Kaieteur News

Tuesday Edition 200 tons of stones sitting NEWS on wharf amidst Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most national shortage popular weekly

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AIETEUR

December 07, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 46

Price $80

- as GRA gets ready to dispose of 'unentered goods'

Online readership yesterday, 110,062

T&T puts 17 offshore blocks up for auction - forewarns of ‘ring-fencing provisions’ to protect against financial exploitation The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

EPA’s response to suspected 'oil spill' exposes lack of capacity Dr. Thomas says...

...people have the right to be worried

10 children among Eight arrested Guyana's 1,008 over air guns, COVID-19 deaths stolen items

Cell phone thief jumps into 'wrong yard' in escape bid

Harmon must come clean on who instructed Trotman to sign the 2% contract …as PNC/R leadership candidates are called on to publicly pronounce on renegotiation - Dr. Jailall

The American President suddenly got a wakeup call and realised that his people were being short changed for quite a while now by the oil companies despite them receiving up to 19% royalty; while our leaders defending the sanctity of the 2% we are getting. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 2021

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Harmon must come clean on EPA’s response to suspected who instructed Trotman to ‘oil spill’ exposes lack of capacity sign the 2% contract - Dr. Jailall ...people have the right to be worried – Dr. Thomas …as PNC/R leadership candidates are called on to publicly pronounce on renegotiation With government coming out with a definitive pronouncement that it will not be renegotiating its contract with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—it is now time for each of the contenders vying to lead the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) to make a public pronouncement of their positions on the matter.

This more so, with Opposition Leader and contender for the leadership position in the PNC/R leadership race, Joseph Harmon, who in a recent Sunday Kaieteur News publication, was pictured wearing a t-shirt saying, “Demand 50% royalty.”

Additionally, Harmon must also now come clean with the nation, and divulge

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

renegotiation.”

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

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

country; that we stand to lose US$55 billion and the PPP/C will renegotiate the contract if they win.”

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

“Harmon’s and the PNC/R’s ongoing support for re-negotiation can put the PPP/C in a pickle and change the tide for re-negotiation; will the PNC/R step up? What is there to lose?”

Canada-based Guyanese, Dr. Jerry Jailall who instructed the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to sign the contract with ExxonMobil Guyana.

The sentiments were recently expressed by Canada-based Guyanese, Dr. Jerry Jailall, who suggested that the position postulated by Harmon, “seems to be clear support for the renegotiation of the oil and gas contract as any increase in the two percent paltry royalty, which we get n o w, w o u l d r e q u i r e

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

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

According to Dr. Jailall, “if Harmon stands solid, this changes the political dynamics in Guyana and spells trouble for the PPP/C’s engine room, which milked the Global Witness report to say the PNC/R sold out the

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

To this end, Dr. Jailall, questioned, if Minister Raphael Trotman, who Continued on page 17

locate the affected area, Dr. Thomas said, this only puts the nation at risk, “if indeed the situation is as serious as an oil leakage.”

At present, he stressed, the response team is starting on a back foot. “If the EPA is taking one week to find the location and determine whether the substance found floating in the water is really crude oil, in the meantime, we can be facing Guyanese Scientist and consequences that are University Lecturer, colossal.

The EPA definitely Dr. Troy Thomas needs to do better,” he stated.

Thomas continued: “I damage it can do, when we really don’t know what else look at what has happened, to say, except that the globally. So when I think about how devastating an oil administration needs to put more resources into boosting the capacity of the EPA in terms of “…If the EPA is taking one week to find the surveillance of what location and determine whether the substance is happening in our found floating in the water is really crude oil, in the waters.”

While boosting meantime, we can be facing consequences that are t h e monitoring colossal…The EPA definitely needs to do better.” capacity of the State is important, Dr. Thomas suggested The video has since spill can be, the people have that some citizen prompted a response from the right to be worried.”

Commenting on the organisations, can also assist the National Oil Spill Committee (NOSC), as well length of time that Guyana’s in terms of vigilance of the Continued on page 17 as the EPA, with the latter response team is taking to agency promising to get to the bottom of the issue.

Dr. Thomas in an invited comment noted however, that reactive stance of EPA to the oil drilling operations, “in the event of oil spill, is certainly not good enough.”

He was adamant, “we should not be relying on the informal reports from persons, a team should be out there patrolling and reporting to the agency. So, the EPA should be the one telling us, what is happening, not the fisher folk...” Dr. Thomas asserted.

He noted that while the authorities have been asking citizens to reserve judgment on the issue, people have every right to be concerned about the reports.

“The people are very A screen grab of the video depicting much within their right to be the oily film floating offshore. concerned because we are all aware of the dangers of oil spills and have witnessed the The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) response to the recent reports of ‘oily substance’ found floating offshore in Guyana’s waters, not only exposes the agency’s lack of capacity with regard to monitoring the country’s oil operations, but points to a need for proper surveillance in this regard.

This is the view of Guyanese Scientist and University Lecturer, Dr. Troy Thomas, who yesterday weighed in on the development, some 72 hours after a video circulated online, depicting an ‘oily film’ floating in some sections of Guyana’s waters.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 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

EPA - pompous speeches & pathetic reality Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently found its voice to speak of documents enshrining policies and procedures, and how well such positions this most pivotal of agencies. As locals find out, time and again and to their regret, talk is cheap and only one side of the story, because what is on paper has its uses as cosmetics and for bathrooms, so much is attached to it. We say this because when reality has to be faced, there is this vast yawning gap between reality, and sweet talk and what is embedded in comforting documents. We think that it is better to let our front-page caption tell the sum of the story: “Six years after oil discovery…EPA to now procure modern instruments to monitor pollution impacts” (KN December 1). Six years is a long time, and there is enough blame to pass around for this shabby situation to have been allowed to go on for so long. There was the previous Coalition Government at the helm for most of those six years, and now, there has been the PPP Government in charge for almost a year and a half, and this is when our EPA is preparing to put itself in the driver’s seat to fulfill one of its prime responsibilities. For if the nation’s EPA was forced to operate with antiquated equipment, meaning without modern instruments, then there is only so much that its officers can stand over and test and watch, and then report with confidence that this is what is reliable, as state of the art instruments record that they are. In essence, they cannot do their job with any decent authority, since they lack the required tools, and are left to operate in the dark.

Truth be told, whatever instruments they had, always left them falling short, as to accuracy and dependability. It is a situation tailor-made for savvy foreign oil powers to make rings around Guyanese, and question anything and everything that they dare to share regarding pollution impacts.

So, if the EPA does not have the kinds of modern instruments needed, then there is not much that it can offer to protect us, be it our environment, individual and/or community health. In this instance, we refrain from putting any responsibility on the management of the EPA for the ugly state of affairs with modern instruments.

Though it doesn’t do much to undo the deficiencies of the last six years, there has to be some accountability for what is so basic in the work of any halfway decent EPA. We put this at the feet of the prior Coalition Government and today’s successor, the PPP Government.

A motor vehicle cannot operate with fuel, or a fishing fleet without nets, which is as fundamental as things can be, and requires no one to be a brain surgeon. So, for any government of substance to preside over an EPA without modern instruments to monitor pollution impacts can be summed up to be nothing else but a cardinal failure.

For sure, the previous government was trying to learn and always behind the 8-ball, while it struggled to put its arms around the major significances (and obligations) of oil discoveries. It always seemed to be lacking the tools and know-how needed, which compelled it to play catch-up with much ground to cover.

It is the way of most poor Third World societies suddenly, almost overnight, overwhelmed by one massive oil discovery after another. The kinds of people and tools demanded were not prioritised with speed and wisdom.

Thus, the EPA languished silently, while Exxon made hay, as the sun shone on the company.

The PPP Government took the reins, and decided it (or as part of its forced elections bargains) had to play ball with Exxon. Thus, the EPA has been reduced to more of a laughingstock, than a body to be taken seriously, if not feared.

Troubling people were removed, helpful parrots presented, and procedures came at sluggish speeds.

Meanwhile, resources such as expert help, and quality tools and instruments, were all left lagging. Guyanese got pretty speeches and camouflaging PPP Government practices, but little by way of bolts and nuts, or hammers to get the job done.

Importance of talking to children about sexual abuse DEAR EDITOR, ChildLinK Guyana recently launched its Caring For Boys research as part of the One Thousand Boys initiative. This initiative and the associated research, highlights the sexual violence that young boys face in Guyana.

It comments on various factors that make them vulnerable and which deter reporting of abuse against them.

Child Sexual Abuse is very commonplace, but despite this, there is still a reluctance of many adults to have open conversations with their children about it. Seen as “impolite” conversation, sexual violence is often relegated to the shadows and often only comes up until someone unfortunately becomes a victim.

In the Caring For Boys re-

search findings, it was indicated that the lack of communication within families on sexual abuse continues to see many being unprepared and uninformed about what sexual violence is and the various forms it can take. This is especially true for young boys, as they are not usually afforded the same conversations parents might have with young girls.

Hence, in contrast to boys, girls continue to benefit from more discussions on the issue.

This lack of communication often makes children extremely vulnerable to abusers, particularly pre-pubescent boys who often lack information on their sexuality and bodies.

This lack of communica-

tion is based on several factors such as, sexual abuse being seen as a taboo topic, lack of knowledge by parents themselves about what constitutes sexual abuse and lack of skills to communicate effectively with children.

For positive caretakers who aim to create safe and nurturing environments for their children, honest and age appropriate conversations surrounding sex and sexual abuse must be had. Young persons must be taught that sex in itself is not bad, but must be done safely and with consent. Equipping them with knowledge about things such as sexual grooming, molestation and rape will enable them to readily identify these occurrences within their environments and to seek out

the support that is needed.

While most parents tend to begin having these conversations with children when they are teenagers, having them earlier can be even more helpful.

Sharing age appropriate information with young children on these issues will not only make them more knowledgeable, it will lessen their vulnerability and create an environment in which they know they can have open discussions about the things that affect them and those close to them.

Regards, Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counseling, please call 914/2270979/227-2023/233-3500

The current health care system in Guyana leaves much to be desired DEAR EDITOR, Some nurses in Guyana have failed to emulate what a true nurse should be. As a bona fide Guyanese and British-trained representative of the health profession, I have always held in high esteem my fellow colleagues, at the same time holding dear the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which states in part: “I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.

I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession.

The current health care system in Guyana leaves much to be desired especially in the face of the prevailing COVID-19 situation. Among its glaring deficiencies are fragmented and impersonal delivery of service, and frequency of adverse events, not to mention inadequate medical staffing.

Such a situation immediately brings into focus the vital role that nurses play, and the pledge makes this notion

further pellucid. Plainly stated, nurses are the backbone of every healthcare system.

Therefore, it was with unmitigated consternation that I read of nurses being caught recently during a sting operation selling COVID-19 vaccine cards, and pocketing the illgotten proceeds. To further worsen matters, once nabbed, the culprit implicated twelve of her colleagues, guilty of committing the same offence.

On October 17, 2021, two nurses attached to the One Mile Health Centre in Linden were caught following a sting operation between the Regional Health Department and the Region 10 Police Division selling COVID-19 vaccination books.

It is at this juncture that I beg to digress, for they were certainly not “nursing”, but clearly “pursing”. It has oftentimes been said, “If you cannot be a nurse then pray to God, you don’t become a curse”. The behaviour of these professional miscreants have dealt a black eye to the Guyana Nursing Council Board, who must from here on screen prospective applicants more carefully, and by extension, nurses the world over.

When a nurse exhibits dishonest behaviour such as theft, it impacts the public’s trust negatively in the profession and may present a risk to public safety. No longer will she be held in high esteem.

What adds another level of severity and disdain to this professionally noxious miasma is that at the time of the illicit sales, and the deepening pandemic Region 10’s vaccination rate was among one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the country (30%). How could nurses who swore to honour the Nursing Pledge, risk the lives of others for their own lucrative benefit?

The selling of the books could be viewed as being tantamount to passing secrets to the enemy, for having the book, even illegally, automatically subverting the government’s directives that persons must be vaccinated before entering public buildings and that all government workers must be vaccinated.

The enemy is now in possession of the required information given to him/ her them directly from the source.

While the crime perpetrated may fail to attain the severity as that of Julius and Ethel

Rosenberg, who paid the ultimate price for attempting to pass U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviets, I nevertheless tenaciously cling to the firm belief that three years imprisonment is a mere slap on the wrist. A clear message must be sent, an example must be made, and a heavy price must be paid, so that the memory of these dastardly unprofessional acts will never fade.

Nursing is considered to be among the most sensitive of professions, all nursing actions are supposed to reflect ethical as well as moral principles. Dishonesty is never justified, as it violates the trust placed in the nurse.

Engaging in dishonest acts in one way or another sets a grave problem to the nursing profession. This is because as more dishonest individuals stream into the nursing profession, the level of dishonesty in the nursing profession dramatically increases. On a final note, would these professionals also be facing sanctions from their Nursing Licensing Board?

Regards, Y. Sam R.N., S.C.M., R.M.N., BSc.N., M.Ed., Dip. Adult Ed

MARUDI MOUNTAIN MINING AGREEMENTS AND INDIGENOUS RIGHTS DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me a few lines to share my views on the Marudi Mountain issue and Indigenous Rights.

In the supposedly “re-invented” 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. 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 table for discussions to ensure that they are in compliance with Indigenous Peoples’ Rights at their core.

Understanding the variety of issues and the impact of mining on Indigenous Peoples, I offered my 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, Hon.

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 (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Police censorship of weddings in Leguan DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me a space in your newspaper to highlight an issue that has been occurring at Hindus wedding in Leguan.

As you know, Hindus follow different rituals when having a wedding. It‘s a three days ceremony— which is maticore, jandi and the wedding. However, the police in Leguan are showing up with loud horn and obstructing the Pandit from even carrying out

their ritual.

Imagine they are telling the Pandit to hurry with the ceremony. Mind you, the residents hosting the wedding are not even allowed to play a little music even when all COVID-19 protocols are followed. It’s like, you are at a funeral and not at a wedding.

And while the police censorship of the wedding is becoming the norm, the rum shops are all filled with people drinking and you won’t see

the police there but why at weddings when that is only a once in a lifetime thing. How fair is that to these people hosting weddings in Leguan?

How fair is it what is happening to the Hindu community?

Can Minister Vindhya Persaud look at this nonsense that has been happening? The authorities should address this issue hastily. The people of Leguan are really tired of this harassment.

Concerned Citizen

Civil Society needs to hold the Government accountable DEAR EDITOR, I read with interest the news item “Article 13 denies claim by Nandlall that it seeks restructuring of political system” (SN Online, 5th December 2021).

It is obvious because of

the disarray in the Opposition APNU +AFC; it has left a political void in Guyana, which CIVIL SOCIETY (in the form of the Unions, Article 13 and other pressure groups) are filling and rightly so.

When the political opposition is in disarray then it is imperative that CIVIL SOCIETY hold the Government of the day accountable.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

Bona fides of civil society groups needed DEAR EDITOR, I have noted the calls from many persons; particularly, the recent one by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, for the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) to make known to the public information regarding its membership (aside from Mike McCormack), its funding, and what mechanisms are employed to select its leadership.

I support this call and I think it should be extended to all of the other civil society organisations whose pronouncements of late on matters of national importance

have dominated a particular section of the media sphere and are thus given much weight.

In the interest of transparency, the public needs to know who these organisations speak for, who their membership consists of, how they obtain their funding and how it is spent, how one becomes a member, and how their leadership is selected.

We need to know their expertise on the particular subject matter, which they are speaking on and whether or not they have the support of those whom they claim to

speak on behalf of, and are not merely driven by self-interest.

It cannot just be a case where any Tom, Dick, or Harry can issue a press release, which is then elevated as expert opinion or the views of a large cross-section of the Guyanese society by special interest media enablers.

Guyanese have to demand from these civil society groups the same type of transparency as it relates to their own operations, that they demand from the government and others.

Thank you, Thomas Cole

The Pearl Harbor attack DEAR EDITOR On this day, 7th of December, exactly eight decades ago, the Imperial Japanese establishment attacked the American Naval and other military facilities at Pearl Harbor. It appears that US Intelligence failed them and the Japanese for hours on that morning from the air, destroyed US naval vessels and aircraft. In all 2,403 Americans, including 68 civilians died in the attack.

This forced President

Roosevelt with the support of the American people to declare war on Japan and the axis forces, when he declared it a day of Infamy. This declaration of war was made at a time when the American people as a whole seemed to

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have little interest in the European war started two years earlier. This sudden silly step caused the Japanese to pay a heavy price, when Roosevelt’s successor, Harry S. Truman ordered the first (Continued on page 6)

We must develop our internal capabilities DEAR EDITOR, It is great to see that we are importing talent to help with our infrastructure needs.

We must however keep in mind that the development of our internal capabilities is paramount.

Teaching our Military’s Corps of Engineers to build our infrastructure and the houses needed by our people should encourage the correct decision making when awarding infrastructure projects.

Carving out a percentage of the national infrastructure budget to develop our inhouse capabilities is a good strategic approach to foster our internal development.

Capping the margins that a company is allowed to make on government contracts at 20% would also allow for better cost management and improved contract allocation.

Thus, spreading the wealth and allowing local firms to continue to develop their capabilities.

Having an aspirational goal of each family being able to build their own house would be the equivalent of teaching our people how to fish vs. going overseas and buying fish to give them to eat.

Comrades, we must look internally first and see the opportunities to strengthen our own people before giving away our precious resources to others who do not have a vested interest in our development.

From my travels and experience, I have clearly seen that those loyal to their own culture will never change their loyalty in favour of those who are opponents to others that share their culture.

Our neighbours increase within our borders and our borders continue to remain porous.

Wealth is lost in the south due to smuggling and land is lost to the east due to occupation and covert migration operations. We must remain vigilant and ensure that our

own people do not lose opportunities to those that oppose us.

I have witnessed the disrespect handed out to the American on his own land by those who have worked for them for many years.

We cannot afford to develop a disloyal group of citizens that will turn against us when the opportunity arises.

For these and many other reasons not mentioned, I ask the current Administration to please consider focusing more on developing the capabilities of our Military and our people before looking externally for suppliers of our infrastructure and housing needs.

Our people are in need of jobs and these are shovel ready jobs that they can quickly benefit from.

Thus giving our fellow Guyanese an opportunity to earn an honest living and allowing them to provide for their families.

We must also keep in mind that some industries are more prone to corruption and organised crime than others.

Unfortunately, construction is one of those industries that attracts criminal activity, and for this reason we do not need our Military excluded nor do we need to create a foothold for the Sindicato who have already shown their disrespect along our western border.

Our award winning rum will continue to grow as our economy and region grows in attractiveness to travellers.

Europe has been loyal to the

beauty and experiences of Guyana.

We must not underestimate the importance of continuing to develop that relationship in areas of trade and development.

Our cultures are more aligned and our mutual understanding & respect have grown stronger over the years.

Our Amerindian brothers and sisters continue to be loyal to our country and no outsider should be allowed to create an internal strife amongst our people.

We must remain vigilant and closely monitor those who are closer to our declared enemies.

Peace can be attained if those amongst us and those we invite to be amongst us show respect for our multicultural society and align with our government’s agenda in lieu of pushing a hidden agenda that opposes the one Guyana (including Essequibo) initiative.

Comrades, we are a hardworking people and no challenge before us is too great for us to achieve as one people.

The time has come for Guyanese to show their strength and build Guyana for our fellow Guyanese.

Then this land of our ancestors will truly be ours into perpetuity.

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

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MARUDI MOUNTAIN MINING...

From page 4 Peoples. I now see the reasons for and the outcome of such omissions.

It is my informed view that the Government of Guyana under the People’s 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. Take for example the Law Reform Commission, which was passed in Parliament earlier this year. 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 recommended 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.

Upon completion of their process, the NTC nominated a candidate who, from an Indigenous Peoples perspec-

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

tive, is eminently qualified for that and many other positions relating to Indigenous Peoples.

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.

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.

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.

Sincerely yours, Lenox R. O. Shuman Deputy Speaker: MP

The Pearl Harbor attack From page 5 atomic bomb to be dropped on the City of Hiroshima, Japan, on the 6th of August 1945 destroying a massive complex. Three days later, another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki causing massive destruction, which forced a reluctant Japan to surrender.

Of interest, when I visited the museum to commemorate this event in Japan, some years ago, my guide showed us remnants of lunch kits and clothing of children salvaged from the rubble, but never once referred to Pearl Harbor.

Dear Editor and citizens, there are lessons in the above incidents for Guyana and the world at large.

Lessons which point to how much citizens can bear the burden and blood shed; thanks to missteps and share stupidity of their leaders.

As a youngster, my mother told me of these events, which in a sense catapulted me into a life of public service and politics. Since then to this day, I, like others, remain fascinated, a worrisome type of fascination with the way our present leaders behave, ignoring the lessons of human history.

Leaders who make political decisions that destroy human life and materials fail to recognise the consequences of the ill effects of their silly steps.

In Guyana, we see today, our purported leaders on both sides of the political divide ignoring and I suspect in some cases oblivious of the lessons. Intelligent men and women should learn from past and recent history. Dear Editor, my recount of these incidents which took place

when I was a primary schoolboy is that I have seen in Guyana, for those eight decades, our pre and post Independent leaders, with power and leverage in their hands behaving as I once quipped, ‘like immature schoolboys.”

The big question is, “When will we overcome these harmful actions of shared stupidity?”

Why did the Japanese feel that destroying the US Fleet at Pearl Harbour would bring them either short or long-term benefits?

They underestimated the capacity of the American people to deal with this assault, not only the destruction of materials and men, but also of significance, an assault on the pride of a people. Today, in Guyana, we hear statements from Government functionaries that seem oblivious when they say and do things that constitutes an assault on the pride of the descendants of African slaves.

There must be some flaw in the brain of our leaders, particularly in Guyana, that disallows them from seeing the consequences of their bravado, consequences of their stupidity and consequences of their disrespect and disdain for sections of the society.Guyana today is a paradigm case of silly steps that can only bring short-term benefits. I listened in amazement to a rather lengthy statement on the 26th November and that same day, unanswered queries put to the Government by the Leader of the Opposition. Both of these political Titans are ignoring the need to find the pathway for civility, genuine consultation - neither Mickey mouse

nor contride consultations, failing which workers in the public sector, private sector and the ordinary person in the street, being bombarded by slogans and this latest folly about ‘available income,’ in response to the meagre 3.5 x 2 increase in circumstances where oil resources daily swell the Government’s coffers. For example, the loud voices we heard have become silent on the three issues that can only lead to disaster.

That is the Government and Opposition work together and emerge with a common programme with the three vital issues (1) The COVID-19 health pandemic, (2) How we deal with oil and gas giants and (3) The ‘Border Issue’ which has now posed an additional problem of a migration that within a few years can alter the demographics of our society and relegate the descendants of slaves and indentured labourers to being minions in a country where our ancestors made sacrifices to civilize this country with their blood, sweat and tears.

Let me end with these words - “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me.” Without being blasphemous, this is what a good Government should aim to be like.

Even as we place our faith and future in the hands of our God, whether you be a Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim or Rastafarian, let us not give up the effort to speak up loudly so that the earthly powers and the heavenly powers will hear us.

Sincerely, Hamilton Green Elder

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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10 children among Guyana’s 1,008 COVID-19 deaths

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, watches on as 12-year-old Danah Shiwgobin receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at St. Stanislaus College in August last.

Ten children are among the 1,008 COVID-19 related deaths, Guyana has recorded since last year March—three of whom were infants. This is according to data provided by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Kaieteur News understands that among the deaths were a six-day-old from Region Three, who

died last year November, a five-month-old from Region One, who died in September, and a sevenmonth-old also from Region One who died in October, this year.

There were two children below the age of 10, who died this year, including a four-year-old from Region One who died in October and

a five-year-old who died in Region Four.

The other five children who passed away, include an 11-year-old who died in November last year, a 16year-old from Region Nine who died in July, and three 17-year-olds, one from Region Four who died in May, another from the same region who died in August

and the other from Region Three who died in September. These deaths were recorded this year.

According to the Health Minister, most of these children developed pneumonia after getting infected, while some were admitted with different types of underlying conditions.

D r. A n t h o n y h a d mentioned previously that there is a condition induced

by COVID-19 in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) which causes multiple organ failure. To date, there has been no confirmed case of this condition among children in the country.

Meanwhile, last month during a COVID-19 update, the Minister had shared that a total of 4,766 children have been infected with COVID19.

In August, the Government had commenced the rollout of vaccine for children 12 years and older. Children are currently receiving the USmade Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Guyana to train regulators to hold oil companies accountable – Pres. Ali

T

he Government of Guyana has plans in place to train locals to better regulate the oil and gas sector, giving the country more leverage to hold oil companies accountable.

This was announced yesterday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address at the Harvard Business School’s, virtual faculty workshop on the Microeconomics of Competitiveness (MOC).

The President was questioned during the forum on what measures will be taken to address the issue of the shortage of skilled and educated labour in Guyana, since it will be in great demand.

In response, President Ali conceded the human capacity deficiency and lack of experience that is required when operating in the oil and gas industries.

He noted however, several efforts are being made by his government to correct this shortfall.

“We recognise there is a gap now and we have to import that skill to fill the gap,” President Ali said.

According to President Ali, the efforts that are being made by his government will enhance local capacity – which he believes will put the country in a better position to hold oil companies accountable, when they fail to operate in accordance with international best practices, which governs the sector.

In fact, Ali said what his government is trying to achieve, is to build local capacity to manage, supervise and to be part of the

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali regulatory framework that they will be putting in place to hold the oil and gas companies accountable.

According to the President, the government also has plans to establish an Oil and Gas training Institute, to further bolster local capacity to meet the demands of the petroleum sector.

To this end, he noted that the government is currently in the process of identifying all the skills requirements for the industry, and will be investing in providing not only the skills, but also the certification that is required by the various industries, for persons to work in the industry.

He explained that government has an aggressive education platform, to address not only the future requirements of the country but the potential moving forward.

Another question posed to President

Ali sought to enquire, “…How are you looking at the relationship with the oil companies? What is the role you see them play also beyond their direct role in delivering in that sector?”

In response, the President was keen to note that the country is already recognised for its reputable climate change agenda and despite its newfound oil wealth, will not shift from its itinerary.

As such, he explained that there needs to be a balance between climate change and the operations in Guyana’s oil and gas industries.

According to President Ali, stakeholders, oil companies and the government must operate on a common platform of understanding.

“The companies and the government must have a good working relationship, one in which the policies and agenda of the government in the global context is respected and understood and one in which the government creates a balanced environment for the oil companies because a balanced environment is critical in our global context,” the President said.

To this end, he was adamant, government will not abandon its obligations in relation to climate change and the country’s forest services to the world.

In keeping with his adumbrations, President Ali disclosed that several Bills will be tabled in Guyana’s National Assembly which will help to regulate the country’s oil and gas sectors.

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Tourism sector to market Guyana with US$1M app

Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Walrond delivers remarks during the launch of the ‘Discover Guyana’ app.

Ms. Lorenza Salazar, IDB country representative

The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), on Thursday last, launched the US$1M ‘Beyond Tourism’ application (app) which was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The IDB project, aims to reverse the 42 percent decline, which the tourism sector faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while at same time, advancing digital transformation to boost economic growth through technology and maintaining a safe eco-tourism amid the pandemic.

The first mobile application, ‘Discover Guyana’ was designed specifically for persons travelling to, and around the country, in order to provide real time information on safeguards, standards and certified providers at each stage of their inbound travel to the region.

The system involves two key components geared towards promoting and protecting the health and safety needs of the Rupununi’s eco-tourism industry, namely a series of protocols tailored for that locale and the two mobile apps—developed by local technology company V75 Inc. Using the app, tourists can plan their trips by viewing the GTA’s certified tourism establishment profiles, communicate

Discover Guyana Application

directly with tourism providers, and add required health records for easy screening during travel.

Meanwhile, the second mobile application, ‘Discover Guyana Tourism Service Providers’ allows tourism service providers to create profiles for their establishments, demonstrate their COVID-19 certification information to travellers, respond to inquiries, and access up-to-date health information to keep both their staff and visitors safe.

The ‘app’ also boasts a check-in system that will require travellers to check in and out of lodges and answer periodic questions about their health in order to track a visitor’s travel history in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.

IDB country representative, Lorenza Salazar, during the launching ceremony observed, “…At the IDB, we embrace the digital transformation. It is an easy development priority and a key pillar of the bank’s vision 2025, to help to stimulate economic recovery and foster inclusive growth.”

She said, “I am particularly delighted to be here at the launch of this beyond tourism, safe lodges, safe guests, safe communities’ initiative and I would like to congratulate the team effort of the GTA, the IDB , DIA Global and of course, Wilderness Explorer, for your commitment to this project of safe travel, and safe communities and bringing this concept into fruition.’

Tourism Minister, Oneidge Walrond was also on hand for the launch, said the app does show agility and resilience and that initiatives “like this, represent the kind of assurance that our visitors will have when they come to Destination Guyana…”

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

Deja Vu on the Highway

A few nights ago, I saw a minibus do the unthinkable.

There were two buses on a dark road, one in front of the other, both with passengers inside.

Suddenly, the bus at the back veered to the corner of the road, coming inches away from where I was standing, and blasting its engines, accelerated to overtake the other bus.

Inches more and the Peeper would have been threshed. So I decided to write my column about it, but was struck with a sense of deja vu. Lo and behold! More than 10 years ago, I experienced the same kind of recklessness from minibuses. As Christmas comes around again, as the buses go faster and officers’ wallets grow lighter, I would like you all to re-read this old column and think about how little has changed since it was published in 2008.

I could not see the licence plate of the overtaking bus.

Had I been able to do so, I would have filed a report to the nearest police station, because I consider that sort of use of the roadways as dangerous driving.

As I said, there were passengers in that bus, and as it blasted its way along the roadway, I looked to see whether it would have stopped to put off any passenger. It did not, but merely disappeared into the night.

I blame the bus driver for driving dangerously. But I also blame the passengers for endangering their own lives by allowing themselves to remain in that bus which was driving so dangerously.

Each day in this country, persons are jeopardising their lives by not speaking out when they are in these vehicles, which are doing stunts on the roadway. Each day, passengers are

endangering their lives when they notice these things and they do not stop the vehicle and disembark.

There is no way that I am going to sit in any bus and remain quiet while that bus breaches the laws of the road, and especially if that breach involves driving at a fast rate of speed.

I have no doubt that speeding and reckless driving must have been factors in the deaths of those five young men who were killed on Sunday night.

I do not know who exactly is at fault, but, from experience, what I do know is that, if both vehicles had been travelling at a reasonable speed, there would have been extensive damage to both vehicles but the fatalities would have been zero.

So long as you drive at a slow rate of speed, even if a mistake is made by someone else driving also at a slow rate of speed, then there is no way that the impact can result in death.

I accept that the speed limits in Guyana are ridiculously low. I myself find it hard to maintain these speeds, because it is hard to keep your feet even lightly on the accelerator and still keep within the speed limits.

Most drivers cannot keep within these limits, and therefore are simply prepared to take the risk in driving not just a little, but way above those limits.

That is why this column has repeatedly called for realistic speed limits, because if this were in place then there will be greater compliance.

At present, all we are doing is making corrupt traffic police richer, because they know that it is hard to maintain a steady speed and still be within the speed limits, and therefore they know that most vehicles on our

roadways are travelling above these limits. And these corrupt cops are capitalising on the situation.

On the East Bank of Demerara, where Sunday night’s horrific accident took place, there is no shortage of traffic ranks on the public road… during the daytime.

They can be seen hauling in vehicles and having long discussions with the errant drivers. I never knew it took so long to issue a speeding ticket. However, as soon as dusk sets in, these ranks are not on the roadways.

Yet, I am sure that if you examine the statistics on fatal road accidents, you will find that the vast majority takes place after sunset.

This is therefore the period when you would expect there to be a heavier presence of traffic cops on our roadways.

Instead, the very opposite takes place.

In the past, I have urged two things. The first is for a study to be done involving the insurance companies and the traffic department, which would study the risk factors on the various public roadways in Guyana.

From a study of the statistics, there could be a more informed strategic response to the problem of road carnage and response that would be beneficial to both the public and to the insurance companies.

Secondly, I had urged that the insurance limits be adjusted to keep abreast of prevailing realities. Part of the reason why there is so much recklessness on our roadways is because any and everybody these days, once they have a licence, can drive on our roadways with insurance coverage that offers very little.

If there were statutory limits that reflected prevailing

Dem Boys Seh…

Cardboard parties Soulja Bai bin draft he own 10 commandments. He bin talk how he nah want no cardboard parties in de CoalA-Shun. He did even set it out as a special commandment fuh participation in de parliament. Soulja Bai bin mek it known dat all ah de Coal-A-Shun parliamentarians must belong to active political parties.

He seh he nah want no fake parties and no cardboard parties.

He talk how all de parliamentarians fuh de Coal-A-Shun must belong to active parties with constitutions. Dem parties must not be shell parties but, according to Soulja Bai, dem must gat members, with

conferences and attract membership in all of the regions of this country.

Suh dem boys wan ask if dem gat any member of parliament in de Coal-A-Shun who belong to a cardboard party – a party without members or which never had a conference.

Dem Boys asking if any of de parliamentarians in breach of Soulja Bai Commandment.

And if so, wah is de penalty fuh having a cardboard party?

Some ah dem cardboard parties suh small dat instead of a manifesto, dem does gat a mini-festo.It mek dem boys remember de time when a certain man bin form a cardboard party and bin trying fuh get enough persons fuh sign pe-

tition fuh he contest wan election. He fly in to de hinterland village and ask dem people wah problems dem gat. He seh how he gan solve dem prablems.

De people tell he how dem gat two prablems. First, dem seh how dem nah gat a resident doctor. De politician tek out he cell phone, dialled a number, talk to somebody, and den tell de people how he done arrange fuh a doctor fuh come de following week.

He ask de people wat was de second prablem. Dem tell he how dem don’t get cell phone signal in de area.

Talk half and watch out fuh dem cardboard parties! (Republished)

circumstances, the cost of insurance would be much higher, and many persons would thus come to appreciate just how responsible they need to be, because they will be paying higher premiums for driving irresponsibly.

Thirdly, I had called for the police, when they find someone breaching the law, to issue traffic violation tickets instead of having to haul motorists down to the station or having to impound their vehicles.

If traffic tickets were issued on the spot, it would reduce a great deal of harassment and corruption within the traffic department.

It will, however, not prevent drivers from doing their own thing on the roads, thus endangering the lives of passengers.

The Government cannot continue to be blamed for what is taking place on our roadways.

It is the public themselves who must be blamed, because they continue to see drivers

PAGE 9

“hustling” with their lives and they sit silently in their seats, saying nothing.

(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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Tuesday December 07, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

All Guyanese should read which country Rickford Burke says he lives in Here are the words of Rickford Burke in reaction to police bulletins for him over calls to use violence in Guyana: “I live in the United States of America – the greatest country in the world. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution gives me the right to free speech.

The Guyana government and the PPP does (sic) not have jurisdiction over

anybody in the Diaspora, over no American citizen, over no Guyanese that live abroad…”

What do you make of t h a t s t a t e m e n t ? Yo u r interpretation has to be commonsensical. He is telling opposition supporters who live here they must hurt members of the government.

The man said, “Until somebody runs them off the road.” A naked call to

violence but in the same breath, he tells you that he lives in a foreign country and praises the foreign country, which he lives in.

Have you seen how lyrical David Hinds waxed about Thanksgiving? He told his viewers he travelled from Arizona to Maryland and had a swashbuckling time with relatives and family in Maryland including his mother. This is the same man

who held a bullhorn and told Black villagers on the East Coast of Demerara that they must undermine the government. But after he put down the bullhorn, he left Guyana and did not wait to be with them when they start undermining the State.

Burke is urging people to fight and he is not there with them and will not be there with them when they confront the police and get

arrested. What do you make of this? Let’s see.

First, it is downright contempt for Frederick Kissoon people to be using them to do your bidding while you furniture store last week say you are happy in the where all of the workers are foreign country in which you Black. Let the leaders who live. Struggle does not work a r e f o o l i n g A f r i c a n like that. You have to be Guyanese call me a liar. I there when they begin to will get the Black staffer to fight after you have urged appear in Kaieteur News to them. state how generous my wife S e c o n d l y, y o u a r e and I were when they proclaiming your superiority. delivered and fit up the stuff You fling your voice at them in my home. over your Meta page and I call on African people expect them to follow you to juxtapose my patriotism blindly. Thirdly, you are with that of Duncan, Hinds, urging your supporters to Burke, Benschop and the harm government leaders entire school of Black physically and when they are leaders. I am telling the PPP arrested, they cannot go out of leaders not to be afraid of the a jail cell to celebrate insane ramblings of these Thanksgiving with their people because Black people mothers as Hinds did two are not listening to them. weeks ago. Fourthly, your I buy my fruits and contempt for them is vegetables from Black repugnant because you have vendors (I don’t eat black told them that you cannot be budding anymore but I don’t touched because you are care which race of people protected in a foreign country. makes it) at Plaisance. Here Those four factors above is what happened on Friday are strong enough reasons to with me and my wife. I ignore Burke and to dismiss parked on the street on the him as part of a foreign southern side facing the bunch that has no right to be west. A group of Black men part of the Guyanese daily was sitting on an old stall and struggle in making Guyana a hailed out to me in friendly better place. What has been ways. the reaction of African As I was buying the stuff, Guyanese? a Black gentleman came up, The only people who advising me not to worry think African Guyanese are about what the Black faces easy prey to fool are these say on their Meta page about Black leaders themselves. me. He went on to criticise Sherod Duncan bought his and I thanked him for his office furniture from one of comments. The vendor the world’s most expensive smilingly said to me that she brand name – Ashley’s. passes my home often and Hinds is urging African can’t resist looking at the people to buy only from sugar-apple trees. A former African people while his Black manger at GuySuCo friend bought his office said to me in reference to pieces from an expensive Burke, “Freddie, Black foreign store. people ain’t got time with Here is what you need to them.” Indeed! do to expose these deceitful Black leaders, show Guyana (The views expressed in that they are betrayers. Here this article are those of the is my proof. This Guyanese a u t h o r a n d d o n o t bought a bed, mattress and necessarily reflect the pillows from Ramroop opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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T&T puts 17 offshore blocks up for auction

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Corrective works commence on collapsed Linden road

- forewarns of ‘ring-fencing provisions’ to protect against financial exploitation Map showing the deep-water blocks that are up for auction offshore Trinidad and Tobago.

Corrective works being carried out yesterday on the collapsed retainer wall.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) recently launched its 2021 competitive bid round, for the auctioning off, of 17 deep-water oil blocks.

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

T h e T & T administration—led by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley—said the offshore concessions that are now on

the market, were subjected to an internal technical evaluation taking into account as well, proximity to ongoing developments.

The 17 offshore deepwater blocks up for the taking, are located off the northern and eastern coasts of T&T. The T&T government was keen to put potential bidders on notice however, that they should expect certain key provisions in t h e i r ‘ D e e p - Wa t e r

Production Sharing Contract.’

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

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

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

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

This since, in the absence of a ring-fencing provision, ExxonMobil and its partners are essentially deducting costs associated with the Liza Phase Two, Payara Projects and other exploratory works from the Liza Phase One Project that is in production.

In doing so, the institute

said the already small profit to be split with Guyana gets even smaller.

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

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

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

Wi t h r i n g f e n c i n g provisions being placed into its future deep-water contracts, Trinidad and Tobago appears determined to not follow in Guyana’s footsteps.

Corrective works have commenced on the retaining walls of a major thoroughfare in the Silvertown community, of Wismar Linden, which c o l l a p s e d o n Tu e s d a y last—two days after it was constructed.

Approximately 100 feet of the 1,800 feet (ft) retaining wall that was constructed to alleviate flooding in the community is now being repaired by contractor, David Sugrim of D&R Construction Company.

The 16 ft. wide road was completed on November 28, to the tune of $11M. Sugrim was awarded the contract by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John, said that the road was constructed and retainers were added to alleviate flooding in the area. It was opined by many that the collapse was as a result of substandard work, executed by the contractor.

One such resident making the claim is Regional Chairman of Region 10, Deron Adams.

Adams said, the contractor was called out by the Works Committee for the substandard work, which was observed while performing field inspections.

The contractor and REO however, rubbished these

claims and instead said it was as a result of the compaction and the earth’s pressure.

Residents maintain however, that the wall was constructed on a void foundation and it was done hurriedly.

REO John yesterday said, he along with his engineers, inspected the corrective works being carried out and is pleased with the quality of work. He said it has been delayed somewhat because of the inclement weather. The road, he said, was built because the community was prone to flooding.

“We would have had a very low road, which was prone to flooding for many, many years. What we did was to raise the wall so that we can get a higher road.

The retaining wall was done from one end to the other end of the road, but as a result of pressure, the highest end of it collapsed, which is about 100 feet of 1,800 feet of the entire wall,” John explained.

To ensure the collapse does not reoccur, REO John said support braces will now be added. “Throughout the length of the road, we will be putting braces so that we can keep the wall in place because we will have heavyduty trucks traversing this area from time to time, so we are trying to prevent anymore of this happening.”

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday December 07, 2021

Linden man fearful for life as attacker walks free A 58-year-old Linden man, Charles Clark, who was brutally chopped about his body two years ago, leaving him with his left arm amputated and piece of his right ear severed, is now

fearful for his life as his attacker is a free man.

According to Clark, the attacker, Dave Smart, is now sending threats to him that he will ‘finish him’, which forced him to make a report

at the Wismar Police Station.

Smart allegedly brutally chopped Clark about his body in a vengeful rage, as he believed Clark shared a romantic relationship with his ex-lover.

58-year-old Linden man, Charles Clark, who was brutally chopped about his body, two years ago.

The bloody attack occurred at Blue Berry Hill Wismar, Linden on October 4, 2019 at approximately 03:00hrs.

Clark was spending time at Smart’s ex-lover, who he had met one week prior while hanging out with his

brothers at the ‘popular’ Five Corner.

She invited him to her home where he spent one week as he got to know her.

Clark said family members warned him that he may be involving himself in a triangular love affair, but

when he confronted his female friend, she said that she was single.

One night however, when they were sleeping, they heard someone kicking down the door and shouted, “a know y’all deh in hay…All I see is she run out and this man with this cutlass fire a chop at she hand. So I hustle to run through the back door and he ran behind me and start firing chop all over me.”

He said, “Every time the cutlass catch me, I start see stars but I still trying to run; while I running, I slipped and there he finished me off, chopped off my hand, chop, chop, chop until I didn’t know myself anymore.”

Luckily, the female friend’s daughter, escaped the attack as Smart had also attempted to chop her. Clark spent two months in the hospital and had to undergo three surgeries.

Smart was sentenced to 18 months in jail for chopping his ex-lover, but the matter was referred to the High Court for Clark’s case, as he was charged for attempted murder.

Two years later, Clark’s case has not started and Smart has completed his prison sentence for the exlover’s attack. He was placed on bail for the second attack, as he awaits the start of his trial.

A fearful Clark told Kaieteur News, that Smart, who spent time in jail prior Continued on page 15

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 2021

200 tons of stones sitting on wharf amidst national shortage

PAGE 15

The consignment of stones was imported by the Guyana National Industrial Company.

- as GRA gets ready to dispose of ‘unentered goods’

T

he Government of Guyana has in recent years, repeatedly lamented the shortage of stones— a crucial commodity used in the construction industry—on the local market, that has since led to the issuance of several new quarry licences being issued and even the importation of the much needed commodity into the country.

This obtains, even as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) gets ready to dispose of some 200 tons of ‘Crushed Stones Crusher Run.’ The consignment was imported by the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) and is being stored on the Demerara Shipping Company’s Wharf.

The information is contained in a recent publication in the Official Gazette and was signed by G R A’s C o m m i s s i o n e r General, Godfrey Statia, putting on notice that the stones would be disposed off.

According to the GRA notice, should any person have a lien held against the imported commodity, such a claim should be made to its

Headquarters.

The stones are currently categorised as ‘unentered goods’ with the GRA signalling its intention to dispose of them.

The stone shortage situation in Guyana had reached a point where Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, last year removed the taxes on the importation of stones in order to meet the shortfall in meeting local demand.

At the time, it was noted with the re-opening of Guyana’s economy in light of COVID-19, the construction sector is expected to boom given the numerous developmental and infrastructural projects being discussed by the new government.

Only recently, the issue of the shortfall in the supply of stones was raised again as a bugbear for the local construction industry when government announced that it would be granting new quarry licences.

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, signed a licence for quarry operations with Kamaira Quarry in

October last, paving the path for a $620 million operation by the local investor.

At the time, it was noted that the instrument was being issued against the backdrop of local construction and infrastructural booms emanating from accelerated housing programmes, massive highways and other major developments being undertaken.

In April of this year, Head of State, President Ali had intimated that with an accelerated housing programme, massive road projects, and community roads to be developed, Guyana’s quarrying industry will no longer be able to take a backseat among the productive sectors, but rather be efficiently exploited for local consumption and progressive projects.

In Guyana, based on an analysis of the country’s budget, a sum of $58.2

COVID-19 booster shots now available to adult population Persons 18 years and older can now obtain a COVID-19 booster shot, at any vaccination site across the country.

This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who made the announcement yesterday during his daily COVID-19 update.

“As of today, we will be opening up booster doses for anyone 18 years and older, you will now be able to get booster dose,” he said.

Local health authorities last week had rolled out booster shots but at the time, it was only eligible for persons, 50-year-old and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Two weeks ago when giving the green light for booster shots in Guyana, the Minister had explained that data shows that six months after

a person receive their second dose, the immunity of the vaccine starts to wane.

As such, explained, “…if the immunity starts to wane, the chances are that persons can get infected.”

It should be noted that persons who received both doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, can get a Johnson & Johnson (J&J) dose as their booster shot, while persons who received both doses of a Sinopharm COVID19 vaccine, can get the same vaccine as a booster dose.

Meanwhile, persons vaccinated with either a Moderna vaccine, Pfizer or AstraZeneca, can get a Pfizer vaccine as their booster dose.

The Minister during his interview said, as of yesterday, a total of 2,774 persons have been administered a booster shot in Guyana.

Linden man fearful for life as...

From page 14 for chopping at least two other persons, is now back on the road, without spending a night for the heinous crime he committed on him, which has since left him with permanent wounds and an amputated arm.

He is unable to work, travel to St. Kitts where his family resides and experiences severe pain daily, especially when it rains.

“Two years now and the case has not started in the High Court, I run round and round, not getting any answers. I know many cases came up after mine and were already tried. What happened to mine, I don’t know. I

went to the DPP, I went to the Court, all they are saying is Mr. Clark, your case will be tried,” the distraught man said.

Clark said many persons have already reached him and related seeing his attacker who reportedly said, he has to “finish Clark off”.

When he reported the matter, the police reportedly dismissed the report as ‘hearsay’.

“A man he attacked before told me, the same man burst open he whole belly and he is ready to testify on my behalf; another man this man juk up before, this man has no mercy and I need justice, I am now frighten to even leave my home,” he said.

billion of planned expenditure on public infrastructure is the second largest component of the g o v e r n m e n t ’s f i s c a l programme.

In fact, President Ali said that the extraordinary demand from the “construction boom” had resulted in the importation of an estimated 40 percent of construction materials, at an approximate value of US$10

million.

While an increase in economic activities is always good, the pitfall in this regard is that such a large amount of the commodities had to be imported, when, in fact, they can be produced locally.

To this end, he implored at the time, “we can produce this locally.”

Only yesterday, the State owned newspaper reported that with the market for

aggregate continuing to expand due to Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector and booming construction industry, local businessman Lakeram S. Harridat will soon establish a US$11 million quarry on the bank of the Essequibo River.

He is among a number of other locals that have been given quarry licences in recent months including, Mohamed’s Enterprises.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

8 arrested over air guns, stolen items

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They were all arrested including Benjamin, Clarke, Cole, Lewis

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In police custody are Paul Younge, Kevin Moriah, Simeon Cole, Keion Clarke, Quincy Lewis, Seon Benjamin and Compton Semple.

Police swooped down at the home of Paul Younge and conducted a search in the presence of Kevin Moriah and Simeon Cole. According to reports, a pink and brown haversack containing a transparent plastic bag, with a quantity of leaves, seeds, stems suspected to be cannabis and two suspected air pistols, were found in Young’s

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Tuesday December 07, 2021

The suspected, cannabis, air guns and stolen cell phones recovered by the police.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 2021

PAGE 17

Cell phone thief jumps into Pres. Ali boasts of Guyana’s ‘wrong yard’ in escape bid diversified economic prospects A cell phone thief’s escape plan was quickly thwarted yesterday, by a group of security guards, after he reportedly jumped into the ‘wrong yard’ in his failed escape bid.

The thief had reportedly moments earlier, robbed a man at knife point, at around 10:00hrs along a street in Bel Air, New Haven, Georgetown.

According to eyewitnesses account, the victim chased behind the thief and was soon joined by nearby residents who had witnessed the robbery.

Realizing that they would catch up with him, the thief attempted to escape, by jumping into a nearby yard of one of the houses in the area.

The bandit however, was at the time unaware that the property was heavily guarded by the MMC Security Service.

One of the security guards on duty at the location confronted the ‘lone’ thief and called for back-up.

Within minutes, other security ranks arrived in a pick-up and he was detained and taken to the police station.

Kaieteur News understands that investigators have since managed to recover the stolen phone.

…tells Harvard Business Forum of potential revenue opportunities locally

The cell phone thief (left) being taken out of the yard by MMC security guards.

Guyana has in abundance diversified economic opportunities, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who on Monday addressed the Harvard Business School’s virtual faculty workshop, on the Microeconomics of Competitiveness (MOC).

President Ali, who was invited to deliver the keynote address for the forum, spoke extensively on Guyana’s natural resources and the plans that his government have in train to further monetise the country’s resources.

“Our country is also blessed with tremendous deposits of gold and our volume of exports for 2021 is estimated at 500,000 ounces; so I’m just presenting to you the diversified economic portfolio of our country and the revenue generation opportunities,” Ali said.

In addition to Guyana’s gold, President Ali also used the occasion to highlight that the country is also blessed with diamonds.

According to the President, for the period January to September 2021, Guyana exported approximately 20,000 metric carats, and for the period October to December, a

further 7,500 metric carats was exported.

President Ali also shared that the construction boom in Guyana has resulted in tremendous increase in the need for quarrying, sand and sand production.

To this end, he explained that this has led to remarkable increase in Guyana’s sand production from January to September 2021, with close to 3.5 million metric tons being extracted.

He further stated that the sand production is projected to reach more than 1.2 million metric ton before the end of the year.

When compared to the previous year, it was revealed that the extraction of sand grew by 96.8 percent. “ N o w, t h i s i s t o demonstrate to you what is taking place in the local construction sector. The extraction of sand grew by 96.8 percent compared to a year ago. We also have tremendous bauxite deposits, although our bauxite production is below what we have would have targeted,” Ali highlighted.

The President went on to explain that despite bauxite production not reaching its

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali peak, “there are still numerous international interests in many reserves.”

To this end, he said, “…we were able to produce close to 452 metric tons of bauxite for the January to September 2021 period. It is estimated that before the end of the year, a further 170,000 metric tons will be produced.”

He disclosed too, that one of Guyana’s largest reserves of bauxite in the Corentyne corridor is where the Government is hoping to work with Brazil.

Moreover, he also, at the forum, boasted about the fact that Guyana has one of the Continued on page 18

EPA’s response to suspected ‘oil spill’...

The thief being taken away to the police station.

Harmon must come clean on...

From page 3 signed “the bad Exxon deal that sold out the national patrimony said he was told to sign the contract, who told him to sign? The PNC side, Dr. Jailall noted, has not said anything but the only “two people who were above Mr. Trotman and could have hypothetically told Mr. Trotman to sign, would have been the President and Mr. Harmon; Mr. Harmon was the number two man in the Granger Government so we need Mr. Harmon to clear the air on this.”

According to Dr. Jailall, notwithstanding the credibility of the messenger, Harmon’s new gamble calling for higher oil royalties might yet prove to be the message and platform the PNC/R needs to be relevant once again.

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

According to Dr. Jailall, this will force the

Government to move towards the renegotiation track, “and this will be good for all Guyana.”

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

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

He suggested that Harmon should know that the PNC/R’s silence on renegotiation does not mean “Exxon or the USA would support them in future elections, since “they have shot themselves in the foot for the longterm by their anti-democratic behaviour.”

Inherently, he said, Harmon’s and the PNC/R’s ongoing support for re-negotiation can put the PPP in a pickle and change the tide for renegotiation. “Will the PNC step up?

What is there to lose?”

From page 3 offshore operations, “…because at this point, from a personal stance, I have some level of distrust for what the agencies are telling.”

He suggested, “it would be a good initiative for a citizens’ group to step up and fill the gap where the State agencies are falling short,” he added.

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

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

According to the 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.

The black oily substance could be seen as close to the coast in the vicinity of the Anna Regina koker in Region Two; in the Berbice and 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 report comes even as fisherfolk have been reporting a decline in their catch; something they believe is as a result of the oil drilling operations happening offshore.

NOSC, which comprises of a local disaster response management team, has since launched an investigation into the

reports.

An official close to the team, disclosed to Kaieteur News on Saturday that while preliminary investigations have started, it is too soon for the team to get any feedback or confirmation on where the oil substance came from. “… It is too soon to tell whether it comes from commercial crude operations or not. We are hoping that by Monday [yesterday], we have more solid information on what it is,” the source told Kaieteur News.

In the meantime, the EPA which launched its own investigation into the matter issued a statement promising that it will get to the bottom of the reports.

When contacted yesterday, EPA Director Kemraj Parsram said, the agency has not been able to get any definitive word on the location where ‘oily substance’ was seen floating.

According to Parsram, the EPA is leaning on the assistance from international partners for satellite images of the Atlantic Sea about 45 miles offshore Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, to determine the cause of the reported pollution.

Parsram revealed that the agency has engaged in both airborne surveillance as well as the use of a fishing vessel to try and locate the area but the search was unsuccessful.

“We covered the entire fishing zone within the 45-mile radius and, using our understanding of the currents, I didn’t see anything that resembled anything that was reported and because of the high waves and conditions and the safety of the staff, they had to return to shore,” he said.

PAGE 18

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

Ganja farmer remanded, alleges police beating

A man who was held on a ‘marijuana farm’ at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, located along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway was yesterday remanded to prison.

Shafeer Sanichar, 23 years-old, appeared before Magistrate Fabio Azore, at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court, where he was read the charge for trafficking in narcotics and cultivation of the prohibited plants, and was later remanded but not before alleging being beaten by the arresting ranks.

Sanichar told the court that the CANU officers picked him up from his farm and took him “further down the dam,” where the narcotics were found. He told the court, they

started beating him to his chest and abdominal area, until he was unconscious.

A 21-year-old man was sentenced yesterday to oneweek imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to abusing his wife. Narindra Sukhra, appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh, at the Blairmont Magistrate Court, where he entered his guilty plea and was sentenced. The charge

stems from an incident that took place earlier this year— shortly after the couple got married.

Sukrah reportedly began beating his wife causing her to suffer a swollen eye as a result of a misunderstanding between the two.

Shafeer Sanichar, the ganja farmer who was remanded to prison yesterday

According to Sanichar, he was later placed in a pool of water after he regained consciousness but the beating continued.

He also claimed that the officers even attempted to sodomize him with a wood.

A medical examination provided to the court, detailed that Sanichar suffered a twocentimetre abrasion to his left and right wrists, among other injuries.

These include bruises to his the left Gluteal region (bruises to his buttocks area) and multiple superficial abrasions to his upper abdominal region.

The matter has since been adjourned until January 11, 2022 and was transferred to Mahaica Magistrate’s Court.

Abusive husband to serve one week in jail

Narindra Sukhra

Two men are latest COVID-19 fatalities Two men, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported yesterday that the men died over a twoday period—December 5 and 6.

The fatalities are that of a fully vaccinated 71-year-old man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) and an unvaccinated, 83-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,008.

Meanwhile, in its latest COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 57 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 38,217.

The dashboard also shows that 17 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 52 are in institutional isolation, 872 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 36,268 patients have recovered from the virus.

Pres. Ali boasts of Guyana’s...

From page 17 lowest deforestation rates in world and noted that its forest stores almost 20 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The President also explained that as part of his government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, they have established an International Centre for Biodiversity Research.

He explained that the research centre was linked to improving the country’s competitiveness, human capita, innovation, research and development, as part of what is in

store to be offered globally.

To achieve this, he said, “…we are seeking partnership with universities and research organisations to make this a cutting edge centre of excellence with focus on ecosystem services, forests and biodiversity watersheds.”

This led to President Ali extending an invitation to Harvard University, and other universities and research organisations in attendance, to come onboard with Guyana in the area of ecosystem services.

8 arrested over air... from page 16 were all occupants of the house at the time.

They have been held, for robbery under arms.

Three cellular phones suspected to be stolen, were also found during a further search and the owners were contacted, who confirmed that they were robbed of their cell phones indeed.

Meanwhile, under questioning, Benjamin and Clarke admitted to committing three robberies on Saturday.

Formal charges are expected to be laid shortly.

According to reports, on December 4 last, Jovon Dos Santos, 28, a Seaman of Lot 24-6 Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was

robbed by two identifiable males that were armed at the time with handguns.

Dos Santos said, that at approximately 04:05 hrs, he left a ‘wake house’ at Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, and was on his way home on Main and Alexander Streets, when he was accosted by two identifiable men.

The two men were on their pedal cycles and were dressed in dark coloured clothing.

The men relieved the victim of $16,000 cash, Guyana currency, one Samsung cell phone valued at $58,000, one National Identification Card along with two bank cards.

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Tuesday December 07, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships Victory for Hikers, GCC and Saints in respective divisions The Pepsi Hikers, GCC Roulettes and Saints Sensations all finished the hockey year on a high with victories in the three divisions of the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships, the only local competition for the entire 2021.The men’s final showed some promise in the early minutes as, despite Hikers Captain Randy Hope’s early goal in the 3rd minute, Guyana 40s Captain Chris Low would equalize five minutes later making the statement that the favourites, Hikers, were in for a genuine fight. As the half progressed, the Hikers would score a pair more by Aroydy Branford and Jason Clarke but as the 40s

tired, the Pepsi Hikers, would re-emerge after a refreshing half time and dominate the second half with a string of six unanswered goals. MVP Jamarj Assanah led the charge with five goals of his own to complete the 9-1 victory for the Pepsi Hikers.

Abosaide Cadogan was unstoppable in the women’s final as she led the score sheet with five goals supported by tournament MVP Leo Berlie with a double. The GBTI GCC Roulettes were relentless in their goal pursuit and managed a 7-1 victory over the GBTI GCC Spartans.

While the Spartans put up a brave fight and the run-ofplay was more closely

matched than the scoreline, it was the clinical finishing of Cadogan and the high workrate and skill level of Berlie that separated the teams.

Spartans Captain Gabriella Xavier connected with a pass from Marzana Fiedkou late in the match to salvage some pride with the lone goal of the match for the Spartans.

The Garnett brothers, Shomere and Tahrea, managed five of the six goals scored for Saints in their 6 – 2 drubbing of YMCA Old Fort in the second division final.

The final goal of the match was the most memorable moment as Tahrea sprinted up court on the left side, leaving the Old Fort defence in the

Saints Scorpions, winners of the second division. dust before gently lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Paul D’Andrade and into the net.In the presenta-

Tuesday December 07, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If only more days could be this easy. The energy from the aspects is revitalizing, allowing you to get a lot accomplished. If there's something you've hesitated to do, seize some of the day's added confidence and go for it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today will start off with an energy boost for you. Seize the opportunity to make the most of this by getting those major projects and chores handled.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today the cosmic conditions are great for peak physical and mental energy.

You'll be able to take on almost anything.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Expect to enjoy today.

You're in great shape and operating at peak performance. These are excellent conditions for working or creating.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The energy today means you'll feel on top of the world. Given your usual hardworking nature, you may need to keep an eye out for exhaustion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're off to an excellent start. If you've felt a little weary lately, this will change. Added mental and physical strength is available to you. Things that seemed difficult yesterday will come easily today. Take out any projects or to-do lists and go for it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You might feel like you have more energy today than you usually do.

Whether the tasks ahead require physical strength or mental acuity, approach them with confidence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Expect to start your day with renewed strength and energy. Almost everything on your to-do list will fall into place.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This will be one of those days when you're glad to get up. The energy is exceptionally positive. You'll probably feel energetic, confident, and ready to get down to work on your projects.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's going to be a great day to get things done. Cosmic conditions will have you feeling energetic and raring to go. If there's a list of things to do waiting for you, grab it and get going.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This will be an excellent day to start some of the projects you've held back for some time. You'll likely feel more physical and mental energy than you've experienced lately.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)Y ou might be more energetic than you’ve felt in a long time. It’s the perfect day to get busy with tasks, projects, and housework.

You’ll breeze through most things in no time and enjoy them.

tion after the conclusion of the three finals, the individual awards were:Second Division: Most Promising Player

- Federico Cush (GCC Pitbulls) Best Goalkeeper – Raol Whittaker (Saints) Women’s Division: Most Valuable Player – Leo Berlie (GBTI GCC Roulettes)Best Goalkeeper – Donyale Nurse (Saints) Men’s Division: Most Valuable Player – Jamarj Assanah (Pepsi Hikers) Best Goalkeeper – Anthony Cole (Guyana 40s)

West Indies to host Ireland...

From page 24 All matches will be available in Ireland and the United Kingdom on BT Sport on its sports channels and across its digital platforms.

Match schedule – at Sabina Park January 8: 1st CG Insurance ODI – 9:30 am (10:30 am Eastern Caribbean/2:30 pm Ireland) January 11: 2nd CG Insurance ODI – 9:30 am (10:30 am Eastern Caribbean/2:30 pm Ireland) January 14: 3rd CG Insurance ODI – 9:30 am (10:30 am Eastern Caribbean/2:30 pm Ireland) January 16: T20I International – 4 pm (5 pm Eastern Caribbean/9 pm Ireland).

Tony’s Jewellery donates gold...

From page 24 January 1, the GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021 to be held over the period December 11 – January 2 and the GFF-K&S Futsal Championship to be held over the period December 14 – January 8.

Games will be played in venues across the country, including in Georgetown, Buxton, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Providence, Leonora, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, and Essequibo.

PAGE 22

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

BCB hosts successful bowling clinic with - Close to sixty Devers and King on Sunday youths in attendance The Berbice Cricket Board continues to invest heavily in the development of its youths with the successful hosting of a five hours bowling clinic at the Albion Cricket Ground on Sunday last. The clinic was conducted by former West Indies Test Player Reon King and former Guyana youth player Sean Devers.

King was responsible for the fast bowling clinic, while Devers worked with the offspinners. Twenty four young pacers including West Indies under19 selectee Isai Thorne attended the clinic.

King, who played nineteen tests and fifty One Day International matches for the West Indies, spoke on the importance of being physically fit,

Reon King poses with the young fast bowlers after the clinic. a proper run up, follow through, mental strength and grip.

King, who is currently an International Match Referee, also supervised the fast bowlers in an intense training session where he worked on providing advice on several technical problems.

The off spinners clinic was attended by over thirty passionate under19’s.

Devers, who is a Level two cricket coach and a qualified umpire, spoke on the importance of discipline as it is the most vital part of bowling spin. Devers spoke on the need to develop a culture of consistency as spin bowling is a game of patience. Work was done on grip, how to bowl the arm ball, run up and follow through.

The youths were advised to let the batsmen made the mistakes and to be consistent with good control at all times.

Both King and Devers hailed the Berbice Cricket Board for organising the clinics and expressed delight at the discipline and positive attitude of all the youths.

BCB President Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to both coaches who live in Georgetown for taking time off their schedules to pass on their knowledge to the youths. He stated that the BCB hopes to produce a minimum of ten players for the West Indies at all levels over the next two and three years.

He urged the attentive youths to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the BCB and to continue training at home.

He disclosed that many more clinics would be hosted in the near future and the programme would be expanded in the future as the objective is to identify every promising talent in the

county and to develop those talents.

The clinics are being held under the BCB Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh County-wide Coaching programme, which has coached hundreds of youths over the last four years. Dr Singh is an overseas based Berbician and has invested millions of his own funds towards the development of the game in the county.

Under the programme, the BCB has been able to get coaches to visit clubs to conduct sessions, hosts mini academies, host the Berbice Cricket Academy, hosts clinics and properly prepare all of its inter county teams.

At the conclusion of the clinics, the BCB handed over a special gift to King and Devers.

Foster also issued another request for them to visit again, which was readily accepted.

Sean Devers with the Off Spinners at the Albion Ground.

GFF, K&S Yearend Women’s football tournament team briefing set for today The organisers of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) yearend football tournament will host a tournament briefing for the female teams participating in the Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021 today at 1:00 pm at the GFF office.

The female segment of the yearend football extravaganza will be played from December 11 to January 2 at venues across the country.

All participating teams are asked to be represented as important discussions surrounding the rules of the tournament will be discussed.

The participating teams are as follows: Fruta Conquerors, Santos, GDF, Police, GT Panthers, Swan, St Cuthbert Mission, Foxy Ladies, Bartica, Lethem, Essequibo, Upper Mazaruni, Orealla, Moruca, Mahdia and NA United.

Tuesday December 07, 2021

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Beharry disappointed with condition of LBI facility Wants everyone to come on board to fund refurbishing programme

Anil-Beharry

GCB Treasurer Brain Sukhai

By Sean Devers Technocrat member Anil Beharry is the Chairman of the Committee that is in charge of the LBI facility on the East Coast and he disclosed that major work will soon commence there.

Beharry was speaking at the first press conference held by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) since April 2021 when they won the first legal Elections in a decade.

“The outfield has too much sand which impedes

the growth of grass but it has improved slightly but it’s far from acceptable standards.

We did some rolling of the ground, added some dirt and planted some grass.

We at the GCB will continue to work, and we engaged the Minister of Agriculture to seek assistance.”

Equipped with floodlights which requires a bit of upgrading, the GCB’s aim is, when fully completed, to have the LBI facility compete with the Guyana National Stadium to host first-class matches.

“The electrical wiring was deemed a fire hazard and electrical works have commenced, while an estimated cost of Gy$2 million is to be paid for a major overhaul of the plumbing by a local contractor,” said Beharry, a senior Banker by profession.

“Since we came into office we were able to do some corrective work, but not to the magnitude required to bring the facility to a true International standard cricket venue.

For us to reach the desired standard, there are a few things we need to act on in the near future,” continued Beharry, a former BCB President who represented Berbice as a big hitting left-hander who bowled left-arm spin in the senior Inter-County 50over tournament.

Beharry, who has played for several clubs in Berbice, including Young Warriors where he is presently as a player and Administrator, also lamented the condition of the Indoor facility where the mats

need replacing, while the Hostel need urgent refurbishing.

“Surprisingly, there are no Sightscreens at a venue built to host cricket, while lack of maintenance of very expensive machinery, some which are not working, is another concern,” the 51-yearBeharry posited.

With the GCB cash strapped and the cost to transform the LBI facility into a state-of-art venue out of their reach Beharry said GCB cannot do this alone.

“With the National Task Force now allowing cricket to be played, adhering to all covid-19 restrictions, the Bar at LBI has recently re-opened.

What we need now is a unified support for anyone who is able to help, including foreign investors and it could benefit them by the mileage they could receive…branding and such things.

Everyone needs to get involved…Cooperate Guyana, the Private Sector,

China will take resolute countermeasures,” he said, without elaborating.

The United States is next due to host an Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, raising the question of how China might respond in the interim.

Beijing says it opposes the politicization of sports, but it has punished American sports leagues in the past, including the National Basketball Association, for running afoul of its political red lines.

Chinese officials point out that they have received more than 1,500 applications

from the U.S. Olympic Committee, which is responsible for submitting names of U.S. athletes to attend the Winter Games, set for February.

Nonetheless, they cite strict COVID-19 restrictions for plans to limit spectator attendance, and Chinese state media have said Beijing does not intend to invite Western politicians who have threatened a boycott.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is the only leader of a major country who has accepted China’s invitation to attend.

Secretary of State Antony

the Government …everyone,” Beharry noted.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same press conference, former Malteenoes seam bowling all-rounder Brian Sukhai, who replaced the late Prittipaul Jaigobin as Treasurer in June after Jaigobin died in an accident in the interior in April, said the financial practices of the previous body was far from ‘good’.

“Outside of sponsorship and ticket sales from International cricket, revenue streams for the GCB mainly lie with Cricket West Indies.”

According to the Treasurer, GCB receives US$25,000 in monthly subventions which go towards administrative costs.

“There is another source of income of US$17,500 which mainly goes toward the Academy players but we have not been able to access account as yet, since Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) which managed the affairs of the Guyana Jaguars, is a private entity,” added

Sukhai.

The ongoing legal proceeding to gain access to the accounts is also linked to the rebranding of the Warriors to Guyana Amazon Jaguars, which is now managed by the GCB. “We did an analysis and there were a couple of things that were not in keeping with financial best practices…we found no significant evidence of financial transactions were posted from the middle of December 2020 to March of 2021 and there was no evidence of Bank reconciliation for that period,” revealed Sukhai, a certified Accountant.

The Treasurer indicated that the GCB was audited up to November 30, 2020, while improprieties were discovered with the accounts.

When asked if these improprieties would be investigated and the taken to the Guyana Police Force?

Sukhai said “Yes, those are options.”

U.S. says it will not send officials to Beijing Winter Olympics WA S H I N G T O N / BEIJING, (Reuters) - The United States said yesterday it will not send government officials to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, after China pledged unspecified “countermeasures” against any such diplomatic boycott.

President Joe Biden said last month that he was considering such a diplomatic boycott amid criticism of China’s human rights record, including what Washington says is genocide against minority Muslims in its western region of Xinjiang.

“The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games given the PRC’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told a daily press briefing.

“U.S. diplomatic or official representation would treat these games as business as usual in the face of the PRC’s egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang, and we simply can’t do that,” Psaki said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

China’s embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

The diplomatic boycott, which has been encouraged by some members of the U.S. Congress for months, would

not affect the attendance of American athletes, she said.

“The athletes on Team USA have our full support.

We will be behind them 100% as we cheer them on from home.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news briefing earlier in Beijing that those calling for a boycott are “grandstanding” and should stop “so as not to affect the dialogue and cooperation between China and the United States in important areas.”

“If the U.S. insists in wilfully clinging to its course,

A protest for the boycotting of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Blinken has said the United States has been consulting with allies and partners on a “shared approach” to the Beijing Games in light of their concerns about China’s human rights record.

Stefano Sannino, chief of the European Union’s diplomatic service, said on Friday after meetings with U.S. officials in Washington that it was important to keep up pressure on China over abuses in Xinjiang, but that any boycott was in the domain of individual members states, not common EU foreign policy.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 6, 2021.

(REUTERS/Leah Millis)

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday December 07, 2021

DeSinco Ltd. donate footballs to EBFA Clubs and St. Cuthbert’s Mission ”We have been following the progress of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and the work you have been doing for quite a few years now and I must say it is very commendable to the extent that we have made a decision to donate much needed footballs to your clubs.”

The words of Managing Director of DeSinco Ltd., Frank DeAbreu to (EBFA) Vice President Lambert Clayton and others at a simple presentation ceremony at the Company’s Eccles Industrial Estate location on Wednesday afternoon last.

The two-part occasion was first to donate to the EBFA Academy Training Centre Under-13 Team which would be contesting the final of the Guyana Football Federation inaugural Inter-Association competition against the Georgetown Football Association ATC; the nine (9) Regional Members Associations competed in this competition with the two finalists both winning their respective

groups.DeAbreu further stated that he is pleased with the level of commitment being shown by the Coaching staff of the ATC based on a report given to him by VP Lambert who also informed DeAbreu that the ATC is being fully funded by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) with the EBFA taking care of the administrative aspect of things whilst overlooking and supervising the Technical department.”I must say that we are moving in the right direction with the deliberate investment in our youths. I would really encourage the clubs to maintain the wonderful job that they have been doing to ensure the best players come through to the top. We here at DeSinco Ltd. are well aware of the challenges presented to us all with the ongoing pandemic but we must collectively find solutions to this huge challenge.”

Lambert on behalf of the EBFA extended gratitude to Mr. DeAbreu and DeSinco

DeSinco Ltd. Managing Director Frank DeAbreu (3rd right) and EBFA Vice President, Lambert Clayton (3rd left) are joined by other EBFA officials at the presentation of the footballs.

Ltd. for their kind gesture which he noted would go a long way in aiding the return to competitive play.

Over $200,000 worth if balls were donated and the clubs set to benefit apart from St. Cuthbert’s Mission are: Swan

FC, KuruKururu Warriors FC, Timehri Panthers FC, Friendship All Stars FC, Diamond United FC, Samatta Point/

Kaneville FC, Mocha Champs FC, Agricola Red Triangle FC and Herstelling Raiders FC.

West Indies to host Ireland for three ODIs Tony’s Jewellery donates gold ring and one T20 at Sabina Park January 2022 for GFF K&S football tourney MVP SportsMax - The West Indies will host Ireland for three CG Insurance One-Day Internationals (ODI) and a one-off T20 International (T20I) at Sabina Park, Jamaica from Saturday, January 8 to Sunday, January 16, Cricket West Indies confirmed yesterday.

This will be Ireland’s second full white-ball tour to the West Indies having previously toured in 2020 which included a thrilling onewicket, last-over win for the West Indies in the second match of the 2020 CG Insurance ODI Series.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Ireland back to the West Indies in January.

They last visited the Caribbean in 2020 and we had some exciting encounters, so we can anticipate a competitive series to start the New Year,” said CWI CEO Johnny Grave.

“This will be the start of a very busy year for us at CWI, as we host several international teams as well as the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup. “We want to thank the Government of Jamaica and our colleagues at the Jamaica Cricket Association, who have been working closely with us to make sure that the tour can take place safely and smoothly. We’d also like to thank title sponsors CG Insur-

West Indies will face Ireland in 3 ODI’s and one T20 in Jamaica. ance for their ongoing support and investment in cricket, especially during the COVID19 pandemic, as it has been vital funding to help us to sustain the sport across our Caribbean countries and communities.”

Naz Farrow, CEO of CG Insurance said his company is happy to be able to support CWI during these challenging times.

“When we first began our partnership a few years ago, we would have never imagined that the teams, and the world, were about to face one of the biggest challenges of this generation,” he said.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have been thrilled to see the players and teams work through the various obstacles to constantly deliver

world-class cricket. Even now, as Ireland joins to play the ODIs in January, we are proud to continue to support CWI, and this series, and look forward to these exciting matches in 2022.”

The CG Insurance ODI Series between West Indies and Ireland will be West Indies fifth ODI series out of the 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.The CG Insurance ODIs will start at 9:30 am local time (10:30 am Eastern Caribbean/2:30 pm Ireland) and the T20I will start at 4 pm local time (5 pm Eastern Caribbean/9 pm Ireland).

Continued on page 21)

The management of Tony’s Jewellery Establishment of 1st Street Alexander Village has decided to post an expensive reward for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the male section of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) yearend football tournament.

The Business Establishment noted that they have seen great improvements in the fortunes of youths in Guyana and supports the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports who has come on board in a big way in ensuring this yearend football event comes off.

Tony’s Jewellery has donated a beautiful 14 karat diamond encrusted gold ring to the MVP in the final of the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament.

The 1st Street Alexander Village jewellery’s representatives, Managing Directors, Intiaz Alli and Sharon Sookhoo, handed over the expensive item to Aubrey Shanghai Major of the organising team yesterday.

The business house has joined several who have thrown their support behind the yearend event.

The GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup is scheduled to be held over the period December 12 (Continued on page 21)

Managing Directors Intiaz Alli and Sharon Sookhoo present the ring to Aubrey Shanghai Major.

The ring on offer for the MVP.

Tuesday December 07, 2021

Kaieteur News

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit dies (Reuters) - Medina Spirit, the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, died yesterday after a workout at a California racetrack, multiple media outlets reported.

The thoroughbred collapsed after a

workout at Santa Anita Park, horseracing news site Paulick Report said, citing a former California Horse Racing Board official who spoke with the attending veterinarian.

PAGE 25

- media reports

Medina Spirit, trained by seven-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert, came under scrutiny earlier this year after testing positive for betamethasone, a banned substance.

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit, a horse trained

by Bob Baffert, runs on the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. April 28, 2021.

(REUTERS/ Bryan Woolston)

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Victory for Hikers, GCC and Saints in respective divisions

GBTI GCC Roulettes, winners of the women's division.

t r o Sp

Pepsi Hikers, winners of the Men's first division.

U.S. says it will Tony’s Jewellery West Indies to host notsend officials donates gold ring Ireland for three ODIs to Beijing for GFF K&S football and one T20 at Sabina Winter Olympics tourney MVP Park January 2022 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.