Kaieteur News

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Monday Edition Oil Spill Committee AIETEUR NEWS launches probe into oily substance floating in Atlantic December 06, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.46

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EPA orders EIA for Exxon's US$900M gas project - wants company to examine possibility of explosion, spills, other dangers to coastal communities

CJIA expansion project still milking treasury Ten years on…

Burke to sue Jagdeo for $100M

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Nurse pockets $3.2M selling COVID-19 vaccine cards ...nabbed during sting operation at EBD snackette

Surinamese push back against President granting official seal to First lady

'PPP has no respect for Amerindians'

- Lenox Shuman

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

PAGE 02

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). (Mike Charles’s photo)

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

TEN YEARS ON…

CJIA expansion project still milking treasury As the cost for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project continues to climb, more than US$160 million has already been spent on the contract that started off at US$150M. Even though the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, had promised that, the total cost for the project will not exceed US$200 million, but that cannot be guaranteed now as the venture is currently a workin-progress and the PPP/C administration is still pumping money into it.

The CJIA expansion was expected to be a US$150M venture; US$138M financed from the China Exim Bank and $12M from the consolidated fund, taxpayers’ money. The expansion is being undertaken by the Chinese Contractor, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC).

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

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

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

Additionally, a new runway was commissioned at the airport, complete with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) touted to reduce flights diversion by 90 percent. That aspect of the

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill airport was completed at a cost of GY$518 million.

During an interview on Globespan, the Public Works minister had hinted that more monies will be spent, when he said “Very soon we will be developing the car park…the sewerage system has to be addressed and we are working on that and the water treatment system also.”

According to him, contractor CHEC, had agreed to undertake other works on the airport at no cost to Guyana, and his engineers have estimated the value of the works to be somewhere between US$11M and US$13M. The airport was expected to be completed by December 31, 2021, but Edghill had said that due to the constraints of shipping as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, works might not be completed until early 2022.

The airport expansion contract was signed in 2011 under then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and was passed through the truncated presidency of Donald Ramotar. When the David Granger administration took over in 2015, it said that the very defective plan needed adjustments.

The then Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had said that upon assumption of office, the APNU+AFC administration had found that only seven percent of the work was completed.

Even with the substandard work, former Junior Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, had revealed that the contractor Continued on page 12

Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

EPA orders EIA for Exxon’s US$900M gas project

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

The regulator said it has a l s o a p p r o v e d Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to conduct the EIA while noting that it has also given authorization for the terms of reference it once used.

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

including coastal communities. ExxonMobil is also required to investigate possible effects of the project on the demographic and socio-economic and cultural profiles of the communities. This includes consideration for local employment and training, local procurement, vulnerable groups (youth and elderly, handicapped, other users of the area etc.), transport, health services, security, lifestyle and culture. The EPA said too that the potential for unplanned settlements, overloading of any community infrastructure and social conflict between workers and communities, should also be included in the EIA. Kaieteur News also

noted that the EIA has to consider the impact of the project on transportation planning and traffic as well as discuss potential health and safety impacts due to changes in marine and riverine vessel traffic and onshore vehicular traffic conditions, such as increased volumes.

Exxon is also expected to discuss the potential for changes to air quality that might increase human e x p o s u r e t o contaminants/pollution including the impacts of the increased volume of dust and the potential health impacts associated with exposure to t h e s e contaminants/pollutants.

The EPA was keen to note that an assessment will be conducted on the

Agriculture Ministry opens study on declining fish catch Reports of fish shortage on the local we catch is like going and strain water cause markets and a decline in catch by fishermen when we go out there we would just catch have triggered a study by the Ministry of back lil gas money and something to feed the family. You can’t presently do nothing for Agriculture.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, the yourself with this fish,” Stayon Frank, a Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha fisherman who retails fish in the Stabroek confirmed that work has commenced in this Market told Kaieteur News.

While this may be the case, ExxonMobil regard. According to the minister, a local committee has been established to is only now scrambling baseline data to understand the impacts of their operations investigate the situation.

In fact, this publication was told that a offshore Guyana.

This was highlighted by meeting will be held today (Monday) to discuss the way forward. During a meeting Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly with fishermen on November 24, 2021, the during the online Consultations held by the Minister acknowledged that there is indeed a Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Exxon Mobil’s Yellowtail shortage of fish. It was there Project. he made the commitment to She said, “It has no undertake a study to get a true comprehensive mapping of understanding of the situation. the fish nurseries in Guyana or Mustapha told the fishers neighbouring countries that that the reason behind low might be feeding our fisheries catches in one country may s e c t o r. T h e r e a r e n o not be the reasons behind low indications whatsoever in any catches in another. He said a baseline studies done, number of factors can be including the Marine Baseline causing the low catches and, Study of what the migratory as a government, “we are patterns are of commercial or prepared to work with you to non-commercial fish do the work so that we can compared to that whole zone”. have a solution to this issue,” Responding to her Minister Mustapha said. concerns during the He informed the fishermen Minister of Agriculture, Consultative session was that the government has since Zulfikar Mustapha Environmental Resources engaged the Environmental Management (ERM) Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture representative Jason Wiley.

According to him, the company did Organization (FAO) to assist with conducting an analysis to determine the reason behind compile a report based on the details the low catches. This newspaper recently provided by a few persons in the various reported that fishermen in Guyana are Administrative Regions; however, he complaining of a rapid decline in catch, and assured that the study remains ongoing.

The Environmentalist however argued, are predicting that they may very well be out of jobs in the next five years, even as they “A baseline is something you collect before attributed this to ExxonMobil’s operations you attempt to do a project or an action that alters the conditions, such that if you were to offshore.

“Ever since them man start drill we come later you would then be able to know seabed out deh we catch gone very low. I in how the conditions have changed…you this business like since I was a child. In the can’t be continuously collecting a baseline earlies, from like 2007 when I start catch fish when there are already activities going on to like 2016. We used to get an exciting catch. o ff s h o r e t h a t a r e a ff e c t i n g t h o s e But you see from like 2016 to now; presently, conditions.”

NGL Plant 3P Power Plant

- 30 km onshore

Georgetown

12” diameter pipeline - 220 km offshore

A photograph showing how the Liza Phase One and Two projects would be linked to bring gas to shore. cumulative socio-economic and environmental effects that are likely to result from the proposed activities in combination with other existing, approved and proposed projects that could reasonably be considered to have a combined effect.

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Kaieteur News had reported that EEPGL is seeking E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorization to construct and operate a pipeline from the Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to an onshore natural gas liquids processing plant (NGL Plant). It should be noted that

EEPGL is the designated Operator of the Stabroek Block and therefore sought authorization for the Project on behalf of itself and coventurers: Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

The offshore pipeline is expected to traverse approximately 220 kilometers (km), connecting with the onshore pipeline at a shore landing located west of the Demerara River. The onshore pipeline will also extend approximately 27 km from the shore landing to the NGL Plant Site.

The NGL Plant Site lies approximately 23 km

upriver on the west bank of the Demerara River on abandoned sugarcane fields.

The NGL Plant Site occupies an area of approximately 40 acres (approximately 16 hectares).

An additional area of approximately 100 acres (approximately 40 ha) adjacent to the NGL Plant Site may be used by E E P G L’s c o n s t r u c t i o n contractor for support of the Project during construction.

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Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 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

Public Accounts Committee - why the fast move?

We thought that the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was on the right track, and had the best objectives in mind. That is, when he made a proposal for this crucial parliamentary group to meet twice weekly, so as to clear the backlog of completed audit reports waiting to be reviewed. It represented sound, commonsense thinking, which could have led to the practical outcome of more reports reviewed of how the people’s money was being spent, how procedures were followed, and how those standing in key positions of responsibility over hundreds, if not billions (cumulatively), of public works projects were delivering or failing to do so.

In view of the history of Guyana with public projects, and the people surrounding them, such as public officers, contractors, suppliers, and others, getting through the backlog of reports required more time, and agreeing on more to review and get through it (backlog) made good sense.

But it was not to be, for reasons that speak to what is wrong with politics in Guyana, and the way that politicians manage the business of this country, especially the business concerning proper and timely accounting for public finances.

The PAC chairman’s commendable initiative came to a dead stop, when the government majority dropped the hammer on his venture, which signalled its burial. Still, we salute him for trying, or appearing to try might be more appropriate, given subsequent developments.

For what the chairman of the PAC came up with out of nowhere was, in some sense, almost in direct contradiction to what he tried to get introduced before, through meeting twice weekly. On this occasion, what the PAC chairman put before this parliamentary group was a proposal “fast tracking review of Coalition’s spending” (KN December 01). It goes without saying that government members of the PAC immediately signalled their objections, thus it is as good as dead in the water, which is what we at this publication believe it should be.

We will not profess to know what could have been going on in the mind of the PAC chairman, but such a proposal could only be viewed in the worst possible light. First, it is his own party, which would be the prime beneficiary of such a proposal, as to what went on, what could be rushed over, and what is left undetected in the haste to make up for lost ground; and this is no matter how kindly what he proposed is looked at, or given space. Second, it conflicts with what the chairman attempted earlier, which was to get agreement for the PAC to meet twice weekly, a good and necessary thing. We say this because, on the one hand, he was seeking to expand the time for a broader and possibly more in-depth analysis of more audit material before the committee; but, on the other hand, came up with the astonishing idea of fast tracking the years when his own political group was in charge and, therefore, in charge of public spending. To put all this differently, he called for increased time, then endeavoured to narrow the focusing and probing and drilling down, all of which are part and parcel of the PAC’s work. At least, they should be, if there is a vibrant and determined PAC group dedicated to getting to the bottom of things.

In the context of Guyana’s spending on public works projects in the vast array of things to be accomplished, the record is a sordid one, a very sordid one. This is regardless of whether it has been a PPP or PNC Government running the show. Thus, fast tracking takes on the significance (and interpretation) of rush jobs, prioritising quantity over quality, and the citizens who would like to know how their tax dollars were spent are none the wiser for the skullduggeries passed over, neglected, or ignored. Given the dirty history of both the PPP and PNC with public money, fast tracking could end up concealing a litany of costly failures and corruptions at many levels.The best we can say about that proposal from the PAC chairman was that he erred, and he does not emerge from this lapse smelling like a rose.

THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE MUST BE RESPECTED TOO DEAR EDITOR, The citizens of Region 9 are hereby requesting a judicial inquiry into the sentencing guidelines used by the Lethem Magistrate when presiding over court cases in the Region.

Over the years people has been appalled by the draconian sentences handed down to mostly Indigenous people for offences that carry less

stiffer penalties in other jurisdictions.

Just last week a Lethem youth was sentenced to 3 years in prison for possession of 16 grams of cannabis which carry a street value of $8000 while at the same time at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court a man was ordered to pay a fine of $40,000 for possession of 156 grams of the same drug and at the

Georgetown’s Magistrates’ Court a man was given community service for possession of $31,500 worth of cannabis.

There are many Indigenous people languishing in prison for offences that carry non-custodial penalties elsewhere in the country, which is violating our human rights.

It is also adding additional burden on poor families reeling from the COVID crises,

who have to find huge sums of money to appeal these cases.

We are also calling on the relevant authority to make available legal representation for persons who cannot afford same who are mostly Indigenous so justice can be served and our human rights respected.

Yours faithfully Patrick Fitzpatrick

It is unfair for the law to be applicable only to some DEAR EDITOR, Recently, my family and I took a trip to Parika and we ended up at the Ferry Stelling.

We grab a bite at a local snackette and on our way to the Stelling, police arrested one of my family members for not wearing a mask.

This was the right thing to do on the part of the police, which I absolutely support.

However, upon waiting at the lower flat of the police outpost for my family member, a few of the officers were there chatting with one not wear-

ing a mask, these are the same officers that are arresting persons for not wearing masks.

Along with this, several other people were walking along the roadway who weren’t wearing masks and the police saw them.

When engaging the police in a conversation at the unfairness of arresting only certain citizens for breaking the law, one of the officers told me that they can’t arrest everyone who they see and they know who they want to arrest.

When I asked one of the officers (this officer is an immi-

gration officer attached to the outpost) why he wasn’t wearing a mask he told me that the police station is his home and he can do what he wants.

At the outpost, there were two (2) East Indian persons that were arrested for not wearing a mask in public space, however, several people of varying ethnicity were talking on the road within the view of the officers and they failed to arrest them.

A guy was also cleaning the police vehicle that was parked in front of the station and the police didn’t advise

him to wear a mask whilst doing so.

I agree that persons who are caught not wearing masks in public spaces that the gazet ted order covers

should be held accountable for their actions, however, it is unfair for the law to be applicable only to one section or set of people in this county.

This country has come a far way for stories like these to be still told.

With kind regards, A concerned and fed-up citizen of Guyana

MY CHOICE FOR LEADER OF THE PNC/R DEAR EDITOR, The election of Leader of one of the main political parties in Guyana is necessarily a matter of immense national significance and I am persuaded to offer my view as to the most suitable candidate for Leader of the PNC/R. This election cannot be merely an opportunity to register feelings of disappointment and frustration over the recent elections or choices based on familiarity, affection or community affiliation, but a necessary and determined step in advancing the interests of the party and society in a strategic, organised and unified manner by electing the most suitable candidate to achieve this.

A keen look at the party, government, international, education, managerial, service and personal qualities of

the field has convinced me that one candidate, in particular, possesses the superior qualifications, experience, temperament and vision to lead a resurgent and unified PNC/R, its allies and the nation at this time.

Dr. Richard Van WestCharles earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada in 1973 and did his pre-clinical studies at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in 1975 and qualified as a Doctor of Medicine, University of Havana, Cuba in 1979.

While studying he was a member and chairman of the PNC groups in Jamaica and Cuba, respectively. Upon his return to Guyana, he was elected member of the Central Executive Committee of the PNC for the period 1980-1987 during which he also served

Mrs. Simone Mangal-Joly has been impressive DEAR EDITOR, The recent analysis and suggestions made by PHD candidate and Environmentalist Simone Mangal-Joly has been very thorough and impressive. She is obviously very qualified and our Government should consider having her as either an advisor on environmental issues or as a key leader within the EPA. Her qualifications are impressive and her analysis of the current EIA has shown

that the agency would be strengthened by her involvement and leadership. Mrs. Simone Mangal-Joly has the full endorsement of CRG and we would be happy to see her in an official role where she can safeguard the interests of Guyana’s environment and the health & safety of our fellow Guyanese.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

in the Burnham and Hoyte administrations as Minister of Health and Public Welfare (1980-82), Health, Housing Water and Environment (1982-85) and Medical Education, Food Policy and Environment (1985-87).

After demitting office, Dr. Van West-Charles gained a Master of Public Health in International Health, University of Michigan, USA and entered into a distinguished career as an international public servant, spanning over two decades, with PAHO/ WHO in several important capacities including consultant, programme officer, country representative, area manager and special advisor on partnerships with the international financial institutions (World Bank, IMF, IDB) which necessitated extensive travel throughout the region. His important work earned him numerous honours and awards nationally, regionally and internationally.

Upon concluding his ser-

vice, he returned home and established a public health consulting and private practice and founded an NGO – Partnership and Networking for the Development of Guyana and continued his party service as a member of the Meadowbrook PNC/R group; he was re-elected to the Central Executive Committee of the PNC/R in 2018 where he serves today.

In 2015, he was appointed Managing Director of Guyana Water Inc. and largely succeeded in implementing its Strategic Plan 2017-2021 which was guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the Green State Development Strategy which sought to ensure the provision of clean and efficient water and sewerage services countrywide, the maintenance of water quality and a reduction of waste and costs. It is well known, and appreciated, that Dr. Van West-Charles (Continued on page 6)

Neglect by hospital administration DEAR EDITOR, The unsanitary and unhygienic conditions of the NA Hospital (INews Dec 3) is an indictment on its administration. The many complaints as reported of the state of the institution from internal cleaning to overgrown bush among other issues, are mandatory administrative tasks,

and must be seen as neglect by the hospital administration and regional health authority of its basic functions.

In this day and age, no health facility should be in this condition and every effort should be made to ensure this facility is maintained in a pristine state at all times.

Shamshun Mohamed

Monday December 06, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Rickford, We Have Your Back!! Why are the Religious Leadership DEAR EDITOR, I am aghast that the Guyana Police Force would issue a ‘Wanted Bulletin’ for Rickford Burke for committing offences of Sedition and inciting racial hostilities in Guyana. The Wanted Bulletin indicated that ‘on Thursday night he appeared on a Facebook live programme with AFC Parliamentarian, Sherod Duncan, where he reportedly made a number of seditious remarks about the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic’.

I have been working in the field of communications for over 20 years, and at very senior levels, and I have been monitoring and evaluating media reports, television, and social media programmes for a long time.

Over the past year, I have been independently monitoring these programmes for my own analysis as an activist and consultant, as well as, to monitor the mood in the society. Whenever, I notice a possible violation or something out of place, I would either contact the media agency directly, or the organisation or host, for e.g., host of social media programmes and inform them of my observations.

I view Sherod Duncan’s programme very often, and whenever I observe something out of order, I would communicate same to his organisation. I viewed the programme in question, on Thursday December 2, 2021, and there was nothing that Rickford Burke said that was either ‘seditious’ or incited racial hostility. As a matter of fact, my reaction was ‘thank you Rickford, for having the courage to fight against the excesses of the government, for black and poor people in Guyana.

Editor, I see myself in Rickford Burke. What Rickford is doing for the public servants is what I did for the sugar workers. Let me explain, this is not about sedition or inciting racial hostility, it is standing up against the excesses of government and outright racism. We saw similar excesses by the APNU+AFC government and now we are seeing it in its worst possible form by this PPP/C government. When I was working with the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) and the sugar workers were being laid off, there were acts of excesses by the then government, and the sugar workers needed someone to fight and stand up for them, and I did! It was hard and difficult because I was working with GuySuCo, and I was fighting against my employer and the government, but my humanity was more important than the need for a

job.

Editor, do you know how many things I did to fight for the sugar workers? Every time the Chief Executive called me at 6:00 am in the morning, I knew that he was in trouble, and I was in trouble. Do you know how much trouble I got into and got the Chief Executives into?

Many days I parked at the side of the road on the East Coast of Demerara, not wanting to go into the office while my other colleagues were mitigating on my behalf from inside. I was like the shield for the sugar workers. My colleagues did not always agree with my methods, but they understood what I was doing and stood by my side. I was also fortunate that President Granger and the former Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder are in touch with their humanity, like me. So, when people write about where I was when the sugar workers were being laid off, let me answer, I was fighting for them!

The PPP/C government has to stop being hypocritical by using the APNU+AFC re-organising of the sugar industry as justification for the excesses and downright racism against Afro-Guyanese and public servants; it is not justified and ‘we need to stop speaking in whispers. President Irfaan Ali, lives in a GuySuCo property, did he pay market price for it?

The former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, lives in a GuySuCo property, did he pay market price for it? Many of the now elites in the private sector wealth was built from GuySuCo lands, properties, and other state properties, did they pay market prices for them? So, while the rich got richer and the poor leaders got rich from GuySuCo’s wealth, the sugar workers are really the poor ones. The sugar workers get hit by the ‘train’ going both ways – by the PPP/C government ‘train’ going one way and the APNU+AFC government ‘train’ going the

other way and now they are getting hit again by the PPP/C ‘train’ going in the other direction.

At some point it must be about the people – the sugar workers, and not mere politics.

So, the PPP/C government cannot stop Rickford Burke from doing for the public servants, Afro-Guyanese and poor Guyanese, the very same thing I did for the sugar workers during the re-organisation of the sugar industry, speaking up, standing up for them!

Rickford Burke is right, if the standard by which our governments operate is by way of revenge politics and the tit-for-tat approach, Guyana and the Guyanese people will spend the next 55 years, as a possible rich underdeveloped country.

An international organisation in an annual regional report in the early 2000’s reported that one of the reasons why the Caribbean countries and by extension the region, had made such economic progress in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, was due to the high level of stability in the region, for e.g., the absence of civil wars in the region. The current direction this government is leading Guyana, will not only increase instability in Guyana but in the region because of Guyana’s oil wealth and its significance to regional governance and development.

Now for some specifics, I spoke up for the sugar workers but today Rickford Burke is speaking up for me and other former public servants, current public servants, AfroGuyanese and poor Guyanese.

I have invested over $18M Guyana dollars on my post-graduate education (from loans, scholarships, bursaries and personal funds), thinking that the more qualified, experienced and hardworking I am, the more opportunities I will have in the country of my birth. After (Continued on page 6)

silent on Discrimination?

DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to commentary on religious discrimination in the awarding of contract (Nov. 20). No one should be discriminated against in government contracts on account of race or religion or party support. Religious leaders are supposed to courageously speak out against discrimination, inequity, and fraud. Why are they silent?

Some business owners, in particular contractors, are complaining about their reduction in government contracts. They are very upset with their party, political representatives, religious leaders, community stalwarts, and leading media personnel.

They claim that a religious group manages to get a lopsided 80% of government contracts. They say this is a complete reversal under the coalition during whose tenure there was a semblance of balance in the awarding of government contracts in terms of religious denominations.

In spite of the ongoing protestations from some contractors and business persons, letters in the press, comments in social media, comments at temples, man in the street conversations, and appeals to the Vice President and PPP leaders, not a word has been uttered by politicians and leaders to redress this grievance.

There is not a statement from the Vice President, the AG, the Minister of Social Security and other Ministers, and Members of Parliament, not a single religious leader, or a frequent letter writer, or a columnist to look into the complaint or condemn bias in the awarding of contracts.

Are they numb to the feelings of the community?

Have they foreseen defeat in 2025 and decided to make their financial heights rather than upset friends in government?

Where are the voices of Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Anil Nandlall, Dr. Frank Anthony,

Nigel Dharamlall, Indar Deodat, Sonia Pariag, Charles Ramson, Anand Persaud, Vishwa Mahadeo, Ganesh Mahipaul, Khemraj Ramjattan, Dinesh Jaiprashad, among other Members of Parliament, stalwarts like Ravi Dev, Swami Aksharnanda, Freddie Kissoon, Vishnu Bisram, and Chris Ram, and religious figures like Pandit Yog Mahadeo, Pandit Harish, Pandit Ravi, Pandit Vikash, Pandit Balbidar, Pandit Vishnu Panday, Pandit Dinesh, Pandit Lilah, Pandit Surendra, and other prominent Hindus?

Kaieteur News is called out and saluted for publishing comments of discrimination in the awarding of contracts. Stabroek News carried a few complaints as well. Another newspaper owned by a person who is very close to the government and gets a lot of government contracts has not carried any critiques of the government much less on religious discrimination of the awarding of contracts.

The Dharmic Sabha is the largest Hindu organisation in the country. It is the most vibrant organisation of Hindus.

It has been silent. It would be recalled that a few years ago, political leadership of a party encouraged some prominent Hindus and Pandits to break away from Dharmic Sabha and form the Viraat Sabha so as to weaken the Presidency of the former; it became tied to coalition politicians. This faction was engineered to destroy the Dharmic Sabha; they failed in the mission.

Dharmic Sabha is still the voice of Hindus especially when the other organisations have lost their voice on the injustice that has been taking place against Hindus. Isn’t it past time for a statement to be made by the Dharmic Sabha on contracts injustice?

Can’t the leaders of the Dharmic and Viraat Sabhas and other Hindu organisations issue a joint statement on the disproportionate and unfair treatment of the largest segment of the PPP support base?

Let’s also not forget that the majority of former and current sugar workers are of Hindu background and are being ill-treated by the party they voted for. Thousands of Hindus have not been rehired by GuySuCo in spite of several promises by the Vice President and the ruling party.

No statement has been made

by Hindu leaders condemning the closure of the sugar estates and the failure of the current administration to reopen them.

Where are so called Hindu leaders in defense of the sugar workers?

Is the personal security and gratification of some Hindu leaders so important that they cannot even make a simple statement in support of their dedicated and devoted Hindu followers? What level of selfishness and selfserving behaviour are we witnessing in this country! Do the scriptures say be silent in the face of injustice?

Yours truly, Mukesh Narine

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

Cricket Ombudsman facilitates unconstitutional East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee elections DEAR EDITOR, I shall be most grateful if this letter is carried in its entirety so as to inform the public of the true situation is happening with Cricket Administration in the county of Essequibo.

Management of Cricket in Essequibo has been plunged into further crisis with the recent and unconstitutional holding of elections in East Bank Essequibo by a group of clubs facilitated by the Cricket Ombudsman, Mr. Malcolm Peters on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Tuschen Sports Club Ground.

This recent development has resulted in East Bank Essequibo now having two Cricket Committees, an official and an unofficial one.

The last Biennial Election of this Area Committee was held in November 2018 thus, elections became constitutionally due in November 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic normalcy has been severely disrupted with organised cricket been last played in April 2020. At no time between November 2020 and October 2021has any club or member openly expressed dissatisfaction with the substantive East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee (EBECC). Notwith-

standing all of this, the constitution outlines all procedures to be followed but these have been ignored in the holding of the recent elections.

One would have thought that the Ombudsman would have made contact with the East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee or the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) if he wanted to be involved but he has clearly overstepped his mandate, which is to verify the existence of clubs. He cannot turn up at the elections to verify clubs.

This must be done prior in the fields. The Ombudsman must have known that Mr. Francis Wright, who was elected as the PRO, was in the Interior at that time and still is there. When contacted, Mr. Wright confirmed that he did not consent to be elected which is constitutionally done by way of a letter expressing such desire once absent for the meeting.

We the legitimate Committee are standing our ground since we have the constitutional mandate to do so and have written the Essequibo Cricket Board about the existing situation. According to our records, there are nine (9) clubs affiliated to the EBECC viz, Hyde Park, Parika-Salem, Hydronie, Ruby,

Vergenoegen, Tuschen, Tuschen South Side, Zeelugt and Cold Fusion. These clubs were invited to the official Biennial General Meeting (BGM) on Monday November 29, 2021 at 7pm but only Parika-Salem, Vergenoegen, Tuschen South Side and Zeelugt were present hence, there was no Quorum. Base on the constitution this meeting (BGM) has been rescheduled for Monday December 6, 2021 at the same time and venue and whoever is present shall form the quorum.

While I am the Chairman of the East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee (EBECC), I am also the President (ag) of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) with the recent passing of the president Fizul Bacchus.

The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) has not been treated kindly by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Notable forms of neglect are: 1. The ECB was not invited to the OGM in October 2021, only Berbice and Demerara were.

2. When the GCB was contacted for clarity as to whether the ECB could have held its OGM in October in light of the COVID-19 Task Force restrictions, no re-

My choice for Leader of the ...

From page 4 travelled throughout the country working tirelessly to deliver on this pledge.

In addition to his scientific and medical training and management experience, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles’ professional development includes training in Project Management, Leadership and Negotiation (PAHO/WHO) and certification in Health Economics, University of Aber-

deen, 1994-1995 and the Design and Management of Social Policies and Programs, Inter-American Development Bank, 2002.

He also holds several professional registrations and affiliations in the Caribbean and North America and is the author of several, health-related, publications.

He has also served on numerous commissions, committees, and boards throughout

his distinguished career.

This short summary clearly establishes that Dr. Richard Van West-Charles possesses t he party, gov-

ernment, international, academic and service credentials unmatched by the other candidates and is my unequivocal choice for Leader of the PNC/R at this time.

Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin

sponse was received.

3. Several Area Committees did not attend our OGM on Saturday November 20, 2021.We heard that they were advised not to attend for we may have wanted to hold elections… our elections are due in January 2022.

4. It is being rumoured that plans are afoot to disband the ECB and set up an Interim Management Committee (ICM).

5. The President/Vice

President of the ECB is not being invited to the GCB Executive Meetings although it is a constitutional right.

6. It is being rumoured that the ECB cannot account for millions of dollars. All the GCB has to do is to engage the Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma to pursue the allegations.

7. The ECB has not received any subvention from the GCB for the year 2021.

8. The GCB is communi-

cating selectively with Area Committees and their members but not with the ECB. The Guyana Cricket Board is integrally involved in the administrative manoeuvering in the various Area Committees, which would ultimately result in their desired outcome at the ECB elections in January 2022, so that they (GCB) can have influential control of the Board (ECB)…

Cricket Politics at work.

Alvin Johnson

10 issues/areas that the PPP/C Govt. must address DEAR EDITOR, There are a number of issues that need to be addressed by the Democratically Elected PPP/C Government of President Irfaan Ali. 1) Meeting with the Leader of the Main Opposition as is constitutionally required.

2) Meeting with the Unions in negotiating wages as is constitutionally required.

3) Renegotiation of the

ExxonMobil/Guyana oil contract so that there is more benefits for Guyanese.

4) Re-examine what is termed cash transfers to citizens from Guyana’s oil money.

5) Better Public Consultations on proposed national projects.

6) Strengthen the work of the Auditor General - better checks and balances needed.

7) Strengthen the work of EPA.

8) Strengthen the work of the Tender Board as it seems, tougher with the EPA, as nonfunctioning.

9) Improve the security of citizens.

10) Free up State Media by privatising NCN and Guyana Chronicle.

These are 10 things that need urgent attention. The list is by no means exhaustive.

Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

Rickford, We Have Your Back!!

From page 5 investments of $18M in my postgraduate education, after over 20 years of experience, paying my taxes, being honest, after spending years as being a part of the solution to Guyana’s growth and development, I am now reduced to being called a political appointee. Our professionalism and our inability to become corrupt, is now called obstructionism.

When the sugar workers got laid off, they could have gotten jobs anywhere. We at GuySuCo, developed a programme that was led by

me, to find alternative employment for them in the public, private and civil society sectors. Even the former Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder was exploring alternative livelihood opportunities for them. Many groups came to the assistance of the sugar workers when their services were being terminated – the private sector, the then opposition now government, the unions, the banks, etc.

This government has not only terminated the services of public servants but now many of them are not getting jobs because the government has destroyed their reputation with the way in which many of them were terminated and the criminalising of many of these persons.

I recently spoke with some of these former public servants who cannot get jobs, many of them are frustrated. It is not merely about earning an income but also about being provided with an opportunity to contribute towards the development of

one’s country and community.

We are also in the middle of a pandemic.

Editor, can you imagine, the next government deciding to do worst than what this government is doing to the supporters of the former government?

We must no longer remain quiet, we must no longer speak in whispers, we must tell this government that what they are doing is excessive and wrong; we must stand up and speak up!

I told the APNU+AFC government when they were doing wrong, that it was wrong, and I stood up. My GuySuCo family and many others had my back and Rickford, we have your back, your Guyanese family have your back! Thank you for standing up and speaking up for me and for us!I call on the Guyana Police Force to immediately withdraw the ‘Wanted Bulletin’, it is an abuse of the state powers!

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas

Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Bajan specialist assists GPHC with retinal surgeries

Monday December 06, 2021

Nurse pockets $3.2M selling Covid-19 vaccine cards - nabbed during sting operation at EBD snackette

Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at GPHC. Ophthalmologists of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have been trained in the use of medical equipment to conduct retinal surgeries, by a Barbadian, ophthalmology specialist, Sherwin Benskin, who specializes in Diabetic Retinopathy.

He has over 15 years’ experience in this field and is here in Guyana to share some knowledge. Last week the Department of Ophthalmology in collaboration Ophthalmologist, Dr.

Doctor Sherwin Benskin, Barbadian Ophthalmology surgeon [left] and Arlene Bobb Semple Retina Surgeon at the GPHC. Benskin conducted approximately 10 retinal surgeries on patients as part of a trial. The retinal surgeries included silicone oil removals, diabetic retinal detachments and diabetic vitreous haemorrhages. The surgeries marked the first for Guyana.

It was explained that though the department had long acquired the requisite equipment to facilitate retinal

surgeries, it lacked the expertise to facilitate such. As a result, assistance was sought from its regional counterpart in Barbados to not only facilitate a small number of surgeries but to offer technical assistance in the form of training as well as advice.

For a period of five days, Dr. Benskin – an Ophthalmologist and Continued on page 16

A nurse last week admitted to police that she had sold some 50 Covid-19 vaccine cards at a price of $65,000 each and that 12 of her colleagues at the Ministry of Health had sold some 500 as well at the same price.

She along with another nurse were nabbed by police last week during separate ‘sting operations’ selling the cards on the East Coast and East Bank Demerara.

The first was caught in the East Coast Police District last week. She was arrested and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station and spent some three days in the Beterverwagting Police lock-ups.

Commander of East Coast police district, Khali Pareshram, said that she has since been released on bail and the case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The second nurse was reportedly caught on Saturday last at a snackette on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

This media house was told that they are being accused of facilitating individuals who do not want to take the Covid-19 vaccines by selling them the vaccine card. Police reportedly set up undercover operation posing as one of these individuals to trap the nurses.

Kaieteur News was told that on Saturday a female police rank contacted a nurse and told her that she would like to purchase some vaccine cards.

The nurse then reportedly told the rank that it will cost her $65,000. The serial numbers of the cash were recorded and the female rank agreed to meet with the nurse at the snackette. She paid for the

Covid-19 booklets and then called in her colleagues to intercept the nurse.

The police ranks arrested the nurse and took her to Golden Grove Police Station where she admitted to selling 50 Covid-19 Vaccine Booklets. She has also named 12 other medical personnel working with the Ministry of Health who are allegedly selling vaccine cards also.

According to the detained nurse the 12 have allegedly sold some 500 vaccine cards. The nurse has also agreed to assist investigators in going through the records to identify the buyers of the COVID-19 booklet.

Investigations are ongoing.

Back in August this year, in wake of concerns about the possible forgery and selling of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, had said that his ministry is working on a system to generate digital versions of the COVID-19 vaccination card.

Anthony had told the media that digital document and a corresponding digital database would help ease the concerns about possible forged documents, as well as help give persons easier access to show proof of vaccination when visiting businesses and government ministries and agencies.

While Dr. Anthony gave no definitive timeline for the completion and release of a digital card, he noted that employees of the Ministry are in the process of creating electronic copies of the cards as part of the first step towards digitising the system.

“We are digitalising our records right now, and we have a few options that we are looking at right now on Continued on page 9

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

PAGE 9

Current crop of masqueraders doing an injustice to the art form The bulk of the masquerade bands which are parading the streets are a disgrace. They are doing a grave injustice to a traditional art form.

The present crop of masquerade bands, unfortunately is not upkeeping any traditions. The bands are destroying them with their mediocrity and by using it to make money without really earning that money through the display of their craft.

Masquerade has long been associated with the Christmas season.

It is also an African tradition which, it is claimed, was used as part of the resistance during slavery. Its cultural value has been established by the fact that it survived the process of cultural emasculation by the colonialists.

Unfortunately what the colonial authorities did not achieve – the erasure of this art form – may well be achieved by the majority of the present crop of masqueraders. They are bringing the art form into disrepute.

In the old days, colourful bands of dancers and musicians bedecked in

costumes and with props would take to the streets of villages and the wards of towns and perform for residents who in turn would make small donations to the band.

Dancers would flounce and perform deft and fancy quick-steps much to the delight and envy of onlookers. In the old days, you could not but help admire the artistry of masquerade dancers who took pride in their craft and made the effort to please residents.

These days the bands do not go into the wards and villages.

They stay on the main roads, use their ‘privileges’ to obstruct traffic in order to extort monies from motorists, who are forced to slow or stop and give a donation.

This practice has cheapened masquerade and turned it into extortion. In the old days, you had to dance to get a donation.

These days you just have to jump in front of a moving vehicle. Most drivers find these masqueraders nuisances and mainly give money in order to go along their way.

The performers are also endangering themselves by

jumping into the path of moving vehicles by plying their wares on some of the busiest thoroughfares in the country. The practice of jumping in front of moving vehicles is extremely dangerous. God forbid if anything should happen to one of them while on the road.

In the main, what passes for masquerade bands is a poor imitation of the art form. Most of the performers are not properly trained. They are more interested in holding out the collection cap than they are about moving their feet and upper body. Most of them do not have a clue about flouncing.

The police should have long taken action to discourage the practice of masquerade bands on busy streets.

It seems as if only when a tragedy strikes, the police are prepared to take action. One of these days, someone is going to be run over by a motorist and only then will the police issue guidelines on the use of roadways for masquerade bands.

The appalling lack of skill is just one of the many challenges standing in the way of preserving the masquerade band. To be

Nurse pockets $3.2M selling Covid vaccine...

From page 8 how we can do this,” Dr. Anthony said, emphasising that the new system would be calibrated in a way to detect cases of forgery, given that there have been reports of persons attempting to forge the cards and corrupt the process.

“We have had reports of persons who are forging the card, and if we find anyone forging the card they will face the law, because we have a law that deals with forgery…In Section 240 of our criminal law, our Criminal Offences Act, Chapter 8:01,

forgery is an offence and you can be prosecuted for forgery.….If you didn’t get vaccinated, why would you get a card to say that you’re vaccinated?

The vaccines are free. It’s there, go get it,” Minister Anthony said.

Dr. Anthony noted that persons found in possession of bogus documents would face imprisonment. “The fine, if you’re found guilty of forgery, would be up to three years imprisonment.

If you forge a vaccination card, then you will be liable to this type of punishment, if

caught. So, I want to encourage people to desist from such practices because when we catch you, you are going to feel the full brunt of the law,” the Health Minister said, adding that persons who have purchased counterfeit documents would also be put before the court. He stressed: “The people who were buying the vaccination card, if there’s such actions that are currently ongoing, I just want to warn people that this is an offence, and we will be taking very stern measures against anyone who’s trying to do this.”

Dem Boys Seh…

We all living like jailbird We all does live in prisons. We does lock we gate when we leff home. We gat barbed-wire and razor-wire pun we fence. CCTV cameras deh all round de perimetres of we yard. Alarm systems connect to we doors and windows and steel grills locking we in de home when night fall and even during de day. We living like real jailbirds.

If we gat emergency, we can’t get out easily. Some nah get out at all. Like dat famous Indian dancer who used to live in Kitty. She

house ketch afire. She get roast alive because she could not open de door, and de windows bin all grill up.

Nuff people we all know who can’t escape fire because dem house tun steel cages.

And is all because ah de crime situation! If it didn’t have so much crime, you woulda bin able to leff yuh gate and doors open and no bars pun yuh windows. We all tun victims of crime.

And when yuh guh to de market or to de store or to de

supermarket and you ask yourself why dem prices so high, you must remember dat is de crime cause dat.

Every business gat fuh cater fuh de day dem gan get rob. And suh dem have to put a little mark-up fuh cater fuh such contingencies.

Dem farmer does plant and other people does reap.

De farmer gat fuh charge a li’l extra fuh compensate fuh dem wah tiefing from he.

Talk half and nah laugh at jailbird when yuh living in steel cage!

brutally frank, the costumes of most masquerade bands have seen better days. These costumes are mainly handdowns.

The art of masquerade needs a makeover.

As has been said, this is a special Guyanese tradition and one which most people feel should be preserved. But

to do this requires the establishment of standards and guidelines on its practice.

It would be sad and a loss to Guyana’s cultural heritage if the masquerade goes into remission or is further degraded.

The Ministry responsible for culture should intervene to help support the cultural

tradition. But keep them off the main streets!

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday December 06, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I am getting older so I make this appeal, now to young African PNC delegates My hair is grey. In the Kaieteur Radio studio, James Bond looked at me and commented on my grey hair. He said the last time he saw me my hair was black.

Well, I have aged since the last time 007 saw me. And I have no intention of wanting to look young again. For other humans that may be a desire. It is not for me.

I know I am old enough to understand Guyanese politics. As someone whose praxis is over 50 years, I know a lot about Guyana and its people. I know the Guyanese people before the 21st century voted race but the young generation is losing that unwanted habit.

I have seen too much bad traits in people who begged for our support, then became power-drunk. I go so far to say, outside of Forbes Burnham and one other, no one in the main political parties, including PPP and PNC, since the 1960 was more power-drunk than the AFC. The AFC is dead but the PNC is still alive. The PNC is in the heat of a battle for the leader-role. I believe none of the three candidates will get substantial commitment from the

Guyanese population after they would have won. I believe Guyanese want a new face without baggage.

However, of the three contenders, PNC delegates must ask Joseph Harmon volcanic questions, not mild enquiries but tempestuous ones because Harmon was the second in charge of Guyana and in episodic moments, he ran Guyana as de facto president.

State power is the most formidable instrument in Guyana. The person who possessed it for five years must face the heat because too many wrong things were committed.

Aubrey Norton and Dr. Richard Van-West Charles are at an advantage to oust Harmon because they were not part of policy-making for the entire five-year period of PNC rule. Young PNC delegates who want to see their party have a future should not vote for someone who used state power in unproductive ways.

One caveat is in order as I continue. I believe the three WPA leaders – Drs. Rupert Roopnaraine, Clive Thomas and Maurice Odle must answer questions. Thomas must stop writing

irrelevancies in his weekly column and tell us about his r o l e , i f a n y, i n t h e retrenchment of 7000 sugar workers because he was GuySuCo’s chairman and explain his stint at SARA. Persons remaining in the AFC must demand answers from AFC ministers who did terrible things with state power.

Harmon should answer if he knew about the quick sale of state lands which netted the local James Bond one million American dollars.

Countless souls who put the PNC and AFC in office would not have that money if they live 200 years.

Harmon must tell the nation who in the PNC leadership was responsible for employing JJ&B consulting firm in the United States that used the Michael Granger dossier during the election drama to persuade the American political establishment that APNU+AFC had won the March 2020 election.

The dossier listed President Granger as a US c i t i z e n . M r. G r a n g e r immediately disassociated himself from both JJ&B and Michael Granger and informed the country that he

did not know about the employment of JJ&B and the dossier. Harmon spoke publicly about the employment of JJ&B. In no other country would Harmon have remained in government.

How can a ruling party hire an American firm to lobby for it in Washington, DC, and the very leader of the party did not know about it? PNC delegates should not let Harmon escape answers in this context then.

The delegates should also ask Norton and Dr. Van West Charles what they knew about the employment of JJ&B since they sat in the central committee of the PNC at the time.

It would take several

columns to enumerate the interrogations that Harmon must face in front of the Frederick Kissoon delegates so I will try to return to these in another column March 2020 election. The before the PNC’s congress. question to Harmon is why For now, the following is he used that language to b i t i n g l y r e l e v a n t . H e describe one of the largest d e s c r i b e d M o s e s failures in Guyanese politics Nagamootoo as royalty in - Moses Nagamootoo - at a August 2019 at a Cabinet time when Nagamootoo’s own party did not feel so? outreach in Bartica.

Does Harmon have any On the platform, regrets about mob violence Nagamootoo donned the colours of the PNC’s flag in Region 5 in 2020 against and not the AFC’s which Indians?

(The views expressed in Nagamootoo belonged to. At this article are those of the the time there was an internecine war between a u t h o r a n d d o n o t Nagamootoo and Ramjattan necessarily reflect the for the PM candidate for the opinions of this newspaper.)

DDL believes cocaine was added to its rum outside of Guyana - says rigorous screening, checks would have detected the drugs

The Guyanese rum shipment in which the cocaine was found.

The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) said that the various checks and balances executed in Guyana, including its own security mechanisms employed during the packing of containers with its product at its Diamond plant, would have detected the 1,100lbs of cocaine found in a shipment of El Dorado Rum last week in the Netherlands.

The 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.

James Singh, head of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) here 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.

CANU, however, continues to work with the authorities in the Netherlands to investigate the crime. Meanwhile, in its statement DDL said it will continue to put the necessary safeguards in place to protect its brand.

“DDL has always been and remains committed to ensuring that its reputable image and that of its internationally acclaimed Demerara brands of rum, which Continued on page 16

Monday December 06, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

Driver injured after car slams into utility pole at Montrose

The mangled car in front of China Wholesale Inc. A loud bang on Saturday evening in front of China Wholesale Inc., a new supermarket located at Montrose on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), alerted residents to rescue an injured driver who had lost control of his car and crashed into an electricity pole.

The accident occurred around 21:00hrs while the driver was trying to negotiate a turn along the Montrose Public Road, in the vicinity of Apex Academy.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the car was travelling east along the northern side of the public road at a fast rate. As he approached the turn it appeared as if he lost control of his vehicle, skidded off the road and slammed into an electricity pole before spinning and crashing into the supermarket’s fence.

Other persons related that they were indoors when they heard a loud bang. They reportedly peeped outside and saw a mangled car. Realising that it was an accident they rushed out to offer assistance. An ambulance was called and police ranks were notified. The eyewitness related that the injured driver was conscious as he was taken away from the scene to the hospital. He also appeared to be out of danger.

CJIA expansion project still...

From page 2 spent more on certain aspects of the project than was laid out in the contract.

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

The previous government had also said that it would not spend a cent more on the project, but that was not the case as a change order seen by this newspaper indicated that the administration made at least one additional disbursement of $6.8M for the “extra time delay and costs for the prolongation of the project” by 807 days.

The order also indicated that it was a payment, not for the first, but the third claim made by the contractor. As the country awaits the completion of the project, which falls way below expectations, taxpayers are still obligated to repay a loan of US$138M to China, which forms part of the contract sum.

Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday December 06, 2021

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

Kaieteur News understands that the investigation was launched hours after a video surfaced showing fisher folk operating in an area identified as G u y a n a ’s E x c l u s i v e Economic Zone (EEZ) navigating what appears to be oil floating offshore.

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

The officer explained: “We have a team from the National Oil Spill Committee working on it. The CDC has already started its preliminary investigation but it‘s too soon to get any feedback or confirmation on where the oil

substance came from; whether it comes from commercial crude operations or not. We are hoping that

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

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

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

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

In regard to this, the official emphasized “We can‘t just jump to any conclusions while the men are headed to the location to collect the samples so we can determine whether the substance is in fact related to the commercial crude operations we have going on offshore.”

“This is because as you are aware we had an incident earlier this year in which a similar oil substance was found floating somewhere in proximity with the Marriot but that turned out to be oil from chicken fat which was dumped somewhere offshore that area and found its way to the seashore,” the official added.

In the meantime, the EPA issued a statement promising that it will get to the bottom of the reports. The agency said that it will be conducting a separate probe into the videos which were circulated on Facebook.

“The EPA is conducting its own investigation - a

fishing boat is on its way with staff from our Emergency Response Team to the general area as we don’t have specific coordinates, and also an aerial surveillance is being conducted today. Rest assured EPA is doing everything possible to get to the bottom of this,” the agency said via a post shared on its Facebook page.

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

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

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

According to the reports, the black oily substance could be seen as close to the coast in the vicinity of the

A screen grab of the footage obtained by this publication purportedly of oil in the Atlantic Ocean, alongside a fishing vessel.

Anna Regina koker in Region Two. This publication also spoke with some fishermen from the Berbice area who reported sightings similar to those reports emanating from the Essequibo Coast.

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

The videos depict a dark, sometimes foamy film

floating on the ocean surface.

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

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

Police, CANU destroy two multi-million dollar ganja farms g a n j a p l a n t s Ranks of the encompassing an area Customs Anti Narcotics of 2.5 acres. CANU had Unit (CANU) and the also found cannabis Guyana Police Force last seeds at the farm and Friday in separate destroyed them too. operations destroyed Meanwhile, on that two multi-million dollar same day, police in ganja farms.

Region Six destroyed One of the farms was another ganja farm at destroyed by CANU at Fort Nassau, Berbice St Cuthbert’s Mission River, that is said to located along the worth some $37.5M. Linden/Soesdyke The man busted by CANU Ranks reported that Highway. CANU stated that it was tipped off processing cannabis plants they discovered two on ganja farm located at makeshift camps and about the farm’s location St. Cuthbert’s Mission. two cannabis fields and decided to pay a with a total of 25,000 visit. Upon arrival they caught a 23-year-old man, Shafeer plants encompassing four acres of land.

Three pounds of processed Sanichar processing cannabis in a cannabis was also discovered at the make shift tent.

The ranks arrested him destroyed location and according to police, its the farm which contained some 3000 ranks destroyed everything by fire.

The St. Cuthbert’s Mission farm destroyed by CANU.

Ganja seeds and process cannabis that were found by CANU.

Makeshift camps at Fort Nassau, Berbice River going up in flames.

The $37.5M ganja farm destroyed by Police in Berbice.

Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

Burke to sue Jagdeo for $100M

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United States-based Guyanese political activist and commentator Rickford Burke had threatened to sue Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for libel one day before a wanted bulletin was issued by the police for him.

Burke in a recent statement to the press expressed the view that his threat to sue Jagdeo may be the reason behind the move to issue a wanted bulletin for him. In a statement Burke said that his lawyers have been instructed to sue Jagdeo for GUY$100 million for libel.

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The bulletin was issued on December 3, 2021. Burke’s lawyer Eusi Anderson had written to the VP, the previous day outlining his intention to take legal action against him for libel.

The Pre-action Protocol Letter addressed to Jadgeo referenced his participation in an interview with “Guyanese Critic” on July 16, 2021. In that interview, Anderson contends that Jagdeo names his client in a manner that “specifically and expressed removed any doubt that he meant to direct the public‘s attention to anyone other than Rickford Burke.”

“In the interview, the lawyer went on to say that Jagdeo inter alia stated Burke is a racist.

He quoted the VP as saying “if you look at Burke, Rickford Burke or Sherod Duncan or Benschop, they are first of all attention seekers and then so they fabricate stuff…Rickford Burke gets recognised now he has become a leader by saying…

Nandlall wanted to kill him, why would Nandlall want to

kill or have a plot against Burke. Burke is a nonentity.

Burke is a man who ran away from his country under questionable circumstances. In New York, he Burke is known as a low life, the guy doesn’t have any… I don’t even think he has a job, a regular day job … I heard that the only thing CGID does is that it collects donations from people and he Burke lives off these things. Burke has nuisance (Continued on page 17)

Bajan specialist assists GPHC with retinal...

From page 8 Vitreo-retinal Surgeon who heads the Department of Ophthalmology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados – offered his expertise and guidance at the local department here.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes.

Doctor Benskin, was keen to note that this condition is very widespread throughout the Caribbean and Guyana, and wishes to advise persons to take care of their retina by consuming lots of vegetables and having constant eye examinations. He stated that persons who are diabetic are

advised to have their eyes checked more frequently than the average person as their condition is much more severe.

He stated that when the condition reaches to the point of surgery the chances are that one’s vision can be permanently impaired one way or the other.

Doctor Shailendra Sugrim, head of the ophthalmology department at the GPHC, told Kaieteur News that the hospital was in possession of the equipment since 2019 but due to the pandemic they were not given the chance to use it. It is only now that Dr. Benskin was given the opportunity to come to Guyana as a visiting

consultant to advice and orient doctors on the use of the equipment and to conduct the surgery.

Doctor Arlene Bobb Semple who is a Retina Surgeon at the GPHC, stated that persons who have this condition have had to go abroad over the past years due to the lack of resources here in Guyana and the hospital is seeking to provide such services now so as to save time and cost, which most persons usually cannot afford.

Though they will not begin conducting these surgeries now, the GPHC will be sure to announce to the citizens of Guyana when this service will be available at the facility.

DDL believes cocaine was added to its...

From page 10 only recently won Geographic Indication (GI) recognition in Europe, is never compromised,” it said. The beverage giant said it is disappointed that its recent shipment of rum was contaminated.

“DDL is concerned that international shipping routes, which necessitate transshipment through certain other countries, now present a growing lack of confidence in transshipment arrangements and hopes that more effective security and detection measures would be implemented, so as to prevent contamina-

tion of shipments that threaten the credibility of reputable companies and their products which earn significant foreign exchange for the nation,” it added.

According to the company, it was as a result of its rigid commitment to protection of its unblemished image and that of its supply chain and its products that the recent discovery was made by staff of its contracted bonded warehouse, who immediately called in the relevant law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands.

DDL subsequently in-

formed the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs officials. CANU was subsequently informed by both the Netherlands authorities and the GRA. “Further evidence of DDL’s commitment to protection of its shipments against contamination and interna-

tional recognition of this commitment is the fact that the authorities in the Netherlands released the shipment to DDL’s control once the illegal substance was removed later the same day of the discovery,” the company said.

Monday December 06, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Alleged elections fraud case…

Trial for Lawrence, Mingo, others to commence this month

Former GECOM Region Four RO, Clairmont Mingo More than a year after they were charged for allegedly trying to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections the court trial for Chairperson of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Volda Lawrence; former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and others is slated to commence this month.

The other defendants who are expected to go on trial this month are: A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Smith-Joseph; GECOM’s Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan and GECOM Clerks: Michelle Miller, Sheffern February and Denise Bab-Cummings.

Some of the charges the defendants are facing are misconduct in public office, conspiracy to commit fraud, forging a document and forgery.

Mingo faces a joint charge with Lawrence, another with Smith-Joseph and two separate joint forgery charges. In addition to the joint charge with Mingo, Smith-Joseph also faces two individual charges.

Moreover, Livan, who was named in a USB flash drive scandal surrounding

PNC Chairperson, Volda Lawrence

Denise Bab-Cummings the tabulations of votes that happened on March 5, 2020, was slapped with one fraud charge, and February, another GECOM employee, is facing two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud. Miller and BabCummings, who are GECOM clerks, were both slapped with two fraud charges each.

The defendants matter is being heard by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the trial is set to commence in the last week of December 2021.

Statements of Poll (SOPs) and Statements of Recount (SORs) were handed over to the defendants’ attorneys on a previous hearing of the matter along with other statements and video evidence.

With the SOPs and SORs

Sheffern February

employment.

Burke has further instructed me that he never departed Guyana under questionable circumstances.

By logic of deduction he considers the whole of July 16, 2021 public comments on him to be baseless,” Anderson said.

Given that the utterances made by the VP can be taken to the discredit of Burke’s character, the attorney has demanded that Jagdeo within seven days; until December

Enrique Livan

Michelle Miller being disclosed the way has been cleared for the trial to commence.

Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes is representing Mingo, Lawrence and SmithJoseph, while attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson, is representing Livan, Miller, February and Bab-Cummings.

The State’s team in the matter is being led by attorney-at-law Darshan Ramdhani, QC. Earlier this year, the Chief Magistrate had ruled on the mode of trial for Lawrence, Mingo and SmithJoseph. The Magistrate had also ruled that the matter will be tried summarily rather than indictably.

Burke to sue Jagdeo for $100M From page 16 value to us” According to Anderson, his client has denied all the claims by the VP. He noted that Burke has instructed him that he is not in the habit of fabrication or expressing dishonesty or anything that undergirds such practices. “…He has instructed me that he is not known as ‘low life in New York nor does he live off of donations.’

Burke has further instructed me that he maintains gainful

The boxes with the SOPs and SORs.

APNU+AFC activist, Carol Smith-Joseph.

10 to apologise publicly for the false misleading contents of the interview.

The lawyer also required Jagdeo to, along with the retraction and apology to come up with a reasonable financial offer of settlement. Failure to do so, Anderson said will result in further legal proceedings.

The Guyana Police Force on Friday night issued a wanted bulletin for Burke on allegations of sedition among other things.

Surinamese push back against President granting official seal to First lady Surinamese are up in arms against President Chan Santokhi after he created an official seal for the office of the First lady.

First Lady Mellisa Santokhi now has her own seal. President Chan Santokhi authorised this on October 10, 2021. The president signed a resolution that has not been publicized, reports from the neighbouring country stated.

The seal of the first lady, which has become a national symbol, even bears the name “Mellisa SantokhiSeenacherry”.

“The wife of the president fulfills an important position in society and, in her capacity as first lady, supports the president in his constitutional duties,” the resolution states. It added: “The first lady is charged with organising campaigns in the field of additional governance, including care and welfare, youth care and so on,” according to another passage from the resolution.

It was said that it is necessary to create a seal for the Institution of the First Lady,

The First Lady seal of Suriname. which, according to the President’s decision, will contribute to the recognizability and accessibility of the Institution, also helping to support the President in carrying out his constitutional duties.

The Institution of the First Lady was established by presidential decree on August 31, 2020. The seal contains the coat of arms of the Republic of Suriname in the middle.

Surinamese, according to the reports, were not informed of this decision. The resolution deciding to create a seal for the first lady was leaked via social media. Media reports suggest that this is at odds with the so-called transparency of the Santokhi government.

Roy Bhikharie, political expert and chairman of the political party Progressive

First Lady of Suriname, Mrs Mellisa Santokhi Uplifting Party (PVP), says in conversation with Suriname Herald that the first lady was not elected by the people, but by her husband. “Imagine that within every bank the wife or husband of the director or director were to give substance to her/his private partnership in this way, the bank would have been bankrupt long ago. No one would trust the management any longer.

This course of action typifies tribal thinking. This should not be allowed. It’s illegal.

That is why the people must rise up against this,” says Bhikharie.

PAGE 18

Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman, said that the PPP/C Administration has no respect for Indigenous peoples and he called on government to return to the negotiation table to thrash out the issue regarding the agreement signed for mining activities at Marudi Mountains.

“In the supposedly “reinvented” PPP post 2020 elections, it was my sincere belief that the PPP was a transformed organisation and that they were open to dialogue on issues surrounding Indigenous peoples. I can say with absolute conviction, nothing is further from the truth,” Shuman who is also leader of the Liberty and Justice Party said in a letter to this newspaper on Sunday. He said the PPP Government did not facilitate meaningful dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on the Marudi Mountain gold mining agreements. “The agreements should be rescinded and returned to the

Kaieteur News

table for discussions to ensure they are in compliance with Indigenous Peoples Rights at their core,” Shuman wrote.

On November 27, Cabinet members rushed into SouthRupununi, following stanch criticisms on social media, following the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canada-based gold company to prospect the land, without prior consultations with residents.

The visiting delegation included Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. Officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) were also present. At the conclusion of the meeting, several villagers complained to this newspaper that they were not allowed to ask questions, as the team was rushing to an-

other meeting. This caused the villagers to become even more upset as they felt that they were disrespected.

In his letter Shuman said, understanding the variety of issues and the impact of mining on Indigenous Peoples, he is offering his services sincerely, wholeheartedly and apolitically to the Government – the PPP Administration, in assisting to resolve these and many other issues that continuously plague Indigenous Peoples. “That offer was initially taken up by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat. I attended “one” meeting with the Minister and a team from the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and one meeting with the Minister and the Toshao of Chenapau to address mining in the Kaieteur area. I have not been invited to another meeting since on any issue(s) surrounding Indigenous Peoples. I now see the reasons for and the outcome of

Civil society group says PAC must speed up reconstitution of Public Procurement body Civil Society group, Article 13, is urging a speedy reconstitution of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

In a public statement, the body said, “Article 13 welcomes the announcement

by Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the Committee had taken steps towards the constituting of the Procurement Commission”.

It however urged that the necessary steps be taken to have the body functional, since its hiatus has now been extended to 14 months. “We remind our lawmakers however, that the architecture for public procurement includes the Procurement Commission Tribunal, the Chair of which is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.

The life of that too has expired, even as contracts are awarded at all levels of Government. Unfortunately and regrettably, the political parties – large and small – treat such constitutional noncompliance as a fact of political life in Guyana,” the group stated.

Article 13 added that it is anxiously awaiting the day that Parliamentary Committees, such as the

Article 13 member, Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram PAC, can feel empowered, uninhibited and courageous enough to collectively write to the President pressing him to act on those matters requiring his attention.

“The PAC is a constitutionally mandated Commission whose powers, functions and purpose is to “monitor public procurement and the procedure therefore in order to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent competitive and cost-effective manner”. Ac-

cording to Figueira, a subcommittee of the PAC has shortlisted the names of eight persons which would be taken to the full PAC and later to the National Assembly for it to make the final appointment,” the group reminded.

The civil society group comprises of prominent and outspoken Guyanese such as Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram and telecommunications specialist, Yog Mahadeo; Economist, Ramon Gaskin and others Only recently, Kaieteur News spoke with the Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira who underscored the importance of the committee.

In fact he said that the recent awarding of a contract to a fly-by-night company to the tune of $346 million, to build a new Primary School at Bamia, in Region 10 highlights the dire need for the PPC. Figueira explained, “That is why we have been saying that the issue of the Public Procurement Commission needs to be prioritized or to be operationalized, where the Commission is put in place. Because those contractors who lost the bid to a company with no experience could have lodged their complaints to the PPC, but there is no commission in place and there is no recourse for those aggrieved contractors.”

Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman such omissions,” Shuman wrote.

He said it is his informed view that the Government of Guyana under the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) has zero inclination to meaningfully consult the Indigenous Peoples on any matter. “It is also my informed view that they intend to throw money at the problems the Indigenous Peoples face instead of genuinely trying to find comprehensive solutions to addressing them. By addressing the issues comprehensively, it empowers Indigenous Peoples which poses a problem to the PPP and that is far removed from the MO and intent of the PPP.” Shuman cited as example the Law Reform Commission which was passed in Parliament earlier this year. He said in its first draft, in terse, the first draft stated that the Commission will enjoy the input of Constitutional Commissions. “I objected to the AG on the grounds that Indigenous Peoples are not represented simply because the Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC) is there. The IPC also has non-indigenous entities on it, and I recom-

Monday December 06, 2021

mended that the National Toshaos Council (NTC) be the body to nominate a candidate to represent Indigenous Peoples. After five months of back and forth, my recommendation was finally taken on and the law was passed with the amendment that the NTC will nominate a candidate. “ According to Shuman upon completion of their process, the NTC nominated a candidate who, from an Indigenous Peoples perspective, is eminently qualified for that and many other positions relating to Indigenous Peoples.

However, when the nomination was made to the AG’s office, the candidate was removed from the list and replaced by another more pliable candidate of non-indigenous persuasion. “I enquired from the AG as to the reasons for this to which he responded that the NTC’s nominee was always fighting with the PPP and he suggested I take it up with the President. I anticipate the President is much like David Granger in terms of deferring meetings and respecting the constitution. I await that meeting. Indigenous Peoples have consistently asked for one thing from the Government of Guyana - “to respect our rights’ which are tied to the singular conditionality upon Guyana achieving independence – rightful control over the lands and territories we have traditionally owned.

Until such, it matters not which administration preaches a mantra of ONE GUYANA, SOCIAL COHESION or whatever new slogan will be championed, the two sides of the coin will continue to show us their freshly polished brass in vague light trying to pass off as newly minted gold,” Shuman said.

He added that in consideration of the continuous

trampling of “our rights, the multitude of constitutional infringement on our rights, and a lack of access to justice, it is clear that Indigenous Peoples are living in a dystopia. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples contains forty-six Articles of which forty-five are based on our rights and signed on by member states in relation to respecting our rights. The UNCERD, IAHCR and a variety of other international organisations have scolded the Government of Guyana (both PPP and APNU/AFC) in their shortcomings in relation to Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Guyana has taken a calloused approach to addressing the fundamental issues.”

Shuman said Indigenous Peoples are not against mining. “We are explicitly and unapologetically set against our rights being trampled upon. We have lived here for time immemorial and account for the least international migration as compared to our costal sisters and brothers.

Where the coast looks at our lands as places to make money and enrich themselves, we look at our lands as places to make a life, raise our families and to protecting our future. Our forest, rivers and farms are our neighbourhoods, grocery stores, pharmacies, and oxygen banks. I support the SRDC and the Wapichana Nation of the South Rupununi and call on the Government of Guyana to rescind the mining agreements and return to the table for discussions. This would be a clear indication of the value the PPP Administration places on Indigenous Peoples and their intent on being one that respects the Constitution and the rule of law,” the deputy speaker said.

Cop loses breathalyzer kit, cellphone while arresting ‘drunk’ rider A police constable on Friday lost his breathalyzer testing instrument in a trench and got his cellphone damaged while trying to arrest a drunk rider. According to police, the constable was carrying out investigations around 19:45hrs at an accident scene along the Hague Back Access Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) when he decided to stop a motorcyclist.

Suspecting that the rider

might be under the influence of alcohol, the rank decided to conduct a breathalyzer test on him. The test reportedly showed that the motorcyclist’s Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) was way above prescribed limit.

Realising that he will be arrested for breaking the law, the rider tried to elude the policeman by running towards a trench but the police ran behind him. There the mo-

torcyclist tried to fight off the rank and during the scuffle the policeman’s phone and breathalyzer testing instrument fell overboard. The rider was eventually arrested.

However, the policeman only managed to retrieve his cellphone from the trench but it was damaged. The motorcyclist is currently detained at the Leonora Police Station as investigations continue.

Monday December 06, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

Monday December 06, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Cuba dominant as athletics action continues at...

From page 23 1500m in 3:44.10.

Hector Pagan of Puerto Rico secured gold in the Men's 10,000m in 30:20.48 The Caribbean also took another medal in the Men's High Jump as Bahamian Kyle Alcine took bronze behind Erick Rodriguez of Mexico who took gold with 2.21 metres.

Rosa Santana of the Dominican Republic won the Women's Shot Put with a 17.45 metres effort.

Her Caribbean compatriots Laysaelis Hernandez of Cuba, Kelsie Ross of Grenada and Treneese Hamilton of Dominica were fourth, fifth and sixth.

Yiselena Rojas of Cuba secured silver in the Women's Javelin in 57.14.

Cuba secured another gold medal as Leyanis

Monday December 06, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a good day to vocalize your feelings. By speaking about a problem out loud, you'll eventually talk your way to a solution.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There's plenty to talk about.

The hard part is finding a reason to stop talking. Once someone brings up philosophy or religion, it seems like the floodgates open.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may be difficult to focus.

The trick is to not take anything too emotionally. Keep things on the light side, and don't get too frustrated if you can't seem to find the tools to dig as deeply as you'd like.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is a very climactic time of month on the emotional front, and you may lash out for no apparent reason. This is a time when any emotions that you've stored up inside are forced to come out in one way or another.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Make sure to take something to read with you.

There may be times when you have to wait for someone and you'll want to be productive.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your mind is hungry for stimulation, so give it plenty of food to chew on. This food could come in the form of a lively discussion about politics and world events or perhaps an offbeat periodical.

Your perspective could change on a dime, so keep your mind

open to new ideas.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be in a quagmire of indecision. Your brain is turning in many directions but not coming to any conclusion. Work with this energy rather than become frustrated by it. Feel free to examine every idea thoroughly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The latest magazines and trends in fashion and movies will catch your attention.

There's a piece of late-breaking news that will matter a great deal to you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may feel like a scatterbrain when you forget where you put your keys and put detergent in the dryer with your freshly washed clothes.

Your brain is tossed every which way, and it may be hard to follow through on anything you start.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things should be going your way, and you may feel like quite a bit is getting done without your having to lift a finger.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your current paradigm may get shifted a bit. There's a good chance that your emotions will go through a significant transformation today.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Ordering one item from the menu isn't going to satisfy you today. You need a buffet table where you can try everything - either that or an eight-course meal served with a smile.

Hernandez won gold in the Women's Triple Jump with 14.39 metres.

Chantoba Bright of Guyana finished second with a jump of 13.50 metres.

Russell's 32-ball 90 powers...

From page 24 unbeaten 59.Together, they plundered the Bulls' bowling attack that comprised Romario Shepherd (0-29), Dominic Drakes (0-33) Ravi Rampaul (0-28) and Bravo (032).Russell would complete his standout performance taking 1-25 as the Delhi Bulls, which had won the toss and chose to field, could only muster 103-7 from their 10 overs, despite a 20-ball 42 from Chandrapaul Hemraj.

It was virtually a solo effort from Hemraj, who hit two fours and five sixes in his knock as Romario Shepherd (9) was the only other Caribbean player who contributed

with the bat as Sherfane Rutherford, Drakes and Bravo all failed to score.

Fittingly, Russell bowled Shepherd with the last ball of the match.

Odean Smith played his part taking 2-20, similar figures to Hasaranga da Silva. Tymal Mills was the best of the Gladiator bowlers with extraordinary figures of 2-4 from his two overs.

Scores: Deccan Gladiators 159 for 0 (Russell 90*, KohlerCadmore 59*) beat Delhi Bulls 103 for 7 (Hemraj 42) by 56 runs.

Crandon is Head...

From page 25 sign can't any contracts with them. We are presently in court with GCI so I can't comment on that but this was the reason we changed the name of the Guyana Jaguars.

All of the other Boards own their Franchise team but the GCB does not own the Franchise. We have not been in office for 10 years and we have been involved in a number of Court cases and our Attorney Mr Gsosai has done a great job for us,” continued Singh who played a couple of first division games for GCC as a leg-spinner.

Singh informed that next year the GCB will be focusing on its short, medium and long terms plans which include staging Schools cricket in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union.

He also spoke of getting female cricket in Demerara and Essequibo up and running since Singh said it was only in Berbice that female cricket was played.

“We will also have InterCounty played at all levels while 50 overs Franchise will be a feeder for County selectors to pick their teams from, while in addition to U-15, 17 and 19 we will have an Under23 to help bridge the game to senior cricket,” stated Singh, who noted that he was the one to propose a term limit to the National Assembly for the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the GCB. In our next edition we will hear from Singh on the Essequibo Cricket Board issues and from Anil Beharry who heads to committee which deals with the LBI facility, while the Treasurer Brian Sukhai will update the public on the GCB financial position and improprieties found with the previous Administration and what is planned to deal with that issue.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday December 06, 2021

Russell's 32-ball 90 powers Deccan Gladiators to Abu Dhabi T10 title SportsMax - Andre Russell crowned himself 2021 A bu D habi T10 champion after he produced an electrifying Man-of-the-

Match performance to lead the Deccan Gladiators to a 56-run win over the Delhi Bulls on Saturday.

Russell, who was

disappointing during the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE mere weeks ago, hit nine fours and seven sixes in a 32-ball 90 that propelled

Andre Russell inspired Deccan Gladiators to the title. (Abu Dhabi T10) the Gladiators to 159-0, a total that proved unreachable from Dwayne Bravo's Bulls.

By comparison, Russell's o p e n i n g p a r t n e r To m Kohler-Cadmore, faced four

fewer balls and hit three fours and three sixes to his (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard ruled out of Pakistan tour due to injury ST JOHN'S, Antigua – West Indies white ball captain Kieron Pollard has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming tour of Pakistan as the hamstring injury he sustained in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has unfortunately not recovered in time.

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has named the experienced Devon Thomas, as the replacement in the One-Day International (ODI) squad while allrounder Rovman Powell, is the replacement in the T20 International (T20I) squad.

Pollard will undergo rehabilitation work in Trinidad, under the supervision of CWI's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Israel Dowlat, and will be reassessed in a few weeks ahead of the upcoming home tours against Ireland and England in January 2022.

With Pollard ruled out, Nicholas Pooran will lead the team in the T20Is. He was standin Captain when West Indies beat Australia 41 in the five match CG Insurance T20I Series in St. Lucia earlier this year. Shai Hope will Captain the team in the ODIs for the first time. Pooran is Vice Captain for the ODIs and Hope the Vice Captain for the T20Is. The West Indies are due to play three T20Is and three ODIs at the Karachi National Stadium from December 13 to 22. The start times for the matches are: T20Is at 6pm local time (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica) and the ODIs at 1pm local time (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica).

The ODI Series will be West Indies fourth series of 12 in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League in which the top seven teams can secure automatic qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. West Indies currently lie in eighth position out of 13 teams and have the opportunity to move above Pakistan into seventh position.

FULL SQUADS One-Day Internationals Shai Hope (Captain) Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain) Darren Bravo Shamarh Brooks Roston Chase Justin Greaves Akeal Hosein Alzarri Joseph Gudakesh Motie Anderson Phillip Raymon Reifer Romario Shepherd Odean Smith Devon Thomas Hayden Walsh Jr. T20 Internationals Nicholas Pooran (Captain) Shai Hope (Vice Captain) Darren Bravo Roston Chase Sheldon Cottrell Dominic Drakes Akeal Hosein Brandon King Kyle Mayers Gudakesh Motie Rovman Powell Romario Shepherd Odean Smith Oshane Thomas Hayden Walsh Jr. TOUR SCHEDULE December 13 – 1st T20I, Karachi December 14 – 2nd T20I, Karachi December 16 – 3rd T20I, Karachi December 18 – 1st ODI, Karachi December 20 – 2nd ODI, Karachi December 22 – 3rd ODI, Karachi

Hamilton wins crazy Saudi GP to level with Verstappen (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton won a crazy, twice-halted Saudi Arabian Grand Prix yesterday to send the Formula One world championship into a winnertakes-all final showdown with the Mercedes driver and Red Bull's Max Verstappen level on points.

On a chaotic night of soaring emotions in Jeddah, the inaugural race in the Gulf kingdom took almost as many twists and turns as an already astonishing and enthralling rollercoaster season.

There were crashes, safety cars, red flags, claims of dirty driving after Hamilton hit the back of Ve r s t a p p e n ' s s u d d e n l y slowing car, penalties, collisions and extraordinary exchanges between race director Michael Masi and the top two teams.

Seven-times world champion Hamilton took the bonus point for fastest lap to

level with Verstappen on 369.5 points after 21 races.

The final round of the season is at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina next weekend.

Ve r s t a p p e n , w h o finished second with Valtteri Bottas third for Mercedes, leads 9-8 on wins, however - meaning that the Dutch 24year-old will be champion if neither score another point.

"I tried to be as tough as I could be out there but also sensible and with all my race experience over the years, just keeping the car on track and staying clean," said Hamilton after his 103rd career win.

The Briton started on pole but twice lost out to Verstappen at standing restarts.

The Dutch driver was eventually ordered to hand back the lead, after going wide as Hamilton tried to pass, but when he slowed Hamilton ran into the back of him -- accusing his rival of

'brake-testing' him.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner defended his driver: "I don't know why he ran into the back of you like that, it made no sense," he said over the radio.Stewards handed Verstappen a five second time penalty but Hamilton rendered that irrelevant by overtaking seven laps from the end.

Mercedes were angry with Masi, saying they had not been given time to inform Hamilton that Verstappen had been told to give the place back, and Verstappen was also furious.

"What happened today is unbelievable and this sport is more about penalties than racing. For me, this is not Formula One," said the Dutchman, who was awarded Driver of the Day in a fan vote.

"That was spectacular but not a good race," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

PAGE 23

Cuba made their mark in athletics at the Pan Am Junior Games in Colombia.

Cuba dominant as athletics action continues at Pan Am Juniors SportsMax - Cuba continue to dominate in athletics as the Pan Am Junior Games roll on in Colombia.

On Thursday, Cuba secured two medals in the women's 100m Hurdles as Greisys Acevedo took gold in 13.07 and her countrywoman, Kelly Ibanez won bronze in 13.33.

The Dominica Republic's Fiordaliza Cofil was the star of the day with medals in both the Women's 200m and 400m.

She won bronze in the 200m in 23.46 then returned to take gold in the 400m in

52.10.

Shalysa Wray of The Cayman Islands was fifth in the 400m in 53.47.

Ariliannis Vargas of Cuba took silver in the Women's 400m Hurdles in 57.20.

The Caribbean also secured two medals in the Women's Heptathlon as Marys Cabrera of Cuba took gold with 5663 points ahead of Grenada's Janair Thomas who took home silver with 5484 points.

Marysabel Senyu of the Dominican Republic won silver in the Women's High Jump with 1.81 metres.

In the Men's 400m Leonardo Padilla of Cuba came second in 45.79, behind Luis Ferreiro of Mexico took gold in 45.59.

Gamali Felix of Grenada and Michael Joseph of St. Lucia were fifth and sixth in 46.54 and 46.57 respectively.

Yoao Puentes of Cuba won gold in the Men's 400m Hurdles with 50.91.

In the field, Ronald Zayas of Cuba was second in the Men's Hammer Throw with 67.23.

O n F r i d a y, J u a n Villalobos of Costa Rica won gold in the Men's (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday December 06, 2021

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships

Veteran teams st make 1 division final

The Guyana 40s and 50 Not Out proved that they belonged in the men's senior division by both securing a semi-final berth as the ExxonMobil National I n d o o r H o c k e y Championships continued on Saturday. Following a scoreless first half, the 40s struck first in their final round-robin battle against Bounty GCC as former National Captain Devin Munroe connected to a pass on the right side of goal in the 34th minute.

The GCC tension was relieved two minutes later however as Meshach Sargeant removed the deficit by scoring in similar fashion for GCC. The resulting 1-1 draw set up a highly anticipated semifinal which happens to include the same two teams.

Fifty Not Out was in form again with their 4 – 2 defeat of YMCA Old Fort.

To p m a r k s m a n P h i l i p Fernandes was at it again with a pair of field goals for the 50s, while Dexter Wyles and Alan Fernandes c o m p l e t e d t h e f o u r.

Shaquon Favorite made a great effort in scoring Old Fort's two goals but lacked support at the scoring end from his teammates.

The men's first division semi-finals see 50 Not Out face tournament favourites, the Pepsi Hikers while Guyana 40s play Bounty GCC. The lone match in the lady's division saw a hardfought battle being won by the undefeated GCC Roulettes. Belgian guest player Leo Berlie was once again the livewire for the Roulettes and scored both goals, while Spartans Captain Gabriella Xavier was the love scorer for the Spartans.

The women's semi-final sees the GCC Roulettes being challenged by GCC Ignite in the first and Saints versus GCC Spartans in the second.

The Hikers Cadets roll into the semi-finals of the men's second division undefeated and will face

Old Fort's Daniel Woolford breaks through the tackles of 50 Not Out.

GCC Spartans Samantha Fernandes being chased by Roulettes Shebiki Baptiste.

Full Results are as follows: MALE Division Pepsi Hikers defeats Saints by 12 - 1 Goals: Pepsi Hikers (12) – Aroydy Branford 9, Robert France 2, Jamarj Assanah 1 Saints (1) – Hilmar Chester 1 50 Not Out defeated YMCA Old Fort by 4 - 2 Goals: 50 Not Out (4) – Philip Fernandes 2, Dexter Wyles 1, Alan Fernandes 1 YMCA Old Fort (2) – Shaquon Favorite 2 Guyana 40s drew with Bounty GCC by 1 - 1 Goals: Guyana 40s (1) – Devin Munroe 1 Bounty GCC (1) – Meshach Sargeant 1 FEMALE Division GCC Roulettes defeated GCC Spartans by 2 - 1 Goals: GCC Roulettes (2) – Leo Berlie 2 GCC Spartans (1) –Gabriella Xavier 1 MALE Second Division Saints Scorpions defeated YMCA Old Fort by 5 – 0 Goals: Saints Scorpions (5) – Tahrea Garnett 2, Tiverasid Garnett 1, Shomere Garnett 1, Shakeem Fausette 1 Hikers Cadets defeated Saints Sensations by 4 – 2 Goals: Hikers Cadets (4) –Devin Munroe 2, Edmund Chinian 1, Brian Asregado 1 Saints Sensations (2) – Seon Sukhai 1, Jabari Lovell 1 Bounty GCC Pitbulls defeated GCC War Dogs by 14 – 1 Goals: Bounty GCC Pitbulls (14) – Vladimir Woodroffe 5, Rahim Oliver 4, Meshach Sargeant 3, Lennox Carrol 2 GCC War Dogs (1) – Kyle Couchman 1 Saints Scorpions defeated GCC War Dogs by 11 – 0 Goals: Saints Scorpions (11) – Baraka Garnett 5, Taise Seepaul 2, Shakeem Fausette 2, Hilmar Chester 1 YMCA Old Fort. The other semi-final matches the

Saints Scorpions against the GCC Pitbulls.

GCC Spartans defender Mickelly Rahaman blocks the counterattack of Roulettes Captain Alysa Xavier.

Bounty GCC's Mark Sargeant avoids a tackle.

Kaieteur News

Monday December 06, 2021

Crandon is Head Coach; Hercules replaces Griffith as Assistant

By Sean Devers Several changes have been made for next year's Regional four-day first-class cricket tournament which is set to bowl off on February 20 with Guyana, under the new name of Guyana Amazon Jaguars, playing their first three games overseas.

Several other changes, including the length of the tournament, the Guyana Coaches, the possible team, the change of the GCB's fittness criteria and Chairman of the senior selection panel among others were discussed.

These disclosures were among many made by GCB's President Bissoondyal Singh at the Grand Coastal Hotel on the East Coach of

Demerara on Saturday last.

This was the first press conference since April when the youthful and hardworking Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. played a pivotal role ensuring the previous Administration which spent 10 years in power, was defeated…a fact that Singh was quick to point out to the gathering, which included the Sports Media corps, who turned up in full force.

The 41-year-old Ramnaresh Sarwan, who committed to working with the batsmen, has replaced Ryan Griffith as Chairman of the Selectors.

Griffith was also replaced as Assistant Coach b y E s s e q u i b i a n Ry a n Hercules, while incumbent

PAGE 25

The GCB team at Saturday's press conference at the Grand Coastal hotel.

President Bissoon Singh is in the middle sitting and to his right is VP Hilbert Foster.

Esuan Crandon kept his job as Head of Coach of the now Guyana Amazon Jaguars.

Singh informed at the long awaited press conference, that Julian Moore is now the Coach of National Women's team, adding that GCB VicePresident, CWI Director and the pro-active BCB President Hilbert Foster chaired the committee which

selected the Coaches.

“There were eight Coaches who applied for the position and the successful candidates were those who scored the most points at the end of the interview,” added Singh who lamented that the new GCB came into office with $900 and with $1.6 million in three accounts, while inheriting bills.

Singh, who revealed that

Andre Percival is the Chairman of National junior selection panel, informed that GCB had no access to the limited funds and used the money from the GCB grant to pay the Academy players until June.

“It's not only that we came into office paperless with regards to LBI facility…we only have the lease, which we found in the

GCB Office, but we got an invoice for $5million for Sand for the LBI ground.

CWI sent money to GCI account since CGI owned the Franchise team which we can't access and we received not a cent to pay the Coaches.

All of the Guyana players are now being paid directly which means we (Continued on page 21)

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships

rt Spo

Bounty GCC's Steven Xavier shows his one-handed skills against Guyana 40s defender Dwayne Scott.

Veteran teams st make 1 GFF delivers Elite Football Training to hundreds of division final

talented children across Guyana Hamilton wins West crazy Saudi GP to Indies Captain level with Verstappen Kieron Pollard ruled out of Pakistan tour due to injury

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

(REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

Kieron Pollard warms up ahead of the match against Australia © ICC via Getty

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