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First oil more a NEWS great day for Exxon - Charles and not Guyana Ramson Jnr. AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Sunday Edition December 22, 2019
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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Online readership yesterday 94,846
Trusting oil companies and keeping citizens in dark cost Trinidad US$17 Billion After 10 years and 2 govt’s... Riverview squatters still to be relocated … As inhumane conditions worsens Junkie paid One people Jordan budgets $300 to steal US$700k to manage and one nation $435,000 - court mining, forestry p.8 with all eyes motorbike hears and oil revenues on 'Liza Destiny'
Oil companies fuel years of civil war in South Sudan - 400,000 estimated deaths, widespread famine and sexual violence
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Renewables cannot Oil-ready JAPARTS receives major meet the global regional award demand for energy alone …Oil will dominate the sector for decades to come
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he warming of the earth has raised much concern over the use of fossil fuels like oil and gas, and their impact on a world that is less and less habitable for humanity, the hotter it gets. Those concerns have cemented the position of renewable energy sources as a must-have for future generations, with activists like the young Greta Thunberg passionately leading the charge. Wind, solar and hydropower are fast growing energy providers, and they are projected by the report to become much cheaper in the coming years. Yet, it also projects that energy demands will grow by one percent every year in its projections to 2040. Many hold the view that the greed of oil companies is a major factor keeping the fossil fuel industry alive and growing, but the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed in its World Energy Outlook 2019 that greed is not the only thing. The IEA report states that the increasing global demand for Energy indicates has informed its view that fossil fuels will be around for a very long time. That's good news for a country like Guyana, which has only recently started producing oil. President David Granger has identified December 20 as National Petroleum Day, to mark Guyana's new status as a Petrostate. A question hot on the minds of many, including environmental enthusiasts and oil executives would be – How long until the Petroleum industry loses its relevance? The IEA has answered, stating that the Petroleum sector will not only grow considerably, but that it could stay relevant
Energy Advisor, Anthony Paul with the growing demand for energy. The IEA's report notes that the world's population continues to grow at a high rate, and that that is why there is a fast growing demand for energy. The global supply of energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power has been on the rise, but it has not been growing fast enough. Though they will one day, far into the future rise to a status that rivals the fossil fuel industry, due to the current demand for energy, fossil fuels will remain dominant. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Energy Advisor Dr. Anthony Paul said that he is on board with efforts to reduce emissions, but his assessment is similar to that of the International Energy Agency. Dr. Paul believes that for the next two to three decades, fossil fuels are necessary to meet the growing global demand for energy. Even then, when the world begins to phase out the fossil fuel industry, the first to go will be coal, as it is the most destructive to the environment, the Energy Advisor said.
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he Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP) recently presented JAPARTS, a family-owned heavy duty machinery company with its 2019 Caribbean Leadership Award. The company was recognised for its exceptional leadership qualities within the oil sector. Receiving the award was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Terry Singh. In an invited comment, Singh expressed his elation at receiving such a prestigious award. He stated that the success can be attributed to the support of his family and his entire staff. “We did not expect this. This is something we did not plan but this happened because of dedication and it serves as an eye opener for other businesses whether in Guyana or across the region to push themselves to achieve excellence.” According to Singh, the company has pushed itself to the brink to reap the benefits the oil and gas sector is expected to bring.
CEO of Japarts, Terry Singh (holding the award) with a representative of SMRP and his staff members He said that the company is currently being ISO certified in order to expand their product markets on the international level. The ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system. O rg an is atio n s u s e th e standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. “Our company has taken the lead to become the
number one company to be supplying the oil and gas sector with the equipment that they need--BPP, reagent, chemicals, heavy duty machinery, cranes, forklifts and a lot more…” The CEO said that the entire company went through intense training in order to
prepare for the energy sector. He called on other local businesses to follow suit. “Get your company c e r t i f i e d , g e t recognised…your people, the staffing is important. Get them trained and position yourself to play a major role in the oil and gas sector.”
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Watergate resurrected Nixon had his plumbers and smoking gun (that tape recording) and today’s White House incumbent came up with a real doozy of a business deal in what is supposed to be a wise foreign policy management. The man, in 1973, resigned in disgrace, and when he departed this vale, he was fondly remembered by the faithful as a man of honour, though he besmirched both himself, the high office of the presidency, and his place in history. In that time of Watergate, there were men from his own party, who were prepared to stand by him all the way down to the wire, but on one condition only. It was that he did not know, that he did not order the Watergate break-in, and that he was not involved in any way at all. There were such congressional men of honour in those days: give us something with which to fight and there are no brick walls that can impede, that cannot be overcome. But to a man, they told Nixon to his face not to lie to them, not to leave them with a bucket lacking a bottom. And war it was, until they discovered that he did deceive them; that he left them no option but to abandon (him), the president from their own party. When it was revealed that he had left them hanging, they left one by one: some in tears, some in anger, some with shame and pain, and with the deepest of regret. In terms of the latter, they knew what was required of them, what they had to do, where their duty congealed with unbreakable steeliness. It was the same sturdy way with advisors and counsel, who had no option but to throw in their hand. In sum, that was of listening to, and then answering to the insistent call of the sacred Constitution of the United States. There are not many documents like that revered and much bandied about Constitution around, not even the groundbreaking Magna Carta that was forced upon an obstinate King John. But prevail the English barons did, and so did the stirrings from that United States document, which comes alive when men of rare calibre find the personal internal constitutional fiber to rise up and let the chips fall down to wherever they lead, including a president of their own, if a falling was what it had to be. Today, there is a Chief Executive in America who is the laughing stock of the world; one who is feared and recoiled from by ranking members within his own political party; one who increasingly exhibits the symptoms of being unhinged or, at the very least, in the throes of crippling delirium. For there at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a president, who is consumed by personalities (all seen as enemies), while conveniently ignoring the underlying issues that mean so much. He is focused on those frills at the periphery, while dismissing the tough, demanding matters and troubles that constitute the broad deep middle. This is bad. It was one thing to have had and to allow a Joseph McCarthy in the US Senate back in the 1950s to run amok. It is an altogether dreadful reality to have his reincarnation in the White House itself. And yet men and women from his party say they are unfazed, men and women of some prowess but, at the core, overpowered by a greater and narrower political calculus that first freezes and then negates the evidence of their eyes and ears, the reactions of world leaders who mock and scorn, and of indications that there is so much that is wrong. All that maybe so, but they still do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses, as defined in the US Constitution. But clearly, and unimpeachably so, what took place in the Ukraine affair is an impeachable offense. For if using the funds of the taxpayers as leverage to coerce a foreign leader to, in effect, provide dirt with which to blackmail a political adversary is not, then what is? For if that isn’t, then nothing is. And with that said, where does this kind of leadership recklessness, if not outright lawlessness, stop?
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The Granger administration’s dereliction of duty has us greeting first oil with our pants around our ankles Dear Editor, First oil is upon us and Guyanese should be rejoicing unreservedly; however, despite having had four years and seven months to prepare for this day, the Granger administration’s dereliction of duty has resulted in us greeting first oil with our pants around our ankles. Guyana is in a state of chaos due to direct actions of David Granger, we have lost our parliamentary democracy; many important agencies such as the Public Procurement Commission are expired; for the Petroleum Sector, we have
no legally enacted sovereign wealth fund and we have no Local Content Policy. What we do have a ‘National Petroleum Day’, which is indicative of how Mr. Granger’s mind works. Granger has always demonstrated a fixation with pomp, ceremony, and style. The importance of ‘substance’ has eluded his entire period in Office. We began with the Golden Jubilee and have endured his tedious medal ceremonies, capricious renaming of buildings and institutions, the sixteen-car entourages and the ‘good life’ speeches
ad nauseam. What we have not seen is the work ethic that makes things like ‘first oil’ possible. Many will recall that when the discovery of oil was first made public, APNU MP, Ronald Bulkan was protesting the opening of the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown and he said of oil discovery by ExxonMobil, “It is part of a pattern of deception, born of desperation. It is a quantum leap when the company is talking of hydrocarbon and the PPP is announcing oil.” The same APNU/AFC members spend oodles of time in the Marriott,
breakfast, lunch, and dinner, staff parties, engagements, birthdays and marriages occur within the walls of the hotel they once promised to turn into a hospital. David Granger and APNU/AFC have always been illinformed, visionless and unable to translate promises into reality. There is no difference in the current APNU/AFC disbelief in the PPP promise to deliver fifty-thousand jobs and the old APNU/AFC disbelief in the discovery of oil. People who do not understand that you have to (Continued on page 6 )
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Voters say Guyana lacks fair oil contract
Political parties must commit to democracy, obedience to the Constitution, and fair and free Elections
DEAR EDITOR, In a survey conducted in December by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA), the nation almost unanimously believes that Guyana does not have a fair contract with the giant oil companies, with a significant number of voters saying ‘oil’ ranked number three among issues that will influence how they vote on March 2. However, the nation lacks confidence in the fairness of the upcoming elections, but everyone wants a free, fair, and non-violent atmosphere for election. Towards this end, they unanimously endorse the recent statement of the US Embassy (government) calling for a peaceful, free, and fair elections. The poll was conducted by Dr. Vishnu Bisram who has been involved in field surveys and opinion polling in Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean since the 1980s. The latest poll interviewed 650 likely voters at random to represent the demographics of the population (39 Indians, 30% Africans, 20% Mixed, 10% Amerindians, and 1% other ethnic categories). The findings have a margin of error of 4% at a confidence level of 95%. Based on the findings of the survey, everyone expressed concerns about crime and public security. Large majorities also are worried about the state of the economy (growing unemployment), rising corruption, governance, free and fair elections, state of health care, nascent oil industry, race relations, among other issues. Asked about oil contracts with various energy giants, almost everyone said Guyana has not gotten fair contracts with oil companies; only 3% find contracts to be fair with 88% saying it should be re-
negotiated for higher royalty and profit sharing percentages. Asked if the emerging oil industry will guide how they vote, almost everyone answered in the affirmative. Voters also identified a number of other critical issues that will influence how they vote. But when asked to rank various issues that will determine how they vote, budding oil industry ranks number three (17%) behind party loyalty (23%), crime (20%) and followed by race relations (11%), economy (10%), corruption (6%), governance (4%), presidential candidate (3%), and manifesto 1%. Some respondents mentioned “Jagdeo” and “Granger”, leaders respectively of PPP and coalition as also influencing how they vote with the former having greater influence among voters than the latter. Among those who said oil will influence how they vote, they are interested in knowing how the various parties plan to spend the oil revenues; they want a portion of it in entitlements. Separately, when asked if they will read a party’s manifesto or ever read one before voting, only 5% answered in the affirmative. Clearly, election manifestoes do not have significant influence on voters’ choice. Blind faith in party (party identification) has greater influence than issues on how people faith. Asked if they think the election will be free and fair, 58% said no with 37% saying yes and the others not offering an opinion. Only 39% approve (with 52% disapproving) of the job GECOM Chair Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh is doing. Asked if they approve of the statement of US Embassy (State Department) calling for a free, fair, and peaceful election, everyone answered in the affirmative. Asked who was/is
Granger’s most effective ally in running the government, Joe Harmon leads with 54%, followed by Amna Ally (17%), Volda Lawrence (11%), Basil Williams (5%), Dawn Hastings (4%), and others 9% Asked who has been the most effective Minister in government, Minister of Infrastructure David Patterson leads followed by Amna Ally and Dawn Hastings. Other Ministers who got good ratings for their performance include Volda Lawrence, Dr. George Norton, Valerie Garrido Lowe, Karen Cummings, Sydney Allicock, and Kathy Hughes. Asked who was/is Jagdeo’s most effective party figure in battle against the government, 91% said Anil Nandlall.Queried aside from Jagdeo, who has stood out most in the PPP in championing early elections after the no confidence motion, 95% said Nandlall.The poll also queried voters on a number of other issues and determined favorability ratings of politicians and voter support for the parties. The findings will be released in a subsequent report. Yours Respectfully, Vishnu Bisram
DEAR EDITOR, There is widespread national concern about our current political situation and the posture of political parties on observing the rule of law and the Constitution, and the fear about whether the coming national and regional elections would be fair, and free of rigging. Political parties, contesting these elections, should declare publicly in their Manifestos, despite their conduct in the past, a re-commitment to democracy, the rule of law, obedience in conduct, behaviour and practice to the Constitution, and free and fair elections. These must be clearly stated, prominently in each party’s manifesto, and addressed publicly by each party leader, and each candidate on the party’s list of candidates, on all campaign speeches. What sanctions will the party Leader and Party apply to any supporter who may violate these principles, and attempts to rig or cheat on the national and regional elections in any way? The dual citizens, who
contested and allocated seats in the National Assembly for more than two decades, glaringly violated the Constitution of Guyana with impunity. This could only have happened with the deliberate collusion among the political parties to turn a blind eye to their participation, and consequently violated the Constitution. There cannot be any excusable reason from all the political leaders, and political parties, and the dual citizens for this and maybe other constitutional violations. They cannot claim ignorance of the requirements
of the Constitution; they subverted the Constitution. These political leaders and dual citizens must at least apologise publicly to the nation to be redeemed and become “fit and proper” for public office. Similarly, the GECOM Secretariat is in violation of the Constitution in fooling the population of its readiness to conduct the elections. So is President Granger and his Government by buying time through their political games to hold on to political office beyond its constitutional life as of 18 September 2019. Joshua Singh
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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First oil: one giant leap for Guyana
Land of six people or land of the sheeple?
DEAR EDITOR, The first barrels of oil are now flowing into the Liza Destiny released after 60 million years buried 3 miles under the seabed. This momentous occasion is the culmination of a combination of technological, geological and administrative brilliance orchestrated by the world’s premier energy firm in record time and months ahead of schedule. Even for a giant like ExxonMobil, this is a significant moment as the Guyana Basin will become an important part of its portfolio. For Guyana it is a giant leap forward - by far, the most significant moment in its pre or post independence history. After centuries of being buffeted by external forces, of its people being enslaved and
indentured, Guyana will become the master of its own destiny, with enough revenues to transform its economy and the lives of its small population for generations to come. Some have complained about the sector, even calling for oil to remain in the ground and the country to get “a small piece” from the countries that are the biggest producers and consumers. Some warn that demand for oil will rapidly diminish in the coming years. It won’t: the world runs on oil and will for decades to come as part of a new energy mix. Oil is the foundation of our economies, our lifestyles. All our activities involve the use of some form of fossil fuel or its by-products, from fuel in the planes we fly in, the paint on our
houses, the plastic in our smartphones. For the past 150 years, its incredible efficiency has been the catalyst that has helped lift billions out of poverty, has lit our world and been behind every technological innovation. And it remains a force for good in the world even as we look for sustainable and supplementary alternatives. But above all, Guyana will be a place for young people to prosper. Many of them get it already: they are educating, training and positioning themselves for careers - not all energy related - but in sectors that will boom in the years to come. Great things have begun. Today. Onwards upwards may Guyana ever grow! Yours sincerely Albert Russell
DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago, a Grove, East Bank Demerara resident complained to me that he was travelling in a bus in the Diamond Housing Scheme, when the driver began turned up his music set. Not only was the music being played loudly, but it was also highly obscene. The resident alleged that when some of the more senior passengers began to complain, the driver’s response was to order them out of the bus, despite the fact that it was raining. According to the resident, he also raised his voice in complaint, while threatening to make a report to the police. He alleged that the driver retorted: “This is a (police) Inspector bus,” suggesting that he had no fear of be-
ing arrested, once he was driving that bus. After giving me the licence number of the vehicle, I suggested to the resident that he make a report at the Golden Grove (Diamond) Police Station. When I checked with him the following day, he informed me that he had visited the station, but had not given a statement because there were many people there, and he had a business to run. I contacted a senior police official, who instructed that the passenger return to the station and give a statement. The passenger agreed to do just that, but when I called him the following afternoon, he told me that he had not given a statement. “I does drive truck, and I frighten police,” was his
explanation.I reminded the resident that I had constantly heard him complain about the lawless state of the country, and this was an opportunity for him to make a difference. Nothing I could say would make him change his mind. Editor, after last week’s horrendous crash at Mahaicony, many have been calling for intervention from the churches and the police. But the blame clearly lies with the passengers, since it appears that not one of them raised their voice to rebuke that reckless bus driver, but rather, behaved like silly, silent sheep, like the guy in Grove, who is afraid to file a complaint against a driver who boasts that he drives “an Inspector’s bus”. Yours respectfully, Michael Jordan
The Granger administration’s ... From page 4 toil tirelessly to accomplish anything of substance can only pose for cameras and cut ribbons on the backs of the hard work of those who do. APNU/AFC have swallowed their pride and accepted the Marriott was a visionary project, and now they are seeking to claim credit for an oil exploration contract signed by Janet Jagan in 1999 via a proclamation. While it is not unusual for APNU/AFC Ministers to hustle credit for the work of others, Granger should be ashamed to even make a public appearance on this third Friday in December, for his actions since the historic Noconfidence motion passed this day one year back will forever guarantee his name lives in
infamy. The ill-advised attempt to sell threemillion barrels of oil before the first gallon reached the surface was also exposed to the public this week adding to his shame. Guyanese will rejoice the flow of oil as we rejoiced in the emphatic Yes! Yes! Yes! Of Charrandass Persaud, but we are tempered in our celebrations as we know that there still remains the struggle to return Guyana to a state of parliamentary democracy via free and fair elections. Raise a glass to our dear land, enjoy all of the season’s cheer and blessings, and be secure in the knowledge that while you celebrate, we who care are unrelenting in our struggle on this road to Zion. Respectfully Robin Singh
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur M@ilbox A strong message to the Iranian authorities DEAR EDITOR, Iran has once again been condemned by the international community for its ongoing human rights violations. A United Nations General Assembly committee has expressed its serious concern about the country’s continued attacks against religious minorities, including the Baha’is. This came in a resolution adopted today by a vote of 84 to 30, with 66 abstentions, from the Third Committee of the General Assembly. The six-page resolution expressed “serious concern about ongoing severe limitations and increasing restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief … against persons belonging to recognized and unrecognized religious minorities, including ... members of the Baha’i faith.” This resolution follows
two recent reports on Iran. Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, noted in his July report that, “Over the past 40 years, the Baha’is, considered to be the largest non-Muslim and unrecognized religious minority in the Islamic Republic of Iran ... have suffered from the most egregious forms of repression, persecution and victimization.” Additionally, the Secretary-General in a September report about Iran included the following recommendation: “The Secretary-General urges the Government to ensure the protection of minority groups and individuals, and to uphold and implement legislation that protects them.” Meanwhile, in Geneva, during the 34th session of the Universal Periodic Review, a large number of countries criticized Iran for its violation of the rights of religious
minorities which led to six recommendations that specifically refer to the Baha’is. “We welcome this resolution and its condemnation of Iran’s egregious human rights violations,” said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations. “The passage of this resolution sends a strong message to the Iranian authorities that continuous violations against the Baha’is and other religious minorities are well-noted by the international community, and ongoing discrimination and harassment of any religious minority group for simply practicing their faith will not be tolerated.” The resolution will be confirmed by the plenary of the General Assembly this December. Yours, Rooplall Dudhnath
The killing fields DEAR EDITOR, It’s heartbreaking every time I read about multiple deaths, especially resulting from road accidents in Guyana. They are so prevalent now it seems normal. Those roads are not built for speed, especially 2way traffic that snakes its way into residential neighbourhoods and shared by pedestrians, bicyclists and donkey carts (still is use?), domestic animals and farm machinery. The other animals are the speeding drivers racing beyond whatever speed limits are posted and since these are ignored Government is helpless finding a cure. I legally obtained a learner’s permit and had a few lessons but, never a driver’s licence. Those days, it was a pleasure cruising the roads at about 2530 mph with little traffic to worry about. That was 53 years ago. The most idiotic and stupid plan by Burnham was to get rid of the trains service throughout the country. The private buses were replaced by Tata. Don’t know how long that lasted as maintenance parts were always missing. It would
seem they just walked or drove off the parts store into oblivion. Back to private transportation by regulations - Mini bus. They are not a “bus” by imagination. Turned out to be killing machines that are wreaking havoc throughout the roads, reducing the population daily. No wonder people are allowed from other countries to move there as replacement. Just wait for that election! Government always seem to provide transportation for
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citizens at regulated fares in other countries, either by real buses and trains. They are much safer and move masses. Those minibuses are trying to accomplish the impossible by making numerous trips with a loaded time bomb on the roads, which could be termed “THE KILLING FIELDS”. Note: Used to enjoy that “fish and bread” stop at either Mahaica/Mahaicony riding that train with open window and fresh air blowing through my hair. Habeeb Bacchus
Kaieteur M@ilbox Violence against women and religion DEAR EDITOR, I read a recent letter on the preponderance of violence against women in the East Indian community vis-à-vis other ethnic groups in Guyana. I felt the pain in the author’s words and noted the various persons in the Guyanese community he named who have sought to assist with the scourge. Sushil Persaud makes the point that when the preponderance of violence against women in East Indian communities is brought up, the response is that violence against women is found among other ethnic groups; but this does not negate the preponderance against East Indian women. Men and women are physically different and this difference is taken to mean that one group is entitled to dominate another. Similarly, one ethnic group looks different to another and it is taken to mean that one group has entitlements that the other does not - hence racism. Thus, racism and sexism are different sides of the same coin of domination - difference leading to a hierarchical structure – thus no concept of equality – and violence towards those who are different. Violence against women is not unusual in any society due to difference, and men have inflicted various types of cruelty on women – such as widow burning in India, foot binding in China and genital mutilation in Africa. It may be difficult to change cultural practices, but it is more difficult when God comes into the mix – particularly since the Gods of the sacred texts are us. Mr. Persaud’s name indicates that from a religious perspective, he is a Hindu. His letter makes references to recent incidents of rape in India – but he absolves Hindu-
ism by stating that IndoGuyanese suffer from “a misunderstanding of the caste system.”The religion has a hierarchical structure so that those at the bottom have no entitlements and in relation to men, women do not have entitlements and are perceived as the harbingers of destruction. Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, was selected for sacrificial purposes to avoid the spread of violence in the community. Not only had she associated with the dark curly haired demon Ravana, but on her resumption of life with Rama, she became pregnant. Being a woman and therefore of sinful birth, it was feared any descendant would continue the monstrosity and destroy the community. She was therefore sacrificed to ensure the continuity of the society. In various cultures, it is women’s association with reproduction and sexuality which dooms them to inferiority. This is why the statement in Judaism, “Thank God I am not a woman” is a part of Jewish religious ritual. The Biblical account of creation holds Eve responsible for the sin of eating the forbidden fruit, and it is she who will be cursed with pain in childbirth and have her husband rule over her. The price of her eating the forbidden fruit and thus disobeying God is the loss of immortality for all humans. In Maori culture, their creation stories give rise to the belief that women are lowly, destructive, profane, but fruitful, whereas men are high and sacred. Therefore, the roles of men and women are set apart, and again we see it is women who are respon-
sible for human mortality, even though it is only women who can give life. In each case, we see a relationship not only between women and life, but women and death. Many cultures have proverbs expressing the inferiority of women – such as the Burmese one which states that “If a woman had no nose, she would eat excrement”; and in China, there is a saying that if you spare a woman a beating for three days, she will stand on the roof and tear the house apart. At Japanese New Year, it is bad luck if a woman is the first woman to enter the house. With these negative myths about women, it is therefore not surprising that there is so much violence against them. Mr. Persaud is also disturbed by the high level of suicides among East Indians. Hindus believe in reincarnation. The sacred texts state that all will reincarnate – even those who commit suicide; it is just that the period of time for return will be longer than in other cases. Therefore, if there is only a time difference when a person who commits suicide will reincarnate, it means that some of those who are depressed may be willing to take their chances on their time of return. I assume Mr. Persaud is a Hindu and has an understanding of the ideology – so his problem is not so much about a “misunderstanding of caste”, but how to manage the ideology so that members of the Guyanese community can have a better life. Yours faithfully Professor Kean Gibson
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Jordan budgets US$700k to manage mining, forestry & oil revenues By Gary Eleazar Guyana has officially begun oil production in the Stabroek Block offshore the country’s coast in the its Exclusive Economic Zone. Production is estimated at rate of 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) with each of the four partners taking an accumulated one million barrels every eight to ten days. The country has passed and enacted a Natural Resources Fund Act and has appointed the central bank as the manager of the fund. Government, however, has allocated US$700,000 to the fund for its operations in the coming year—managing
‘excess’ revenues garnered from mining and forestry, including revenues from the sale of crude.The management of the country’s NRF, called the Sovereign Wealth Fund by some, has been placed under the management of the Bank of Guyana under an Operational Management Agreement that was inked with the Ministry of Finance on December 11, last. Under that agreement between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, the Minister of Finance will annually determine the annual fee to be charged by the Bank for the management of the Fund “and shall be based on the resource requirements”. This amount include funding by the bank for the fund’s operation and employments costs. There is also funding for capital expenditure needed by the bank to execute its duties in managing the NRF as is required under the Act and the Agreement. The Agreement inked between Bank and Guyana Governor, Dr. Gobin Ganga and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, stipulates however, that “the annual fee to be charged by the bank for the management of the fund for 2020 only shall be $168,051,000 (US$789,000). The agreement does provide, however, that should there be reasonable cause for the bank to charge in excess of the fee, an additional amount may be requested but shall be limited to a tenth of the previous year’s allocation. Additionally, fees charged by external service providers for services provided to the fund shall be paid in addition to the fees paid to
the Bank, “from the assets of the fund”. Responsibilities under the Agreement to be funded by the ‘annual fee’ includes meeting the daily operational management of the fund including the maintenance of records, appointing banking correspondents, dealers, brokers, and private managers among others. The Bank is also expected to provide monthly and quarterly reports to be submitted to the Minister—a report that must include a summary of the performance of the account and each of the private managers involved. Under the principles adopted for the operationalising of the Fund, “the assets of the fund shall be maintained in the name of the bank but segregated from other assets of the bank…” At the inking of the Agreement, the two officials had expressed optimism in the efficient management of the NRF and pointed to safeguards in place. Under the management arrangement, the bank will be responsible for developing risk management systems and developing the human resources “so as to ensure effective operational management of the fund”. It will be the responsibility of the Bank of Guyana to advise the Minister of Finance with regards to any activity that affects the management and value of the fund in addition to providing the public with information with regards the fund as is required by law. The NRF Act, according to the officials provides for penalties with regards the use of the fund that can be brought against officials for misuse and losses.
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Trusting oil companies and keeping citizens in dark cost Trinidad US$17 Billion in six years By Kiana Wilburg Now that first oil is here, Guyana is moving forward with preparations for the sale of the first three cargoes of oil it will collect as early as February 2020. But the world of oil trading is known to be a murky business, says Energy Advisor, Dr. Anthony Paul. Dr. Paul made these and other statements during a recent appearance on Kaieteur Radio Programme, Guyanas Oil and You.
There, he highlighted the costly mistakes his home country, Trinidad and Tobago, made in the oil trading business. According to Dr. Paul, the failure of politicians to inform the citizenry about the decisions taken on the sale of Trinidads gas as well as trust in companies to sell the resource on the nations behalf, resulted in Trinidad losing billions of dollars in revenue. To be specific, Dr. Paul
said that such a concoction of gullibility and opaqueness resulted in US$17B in taxes being lost. Guyanas budget for 2019 is approximately US$1.5B. It therefore means that the money Trinidad lost could have funded Guyanas economy for more than a decade. The Trinidadian said, “The mistake we made is that we had this capability (of being able to understand the
Junkie paid $300 to steal $435,000 motorbike -court hears Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was yesterday told that a labourer was placed before her after he took a payment of $300 to steal a $435,000 motorbike. Murtland DeSantos pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on December 17, 2019 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he stole one CG motorbike valued at $435,000, property of Romel Butlery.The unrepresented accused told the court that he is 41years old and that he has no fixed place of abode. Facts of the charge indicated that on the day in question, the victim parked his motorbike on Camp Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Footsteps Mall. Butlery then proceeded inside the Footsteps Mall. Shortly after, the victim exited the mall and went to where he parked his motorbike. He found the vehicle missing. Butlery then reported the matter to the Alberttown Police Station. The police acting on information received contacted the accused and arrested him. When he was arrested DeSantos admitted to the allegation of stealing the motorbike. The item was not recovered. DeSantos asked to explain his actions to the court. “I was working at the stop light and a man come and tell me he gonna give me $300 to push this motorbike to the gas station and he will collect it from there.”“When I bring it to the gas station, he give me the money and
market and selling oil on our own) but we did not have it for natural gas. Instead of building it for gas, we asked the company to market the gas on our behalf and that is where they took us to the cleaners. We were taken to the cleaners because we trusted them with what we have.”The Energy Advisor added, “Here is how we got taken to the cleaners. The sellers of our gas were selling to marketing companies who are marketing arms of their parent company. In other words, they were selling to affiliated companies and they were reporting prices that were below market prices or even below the prescribed price in the law.” When the government finally did an independent audit, Dr. Paul said that the consultants found that the value reported by the companies for the gas from 2010 to 2016 was US$30B less than the actual value. “...And with our tax regime, this meant the government would have been able to get, had they done due diligence, at least US$17B in
TT Local Content Expert, Dr. Anthony Paul
taxes,” the Trinidadian shared. When this was made known to the citizenry, Dr. Paul noted that there was obvious opposition. But only a change of government was able to put an end to the abuse and advantage that the CARICOM founding member suffered. Considering Trinidad s experience, Dr. Paul said it is critical that Guyanese know everything that is going on, that the policy leaders understand the market and nothing is left to chance. He said that the message for Guyana is that without its
citizens being informed, public servants and politicians may not be performing their roles adequately and the country can suffer significant harm. Dr. Paul added, “While, we want to trust our public officials, who are being paid and have sworn to an oath to uphold the laws and protect our interests, we must have a way to hold them accountable. That is only by transparency and access to information that allows citizens to validate what they are being told...”
Man sentenced in absentia captured by police to face other charges Murtland DeSantos he jump on the pon the bike and ride away.” Following his explanation to the court, the accused was fined $30,000 or in default of not paying the fine, spend four weeks in prison.
Dem boys seh...
Jagdeo talking ‘bout Soulja Bai and Ohh Pee talking ‘bout Jagdeo
…none of dem talking ‘bout oil People talking how de oil contract Soulja Bai sign wid Exxon is bad. Dem want fuh see a new contract but Soulja Bai ain’t saying a word about dat. De next thing dem boys do is go to Jagdeo press conference and ask him to tell de whole country how Soulja Bai bad and how he, Jagdeo, gon change de oil contract wid Exxon. Jagdeo ain’t saying nutten. In fact, when dem boys press him de odda day, he get vex and seh he not changing any deal de country got wid Exxon. But he jump and put out a statement after Soulja Bai announce ‘First oil”. He go till in Queens, New York and talk how Soulja Bai corrupt and how he tek state funds and build a house wid swimming pool. Dem boys seh dis thing did come up before. Soulja Bai seh is part of Jagdeo mischief to mek people believe dat dem got odda corrupt leaders. But wha vex dem boys is how Ohh Pee jump and put out a statement to condemn
Jagdeo comments. Dem boys seh dat de things dem two parties fighting over is like when two dogs fighting wid toys and de neighbor dog sneak over and thief de bone wid de beef pon it. Ohh Pee talking bout wha Jagdeo seh but nobody ain’t talking ‘bout keeping Exxon in check. Exxon hand Guyana some big bill but dem boys notice dat not Jagdeo or Ohh Pee seh a word but dem got time to talk ‘bout Soulja Bai swimming pool wha he inherit from he dead brother. Dem boys seh dat is lowlife behaviour. Dat is like peeping at you neighbor wife and not realizing dat you wife ain’t hiding to show off wha she got.Dis picking at one anodda – Jagdeo picking at Soulja Bai—got place like South Sudan fighting among demself and de oil companies enjoying it. Dem funding de factions dat fighting because dem realize dat while people fighting nobody ain’t got time to check on de oil company. Talk half and holler pon dem lowlife.
Fugitive Stravo Evans Almost two months after he went into hiding after reportedly threatening to kill his former lover, police ranks in Essequibo, working on information, arrested the wanted man. He was caught hiding among water coconuts in the tray of a Canter truck on his way to the Pomeroon (Region Two). Police has identified the suspect as 32-year-old Stravo Evans of James Street, Albouystown. According to reports, Evans who is no stranger to the law, was once again identified as a person of interest after a nursery school teacher lodged a report at a police station accusing him of threat-
Abused womanMichelle Nieuenkerk
ening to kill her. Kaieteur News understands that a wanted bulletin was issued for the arrest of the man since July 2018 after he was sentenced to four years in prison in absentia. At Farm, East Bank Demerara, he was charged for possession of a .32 pistol and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. That matter was conducted and he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $75,000. According to sources, on October 18, 2019, mother of six and nursery school teacher, Michelle Nieuenkerk, reported that Mr. Evans was threatening to kill her after
she reportedly broke off a two-year long relationship she had with the suspect. At the time, Evans was working as a taxi driver operating in the vicinity of Stabroek Market, Georgetown. In an interview, Nieuenkerk stated that she broke off the relationship with Evans on July 19, 2019 because of the abuse she was subjected to at the hands of the suspect. Nevertheless, he refused to stay away from her. When contacted, a police source told Kaieteur News that the man, is expected to appear in court very soon. He will also have to complete the four years jail sentence he evaded.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
One people & one nation with all eyes on ‘Liza Destiny’
By Gary Eleazar n announcement by Head of State, President David Granger, much like a similar one made after taking office in 2015—has sent shockwaves across the country; Guyana is now an oil producing nation. In 2015, the President soon after taking Office, announced that US oil major, ExxonMobil, working with its Joint Venture partners had made the ‘Liza discovery’ representing first significant oil find offshore Guyana. The oil major had encountered more than 295 feet (90 meters) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs—safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water. The task afterwards— after proving commercial viability from the Liza I discovery—was to then set about with a Field Development Plan (FDP) that was later approved and called for production 190 kilometres offshore Guyana using a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel. That development cost about US$460M with the massive offshore centre producing and storing the precious crude uses four drill centers on the seabed with 17 wells in total; eight oil producing wells, six water injection wells, and three gas reinjection wells. The Liza Destiny— commissioned by First Lady Sandra Granger—is designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, with storage capacity of up to 1.6 million barrels. FPSOs are not exactly built on a commercial
A
production line that churns out hundreds or even dozens a year, As such, Guyana’s oil and gas future begins in the hull of the specially ordered and designed Liza Destiny—a converted Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) that was rebuilt into the first FPSO for the ExxonMobil. The company, soon after receiving approval for the field plans and an investment decision by shareholders, went ahead and placed an order for the Liza Destiny – Liza is a fish indigenous to the area—with a US$1B contract given to Dutch floater specialists, SBM Offshore. A Bahamas-flagged VLCC was quickly identified and chosen by SBM Offshore for the conversion. That process began in November 2017 when the tanker’s arrived at Keppel shipyard in Singapore, after which it embarked on a 50 day voyage to Guyana before being moored in the Stabroek Block. The Liza I offshore oilfield field is located in the Stabroek block, which covers almost 27,000 square kilometers and extends to, between 120 kilometres and 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. Exxon Mobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EE&PGL) is the lead operator in the historic venture. It holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC- Nexen) Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest. The crude now being extracted from deep below the
seabed is largely a composite of water, oil, gas and sand solution. It will be taken to and separated on the FPSO where the oil is then retained in the hull of the Liza Destiny The water and natural gas is re-injected into the reservoir, in order to maintain maximum pressure. According to the company’s projections, following start up on Friday the vessel is expected to house year round about 60 to 70 crew members but is built to accommodate 120 people aboard. The 60 to 70 crew members will be operating on a daily basis with support services sourced in Guyana. On shore, SBM Offshore has also indicated using a team of about 20 persons initially, particularly for logistics for its supplies and technical support such as the provision of training for staff. The lease and operation contract for the FPSO between EEPGL and SBM Offshore, includes an initial period of ten years with extension options up to an additional ten years. The company has since already indicated an intention to stay in Guyana throughout the course of the ExxonMobil operations.Discoveries to date in the Stabroek Block have yielded in excess of 6.6 billion barrels. Exxon has already begun construction of a second FPSO—the Liza Unity—for production in the Liza Deep/Liza II discovery. The announcement of oil production in Guyana came on Friday last on what will now be known as Guyana Petroleum Day—four months ahead of what was a scheduled March 2020 first oil.
The Liza Destiny
GPHC to shorten patients’ waiting time with new Electronic Data System The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will be adding a brand new Electronic Data System to the facility with the aim of reducing the waiting time for patients. This is according to Dr. Kumar Sukhraj, Head of the Diabetes Unit, of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The massive offshore centre will be producing and storing the precious crude using four drill centers on the seabed with 17 wells in total; eight oil producing wells, six water injection wells, and three gas reinjection wells.
Dr. Kumar Sukhraj
According to the Dr. Sukhraj, over the years patients at the medical facility would have to endure long waiting time due to displacement of medical records or too many records to go through. “They have patients that have been using this facility for over 50 years and the medical records of those patients are very thick. So when we have to go through thousands of records on a daily basis to find a specific one, it is very time consuming. “However with the Electronic Data System, all we will have to do is type the name of a patient and their entire record will pop up.” Dr. Sukhraj further stated that over the years GPHC has been on the road to make the
lives of patients better. Thus, the use of a Data System will be very convenient for both patient and doctor. “Patients would come at the clinic around 4:30hrs just because they want to be treated early and sent away, because at the hospital, we look after over 400 patients per day. So manually searching for records is a great disadvantage.”Recently, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has been working diligently to make the lives of patients and persons using the medical facility, comfortable. Language programmes and retraining programmes have been introduced into the medical system with the aim of offering better services to the society.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Venezuelas refusal to be bullied reveals Exxons dark side A recent Globovision article states that Venezuelan politicians are of the opinion that ExxonMobil is behind all the heavily imposed sanctions on the country by the United States (US). The Venezuelans said that the evidence is quite clear that Exxon is trying to take revenge after their country managed to win all the arbitration cases that were filed against it. The World Bank s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) had overturned Exxons US$1.6 B claim for damages in 2017. Immediately after this ruling, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson, the main player in the lawsuits against Venezuela, was named Foreign Secretary of the US by President Donald trump. A 2017 Reuters article had raised questions as to how Tillerson would treat his enemy. In fact, Tillerson was in full support of a few recent sanctions imposed against Venezuela by the Trump administration in an attempt to bend the Socialist Government into subjection. THE BEGINNING OF THE “FALLOUT” BETWEEN EXXONAND VENEZUELA Ties between these two parties were first severed in 1976 when the then Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Pérez sought to nationalise the oil industry. But they soon become friends again in the 1990s when Perez decided to launch the so-called “Apertura Petrolera” (“oil opening”). His initiative was focused on attracting foreign investment to partner with state owned Oil Company, PDVSA, to develop his country s Orinoco Belt. ExxonMobil was granted
The late president Hugo Chavez Venezuelas Lawyer George Kahale Former CEO of ExxonMobil Rex Tillerson The statement was cap- large foreign multinational cantly in 2014. Venezuela was the opportunity to invest two lions of Venezuelans, Chavez, ordered to pay Exxon only of the most lucrative blocks in 2007 told oil companies that tioned, “Fact Sheet: Arbitra- companies”. “This has been accepted US$1.6B. in the Orinoco belt, Cerro Ne- the contract they had with the tion between ExxonMobil and ex-president Perez was illegal. Venezuela”, and read, by all oil companies operatThis amount was to comgro and La Ceiba. He enforced the country “Venezuela’s intention has ing in Venezuela, except pensate Exxon because VenThis time around, ezuela had chosen to increase ExxonMobil did not waste any s Nationalization Act of 1975 been to bring illegal oil ExxonMobil”. Venezuelas argument was the tax rates, thus breaching time to ensure that a good deal and the 2001 Hydrogen Car- projects from the rich Orinoco Oil Belt into its le- good enough to convince the agreement. was obtained where it would bon Act. These two Acts would al- gal framework and thus stop ICSID that law takes preceBut Venezuela did not benefit heavily from its investlow PDVSA to become the the continued transferring of dence over the disputed con- give up; an appeal was filed ments. on the grounds that the SovA contract filled with sta- biggest shareholders in the resources needed for social tract sanctity. The more than US$10B in ereignty right rule allowed bility clauses and a frighten- two blocks that Exxon oper- development from the People of Venezuela to the coffers of damages was reduced signifi- Venezuela the privilege to ining provision to force Ven- ated. With the aid of the Soverezuela to adhere to the sanctity of the contract, was eignty right rule Chavez, raised the taxes imposed on signed. However, Exxons “sweet the foreign oil companies ride” did not last for a decade. from 33% to 40%. ExxonMobil immediately The late Hugo Chavez defeated Perez and became the disagreed and continued operations as normal by saying new leader of Venezuela. The new president began that Venezuela is obligated to by updating Venezuelas 1975 adhere to contract sanctity. This then prompted Nationalization Act. This Act granted him the power to es- Chavez to forcefully seize the tablish a new law in 2001 companys operations in known as the Hydrocarbons Cerro Negro and La Ceiba. Tillerson was the CEO at Act which included a Soverthat time and became enraged. eignty right rule. Between the period 2001 He said that the contract was and 2006 Chavez led massive disregarded and treated as a campaigns to convince his “proverbial scrap of paper”. He then moved to initiate supporters that they deserve three lawsuits claiming more a better life. He preached that the only than US$10B in damages. But Venezuela refused to way to do so is bring Venezuelas contract with for- be beaten into subjection and eign oil companies in confor- hired George Kahale as its mity with the countrys laws. lawyer. In fact, the lawyer was The charismatic leader so confident that he said that was able to motivate his sup- Venezuela will not pay a cent porters that the contract al- in damages. Venezuela s defence statelowed oil companies to cart off the wealth that belongs to ment was made public in 2008 by the Venezuelan Embassy the Venezuelan people. With the support of mil- in the US.
A Chavez supporter protesting against ExxonMobil.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
After 10 years and two govt’s... Riverview squatters still to be relocated …as inhumane conditions worsens
An aerial view of the Riverview squatters
The entrance buried by the silt mud from the canal In a recent visit to Riverview, Ruimveldt by Kaieteur News, reporters were left dumbfounded at the conditions under which the Riverview squatters live. To make matters worse, the main entrance bridge to the community was completely buried in “soppy mud” from a canal recently cleared by an excavator. The foul smell emanating from the silt mud and piled up garbage that can be seen almost everywhere prompted reporters to question residents about their living conditions.
One man said that he has been a resident of the area for more than 15 years. He claimed that the former government— the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)— had promised to relocate them to a better place but failed to fulfil its promise. The man further said that the current administration, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) also promised to do likewise. But to date nothing has been done about the Riverview squatters. Supporting the man’s claims is a 2009 Government
Conditions under which the squatters live
Information Agency (GINA) article. The article stated that the then Minister of the Ministry of Housing, Irfaan Ali, promised that, “focus will be placed on the Ruimveldt Squatting area in Riverview” It was discovered by the then PPP administration that the persons squatting along the dam were preventing the cleaning and de-silting of the drainage canal.
In 2015, the administration changed, and in 2016 the APNU+AFC government embarked on a plan to eradicate squatting in Guyana. A number of areas were targeted, including Riverview, The Lamaha Canal and the squatters on Broad and Lombard Streets. In 2018, squatters from Sophia and Broad and Lombard Streets were
scheduled to be relocated. Many were earmarked to be relocated to Cummings Lodge after the Government had collaborated with Food for the Poor to construct some 72 homes at $1.2M each. But according to Riverview squatters, they are still on the waiting list. Some residents told Kaieteur News, that they are not depending on the government to be relocated. A section of the community
Many had applied for house lots some years ago. But it seems as if their applications have not been accepted by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). They said that they are conscious of the fact that their living conditions are “worst than that of a dog” but because of their current economic status, they cannot afford to rent a house elsewhere.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Robbers snatch over $2M from Bel-Air businessman
The car transporting the robbers arriving seconds after the businessman pulled up in his vehicle A Bel-Air Georgetown businessman is counting his lucky stars after armed men accosted him and snatched a bag containing some $2M in cash on Friday. The entire ordeal was captured on CCTV and lasted mere seconds. At 14:22hrs, the businessman pulled up to his premises and just ten seconds later, a silver coloured Toyota Premio followed suit and two men existed the car. The men rushed to the driver’s side and accosted the driver, carting off a black bag containing the cash and quickly retreated to the awaiting car.
Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Edgar Thomas, explained to Kaieteur News that the businessman was trailed from a bank on the East Coast to his home in Bel-Air. According to him, the man withdrew the large sum of money with the intention of paying his contractor who was doing repairs to his home. In the CCTV footage, two of businessman’s workers were offloading tools from a Canter truck parked meters away. The defenseless men after realising that a robbery was taking place, quickly retreated into a nearby yard.
One of the armed men heading back to the getaway car
Political parties briefed on requirements to contest elections Newly formed political parties intent on contesting in the Regional and General elections slated for March next year. Among the requirements political parties must have between 300 and 320 nominators countrywide as well as between 150 and 175 in each region to be eligible to contest the elections. The briefing session of some 19 political parties was held on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Convention Center. Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, was among the officials who
met with representatives of the 19 political parties contesting the 2020 General and Regional Elections, to brief them on, among other things, the statutory requirements that pertains to the their participation of the next regional and general elections. GECOM had announced that 19 parties would have submitted their symbols for approval, 14 of which are new parties. The parties to contest include: A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Federal United Party (FedUp), the Citizenship Initiative (Continued on page 62)
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Oil companies fuel years of Civil War in South Sudan … 400,000 estimated deaths, widespread famine, and sexual violence How far would international oil companies go to make sure they secure the billions of dollars their shareholders are cashing in for? The people of the world’s youngest country, the Republic of South Sudan, know all too well. The East African nation has been in a state of civil war for six years; a deadly power struggle that the United Nations Human Rights Council says is fueled by oil money. Started in 2013 by a political struggle between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and former Vice President Riek Machar, the war has forced the South Sudanese people to endure many violent clashes between the army factions. One report from The New York Times places the estimated deaths of the 11 million-person population at nearly 400,000, with more 1.75 million people being displaced, and hundreds of thousands becoming refugees. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said in a statement earlier this year that it is outraged by reports of thousands of civilians
Members of a South Sudanese militia
Location of South Sudan in Africa
forcibly displaced, following a scorched earth policy in which the parties to the conflict are attacking villages, torching homes, killing civilians, raping women and girls, and leaving many in a state of famine. With some of the largest reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Sudan’s economy is practically entirely funded by oil extraction – so the warring sides have virtually nowhere else to turn if they want to substantially sustain their efforts. Faced by the pressure to remove themselves from complicity with war and other crimes, some oil companies
pulled out of the young African country, with most of the country’s rigs being shut down or destroyed during the war. Few have doubled down on their operations and partnerships with the stateowned Nilepet. The UN stated that South Sudan National Security Services have expanded their involvement in the oil s e c t o r, t a k i n g o v e r t h e state owned Nile Petroleum O i l Company (Nilepet), whose operations have been characterised by a lack of transparency and independent oversight. The UN stated with certainty that the company
has diverted money, which should be shared with the country’s states into the coffers of the elites in government. In addition to indirectly funding the war through their operations in South Sudan, actor and activist, George Clooney, who is at the helm of a watchdog group called Sentry, said that the oil companies are “proactively participating in the destruction”. The watchdog has made damning findings about oil companies’ involvement in the civil war. Released in September, the report states that Dar Petroleum, a consortium of oil companies,
provides direct support to deadly militias. The consortium also “has paid for government officials to live lavishly while the rest of the population suffers the consequences of a brutal civil war that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives,” Clooney said. Dar Petroleum refused to respond to the report, and South Sudan’s Oil Minister called the report a misunderstanding of the oil companies’ operations in the country, appearing to cast the oil companies as neutral bystanders. The people of the Republic of South Sudan
have been forced to endure six years of civil war between their Government and the Opposition movement that controls large swathes of the country’s land. Presently, the sides have called for and agreed to yet another ceasefire, in an attempt to form a unity government for the country. But a postponement of their deadline for the formation of the unity government and still increasing tension worries the international community that this ceasefire may not last. Throughout all the turmoil, oil companies continue to pump oil.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Venezuelan family shares bittersweet experience - Child touches hearts of with Guyanese hospitality neighbours and classmates “I was annoyed that they called me a white rabbit, so I went and told teacher. Teacher called them and gave them lashes --bloom, bloom. I felt bad that they were beaten because of me. My eyes were filled with tears and I quickly apologised to my classmates. “I told them you can call me anything you want; I won't get angry and never will I tell teacher again. From that they day on treated me as one of their own. And when others would ask about the Spanish girl in their class they would say. She is sweet and kind; we love her. She is our sister”. This is the story of 12year-old Katherene Gonzales DeCosta, a student at the Campbellville Secondary School and a Venezuelan migrant who escaped her country's economic crisis along with her extended family. The family, who hails from the tropical city of Puerto La Cruz, includes 10 adults, five babies and two
adolescents. Kim Gonzales, Katherene's mother, said that they arrived in Georgetown one year ago looking for work. Upon arrival, they were assisted by an aunt who resides in Georgetown. They found a house to rent, lot 107 CQ Campbell Avenue for $50,000. During the negotiation of the rent, Kim said the landlord was nice, but then gave stern warning that scared her. The landlord told Kim, “If you fail to pay the rent, I will add arrears and if you s t i l l d o n ' t p a y … We Guyanese is bad people. We would beat yuh, call the police and lock yuh up”. Upon hearing this, the rest of the family went “job hunting” while Kim stayed at home to look after the children. Kim recounted that she did not have a stove to cook. Being accustomed to her Venezuelan way of life, she visited one of her neighbours and asked if she could be allowed to use their kitchen
Katherene and her best friend Miss Joyce
to cook for the children. But the neighbour responded rudely and said
Katherene with her mother and siblings
that they don't allow people to come in our house just like that. Shocked at the
response, she apologised and explained that her husband went to purchase a stove but
would arrive late. The neighbour (continued on page 62)
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Poonam Singh
Sunday December 22, 2019
Meet the beautiful Miss Poonam Singh. This Georgetown belle enjoys exploring the wonders of life, great food and of course music. Her philosophy is to always have a backup plan. Her photograph was taken by the incredibly talented Saajid Husani.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Former G/T Mayor and astute businesswoman,
Dr. Mavis Benn, By Feona Morrison
T
he fearless sacrifices by women are often o v e r l o o k e d . Wo m e n participate in every industry a n d t h e i r e ff o r t s a n d ideologies have helped shaped the world. They have supported and helped other women to follow their dreams. They have withstood the test of times and their legacies will live on to inspire others for generations to come. Dr. Mavis Benn, the first executive Mayor of the city of Georgetown and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zoywins Consultancy and Training Centre, is a muse to those who aspire to lead successful lives. CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY BACKGROUND A couple of decades ago, a bouncing baby girl came into the world. Her parents, a housewife and rice famer named her Mavis. Although she was born at Ayr Village in Berbice, Mavis Benn grew up in another village in the county, Seafield, where she shared an unbreakable bond with her siblings. She likes to describe herself as a “convicted Berbician.” Due to the economic circumstances in those days, around the age of six, she parted ways with Berbice, moving with her father to Georgetown where she attended the then Christ Church Anglican School.
Our 'Special Person' Dr. Mavis Benn
is a 'Special Person'
According to her, “In those days things were really rough. But despite the circumstances both my parents wanted us (their children) to be educated.” She would later move back to the ancient county before permanently leaving at around age 15, with her older sister. Sometime after that she moved to Georgetown and from thereon her teaching career started. She has since moulded scores of minds at the Hope Primary School, Augsburg Primary School in Burma and the Kitty Methodist School. Dr. Benn is happily married to the love of her life Ronald Benn. The couple tied the knot in 1974, and together they share wonderful children, Zoywin, Ronald Jr and Abiola. One might ask what is the secret to a long, healthy marriage. For Dr. Benn, it requires more than simply love and physical attraction. According to her, it requires communication and trust, and once these two traits are not there, a marriage is bound to fail. She describes her husband as her lover, father, and best friend. MAYORSHIP Dr. Benn joined the political arena in 1981 when she was appointed Mayor of
Georgetown. To this date, she is the only executive Mayor of Georgetown who served on a full time basis. As Mayor of the Garden City, she ensured that the concerns of citizens were addressed. And with her humble personality, she accomplished quite a lot during her four-year tenure. But of the numerous accomplishments, Dr. Benn admitted that she is most proud of helping to take several prostitutes off the streets. The story on how she did this is remarkable. One day, Dr. Benn visited a depressed community to visit a building which had been deemed condemned by city officials. Despite the state of the building, some women occupied them. These women, according to Dr. Benn, worked on the streets at nights selling their bodies to earn a dollar. Saddened by their situation, Dr. Benn said she knew she was in a position to render assistance. In fact, she offered them a job in the cleansing department of the municipality. She was able to persuade them to give up their trade and add value and respect to themselves. What is even more amazing about their change in lifestyle Dr. Benn says, is that their children
Being conferred with an honorary doctorate from the United Graduate College and Seminary. The conferral was done at the UN office in NY where she was also awarded a World Civility Award and has been appointed a Civility Ambassador
have gone on to become prominent citizens in society. She added, “I want to emphasize that this is one o f m y g r e a t e s t accomplishments.” Also during her term, Dr. Benn led the first major staff conference of the municipality in 1981. The event was addressed by former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, outstanding lawyer Sir Lionel Luckhoo, and other dignitaries. At the conference, Dr. Benn gave the Key to the City of Georgetown to the late Jomo Kenyatta, a Kenyan anticolonial activist and politician who governed Kenya as its Prime Minister from 1963 to 1964 and then as its first President from 1964 to his death in 1978; Vidya Zarako Vitch of Yugoslavia, the Prime Minister of Belize and several other officials. As Mayor, Dr. Benn ensured that the daycare system in the city was expanded and developed and even brought in an expert from Ottawa, Canada, to assist in that regard. Although she demitted office many moons ago, Dr. Benn would like to see Georgetown return to the Garden City it once was. In this regard, she has committed to lending her
expertise to the city's current Mayor and council. According to her, she also wants to see entertainment for senior citizens return, like taking soothing steel pan music to the seawalls. Currently, Dr. Benn is the Deputy Chairman of the Public Service Commission on which she also sits as a member. ASTUTE BUSINESSWOMAN Dr. Benn sits at the helm of her own business, Zoywins Consultancy and Training Institute, which was named after her
daughter and established in 1992. Its principle purpose is to train and re-train persons in the workplace, in the field, in places of learning at all levels, in order to prepare them to participate fully in individual development and in that of the larger society. Located at 47 Brickdam and Austin Place, Georgetown, the company has been waging the battle to revive standards at all levels at home, in the workplace and in the global community. In this regard, the company also has branches in New York and Canada and has (continued on page 56)
Here Dr. Benn (right) is accompanied by the Mayor of Ottawa
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
THE CHRISTIAN PARTY N
ot many of the analyses of the Donald Trump presidency have focused on the support he obtained from the Christian right. But Donald Trump is pro-life and is moving to ensure that the Supreme Court of the United States will be dominated by pro-life judges. It is for this reason that he enjoys substantial support within the Christian community. The Christian right has ignored Trump's personal indiscretions, including his acerbic tongue and the accusations which have been leveled against him over adultery and inappropriate comments about women. Even in the recent impeachment proceedings, the Christian community did not rally for his removal. The Christian right in the USA is prepared to look the other way so long as they have someone in power who will help push their agenda. This is why the Christian right is so indifferent to Trumps faults. In Brazil, the Christian right supports President Bolsonaro. And they too, if confronted with the same
problem, will look the other way. They certainly looked the other way in relation to his environmental policies. The Christian right is keen on having candidates who support them because they are facing a reversal throughout Europe and North America. Same-sex marriages are legal in more than 30 countries around the world. Abortion is permissible to save the life of the mother in most countries and elective abortion is legal in more than sixty countries, including Guyana. The Christian right is concerned about the growing acceptance of consensual sex between persons of the same-sex. And they are afraid that increasingly this practice will spread across the world. And so they have devised a strategy to ensure that state power is in the hands of candidates who will reverse the legality of abortions, same-sex m a r r i a g e s a n d homosexuality. It therefore should not surprise anyone that where such candidates do not exist, the Christian right will create their own candidate and even
their own political party to ensure the success of their moral agenda. A Christian party has been formed in Guyana. Some persons have expressed surprise at this development. It shows that they do not understand contemporary trends in the Christian right. The legalisation of abortion has inflamed the passions of the Christian right. The establishment of a strong Lesbian, Gay, BiSexual and Transgender (LGBT) community is creating deep concerns with the Christian right in Guyana. And to counter these developments, a Christian party has been formed push for the retention or return of conservative moral values. A number of local pastors launched a Christian party – the People's Republic Party – on 1st December 2019. They pledged to lead the country away from the path of corruption. The party announced plans for job creation, economic diversification and mending rather than ending the sugar industry. However, the party
would preserve the definition of marriage as a legal union between a man and woman. In other words, it is opposed to same-sex marriages. According to a report in the Stabroek News, the party said it would not recognize gender fluidity – this an euphemism for derecognizing LGBT rights. No study has been done to determine how many Christians are opposed to same-sex marriages, LGBT rights, abortion and homosexuality. But it is believed that the majority do. And this is where the paradox arises. You would expect that given what is believed to be the widespread opposition, within the Christian community, to abortion, same-sex marriages and the legalisation of h o m o s e x u a l i t y, t h a t a Christian party would sweep the Christian vote in Guyana.
Not at all! In as much as the majority of Guyanese Christians are believed to be opposed to these things, they are more likely to withhold their vote for a Christian party in favour of either APNU+AFC or the PPPC. (The views expressed in
this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 22, 2019
CARICOM finds its winning voice By Sir Ronald Sanders
I
t is a valid criticism of the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM) countries that they have more often failed than succeeded in coordinating their foreign policy actions. This tendency has been displayed in the Organisation of American States (OAS) over the last three years, causing celebration among those countries that fear the voting power of the 14 CARICOM states when they act together. The belief that CARICOM states are divided has become so entrenched in the minds of other countries that one of their representatives maliciously told many delegations that Jamaica would sabotage a CARICOM resolution when it was presented for a vote at the body's Permanent
Council on December 18. There was no truth whatsoever in the claim about Jamaica. The allegation was made to create doubt in the solidarity of CARICOM behind its own resolution. But, the entertainment of the rumour by other countries is evidence of the belief that CARICOM is not a collective force. On December 18, however, 13 of the 14 CARICOM countries spoke with one voice in presenting a resolution on the disturbing human rights situation in Bolivia, particularly violence against, and disregard for, the indigenous people following the installation of a non-elected government on November 12. Haiti was absent from the meeting. S i g n i f i c a n t l y, t h e CARICOM 13 consulted widely with other OAS member states, seeking
broad consensus and accepting amendments to its draft from several countries that proclaim human rights as a major plank of their foreign policies. However, the Brazilian Ambassador to the OAS, in a most unfortunate statement during the Permanent Council meeting, accused the 13 Caribbean countries, and the five nations that supported the resolution, of not being “genuinely concerned with advancing and protecting the human rights of indigenous peoples in Bolivia”. The Ambassador went on to boldly state, with not a shred of evidence to support his discourteous remark, that the Caribbean-proposed resolution, “will only serve to endorse the false arguments of certain malicious Bolivian political actors that there are racist components in the process that culminated in the
departure of the previous government”. What made the Ambassador think that he had the right to make such an offensive and false statement is inexplicable. But it falls into a pattern of derisory statements he has made in OAS Permanent Council meetings, about CARICOM countries, that harm the positive and constructive relationship that has always existed between Brazil and CARICOM countries. Research would have shown any who were ignorant of the facts that CARICOM Heads of Government have been in the forefront for reparatory justice, not only for African slavery, but also for genocide of the indigenous people and the centuries of discrimination against their survivors. Indeed, it is an article of faith among CARICOM governments that all acts of discrimination and violation of the human rights of indigenous people, including violence and arbitrary imprisonment, must end. That is why in the wake of credible reports, including by the global media, of serious violations of the human rights of the indigenous people in Bolivia, following the forced departure of President Evo Morales, and the installation of a new regime, 13 CARICOM countries produced a resolution for adoption by the OAS.
In the drafting of the resolution, the CARICOM 13 were further disturbed by the findings of the InterA m e r i c a n Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) after a visit to Bolivia. On December 10, the IACHR published a report expressing deep concerns about the human rights situation, including violence in racist and discriminatory ways. It also pointed to a wave of violence, and to serious allegations that were made of human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions and arrests, massacres and murder, wounding of the civilian population, criminalization and persecution of political opponents, and violations of freedom of expression. The CARICOM 13 were supported by the governments of Argentina, Panama, Uruguay, Mexico and Nicaragua. Contrary to the view of the Brazilian Ambassador, with whom neither CARICOM governments n o r C A R I C O M Ambassadors sought any fight, the motivation of CARICOM countries was fully in keeping with the often-declared position on CARICOM leaders on the protection of the rights of indigenous people. Far from being politically one-sided, the resolution never mentioned the political turbulence in
Sir Ronald Sanders Bolivia, nor did it take any side in the internal political wrangling. It was scrupulous in recalling both United Nations and OAS Conventions that assert the right of “indigenous peoples to the full enjoyment, as a collective or as individuals, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Human Rights Law”. The resolution also repeated the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which, in Article XII, states that “Indigenous people have the right not to be the object of r a c i s m , r a c i a l discrimination, xenophobia, or related intolerance. States shall adopt the preventive and corrective measures necessary for the full and effective protection of that right”. And, it urged the authorities of Bolivia “to respect, comply with, and effectively implement, all their obligations under (continued on page 49)
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Whither Power Sharing in Guyana? As we prepare for another election. There has been a lot of talk about constitutional reform. But there has hardly been any mention of the most important obstacle to national cohesion in Guyana — the inability of our major political parties to arrive at a consensus on the way forward. I mention constitutional reform and national cohesion together because, in one sense, they are related; but, in another sense, the latter is a constant challenge that does not have to wait on the former. In fact, if there is some progress on national cohesion, it could propel constitutional reform, largely because such reform would invariably require consensus on the part of the two political factions. It should, by now, be clear to us that while multiple factors can explain Guyana’s socio-economic and political difficulties over the last five and a half decades of independence, the one that is most overpowering is the seemingly chronic ethno-political divide. Our political leaderships from the 1950s to the present have been incapable of mustering the courage and the will to do what their counterparts in similar situations managed to do.
In recent times, leaders in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, when faced with difficult situations, were able to rise above their narrow politics and reach for a political solution in the form of political power-sharing, if only temporarily. At some point, we in Guyana would have to face the fact that the greatness we confer on our two major political founder-leaders is severely diminished by the inability to find a workable solution to the most pressing challenge of their time. I still believe that one of the most compelling factors that influenced the rise to office of the present Government was the very fact that it is a partnership. Despite the mass instinct for tribal politics among Guyanese, there resides a simultaneous instinct for political jointness. The dialectics of unity and disunity are a fact of seriously fractured societies, I make bold to argue. It is whether the leaderships they throw up are enlightened enough to seize moments of hope and turn them into possibilities for reconciliation, consensus and national cohesion. The Coalition gave hope to half of the population that the long night of ethno-political despair and disrepair
could turn into a bright morning in which all Guyanese could be secure. From APNU to the APNU+AFC coalition, the leaders showed that compromise and courage could lead to adequate, though not perfect, outcomes. But the breakthrough of the partnership has been quickly followed by the hardening of ethno-political instincts, as shown by the results of the two Local Government elections since 2015. It is the continuing paradox that our leaderships, activists and scholars seem so incapable of working through. Many of us take the easiest way out by denying that a problem exists, and by sheltering under the customary empty rhetoric of oneness. The President has on more than one occasion held out the olive branch to the PPP about becoming part of a broader partnership in Government, but the PPP promptly declined. Therein lies part of the challenge. History repeats itself. In 1961, the PPP rejected calls for joint premiership, only to call for it when it saw power slipping away in 196364. It would renew the call in 1977 when the doors to power were being undemocratically shut. By then the holders of power were not interested.
The Baccoo Speaks The madness that comes with the season is not yet over. In the few days left, the nation would be shocked at what would transpire. Another fire would break out in a home because of carelessness. There would be an electrical problem that occurs every so often when lights are attached to existing fixtures. **
A near drowning would occur in one of the small waterways when a child would attempt to swim with friends.
Fortunately, a passerby would spot the child in disaster and jump to its rescue. ** Another motorcycle gang would target a businessman who would go to make purchases in the city. The crowded streets would aid in their escape. But not for long because of the communication between the police ranks.
Similarly, the PNC would move to power-sharing in 1985 when its undemocratic hold on power became unsustainable. Then the PNC would wait until the PPP had entrenched the most obscene Government in our history, before it came out for power sharing in 2002. By then it was too late; the other side had become politically mad. If that history tells us anything, it is that the PPP will have to lose another two elections before it reaches for power-sharing again.Why have four generations of leaders found it so difficult to move beyond the narrow confines of one-party governance? As I have argued before, I think part of it has to do with the fact that that form of governance is all we know— socialisation is a powerful phenomenon. The other factor at play, I think, is political selfishness, both at the level of the individual and at the level of the party—in many respects the two are intercon-
nected. For most of our politicians, politics are about personal gratification—material and otherwise. So, for many of them, power sharing in a National Government amounts to less cabinet and parliamentary seats to share to the party faithful and less perks and positions with which to entice loyalty. To really and truly embrace the idea and practice of a National Government, we must have leaders whose commitment to country goes beyond flag, anthem and other related symbols. The leaders must care deeply about our ethnic divide— ethnicity must be seen as much more than votes and routes to power. Commitment to a National government must be both philosophical and practical. Leaders must be practical about the limitations of an ethnically divided country, while simultaneously dream and imagine something superior to what is.
Dr David Hinds Guyana is a work in progress as far as a joint Guyanese nationalism is concerned, but we must have leaders with the courage to lead the way and hold themselves up as examples of what that nationalism could be. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
A crow, a skeleton, an empty camp By Michael Jordan On Saturday, February 9, 2019, a miner went to a camp at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, to ask the owner about a component for his dredge. The camp belonged to Philbert Fraser. Also known as “Rasta Royo,” the 60-yearold dredge owner from Bartica had virtually “cut his teeth” in the gold bush. But the visitor found the camp eerily empty. As the puzzled man stood in the camp, he was startled by a carrion crow that flew out of the nearby bushes. Further unsettled by the presence of the vulture, the visitor began to scour the area. What he eventually found caused him to contact the police. Just outside the camp was the skeleton of a man. The remnants of the victim s clothes were among the remains. The victim had sported dreadlocks, just as the camp owner, Rasta Royo had. Police were certain that
Philbert Fraser
the victim was Philbert Fraser, since the dredge owner had not turned up, and neither had
his crew. It would take some nine months before DNA samples,
taken from the bones and from Frasers close relatives, would confirm that the dead man was indeed Fraser. And while a pathologist was unable to determine how Fraser had met his demise, investigators were certain that his death had been anything but natural. But who had murdered him? According to reports, Fraser had closed camp in December 2018 and headed home. In January 2019, Fraser was reportedly short of workers, and hired three new crewmen. It is alleged that at least two of the men, reportedly known only by their aliases, had stayed at the dredge owners home. According to an individual close to the dredge owner, “Rasta Royo,” had observed that one of his crew members always appeared to be apprehensive when policemen were nearby. The dredge owner had concluded that this crew member was dodging the law. It is alleged that on Wednesday, January 16, 2019,
Philbert Fraser and two of his workers headed from Bartica to his Arimu Backdam camp. He reportedly hired another worker near his site. That was the last time that relatives heard from him. According to one source, evidence in Fraser s camp suggests that he was slain shortly after the crew had finished a round of prospecting. This appeared to suggest that his killers had made off with whatever gold that the crew had found. But the police, and some individuals close to the victim, believe that robbery was not the primary motive. Police say that Fraser had been charged in connection with an altercation, in which another miner was injured. He is said to have had disputes with other individuals, including one former employee.
Police have indicated that they have stepped up the hunt for Frasers killers. The prime suspects appear to be some of the men that he had hired, and who have apparently gone into hiding. And while “the bush” is a vast place of closely guarded secrets, investigators hope to find them soon. If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 592-225-8465, 592-2258473 and 592-225-8458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address kamarangnight @gmail.com.
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Oil money cannot buy commonsense and competence
L
et’s pick a date at random – a week night in the third week of August. That is not a holiday on the Guyanese calendar. Schools are always closed at that time. Since it is during the week, people have to work the next day, so unlike a Friday evening, traffic will not be nightmarish. Juxtapose that day in the week with four days before Christmas. If you have 10, 000 cars competing with each other to cross without working traffic lights in an ordinary night in late August, the volume of cars four days before Christmas in the year 2019 will be five times more, that is, 50,000. It has to be the most incomprehensibly senseless government on Planet Earth to have failed traffic lights at some of the busiest intersections four days before Christmas. It has to be an incredibly useless government not to concentrate on seeing that these frightening junctions have working signals at this time of the year. Come on man, this is commonsense. On Friday evening the signals were not working at Sheriff Street and the Railway Embankment, and UG Road and the Railway Embankment. Come on man, it is commonsense to know that with MovieTowne and Giftland Mall, there is going to be heavy traffic around these junctions at this time of the year. What I saw at these two intersections on Friday night was simply terrifying. No nation should treat its people like this. No one should allow their government to reduce
them to savages. What I saw at those two junctions without the traffic signals was virtually nightmarish. What I saw last Friday must be top of the agenda on the mind of every voter. I was literally afraid to drive across the Railway Embankment from the southern part of UG Road to the northern section. I was really frozen and drivers behind me were insanely blowing their horns on me, but I was afraid of being hit because no one was willing to be civilised. That was only half of my nightmare. I didn’t know the signals at Sheriff Street and the Embankment had stopped working. It was when I approached the junction, I saw the madness. The only choice was to make a left, that is, a southern turn into Sheriff Street from the Embankment. I was going over to David Street, but crossing over was literally impossible. Come on man, this cannot be happening four days before Christmas Imagine a 22-year-old student studying abroad in Europe or Canada or the US, returned home and was in the car with her mom at the wheel and got caught in that concrete jungle, and witnessed her mother panicking to manoeuvre through that madness. When she graduates, she is not coming back to Guyana. I ask in all sincerity: how can any set of rulers be so idiotic not to monitor the traffic signals at this time of the year? Come on man, not four days before Christmas. The talk is non-stop that money will be pouring in from
oil, but oil wealth cannot buy commonsense and competence. There are leaders in this country that lack commonsense to know that with the deluge of vehicles in Guyana there is going to be a huge number of vehicles on the roadways at this time of the year. Come on man, this is commonsense. These leaders have to know that their technicians have to be monitoring the situation during this time of the year. What is even sadder is that people accept this morbid incompetence from their
leaders. When I opposed the PPP and I saw the non-functioning traffic signals all over Georgetown, I knew we had to change the PPP. I say in all sincerity, I could never have imagined that after we voted out the incompetent PPP, we would enter a period of infrastructural stagnation. I say in all sincerity I would never have imagined the kind of incompetence we saw at the Ministry of Public Works under the PPP, we would see continue under this government. No one could have convinced me that the traffic signal nonsense Guyanese en-
dured under the PPP would be ubiquitous under this government. What went wrong? I told Mark Benschop in a radio interview that the City Engineer’s office was a better, functioning unit under the PPP with Carol Sooba than Royston King. Look what the Commission of Inquiry discovered. And that is under the current government. I travel all over Georgetown and the ugliness of overgrown bushes and ubiquitous garbage heaps are identical with the scenes under the incompetent PPP. Really, what happened after 2015?
Frederick Kissoon (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
The Coalition is preparing Guyanese for a smooth transition to a wealthy state This coalition government came to power on a simple promise - to deliver a good life for all Guyanese, a simple promise that every citizen should have the opportunity to be the best s/he can be, ensuring job security, access to quality public services, and real social cohesion. The country we inherited in 2015 was headed backwards. During their 23 years as the government, the PPP displayed an appalling level of dishonesty and incompetence. We saw violent crime increase, public infrastructure crumble, and education standards plummet down to the lowest it has ever been. Guyana fell from our high position among our Caribbean sister countries, and our citizens were no longer sought out because they were highly educated. We did not create this mess that Guyana finds itself in, but we will take on the responsibility for fixing it and building a secure society. We
have begun this long and arduous task that is going to take years before Guyana could be deemed a Developed Country with citizens having a guaranteed future. Our newfound wealth from Oil is going play a major role in getting us there, and APNU+AFC pledges to every Guyanese to do everything humanly possible to avoid all curses and wastage of any resource which are yours by all rights! In four (4) years we have made some significant steps towards this goal as follows: · Installation of 1,500 free computers in 172 Community ICT Hubs across the country · From the President 5 Bs Initiative (1,400 bikes, 29 buses and 10 boats) to get rural children to school, East Bank Berbice families have been able to save approx. $72,000 per day or $1.4M a year · 15,000 jobs created by GO-Invest programmes · 220 investment agree-
ments signed in Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing, ICT, Energy and Mining, totaling G$250B · Small Business Bureau supported over 200 businesses, created 535 jobs · Launch of a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure oil benefits all Guyanese · Economic growth is at an all-time high - 4.1% 2018 w/ projected 4.8% 2019 Crime Fighting · Serious crimes (reported) fallen by 30% from 2014 · Piracy controlled, fisherfolk safer · Emergency Response System expanded to an additional 52 stations · Increase in narcotics confiscations - over 800 kg cocaine, 65,000 kg cannabis, 1,900 kg heroin seized in 2017 and 2018 · Guyana s ranking on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index rose from 119 to 93 since 2015 Infrastructure
· Access to electricity risen by 4% since 2014, new power plants in Anna Regina, Bartica and Canefield · Main coastal highways expanded and upgraded to ease traffic congestion (More than $10B invested to ease traffic congestion · Hinterland roads rebuilt · Over 4,000 new house lots provided · Installation of 21,700 LED streetlights across Guyana Telecommunications -One Laptop per Teacher Programme launched in October 2016 (8,060) National Broadband project: Began in 2018 to upgrade the eGovernment Network, to upgrade level of services in education, health, security, government administration, business, citizenship, immigration, etc. Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) closed for complete rehabilitation in Dec. 2016 June 2018Re-paving and repainting interior and external walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows,re-surfacing parking lots and driveways, water and power supply conduits, new electronic systems & Installation of modernized meeting rooms -
Successfully hosted 105 events YTD +15 to December 31, 2019Consolidated and operationalised ICT infrastructures along Coastal Guyana and interior regions incl. LethemNational Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NCIRT) established under the NDMANetwork expanded to hinterland communitiesNew 10G bps fibre optic ring built around GeorgetownOver 154 engineers and technicians) trained to manage and maintain new & existing infrastructure -199 eForms developed for the online applications for public servicesSocial Assistance Information (Pension Payment)System UpgradedGuyana Visa and Work Permit applications onlineNew online portal for Citizen feedback and incident reporting to be launched Q1 2020 -Upgrade and modernization of management software for national grade assessment Cyber Security -Establishment of a Cyber Security technical working group Acquired Security Incident
and Event Management (SIEM) tools to collect, analyse, and correlate logs from our Unified Threat Management system to provide greater visibility and security alert information. Ministries and agencies connected to the network are alerted of any observed issues. Centre of Excellence in IT- Centre of Excellence in IT (CEIT) commissioned June 2019 under bilateral agreement between Governments of Guyana and India..73 students enrolled for Certificate Course in Network Security, 29 for Certificate Course in Linux System Administration: 15 persons; Certificate Course in Data Communication and Networking51 students enrolled for Advance Web Technologies & Information Technology The Alliance for Change wishes every single Guyanese a very Merry Christmas. With your support in March 2020, we are guaranteed a prosperous New Year. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
Christmas is here and I love it
I
n another few days it would be Christmas, that time of the year when Guyanese try to forget all their woes and set about enjoying everything. People are cleaning their homes as if there was no cleaning all year. Perhaps it is the tradition, because all my life this has been the case. People may not wipe the walls of their homes all year; they may change a few curtains, but they were never in a hurry to put up new blinds and curtains. This happens at this time of the year. As a boy I remember scraping the chairs and tables in the home to prepare for a new coat of varnish. That is why to this day I associate the smell of fresh paint and varnish with Christmas. This is the time when people eat what they do not all year round. Garlic pork becomes a special dish as do the ham and the pepper pot. I make pepper pot at any time, because it is one dish that I love. But this year I got caught doing every other thing associated with work that I almost left myself undone. There are the meats, but the preparation is something else. I suppose I managed to escape the throngs in the city, but because I have to move about I could not escape the traffic. There are more cars
than roads, although there are motorists who are doing their best to reduce the numbers. I would expect that some drivers would be ultra-cautious but then again, there is money to be made. So the minibuses and taxis are in a hurry. I have seen them try to force their way into traffic heading across their front. More often than not it is a game of ‘chicken’ and the other driver often yields. It is surprising that there are not many reports of road rage, since everyone seems in a hurry to get to their destination. But there have been a few fender benders, because not everyone is prepared to be courteous. In spite of this people still leave their homes to take in the scenes. And here I am talking about the ordinary man and woman who would have collected the pay increase announced by the government a few weeks ago. I went to Republic Bank to do a transaction on Friday and while the situation is not as chaotic as it was a few weeks ago, it is still frustrating. The length of time it takes to complete a transaction is the source of the frustration. There seems to be adequate teller booths, but on Friday many of these were unmanned. I would have thought that given the criticisms of a few weeks ago and the promise to have the situation normalised
the bank would have ensured that the customers would have been treated with some alacrity. But then again, old habits die hard. As soon as lunchtime approaches the tellers would simply disappear. I stood in the line which was outside the bank, because inside was full for about an hour. I know that come January things would be easy, because people would have spent all their money. But away from the confusion is the beautiful sight of decorated homes. These days, people decorate outside the home. A few would still string lights inside. I saw the trucks and vans leaving the various department stores taking brand new furniture to various destinations. Why do people wait until Christmas to shop for new furniture? Again, it may be the tradition. The best part of the season is enjoyed on the radio. There are the Christmas songs. Years ago there were Carols. That was the carry-over from the English. Today we have the Caribbean or West Indian music that adds so much life to the occasion. In the same way that the foreign songs dominated our airwaves, I wonder if our music is making its way into the foreign market. We were in-
doctrinated to the extent that many of us who only saw snow on the television have Christmas trees with artificial snow. There are those who have winged out to the cold climes to enjoy the Christmas. They want to make a reality of the Bing Crosby tune ‘White Christmas’. They want to see snow. For the love of me I cannot see who would want to go where the place is bitterly cold and where people are reluctant to step outside unless they have a very good reason to do so. But we are who we are and we were trained by the foreign to be the local foreigners. Many years ago, when I was at University, a lecturer said that we were never trained to work in our own country. Something about the teaching made us want to go overseas. That is why more than ninety per cent of my schoolmates reside overseas. We were supposed to replace the colonial master, but to maintain all his traditions. We were made to believe that we have to wear coat and ties in this hot weather if we are
to appear dressed. But one thing that the colonial master failed to teach us is that when we say goodnight we are saying goodbye for the night. But I go to cocktail receptions and people enter and greet the host with ‘goodnight.’ A British High Commissioner once said to me that the first time this happened at one of the receptions he hosted, he was shocked. He thought instinctively that the person who had just come was saying that he was leaving. We have managed to rid ourselves of the tradition of buying guns for our sons and white dolls for our daughters. Necessity made us abandon the idea of buying toy guns. Our young men do not hesitate to buy real guns which they use often. And each year the police would retrieve some of these illegal weapons. This year the figure must have exceeded one hundred. We have foregone the tradition of buying books as gifts. Our children do not read as much as they should. We have adopted the term New Year’s Eve instead of Old
Adam Harris Year’s night. We are still being indoctrinated. We have summer classes and summer sales. We have Halloween and even Thanksgiving. I shudder to think that we would be like those in North America where Thanksgiving is the biggest holiday at the expense of Christmas. We now have turkey, something that I hate; and we continue to have grapes and apples ahead of our local fruits. We still have rum which is consumed more than whisky and for that I am grateful. And now we have oil. Christmas is here and I love it. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
Education for development (Excerpts from an Address by HE David Granger to the Graduating Class of 2019 of the Cyril Potter College of Education) Guyana will be unrecognizable twenty years from now. A ‘new nation’ will emerge within the next two decades. The ‘new nation’ will be driven by four, concurrent transformative processes. The first transformative process will be the emergence of an ‘education nation’, characterised by every child being in school, every child graduating from secondary school and the country having a more highly educated workforce. The second will involve the transition towards becoming a ‘green state’ that will emphasize the preservation and protection of the environment and the graduation towards greater value-added production. The third will be the development of a ‘digital state’ which will connect every region, village, community, neighbourhood, government agency and household, gen-
erate ICT services and make public services more accessible. The fourth process will be the beginning of petroleum production; this will result in faster economic growth, greater employment and economic opportunities and increased fiscal revenues. The ‘new nation’ will require profound changes in education in which: “ every citizen will have access to the quality and inclusive education in schools equipped with smart classrooms, science and information communications technology(ICT) laboratories and qualified teachers and in which the disabled, elderly and indigent will be provided with support to allow them to live in greater dignity; “ every household, neighbourhood, community, region, school and government agency will be connected via ICT; every citizen will have a computer in every home, a roof over his or her head and sufficient food; “every neighbourhood will be safe and equipped with
street lights, playgrounds and parks for children’s recreation; “ every young person have the opportunity for employment and for developing his or her athletic and artistic ability; and every woman will be empowered and enjoy equal opportunities; and “every region will have its own capital town, regional hospital, college campus, stadium and botanical and zoological park; a network of aerodromes, bridges and highways will connect the coastland to the hinterland, making it possible to drive from Crabwood Creek in the Corentyne to Sand Creek in the Rupununi. Teachers will be expected to become the engine to drive the ‘education nation’. They will propel economic transformation. They will nurture present and future generations and equip them with the skills needed for transformational change. Teachers are the sinews of the country’s education system. Teachers hold the key to
realizing a world-class education system in which every child will have the opportunity to be educated at four levels – nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary – at State expense. Science education is at the centre of the transformative changes which are taking place. Science is: “the driving force behind the expansion of communications and the development of the ‘digital state’; “the heart of the exploration and exploitation of our natural resources; and “the pivot to preserving the environment and protecting our biodiversity. Science education is essential to the success of economic transformation. It is necessary to equip our students with the skills needed to be integrated into the evolving workforce. The country will need an A to Z of scientists for economic transformation – agronomists, architects, biologists, botanists, chemists, doctors, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, physicists and zoologists and others – to help establish science-based industries, develop the ‘green state’ and propel the ‘digital state’. Teachers are expected to lay the educational foundation of those who will become, eventually, the scientists to enhance our knowledge and expedite our development. Teacher-training is vital to fulfilling this national mandate. Guyana is investing in teacher- training to ensure that its students benefit from the best tuition. Teacher-training cannot be occasional or sporadic; it must be a career-long experience. Teachers must pursue their professional development by upgrading, continuously, their skills, by acquiring new knowledge and by becoming proficient in new pedagogies and technologies. Teachers who are untrained will have no place in the future education system. We live in a multicultural country. Each cultural group has its own customs, festivals, food, holy days and traditions. Each of our indigenous peoples – Akawaio, Arawak, Arekuna, Carib, Macushi, Patamona, Wai Wai, Wapishana and Warrau – has its own language. Education and culture are connected, inextricably. Education prepares people to live in, and adapt to, society; it preserves and transmits cultural knowledge, skills and
values and propagates cultural beliefs, customs and values. Education is a means of preserving and propagating the elements of culture consisting of its material aspects – artefacts, dress, food and its non-material aspects such as its beliefs, language and values. It is a medium through which people who live in multicultural settings could learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity. The public education system respects cultural diversity. It should make provision for respecting the country’s varied cultural practices. Teaching in Yakusari in Berbice cannot be the same as teaching in Yupukari in the Rupununi. Learners are not all the same yet, curricula tend to be the same, textbooks tend to be the same and examinations tend to be the same. A fourth-form learner from the hinterland said, famously: Teach me about mining, or teach me about farming…I am going to be a miner and a farmer, like my father. I do not care about finding the square root of 28.” Teacher-education, therefore, should become inclusive and responsive to cater for the country’s cultural diversity. It has to be aligned to the labour needs of the population. It has to foster respect for diversity and, thereby, help promote greater social cohesion. Guyana will launch a Decade of Development: 20202029, beginning on 1st January next year. Education will be accorded the highest priority during the ‘Decade’ which will ensure a first-class, inclusive education system. The ‘Decade’ will: “ enforce the constitutional entitlement of free education from nursery to university; no eligible student or teacher will ever again have to pay to attend the University of Guyana; “ ensure that, as early as possible, there will be at least a nursery school in every village so that the youngest children do not have to travel long distances to attend such schools; and “ emphasize science and technology without deemphasizing the humanities and social sciences ; science education will be taught in every school. Trained teachers will be provided with increased incentives to encourage them to take up positions in hinterland regions so as to eliminate
the present uneven distribution of trained teachers between the coastland and the hinterland. Untrained teachers in the public education system will cease by the end of the ‘Decade’, 2029. The ‘Decade’ will evince a transformation in science education. Every school will be equipped with science and ICT laboratories; smart classrooms will be introduced, in a phased manner, across the public education system. Government will establish a Department of Science and Technology to promote science education. Administrators will be provided with increased resources to administer schools and training institutions. The ‘Decade’ will help to reduce the educational inequalities between the hinterland and coastland by devoting more resources to hinterland education. It will allow the training of a greater number of hinterland teachers; offer improved student accommodation and transportation; and establish more hinterland schools and other training institutions. Teachers have enjoyed continued improvements in their emoluments and working conditions. They were awarded salary increases ranging between 8 and 12 per cent in 2016; 6 and 8 per cent in 2017; and 8 per cent in 2018. Teacher-training will be decentralized so that teachers do not have to travel outside of their Region for training. Programmes will be made more flexible, including allowing for training teachers outside of normal working hours, so as to reduce the need for time-off to attend classes. Teachers will benefit from improved access to scholarships. The world depends on its teachers to help bring out the best in children by encouraging them to seek the knowledge and skills needed to drive the knowledge-based societies of the future. Your country looks to you to help to generate the human resources necessary to support economic transformation. You can be assured that your contributions will be recognized and that your labours will be justly rewarded. You have a key role to play in shaping the ‘new nation’. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Burning Mouth Syndrome: The distasteful and uncomfortable condition By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine urning mouth syn drome (BMS) is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in your mouth, lips, or tongue. While it is not as common, it is very uncomfortable for patients that are affected by it. The feeling is often described as a burning, scalding, or tingling sensation in the mouth. It affects about 2-4 % of the population and women are more likely to be affected by it than men. It is found more in women during or after menopause. The cause of BMS can be hard to pin down. Some people may have symptoms for months or years and never know why. Today we will see if we can shed some light on this bothersome condition. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME? Some people with BMS report symptoms appearing suddenly. For others, they may develop gradually over time. Typical symptoms of BMS include: • Burning feeling in the mouth, tongue, or lips • Dry mouth • Bitter or metallic taste • Loss of taste BMS may occur every day, or it may come and go. Some people wake up with
B
pain and it lasts all day. Others wake up with little pain but it gets worse as the day progresses. Regardless of the pattern, the symptoms may last for months to years. WHAT CAUSES BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME? The exact cause for burning mouth syndrome is unknown. Cases have been linked to: • Nerve damage • A dental procedure • Nutritional deficiency (such as iron, zinc, or some B vitamins) • Menopause or other hormonal changes • Certain medicines used to treat high blood pressure • Extreme allergic reactions • Acid reflux • Oral yeast infection (thrush) • Mental disorders such as anxiety or depression Many times, more than one cause is present. Sometimes doctors can’t find the cause. You are at higher risk of developing BMS if you are: • A woman • Post-menopausal • Over age 50 HOW IS BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME DIAGNOSED? There is no simple way to test for BMS. Your doctor will examine your mouth and ask about your medical history and symptoms. This will help
better pinpoint a possible cause. They may perform tests to rule out other possible issues. This could include an oral swab to check for thrush. It may also include blood tests to check for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or mineral deficiencies. WHATARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS? There is no specific cure for burning mouth syndrome. The best thing you can do is address your symptoms. Treatment is based on your symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause. Possible treatment options include: •Products to produce saliva and relieve dry mouth • Vitamin supplements (such as iron, zinc, or vitamin B) to provide nutrition • Oral pain relief ointments • Depression or anxiety medicines to relieve pain and improve your nervous system If your doctor thinks a certain medicine is causing BMS, they might suggest switching to a new one. If your doctor can’t find a cause, they may recommend trying oral thrush medicines, B vitamin supplements, or antidepressants. These have been found to be effective in treating BMS. Most cases of BMS improve on their own. Additional tips for easing your symptoms include: • Sucking on ice chips
• Drinking plenty of liquids • Avoiding hot and spicy foods • Avoiding foods and drinks that are high in acid, like citrus fruit, soda, and coffee • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products • Avoiding products that contain alcohol • Trying a new brand of
toothpaste As you can see, BMS is still not as understood in the medical world. If you have or suspect that you have BMS, your best chance lies in educating yourself about it so that you can collaborate with your doctor to give you the best chance of overcoming this distasteful condition.
Dr Zulfikar Bux
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SUNDAY ENERGYDEPT. TAKING GUYANAON DANGEROUS ADVENTURE WHILE PRESIDENT GRANGERASLEEPAT THE WHEEL – RAM Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, is convinced that the Department of Energy is taking reckless decisions as these relate to the sale of Guyana’s oil. His comments come on the heels of a Bloomberg report which states that Guyana is expected to receive bids for its oil from at least half a dozen traders, tomorrow. They hail from Houston, Geneva and London. Bloomberg said that Guyana which has no experience in trading oil, sent letters to refiners around the globe inviting them to bid for three million barrels of light-sweet oil. But there is a catch. Bloomberg found out from its sources the buyer must take the “unusual role” of handling “all operating and back office responsibilities” related to exporting the crude. It said that this was outlined in a document it perused. On top of that, Bloomberg highlighted that the bids must be offered “face to face”. The news agency said that such a voyage is rare for traders, who do most of their business on instant-message platforms and by phone. Considering the foregoing, Ram asserted that Guyana has officially embarked on a dangerous adventure while President, David Granger is asleep at the wheel. The Chartered Accountant said, “I have never heard of a face-to-face bidding process. It certainly does not exist under the Procurement Act which I think ought to apply to the m a r k e t i n g o f G u y a n a ’s share of the oil that we obtained under the petroleum agreement.” Ram said that the Bloomberg revelation raises questions about who is really advising the Energy Department on these matters. The Department which is housed in the Ministry of the Presidency is led by Dr. Mark Bynoe. Ram said, “If he is allowed to take Guyana on such a dangerous limb, his management of ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block petroleum agreement can be as disastrous and costly as (Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael)
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Trotman’s negotiations and signing of the agreement.” GUYANAMUST NOT BECOMEANOTHER ANGOLA; WHERE PRESIDENT’S CHILDREN GOT RICHERAND CITIZENS LEFT POORER – DATADIN Angola, a South African nation with plush, tropical Atlantic beaches, is awash with natural resources. It has diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, and feldspar. But its greatest asset is oil. Since it was first discovered in 1955, oil has a blessing and a curse. For the friends and family of former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, it has been a blessing. But for most of its citizens, it has been a curse as they remain desperately poor. In fact, the former President who served from 1979 to 2017 paved the way for his daughter, Isabel, to become Africa’s richest woman. She opened a shell company, and within a twoyear span, the former President gave his daughter several contracts, four of which were worth over US $22 billion. As for his son, he was put in charge of Angola’s
Sovereign Wealth Fund and allegedly transferred US$500 million from the fund to an account in Britain. Considering this state of affairs, Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin says that Guyana must ensure that it closely guards the oil wealth to come from the same fate. He is hopeful that Guyana can take a page from Botswana’s book where there is the efficient management of the oil resources as opposed to what occurred in Angola. “We can only hope that we get it right,” Datadin added. HOPING TO BOUNCE BACK As a result of the rape of the oil resources, Angola has had to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan to restructure and diversify its economy. The Fund said that the US$3.7B loan will cover a period of three years and will not only be dedicated to the diversification of the economy but also to curbing corruption. The IMF also said that the loan aims to help the southern African country restructure state-owned enterprises and take other measures to improve economic governance.
KENYAPENALISES OIL COMPANIES FOR INFLATED COSTS, OTHER FISCAL BREACHES… While Guyana would not
found to be engaging in breaches of the country’s strict cost recovery regulations. The same cannot be said for its counterpart, Guyana. In fact, the Department of Energy has said that there would be no penalties for overstatements. ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Nexen would face no penalties if they are found to overstate the costs that they intend to recover from operations done offshore Guyana. Kaieteur News was informed of this by Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe. He said that the Department would simply refuse to pay overstatements, and that that would be the only action taken by Government to correct any misstatements encountered by IHS Markit Limited, the London-based firm contracted to audit the billions of dollars being claimed. Oil production is set to start, with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Nexen, looking to claim billions in costs. The first US$460M of costs detailed in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and concern works done between the first contract’s signage in 1999 and 2016. They are overstated by “at least” US$92M, Attorney-at-Law and Accountant Christopher Ram had found. MONDAY
The Republic of Kenya has prescribed a series of penalties to be faced by oil companies for breaches of its Petroleum fiscal regime. The country, since facilitating the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in 2012 by Tullow Oil, has kicked into action to ensure that its Petroleum fiscal regime value gets value for its people. For late payment of tax, the penalty is 20 percent of the amount that was meant to be paid. If the Government encounters that there is a tax shortfall resulting from false or misleading statements, the charge ranges between 20 and 75 percent of the shortfall. It doesn’t end there. If there is a tax avoidance scheme, the company is charged double the tax avoided. The breaches described are all involved in a range of illicit practices which could be used by corrupt oil companies to falsify costs. The Kenyan Government saw that it needed to devise mechanisms to punish oil companies if they are ever
“FACE-TO-FACE” BIDDING ON GUYANA’S OIL WITH SELECTED COMPANIES ABOVE BOARD – ENERGY DEPT. -Says it received blessings of Procurement Commission, International Advisors The decision to engage a selected group of companies for face-to-face bidding on Guyana’s oil this week, is not only above board, but was taken following consultations with international advisors as well as the Public Procurement Commission. The Department of Energy made this and other emphatic statements Sunday to the media fraternity. The Department felt the need to provide this clarification after observing the responses of several local news items to a recent Bloomberg report. Last week, the NY based media outlet informed Guyanese and the rest of the world that the Government of
Guyana was taking an “unusual” approach for the sale of its share of the Stabroek Block oil. Bloomberg reported that the government sent letters to refiners around the globe inviting them to bid for three million barrels of light-sweet oil. But Bloomberg found out from its sources that the buyer must take the “unusual role” of handling “all operating and back office responsibilities” related to exporting the crude. On top of that, Bloomberg highlighted that the bids must be offered “face-toface”. The news agency said that such a voyage is rare for traders, who do most of their business on instant-message platforms and by phone. Upon noting the Bloomberg article, local transparency advocates have said that the Department of Energy is taking Guyana on a dangerous adventure. The Energy Department is contending however that its decisions on arrangements for GUYANATO COMPETE WITH WESTAFRICA FOR CRUDE BUYERS’ ATTENTION First Oil is days away, and the Energy Department is set to meet a set of traders to discuss the sale of Guyana’s Liza crude. It turns out traders will often be faced with the choice of Guyana or West Africa, principally Angola, for crude purchases, because of the similarities in quality between the oil produced by the two nations. The competition between Guyana and Angola crude of similar quality seems to lend credence to the Atlantic Mirror Theory, taught to Kaieteur News in November last by Geologist, Dr. William Heins. The theory posits that the distribution of natural resources on both sides of the South Atlantic is similar, because the land masses were once joined, millions of years ago. It encouraged explorers to seek out hydrocarbon wells on the Eastern end of South America because of discoveries in Africa, and is now creating excitement for explorers in West Africa. (See link – https:/ www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2019/11/24/guyanas-oildiscoveries-bringexcitement-for-prospects-inwest-africa-geoscientist/). Kaieteur News has compared the quality of the crude oil produced in Angolan projects and Guyana’s Liza crude, and the jury is out on who definitively will command traders’ (Continued on page 33)
Sunday December 22, 2019
From page 32 attention. The lower the density (how light) and sulphur content (how sweet), the better quality the crude is adjudged to be; and the better the price. According to ExxonMobil’s assay, Guyana’s Liza crude carries 32.1 American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity and 0.51 percent sulphur content. Some Angolan projects produce lighter oil than Liza crude, while Guyana’s crude is sweeter. In other projects, the situation is the opposite, while a few give Angola a slight edge. But the quality of the crude is not the only factor that determines the buyers’ preference and price. Traders also consider the cost to transport the crude. Hence, the proximity of the produced crude to their refinery, and mode of transportation, are critical. For many of those traders, the crude oil will be bound for refineries in Far East nations, like China, Japan, India and South Korea. TUESDAY GOVT. FAILS TO MAKE KEY ISCLOSURES, DESPITE PROMISING TRANSPARENCY IN OIL SECTOR The Department of Energy conducted a hasty press conference Monday at its Brickdam office, leaving reporters with more questions than answers. Energy Dire c t o r, D r. Mark Bynoe, delivered a statement on a series of matters before the Energy Department ahead of First Oil, and provided a very limited window for questioning by media representatives. The principal matter – that of the trade of Guyana’s Liza crude – took up the bulk of the brief question and answer segment, and even that matter has not been given complete clarity by the Energy Department. Despite this, the Energy Director said that M o n d a y ’s press conference was the last one for the year, and that further notices will be published by way of press statements. This restricts the media corps’ ability to secure important details and cross-question the claims of Energy officials, for the information of the Guyanese public, ahead of First Oil, which is on course to start in a matter of days. Dr. Bynoe sought to assuage concerns about the circumstances of the bidding process to a series of oil companies, after an international publication,
Bloomberg, notified the Guyanese people of the intended sale and its circumstances before Government did. Bloomberg had noted that the face-to-face nature of the meeting is unusual for the type of sale. The Energy Director and his Crude Marketing Specialist Virginia Markouizos sought to convince the local press that Bloomberg did not tell the whole truth, and that the faceto-face meeting is a necessary avenue, since the initial discussions about the sale would also include discussions about the quality of the Liza crude, and not just the price. He insists that the choice was made in Guyana’s best interest. Dr. Bynoe was asked why the Government is so reactive instead of proactive on matters such as this, and he said that all matters do not necessitate notifying the public during or before their execution. He said that some matters are better to be kept confidential, with notice provided when they have concluded. ENERGYDEPT. PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES ON FINAL DRAFT LOCAL CONTENT POLICY – Reporting format already being used by oil companies The Department of Energy has received the final local content policy draft from the Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner, according to Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. The Department is editing the policy and aims to complete and finalise it before December ends. In
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addition, the reporting policy is already being used, as during a press conference Monday, Bynoe told reporters that the Department has commenced the process of reviewing the oil companies’ local content reports. This is in the hope that they adjust their operations to ensure a smooth transition to adherence with the policy’s requirements. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has submitted its 2020 plan, and a report on its local content achievements. Dr. Bynoe said that the last report from EEPGL indicated that over 1,500 Guyanese are directly employed with the operator and its contractors, with 76 percent of them being in the skilled and professional categories. He said the locals employed are predominantly from regions three, four and six. The Director further indicated that the company has engaged with over 435 Guyanese vendors and spent over $82M in the third quarter of 2019, an increase of more than 150 percent over the 2018 figure. D r. Bynoe has commended EEPGL, indicating that the Department of Energy is encouraged by the continued contributions made to raising capacity and standards in Guyana. Government is currently working with CGX Energy
and Tullow Oil to develop their local content plans. “FACE-TO-FACE” BIDDING PROCESS FOR LIZA CRUDE IS TO GUYANA’S ADVANTAGE – ENERGYDEPT. HEAD Since international news agency Bloomberg released a report last week that the Government of Guyana would be engaging in a “face-toface” bidding process with selected companies for the sale of the nation’s crude, tensions in some quarters have been high. There was speculation that such a course of action opens opportunities for corruption or back-room deals. But Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe categorically stated at a press conference Monday that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Director of the Department stressed that the arrangement which is expected to conclude this week, is to the country’s advantage. Dr. Bynoe said that the face-to-face bidding with companies which includes the likes of ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, CNOOC/ NEXEN, British Petroleum, Chevron, Shell, Total, and ENI for the first three lifts of Guyana’s crude, will help to set national benchmarks. He told the media that the companies were selected on the basis that they have a global refining footprint and integrated oil value chain as well as being in a position to support all operating procedures for the three cargoes. He said, too, that given Guyana’s inexperience, coupled with the impending
early dates for Guyana to take its share, which is February 2020, this introductory phase with selected companies was the best option. Dr. Bynoe said, “We are seeking to protect the value of the resource by going this route. The true economics is still to be determined and stabilization will come after several lifts. Guyana also needs to develop a quality and quantity standard. All of these are considerations which guided the decision that was taken. We are committed to doing this in a transparent and accountable manner.” WEDNESDAY GOVT’S INVESTIGATIONS INTO OPERATIONS OF FOREIGN INVESTORS… BOSAI, FOR THE FIRST TIME, FORKS OVER US$3M IN DIVIDENDS Government has reportedly managed to collect US$3M in dividends from Chinese-controlled Bosai Minerals Group. The money came after Cabinet ordered a ministerialled team to review the operations of a number of foreign investors involved in the extractive industries. There are burning questions about what Guyana is getting from a number of foreign investors. Kaieteur News was told Tuesday that the US$3M was collected by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the state company which controls shares. The dividends represent one year of dividends from Bosai.
That company which came here in the latter half of the 2000s, is operating the Government’s bauxite facilities in Linden, Region Ten. The negotiations would have been conducted over a period of two months, Bosai sources confirmed Tuesday. Sitting on Bosai’s Board is the head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London. The collection of that US$3M would drive home of how much Guyana is losing but not collecting its dividends. It would appear that Bosai did not pay dividends since its operations start in 2008. The news would raise concerns about Government’s likely strategy now for Rusal. PUBLIC RELEASE OF LIZA FIELD PLANS IS TO ENSURE CONTRACTORS LIKE SBM & EXXON ‘DON’T CUT CORNERS ‘ …FMR. PETROLEUM ADVISOR JAN MANGAL Former Petroleum Advisor to the David Granger administration, Dr. Jan Mangal, believes that Government must make available publicly, the field preparation plans submitted for the development of oil fields in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Stabroek Block. Dr. Mangal argues that making the plans available for public scrutiny would ensure that companies such as SMB Offshore—which is currently constructing the two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessels— do not cut corners which (Continued on page 41)
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Harold Bascom's art exhibition in U.S. - featuring Guyanese themes - a success!
T
he Black Brick Road Art & Music Show that took place in the U.S. state of Georgia was a breakthrough success. It featured forty pieces of art, inclusive of acrylic paintings, pen and ink drawings, and book illustrations from the Guyanese supernatural novel, “Kamarang” by Michael Jordan. All the pieces were done by Guyanese writer and artist, Harold A. Bascom. The event, held at the DSW Studio, in Decatur, Georgia, last Sunday, was, by every account, a lesson on Guyana, its culture, and the talent that emanates from it. The close-to-100 attendees, mostly African Americans, were fascinated. The show was teachable, in the light of its prominent 'art tours' feature, in which the artist explained his pieces and welcomed questions and comments from the crowd. And the audience was with him. They asked questions and made comments about the artist's work that were, at times, even teachable to the artist himself. When he began explaining the illustrations for Michael Jordan's supernatural novel, “Kamarang”, the crowd was wideeyed in awe. But what was most outstanding, was the talk Bascom gave before his pen and ink drawings entitled, “The Guyana Gothic Series,” which featured six Guyanese folklore figures, namely, Bacoo, Ol' Higue, Kanaima, Jombie, Water People, and Moon gazer. Bascom became the consummate storyteller he is, and the listeners were riveted. It was doubtful, afterwards, that the audience at this art show could continue saying that all they know about Guyana, is that the Jonestown Massacre took place there in 1978. The Black Brick Road Art and Music Show, produced by Damali Bascom, featuring the work of her father, Harold, was a small success in its own right; small, in that it was a first-time effort; but from the support it received, it's likely to become an annual event.
Guyanese writer and artist Harold Bascom with the audience
The artist explains the themes behind his work
The Guyana gothics
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
The world is changing, we're being advised, but are we taking note
I
t is to the peril of those who don't believe workers, as a single constituency, matter in an election and can significantly determine who is put in and out of office. Two Thursdays ago, Boris Johnson was elected Prime Minister of Britain by a majority not seen in decades. His Conservative party won in areas considered the strongholds of the Labour party for decades, and in one instance almost a century. Notwithstanding Johnson's tendency for the theatrics and flagrant disregard for truth, the working class, which Labour always sees as its base, turned to him to deliver to them what they feel they are being deprived of. There is no denying or debating others' arguments that election had elements of xenophobia, etc., and Labour's loss was a result of its failure to deliver a clear and convincing message, and counter the ills peddled by others. Similarly, it cannot be ignored the political turmoil in the United Kingdom has to do with a section of the society wanting to leave the European Union, significantly driven by (mis)information that their interests are not best served through this alliance, and the working class is getting a raw deal. The greed that led to the Global Recession, more than a decade ago, has not tempered neoliberalism. And where some governments have bought into this ideology, they disregard workers as the most vital resource in the productive, distributive and consumptive cycle of goods and services and deserving of respect. Yet, without labour's input - i.e. sweat and spending power - wealth, stability and development cannot be realised or sustained. These fundamentals continue to be ignored. In light of the aforesaid, workers are responding to those who are taking them for granted. Recognising the power of their vote, they are using it as a bargaining chip. They're no longer accepting that negotiating their welfare is confined only to the workplace, thus, no
party/group can automatically count on them. Their votes have to be earned through promise and deliverable. People vote in many forms - they stay home, spoil the ballot, give the vote to another or the one expecting it. Locally, some politicians have settled in, content to claim that traditional supporters have nowhere to go but vote for them, irrespective of. To note, though the Conservative is considered the party of the entrepreneurial class, when Johnson realised the inroads made among the working class, he not only thanked those voters but said, "these votes are merely on loan," calling on the elected Conservatives from these constituencies not to take workers for granted, and remember who they are elected to serve. Then there is the United States' (U.S) experience that shows a similarity. Last Wednesday, with bipartisan support, the House of Representatives approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Leading up to this vote, Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO (U.S.' largest federation of unions) said: “Make no mistake, we demanded a trade deal that benefits workers and fought every single day to negotiate that deal and now we have secured an agreement that working people can proudly support.� Unionised workers are traditional supporters of the Democratic Party. This constituency which voted twice for Barack Obama, in the last election, some voted for Trump on his promise that he's better able to make trade deals that will benefit Americans. It cannot be ignored a Republican president can claim this accomplishment, having worked with his political rival and evidently in some give-and-take. Both sides, having achieved consensus, have delivered to the citizens/workers what they have been clamouring for - i.e. working together and protecting Americans' values in a global economy. We live in a global environment. Guyanese are not immune to happenings in other countries nor are our minds impenetrable from
being influenced by these. Our workers know the economy is poised for takeoff with the advent of oil and gas. They are taking note, wondering what is at stake for them and their families, and how this new trade will impact opportunities, their conditions of work and standard of living. There exist serious
problems in treatment toward local labour. The industrial environment is smouldering. There are grievances, going back more than a decade, still to be resolved. Promises made still to be delivered. Collective Bargaining, a constitutional right, remains under attack for workers employed in the public and teaching sectors, GuySuCo,
and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI). Anxiety and/or discontent among the aggrieved is/are growing. People are asking of themselves questions and of their colleagues. In an atmosphere where politicians exploit fear of the other; foreign businesses use political division and ethnic tension to maximise returns as others use same to
undermine our sovereignty, trample workers/citizens' basic rights and dignity; where no clear message is coming from Government on respecting these rights and demanding of others likewise; where the Opposition sees indecisiveness or slow responses as weakness and as per their preliminary (continued on page 49)
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THE
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Sunday December 22, 2019
STORY WITHIN THE
First Oil! By Leonard Gildarie
W
e can dare to dream big now. We can dare to hope that all Guyana can band together for a common cause. We can dare to become another Singapore w i t h t h e D u b a i infrastructure. As a people who have known struggles, we would be selfish to argue that we should not benefit big time from the oil bonanza. Production has started with the big news announced Friday. It was expected; it is momentous. It is simply one of the largest finds on the planet, and the people have to cash in. We seem to be on a winning streak with the Stabroek Block. Mirroring that is the attempt of Suriname to find oil in its offshore blocks. It has failed. Recently, we heard right next door to the Stabroek Block, where the production is currently ongoing, the oil quality discovered in a drilled location is not so good for Tullow, another explorer. We have a remarkable streak and we have to be thankful. It has the real potential to dramatically transform this country. In fact, on Friday evening, the Department of Public Information (DPI) disclosed that per capita we have more oil than a few of the world's big producers. Qatar = 900 barrels of offshore reserves per person; Saudi Arabia = 1,900 barrels per person; Norway = 2,200 barrels per person; United Arab Emirates = 2,900 barrels per person. Guess what?...Guyana has 3,900 barrels per person. Those are fantastic figures if we can get the benefits to filter across to all sectors and to the people that matter the most…the vulnerable. I have read that some view Guyana as possibly the richest country in the world with the find. I will wait to see more before I can pronounce. We have to be watchful, thrifty, wise, and be ready to capitalise on the opportunities that come. We are in demand of leaders who are proactive, not corrupt, and strong in
demanding much more for us. Can we do it alone? No one party has the answers to oil. For a number of months now, I have been asking our politicians about working together, establishing a common front for oil. UNITED It is so true: united we stand, divided we fall. We only have to look around us, to the oil-producing countries and be ready to learn from the mistakes. There are plenty of them. We read of court matters involving ex-ministers and even the arrest of an Attorney General in Africa for corruption, this past week. He had fled to Dubai but was arrested and sent back to his country. The carpetbaggers are here. The speculators are coming. The US embassy in Guyana has made it clear…the embassy will not get involved in the affairs of the oil industry. The striking of the deals will have to come from the private sector. Current ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch made the disclosures shortly after she came here to begin her duties. The embassy of course will work to protect the interests of ExxonMobil and the US. I have argued before and will repeat: there is a perfect opportunity for the US and ExxonMobil, one of the world's biggest oil companies, to use Guyana as a poster nation. We have much to offer and we need the help. I kid you not when I say the Trinis are begging to come. They are here by the droves. Yesterday was December 21st. The announcements on Friday would strike sharply with the fact that yesterday marked one year since December 21st. One year ago, our world was turned upside down when a single vote of no confidence in the National Assembly sparked a battle that deeply divided this country. It cast a dark shadow on Christmas 2018. For months, citizens watched aghast as battle after battle was fought. From the floors of the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y,
Leonard Gildarie involving the Speaker of the House, to the High Court, then the Court of Appeal and finally the Caribbean Court of Justice. We watched as the battle for a chair for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) played itself out. From one judge, who was forced to retire a second time, to another retired judge - this time a woman - to replace him, the wrestling then focused on the voters' list. Amid it all, our country was barreling along the road to first oil. The timing of oil production could not be sweeter for the Coalition than now. The no confidence vote had forced four ministers with dual citizenship to resign, a major blow. First oil before March 2nd would always be a major game changer. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is here. We have cross the threshold from hoping one day, to actually seeing it. In five years, by 2025, from 120,000 barrels per day, ExxonMobil wants to ramp production up to 750,000. That puts Guyana in the top countries in terms of production. The zone of peace that President David Granger has spoken about is as sweet as the light crude when it comes to the bargaining table. We are taking much to the negotiating table. We can demand more. As we produce the oil, everything will come to naught if we miss the big picture…we have to make money and receive a share that is equitable and fair. ExxonMobil and its two partners are our contractors and we are the client. An understanding of that concept will put things in perspective. A COUNTRY DIVIDED I listened to President David Granger on first oil…it is a work in progress, he admits. Our country is divided. Our country, sad to say, votes along race lines. We enter Christmas this week, bracing ourselves for what is to be a dirty fight (continued on page 49)
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From page 33 could lead to oil spills in future. In an invited comment, the petroleum specialist, speaking to the plethora of problems that confront the nation as an emerging oil producer, was adamant, “We are not going to get some leader coming along who is going to fix everything.” According to Dr. Mangal, Guyanese need to take interest, take ownership of their country and destiny, Guyanese need to keep asking questions; Guyanese need to stand up; Guyanese need to get onto the streets if necessary.” He said too, “The solution space,” with regards challenges that confront the country “is around transparency, getting the data out there so Guyanese people can work with it, having an open government.” The former Petroleum Advisor reminded that in his implementation plan for the Department for Energy (DoE), he had suggested that even the minutes of their meetings should be public. According to Dr. Mangal, “The field development plans should be published; there is no reason not to publish them; there is no secret there.” Dr. Mangal was adamant that improvements in the industry would first come through an open government and transparency and by “getting people involved so they can start trusting their governments.” “Remember the excuses by Carl Greenidge and Raphael Trotman to keep the Stabroek Block contract secret, when I was advocating to release the contract to the people?” GOVT. MOVES TO OVERHAUL DECADES OLD PETROLEUM LAWS The Department of Energy intends to revise and modernise Guyana’s Petroleum legislation. It announced plans to do so during a press conference at its Brickdam office, last Monday. Energy Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe, informed the press that Government is currently negotiating the contract with a view to completing the tender for an international oil and gas law firm to “revise, replace or develop legislation” for Guyana’s Petroleum sector. Dr. Bynoe said that he hopes to send off the firm with a good “Christmas present” in the coming week. The Department is expected to notify the public when the contract is signed. He noted that the firm will
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not be working alone. The Energy Director stated, “The mode taken for this project is largely a joint venture approach with most of the technical expertise coming from the international firm and the non-technical experts coming from right here in Guyana.” The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1986 is the main legislation governing the Petroleum sector. It has been said to be extremely outdated, and exclusive of key regulations pertinent for the governance of a modern and ever-changing Petroleum industry. While the Government may develop proposals for a review of the legislation, it is important to note that Government’s caretaker status prohibits it from passing any new legislation. President David Granger had committed that as a result of the consequences of the December 21, 2018 No Confidence Motion, he would accept the Government’s “interim” status and hold off on furthering of any legislation in the National Assembly, among other things. The passing of the legislation will have to wait until the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. It is also important to note that the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is insulated from legislative changes because of the strict stabilisation clause that Government allowed to be embedded in the agreement. THURSDAY EXXONMOBIL TO PUT IN FIVE FPSOs IN 5 YEARS – IMF SAYS SUCH PRODUCTION RAMP-UP “UNPRECEDENTED” ExxonMobil has said on several occasions that by 2025, Guyana is expected to produce up to 750,000 barrels
of oil per day. But it would not achieve this by solely relying on the three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels for the Liza Phase One Project, Liza Phase Two and the Payara Project (which is still awaiting government’s approval). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has found that ExxonMobil would be introducing two more FPSOs into the Stabroek Block, bringing the total to five. The first FPSO, Liza Destiny, is expected to be in operation this month. The second FPSO, Liza Unity, is projected for hook up by 2022. The FPSO for Payara has a 2023 deadline. The IMF noted that a fourth FPSO would be in Guyana’s waters in 2024 with the fifth vessel hooked up in 2025. In a special report prepared for Guyana’s authorities, the IMF said that bringing on stream, five oil production projects in five years is “unprecedented.” It said that if this were to be realised, Guyana would reach one of the highest ratios of oil daily production per capita in the world. The Fund did caution, however, that ExxonMobil’s production estimates could very well turn out to be “too optimistic.” As the government continues efforts to recruit a Third Party Reviewer for the Payara Field Development Plans, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, are steaming ahead with plans to extract Guyana’s oil as quickly as possible from the Stabroek Block. Oil production was initially projected to occur between January and March of 2020, but due to ExxonMobil’s impressive progress on all the
necessary installations, that target has been brought forward to this month. While these plans are moving ahead for oil production from the Liza Phase One Project, ExxonMobil is ramping up its development plans for Liza Phase Two. FIVE DEAD IN HORRIFIC SMASH-UP AT MAHAICONY – PREGNANT MEDEX, NURSEANAESTHETIST AMONG CASUALTIES At 11:11am Wednesday, residents of Fairfield, Mahaicony, West Coast Berbice heard a loud crash. No one was prepared for the gruesome scene they were about to witness. As persons stepped out of their homes and businesses, they were confronted with bodies strewn across the public road; some hurt and screaming in pain, blood, wreckage and mangled body parts lying on the roadway. A smashed bus and beverage truck metres apart from each other, with hundreds of broken beer bottles strewn on the ground. Five persons were killed when the bus in which they were travelling smashed into the beer-laden vehicle.Dead are 33-yearo l d K e o n S e a l y, a registered Nurse Anaesthetist attached to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital; 31-year-old Alana Vaughn, a Medex, who was pregnant; driver of the minibus Seechan Lall Chandilall; 76-year-old Maxwell Disreali Thom and 64-year-old Ewart Reynolds. Vaughn was reportedly expecting her third child. Those seriously injured were identified as 46-year-old
Cecil Gordon of Farm, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD); 60-year-old David Jacobs and 15-year-old Angela Jacobs both of Moraikobai, Mahaicony, ECD; and also the driver of the lorry Shurlan Wills. They were all rushed to Mahaicony Cottage Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Up to press time, their conditions were listed as critical. Kaieteur News was told by eyewitnesses at the scene that four of the victims were already dead at the scene, while one died en route to the hospital. According to a police report, the bus was proceeding west along the southern side of the public road when it experienced a ‘blow-out’ of the left side rear wheel. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided into the left front portion of the lorry that was proceeding in the opposite direction. BRASSINGTON’S 19 LAWSUITS… KAIETEUR NEWS FILES MALPRACTICE COMPLAINTAGAINST LAWYER CHRIS RAM The Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, has filed a malpractice complaint against attorne y - a t - l a w Christopher Ram. Ram, who was representing Kaieteur News in a number of libel suits filed by former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Wi n s t o n Brassington, is being accused of abandoning his client at the last moment. Trials for a number of those cases involving Brassington started on
M o n d a y. T h e y w e r e scheduled to continue We d n e s d a y b e f o r e t w o different judges in the High Court. One set of cases was before Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln and another before Justice Navindra Singh. According to Lall, the lawyer (Ram) who was to lead the defence, was not even in court when the trial s t a r t e d o n M o n d a y. H e never briefed his clients. On Monday, Attorneyat-law Shaunella Glen, who inherited the case from Khemraj Ramjattan on him becoming Minister, said that she had been trying for weeks to reach Ram but to no avail. She said that Ram only provided the files to the case, by way of a junior in his office, a mere 20 minutes before the trial began. She was ill-prepared to cross examine Brassington. Twice Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln, who was hearing the trial adjourned the trial to allow Kaieteur News to contact Ram for the trial and twice Ram was unavailable. It was after that trial that Lall visited Ram’s office on Monday evening, when Ram opined that he (Lall) could not win. He said that Ram then gave him the files, a signal that he would not be representing the newspaper company. The publisher said he has evidence which he will present to the Legal Practitioners Committee, where he filed the complaint this week. That body has powers to hear complaints from clients and sanction lawyers. Wednesday, attorney-atlaw, Shaunella Glen, informed (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln that the National Media and Publishing Company Limited, which publishes Kaieteur News, had dropped her. This was because Ram, as the lead counsel, had abandoned them. FRIDAY GUYANESE PROFESSIONALS MUST DRIVE LOCAL OILAND GAS DEBATE …but govt., operators should provide all available information—Anthony Paul P r o f e s s i o n a l organizations such as the Institute of Professional Chartered Accountants, and the Guyana Bar Association needs to take a proactive approach to shape the national conversation with regards Guyana’s destiny in the context of an oil and gas economy. This is according to Local Content expert, Dr. Anthony Paul, who shared that this “national conversation is lacking.” He was adamant the Guyanese populace cannot wait on Government to come up with transformational plans. Institutions such as the University of Guyana can play a key role in providing the
Kaieteur News
necessary information needed in the public domain for long term strategic planning. He noted, too, that there should be a greater demand on the part of the citizenry for access to the available information such as in the Field Development Plans. These types of information, he said, would be critical for the Guyanese populace which would then be in a better position to make economic decisions based on what is feasible. He used, as example, the fact that just the first three oil field developments (Liza I & II and Payara) will all require a number of supporting vessels. D r. P a u l n o t e d t h a t there isn’t any visible conversation in the public domain about Guyanese ownership of more vessels that provide logistic support to the offshore operations and pointed to opportunities existing such as transportation and other services. According to Paul, it is the citizenry that should be leading the process in terms of coming up with national long term strategies and that these conversations should or could be led by the ICA.
DR. BYNOE’S JUSTIFICATION OF OIL SALE IN FAVOUR OF COMPANIES NOT COUNTRY – JAGDEO Former President and People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, is of the view that Energy Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe’s stance on a series of issues within the oil sector is in favour of oil companies and not Guyana. During a press conference Thursday, Jagdeo highlighted a number of actions made by the Department of Energy that does not support the welfare of Guyana’s Oil industry. Dr. Bynoe had provided a justification for the decision to engage a selected group of companies for face-to-face bidding on Guyana’s oil. According to Jagdeo, the Government is without right to engage in what he called a “secret process.” The opposition leader said that if elected, the party intends to sell Guyana’s oil through an “open public tendering” process. Alluding to a Bloomberg article that announced the Government’s face-to-face bidding process, he said that such a process limits the amount of tenders received
and leaves room for enormous amounts of corruption. The opposition leader asserted that Guyana’s share of crude should be sold by ExxonMobil. “They are a publiclytraded company. They can’t tamper with the price and we can verify the price that they receive for their crude.” Jagdeo asserted. A few weeks ago, Bloomberg had informed Guyanese and the rest of the world that the Government of Guyana was taking an “unusual” approach for the sale of its share of the Stabroek Block oil. Jagdeo also warned that companies who enter into arrangements with the present government under the “face-to-face” bidding system for the purchase of oil, would be excluded from future public tenders, should his party secure a victory in the upcoming General and Regional Elections. He emphasized that it is within the government’s right to blacklist companies who knowingly participate in corruption. MAKEALLOILSALE DECISIONS TRANSPARENT-IMF From 2015 to now, the
Sunday December 22, 2019
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has played a key advisory role to the Government, particularly on oil related matters. The crucial development partner has impressed upon the government, the need to carefully monitor every aspect of the process to sell Guyana’s oil as significant revenue is at stake. The IMF even stressed that the sale of the Stabroek Block oil will require significant decisions to be made based on technical experience and expertise. But in all its dealings, the Fund categorically stated that all decisions and activities regarding the sale of Guyana’s oil must be “transparent” and “undertaken in the public’s interest.” Its advice in this regard was outlined in a special report prepared mere months ago. In that document seen by this newspaper, the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department said that since the sale of crude could bring significant revenue, establishing an optimal selling price is key. It noted however that this requires professional expertise, careful understanding of the process, and oversight. Expounding further, the
Fund’s Department said that crude oil sales are made through a network of buyers who are known to the trader. The trader then reaches out to potential buyers whom they have identified and are familiar with. The Fund was keen to note that the government must be vigilant and monitor as well as control the selection of buyers, terms of sale, and the transfer of revenues to ensure that those decisions and activities are transparent. Earlier this week, the Energy Department came in for much criticism after the nation learnt from an international news report that it would be meeting with several refiners to sell three million barrels of Guyana’s oil. When challenged to say why the Department was not forthcoming about this weeks ago, Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, said that there was no intention to bring this to the media’s attention so early. He said that the nation would have been informed at the conclusion of the deals. Dr. Bynoe said that doing (Continued on page 43)
Sunday December 22, 2019
From page 42 otherwise could harm the government’s negotiating position. SATURDAY GUYANAIS OFFICIALLY PRODUCING OIL – PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER After months of preparation, the moment all Guyanese have been waiting for is finally here. On Friday evening, President, David Granger officially announced that Guyana has entered oil producing mode. In his address to the nation, the President specifically stated, “I have been advised that petroleum production is about to commence – three months ahead of the original schedule. Guyana has become a petroleumproducing state.” To remember this auspicious day, the Head of State disclosed that he will issue a proclamation declaring December 20, as ‘National Petroleum Day.’ The President said that the proclamation will serve to remind citizens of their duty to protect the country’s patrimony and to ensure the sustainable management of the finite hydrocarbon resources. Granger also said that petroleum production will be a transformative process in the country’s economic development, while noting that the sector will serve to stimulate increased employment and expand services. To ensure that the resources benefit the people, Granger said that his Government will unveil a ‘Decade of Development, 2020-2029.’ He said that it would be aimed at ensuring that the petroleum resources will be utilized to provide the ‘good life’ for all. The President said that the ‘Decade’ is a 10-year plan to intensify development and improve citizens’ quality of life. He said that every
Guyanese will benefit from petroleum production. Granger stressed that “no one will be left behind.” Furthermore, the President reminded of the steps the government has taken steps to safeguard the national interest. In this respect, he noted that the Department of Energy was established to manage the country’s hydrocarbon resources. He said that it is seeking the best advice, and is using international best practices as it builds the institutional, legislative and regulatory capability to manage this sector effectively and efficiently. Granger also reminded of the Government’s establishment of the Natural Resource Fund Act which was passed by the National Assembly in January 2019. The President said that the legislation provides for ensuring that the country’s resource wealth “…benefits both current and future generations…”; it incorporates oversight, accounting, reporting and auditing mechanisms to promote prudent, transparent and accountable management of oil revenues. The President said, “Guyanese, I assure that your Government will manage petroleum revenues prudently to ensure fiscal discipline, financial sector stability, sustainable levels of public debt and low inflation.” Granger added, “Withdrawals from the ‘Fund’will follow a balanced approach, prioritising investment in public education, public health, public infrastructure, public security, social protection and other social services and will support private sector development.” Additionally, the President said that Petroleum production has brought the prospects of a higher quality of life closer to all households and neighbourhoods. He stressed that it is a momentous event which all should commemorate for perpetuity. “Guyana’s future is brighter with the beginning of ‘first oil’. The ‘good life’ for everyone
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beckons. Let us work together to build a happy and prosperous country for the present and future generations,” the President concluded. LAW GOVERNING NATURALRESOURCE FUND “REMARKABLY COMPLICATEDAND VAGUE” – GUYANA’S SYSTEMS NOT MATURE ENOUGH TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE MONITORING - DATADIN As the coalition administration continues efforts to set up the account for the Natural Resource Fund at the United States Federal Reserve Bank, Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin says he already foresees trouble on the horizon for the nation. In this regard, the lawyer noted that the legislation that outlines how the Fund is to receive money, how that money is to be spent and how that spending is reported on is “remarkably complicated and vague.” During an interview on Kaieteur Radio’s programme, ‘Guyana’s Oil and You,’ the lawyer reminded that the Fund will not only hold oil money, but also excess revenue from forestry and mining. In his eyes, the lumping of those revenues only complicates matters. He also noted that there are various tiers of investments, according to the Act, which would be determined by an Investment Committee. ENERGY HEAD WARNS ABOUT UNREALISTIC LOCAL CONTENT EXPECTATIONSAHEAD OF ELECTIONS As Guyana approaches General and Regional Elections, Head of the Energy Department; Dr. Mark Bynoe said the department is fully aware of all the unrealistic expectations as regards local content policy. At the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Awards Presentation and Dinner held
at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday night, Dr. Bynoe stated “the decision whether to give into such expectations and pressures is particularly relevant in our national elections when popular promises tend to overrule realistic outcomes.” “One of the most difficult tasks that policy makers have to tackle is designing and setting local content goals at the right level for Guyana’s circumstances. However the task is made difficult because of the industrial capacity which is usually low and the socio economic expectation, often resulting in political pressure demanding quick success from local content measures,” Dr. Bynoe asserted. “Persons are deceived in this way; hypocrisy and double speaks are tools they use to endorse manipulation of public ignorance. The Department of Energy will not toggle down that
road.” Dr. Bynoe said that the department has taken a “considered, if not popular approach” to properly assess and scrutinise the relevant barriers to local development in Guyana, and has therefore sought to design a fit-forpurpose Local Content Policy with necessary applicable measures to monitor and effects of such policy implementation”. He further warned that the more unrealistic a goal and the more painful the penalty will be for not achieving it, the stronger the incentive will be among investors to get around that goal. “The unrealistic goal is something that requires more energy, skills, talents, and time than you have available in order to achieve it, therefore investors will demand more money, such grants to attract and combine with capital; and will introduce the “stronger incentive” towards
better performance,” Dr. Bynoe concluded. During a prior engagement, the Energy Head had stated that the goal to have the local content policy by the end of the year remains. The third draft of the Local Content Policy was released earlier this year for consultation and comments by various organizations. He then took the opportunity to update those present on the progress made with local content policy thus far. According to Dr. Bynoe, over 1700 Guyanese are employed in the oil industry, representing a 29% increase over the same period in 2018. The pool of local vendors being utilised in the industry is expanding, he said, with 485 being used in the third quarter of the year and some 70 joint ventures established since the formation of the Centre for Local Business Development.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
13 Foods That Could Lower Your Risk of Cancer What you eat can drastically affect many aspects of your health, including your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The development of cancer, in particular, has been shown to be heavily influenced by your diet. Many foods contain beneficial compounds that could help decrease the growth of cancer. There are also several studies showing that a higher intake of certain foods could be associated with a lower risk of the disease. This article will delve into the research and look at 13 foods that may lower your risk of cancer. Broccoli Share on Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables that may have potent anticancer properties. One test-tube study showed that sulforaphane reduced the size and number of breast cancer cells by up to 75%. Similarly, an animal study found that treating mice with sulforaphane helped kill off prostate cancer cells and reduced tumor volume by more than 50%. Some studies have also found that a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables like
broccoli may be linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. One analysis of 35 studies showed that eating more cruciferous vegetables was associated with a lower risk of colorectal and colon cancer. Including broccoli with a few meals per week may come with some cancer-fighting benefits. However, keep in mind that the available research hasnt looked directly at how broccoli may affect cancer in humans. Instead, it has been limited to test-tube, animal and observational studies that either investigated the effects of cruciferous vegetables, or the effects of a specific compound in broccoli. Thus, more studies are needed. Carrots Several studies have found that eating more carrots is linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancer. For example, an analysis looked at the results of five studies and concluded that eating carrots may reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 26% . Another study found that a higher intake of carrots was associated with 18% lower odds of developing prostate cancer. One study analyzed the diets of 1,266 participants
with and without lung cancer. It found that current smokers who did not eat carrots were three times as likely to develop lung cancer, compared to those who ate carrots more than once per week. Try incorporating carrots into your diet as a healthy snack or delicious side dish just a few times per week to increase your intake and potentially reduce your risk of cancer. Still, remember that these studies show an association between carrot consumption and cancer, but dont account for other factors that may play a role. SUMMARYSome studies have found an association between carrot consumption and a decreased risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer. Beans Beans are high in fiber, which some studies have found may help protect against colorectal cancer . One study followed 1,905 people with a history of colorectal tumors, and found that those who consumed more cooked, dried beans tended to have a decreased risk of tumor recurrence. An animal study also found that feeding rats black beans or navy beans and then inducing colon cancer blocked the development of cancer cells by up to 75%.
According to these results, eating a few servings of beans each week may increase your fiber intake and help lower the risk of developing cancer. However, the current research is limited to animal studies and studies that show association but not causation. More studies are needed to examine this in humans, specifically. SUMMARYBeans are high in fiber, which may be protective against colorectal cancer. Human and animal studies have found that a higher intake of beans could reduce the risk of colorectal tumors and colon cancer. Berries Berries are high in anthocyanins, plant pigments that have antioxidant properties and may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer. In one human study, 25 people with colorectal cancer were treated with bilberry extract for seven days, which was found to reduce the growth of cancer cells by 7%. Another small study gave freeze-dried black raspberries to patients with oral cancer and showed that it decreased levels of certain markers associated with cancer progression.One animal study found that giving rats freeze-dried black raspberries reduced esophageal tumor incidence by up to 54% and decreased the number of tumors by up to 62%. Similarly, another animal study showed that giving rats a berry extract was found to inhibit several biomarkers of cancer. Based on these findings, including a serving or two of berries in your diet each day may help inhibit the development of cancer. Keep in mind that these are animal and observational studies looking at the effects of a concentrated dose of berry extract, and more human research is needed. SUMMARYSome testtube and animal studies have found that the compounds in berries may decrease the growth and spread of certain types of cancer. Cinnamon Cinnamon is well-known for its health benefits, including its ability to reduce blood sugar and ease inflammation. In addition, some testtube and animal studies have found that cinnamon may help block the spread of cancer cells. A test-tube study found that cinnamon extract was able to decrease the spread of cancer cells and induce their death . Another test-tube study showed that cinnamon essen-
tial oil suppressed the growth of head and neck cancer cells, and also significantly reduced tumor size. An animal study also showed that cinnamon extract induced cell death in tumor cells, and also decreased how much tumors grew and spread. Including 1/2 1 teaspoon (24 grams) of cinnamon in your diet per day may be beneficial in cancer prevention, and may come with other benefits as well, such as reduced blood sugar and decreased inflammation. However, more studies are needed to understand how cinnamon may affect cancer development in humans. SUMMARYTest-tube and animal studies have found that cinnamon extract may have anticancer properties and may help decrease the growth and spread of tumors. More research in humans is needed. Turmeric Turmeric is a spice wellknown for its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, its active ingredient, is a chemical with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even anticancer effects. One study looked at the effects of curcumin on 44 patients with lesions in the colon that could have become cancerous. After 30 days, 4 grams of curcumin daily reduced the number of lesions present by 40%. In a test-tube study, curcumin was also found to decrease the spread of colon cancer cells by targeting a specific enzyme related to cancer growth . Another test-tube study showed that curcumin helped kill off head and neck cancer cells . Curcumin has also been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of lung, breast and prostate cancer cells in other test-tube studies. For the best results, aim for at least 1/23 teaspoons (13 grams) of ground turmeric per day. Use it as a ground spice to add flavor to foods, and pair it with black pepper to help boost its absorption. SUMMARYTurmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that has been shown to reduce the growth of many types of cancer and lesions in test-tube and human studies. Garlic The active component in garlic is allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill off cancer cells in multiple test-tube studies . Several studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk
of certain types of cancer. One study of 543,220 participants found that those who ate lots of Allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions, leeks and shallots, had a lower risk of stomach cancer than those who rarely consumed them. A study of 471 men showed that a higher intake of garlic was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Another study found that participants who ate lots of garlic, as well as fruit, deep yellow vegetables, dark green vegetables and onions, were less likely to develop colorectal tumors. However, this study did not isolate the effects of garlic. Based on these findings, including 25 grams (approximately one clove) of fresh garlic into your diet per day can help you take advantage of its health-promoting properties. However, despite the promising results showing an association between garlic and a reduced risk of cancer, more studies are needed to examine whether other factors play a role. SUMMARYGarlic contains allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill cancer cells in test-tube studies. Studies have found that eating more garlic could lead to decreased risks of stomach, prostate and colorectal cancers. The Bottom Line As new research continues to emerge, it has become increasingly clear that your diet can have a major impact on your risk of cancer. Although there are many foods that have potential to reduce the spread and growth of cancer cells, current research is limited to test-tube, animal and observational studies. More studies are needed to understand how these foods may directly affect cancer development in humans. In the meantime, its a safe bet that a diet rich in whole foods, paired with a healthy lifestyle, will improve many aspects of your health. Top of Form HEALTHLINE CHALLENGES Looking to cut back on sugar? Well give you some sweet tips Our Nutrition newsletters 10 day sugar challenge guides you in bringing more awareness to the sugars in the foods you eat and gives you the tools you need to make healthier choices. Lets get started! (https:// w w w. h e a l t h l i n e . c o m / nutrition/cancer-fightingfoods#section2)
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Jumanji: The Next Level’: Film Review Shmael King wins Miss Berbice/I’m The kids-turned-adult heroes of the previous a BIG Deal Empowerment Pageant ‘Jumanji’ are joined by oldsters Danny DeVito and Danny Glover in Jake Kasdan’s sequel. If you were an asthmatic, insecure teen who had once been able to have adventures in the body of The Rock, what are the odds you’d be content to return to your old life forever? Even if it meant risking death (and possibly dragging your friends into peril as well), mightn’t you go back for one more taste of impossible masculinity? And so we have Jake Kasdan’s Jumanji: The Next Level, in which a mysterious magic video game once more transforms four teens into — well, not necessarily into the intrepid jungle explorers they became in 2017’s franchise starter, but something like that. That pic (also directed by Kasdan) scored family-film points for displaying comic chops parents could enjoy alongside their kids; this installment is a clear case of diminishing returns, but enjoyable action set pieces and a surprise or two near the end should keep parental grousing to a minimum. Having moved on to separate cities for college and other pursuits, the last movie’s heroes have plans to reunite over winter break. But while freshly minted dogooder Bethany (Madison Iseman), newly self-confident Martha (Morgan Turner) and football star Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) are gung ho to see each other, Alex Wolff’s Spencer drags his feet. He and Martha, after connecting in the previous film, have put their romance on hold; he’s having a hard time hanging on to the create-your-own-life spirit he found when an old gaming console transported the kids into an alternate reality, forcing them to beat many challenges before they could emerge safely. Having to share his childhood bedroom with his Grandpa Eddie (Danny DeVito), who’s recovering from hip surgery, only makes him feel more pathetic. So he digs up the old game and disappears into it again.
Once they realize what Alex has done, and believing he’s unlikely to survive Jumanji alone, his friends agree to enter the game as well. Inadvertently, they leave Bethany behind, instead pulling both Eddie and his old estrange d f r i e n d M i l o (Danny Glover) in with them. The twist here is that the mortals don’t become the same characters they played the last time they entered this world. Spencer’s whole reason to reenter this realm was to again become the manly and suave Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson); instead, he has been transformed into a pickpocket played by Awkwafina, and it’s his grandfather who finds himself inhabiting Bravestone’s body. The zoologist played by Kevin Hart, formerly the avatar of Fridge, is now host to Milo, and Fridge has been downgraded to the body of Jack Black’s nerdy cartographer Shelly Oberon. Martha, at least, is relieved to still be in the Lara Croft-y form of Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan). A large part of the first pic’s pleasure came from watching adult actors, very sure in their screen personae, pretend to be children who were awed (or disgusted, as the case may be) by their new bodies and abilities. This time around, that getting-to-know-you phase is much less fun. Black’s attempt to channel the speech patterns of a 20-ish black man won’t sit well with everyone in the audience (he was on much sturdier ground last time, playing a narcissistic teen girl); but in comedic terms, Johnson’s take on a kvetching grandfather falls flatter. We may have finally dis-
Magnum Tonic Wine presents Tek Charge Tuesdays at White Castle Fish Shop The Brand Managers for the Magnum Tonic Wine are elated for you to join them for their “Tek Charge Tuesday” event which will be held at the White Castle Fish shop. There will be Magnum specials all night long, the details of which will be provided by the Magnum vixens. Music will be presented by the Determined Family sound system. Be sure to link a crew for this weekly celebration. See you there.
covered something The Rock can’t do. This problem will be remedied late in the film, and in a truly inspired way, but the story spends far too long in this space where actors slog around in ill-fitting roles. Hart is by far the most successful here, clearly enjoying doing his version of a genteel Glover; it’s hard to explain how emphasizing the second syllable of “buttocks” makes sense in this context, especially when referring to a horde of angry mandrills, but Hart gets a laugh with that kind of choice. The mission our heroes are given is even flimsier than the one in the first movie, but it affords many changes of scenery, from ice-mountain castles to North African medinas to a sea of desert dunes stalked by hundreds of fast-moving, deadly ostriches. One especially involving sequence requires the friends to navigate a maze of suspended bridge segments that mostly lead to nowhere, then spin unpredictably to lead to even more nowheres. Just as they’re about to make sense of the puzzle, those angry mandrills arrive. ( h t t p s : / / www.hollywoodreporter.com/ review/jumanji-next-level-review-1261250)
Eighteen-year-old Shmael King captured the hearts of patrons and judges during the third annual Miss Berbice/I’m a BIG Deal Empowerment pageant that was recently held and walked away with the coveted title. The first-year social work who is an aspiring lawyer hails from Fort Ordinance East Canje, Berbice wowed the judges with her poise, posture, and confidence at the Albion Sports Complex Ground on the Corentyne. hosted by Royston Drakes Production. King competed against four other delegates for the coveted title and emerged victorious on her journey to the crown. The newly crowned queen intends to use the platform given to her to impact and effect change, especially in the lives of youths who are suffering from depression and mental health issues, a personal issue to her. She is grateful and elated for the opportunity given to her by the Miss Berbice pageant team to be an activist on the ground which will serve as a source of inspiration to her peers. King is building the foundation as she makes the necessary financial preparations for her legal journey. When asked why she plans on pursuing law, King explained that she wants to ensure that the vulnerable in society have better access to the justice system. Further, she stated that she has experienced legal injustice through the eyes of her mother who was a victim of domestic violence. Her advice to youths is,
The newly crowned Miss Berbice/I’m a BIG deal 2019 Shmael King
“to be yourself, work hard to achieve their dreams and make your family proud.” After crowning her successor, Rameshwarie Jairam said her one year reign has been excellent and gave her many opportunities to move forward and make greater steps as she continues to be an advocate for women’s empowerment. It also created a bigger stage to use her voice and be a role model to other young women. Placing in the top two were Sunesha Murray, First
runner-up, and Shaquilla Sharpe, Second Runner-up. While Sheleza Sattur was given the Miss Impression award for her outstanding community work and voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow delegates. Annanda Anthon was voted the favorite online and grabbed the People’s choice award and Miss catwalk as she impressed the judges with her striking long legs and elegant posture across the stage on the night of the pageant.
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Kaieteur News
Twas the Night Before Christmas : Full Text of the Classic Poem By Clement Clarke Moore ’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; “Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes
and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
Sunday December 22, 2019
Junior page
PipeCleaner Snowflake Ornaments MATERIALS ·Wire cutter or pair of old scissors ·Three 6-inch pieces of pipe cleaner, plus six 2 1/2-inch pieces, six 2-inch ·Needlenose pliers
together at their midpoints to make a six-spoked asterisk. Tighten twist by clamping down with needlenose pliers. STEPS 1. Using a wire cutter or old scissors, cut three 6inch pieces of pipe cleaner. Then cut six 2 1/2-inch pieces, six 2-inch pieces, and six 1 1/2-inch pieces. 2.Twist 6-inch pieces
3.Center one 2 1/2-inch piece at the midpoint of a spoke, and twist onto spoke. Tighten twist with needlenose pliers. Repeat on remaining 5 spokes. 4.About 1/2 inch from an arm attached in step 3 (toward spoke’s tip),
center one 2-inch piece, and twist onto spoke.
Tighten twist with needlenose pliers. Repeat on remaining 5 spokes. 5.About 1/2 inch from an arm attached in step 4 (toward spoke’s tip), center one 1 1/2-inch piece, and twist onto spoke. Tighten twist with needlenose pliers. Repeat on remaining 5 spokes. Trim arms if needed. 6.To hang, glue a loop of cord to the back of a spoke.
FUN WITH POETRY
Santas Watching
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Christmas time is coming, Its time we must be good, For Santas watching every day, And we must do what we should. Clean our room and wash the car, Help mom with every chore, For presents we are after, And a good one we must score. No time to chat, no time to play, Theres dishes to be done. There will be time later, For us to have all the fun!
So when we have helped everyone In some way to let them enjoy, We will more celebrate and have fun, With our family and our toys.
MAZE Goodluck!
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Let us all Celebrate Christmas Together as we do all religious holidays
I
t says a lot for the goodwill of us Guyanese to celebrate together the observance of all the various religions to which we belong. It is also to the credit of those in authority to mark and facilitate these festivities by making them national holidays. This by tradition has gone a long way to demonstrate that we should not hold any prejudice against our fellow Guyanese because of their religious culture, as we must appreciate that each religion, although they preach the word in different ways, leads us to worship of the Almighty Creator. We must know that religion has been one of the most divisive factors among people of the world, even causing violence and wars. It follows then that we Guyanese can be proud that we can find religion as helping to foster unity among our people, and we can set an example many people and nations because of this.
What Christmas Means To Me by Julie Hebert1 Christmas is a time of giving, And a time to share, All the love you harbour close, And to share all your prayers. It’s time to bring those people, Whom you may not see that much; Bring them all together, And they will all feel touched. It means then that we have a sacred duty to carry on this tradition that our forefathers of the major religions have spread and preserved among our people, and this must spur us to come together more and more in our celebrations of religious and national holidays. This must give us another and,
possibly, more important reason to celebrate this Christmas together. Let us not only use the occasion to have fun among our family members, other relatives, friends and church members, but also our neighbours and all those with whom we come into contact. A Blessed and United Holiday to all our readers and to all Guyanese!
Slitherlinks Fill in some of the dotted line segments to form a meandering path that forms a single loop. The path does not cross itself, branch, or touch itself at corners. The numbers indicate how many line segments surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of line segments. There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to mark segments that cannot be filled in. The aperiodic 5fold tiling in this puzzle is named for Sir Roger Penrose, who discovered it.
It’s also the time to give, To all those that are in need; This should be done all year around, But this time of year is especially a need. And when you stop and think, Of what Christmas means to you, A sense of joy and happiness Is the feelings that will come to you. Christmas is a warmth, We all should feel and take note; How lucky are we all To have this feeling in our throat. So say a little prayer To thank the Man upstairs For giving us a wonderful holiday, That brings such happy tears.
The more we join with others to have fun, the more deeply we will enjoy our holiday THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Solutions to last week’s
CROSS FIGURES
INKY
Goodluck!
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Natural Flat Hair Fixes to Add Volume to Your ‘Do 1. Don’t over wash Washing your hair daily is a huge deal-breaker if you want your hair to have oodles of body. It strips your hair of the essential oils needed to keep your hair healthy and lifted. 2. Blow dry upside down This allows gravity to lift your tresses away from the scalp. Spritz with a light hairspray, but wait about 30 seconds before you flip yourself upright: That’s how long it takes for hairspray to set. 3. Wash with baking soda I’m now on team no ‘poo, and wash my hair once a week using 1 part baking soda to 3 parts water. Because my hair is long, I let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. My perpetually flat hair finally has bounce – no products required. Best of all, one week later it still feels as squeaky clean as when I first washed it! 4. Switch up your part One trick for flat hair that has never let me down: Don’t let your hair get used to a specific part. Switch up your part every morning to help keep your roots lifted. Try new ways to style your hair each day to keep your roots on their toes. 5. Tease it I wouldn’t recommend doing this very often (unless you’re a fan of damaged hair), but if you’re going to a special event and need your ‘do to last no matter what, this method always does the trick: Hold your hair straight up at the crown, and backcomb in sections down to the root. Brush through with your fingertips to soften the look. 6. Lift your roots Using a large, round brush, lift your hair at the roots and wrap 1 to 2-inch sections around the brush. Aim your blow dryer at your scalp and pull upward for maximum impact. 7. Scrunch your hair Perfect for the summer season, give your hair a beachy look by scrunching your hair and letting it air dry. Add a cup of water and three teaspoons of sea salt to a spray bottle. Spray, scrunch, and get ready for the compliments! The tousled look will take the focus away from your roots. 8. Plan ahead Give your hair a natural wave by twisting damp hair into small buns before bed. Fasten using bobby pins instead of elastics to avoid damaging your hair and leaving unwanted crimps. Unwrap your strands in the morning, tousle them about and use a light hairspray to set. 9. Use your hands Use the pads of your fingertips to nix flat hair at the roots, the crown, or wherever you need a little boost. Bonus: It doubles as a pretty relaxing scalp massage. What are your favorite ways to fight flat hair? https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/ 9-natural-flat-hair-fixes-to-add-volume-to-your-do
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 22, 2019
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
CARICOM finds its winning voice From page 24 international law as they apply to indigenous peoples, particularly those related to human rights”. It should be noted that, while CARICOM governments want early free and fair elections, independently supervised, so that the people of Bolivia can elect the government of their choice, every CARICOM country has
chosen to recognise the current administration of Bolivia because they are the de facto government; they are fully in charge of the state apparatus. So, there is no question of any CARICOM country's “veiled political motives” as was unfortunately alleged by the Brazilian Ambassador in a live global web broadcast of the Permanent Council meeting.
The resolution by the CARICOM 13 was carried by a majority of 18, with 4 votes against and 12 abstentions. It was a proud moment for CARICOM; for its unity; and for a clear manifestation of its commitment and determination to stand-up together for human rights for all, and for justice for those who are treated unjustly. (The writer is
The world is changing, we're being advised, but are we... From page 35 manifesto asking voters to give them a “chance,” promising respect for the right to Collective Bargaining which was denied workers when in office; and emerging parties are making promises workers find enticing, tell me, what would likely be the workers' choice come next year, if the environment remains as is? There is a global assault on established institutions, rights, values and constitutions. Concurrently, a fight is being waged to ensure their respect. Whereas some may be ignoring the ordinary man
and woman, even seeing them as footstools or insignificant in the scheme of things, like the Republicans learned in the m i d t e r m a n d o ff - y e a r elections, and recently Labour, taking this constituency for granted is to your own peril. The results of our last Local Government Elections showed similar signs. Some have excused the low turnout as characteristic of this type of election, even though losing seats in traditional strongholds. Exactly a century ago the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was established after a
First Oil!
From page 40 leading up to March 2nd. We need the holidays to forget the politics, if only for a day or two. Our people have been battered…from years of slavery, then colonialism. We would be stupid to forget those years. We have to be thankful for where we are. The real work to ensure we receive what is ours is beginning in earnest. As we celebrate Christmas, let us quietly reflect on how much power we have as a people.
destructive war “to give an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes.” And where the ILO's founding principle aims to create “lasting peace…based on social justice,” citizens/workers are taking a stand. They are doing this with their vote! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
We have to understand that the days when the tail wagged the dog are slowly going away. We will enjoy the holidays and pat ourselves on the back and vow to open our mouths, in unison, and to tell our leaders to stay woke. As the new year approaches, we can hope and those who believe in divine intervention, can pray, that our leaders see the wisdom of putting this country first. Season's Greetings to you all. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Ambassador of and Barbuda United States Organization of States. He is also
Antigua t o the and the American 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 and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper) R esponses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Kaieteur News
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Country profile
H
eir to the ancient Khmer Empire, modern-day Cambodia is benefiting from two decades of relative stability, having endured civil war and the murderous rule of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s.
Cambodia
o v e r s e a s investment to replace aid. Corruption is deeprooted and Cambodia is still one of the world’s poorest countries, with most of the workforce still employed in subsistence farming. LEADERS
Painful memories still endure of the radical communist Khmer Rouge’s time in power under the leadership of Pol Pot between 1975 and 1978, when two million people died in the regime’s brutal pursuit of a rural utopia.
T h e c o u n t r y ’s o n l y significant opposition party was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017. MEDIA Many Cambodian newspapers and private broadcasters depend on support from political parties. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his allies control several outlets.
Prime minister: Hun Sen
The economy is dominated by garmentmaking, but tourism is
expanding, and Cambodia hopes to tap into offshore oil and gas reserves and draw in
Sunday December 22, 2019
Head of state: King Norodom Sihamoni King Sihamoni - a trained ballet dancer - was sworn in as monarch on 29 October 2004, after his father, the widely venerated and long-serving King Sihanouk, abdicated because of poor health. I m a g e copyrightGETTY IMAGES Cambodia’s kings once enjoyed a semi-divine status; today, the monarch’s role is mainly ceremonial.
Image copyrightAFP Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving prime ministers, has been in power in various coalitions since 1985. A former communist and - briefly - a member of the Khmer Rouge - he was last reappointed by parliament in September 2013 for a further five-year term, in the face of mass demonstrations and opposition allegations of fraud in the July elections. Since seizing power from his then co-prime minister, Prince Ranariddh, brother of the then king, Sihanouk, in 1997, critics believe Hun Sen has become increasingly authoritarian, using a mixture of electoral fraud, corruption and intimidation to maintain quasi-dictatorial rule.
Cambodians regard their ancient temples as a key part of their identity
A crackdown on independent media in 2018 means that Cambodians “only have access to news provided by major media groups directly linked to Hun Sen”, says media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. Angkor Wat is one of the main temples in the ancient capital of Angkor
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Immigration Questions & Answers By Attorney Gail S. Seeram
T
hrough this “Question & Answer” column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, p l e a s e e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com. Question #1: I w o u l d like to adopt my 18-year-old
nephew that lives in Guyana and bring him to the United States – can this be done? Answer #1: Yes, you can adopt your nephew if you meet the requirements under the laws in Guyana, however, for U.S. immigration purposes, the adoption must take place before the child is age 16. So, adopting your nephew at age 18 would not allow him to be categorized as your “child” for U.S. immigration purposes. Also, there are
residency requirements under the U.S. immigration laws that must be met by the petitioner and child for a non-orphan adoption. Question #2: M y girlfriend lives in Guyana and she is pregnant. I am a U.S. citizen. When my child is born in Guyana, will my child be a U.S. citizen? Answer #2: The birth of a child abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) should be reported as soon as possible so that a
Consular Report of Birth Abroad can be issued as an official record of the child's claim to U.S. citizenship. Report the birth of your child abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. So, the answer to your question is “yes”, the child will be a U.S. citizen if all the requirements are met. Question #3: My green card was taken away at the U.S. border. What does this mean? Answer #3: First, you
need to speak with an immigration attorney. You may be scheduled for a deferred inspection interview and you should take an immigration attorney with you for legal representation. During the deferred inspection interview, the officer will gather additional information to determine whether to place you in removal proceedings or to return your green card. There are many reasons why a Custom and Border Protection officer may take away someone's green card – thes e include a prior conviction, pending criminal case, length of time outside the U.S., use of fraud to obtain the green card, etc. Question #4: My U.S. citizen aunt sponsored my mother and our entire family? Why was my brother, who is age 22, not issued a visa at the U.S. Embassy? Answer #4: Generally, for a 4th preference category (U.S. citizen sponsoring brother/sister) family-based petition, any children not under the age of 21 at the
Gail S. Seeram time the visa is available are ineligible for the immigrant visa, because they are no longer considered a child under the U.S. immigration laws. However, speak with an immigration attorney regarding your brother's eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA Call | text (+1)407-2927730 WhatsApp (+1)407-3531 3 6 3 . e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law
Sunday December 22, 2019
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g .. n i t s. s re ure e t t In rea C
T
he Muscovy duck ( C a i r i n a moschata) is a large duck native to Mexico, Central, and South America. Small wild and feral breeding populations have established themselves in the United States, particularly in Florida
Sunday December 22, 2019
The(Cairina Muscovy Duck moschata) and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas as well as in many other parts of North America, including southern Canada. Feral Muscovy ducks are found in New Zealand, Australia, and in parts of Europe. The bird is predominantly black and white, with the back feathers being iridescent
and glossy in males, while the females are more drab. The amount of white on the neck and head is variable, as well as the bill, which can be yellow, pink, black, or any mixture of these. They may have white patches or bars on the wings, which become more noticeable during flight. Both sexes have pink
or red wattles around the bill, those of the male being larger and more brightly coloured. Although the Muscovy duck is a tropical bird, it adapts well to cooler climates, thriving in weather as cold as -12 °C (10 °F) and able to survive even colder conditions. In general,
Barbary duck is the term used for C. moschata in a culinary context. The domestic breed, Cairina moschata forma domestica, is commonly known in Spanish as the pato criollo ("creole duck"). They have been bred since preColumbian times by Native Americans and are heavier and less able to fly long distances than the wild subspecies. Their plumage colour is also more variable. Other names for the domestic breed in Spanish are pato casero ("backyard duck") and pato mudo ("mute duck"). All Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide flat tail. In the domestic drake (male), length is about 86 cm (34 in) and weight is 4.6–6.8 kg (10–15 lb), while the domestic hen (female) is much smaller, at 64 cm (25 in) in length and 2.7–3.6 kg (6.0–7.9 lb) in weight. Large domesticated males often weigh up to 8 kg (18 lb), and large domesticated females up to 5 kg (11 lb). The true wild Muscovy duck, from which all domesticated Muscovys originated, is blackish, with large white wing patches. Length can range from 66 to 84 cm (26 to 33 in), wingspan from 137 to 152 cm (54 to 60 in) and weight from 1.1–4.1 kg (2.4–9.0 lb) in wild Muscovys. On the head, the wild male has short crest on the nape. The bill is black with a speckling of pale pink. A blackish or dark red knob can be seen at the bill base, and the bare skin of the face is similar to that in color. The eyes are yellowishbrown. The legs and webbed feet are blackish. The wild female is similar in plumage, but is also much smaller, and she has feathered face and lacks the prominent knob. The juvenile is duller overall, with little or no white on the upperwing. Domesticated birds may look similar; most are dark brown or black mixed with white, particularly on the head. Other colours such as lavender or all-white are also seen. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or all-red face; the drake also has
pronounced caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers. The ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and wings. Some domesticated ducklings have a dark head and blue eyes, others a light brown crown and dark markings on their nape. They are agile and speedy precocial birds. The drake has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo. This species, like the mallard, does not form stable pairs. They will mate on land or in water. Domesticated Muscovy ducks can breed up to three times each year. The hen lays a clutch of 8–16 white eggs, usually in a tree hole or hollow, which are incubated for 35 days. The sitting hen will leave the nest once a day from 20 minutes to one and a half hours, and will then defecate, drink water, eat and sometimes bathe. Once the eggs begin to hatch it may take 24 hours for all the chicks to break through their shells. When feral chicks are born they usually stay with their mother for about 10–12 weeks. Their bodies cannot produce all the heat they need, especially in temperate regions, so they will stay close to the mother especially at night. Often, the drake will stay in close contact with the brood for several weeks. The male will walk with the young during their normal travels in search for food, providing protection. Anecdotal evidence from East Anglia, UK suggests that, in response to different environmental conditions, other adults assist in protecting chicks and providing warmth at night. It has been suggested that this is in response to local efforts to cull the eggs, which has led to an atypical distribution of males and females as well as young and mature birds. For the first few weeks of their lives, Muscovy duckling feed on grains, corn, grass, insects, and almost anything that moves. Their mother instructs them at an early age how to feed. [Source: Wikipedia]
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Former G/T Mayor and astute businesswoman,
Dr. Mavis Benn, From page 22 trained thousands of persons in the public and the private sector since its establishment. It offers programmes and services in etiquette, customer service skills, speech and report writing, empowerment, motivation, human resource development, planning and goal setting, public speaking, telephone skills, and many, many more. According to Dr. Benn, “The Company is committed to a life's vision of making a difference in the upliftment of quality skills and moral standards in individuals, families, communities, social institutions and governments. Through the years of wide demographic dispensation, Zoywins has touched the lives of over 5000 individuals who participated in its programmes. Over 100 institutions have positively evaluated the impact of Zoywins' courses have had on the upliftment and progress of their organizations.” But the businesswoman admitted that she is not surprised at the growth and development of her company, as both she and her husband came from a background etched in human development. She added that the passion in which the company undertakes its programmes understandably is predicted on a history from a Christian childhood rooted
is a 'Special Person'
in the highest moral values of parents, a youth committed to community development and an adulthood deeply engrossed in the highest level of policy making and government. The businesswoman admitted that she is very impressed with the many accolades showered on Zoywins for its contribution to human development. She confessed that, in particular, the words of New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg still resonate. When Zoywins' marked its fifteenth anniversary in 2008, Mayor Bloomberg hailed it for its contribution towards the development of the city of New York. Ma y o r B l o o m b e rg wrote: “Since its inception in 1992, Zoywins Consultancy has provided exemplary technical and interpersonal skills training and preparation services to clients in South America, the Caribbean and the United States. Their guidance and professional expertise has allowed government agencies, non-profit organizations, and small businesses to grow and thrive by helping employees improve efficiency and managerial competence.” He further wrote: “As a member of the National Minority Business Council and one of the New York City Department of Small
Business Services certified Minority—Owned Business Enterprise, Zoywins has also helped our city achieve its goal of creating greater access to business opportunities for m i n o r i t y — a n d w o m a n — o w n e d enterprises.” Added to this, Zoywins has also received citations from Member of Congress, Yvette Clarke on behalf of N e w Yo r k ' s 11 t h Congressional District; President of the Borough of Queens, New York, Helen Marshall, Deputy Borough Presidents of the Office of Brooklyn, Yvonne Graham; Financial Controller of HCCL, Bronx, New York, Derek Broomes. Citations were also received locally from the Guyana Missionary Baptiste Church, John Fernandes Limited, Correia Group of Companies and the City Council of Georgetown. In terms of institutions here, Zoywins has lend its expertise to several government ministries, NIS, Georgetown Public Hospital, Deeds Registry, GUYOIL, the Guyana Police Force, CANU, Banks D.I.H Limited, Guyana Lottery C o m p a n y, p r i v a t e individuals, and others too numerous to mention. ACHIEVEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILTIES
A young Dr. Benn (third from left) and her husband, Ronald, on their wedding day Last month, at the United Nations office in New York, Dr. Benn was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the United Graduate College and Seminary. She also recently received a World Civility Award and has been appointed a Civility Ambassador. In 1976, Dr. Benn was elected to the International Women's Forum of the World Assembly of Youth based in Denmark. Before serving as Mayor, she was elected as the youngest City Councillor, and was the youngest member elected to present for the Georgetown City Council at the Guyana Association of Local Authorities which was then the umbrella organization for all Local Authorities in the country. Apart from these, Dr. B e n n s er v e d o n t h e Constituent Assembly in Parliament as a representative of the Guyana Assembly of Youth. This body was set up to rewrite
and advise Central Government on the Constitution of Guyana. She also represented Guyana as a member of a two-man delegation to the biennial Caribbean Studies of Association Conference which was held in St. Thomas, West Indies, in 1983, and presented a paper on the Role of Women in the Caribbean. Dr. Benn was also a Special Advisor to Prime Minister Hamilton Green on Welfare matters. Among other things, she was tasked with organizing the World Environment Day Programme in Guyana for a number of years; organizing business entities for single parents, particularly, women who need financial assistance. Furthermore, she was also selected to represent the Georgetown City Council and the Guyana Association of Local Authorities (GALA). Along with two others, she was responsible for bringing
Food For the Poor to Guyana She has also undergone special courses in Expansion of Small Business, Upgrading Management Techniques, Enhancing Managements and Leadership Skills and S p e c i f i c S h o r t Te r m Managerial Training. As a young member of the Socialist Movement, Dr. Benn led a group of young p e o p l e f r o m K i t t y, Georgetown, to rename the streets in the community after a decision was made to name them after members of the Village Council. In recognition of her sterling contributions to society, a street has been named after Dr. Benn in the Shirley Field Ridley Square in Georgetown. In her spare time, Dr. Benn enjoys cooking, listening to music and decorating her home. Fo r h e r e x t e n s i v e contributions, today we at Kaieteur News bestow her with our title of 'Special Person'.
Dr Benn delivers a speech at a church in New York, USA
Sunday December 22, 2019
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NICIL lends support to Region Ten to bolster agriculture Since becoming actively and aggressively involved in agriculture, Region Ten has been booming. This is according to head of the Region’s Agriculture programme, Mr. Derrick Cummings. Cummings at a recent Council meeting, revealed that there continues to be significant growth within the region. He said that the reintroduction of agriculture into schools has played a major role in generating interest in this regard. He said that with the reintroduction of agriculture, there is evidence that the interest among residents has significantly increased. “We are seeing the interest of residents increasing significantly as more and more persons are beginning to understand that agriculture is the best way to go. “As such, the reintroduction of agriculture into schools played a critically important role as more persons are expressing an interest in getting involved,” he said. The agriculture officer disclosed that with the continued support being g i v e n b y t h e r e g i o n ’s administration to agricultural development, he foresees that more persons will be coming on board in the New Year. “We are blessed to have an REO who has a personal passion for agriculture, thus he has been ensuring that adequate resources and technical support is given so as to further boost the sector,” he said. Cummings said, too, that the construction of nine shade houses was another major achievement that the region had garnered within its first full year of instituting the agriculture programme. “With the requested funding, we foresee that in 2020 more shade houses would be constructed.” According to him, the support and assistance given by three main partners have
helped significantly. He was at the time making reference to the Cooperatives within Region Ten which, he said, were very vibrant in mobilising their membership to take advantage of the programme. The Regional administration and NICIL also played a critical role in the provision of several equipment to the region. “The resuscitation of several farming cooperatives was one of our primary achievements as several farmers banded together to better access a number of assistance and support programmes. Many farmers were eager to get their cooperatives going and as such, we can state that Madena stood out as their 40-plus farmers were able to achieve a great lot, the Regional Agricultural Officer said. Cummings said that the distribution of livestock to several residents to provide the opportunity for them to get actively involved was another achievement. He said that several residents took advantage of this, thus being able to rear several livestock primarily chicken within the region. He added that with the distribution of seedlings to farmers, it also created a platform for residents to get involved in farming. “We also provided technical support to several farmers, who have received livestock and seedlings as we are on an aggressive path in advancing agriculture within Region Ten,” Cummings declared. Cummings was in high praise for a donation that NICIL made to the agriculture department. “NICIL was generous to donate to us a tractor which has significantly benefited and helped the sector greatly. “Many farmers are very grateful and thankful for the tractor as we were able to get a lot of work done, thus helping to further boost the sector and we are forever thankful as if we hadn’t the tractor certainly a lot wouldn’t
Regional Agriculture Officer, Region 10 Derrick Cummings
have been done,” he stressed. Echoing similar sentiments, Chairman of the Regional Agriculture Committee, Tracy Johnson, said that NICIL was a very good friend of Region Ten. As such, the agricultural sector owes a debt of gratitude to the company. “Not many companies would have sought to assist us in such a meaningful way, and we are truly thankful for their donation because we were able to get many things done,” Johnson told the Council.
Chairman of the Regional Agriculture Committee, Region 10 Tracy Johnson
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Business Chamber blames lack of Public Service Credit Union enforcement for road carnage gives $2.5M to Public servants Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken note of the high instances of accidents on the country’s roadways. In a statement, the organisation called on all road users to exercise caution during this festive season. The GCCI has recognised that poor enforcement of traffic laws is among several factors that contribute to the road carnage that has claimed more than 120 lives in 2019, thus far. “An important part of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) agenda is the promotion of responsible business practices. As such, the GCCI hereby appeals to all road users, including motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, to exercise caution. “The responsible use of the roadways in an effort to combat the current road safety crisis is integral,” the
statement said. Further, the Business Chamber explained that road traffic safety in Guyana is a major social, economic, development and health concern and the increase in road traffic accidents is alarming. Each road traffic fatality is a painful loss, which signifies human suffering and economic and social costs. “The Chamber believes that improved road safety and the reduction of road accidents is a shared responsibility which requires concerted action by road users, Government, the private sector, academia and civil society.” The Chamber is also cognizant that poor enforcement of traffic laws, speeding and reckless driving, and the lack of proper training and education are some of the main factors that contribute to road carnage in Guyana. “Road accidents have great financial impact on our economy and significantly
affect the social lives of those affected. “In this regard, the GCCI notes that road accidents can be reduced through a number of preventative measures including strict enforcement of traffic laws, mandatory education and training of public transport drivers, road safety training and courses for new drivers and refresher courses for older drivers, increased sensitization campaigns about safe driving principles through the media, regular inspection of public transport, and awareness raising programs and materials for pedestrians. “Road safety is everybody’s business and the GCCI urges all road users to stringently uphold traffic laws and regulations, and exercise good judgment when using the roadways by observing the five C’s – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy,” the statement concluded.
HON. KEITH SCOTT HANDING OVER A CHEQUE TO DEBRA BAMFIELD AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PSCU On Friday the Public Service Credit Union (PSCU) located on Hadfield Street, hosted a “Make a wish Christmas promotion” for persons in the public sector and members of the Public Service Credit Union at the head office. The organistion is known for strengthening the cooperative movement by encouraging citizens to be successful by engaging in economic ventures via the cooperatives route. A number of persons applied and filled their coupons at the Head office
before the day of the draw. Each applicant was given a fair chance to have their names selected by a rotisserie process. Unfortunately, only five persons were able to claim the $500,000 each. The five persons whose applications were selected by random were; Grace Lee of the Ministry of Public Health, whose wish was to repay her loan; Mark Cyrus of Region One; Debra Bamfield also from the Ministry of Public Health; and Roslyn Gill from the Ministry of Education, an applicant who filled her form
yesterday and was fortunate to be a part of the five. Odell Semple, the coordinator of the event was the Chairman of the PSCU. The PSCU said that it wishes to continue this Christmas promotion to satisfy and keep the members of the union happy. The union is now accepting more members. Present at the event was Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott, the Chairman of the PSCU, members of the PSCU, Public Servants and special invitees.
Sunday December 22, 2019
LETTER TO SANTA
BY VIBERT PARVATAN GUYANA Dear Santa, It is always a pleasure to write to you at Christmas time and to seek special gifts for the people of Guyana, taking into account apparent needs. Such needs normally relate to social, cultural, educational, governmental, political, medical, business, environmental and other areas. Santa, as usual, I am forwarding to you by letter a gift list for Guyana. However, as I look at our world today with the lack of Christian love, compassion, kindness, civility, generosity and peace, I am inclined to think that in recognising the terrible, sad, tragic, hostile situations in so many lands and war zones, that maybe I should ask that priority be given to such places. We in Guyana, are better off. Notwithstanding, there are many problems in Guyana, some of which seem to be endemic. These include corruption, increase in criminal activities, high suicide rate, traffic congestion with regular deaths on the roadways, inadequate medical facilities, ambiguity and confusion in interpreting the Laws of the Land, non-compliance with established rules and procedures, procurement lapses, abuse of authority, high taxation for the low income workers, apparent lack of knowledge and competence, in some areas of decision making, discrimination, partiality and the like. I ask that priority be given to some other countries in distant lands where there are bombings on a daily basis with tens of thousands of people being killed. It is heart breaking and traumatising to watch such scenes. Those countries include Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and to some extent, Palestine. Further, human suffering is evidenced in the experiences of migrants risking their lives and sometimes losing their lives in search of betterment for themselves and their families. In those situations, the paradox is that many of those countries which preach democracy are the main sellers of arms and ammunition. Yet in their homeland, human rights abuses may be seen. It is traumatising to see human beings starving in some countries. Democracy is on trial with some Leaders seeing the importance of only one factor—free and fair elections. Santa, the United Nations which is a most important organisation with its mandate to prevent war and ensure the
territorial integrity of countries, to stand up and denounce any government which tramples on the rights of people. At present, this world body appears to be ineffective. Today in many countries, the economic, financial and austerity measures have resulted in violence. This is now evident in my continent – South America— and can be seen in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Venezuela and Colombia. Santa, it is obvious that this Christmas with its message of PEACE, JOY and GOODWILL will not find fertile ground in many countries. Santa, you have to find appropriate gifts for the alleviation of hunger, want and suffering. Santa, from the world situation, let us return to Guyana where National and Regional elections are scheduled for March 2020. That date is not cast in concrete as specialised delaying tactics could lead to a later date. There is in Guyana a wellestablished body named Guyana Elections Commission. Unfortunately, elections are seen in Guyana as a divisive process exploited by some political Leaders. It is bandied that Ge COM (E) symbolises TRUTH GONE. Time will tell. We need you to give to political Leaders the attributes of peace, respect and humility. Now back to a Global perspective. Under the umbrella of democracy, there are some cases where Leaders seem to think that all powers are bestowed upon them. In some instances, they proclaim that in the interest of the people, they must stay in the office as long as possible. The old meaning of democracy in which Leaders must see themselves as servants of the people, NOT as their bosses, has given way to autocracy, arrogance and inflated egos. You need to give to such Leaders gifts of humility tolerance, patience and respect for the rule of Law. Also, give them respect for the other branches vested with protecting the rights of citizens, such as the Judiciary and the Parliament. Allegations of corruption often cast a dark shadow over the integrity, honesty, decency and humanity of some governments. It is becoming a regular feature to have ex-Presidents and ex-Prime Ministers facing corruption charges as soon as they demit office. Santa, the great challenge facing people of the many lands is the inequitable
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distribution of wealth. The economic systems of capitalism and socialism need to be re-examined. The old adage ‘that the problem with capitalism is the inequitable distribution of wealth; and that the problem with socialism is the equitable distribution of poverty;’ needs to be re-examined. Each economic system has its strengths and weaknesses. A better “ism” is pragmatism. Santa, you need to give to Leaders the wisdom and genuine interest to integrate the best benefits of both economic systems. It is certainly unacceptable to have a situation in so many countries where people cannot afford healthcare. It is ridiculous to have trained and experienced personnel who cannot gain full employment. It is an injustice wherein after working for years, persons retire and they are not assured of food and shelter. How can one accept a situation in which a CEO in a capitalist society earns US$31 million a year with some employees of the said company earning US$31,000. The CEO gets one thousand times that of a low earning worker. It is certainly also preposterous that 1% of the world’s population owns 50% of the wealth. In relation to global warming, you have first-hand experience at the North Pole. Vested interests of businesses will restrain progressive pursuits of solar, wind and hydro-power. Santa, please exclude guns, knife sets and smart phones from your gifts for children. Santa, be assured that in appreciation of your gifts the recipients will always be thankful to you. You do not have to ask for any favour in return. These days, there is much concern for the subject quid pro quo…Ho ho, ho. Santa, for me Guyana is the best place to be at Christmas Time. Given the hospitality of our people, it may also be for you the ideal place at Christmas Time. Significant bonuses being paid out to certain categories of workers. They will certainly have a bright (not white) Christmas for them. Did I hear you say ho, ho, ho…? A Merry Christmas to you Santa and that Good Wish is extended to everyone on planet earth. A word of caution, be careful with the colours you use such as green, yellow and red, which may have political significance. Thanks and God Bless! Happy New Year! Sincerely, Vibert Parvatan
CONSUMER CONCERNS
MAY ALL ENJOY CHRISTMAS AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH GUSTO! By PAT DIAL Guyanese people, from the mid-nineteenth century, have been celebrating and enjoying Christmas in the same spirit as we do today and have always nostalgically looked backwards to the charms of by-gone Christmases with the hope of recapturing them. Thus the festival became richer and richer with the passing of each year and they were able to co-opt many valuable customs from the various immigrant groups who were brought from Europe, Africa and Asia. Such customs included, for instance, caramel cake derived from Portugal and chicken or mutton curry and roti which became part of the Christmas menu. The use of paddy pots in decoration was contributed by Indian indentures. From about the 1890s to about the 1980s, the various customs which became uniquely attached to the Guyanese Christmas became fully integrated and the various immigrant groups were encompassed in it with important social consequences such as the unification of the various racial groups into a Guyanese patriotism and the occurrence of cultural exchanges among them. This period was regarded as the high years of Christmas. During these high years, weeks before Christmas, people set their black cakes and various wines such as jamoon wine, rice wine, ginger beer and sorrel which was brewed during Christmas week. The art of making fruit and sponge cakes was brought to perfection. It was a time when homes were given a thorough clean-
ing and all furniture was renewed or revarnished or repolished. The shops were stocked with various Christmas goods including ingenious toys and gifts. The grocery stores were stocked with all kinds of exotic fruits, mostly from the temperate zone. All business places, especially the shops and groceries, were decorated to transform them into a wonderland of fantasy. Street music - masquerades and later steel bands - began to have their rehearsals in preparation for Christmas week. House parties and public dances also took place in Christmas week. The whole society was suffused with a nervous energy and a sense of pleasant expectation. The religious face of Christmas was always prominent. Christmas music, especially carols, were heard everywhere and was regularly broadcast. The Christmas story enacting the birth of Lord Jesus and the Three Kings was performed in the schools and some churches. The Churches held services during Christmas week and among the most memorable were the colourful midnight masses of the Catholic Church. Some Hindus and Muslims participated in and enjoyed the religious aspects of Christmas since these were universal and conformed to their Faiths. Christmas cards, some of these painted with scenes of great beauty, were widely exchanged. Such cards were sold by vendors in the markets and streets. These vendors would usually read out aloud the poetic Christmas messages they contained.
During these high years of Christmas, everyone was overwhelmed with relaxed happiness and there was a genuine feeling of goodwill towards all men. Then from about the 1980s, Christmas began a gradual decline. This was attributed to a variety of causes: The Government of the day adopted a policy of “de-emphasizing Christmas”. Wheaten flour and other ingredients for cake-making became unobtainable, chicken and eggs became scarce, and the economy and employment contracted resulting in less money being in circulation. Citizens were driven to focus on the necessities of survival. Above all, the country experienced a massive emigration which has continued to today resulting in more Guyanese residing abroad than now live in Guyana. At the time of writing this offering, which is about two weeks from Christmas, it seems that Christmas 2019 would be low-keyed since we have not seen the liveliness and vibrancy which was so much part of the running-up to past Christmases. Yet, there are indications that the spirit of Christmas is again energetically manifesting itself - shopping is beginning to pick up; the religious side of the festival is beginning to evidence more activity than a few weeks ago and its celebratory aspects will inevitably resurge making it as memorable a Christmas as ever there was. We should gear ourselves to enjoy a very merry Christmas.
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ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561/681-2808 TO LET Newly constructed, 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/622-6512
Republic park, modern home, WANTED 3 self contain room up, 2 rooms bottom flat with One experienced Bartender, automatic garage & gate. One Security guard, Servers/ Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Waitstaff. Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose & Anira Sts TOURS #225-0808 Ext 100 Suriname- Old years firework celebration tour trip 12-29- Wanted experienced hire car 2019 - 01-03-2020.Call/ taxi drivers at Ramada Whatsapp #639-2663/673- Georgetown Princess Hotel. 2348/665-5171 Contact # 616-5419/265-7076 Prestige Tours Guyana, River Tour, White water falls, Kyk- Labourer to work on cash over-al, Arawai Resort. Tel# crop farm. Tel# 695-6139/638630-3636 Stephen 7420/679-7552
VACANCY One (1) Clerk for TSI Eccles Industrial Site Office, English1 Mathematics -2, Quickbooks. Call: 615-9132 Commercial truck driver instructor. One security guard to work in Georgetown Call: 227-1717 Vacancy exist for Experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Interested persons call #696-5098 between 8am-4pm Vacancy for One (1) Experienced Driver/Salesman @ Humphrey Bakery & Farm Products Tel# 225- 7864 /2278607 One female cleaner, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda Experienced Sales girl, Apply in person, Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Experienced Lorry Driver, Apply in person, Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Person to assemble bicycle, apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda Room attendant, Desk Staff, 25-50 yrs, 233 South Road, Lacytown. #225-0198 Office Assistant- Applications with CV & References to Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Maraj Building, Charlotte & King St, G/town- by 3 Jan, 2020 Vacancies exists for Truck Drivers and Loader Operator. Contact - 621-5282 Experienced Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529
The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has revised and implemented new requirements for the importation of blood pressure and glucose testing machines, ultrasound and other medical devices. These new requirements are set out to ensure that all of the important devices are within the international benchmarks and standards. For the first time, importers are now required to provide certification which demonstrate that their imported devices have been approved by the International Standards Organization (ISO) 13485 standard. They must attain an original Free Sale Certificate from the regulatory body of the country where the medical device is manufactured; and the manufacturer of the devices has to obtain a Medical Devices Single Audit Programme (MDSAP) certificate. Prior to this, the GA-FDD did little or conducted no en-
VACANCY Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132 Employment workshops- free of charge, now till January 5th. Contact# 233-6997/622-1957 Ages 16-36 Housekeeper- day shift at Aagman Restaurant, Sheriff St. TIN, NIS & Police Clearance mandatory. Call: 219-0158
quiry regarding the specificity of the devices, such as where it was manufactured, whether it was approved by the countrys regulatory body, what standards were the devices manufactured to and whether the manufacturer was certified. Before the implementation, the local importers only had to display whether they had the capacity to store the devices. These new standards will come into effect in 2020, when importers make their applications, appealing for permission to import in the New Year. The Food and Drug Act Cap 34"03 of 1971 and the Food and Drug Regulations of 1977, defined a medical device as “any instrument, apparatus, or contrivance, including components, parts and accessories thereof, manufactured, sold or represented for use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder, abnormal state of health or the symptoms thereof, in man or animals, or used or intended to be sued for the prevention of uterine conception.” Director of the GA-FDD, Marlan Cole explained that the countrys legislation does not allow regulations of devices for personal use. However, anything that is being imported for commercial use and the general public will be regulated and verified. Recently, Cole graduated as a Doctor of Public Health, the highest award any University in the region could offer.
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Seven prisoners home for holidays after Food for the Poor pays fine The Timehri prisons
Food for the Poor (FFTP) has paid the fines of 79 nonviolent offenders for Christmas. They were held in some of the most notorious prisons throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Many were arrested for stealing to feed their families or for something that would be considered a minor offence. For more than two decades, Food for the Poor has honoured the tradition of freeing nonviolent offenders from prisons in Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica by paying their fines in time for Christmas. In Guyana, Food for the Poor paid the fines of seven nonviolent offenders who were sent to prison for simple larceny or minor traffic offenses. David, one of the seven, was fined US$91, money neither he nor his family had. He spent six months in Timehri Prison. On the morning of his release, David and the six other men expressed gratitude to Food for the Poor President/CEO Robin Mahfood in a telephone conference from the Food for the Poor-Guyana offices. “This year, 79 non-violent prisoners have been set free for the Christmas holidays, thanks to generous and compassionate donors who support the charity’s prison ministry,” Mahfood said. “We are not here to condone or to
pass judgment on anyone who was arrested and sent to prison for a nonviolent offence. We believe in God’s mercy and second chances, because second chances are an opportunity to correct the wrong and to choose a better path in life. “It is truly our prayer that each one of those released this Christmas will do exactly that.” Each newly freed person was greeted by Food for the Poor staff who prayed with them. Each person also received a copy of the Bible, a meal, personal care items and traveling money. In Haiti, the road to desperation is being led by poverty, civil unrest and gang violence. Near-daily protests are taking a toll on the 11 million people in the Caribbean nation, making day-to-day living nearly impossible for the destitute. Food for the Poor has also paid the fines of 50 men, two teens and one woman in Haiti. All were arrested and sent to prison for stealing. Most were arrested for taking a cow, a pig or in the case of 14-year-old Jerry, a goat. Jerry, from Ouanaminthe, said his mother died and his father abandoned him so he became a shoeshine boy to make money. He admitted he took the goat to sell, but the teen was arrested and locked up with hardened criminals for two months before Food for the Poor learned about his situation and paid his fine.
“I want to thank you for giving me back hope,” Jerry said. “I will go back to my daily life to make some money and feed myself.” Rosette, 43, a wife and mother of eight, spent nearly six months in a Fort Liberté Prison after she stole items from someone to sell to feed her family. Rosette was beside herself with joy to learn her fine had been paid. She knew her six months could have turned into years. “I am so grateful to the donors of Food for the Poor for helping me to go back home to my children,” Rosette said. “I will do better. Thank you, and may God send his blessings upon you.” In Jamaica, four inmates were released from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, including a 49-yearold bus conductor. He spent more than a month in the Spanish Town prison for traffic violations, such as not wearing his uniform or his badge. He could not afford to pay
the fines, which were approximately US$229, so he was arrested. “The money that I earn from conducting on a bus is simply not enough to cover everything, because I have a 16-year-old son, so I just decided to do the time,” he said. “This is the first time this has happened to me and it has been the hardest thing to deal with.” During his time behind bars, he admitted he was forced to reflect on his life and it was during those times he turned to God for comfort. “I prayed a lot, and I begged God to intervene because this is not the life I want to live. God answered my prayer through Food for the Poor and it is such a blessing.
I am so grateful,” he said. In Honduras, increased violence and unemployment rates have the Central American nation in a chokehold. Many are having a hard time finding day labour jobs and steady work is difficult to secure. Juan is the oldest of three children who live with their mother; the father abandoned the family leaving them very poor. One day in April, the teen came home and his mother said there was nothing for them in the house to eat. Juan went out to find work for the day and when he could not, out of desperation, he stole some food and was arrested. His devastated mother told him that they may be poor, but he was raised better than that.
Since she did not have the US$276 to pay his fine, he was arrested and sentenced to two-and-a-half years. After eight months, he learned that he was one of 15 men whose fines were paid by Food for the Poor. During Juan’s time in the Pastoral Penitenciaria, in San Pedro Sula, he learned how to fix cars. “I am very thankful to CEPUDO, Pastoral Penitenciaria and Food for the Poor for this opportunity to be free again,” Juan said. “God bless you.” The programme in Honduras has a number of skills training projects, and some are taught by former inmates. They help nonviolent offenders return to society with a trade to be better equipped to find work.
Teenagers hospitalised after plunging into “Blacka”
STANDARDS IN STANDARDS INFOCUS FOCUS
BUY SAFE TOYS AND PLAYTHINGS FOR YOUR CHILDREN Toys and playthings are monitored by the GNBS under its Product Monitoring Programme to ensure compliance to the labelling and quality requirements. When these products are offered for sale on the market parents and guardians are guided at the time of purchase, and children who are the likely users are protected. This Christmas season, parents and guardians can protect their children from the use of unsafe toys and playthings by considering the following tips: 1. Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way. 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. 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 on tight 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 choking 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 “ULApproved” or carry any other certification mark. Check the label to be sure. Lastly, parents, age recommendations on toys can be helpful, because they offer guidelines on the following:· The safety of the toy (for example, if there 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 on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
Children swimming in the Blacka Concerned residents of B Field Sophia and surrounding communities are pleading with persons to desist from throwing sharp objects into the Lamaha Canal, popularly known as the “Blacka” located in B Field Sophia. This plea came about after two lads, aged 14 and 15, were admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after sustaining injuries while swimming in the canal. Relatives have identified the victims as 14-year old Kwesi Smith, of Lot 10 B Field Sophia, and 15-Year-old Matthew Jacobs of Lot 21 B Field Sophia. Kaieteur News understands that on Friday around 15:30hrs, the teens and some other friends went to the Blacka to enjoy the after-
noon together when the accident occurred. Both of the teens sustained cuts and bruises to their body as a result of the incident. In an interview, mother of Kwesi Smith, Yonette Smith, told Kaieteur News that she did not expect that such would have happened to her son. “My son does always go to the Blacka with his friends so that they could enjoy a swim and nothing like that has ever happened to my child. But the alarming thing is the Blacka is not like how it used to be before. Persons continue to throw old fridge and freezers in the Blacka and that is not right.” Ms. Yonette is worried that her son may have lifelong scars due to his injuries.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Venezuelan family shares bittersweet... From page 18 responded, “Well that's not our problem. It is just that we don't know you.” Feeling ashamed, she called her aunt and told her what had transpired, Her aunt who had been living Guyana for some years told her, “Child, this is not Venezuela, the people are different”. Kim's aunt explained to her that Guyanese are very enclosed, hostile and don't associate much. She was also told that Guyanese are very racist and rude.Kim then warned her children and rest of the family not to associate much with Guyanese because they seem like bad people. But she could not stop Katherene from being inquisitive and curious about her neighbourhood. Little Katherene wished to make friends with the children of Campbell Avenue and often questioned her mother, “Why can't I be friends with Guyanese people?” Kim would respond by saying “Well the neighbours don't say morning; their faces are always serious, and the children don't like play in the
afternoons.” Refusing to believe, Katherene would say, “No mommy, there is a sweet little old lady that lives next door, she smiles with me and tells me good morning”. Katherene longed to meet Miss Joyce Bobb, “the smiling old lady”. One day Katherene was sent to purchase ice but the shop had run out of supplies. While returning home, Katherene gazed at Joyce's house and saw her opportunity to form a conversation. She knocked at the gate and was greeted with the smile she loved. Wasting no time, Katherene asked Joyce if she had ice. Joyce responded, “Yes darling,” and offered Katherene the ice free of cost. Seizing the moment, Joyce and Katherene became best of friends. Joyce Bobb said that she admires Katherene's courteous attitude and is impressed by her intelligence and charming words. Katherene described Miss Joyce Bobb an “angel sent from heaven” because of her kindness towards her.
Becoming friends with Joyce Bobb convinced Katherene that her mom's perspective of Guyanese was totally wrong. Eventually Katherene became friends with almost everyone in her neighbourhood. Her mother said that because of Katherene's persistence and personality, they discovered a beautiful side of their Guyanese brothers. She, too, was able to find few Guyanese who are quite friendly and hospitable but she is a bit baffled by some of their traditions. When asked about the baffling traditions, Kim responded with a question, “Is it a culture for Guyanese men to be overly protective of their wives?”Not knowing how to respond reporters inquired about the reason behind Kim's question. Shockingly, she responded by saying that her friend would often warn her not to be accompanied by her husband when visiting. Kim also said that her friend is not allowed to visit her either because of the men in her house.
Political parties briefed on requirements...
Representatives of the political parties at the Arthur Chung Convention Center From page 15 (CI), Change Guyana, the New Movement (TNM), People’s Republic Party (PRP), Kingdom Liberal Movement (KLM), Destiny to Oneness, National Congress of Progressive People’s Alliance, the Cooperative Republicans of Guyana and the Guyana United Democratic Party (UDP), Guyana National Service Party (GNS); the Democratic National Congress (DNC); the United Republic Party (URP), Horizon and Star and Organisation For the Victory of the People. They will join the country’s better-known parties, A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+ AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. As Guyana heads closer to General and Regional Elections, Nomination Day is scheduled be January 10, next year. Nomination Day marks Guyana drawing closer to the holding of Regional and General Elections following months of uncertainty after a no- confidence vote was successfully toppled the ruling a Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government back in December 2018. Since then APNU+AFC and the opposition the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have
been in a tug of war over the validity of the no confidence motion. The no-confidence motion has divided the nation with the government insisting that the vote was illegal as the parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, was sitting illegal in the National Assembly at that time of the vote. The government took the matter to court. The High Court ruled that no person with dual citizenship can sit in the National Assembly but that the vote was carried, properly. However, the Court of Appeal deemed the vote needed a greater majority. The matter ended in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) where it was ruled that the motion was valid and elections must be held within three months. Many observers have been calling for a smooth flow in the proceedings leading up to elections particularly the diplomatic community.The diplomats have been nervous over what has been a testing period for Guyana.New US ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, has urged Guyana to have a “peaceful” reaction to the impending ruling at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the no-confidence vote which triggered early elections.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Sunday December 22, 2019
Don’t talk…Write to us
One of the countrys largest unions is complaining about the attitude of one foreign-owned timber company. Chinese-owned Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) is telling the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) to write them and not negotiate face-to-face. DTL has its main base at Mabura, Region Ten. The matter has reached to the offices of Attorney General, Basil Williams, with no movement for a while now. The disclosures were made yesterday, by GAWU during the unions year-end press conference. “During the year, we continued to address the attitude of the foreign-owned Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) which is refusing to engage our union in the process of Collective Bargaining.” GAWU explained that for some time now, the companys management has shown an unwillingness to engage in face-to-face meetings. Rather, the Chinese company has opted to restrict relations to correspondences. “Our union has pointed out that Collective Bargaining necessitates such
…Chinese-run Demerara Timbers tells union engagements in order for matters to be addressed in a full and frank matter. We have found the companys attitude to be most disrespectful. “It has even refused to attend meetings summoned by the Department of Labour. The companys behaviour, apart from being unbecoming, is also unlawful. Our laws have clearly pointed to the need for Collective Bargaining between recognised unions and companies.” According to the union, it has drawn the companys “demeanour” to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) which is charged with, among other things, upholding the Trade Union Recognition Act. The law regulates how collective bargaining should work. “The TURCB has considered that GAWUs submission is proper and has agreed that the company should be made to comply with the laws. The matter, we understand, has been referred to the Attorney General (AG) Chambers for action.”
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According to GAWU, the matter has been with the AG Chambers for some time now but no action has been pursued. “It is disappointing that the rights of the workers are being disregarded and though the law is on their side, it appears that there is no impetus for appropriate action. Certainly, no Government should allow any enterprise local or foreign to be disrespectful to its people and their rights. “While the GAWU will continue to actively follow-up this matter, we are also mulling other steps we could take.” The concerns would come as the spotlight focuses on the performance of foreign companies operating in Guyana. Russian-owned Rusal, which operates bauxite plants in Aroaima and Kurubuka, Upper Berbice, is facing flak for its treatment of workers and for declaring no profits for over 12 years. A number of gold mining companies are also under scrutiny from Cabinet, amid increasing public criticisms. Workers protesting for better conditions at DTLs operations at Mabura, Region10.
First Oil more a great day for Exxon and not Guyana - Charles Ramson O
n Friday evening, President David Granger announced that Guyana has finally assumed the status of a full-fledged Petro-State and while this historic occasion is supposed to be a joyous one for all, it is only so for ExxonMobil and its partners, says Petroleum Academic and Attorney-at-law, Charles Ramson Jnr. Yesterday, Ramson opined that first oil which occurred on December 20, last, will remain a sad reminder for Guyanese as they would not get the true value of their resource due to the poor deal the APNU+AFC administration renegotiated and signed with ExxonMobil in October 2016. The lawyer said that the contract governing Guyanas take from the Stabroek Block will always go down as one of the worlds worst contracts. The lawyer said, “The deal that we got in 2016 is a horrible one. It is simply atrocious and it will lead us to lose billions of dollars in revenue leakage. While it will result in Government in getting some amount of revenue from the meager two per cent royalty for example, it is nothing compared to what other oil producing nations have been able to get because their government ensured that they got more than the crumbs for their people” He said that any reference to Guyana becoming like Qatar or Norway is totally misleading, and perhaps, even delusional as such nations ensured that they got a good deal for their resource. Ramson was also keen to remind citizens that the
Oil and Gas Academic, Charles Ramson behaviour of the government since 2015 in handling the oil industry reeked of incompetence and opaqueness. He added that the government has failed to lay the legislative and regulatory framework that is needed to effectively run the industry; hence, his earlier comment that first oil on December 20 is a sad day for Guyana. Also sharing similar sentiments with Ramson yesterday was his party, the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP). In a statement to the press, the PPP said that while first oil should have fueled the hopes and aspirations of Guyanese across the country, given the opportunities in the oil and gas sector, it has morphed into a cause for greater apprehension about the future. The PPP said, “Guarantees that petroleum production will be transformative for
Guyanas economic development and that it will improve welfare and the prosperity of our people are non-existent. “Instead, (President David) Granger continues to tout his vague Decade of Development mantra as the panacea for finally fulfilling the good life. It also exposes his penchant for declaratory statements and sloganeering rhetoric that is exposed as such, since first oil has nothing to do with any effort on his part.” The PPP said instead, what obtains under Grangers stewardship is a plethora of failures. The PPP said Grangers record in office, even outside the oil and gas sector, reflects the same story: increased borrowing; increased tax collection of $88M more annually, compared to 2014; wasteful spending and depletion of our reserves; deterioration in the delivery of public services, more so in the health sector; no plans for housing; increased cost of living; escalation of crime and more. The PPP further stated that Granger ignores the fact that development, success and prosperity are the result of positive policies something his Coalition seems incapable of formulating. It also stated that Grangers fixation on good life speeches will not translate into progress and prosperity for the people; the hard work has to be put in. The Opposition stressed that there can only be positive advances if the oil monies are well managed.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
Abid, Shan hundreds flatten Sri Lanka in WIPA Salutes Stalwart Stafanie Taylor Karachi LAHORE (Reuters)Abid Ali - Pakistan openers and Shan Masood smashed hundreds and forged a 278run stand to flatten Sri Lanka in the second and final test in Karachi yesterday. Bundled out for a paltry 191 in the first innings, Pakistan finished day three on 395-2, with a commanding lead of 315 runs, after a vastly improved batting display at Karachi’s National Stadium. Abid, followed his century on debut in the drawn Rawalpindi test with a career-best 174, which included 21 boundaries and a six. Shan’s 135 was also his highest test score, studded with three sixes and seven
boundaries. Skipper Azhar Ali (57) and Babar Azam (22) will return on Sunday hoping to bat Sri Lanka out of the contest and inch closer to a series victory. On a pitch offering little to the bowlers, Abid and Shan batted fluently to deny the Sri Lankans in the morning session when they scored at a four-and-half per over rate. Abid took two off left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya to bring up his century and it did not take long before Shan completed his hundred. The last time both Pakistan openers smashed centuries in the same innings was in 2001 when Saeed Anwar and Taufeeq Umar got hundreds in a Multan test against Bangladesh. Lahiru Kumara finally separated the duo when Shan
KINGSTON, JAMAICA - The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) salutes Stafanie Taylor on being named to the ICC 2019 Women’s ODI team of the year, a release from the body stated. WIPA’s executive and staff extend hearty congratulations to Stafanie on this significant accomplishment. “Congratulations on your continuous efforts in raising the bar Stafanie, West Indies Cricket will certainly be better for it,” said WIPA President and CEO, Wavell Hinds. The team was selected by an ICC voting academy earlier this month, comprising media and broadcasters from Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Taylor is currently ranked number two in both the ODI batting rankings and the ODI allrounder rankings.
Abid Ali is jubilant after his hundred. (AFP/Getty Images) attempted a pull shot and the top-edge found Oshada Fernando at deep square leg. It was the end of
Sunday December 22, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be fidgeting, Aries, given your general restlessness. You're anxious to get up and do some sort of song and dance, and yet you insist on waiting for the right time.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may not realize the effect of your erratic behavior on other people. They may try to understand your viewpoint, but at times it seems you're talking in riddles.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Although you may pride yourself on your patience, Taurus, this quality could be hard to come by today. It's possible that you've bent as far as you can and reached the breaking point.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It may be best if you stay out of the line of fire. Don't get into others' battles. By choosing sides, you create enemies. Use your compassion to soothe the situation.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) People could be exploding with rage all around, and you may wonder what the big deal is. If anyone is likely to have a level head through today's chaos, it's you, and this gives you a tremendous advantage in any situation.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Although your general mood is good, this doesn't mean your day will go off without a hitch. When it comes to projects and getting things done, you may be the one to take the lead.
CANCER(June21–July22) The more you try to control others, the harder it will be to get what you want, Cancer. People with equally strong wills are making it known they won't be bullied by your manipulative behavior.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Difficult situations may arise in which you feel like you're doomed no matter what you do. Finding a working solution seems impossible due to the egos of the people involved.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may join hands with a spokesperson who's willing to attest to your honesty and good nature, Leo. This person is happy to step up and toot your horn for you.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be quick to point out when you see an injustice, Aquarius. If someone says something offensive or untrue, don't let it slide. If you do, you're just as much at fault as the person who committed the offense.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Yo u m a y g e t f r u s t r a t e d when people who've taken shortcuts gain on your position. You believe that hard work is necessary to get where you need to go.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your emotions may be erratic. You may want everyone to know what you're feeling and act out in an immature manner to get noticed.
Pakistan’s highest secondinnings stand for any wicket. Abid was looking good for a double century but he perished lbw trying to flick Kumara. The two-match series, part of the World Test Championship, marks Pakistan’s first tests on home soil since the 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore. Scores: Pakistan 191 (Shafiq 63, Babar 60, Kumara 4-49, Embuldeniya 4-71, Vishwa 2-31) and 395 for 2 (Abid 174, Masood 135, Azhar 57*, Kumara 288) lead Sri Lanka 271 (Chandimal 74, Afridi 5-77, Abbas 4-55) by 315 runs.
KSM Investments backs KMTC... From page 69 but for other meets as well, and we very much appreciate their contribution,” he added. Kennard noted the importance of sponsorship in staging successful sporting events. The company’s CEO Mahadeo Panchu stated that sport is a unifying force in Guyana. “I am amazed at the crowd that turned out to witness the races and we recognise the importance of sports more so horseracing especially in the Corentyne area,” he said. “We intend to continue to support the club in a much bigger way. It depends on the growth of our economy which can result in the growth of our business.” He said that Kennard must be commended for his efforts in organising the event, adding that he needs support. The races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.
The Academy of Contemporary... From page 70 Following weeks of training, the students were tested in physical fitness (2mile run), pushups, sit ups, condition fitness, presentation on topics (1500 words), kata, sparring, self defence among other requests that were required for the various ranking belts, in the presence of parents/ guardians, friends and Instructor/Master Dellon Hyman. The exams were conducted by the Chief instructor Grand Master Audre Murray.
Awards were given in the following ranks (belt) white, yellow, green purple. Their next assessment will be in April 2020 which will be done in conjunction with International Tournament ‘The Evolution Series’ at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The ACMA already have 10 countries committed for event. Interest students can contact Dellon Hyman or Ulanda Hyman on 666-3416 or 6877427 for information on registration.
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Players Organise end of year Tourney By Sean Devers An end of the year Table Tennis tournament organised by the senior Nationals Shemar Britton and Joel Alleyne and sanctioned by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) served off yesterday at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Thomas Road. With an entrance fee of $2,000 the tournament was staged between two teams made of the top five senior and bottom five Juniors and the bottom five seniors and top five Juniors. The games were played in round robin format before a Knock-out format today when the semi-finals and final will be contested. Yesterday Britton explained that the senior players were talking about a good way to end the year and he and Alleyne came up with the idea and with the backing of GTTA President Godfrey Munroe and National Coach and General Secretary of the GTTA Linden Johnson the competition was staged with the top 10 Senior and Junior players in the Country participating. The seniors were Chris Franklyn, Nigel Bryan, Elishaba Johnson, Warren Mackshau, Devon Richmond, Orin Hickson, Johnathon Sanker and the organisers Alleyne and Britton. The Juniors were Kaysam Ninvalle, Isiah Layne, Niron Bissu, Colin Wong, Dhanesh Persaud, Colin McRae, Chad Outar, Joshua Lucas, along Morris Cummins and Shaven Green from Linden and the lone female Thariah Thomas The competition commenced with doubles since this format will be used in the 2020 Olympics with
- Johnson says 2019 was ‘decent year’ for Table Tennis
National Coach Linden Johnson (left) and GTTA President Godfrey Munroe (right) with Nat Snr and Jnr players at MSC yesterday. singles coming after the doubles. The Olympic qualifiers from Table Tennis are set for April in Puerto Rico and Johnson, in his capacity as National Coach, said Table Tennis had a ‘decent’ year in 2019. The GTTA always wanted to hold an end of the year tournament and next year it will on their Calendar of Events. “It was great to see that the players planned this tournament,” Johnson stated. “In March we hosted the Pan American qualifiers before hosting the Senior Caribbean Championship which was used for the Men’s Qualifiers for the Latin American Team Championships,” Johnson informed. He said that Chelsea Edghill qualified for the Pan Am Games but lost to the Number 3 seed in the first round. Edghill is Number one
among the Female, while Franklyn is the number one male. GTTA Head, 47-year-old Munroe, in his second term after being first elected in 2014, said that this year the GTTA also benefited from a two-month stint by Cuban Coach Osdani Romero Garcia. Munroe informed that Garcia’s work in Guyana was funded by the GTTA and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) through a Pan American Sports Development Grant. Munroe, a former Caribbean Champion, indicated that plans for 2020 include the hosting of the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Championships in April and Mini and pre-Cadet Championships in August, while Team Guyana will travel to Cuba for the Senior Caribbean Championship from April 2-8. In the Developmental plans for next year the GTTA intends to focus on
Action on day one of the two-day End of year tournament at Malteenoes yesterday three main areas; High Performance Training, Table Tennis in the School with the emphasis on trying
to get more Girls involved in the Sport and Organising more tournament for the Seniors.
The year-end Competition concludes today and day two is scheduled to start at 15:00hrs.
Olympics: Bolt takes to track to open Tokyo national stadium
It was the first time the national stadium had been open to the public. (JIJI PRESS/AFP/STR)
TOKYO (Reuters) Sprinting great Usain Bolt ran on the track at Tokyo’s newly-completed National Stadium yesterday during an event to celebrate the opening of the venue set to be the centerpiece of next year’s Olympics. Bolt, the eight-times O l y mpic gold medalist, jogged around the track as part of a relay race in front of an audience of approximately 60,000 people, who were the first members of the public to watch an event in the National Stadium. Work on the stadium, built at a cost of 156.9 billion yen ($1.44 billion), was finished in November, nine months before it hosts
the Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 24. “It was a great experience being in here and running in front of so many people,” said the 100 and 200 meters world record holder. “I was happy and excited because I won’t be getting to compete at the Olympics so the fact that I got to run on the track was an experience in itself. “I am actually in pain right now from the little run I just did.” Before Bolt took center stage, the audience watched a smaller version of what might be expected f r o m t h e To k y o 2 0 2 0 opening ceremony, with troupes from around Japan
taking part in a traditional ‘matsuri’ festival, dancing and chanting their way around the track. Soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura, who still plays professionally at the age of 52, and several of Japan’s rugby players also took part in the event, which, barring a slight glitch when Brave Blossoms captain Michael Leitch was interrupted by t h e PA s y s t e m , r a n smoothly. The first sporting event to be held at the National Stadium will be the Emperor’s Cup soccer final on Jan. 1 and the venue will also host the Tokyo 2020 athletics test event in May.
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Man City come from behind to beat Leicester
Gabriel Jesus scored his first home goal of the season. His past 14 City goals were all away from home or at Wembley. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Liverpool remain 10 points clear at the top of the table after an enthralling battle between their two nearest rivals saw Manchester City fight back from a goal down to beat Leicester. Pep Guardiola’s side stay third despite this impressive victory, a point behind the Foxes and 11 behind the leaders - who now have a game in hand - but this was a timely reminder of how good the defending champions are at their best. Manchester City had to do it the hard way, falling behind to Jamie Vardy’s superbly taken breakaway goal, but inspired by a magnificent performance by Kevin de Bruyne, they roared back to take the points. Vardy silenced the Etihad Stadium when he raced on to Harvey Barnes’ pass, outpaced Fernandinho and chipped Ederson to score with Leicester’s first effort at goal. The home side had
dominated the early exchanges but, for the fourth home league game in a row, they found themselves behind and, just as in their defeat here by Manchester United, looking vulnerable to fast counter-attacks. While that game had ended in demoralising defeat for Manchester City, this one would have a very different outcome. Guardiola continued to urge his players forward, despite the danger posed by Vardy on the break, and they were soon level. Riyad Mahrez, who was being half-heartedly booed by fans of his former club, cut in from the right and fired in a low shot that cannoned off Caglar Soyuncu and left Kasper Schmeichel helpless. Leicester dug in, with Schmeichel making a series of saves to ensure the hosts had to wait to turn their vastly superior possession into further goals, but he could not delay the inevitable for long. Three minutes before the
break, Ricardo Pereira lunged in on Raheem Sterling inside the box and, after Mike Dean pointed to the spot, Ilkay Gundogan fired his penalty into the bottom corner. Things continued in a similar pattern after half-time, with De Bruyne running the show and Leicester clinging on - knowing that while they were only one goal down they had a chance. Mahrez and De Bruyne, who had hit the post when the score was 0-0, were unable to convert golden chances to finish the Foxes off but, fittingly, it was the Belgian who helped make the points safe with his 13th assist of the season. He burst into the box with an unstoppable run down the right and squared for Gabriel Jesus to slide home his side’s third goal at the far post. De Bruyne departed, exhausted, to a standing ovation just before the end and was given a huge hug by his manager, both of which were fully deserved.
Mazaruni Inter-Zone football tourney underway The Mazaruni Inter-Zone football tournament commenced last night with several matches. The tournament, which is being held as a qualifier for the Upper Mazaruni District
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
competition in 2020, saw Paruima females playing against Waramadong females and at 19:00hrs, while Paruima males battle Waramadong males at 20:50hrs. The competition
The Mazaruni Inter Zone football tournament commenced last night.
continues today with Kamarang and Isseneru playing the female division at 20:00hrs before both teams face off in the males segment from 10:00hrs. The winners from each group will contest the finals. The 2020 Upper Mazaruni district tournament will be played in Kako.
Cottrell lacks the quality to justify price tag, says Gambhir
Fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell. KOLKATA, India, CMC – Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has criticised Kings XI Punjab’s million-dollar acquisition of West Indies speedster Sheldon Cottrell, labelling the move as a “desperation” buy. Cottrell found himself at the centre of a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI before Kings XI finally secured his services for US$1.2 million. Speaking following Thursday’s auction here, Gambhir said he did not believe Cottrell possessed “enough quality” to justify the lucrative price tag. “There were no better options, Pat Cummins and Chris Morris both were sold
out. They tried hard to get Morris but it didn’t work,” said Gambhir, who twice led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL titles. “I still don’t think Sheldon Cottrell has enough quality to become a [US$1.2 million] bowler. He’s still to build on accuracy and speed yet that he can bowl at 145 [kph] speed. He can look at putting cutters but that might not help at Mohali. “I think Anil Kumble (Kings XI director of operations) picked him up in desperation since they couldn’t get Chris Morris or Pat Cummins. If the demand is high and supply is low, these things happen.” Cottrell has had an
outstanding year for West Indies, taking 30 wickets from 23 One-Day Internationals and 14 from 12 T20 Internationals. He also led the attack during a wretched ICC World Cup campaign by the Caribbean side to finish with 12 wickets and was also instrumental in the Caribbean Premier League with 12 wickets at an economy rate of just under eight runs per over for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. At Kings XI, Cottrell joins West Indies teammates Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran who were both retained following the last IPL season, and Barbados-born England fast-bowling all-rounder Chris Jordan.
Messi scores 50th goal of 2019 in Barcelona win BBC Sport - Lionel Messi scored his 50th goal of 2019 as Barcelona beat Alaves to end the year unbeaten at home. Luis Suarez assisted three goals and scored the other as Barcelona went three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Antoine Griezmann scored the opener and then Arturo Vidal blasted in a second, before Pere Pons’ header for Alaves. But Messi smashed home
an excellent 25-yard strike and then Suarez scored a penalty following a handball. Barcelona end 2019 with 24 wins and four draws at the Nou Camp - their first unbeaten year at home since 2011. They will be top of La Liga over Christmas, unless Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao by six goals today (20:00 GMT). Argentina forward Messi also had a goal disallowed before reaching his halfLionel Messi is La Liga’s top scorer with 13 goals in 13 games this season. (Getty Images)
century of goals for club and country this year. He has reached that landmark in nine of the past 10 years. He is set to finish as Europe’s top goalscorer in 2019 - with 34 goals in 32 La Liga games leaving him five clear of anyone else yet to play. Barcelona are unbeaten in 11 matches, while Alaves have gone five without a win - including a cup defeat by third division Real Jaen on Tuesday.
Sunday December 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
KFC Goodwill schools’ football tourney
New champion to be crowned this evening By Calvin Chapman The second annual KFC Goodwill Football Tournament for under-18 school teams will culminate this evening at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground, Carifesta Avenue, where Annai Secondary of region nine will match skills will Georgetown’s Lodge Secondary from 19:00hrs for championship honours. Inaugural champions, Shiva boys’ Hindu College of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), saw their perfect record in this competition’s history coming to an end on Friday night after running into a stumbling block in the Lodge School that were cheered on by the partisan crowd that consisted mainly of region seven supporters. Fresh off their triumph in the Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers under-18 schools football league, Lodge Secondary found themselves defending mostly during their win against the Trinidadians, which was achieved via kicks from the penalty mark after full and extra-time had expired 0-0. L o d g e ’s g o a l k e e p e r, Rashad ‘Shadow’ Roberts,
managed to stay focused after being bombarded by Shiva boys’ who clashed with him on a few instances in the match and in the penalty shootout, ‘Shadow’ saved the first penalty to put pressure on the visitors who went on to miss their next three penalty kicks. Meanwhile, in the opening seminal fixture on Friday, Annai Secondary of region nine bettered DC Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary of region seven 2-1 to reach the final. Annai’s Vito Cambridge found the back of the net in the first minute of play before Ovid Andrews equalised for Waramadong, much to the delight of his team’s large group of supporters, eight minutes later. The evenly matched game between the two sides that travelled some distance continued with some enterprising plays but it wasn’t until the second half, in the 65th minute that Raul Sway banged in the decisive goal from open play for Annai. Today’s third place
Lodge Secondary, 2019 Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers league champions, will play Annai in tonight’s final. playoff, which will feature Shiva boys’ and Waramadong at 17:00hrs will be equally as exciting as the final since both sides could’ve potentially made it to final due to the fact that all the teams appeared to be evenly matched in the semifinal round.
Troy Mendonca, codirector of the Petra Organisation (the promoters of the tournament), during an invited comment on Friday evening thanked all the sponsors of this competition, which he pledged will continue to grow bigger and better each year.
A source close to the sport promotion group revealed that next year could see an increase from six to eight teams. A visible absence of representatives from the executive and technical level of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) was noted
during Friday semifinal round and also during the roundrobin s t a g e o f t h i s competition that could serve as a scouting ground for the GFF to potentially boost their chances at next y e a r ’s F I FA u n d e r- 2 0 qualifiers, slated to begin in February.
GFF Super 16 Cup
Buxton Utd, Fruta Conquerors join quarterfinals line-up as Elite League teams dominate
Dillon Wright (right), Samuel Johnson and Omari Glasgow – Buxton United FC. The GFF Elite League teams have continued to dominate proceedings in the 2019/2020 edition of the GFF Super 16 Cup knockout tournament which continued on Friday night last before a sizable crowd at the Beterverwagting Community Ground, East Coast Demerara. In the feature match, Buxton United made light work of New Amsterdam United trouncing them 6-1, while in the opening clash, Fruta Conquerors took care of Buxton Stars 4-0; both
teams have now earned quarterfinal dates, Fruta Conquerors will collide with Milerock on Christmas Day with Buxton United coming up against the winner of last night’s match between the GDF FC and Mainstay Gold Star which was played in Essequibo. Buxton United, like Fruta Conquerors were the dominant team on the park and, New Amsterdam had one great flambouyant moment when they pulled one back through a ripper of a shot off
the boot of Jamal Butts in the 27th minute, the score was 21 then. It was the only bright spark for the lads from the east who lacked the punch that was needed in the attacking third to halt the many raids of the united Buxtonians. Leading the goal spree for Buxton United was Dillon Wright with a hat-trick, the first for this year’s tournament. The nippy Wright did not do anything wrong on the night and found the back of
Nicholas McArthur (right), Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett and Delon Lanferman – Fruta Conquerors FC. the nets in the 20th, 45th and 57th minutes. He was well supported by the young and diminutive Omari Glasgow who tapped in a double in the 10th and 74th minutes. The other goal was scored by second half (63rd minute) substitute Samuel Johnson in the 84th minute. Both teams made four substitutions, New Amsterdam United making their first in the opening half; all others were made in the second half. Buxton Stars did not
shine on the night as Fruta Conquerors, in their quest to add this championship to their Elite League title romped to an easy win. The Fruta guys controlled play by moving the ball around the park as they stamped their authority in every department. The young brigade for Conquerors led the charge for victory with Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett tapping in a brace in the 50th and 82nd minutes. Delon Lanferman opened the scoring in the 4th minute; the
other goal was banged in by Nicholas Mc Arthur in the 62nd minute. The quarterfinals line-up would be decided tonight when the final round-of-16 matches takes place at the Leonora Track and Field Facility; Santos tackle Eagles FC of Stewartville in the opener at 18:30hrs with the main match between the defending champions, Den Amstel and the East Bank based Georgetown Football Association club, Riddim Squad.
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Sunday December 22, 2019
GFF Super 16 Cup
Den Amstel begin quest for back to back titles against Riddim Squad today @ Leonora; Santos face Eagles By Franklin Wilson “Our confidence if high, we know about winning, we know what it takes to win, we know what it takes to be champions and we’re going to work hard on that.” The words of Head Coach of the GFF Super 16 defending champions Den Amstel Football Club O’Neil Heywood yesterday, ahead of the opening match of their title defence today against Riddim Squad, a team they would be meeting for the first time in any competition. This scenario prompted Coach Heywood to adjust the focus of his charges as they would be very cautious against the GFA side and aggressive when the need arise. While Den Amsel would have lost a number of players during the last transfer window, Heywood is of the belief that he still has players (mixture of youth and experience) in his team who can deliver the goods for them. The home fans are expected to be out in their numbers to support their side like they did for last year’s tournament which culminated
on January 1st this year at the Buxton Community Center Ground when they lifted the championship trophy. Den Amstel would be banking on the efforts of Leo Lovell, goalkeeper Ryan Hunte, Andre Hector, Dwayne Wilson, Rondel Hutson, Gideon Payne, Keanu Lawrence and Marvin Frank among others to deliver a win tonight. Riddim Squad on the other hand, will have to come prepared to take the fight to the GFF Elite League side knowing that the flow of the tournament to date shows that the Regional Member Association clubs have not been able to get past their Elite League opponents. Their Head Coach, Shawn Maloney would be banking on the likes of Lyliton Ramsay, Rawl Ramsay, Orville and Derwin Stewart, Kevin Gordon, Kevin Agard, Sceyon Hope, Capela Daniels and Dwayne O’Riley among others to craft a win for them. Santos Football Club (SFC) will start as favourites in their clash against Eagles Football Club in the penultimate match of the
Flashback! Den Amstel will begin the defence of their title against Riddim Squad tonight at Leonora. round-of-16 from 18:30hrs this evening not only as an Elite League side but due to the fact that they boast one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Outside of their two guest players, Alex Murray and Sheldon Holden Holder, they have in their regular team, Kester Jacobs, Kevin Dundas, Dwayne St. Kitts,
Orin Yarde, Ryan Dowding, Marcus Wilson, Job Caesar, Daniel Ross, Rondell Peters and Jermaine Padmore who would be working in tandem to carve out a win. Eagles FC, the West Demerara Football Association leading side would have their work cut out against this Santos line up but they {Eagles} have been
used to taking on opponents who are higher in the pecking order than them and have been upsetting them. While the Santos test would be a stern one, Eagles would be backing themselves to put up a good fight and possibly upset the apple carts by coming away with a victory; time will tell. They’ll hope for a more than fantastic
team performance from the following players: Keron Schmidt, Jalen Williams, Joel Ferrier, Jewel Stephen, Deron Harvey, Delon Clarke, Orette Stephenson, Stephen Bentick, Jason St. Hill, Ron Bobb, Ortega Bobb, Seon Miller, Adrian Adelpha along with guess players, Kevin Duke, Seon Bobb and Sherwin Bernard.
Hetmyer, Cotterell are latest Millionaires in US dollars - 11 West Indians in IPL 2020 By Sean Devers Young Warriors, Berbice, Guyana and West Indies lefthander Shimron Hetmyer will turn 23 on Boxing Day but he has received an early Birthday and Christmas gift all wrapped in one package. The dashing and pugnacious stroke-maker was this week given a US$1.1million contract by Delhi Capital to play in 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Last season he played for the Virat Kholi led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) but was released after failing to reach 100 runs in five matches despite making a half century. However, a magnificent match winning century against Kholi’s men in the first ODI was well rewarded by the most lucrative franchise in the world. While Hetmyer is yet to
reach a three-figure score from 16 Tests and his highest score is 52 in twenty T20 matches for the West Indies which he made in first T20I against India, Hetmyer has registered five tons from 42 ODIs in his favorite format. With 143 runs from the two ODIs against India after being run out for four in the second ODI, Hetmyer has a last chance of scoring his sixth ODI ton for the year, today in the third and final match in the three-match series which stands 1-1.
Sheldon Cottrell and his trademark celebration as fellow IPL Millionaire Shimron Hettmyer come to congratulate him.
Hetmyer is back to his best form and would want to score heavily against his ‘old’ team the only team without a West Indian. He has scored 1,033 runs with a century and five fifties from 50 T20 games with most of those runs coming in Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Hetymer is one of three Guyanese in the 2020 IPL and among 11 from the West Indies and one of two Caribbean players to be bought for US$ Million. Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and West Indies leftarm pacer Sheldon Cotterell is the highest paid West Indian player; earing US$ 1.2 Million to play for Kings X1 Punjab, who has the most West Indians in their team with Chris Gayle and Nicolas Pooran also included. Guyana’s 21-year-old Sherfane Rutherford from the East Coast of Demerara has been picked by Mumbai Indians, while his countryman 21-year-old Essequibian Keemo Paul will join Hetmyer at Delhi Capital. Mumbai Indians are the defending IPL Champions and the thirteenth edition has eight teams. The 2020 IPL is set to commence on April 1
Shimron Hetmyer celebrates his century in India and was soon celebrating his US$1.1 million IPL contract. and runs up to May 31 with the grand finale. The West Indians in the IPL: Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cotterell,
Shimron Hetmyer, Nicolas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Kiron Pollard and Oshane Thomas.
Sunday December 22, 2019
KSM Investments backs KMTC Boxing Day meet
President of KMTC Cecil Kennard (left) accepts the cheque and trophy from Arvind Panchu and Shanta Panchu. KSM Investments has partnered with the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) for the staging of its annual Boxing Day meet which is set for Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. At a simple ceremony held on Friday last at KSM Investments office, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, Directors Arvind Panchu and Shanta Panchu presented the first place trophy and sponsorship cheque to President of the KMTC Cecil Kennard.
The sponsorship will cover J and K Lower event which covers a distance of seven furlongs and carries a top prize of $200,000, with the runner up taking home $100,000, third place $50,000 and fourth place $25,000. Speaking at the c e r e m o n y, K e n n a r d expressed gratitude to KSM Investments for their input. “This is the third year they have been supporting the club, not only for this meet (Continued on page 64)
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Sunday December 22, 2019
The Academy of Contemporary Martial Arts conducts grading exams The Academy of Contemporary Martial Arts School recently held its final
assessment (grading) with branches from Essequibo, Uitvlugt, Mahaica and
Mahaicony of which over 30 students were tested. (Continued on page 64)
Students display their certificates following the grading in Essequibo. Master Dellon Hyman is far left.
Sunday December 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Big Boss Girls win Strikers Sports Club Christmas Bonanza Aggregate Domino Tourney
The victorious Big Boss Girls pose with their Hampers and other spoils with Team Manager Lyndon Boston of Big Boss Transportation Services and Neville Cadogan of Dynasty Sports Club.
The curtains came down on Thursday last at Strikers Sports Club in the inaugural All Female Christmas Bonanza dominos tournament. Six female teams battled for six weeks using the point’s system aggregate system. They were Turning Point, All Seasons Angels, In Time, Cody Girls, Bing Boss Girls and Big Girls led by their respective captains, Sandra Welch, Barbara Marshall, Loraine Rodney, Claire Benjamin, Charlyn B a r n w e l l a n d Yo n e t t e Christmas. At the conclusion, Big Boss Girls were the leaders winners 24 points, Turning Point Girls and Big Girls were locked at 19 points, Cody Girls 16 points, In Time Girls 15 points and All Seasons Angels 14 points. The overall MVP and Player of the Finals was Cheryl Fraser, while the MVP for Turning Point was June Watts, Emily Dobson carted away the same accolade for Big Girls, Amanda Singh was adjudged Best Player for All Seasons Angels, Loraine Rodney was the Top Scorer for In Time Girls, while Sheron Jerome was the leader for Cody Girls. The first love in the finals was shared by Ann Thomson of Cody Girls. Barbara Lee also of Cody Girls and Roseann Taylor of In Time Girls won the Black and Decker Irons. This gesture was seen as a step in the right direction according to all the captains of the various teams in their closing remarks as the tourney concluded. The idea was the six teams playing each other twice while amassing points as the winner’s five points, second
place three points and third, one point. Women are always made to compete against men and most of the time they are at a disadvantage because the numbers are against them i.e. if there is a tournament consisting of 21 teams, we barely may find at the most three (3) all-female teams that can compete and, this does not augur well for them. They are usually booted out by their male counterparts before, as we would say in Guyanese parlance, seeing the Promised Land to a final nine in the competition. The idea was also to move away from the traditional monetary prizes and present hampers and tokens instead for the winners. The players on the winning team were awarded with a hamper each from Dynasty Sports Club, the Most Valuable Player on the other teams after tallying up their scores were also awarded hampers compliments of Sterling Products Limited and Ansa McAL Trading under the Stag Brand. A complete Gas Range was donated by Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd. for the overall Most Valuable Player. A bonus was added for the finals by Clifton’s Electronics of two Black and Decker Irons and one Black and Decker Microwavable bowl set for the winners of the final matchup and the first love in the finals. Tokens were also given to each participant compliments of Strikers Sports Club. Trophies were sponsored by Sunrise Marina Inc., Dynasty Sports Club and Big Boss Transportation Services.
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KFC Goodwill schools’ football tourney
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New champion to be crowned this evening
Annai Secondary pose for a photo after edging Waramadong 2-1 on Friday night.
Buxton Utd, Fruta Conquerors join quarterfinals line-up as Elite League teams dominate Fruta Conquerors’ Delon Lanferman opens his team’s account in the 4th minute, Buxton Stars’ GK Nevaldo Gulliver fails to save stop the ball.
Den Amstel begin quest for back to back titles against Riddim Squad today @ Leonora; Santos face Eagles
Buxton United’s Dillon Wright completes his hat-trick against New Amsterdam United on Friday night at BV Ground.
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