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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Kaieteur News
Guyana 2021 oil take is 1M barrels less than expected Guyana had earlier this year projected held in the New York Federal Reserve, at the collecting at least six one-million barrels of end of October last, held some US$534M, oil lift entitlements under its Production and with its final lift for the year, that Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Esso account is now expected to stand at in Exploration and Production Guyana excess of US$600M. The earnings from the Stabroek Block Limited (EEPGL—and their Stabroek accounts for crude sold from the Stabroek Block consortium partners. This is not to be, however, since on Block Liza I development, using the Liza Monday last, it was announced that Destiny—Floating Production Storage government had completed its final lift for the Offloading (FPSO). The information disclosed, however, did year—it’s fifth. According to Minister of Natural not detail the amounts of oil uplifted by Resources, Vickram Bharrat the most recent EEPGL partners, Hess Corporation Guyana and China National Offshore lift, also represents Guyana’s Oil Company. final lift of oil for 2021. That Wi t h t h e a r r i v a l o f lift totaled 1,043,289.542 Guyana’s second FPSO—the barrels of oil now and bringing Liza Unity currently being the country’s total take for the hooked up at the Liza III year to approximately 5.1 development site in the million barrels oil. This now Stabroek Block—and start of brings the total oil lifts since oil production by early 2022, the first oil in 2019 to nine. at peak 220,000 barrels of oil In making the per day (bpd) will be added to announcement, the Ministry of the already producing Liza Natural Resources on Monday Phase 1 project – 120,000 bpd l a u d e d t h e – taking total output to “invaluable efforts of its own around 340,000 bpd. internal petroleum team and As such, come next year, regulatory agencies such as Natural Resources each company would be able to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Guyana Revenue Minister, Vickram Bharrat produce one million barrels of oil from the two locations Authority (GRA), the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), and every three days. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni the Environmental Protection Agency Singh in his midyear report for 2021 on the oil (EPA), in safeguarding Guyana’s interest in and gas sector did allude to the fact at the time coordinating the sales of its share of crude oil of Budget 2021, when it was anticipated that the average production rate for the first half throughout 2021.” The Ministry in a statement said, of the year would be approximately 114,100 Government through the Ministry of Natural barrels per day (BPD). This did not obtain, however, as the Resources will continue to build technical capacity and jointly work with all relevant technical challenges with the flash gas stakeholders to sustainably manage the compressor continued during this period, the petroleum sector for the benefit of all a c h i e v e d r a t e o f p r o d u c t i o n w a s Guyanese. This publication understands that approximately 111,767 BPD, as efforts were the last lift for the year was sold by Saudi made to limit the flaring of excess gas. This Aramco, which in September last month was development according to reports is what led, handed a one-year contract to market the in part, to the less than anticipated production. Guyana is now expected to collect its 10th government’s share of the crude. While the Ministry did not disclose the lift of oil entitlement, since production began sale price, Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund in December 2019, in January next year.
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Six years after oil discovery…
EPA to now procure modern instruments to monitor pollution impacts The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disclosed yesterday that it is in the process of bolstering its monitoring and assessment capabilities for various industries “by procuring modern and state of art measurement equipment/instruments and analyses tools to take accurate measurements, and to make credible assessments of impacts of pollutants in air, water and land.” It was keen to note that this is a basic capability of any environmental regulatory agency for providing trustworthy and timely assessments of risks and corrective actions. Further to this, the EPA informed members of the media that it will soon launch a remote real-time monitoring system and platform to keep an eye on facilities and their level of compliance with key environmental parameters. The regulator said this will be done through the acquisition of satellite services, and the installation of sensors for air quality index, among other mechanisms. In the meantime, the agency said it currently utilizes drone technology, has amplified the use of Geographic Information System (GIS), and employs other digital technology for remote monitoring. To c o m p l e m e n t i t s
EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram t e c h n o l o g i c a l improvements, the EPA noted that it continues to build the capacity of its staff members. In this regard, it said employees continue to capitalise on virtual webinars facilitated through international and local partnerships. To date, it said 81 staff members have participated in virtual webinars focused on areas such as risk assessment and risk management, climate change and climate mitigation, human rights in Environmental Impact Assessments, reducing emission and air quality impacts, and building resilience for oil producers. Along with the strengthening of its in-house capacities, the EPA said it has improved the requirements for Project Summaries, which must be
submitted by the developers applying for environmental authorization. In this regard, it said project summaries must now include the likely impacts of operations and mitigation measures that would be used by the developer. It was keen to note that each application for an E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorisation (whether oil and gas related or not) undergoes a meticulous process called screening. It said, “Screening is the first stage of the environmental assessment process. It is the stage where the decision is made as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required or not. Section 11 (2) provides for this process in that it states that the agency is competent to make one of two decisions when assessing an application. It may decide that the project will significantly affect the environment and, therefore, will require the conduct of an EIA; or that a project will not significantly affect the environment, so that an EIA is not required.” From this, the EPA said it is clear that what the agency is concerned with at this stage is the significance of the impacts on the environment. The regulator continued, “The agency has strengthened its screening process by ensuring Continued on page 6
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
A principled policeman
T
he Guyana Police Force (GPF) gets beaten up and beaten down so often that it is good to learn of and write about a good development involving the GPF. This was what surfaced in media reports about one of its ranks at the Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara Police Station. We are thankful that there are still such officers of the law in the GPF, and we eagerly seize the opportunity to point to him, as a powerful example of what is truly inspirational. We are confident that he is not the only such professional and ethical officer around, because we believe, we dare to hope, that there are others in the GPF, both men and women, and at different levels of seniority, who are exemplary day in and day out, with what it takes to be an honest upholder of the law. As we hail this unnamed policeman, we ask our fellow citizens to think of this reality. To be presented with $700,000 in this (what Guyanese call) ‘hard guava’ season represents a rare occasion to be tempted with that kind of money. To be presented with it, and then to turn it down flat, takes a special kind of police officer, brings to a pause. It is as good as a Christmas present as one can hope for at this time. This takes on added sparkle when consideration is given to the levels of police pay, and the continuing expressions of concern that such encourages the taking of bribes, or the soliciting of them to subvert the law, its operations, and its penalties. Now, we think of this offer/bribe of $700,000 made to a police officer doing his duty, and cannot help to inquire quietly as to how many more ‘presents’ like this one is the reality that confronts policemen and women at every level, and in most situations. It cannot be a ‘one off’ incident, but something that is now embedded in our law enforcement culture, both on the side of the givers and takers. It is our position that almost all of those corrupting and criminal occasions go unresisted and unreported. This is what makes this particular policeman action so pleasing. For, in addition to givers and takers, there are what we would term the ‘askers’, meaning those police officers who, during encounters with citizens that have broken some law, then smartly make use of the moment to enter into an enriching bargaining process. The violations could range from the daily and frequent breaking of traffic rules, which are out in the open, and visible to most, to more serious offences involving felonies, such as illegal possession of firearms to sexual predation to the inflicting of violence on citizens and their property. We make no justification for their actions, whether ready givers or willing takers or negotiating askers, and for the simple reasons that such represent serious misconduct, perpetuate the low GPF morale, and bring lower regard that the public has for members of the GPF. On the other hand, we cannot ignore the contexts of an overwhelmingly crooked environment, and of leaders in many places, inclusive of primarily the political, commercial, and social, who embody the worst of corruptions. Those lower down the ladder hear of, read about, and actually have firsthand knowledge of those who cheat, or trick, or steal, to the detriment of wider society. As much as it may be attractive to others, safe and sane also, we cannot pretend that there is no such reality, little of such contexts. Juniors observe this and they find it easy to follow in the footsteps of their crooked or compromised seniors. In fact, the seniors, may be in the GPF or broader public service or other spheres of human activity in this society. The secretive and dirty ways that our oil wealth is being handled at the top, serve as the best examples of how far and bad things are here. Nobody wants to be left back, or left out of what is now a climate of free money and easy money. So, it is grab and get as much as one can, because no leader, no group, is looking out for those below them.
Policing outrage at Cove & John Station contributed to suicide of rape victim DEAR EDITOR The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) believes that the cruel, inhumane and possibly illegal treatment experienced by the young rape victim Tonika Calder by investigating officers at the Cove & John Police Station contributed to her subsequent suicide some two hours later. Such self-harming, by a vulnerable teenager who only last month celebrated her 18th birthday, is yet another red flag not only to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) but to the society at large. In addition to the mental and emotional violence done to Tonika Calder, this callous behaviour is an affront to all the institutions and individuals who have worked over the past two decades to have in place, a modern Sexual Offences Act. Belonging to a family with five siblings, Tonika Calder, the baby in the family, was nine years old when she left Guyana to join an older sister and her mother in Trinidad who had been living and working over fifteen years there. After the mother developed a heart condition, the family decided to return home which they did within the last two years. At the time of returning home, not only was
Ms. Calder in the CXC stream, doing well in swimming and in Taekwondo, but also was recognised sufficiently as an ‘achievable student’ within her Secondary school to be given a letter of recommendation to bring home to Guyana. On Friday, November 12, three sisters of Tonika Calder visited the Cove & John Station for a morning meeting with the Police Commander of Region 4 (‘C’ Division) seeking additional answers as to why screened information taken from their sister’s mobile phone by the police was now in the public domain. According to the family members, assurance was given by the Commander that the matter would be investigated fully; a file was being prepared and would be sent to the DPP for advice. At the close of the same working day, a family member received a phone call from the Inspector assigned to the matter that the file had come back from the DPP and that no charges would be given since the victim is dead. Some explanation is needed from the DPP as to how the advice of ‘no charges to be laid’ could be given in such a short period of time without seeking other information, particularly in light of possibly illegal investigatory procedures with the victim’s
family. Moreover, the contention that a police investigation into the rape allegation could not be carried out because the victim committed suicide is bizarre. The victim’s good reputation and her surviving family deserve no less, even if charges cannot be laid. The behaviour of both the DPP (based on information given to the family) and the GPF show inordinate sensitivity to the rights of the accused while ignoring completely those of the victim. The agencies responsible for funding and promoting protection of the rights of women against sexual abuse, assault and harassment need a new degree of militancy. Too many women are being damaged permanently or have died at the hands of violent partners because of systemic dysfunction and police indifference to prior complaints. The dysfunction of the Guyana Police, as displayed in the above incident, is prompted ultimately by a perception of their role shaped entirely by the male community, against whom the police need to protect themselves. Moreover, after the reformed Sexual Offences Act was passed, issues such as securing Protection Orders on a routine and rapid basis from
police stations remain dependent on individuals in police stations. The Ministry of Social Protection, with the enormous financial resources made recently available by the European Union and UNDP through the Spotlight programme, treat violence against women as something to be resolved by a plethora of projects, by a plethora of agencies, rather than a matter of power and political will. The barbed-wire, barrackroom architecture, the weapons and sirens are the complete opposite of what community-oriented policing and the needs of women require. While there are undoubtedly improved strategies with respect to dealing with abused women by the GPF, and sporadic internal initiatives such as Çops and Faith, their consistent and predictable nonimplementation of relevant legislation continue to encourage illegal behaviour and actions within and without the GPF. The GHRA extends its condolences to the family and friends of such an untimely and tragic death of Tonika Calder. Regards Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association
Afro-Guyanese are in every legitimate economic facet of this society DEAR EDITOR: This nation needs no further evidence, than Minister Charles Ramson’s recent disrespectful statements, to recognise there is a combustible racial problem if not addressed forthwith could lead to open conflagration. That young upstart ought to be told that the African community is not without role models; those who by the dint of hard work, sweat and sacrifices, have honestly and legitimately accumulated wealth. History bears testimony. Africans, in the immediate post-chattel slavery society were able to pool their pennies, which they carried in wheelbarrows and other receptacles, and bought up plantations and converted them to villages. The Village Movement of Guyana, which was started by Africans, remains unmatched by any other racial group in concept, scope, acquisition and generation of wealth in this part of the hemisphere. Honest, legitimate wealth. It is this wealth acquired in the 19th Century that African Guyanese in the 21st century have to fight to preserve as this government,
Ramson is part of, is moving to take away. Yours truly, and the other ancestors of Cudjoe McPherson, a former slave, who bought plantations and converted to villages are seeing a move to covet these lands, through nefarious means and at the instigation by senior members of the government. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, is on public record advising supporters of his party to break down the McPherson’s fence and take the land. This African land grab is widespread. Africans’ history of wealth is multi-tiered. Whereas I could recount stories of my family, including my uncles who pioneered balata bleeding in the interior, there are similar ventures and accomplishments of other African Guyanese families. The young upstart Ramson should tell his government to respect African rights as first class citizens and equal participating members of society, as guaranteed in the law, and he will see what role models look like. In every legitimate economic facet of this society,
there has been a Black man or woman; if not pioneering, demonstrating the capacity to own and compete. Africans have nothing to be ashamed of on the economic front, other than those who acquired wealth through ill-gotten means, because such acquisition goes against the moral compass that has influenced the upbringing in many households. At the level of the ordinary man/woman, the cooperative societies, which are dominated by Africans, have billions of dollars in wealth in the commercial banks. Yet the owners of wealth cannot access loans, and in some instances rather than the government helping those needing assistance to properly function, they are moving to undermine them. There is the $2.5 billion plus Bauxite Workers Pension Fund, at the time, the largest single pool of money owned by workers. Proposal made to the Bharrat Jagdeo government by the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union to allow for the conversion of this money into an Investment Plan, rather than break it up, was stomped on. Like-
wise, was another proposal by the Union to have workers buy into the Berbice Mining Company, which they later gave away to their friends. The regime recently committed to pay each severed sugar worker, who already received terminal benefits, a quarter million dollars. Severed bauxite workers and public servants have not been considered for same. There are many African Guyanese today who have pursued legitimate paths of businesses and are doing relatively well in spite of the roadblocks placed in their way. Let Ramson and his government bring pressure to the banking system to treat Africans who apply for loans similar to other races. Offhand, I cite an instance that I bore witness of a bi-racial couple experience. The African husband approached Republic Bank for a loan based on a project prepared by the late Bevon Currie. He was turned down by the bank. Someone drew him aside and advised him to apply for the loan using his wife, who is East Indian. The only thing Currie did to that (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Study needed on effects of oil drilling on fishing industry DEAR EDITOR, The fishing community is increasingly worried about the impact of the nascent energy industry on fishing industry. Many people, several communities on the coast and the riverbanks are hurting badly. They can’t make a living in fishing. They need help. Thousands of jobs tied to fishing are at stake. It is imperative we know the impact of oil and gas drilling on the fishing industry and on marine life and take steps to address any problems. “Fisher folk” complain of low catch. Many of them attribute declining catch to drilling and oil spill near the drilling sites that dispersed far away scaring off schools of fish. Is drilling and oil production really the cause of low catch? When I studied biology over forty years ago for my BS, in my first year course,
I had to do lab experiments on the impact of noise (and other issues) on fish life. The experiments showed that fish swam away with increased level of noise and or powerful wave movement. It would seem to suggest from that simple experiment that oil drilling would impact on migratory pattern of fish. Marine biologists also claim that the oil industry impact on fish life. So if indeed, this happens, then it would explain low catch by fishermen in Guyana waters or fishing fields near drilling areas. Scientists who claim they did studies in Ghana and Nigerian waters said oil drilling did not affect the fishing industry. But proper, authentic scientific studies are needed on the impact of oil and gas drilling and production as well as oil and gas pollutants (oil spills, etc.) on fishing in
Guyana waters. Is it any different from say, the impact of drilling on fishing in Trinidad, Surinam, and Venezuelan waters – all being our neighbours?If the fishing industry is affected, shutting down oil operations is not the solution, as some have suggested. But everyone tied to the fishing industry should receive some form of compensation or subsidy for gas or grants to allow them to remain in the industry. Steps should be taken to reduce the effects of drilling (including oil spills) on fishing. Noise reduction and anti-oil pollutants measures are required.We must not allow drilling to ruin the fishing industry. Exxon must be required to take mitigating steps to protect the livelihood of those tied to the fishing industry. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Congratulations to the policeman who refused to take the $700,000 bribe DEAR EDITOR, It was with much joy that I read the news articles about the policeman who refused a bribe of $700,000 which was an attempt by relatives, to buy the freedom of a fraud accused, for Christmas. We need to work towards having a country again, where this kind of behaviour becomes the norm and not the exception. I challenge the Commissioner of Police and policemen and women, to protect the integrity of the Police Force, and continue to develop personal and professional integrity. Our service men and women make an extremely important contribution to Guyana, in terms of maintain-
ing law and order and keeping the peace. One of my goals if elected President is to increase the minimum wage for members of the Guyana Police Force to a livable level. Our teams are already discussing what will be considered acceptable and sustainable. Figures which are being discussed, are perhaps $120,000 per month for a police trainee, in training school. All government and State employees will be a priority but perhaps we start with members of the Police Force/ discipline forces and teachers. We would like for the best to gravitate to the discipline services and the teaching profession. We would like for the Police Force to attract recruits
with ‘A’ Level qualifications. A new season is coming in Guyana where citizens and people’s credibility and integrity will be in high demand. One of my goals as President is to eliminate corruption; we will save billions of dollars, if we seriously address the issues of corruption and will provide more fiscal space to increase wages and salaries for public servants and State employees. Our best days as a country and as a people are ahead of us. Editor, although I have my moments, I am getting excited about the future of Guyana; we have so much untapped potential! Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas
Hits and Jams socialises African youths to the worst of dancehall music DEAR EDITOR, I am certain that Minister Ramson‘s recent statement about the need for ‘Black youths’ (youths of African descent) to have role models in and from their communities for them to inculcate the culture of generating wealth was
unwittingly said. It revealed his state of mind. He was stereotyping youths of African descent and being prejudicial about them. That he singled out youths of African descent that way is evidence of the plurality of the society that
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we live in, notwithstanding the denial of the Minister and his ilk when directly confronted with that proposition. He purported to identify a problem that’s peculiar to youths of African descent. He further contended that the (Continued on page 6)
Establishment of an open Book Shelf in Capoey Lake DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space to announce the establishment of an “Open Book Shelf” for residents of the Capoey Lake reservation on the Essequibo Coast. In this arrangement, the books will be protected from the elements but villagers can
come in their own time to borrow a book and replace it when they’re finished. It operates on the principle of trust so no librarian or security is necessary. The community wishes to thank Mr. Walter Persaud (Robin) of Park Vue International Hotel at Farm East Bank
Demerara and the Persaud family of the Guyanese diaspora in Orlando, Florida for the donation of a set of children books towards the Open Book Shelf Project. Yours sincerely, Ralph Hendricks Tuschao Capoey Village Council
The Omicron variant should cause the partially and unvaccinated to rush to be fully vaccinated DEAR EDITOR: The news that only 54% of Guyanese are fully vaccinated is cause for real concern, considering the emergence of the new Omicron variant creating some panic across the world. I share the President’s and Minister of Health’s concern that more people need to rush to get vaccinated. The Government has done its part to secure vaccines; some of which will expire soon. It will be very sad if taxpayers’ money spent on vaccines for our people expire for lack of folks following up to get their initial vaccination or their second or booster dose. I say the Government should give a deadline for everyone to be vaccinated and beyond that deadline, start charging for the vaccines if people are that reckless and stupid to not get vaccinated. We cannot predict how many new variants will emerge and what harm can be caused, but we do know that it’s easier for variants to emerge in situations where there is no “herd immunity”. Getting one dose only does not create herd immunity; we need to get the second dose and booster dose when available. Already some countries are banning travel from countries where the Omicorn variant has showed up. New York City has declared a state of
emergency, and similar actions may spread across the world. I have a relative who got the first dose of the vaccine. I asked her why is she dillydallying to get the second dose and she said she is waiting to be called for the second dose. I told her she should be the one calling and going after the vaccine since she is seriously diabetic with some toes amputated. The Government must be stricter with public workers getting fully vaccinated. What percentage of public service workers are vaccinated? What percentage of teachers and nurses are now vaccinated? We are a poor country and cannot afford another set of lockdowns and closures of work sites. We cannot afford more money for ongoing COVID-19 relief. We want to reopen the economy so there can be full production and work activities.
The unions are quick to ask for hefty pay raises, but they have failed to mobilise their workers to get fully vaccinated. This is simply reckless as the health and wellness of workers and the nation comes first. The unions must change their ways and make sure all their members are vaccinated. Same for the Opposition and other political parties, churches, nonprofits and other civic organisations. We need everyone to get on board now and let’s mobilise more people to get their second doses, and booster doses. Also, we need more children to take advantage of the vaccines available for the younger ones. Nation, now is not the time for complacency. We must all pull together and encourage friends, neighbours and relatives to get fully vaccinated now. These are troubling times. Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall
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Declining fish stocks deserve a real assessment, not another cheap shot at oil DEAR EDITOR, I was disappointed to see the recent story “Declining fish catch triggers worry among local fishermen.” The perspective of our fishermen is always valuable, but the piece is filled with half truths and unverified claims. The story seeks to pin any and every decline in fish stocks on the oil industry. Fair enough, it’s an easy target. No one is likely to stand up and say oil is great for fish. But if we want to actually understand what is happening, we need a real assessment. Frankly, the government should have done what every other country does and conduct a comprehensive assessment of our fisheries decades ago. What data is there will show a completely different picture than the one painted by the author. As the Guyana Standard reported last year in “Fishing output
in decline for a while… Govt. report” fishing peaked in 2003 and then declined through 2015.There was no major oil drilling taking place during that time. How can oil be the problem of declining fishers if the decline started long before oil was found? For that matter, how can oil drilling happening 150 kilometres offshore be the cause when nearly all of Guyana’s fishing is done in coastal shallow waters? There are dozens of countries around the world with much larger oil production than Guyana’s that have huge fisheries. The UK, the US, Canada and Norway all spring to mind. Each boasts a large oil industry and a huge fishing industry in the same waters. How is this possible? They manage their fisheries. They regularly assess stocks of each species and issue
quotas and regulate take so that species that are declining can be restored. Oil has not wiped out the fish in any of these countries. In contrast, the fishing industry in the U.S. often clamours for decommissioned rigs to be kept intact since these vast structures become crusted with corals that serve as nurseries for fish. There are real problems we must assess. Waters are warming and storm patterns are changing around the world due to climate change. Foreign fishing fleets from certain countries poach freely from the waters of countries like Guyana that cannot or will not stop them. Blaming oil is an easy way out, but the government needs to take this problem seriously and enact the kind of serious management that other countries have done for decades. Regards Donald Singh
EPA to now procure modern instruments... From page 3 appropriate screening questions are asked of the proposed project, site visits are conducted, existing information is gathered and reviewed, and engagement with key agencies and residents in the area of the proposed project is done.” The outcome of this process it said, is a screening report on the potential impacts and identification of possible significant impacts to inform
the Agency’s decision with regards to an EIA is required or not to further inform its decision to issue an Environmental Permit or not. The EPA said, too, that it has also strengthened its adherence to the Act by publishing reasons for its decisions and making Project Summaries available for public access and review. In addition, existing activities being authorized
are now being subject to section 11 (1) and (2) of the Act. Kaieteur News understands that these projects, which have been operating for a number of years and not authorized are also being screened to determine if there is potential for legacy and continued significant impacts, and decisions with screening reports published in accordance with section 11 (2) of the Act.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Afro-Guyanese are in every legitimate... From page 4 proposal was replace the name and the wife was granted the loan. This is not an isolated incident but a norm. Recently, well-known businessman Terrence Campbell spoke out about his own discriminatory experience with the banks. Let those who are actively pursuing a programme to deny Africans opportunities for wealth creation take their boots off our necks and cre-
ate a level playing field. They will see what Africans are made of. It is not a case where they know not but a case where they don’t want our potential to blossom. Africans don’t need a Ramson to lecture us on economic role models. It’s in our DNA and lived experience for centuries. In fact, he could benefit from the African experiences and contributions to this society. It is a phenomenal contribution that the
party, which he is associated with is not only actively seeking to hinder further expansion but to suppress, deny and obliterate. He is out of order. Let me end by saying, the fact that President Ali has remained silent about Ramson’s offensive statements, for more than two days, is indicative that such statements reflect the government’s position. Regards Lincoln Lewis
Hits and Jams socialises African... From page 5 problem requires the attention of the African Guyanese community. He did not see his Ministry or the school system as having a role to play in rectifying the purported problem. I am in no way trumpeting the problem as articulated by the Minister. I am exposing his state of mind and disposition. If there is such a problem, doesn’t the State and his Ministry in particular have a responsibility to confront the problem rather than merely seeing it as a weakness in, and of, the African Guyanese community that denigrates people of African descent? Where is his mind on the mantra of “One Guyana” that the President trumpets? I do believe that we have a plural society built on our different origins, religious beliefs, and value systems. In fact, the Minister‘s disposition to wealth may well be one of those values that set us apart. Our plurality has also been fueled by the State (colonial and post-colonial) in
the matter in which it has historically treated people of African descent when compared to others. It therefore behooves a progressive state to address the purported degeneration of African Guyanese youth as an issue not of the African Guyanese community but of the society, which has fashioned or facilitated the fashioning of each group by the desperate and sometimes discriminatory treatment meted out to one group as opposed to the other. This started with slavery and progressed through indentureship unto today. African Guyanese power and mobility were curtailed by indentureship and other policies such as trading licences for the Portuguese and exclusion for the people of African descent. African Guyanese were forced to find refuge in the public sector and are now told that they must make room for others without any reciprocal making of room for them. In the meantime, the likes of Hits and Jams socialises the youths of African descent to the worst of dancehall mu-
sic and the acquisition of loans for clothing to attend Jam Zone and the likes thus contributing to the potential denigration of the youths of African descent, even as they join in applauding those who seek to denigrate people of African descent as was recently done by Minister Ramson. Amid all of this, it is the people of African descent, mainly, who for decades manned our social services, including our health care and education systems, in the spirit of “One Guyana”. They were and are still role models for the nation at large. Rather than denigrating the people of African descent, the Government owes those people an understanding of their evolution in this hostile environment and the creation of a public policy environment that is reparative. That is what reparations must mean to the President and his ilk when they prattle the term. Yours truly, Vincent Alexande
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Govt. overspending has wiped out oil earnings …financial hole now being filled with borrowings - Jordan With more than US$600M currently sitting in the Guyana Government’s Natural Resources Fund, former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan believes that these earnings over the two-year period since oil began production in December 2021, has already been eradicated by the cumulative budget deficits presented by the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. A budget deficit occurs when expenses exceed revenues and indicate, generally speaking, the financial health of a country. To this end, the former Minister of Finance, in the now ousted A Partnership for
National Unity Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), expounded during a recent public defense of his administration’s stewardship of the economy during its time in office. Jordan was at the time responding to Head of State. President Irfaan Ali, who this past week, in defending the much criticized 7 percent salary increases, lamented that it was the predecessor coalition administration that had eradicated the spending power of the Guyanese population, through lost disposable income. Calling the President’s assertions an
attempt to hoodwink the populace, Jordan qualified his position by outlining that, as a result of the administration spending more than it is earning—spending done in large part through loans-it has - in fact, already decimated any earnings being held in the Natural Resources Fund. According to Jordan, the PPP/C in its September 2020 budget did not really provide any measures for relief, but instead engaged in an attempt to mislead; such was the case in the instance of the Value Added Tax from electricity and water, something Jordan said was already done since earlier that year. Expanding on his position further, Jordan said “what they had (in the 2020 Budget) was a multiplicity of measures that benefited the private sector.” A trend, he said, that continued into the following year. “So now when you come to 2021 and talking about payment of wages and salary increases to workers you don’t have the room.” He elucidated saying, “you don’t have the room to pay a decent wage increase after two years to the workers, because you had already destroyed the tax base; you have already destroyed the tax base number one, forcing you to incur an extremely large deficit on the budget.” Essentially, according to Jordan, government measures as announced by the administration in the past two years was tailored and suited for the private sector, which has led to a case where the country has spent more than it earned, so much so, that it currently outstrips the entire earnings had from oil since production began in December, 2019. The former Finance Minister, during the online broadcast, alluded to the fact that in 2020, the Budget deficit stood at $90B “and that hole had to be filled by borrowing.” He used the occasion to recall, too, that in 2021 at mid-year, “the projection for the deficit of the budget of 2021 was $100B.” This, he observed “is half a billion US dollars.” According to Jordan, “in the short space of a year and a half the accumulated deficit of the two budgets was $150B, almost US$1B.” As such, he posited, Guyana’s
Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan overspending is already “two times what you have in the natural resources fund.” For emphasis, he accused the administration of already wiping out “our natural resource fund two times over by giving away the concessions to the private sector and by breaking up the tax system.” The former Finance Minister questioned rhetorically, “how a President in his conscience, how a President in his own conscience, who is entitled under the law to a tax-free salary and, therefore, will earn in excess of $150,000 per month tax-free as a result of the increase, how he can go to sleep every night knowing that he has this huge sum on an already humungous salary.” This, he said, “while the ordinary sweeper-cleaner, the ordinary office assistant, the gardener, the people who on average may have three or four children, and a household of six, who are struggling to make ends meet.” Moreover, Jordan again questioned “how you could justify taking a salary increase on top of your $2M plus tax-free dollars and taxing a mere pittance of $58,000, after two years for the salary earner at the minimum wage.” He was adamant, this situation obtained because, “their [Govt.} revenue stream is weak. They have decimated the tax system and so they can’t afford now to give away this little taxes on this back pay; they looking forward to it to bridge a yawning gap that has been created in the budget,” namely the escalating overspending in the form of the deficit levels and borrowing in terms of debts to meet the shortfalls.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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You want to share my cake?
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here is a lot of cake around at Christmas time. Cakes are part of the traditional staple in the homes of Guyanese. It is hard to imagine a Guyanese home without Christmas cakes. It has always been so. It would have been quite unusual to go to someone’s home and not receive a piece of cake during the festive season. The person whom you visited would always, back then and even in the difficult times, offer you a piece of sponge or fruit cake. If you visited six homes, you could be sure that you would be offered at least 12 pieces of home-made cake. It led to something called ‘cake belly’ which forced you to go to the parks to exercise after the holidays.One man got to be so fed up at one time that when he came to my home, before I could have offered him a piece of black cake, he asked me whether I had any “channa”. Fortunately I did – yes, there was a time in Guyana when so many items were prohibited or restricted that “channa” became a Christmas delicacy. I have often wondered what I would have done if he had asked for an egg ball.Not sure what happens these days, but back in those days you could not walk in to a man’s kitchen, pick up his
knife, and help yourself to his cake. You had to wait until you were offered. A guest at your home, or your wedding or your child’s birthday party could not take it upon himself or herself to decide how your cake was going to be distributed. A person may help cut the cake, but when it comes to the distribution of the cake, that was the prerogative of the host. No stranger could walk off the road and share your cake in your home, at your wedding or at your child’s birthday. Your cake is your cake. You are not going to allow somebody to decide what you are going to do with your cake. Would you allow someone to share your cake without your consent? Some persons are inseparable from their cakes. Over the Christmas holidays, one man got so drunk that he took up a piece of cake from his plate, looked at it lovingly and said to it, “No matter what happens, I will not dessert you.”Men and women have to protect their cake. It is their right to decide on who gets a piece of their cake. The situation with a country’s natural resource wealth is no different. Investors may come to partake of that wealth through their investments. But they should not be the ones who should decide how the
national cake is to be split. That is for the country and its people to decide. We have an unusual situation in Guyana in the oil and gas industry. Guyana’s oil wealth belongs to the people. Guyana invited investors to come here to help develop this industry. But it seems as if that invitation has been interpreted as allowing those invitees the right to dictate the division of the ‘national cake.’Guyana faces an unusual situation with its ‘oil’ cake. It is the guests (the oil companies) who are deciding on the division of the national cake. They are the ones who are sharing Guyana’s cake and informing Guyanese that two percent of that cake will be given to them. The people are tumbling over each other about how to share this thin two-percent slice, forgetting that it is their right to decide on the size of the slice. Some want conditional cash transfers, others want non-conditional cash transfers. Even more, others want for the parts of this thin slice to be allocated to them more than to others. Guyanese are fighting over the cake even before it is baked. And they are not worried that they are not the ones sharing their own cake. The oil companies are sharing out
Dem boys seh ...
Kangress gan be a soulful affair! It look as if de Kangress of de Pee-N-Cee gan be one singing competition. One man done pull note. People bin hear he yesterday in de bathroom practising: “If you don’t know me by now, you will never, never do...No you won’t.” Another wan was fine tuning he voice. He know dat he nah gat a good voice so he trying hard fuh sound good. He gat a message fuh dem odder candidates. It go like dis, “Get back! Get back to where you once belong.
Get back!” De frontrunner now deh in fine form. He already miming he tune. He gat one which go like dis: “Just give me, just give me, just give me, just give me one chance. Just give me one more chance. What can I do to make it up to you? ‘Cause I love you, I love you. I love you so. Please give me one more chance, one chance.” De outsider in de race seh how he is a soprano. He singing too, “I wish that I could turn back the clock.
Bring the wheels of time to a stop. Back to the days when life was so much better.” But de man wah was de second runner up de last time, pulling lang notes. He going as a team and dem singing, “We’ve loved you forever. In lifetimes before. And I promise you never, will you hurt anymore. I give you my word. I give you my heart. This is a battle we’ve won. And with this vow, forever has now begun.” Talk half, leff half.
the cake. And on top of that when they are finished, they are sending you a bill. (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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Wednesday December 01, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The PNC and their surrogates discover Black West Indians
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f you ask all PNC and AFC leaders, and their surrogates who they prefer to be the Chief Election Officer, they would choose West Indians who are short-listed. But that is a colossal irony that Black people in this country must be shown. I meet African folks in this country every day and you see the capacity of these people to reason and if antiracist Guyanese can reason with them, they will reject the wild men on social media who want you to buy blackpudding only from Black Guyanese women. An African Guyanese melted my wife’s heart last week. We came out of the
GRA and once inside the car, we couldn’t get a start. This occurred right outside Medicine Express and A&J Copy Centre on Camp Street. A gentleman came out of a barber shop situated between Medicine Express and A&J and told me he has summoned someone to bring a kit that automatically recharges the battery. Then a minibus drove up and the Black driver said, “doan worry with de kit, Freddie, I gon give yuh a jump start right now.” He positioned the bus in an awkward way because my car was on the one-way going south. That was it. This man didn’t care who
was Black or Indian or yellow or brown. I remember recently, a Black couple drove up to me when I was buying flavoured water at the INAVA company on Cummings Street and Fourth Street. They told me my trunk was opened. This was because I had to fetch a large carton so I left the trunk open. These are Black people who do not care what the racial make-up is of the woman selling blackpudding or which farmer African Guyanese buy from. These kinds of African Guyanese will listen if you can prove to them that their leaders are con-artists. Remember one of them was
supposed to be a freedom fighter to liberate AfricanGuyanese. He has since “mystic” to the US and just before he did that, he ran against David Granger in the 2015 election to become president. It is these people like the black-pudding man that African Guyanese must reject. If you show African Guyanese that they are betrayers of African Guyanese, these wellintentioned African folks will listen. There is a PNC stalwart in the UK named Norman Browne. Norman is a diehard PNCite. Norman doesn’t like the PPP. Norman is a faithful servant of Black people. He doesn’t con Black people. He has a principled relationship with African Guyanese. And he knows horrible things about certain Black surrogates in the trade union movement, in politics and in African rights entities that will shock all Black people in the entire world. Last week in an email correspondence, I urged him to expose these betrayers. I think he owes it to African Guyanese to do so. So here we have the three PNC commissioners in GECOM short-listing two
Black West Indians. The obvious question is – do they trust these two men? They cannot in the context of how they felt about Black West Indians. The CARICOM Observer team to the March 2020 election was Black. They pronounced on the fairness of the poll. They wrote against what Mingo did. Tw o f o r m e r B l a c k Caricom leaders – Bruce Golding and Owner Arthur were scandalised when they condemned the rigging. The then chairperson of CARICOM, a Black woman, Barbadian PM, Mia Mottley, was abused. The CARICOM recount team consisted of all Black West Indians. They certified that the election result that brought victory to the PPP was a valid process. Vincent Alexander was annoyed because his group – Year of the Peoples of African Descent – Guyana chapter – wrote the five visiting CARICOM prime ministers during the election drama asking for a meeting. The PMs didn’t even acknowledge Alexander’s letter. The Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Hilary Beckles, was also abused for
Frederick Kissoon supporting the verified election results that brought the PPP to power. By some strange psychic contortion, the PNC and its three commissioners along with their social media surrogates, the limping AFC and comatose WPA, have suddenly found out that Black West Indians could be trusted. They want a Black West Indian to be the Chief Election Officer. How will they explain this acrobatic asininity to their supporters? They cannot and will not. It is for others to do, to open the eyes of PNC supporters to show that their leaders are fooling them. But as PNC supporter, Sherwood Lowe wrote recently, African Guyanese have already opened their eyes. By the way – who are you buying black-pudding from? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Exxon’s Yellowtail project to drive up annual gas emissions by 30% …claims Guyana’s forest will offset environmental impacts T h e N o n - Te c h n i c a l Summary (NTS) for E x x o n M o b i l ’s f o u r t h project, the Yellowtail development, has revealed that greenhouse gases are set to increase by as much as 30 percent, throughout the production stage. According to the
d o c u m e n t , “ Av e r a g e emissions during production (is) estimated (to) range (between) 1,110 to 1,395 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent per year, (resulting in) approximately 24 to 30 percent increase in Guyana’s estimated GHG (Green House Gas)
emissions”. Simply put, greenhouse gases are harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide that trap the earth’s heat and contribute to global warming or the warming of the planet. Even though Guyana would be significantly contributing to this
The Yellowtail development is located in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block. phenomenon, the responsible party [Exxon] has categorically stated that these emissions will not be a problem, since the country’s forest will offset the environmental impacts. In the same breath highlighting the increase in GHGs due to the Yellowtail development, Exxon said, “ G u y a n a ’s f o r e s t r y resources remove over 10 times more GHGs each year than Guyana is estimated to emit”. As a consequence, it was noted that no mitigation measures would be required. “Based on the negligible significance of potential air quality, no additional mitigation measures are considered warranted. However, a number of embedded controls and mitigation measure technologies incorporated into the Project will aid in reducing emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere,” the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Yellowtail development pointed out. Meanwhile, the EIA explained that emissions
generated by the project will generally emanate from two source categories. These include, “Specific point sources, such as the power-generating units and diesel engines on drill ships and on the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, non-routine flaring used to combust associated gas when not consumed as fuel gas on the FPSO or injected back into the reservoir, and low-level routine flaring (pilot/purge gas) for safe operation of the flare as well as small streams that cannot practically be recovered by vapor recovery; and (2) general area sources, such as marine support vessels, installation vessels, and helicopters,” the document outlined. Additionally, it was noted that emissions of air quality pollutants from the Project have been estimated, based on a number of factors, including activity levels, fuel types, equipment capacities, and standard emission factors. T h e Ye l l o w t a i l development is estimated to have a 20-year life cycle and
initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), ExxonMobil’s subsidiary will be pursuing the project. EEPGL said the (FPSO) vessel will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day. Earlier this month, Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali attended the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) where he made a commitment to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030. The President told the Summit, “My country, Guyana, is already playing its part in addressing climate change and will continue to do so. We will maintain our forests, which is almost the size of England and Scotland combined, storing 20 gigatonnes of carbon as a global asset. We will work with local communities on conserving, protecting and sustainably managing our forests, biodiversity and freshwater supplies. We will Continued on page 24
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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PAC chair proposes fast tracking review of Coalition’s spending
Minster of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira
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hairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Jermaine Figueira is proposing that a review of the audit reports on government spending for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 be merged as a means of addressing the committee’s backlog. However, the proposal which will fast track the review of public expenditure under the previous APNU+AFC administration met with objections from Government members of the PAC. The proposal came towards the end of the PAC’s meeting on Monday, some weeks after members of the committee debated whether
their meeting should be held twice weekly to address the backlog of reviewing government spending. That had resulted in a motion being passed and approved by government members of the PAC to revert the meeting to once weekly. Speaking to Kaieteur News via telephone, the PAC Chairman asserted that the proposal was made to assist primarily with dealing with the backlog of audits yet to be reviewed. Chairman Figueira shared that he is recommending that there be a merger of outstanding reports which will help with expediting the scrutiny of spending in government agencies. According to the Chairman the proposal was made based on precedent. “This is nothing entirely new. The precedent has already been set in two former Chairmen of the PAC. First, Carl Greenidge when he merged 2010 and 2011 reports, and then by PAC Chair, Irfaan Ali for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 reports when the PPP/C was in
— Govt. members object Opposition,” Figueira added. The PAC Chair believes that the merger is necessary to save time. He told Kaieteur News that merging the three reports would be logical, since many of the questions being asked about the 2016 reports could be answered by 2017, 2018. “So, this exercise that we have ongoing is pretty much a waste of time. If we merge the reports we will see there is no need for the questions being asked and we can finish faster to move on to 2020 and 2021 as soon as possible.” ,” the chairman said. Figueira noted nonetheless that the PAC members from the government side have already raised objection to the proposal. According to Figueira, “Member Seeraj and Minster of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira have already signaled that they may not want the proposal. Madam
Teixeira was saying that not because precedence was set means it has to be followed …” T h e PA C c h a i r i s nonetheless hoping that that “good sense and governance prevails, so when meet again the proposal will receive support and the committee can move on.” Meanwhile, relative to reconvening the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), another issue which is before the PAC, Figueira told Kaieteur News that he is hoping that the meeting to shortlist candidates to sit on the new watchdog committee will take place in the coming week. He disclosed that the names of eight people are currently before the PAC subcommittee which comprises of himself and Teixeira. “We are still in that process, it is not yet completed, but I believe we have made strides in naming the candidates to fill the positions,” he said.
The PPC, among other functions, is required to investigate complaints from suppliers, contractors and public entities, as well as investigate cases of irregularity and mismanagement, and propose remedial action. However, with the Commission being expired, there is no one to carefully monitor the award of huge contracts as the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board
Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira (NPTAB) is left to the oversight and no objection of Cabinet.
Man drowns after drinking session A 21-year-old construction worker, Shaheed Ali, of B Field Sophia drowned on Monday after a drinking session. The incident took place at Hope Canal, East Coast Demerara on Monday around 15:00hrs. According to the police, the deceased along with his brother-in-law and another 18-year-old male were consuming Vasco wine and Turbo when they agreed to go swimming. Subsequently, they left to go swimming at the Hope Canal where they jumped in for a few minutes. The brother-in-law claims that he saw the victim going down, and that he did not resurface. Yesterday, the body of the deceased was fished out of the canal by a party of policemen. The victim’s body bore no marks of violence; however, his face was damaged, which is suspected to have been the work of fishes. The body, which was identified by Ali’s mother, was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, and is awaiting a post mortem examination.
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Two friends critical following Hope accident Two friends are hospitalised with a broken conducted on the car driver, who also hails leg each after the motorcycle they were on from Victoria Village, and 0.00% BAC collided with a motor car. The injured micrograms was found in his system. During a telephone interview with motorcyclist has been identified as 20-year-old Joshua Jack of Lot 321 Victoria Village, East Kaieteur News, Shondell Evans, the mother Coast Demerara (ECD). His pillion rider, 19- of Neavon Evans, said that she was sleeping year-old Neavon Evans, who resides at Lot 73 at the time and was awaken by a passerby Victoria Village, suffered ruptured kneecap, sometime around 22:15hrs, who informed her that her son was involved in an accident. along with lacerations about the body. She hurried to the scene of the accident, but According to investigators, around 22:30hrs on Saturday, the two young men were travelling on motorcycle CL 2981 along the Hope Public Road, ECD, with motor car PKK 5325 heading in the same eastern direction. Everton Parkes, a 56-year-old driver of Lot 52 Victoria Village, ECD, told lawmen that while in the process of overtaking his motorcar, the motorcycle collided with the right side rear of the car. As a result of the impact, Jack and Evans fell onto the Critical, Joshua Jack (left) and Neavon Evans roadway and received multiple injuries about their bodies. They were subsequently picked up by public- by time, she arrived her son was already rushed spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown to the GPHC. She went to the hospital where Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she saw her son laying in the Emergency Ward Jack was examined by a doctor on duty and crying out for pain “Doctor, doctor pain! ow later admitted to the Emergency Ward man, pain,” her son cried out in a weeping voice in the Ward. Evans is set for surgery in suffering from a broken right leg. According to his mom, pillion rider the next few days, his mother noted. Yesterday, Kaieteur News made several Evans sustained a ruptured kneecap and is in attempts to contact Jack’s relatives. Those need of a replacement; he also received efforts, however, have proven to be futile. injuries about his body and was admitted with multiple lacerations. A breathalyzer test was Investigations are ongoing.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Govt. has failed to develop a comprehensive plan to curb COVID-19 - Harmon Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon during a recent Press Conference said that the PPP Government has failed to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the deadly Coronavirus, and has instead placed all its proverbial eggs into one basket, by depending on the nation to ‘get vaxxed’. “Government continues to do less, encouraging careless and reckless actions through its COVID-19 measures… when the Government relaxes measures, covers up cases in schools and public offices, and have no monitoring of public transport, relax the curfew, fail to manage COVID-19 hotspots. The perception that is being created is that the virus is no longer as deadly or contagious as people originally thought,” he argued. As a consequence, the Opposition Leader said that the virus ends up entering homes very easily and targets the most vulnerable, such as the elderly. He said, “The
government’s inability to effectively draft and implement a national approach that goes beyond vaccination, which includes the protection of the most vulnerable, has caused and will continue to cause many of us to lose our loved ones to this deadly virus”. Harmon was keen to note that while vaccination plays a great role in the deadly effects of the virus, Government must do more. No new measures have been announced as yet for the month of December. The Ministry of Health’s most recently gazetted orders were published on October 30, 2021. It was announced that the curfew hours are now between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 04:00 am. It was also announced that adults must be vaccinated to access public and private buildings, or produce a negative PCR test on entry, only after an appointment was made. The updated measures state that “public buildings” means any building in which the public has lawful access to
Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and shall include both publicly and privately owned buildings including all institutions of learning. This includes banks and other commercial places, places of worship, supermarkets, stores and others. The new measures were heavily criticized by the public, with some venting their frustration on social media. Citizens were especially displeased with the Government’s announcement to remove transportation measures, which only permitted public transport providers to carry half of their maximum capacity.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Two locals under investigation for allegedly stealing gold from Chinese mining company
Ongoing Operations at Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) by Zijin Mining Group
Two local employees are under police investigation for allegedly trying to steal small quantities of gold from Chinese company, Zijin Mining Group, at the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) location in Region Seven. According to Region Seven police, the alleged theft took place last week.
Investigators told Kaieteur News that the company had detected that the employees had unlawfully “confiscated” gold. Company officials summoned the police and Commander of the Region Seven District, Dion Moore Continued on page 20
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Sheriff Street/Mandela road project sees substantial completion, despite constant delays
Part of the road that is still under construction.
T h e S h e r i f f Street/Mandela road project saw substantial completion to the tune of 95 percent, despite constant delays and challenges faced by the ministry and contractors. The Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during his recent tour of the road project with members of the media yesterday stated that the project should have been completed a long time ago. However, due to the extremely deteriorated state of the pre-existing road, they were not able to just crack seal and rebuild. He stated that because of the period of time between the signing of the contract and the execution of the paving of the road, it was in bad condition and, as such, they could not only crack seal but had to scarify, build with crusher run and then pave. While addressing the media, Minister Edghill stated that “getting to this
Brazil reports first Latin American cases of Omicron variant (Reuters) - Brazilian health regulator Anvisa said o n Tu e s d a y t h a t t w o Brazilians had tested positive for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the first reported cases in Latin America. Anvisa said a traveller arriving in Sao Paulo from South Africa and his wife, who had not travelled, both tested positive for the new variant, adding to concerns of global Omicron spread before recent travel bans went into effect. The traveller landed at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport on Nov. 23 with a negative test for COVID-19. But before a planned return trip, the couple tested positive and the samples were sent for further analysis which identified the Omicron variant. The traveller arrived in Sao Paulo before the World Health Organization first flagged the Omicron variant publicly and before Brazil resolved on Friday to suspend flights from South Africa and five other southern African countries. A second test on the samples confirmed the variant, the state of Sao Paulo said. The two Brazilians who tested positive for the variant
A nurse carries out a swab test on a patient as part of the new measures of Rio de Janeiro’s government against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Sao Goncalo, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 4, 2020. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes are missionaries, Sao Paulo Health Secretary Jean Gorinchteyn told CNN Brasil, adding that there was no documentation to suggest they had been vaccinated. Following the Omicron confirmation, Sao Paulo state government said it would review a planned easing of rules around the use of masks. Omicron was first identified officially in South Africa last week, but data now shows it was circulating before then and has since been detected in more than a dozen countries.
Scientists around the globe are rushing to determine if the new variant, which has significant mutations compared to previous strains, is more infectious, deadly or able to evade vaccines. That work is expected to take weeks. In the meantime, countries around the world have imposed travel restrictions, mainly on flights coming from southern Africa despite warnings from the WHO that blanket travel bans would not stop the new variant’s spread.
point from where we were when we took office in August 2020, under any circumstance, can be deemed a successful accomplishment.” Misunderstandings were dealt with and clarification given as they related to road markings, of which members of the media were satisfied and appreciated the information shared. “Over the last fourteen months, I will call this a success story, I’m happy that we are at a place of substantial completion” the minister related. This publication previously reported that the road project, which saw its contract awarded to the Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation, was faced with multiple delays of deadlines since work commenced in 2018. The company was awarded the contract in 2017 and works began the following year, which was supposed to be completed already, but was plagued by constant delays. One of the excuses given
Part of the road that is completed. regarding its failure to meet the project deadline was that it had to halt works during the five-month gridlock over the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections. Works recommenced after it was over in August 2020 and a new deadline was set for August 4, 2021. Sinohydro was unable to meet that deadline, and a
new one was set for August 31, 2021. It did not meet that d e a d l i n e e i t h e r. T h e company was granted until October, 31, 2020, but was also unable to meet that deadline due to heavy rainfall. According to Minister Edghill, the project has been “delayed indefinitely.”
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Half ton coke found in Mining sector accounts for more Guyanese rum shipment than 50% of workplace deaths was not loaded here - Increased fines being mulled by Labour Ministry - CANU Head
By Shervin Belgrave
The Guyanese rum shipment in which the cocaine was found. Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that the half ton of cocaine found in a rum shipment from Guyana was not loaded here. More than 1000 pounds of cocaine were on November 25th discovered by Netherlands authorities in a rum shipment that arrived there. According to information received by Kaieteur News cases of liquor were packed in a container and mounted onto a commercial container vessel in Guyana.
Singh, however, pointed out that the container was scanned before takeoff and, based on those images and investigations conducted by his ranks, no cocaine was loaded in Guyana. The commercial container vessel had reportedly made stops in two other countries, before it eventually arrived at a port located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Kaieteur News understands that the rum belonged to a local distillery company in Guyana. Investigations are ongoing.
Two locals under investigation for... From page 16 who said that ranks were sent to the mines to detain them. The suspects were taken to Bartica, where detectives began an investigation. Kaieteur News understands the accused
have been released on bail, as investigations continue. While authorities did not disclose the amount of gold the local workers were found with, they related that it was only small amounts. Kaieteur News had
reached out to the management of Zijin for details on the incident, but all its public relations department stated was, “an incident did occur and is now a subject of police investigation”.
The mining sector has accounted for more than 50 percent of all workplace deaths to date in 2021. According to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department of the Ministry of Labour, there has been a total of 23 workplace deaths recorded to date in 2021, and out of that amount the mining sector accounted for 12. Based on a statistical report the ministry shared with this media house, the remaining 11 work place fatalities were from 7 other sectors, namely c o n s t r u c t i o n , manufacturing, maritime, services, aviation, agriculture and logging. Three individuals reportedly died at construction sites, two during logging activities and two while doing agricultural work. One person was killed by the propeller of plane, while a boat explosion at a wharf claimed the lives of three persons. A factory worker was also killed after a clip from a pressurized tank blew out, and a truck driver working in the transportation service died in an accident. Kaieteur News understands that some of these deaths could have been avoided, had the employers or companies been obeying
Dead porter, Nigel Rodrigues the OHS and labour laws. In an attempt to avoid workplace deaths, a source with the Ministry of Labour relayed that Minister Joseph Hamilton had met last week with the Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, to discuss the matter. Minister Hamilton reportedly proposed increasing fines and penalties for employers found breaking the rules. He believes that if stiffer penalties are implemented, then employers will think twice before disobeying the rules. Kaieteur News had reported on a few of these deaths that probably could have been avoided. One of them was the death of a porter, Nigel Colin Rodrigues, at the Kamaran airstrip last month.
He was employed with Air Services Limited (ASL), and had accidently walked into a spinning propeller of a Cessana Carvan. It was reported that the plane had just landed and he ventured out to perform his duties to offload the cargo. Investigators had related that the porter was seen drinking alcohol moments before the accident occurred. Questions were raised after this detail surfaced, on whether or not an employee, especially in the aviation sector, is allowed to drink while on duty. Investigators believed that being under the influence of alcohol might have led to the accidental death of Rodrigues. Kaieteur News was also told that it is against protocol for miners or mining companies to set up camps close to trees. However, out of the 12 deaths in the mining sector, two of them were as a result of trees falling at the campsite. A female cook, Domelley Cyrus, 32, was crushed on January 13, 2021 by a tree that fell on a mining camp at Nessano Backdam, Region One. The same thing happened to Olrick Matthews, a miner, on May 31. A tree reportedly fell at a campsite located at Sandhills Backdam, Cuyuni Mazaruni, Region Seven killing him.
Man who allegedly stole from magistrate remanded Forty-six-year-old Omawalie Caesar called “Wallie” of lot 1235 ‘B’ Field Sophia, was on Monday remanded to prison for allegedly stealing from a Magistrate. The defendant appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. He denied the charge which stated that on November 23, 2021, at Battery Road Kingston, while in the company of others, he stole one Samsung Galaxy Note 9 valued at $200,000, same being the property of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. The court heard that the Magistrate left her car secured with her phone inside, but upon her return she discovered that her phone was missing. As such,
Remanded, Omawalie Caesar she reported the matter to the police and an investigation was launched. CCTV footage was obtained and this led to the defendant being arrested and charged. The Police Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Caesar on the
grounds that the defendant is known to the police, that he has a pending simple larceny matter in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, and the fact that he is likely to commit another offence if placed on bail. In his address to the court, Caesar related to the court that he has a previous conviction, for which he spent three years behind bars. In an attempt to secure bail for his client, the defendant’s lawyer told the court that his client has four minors to take care of and requested that bail be granted to Caesar with conditions attached. H o w e v e r, P r i n c i p a l Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus remanded the defendant to prison and the matter was adjourned to December 27, 2021.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Scores of Nandy Park residents to be displaced for New Demerara River Bridge The New River Bridge across the Demerara River, meant to replace the decadesold existing two-lane facility, is not expected to cause extensive environmental impacts during its construction, but a number of homes in the area of Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) will have to be acquired by the state. Accordingly, the Ministry of Public Works, which is overseeing the construction of the new facility, it has since been cleared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from having to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). While outlining some environmental impacts said to be negligible, such as noise and some dust pollution during construction, it was noted that an initial assessment of the proposed alignment on the eastern bank of the Demerara River shows that approximately 24 lots of land may be acquired. According to the EPA’s screening report, in determining whether an EIA was warranted or not, it was pointed out that approximately 10 of the plots that will have to be acquired have concrete/wooden structures erected on them. The report did indicate that there are no properties to be acquired on the western bank of the Demerara River. According to the EPA’s screening report, “when it
becomes clear which properties will be affected, it has been proposed that property owners will be engaged for voluntary acquisition at fair compensation in keeping with the acquisition laws of Guyana.” It was noted, too, that there has been initial consultation with residents “who welcome the project and subsequent to consultations, a voluntary relocation/ resettlement plan will be required and developed.” According to the EPA, “these impacts are certain to occur, but due to the small number of households to be relocated and the legal and consultative process to be followed by project proponent(s), the overall significance is therefore considered low and not potentially significant.” Additionally, it was noted that the bridge will pass close to approximately 40 households in Nandy Park and Providence and that the “impacts will be neutral to minor, as there are existing roads and similar traffic volume and flows in the general area.” The EPA in its pronouncement did say, “…this impact though certain to occur, the overall significance or risk is therefore considered minimal.” Other impacts flagged by the EPA relate to the need to
The proposed new alignment for the New Demerara River Bridge remove approximately 2,360m2 (47.2m x 50m) of mangroves located mainly along the west bank of the river which may be impacted by construction activities. While mangroves are identified as a protected species, the EPA said, there are no endangered animal species in the area and that “this removal is considered negligible as impacts will be minimal and localized, since the area is already impacted by human activities and removal will be limited to a relatively small area and localized.” As such, the EPA
Trial continues today for pharmaceutical supplier charged with providing fake HIV pitals and laboratories.This testing kits publication had reported that The trial of the pharmaceutical supplier, who allegedly provided the Ministry of Health (MOH) with fake HIV testing kits will continue today in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. The cross-examination of the witnesses that testified will continue before Magistrate Zameena Ali-Seepaul, who is presiding over the matter. The company representative, who is facing the charge is Davendra Rampersaud, a Technical Consultant to Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. The company is located at Area ‘G’ Hydronie Railway, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and is one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical supply companies. The charge was brought against the company last year by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD). On his first court appearance, Rampersaud denied the charge, which alleged that on January 16, 2020, Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc., he allegedly sold and supplied 400 units (20 packs) of Uni-Gold HIV test kits, batch #HIV7120026, with misleading
Charged, Davendra Rampersaud. representation, a violation of the Food and Drugs Act of 1971. Rampersaud is charged for selling and supplying the devices with misleading representation, which is a violation of the Food and Drugs Act, Cap 34:03, Part V, Section 18 (1) of 1971, to the Materials Management Unit (MMU) located at 55-56 First Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, a quantity of the testing kits was seized by the GA-FDD from the MMU of the MoH at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and from local hos-
the probe was launched into the fake HIV testing kits after an Irish manufacturer wrote to the former Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during January 2020, warning that it is aware of counterfeit Uni-Gold HIV test kits in Guyana. The Irish company supplied photographic evidence, which clearly indicated that the kits expired since July 2019. In its complaint, the company, Trinity Biotech, named Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc., as the company that was allegedly supplying the expired testing kits. According to the company, the fake boxes were created with expiry dates extended by 17 months, and the kits repacked in them. Trinity Biotech said that the products were already six months out of date when they were brought to Guyana. The company further claimed that its Trinidadbased authorised distributor, Transcontinental Medical Products Limited, is the only authorised distributor for the Uni-Gold kits to Guyana.
determined, “these impacts are certain to occur during construction and operation, but the overall significance or risk is therefore considered medium.” As it relates to socioeconomic impacts, the EPA observed that there will be increased land use within
proximity of the bridge, as enabled by shorter traffic time in road and marine traffic by reducing bottlenecks currently faced by commuters when they use the existing two-lane bridge. “This will foster increased activity in surrounding communities. In the operation phase of the
bridge, positive influences are expected, especially regarding economic d e v e l o p m e n t , communication, and the transportation of goods and people.” To this end, it was concluded that the overall significance of environmental impacts of this project are considered to be low to medium and manageable from a technical, social and financial point of view. As such, it was also determined that the overall social impact of the project will be positive and “therefore, this proposed project is exempted from the required assessments that are usually conducted by the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), as set out in section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana.” It was noted however, that while the EPA has exempted the project from the requirement of an EIA, “it is recommended that an Environmental Social and Management Plan (ESMP) be prepared for this project.”
$1M bail for cop involved in Mocha fatal accident A Special Constable, who is attached to the escort section of the Guyana Police Force, was placed on $1 million bail following an accident he was involved in, which took the life of a 49-year-old West Ruimveldt woman. Constable Aaron Rodrigues, 21, of Lot 4 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown made his appearance on Monday at the Diamond Magistrate Court 2 before Magistrate Judy Latchman, and was placed on bail following the reading of his three charges. Rodrigues was charged for causing death by danger-
ous driving, unlicensed driving and breach of insurance. He pleaded not guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving, and guilty to the two remaining charges. The Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied and he was placed on $1 million bail; he was also fined a total of $17,500 for the unlicensed driving charge, and $50,000 for breach of insurance. The accident, which took place Saturday last, on the Mocha Access road, resulted in the death of Euclin Joseph, 49, of Lot 270 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to the police,
Rodrigues was driving motorcar PSS 7652 at a fast rate of speed along the East Bank Public Road, when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a utility pole. Joseph died as a result of the collision, while the other three occupants of the vehicle received injuries to their bodies. Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Center, while the three occupants of the vehicle were examined by a doctor on duty, and treated for their injuries. Following the accident a breathalyzer test was (Continued on page 24)
Health Minister urges pregnant women to get vaccinated as COVID-19 infections increase Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony urges pregnant women to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease, because more of them are being hospitalised as infections triggered by the virus increase. “The point here is that the majority of the patients that we have at the Ocean View Hospital now are there because they are pregnant, and they are positive for COVID, and most of these patients are not vaccinated so, again, I think it’s important pregnant women get their vaccines,” Dr.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony Anthony explained in his latest COVID-19 update last Friday.Minister Anthony
pointed out that of the 43 patients in the Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, 28 are pregnant women. Four of them, he stated, were admitted there within the past 24 hours.He noted that it does not matter in which trimester the women are; they should get inoculated against the dreaded disease.Minister Dr. Anthony further explained that nationally 66 persons are hospitalised with COVID-19, and 15 were admitted immediately to the Intensive Care Unit.
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Kaieteur News WANTED Cleaner needed for Central Georgetown area. Please call: 600-7433.
Pandemics will thrive as long as inequalities do —-UNFPA Executive Director on World AIDS Day 2021
A
CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:2253234/628-1183.
VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Premio PAB series white, year 2008 registered August 2021. Tel:621-7993.
FOR SALE Stall with bonds in Stabroek Market. Call:227-3463 between 8am to 4pm for inquiries. Half breed Pitbull,five weeks old vaccinated & deworm. Call Shanice Edwards appointment between 3&6 6286783
VACANCY Vacancy for Managers & Supervisor to manage a distribution business. Appy at Alabama Trading. Vacancy for 1 person to assemble bicycle,also experience vegetarian cook. Apply at Alabama Trading. Vacancy exist for Security Officers,male & female 18yrs & above. Contact:223-4172/ 632-0099. Taxi & Minibus Drivers. Tel:225-3234/628-1183.
LAND FOR SALE SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building C o n t r a c t o r. C a l l : 2 1 6 0671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267. Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733. Grade 3&5 teachers needed at Jos-el educational Institute. Tel:226-7868/678-0652, 120 Peterose & Laluni St Queenstown.
102 GoodHope Mahaica, 500ftx42ft Roadside. Call: 6918420. Carmichael St,La Penitence, Cummingslodge, Eccles, Soeskdyke, Linden Highway. Contact Ray's Realty 6279685.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Queenstown,Sheriff St,Robb,Betterhope,O gle,Campbelville, Enterprise, Diamond.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
WANTED 1 live in maid,salary $80,000 monthly.Call:665-0679.
Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments with AC and hot & cold,long & short term.Tel:682-2585/6911432. Business space,suitable for any business .Located at Zeelugt Public Road E.B.E, 2nd Floor -4000 SQ FT,3rd Floor - 4000 SQ FT 650-0402/ 652-0251. 2 bedroom apartment in Eccles Housing Scheme,3 bedroomhouse in Albertown. Tel:225-3234/628-1183. Middle St & Hadfield St for business.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Dish-Washer,Counter Staff, Bond Clerk,Meat prep d e p t , P o r t e r. A p p l y : Bettencourt’s Diner. Call: 231-1368/223-1938. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call: 615-9132.
Business opportunity of a lifetime,earn extra cash,part time/fulltime.Tel:656-2682.
FOR RENT
One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.
Domestic- to work in Georgetown from 7:30am to 4:00pm(honest & mature). Call:623-6383 between 7 am to 7pm. Live meat birds & pluck chicken.To buy call:6955310/225-9304. Urgently Needed! Dried carilla bush.Contact:6098281/693-3003. Kitchen Assistant, Baby sitter & Sales person, must have secondary education. Call:659-5559. Live in cleaner/kitchen assistant $30-40,000 weekly (female).Call:610-3974. Fitter/Machinist,Welder Fabricator,Mechanic,3 yrs experience.Apply at Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site.
Vacancy exist for experienced Water Delivery Driver and Porter E.C.D.Tel:6926768/676-1363.
s the world embarks on the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem is urging the global population not to forget that the world is also on the cusp of the fifth decade of the AIDS pandemic. According to a UNFPA statement released on the occasion of World AIDS Day observed today, Dr. Kanem noted that the continued spread of these two viruses lays bare stark social, health, legal and economic inequalities faced by vulnerable communities across the globe – with untold consequences for millions of women and girls, in particular. She noted that “Progress on the path to ending AIDS by 2030 has stalled in recent years, not because of a lack of knowledge or tools, but because these inequalities are obstructing access to HIV prevention and treatment. “ According to the UNFPA Director the plight is only intensifying, as many countries scale back sexual and reproductive services amid the COVID-19 crisis, because their health systems are stretched beyond breaking point. “COVID-19 has also exacerbated violence against women, and those who experience intimate partner
UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. violence are at significantly greater risk of contracting HIV.” “Meanwhile, the threat of violence deters many in need from seeking HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support. In short, our inability to decisively contain the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, and the ‘shadow pandemic’ of gender-based violence, is inseparable from our other deadly affliction — the disease of inequality,” she said in the statement. According to Dr. Kanem, people living with HIV face heightened threats of social marginalization and prejudice. “We see this in the mounting vulnerabilities — to violence, to HIV infection, to being left behind — faced by adolescent girls, men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people
and people who inject drugs.” Dr. Kanem noted that pandemics thrive on the fault lines of inequalities. “Ending inequality must, therefore, be a keystone of our public health response to ending AIDS and COVID-19 and averting future pandemics. HIV prevention initiatives must encompass ending gender-based violence, balancing unequal power dynamics and countering harmful gender norms. To this end, the UNFPA Director posited that both AIDS and COVID-19 can be halted and future pandemics thwarted, but it will require strong political leadership, action, and accountability on all sides to acknowledge that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” She stressed that since viruses don’t discriminate: our policies to defeat them can’t either. “Unless we commit to equal global health coverage and reshape our AIDS and other pandemic responses, they will continue to ruin lives, ravage communities and splinter societies. Investing in more resilient health systems will reduce inequalities, increase growth and mean greater security for everyone,” she said.
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Soon-to-be-abandoned Central Fire Station to get new $11M washroom facility During the opening of tenders yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, bids were opened for the construction of a “general washroom and staircase” at the Central Fire Station, Georgetown. This is a project which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the Ministry’s engineer’s estimate, the cost for this project
is pegged at $11,542,872. The Central Fire Station, which is the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) headquarters, is located in the Stabroek Market area, and will soon be moved to the D’Urban Park space. As reported previously, the Government of Guyana is moving ahead with the decentralising of the GFS headquarters that has long been located in the congested
Ministry of Home Affairs Construction of general washroom and staircase, Central Fire Station, Georgetown.
Stabroek Market area. Just last week, the contract for the new headquarters was awarded to Mohamed Enterprise to the tune of $614 million. Also opened yesterday at NPTAB was the construction of stores and a conference room for the New Amsterdam Fire Station which is to cost, $25,515,694, and the construction of overhead storage tanks and
Ministry of Public Works Consultancy services for the supervision of the East Bank-East Coast Demerara road linkage project (Ogle to Eccles) Phase 1.
treatment plants at the Lusignan Prison, which is expected to cost $88,445,018. Another notable project that was also opened was the submission of financial proposals for consultancy services for the supervision of the East Bank-East Coast Demerara road linkage project (Ogle to Eccles) Phase1. Below are the companies and their bids:
Supreme Court of Judicature Design and supervision for the construction of storage/record [baon] and living quarters at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court.
Design and supervision services for the extension of bailiff bond and inclusion of two self-contained living quarters at the Lethem Magistrate's Court.
Construction of general stores and conference room at the New Amsterdam Fire Station.
National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Consultancy for the design and Mahaica, Mahaicony Abary Water Control Project, Region Five.
Boy, 5, among new COVID-19 fatalities
GUYSUCO Rehabilitation of #1 and 2 boilers' chimney at the Uitvlugt Sugar Factory.
Rehabilitation of condenser support structures at Rose Hall Factory.
Construction of overhead storage tanks and treatment plants at the Lusignan Prison.
Fabrication and erection of new molasses tank at the Rose Hall Factory.
Deeds and Commercial Registers Authority Supply, delivery and installation of office furniture.
Design and supervision services for the retrofitting of the Old Magistrate's Court at Wales to a Magistrates' quarter and Library/Research Centre located in Region Three.
A 5-year-old boy from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a fully vaccinated 49-year-old woman from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported that the two persons died over a two-day period (November 29 to 30) while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death
toll has moved to 994. Meanwhile, the Ministry in its latest COVID-19 dashboard recorded 49 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 37,874. The dashboard shows that there are 18 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 72 persons in institutional isolation, 1,139 in home isolation, and 2 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 35,651 persons have recovered from the virus.
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Hunger in Caribbean at its highest - New FAO report says 13.8 million people in Latin America and Caribbean affected Washington, DC, November 30, 2021 – Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean is at its highest point since 2000, after a 30 percent increase in the number of people suffering hunger from 2019 to 2020, says a new UN report. According to the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021, in just one year, and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living with hunger increased by 13.8 million, reaching a total of 59.7 million people. The prevalence of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean now stands at 9.1 percent, the highest it has been in the last 15 years, although slightly below the world average of 9.9 percent. Just between 2019 and 2020, the prevalence of hunger increased by 2 percentage points.“We must say it loud and clear: Latin America and the Caribbean are facing a critical situation in terms of food security. There has been an almost 79 percent hike in the number of people living in hunger from 2014 to 2020”, said Julio Berdegué, FAO’s Regional Representative. “Although the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, hunger has been on the rise since 2014. We must fix deep vulnerabilities in our food systems, make them more inclusive and sustainable and ensure they deliver wellbeing for the people that feed our societies,” said Rossana Polastri, IFAD’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Between 2019 and 2020, Mesoamerica experienced the largest increase––2.5 percentage points––reaching its highest value in the last 20 years: 10.6 percent, or 19 mil-
The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021 lion people. The overall highest prevalence occurs in the Caribbean (16.1 percent, 7 million people) while in South America hunger affects 33.7 million people, or 7.8 percent of the population. The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021 is a joint publication of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Food insecurity affects 41 percent of the population Four out of every ten people in the region– –267 million–– experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020, 60 million more than in 2019, an increase of 9 percentage points, the most pronounced rise in relation to other world regions. In South America the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity increased by 20.5 percentage points between 2014 and 2020, while in Mesoamerica there was an increase of 7.3 percentage points during the same period. Even worse, in the region the prevalence of severe
Exxon’s Yellowtail project to drive... From page 12 decouple economic growth and emissions through a progressively cleaner energy mix with the aim of reducing our carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030". Nonetheless, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is gearing up to burn 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day for three months (90 days) during the start up of the Yellowtail Project.The ExxonMobil subsidiary made this disclosure in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The document for the fourth Stabroek Block development project specifically states, “…start-up flaring for the Project will be temporary and may require flaring for 90 cumulative days at the rate of 120 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).” It was keen to note that this is
just a “conservative assumption.”The former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Vincent Adams has already warned of the dangers associated with the flaring of natural gas. In a recent interview with this newspaper, he explained that over 200 pollutants are released in the process. “When it goes up, it has to come down, so besides Global warming and climate change and all of that type of stuff, it has things like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, and when those mix with the moisture from the atmosphere it forms an acid, and so that is called acid rain,” t h e f o r m e r E PA h e a d pointed out. He was keen to note that when the acidic water falls, it enters the ocean and affects fish, farming and the entire ecology.
food insecurity –that is people who had run out of food or had gone a day or more without eating– reached 14 percent in 2020, a total of 92.8 million people, up from 47.6 million people in 2014. Food insecurity did not affect men and women equally: in 2020, 41.8 percent of women in the region experienced moderate or severe food security, compared with 32.2 percent of men. This disparity has been rising in the last 6 years and it increased sharply from 6.4 percent in 2019 to 9.6 percent in 2020. “This report shows us the stark reality that we must face squarely to mitigate the situation for the most vulnerable population. By expanding national social protection systems, for example, governments can reach those most in need with assistance to help them get through these difficult times”, said Lola Castro, WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Overweight and obesity continue to rise The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition warns that the region is also losing the battle against other forms of malnutrition: 106 million people—one in every four adults—suffers from obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean. There were significant increases in the prevalence of obesity between 2000 and 2016: a hike of 9.5 percentage points in the Caribbean, 8.2 percentage points and Mesoamerica, and 7.2 percentage points in South America. “We continue losing the battle against all forms of malnutrition, and we are far from being able to guarantee healthy nutrition for the whole population,” said Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO/ WHO. “If we want to end hunger and provide wellbeing and healthy lives for people
in the Americas, we have to transform our agricultural and food systems to provide healthy diets for everyone and to leave no one behind.” Overweight in children has also been on the rise for 20 years in the region, and in 2020, 3.9 million children—7.5 percent of those under five years of age— were overweight, almost 2 percentage points above the world average. South America shows the highest prevalence of overweight in children (8.2 percent), followed by the Caribbean with 6.6 percent, and Mesoamerica with 6.3 percent. Although Latin America and the Caribbean has shown important progress in reducing stunting in children, having reduced its prevalence from 18 percent to 11.3 percent in 20 years, between 2012 and 2020, the rate of decrease slowed down. The regional prevalence of wasting in children stands at 1.3 percent, significantly lower than the world average of 6.7 percent. “In Latin America and the Caribbean, COVID-19 has made a pre-existing malnutrition crisis worse. With services disrupted and livelihoods devastated, families are finding it harder to put healthy food on the table, leaving many children hungry and others overweight. For children to grow up healthy, we need to ensure all families access affordable, nutritious food”, said Jean Gough, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. The joint UN report calls for urgent actions to arrest the rise in hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, urging countries in the region to quickly take action to transform their agrifood systems and make them more efficient, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, to provide healthy diets for everyone.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Case against parents for St. Agnes teacher’s assault dismissed The case against the parents who were charged for allegedly assaulting a St. Agnes teacher last year, all walked free of the charges that were laid against them. Involved in the matter were, Sherwin Dalrymple, his partner Soyini Gardener, along with their family member Kendace Peters, and the teacher Tiffani Hinds. Dalrymple faced two charges, which alleged that he assaulted the teacher and provoked her with the intent to insult or annoy her. His partner, Gardener, was accused of assaulting Hinds so as to cause her actual bodily harm and maliciously damaging property of the said victim. Peters, who is the sisterin-law of Gardener, was charged for allegedly assaulting the teacher and unlawfully and maliciously damaging her dress. The teacher was charged for allegedly assaulting Gardener and provoked her with the intent to insult or annoy her, but those charges were later withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C. Magistrate Annette Singh in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts presided over the Dalrymple, Gardener and Peters matter. The matter against Gardener and Peters was dismissed in early November, after Magistrate Singh ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case, and yesterday Magistrate Singh ruled that the prosecution failed again to prove its case against the third accused. As a result, the case against Dalrymple was dismissed. According to reports, the incident took place on January 15, 2020, in the office of the head teacher of the school.
Sherwin Dalrymple. The incident escalated from a meeting with the teacher and the parents of two male students. The meeting was called, after an altercation between the two boys resulted in one being severely injured; the child was first taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by the teacher to receive medical attention. Later that evening, the injured child was reportedly taken back to a private medical facility for further attention and treatment. The cost incurred from this visit was asked to be repaid by the parents of the other student during a meeting. It was in this same meeting, that the discussion spiraled out of control after the parents of the boy who allegedly injured the other began attacking the teacher. The parents believed that it was the teacher who encouraged the parents of the injured child to take him to a private medical facility, and pressed them to pay. A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms and the parents and teacher were later arrested, charged, and subsequently placed before the court. During the hearing of the court matter, the parents were out on bail pending the outcome of the matter and they were represented by attorney-atlaw Latchmie Rahamat.
Health Minister urges... From page 21 conducted on Rodrigues, but no trace of alcohol was found on his breath. He was then placed in police custody, and is assisting with further investigations. On Monday last, a post mortem examination was per-
formed on the deceased at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Mortuary; Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as crush injuries to the head. Rodrigues is set to return to court on the 17th of December at 13:30hrs for statements.
Soyini Gardener (F) along with family member Kendace Peters (B).
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
ExxonMobil National Indoor Championships
Exciting opening night at CASH
Former national Captain Devin Munroe on the attack for the Guyana 40s
Wednesday December 01, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Have fun with loved ones, Aries. Put your worries aside. Don't think of the possible negative consequences of having a good time. Focus on the fun and excitement of the moment. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You're the secret jewel, Taurus. You're apt to be extremely loving and devoted to those who recognize this in you. There is no reason to shrink back and hide. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel locked in a bind of deep emotion and stubborn attitudes with close friends or lovers. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your spirit sparkles. You may feel filled with tremendous energy as you go about your day. Your sense of adventure is high, and there's very little that gets you down LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may feel yourself slipping into a deeper understanding with a close friend or loved one. Romantic situations are heating up, and you're slowly letting your inhibitions fade away so they're completely absent. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Most of the time it's good to have strong opinions and be independent and willful, Virgo. But there are other times when this attitude turns people away you're hoping to draw closer.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Sensual, passionate lovemaking is definitely on the agenda of activities for tonight, Libra. Fun, excitement, romance, and love are all key themes likely to take precedence if you have anything to say about it . SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may feel like the brakes have been slammed in the romance department. Realize that this doesn't mean you have to stop having fun. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The stars indicate that love and romance are in your favor, Sagittarius. You will find that this area of your life is going well. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your sensitive, sensual side is being drawn out, Capricorn. You may feel like your romantic side is on display. You're like a dancer onstage. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Come out of your shell and be proud of your sensitive side, Aquarius. Although you may feel vulnerable when it comes to love and romance, this doesn't mean that you have to hide it. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You shouldn't have any problem getting your way in most areas of life, Pisces. The time is ripe for you to take the lead. Unfortunately, there may be one important part of your life that isn't going exactly to plan, and this is love and romance.
Teams shared the spoils on the opening night of the ExxonMobil National Indoor Championships as hockey had its long-anticipated return to local competition after almost a two-year hiatus when play hit off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Monday night. The Pepsi Hikers were their usual dominant selves as they amassed the largest victory margin of the entire tournament over ‘50 Not Out’ with their 10 – 3 win in the men’s first division competition. The Guyana 40s surprised the speedy YMCA Old Fort with a 3-0 victory, while Saints made it hard work for Bounty GCC in the early going but faded to lose 3-1, completing the night of first division matches. The Hikers looked the coolest on show and their victory was never in doubt as national strike trio of Jamarj Assanah, Captain Robert France and the diminutive Aroydy Branford raided the 50 Not Out goal continuously. National women’s goalkeeper Alysa Xavier however, the only female in the men’s competition due to her quality, managed to make several fine saves to keep what could have been a much higher score line against 50 Not Out. In the women’s competition, Tekeisha Deleon seemed to be everywhere on the court as the inspirational team leader and captain led from the front by scoring two of her teams three goals to pull off a 3-0 win over Misfits. National striker Nicole Eastman managed the third to see Saints to a comfortable victory. The men’s second
BCB launches J Supermarket... From page 31 the publication of its own coaching manual and a multimillion dollar restoration of its office are some of the BCB’s achievements over the last four years. Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, who co edited the booklet expressed thanks to Jason Sripal of J Supermarket for his sponsorship of the booklet which would be distributed free of cost across Guyana, the Caribbean , North America and Europe. The booklet would also be used to attract sponsors across the world as the BCB strives to take Berbice cricket to another level. Naidu disclosed that the board has already started to work on another publication to showcase the top 100 most promising youth players in the county.
division saw more success for Saints as their Saints sensations outclassed the newcomers GCC War Dogs by 5-0. Sean Sookhai and Naresh Mahadeo each scored doubles to lead the scoresheet for the match. GCC had a tough night in the second division as the Hikers Cadets came from behind to edge the GCC Pitbulls 2-1 in their second division clash. Full Results are as follows: MALE Division Pepsi Hikers defeats 50 Not Out by 10 - 3 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (10) – Aroydy Branford 4, Robert France 2, Jamarj Assanah 1, Orlando Machado 1, Randy Hope 1, Shane Samuels 1 50 Not Out (3) – Philip Fernandes 2, Orson Ferguson 1 Guyana 40s defeated YMCA Old Fort by 3 - 0 Goals: Guyana 40s (3) – Chris Low-Koan 1, Devin Munroe
1, Dwayne Scott 1 Bounty GCC defeated Saints by 3 – 1 Goals: Bounty GCC – Kevin Spencer (3) Saints – Hilmar Chester 1 FEMALE Division Saints defeated MisFits by 3 - 0 Goals: Saints (3) – Tekeisha Deleon 2, Nicole Eastman 1 MALE Second Division Saints Sensations defeated GCC War Dogs by 5 –0 Goals: Saints Sensations (5) Sean Sookhai 2, Naresh Mahadeo 2, Jabari Lovell 1 Hikers Cadets defeated GCC Pitbulls by 2 – 1 Goals: Hikers Cadets (2) – Orlando Machado 1, Edmund Chinian 1 GCC Pitbulls (1) – Samuel Woodroffe 1 Games continue all week in the evenings from 17:00hrs and concludes this weekend.
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
Hard work pays off for Permaul - spinner says consistency key after five-wicket haul SportsMax - West Indies left-arm spinner, Veerasammy Permaul, was delighted after taking a maiden fivewicket haul in his 7th match in Test cricket. Permaul took 5-35 from his 13 overs to help restrict Sri Lanka to 204 all out on day two of the second Test in Galle. The Guyanese bowler, who is playing in his first Test match since 2015, reacted joyously to his achievement. “First of all, I’d like to thank God for giving me strength. I’m very overwhelmed. Over the years I’ve been working really hard to get back into the team and now it is paying off,” he said. Permaul said trying to spin the ball as much as possible served him well in the Sri Lankan conditions. “I tried to adjust to the conditions and see what pace is good for the wicket. I also tried to spin the ball as much as possible and I think that is what brought me success,” he said. He also referred to the bowling partnership between himself and fellow left-arm spinner, Barbadian Jomel Warrican, who took 4-50 from his 18.3 overs. “I think Warrican bowled really well. He was the one that was controlling the scoring rate. He was bowling tight at one
Veerasammy Permaul
end and I was attacking at the other end and that is the key to a good bowling partnership,” he said. When asked how the Windies bowling performance can carry over into future encounters, Permaul said consistency is key. “Moving forward, it’s very important that we stay consistent as a bowling unit. Be patient and don’t look for wickets. Try to create opportunities rather than experimenting,” he said. The West Indies ended day two on 69-1 in their first innings reply to Sri Lanka’s 204 all out with captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, at the crease on 22 and Nkrumah Bonner on one. Jermaine Blackwood is the only batsman out so far for 44.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 01, 2021
Pakuri Warriors win GVF Female Volleyball Festival
Pakuri Warriors are the winners of the GVF Female Volleyball Festival.
T
he Guyana Vo l l e y b a l l Federation (GVF) successfully hosted their Female Volleyball Festival last Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue. The tournament had five teams participating, namely, Castrol Strikers, Berbice Females, Premier Eagles, Laluni and Pakuri Warriors that came out victorious. Due to a late start, with four teams, a round-robin commenced until the fifth team arrived. However, by the third round, Laluni and Premier Eagles fell short and were eliminated. A semifinal was then contested between Berbice Females and Castrol
Strikers. Castrol Strikers e m e rg e d w i n n e r s a n d advanced to the finals with P a k u r i Wa r r i o r s w h o eventually won, 25-22, 1425 and 15-13. Recipients of prizes were: 1. Third place trophyBerbice Females. 2. Second place trophy Castrol Strikers. 3. First place trophy Pakuri Warriors. 4. Best Spiker - Camiza LaCruz of Pakuri Warriors. 5. Best Setter- Alliana Charles of Castrol Strikers. 6. Most Senior player Sunita Causway - Pakuri Warriors. 7. Most promising player- Tiea Isaacs - Berbice Females. 8. MVP TROPHY and
$10,000, Compliments of Trophy Stall and Heavy E q u i p m e n t Te c h n i c a l Training Institute - Camiza La Cruz - Pakuri Warriors. The national team has been shortlisted and will be announced soon.
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
The victorious Invaders Masters with their hardware
The T10 champions Caribbean Cricket Club
Invaders Masters are ESCL champs I
nvaders Masters produced an excellent all-round performance to capture the inaugural Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) over-40, T20 title following a 10-wicket victory over Caribbean Cricket Club (CCC) recently at Reliance on the Essequibo Coast. CCC opted to bat and
managed 165-9. Eshwar Singh led the way with a fine 56 as veteran player Ramesh Narine grabbed three for 21 from his maximum four overs, while Patrick Rooplall also proved his all-round capability by snaring two for 28 off his four overs. Invaders Masters responded in emphatic style
reaching the target in the 18th over without losing a wicket. Fazeer Khan struck an aggressive 80 while the experienced Patrick Rooplall hit an entertaining 61. In a specially arranged four-team ten-over competition before the championship game, CCC
got the better of Reliance Hustlers by seven wickets. Reliance Hustlers mustered an insufficient 953 with Shivsankar Bissoon scoring 58. CCC replied with 97-3 in the penultimate over. Gary Ragnauth made 28. For the 20-overs game, the winning team received $60, 000 and a trophy while
the runners-up collected $30,000 and a trophy. In the 10-over contest, both teams received trophies. At the post-match presentation, President of the ESCL Tom Bacchus expressed gratitude to teams for their participation. He reserved special mention for the sponsors for their generous
- CCC win T10 title
support. Bacchus was also satisfied with the well-run competition and promised to make this an annual event. Chairman of the competition Wakeel Layne was also praised for his organisation. Layne expressed gratitude to the sponsors, the six teams that participated and the supporters.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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BCB hosts successful OGM- AGM set for 19th of December at PMCC The Berbice Cricket Board on Sunday last hosted a very successful Ordinary General Meeting at the Port Mourant Cricket Ground. A total of fourteen delegates attended the meeting along with the full panel of elected and appointed executives of the board. Each club was represented by one delegate, while sub-associations had two. Absent from the AGM w e r e W h i m , Yo u n g Warriors, Police and the Berbice River Association. The OGM was chaired by BCB President Hilbert Foster and delegates approved the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting and also received comprehensive reports from the President, Secretary, Chairman of the Competitions Committee and the financial report for the year 2020. Delegates were informed that the 2021 financial report would be submitted at the next meeting in December. BCB President Hilbert Foster told delegates that the board was the only county board in Guyana to have
submitted audited financial statement to the new Guyana Cricket Board and that the board was able to stand on its feet despite the ongoing covid 19 pandemic. The BCB, he stated was able to successfully complete nineteen finals in a two months period earlier this year while the Tenelec Under 15 tournament was started two weeks ago. The board has also obtained sponsorship for numerous other tournaments including under13, under17, under19, under23, First Division, Second Division, Females and internal zones. The BCB President also informed the delegates of numerous upcoming developmental programmes that would transform the level of Berbice Cricket. These includes an expansion of the board’s coaching programme, donation of gears to hundreds of youths, social skills training for youths, coaching aids for clubs including bowling machines, publications of several educational
materials for youth players, training of several pre Level One Coaches, obtaining at least three more pitch covers and assisting youths in their pursuit of an educational career. A Special Committee was set up to look into rules for the upcoming Romario Shepherd Under13 Tournament. It is headed by Vice President Albert Smith and among the topics to be discussed would be the length of the pitch and size of balls to be used. Delegates also selected the Albion, Cotton Tree, Skeldon, Rose Hall Canje, Port Mourant and No 69 Grounds they would recommend as possible inter county venues to the Guyana Cricket Board. Discussion was also held on whether the BCB would continue tournaments that were started two or three years ago. No final decision was made and the matter would be followed up at the Annual General Meeting on the 19th of December at the same venue. Foster announced that he would be seeking reelection
for his third term of two years and indicated that they might be changes to his slate. Former Head Master Colin Bynoe was identified to serve as the Returning Officer for the AGM, where a total of thirteen clubs and three sub associations would vote for the new executives.
BCB President Hilbert Foster
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Wednesday December 01, 2021
West Indies 69-1 after dismissing Sri Lanka for 204 on Day 2
G
ALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — We s t I n d i e s made a steady start in reaching 69-1 after bowling out Sri Lanka for 204 before rain forced an early end to day two of the second cricket test yesterday. Left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Jomel Warrican combined for nine Sri Lanka wickets with career-best performances. When play was called, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite was on 22 and Nkhrumah Bonner on 1. The tourists trailed Sri Lanka by 135 runs with nine wickets in hand. Permaul, in his first test in more than five years, snared 5-35 to register his first five-wicket haul. Warrican took 4-50, also a career best. The pair ensured they
Jermaine Blackwood plays on the leg side • Nov 29, 2021 © AFP/Getty Images
Jomel Warrican claimed 4 for 50 • Nov 29, 2021 © AFP/Getty Images reversed a good Sri Lanka start which featured a 106run opening partnership. The last nine wickets went for 98 runs. Sri Lanka resumed on 113-1, and Pathum Nissanka and Oshada Fernando added
26 more runs to the total before Permaul struck in the seventh over of the day. Fernando tried to play a cut shot close to his body and was caught behind by Joshua da Silva for 18. Permaul took two
wickets in one over, trapping Nissanka lbw for 73 to end an innings that lasted 148 deliveries and contained a six and five boundaries. Two deliveries later, he had Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind on 2. Charith Asalanka, playing his first test, scored 10 before becoming Permaul’s next wicket, caught by Bonner. Angelo Mathews walked off the field with an injury
when he was on 12, but returned at the fall of the eighth wicket, even though he was still unable to run. He hit two sixes and a boundary before being bowled for 29 by Warrican and ending the Sri Lanka first innings. The only West Indies wicket was taken by Sri Lanka’s own left-armer, Praveen Jayawickrama, who trapped Jermaine Blackwood for 44. He faced 99 balls and hit five boundaries and reviewed the decision unsuccessfully.
Rain is playing a big part in the match, with two sessions lost on the first day and a session’s worth of overs yesterday. Sri Lanka won the first test by 187 runs at the same venue, and the West Indies must win the second to draw the series. Scores: West Indies 69 for 1 (Blackwood 44, Brathwaite 22*, Bonner 1*, Jayawickrama 1-11) trail Sri Lanka 204 (Nissanka 73, Karunaratne 42, Permaul 535, Warrican 4-50) by 135 runs.
Wednesday December 01, 2021
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BCB launches J Supermarket pictorial review booklet The Berbice Cricket Board on Sunday launched a full coloured thirty two pages pictorial review booklet as it continue to invest heavily in the development of the game in the Ancient County. The booklet was sponsored by J Supermarket and is the latest of several publications by the pro active cricket board under the leadership of Hilbert Foster. The booklet features over one hundred and seventy photos in the historic publication which highlight the outstanding work of the BCB from 2018 to 2021. The Board over that period hosted over seventy five tournaments at several levels, while it also organised hundreds of developmental projects and also assisted clubs /players with over twenty million dollars of items. The booklet
is divided into several sub headings including coaching, teams, tournaments, sponsors, friends of Berbice Cricket, assistance to players, assistance to clubs, educational, meeting with government officials, awards, honouring parents, donations and general activities. The impressive full colored booklet also includes a message from BCB President Hilbert Foster, portraits of Patron Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Sports Charles Ramson and the nineteen Berbicians who have played test cricket. The eighteen Berbicians who have also either been selected on West Indies or called to trials/camps are also featured in the magazine along with the executives of the BCB. Foster, stated that the booklet was published as
Executives of the BCB and some delegates at the BCB OGM pose with a copy of the booklet. p a r t o f t h e b o a r d ’s aggressive marketing/public relations campaign to attract sponsorship for more projects and also to keep the public informed of the work of the board. He stated that
every Berbician should be very proud of the work of the BCB over the last four years and also to inspire leaders of the board in the future. The achievements are unmatched across the Caribbean and the
ongoing pandemic has not stopped the board from fulfilling its mandate. The hosting of over seventy five tournaments at all levels, securing over fifty million dollars in
sponsorship, organising hundreds of developmental projects, assisting players and clubs with close to twenty million dollars of items, creating history with (Continued on page 25)