats very superficially with amounts of waste versus capacity for treatment and disposal for the

lifetime of the project. Basically, it says that the current facilities and Haags Bosch site can handle it for now and new sites will be identified in the future. This is unacceptable.”

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of Exxon in its Revised Cradle to Grave Waste Report alluded to systems it has lined up for the treatment and storage of waste; however, the document noted that of the four facilities, there are three that have no definitive startup period.

The planned waste management facilities include a new integrated waste management facility (IWMF) at GYSBI for managing wastes that are generated from offshore operations and is expected to be operational in July 2021. The (Sustainable Environmental Solutions) SES facility will employ various hazardous and non-hazardous waste management technologies, including hot oil thermal desorption, incineration, decanter/centrifuge separation, wastewater treatment, waste shredding, container crusher/baling, and container washing operations.

Secondly in line is an Oilfield Waste Management Services (OWMS) for which a permit application has been submitted to the EPA. The OWMS will be a 5,000 square metres (m2) drilling waste processing plant in the Little Diamond EBD area (located approximately five kilometres (km) south of GYSBI). It will employ thermal desorption separator (hammer mill) technology to treat drilling mud but it is unknown when the plant will become operational.

The third facility for Exxon’s waste management is also still awaiting approval.

Environmental Waste Management Services Guyana Inc. (EWMSG) submitted a permit application for the construction and operation of a waste treatment (bioremediation) facility for mud sludge generated from activities in the Oil and Gas sector.

The proposed location of the facility is at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. According to a EPA Public Notice issued in December 2020, the operation will involve the development of two treatment ponds lined with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Geomembrane liners and contained by 91.4cm high berms.

In addition, four existing structures will be repaired and developed into administrative units, laboratories, storage areas, and homes for caretakers.

A screen will be constructed to separate the office area from the treatment ponds. “The status of this application is not currently known, and it is also unknown when the EWMSG facility would become operational,” the Cradle to Grave Waste Report said.

The fourth project, which is also yet to become operational will be housed at the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI). According to the report, “The non-hazardous wastewater from this washing operation is currently collected and treated in on-site evaporators—there is no discharge of this wastewater.

This location is being considered as part of a feasibility assessment for developing a new Protectors Grinding and Pelletizing to exclusively and specifically manage used plastic drill pipe thread protectors that are generated from the pipe handling operations.

Pipe thread protectors are designed to protect the critical threads of the steel pipes during storage, handling, and transport, and tens of thousands of these metal reinforced plastic caps will be generated as a result of offshore well installation operations.

These used plastic caps will first be subject to grinding to separate the plastic and metal parts, and the plastic will then be melted and pelletized and returned to the original manufacturer as a raw material for the production of new plastic caps. The recovered metal will also be recycled. Although being considered, it is uncertain when this type of facility would move forward at this location.”

Mangal-Joly in her comments to this newspaper was keen to note that in the absence of such provisions, ExxonMobil must address this deficiency in the Yellowtail EIA. She argued, “This matter should be of concern to all Guyanese. The quantities of toxic and other waste being brought to shore, health, and ecological risks of each of their constituent parts, and how they are treated and disposed of are critical issues, as the toxic waste treatment facilities are in areas where people live, all are high risk for flooding and creating a toxic soup on the coast, and our coastal groundwater aquifers are at risk.

We stand to lose a lot. We need to understand the value of what we currently have and risk losing, both in terms of quality of life and health and monetary terms, and to protect ourselves and our valuable natural resources that could be despoiled.”

In fact, she said that the Yellowtail EIA cannot be accepted as it stands, especially since oil was discovered since 2015.

The Environmentalist believes that this approach serves to hide the shorebased impacts, including the cumulative impacts over time, from public scrutiny and from the impact assessment process. Even more importantly, it is in violation of the Environmental Protection Act. Mangal-Joly insisted, “The Environmental Protection Act does not permit either the EEPGL or the EPA to cherry pick parts of a project for consideration in an EIA and leave out other parts. Section 5(a)(1) of the Environmental Protection Act is clear, the EIA – must address the “physical characteristics of the whole project and land use requirements”.

The precise wording of “whole project” is meaningful because if you look at the lessons learned from early EIA processes in the 1990s, there was a lot of skullduggeries whereby some authorities were acting in collusion with companies to fragment a single project into parts that were addressed by different EIA processes to hide the true project impact and/or to expedite approvals. We must keep our eye on when this type of fragmentation is happening here in Guyana.”

In the case of Yellowtail, and all offshore oil and gas activities waste generated offshore is brought to shore.

This waste only exists because of the activity offshore. “You can’t arbitrarily cut off the EIA at the point where the waste is brought onshore, you must account for the impacts of all the waste from cradle to grave, over the entire lifetime of the project, including the cumulative effects,” the Environmentalist pointed out.

As such, she said that a proper EIA would address the exact amounts of waste for the life of the project, the capacity and safety of treatment facilities, as well as the capacity and safety of the final resting place or dumpsite for the waste.

Mangal-Joly noted that deterring such matters to the future amounts to a failure to meet the basic threshold of an impact assessment. ”The courts have ruled that an EIA cannot defer the quantification and assessment of waste impacts to a future date or dissociate such waste from their original source. So, in terms of our Environmental Protection Act and case law, these matters are not up for debate. To be valid, an EIA must address the waste (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

From page 21 impacts completely and the current EIA produced by ERM for the Esso, Hess and CNOOC consortium’s Yellowtail project does not meet this threshold,” she contended.

MONDAY EPA orders EIA for Exxon’s US$900M gas project– wants company to examine possibility of explosion, spills, other dangers to coastal communities Following its review of ExxonMobil’s application to proceed with the US$900M gas-to-shore project, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required.

The regulator said it has also approved Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to conduct the EIA while noting that it has also given authorization for the terms of reference it once used.

One of the terms notes that the company must examine the introduction of increased dangers such as fire, explosion, spills, chemical and other hazardous substances to the surrounding environment, including coastal communities.

ExxonMobil is also required to investigate possible effects of the project on the demographic and socio-economic and cultural profiles of the communities.

This includes consideration for local employment and training, local procurement, vulnerable groups (youth and elderly, handicapped, other users of the area etc.), transport, health services, security, lifestyle and culture.

The EPA said too that the potential for unplanned settlements, overloading of any community infrastructure and social conflict between workers and communities, should also be included in the EIA. Kaieteur News also noted that the EIA has to consider the impact of the project on transportation planning and traffic as well as discuss potential health and safety impacts due to changes in marine and riverine vessel traffic and onshore vehicular traffic conditions, such as increased volumes.

Exxon is also expected to discuss the potential for changes to air quality that might increase human exposure to contaminants/pollution including the impacts of the increased volume of dust and the potential health impacts associated with exposure to these contaminants/ pollutants.

The EPA was keen to note that an assessment will be conducted on the cumulative socio-economic and environmental effects that are likely to result from the proposed activities in combination with other existing, approved and proposed projects that could reasonably be considered to have a combined effect.

Earlier this year, Kaieteur News had reported that EEPGL is seeking Environmental Authorization to construct and operate a pipeline from the Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to an onshore natural gas liquids processing plant (NGL Plant). It should be noted that EEPGL is the designated Operator of the Stabroek Block and therefore sought authorization for the Project on behalf of itself and co-venturers: Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

The offshore pipeline is expected to traverse approximately 220 kilometers (km), connecting with the onshore pipeline at a shore landing located west of the Demerara River.

The onshore pipeline will also extend approximately 27 km from the shore landing to the NGL Plant Site.

The NGL Plant Site lies approximately 23 km upriver on the west bank of the Demerara River on abandoned sugarcane fields. The NGL Plant Site occupies an area of approximately 40 acres (approximately 16 hectares).

An additional area of approximately 100 acres (approximately 40 ha) adjacent to the NGL Plant Site may be used

by EEPGL’s construction contractor for support of the Project during construction.

Oil Spill Committee launches probe into oily substance floating in Atlantic A team attached to National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC) has launched an investigation into the reports of oily substances found floating offshore Guyana.

Kaieteur News understands that the investigation was launched hours after a video surfaced showing fisher folk operating in an area identified as Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) navigating what appears to be oil floating offshore.

According to the reports, the fishermen spoke of sighting of oily film floating in different points of the EEZ. An official close to the investigation has since revealed that though there has not been confirmation on whether the oily substance is in fact the product of a spill, the NOSC team is working assiduously to make a determination.

The officer explained: “We have a team from the National Oil Spill Committee working on it. The CDC has already started its preliminary investigation but it‘s too soon to get any feedback or confirmation on where the oil substance came from; whether it comes from commercial crude operations or not. We are hoping that by Monday [today] we have more solid information on what it is.”

He noted too that: “The team is doing their best with the data they collected to identify the affected areas based on the coordinates that we received but as known the area is quite vast. So, although we have an idea and we believe that it’s somewhere along Mahaica Coast, it’s quite a distance offshore and a huge area to cover.”

According to the source, the response team consists of a number of agencies that have some responsibility in the area of disaster risk management.

He listed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and the Guyana Defence Force Air Corp and Coast Guard as having a role in the investigation. He noted too that, in addition to identify-

Sunday December 12, 2021

ing the area where the oil is, the team will need to collect samples of the oily materials for tests.

In regard to this, the official emphasized “We can‘t just jump to any conclusions while the men are headed to the location to collect the samples so we can determine whether the substance is in fact related to the commercial crude operations we have going on offshore.” ”This is because as you are aware we had an incident earlier this year in which a similar oil substance was found floating somewhere in proximity with the Marriot but that turned out to be oil from chicken fat which was dumped somewhere offshore that area and found its way to the seashore,” the official added.

In the meantime, the EPA issued a statement promising that it will get to the bottom of the reports. The agency said that it will be conducting a separate probe into the videos which were circulated on Facebook. ”The EPA is conducting its own investigation – a fishing boat is on its way with staff from our Emergency Response Team to the general area as we don’t have specific coordinates, and also an aerial surveillance is being conducted today. Rest assured EPA is doing everything possible to get to the bottom of

this,” the agency said via a post shared on its Facebook page.

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 could be seen as 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 publication has since been provided with a number of video footage captured by different individuals from various points in Guyana’s EEZ where the fishermen would ply their trade.

The videos depict a dark, sometimes foamy film floating (Continued on page 23)

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

From page 22 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.”

Based on reports from the numerous individuals that this publication spoke with, many are of the view that, one or more of the oil operations in the EEZ, could be encountering difficulties that they are not reporting. Some bluntly claimed that the companies are being deliberately silent.

TUESDAY T&T puts 17 offshore blocks up for auction -forewarns of ‘ring fencing provisions’ to protect against financial exploitation The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) recently launched its 2021 competitive bid round, for the auctioning off, of 17 deepwater oil blocks.

The auction is expected to be open for six months, with the deadline for submissions being June 2, 2022 at noon.

The T&T administration—led by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley—said the offshore concessions that are now on the market, were subjected to an internal technical evaluation taking into account as well, proximity to ongoing developments.

The 17 offshore deep-water blocks up for the taking, are located off the northern and eastern coasts of T&T. The T&T government was keen to put potential bidders on notice however, that they should expect certain key provisions in their ‘Deep-Water Production Sharing Contract.’

One such crucial provision that will be in place, it said, is the inclusion of ring fencing for all agreements.

According to the T&T administration, the State’s share of Profit Petroleum and the minimum work obligations are biddable items.

Over in Guyana, the absence of ring fencing provisions in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) has faced heavy criticisms from local and international actors for several years.

Earlier this year, the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), which studied the impact of ‘zero ring fencing protection’ in the contract, noted that more announcements of discoveries in the Stabroek Block

by ExxonMobil means little for the citizenry.

This since, in the absence of a ring-fencing provision, ExxonMobil and its partners are essentially deducting costs associated with the Liza Phase Two, Payara Projects

and other exploratory works from the Liza Phase One Project that is in production.

In doing so, the institute said the already small profit to be split with Guyana gets even smaller.

In a report titled: “Lack of Ring-Fencing Provision Means Guyana Won’t Realize Oil Gains Before 2030s, if at All,” by IEEFA’s Director of Financial Analysis, Tom Sanzillo, the devastating effects of failing to have this provision are further highlighted.

By IEEFA’s estimates, Guyana should receive upward of US$6B annually by 2028 or sooner but since Exxon has the leeway to deduct additional expenses from the Liza Phase One revenue stream, IEEFA’S Director of Financial Analysis posits, “Guyana will be shortchanged until the 2030s, if not longer.”

When the foregoing issues are placed alongside the fact that the true cost of ExxonMobil’s projects, new discoveries, and dry holes remain unknown, Sanzillo alluded that the Stabroek Block deal, essentially leaves the people of Guyana “in a dark abyss of worrisome financial risks.”

With ring fencing provisions being placed into its future deep-water contracts, Trinidad and Tobago appears determined to not follow in Guyana’s footsteps.

Harmon must come clean on who instructed Trotman to sign the 2% contract With government coming out with a definitive pronouncement that it will not be

renegotiating its contract with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—it is now time for each of the contenders vying to lead the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) to make a public pronouncement of their positions on the matter.

This more so, with Opposition Leader and contender for the leadership position in the PNC/R leadership race, Joseph Harmon, who in a recent Sunday Kaieteur News

publication, was pictured wearing a t-shirt saying, “Demand 50% royalty.”

Additionally, Harmon must also now come clean with the nation, and divulge who instructed the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to sign the contract with ExxonMobil Guyana.

The sentiments were recently expressed by Canada-based Guyanese, Dr. Jerry Jailall, who suggested that the position postulated by Harmon,

“seems to be clear support for the renegotiation of the oil and gas contract as any increase in the two percent paltry royalty, which we get now, would require renegotiation.”

According to Dr. Jailall, “Harmon’s call for a 50 percent royalty now sets an interesting stage.”

This since, the Exxon Chief had said both the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and PNC/R promised during the election, that the contracts will not be renegotiated.

As such, Dr. Jailall was adamant, Harmon must now explain clearly, “If he and his PNC are now supporters of a better, fair deal for Guyana.”

To this end, he also quipped, “…we also need to hear from Mr. Harmon’s challengers where they stand on renegotiation and whether they also would wear the T-shirt.”

According to Dr. Jailall, “if Harmon stands solid, this changes the political dynamics in Guyana and spells

trouble for the PPP/C’s engine room, which milked the Global Witness report to say the PNC/R sold out the country; that we stand to lose US$55 billion and the PPP/C will renegotiate the contract if they win.”

To this end, Dr. Jailall used the occasion to also remind, that the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) David Patterson, is getting ready to challenge the gas-to-shore project seeking full disclosure of information.

Conversely, he noted that right now, the PNC/R is in disarray, “having failed in its attempt to rig the 2020 election Burnham style; it has no message or platform beyond racial incitement, gives tepid support for vaccination that amounts to non-support, refuses to recognise a duly elected PPP/C Government, while the PPP/C basks in its multitudinous development projects all across the country.”

To this end, Dr. Jailall, questioned, if Minister Raphael Trotman, who signed “the bad Exxon deal that sold out the national patrimony said he was told to sign the contract, who told him to sign?

The PNC side, Dr. Jailall noted, has not said anything but the only “two people who were above Mr. Trotman and could have hypothetically told Mr. Trotman to sign, would have been the President and Mr. Harmon; Mr. Harmon was the number two man in the Granger Government so we need Mr. Harmon to clear the air on this.”

According to Dr. Jailall, notwithstanding the credibility of the messenger, Harmon’s

new gamble calling for higher oil royalties might yet prove to be the message and platform the PNC/R needs to be relevant once again.

The PNC/R, he said, is poised to remain in the Opposition benches for a long time, but “can still rescue itself by throwing somebody under the bus, apologise to the nation for giving away Guyana’s oil and gas, and commit to an ongoing fight for renegotiation.”

According to Dr. Jailall, this will force the Government to move towards the re-negotiation track, “and this will be good for all Guyana.”

Dr. Jailall has since posited, if both mass based parties, “keeps on holding the same position against renegotiation, it will be a slow build for the national cause seeking better benefits from oil for the Guyanese people with a long list of needs.”

He was adamant, if the PPP/C refuses to renegotiate and the PNC have the opposing position, “there is a potential of an additional 45 percent Guyanese supporting renegotiation, and Exxon will not be able to resist such a mighty force.”

He suggested that Harmon should know that the PNC/R’s silence on renegotiation does not mean “Exxon or the USA would support them in future elections, since “they have shot themselves in the foot for the long-term by their anti-democratic b e h a v i o u r . ” Inherently, he said, Harmon’s and the PNC/R’s ongoing support for re-negotiation can put the PPP in a pickle and change the tide for renegotiation. “Will the PNC step up?

What is there to lose?”

WEDNESDAY Housing Minister given $6B but signs $14B in contracts …Opposition demands answers in National Assembly for source of $8B overspending The Ministry of Housing (Continued on page 24)

PAGE 24

From page 23 and Water’s, Central, Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), under the auspices of substantive Minister, Colin Croal, was this year allocated some $6B for Capital Expenditure for spending this year.

That Budget Agency however, has already signed some $14B in contracts for road, and other projects—traditionally not undertaken under this ministry’s portfolio.

The overspending by some $8B, undertaken by the government agency has not escaped the attention of the political opposition, and as such, the matter will be raised during the next sitting of the National Assembly.

That sitting of the National Assembly has been designated a ‘Private Member’s Sitting,’ meaning, the business of the opposition is prioritised—an occasion that obtains every four sittings of the House. To this end, Annette Ferguson, the former substantive Minister under the coalition administration—now shadow, to Minister Croal—will be using the opportunity to grill him on the source of the funding for the contracts signed.

Under the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, members of the House are allowed to pose questions to the ministers, with, or without notice in some cases, to which answers must be provided to the House. Ferguson in her question to the minister, formally tabled on the Order Paper for next Monday’s sitting—observes that “Budget 2021 has an appropriated sum of $6B under Capital Expenditure for Infrastructural Development and Buildings.”

She noted a sum of $1.3B was also allocated under the Ministry’s “Current Expenditure” for “Subsidies and Contributions to Local Organizations” and earmarked for the Central Housing and Planning Authority for Housing Development.

To this end, Ferguson in prefacing her question drew reference to reports by the Department of Public Information, in March of this year, which publicised that, “$13.9B in contracts was signed for housing development.”

As such, Ferguson has requested that Minister Croal tell the House, “”where the shortfall of $7.9B was funded from for the awarding of some $13.9B in contracts to commence infrastructural works and construction of housing units in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6, r e s p e c t i v e l y ? . ” This publication in March last had also reported on the contracts that had been signed under the auspices of Minister Croal.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

At the time it was reported that close to 200 contracts totaling US$70 million (G$14 billion) for housing development had been inked as part of government’s drive to make available some 50,000 house lots over the course of the administration’s first term in office.

At the ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center in Liliendaal, Junior Minister for Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, had detailed that the housing areas being developed would allow for over 10,000 houses to be provided on an annual basis.

Meanwhile, substantive Minister, Croal on that occasion, had projected that works totaling some $4B would be completed by June 2021 while another $6 billion was expected to be completed in the latter half of this year. Each of the projects are at various stages of progression as the opposition finally demands answers and is now calling on the Housing Minister to provide answers on the source of the funding since it has not been clearly identified in the budget allocations.

Govt., Coalition guilty of hundreds of millions in overpayments …also ‘failed to collect’ items paid for with tax dollars—AG Report Finds The Report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of Guyana taking stock of the Accounts of ministries, government departments and Regions for the fiscal year ended 31st December, 2020 will on Monday be made public.

Monday will see the first sitting of the National Assembly since coming out of recess which began in August last. This publication has since learnt that on Monday when the report is made public, it is expected to document the overpayment by both the PPP/C and former APNU+AFC administrations during the course of that year to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Additionally, this publication has learnt that among the more pressing concerns raised by the Auditor General in his 2020 report is the fact that during the course of the year, several hundred million dollars had been spent on various items that had not been delivered to the audited agency, at the time of the audit.

Kaietuer News, speaking with a source close to the Audit Office, has since learnt that the problem of overpayments and non-delivery of items procured did not plague any single agency per se, but the inconsistencies could be

found across the board.

The incumbent Peoples Progressive Part Civic (PPP/C) administration would have taken Office in August of last year, some five months after ousting the then coalition A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government at the March Elections—the five month delay in the swearing in is as a result of the recount of the elections results.

As such, the financial stewardship of both administrations will be up for review when the documents are made public.

Additionally, members of the House are also expected to be presented with copies of a Performance Audit Report on the COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Voucher Programme; a Performance Audit Report on the procurement, storage and distribution of the COVID-19 supplies and a follow-Up Performance Audit Report of the Auditor General on a review of the Old Age Pension Programme in Guyana.

Additionally, the Members of the House and public at large are expected to be presented with A number of annual reports for several organisations spanning several years, some even dated back to 2016.

Among the Annual Reports to be handed over are those for the Ombudsman Office and the Ethnic Relations Commission for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Reports by the Ministry of Public Works are also expected to be laid over in the House, including accounts

for the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation for the years ended December 31, 2015 to 2017; the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. for the years ending December 31, 2019 and 2020, among others.

Auditor General, (AG) Deodat Sharma in September last, handed over the 2020 Audit Report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

THURSDAY ‘Cash-strapped’ GPL now borrowing to generate electricity …no pay hike for workers, likely increase in customers bill in New Year—CEO The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is currently operating at a G$2.6B deficit while surviving on loans, leading to a situation where, not only will the company’s workers not be benefitting from any increases in wages and salaries for this year, but there is also the likelihood of customers’ bills being hiked next year.

A stark contrast to the financial situation the power

company was in under the previous administration, evident in the removal of the multi-billion subsidy that was being handed to the utility company annually.

The damning situation was laid bare Wednesday, by the utility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharrat Dindyal, who along with other executives briefed media operatives on GPL’s preparedness for the Christmas season. The revelations outlined were among some of the glaring admissions made by the power company’s boss, during the press engagement, held at the GPL’s Headquarters, Duke Street Kingston.

He told media operatives, that GPL’s situation is in such dire straits, that at the end of October this year, the power company would have already spent some US$69.7M in fuel for power generation—some US$26.6M more than it had anticipated.

In fact, Dindyal said, the power company anticipates that by the end of the year, it would have to spend some US$35M more than it had anticipated.

Additionally, there was the disclosure that the power

company has in its Demerara Berbice, Interconnected System (DBIS), together with the isolated grids in Essequibo, a total generation capacity presently of some 182.5MW. This information was disclosed by Bharat Harjohn, the entity’s Divisional Director of Operations, who during the briefing, outlined that while persons would expect that December would see peak demands, this is not the case.

According to Harjohn, in light of the recent changes on weather patterns, it has been observed that during the month of October, electricity demands spike to their highest at some 136MW, and as such, the company is confident that it will have sufficient generation capacity for the upcoming holiday season.

This, since GPL would have in excess of 40MW in reserve generation capacity.

Pressed on the losses, despite the base load capacity, 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, 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 through losses in the aged transmission and distribution network.

Referencing the planned maintenance works for the year, at a cost in excess of $500M scheduled to be completed by December 15. At this point in time, the planned maintenance having come to an end would see the teams being deployed for emergency responses.

Dindyal did note that the investments in maintenance was targeting the reliability of the system and as such would not impact on the system losses significantly.

Compounding the situation with regard to losses, he cited as example that between 2015 (Continued on page 26)

Sunday December 12, 2021

From page 25 and 2021, “we have seen an additional 15,000 street lamps being installed, the majority of those by private persons.”

Lamenting the state of affairs, the GPL CEO said, electricity theft in Guyana is a “huge problem; it is an ongoing problem.” Lamenting the failure of the power company to effectively police losses as a result of theft, Dindyal pointed to a backlog of cases in the court system.

Meanwhile, as it relates, to employees, the power company boss said there will be no salary increases or bonus paid out this year, owing to the company’s financial situation.

According to Dindyal, it is simply a case where the power company was unable to afford it.

He told media operatives, “the unions are aware that coming to the end to the year we started discussions with them on the CBAs (Collective Bargaining Agreements); we have been trying for the last three years to discuss multiyear CBA but the sticking issue has always been remuneration.

Speaking directly to this year, Dindyal said, “we essentially don’t have, from a business standpoint, we don’t have enough money to pay an increase.”

To this end, he explained that in discussion with the Ministry on a particular increase, “it has to be discussed in the context of how it’s funded.”

He said, “…we know that seven percent has been awarded to public servants and the expectation of the union currently is that they would get the seven percent.”

To this, he responded with the question, “is it sustainable” and sought to argue that GPL wages are already among some of the highest in the country.”

Dindyal told media opera-

tives nonetheless “we are still waiting on a detailed discussion, essentially, and mandate on what we can offer to the union.”

He did note, however that at present the company is unable to pay any increases.

Dindyal was quick to point out “we don’t have a breakdown in negotiations with the union,” since the engagement is ongoing.

According to Dindyal, “GPL’s ability to pay and to sustain this increase is what’s going to be discussed.”

He told media operatives when asked about considerations for a bonus to be paid if not a salary increase, “we can’t afford anything, nothing at all.”

According to the GPL CEO, by the end of the year the deficit incurred by the power company will be over $2.6B, so whatever we pay basically has to be borrowed.”

He explained that the operation of the entity, in light of this shortfall is not being met by any government subsidy but rather “your tariff is being subsidized essentially by GPL borrowing money.”

As such, “we are actually running an overdraft which is funding the fuel which has to be used to provide power.”

Major oil companies showing interest in Guyana’s only unlicensed deep-water block -Min. Bharrat says govt. committed to transparent bidding process Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat has confirmed with Kaieteur News Wednesday that major oil companies have indeed expressed “great interest” in Block C, Guyana’s only unlicensed deep-water block, which borders the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

He noted as well that one company is so interested that it has offered to do a seismic survey of the block “at no cost to Guyana.” The official

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

was keen to note however that all interested parties will have to be patient until next year when Guyana is expected to launch its first bid round. ”The government’s position as iterated by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is that a transparent process will be followed for the award of these blocks and the legislative and regulatory framework will be in place for us to secure the most value for these assets…So yes, there is a lot of interest in Block C but we are committed to the people and ensuring that they are not shortchanged.”

Minister Bharrat also stated that the government is keen on resisting the temptation to enter into any bilateral arrangements while stressing the need for citizens to secure maximum benefits from their resources. In addition to Block C which will be up for auction next year, Minister Bharrat said relinquished portions of offshore concessions will also be part of the mix. He recalled that this was noted last month by Vice President, Jagdeo.

Kaieteur News had reported the Vice President as saying that the historic oil blocks auction will occur in the third quarter of 2022. He had said the government will be looking to auction new blocks which will now require that it aggressively enforces the relinquishment provisions in the contracts it has with companies such as ExxonMobil, Tullow, and Repsol.

The Vice President had said, “We have been caught up with now trying to put in place the architecture for the management of the industry but now we have to move to enforcement and then auctioning.”

To go to an auction however, Jagdeo said the government would have to make several policy decisions. “We will

have to get someone who has done this before. We have to get technical help. Secondly, we have to also make a decision like some countries are doing, whether we want to invest, like Suriname is doing, to shoot 3D seismic and then auction the block with seismic data which gives us a higher price.”

If it decides against this, Jagdeo had said the government could decide to just auction the areas as is since it would ultimately have to stand the costs associated with the 3D seismic survey.

Another key consideration he said is whether government should preclude existing companies such as ExxonMobil to be part of the bidding round.

It should be noted that ExxonMobil is the only company, which has a hold on the largest acreage in the Guyana basin. If it acquires more, it would only serve to increase

its monopoly. ”So we have to make that policy decision…,” the Vice President noted while adding that if there is need to amend the laws in the future to allow for this auction to take place then it would certainly occur.

FRIDAY Govt. paying millions to maintain road that Chinese companies destroying – residents demand that they pay to fix it Kaieteur News has learnt that the government is spending millions to repair and maintain the Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge Road in Region One, which is constantly being destroyed by two Chinese companies working in the district.

Those companies are the Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI), a 100% owned subsidiary of Bosai Minerals Group Co. Ltd and Barama Company

Limited (BCL).

GMI is mining for manganese at Matthews Ridge, while BCL is conducting small scale logging closer to Port Kaituma and, according to residents, the two companies have been responsible for the frequent destruction of the major road linking the two communities.

In a recent trip this media house made to the area, it got a firsthand look of the current condition of the road, and it was evident that there was need for emergency works in some sections.

Surprisingly, however, the two companies blamed for damaging the road with heavy duty machines and trucks, rarely conduct any repairs w h a t s o e v e r .

At least, this was what Port Kaituma residents related to Kaieteur News during its trip there.

They said that most of the (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 26

From page 25 remedial work is being done by a local company called International Import and Supplies.

Kaieteur News was told by the relevant authorities that the government reportedly awarded the local company a multimillion dollar contract to rehabilitate and maintain sections of the road.

This newspaper contacted a governmental official Thursday to find out the exact cost of the road maintenance contract, but the individual is presently out of the country, and has promised to provide the information in the coming week.

Nevertheless, the local residents are of the view that the contract arrangement is unfair because local commuters, such as taxi drivers, bus drivers, and miners would normally have to pay a toll to use the major road, while the Chinese companies are the ones responsible for most of its damage.

During a three-hour long journey on a bumpy road, from Port Kaituma to Matthews Ridge, a local cab driver related that he has to pay $2000 every time he makes a trip with his car.

He added that buses are charged $5000, canters $12,000, heavy duty trucks $50,000 and excavators $75,000. He was unsure if company trucks are required to pay too.

As a result, Kaieteur News decided to find out from officials of the Port Kaituma/ Matthews Ridge Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and was told that GMI and BCL are not required to pay any toll for their trucks.

The officials explained that the companies are exempted from the toll fee, because of a special arrangement they have with the government.

Moreover, they continued, the toll monies collected are not used to fix the major road, but rather the internal streets and roads in the Port Kaituma and Mathews Ridge community.

Kaieteur News, however, noted that the streets within the communities are even worse than the major road.

CJIA US$160M and counting...

Renovated airport needs another terminal –CEO As the cost for the renovated Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) project continues to climb, a second terminal will be needed within the next 10 years. This is according to CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir.

This information was re-

Kaieteur News

ported in a Department of Public Information (DPI) article. According to that article, Ghir noted that the multi-million-dollar upgrade that is ongoing at the airport is moving apace and he explained that those upgrades are separate from the ongoing modernisation works being undertaken by Chinese Contractor, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC).

Kaieteur News has reported that the airport expansion project commenced in 2011, and was expected to be a US$150M venture; US$138M financed from the China Exim Bank and $12M from the consolidated fund taxpayers’ money. However, to date more than US$160 million has already been spent on the contract.

The article stated the CEO disclosed, that according to the look ahead - and based on the numbers they have – within the next ten years a second terminal will be needed. To this end he noted, “So, His Excellency (Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali) has actually pulled together that meeting and asked us to meet with investors. We have identified an area for a second terminal building, which is going to be very modern.”

Recently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other Government officials met with investors from Mexico and their Guyanese partner. It was reported that during the meeting the investors expressed interest in potential investments, including building a new terminal for the CJIA airport.

Moreover, according to the article, the CEO said that the additional upgrade to the airport was split into three parts. Ghir noted that efforts are being made to have the construction of the $513.7 million airport office building completed on time to house the duty-free bond, a conference room, offices for the airlines, and other supporting agencies.

Additionally, it was stated

that the construction of the airport office building paves the way for more upgrades to CJIA and that talks with foreign investors have already commenced. Ghir also noted, “With that new building we are able to free up more space in the existing terminal building because maybe half of the staff is housed in the terminal. That now translates itself into concession space.”

The CEO further disclosed that the $38 million international apron and the taxiway Charlie should be completed within two weeks.

Moreover, even though the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, had promised that the total cost for the project will not exceed US$200 million, that cannot be guaranteed now as the venture is currently a work-inprogress and the PPP/C administration is still pumping money into it.

Since Minister Edghill announced that the spending on the CJIA expansion will not surpass US$200 million–other subcontracts for works that were catered for in the original contract, but which the government now has to spend additional funds to do were signed by his ministry for the airport.

One of those projects is for the “Construction and Rehabilitation Works of the VIP Lounge and new and existing commercial buildings of the airport at an estimated cost of GY$612,500,000.

Another subcontract project was estimated at GY$23,223,375 for the rehabilitation of the existing roof at the airport. In September, the Ministry awarded a contract for US$2M to a local company named Total Solutions for the supply of two additional air-bridges for the long ongoing CJIA project, some US$ 350,000 more than what was paid for the other air-

bridges.

Also, a new runway was commissioned at the airport, complete with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) touted to reduce flights diversion by 90 percent. That aspect of the airport was completed at a cost of GY$518 million.

The airport was expected to be completed by December 31, 2021, but Minister Edghill said that, due to the constraints of shipping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, works might not be completed until early 2022.

BACKGROUND The airport expansion contract was signed in 2011 under then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and was passed through the truncated presidency of Donald Ramotar.

When the David Granger administration took over in 2015, it said that the very defective plan needed adjustments. The then Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had said that upon assumption of office, the APNU+AFC administration found that only seven percent of the work was completed. Even with the sub-standard work, former Junior Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, had revealed that the contractor spent more on certain aspects of the project than was laid out in the contract.

However, he had not shared whether the contractor spent more than the contract sum. Sharma further said that the former APNU+AFC government would have decided whether to penalise the company for “breach of contract.”

The previous government had also stated that it would not spend a cent more on the project, but that was not the case as a change order seen by this newspaper indicated that the administration made at least one additional dis-

Sunday December 12, 2021

bursement of GY$6.8M for the “extra time delay and costs for the prolongation of the project” by 807 days. The order also indicated that it was a payment, not for the first, but the third claim made by the contractor. As the country awaits the completion of the project, which falls way below expectations, taxpayers are still obligated to repay a loan of US$138M to China, which forms part of the contract sum.

SATURDAY Oil sector will be plagued with difficulties until death if “original sin” not fixed TIGI Pres.

Head of Transparency 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 state of affairs that reflects total disregard for the law.

The TIGI President said, “…when we examined the contract certain things be-

came 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 licence 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 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 the local 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 (Continued on page 37)

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 27

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Nazar Mohamed, aka “Shell”: Care-giver par excellence T

wo things had simultaneous occurrence last week. One was the reaction I got from dozens of people of the stress I went through looking for lawyers to do free work for all the court cases I got over the long decades.

I had agreed to the decision by Mr. Glenn Lall more than 25 years ago that Kaieteur News will not fund my cases.

Secondly, while I was getting calls and emails about that aspect of my life, I read criticisms about businessman, Nazar Mohamed, well known by the nickname “Shell” for being awarded a state contract worth $600M. His accusers said he did not have a track record in the industry.

How are the two occurrences connected?

Please read on. I will establish the connection. I was taken back at the accusation against Shell

because I know he is a superb human that will build whatever he undertakes in a professional manner and will spend his own money if there are complaints of standards not being met.

More than 35 years ago, I met Shell through the publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall.

We d e v e l o p e d a friendship over those years and as usual, I would use my academic training to assess people. As the years move on, Shell was definitely one of the persons that I felt morally comfortable with. I will repeat again, this is an ugly country where people are mostly deceitful, selfish, cruel, and will abandon you in the most unprincipled ways. I repeat once more on this page that if I ever write my memoir, I would get more than a hundred libel writs.

I am saying here for all those who read this page, I do not see Nazar Mohamed like

that because I have seen the ultimate in human consideration in him.

Humans all over the world do not understand each other because the mind is a complex thing. There are billions of people who do wonderful, caring things for others and they would object if you write glowingly about them. If Shell reads this and he asks why I wrote this column, I would tell him I am a trained historian, and my obligation is to record history.

Here is the aspect of Shell's life that intersected with mine and I will caution politicians from all races, cultures and organisations to remember the paragraphs that will follow. Let me preface those paragraphs by saying, if you do not know a substance, research it before you criticise.

Over the decades I have taken suffering people, not one or five but umpteen

times, to Shell for help and the generous mind was always there glowing for us to see. All of those people were from the category of the poor and powerless. They were Indians, Africans, Amerindians, etc.

The suffering range from being without food, school books that were desperately needed, paying to see doctors, filling doctors' prescriptions because the Georgetown Hospital didn't have the drugs and finding lawyers for people who were terribly wronged by police cruelty.

This is just a short list. I never thought I would write about these things that Shell did but times are always changing in Guyana.

Here now is the link between the two occurrences last week, that is, my court cases and Shell's involvement. Over the decades Shell would call me to compliment me on many

articles. Never had he ever suggested I write something he w a n t e d t o Frederick Kissoon ventilate. As the court cases were publicised all over Guyana, he would call and can personally for Khemraj. I ask in what ways he could would gladly teach any help - if I need assistance student if he sends him/her to me and provide the necessary with lawyers' fees. books.

Tsunamic political On each occasion I would say that I am satisfied with difference has come between Khemraj Ramjattan and me and Khemraj but I love Nigel Hughes. Before I end my country and will not let this article let me say that I him and the AFC destroy it.

To conclude I personally am most thankful to Khemraj and Nigel for free legal a d m i r e S h e l l f o r h i s service over a long period of commitment to the poor and time. I met Nigel at the GRA powerless who I had brought last month and I made it plain to him.

His donation last month to him that I appreciated his help in the past. I will never of $15 million to animal support the degenerative p r o t e c t i o n s h o u l d b e emulated by the wealthy politics of Khemraj.

I believe Khemraj's folks of Guyana. Good luck politics has caused Guyana in whatever you do Shell.

(The views expressed in tremendous pain to me and this article are those of the my country between 2015 and 2020 and now even in a u t h o r a n d d o n o t opposition. But I will not shy necessarily reflect the away from doing anything I opinions of this newspaper.)

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

COVID-19: The Omicron variant,

here is what we know so far

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

T

he Omicron variant has burst onto the world scene and in less than a month, it has already spread to more than 57 countries. So far, it is spreading faster than any of the other coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) variants.

It is also showing a tendency to rapidly replace the other circulating variants including the delta variant.

Today, I will shed some light on questions that many people have been asking me about this variant and give my thoughts on what may occur in the months to come.

Is Omicron a new Virus?

Omicron is not a new virus; it is a mutation of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which is making it behave like a new virus. While there are changes in its structure, the core structure remains the same.

Our body should be able to detect it if we have antibodies against it from a previous COVID-19 infection or if we were fully vaccinated.

Is Omicron more deadly?

The answer to this question is not as clear yet and there needs to be more data before a final conclusion can be made about its death rate.

However, data from South Africa indicate that it is less deadly than the previous variants.

As far as I am aware, there hasn't been any reported deaths from the Omicron variant as yet.

Are the symptoms from Omicron similar to other variants?

So far, the data is suggesting that the symptoms are milder and a little different.

Less patients have fever and cough when compared to cases of COVID-19 before Omicron came onto the scene.

However, it is only a few weeks since this variant has been in circulation and more time is needed to see if this trend continues as more persons get infected with Omicron.

Is it more transmissible?

Early data suggests that it is two times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

It is thought to remain airborne longer than any

other variant. In South Africa, the infection rates from Omicron have been doubling every 3 days.

Based on the data in South Africa, it appears to be far more transmissible but we will have to wait to confirm this as more patients get infected.

Will Omicron evade vaccines?

Early data suggests that it is causing symptomatic infection in the vaccinated more than any previous variant.

However, the disease is far milder in the vaccinated population suggesting that the vaccines are still preventing it from causing deaths and hospitalisations.

Again, as more patients become infected, we will get a clearer picture.

H o w e v e r, v a c c i n e companies are already in the process of tweaking their vaccines in the event that a specific vaccine for Omicron will be needed. Given the data so far, I do not think that specific boosters for Omicron will be needed.

When will Omicron reach Guyana?

No one knows this answer with certainty. Given the rapid worldwide spread

and the holiday travels, my best estimate is that it should arrive here before the year is out.

Should this occur and the three-day doubling time for Omicron hold up, I believe that Omicron can become the dominant variant here and cause a surge in infections by early February 2022.

I predict that most of us will get infected if Omicron continues to be as transmissible as it is thought to be currently.

Does it have the potential to overwhelm the system?

A virus that is less deadly

and more infectious should lead to rapid infections, minimal deaths and faster herd immunity.

However, there may be an increase in hospitalisation given the high numbers of unvaccinated and persons getting infected at the same time.

This has the potential to overwhelm medical systems and lead to increased deaths if the sick cannot access care because hospitals are filled to capacity.

This doesn't mean we should panic; we have close to two years of experience dealing with COVID-19 which should take us

through the Omicron wave especially, if we use the evidence to our advantage.

Once you are fully vaccinated and/ boosted, you should not panic.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Sunday December 12, 2021

>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

PPC, Deputy Speaker speaking, training regulators for oil company accountability (don’t make a damn fool of me) It is encouraging to read of mounting interest in, and increased pressure for, the appointment of members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

This has taken too long, and a great many things that don’t add up have taken place at the National

Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

In a small mouthful, if that is ‘Tender Administration’ then we have nothing.

I correct myself: we have nothing, but the tricky and the inexplicable, involving the award of contracts for

large sums of money. One might be considered an honest oversight, but given the number of them, the beneficiaries of such awards, and the steady trickle of what reeks of the troubling, a PPC is overdue.

It cannot be any kind of PPC body cobbled together

to perpetuate the shenanigans occurring at N P TA B .

The final composition of the PPC must not be mistaken in its membership to be inseparable from the PPP/C. All I will say today is that the men and women chosen for a PPC that would serve as the

urgently needed filter and sentinel o v e r N P TA B ’s handiwork must be Guyanese who raise applause and not give pause.

In other words, Guyanese of integrity (if we can find them), and not more of the indecency and iniquity that populate public entities in this country. We can’t afford that; we don’t want it.

It would encourage if we can have a functioning PPC soon, but only one that is principled and possessing what it takes to deliver consistently what is untainted and uninfluenced work.

I am intrigued that the Hon. Deputy Speaker of G u y a n a ’s N a t i o n a l Assembly is speaking up: ‘PPP has no respect for Amerindians.’

I am encouraged that the Deputy Speaker took this tack for his people, and he must be commended for putting a foot (finally) in the right direction. But, to use a Guyanese expression, his foot too short. I say this, because the Deputy Speaker should know that the PPP has no respect for any Guyanese, save its criminal cronies, close insiders, and the company of countrymen who rob this society blind.

Respect for others has never been part of the communication, body language, or character of PPP leaders and their comrades. It cannot be, since they never had the grooming from an early age; or if they did, they seized the first opportunity to discard respect and honesty and ethics, when they came close to money and power. Any respect for anything (other than other people’s cash), and anybody (but their own) went out the window in a hurry.

The Deputy Speaker should need no reminder, because all he must do is to reflect on how the PPP

By GHK Lall treated him, after he decided to do business with its leaders. There is a lesson in there for others, similarly ambitious and willing to pawn principles.

He has taken the bull by the horns and spoken out on insulting Amerindian developments; now he must show what he is really made of, could truly redeem himself, by casting his eyes, and raising his voice on all the other areas that highlight the great disrespect of the PPP for all Guyanese. I give him a hand: contract award corruptions, lack of presidential transparency, Vice Presidential slipperiness on oil and gas, and more.

I am encouraged that “Guyana will train regulators to hold oil companies accountable President Ali” (KN December 7). Now if only that could turn out to be right. It is a good statement, with a clean ring.

However, I am yet to come across something of this nature that the President commits to, then delivers without significant elements missing. I regret having to say this: his words are encouraging, but I don’t believe him. As Exhibit A, I hang over his head (and his versatile VP) Guyana’s EPA. It has been trained to where it couldn’t hold a dog accountable for lifting its leg and giving a free washing to car tyres. The President may be fooling the smart folks at the Harvard Business School. He should not try the same with me. Seeking to fool is one thing, struggling to make a damn fool of me is another. Take that garbage somewhere else, sir. ( T h e v i e w s expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Sunday December 12, 2021

Exxon’s Ogle HQ to supply Country grid with solar power –Manager ExxonMobil Guyana has announced plans to be a part of supplying electricity to Guyana’s Demerara Berbice

Interconnected Grid.

This through surplus power generated by the company’s planned solar

powered farm for its headquarters currently under construction at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The announcement was made by Esso Exploration and Guyana Production L i m i t e d

(EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—President and General, Alistair Routledge.

He was at the time

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge addressing the 132nd Award Ceremony of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry which was venued at the Marriott Hotel.

Addressing the ceremony on the matter of reducing carbon emissions, the ExxonMobil executive told members of the private sector that the company is currently in the process of completing its headquarters where it is also installing a solar farm.

“While we advance the gas-to-shore project, our Ogle office is under construction with a net zero energy footprint.” He explained, by indicating that the building will be powered by solar e n e r g y. A c c o r d i n g t o Routledge, “the solar array will help to generate surplus electricity which will be dispatched to the power grid in Georgetown.”

The ExxonMobil Guyana President did not however, indicate if the electricity will be sold to the national grid, as is the case with other private suppliers such as the Giftland Mall. This, he said, is consistent with Guyana’s expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy. He had prefaced his position by acknowledging that modern economies run on energy.

To this end, Routledge observed that his company is guided by the governments revised LCDS and has enlisted the private sector in the diversification of its energy supply sources producing less emission.

Referencing Exxon’s role in the gas-to-energy project, he said this would be complemented by other projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project.

“The private sector including ExxonMobil, will be central to this initiative from finding and producing gas to building the pipeline that will bring it to shore, we are deeply invested in a cleaner, more affordable energy for Guyana.”

He used the occasion to point out the cyclical nature of the economy and said by bringing gas to shore, or by additional sources of energy, “ Guyana has the opportunity to make economic diversification a reality.”

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

PAGE 36

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

What Are The Physical And Mental Tolls Of Sleep Deprivation?

To compete with the pace of life getting faster every year, it seems like we have forgotten to give adequate rest to our mind and body.

With work and other responsibilities demanding a lot of our attention and energy, regular and healthy sleep is almost seen as an inconvenience rather than a necessity.

A recent study showed that about 53% of Indians sleep late, preferring to scroll through social media instead of getting an early night and a few others had disturbed sleep through the night. Sleep is involved in physical and mental health and sleep loss can lead to severe negative impacts on both of them.

What are the common causes of Lack of Sleep?

The causes of lack of sleep are varied across individuals but a few common themes can be seen. Social media and the internet itself has become a battleground for grabbing and keeping the attention of user’s, whether it’s through algorithms or addictive apps and games.

People fall into a routine of winding their day down with social media or YouTube, assuming this helps them relax before bed.

The fact is, these apps and the internet as a whole, stimulates the brain keeping it engaged and not allowing for any mental relaxation to take place. This leads to a delay of sleep, sometimes for

hours on end, which of course leads to several physiological issues. Of course, there are many other causes of lack of sleep and social media/apps/the internet when used appropriately can have many benefits. It isn’t just something negative that you have to avoid all the time.

Having a newborn may also be a sweet cause of sleep loss, while other causes of lack of sleep include insomnia and anxiety, stress, depression or a change of schedule. Some diseases, medicines, sleep disorders and illnesses may also lead to improper sleep such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. Ageing may also lead to chronic sleep loss.

How does Sleep Loss impact your health?

Sleep Loss on a few occasions typically does not lead to any drastic effects on your mind or body, except that you might feel tired. However, the effects of sleep deprivation, especially chronically lacking sleep, can be grave and may require treatment. ·Memory loss and trouble focusing – Continued sleep deprivation over a few days may lead to memory loss and an inability to maintain focus.

This is due to the brain being active and functioning all the time and not being able to rest and recover. ·Stress and mood changes – While stress itself can be-

come a cause of sleep loss, the reverse is also true. Sleep deprivation can increase your stress levels, resulting in a feedback loop. Additionally, you may notice several mood changes in yourself when you go through chronic lack of sleep, from being easily irritated to depression. · Increased risk of high BP, diabetes, heart disease – Less than 5 hours of sleep each night significantly increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.

twined. In some cases, lack of sleep may lead to a loss of appetite or on the opposite end, overeating. ·Weakened immunity – Chronic lack of sleep results in your immune system becoming weaker against common infections (colds, coughs). Without time to rest, the body is unable to recharge and repair, which affects its immune response. ·Poor balance – The physiological process of maintaining balance and co-

Lack of sleep can also cause higher levels of chemicals linked to inflammation. Together with increased blood pressure, this can increase your risk of heart disease.

Since sleep loss interferes with the release of Insulin, it may also lead to a high risk of developing diabetes. ·Weight gain or weight loss – Sleep and weight loss or gain are closely inter-

ordination, requires concentration and mental effort which usually isn’t something we need to consciously think about. But sleep deprivation can affect our coordination and balance, making it hard to perform basic executive functions. This increases your risk of accidents and falls and may lead to severe injury. ·Although it is dependent

on the causes of lack of sleep, some other effects include low sex drive and inability to perform social tasks (such as missing out on social gatherings).

How can Sleep Loss be fixed Despite the issues associated with it, sleep loss can be fixed. Fixing your sleep cycle depends upon the causes of disruption of sleep.

The hopeful fact is that, once your body is trained, a lot of your symptoms and issues will disappear or reduce in intensity. Getting to the point where your body is following a natural rhythm of sleep and being awake requires effort and planning.

Some home remedies include a warm bath before bed to relax you physically and loosen your muscles and joints. Additionally, you should keep your phone away whenever you get into bed, creating a separation between being on your phone and being in bed. This can train your body to accept that when you’re in bed, sleep is the goal. You can use your phone to play soft, calming music in case it helps, but set the music and leave the phone! Avoid watching any video or movie that has violent or disturbing content especially before your sleeptime.

Keep your bedroom clean, ventilated and organised, for a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes qual-

ity sleep. Relaxation techniques and meditation can be of great help too. The temperature in your room also plays an important role in allowing you to fall asleep quickly, when your body is uncomfortable it will be really hard to fall asleep. Figure out what the best temperature for you is and do your best to keep your room within that range.

Lastly, you may want to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist, since you may have issues that require expert treatment.

You may be prescribed sleeping medication, apart from any treatment for the underlying causes of your sleep loss.

Conclusion From the effects sleep loss has on our body and mind, it’s clear to see that sleep is an essential and vital body function. When you lay in bed social media may be engaging or your brain may be busy reliving the busy day you’ve just been throughremember that you won’t be able to function fully the next day without a good night’s rest.

If your problems persist for over a week, you should definitely seek professional help, whether a counsellor, a psychiatrist or a sleep specialist. (https://pharmeasy.in/ blog/what-are-the-physicaland-mental-tolls-of-sleepdeprivation/)

What is Third-hand Smoking and What Does it Mean for People Around You? The term passive smoking has become common parlance now, for being in the vicinity of someone who is smoking. However, there is yet another form of passive smoking known as Thirdhand smoke, which involves inhaling residual nicotine left on indoor surfaces. This can be particularly harmful since it can cause damage to the DNA. Moreover, third-hand smoking is dangerous because it often mixes with pollutants and develops into cancer-causing compounds.

Third-hand smoke initially develops from the nicotine that settles and spreads onto several indoor surfaces. Over time, certain harmful chemicals are released from these indoor surfaces and breathing them in can be as harmful as passive second-hand smoking.

Who are the most at risk from third-hand smoke?

Since passive secondhand smoke is something that people have become conscious about to some extent, family members are often kept at bay when a person is smoking. However, the concept of third-hand smoke is fairly unknown to most smokers.

Therefore, children and other non-smoking adults within the same closed or partially open indoor space may be at the highest risk of being exposed to such cancer-causing compounds. ·Effect on Infants If there are infants inside the house, third-hand smoke can be even more dangerous.

This is because infants who haven’t learnt to walk yet, are usually in high contact with the floor and have their hands touching it most of the time.

Nicotine from tobacco smoke settles and clings to such floor surfaces.

Since infants have the habit of putting their hands inside the mouth quite often, this nicotine along with other harmful chemicals can easily enter their bodies. ·Effect on Non-smoking Adults For non-smoking adults, the effect of such cancercausing compounds can be severe on their bodies. The detrimental impacts of passive smoking in non-smoking adults can include cancer of the nasal sinuses, throat and breast cancer, along with short and long-term respiratory symptoms and even the permanent loss of certain lung

functions.

What are the negative effects of third-hand smoke?

Since nicotine is one of the several deadly cancer-causing compounds, it has been identified as the leading cause of several forms of sinus, throat, breast and lung cancer. One study has particularly found that undetected damage to DNA could be one serious consequence of thirdhand smoke in both children and non-smoking adults.

This genetic damage along with the entry of cancerous compounds into the human body can often result in compound health ailments for people of all ages.

Moreover, in several cases, such third-hand smoke tends to remain and even accumulate on the smoker’s skin. It is also assumed that when a smoker comes in contact with a group of people, the entire group can fall prey to the damaging effects of third-hand smoke.

The Cleveland Clinic has identified several harmful effects of being exposed to third-hand smoke. Apart from the dangerous effects of cancerous substances like nicotine and damage to DNA, this type of passive smoking can

also cause further damage to the respiratory system of non-smokers. When nicotine from tobacco clings to surfaces like clothes, walls, curtains, furniture, etc, it reacts with the Nitrous acids found in the atmosphere and forms different types of cancercausing compounds.

Moreover, eliminating this nicotine residue is quite impossible since it is not directly visible.

This residue can cling to indoor surfaces for several months and even years at a stretch. Ensuring proper ventilation in the room has little effect on this residue and it also evades the action of vacuum cleaners.

The only plausible solution to eliminate this residue from third-hand smoke may be to repaint the walls, replace all curtains and carpets and perform extensive cleaning of the ventilation systems inside the house.

The entire process is quite expensive, to say the least and hence it is best to quit smoking in order to prevent the risk of third-hand smoke in the first place.

Prevention of third-hand smoke Since such cancerous resi-

due cannot be expelled simply by proper ventilation and can often be carried around the housing via clothing, it may be helpful to take some preventive measures. ·Avoid smoking inside your home or in your car. ·Whenever you have been in the vicinity of a smoker, it is advisable to immediately wash all clothes as soon as you return home. You must ensure that you take a thorough bath first before roaming about inside your house as the residue from your clothes could be transferred to other surfaces inside the house. ·In case you have had a smoker inside your house, it is advisable that you thoroughly wash all bedding and linen, like bed sheets, blankets, pillow covers, curtains, etc. This will ensure that the cancer-causing compounds do not linger on inside your house. ·You can also wet and dry mop all tiled and other hard surfaces like counters, tabletops, floors, walls, etc with potent cleaning solutions. ·If you have children at home, you will usually have childrens’ toys lying around.

The residue from third-hand

smoke can even accumulate on these toys and prove harmful for your child. Therefore, it is recommended that you thoroughly wash and clean these toys as well since they are high-contact surfaces for your child. ·Finally, if there is an active smoker in your house, it is beneficial to have them take a bath, wash and change their clothes after smoking, to prevent you or other non-smokers inside the house from being exposed to third-hand smoke.

Conclusion Since third-hand smoke is a relatively new area of research, there is still a lot to be uncovered about its longterm effects on non-smokers and ways to prevent them.

Moreover, lockdown during the pandemic has increased people’s chances of exposure to such cancer-causing compounds because of having to be in constant contact with someone at home who smokes.

This can often cause irreparable damage to DNA and the only solution is either for the smoker to quit smoking or refrain from smoking at home to minimise chances of third-hand smoke.

Sunday December 12, 2021

From page 26 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 fore-

going process.

Instead, through the reckless abuse of the loophole in the law which obliges that the subject Minister can vary the relinquishment arrangements, no relinquishment is required after four years and only 20 percent after the end of seven years, compared with 75 per-

Kaieteur News

cent in normal situations.

He was keen to note that the first person to utilise this loophole was Janet Jagan in 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 machi-

nation via production licences.

ExxonMobil and its friends are pushing for more and more explorations licences so that by the time the first relinquishment is due in 2023, the 20 percent 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.

PAGE 37

PAGE 38

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

Three adorable babies cop top prizes in JUV BABY Photo contest brand awareness for its new line and discovering brand ambassadors that the community embraced.

Alphonso said, “Inspired by our own experiences, we created JUV Baby specially designed for a baby’s sensitive skin.

A baby’s skin is up to 30% thinner, and so is very delicate. So we used virgin coconut oil, specially designed for, and pH balanced

Three of the nation’s most adorable and huggable babies, Joshua Daniel McKenzie, Vidya Gopaul Mulchand, and Rayana Elisha Harry, have copped the top prizes of the JUV Baby Photo Contest which was launched on October 18, 2021 and concluded on November 12, 2021. The trio secured thousands of heartfelt reactions combined for their contagious smiles and unforget-

Joshua Daniel Mckenzie (baby: Maliyah Amira McKenzie) – 1100 reactions

Vidya Gopaul Mulchand – 795 reactions table charm after competing against 397 other delightful bundles of joy. Kaieteur News understands that the first, second, and third prize winners will receive a baby hamper each.

In addition, the winners

will serve as the visuals for content creation to be used for media and social use, and grant the Sponsor the rights to use their name, image, and likeness for promotional purposes in connection with its campaign.

This newspaper understands that the sponsors for the contest were ANSA McAL Trading Ltd.- Pampers and Peenie Bears, a new baby and maternity store.

Speaking with this news agency on what prompted the contest, one of the Executive Leaders behind the JUV Baby brand, Cassia Alphonso said it was the company’s way of creating a fun way to build

Rayana Elisha Harry (baby: Kamira Skyla Richmond) – 561 reactions to their sensitive skin, with added benefits like vitamin E and essential oils like lavender oil,which was used in our first scent for this lineup. Lavender like coconut oilhas antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and so helps to heal minor burns and bug bites.

Lavender is also useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness, and is a common ingredient found in many baby care products.”

She further noted that JUV baby which was launched in October with Lavender Lullaby, provides miniaturization that absorbs fast, without the long-lasting greasy feel, lasts for 24 hours, and leaves the baby’s skin incredibly soft without the co-

conut oil scent. More so, she said the products which are manufactured by Pomeroon Oil Mill at Lot 109 Charity, Essequibo Coast, are all chemical-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

She said the products are available in Georgetown at: Food Maxx Superstore in the Giftland Mall, Andrews Supermarket, N&S Mattai & Company, Payless Variety Store, Guyana Shop, Innova-

tions America, the Medicine Chest Pharmacy, DSL Cash & Carry, Bounty Supermarket (Kitty & Grove locations), and Med x press, located in Kitty. In Essequibo, it’s available at G & P Jaigobin Supermarket and Gaulin Supermarket in Charity.

For more information you can check their Facebook and Instagram handles at JUVproducts or Whatsapp them on 6655924.

Enetworks to air Formula 1 today

Enetworks to air Formula 1 today Enetworks is set to air the 72nd running of the Formula One World Championship. It is recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of international motorsport, as the highest

class of competition for openwheel racing cars. The championship is being contested over twenty-two Grands Prix, which will be held around the world. Drivers and teams are scheduled to compete for the titles of World Drivers’ Cham-

pion and World Constructors’ Champion respectively.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are the defending World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ champions respectively, having won the titles in 2020.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 39

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Christmas at Fezziwig's Warehouse

by Charles Dickens "Yo Ho! my boys," said Fezziwig. "No more work tonight! Christmas Eve, Dick!

Christmas, Ebenezer! Let's have the shutters up!" cried old Fezziwig with a sharp clap of his hands, "before a man can say Jack Robinson. . . ."

"Hilli-ho!" cried old Fezziwig, skipping down from the high desk with wonderful agility. "Clear away, my lads, and let's have lots of room here! Hilli-ho, Dick! Cheer-up, Ebenezer!"

Clear away! There was nothing they wouldn't have cleared away, or couldn't have cleared away with old Fezziwig looking on. It was done in a minute. Every movable was packed off, as if it were dismissed from public life forevermore; the floor was swept and watered, the lamps were trimmed, fuel was heaped upon the fire; and the warehouse was as snug, and warm, and dry, and bright a ballroom as you would desire to see on a winter's night.

In came a fiddler with a music book, and went up to the lofty desk and made an orchestra of it and tuned like fifty stomach-aches.

In came Mrs. Fezziwig, one vast substantial smile. In came the three Misses Fezziwig, beaming and lovable. In came the six followers whose hearts they broke.

In came all the young men and women employed in the business. In came the housemaid with her cousin the baker.

In came the cook with her brother's particular friend the milkman. In came the boy from over the way,

Junior page

DIY Sock Gnome Supplies To make sock gnomes, you will need the following supplies: Ingredients · 1 Patterned Crew Sock adult size · 1 Solid Color Crew Sock adult size · 1 9 inch Foam Cone · 1 4 x 4 inch Pieceof Faux Fur · 1 1.25 inch Wood Bead · Hot Glue Gun · Holiday Decorations (buttons, felt piece, etc.) optional

who was suspected of not having board enough from his master, trying to hide himself behind the girl from next door but one who was proved to have had her ears pulled by her mistress; in they all came, anyhow and everyhow.

Away they all went, twenty couple at once; hands half round and back again the other way; down the middle and up again; round and round in various stages of affectionate grouping, old top couple always turning up in the wrong place; new top couple starting off again, as soon as they got there; all top couples at last, and not a bottom one to help them.

When this result was brought about the

FUN WITH POETRY

I love to pray I love to pray to the Lord God, Who is the Father of us all, Who is ever so kind and good, And will always answer my call.

I pray when I rise in the morning, I pray when I go to bed at night, I pray whenever I need something, Prayer at any time is right.

We know that people go to different churches, To the mosque and to the temple, But we all pray to the same God, Who makes it so nice and simple.

So try to pray often as you can, To get whatever you need; God will always help in the right way, If you follow wherever He leads.

by Uncle Roy

fiddler struck up "Sir Roger de Coverley." Then old Fezziwig stood out to dance with Mrs. Fezziwig.

Top couple, too, with a good stiff piece of work cut out for them; three or four and twenty pairs of partners; people who were not to be trifled with; people who would dance and had no notion of walking.

But if they had been thrice as many--oh, four times as many--old Fezziwig would have been a match for them, and so would Mrs. Fezziwig.

As to her, she was worthy to be his partner in every sense of the term. If that's not high praise, tell me higher and I'll use it.

A positive light appeared to issue from Fezziwig's calves.

They shone in every part of the dance like moons. You couldn't have predicted at any given time what would become of them next. And when old Fezziwig and Mrs. Fezziwig had gone all through the dance, advance and retire; both hands to your partner, bow and courtesy, corkscrew, thread the needle, and back again to your place; Fezziwig "cut"--cut so deftly that he appeared to wink with his legs, and came upon his feet again with a stagger.

When the clock struck eleven the domestic ball broke up.

Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig took their stations, one on either side of the door, and shaking hands with every person individually, as he or she went out, wished him or her a Merry Christmas

Instructions 1. Cut off the bottom (toe part) of a solid colored sock, just past the heel (as shown below). Pull the sock over the bottom of the cone and pull it up so it covers the lower 5 inches of the cone. Use hot glue to secure the top of the sock to the cone.

2. Cut out a beard from fur. It's easiest to draw the beard shape on the back of the fur.

Cut the beard about 3.25 inches tall and 2.75 inches wide. When cutting fur, you DO NOT want to just use scissors and cut it out like you would any other fabric because then the fur along the edges of the beard will be very short. To make sure you get the long “beard” effect on the fur, you have two options. First, you can use a razor blade or exacto knife and cut from the back of the fur, cutting through the backing only. Second, you can use sharp scissors, but you'll want to cut with the back of the fur facing you, and slide the bottom of your scissor through the fur very close to the backing. Your goal is to just cut the backing, not any of the fur itself.

Place the beard on the sock at the 4.5 inch

mark, or halfway up the cone.

Hot glue the beard to the sock.

3.

Hot glue a bead onto the beard as shown below.

Note that the bead is only touching beard, not sock.

4. Make the hat. Turn the patterned sock inside out. If sewing, pin a diagonal line as you see below, then sew along it and trim about 1/2 an inch away from the line you sewed.

I used a serger here, but a regular sewing machine works just fine. Just set the stitch length a bit longer than normal and try not to stretch the sock as you sew.

Alternately, if you don't want to sew, you can mark a diagonal line as you see in the photo. Cut about 1/2 an inch to the right of it.

Glue the right sides of the sock together along the cut line.

5. Turn the sock right side out, then place it over top of the cone as a hat. The sock will stick to the cone as you place it on, so it will take a minute to pull it on. Watch the video to see the easiest way to do this.

Decorate the hat with holiday shaped buttons, felt pieces, jingle bells, etc., if desired.

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 41

TEEN TIME

Develop your Spiritual Qualities to make the most of your life

A

t this time of year, when we are moving towards the celebration of the biggest religious occasion, it would be of great value to try to develop the qualities of our spirit.

We k n o w t h a t m o s t Guyanese belong to some religion, as this has been proven to be most beneficial to people during all times in history.

It will therefore be useful if we take some time to think about how we can develop this aspect of our personality.

Not only does the worship of a God, who has made and can make all things possible, give us the faith and confidence to move forward in this world, but we can acquire the same positive spirit when we

accept that all men are equal, and are all entitled to the same benefits on this earth.

Prayer has been said to be the most powerful form of energy, and all things which we need for our sustenance on earth can be obtained if we ask the Source of all Power with true faith and humility.

It will assure us the peace and stability in our lives which are essential to our welfare, no matter how disastrous the situation in which we find ourselves may be.

It will free us from all hatred, fears and lack of confidence in ourselves and our fellow human beings.

It will eradicate p r e j u d i c e a n d discrimination, and will point us towards the good rather than the evil of this

I'm Very Thankful! by

by Jim Jim Pemberton Pemberton I'm I'm very very thankful thankful for for everything everything the the Lord Lord has has made... made...

Everything Everything he's he's created… created… His His beauty beauty is is displayed! displayed!

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful for for the the breath breath II have have to to breathe… breathe…

Until Until that that one one day, day, from from this this earth, earth, II shall shall leave. leave.

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful for for the the way way God God has has made made so so evident. evident.

The The principles principles of of his his word word are are so so relevant! relevant!

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful for for the the beauty beauty and and glory glory he's he's shown… shown…

ItIt has has brought brought blessings blessings and and healing healing to to my my home! home!

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful for for the the many many things things he's he's done done for for me… me…

He's He's given given me me his his love love which which flows flows abundantly! abundantly!

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful that that each each day day is is another another to to live live for for him… him…

He's He's taken taken away away my my pain pain and and has has forgiven forgiven every every sin. sin.

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful that that II can can write write these these words words from from my my heart. heart.

II know know that that he's he's with with me. me. And And he'll he'll never never depart! depart!

I'm I'm very very thankful thankful that that you're you're reading reading what what I've I've been been saying… saying…

May May this this cause cause you you to to once once again again start start praying! praying!

Thank Thank you, you, Lord!

Lord! For For what what you've you've done done and and are are going going to to do… do…

It's It's another another way way that that II can can say, say, “I “I LOVE LOVE YOU!” YOU!” Thank Thank you, you, Lord Lord for for all all that that I've I've received received and and so so much much more… more…

You've You've made made my my life life complete complete and and worth worth living living for! for!

Developing your spirit is the most valuable thing you can do to make yourself the best you can be.

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY world.

But, as I said before, even though you may not be practising any religion, you can still achieve peace in your life if you consider that we are all one on earth, and we are all contributing to the welfare of a collective mankind.

Christmas cryptogram

A true addition certainly. And a merry twelve days of Christmas to all who solve this little gem of a cryptogram.

Determine the value for each letter in the addition problem above.

Many people who are not sure of their belief in a Creator still manage to find peace in their lives by tapping into the spiritual resources of their minds.

For a little time each day they would return to a quiet place and relax their minds.

They would think of a peaceful scene, such as a lonely spot in the mountains or near a gently flowing stream.

Then they would think of people in this scene, all living together peacefully and happily.

If they had any problem with any other person, they would imagine both themselves and that person in this tranquil scene getting on well together and with everyone else.

What these people are actually doing is uniting themselves spiritually with all other human beings, and this helps them to get rid of all negative thoughts of themselves and others, and gives them the confidence to react in a positive manner afterwards.

Whether you indulge in prayer to an Almighty God in whom you firmly believe, or follow the example of these people, make sure you take time every day to practise the use of the spiritual powers that are a basic ingredient of your personality.

This will enable you to achieve more than you ever believed to be possible.

I am again appealing to all youths who have some personal problem to contact me so that we can work on a solution. Please know that I am an experienced e d u c a t o r, a q u a l i f i e d

counsellor, and a person whose main purpose in life is to ensure that others live their lives safely and effectively. Please get in touch through my email – uncleroy1992@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s Christmas Carol Crypotogram 1.COME ALL YE FAITHFUL 2.SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT 3.DECK THE HALLS WITH ROUGHS OF HOLLY 4.HARK! THE ANGELS SING 5.THE FrRST NOEL6.WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS 7.IT CAME UPON THECLEAR 8.I'M DREAMING OF A WHITE C'HRIOSTMAS 9.AWAY IN THE MANGER 10.SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN 11.SILVEIR BELLS 12.LITTLE D Ft U 1 IV1 ER SOY 13.GOD REST YE ME RPM GENTLEMEN 14.RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER 15.I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS 16.JINGLE SELLS 17.HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS 18.0 CHRISTMAS TREE

PAGE 42

How to look after your mental health It's important to take care of yourself and get the most from life. Below are 10 practical ways to look after your mental health.

Making simple changes to how you live doesn't need to cost a fortune or take up loads of time. Anyone can follow this advice.

Why not start today?

1. Talk about your feelings Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

2. Keep active Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.

3. Eat well Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that's good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.

4. Drink sensibly We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.

When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body.

Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings.

5. Keep in touch There's nothing better than catching up with someone face to face, but that's not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it's good for you!

6. Ask for help None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don't go to plan.

If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can't cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.

7. Take a break A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health.

It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you.

Give yourself some 'me time'.

8. Do something you're good at What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past?

Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you're good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem 9. Accept who you are We're all different. It's much healthier to accept that you're unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.

10. Care for others ‘Friends are really important… We help each other whenever we can, so it's a two-way street, and supporting them uplifts me.'

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 43

Guyana's history of granting oil licences and contracts marred by corruption - TIGI

T

he history of p e t r o l e u m licencing and contracting transactions in Guyana presents extraordinary exposure to corruption. This is according to the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI), along with other Civil Society members.

The body in a missive, on the event of International Day Against Corruption, on Thursday explained that the theft of resources of astronomical value, can occur in as simple a way as the deliberate failure to enforce a law where such a law exists, or where it is deliberately misinterpreted in favour of private financial interests.

“Since the benefit of such an action is conferred upon the private interests as a benefit in kind, it is as easy in its conceptualisation as it is difficult to trace.

This kind of corruption is referred to as an implicit transfer.

The history of petroleum licencing and contracting transactions in Guyana presents extraordinary exposure to this kind of corruption,” the group said.

It was keen to note that corruption not only undermines development, but also creates a society where economic and social growth is trampled upon by greed. Corruption also reinforces economic i n e q u a l i t y, a s t h e underprivileged in society are not given a fair chance to access opportunities and resources.

In this regard, the members of the group, including its President, Frederick Collins, along with Compton Meerabux, Veda Ram and Darshanand Khusial warned that the only protection against such corruption is for the society to remain vigilant.

“It is for that reason that we encourage our fellow Guyanese to be on guard, and to examine new laws being drafted for weaknesses and loopholes that have the p o t e n t i a l f o r misinterpretation and to demand that the laws, as passed, be followed to the letter,” the body related.

But in addition to ensuring there are no loopholes in the proposed laws and ensuring that those constituted are enforced, it was noted that another measure to curb corruption is to ensure public servants are

by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), an independent nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving countries' governance over their natural resources. Since 2015, the institution has been providing advice to Guyana's authorities.

The Institute noted that in most natural resource-rich countries, when a company is seeking the right to explore for or produce oil, gas or President of the Guyana Institute for Transparency Inc (TIGI), Frederick Collins

paid a “livable” wage to reduce the temptation of accepting bribes.

Further, it was suggested that stricter punishments be enforced to corrupt officials and an awareness campaign on the effects of corruption and how it negatively impacts society and economic growth.

According to the transparency watchdogs, it is their hope that “with consistent social effort, we can vastly reduce if not entirely eliminate this great exploitation of the poor and vulnerable.

You can help the fight against corruption by speaking about it, that is, by abandoning your silence. It is not enough for you to give charity to the poor. You must also know that when money is creamed off from the very top, it creates more poverty.

By your silence you, the paragon of virtue, become an accomplice to corruption.”

TIGI also called on society at large to support its call for an open Government.

“This is, in summary, a change in the culture of governance from one where government business is to be treated as secret unless it is proven that it may be disclosed with the burden of proof on the citizen, to one where the business is to be public, requiring disclosure, with information published in a form accessible to the ordinary citizen until and unless it can be proven that secrecy is required for some justifiable reason. In such case it will be the government's burden to prove this,” the body said.

In light of the fact that the oil and gas sector is prone to corruption, Guyana has been previously urged to increase beneficial ownership screening so as to reduce the sector's risk to corruption.

This was recently noted

minerals, sector, rules require that regulators check some basic information before granting the company a licence and accompanying contract.

In this regard, NRGI said that the regulator is supposed to judge whether the company is technically competent, financially sound, and is in compliance with environmental and safety rules. It noted, however, that licencing rules

generally do not require screening of whether public sector officials have interests in an applicant company, which could create serious conflicts of interest.

The Institute said, “We reviewed over 50 mining and oil laws around the world and found that about half contained prohibitions on government officials or their close associates – often called 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) – holding

interests in companies applying for extractives licences, but none required regulators to actually check whether or not such PEP interests existed as part of screening licence applications.”

It added, “This is a potentially critical gap in regulatory oversight, because a large body of realworld cases suggests that the ability to hide a company's (Continuned on page 56)

PAGE 44

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 45

The Court Persons charged Journal with bribery

By Renay Sambach

Bribery is defined as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty.

Today I will rehash a few recent matters in relation to bribery.

Earlier this year a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) prosecutor was charged for collecting a bribe from a gold miner.

The prosecutor was caught in a police sting operation accepting the bribe money from a gold miner, one week before he was charged for the offence.

The defendant, Sherwin Crandon, 44, of George S t r e e t , We r k - e n - R u s t , Georgetown, made his first court appearance before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts on Friday. He pleaded not guilty and was charged for corrupt transaction by an agent.

The charge states that on Wednesday last, at Seeta's Bar, Kitty, Georgetown, being a prosecutor employed with the GGMC, he corruptly obtained $300,000 from Vi v e k a S i n g h a s a n inducement for forbearing to prosecute and to cause the matter to be dismissed against Singh for illegal mining, an act in relation to his principal affairs.

According to an initial report by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a gold miner visited its Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown on Wednesday last and disclosed to the police that in 2019 he was charged by the GGMC for illegal mining at Blackwater, Mahdia.

The man further revealed that Crandon called him on Wednesday and informed him that he was willing to dismiss his case if he paid him $300,000. He said the prosecutor went on to tell him that if he does not comply then he would be convicted for the offence.

The miner said Crandon then gave him a location to meet him at a popular bar in Station Street, Kitty, on Wednesday at 16:00hrs. A sting operation was executed by the GPF when the GGMC prosecutor met the miner at the bar and was subsequently

confronted by police – a search was conducted on him and the $300,000 was found in his pants pocket. He was informed of the allegation, arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

After Crandon was arrested, he told the GPF that he is a prosecutor at GGMC and he was prosecuting an active matter against the said gold miner at the Mahdia Magistrate Court, which was being tried at the Diamond Magistrate Court. Crandon admitted that he did collect the money from the gold miner, but claimed that he wanted to “borrow” it.

The defendant is currently out on $150,000 bail.

In August 30, last, a member of the GPF was placed on bail for allegedly extorting $400,000, from a suspect's relative.

Police Corporal, Omale Damon was caught in a sting operation collecting money from a criminal suspect's relative. Shortly after the sting operation, Damon made his first court appearance but he was denied bail and remanded to prison.

H o w e v e r, w h e n h e appeared before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts - the defendant made a bail application and same was granted.

On August 13, 2021, Damon had made his first court appearance where he was remanded to prison.

Kaieteur News had reported that the defendant had denied the charges which were previously read to him by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

It was reported that he was slapped with three counts of corrupt transaction.

According to information, Damon had collected a total of $400,000 from the relative of the suspect for the release of the suspect who was in custody for the possession of a firearm.

Moreover, he was also charged for collecting an additional $80,000, which lead to his arrest after he was caught collecting the money from the suspect's girlfriend.

This led to him being arrested and subsequently charged and placed before the court.

Damon is currently out on bail in the sum of $50,000 on each charge.

On October 7, 2021, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs' (MOAA) Permanent Secretary (PS), Sharon Hicks

Vishal Munilall

Kulwattie Munilall

was caught in a police sting operation taking a bribe from a security services contractor.

However, she is yet to be officially charged for her unlawful action.

a contract with the ministry, he had to give her a $200,000 kickback.

Unfortunately, he died and his son took over the company and did not know

Sherwin Crandon, the GGMC prosecutor who was charged.

The PS was caught after the contractor became fed-up of her allegedly demanding a $200,000 kick-back just to sign off some invoices.

He notified police of her demands and a sting operation was set up. The man agreed to pay Hicks the cash and on the day that the money was being handed over, he called in the police, and ranks were reportedly able to catch her red-handed.

She was immediately sent on leave to facilitate an investigation.

Kaieteur News had reported that the PS had allegedly struck up a deal with the contractor's father, who was the former owner of the security services company. The deal was that, in order for her to secure him

about the deal his father had made with the PS. When she started to demand money, he became furious, and decided to take action.

As it relates to the investigation, the case file has been back and forth from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers to investigators.

Following the sting operation, investigators did

Released on bail, Corporal Omale Damon.

Deodharry Oodit

their part before forwarding the file to the DPP's office for legal advice. However, not long after the file was sent back to the police for corrections to be made to the case file.

On November 7, one month after the sting operation Kaieteur News reported that the file was sent back to the DPP for a second time.

In a later update, it was revealed that the file was sent back to investigators again for more corrections. The police did as it was told, and on November 15, it was revealed that the file was sent back to the DPP for a third time, but that since then, they have been waiting, with the PS yet to be charged or appear before the courts.

While the three previous matters were police sting operations, the final matter involves three individuals who allegedly attempted to bribe a policeman recently at the Golden Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara.

The defendants were granted bail when they appeared at the Diamond Magistrate's Court.

Vishal Munilall, 34, a fraud accused, his female relative, Kuluwattie Munilall, 25, and Deodharry Oodit, 26, all appeared before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman.

They were charged with corrupt transaction at the Golden Grove Police Station.

The transaction was to

allegedly bribe an investigating officer with $700,000 for Munilall's freedom.

Munilall at the time was detained for allegedly committing fraud by selling unsuspecting customers properties that did not belong to him. He reportedly, did not want to spend Christmas in jail and had allegedly conspired with Kuluwattie and Oodit to bribe the officer to let him go. The trio pleaded not guilty to the attempted bribery charge and was granted $40,000 bail each.

They are expected to return to court on the on January 4, 2022.

According to reports, Munilall and his accomplices were wanted by the police for some two years. Recently ranks caught Munilall and during his interrogation, he requested a phone call to his attorney and it was granted.

His lawyer arrived along with his female relative, Kulwattie, who handed him a package, which he gave to the investigating officer.

After the officer found the cash in the package, Munilall reportedly requested that he drops the fraud investigation and set him free. The policeman however, reportedly refused the cash and cautioned Munilall that he had just committed an offence.

When asked why he did it, Munilall reportedly responded that he did not want to spend Christmas in jail.

PAGE 46

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 49

Kaieteur News

PAGE 50

Sunday December 12, 2021

Our Frontline Worker of this Week is…

Midwife, Joycelyn Edwards

By Romario Blair

T

Midwife, Jocelyn Edwards

he healthcare system around the world suffered tremendously when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in 2020; staff shortage being one of the leading issues. In Guyana, there are those who despite the challenges,

remained on the job and faithfully executed their duties.

Jocelyn Edwards is among the healthcare workers who dedicatedly stuck to her duties at the Suddie Public Hospital in the Cinderella County. Ms. Edwards has been in the healthcare profession for almost 15 years, and has

gained a wealth of experience during her journey as a health care provider.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, the 42-year-old revealed that she is presently employed as a midwife at the medical institution. “As a midwife, we basically deal with pregnant mothers from the

At work.

“I enjoy doing what I do, you’ll never hear any of my patients complain about me or what I do, I try to be nice to my patients so they have something good to say about me.” time they enter the hospital to the time they’re ready to leave. When they come into the ward, we assist them, if they’re ready to deliver we have to be there in the

delivery room, if they’re not, we monitor them and so forth,” Edwards explained.

With a chuckle, she Continued on page 58

With her daughter, Kimberly

With her loving mother, Elsa August

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 51

FULFILLING HER ROLE IN CORPORATE GUYANA… Young professional and women in business advocate,

Rowena Andrea Elliot

By Rehanna Ramsay

P

functions, and at almost every corner of the globe, people continue to conduct virtual schools, work, company meetings, workshops, seminars, and even churches.

This week Kaieteur News’ ‘Special Person’ feature is of a young professional, who just happens to be the face of a company:

is a ‘Special Person’

rior to the global pandemic occasioned by the COVID-19 virus, the word “virtual” was seldom used to describe any event or phenomenon and if ever, part of a conversation or a piece of writing, it was usually skimmed across without a second thought.

“It may be minuscule on a global scale, but locally Fast forward to today, and it and even regionally, I’m eager to do my part in seems like almost every sector has acquired the means to operate in a this global (for the want of a better word) fight for “virtual” setting. That word now gender equality and women empowerment.” holds the closest meaning for the realistic continuation of the human interaction and existence.

‘Regus’ located at Waterloo Street, More than ever, people today depend on Georgetown, which is part of a global brand technology such as (Zoom and Microsoft that among other things, specialises in setting Teams) to carry out their essential day-to-day up “virtual offices” for individuals and

companies in more than 100 countries around the world.

Though at 32 she may be considered young by some people, Rowena Andrea Elliot has done her fair share of work serving in Guyana’s private sector, serving in various capacities along the corporate ladder. Commitment and Regus Community Sales Manager, dedication to her roles in corporate Rowena Andrea Elliot Guyana, has landed Elliot the role of President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Guyana Business Management, and a Master’s in (WCCIG), a position, she esteems Business Administration (MBA) with the amongst her greatest feats.

Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, Elliot is qualified in her field. Holding a University of the West Indies (UWI), she Diploma in Banking and Finance, a Degree in comes highly recommended by her peers.

When Kaieteur News caught up with the young professional, she explained that her work sometimes requires her to do a balancing act. Elliot, a member of Guyana’s catholic diocese noted that she sometimes joggles practicing her faith, work, and other social responsibilities. However, if ever called upon or required, she is always willing to play her part.

Elliot told this newspaper that when the work gets too hectic, she finds harbour in her quiet, simple home front. For this young professional, family and some of her closest friends have been a source of strength and continuity.

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES During the interview, she reflected on her early school days which were spent at the St. Gabriel’s Primary and St. Joseph High schools, and spoke of how her experience there groomed her for adult life. She asserted that “those days were definitely like a roller Board of Directors of the WCCIG includes: (seated at left) President Rowena Elliot, coaster, but as people say, it builds character.

I made friendships that have survived the test Kerensa Gravesande-Bart (centre), Lyndell Danzie-Black (third from right), Sherry Ann of time. One friend I am still quite close to Dixon, Jennifer Cipriani, Latoya Jack and Christine Camacho (seated at right).

Continued on page 55

PAGE 52

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Azerbaijan completes new US$40M int’l airport in 8 months …10 years later US$160M and counting CJIA still incomplete

The US$40M Fuzuli International Airport in Azerbaijan.

The interior of the Fuzuli Airport, Karabakh State, Azerbaijan.

A

zerbaijan, a country located in Europe has completed the construction of a new airport, Fuzuli International Airport, in the region of Karabakh in the span of eight months, while after 10 years Guyana is still struggling to complete what has been dubbed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project.

Thus far, the CJIA has cost Guyana a whopping US$160M and more money is still being pumped into the project, whereas, in the case of the Fuzuli Airport in Azerbaijan, the government there reportedly expended in the region of US$40

million to complete the project.

According to online news sources, Fuzuli International Airport, which is located nearly 100km from Shusha and 300km from the capital Baku, was completed in a span of eight months.

Its foundation stone was laid in January this year while the initial test flight to the airport was conducted in August.

By August 2021, Fuzuli airport was able to accommodate all widebody aircraft, including large cargo aeroplanes, operated from the airport.

At present, the airport’s runway Continued on page 58

Guyana’s US$160M Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 53

Kaieteur News

Soesdyke/Linden Highway flooded despite millions recently spent to upgrade drainage Mere months ago, the Government of Guyana paid millions to a contractor to rehabilitate sections of the Soesdkye/Linden Highway and increase its drainage capacity, but taxpayers who funded the project are still forced to drive in unacceptably high levels of water.

A concerned resident recently shared video and photographic evidence of the situation on the highway in the vicinity of Hillfoot, the same area that the Ministry claims work was done to boost drainage.

Traffic was backed up for miles, as vehicles slowly maneuvered the water which is estimated to be at least 12 inches. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, a tech-

nical officer attached to the Ministry explained that some $150 million was spent to conduct sectional repairs to the highway and increase the drainage. While the source did not specify what exactly was done to boost the drainage capacity, it was revealed that a five kilometre section of the thoroughfare was rehabilitated.

The roadway is the main access to the mining town of Linden and is frequented by laden trucks, tasked with supplying sand, lumber and other building materials. Due to these activities, paired with little to no maintenance, the highway has deteriorated over the years.

In this regard, the officer at the Ministry indicated to

Jagdeo to remove committee...

From page 3 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 utilisation for withdrawals from the Fund.

It is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating the compliance of the government and other relevant persons when it comes to the principles of transparency, good 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 organisations and community based organisations, 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 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.

The situation on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway this newspaper that the works were conducted on the most critical sections, in need of urgent attention. “Most of what we expended on that road went towards overlaying

the first five kilometres of the highway because of age, weather, over loading of trucks and all these things, there are a lot of depressions there,” the source explained.

It was however noted that a section further up the highway was also identified for works as logging trucks had caused some damage there.

The works were done between the first Hill and kilometre 9 and 10. It was executed by Japarts. He was keen to note that the entire sum was utilised for the project.

The feasibility studies and designs for the Soesdyke/Linden Highway rehabilitation were completed

by Beston SRKN’gineering Company, a consultancy firm contracted by the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure in January 2020, DPI reported.

The Soesdyke/Linden Highway has over the years been deteriorating, and not

very much seems to have been done to maintain this stretch of road, which is vital in linking Linden and interior locations to Georgetown and the coastline of Guyana.

According to commuters, the stretch of road between the East Bank junction and Yarrowkabra has become sunken in many areas.

“Waves” have started to appear on the surface of the once-good road.

Further along the highway, other pieces of the thoroughfare have also started to deteriorate in a similar fashion.

These “imperfections” on the highway, coupled with the lack of street lights have been blamed for numerous accidents, some of which have been fatal.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

Sunday December 12, 2021

>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<<

‘Make-Me-Up’

by Vonnett Callender

…FOR THAT ULTIMATE BLEND

By Allyiah Allicock

H

er passion and love for the makeup industry were the key ingredients that led young beautician, Vonnett Callender, to choose her career path.

This 25-year-old young entrepreneur, who hails from Bartica, Region Seven, is the proud owner of a small business called ‘ M a k e - M e - U p b y Vo n n e t t Callender’, which has been in operation for some three years now.

“I was inspired to do make-up because I have so much passion for it, also I admire myself because I have such great talent in me,” she said during a recent interview with this newspaper.

She stated that after completing high school in 2018 she made the decision that this would be her career with the expectation of becoming well-known in her field, even as she impacts and influences the lives of people with similar passion.

But that’s not all this young woman is about. Callender also owns two other small businesses, a boutique called ‘Make Me Up Boutique592’ and her own cosmetic line called ‘VGlamer Lip-gloss/Cosmetics’.

These businesses she recently launched.

During her interview, the young woman revealed that her support system has been improving tremendously, but like any other business venture there are challenges that she faces from time to time.

She was keen to point out that challenges that affect her business are marketing strategies and the global pandemic. “The pandemic affected my business because my field of

eneurs “The role young entrepr ays play in society is to alw rations teach the younger gene of to follow their dreams ey want becoming whatever th to become in life.” wo rk requires touching of my client’s eyes and mouth,” she explained.

Though these factors pose a challenge, she remains focused on setting in motion some long-term goals she envisions for herself and the business. An optimistic Callender said that one day she envisions expanding her brand into the Caribbean region and even further afield.

“My long-term goals include becoming one of the most recognised make-up artist and to make my small business bigger and

better in the Caribbean or even worldwide,” the young lady related.

Our featured young entrepreneur is of the belief that people in business have a pivotal role in today’s society since they are leaders to the younger generation.

“A role entrepreneurs in our society should play is to always teach the younger generation to follow their dreams of becoming whatever they want to become in life,” she shared.

She advises emerging pioneers to believe in themselves and keep pushing.

Callender is of the belief too that a lot more can be done in “our economy to help young people grow their business.” With better exposure, and more Young Entrepreneur, Vonnett Callender platforms to showcase their service and skills, she believes, these can surely out her Facebook page @ Make-Me-Up by take them a far way.

Vonnett Callender or on Instagram @ Persons who wish to utilise this young Makemeup592. She can also be reached at woman’s services can contact her on her business place located at Lot 217 West telephone number (592) 671-8613 or check Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

Some of the items from her cosmetic line.

Some of the clients who Callender have done make-up for.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 55

...Rowena Andrea Elliot Regus Community Sales Manager, Ms. Rowena Elliot shares a photo with Kelvin Doman, Community Associate.

From page 51 now, we first met in primary school. I have a group of friends from [St. Joseph’s] High School days that I am also still close with to this day.”

Elliot noted too that being “raised in a simple nuclear family home with mom, dad, my sister and I,” also offered her the foundation she needed for a holistic perspective on life.

“Growing up I lived in a number of places in Georgetown, so it is safe to say I’m a town girl. But I ventured out when we visit my family members out of town; East Bank Demerara, Bartica, and even Mahdia,” she explained.

Elliot believes that her upbringing offered enriching experiences which was a solid enough foundation that helped with what she has been able to accomplish to date. She emphasised too that none of her achievements are without its fair share of labour. As it is with some students, Elliot recalled that soon after finishing high school, she sought to take her academic profile to the next level.

She said, “I attended the University of Guyana with the hope to start on my degree, however, due to registration deadlines and the programme being full at the time, I started off my University life reading for my Diploma and followed that up with the Degree. I have a Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Degree in

Business Management.”

After some time passed, Elliot started reading for her MBA with the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, UWI. That programme, she said, took her on a rollercoaster ride.

“Completing that Masters programme, I had a few setbacks and I low-key was ready to call it quits and I had disclosed that feeling to a few people around me at the time. It was challenging for me at various points…

When I got that final email about my successful completion, I was elated. I had made it through and now, I’m happy that I stuck with it and for that, I’m forever grateful to my support system,” she said.

As mentioned before, this young professional has worked in various capacities climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. She shared that her work experience began back in 2007, while still attending the University of Guyana.

“That is when I started my first job. That job was at Digicel Guyana as a Call Centre Agent, and I spent the majority of my work life there. I moved to other roles and worked along with other departments as well. Like many other things, I am grateful for the experience, overall, my tenure there was enriching. I feel like I got a good introduction to the world of work with Digicel,” she added.

STEERING ROLE In her capacity as the

Community Sales Manager at Regus, the internationally branded office solutions company which operates locally out of the Lot 165 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown address, Elliot’s roles and responsibilities include overseeing, managing and expanding the operations in Guyana.

She explained that Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace solutions, with customers, including some of the most successful entrepreneurs, individuals, and multi-billion-dollar corporations across the globe.

According to Elliot, the network includes almost 3,500 business centres, spanning almost 900 cities across 120 countries. She explained that the core products of Regus are private offices, co-working, virtual offices, and a business lounge. “Through our range of office solutions, as well as workplace recovery options, we enable people and businesses to work where they want, when they want, how they want, and at a range of price points all. Key features of Regus include all-inclusive pricing, complete office solution, global access, administrative services, 24/7 security tailored to our clients’ needs.”

The company, which opened its doors in

Guyana even as oil and gas production here is at a peak, is offering fully functional and ready to move into office spaces which enable businesses to operate without the need for set-up costs or capital investment.

Elliot revels in the chance to make an impact.

She noted that for her, “helping customers to find the right solution and seeing how well it works is quite a rewarding experience.”

She continued that, “The diversity of the environment, opportunities, and scope for growth, I believe the corporate environment helps a lot in personal and professional development.

You are exposed to many things that turn out to be teaching moments and people who turn out to be great teachers or mentors, so to speak.” Within the next five years, the Community Manager hopes to fill up Regus Centre and make the company a household name in regard to office solutions in Guyana.

“Then hopefully, we can set our sights on expanding and setting up a second location here,” She revealed.

WOMEN IN COMMERCE In her capacity as President of the WCCIG, Elliot leads a team of professional and entrepreneurial women whose main goal is to

Ms. Elliot chats with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oniedge Walrond during a tour of Regus Office building. advocate for, and create equal and fair business opportunities by fostering an environment that nurtures the growth of women-owned businesses in Guyana.

Elliot says her role in the WCCIG has brought her a newfound drive.

“It may be minuscule on a global scale, but locally and even regionally, I’m eager to do my part in this global (for the want of a better word) fight for gender equality and women empowerment,” she said. In this regard, Elliot relishes any opportunity to offer advice to women in business.

She noted that some of her tips for women in business include “being confident, using your words, as I am a firm believer that communication is key. Be accountable and hold your integrity, no one wants to work with someone they cannot trust. Build your network, as your network is

more important than you can imagine. Be open and constantly evaluate yourself to understand your own value and what your strengths are.” Despite her achievements, the young corporate executive still considers herself, a work in progress.

She said, “I do try to carve out time for myself so as to maintain my peace, it really is an important variable to our overall wellbeing. I like watching movies, I like dogs so, once I have my own home, I will definitely be getting a pet. In the meantime, to find some balance, Elliot, a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church youth group, volunteers when called upon to do so. She also assists her friends who do a lot of charity work and projects.

“And, when they ask for assistance whether tangible or intangible, I try my best to support them,” she said.

Ms. Elliot is flanked by members of the Regus professional team. Kelvin Doman, the Community Associate, is at left and Stuart May, Regional Operations Director, is at right.

PAGE 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Int’l experts want Yellowtail EIA to be scrapped

VEHICLES FOR SALE

PENPAL

Honda fit 1.175M negotiable.

Tel:600-4676.

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

An indian male seeking female 35-40 years old,loving & kind.Call:675-4517.

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.

LAND FOR SALE Carmichael St,La Penitence, Cummingslodge,Eccles, Soeskdyke, Linden Highway.

Contact Ray's Realty 6279685.

Property at lot 'W' Bent street Wortmanville Georgetown.

Please Contact 227-3626 , 610-3977 , 786-474-0854 Queenstown,Sheriff St, Robb, Betterhope,Ogle, Campbelville,Enterprise, Diamond. Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

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

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

WANTED 2 males to work for Holiday in the interior omi age 3545,attractive salary.Tel:6778104.

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

Leibrands financial management and tax consultancy.

Apply via email:leibrands. pmtc@gmail.com& @leibrands. info@ gmail. com.

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

FOR RENT Eccles,furnished apartment.

Wifi optional & prepaid meter.Tel:600-3070/233-3974.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

From page 15 site(s)?

What specific risks does its transport pose at the specific sites of treatment giving surrounding receptors?

What are the specific toxicities and risks to human health and ecology of each component, and specifically how will the waste be treated to remove toxic components?”

Additionally, the environmentalists said they are re-

Self contain rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar.Tel#2272993.

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

Contact:689-4041.

Wanted watchman and sailor to work on a water dredge.

Tel:618-9186/225-9304.

Live meat bird to buy.T el:618-9186/695-5310.

KitchenAssistant, Babysitter & Sales person .

Must have secondary education. Call:659-5559.

VACANCY

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

Dish-Washer,Counter Staff, Bond Clerk,Meat prep dept, Porter.Apply: Bettencourt’s Diner. Call: 231-1368/2231938.

ExperiencedCashier, Counter sever Roti/ Puri cook, handy boy. Apply Hack's Halaal, 5 Commerce St.

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

Security officer.Apply at Herdmanston Lodge,Peter Rose & Anira St Queenstown 225-0808.

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

Professional soup cooks.

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

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

Call:642-9823.

Persons to clean rooms & wash linens. Contact Lee: 225-5606.

Wanted a domestic worker.

Call:689-5531.

One welder must know Grill work.Tel:625-5763.

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

Call:615-7526/602-9469.

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

Driver & Cleaner.Apply with application/CV and passport photo to Survival 16 Vlissengen rd,Newtown Kitty.

Sales Attendant, Cashiers, Porters.Apply with application/CV and passport photo to Survival 16 Vlissengen rd,Newtown Kitty.

questing information on “What Public Communication discharges will there be to air, water, and ground during treatment and what are the chemical compositions of these discharges and what risk do they pose to human health and ecology?

Will any discharge be directly into rivers and estuaries with protected forest species, and if so, what threats do they pose to such bodies over the full life of the Yellowtail project?

Will this discharge affect fisheries and other activities into any estuary?

What is the chemical composition and risks of the residues that will be taken to a landfill?

What is the total volume of waste bound for landfills during the life of the project?

What is the total land demand for such landfill given the volume of waste produced over the life of the project? What are the standards for operation of such landfill, and what are the risks if these standards are violated?”

Meanwhile, on the ‘cumulative impacts of total volume of waste brought to shore for treatment and disposal for the lifetime of Liza1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail’ they asked “What is the total volume of waste produced by all four production platforms, and what would be the cumulative impact of transport, treat-

ment, and disposal of the total volume of waste?

What is the total amount of land that will be required for waste disposal and how will this land use requirement be met in terms of volume of waste and land fill requirements?”

When it comes to Baseline information on Guyana’s fisheries sector, the group requested the consultant to provide them with specific data such as the total number of formal and informal operators, size, catch per unit effort in the dry versus the wet season, economic value of formal and informal production, livelihood dependency, economic linkages, and total economic value of the sector considering linkages with other sectors.

It was also requested that information pertains to the near-shore and offshore fish nurseries located and mapped by geospatial coordinates be provided.

Further they asked, “What are the life cycle migration patterns relative to the offshore oil blocks and locations of offshore and near shore nurseries?

Where is the document proving that this information was collected and analysed and publicly ventilated for feedback from fisherfolk prior to extensive 2015 seismic surveys and disturbances conducted by EEPGL? Where is the ongoing monitoring and evaluation

data since 2015 covering the start-up and production at Liza 1 and all exploratory drilling activities conducted to date, their effects on said nurseries in population samples collected and the change in catch per unit effort of fisheries?

Where has this data been made available for public scrutiny?

Where are the offshore and near shore fish nurseries for the species of commercial fish and their prey located on a map with geospatial coordinates relative to the Yellowtail production area, effluent discharge, and current patterns?”

Since information was lacking in the EIA with regard to baseline for fisheries loss and claims, the team asked ERM to show them the baseline data on formal and informal production that will be used for claims of losses from fishermen in the event of an oil spill.

Furthermore, they asked Exxon’s Consultant to present the proof that the methodology has been subject to public scrutiny.

In this regard, the environmentalists said, “We submit that, that entire process has been miscarried and call upon the EPA to declare it null and void and reset EEPGL’s application for Environmental Authorisation”.

Kamla calls for audit into T&T House of Assembly

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar says she has joined the call by the people of Tobago for a full and comprehensive forensic audit of the Tobago House of Assembly.

She said “those who have mismanaged the THA to the

detriment of the people of Tobago must be held to account. Tens of Billions of dollars of taxpayer monies claimed to be spent by the PNM in Tobago needs to be accounted for. The outgoing PNM regime needs to be held to account.”

Persad Bissessar added, “The people of Tobago have sent a clear signal that it is no longer business as usual in our sister isle.

The PNM must be held accountable for their abuse of the THA and the people of Tobago.”

GPL now has to find US$1.3B more...

From page 9 as a result of investments there has been some improvement in the network over the previous year when he arrived at the entity.

He identified specifically, the “behaviour and performance of the network,” saying “I think we have improved on the performance in the network.” Dindyal was quick to point out, however, that there is still more work to be done with regard to the

network.

Speaking to some of the investments made in the network over the past year, Dindyal said, “we had to essentially reorder the system,” in order to accommodate some of the technical components installed.

Speaking to some of the problems that GPL and its team would have to encounter, Dindyal pointed out that in excess of 40 MW

of generating power is sited at a location that is not secure.

He was at the time referencing the Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara power generating units, which he said can be seen, always, as a potential stabiliser in the network or equally, a potential source of trouble. The GPL CEO also conceded that Guyana has what is described as an inertia system, meaning it is unable to withstand “heavy shocks.”

Guyana's history of granting oil licences...

From page 43 true beneficial owner is a major enabler of corruption in the granting of extractive rights.”

In Guyana, there is no legislation or piece of regulation,

which requires beneficial ownership screening.

On that note, NRGI has pointed out that a growing number of governments are developing legal policies and information systems for col-

lecting and publishing data about the beneficial owners of extractives companies – the real people who own, control, or economically benefit from a company.

Sunday December 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 57

PAGE 58

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Brazilian court convicts four for nightclub blaze that killed 242 A Brazilian court has convicted four people for their role in a nightclub fire that killed 242 people, handing down sentences of up to 22 years.

The January 28, 2013 blaze at the Kiss nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria started when members of a musical band lit flares that set fire to the ceiling.

Two owners of the venue and two members of the Gurizada Fandangueira band were found guilty on Friday of murder and attempted murder of the victims, who were mostly young university students.

Club co-owners Elissandro Callegaro Spohr and Mauro Londero Hoffmann received 22.5 and

19.5 years of prison time, respectively.

Band members Luciano Bonilha Leao and Marcelo de Jesus dos Santos received 18 years each.

Judge Orlando Faccini delivered the verdict on the tenth day of an emotional trial held in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state.

Azerbaijan completes new US$40M...

From page 52 is 3000m long and 60m wide and its terminal has the capacity to handle 200 passengers in an hour. In addition, the airport features automatic systems and a control tower in line with international civil aviation and transportation standards. The aviation infrastructure has baggage conveyors, VIP lounges, a registration system, shops, restaurants and other necessary facilities. According to online news sources, extensive landscaping work has also been executed around the airport.

On 16 October, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed the decree that granted the status of ‘international airport’ to Fuzuli airport which has since been included in the list of international airports with the code of FZL (global standards for airline safety) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Fuzuli airport is expected to operate as a gateway projected to boost the development of tourism and trade in the region.

On one of his previous visits to the airport, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev was quoted by the Daily Sabah as saying: “The construction of the airport started this year. At that time, I said that Fuzuli International Airport will open this year. Perhaps no airport in the world has been built at this speed.

The runway is ready. Final preparations are being made…” In contrast,

Guyana’s CJIA Airport expansion project, which commenced in 2012, remains incomplete even as its cost continues to climb. The CJIA expansion project was expected to be a US$150M venture; US$138M financed from the China Exim Bank and $12M from the consolidated fund (taxpayers’ money).

The project faced a number of delays, with the Chinese Contractor, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC), requesting several extensions to complete it. In the meantime, the airport expenditure continues to increase. This, however, has not been allowed to continue without criticisms from concerned members of society, including publisher of this newspaper, Glenn Lall.

Earlier this year, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, had promised that the total cost for the project will not exceed US$200M. However, Edghill provided no guarantee for this as the venture is currently a workin-progress that the PPP/C administration is still pumping money into.

Since his announcement, that the spending on the CJIA expansion will not surpass US$200 million, other subcontracts that are catered for in the original contract have requested additional funds.

One of those projects is for the “Construction and Rehabilitation Works of the VIP Lounge and new and existing commercial buildings

of the airport at an estimated cost of G$612,500,000.

Another subcontract project was estimated at G$23,223,375 for the rehabilitation of the existing roof at the airport. In September the Ministry awarded a contract for US$2M to a local company named Total Solutions for the supply of two additional airbridges for the long ongoing CJIA project, some US$350,000 more than what was paid for the other air bridges. Additionally, a new runway was commissioned at the airport, complete with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) touted to reduce flights diversion by 90 percent. That aspect of the airport was completed at a cost of G$518 million. During a recent interview on Globespan, the Public Works Minister had hinted that more monies will be spent, when he said “Very soon we will be developing the car park…the sewerage system has to be addressed and we are working on that and the water treatment system also.” According to him, the contractor, CHEC, had agreed to undertake other works on the airport at no cost to Guyana, and his engineers have estimated the value of the works to be somewhere between US$11M and US$13M. The airport was expected to be completed by December 31, 2021, but Edghill had said that due to the constraints of shipping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, works might not be completed until early 2022.

“The defendants’ culpability is high … this much life was not taken away by chance,” Faccini said.

A probe found the venue had no functioning fire extinguishers, only two doors for evacuating people from an overcrowded dance floor and poor emergency signage.

Police concluded the fire started when sparks from a flare lit by the musicians ignited the insulating material of the club’s ceiling, releasing lethal fumes and turning the venue into a death trap.

The court heard the testimony of 14 survivors, 19 witnesses and the four defendants.

“The last time I ran, it was

to save myself from death,” Kelen Giovana Leite Ferreira, a survivor of the tragedy who had a part of her right leg amputated, told the court.

Devalni Rosso, another survivor, showed the jury her back and arms covered with scars from the fire, which burned 50 percent of her body.

(Al Jazeera News

Midwife, Joycelyn Edwards...

From page 50 added, “it’s one of those jobs that requires a lot of patience to deal with patients, but I’ve been a midwife for the past nine years, and I’ve realised that if I didn’t truly love what I do, the challenges would’ve been a great stumbling block.”

FORMATIVE YEARS Ms. Edwards grew up in Danielstown, a community that was bought by freed slaves on the Essequibo Coast. She said that her parents, Elsa and Rupert August, did their utmost to give her a good childhood.

Like most children who emulated their teachers while growing up, Edwards wanted to join the teaching profession. This, she said, did not go as planned, as, “I was a slow learner and when I wrote the common entrance, I didn’t gain the marks to get the secondary school of my choice.

But I tried to grasp as much as I can. I was successful in my areas, but I could not have gotten a teaching job then.”

She said that she cultivated a persevering attitude as she wasn’t quite where she wanted to be. “I wasn’t able to get the teaching job, but I didn’t stop there. I worked as a sales girl, waitress, but that wasn’t the kind of work I wanted. I always wanted a government job. So, when the opportunity came for me to join the teaching profession, I took it.” The foundation Ms. Edwards career commenced on December 20, 2006. She revealed that she started out as a staff nurse.

“Before I did the pre-nursing course, I used to work at other places and so…I did the prenursing course, because I hadn’t the qualifications…I had to study Math, English and some other subjects and I was successful afterwards.”

After completing her interview in 2006, Ms. Edwards was appointed to the Suddie Public Hospital. When asked to outline some of the experiences gained, she said, “it was simple, it was kind of strange being in a full-time job, and then you’re left on your own at times. It was exciting and challenging at the same time. There were times when we come up with cases we had never seen before.”

She added, “I worked the female ward, then I was rotated several times to other

wards and so, all the while gaining various experiences.

I even worked the emergency department.” Ms. Edwards told Kaieteur News that at some point, she realised that she could be doing more in her profession. “As a nursing assistant you basically assist the doctors with procedures and the staff nurse with procedures too. We use to take care of the patient bed side, grooming them and so, bed bath and sometimes feeding. I’ve been a nursing assistant for five years but I realised that I could give more of myself in a professional sense.” Advancement After the five years as a nursing assistant, Edwards took the leap and embarked on a one-year midwifery programme in 2011. This did not come without its challenges, however. Ms. Edwards revealed that the immediate challenge was being away from home, and her daughter, Kimberly Edwards.

She went on to say, “I was a single parent at the time, and grandparents had to take care of my daughter. I know that she was with her grandmother and they’d take care of her but financially it was challenging because I was on training. I had to support myself there, plus assist her with whatever schooling necessity she needed because she had just started secondary school at the time.” Ms. Edwards told Kaieteur News that one of the keys to coping with her challenge, was endurance. She said that instead of drifting into self-pity, she gained the self-motivation to push through. “I had to cope; I didn’t have a choice because when you need something in this life you got to try. Getting into the programme was a challenge, because when I applied to go, they weren’t accepting me,” she recalled. She continued, “I said if I don’t get accepted now, I wouldn’t reapply. I put my mind to it and I said it’s now or never and I had to make ends meet somehow or the other. During the training, I was staying at (an area in) West Dem, but still had to cater for the transportation and meals. At the end of the day, it all paid off because in 2012, I came back as a midwife after being successful.”

The joys of midwifery Joycelyn said initially, she

felt the need to do more, and midwifery was also a great opportunity to advance her career in nursing. She admitted that she knew little about what it entailed, or what to expect. During the course of her studies though, she said that she realised the seriousness of midwifery; a successful delivery can result in lives being saved, something she described as joyous. She said, “From time to time you hear persons say that with pregnancy its one foot in and one foot out. And as I studied, I saw the seriousness of midwifery, because the primary goal is to ensure both lives are saved at the end of a delivery.” Pandemic impact When the pandemic reached Guyana’s shores last year, several changes affected her professional routine, said Ms. Edwards. She added, “Due to the fact that last year was the pandemic, we had to immediately deal with limited staff. This came because some persons had to be relocated to the isolation and quarantine departments.”

Another challenge, she said, was the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. “Once you’re on the frontline, or anywhere for that matter, you’re always at risk of contracting COVID-19, because of its asymptomatic nature.

Usually our patients are screened, before we admit them, yet again because of its asymptomatic nature, I still take my precautions, because you can never tell who’s infected unless they get tested.” Edwards said that her love for her job reinforced her endurance to battle through the recent challenges. She said that though staffing was severely challenged, she realised that there were still patients who depended on her for a safe delivery. “I enjoy doing what I do, you’ll never hear any of my patients complain about me or what I do, I try to be nice to my patients so they have something good to say about me,” she said with confidence. In recognising that there will be challenges in dealing with patients along the way, Edwards noted, “if you want them to cooperate with you, then you have to be nice to your patients…it requires patience to deal with patients.”

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 59

Kaieteur News

EPA depending on fishermen’s help to tackle oil spill

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is boosting its capabilities to detect offshore mishaps, through partnerships with local fishermen.

In an interview with this publication the EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram stressed the importance of the fisher folk in such matters, especially since only last week, reports surfaced of what was feared to be an oil spill.

Although those claims were dismissed by the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, Parsram said it is important for the EPA to be in contact with fishers to ensure the agency receives accurate reports of future mishaps, including information pertaining to location.

In this regard, he said, “These fishermen were shown how to use their phones to (take) geographic tag pictures of any substance (observed offshore)”.

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram is flanked by representatives of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society and the National Fisherfolk Organisation, along with technical staff of the EPA He noted too that the fishermen were encouraged to collect samples to share with the agency. Parsram, along with the Head of the Oil and Gas Department and head of the Information Technology Unit, recently met with representatives of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society and the National Fisherfolk Organisation, to formally partner with these groups to assist the Agency in marine sur-

veillance and reporting.

“The above is in addition to our monitoring, using periodic visits and audits,” the EPA boss pointed out.

By early next year, he said that the agency will be able to remotely monitor offshore activities, using satellite and real time data from the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Only recently, Parsram told the media that the EPA is

in the process of bolstering its monitoring and assessment capabilities for various industries “by procuring modern and state of the art measurement equipment/instruments and analyses tools to take accurate measurements, and to make credible assessments of impacts of pollutants in air, water and land.”

The announcement came some six years after the dis-

covery of oil.

Nevertheless, the EPA informed members of the media that it will soon launch a remote real-time monitoring system and platform to keep an eye on facilities and their level of compliance with key environmental parametres.

The regulator said, this will be done through the acquisition of satellite services, and the installation of sensors for air quality index, among other

mechanisms.

In the meantime, the agency said it currently utilises drone technology, has amplified the use of Geographic Information System (GIS), and employs other digital technology for remote monitoring.

To complement its technological improvements, the EPA noted that it continues to build the capacity of its staff members.

PAGE 60

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 61

Kaieteur News

GT Office Assistants Committee Adrian, Baston double strikes give Swan comfortable... all levels through technical Forde said he is hoping that villages.The other teams parFrom page 62 ticipating are: Bartica, to stage Inter-Government second with a sturdy shot development programmes future teams can go one step Essequibo, Foxy Ladies, further and noted that the fufrom the edge of the box in and competitions. This long Fruta Conquerors, GDF, GT Agencies Tapeball the 89th minute. Meanwhile, term strategy boasted by sup- ture of women’s football is Panthers, Mahdia, Moruca, speaking at the opening cer- port from FIFA, CONCACAF bright. He urged more females NA United, Orella, Police, emony, GFF President Forde and our corporate partners to get involved in the sport. Santos and Upper Mazaruni. cricket today has already paid huge divi- Ambassador Miller OBE said The Georgetown Office Assistants Promotion Committee will stage their end of year Inter-Ministries and Government Agencies, 8-aside 6-overs Knockout bat your own ball Tapeball cricket competition today.

The event is fixed for the National Cultural Centre Tarmac starting from 9:00am and teams have until 8:30am today to register as no late entries will be accepted. Trophies and cash prizes are up for grabs in the James ‘Uprising’ Lewis organised event.

All players are to be fully vaccinated with official proof.

Sanitizing stations will be in place at the venue.

The schoolboys’ cricket final will also be contested during the day.

Among those lending sponsorship support include: Office of the President, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Minister’s Office, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall and GTT. The organiser is expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 Task Force.

reminded that this is Guyana’s inaugural female tournament and said that it is of vital strategic importance to the GFF that the game is made accessible to all Guyanese. “I do hope our presence here today is a clear signal of our intentions, today is a special day for women’s football in Guyana,” he added.

Forde lauded the clubs and said he is looking forward to an exciting tournament.

“The GFF is fully committed to giving equitable access and resources to the development of women’s football at

Sunday December 12, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The day ahead is promising!

The aspects give a boost to your emotional life and should release you from the recent period of uncertainty that has plagued you. You were unable to trust your own judgment.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You undoubtedly have the impression that you're seeing more clearly than in the recent past. The planetary energies are lining up to break up the mental fog that you've been experiencing.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) One recent day you had the feeling that your professional projects really weren't your own, but ones that your parents, in particular your mother, wanted you to have.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It seems like the basis of your social ambition has taken a bit of a beating lately.

The planetary energies should give you some new desires.

They may be of a more modest nature, but that doesn't mean they won't be important.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Here is the day when you may finally accept that you tend to play the role of parent in your sentimental relationships. .

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Are you afraid that people will no longer understand you? Have you changed too much? Do you have the feeling that you've left some people behind? Yes, it's possible, but what can you do?

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You don't have the same opinions as everyone else.

Of course, this is the case for each one of us. But you seem to differ in opinion with people more and more.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may have been thinking about reshuffling the cards with your mate, unless you've already been offered a new hand. This pause in your relationship is a necessary transition on your journey to increased intimacy.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's some likelihood that your emotions have changed in the past six weeks or so. You're no longer attracted to the same people. You're unsure of yourself at work, and you even wonder if your attractiveness had deserted you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It looks like your emotions are finally back in business!

You've been hesitant for the past six weeks or so, unable to make any decisions.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There's some possibility that in the past month or so you've been hesitant about your commitments, as if you'd been in suspended animation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) What a relief! Your energy is returning, especially regarding affairs of the heart.

Today you'll be freed from the bonds of doubt about your judgment. With you, self-doubt is an especially touchy subject.

dends with our senior women’s national team performing with distinction on the international stage,” he posited.

Forde spoke about the achievements of the national U17 and U20 female teams, the latter which made it to the CONCACAF championship, the first time that age group has achieved back to back qualification at the regional level. He recalled when the U20 female team fell just short of qualifying to the U20 world cup before the lockdown.

she is happy to be part of this historic tournament and congratulated the stake holders.

She stated that she was impressed with the theme “we rise against domestic violence” which the tournament is being played under.

Shuman extended congratulations to the GFF and lauded the female players for their efforts. He added that he is looking forward to continued support from the GFF and is hoping that competitive football will continue not only in the community but in other

NAMILCO funds first prize for ...

Frompage 63 themselves throughout this competition,” he concluded.

The tournament is the first year-end senior women’s competition in Guyana and kicked off yesterday, December 10 in St. Cuthbert’s Mission, with the home side taking on Swan FC. The festival will be played over 13 match days, culminating in the final and third-place play off on at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 2 at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara. The champions of the tournament will win a first prize of GYD $500,000, with the runners-up receiving GYD $300,000. The third placed team will receive GYD $200,000 and the team that finishes in fourth will take home GYD $100,000.

“We are delighted to welcome NAMILCO on board for this historic tournament and we want to extend our gratitude to the management of the company for supporting women’s football and this incredibly important competition,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “NAMILCO has been a strong and loyal partner for football in Guyana for many years and its continued investment in the sport has made a huge and lasting impact for many young people across the country. We look forward to working with them to continue to rapid development of football for all.”

The full list of competing teams is: Swan, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Foxy Ladies, Lethem, GT Panthers, Fruta Conquerors, Mahdia, Moruca, GDF, Upper Mazaruni, Santos, New Amsterdam United, Bartica, Essequibo All Stars, Police, and Orealla.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 62

Sunday December 12, 2021

Odinga Lumumba - Guyana’s misunderstood football legend Odinga Lumumba is a man of many hats; politician, businessman, and sports enthusiast, and it is the strongly held belief in some quarters that his contributions to Guyanese society are often overlooked, particularly with regard to local football. Perhaps this indifference can be linked to the fact that Lumumba, because of his blunt nature, never avails himself to anyone.

After graduating from the Colorado School of Mining, Lumumba returned home to contribute to nation building. A former athlete and lover of sports, he initially dabbled in boxing, and for a while managed the late Andrew Murray, who won the World Boxing Council FECARBOX welterweight title, World Boxing Association Fedelatin welterweight title, and Commonwealth welterweight title, and was a challenger for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World welterweight title.

Lumumba would also manage Anthony ‘The Pearl’ Andrews and was named the WBA Latin America Boxing Promoter of the Year in 1995.

However, it is in the realm of football where his sporting legacy is truly concretised. Lumumba’s major contribution to the development of local football commenced in 2004, when he became president of Alpha United Football Club.

Utilising his own resources, contacts, and influence, he set about the seemingly impossible task of converting the club into Guyana’s first professional football outfit, in a landscape filled with shortcomings.

These challenges included the lack of adequate training facilities, the high cost of ground rentals and

their poor playing surfaces due to a lack of proper maintenance, the halfhearted commitment of players, the unavailability of players because of work demands, an inadequate supply of football gear, and the general lack of support from the Guyana Football Federation, most notably in the area of finance.

In striving to elevate the standard of performances by the club, Lumumba first ensured that the budding institution had all the necessary equipment in place for training at the highest possible level.

Next, he sought and acquired the services of outstanding players and coaches. The acquisition of overseas footballers was then next logical step in this progression, while the very expensive practice of paying monthly stipends, which is a staple of the professional environment, commenced.

Right on cue, the results quickly followed! During L u m u m b a ’s r e i g n a s president, Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United dominated the local scene by capturing the National League Title on five occasions from 2009 to 2013.Twice winners and three times runners-up in the Annual Kashif & Shanghai Football Tournament, Alpha United also snared the Mayor’s Cup, the GFF Super 8 Cup, the NAMILCO KO To u r n a m e n t , a n d t h e President’s Cup tournament.

On the regional circuit, Alpha United represented Guyana at the CFU Inter Club Tournaments from 2009 to 2013, and in 2011, became the first local club to participate in the CONCACAF Champions League, after finishing third in the regional club tournament.

In the playoff for third place, ‘The Hammer’ beat

the strong Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force unit on penalty kicks, following a 1-1 tie after extra time. In their first game in the CFU Champion League, they faced Herediano of Costa Rica.

ESPN’s first visit to Guyana was to provide coverage of a game between a Haitian club side and Alpha United at the National Stadium. Alpha was the first club to sign foreign players to compete in local tournaments and enjoyed the services of footballers from Brazil, Canada, Grenada,

realised if investment and vision are in unison. The aforementioned exposé was the catalyst for his welldocumented skirmishes and clashes with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), especially during his tenure as president of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA).

Notably, his antagonistic approach to the GFF’s developmental scope for the discipline was rooted in the belief that little was being conceptualised to elevate the overall local standard, which needs to be seen as an

“Father and son”: Odinga Lumumba and protégé Steve Ninvalle at an Alpha United Award ceremony.

Jamaica, Panama, St Kitts, St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, and the African continent.

Two players from Panama would go on to wear the colours of their country.

It would be fair to say that Alpha United could be viewed as a paragon of enterprise and initiative… a passion and project, which changed the history of the local football landscape, and created the pathway for other institutions to implore a more progressive and professional ideology in what was effectively uncharted territory.

Lumumba’s success story on the field of play was a reflection of the possibilities that can be

industry and an environment of opportunity.The contrast or juxtaposition of the aforementioned was easily observed and regarded, following the local and regional success of Alpha United, which operated in a semblance of a professional o u t f i t . P r e s e n t l y, t h e foresight of his words are observed and felt, as the demise of local football is reflected in the embarrassing recent performances of the national programmes against Caribbean opposition.

The contributing factor to this unwanted reality, he would argue in his typical gruff manner, was aided by the elimination of professional setups - Alpha

United and Slingerz Football Club - from the Elite League, as well as the dismantling of the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament, following disagreements with the current GFF administration.

Speaking in his usual forthright manner, the Buxton native alw ays maintained the putative assessment that a national programme cannot be built and eventually sustained, without the competitive rigors and professional mindset of a national league, in which the estranged institutions should be included.

His overall premise is that a professional machination is required to uplift the standard of the local game and that the investment required in cultivating such an invention, is entrenched in the involvement of the corporate community and government, whose resources can be utilised in the modernisation of facilities inclusive of the introduction of artificial surfaces in each region.

No individual past or present, let alone politician, has contributed more to a discipline especially from a financial standpoint, than the Buxton native. It is against this backdrop that a formal acknowledgement of his incredible contribution to the development of football should be rendered.

After all, the current attempts to create an environment and ecosystem of commerce for the world’s largest sport is a direct byproduct of Lumumba’s intended and overall vision for its local existence.

Without Lumumba’s visionary approach, there would effectively be no Alpha United with its storied history, and similarly, the existence of Slingerz might

Odinga Lumumba

have never been borne.

“In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act,” are the famous words once uttered

by English novelist, George Orwell. That inconvenient certitude speaks to the character that is Odinga Lumumba, a man whose football legacy is often ignored or disregarded.

The societal detachment is rooted in his disposition of being misunderstood, and it is most apparent not in his political existence, but his sporting reality; in particular the beautiful game of football.Perhaps, Odinga Lumumba, a football developer, whose contribution is surely missed in these times, and who had a great vision for the Alpha United Football Club and his country in the football arena, might consider returning to the fold.Whichever hat, politician, businessman or sport enthusiast is ultimately selected or attributed to Lumumba’s eventual legacy by the contrasting masses, a ‘Football Legend’ is a justified, warranted, and unquestionable title for a man whose contributions are unmatched.

Salutations are in order for The Godfather of Guyana’s football.

GFF-GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival

Adrian, Baston double strikes give Swan comfortable win in opening fixture

By Zaheer Mohamed Av i a n a A d r i a n a n d Aaliyha Baston each netted twice to hand Swan a comfortable 4-1 victory over host St. Cuthbert’s Mission when the Guyana Football F e d e r a t i o n G N W FA Women’s Super 16 Festival commenced yesterday.

Following the opening c e r e m o n y, w h i c h w a s attended by British

Ambassador to Guyana Jane Miller OBE, deputy speaker of the National Assembly Lenox Shuman, President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde among other dignitaries, the tournament got off to a thrilling start as fans cheered on the home team which made their debut.

Both teams found the going a bit tough on a soggy

outfield, however, St. Cuthbert’s Mission took the lead in the 12th minute when Zanita Abraham sent her free kick past Swan goalkeeper Indero Amardeo from inside the area.

Swan had a fair opportunity to equalise shortly after, but Stefany Mata sent her shot wide from just outside the area.

Swan continued to push

forward and forced the home team goal-keeper Ashanty Marawanaru to pull off a fine save before her opposite number Indero Amardeo from inside the area.

Sabantho Simon of St. Cuthbert’s Mission had a decent opportunity to stretch her team’s lead, but sent her shot wide after she got pass an advancing Marawanaru.

Abraham could have put

the host ahead just before half time, however her shot from the right side of the area hit the upright.

Adrian drew her team level in the 47th minute when she capitalised on a pass from left side and beat Marawanaru from within the area.

The energetic Adrian had another opportunity to score, but her shot hit the upright

before Simon sent a shot wide after working her way into the area.

Adrian made it 2-1 in the 81st minute when she found the back of the net from the right side of the box as Swan showed purpose in the second half. Boston extended her team advantage when she slotted home from within the area and netted her (Continued on page 61)

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

GFF President Wayne Forde accepts the first prize sponsorship envelope for the GFF-GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021 from NAMILCO Managing Director Burt Sukhai and NAMILCO Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod.

NAMILCO funds first prize for GFF-GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) has joined forces with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Guyana National Wo m e n ’s F o o t b a l l Association (GNWFA) as a lead sponsor of the inaugural GFF-GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021, providing funds for the yearend competition’s first prize.

Senior executives from NAMILCO, a long-term supporter of football as title sponsor of the GFF national U-17 men’s intra-association tournament, made the

presentation to GFF President Wayne Forde on Friday.“The management of the NAMILCO is pleased to partner with the GFF for the staging of the historic Wo m e n ’s S u p e r 1 6 Festival,” said NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai, who was joined at the presentation by NAMILCO Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod.

“We were excited to learn that seven teams from across the hinterland regions were invited to participate in the inaugural tournament.

NAMILCO wants to see

more girls and women being afforded the same opportunities as their male counterparts for growth development and competition,” Sukhai added.

“We are, therefore, happy to see that they are getting an opportunity to participate in a football tournament of this stature and we are proud to lend our support to these initiatives.”

“We must therefore commend the GFF for giving these young women an opportunity to showcase their skills and express (Continued on page 61)

DCB Executives Sitting from left: Raymond Barton, Daveteerth Anandjit and Shaun Massiah along with the recipients.

Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports sponsors ten youth cricketers in Demerara Dave’s West Indian Imports made sure ten (10) cricketers from the Demerara Associations benefited from voucher grants valued twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) each. These vouchers can be redeemed at MetroOffice and Computer Supplies for stationery and other academic related materials, an official release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) informed.

Proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports, Dave Narine’s involvement and support for this national sport goes back to previous years as a sponsor of the GCB Under15

Inter-County Tournaments.

Mr. Narine’s donation is particularly welcome during this COVID-19 pandemic when sponsorship is not readily accessible.

His voluntary commitment and contribution to the youths will positively influence their lives. This speaks volumes of his company’s generosity to the sport, the release noted.The president of the Guyana Cricket Board and Demerara Cricket Board, Mr Bissondyal Singh along with the executive, recipients, parents and guardians would like to express sincere thanks to Mr. Dave Narine, his family and

Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports for this timely donation which will assist the youths to improve both their cricket and academics.

The beneficiaries of Mr. Narine’s generosity are Sean Edwards and Abishag Hall (Upper Demerara Cricket Association), Myhiem Khan and Shawn Thompson (Georgetown Cricket Association), Kelvin Raymond and Sachin Balgobin (West Demerara Cricket Association), Anand Ramgobin and Zameer Aziz (East Bank Cricket Association), and Neeran Bani and Sasenarine Harricharran (East Coast Demerara Cricket Board).

PAGE 63

GFF President Wayne Forde accepts the letter of commitment from Xu Jun Yang of Jim Variety in the presence of K&S Aubrey Shanghai Major.

Jim Variety to reward outstanding referees in all three yearend football tourneys

J

im Variety, located on Wellington Street in the City has agreed to reward the outstanding Referees across the three tournaments that the Guyana Football Federation and the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation have collaborated to bring off.

Noting that Referees are a vital pillar in the football structure, Jim Variety’s Xu Jun Yang at a simple presentation, committed her company to rewarding the Outstanding Referees in the GFF K&S Super Cup, GFFK&S Futsal Championship and the Women’s Super 16 Festival under the theme,

‘We Rise Against Domestic Violence’ with cell phones.

“We at Jim Variety are pleased to be on board with this momentous initiative and are pleased to reward each of the outstanding referees with a cell phone each. The task of the Referee is very important to maintain order and control of each match. Like the player’s they themselves have to prepare and be in the best shape in order to execute the job to the best of their abilities.”

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde in accepting the commitment of Jim Va r i e t y, e x p r e s s e d

gratitude on behalf of his Federation and the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation (K&S) which was represented by Co-Director, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

“The GFF and the K&S o rg a n i s a t i o n a r e v e r y heartened to accept your contribution on behalf of our Referees, who we can assure you, have been well prepared for these tournaments and we expect them to deliver high quality officiating throughout the duration of each match. We trust that this is the beginning of a longterm partnership with you as we look forward to continued collaborations.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 64

Sunday December 12, 2021

Official opening set for Leonora today along with two matches; GFA trounce West Dem. on day 1 GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup powered by KFC Guyana

T

he 2021/22 edition of the Guyana Football Federation/Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 Cup kicked off at the Leonora Track & Field Facility on the West Coast of Demerara on Friday evening last with Georgetown FA All Stars trouncing West Demerara FA All Stars, 4-0.

However, the official opening ceremony and March Past is set for today at the same venue which will serve up a packed evening of entertainment as a double header is also on the cards, a c t i o n k i c k i n g o ff a t 17:00hrs.

Set to meet in the opening shindig with the loser guaranteed to walk the preverbal plank is Fruta Conquerors and Berbice All Stars. This would be

followed by the ceremonial March Past of all the teams along with remarks from selected dignitaries including the organisers after which the main event of the night pits, Rupununi All Stars and Wester Tigers from 20:30hrs.

Already putting their hands up hand up as a contender for the top prize of Two Million dollars is the Georgetown FA team which took care of business against a stubborn West Demerara combination on Friday’s o p e n i n g n i g h t .

Home advantage did not really count after all as it took a four-minute span for the City lads to nail their opponents who had put up stern resistance up until the 68th minute when the flood g a t e s o p e n e d .

The action ebbed and flowed

The early exchanges between Georgetown and West Demerara were almost even until the 68th minute when the deadlock was broken and the flood gates opened. (Franklin Wilson photo) at each end of the park with the players trying their utmost to dust off the rust brought on from the lack of competitive action which has been the order of the day

for almost two years owing to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

With the GFF and the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation given the go ahead to host the tournament by the National Covid-19 Ta s k F o r c e p r o v i d i n g players, officials and fans are

gathered cleanly by the West Dem. Goalie, Alfred’s awareness saw him putting the shot away on the rebound to the delight of his teammates and Coaching staff.

The players were not even settled after celebrating the opening goal of the

four minutes to full time off the boot of Daniel Ross.

Sponsors to date for the tournament the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, KFC Guyana, Mohamed’s Enterprise, MVP Sports, Dinars Trading, DDL with Pepsi, Gatorade and Diamond Water, Statement

Tequan Taylor celebrates after scoring Georgetown’s second goal. (Franklin Wilson photo)

vaccinated, many stepped up the plate as the desire to return to competitive action on all fronts shone through.

It took Georgetown 68 minutes to break the deadlock and it was as a result of a penalty being awarded after a City player was brought down in the box. Multi-faceted player Stephen Alfred who will also relish his chances in the Futsal championship, stepped up to the kick and whilst his initial shot was not

match and tournament when the City lads doubled the advantage a mere minute later, this time, Tequan Taylor inked his name on the score sheet. The fight from the home team went downhill in a jiffy as GFA Captain Mark Jhalu headed in their third goal in the 71st minute, a goal which virtually sealed their place in the round of 16.

Not satisfied with three goals, a fourth for good measure was scored with

Investment Inc., HJTV & 94.1 Boom FM, Stars Party Rental, Namilco, Capelli Sports, Fireside Grill, CevonsWaste Management, Tony’s Jewellery Store, Daphne Foundation of New York, Ground Structural Engineering, Fast Lane Auto Spares, Bakewell, Pegasus Guyana, Cellphone Shack, Jim’s Variety Store, New GPC - Bobby Ramroop, Secure Innovation and Concept Inc., Fitness Express.

GFA Captain, Mark Jhalu (center) heads home his side’s third goal against West Demerara at Leonora. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Kaieteur News

Sunday December 12, 2021

PAGE 65

KFC Guyana injects $10M to GFF/K&S for year-end football tourney

Rawle Toney (second right) presenting the trophy to Ravens that won the men’s segment. (Calvin Chapman)

Kwakwani and Ravens dominate Rawle Toney 3x3 opening night

L

ast Friday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Ravens basketball club and the females from Kwakwani were unstoppable when local competitive basketball returned for the first time since 2019 at the Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic that was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Ravens took on a tough Linden team that featured National captain Stanton Rose along with top forward Shane Webster, Dennis Niles and Harold Adams.

However, the Ravens’ quartet of Dominic Vincente, Timothy Thompson, Jude Corlette and Owan Walton escaped with a narrow 15-13 win over the Region 10 side in the final.

Thompson and Vincente combined for 14 of the 15 points scored by the Ravens.

In fact, it was Vincente who hit a clutch two-pointer to put the side up in the final two minutes of the game.

Vincente ended with six points, while Thompson was a beast in the paint on his way to a game high eight points.

Rose had a team high seven points for Linden and traded buckets with Vincente in the dying moments but just came up short in the end.

Adams had five points for Linden with Webster only mustering one point in the nail-biting loss for Linden.

In the third-place game, Eagles defeated the Colts 1711 with an all-round team effort.

Hulman Bovell had a team high five points to lead the Eagles to the win. Jared Sears, Travis Belgrave and Michael Richard each had four points in the win. Evans Johnson had five points for the Colts while Quacy Lindo chipped in with four points in the loss.

Kwakwani won the best of three series against Georgetown with the young ladies showing grit in a tight series that was close throughout.

The women’s event was organized by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and was used as part of their efforts to showcase female participation in the game’s shortest format.

For their efforts, both Kwakwani and Ravens took home the winners trophies, compliments of renowned journalist and radio host, Gordon Moseley.

Meanwhile, during the launching, tournament Organiser, Rawle Toney thanked the fans for their support in addition to all stakeholders that made the launching a success.

“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank eachand-every one of you fans for coming out despite the weather and everything… this shows that we can have events like these in a safe environment and I also want to thank the Ministry of Health for giving approval to have fans in attendance,” Toney said.

He added that, “The significance of this

tournament is that it can give our players and country value ranking points to qualify for future international FIBA 3X3 tournaments.”

The tournament is expected to tip off on February 19 and conclude on February 20 of 2022 with all games being played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

According to Toney, the 16-team event is receiving interest from teams in Trinidad and Suriname, as well as other Caribbean nations.

Co-director Aubrey ‘Major’ Shanghai (left), KFC’s Charissa Rampersaud, GFF president Wayne Forde, co-director Kashif Muhammad, and KFC’s Marketing Officer, Pamella Manasseh at their Vlissengen Road headquarters during the presentation.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Kashif & Shanghai Organisation yearend tournament received another noteworthy corporate boost with Beharry Restaurant Holdings Inc., through KFC Guyana, pledging $10 million in sponsorship.GFF president Wayne Forde expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support of KFC for football in Guyana, notably the KFC Intra-Association Under20 Championship and now this tournament.

Despite the ongoing inclement weather, Forde said they are still focused on ensuring the tournaments run in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines and they are not too worried about the weather, given the norm at this juncture of the year.

Operations Manager for KFC Guyana, Charissa Rampersaud, noted that the sport had a unifying effect on Guyanese people.

“Football is a unifying sport that brings Guyanese people across the country together. Sport plays such an important part in the development of our young people by helping them to become well-rounded individuals”, Rampersaud expressed.

The 10-day tournament culminates on January 1 at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora.

Tomorrow, action continues from 17:00hrs, and will see Fruta Conquerors clashing with Berbice All-Stars, followed by the opening ceremony at 19:00hrs, then Western Tigers versus Rupununi from 20:30hrs in the nightcap.The first prize is set at $2M, while second-place gets $1M. The third- and fourth-place finishers will grab $500,00 and $250,000 respectively, while each team will receive a $200,000 participation fee.

GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup powered by KFC Guyana

Official opening set for Leonora today along with two matches; GFA trounce West Dem. on day 1 GFA’s Stephen Alfred (4th right) about to net the opening goal of the 2021-22 GFF-K&S Super 16 at Leonora on Friday night. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Kwakwani and Ravens dominate Rawle Toney 3x3 opening night

GFF President Wayne Forde presents a quantity of balls to the home team prior to the kick off in the presence of British Ambassador Jane Miller, Deputy Speaker Lennox Shuman, organisers and team members.

GFF-GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival

Aviana Adrian (right) and Aaliyha Baston the goalscorers from Swan.

Adrian, Baston double strikes give Swan comfortable win in opening fixture

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.