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AIETEUR NEWS
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Tapping of AFC executive’s phone…
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AFC says it’s fake
December 13, 2020
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Online readership yesterday, 99,355
World’s biggest oil trader quickly ... and they pays US$160M to settle are here
corruption allegations
in Guyana
Trinidad took decades to close loopholes - expert warns Guyana not to walk the same road
PPP/C took over US$180M in loans in last six weeks Brazil Govt. to hold SOCU seizes over 1,000 public hearings files from Police on auctioning of Commissioner’s office its mineral lands Bandit shot dead Guyanese Abdel Nur, after Eccles convicted in JFK terror warehouse raid plot, deported from US Firearm licences issued under Coalition…
US$150M CJIA expansion fiasco…
We don’t have to be this way Every country, no matter how wealthy, has its share of poor. Guyana has approximately 12,000 persons that receive public assistance. Thousands more need such assistance. Without help, these persons cannot live other than like stray dogs foraging for scraps. We don’t have to be this way. We have oil. Not a single Guyanese should be on public assistance. Guyana is like a man sitting on a million dollars, and not having anything to wear or eat, not even a proper home. Naked, hungry and homeless! Guyana is poor because its wealth is hidden away, given away, or spirited away by our political leaders. 750,000 Guyanese are sitting on millions, but our political leaders have hidden this wealth from them. They engage in double talk, doubledealing, and doubling down for their own benefit. When PPP/C and APNU and AFC leaders conduct themselves in this sleazy and corrupt manner, they cheat us and impoverish us. It does not have to be this way for any Guyanese. Isn’t it time we all pay attention? Isn’t it time that we all say something? Isn’t it time that we all let our anger flow to the surface and in the faces of these lying, cheating leaders?
Govt. rejects Chinese contractor’s demand for more money - threatens legal action, debarment from future projects (Rebroadcast)
Has Guyana done enough so far to avoid the mistakes made by other oil producers? Listen as T&T expert, Anthony Paul answers these questions at 7PM on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2020
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Trinidad took decades to close - oil expert warns Guyana loopholes not to walk the same road By Kiana Wilburg
E
ven though Guyana's C A R I C O M s i s t e r, Trinidad and Tobago, has been in the oil and gas industry for well over 100 years, its poor management and weakened institutional capacity that spans decades have thrown its economy into a state of ill health. The government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, is struggling to repair the damage by embarking on a campaign of contract renegotiations, while its experienced industry stakeholders zero in on Guyana's emerging oil wealth as a means of survival. To ensure it does not find itself in the same predicament, Trinidad and Tobago's energy expert,
Anthony Paul, firmly asserts that Guyana needs to begin the critical groundwork now. The energy strategist made these and other remarks during his recent appearance on Kaieteur Radio's Programme, 'Guyana's Oil and You.' There, the transparency advocate noted that Trinidad and Tobago has been in trouble with the management of its gas resources for years. The problems have only been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Trinidad offers a lot of lessons for Guyana because the country has been struggling with managing its natural gas for some time now in terms of production. And in my view, it is something that requires good governance, strong
institutional framework, good decision-making to correct…” Further to this, the industry expert shared that Trinidad's institutional capacity to govern the sector weakened considerably over the years, while noting that this even resulted in the late observation that there was a shortage in production. In this regard, he said that production was falling by almost a billion cubic feet per day and very little revenue was going to the people. Paul said, too, that the country subsequently became aware of the fact that there was massive tax avoidance by the oil companies. “That means that the gas was being sold but the benefit was not coming back to TT.”
Considering how weak the institutional capacity had gotten over time, as well as the significant effort it would take to correct this once and for all, Paul shared that the government in 2018, moved to increase its royalty for natural gas to a whopping 12 ½%. By doing this, Paul said that millions of dollars Trinidad was losing over the years via tax avoidance by the oil majors started returning. He said too that this loophole was able to be plugged by ensuring that legislation was put in place. To ensure that Guyanese are not made to suffer the same way, Paul urged the authorities to ensure the relevant protective measures are in place. To be continued…
AFC says its fake news, Granger to issue statement today
Tapping of AFC executive's phone… “It is merely fake news,” was the retort given by two executive members of the Alliance For Change (AFC), in response to allegations that the executive of the Coalition government under then President David Granger had ordered the surveillance of a senior minister from the party, weeks after the March 2, 2020 elections. Reliable sources who saw the correspondence on the matter told Kaieteur News that the executive had received “credible” reports that the minister was alleged to have been involved in a number of illegal practices linked to ammunition and gun licences, among other activities. With the allegations in the
public domain, Kaieteur News reached out to General Secretary of the AFC, David Patterson, for a comment. “From what I understand, it is actually fake news,” Patterson told this paper, adding that “it is a fictitious paper…that is my information, whatever it is that they are quoting from.” Executive member Raphael Trotman when contacted sang a similar tune stating, “We are treating it as fake news until somebody can show what they are talking about.” Trotman added “I can tell you that such a thing was never discussed at parliament so we are treating it as fake news until there is proof of otherwise.”
With the order reportedly coming from the top of the Coalition, Kaieteur News also attempted to source comments from leader, David Granger. This paper was informed by People's N a t i o n a l Congress Reform ( P N C R ) executive and Opposition Chief W h i p Christopher Jones that the former President will issue a statement today. Official sources told Kaieteur News on Friday that the
Guyana Police Force Special Branch/Intelligence had written a few weeks after the March 2 elections, on the authority of the Granger (continued on page 13)
T TONIGH7:00pm
Brazil Govt. to hold public hearings on auctioning of its mineral lands Brazil (BNAmericas) Brazilian mining regulator ANM will hold a virtual public hearing on Tuesday afternoon on guidelines for the planned auction of thousands of areas for mineral exploration. The government is planning to offer exploration concessions for around 5,000 areas as part of efforts to attract investment and diversify the sector, according to an ANM statement. The hearing will be transmitted live on the ANM channel on YouTube at this link. Details on how to send suggestions during the hearing can be found here. “The ANM rounds offering areas for mining began in September this year. In the first round, used as a pilot project, approximately 500 areas were made available for exploration of minerals used mainly in infrastructure and civil construction, such as sand, gravel, clay (red ceramic), and gypsum,” the regulator said.“ANM has now not only expanded the offer, but also intends to provide more attractive areas than those of the first round,” it added. Brazil is highly dependent on relatively few mining products, with iron ore representing two thirds of sector revenue, followed by gold and copper.
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G
uyanese, your country is just mere days away from its one-year anniversary as an oil producing state. How well has it done so far? Has enough been done to avoid the mistakes made by other oil producing states? To hear these answers and much
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Sunday December 13, 2020
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
Change of government, professionals and protection More and more, concerns are being expressed in the public domain about the fate of public servants when there is a change in government. As experienced time and again in this country, when government changes a purge follows. No matter how nuanced or minimal, or concealed, these things come to light and they leave many misgivings in their wake. And when elections in Guyana deteriorate to the depths of the barbaric and bizarre, as occurred in this year’s contest, the prejudices and animosities spill over into the public service, with servants of a particular color, those of the losing kind are sent on their way. As a practical matter, it is the norm of democratically run elections for the aftermath to be visited by bureaucratic bloodletting. At times, it can be severe and savaging, with the ugly occurring. As the Guyanese saying of the victors go “is we in power now, we in control of things.” As said, it can be brutal, unsparing, and few finding favor. The more senior and sensitive the roles, the more likely it is that the outcome will be of get packing, get moving, get lost, and good riddance, too. Emotions run high; prejudices still higher. In Guyana, this has assumed the ugly coloring of the thoroughly racial. There has occasionally been talking about doing something about electoral reform, constitutional reform, and other much-needed governmental reform. We think that these are overdue and should be made into front burner priorities engaging the highest levels of government with trustworthy and ethical people being a vital part of any objective toward and program of improvement. Now the trustworthy and ethical is what brings us to this point of professionals in the public service, and what to do about them. That is, how they should be handled in the stormy and celebratory (and expectant, too) aftermath of elections in Guyana? Without fail, this is what they have all been about in whatever cycles that have come to pass. Public service professionals are citizens, and not UFOs from some alien universe. They have beliefs, favorites, and those who favor them. To these, we add the constitutional guarantees of free choice, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the freedom to vote in an environment that is fair and peaceful. Those may be so, but regrettably, those have proven to be words on paper, and only go so far when the passions of closely contested and disputed elections spillover from elections politics into the business of clean and sober governance. Or to take the first line from the very first page out of the well-used book of victorious leaders, there is the regular ringing commitment to govern for all in the most generous definitions and expanses of inclusion and fairness. Unsurprisingly, that represents longstanding dishonesty, and has proven to be more of easy rhetoric and less to do with the realities and practices of triumphant political groups. The first casualties are senior public servants for this is where government reach is most powerful. Our position is that those who actively campaigned publicly should resign or be asked to leave. Senior public servants have to be trusted to pursue policies and programs that maximize the reputation of sitting governments. Only the winning party’s own proven loyalists would have enough standing to fulfill the levels of credibility and confidence required. On the other hand, those who have voiced a preference for this or that political group should not be made to pay any price. And the more skilled and competent they are, the more untouchable they ought to be. That has to be nonnegotiable. For, think about this, some of the people specially chosen for ranking positions have no other qualifications, besides hanging on to the right coattails at the right time.
It takes a lifetime to forge exceptional political leaders Dear Editor, As a Guyanese lawmaker, Mr. Sherod Duncan would, or should have one solemn oath sworn to “serve without ill-will or favour” the People of Guyana. In a recent missive (SN December 3, 2020, “The return of Dr. Luncheon”), the Alliance for Change politician bemoaned (among other gripes) that the former HPS and Cabinet Secretary from 1992-2015 would be returning to the Office of the President. As a context and binary Mr. Duncan references two main issues (Derrida/ Soyinka), first that PPP leaders from the pre-2015 era are prominent as executives in the Irfaan AliM a r k P h i l l i p s administration. Second, that there is currently no substantive agenda for the 12th parliament. He is mindful of acknowledging
the interconnection between longevity and experience (as a value) and institutional knowledge (IK). In citing a section or paragraph from the book ‘We shall Not Fail, The Inspiring leadership of Winston Churchill’ -by Celia Sandys and Jonathan L i t t m a n , M r. D u n c a n perhaps as a contradiction veers into the realm of intellectual commodity markets. Evidently, the AFC legislator’s advocacy at the socio-political gradient is subjective, possibly eurocentric and therefore flawed. One must express a relative consternation that he would support his opening premise giving the contemporary Black Studies as well as BLM by relying on the racist, imperialist Winston Churchill at a time when radical and even so-called neolibs publicly support the
As for that great majority that keeps their political choices to themselves, they should be off limits from any of the usual purges that follow elections. These protections must be built into our public service rules and our political culture.
dismantling of Churchill’s statue from its place of prominence in London. Recall the Tory leader’s description of Mahatma Gandhi as “a half-naked fakir”. But that could complicate at least partially, the conversation. Has Mr. Duncan made efforts to listen or access the Freedom Radio Luncheon on Government weekly and biweekly broadcasts? These informative and multilayered analyses commenced from mid-2015 right up until early 2019. If we accept that as a member of parliament he has access to the national budget and estimate interventions of PPP representatives even though the COVID protocols may have constrained such, Mr. Duncan certainly would be au fait with the rhetoric of Ministers Anthony, Benn, Manickhand, Sukhai and
Teixiera, especially the latter as Chief Whip. This is not a question of conjecture. Luncheon’s perspective on the political behaviour of the APNUAFC is as profound as any, whilst Teixiera’s resume in elaborating the roots of APNU-AFC tactics and demagoguery has served as essential guidelines for governance reforms. In conclusion it is worth noting that longevity measured in terms of political leaders including Mohamed Mosaddegh (86), Jawaharlal Nehru (74), WEB Dubois (93) and Guyana’s foremost freedom fighter Cheddi Jagan (79) is reproduced by historical forces and class struggle. It takes between 10-12 years to forge a CEO but a lifetime for exceptional political leaders of the people. Yours truly, Eddi Rodney
Because we have had what is now the resisted and discredited norm, purges do more than remove suspected fifth columnists. They are laced with racial poison which spread into greater watching society.
Sunday December 13, 2020
We need the new and the altruistic Dear Editor, A couple of Saturdays ago, a small group of intrepid Guyanese took the bit between their teeth and came together to put out publicly what many have called for often, with varying degrees of sincerity. This little group of around ten citizens placed before Guyanese, the Electoral Reform Group. I recognize their interest, appreciate their objective(s), and support their daring. The best is wished, and I plan on lending a hand, even if only philosophically and morally. I must say I know of a few in this fledgling group. Their intentions seem patriotic; their bona fides contributory to what could be constructive. This is said, with understanding that it is an uphill road chosen, many grueling tasks with obstacles littered all over: ‘no silver bullet’ for cure, as they themselves admitted. Like I said from the inception, intrepid souls they are; and for that alone, there is doffing of sombrero and bowing. Now I am troubled that in the mainstream media, reactions have been largely muted. I expected comments, mostly welcoming for being timely and necessary; and, of course, cynics taking a different tack, this now being the settled
comforting culture of d e m o c r a c y ’s mission accomplished in Guyana. But we have not even had that, and I wonder why. I acknowledge that the main action may be on social media platforms, where cognoscenti and clamorers congregate. But in the arenas where the tempered engage, there has been silence. Not quite deafening, but disheartening to me. For I seem to recall that more than a few had taken to the airwaves to lament with hands over their hearts that lack of electoral reform is at the crux of our perennial problems, and the need for such could not be overemphasized, overstated, or overproduced. I am concerned that they have gone ominously quiet. It as if the usual is playing out. That is, with the most controversial, thorniest, national elections season o v e r, and specific objectives met, there is neither interest nor urgency for electoral reform right now. As said: mission accomplished: party triumphant. What else is there? If such is the thinking, I d i s a g r e e s t r o n g l y, sharply, immediately with the conscientious and principled Guyanese
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accepting and going underground on this. No other kind of thinking could be more helpful to the grim prospects, the high likelihood, of a worse repetition of what was endured for nineteen months (or 60 years). Nothing could be more detrimental to us finding a way forward to resolving our eternal electoral crises, or hostile to defusing the rank hostilities and naked venoms that characterized so much of past and the recent elections, in the intervals before, during, and the raw aftermaths. The new ERG cannot do it alone. Editor, this thinking, which fosters complacency, merely buys time today for us to make abject and greater embarrassments of ourselves tomorrow. I am totally out of the picture, an occasional voice from the wilderness now cherished, and I am appalled at how we rage at elections time and then settle into seething stillness afterwards. Like pigs, we must like living in a certain kind of environment, with great cherishing of the materials delivered by the sewers. This makes me question, like so many things about Guyana, how really authentic we are deep down in the things that matter, those same
things that we shout that we must have and now. For here it is that we have some younger (somewhat), stranger (not quite) voices and presences, and the response has been humdrum. If these things are going to work, they cannot be peopled by the same recyclables that turn up at every drawing of lots. Those same recycled people are too much the embodiment of the stale and stagnant and what suffocates with the tired and treacherous. We need the new and the altruistic. I may be wrong about these new electoral reform people, but I am willing to do so, since there is little to lose, much that this country can gain. I hasten to point this out: not I, who do not have a dog anymore in Guyana’s political dogfights; but for this society, if it’s to have a dog’s chance in this life. Yours truly, GHK Lall
Dialogue is needed to diffuse tension in society and to build trust Dear Editor, In my letter “Jagdeo should give Granger the benefit of the doubt” (SN, 30th September 2015) I stipulated that dialogue is needed to diffuse tension in society and to build trust. It is time for David Granger to give President Irfaan Ali the benefit of the
doubt. Dialogue without preconditions is needed in Guyanese society. Hopefully President Irfaan Ali will open the door for Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and initiate dialogue without preconditions. Yours truly, Sean Ori
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Sunday December 13, 2020
The First Lady is well-liked and proactive on a number of issues Dear Editor, First Lady Arya Ali is very well liked throughout the nation for her pro-active role. Unlike her predecessors, she is very active on social issues and the environment, undertaking beautifying projects. And she has exhibited one distinguishing quality from all preceding First Ladies — relate with and is very comfortable working with all religious denominations — Hindu, Muslim, and Christian – patronizing, hosting, and supporting events of all faiths. She cares for her country and the people and acts her part in tandem with the President when required and separately to get things done. Because of her nonpolitical and noncontroversial activism, she has scored extremely high ratings among recent First Ladies for performance or likability, much higher than her predecessor and even higher than her husband, the President. In fact, no one has given First Lady Arya Ali a negative rating in an ongoing poll I have been conducting. Everywhere, people praise the stand she has taken on several social issues and the environment. She is described as friendly, compassionate, caring, adorable, cultured, warm, well mannered, and bright, she is also patriotic and nationalistic standing up for the country. She has received good traction among younger people, and like her husband, she is on the ground interacting with the populace. Lady Arya complements her husband on several matters, and she is very supportive of him as he addresses ‘political’ or governance issues of the state. Being the President’s spouse is a unique job; she becomes involved in
important causes and raising awareness for the administration’s policy initiatives. There is no defined public policy role for a First Lady and as such there is nothing to be evaluated or rated. She is not assigned a specific public policy role but has taken on her own roles. The First Lady’s task or role is how she and the government define it. It can be everything and almost anything at any time. She can pursue any public policy or issue. But she usually does not dabble in politics as Viola Burnham did, and she often restricts her activities to a supporting role to the President. But First Ladies of other nations are well respected. And they can wield significant influence over people and President to get things done or focus attention on a pressing issue. People look up to and admire First Ladies and attend her events being careful not to do things that would offend her or the President. They tend to follow her every action as well as her wardrobe fashion and listen to her. First Ladies play an important role in any nation complementing their husband. Two of Guyana’s First Ladies (Janet Jagan and Viola Burnham) – Janet during self-rule and both of them during the Burnham dictatorship were very active in politics – served in the cabinet or other prominent political posts. Janet Jagan earned her position in the cabinet because she was a revolutionary figure who fought against colonial rule and Burnhamism. Janet earned distinction she owned her political achievement, a hero and iconic figure, with who no other First Ladies can be compared. She earned her reputation separately from her husband and did not depend
on him to shine. Janet was also a very popular and likeable First Lady throughout the nation and President (among PPP supporters) till her resignation in August 1999. Thereafter, First Ladies were not active in politics or in the cabinet or in policymaking, playing supporting roles to their husband. The popularity or approval or likeability ratings of all of
them were not measured in polls except the limited evaluation conducted by this writer. Sandra Granger was well liked among coalition supporters scoring higher than her husband; and whereas David Granger scored poorly among PPP supporters, Sandra got decent ratings among them. In contrast to her predecessor, Arya has taken a much more active public
role. Arya has had a public visibility unmatched by predecessors. She takes the lead volunteering on public matters such as cleaning the environment and speaking out against domestic violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, suicide, and other issues. She supports the antidrug and anti-COVID campaign as well as literacy and health programs. She has
been giving speeches and being interviewed by the media. Arya Ali is admired and popular across the nation among supporters of all parties. She is nonpartisan and does not dabble in political issues. She has stayed out of political conflicts. She has focused on everyday family issues on which everyone would agree. Although they have no (Continued on page 57)
No former presidents meeting can supersede meeting with the Leader of the Opposition Dear Editor, Coalition supporters are seemingly at ease that former President David Granger has declined the invitation from President Irfaan Ali. Social media and other fora were lit up with comments critical of the invitation and urging Mr. Granger to reject same. I too am glad that he did not accept same under the circumstances in which they were made. My greatest concern surrounding this invitation however, rests in what is seen as the continued effort by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration to act in ways contrary to the tenets of good governance, in furtherance of their undermining of the state apparatus, under a highly questionable and controversial election. We must be equally opposed to a de facto Leader of the Opposition as we are opposed to a de facto President. The binding power rests in the constitutional offices of President and Leader of the Opposition. Past presidents have no presidential constitutional power. The reality of this situation, though not addressed by Mr. Granger in his response, is of utmost importance. President Ali must not, with or without the support of foreign interest, be allowed to further circumvent the smooth functioning of the
constitutional office of the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Granger must uphold this and must so demand of President Ali and the international community. This is not simply about an agenda, though one recognises the importance of an agenda being agreed to for any political engagement between the two major parties. It must not also bypass our understanding that the invitation appears to coincide with the European Union release of G$19.8 billion Budgetary Support with conditionalities for inclusive and sustainable development of the country. As a result, the pertinent question given the nature of the invitation is whether or not Alli is genuinely committed to include and work with the Opposition and other stakeholders to move Guyana forward. The evidence does not point in that direction given the fact that the Constitution of Guyana recognises the role of the Leader of the Opposition, a position that Ali is clearly demonstrating he will not countenance; that he will bypass to form an association of former presidents, or better yet, provide an opportunity for others to usurp constitutional role and responsibility. Guyanese must also remember that Mr. Granger, whether by choice or due to pressure from disappointed
and demanding supporters, chose to step aside from the leading opposition position. It is a bad protocol and precedent for the Leader of the Coalition and People’s National Congress Reform to allow the PPP/C to bypass, or even believe he would facilitate any such attempt to bypass the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and engage him as former president on development ideas. In responding, Mr. Granger made a “…recommendation that the meeting be deferred until several important issues [are] satisfactorily settled.” A functioning and respected Office of the Leader of the Opposition is paramount to democracy and has vested in it legal ramifications quite unlike any meeting and discussion with the former President. Guyanese and the international community must not be duped by the façade of inclusion via meetings with four PPP/C presidents and one Coalition president. Mr. Granger must be wiser about the PPP/ C efforts to present an alternate reality whilst they do further damage to Guyana’s institutions and constitutional offices which give meaning to our political and representative system of democracy. The response by Ms. Gail Teixeira should be of further
concern as she seems to somehow find it convenient to link their facilitating Mr. Granger’s overseas medical treatment to a conversation about an invitation. The relevance and suggestion of this gives the subtle hint of a Damocles sword reminding him of some special arrangement from which he benefits other than from entitlement. Such comments are sinister and even if agreed to cannot supersede the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana’s development. No former presidents meeting can supersede meeting with the Leader of the Opposition on Guyana’s development. Mr. Granger must demand that President Ali honour and uphold the Constitution of Guyana by engaging Mr. Joseph Harmon, who holds the constitutional office as Leader of the Opposition. The Guyana old boys club or former presidential association can meet anytime, over dinner or else to wine and dine. It is not our current imperative in this global pandemic and rising numbers of infections and deaths in Guyana. Those members of the international community that still believe in the power of democracy must not be party to or supportive of this farce. Yours truly, Lincoln Lewis
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Company tightlipped about repayments as investors become desperate
Alleged Ponzi scheme… More than three months after the shocking arrests and charges of two officials for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme in which 17,000-plus investors were affected, there is little word about the promised repayments. Kaieteur News had reported that the principals of Accelerated Capital Firm (ACF) Inc., Yuri GarciaDominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael, are accused of running a Ponzi scheme that bilked Guyanese of billions of dollars – over $4B (US$20M). On November 12th, the company commenced the repayment process but, the last figure that was reported based on persons familiar with the situation, is more that a mere 100 persons were repaid. However, thousands of investors are still waiting impatiently as the holiday season approaches. This publication made several attempts to garner details but there has been little forthcoming. The officials, a marketer for the company and GarciaDominguez’s attorney, Dexter Todd, were contacted. Up to
Attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd. yesterday afternoon, Kaieteur News messaged the attorney, but in vain as he did not respond. Last month, the alleged Ponzi scheme operators announced that no one will lose their investments and that they are slated to meet with heads of the state agencies that are currently investigating them.The ‘investors’ had included businessmen and church members, with a number of religious leaders accused of recruiting unsuspecting Guyanese. Accelerated, in a statement, has asked for patience:
“We ask of you for your continued patience and tolerance as we assure you that no one will lose their investment and that an end to this matter will be soonest.” In that release, too, the company acknowledged the delays in the repayment process that was promised by Garcia-Dominguez since September. “This delay has not been without justification as the company is attempting to do everything legally possible to ensure that repayments are done in the shortest possible time.” The company highlighted that the repayment process is stalled due to many obstacles from the ongoing investigation. Earlier this month, the company had offered to repay its investors in digital money. Garcia-Dominguez had announced that he is seeking to make the payments in crypto currency. Crypto currency is a digital method designed to work as a medium of exchange wherein an individual can do online transactions – the most popular crypto currency is
Alleged Ponzi scheme operators, Yuri GarciaDominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael.
bitcoins. However, Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, had told Kaieteur News, that the proposed crypto currency repayment method by the principals of ACF is not a legal tender in Guyana. Kaieteur News had also contacted an official at the Bank of Guyana (BOG) who was unable to confirm the use
of crypto currency in Guyana since the bank is not aware of it.Garcia-Dominguez and his wife are charged for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme in which in excess of US$20M was swindled out of the pockets of thousands of Guyanese. The couple has also been slapped with two charges under the Anti-Money Laun-
dering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. They have also been slapped with 80-plus fraud charges. According to police, Garcia-Dominguez and Ishmael allegedly lured thousands of Guyanese claiming that by investing with their company, persons would get at least 40 percent return. The investors were told that the money would be invested in trade of foreign currency. The investors were also encouraged to enlist additional investors on a 10 percent commission basis. The company had never advertised their business in the mainstream media. ACF Inc. is not registered with the Guyana Securities Council to conduct financial business, as either an investment advisor and/or a broker. This was what had triggered the probe. The new government, under Irfaan Ali, had launched an investigation after complaints were made by investors of not receiving their money/returns.
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
Guyanese, Abdel Nur, convicted in JFK terror plot deported from US PHILADELPHIA, US - Officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed a Guyanese national Thursday, following his conviction and sentencing in the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) for his role in a mid-2000s plot to attack a New York international airport. On Jan. 13, 2011, Compton Eversley, aka Abdel Nur, 70, was convicted and sentenced in a Brooklyn federal court to 168 months in prison for providing material support to a conspiracy that planned to attack the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Jamaica, New York, by exploding fuel tanks and the fuel pipeline under the airport. Eversley believed the attack would cause extensive damage to the airport and to the New York economy, as well as the loss of numerous lives. Eversley, was admitted to the U.S. by immigration officials at the port of entry in Niagara Falls, New York, as a non-immigrant visitor in March 1988. He was authorized to remain for up to six months, but failed to depart in accordance with the terms of his admission. On Oct. 24, 1988, the 17th Circuit Court of Broward County, Florida, convicted Eversley of possession of cocaine and cannabis. He was sentenced to 60 days confinement. That December, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCS) transferred Eversley to the custody of the then Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), based on his overstaying his lawful entry. On Jan. 30, 1989, an immigration judge in Miami issued him a final order of removal (deportation order) and in March 1989 Eversley, was removed to Guyana. In January 2006, an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force began investigating an international plot to attack JFK International Airport. The investigation revealed Eversley and his co-conspirators, conspired to bomb fuel tanks, airport hangers, airplanes, fuel lines and a flight control tower at JFK. According to an ICE statement, Nur’s coconspirators include well-known Guyanese politician and former Parliamentarian, Abdul Kadir. Kadir died in a US prison back in June 2018. The FBI determined Eversley played a substantial role in the plot to attack the facility. He engaged in numerous meetings with other members of the conspiracy and agreed to serve as a liaison with obtaining the support of several known terrorist organizations with executing the scheme. On June 1, 2007, the EDNY issued an arrest
Sent back home: Abdel Nur
warrant for Eversley and three days later, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service arrested him in the city of Port of Spain, and held him in custody pending extradition to the United States. Following completion of the extradition, on June 24, 2008, the FBI extradited him from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States via San Juan, Puerto Rico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) paroled Eversley into the United States to face criminal prosecution. On April 24, 2020, following completion of his sentence, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons transferred Eversley to ERO custody in Philadelphia, where he was served a Notice and Order of Expedited Removal. ICE officers released Eversley to Guyanese officials in Georgetown, Guyana, on Thursday, December 10, without incident, the ICE statement said. Local officials could not immediately confirm Nur’s presence in Guyana, but he was reportedly seen on the streets, a law enforcement source said.
Dem boys seh...
Confession of a Party Dem boys remember when a young child went to confession. De child begin, “Father, I have done a small but cruel thing. It is no great or terrible sin, but it eats upon my conscience.” “Speak, it does the soul much good to be absolved of a venal sin.” “Father, my sister keeps a dog which I presented to her as a wee puppy, and she loved to feed and play with him. But as he grew she came to neglect him, leaving him to feed himself. Father I cared for the dog as my sister would not. When he was thirsty I gave him milk, and fish when he was
hungry. Yet in the evenings he would crawl back to my sister.” “And you never mistreated him? Never beat him or left him hungry as punishment?” “No, Father! But I did do him wrong, for I began to pen him in the evenings, for his own good, so that he did not go back to my cruel sister. But now instead of me he lives unloved in my sister’s house again, for she has let him back in and feigns remorse. It was a wrong thing I did Father, putting a dog in a pen, but I truly meant it as a kind act.” “Even the kindest acts
can be wicked. But all you need do is repent. Now that you accept you have done wrong.” “But Father, I would do it again if I could.” “You say your sister has allowed him back into her house? Are you sure what you did was really the best for the animal?” “Father, I came here for absolution.” “There can be no absolution without true repentance.” “But I have, Father.” “No child. I’m afraid if you will not repent you must go. Go and Sin no more!” Talk half and wait to see
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By Christopher Yasiejko, Andy Hoffman, and Peter Millard www.bloomberg.com: The U.S. unit of the world’s biggest independent oil
America and attempted to manipulate energy markets, in what’s the most significant anti-corruption case against a commodity trading house in years. Vitol Inc. plotted to pay bribes in Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador, in some cases as recently as in 2020, and separately also attempted to manipulate benchmarks for fuel oil prices, according to a deferred prosecution agreement filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. The settlement is likely to revive memories of the murky world of commodity trading back to the era of Marc Rich, the buccaneer trader indicted in the U.S. in the 1980s and pardoned by President Bill Clinton on his last day at the White House. For Vitol, the fine marks a large setback that casts a shadow over its “zero tolerance with corruption” mantra. The U.S. Department of Justice and authorities in
trader agreed to pay more than US$160 million to settle allegations that it con-
Brazil and Switzerland are also investigating Glencore Plc., the world’s largest
spired to pay bribes in Latin
commodity trader, and rival
ven though this newspaper had warned earlier this year that Vitol S. A., the world’s biggest oil trader has an extremely corrupt past and should therefore be disqualified from doing in the nation’s relatively young oil sector, the Energy Department still went ahead and selected it to be part of the shortlist of companies to be considered to market Guyana’s crude. Last week, the world learned that this very company has been paying foreign officials left, right and centre to win contracts. In response, it quickly paid millions of dollars to settle the allegations. Read below for the full story.
Trafigura Group for corruption in several countries. Vitol was accused of two violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, an American anti-bribery law, for its conduct from 2005 through 2020. The company will pay US$90 million to the U.S. and $45 million to Brazilian state oil producer Petroleo Brasileiro SA, known as Petrobras. Brazilian Bribes According to the settlement, Vitol paid Brazilian officials more than US$8 million in bribes in exchange for oilproduct business from Petrobras. The company earned at least US$33 million in profits from the corruptly obtained contracts, according to the filing. Outside of Brazil, Vitol agreed to pay more than US$2 million in bribes to officials at Petroleos Mexicanos and Ecuadorian state oil company Petroecuador from 2015 through 2020 to gain advantage in buying and selling oil products. A Petroecuador spokes-
person, after consulting with acting Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Merino, said in a text message that the allegations stem from 2016 and the guilty parties or the authorities of the company from that year should explain themselves. Merino was appointed to the post in September. Pemex didn’t immediately respond to an email requesting comment. Under the deal, U.S. prosecutors will drop the charges against the U.S. unit of Vitol Holding BV in about three years if the company complies with certain conditions. The company wasn’t required to plead guilty during proceedings Thursday in Brooklyn. “The company fully cooperated,” U.S. Justice Department lawyer Derek Ettinger said in court. Russell Hardy, Vitol’s chief executive officer, said in a statement that the company doesn’t tolerate corruption or illegal business practices. “We understand the seriousness of this matter and are pleased it has been resolved,”
Sunday December 13, 2020
Hardy said. “We will continue to enhance our procedures and controls in line with best practice.” Quiet Giant Vitol, a quiet giant that in 2019 handled more than eight million barrels of crude and petroleum products a day, also agreed to pay more than US$12.7 million to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in a related matter, and to pay the CFTC a US$16 million penalty related to trading activity not covered by the deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department. Miguel “Mike” Loya, the long-time head of Vitol Group’s operations in the Americas, left in May. Loya hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing. In its statement on the case, the CFTC said that Vitol also had attempted to manipulate two price benchmarks for physical fuel oil, in August 2014 and July 2015. Vitol’s Americas division has also been a focus of the Brazilian “Carwash” investigations. A former Petrobras oil trader who went by the code name “Phil Collins” told a Brazilian judge last year he received bribes from the trading house to favor the firm in contracts from 2003 to 2005. In Brazil, the Carwash corruption and money-laundering investigation has toppled some of the country’s top business executives and political leaders, including former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Petrobras has put a stronger compliance and governance system in place and continues to cooperate with
authorities, Chief Executive Officer Roberto Castello Branco said in a Dec. 1 interview. Many of the biggest trading houses — including Trafigura, Glencore and Gunvor Group — have vowed to stop using intermediaries or agents in foreign countries to stop bribery and corruption. They’ve also agreed to disclose some payments made to governments for oil deals. Trafigura and Glencore have also been targeted by investigators in Brazil as part of the Carwash probe. The U.S. Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation are also investigating. In Switzerland, where many of the top traders have major operations, local police searched the Geneva offices of Trafigura and Vitol in 2019 as part of the probe. Prosecutors in Brazil this week filed a civil lawsuit against Trafigura, the second biggest independent oil and metals trader, and some of its top executives, alleging bribery payments to secure deals with state oil producer Petrobras. Trafigura said it hired the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP to review allegations of improper payments. “Based on its review to date, which is ongoing, Quinn Emanuel believes any allegations that current management were involved in, or had knowledge of, alleged improper payments to Petrobras are unsupported by the evidence and untrue,” Trafigura said in a statement.
Mahaica woman robbed of over $2M during home invasion A Mahaica woman was yesterday robbed of over $2M by three armed bandits during an early morning home invasion. The robbery occurred at around 07:13hrs. Kaieteur News understands that the woman was at the time cooking in the lower flat of her home. According to the information, the woman heard dogs barking outside. She peeped through her window and saw one of the suspects jumping over her gate. It was reported that the suspect ran straight into her house and held her at
gunpoint.The bandit demanded she hand over her money – the victim handed over a black plastic bag containing the cash. The other suspects also entered the house and carted off with the woman’s cellphone. It was reported that the bandits escaped on bicycles. Investigators at the scene discovered eight .32 ammunition in the lower flat of the house. This publication understands that the bandits were captured on CCTV carrying out the crime. Investigations are said to be ongoing.
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2020
Judiciary launches campaign to build public trust The Supreme Court of Judicature has launched a public education campaign as part of efforts to strengthen public trust in the judiciary. The project, being supported by the Canadafunded Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) project, will aim to address concerns by members of the public on how the courts operate. Speaking at the virtual launch of the programme on Thursday, Director of the JURIST project, Gloria Richards-Johnson, noted that the crisis of confidence in the courts is regionally known. She noted therefore that in this regard, efforts to provide greater legitimacy and protect the judicial system from political exploitation are continuing. “The possibly of shutting out the public voice seems to be the least effective as well as the least creative way of responding to crisis in the courts. The launch of this public education campaign, together with Guyana judiciary, will ensure that the
public are informed at these times is of critical importance,” asserted, Richards-Johnson. During the launch, Chancellor of Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, spoke of the efforts to ensure that public access to justice is not stymied as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that while the courts’ duties have become more tedious with the onset of COVID-19, all efforts were made to ensure access to justice is not delayed or denied. “Whenever anything changes the ability of the courts to reach the needs of its citizens,” the Chancellor stressed that “steps must be taken to respond quickly, safely and efficiently.” “The judiciary had implemented a campaign titled ‘We Can Still Hear You’ and for the first time, the court live-streamed some of its hearings on Youtube and other online platforms,” Justice Cummings-Edwards added.
Chancellor of Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards.
Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire.
In her remarks, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, explained that public education project was in the making before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “The programme was being crafted to help build public trust and confidence in the judicial system. Due to the pandemic, the court was forced to alter its public communications strategy,” the Chief Justice explained. She added that the launch
of the “We Can Still Hear You,” campaign helped to assure citizens that despite the pandemic their matters could still be heard “Access to justice,” the Chief Justice stressed “continues to be expanded as the court employs a range of technologies and platforms for hearing matter, embracing flexibility about where judges, magistrates, claimants, defendants, prosecutors, jurors, complainants and
accused could be located at the time of hearings or trials.” Given the success of the online strategy, Justice George-Wiltshire noted that it is hoped that public education campaign will take on a similar feat. Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, Lilian Chatterjee, who also spoke at the virtual event, lauded the court’s “We Can Hear You initiative.” “We have to make our judiciary and judicial system real to the public that’s why I must commend the Guyana judiciary for launching the public education campaign which seeks to assure the citizenry that the wheels of justice keep on turning,” she said. Despite the global pandemic, the Canadian High
Commissioner said that “the court has managed to use communication strategies to ensure that the message of ‘We Can Hear You and We Are Working for You,’ can be heard throughout all segments of the population which in turn engenders trust and confidence in the judicial system.” As such, Chatterjee stressed that a strong judiciary is one that listens to those they serve. “I am thrilled to see Guyana’s judiciary using different means to meet and serve more effectively… social media platforms, mobile courts and recording equipment are tools being employed in Guyana right now that help make the court more accessible to the public,” she said.
Rice Board workers UAAW, choose GAWU as bargaining agent On Friday, a poll organised by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) saw the workers of the Burma Rice Research Station at Burma, West Coast Berbice, deciding that they want to be represented by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). The Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (UAAW) was the other union that wanted to represent the workers. According to GAWU, the workers of the center had approached the GAWU to be their bargaining agent. “The workers had become most disillusioned with the UAAW which they shared had not been adequately advancing their cause. During the poll which took place between 08:00hrs
to 16:00hrs on December 11, 2020, nearly all employees participated in the poll. Those who did not take part were either off-location or on annualized or sick leave.” GAWU said that following the close of poll, the counting of the ballots revealed that it had obtained 60 votes with the UAAW receiving 16 votes. “The votes confirmed that the GAWU indeed enjoyed the support of the majority of the workers. At this time, the results of the elections have to be endorsed by the TURCB and expectedly a Certificate of Recognition will be issued to the GAWU.” GAWU said that it is hopeful that this process will soon be concluded and it can begin to engage the GRDB. ”From our interactions with the workers they are several matters which require immediate attention.”
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
FRONT PAGE COMMENTS RECAP As we continue our mission to enlighten the nation about issues of importance to this nation, we at Kaieteur News have published a series of front page comments in hopes of having our leaders take the necessary actions in order to realize the desired outcomes. Today
Killing of taxi driver for insurance money…
Ca ptur ed fugiti ve pleads Captur ptured fugitiv guilty to manslaughter
we recap the front page comments of the past week to bring you up to speed.
How was one foreign company given 30 fishing licences Mr. Ramjattan? THURSDAY Khemraj Ramjattan, the Leader of the Alliance For Change, is incomparably barefaced. Here he is agitated over two fishing licences. This is the same man, who was so dumbstruck that he could not utter a single syllable about oil. But now, he wants to go to the National Assembly, over two fishing licences. We encourage Mr. Ramjattan, now thunderous with outrage, to take his grouse to the National Assembly. While there, he must tell
all Guyana about the seven persons who have fishing licences, of which six are Guyanese, who together with one foreigner, hold a total of 80 plus licences. He must tell all Guyana about the 30 licences held by that single foreigner. How about that, Mr. Ramjattan? And, now that he has found his voice, how about going to the National Assembly to protest over the rights to our gold, bauxite, timber, and especially our oil. Mr. Ramjattan should inform the National Assembly about the secret deals and the APNU+AFC’s stubborn refusal to renegotiate the cor-
rupt and criminal clauses in those deals. How about that Mr. Ramjattan? Now that silence has been broken over two fishing licences, why not work up a rage over potentially hundreds of billions of US dollars lost or given away in secret partnership with Exxon by the PPP/C and APNU+AFC. And speaking of Exxon, tell the National Assembly and the Guyanese people, Mr. Ramjattan, how the fishing catch near the Exxon oil rigs have been affected by the oil operations. Speak up and speak out, Mr. Ramjattan!
‘Name and Shame’ all oil companies Brother Joe! FRIDAY The Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has threatened to name and shame errant security companies for non-payment of NIS and tax obligations. We agree that defaulters should put themselves in order and we understand that the Minister is trying to protect security workers. But the Minister ought to
know that there is bigger fish to fry and more important tax anomalies to which his government should be concerned about. If the Minister is into naming and shaming, we encourage him to name and shame ExxonMobil and others for not giving us what is due to us, for paying nothing in taxes and for saddling the country with billions of US dollars in field development, audit and legal costs.
We urge the Minister to call a spade a spade, regardless of whose spade it is. And if to demonstrate how serious and even-handed he is, Minister Hamilton should name and shame his political colleagues for their slackness and gutlessness with the nation’s oil. These, and some of those on the side of the political divide, are the big oil fishes that should be named and shamed. Go for it, Brother Joe!
AFC says its fake news, Granger to issue ... From page 3 executive, for “intercepts” on the phone of the official, also a senior executive in the AFC. The surveillance, our sources said, took place within the period of April to May 2020, when Guyana was locked in a heated elections' results battle, weeks after Granger had already lost the elections to the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidate, now President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The then minister under surveillance had long been dogged by rumours of bypassing the Firearm Licensing Board and directly issuing licences, in contravention to established procedure, with claims that at least $1M was charged for each gun licence that was issued. Our sources claim, also, that one aspect of the surveillance order included surveillance related to narcotics. Sources told Kaieteur News that the matter raised eye-
Then President David Granger and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, last December after signing the revised Cummingsburg Accord on Christmas Eve brows at the Cabinet, considering the Minister's proximity to the security portfolio. Kaieteur News contacted AFC Leader and former Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who said that he believes no such order was ever made. In relation
to whether he was bypassed in the surveillance order being issued, Ramjattan said that Granger knew he was always a phone call away. The former minister and current parliamentarian said the story was part of the “wickedness” of the ruling PPP/C.
Pleaded guilty to manslaughter: Pooran Jaundoo
A
captured fugitive, who was part of a plot to ambush and brutally murder a United States-based Guyanese citizen in Guyana nine years ago, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Murdered for his insurance money: Abdul Majid
Pooran Jaundoo, 26, had multiple addresses and police had listed them as Lot 57 New Housing Scheme, Belvedere Settlement, Berbice; Second Street, Overwinning, Greater New Amsterdam and Lot 31 Section ‘B’, Cotton Tree,
West Coast Berbice. Jaundoo was wanted for the murder of US-based Guyanese, Abdool Shakeel Majid, a former New York taxi driver. The murder took place on (Continued on page 62)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
EPA to conduct environmental assessment for new Demerara River Bridge - public given 28 days from today to raise concerns
Tattoo needles; 7 cell phones found in NA prison raid
R
anks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service re cently seized a number of illegal items from the New Amsterdam Prison in their drive to rid the correction facility of illegal items.
The raid, which is part of an ongoing effort, netted seven cellular phones, eight and half grammes of cannabis, a number of cigarette lighters, a number of tattoo needles and ink, a number of improvised weapons, including ice picks, and a Digicel sim card.
President Irfaan Ali and his technical team during a visit to the proposed landing site in Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. The Environmental Protection Agency will soon conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River. This comes following an application by the Public Works Ministry’s Work Services Group. This key step, which is stipulated in the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, will facilitate the public’s written submissions on questions and matters to be addressed or considered in the EIA. In the EPA’s notice, which is published in today’s Kaieteur News, the agency said the public would have 28 days to make their submissions after the notice is publicized.
These submissions would thereafter form part of the EIA, which is a prerequisite for the EPA to approve or reject the proposed development project. Notably, since it came into office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government has made the flagship project a top priority, in keeping with its manifesto promise to resolve the burdensome traffic on and around the existing bridge, which has outlived its efficiency. On Friday last, 42 companies responded to the government’s invitation for submission of Expressions of Interest (EoI) to design and build the new bridge from Nandy Park to Meer Zorgen/ La Grange. This four-lane, high-span fixed bridge, which
is commonly referred to as a “flyover bridge,” is set to be built with the lifespan of 50 years, and will not require opening or retraction to allow for maritime traffic. Notably, no costs for the project have yet been established. The new four-lane bridge is expected to stimulate other key infrastructural projects that will lead to numerous spin-off benefits. One major project will be a four-lane highway from the new bridge on the Region Three end, to Parika. Two months ago, when President Ali had visited a possible alignment of the new thoroughfare, he said the project is expected to stimulate the growth of the housing, tourism, industrial, agricultural sectors and others.
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
PPP/C took over US$180M in loans in last six weeks
By Kemol King he People’s Pro gressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, in just six weeks, has taken in over US$180 million in loans from development banks, to combat COVID-19 and to finance infrastructural projects. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, told Kaieteur News yesterday that these loans are for critical projects linked to Guyana’s development, and that the government is working to ensure that there is responsible fiscal management.
T
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$22 million loan, which it announced on November 9, under its Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster and Public Health Emergencies. The bank said that the expenditures are necessary to contain transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate further health and economic consequences. The IDB, on Friday last, then approved another COVID-19 loan for Guyana, to the tune of US$30.4 million. This, it said, will contribute to
providing financial support for vulnerable persons hit by the crisis, and mitigate the fallout of the crisis on the education sector. The World Bank also approved a loan for Guyana, in the sum of US$7.5 million. It said that the funds
would strengthen laboratory capacity, support screening and surveillance, improve contact tracing, and equip healthcare facilities for more effective treatment and care of COVID-19 patients. As for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), it has
Soldiers to get two weeks tax-free bonus
President Irfaan Ali serving soldiers in the border area, Region Seven on Friday. President Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that members of the Guyana Defence Force will get two weeks tax-free bonus in their next pay slip. The Head of State made this announcement on Friday, as he shared Christmas lunch with GDF ranks in the border community of Kaikan, in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). “Even with the difficulties of the pandemic, the slope of the recovery expenditure, the re-organising of the budget to facilitate resources to mitigate issues surrounding the pandemic...we are still going to deliver to our men and women in uniform. I have asked to be included in your next pay slip, two weeks of tax-free bonus for all of our men and women in uniform.” The President was, however, swift to assure the soldiers that it was the first of many such opportunities on the horizon for them. He said that his Government will ensure that the quality of life
of the ranks and their families improve. “This is the start of many opportunities that will come your way….I assure you that we are not only concentrating on a bag of goodies at Christmas time, but we are concentrating on lifetime change, lifetime opportunities. And I assure you that during my tenure in office, your life and your family’s lives will be better and you will be better equipped for the future.” President Ali told the ranks that come next year, the Government will also be making available 20,000 new scholarships, which will be done online. He said that this will give persons, including the soldiers stationed in farflung areas, equal access to educational opportunities. “Importantly, many of these diplomas, degrees and certificates will be achieved through distance or online training... And I assure you all in this location; our health workers, our teachers that
these opportunities will meet you and you will be able to achieve your educational goals even in these locations, even with the difficulties of the pandemic.” The President also challenged the officers present to find consensus and to select three most eligible ranks from amongst themselves, to be given University of Guyana scholarships. He reiterated that as the economy expands so too will salaries and opportunities. He emphasised that it is only through unity and strength that citizens will be able to collectively appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the prosperity ahead. He said that the time for hope is over and that now is the time to achieve. “The task is ours to look ahead, not with optimism, not with hope and dreams, but to look ahead with the commitment to achieving those dreams and aspirations.”
decided to loan Guyana US$112 million to help fund a US$190 million project, for the upgrading of 121 kilometers of road from Linden to Mabura Hill. The Bank announced this loan on Friday. On the same day, the Finance Minister said through the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the CDB has also approved a loan of US$11M for the development of a Tourism and Hospitality Institute in Guyana. These projects alone amount to US$182.9 million, a significant sum across just five loans in six weeks. Asked whether this sum is excessive, the Finance Minister said that it is pertinent to note that the development partners are just now beginning to re-engage with the country after a long period of political uncertainty. This period began with the No-Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018 and culminated in a five-month elections saga characterized by electoral fraud. In addition to that consid-
The Tourism Institute, for instance, is the brainchild of the Donald Ramotar administration, according to Dr. Singh. Activist Ramon Gaskin had just recently criticized the government for racking up significant debts. “The children of this country will be burdened by this [debt] for years to come,” Gaskin had said. Minister Singh said that the government, in taking these loans, saw the need
for the execution of extremely important developmental projects which are “absolutely critical” for the infrastructure of the counMinister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh eration, the Senior Minister said that a number of the projects had been on hold for quite some time after being conceptualized either under a previous PPP/C administration or the immediate former David Granger government.
try, and for improving the wellbeing of Guyanese people. He pointed to the PPP/C’s progress in reducing debt under previous administrations. He underscored that that these development banks are known to lend on favourable terms; that government’s engagement with them reflects its commitment to borrow responsibly.
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Sunday December 13, 2020
… is k e e W e th f o r e rk o W e in tl n o Fr Our
Dr. Giresh Sadeo By Malisa Playter-Harry
A
s we continue to highlight the selfless work health care workers provide to the communities and the country at large, this week we feature the exuberant and friendly Dr. Giresh Sadeo. Dr. Sadeo has been practicing medicine for the past seven years and has been attached to the Skeldon Public Hospital for the last five years. Aside from his work as a medical doctor at the hospital, Dr. Sadeo is one of those health care workers who have been working along with the Region Six COVID19 Taskforce. His responsibilities include screening and contact tracing. However, before explaining the important role he is tasked with during this pandemic, let me unveil another aspect of this doctor's life. Dr. Sadeo who shares a close relationship with his sibling, Sangeeta Sadeo, was born and raised at Number 72 Village, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, Dr. Sadeo attended the Massiah Primary School at Number 71 Village and then graduated and moved on to the Tagore Memorial Secondary School. He graduated in the year 2005 and began his tertiary education shortly after at the University of Guyana's (UG) Tain Campus to pursue an associate degree in Chemistry. After just one year at UG he was given the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and was accepted. This allowed him to
During his five-day stay at Siparuta Village
COVID is not an isolated “ disease; it's like any other illness
in medicine and all healthcare providers should work along with it in the best interest of patients. further his studies in Cuba. On the 22nd November 2006, Dr. Sadeo left for Cuba and studied medicine there for seven years. The doctor mentioned that it was always his desire to become a doctor. He credits his uncle, Dr. Pooran Seepersaud, as the inspiration behind that choice of career. His uncle has been practicing medicine for the past 33 years and noted that during his years of studies his uncle would have assisted him. But realizing success was not without struggles for the doctor. Dr. Sadeo said, since finances were not available while he was studying at UG, he was grateful for a scholarship he got from the government of Guyana. After completing his studies in Cuba, Dr. Sadeo did his internship in that country under a pilot programme that was offered through collaboration between the governments of Guyana and Cuba. When he returned to Guyana he was dispatched to the New Amsterdam Hospital and was later sent to the Skeldon Hospital where he spent three months before returning to the former institution where he spent an additional 18 months. Dr. Sadeo also spent a few days at the Mibicuri Hospital,
”
Black Bush Polder, and then was sent back to the Skeldon Hospital where he said during an interview that "I had a professor during my studies, who said to always prepare for the worse.” It is that little bit of advice that has prepared him for the health crises currently gripping the
Dr. Giresh Sadeo giving blood
Attending to a patient
world. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and with the alarming rise in cases of the novel coronavirus in Region Six, Dr. Sadeo is one of the few doctors working along with the taskforce there to facilitate screening and contact tracing. With Skeldon being the gateway to backtrack, Dr. Sadeo said persons entering the country from Suriname or other parts have to be screened and in some cases tested. But it was not until recently when the cases began to rise in the region, particularly in Orealla/Siparuta, that Dr. Sadeo, along with a team of frontline workers, was sent to the community of Orealla to help with screening and treating. He added that it was challenging in the beginning since it was his first time going to Orealla but added, that "after going, the experience was a good one. Normally we think of Orealla as an underdeveloped community but I discovered it is a treasure island." The doctor stated that the people in Orealla made his job quite easy during his five-day stay there. According to him, they were very understanding of what was happening and what was required
of them as the cases of COVID in their community have been increasing. "They were very cooperative and everyone understood what they had to do and it made my job easier; it helped to contain the disease," he said. Dr. Sadeo said that after completing his stay in Orealla, he returned to Skeldon and was required to do a COVID test after which he isolated at home until his test result returned. Although he shares a two-flat home with his parents, Dr. Sadeo said that he confined himself separately in the upper flat. When his results eventually returned negative, he resumed duties at the Skeldon Hospital. He believes that, "COVID is not an isolated disease; it's like any other illness in medicine and all healthcare providers should work along with it in the best interest of patients.” Good-natured and sociable are only two of the many ways that could be used to shine light on the type of individual he is. His caring approach to dealing with patients has essentially caused him to be known as an approachable medical practitioner. Quoting Bob Marley, he describes himself as being quite
self-sufficient and believes that "the greatness of a man is not how much wealth he requires, but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively." Dr. Sadeo expressed pleasure in utilizing his skills in his community and stated that it makes him happy he can serve in his own community and by extension his country. The doctor said that he lives his life by the notion that life is about "what we can do for others" and it has not failed him along the way since. In addition to being actively involved during the pandemic, Dr. Sadeo is also the Coordinator of blood drives at the Skeldon Hospital for the past five years. He stated that his blood drives are done in collaboration with the blood bank at the New Amsterdam Hospital. He recalled that a blood drive he coordinated in 2018 made history since it attracted 102 persons. Dr. Sadeo has been conducting two blood drives per year; he has one planned for Friday December 18, 2020 which will be conducted under strict COVID-19 protocols. His advice to members of the public is “continue to follow the guidelines and remember to always wear your masks as you go about your daily routines.”
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
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First JetBlue flight lands
A
t approximately 22:03 hours on Friday, low-cost US-based JetBlue, officially commenced non-stop service between New York's J o h n F. K e n n e d y International Airport (JFK) and Guyana's Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), with the first roundtrip flight arriving back in New York yesterday morning. The new service will operate up to four times weekly on JetBlue's Airbus A321 neo aircraft, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport disclosed yesterday. One hundred and fifty passengers were onboard JetBlue's first official flight to Guyana. “JetBlue's arrival in Guyana introduces our low fares and award-winning service to another new market in the Caribbean and Latin America where customers have long faced high prices and little competition,” said Andrea Lusso, vice president network planning, JetBlue. “We remain committed to this important region of our network and continue to connect more travelers with the people and places they want to see.” JetBlue's newest route
c o n n e c t s N e w Yo r k ' s Guyanese American community – the largest in the U.S. – with the capital city, making the connections between friends and family easier and closer than ever. Guyana becomes the fourth country in South America that JetBlue serves and grows the airline's presence in the broader Caribbean and Latin American region to nearly 40 destinations. "We are pleased to welcome JetBlue to our beautiful country, Guyana,” said Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill. He was present at the airport Friday night with several other government and airport officials. “We are confident that their entry into the local market will help to advance t h e a v i a t i o n s e c t o r, especially at a time when the sector is looking to rebuild, in the midst of this global pandemic. This latest investment by JetBlue – even in the current environment – also speaks to the level of confidence the airlines has placed on our country as a lucrative destination of choice." JetBlue's A321 neo (continued on page 55)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Sustaining a movement of leadership transformation across Guyana…
Youth empowerment advocate,
Amar Panday is a 'Special Person' By Rehanna Ramsay
W
e've all heard the saying that young people are the future. However, not many organizations and individuals are investing in the development of youth. As such, in this week's edition, Kaieteur News has selected to highlight the work of dedicated youth empowerment advocate, Amar Panday. Panday has been the driving force behind a fairly new youth empowerment network, which aims to hone the best leadership qualities in some of tomorrow's future leaders. In this capacity, Panday has travelled across the country, conducting training and leadership initiatives with young people as the main beneficiaries. The youth empowerment advocate is looking to sustain a movement of leadership transformation across Guyana. He explained that his private work with the E m p o w e r Yo u t h Ambassadorship programme only started three years ago, around the same time he decided to start his own leadership training
company, Empower Guyana Consultancy (EGC). “The programme was started simultaneously with the company because having worked in the development of children and young people for seven years prior; I found it was something I enjoyed doing and wanted to continue to do beyond the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. He moved on from the RCC earlier this year to expand his consultancy firm --EGC. As the head of the company, Panday has a mandate of conducting training with private and public sector entities in the areas of leadership and
“ We help to train entry level, middle management and other staffers in the leadership positions in the affairs of the professional ethics with a clear view of achieving the aims and objectives of the organizations. ” organization I was with,” said Panday. The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) had spent seven years at the helm of the organization where he crafted and pioneered the work programme of the Commission to ensure that children in all the regions of Guyana received and benefitted from their Human Rights as established in the
Panday and his wife Holika who is also actively involved in his mentorship project.
professional ethics. The objective of the company is to address the shortfall in the development of human resources and help employees function at a premium level. He opined that since human resource is seen as a necessary part of the efficiency, productivity and performance of organizations, it is important that emphasis is placed on the facilitation of the sustained education and empowerment of the staff. The EGC founder said this is where his company plays a key role.
“We help to train entry level, middle management and other staffers in the leadership positions in the affairs of the professional ethics with a clear view of achieving the aims and objectives of the organizations,” Panday added. In addition to his leadership capacity, this week's 'Special Person' is also a proud husband and new father. The latter role he takes more seriously than any other. He counts his charming little family with wife Holika Klass and son Achilles as his biggest blessing. MOULDED IDEALS
Sharing briefly on his upbringing, the youth empowerment advocate told Kaieteur News that he grew up at La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara, in a close-knit family. He described the community where his parents, Pitamber Panday and Bibi Zulaika Panday, brought him and his sister Roshini up, as a place where people valued and respected each other regardless of socio-economic status or ethnicity. “I think this element of my upbringing has moulded a passion to work to promote such ideals of community development and cohesion,” he asserted.
Mr. Panday with some of the ambassadors of the Empower Guyana project
In his capacity as a youth empowerment advocate, Mr. Panday travels across the country to do development work
The youth mentorship leadership during a session with one of the children at the Hauraruni Girls Home
A former pupil of the Vreed-en-hoop Primary School, Panday also attended the Brickdam Secondary School, and later the University of Guyana, the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim O ff i c e r C a d e t S c h o o l (CUPOCS), and the University of the West Indies' Cave Hill Campus. Through his academic
studies, he attained first Degrees in Communication, History and English and later a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management. Given the focus of his study and qualification, Panday said that he draws inspiration for his work and projects from key historical figures with great (continued on page 56)
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Kaieteur News
Divya Yabindranauth
Sunday December 13, 2020
Meet the dazzling Miss Divya Yabindranauth. This belle was appointed Miss United Continents Guyana 2017. She is an aspiring model, humanitarian, and dreamer who is eager to represent Guyana on the international platform. One of her favourite quotes is, “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.�
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Sunday December 13, 2020
KN publisher tells CDB conference of widespread corruption in Guyana B
KN publisher, Glenn Lall, participated in a virtual CDB conference last Monday
By Kemol King
usinessman and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, earlier this week participated in the Caribbean Conference on Corruption, Compliance and Cybercrime, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the World Bank Group. At the invitation of the Caribbean Bank, Lall spoke on the role of the media in the fight against the corruption. Lall is particularly incensed by recent developments in the local oil and gas sector, where extremely valuable oil blocks have been given away for free or next to nothing, with extremely generous terms. The result is that Guyana does not get the value it deserves, while oil companies and corrupt politicians walk away with the lion's share of the people's wealth, Lall believes.
In his presentation, this newspaper's publisher also pointed to widespread corruption in public procurement, for instance, in the handling of infrastructure contracts. “[On the] schools that they're building, that they say they're spending billions on, it's mindboggling,” Lall told the panel. “It makes you just want to vomit sometimes.” In such cases, contractors and public service actors engage in corrupt secret negotiations to place bloated prices on infrastructure projects so they can walk away with kickbacks. Lall said that being a businessman has helped him to understand “the game” and how to identify corruption. “I just put up a six storey building on Regent Street,” he said, “and I plan to put a 4x8 steel plate at the top to show the price it cost me to build, as to what some schools
that don't even fit one floor of my building [cost] double and triple [of] our tax dollars.” The panelists were particularly impressed at Lall's novel approach to journalism over the years, expressed through various columns and mechanisms like 'Dem Boys Seh'. There was particular mention of the Kaieteur News 'Blunt' page, where the newspaper makes a brief statement on an otherwise blunt page, addressing Guyana's leaders on their handling of the people's wealth. Asked about other ways used by Lall to fight corruption, he spoke of the time before the Stabroek Block
agreement and other oil contracts were released. Kaieteur News had carried a single line at the bottom of t h e f r o n t p a g e e v e r y d a y, demanding the release of the agreements. He talked about the use of social media to get the message across, through videos made by the publisher himself, explaining that Guyana's leaders are not prudently managing the country's wealth. Lall also spoke of the use of Kaieteur Radio to fight corruption, particularly 'The Glenn Lall Show' where he and his reporters “tell it as it is”. Because of the nature of the job, Lall spoke of his concern for the
safety and security of journalists in the fight against corruption. “So you guys also talk about what we're doing to safeguard journalists. I have been trying to talk with them almost every day to be careful where they go, who they hang with, where they go and hang, and take a little break here and there. I tell them to be extremely careful,” Lall said. He urges his journalists to be careful at all times, as he has had to walk around with bodyguards for 15 years. The businessman said that corruption in Guyana is so widespread that it has become a 'mafia ring' with many political players directly involved.
Sunday December 13, 2020
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The Invite T
he Leader of the PNC/R appears to be flummoxed by the Presidential invitation for him to attend a caucus of former Presidents. He appears to have concluded that this invite has to do with initiating some form of political dialogue between the government and the Opposition. This is a far cry from what is the meeting's purpose. When he first floated the suggestion, the President of Guyana said that he intended to tap into the knowledge and experience of his predecessors. The caucus is an attempt to arrive at a structured process to allow the former Presidents' to make a contribution to the nation. The caucus is not a precursor to shared governance. It is a trick to lure the PNC/R into talks with a government, which it does not recognize. If there is any question of derecognition, it is the Opposition, which should be de-recognized, given their disgraceful conduct in attempting to hijack the democratic process. The main Opposition has no moral authority to criticize the government. Its shenanigans between March 2nd and August 2nd this year has forfeited its right to be considered as being worthy of involvement in any democratic process, inclusive of any formal dialogue with the government. The PNC/R's derecognition of the government does not delegitimize the PPP/C regime.
If anything, it is a further demonstration that the PNC/R, to which more than 40 percent of the electorate gave its nod of approval, is not fit and proper to participate in the democratic process. The PNC/R is stuck in the old politics of electoral malpractice. The 1973 elections, held while it was in power, was described as a “fairy tale elections,” and the elections of 1980 was deemed as “more crooked than barbed wire” by the British Parliamentary Group of Observers. It tried after 1985, the worst rigged elections in the history of Guyana, to reform its image. It even held caucuses for the election of its Leader. But, even the candidates knew that there was a favoured horse in the race. The existing leadership at the time had thrown its weight behind this person. The process was not free. On the day of the voting, a gunshot rang out at Congress Place and in the ensuing melee, it is alleged that there was tampering with the ballots. The PNC/R never was a creature of electoral fraud. It is a party which has been weaned on the abuse of democratic processes both internally and when in government. After it was declared the loser of the 2020 elections, a new Leader of the Opposition was foisted upon the country without any internal democratic process within the PNC/R or within the APNU+AFC Coalition. Many of the party's own
leaders were sidelined. The PNC/R therefore does possess the trustworthiness to engage the government on shared governance. Its actions between March and August were intended to steal political power. The PNC/R was never interested in shared governance. It wanted to hog political power and it did so between May 2015 and March of this year. It violated established political conventions associated with parliamentary democracy when it refused to resign, following the passage of a no-confidence motion. It dragged this country through its worst period. And it now has the temerity to attempt to lecture the present government on propriety. It should consider itself fortunate that the incumbent regime is attempting to be civil towards it by even inviting its Leader to talks, but in his capacity as a former President. Dr. Irfaan Ali is a youthful President. The young President is not arrogant or haughty. He has a likeable attitude; he is friendly and humble, traits, which may have a lot to do with him being a devoutly religious person. He wants to learn from his predecessors. But, more importantly, he recognizes that a country like Guyana, with a limited human resource base, should not relegate its former Presidents to being political fossils. He is attempting to make use of their knowledge and experience. Other countries do the
same. They designate their former Presidents as political elders. These former Presidents are not put out to pasture after their terms of office have ended. They can still play a role, particularly in social causes and in international relations. The Leader of the PNC/R should have viewed the invitation from President Ali in this light. He was being invited in his personal capacity as a former President and not as the Leader of the PNC/R. If he had difficulties wearing both hats at the same time, h e s h o u ld h av e indicated that he cannot
separate the two roles. His insistent demand that the meeting be structured and have an agenda misses the point. The meeting itself is an attempt to set an agenda by examining how these former Presidents can contribute. To have read political motives into the meeting, is a misunderstanding. What is being touted is along the lines of a Council of Elders. Such a body can contribute so much to the country's stability and standing. While Granger may still see himself as a political Leader, it is almost certain that he is merely paving the way for his successor and will soon exit competitive
politics. In this regard, he could have still played an important role in national life by casting himself as a political elder. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Upholding human rights against arbitrary arrest By Sir Ronald Sanders
T
he Government of Canada has taken an initiative to promote a Declaration by like-minded countries against the use of arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations. The objective of the Declaration is to achieve an end to the practice by some states of arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and sentencing foreign nationals and then bargaining with their release to influence policies or positions of their governments. Arbitrary arrests and detentions of foreign nationals by a government is a form of institutionalised kidnapping. Using the release of such persons to influence governments amounts to demanding a ransom. It is a troubling development in international relations, one which is contrary to international law and which seeks to replace legal and diplomatic norms with a form of inter-state
blackmail. Apart from severely injuring the process of peaceful international relations, this kind of behaviour directly affects innocent persons who could be arrested, detained and sentenced simply to be used as pawns by governments that cannot get their way through international law and norms. In such conditions, persons are exposed to extreme forms of suffering while their rights are completely ignored, including their right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal in instances where a statecontrolled judiciary sentences them. Fear of being arbitrarily arrested would have a deleterious effect on tourism, business travel and eventually on trade and commerce. Instead of advancing to a world of freedom, underpinned by respect for human rights and international law, the global community would recede to an age of lawlessness and conflict. The peoples of small states would be the most vulnerable and the most 'at risk' if the practice of arbitrary arrest, detention
and sentencing prevails. The governments of small countries do not have the military might or economic clout to confront the authorities of powerful countries that employ these practices. Further, small countries do not have the plethora of Embassies and Consulates around the world that could try to protect their nationals. The only tool available to governments of small states is respect for international law by all states. That is why this Declaration proposed by Canada has already won the endorsement of the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and St Lucia. As the foreign minister of Antigua and Barbuda, E. Paul Chet Greene, put it in a message to his colleague foreign ministers of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries: “the Declaration is as much a further layer in the structure of protection for small countries, as it is for the strengthening of international cooperation by all States to end arbitrary arrest, detention or sentencing as means to exercise leverage over other governments”. International human rights law and instruments,
particularly Article 9 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), assert that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention”. They also set out obligations of states to safeguard these rights. However, the rights for which provision is made in the ICCPR apply to individuals who are within the territory of the country and subject to its jurisdiction. The problem with all these laws and instruments is that the persons who framed them did not envisage circumstances where governments would abrogate them. Therefore, they provide for no sanctions or international measures against offending governments which use state-controlled machinery to achieve political ends, in this fashion. The laws certainly did not contemplate circumstances in which any state would arbitrarily arrest, detain and sentence foreign nationals so as to compel actions by other states. Canada and the countries that endorse the proposed Declaration, including the United States of America, the 28-nation European Union and nations in Africa and the Caribbean, plan to
l a u n c h t h e Declaration on December 17. By then, other countries are expected to join. The question arises as to why the Declaration is not being presented and pursued within the United Nations framework. Sadly, the answer is that despite the efforts of a progressive Secretary-General in António Guterres, there are members of the UN that are guilty of these unwholesome practices. They would emasculate the Declaration, stifling it in their own interest. It is noteworthy that, in 1991, the UN Commission on Human Rights set up a Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that has been automatically renewed every three years, with a mandate to grapple with the issue. But after all this time, the essential question of dealing with states that deliberately use arbitrary arrest, detention and sentencing as a means of coercing other states, has failed to be addressed adequately. For those governments that resolutely stand for the human, civil and political rights of peoples, including their own, the Declaration is a strong display of their collective denunciation of
Sir Ronald Sanders those states that violate them. The majority of Caribbean countries exist and thrive as open economies that encourage and promote tourism, travel, trade and commerce, guaranteeing the rights of foreign nationals in their countries by adherence to international law. These Caribbean countries are entitled to expect the same regard and protections for the rights of their people in foreign countries. That's why the Declaration Against the Use of Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations is in the interest of the Caribbean's people. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United State and the Organization of American State. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to add a few more pages to our newspaper to recap, in their entirety, some of the major stories carried during the past week. SUNDAY GUYANAMIGHT GETALITTLE MONEY NOW FROM OIL BUT MASSIVE DEBT WAITS ON THE HORIZON - SAYS INT’L LAWYER Local politicians are constantly professing that Guyana will receive millions of dollars in revenue from the oil sector for years to come. While it is true that the country stands to get “a little money” now and in the near future, massive debt waits on the horizon says international lawyer and transparency advocate, Melinda Janki. In an invited comment, Janki recalled that even now, the country owes ExxonMobil approximately US$900M in costs it claimed to have incurred offshore Guyana before it signed the highly criticized Stabroek Block deal in 2016. With ExxonMobil rushing to have five oil vessels in operation by 2026, development and operational costs will soar to billions of US dollars which Guyana will also have to pay, explained the lawyer. She said that this is just a small fraction of the debt that will be hanging around the nation’s neck in the future. Also of concern to Janki is the deteriorating health of ExxonMobil, and how reliant it will be on Guyana to be its cash engine. In this regard, she reminded that last week, the oil giant said that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced it to make serious adjustments to its business plans. As part of its restructuring process, ExxonMobil said that it will be placing its advantaged assets in Guyana, high on its list of priorities. But in order to keep the focus on Guyana, Janki said the company has had to write off US$17-20 billion worth of natural gas assets in other parts of the world. “Obviously, they wrote off the gas because it is worthless. It is a stranded fossil fuel asset. Nobody wants it,” expressed the lawyer. Another critical development, she said, is the fact that Exxon is cutting 14,000 jobs or about 15 percent of its global work
force while adding that the company has been forced to cut capital expenditure for 2020 to US$23 billion from $33 billion. Taking the foregoing into account, Janki said it is clear to see that this company is in ill health while adding that it does not bode well for Guyana. The lawyer said, “…Guyana might get a little money now but in the long term it will have massive debt.” Furthermore, when a company is doing as badly as Exxon is right now, Janki posited that a prudent government would take steps to protect its country. The lawyer said, “But this government seems more concerned with protecting Exxon…All you hear from the government is silly talk about development (of gas to shore projects and scaling up of oil projects in the Stabroek block). All you see is the government burdening the Guyanese people with more debt that has to be paid back long after the politicians have disappeared.” Janki stressed that the company’s financial health needs to be of concern to all Guyanese as the nation could be left hanging from a dangerous precipice. She said it is imperative that one questions what would happen to Guyana if Exxon goes down in the middle of the grand gas to shore plans it is pushing. Janki said these are all pertinent questions and topics, which the nation’s leaders ought to be addressing now. TRUMP BLACKLISTS EXXONMOBIL’S CHINESE PARTNER IN STABROEK BLOCK The Donald Trump Administration of the United States of America has blacklisted China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), one of the largest national oil companies of China, alleging it to be linked
to the Chinese military – the People’s Liberation Army. The action adds CNOOC to a blacklist of over 30 Chinese companies, such as Huawei, in America’s escalating trade war with China. A November 12 issued executive order from President Trump precedes the addition of CNOOC to the blacklist. It banned Americans from investing in the firms, which it deems tied to the Chinese military on grounds that China “is increasingly exploiting United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses…” The order begins to go into effect on January 11, 2021 – nine days before the President-Elect, Joe Biden, takes office. “China firmly rejects the United States’ unwarranted oppression against Chinese companies,” C h i n a ’s M i n i s t r y o f Foreign Affairs said. “ M y g u e s s i s i t ’s CNOOC that got targeted, and not CNPC or Sinopec, because of its drilling in the South China Sea area, which is deemed as socalled military actions by the U.S.,” Lin Boqiang, dean of the China Energy Policy Research Institute at Xiamen University in southern China, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. CNOOC’s operations in the South China Sea have caused problems before, as Bloomberg said that it invited foreign drillers in 2012 to operate territories i n w h i c h Vi e t n a m h a d already awarded licences to oil companies, including ExxonMobil. The other two companies Lin Boqiang mentioned, China National P e troleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), are two other large Chinese State oil companies.
They are not on the US blacklist. Why does this matter to Guyana? CNOOC owns the very lucrative nine-billion-barrel Guyana Stabroek Block, in concert with American oil companies. ExxonMobil Corp. is the operator with a 45 percent stake, and Hess Corp. owns 30 percent. CNOOC Limited owns the remaining 25 percent. In its 2019 Annual Report, CNOOC listed developments in the US sanctions regime as a risk factor for its business. Trump’s November order does not appear to require ExxonMobil and Hess to sever ties with CNOOC, but CNOOC is watching closely and expects that such a sanction could follow. “We could be prohibited from engaging in business activities in the U.S,” CNOOC said in its 2019 report, “or with U.S. individuals or entities, and U.S.-related transactions in our securities and distributions to U.S. individuals and entities with respect to our securities could also be prohibited.” “We may also be subject to negative media or investor attention, which may distract management, consume internal resources and affect investors’ perception of our Company and investment in our Company.” If CNOOC’s fears come fully to fruition – and some of them already have – the US sanctions regime could force the Chinese petroleum company out of the Stabroek Block. The sale of even a 25 percent stake in the block could rack up a hefty bill, given the size of the Stabroek Block reserves and CNOOC’s investments thus far in Liza Phases One and Tw o , a n d P a y a r a . L i z a Phase One started in December 2019, producing from a field of 450 million barrels with a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel capable of producing as many as 120,000 barrels per
day. Liza Phase Two and Payara, set for first oil in 2022 and 2024 respectively, are expected to each be able to produce as many as 220,000 barrels per day.
green industry potential, a GO-Invest statement said. MONDAY
AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANY, FORTESCUE METALGROUP, HERE TO INVEST
TROTMAN HAD TOLD PARLIAMENTARY SUB-COMMITTEE IN 2018 IT WAS PPP THAT NEGOTIATED LOPSIDED ORINDUIK BLOCK DEAL
The fourth largest company in the iron industry, Fortescue Metal Group (FMG), has expressed interests in investing in renewabl e e n e r g y i n Guyana. These and other details were revealed by G u y a n a ’s O ff i c e f o r Investment (GO-Invest). On Friday, a 10-person team from the Australian company, led by Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julie Shuttleworth, touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for a meeting with GO-Invest. This meeting was scheduled with the aim of discussing projects related to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), including the Amalia Fall hydro-project, in particular, harvesting renewable energy to facilitate new green industry products such as ammonia, hydrogen, fertilizers and metals for both local and foreign markets. In attendance at the meeting was Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, and Chief Investment Officer and CEO of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop. Since Fortescue was established by its founder and Chairman, Dr. Andrew Forrest in 2003, it has discovered and developed major iron ore deposits in Australia and had constructed some of the “most globally significant mines.” The company has grown to be one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and is also known for partnering with select countries to unlock
When Kaieteur News had exposed in March 2018 that the agreement for the Orinduik Block allows UK exploration conglomerate, Tullow Oil and its partners to essentially pay no royalty for oil discovered, citizens immediately questioned who advised the former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, to go ahead with such a cheap sellout of the nation’s resources. Despite numerous challenges, no attempt at a proper explanation was ever offered publicly by Trotman. However, parliamentary documents obtained by Kaieteur News note comments by Trotman to the effect that the agreement, with its lopsided terms, was actually negotiated between the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the oil company. Trotman had made this revelation during a May 8, 2018 meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, a committee chaired at the time by the PPP’s Odinga Lumumba. In response to questions in committee on how applicants for oil blocks would be chosen, Trotman had noted that since the discovery of oil in 2015 in the ExxonMobil operated Stabroek Block, the APNU+AFC regime did not issue any new blocks, save and except in one instance, which was to Tullow Oil. The former Minister continued, “That company had submitted its application before the elections and Government considered that it should honour that because the agreement, all intents and purposes had been negotiated prior to the (Continued on page 26)
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From page 25 change of Government. So, in January, 2016, we give the right to Tullow Oil Company to proceed, as they had agreed with the previous Government.” He added, “Outside of that, we have, in a sense, enforced the solid moratorium. We have not issued any new blocks because we want to ensure that we have a control and a sense and definition of what is it that we are dealing with…” Even though the former Minister would have disclosed this information to the parliamentary committee, he did not during interviews with the media to counter harsh criticisms that followed from the PPP on the one-sided nature of the contract. In fact, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had asked during his time as Opposition Leader, for Trotman to inform the nation of who advised him on signing away a prime offshore concession in exchange for nothing. Jagdeo had said that the one percent royalty detailed in the Orinduik Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is an industry low, even lower than the two percent royalty in the Stabroek PSA that has fielded sustained criticism. He was also highly critical of the fact that the one percent royalty is recoverable. During one of his press conferences held in July 2019, Dr. Jagdeo had said, “It’s not one percent because it’s recoverable. Recoverable means it’s zero. We have to pay their one percent royalty for them. That is the problem.” When Kaieteur News had contacted Minister Trotman during the same timeframe to explain the reason behind allowing this provision to be included in the PSA, the former Minister said he was not in a position to speak in a detailed manner. Trotman who signed the deal with Tullow Oil and Eco Atlantic would only say, “I’m unable to discuss beyond saying that, as with both contracts, I acted on directions, which I believe were in the best long-term strategic interest of the country.” ORINDUIK PARTNERS In January 2016, Tullow Oil and Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Limited signed the Petroleum Agreement for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana. Tullow Oil as the operator of the block paid past costs and carried Eco for the first 1000km2 of the 2550km2 3D Survey. Further, Tullow contributed an extensive 2D seismic data set and
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interpretation. The Company’s 2550 km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the company made for the initial 1000km2. In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly-owned subsidiary of French Company, Total S.A. pursuant to the option. Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm in to the Orinduik Block; an additional payment of US$12,500,000 was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco’s working interest in September 2018. Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block’s working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%. In October, 2018, the then Granger government approved the Total farm-in on the Orinduik Block, which has the potential for almost three billion barrels of oil equivalent. Total subsequently sold 10 percent of its interest in the Orinduik Block to Qatar Petroleum. The approval for this farm-in is now under consideration by the PPP administration. $475M GENERATORS ARRIVE FOR GPL; TO ADD 9.6MW Six 1.6 megawatt (MW) Caterpillar generator units that were purchased by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) have arrived just in time for the Christmas season. According to GPL, three of the units will be installed at GPL’s Sophia, Georgetown location, while the other three will be installed at GPL’s Onverwagt, West Berbice location. The state-owned agency went on to say that an
additional four units, with total capacity of 6.4MW, have been placed on standby by the supplier in case there is a failure of any of the six units purchased by GPL. “Three of these reserved units will be placed at GPL’s Canefield, East Berbice location and one at GPL’s Anna Regina location on the Essequibo Coast,” it noted. GPL added, “The arrival of these units is in keeping with our company’s commitment to boost generation capacity and to provide customers in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) with reliable electricity.” As other means of boosting the generation capacity this Christmas season, the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated in November that the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) was set to supply an additional 10MW of electricity to GPL. This comes on the heels of the arrival of the $50M generating complex set to be built at the Garden of Eden power plant. This plant will add 45MW to the grid for power use. WORLD BANK SAYS IT SHOULD HAVE DONE PR STRATEGY FOR GHANA GAS PROJECT The World Bank has said that it should have executed a carefully thought out communications/public relations strategy to explain to the public the rationale behind investing in the Sankofa gas project in Ghana. This was said in a June 2020 report prepared by the Bank, and comes after considerable criticism in the Ghanaian press over a project and deal some Ghanaians consider to be unfair. The project received the endorsement of and funding
from the World Bank, for the production of gas from the lucrative field to power Ghanaian households. “A common perception,” the World Bank said, “was that of an international petroleum consortium, supported directly by the World Bank Group, exploiting a domestic natural resource for its own benefit.” “The World Bank Group, in collaboration with the government, should have anticipated the need for a communications strategy, explaining the economic benefits of the country’s first natural gas development, part of which would not be realized immediately.” It said that future major natural resource developments would have to be accompanied by a carefully thought out communications strategy like it should have done with Sankofa. This news has come on time to inform the development of Guyana’s gas-to-shore project, for which oil governance advocates have written to the Bank, challenging it to prove that Guyana’s project will not end up like Ghana’s. While the Sankofa project powers 1.6 million households and significantly reduced fuel imports, it costs Ghana in other ways. The African nation approved the long term project in 2015, which holds Ghana to a takeor-pay clause that took US$250M from Ghanaian taxpayers in 2019 for unused gas. The Government found that the production of gas from the field caused an oversupply to the market. The World Bank said “The potential benefits for Ghana were not explained to the public while the high cost being paid for the first natural gas supplies, in conjunction with the perception of a punitive ‘take or pay’
contract, left the impression of an investment benefitting only the private oil consortium.” It said that its supervision teams had endeavored to work with the government on ensuring the initial gas supplies from the Sankofa field would be fully utilized. The Bank posited that there was a need to complete a pipeline interconnector to expand the demand market for the Sankofa gas and ensure sufficient offtake capacity in place by the completion of the project. The Bank said that it noted this issue in multiple documents, and that a gas interconnector was eventually completed in April 2019, which expanded the domestic market. It made arguments, it said, that power sector reform in Ghana and the financial turnaround of two energy offtake utility companies in Ghana posed risks to the Sankofa project outcome, up to its 2018 completion. The Bank also argued that public criticism of the Sankofa project resulted in pressure on the government to alternatively invest in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports which the Bank says would exacerbate the country’s growing indebtedness. TUESDAY DAVID GRANGER AUTHORIZED ORINDUIK OIL BLOCK DEAL – RAPHAEL TROTMAN On numerous occasions, former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has been challenged by the media to explain why he signed an agreement for the Orinduik Block that allows the contractors, Tullow Oil, Total S.A and Eco Atlantic, to recover a one percent royalty on any discovery made. At every occasion, the AFC
Chairman would say, “I acted on directions…” Though he never disclosed where the “directions” came from, a recent interview with Trotman over the weekend suggests that these directions came from former President, David Granger. Kaieteur News had contacted the former Minister regarding his comments to a parliamentary sub-committee on natural resources on the agreement in question. During that May 2018 meeting, Trotman noted that it was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that negotiated the deal and that the coalition only signed it. When contacted on Sunday, Trotman insisted that his comments were grounded in truth and that he stands by them. He even noted that one diplomatic official, former British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, along with others, had lobbied back in 2016 for the deal to be given government’s blessings. Following this appeal, former Head of State, David Granger, gave the green light for the contract to be signed by Trotman. Trotman specifically said, “…It was Greg Quinn and others who lobbied and the President said ok. But it was negotiated by the PPP. That is on the record. What was agreed to is what was signed. There was no insertion of any clause.” This newspaper also reached out to the former High Commissioner Monday and he was keen to note that he simply supported a UK company that was seeking to do business in Guyana. “(This is) exactly the same as I did for many other companies. As you know, part of my job was to support UK companies to progress their investments and activities in Guyana (and Suriname),” (Continued on page 27)
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From page 26 Quinn noted. Since the release of the Orinduik contract in 2018, Kaieteur News has been at the forefront of exposing its damning provisions, one of which allows for UK based Tullow Oil and its partners, to enjoy a tax free ride. According to the contract signed with the Granger administration in January 2016, Tullow, Eco Atlantic, Total and all their subcontractors, non-resident or otherwise, shall be permitted to import all equipment and supplies free of duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) or all or any other duties, taxes, levies or imposts. It also has a preapproved list of over 330 items which is with the authorities. In addition to this, the companies are free to export these items as they deem fit without any tax or fee being applied. Joining them on this tax free ride are all the expatriate employees of the oil companies and their subcontractors. The expats of affiliated companies and their subcontractors will benefit too. They all shall be able to import into Guyana, free of duty and taxes. They will also enjoy the right to export from Guyana, free of all duties and taxes and at any time. In addition to its tax free ride, the UK based multinational and its partners have billed Guyana US$300,000 or $64M in precontract costs, while noting that this is what it incurred prior to the date its contract was signed. Details of the precontract costs were not stated in the deal. PPP/C DANCING TO EXXONMOBIL’S TUNES – AS COUNTRY REMAINS WITHOUT ROBUST OIL LAWS, POLICIES - RAM There is a mad rush by American oil giant, ExxonMobil, to monetize the nine billion barrels of oil and gas resources it has discovered to date in the Stabroek Block. As a testimony to the record speed with which it wants to deplete the nation’s resources, the company revealed that it intends to have at least four oil vessels operating offshore by 2026. Taking note of this, local and international stakeholders have called on Guyanese authorities to hasten steps to not only strengthen the country’s capacity to audit the oil giant’s costs and to properly review field development plans, but also, to quickly revise archaic oil laws along with the implementation of
new ones. In the absence of these fundamental mechanisms to ensure proper governance of the sector, stakeholders have warned that Guyana would be leaving itself wide open to massive corruption and abuse by the oil giant. During his first appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s programme, Guyana’s Oil and You, Chartered Accountant and Attorney-atLaw, Christopher Ram, shared that he is in agreement with those who have pressed for Guyana to pursue legislative reform for the sector. He said, too, that the PPP/C should have demonstrated more interest in strengthening the legal protection for the sector. Instead of doing this, it is dancing to ExxonMobil’s tunes, the same way the APNU+AFC did, expressed the Chartered Accountant. Ram said that the government’s hurry to grant the approval for ExxonMobil’s Payara project in the Stabroek block is evidence of this. Ram said, “…APNU+ AFC and the PPP have both allowed Exxon to call the shots…ExxonMobil has been allowed to go through with a mad rush of developing multiple oil projects and we are still working with old oil laws and no depletion policy. So we are dancing to Exxon’s tunes…” The Chartered Accountant added, “We are not in a normal situation where you can say ‘let’s take the usual time, Guyanese time, we will do this in due course.’ The reality is that we don’t have time…If we are not in control of the major sector of our economy then we are really not in control of the economy.” Ram stressed that by now, Guyana should have had a Petroleum Commission in place or at least some movement on its establishment. He said too that there should have been stricter environmental guidelines in place. Further to this, the transparency advocate said it is important for readers to bear in mind that the PPP was in power from 1992 to 2015. “So they aren’t novices, they ain’t just come in. They should have come in with a clear policy. They used to say ‘we gon hit the ground running.’ But its handling of the sector in the first 100 days in office has been disappointing,” Ram concluded. STUCK AT COST AUDITS Along with the sloth to strengthen the nation’s legislative framework, the country is still to see the completion of the report on
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the audit of US$460M which ExxonMobil said it spent prior to 2015 for exploration works offshore Guyana. In September 2019, the APNU+AFC regime had awarded the contract for the audit to a UK firm called IHS Markit. Questioned on the progress of this audit a few weeks ago, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, told the media that the government is still reviewing the 2015 precontract costs while adding that it is still to get around to auditing an additional set of pre-contract costs. ExxonMobil had said it racked up the additional costs between January and October 2016. The Vice President was not in a position to say how much the second set of precontract costs totals. He had noted, however, that the costs for projects that started being developed after 2015 such as Liza One, Two and Payara, will run into approximately US$20B while adding that Guyana needs to keep its eyes on this. The Vice President stressed, nonetheless, that the government will ensure every cent ExxonMobil has to recover would be accounted for. US$900M estimate International lawyer, Melinda Janki, was one of the first persons to note that the country could be neck-deep in as much as US$900M in precontract costs. During one of the many panel discussions held on Guyana’s oil contract with ExxonMobil, Janki had reminded that the country has to pay U S$460M in pre-contract costs. This covers the period 1999 to 2015. But there is a second lot. Janki had said that the contract specifically states that Guyana is to pay contract
costs from January 2016 to when the deal was signed on October 7, 2016. The international lawyer had said: “The costs for the whole of 2016 were about US$583M and if you apportion it to October, you get roughly US$400M. Again, (former) Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has agreed for Guyana to pay this. As at October 7, 2016, Government’s attempt to sell our oil costs us US$900M.” She added, “I have found no law which gives the minister the authority to burden the nation with this, so it is quite possible that he acted illegally.” (See link for more details: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / jerome.edwards.925/videos/ 2144978259094356/) MOZAMBIQUE COMMUNITIES SUFFER INJUSTICES FROM CORRUPT MANAGEMENT OF GAS PROJECTS - REPORT Communities in Mozambique report suffering injustices because of the way gas developments are being implemented, according to information compiled by an international nongovernmental organization called Friends of the Earth (FOE). The NGO had discussions with affected communities of gas developments, over 20 Mozambican civil society organizations and other individuals working in the area. Mozambique discovered substantial offshore gas reserves about a decade ago, giving rise to hopes that Mozambique would become an energy superpower in that region, working with companies like Shell,
Anadarko and ENI. The country is said to have over 100 trillion cubic feet of gas. In order for these fields to be developed, the government saw that substantial investments needed to be made in infrastructure. For Mozambicans, that meant having to sell some of their lands to facilitate the path of the infrastructure to be established. Appropriately, there would be adequate consultation processes and locals would receive compensation at a fair price. This was reportedly not the case in many situations. Friends of the Earth reported that there were land grabs with inadequate settlement plans. “Communities report having their land taken from them without consultation or adequate compensation; the rare times compensation is given, it is extremely low,” the NGO said. On top of that, resettlement plans for displaced populations were reportedly blind to cultural issues, which could end up causing conflicts. As in many situations linked to petroleum extraction and production, the respondents to the surveys of the NGO alleged corruption and malfeasance on the part of government officials, the private companies, and even con artists. “Local villagers shared documents revealing paltry sums provided for land taken and stories of being lied to about what was being offered to them… Communities said that even where companies had provided money for land taken or destroyed, the government had pocketed portions of it,” Friends of the Earth said. Furthermore, the villagers had fallen prey to scammers
who capitalized on their desperation to get jobs, as Anadarko – one of the involved oil companies – failed to properly inform the public about local content opportunities, the NGO said. When it comes to local content, the people reported not getting what they were promised. The Government and Anadarko reportedly promised many high paying jobs, which got the support of many young, unemployed men. “Unfortunately,” Friends of the Earth said, “local communities have already reported that the companies are hiring foreigners and urban Mozambicans, and that when they do hire local villagers, they are allegedly paid less even for equal positions. Some locals have asserted that they are hired at low salaries to fulfill local employment mandates without being given any actual work.” Even from the supporting industries of the development, villagers reported problems that they were being displaced. Their land was reportedly unjustly exploited by companies supporting the gas project to extract materials for their infrastructure, such as sand for construction. “Villagers say they have been told they could no longer farm their land, or that they would be punished if they tried,” FOE said. “Others reported going to their land only to find that a road or structure was being built without any consultation or warning. This displacement has left them unable to feed their families.” The issues Mozambicans are facing provide lessons so Guyana knows what to guard against, as it works out the (Continued on page 28)
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From page 27 details of its gas-to-shore project. The Guyana government intends to start work on the project by late 2021, with a view of reducing the cost of power for Guyanese and providing reliable electricity.
a breakdown of the billions it has claimed to have spent for CSR, and according to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block, signed by the former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has the privilege of recovering funds that it has channeled into corporate donations. Though ExxonMobil says it will not recover any of their donations, nothing prevents the super major from approaching the Minister of Petroleum to recover the billions it has claimed to have donated.
WEDNESDAY GOVT. WANTS TO INDEBT GUYANAMORE WITH US$30M IDB LOAN FOR COVID-19 The Irfaan Ali administration is heading towards getting its third loan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, on a road to racking up so much debt for Guyana that by the time it gets out of the pandemic, Guyana will owe banks a further US$60 million. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently considering granting Guyana a loan of US$30.4 million to fight COVID-19, on top of the US$22M it gave Guyana last month. The US$22M already approved loan, according to the IDB, was given “under the Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster and Public Health Emergencies to finance public expenditures necessary to contain transmission of the disease and mitigate further health and economic consequences.” The resources are intended to be used to purchase medical equipment, laboratory equipment and inputs, ambulances and personal protective equipment for health workers, surveillance officers and border personnel. This time around, the proposed US$30.4 million loan is for “Support to Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations Affected by Coronavirus in Guyana.” Its intended uses include support for existing cash transfer programs like old age pension, and support for educational continuity in vulnerable populations. In addition to these, just two weeks ago, the World Bank approved a US$7.5 million loan under the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project to support the country in tackling the current pandemic and strengthening the country’s health system. It is intended to strengthen laboratory c a p a c i t y, support screening and surveillance, improve contact tracing, and equip healthcare facilities for more effective treatment and care of COVID-19
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patients. Some have taken issues with the aggressive borrowing stance that Guyana has adopted. Activist, Ramon Gaskin, told Kaieteur News a few weeks ago that “Guyana should not be borrowing money from the IDB for COVID…” At the time, the US$22M loan had been announced. Gaskin insists that Guyana has wealthy “friends” like the United States, Canada, England, China, India which should be helping Guyana, a third world country, in the form of grant aid. He said that the loans are only contributing to the c o u n t r y ’s worsening external debt. H e s a i d G u y a n a ’s wealthy friends are concerned about democracy and many other things, so they should be helping the countrymen in the fight against COVID. “This pandemic is something that is created or caused in a foreign c o u n t r y, and we’re suffering from it, from loss of life, injuries, and the economy is affected. Then on top of it now, we have to go and borrow money to deal with it,” Gaskin said. He said that Guyana must get rid of the borrowing mentality where it reaches its hands for loans in every direction. He said Guyana should instead live within its means. It is rather ridiculous, Gaskin posited, to know that Guyana is taking in so many loans while it allows ExxonMobil and its partners to fetch away its oil at deplorable royalty rates of one percent and two percent. “We allow all the people to come fetch away the resources of this country for nothing, and we keep borrowing all the time and adding to the external debt.
The children of this country got to pay it back, not me.” Gaskin said. “The children of this country will be burdened by this thing for years to come.” EXXON SAYS IT WON’T RECOVER $2.7B DONATIONS According to ExxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, the super major has invested some $2.7B in donations to Guyana since it started operations in 2015. These donations form part of the oil company’s corporate social responsibility, which means that the company has programmes geared to enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to them. The $2.7B donation came to the fore after ExxonMobil sought to respond to a story carried Tuesday by Kaieteur News. In the article, it was stated that ExxonMobil had made a $32M COVID-19 donation that it can later take back from the government, as stated in the lopsided contract signed between the Government of Guyana and that US company. The oil company labeled the article as “disappointing and misleading,” but failed to point out any inaccuracies in it. ExxonMobil stated that their “contributions have gone to support organizations and people in each region of Guyana,” while adding that “we have helped students and the government adjust to COVID-19, women start businesses, people train for jobs, wildlife organizations study and conserve Guyana’s unique natural heritage, among other causes.” Very much like its local content investment, ExxonMobil has failed to give
OIL MONEY MUST NOT BE USED TO LINE POCKETS OF THE PRIVILEGED WHILE SMALL MAN COLLECTS CRUMBS – RAM In Papua New Guinea, almost US$467M in oil money is lost annually to corruption. The politicians who siphoned off the nation’s wealth live like kings and queens, while approximately 39.9 percent of the population live below the national poverty line. In spite of its massive oil resources, Papua New Guinea is considered to be one of the poorest countries in the Pacific. Sadly, this country is not alone in the basket of those that have failed to manage the industry to the maximum benefit of its citizenry. Uganda, another African nation that is rich with oil, has lost more than US$600B to corruption. Because of this level of theft, it remains among the list of poorest countries in the world. Even Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producing nation, lost at least US$600 billion dollars in oil money to corrupt officials since 1960 while its people live in poverty. In fact, 40 percent of the people in Nigeria live in poverty. As for Guyana’s South American neighbour, Venezuela, it has also lost significantly. This Spanishspeaking nation has actually lost more than US$350B to corruption and due to economic sanctions from the US; poverty levels have surged to 90 percent. When one considers the extent to which these countries have suffered or ended up worse off with the discovery of oil, international and local stakeholders have said that Guyana has to begin urgent reforms of its anticorruption systems or the consequences could be tenfold.
Chartered Accountant and attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram, is one who emphatically agrees that Guyana must strengthen its governance systems to keep corruption at bay. During a recent interview on Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil and You, Ram said: “…Guyana did not need oil to become corrupt. Guyana is a seriously corrupt place and obviously, oil with its vast number of digits has corruption on a considerably different scale. But I don’t think there has been a sufficient effort to tackle the question of corruption…” The lawyer added: “…We can have all types of mechanisms for addressing corruption but if there is not the serious will and if the leadership of the country, whether in terms of politics, government, opposition, churches, and businesses…if we don’t get serious about corruption, and stemming the tide of corruption, if we don’t pay people proper wages…then there will always be a strong inducement to engage in corruption.” Ram stressed that if the nation’s leaders are truly serious about developing the country and the sector, it would have to ensure that the wealth from the sector will not be used “to line the pockets of a few privileged persons while the persons at the bottom just gets crumbs.” He concluded that the acceleration of the development in the oil-rich Stabroek block, without question, warrants urgent steps towards tough anticorruption mechanisms. THURSDAY PETROBRAS USES GUYANATO PRESSURE BRAZIL INTO GRANTING PERMITS Brazilian state-owned oil company Petrobras appears to be using Guyana’s petroleum regulatory system to pressure Brazil’s regulators into granting environmental permits quickly. S&P Global, a global business analytics and information firm, said that Petrobras Chief Executive Officer, Roberto Castello Branco, pointed to Guyana as a likely business destination for the company. Branco reportedly registered his unease that Brazil is taking too long to grant environmental permits to drill in Brazil’s Fox do Amazonas Basin. “This has to be resolved,” Branco reportedly said during an address at the Rio Oil & Gas 2020 digital conference. “We have big oil prospects
there, and we’re prohibited while Guyana is enjoying a moment and opening up,” he added. S&P said that the area Petrobras is eager to drill in, could see similar success as ExxonMobil has found in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. There, Exxon has made 18 discoveries starting in 2015, and has received government approval for three field developments in a very short time. “For now, we’re going to keep betting on Brazil,” Castello Branco said. “But it could be that we go there, too.” The Petrobras CEO said that the company has been invited by Guyana to participate in its licensing rounds and that Brazil may very well do that if Brazil’s regulators continue to “drag their feet.” Guyana’s government has made no public pronouncement about licensing new oil blocks. Further, Guyana is yet to revise its petroleum laws to provide for any new licensing regimes. In any case, Guyana’s quick approvals of environmental permits for oil companies do not necessarily indicate that Guyana’s regulator has been doing its job. Under the government of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a permit to ExxonMobil on the same day that it received the 1,500 page environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the Liza Phase One project. International Lawyer, Melinda Janki, discovered this while compiling information for a case brought against the EPA in court by former head of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI). The regulatory body was sued for giving ExxonMobil a 20-year permit, when the law only allows for five-year permits to be issued. That lawsuit was successful. This case demonstrates how the EPA has been quick to grant permits without conducting complete reviews, and with terms that are not necessarily inkeeping with the law. Since the new government came in, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has also been criticized for the manner in which it goes about conducting reviews. Janki and former Petroleum Advisor to the President, Dr. Jan Mangal, had both advised Guyana to take all the (Continued on page 29)
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From page 28 time it needs to review the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP) and EIA. Dr. Mangal had told this newspaper that proper reviews take much more than a few months, and would require competent specialized teams. The PPP/C Government hired former Premier of Alberta, Canada, Alison Redford, to head the review team. Redford was forced to resign from politics after she mismanaged public funds while in office. The hiring of the former premier is further complicated by the fact that she benefitted from thousands of Canadian dollars donated to her party by an ExxonMobil subsidiary in Canada, called Imperial Oil. The matter raised questions about whether Redford held a conflict of interest in her review of Exxon’s US$9B Payara project. These concerns are further exacerbated by the fact that the final product of Redford’s review gave no finality to two of the controversial environmental infractions being committed by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, the dumping of thousands of barrels of produced water every day, and the flaring of more than 12 billion cubic feet of natural gas to date. The PPP/C government considered Redford a fit and proper individual to review the project, and the permits were handed out just six weeks after she began her review. POOR LAW COMMISSION ESTABLISHED TO REVIEW LIST OF 12,000 ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has installed a Poor Law Commission as part of the Ministry’s efforts to review the list of persons who depend on public assistance.The new Chair of the Commission is Amanda Richards; Deputy Chair is Keeran Persaud; the other members are: Janet Ann Geer, Raymon Cummings, Alison Barkie, Gomatie Narine, Dr. Josh Kanhai, Peter Persaud, Diana Kaulessar O’Brien and Beverly Clenkian. Board members for the Poor Law Commission, which oversees public assistance for the vulnerable, will be reviewing the existing list to ensure the “most in need” individuals benefit from the relief programme.This was one of the commitments made by the newly installed board when they met virtually with
flush water, residues of Synthetic Oil-based Muds (SOBM), Water-based Muds (WBM), Base oil, Brine, Dry bulk (cement, barite, and silica gel). Further, the operation will also involve the development of two treatment ponds lined with High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane liners and contained by 91.4cm berms. In addition, four existing structures will be repaired and developed into administrative units, laboratories, storage areas and homes for caretakers. A screen will be constructed to separate the office area from the treatment ponds. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Tuesday (December 8, 2020). There are currently 12,000 persons on the public assistance list. The list will be reviewed to ensure the process is not exploited and the “most vulnerable” are given the assistance “they so badly need.” Backlogged cases will also be addressed. In addition, the Board will refer beneficiaries to the Ministry’s skills training programmes to help them to become financially independent, and benefit from employment opportunities. According to Ms. Richards, referrals will be made to the Ministry’s Garment and Accessories Cottage Initiative that has so far gainfully employed over 100 individuals. The members of the Commission will serve for a period of three years with effect from November 30, 2020. NO EIA REQUIRED FOR WASTE TREATMENT PLANTAT FRIENDSHIP – EPA The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has disclosed via a public notice that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the construction and operation of a waste treatment (Bioremediation) facility for mud sludge generated from activities in the oil and gas sector. That proposed project is expected to be constructed by Environmental Waste Management Services Guyana Inc. at Lots 21 and 22 Block XXV111 Zone, Plantation Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD). An EIA is usually conducted by the EPA to evaluate the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-
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economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. However, the EPA in its notice stated, “In accordance with Section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, the application for the project listed above has been screened by the Agency to assess the potential environmental impacts, and it has been determined that the project will not significantly affect the environment nor human health, and is therefore exempted from the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).” Be that as it may, it is still allowing the general public a 30-day period to lodge any objections or concerns about the project. Appeals and objections can be submitted to the Environmental Assessment Board at the EPA’s Sophia, Georgetown office. According to the summary, the project involves receiving and transporting solid, liquid, and a combination thereof of drilling wastes to bioremediation treatment reservoirs at its proposed waste treatment facility. Bioremediation is a treatment process that uses naturally occurring micro-organisms (yeast, fungi, or bacteria) to break down, or degrade, hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances. According to the document, the company is notified of wastes arriving at the generator’s facility (Shore base) at least 24 hours in advance. Waste received would include residues from cleaning of mud pits, shakers, and sand traps on the rig and transferring into liquid bulk tanks, tote tanks and cuttings boxes and transiting these to the shore base bioremediation waste treatment facility. Residues will include also but not limited to wash water,
FRIDAY KAIETEUR, CANJE OIL BLOCKS GIVEAWAY… ROBERT PERSAUD’S RETURN FOSTERS CULTURE OF SUSPICION – RAM Even though the local media corps along with global transparency bodies have made relentless calls for an international probe to ascertain the truth about the giveaway of the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks to industry unknowns, the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/ C remains unmoved. Along with its slothfulness to take action in this regard, it even appointed Robert Persaud as Foreign Secretary, in spite of concerns about the role he played in the suspicious award of the nation’s prime assets. During a recent interview on Kaieteur Radio’s programme, ‘Guyana’s Oil and You’, Chartered Accountant and attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram posited that such a move by the PPP/C only serves to foster a culture of corruption or suspicion. His comment was in response to a question on whether he surprised that the government retained Persaud in light of the troubling circumstances surrounding the award which Guyanese still have no clarity on. Ram said: “…Having witnessed politics for a number of decades, nothing surprises me about Guyanese politicians anymore. Whether it be the politicians themselves or who appoints them. After all, Persaud did not appoint himself as Foreign Secretary, a post that was alien to Guyana, but yet there he is.” The Chartered Accountant added: “And no doubt, he may still have his petroleum consultancy, we don’t know and that is the kind of declaration of interest (that is needed)… In my view, these things foster a culture
if not corruption, a culture of suspicion. And it makes the average person wonder, “well what am I doing this for? Standing up for”… because you change the government but nothing changes.” Over the last three years, this newspaper would have reported that the Canje block was awarded by the Donald Ramotar administration on March 4, 2015, days before the elections to local company, Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas. As for the Kaieteur block, it was awarded April 28, 2015 to Ratio Energy Limited (now Cataleya Energy Limited) and Ratio Guyana Limited – just two weeks before the elections – and like Canje – on the advice of former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud. In a series titled ‘The Fleecing of Guyana’, Kaieteur News exposed some of the red flags in the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks agreements. The red flags which have manifested in both situations include, that the awards were given to unqualified companies, that the initial owners quickly flipped the blocks without doing any work, that they are incorporated in secrecy jurisdictions, and that Guyana likely lost revenue due to the avoidance of an open, competitive bidding process. During the awards of the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, this newspaper would have reported as well, on the role Persaud said he played as former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment. Persaud had described himself to this news agency as being a mere bridge between former President, Donald Ramotar (who was also the Minister of Energy) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Persaud noted that the applications for those blocks were made between the 2012 to 2013 period while noting that a series of discussions were entered
into as required under law with GGMC. The former Minister said that those discussions, based on information and records, show that they lasted for about a year. Persaud also emphasized that the Minister of Petroleum was always the President and it was only based on GGMC’s recommendations that he provided advice. GLOBAL WITNESS In an explosive report called ‘Signed Away’, international transparency body, Global Witness, had taken a comprehensive look into all those connected to the oil blocks give away. With respect to Persaud, Global Witness said it had interviewed Persaud in July and August 2019 and had asked him about the Kaieteur and Canje licences. The former-minister had said the awards were made based upon “briefing reports” prepared by GGMC lawyers. Asked who owned the winning companies, Persaud had stated that he “did not know who the beneficial owners are” and that it was not necessary for him, as a minister, to know. He did, however, say he knew some of the people who had signed documents for the companies, such as Kamal Dookie, one of the owners of the Canje Block. Furthermore, Persaud had said to Global Witness that he could not provide the reports upon which he relied when awarding Kaieteur and Canje. Now out of government, the official had stated too that he did not have access to them. The Foreign Secretary also said he could not remember the names of the persons in the GGMC who had prepared the documents. G l o b a l Wi t n e s s w a s keen to note, however, that it has no evidence suggesting that Persaud received anything of value in exchange for his awarding of the Kaieteur and Canje licences, or is guilty of other (Continued on page 30)
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From page 29 wrongdoing. Be that as it may, Global Witness still recommended that Guyana conducts further investigations on these awards. BILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS SPENT… PPP/C, APNU+AFC TEAMED UP TO HIDE EXPENSE REPORT FOR 2020 ELECTIONS – RAM The Representation of the People’s Act has clear provisions that mandate political parties to submit a detailed report outlining expenses undertaken during the elections period. Nonetheless, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) and the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition teamed up to blatantly violate the Constitution, by failing to submit their reports to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the March 2, 2020 elections. Same was revealed by Chartered Accountant and Transparency Advocate, Christopher Ram. Ram had written to the GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, back in September, pointing to Section 108 of the Representation of the People’s Act dealing with Election Expenses Report. That section requires the election agent of each group of candidates to submit that report within 35 days of the declaration of the results of the elections. But shockingly, in her response, Ram stated that the Chair noted the six-member Commission had advised her that “although cognizant of the law, those sections were never operationalized.” Her response, according to the Chartered Accountant would generally be considered less than acceptable under any other circumstances, “…but for a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal to admit a conscious and deliberate violation of a key element of an election law by the constitutional body responsible for the lawful conduct of elections is beyond shock.” Not only that, Ram added that even more troubling was the fact that the violation was being condoned by the Commissioners, the Chair, “or successive chairpersons of the Commission.” “Individually and collectively they are guilty of gross dereliction of their duty and the undermining of the rule of law and democracy in the country,” Ram stated,
Kaieteur News
adding “It may not have started under Justice Claudette Singh but she is now admitting culpability by endorsing the violation.” The Charted Accountant noted that the Elections Expenses Report is the flip side of Campaign Financing Regulations. With the Coalition’s defiance of the December 2018 no-confidence motion and subsequently holding Guyana’s democracy at ransom with the March elections, Ram noted that it is “perfectly legitimate” for the electors to question their leadership’s fitness for any public office in this country. Unfortunately, he added, the PPP/C’s leadership is not innocent, as it violated Section 108, “making a mockery of accountability, opening the door to corruption and undermining the country’s democracy.” Further, Ram noted, too, that for the 2020 elections, “political parties took money from any quarters, and no one – not even their members and supporters – dare ask of them any questions.” But GECOM has the power and the duty to demand answers and compliance with the law. It was only after reports surfaced, did the country get a glimpse of the massive sums spent during the 2020 elections. The PPP/C reportedly expended in excess of $63.4 million while the Coalition spent at least $10.5 million on lobbyists. No other details were disclosed. Ram said that the refusal of the two major political parties to comply with a simple law tells ordinary citizens that despite the apparent hostility between them, “the parties will not hesitate to conspire to undermine democracy, subvert the Constitution and set aside the rule of law when it is in their joint interest.” “They did it with crossing-the-floor legislation, the dual citizenship issue, resisting individuals being candidates in elections, and the law on election expenses – all done in the glare of publicity,” he added. While there is excitement surrounding the calls for constitutional and electoral reform, Ram noted, too, that such calls would be far more convincing if the callers would also demand that politicians and political parties do the most basic thing in any country – demand that those entrusted to enforce the laws do their work and that there is compliance with the laws by political parties. “We can no longer tolerate such lawlessness,”
he said, continuing: “Elections are a necessary ingredient of democracy but unless political parties are held accountable and subject to law as everyone else is, democracy will be no more than an aspiration.” WORLD’S TOP OIL TRADER PAID BRIBES FOR YEARS TO GOVTS. For years, the world’s largest oil trading firm has maintained that it has “zero tolerance” for corruption. Now Vitol Inc. has admitted that it was paying bribes through a network of shell companies and sham contracts. As recently as July 2020, while publicly repeating those assurances, Vitol was bribing government officials in Ecuador and Mexico. In Brazil, a Vitol executive delivered cash to traders at Petroleo Brasileiro SA in exchange for the “gold number” — the price at which Vitol should bid to win tenders from the Brazilian state oil company. The revelations, from a deferred prosecution agreement between Vitol Group’s US unit and the Department of Justice, are part of Brazil’s so-called Carwash bribery scandal, that’s described by the Petrobras chief as “an MBA in corruption.” They are a setback for all commodity traders, undermining efforts to cast
off a reputation for malfeasance that’s dogged the industry since the days of Marc Rich, the pioneer who spent two decades as a fugitive from American justice. “The risk traders are taking in being compromised in such scandals is enormous,” said JeanFrancois Lambert, a consultant and former trade finance banker. “Bad behaviors are simply not tolerated anymore and such wrongdoings are bound to be exposed sooner or later.” Gold Number Agreeing to pay just over $160 million to regulators in the U.S. and Brazil, Vitol admitted to having bribed government officials for more than a decade, between 2005 and 2020, DOJ documents show. “We understand the seriousness of this matter and are pleased it has been resolved,” said Russell Hardy, Vitol’s chief executive officer. “We will continue to enhance our procedures and controls.” The company paid more than $8 million in bribes to Petrobras executives between 2005 and 2014, according to the DOJ documents. In exchange, officials from the Brazilian oil company gave the trading house valuable information about its tenders, including the price of the highest bid from competitors. That meant Vitol could bid
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for Petrobras’s oil products at exactly the price that it knew would win. Within the trading house, this was referred to as the “gold number,” according to the DOJ documents. In internal emails between the Vitol traders, information from the Petrobras officials was marked “PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL_PLEASE”, according to a separate order from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Petrobras has said it is the victim of crimes unveiled by the Carwash probe and is cooperating with investigations. On one occasion, in early 2013, an executive at Vitol in Brazil emailed his colleague in Houston the exact price that one of the trading house’s competitors was bidding for a cargo of high-sulfur diesel, according to the DOJ documents. “This is the gold number,” he said. “Okay great…we’ll take it,” replied the trader. Tricks of the Trade The mechanisms Vitol used for paying bribes were hardly revolutionary. Vitol SA, the Swiss unit that handles a large portion of the company’s trading, sent money to intermediary companies via bank accounts in the U.S., Curacao, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Portugal and Brazil. On some occasions, the money was then converted into Brazilian currency by a “doleiro,” a professional money launderer, before
being delivered in cash to a Petrobras trader, according to the DOJ documents. Vitol and the individuals involved in the scheme created fake invoices showing the payments were for consulting services and “market intelligence.” The traders communicated using codenames, including “Batman,” “Tiger,” “Phil Collins,” “Dolphin,” “Popeye,” and “Beb.” “Shell/offshore companies, fake consulting contracts, fake invoices, sham email accounts — nothing is new under the sun,” said George Voloshin, director for corporate intelligence and investigations at Aperio Intelligence. “The tricks of the trade have changed little from the previous century.” Industry Scrutiny Authorities in the U.S. and Brazil are also investigating Vitol’s rivals, Glencore Plc and Trafigura Group Ltd., on similar allegations. Brazilian prosecutors last week filed a civil lawsuit against Trafigura and several of its top executives, alleging it also paid bribes to Petrobras executives. Trafigura said it hired the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP to review the allegations. So far the firm’s investigators believe “any allegations that current management were involved in, or had (Continued on page 31)
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From page 30 knowledge of, alleged improper payments to Petrobras are unsupported by the evidence and untrue.” Glencore, the world’s biggest metals trader, declined to comment. It has previously said it is cooperating with the Brazilian investigation. Non-governmental organizations and watchdogs say the investigations and Vitol’s settlement give credence to their calls for greater regulatory oversight of commodities traders in Switzerland, where Glencore is headquartered and Vitol and Trafigura have major operations. Vitol’s deferred prosecution agreement “vividly illustrates the all too real corruption risks posed by commodity trading,” said Anne Fishman, a commodities expert at Swiss NGO Public Eye. “In an industry where opacity prevails, Swiss traders once more are making the headlines, and for the wrong reasons. It shows that regulation of this sector in Switzerland is long overdue.” Vitol will have to submit reports to the DOJ’s Fraud Section and Office at least once a year for three years, regarding remediation and implementation of a compliance program and internal controls and policies, the DOJ said. “Vitol is committed to upholding the law and does not tolerate corruption or illegal business practices,” said Russell Hardy, Vitol’s CEO. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) (https:// www.ndtv.com/world-news/ an-mba-in-corruptionworlds-top-oil-trader-paidbribes-for-years-2336122) SATURDAY WEEKSAFTER MARCH 2 ELECTIONS… GRANGER ADMINISTRATION ORDERED POLICE TO TAP SENIOR AFC MINISTER’S PHONE Weeks after the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the executive of the Coalition government under then President David Granger had ordered the surveillance of a senior minister from the Alliance For Change (AFC) arm of the administration. According to reliable sources who saw correspondence on the matter, the executive had received “credible” reports that the minister was alleged
to have been involved in a number of illegal practices linked to ammunition and gun licences, among other activities. Official sources told Kaieteur News that the Guyana Police Force Special Branch/Intelligence wrote, on the authority of the Granger executive, for “intercepts” on the phone of the official, also a senior executive in the AFC. The AFC is the smaller faction that comprised the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition that won power in 2015 and now comprises the major opposition bloc in Parliament. The surveillance, our sources say, took place within the period of April to May 2020 when Guyana was locked in a heated elections’ results battle, weeks after Granger had already lost the elections to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) candidate, now President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The then minister under surveillance had long been dogged by rumours of bypassing the Firearm Licensing Board and directly issuing licences, in contravention to established procedure, with claims that at least $1M was charged for each gun licence that was issued. Our sources claim, also, that one aspect of the surveillance order included surveillance related to narcotics. Sources told Kaieteur News that the matter raised eyebrows at the Cabinet considering the Minister’s proximity to the security portfolio. Last evening, Kaieteur News contacted AFC Leader and former Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan who said that he believes no such order was ever made. In relation to whether he was bypassed in the surveillance order being issued, Ramjattan said that Granger knew he was always a phone call away. The former minister and current parliamentarian said the story was part of the “wickedness” of the ruling PPP/C. PUT LAWS IN PLACE NOW TO AVOID BEING TRAPPED, CONNED BY OIL COMPANIES - TT EXPERT In a matter of eight days, Guyana would have reached its first year of being an oil producing State. But when one reflects the extent to which it has prepared for the effective regulation of this new sector and the revenues to come, Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul, asserts that there is indeed more the nation can do to
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discovery to production and evaluate what it can do better and perhaps, assess what improvements could have been had if the laws and regulations were where they needed to be. He said that this is a pertinent exercise since many of the decisions made in the past would have to be repeated. “I am sure you want to improve, there is no reason why you can’t learn from your past,” Paul concluded. GRANGER DECLINES PRESIDENTS’ MEETING - DEMANDS GOVT ADDRESS SERIES OF CONCERNS FIRST protect itself. During his latest appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s programme, ‘Guyana’s Oil and You,’ Paul posited that Guyana needs to put robust laws in place as quickly as possible so that oil companies can have no room to debate or wonder what exactly is required of them. With such laws in place, the industry expert said that Guyana would reduce the chances for regulators being surprised by certain tactics or simply being fooled. The Trinidadian said, “It has a been a difficult year for everyone because of COVID19 and Guyana, since it started, has had to move at a rapid pace and has been forced to improve its institutional capacity as quickly as possible. But that aside, Guyana has been able to get its lifts offshore done on time and it has managed to find partners to sell the oil to and get the revenue put away for the future.” He added, “…But the spotlight of the world has been on Guyana and how it is managing its resources. Now we know Guyana has limited resources and it has been trying to do as much as it can with that.” Paul said that such circumstances are not unique to Guyana. He has seen it to varying degrees with Trinidad and Tobago and even Ghana. In the case of the latter, he said that this African nation had the luxury of having had a state oil company in the earlier years with technical people who knew the industry and could have supported the current regulatory arm that was needed to monitor its industry. But even then, Paul said that Ghana still took some time to get off the ground with its oil finds in 2010 and improve capacity. The expert said, “But once they did, they ramped up very
quickly…Importantly, they put in very early, strong laws and regulations to underpin the experienced people who were doing the work. Now the challenge of small countries doing oil and gas and dealing with sophisticated companies is making things right. At every point, there is a discussion or negotiation on what to do.” When countries like Guyana are in such in a position, where the institutional capacity is not strong, Paul said he would recommend putting in place, the strong rules and regulations as well as procedures so that it is easy for companies to know what they must do and how they must do it. “That way, there is no discussion, argument or surprise where this is concerned. And it is easy for the government to get things right so someone who is making a decision without strong experience won’t be bullied or cowered or fooled.” Paul said he is aware that Guyana is still to do this while adding that he knows there are efforts being advanced to correct this. Be that as it may, he said it would be in the nation’s interest to spend some time looking back at what happened from
Former President David Granger has declined an invitation from President Dr. Irfaan Ali to attend a State House lunch to discuss inclusive governance, Guyana’s development, and the way forward. He registered his effective refusal in a letter, demanding that the government address certain issues and defer the Presidents’ meeting until after those issues are taken care of. The meeting is set to occur on Tuesday, December 15.Granger said that the public is concerned about certain actions of the government, including “deaths as a result of the pandemic; dismissals of public servants; dismantling of the Departments of Citizenship and Social Cohesion; harassment of Elections Commission officials and human rights violations – which can have deleterious consequences for short-, medium- and long-term national development.” He said that he is concerned about protecting institutions which promote social cohesion. “I recommend, therefore, that the meeting intended to be held on Tuesday 15th December 2020 be deferred until these important issues could be satisfactorily settled.” Granger said.
Furthermore, it was pointed out that the letter of invitation did not provide a detailed explanation of the agenda for the meeting, such as what preparation would be needed, the relevance of the engagement to government policies and the outcome to be expected. These are considerations Granger purports to deem important, regarding Guyana’s development. Hence, the former President pointed to plans made by the Granger government before it was voted out, as topics of discussion for the Presidents’ meeting. “You will recall that, on 1st January 2020, I had launched ‘Guyana’s decade of development, 2020-2029,” Granger said, “overcoming crime, disease, ignorance and poverty in which I outlined my concept for the country’s long-term development.” “The Coalition administration, further, had promulgated the ‘National Action Plan for Public Health’ in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It had promulgated, also, ‘The Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040’ in May 2019.” Granger also pointed to strategic plans for Public Health, Public Security, the Public Service, the Sugar Industry, Social Cohesion, state lands, squatter settlement and youth development, for consideration. With that said, Granger proposed that a team be appointed to hammer out a practical agenda for the meeting, to allow for an informed and meaningful presidents’ engagement in the interest of Guyana’s development. He said it would be a huge public disappointment for the meeting to be hurried, unorganized and unplanned, and that it would be a blunder to ignore the legitimate concerns of a significant section of the population.
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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our page seven to be blunt on ongoing indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. SUNDAY “President Ali seh he ain’t know, so he defers to his Ministers.” Former President Jagdeo says no laws were broken and there was no corruption. Former President Ramotar swore that he signed without reading. Clearly, the President and former Presidents are pussyfooting and playing around with this matter. Who is not making up unbelievable NANCY stories meking Guyanese into fools. MONDAY Last week, President Ali urged private sector people to BE BOLD. This week, we push him to press his own oil people to be even bolder. On oil, President Ali must not blow cold and colder, but be bold and bolder. Excellency: there must be no hesitancy, no timidity, no uncertainty. If the president has to behave brazenly, then so he must.Renegotiate! Renegotiate quickly! Renegotiate authoritatively! TUESDAY Guyana, demand renego-
tiation of all our contracts and deals signed by both PPP and Coalition Governments! WEDNESDAY For too long the People of Guyana have stood silent. It is time that your voice and actions be more strident. You are sitting at home complaining of a few dollars here and a handout there. Our politicians have sold our wealth. They have lined their pockets and fattened their bank accounts. It is time to demand a renegotiation! Nothing else will be accepted! THURSDAY For too long the People of Guyana have stood silent. It is time that your voice and actions be more strident. You are sitting at home complaining of a few dollars here and a handout there. Our politicians have sold our wealth. They have lined their pockets and fattened their bank accounts. Nothing else will be accepted! Demand renegotiation
now! FRIDAY PPP/C leaders are like drunken sailors spending without thinking. Guyanese: Their spending is based on extravagant borrowing. First, US$30M received last month, now plans to borrow another US$30M. Each indebtedness is GY$6B for a total of GY$12B for COVID-19. At this rate, the pandemic will not kill us…but debt will be the death of us! SATURDAY When it comes to oil deals, Guyana had numerous bad examples to learn from. As Kaieteur News has been reporting, examples of corruption and bad deals exist from Africa to Asia. With each passing day, with each new revelation, it is clear that we are now becoming one of those bad examples. We need to act now before we become a cautionary tale for some other country finding oil in the future. We need to demand transparency in all oil deals, both past and future.
Sunday December 13, 2020
CJ strikes down attempt by alleged Ponzi schemers to stop investigations, court proceedings Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George -Wiltshire has struck out the application filed by alleged Ponzi schemers, Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael, for orders to prohibit the police from instituting or continuing the prosecution of criminal charges already instituted against them. The couple are accused of operating a major Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of Guyanese of hundreds of millions of dollars. They had moved to the High Court to get the orders to bar the police investigation and court proceedings. However, last Wednesday, the Chief Justice (ag), who heard the matter, upheld Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall’s submissions and struck out the Fixed Date Application (FDA) by the couple. In relation to the orders sought, the Chief Justice ruled
Alleged Ponzi scheme operators, Yuri GarciaDominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael.
that Dominguez and Ishmael produced no evidence in their affidavit in support of FDA to support the reliefs sought. As it concerns the first
order, the court ruled that there was no law that permits an order of prohibition against the Commissioner of (Continued on page62)
Sunday December 13, 2020
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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Comparing four African Guyanese presidents Of the three Indian presidents, you are foolish to think anyone would be on the top of the list of Indian Guyanese other than Cheddi Jagan. Bharrat Jagdeo of course towers above Donald Ramotar; any poll will reveal that. Irfaan Ali has 10 years to displace both Jagan and Jagdeo. Can he do it? It is all up to him. I can’t see the PPP presenting another candidate in 2025. I cannot see an election configuration in 2025 that would cause the PPP to lose or become a minority government. Irfaan Ali can walk away from history when 2030 ends or he can make it. There have been four African Guyanese presidents. My vote is for Desmond Hoyte as the best. But I think in a professional survey, Burnham will come out on top, edging out Hoyte. The comparison then is between Sam Hinds and David Granger. There is no methodology one can use to compare these two. African Guyanese will place Hinds last on their list because he was not the president from the party they see as the embodiment of African interests. Hinds is bound to be last because
Africans in a questionnaire will refer to him as a PPP front man. There is no methodology one can use to compare Hinds and Granger because Hinds’ tenure lasted a mere six months. Granger’s was five years, two months. What the analyst can do is to look for qualities in Hinds that Granger didn’t have and that will put Hinds in contention among objective Guyanese when comparing the two men. Four qualities stand out in Hinds. He was not a corrupt man in an absolute sense. Can one say the same about Granger? There is mounting suspicion since August after revelations keep cascading that Granger may not be above board, that he was not what the Guyanese people thought of him just after he became president. Secondly, Hinds is one of the most temperate heads of governments CARICOM has produced. He was never ruffled. Hinds just couldn’t be arrogant even if you injected arrogance oil into his blood. This quality was recognized by friend and foe and its constant display in public led people to see Hinds in a nonantagonistic way.
Thirdly, he knew how to shape his public relations, Granger did not. Hinds would never have spoken in the arrogant, insulting way to the media that Granger enjoyed doing. When asked by the media if his government would appeal a decision if he lost in the High Court, Here is how Granger replied; “I’ve said what I’ve said!” Hinds as president would not have spoken in that way; just never. Fourthly, Hinds had a keen sense of what he felt he had done wrongly and was willing to discuss it. Granger was too pompous to cultivate such a quality I remember going to Prime Minister Hinds for a houselot for WPA executive member, Ali Majeed. I knew Hinds since our days in politics when he was the head of the organization, GUARD. I entered his office and greeted him as Prime Minister. He told me I could still call him Sam as I used to. Then I threw a bait at him, which he swallowed. I was laughing invisibly and inaudibly. I told him that he signed Majeed’s dismissal letter as one of a hundred striking bauxite workers that President Burnham ordered to be fired
and that he owed Majeed. The PM in his imitable way, lifted his face to one side of his shoulder, gave off an intestinal smile and said, I guess you right.” He gave me a note to Minister Indra Chanderpaul. Ali Majeed still lives on the lot Hinds gave him through me. One more time, I went to PM Hinds. All this time, I am a virulent, inexorable critic of the PPP government but I felt comfortable going to the PM. He never refused to see me when I made a request. I used the opportunity, as he was acting president at the
time. I explained that Anand Senasie is a businessman who was enduring a hard time to get a gun licence. At that time, Senasie was far from being the chairman of the Guyana Cricket Board. I pressed the point that Laurie Lewis, then Commissioner of Police, kept promising me but shoving me around. The acting president gave me a note to Lewis. Senasie’s application was approved. If the comparison between Hinds and Granger cannot be done, it is still a fact that Hinds had positive qualities that Granger lacked and those made Granger a
Frederick Kissoon failure. APNU+AFC lost in 2020 with Granger’s personality being a crucial factor. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Coronavirus: My plan to combat Covid19 until I’m vaccinated By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center It has been a tough year for us all and as we near the end of the year, we still have a way to go before the pandemic is controlled. While the developed world is initiating vaccine use, we are still a far way out from getting access to this lifesaving intervention. Given the current data, I suspect that Guyana will begin to have substantial access to vaccines till the second half of 2021. So I do see us having to figure out a way to continue
to live with the virus into most of 2021. Based on this, and after reviewing the latest evidence, I have derived a plan that I will use to combat this virus until I get vaccinated. It is only prudent that I share this so that others can be informed of how simple changes can make such a big impact in our fight
against COVID-19. Ivermectin all the way! Ivermectin is not patented; it is cheap and therefore is not as profitable as many other medications that are recently invented and still has a patent. The reality is that drugs are cheap and have lost their patent, are not promoted since they can be made by any
pharmaceutical company and will therefore have reduced profit margins. I am a firm believer in Ivermectin and its effectiveness against COVID-19. It has been around for decades and has proven anti-viral properties. Studies are showing its effectiveness against the COVID-19 infection and what’s even more encouraging, are studies coming out from Argentina and India of its benefit in preventing the disease. Health workers using this medication have not had the disease and a few had the mild form while those that didn’t had higher infection rates. This drug is one of the safest around and is usually
mass distributed to help combat filariasis countrywide. I will be using my first prophylactic (prevention) dose when I finish this article and I will follow up with monthly repeats to protect myself from the virus. VITAMINS C AND D WITH ZINC These essential nutrients are proven to be vital in helping our body to fight off infections. Studies have shown higher COVID-19 infections and death rates in patients with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin C and Zinc have been shown to decrease severity and duration in viral illnesses similar to the COVID19 infection. There is no harm in getting my daily vitamins and zinc so I will ensure my diet contains these essential nutrients. Eating fish, healthy meat, eggs and dairy should help with my Vitamin D and Zinc while using citrus fruits daily will give me my Vitamin C. I will ensure I expose myself daily to sunlight which is a good back up plan to acquire Vitamin D.
WEARING MY MASK AND MAINTAINING GOOD HYGIENE Being a health worker, I am now used to having my mask on, keeping my hands clean and not touching my face. The science is clear that these preventative measures work and I’ll keep on doing them as best as I can. We are all humans and we have our moments of weakness but the more often we practice these measures, the more likely we will be protected in the event that we are exposed to the virus TRYING TO REGAIN SOME NORMALCY It has been difficult to be at home and avoid friends and family. Interaction is part of our human needs and it’s definitely needed to help with mental stability. It would be impossible to isolate myself until the pandemic is over. My next best option is to have risk averse interactions with friends and colleagues who are responsible in a controlled environment. When I have to interact, being in an open space with free flowing air is the best
Dr. Zulfikar Bux environment. Social distancing will be practiced and I’ll ensure the space is not crowded and I’m with persons who are smart and responsible with their behaviour. This is my plan to live with the virus until I get vaccinated. It may not be fool proof but it’s the best that I can come up with based on evidence I gathered from research and what seems to have worked thus far. The cure is nearer than before; use proper evidence to formulate a plan that will keep you safe against this virus until you get vaccinated.
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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<
COVID Cash, secondary city, mayoral re-elections, and dangerous driving dismissal
By GHK Lall
S
ince we are now deep into December and Christmas, I cast around for those positives that encourage. The going is tough, but I come up with a few. Almost close to the end of the year, it is the turn of the relatively vast and populous Region Four families to be on the receiving end of the PPP government initiated COVID-19 cash stimulus. Christmas is here in the form of that much-needed cash for strapped families. It would make a difference, for $25,000 is big money for poor, struggling families. I am encouraged that the
PPP government made this happen. I am so encouraged by this, that I will not speak to funding or any fooling around with the billions of dollars involved. That is for another time, since this is Christmas time. I do remind the distributors, though, that Freedom House and Congress Place are not multi-occupancy apartment buildings; they do not have hundreds of families' resident there, not one. So, please do not stop there and share out COVID Christmas cheer. That would be most discouraging. The announcement of a planned 'Secondary City' by President Ali along the highway is an encouraging moment. Georgetown could do with this overdue transferal of people and establishments, and the congestions that both bring. Citizens, both full-time residents and part-time presences, would
welcome the ease, the diversification, the option. A truly magnificent city could be built on those far hills. But it is going to be costly, and requires careful and astute handling. This must not be another expensive pork barrel project, another testimony to our greed and rapacity, since a ton of money is going to be required and involved. We have developed a global reputation for sticky fingers and greasy palms. I would be most encouraged to write and laud us putting those same fingers and palms to work and erect a monument to Guyanese values. I am encouraged that Pandit Ubraj Narine and Mr. Alfred Mentore have both been re-elected to another term as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, respectively. They did solid work, despite many institutional and financial handicaps, all inherited, all stubbornly tricky and resistant to change. I am encouraged that there
were no whispers or slurs about underhanded practices in their first term. The expectation is that they will still do better, deliver much more. Of course, money is the man needed the most, and it is in severe short supply. It would be more than encouraging to observe and actually experience the Irfaan Ali government partner with His Lordship and team to make Georgetown a place over which we all can be proud. Some financial help is most urgent, would be most welcomed. Of course, there must be accountability and oversight. The responsible minister has made the right sounds pointing towards assistance and partnership. He must deliver. Because when the minister does, the mayor must deliver, too. He has room to work, time to operate, and opportunity to make good. He must, regardless what it takes, even if sacred cows must be sacrificed. It's Christmas, so I really don't
want to deliver what disturbed mightily. I speak of that highprofile dangerous driving dismissal. If the entire judiciary pretends at this drunken wisdom, then I may be the only sober one around. As for the police and its damned and jammed equipment, it is shocking that these kinds of egregious oversights never seem to occur when the poor and powerless are involved. I am so disturbed and disgusted that I choke. I reserve myself to this: though it is the long holiday season, don't drink and drive. At least, not staggering, falling down, spitting, leaking drunk (the tapes at that famed city bar would help). What a spectacle! What a disturbing farce all around. It is encouraging that the DPP has appealed and put this matter back before the courts. Let's see what happens next. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Chief Justice’s ruling vindicates APNU+AFC The APNU+AFC Coalition have taken note of the ruling of the Chief Justice, Madame Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, in the case of Ms. Oneidge Walrond-Allicock’s status as a Member of Parliament. The Chief Justice’s ruling vindicates the APNU+AFC’s position that Ms. WalrondAllicock was an illegal Member of Parliament and Minister. The PPP/C regime knowingly swore her in while she was a dual citizen. Ms. Walrond-Allicock was fully aware that she was not qualified to be sworn in. This is shameful and contemptuous of the Constitution and people of Guyana by both Ms. Walrond-Allicock and the PPP/C regime. It constitutes a grave and egregious violation of the Constitution and is a disrespect to every citizen of the land. Ms. Walrond-Allicock’s deliberate actions were grossly dishonourable and deceitful. The ruling renders
Ms. Walrond-Allicock as unfit to serve in Parliament or government and any attempt to swear her in at a later date will be strongly resisted. The usually braggadocious but now hapless and blundering Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, had no option but to admit, in open court, that the PPP/C and Ms. WalrondAllicock’s actions were unconstitutional and illegal. Further, it is our view that all actions, appointments and decisions made and taken by Ms. Walrond-Allicock while she was an illegal Minister are null and void and of no consequence or effect. The PPP/C must now rescind every such action, appointment and decision, consistent with the ruling of the Chief Justice. Ms. Walrond-Allicock must now refund the state, in full, all funds expended on her salary and emoluments since August 2 to present. It is incumbent on Ms. Walrond-Allicock that she offers an unqualified public
apology to the nation for her wilful and barefaced attempt to deceive the people of Guyana and the breach of the Constitution. The APNU+AFC Coalition thank the Chief Justice for her ruling as we remain steadfast in standing up for and fervently upholding the Constitution and laws of Guyana. We also thank Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, MP, for his astute and compelling submissions to the court and his representation of Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, MP, in the matter. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Cindy Benjamin: Fearlessly pursuing her dream of becoming a celebrity hairstylist Candy Benjamin has been pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional celebrity hairstylist in New York after migrating from Guyana a few years ago in search of better opportunities. Since moving to New York, she launched her hair business Miyahair (@miyahair1) and offers a number of services to women in the interstate area. As a woman, Candy loves to look and feel beautiful and understands how important it is for women to have their hair well done and how much it boosts their confidence. Her business name Miyahair has great significance since it was inspired by her daughter whose name is Amiya. As a mother of one, Candy is faced with unique challenges since her daughter who is 5-yearsold has Special abilities. As such her daughter is her driving force to do her best. Candy was quick to learn the ropes in New York and her fun and outgoing personality coupled with her work ethics and determination is propelling her to the top of the game in the big apple. The 27-year-old hails from the ancient county of Berbice and growing up in the country side she was always amazed and intrigued by the art of styling hair. “I used to
These ladies showcasing the flawless work done by Ms. Benjamin
The talented Cindy Benjamin be watching television and seeing all the flawless hair style in advertisements, movies and tv shows…and I always told myself that one day I’m going to become a Hairstylist. Although at that time the vision wasn’t that bright,” she explained. Even though she was styling hair in Guyana on a part time basis it was in 2012 that she became more passionate and decided it was time to follow her dreams and make hairstyling a career. Since moving there she has been making progress in the field, working with a few celebrities but like most things in life it has its challenges. “Being a young black business woman in America is very challenging because black business
women are lacking representation, there are networking challenges, lack of access to capital or funds and also lack of mentorship.” Fortunately she loves being her own boss as she builds her brand and plans to expand it. “The best thing about being my own boss is that I don’t have a Boss lol. Being my own boss is that I have my own flexible work schedule, I have full control of my business, not only do I make decisions for myself but I always make decisions for clients too, and price flexibility...but the disadvantages of being my own boss is that sometimes I feel alone and isolated like I don’t have no one to guide me and having too many
things to take care of.” She is not discouraged from the actual goal which is to win and secure her money while perusing her passion and she sees herself as a well established Hairstylist, having her own brand and products world wide.” Her advice to young entrepreneurs is, “don’t give up, believe in yourself, be passionate in what you do, it’s not always about money , money will come if you make your business your passion, and it’s also good to understand how your personality, Strengths and natural abilities shape the work you do.” While in Guyana she worked with Shaunna of Shaunna’s New Look Salon in Berbice New Amsterdam, she also worked with Ceshanna from Sandra Hair studio in New York and Maggie from
Hairlikemaggie in Newark New Jersey. Miyahair1 offer services like custom-made wigs, full lace wigs, hair extensions,
braided wigs , faux locs wigs, custom-coloring and installs of wigs. You can follow her on Instagram @Miyahair1
back to partying and living the life we once could for the holidays. Teejay shows his love for Guyana and the Guyanese people by mentioning its name and capital throughout the song, the record has been receiving positive feedback and is set to be one of the hottest songs in the Dancehall scene. Slingerz Records hopes this new business venture will bridge local Guyanese artistes
with Jamaican artistes. The duo is excited to continue trail blazing and leading the Guyanese Dancehall scene. “We are grateful that our cousin Javed gave us the blessing to expand the brand and can’t wait for our future projects to be released. We’re working on some projects that will leave it’s imprint on the Dancehall music world for sure. The sky is the limit and we are committed to elevating the game,” says Kevin Balgobin. For project updates and business inquiries, Slingerz Records can be reached via social media: I n s t a g r a m : @slingerzfamilyent and @slingerzrecords Facebook: Kevin Balgobin (Slingerz Family) and Slingerz Family Sound E m a i l : slingerzrecords@gmail.com
Enetworks to air The Christmas Chronicles Two at 1pm today Slingerz Records enters the music production game with hit record
To ensure you are enamoured by the spirit of Christmas, the Enetworks team will be broadcasting today, a movie called, The Christmas Chronicles 2 (titled The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two onscreen). This is a 2020 American Christmas comedy film directed and produced by Chris Columbus, who
wrote the screenplay with Matt Lieberman. It is the second installment in the The Christmas Chronicles film series. A sequel to the 2018 film The Christmas Chronicles, it features Kurt Russell reprising his role as Santa Claus.[1] Also reprising their roles are Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Judah
Lewis, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, with new cast members Julian Dennison, Jahzir B r u n o , T y r e s e G i b s o n , S u n n y Suljic, Darlene Love, and Malcolm McDowell. The film had a limited theatrical release prior to beginning to stream on Netflix on November 25, 2020. Do enjoy!
Brothers Kevin and Troy Balgobin used their quarantine down time to establish their music production company, Slingerz Records. After witnessing Slingerz Family Entertainment (a company founded and owned by their cousin Javed Ali) dominate the dancehall business in Guyana for nearly two decades, the duo saw the music production business as an opportunity to further solidify the longevity of the brand. Slingerz Records released their first project today which features one of Dancehall’s most prominent superstars, Teejay aka the “Uptop Boss”. The song titled, “Want Party” is now available on all digital platforms. The duo explained that this project gives an upbeat vibe about being fed up with COVID-19 and wanting to go
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Liver Cirrhosis Before we take a look at this rapidly on the rise disease, we must first understand why the liver is so important in the first place. The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body, weighing in at approximately three pounds. It performs a myriad of important functions, these include: · Production of bloodproteins that aid in clotting, oxygen transport, and immune system function · Storing of excess nutrients and returning some of the nutrients into the bloodstream · Manufacturing bile, a substance needed to help digest food · Helping the body store sugar (glucose) in the form of glycogen · Ridding the body of harmful substances in the bloodstream, including drugs and alcohol · B r e a k i n g down saturated fat and producing cholesterol Now what is cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is a slowly progressing disease in which the normally healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This eventually prevents the liver from carrying out its functions properly. What the scar tissue does is that it prevents the flow of blood through the liver and thus slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and all naturally produced toxins. It also causes the sloth in the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. What specifically causes cirrhosis of the liver? Most persons would be au fait with the fact that alcohol abuse over a prolonged period of time can lead to liver cirrhosis but it is not the only cause. Liver cirrhosis can also be caused by a host of other factors, including Hepatitis C and fatty liver disease. Basically anything that causes damage to the liver can cause cirrhosis. These could include one or more of the following: · Fatty liver associated with chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes · Chronic viral infections of the liver e.g. Hepatitis types B, C, and D although D is very rare) · Blockage of the bile duct, which allows for the passage of bile formed in the liver to the intestines, where it helps in the digestion of fats; in babies, this is usually caused by biliary atresia in which bile ducts are absent
or damaged, causing bile to back up in the liver. In adults, bile ducts may become inflamed, blocked, or scarred, due to another liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis. · Repeated heart failure with fluid backing up into the liver. · Certain inherited diseases such as: Cystic fibrosis Glycogen storage diseases, in which the body is unable to process glycogen, a form of sugar that is converted to glucose and serves as a source of energy for the body Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, the absence of a specific enzyme in the liver · Diseases caused by abnormal liver function, such as hemochromatosis · R e a c t i o n s to prescription drugs, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, or parasitic infections. Is it possible that all alcoholics can get liver cirrhosis? While it is true that alcoholics can harm their liver in more ways than one with constant drinking, not all of them usually get liver cirrhosis. Coincidentally female alcoholics are at a higher risk for developing cirrhosis than men and people who have either hepatitis B or C are more likely to suffer liver damage from alcohol consumption. What can you look for in terms of symptoms? The symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver differ with each stage of the disease. In the earlier stages, it might by asymptomatic or present with no symptoms. However as the illness progresses, symptoms may include: · Loss of appetite · Lack of energy (fatigue) · W e i g h t loss or sudden unexplained weight gain · Unexplained Bruises · Jaundice and Itchy skin · Fluid retention which leads to and swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen · Darkening urine colour · Light colored stools · Confusion, disorientation, personality changes · Blood in the stool · Fever How can this disease be diagnosed? Cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed through several methods including:
· History and Physical exam- This is the mainstay of all diagnoses as 90 per cent of the time the doctor can tell what disease you are suffering from based on your history and physical examination. During a physical exam, the doctor can observe changes in how your liver feels or how large it is (a cirrhotic liver is bumpy and irregular instead of smooth). · Blood tests- If cirrhosis is suspected, blood tests can be done to find out if liver disease is present. · Other testsSometimes images of the liver are needed to make a definitive diagnosis. As such a computerized tomography (CT scan), ultrasound, or another specialized procedure called a radioisotope liver/ spleen scan may be recommended. · Biopsy- Diagnosis can be confirmed by taking a sample of tissue from the liver and looking at it both macroscopically and microscopically. Are there any complications associated with liver cirrhosis? In fact, there are quite a few. Some of the complications associated with cirrhosis of the liver include: · Variceal bleedingwhich is caused by portal hypertension. With portal hypertension, the This is an increase in the pressure within the portal vein (the large vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver). This increase in pressure is caused by a blockage of blood flow through the liver as a result of cirrhosis. Increased pressure in the portal vein causes other veins in the body to enlarge (varices), such as those in the esophagus and stomach, to bypass the blockage. These varices become fragile and can bleed easily, causing severe hemorrhaging and fluid in the abdomen. · Altered Mental Status which includes
confused thinking and other mental changes brought about by hepatic encephalopathy. This occurs after prolonged cirrhosis and the liver cannot break down toxins, which gets into the bloodstream and then affects the brain. · Kidney failure · Reduced oxygen in the blood · Diabetes · Changes in blood counts · Increased risk of infections · Excessive bleeding and bruising · B r e a s t enlargement in men · Premature menopause · Loss of muscle mass Is there any treatment? It must be noted that there is no cure for cirrhosis of the
liver. However there are treatments that can help to stop or delay its progression, minimize liver cell damage and reduce complications. Treatment all depends on the underlying cause. For example, when the cirrhosis is caused by alcohol abuse, stopping the consumption of alcohol would help to stop the progression. If a person has hepatitis, steroids or antiviral drugs may be prescribed to reduce liver cell injury. For those with cirrhosis caused by autoimmune diseases, Wilson’s disease, or hemochromatosis, the treatment varies. S y m p t o m a t i c management is also key to survival so medications may be given to help with symptoms. Edema and ascites are treated through the reduction of salt in the
diet and drugs called diuretics are used to remove excess fluid and to prevent edema from recurring. Liver transplantation may be necessary for some people with the advanced form of the disease. Remember that prevention is always better than cure so it would be better to safeguard yourself. Do not abuse alcohol and if you do drink alcohol limit the quantity and frequency with which you drink. Abstain or keep away from having casual unprotected sex with multiple partners. Always take caution when handling or using synthetic chemicals such as cleaning products and pesticides. And one of the most important precautionary measures, get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) You have heard of persons complaining that they have constant heartburn, or you yourself are a victim of this distasteful disorder. But what exactly is it and what causes it to happen? Constant and recurring heartburn is actually a disorder known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD for short. GERD is a disease of the digestive system with the main pathology occurring at the lower esophageal sphincter or the LES. The LES is a circular muscle between the stomach and the tube leading to the stomach (the esophagus) that seals the stomach and prevents its contents from backing up. Many persons, especially pregnant women and persons suffering from obesity, suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion caused by GERD. GERD is one of those diseases which can be fixed through lifestyle changes
including diet and exercise. However, due to long term effects, some persons may require medical or surgical intervention. In order to understand the disease we must understand the name. Gastroesophagealis the term used to refer to the stomach and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. As such, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the LES is weak or it opens up inappropriately thus allowing the contents of the stomach to flow into the esophagus. What causes GERD? For some, the causes of GERD is multifactorial, however certain diets and lifestyle choices are the main contributors to this disease. Foods like chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods and drinks like coffee and alcohol, can trigger reflux and heartburn. Cigarette
smoke causes relaxation of the LES, along with the obesity factor and pregnancy. These therefore have significant roles to play in the symptoms of GERD. What are the symptoms that you must beware of? The most major complaint of anyone suffering from GERD is heartburn. It is also called acid indigestion and is characterized by a burning chest pain on the left side of the upper chest, radiating to the neck and throat. To put it into context, it usually feels like food coming back into the mouth and leaving a sour or bitter taste. These symptoms can last up to two hours and are exacerbatedespecially after eating. Two other phenomena that could cause heartburn occur upon lying down or bending over. As such it is not unusual for a lot of persons to obtain relief by standing up or through the use of an over the counter antacid to neutralize the acid in the esophagus.
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Junior page Paper Leaf Garland If you don’t want to deal with pine needles on the floor, opt for a paper garland instead. Cut out leaf shapes in various sizes from green and patterned paper, and fold in half long-ways. Cut 10 inches of floral wire, fold in half, and twist. Use hot glue to attach a piece of wire By Shreya Sharma Stick Man lived in a family tree with the Stick Lady Love. They had three stick children. One day, he woke up early and went for a jog. As he was jogging, a dog saw him and started chasing him. “A stick! I’ll fetch it and drop it and play throughout the day,” barked the dog. “I’m not a stick. Why can’t you see? I’m a Stick Man and I want to go home to the family tree,” cried the Stick Man. There was a notice board which read, “Dogs must be kept on the lead!” At last, the game was over and Stick Man was free. He set off for the home with a hop and twirl. As he was walking back towards home, a girl saw him. “A stick!” cried the girl with a smile on her face. “The right kind of pooh-stick for winning the race! Has everyone got one? Get ready to throw! It’s 1… 2… 3… Into the river they go!” “I’m not a pooh-stick! Why can’t they see? I’m Stick Man and I’m heading away from the family tree,” he cried. Stick Man floated on and on. Soon, a swan saw him and thought it was a twig. “This twig is the best. It is the right kind of twig to weave my nest,” said swan. “I’m not a twig! Why can’t they see? I’m Stick Man and I long to be back in the family tree,” he cried. Soon, the nest was deserted and Stick Man was free. He drifted down the river and sailed out to sea. He tossed and turned till the frolicking foam. Next, he reached a beach which was far away from his home. There was a dad with a spade in his hand. A dad and a son was making a castle out of the sand. “An excellent mast! Hooray! There’s a flag on our castle at last,” cried dad. Stick man became angry and said, “I’m not a mast for a silly old flag or a sword for a knight or a hook for a bag, I’m neither a
pen nor a bow, I’m not a bat or a boomerang! I’m a STICK MAN!” It had been so long Stick Man did not go home. It was now winters. A boy with a warm, woolly scarf picked it up. “An arm for my snowman!” he said with a laugh. “I’m not an arm! Can nobody see? I’m Stick Man! Will I ever get to the family tree?” he sighed. Stick Man was sad and lonely. He was lost. He was frozen and covered with frost. Stick Man was weary and his eyes started to close. He stretched and yawned and soon fell fast sleep. It was Christmas Eve! He couldn’t hear the jingle of the bells and the sweet singing choir. A voice said, “Here’s a good stick for the fire!” But Stick Man was lying asleep in the grate. While sleeping, he dreamed of his kids and his Stick Lady Love. Suddenly, he woke up and heard someone shouting for help. “Ho, Ho, Ho! I’m stuck! Get me out,” a voice cried. “A Stuck Man! Who can that be? Don’t worry! I’ll set you free,” assured Stick Man. With a scratch and a poke and with lots of efforts, Stick Man finally succeeded. It was Santa Claus who fell with a thump! “Stick Man, you are an excellent friend! Thank you for saving me,” said Santa. Then, Stick Man helped Santa in delivering the toys to fast asleep girls and boys. Faster and faster they flew through the snow, till Santa said, “Only one chimney to go! Ho, Ho, Ho!” Stick Lady and her children were missing Stick Man. It would not feel like Christmas without their Stick Dad. Suddenly, they heard some clattering sound. “Someone is tumbling, Stick Mom,” cried the kids. It was Stick Man and he decided to stick right there with his Stick Lady Love and his kids in a family tree. It was Santa who fulfilled Stick Man’s wish and made his Christmas merrier than ever. Santa also gifted each of his child their favorite toys.
Suguru The heavy lines indicate areas, called cages, from one to five squares in size. Fill each cage with unique digits, counting up from 1. So for example a 2-square cage contains the numbers 1 and 2; and a 5-square cage contains the numbers from 1 to 5. Adjacent (touching) squares, even ones that touch diagonally, may never contain the same number.
to the bottom backside of each leaf, let dry. Begin to twist wired leaves together to create a garland, alternating colors and sizes. Use hot glue to attach pompom “berries” throughout garland.
Cookie Cutter Ornaments Gather up some Christmas-themed ornaments to make a few DIY’d ornaments. Trace the cookie cutters onto patterned paper and cut them out. Place a small line of glue around the edge of the cookie cutter and place cut paper on top, lining up all of the edges and let it dry. Attach a small loop of cord to the back of the ornament, let dry, and hang.
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
Slitherlink
In a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching. The numbers indicate how many lines surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines (from 0 to 3). There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be connected.
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FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is once again appealing to all teens to write to him about any problem you may be facing for which you need a solution. He would also like you to contribute to this Page by submitting other material that he can include here. These include: 1. A poem, short story or bit of advice that you have written and would like to share with your fellow teens. 2. Any significant event that has happened, or any interesting item about what is going on around you. 3. A commentary about where you live to acquaint others about it. As mentioned before, you can email me at: uncleroy1992@yahoo.com
Solutions to last week’s
Penrose
Karuko
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Dermatologists’ tips for relieving dry skin
Simple changes can soothe dry skin Following the same skin care routine year-round may not work so well when the humidity drops. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Dry, itchy skin can flake, crack, and even bleed. To help heal dry skin and prevent its return, dermatologists recommend the following. 1. Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin. When the humidity drops or your skin feels dry, be sure to: - Close the bathroom door. - Use warm rather than hot water. - Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes. - Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. - Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, avoid using so much that you see a thick lather. - Blot your skin gently dry with a towel. - Slather on the moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. Baths and showers can worsen dry skin. You can prevent baths and showers from worsening dry skin by following these dermatologists’ tips. Click the image above to download a PDF. 2.Apply moisturizer immediately after washing. Ointments, creams, and lotions (moisturizers) work by trapping existing moisture in your skin. To trap this much-needed moisture, you need to apply a moisturizer within few minutes of: - Drying off after a shower or bath - Washing your face or hands - Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for a cream or ointment that contains one or more of the following ingredients: - Jojoba oil ,Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid,Lactic acid, Lanolin, Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Shea butter Tip- To relieve dry hands, carry a non-greasy hand cream with you and apply it after each hand washing. 4. Wear lip balm. Choose a lip balm that feels good on your lips. If your lips sting or tingle after you apply the lip balm, switch to one that does not cause this reaction. 5. Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as deodorant soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend using products labeled “fragrance-frree.” If you see the word “unscented,” the product can contain chemicals that neutralize or hide the odors of other ingredients. These chemicals can irritate dry, sensitive skin. Dry skin? Stop using skin care products that contain any of the following: - Alcohol (except for hand sanitizer) - Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) - Fragrance, including deodorant soaps - Retinoids Avoiding these products will help your skin retain its natural oils. If you find that frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer dries your hands, these dermatologists’ tips can bring relief, Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing. 6. Choose non-irritating clothes and laundry detergent. When our skin is dry and raw even clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. To avoid this: -Wear cotton or silk under your clothing made of wool or another material that feels rough. - Use laundry detergent labeled “hypoallergenic.” 7.Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or other heat source. Sitting in front of an open flame or other heat source can dry your skin. 8. Add moisture to the air. Plug in a humidifier. If you can, check your home heating system to find out if you have a humidifier on the system — and whether it’s working. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-carebasics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
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Are we a country of laws or not? It is either we are a country of laws or we are not! Over the last few months we have seen persons detained by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in excess of the 72 hours required by law and without the permission of the High Court. It is the Constitution which addresses the manner in which a person might be lawfully detained by the police. Bradley and King (2007) describes a Constitution as “…having a special legal sanctity which set out the framework and the principal functions of the organs of governments within the state and declares the principles by which those organs must operate.” It was Bharrat Jagdeo who assented to Act No. 10 of 2003 Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) ACT 2003 Arrangement of Articles, in which lawful detention moved from 48 to 72 hours. It seems that even with the additional time granted to the authorities they are still running afoul of the law and denying the rights of citizens they swore to serve and protect. This very amendment Act had its genesis in the Constitution (Amendment) (No.5.) Bill 2000 - Bill No.18/ 2000 and it was then Minister, Reepu Daman Persaud, of the PPP who ‘referred to the fact of a person having a right of release after being arrested’. His words have grown cold as the grave, while the spirit and letter of the law are today
transgressed and trampled with impunity; unheard of a few short months ago when we each enjoyed ‘The Good Life’. It was then the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (who served earlier as GECOM Chairman for the vitiated 1997 General and Regional Elections) who in speaking to the substance and merit of the Act said it represented “a major overhaul of the fundamental rights provision of our Constitution, some of the principles and basis of the political, social, economical system…” which guides our nation. It would seem then in going after political foes and social enemies we have forgotten what was the intention of Parliament. In addition to what we are witnessing, we see this feature of detaining citizens and then seemingly proceeding to build a case against them. The voices of Legal luminaries, like K. A. Juman-Yassin, once raged publicly, “I do not have a
problem with the police investigating and pushing for information in order to solve crimes but it must not be done in a manner whereby the civil rights of a citizen will be trampled. Our police must do more investigating and rely on forensics in order to gain success and stop relying on locking up persons in the hope of getting information and confessions. The law currently is that the police can arrest and or detain a person for 72 hours and thereafter that person shall be released or taken before a court.” The Guyana Bar Association was equally public and vocal, “Before a person can be in custody, he must be arrested. If the arrest is not lawful, then his detention as a result of the arrest, whether for one hour or for 72 hours, is equally unlawful. The Constitution does not expand the power of arrest, and if the person affecting the arrest is acting unlawfully, then the person
being arrested is not lawfully in detention, and no protection avails the arresting officer under the provisions of the Constitution.” Why have all the voices of reason now gone silent? In 2011 President of the Bar Association, Timothy Jonas, recognized, “Tepid efforts have been made by the authorities to address the issue of abuse. The Attorney General more recently suggested that the constitutional amendment permitting imprisonment without charge for 72 hours may have been abused from time to time by members of the Police Force. On the other hand, the
President saw nothing to apologize about for the arrest of the Muslim cleric who was taken by the police from his hotel room. Even less shrift was given to the two Guyanese men who visited him in the lock-ups and were promptly arrested themselves.” Finally, of recent vintage Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry ordered the Guyana Police Force to pay $10.5 million in damages for the unlawful arrest and detention of a man, his two minor sons and his brother. In summing up the Justice issued a call to action as she opined instructively, quoting from the case of Mustapha
Ghanny vs. Police Constable Dev Ramadhin No 16969 et al Claim No. CV 2015-01921, “the duty of courts in a democracy which subscribes to the recognition, protection and enforcement of basic standards of treatment of its citizens, requires condemnation of high handed and oppressive actions behaviour and conduct of the servants or agents of the State lest they be condoned, encouraged systematized and perpetuated.” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
STORY Our Labour Laws WITHIN THE
and Investments By Leonard Gildarie
O
n Friday, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) announced that it has approved a whopping US$112M for the first phase of the Linden/Lethem roadway. The loan would be part of the US$190M cost for the first phase which stretches the 121 kilometers between Linden and Mabura, Region 10. There has been talks for years about paving the 450km stretch of the Linden/Lethem road or trail as the condition can be described now. It will undoubtedly open up opportunities in our hinterlands for tourism and trade and, of course, bring the possibilities of trade with Brazil to the fore. The Roraima State, the area of Brazil closest to Guyana, has been looking to use Guyana's ports as it was cheaper and the route shorter than what prevails in Brazil. It will create economic opportunities for Guyana, authorities say. Of course, the more than 300km from Mabura to Kurupukari and then on to Lethem will still have to be done. Brazil has shown interest in the stretch from Lethem to Kurupukari and it appears that the Irfaan Ali administration is dead-set on the paving of the roadway. Already, on the east, moves are underway to link Suriname to Guyana via a bridge. It is dizzying the possibilities of trade. We will, as Guyanese, drive over to Suriname and spend a night or two to relax o r s h o p . We h a v e possibilities now with Brazil as there is a bridge linking the two countries at Takutu River. In recent weeks, several local and international businesses have also announced undertakings to build hotels. It will not be any 'jokey' hotels, according to what has been reported. Marriott Courtyard, Hilton, Hyatt and several brands are targeted. These
are the cream of the lot. On Friday, a local business, of the Bassoo family, announced intentions to build a US$20M Marriott Courtyard for the Timehri area, near to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Mirroring this, of course, would be the scores of businesses being established in the oil and gas sector. Not only for the services side of things, but of course, actual production. It involves billions of dollars. Guyana will be facing a deluge of investors and immigrants the likes that this region has not seen in decades. It will surpass Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Barbados and little St. Maarten, a Dutch overseas territory in the Leewards Islands area. We have to be ready for it. We have been talking about our readiness. Our enforcement and monitoring side of things will have to experience a total remake. More boots on the ground. Recently, I interviewed Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on 'The WakeUp Guyana Show' on Kaieteur Radio. He admits that he inherited a broken system where only a fifth of the staffers he requires are in place. There were no inspectors available to check what is happening on our oil production platform offshore Guyana. Minister Hamilton said that he does not believe inspectors should be in office, but rather on the road, visiting employers and inspecting. Right now, not yesterday, we have to revamp our immigration department and find synergies between the Labour Ministry and other areas. Work permits and border security must all be part of a national task force to tackle this issue. We are five years after the discovery of oil and the country's profile has
Leonard Gildarie c h a n g e d d r a m a t i c a l l y. We need to wake up and understand that we need to be ready. We need our laws to be revamped and a system that at the click of a button, immigration officials can check who has work permits. The same goes for labour officials. There must be service charges/fees introduced that are standard. The country cannot be the one standing the expense. Work permits must expire and new fees charged for renewals. There must be a long term strategy to train our locals to reduce the demands for foreign workers. It would be an intolerable situation for us to be importing construction workers or drivers. There must be ground rules. The Linden/Lethem road, once paved will open up new areas. Mines officers and forest rangers will have their work cut out. The reality is that currently, corruption and vast, difficult terrain have all conspired to make monitoring and enforcement appear foreign to our country. Yet there is evidence of our lands being chewed up and the presence of hundreds of foreign, illegal workers in our gold bush. Unless we take action now, we will have an out-ofcontrol country. Our borders have to be protected. Our jobs have to be secured. It should not be a question of if, but when. Sitting on our hands, as the clock ticks, is not an option. Talking about billions of dollars in investments while we leave our back door open will be all for naught. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Bandit shot dead after Eccles warehouse raid
A
robbery attempt on a bond, by at least two bandits on Friday evening went horribly wrong for one of them. After the smoke cleared, one of the men was found dead on the scene, along the Eccles access road to the Haags Bosch
dumpsite. The man, who remained unidentified as of last evening, was killed sometime after 21:00 hrs. during an exchange of gunfire with security guards. Kaieteur News was told that the brief shootout went down at Industrial Site,
Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD). This newspaper understands that the guards were doing a routine check at a bond located in the area, when they bumped into the bandits trying to break in. The bandits reportedly panicked and one of them reportedly opened fire at the
Sunday December 13, 2020 Unidentified: The dead bandit
security guards. The guards, who were also armed, were forced to seek cover, and while doing so they returned fire. The bandits ran and scaled a fence but one of them, who appeared to have been hit, collapsed while trying to maneuver his way across a trench. The police were called to the scene. The bandit appeared to have received a fatal shot to his abdomen. Kaieteur News was told by residents that he was a known menace in the area. They also believed that he may have been part of several break-ins and robberies in the area. Kaieteur News was told that the bond was robbed on several occasions. “We always had breakins,” one businessman said. However, no one has been charged.
The seized ganja
Hire car driver, passenger arrested after 50-kilo Moleson Creek ganja bust
A
hire car driver is now in custody and likely to face the court after being busted with over 50 kilos of ganja. According to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) yesterday, the seizure took place on Thursday at Moleson Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne. The two persons in custody include, Imran Johara, 33, a hire car driver of Line Path C, East BerbiceCorentyne and a “young male.” CANU said that its officers conducted a narcotic operation at Moleson Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne, where they intercepted motorcar, HC 9071. It was disclosed that Johara was the driver and there was one occupant. “A search of the hire car was conducted in the presence of the two occupants of the hire car and several parcels of cannabis were found in the vehicle. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing,” CANU said in its statement.
Arrested: Hire car driver, Imran Johara
Sunday December 13, 2020
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'Front-of-package' food labelling helps consumers choose healthier - PAHO T banned from schools. Notably, in the Mexican regulation and those under discussion in Argentina and the Caribbean, the PAHO
he Pan-American H e a l t h Organization (PAHO) has made it clear that front-of-package warnings against foods excessive in fats, sugars and sodium is the best way to help people avoid the unhealthiest purchases. The front-of-package warning labels work better than any other kind of nutritional labelling, such as healthy food endorsements. PAHO in a release, stated that it reviewed six different categories of food labelling systems to determine which perform best to help consumers correctly and easily identify products that are excessive in nutrients associated with the top three causes of death in the Americas namely: overweight, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. According to the Director of PAHO, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, “the front-of-package warning labels can guide healthier choices, save lives, improve the quality of life in the Region, and protect our human rights and those of our children. This is an urgent public health situation and we simply cannot wait.” “The majority of populations in our Region and worldwide still lack access to simple information about whether a product is excessive in sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fat or total fats,” said Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO. He added that such labelling is even more i m p o r t a n t n o w, a s
PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne
underlying conditions linked to poor diet can lead to life threatening complications from COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary of Industry, C o m m e r c e a n d Competitiveness for Mexico, Ernesto Acevedo, detailed that the label warnings protect the rights of consumers to have truthful, extensive, simple, easily understood information about what the products are and what they contain. The Deputy Secretary added that Mexico adopted the labelling because of epidemic obesity that has affected health, the economy, and social and economic inequity. PA H O h a s f u r t h e r highlighted that earlier this year, Mexico implemented the black octagonal warning labels that follow PAHO's best practices which includes PAHO nutrient profile, a tool classified food and drink products that are in excess of free sugars, salt, total fat, saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. In previous years, Chile,
First JetBlue flight lands From page 17 aircraft feature the Collins Meridian seat – which is the widest seat available for the single aisle Airbus family of aircraft – with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections at every seat and the most legroom in coach. The in-flight entertainment is powered by Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2
connectivity. With this system – featuring 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, more than 100 channels of live television with DVRlike pause and rewind functionality, picture-inpicture function and more – JetBlue offers customers expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies, the CJIA statement said.
Peru and Uruguay adopted front-of-package warnings, and Brazil has taken a step in that direction. In Canada and Colombia, the warnings have been proposed for mandatory use. However, in the Caribbean, the region is in the final stages of adopting the warnings as part of regional standards, while Argentina is in the process o f a d o p t i n g comprehensive, robust legislation, which requires products to display warning labels and prevents such products from being advertised and
nutrient profile criteria are being used to determine which products should have a warning. According to PAHO too,
this allows consumers purchase decisions to align with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
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Youth empowerment advocate,
Amar Panday is a 'Special Person' From page 20 mentorship qualities. “As a student of history, I have studied the work of many historical figures that have used the practice of leadership to promote and affect the ideals of national development. Of particular significance has been the role and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I have studied his work and have been greatly inspired by his role in the civil rights movement. I am also a student of Philosophy. I have been greatly influenced by the Hindu philosopher Patanjali as well as the Greek philosopher Epictetus who have both espoused an approach of mental levelheadedness in the face of formidable challenges. This has been an important part of my work,” the ECG founder explained. DRIVING EMPOWERMENT As it relates to his work w i t h t h e y o u t h ambassadorship project, Panday is especially proud of the growth. He told Kaieteur News, given that the company and the youth project are primarily funded out of his own pocket, the response to the programmes has been encouraging. Panday disclosed that there are currently 35 young persons who are members of the programme. “We have athletes, artistes, university students and aspiring journalists among whom we are helping to coach in leadership and management skills, so they can return to their community and in their own spaces and be change agents,” he said. Panday said given its m a n d a t e , t h e ambassadorship programme has several different components that allow members to sharpen these skills. “We have the discussion series on developing public speaking skills; the book club at the National Library; the Ready Readers Book club at Kairuni; the television programme on NCN that focuses on mental and emotional health as well as growth mindsets for leadership; the radio
programme which features youth development oriented discussions; our flagship project with the Hauraruni Girls Home where we engage the children with educational and personal development initiatives; and
SUSTAINING A MOVEMENT The EGC proprietor said that he is continuously motivated by seeing the fruits of his work. He said, “There are many scenarios which could be cited as constituting such fruits.” “The youth ambassadors are now on radio and television and doing
Speaking to inmates at an Empower Guyana initiative held at the New Amsterdam Prison
excellent work in espousing the mandate of Empower Guyana. This kind of thing keeps me motivated,” he said. Besides work, the youth empowerment advocate spends a considerable
The EGC founder during a training session with participants of Youth Parliament Guyana
then, there is the personal development workshop where we engage the female inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison,” Panday said of the mentorship project. Additionally, he said that there are youth empowerment workshops happening monthly in New Amsterdam and Linden. “The programme is ever-growing and evolving with our aim of pursuing youth development at the forefront. So I am very, very proud of how the youth project has grown,” Panday said. He noted that with the right conditions for growth, young people can carry out the leadership functions in their home, community and organizations. “As it is with staffers that are properly trained, so it is with the young people, they respond to carry out the functions of the agencies better. We have seen it happen!” Panday added.
Sunday December 13, 2020
amount of time with his wife Holika Klass, son Achilles, his dog, Armani. He believes in the philosophy of work/life integration. As such, a typical day involves planning and executing the work of Empower Guyana as well as spending time with my wife and son. “They are actively involved in my work with Empower Guyana,” he said. Asked what advice he would offer to a person who is desirous of having a career in youth development, he noted it requires the approach of a growth
mindset and emotional intelligence. He asserted that “young people require empathy, integrity and inspiration from their mentors.” In his view, Panday stressed that the materialization of youth l e a d e r s h i p a n d empowerment will be a pivotal and indispensable factor in any viable process of community and regional development in Guyana. “This is so because it will be primarily the youth who
will be responsible for altering the anachronistic and antiquated models and perspectives which have stymied and even injured the process of community integration and development. At Empower Guyana, I have sought to create a cadre of youth leaders with the requisite capacity to contribute meaningfully to the process of community, regional and national development,” he said of the movement.
Some of the young participants of the Empower Guyana project engage in capacity building activities
Sunday December 13, 2020
19 new COVID-19 cases for Region 10 The Ministry of Health recorded 40 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, of which Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) accounted for 19 of them. Regions Five and Eight were the only regions recording no new cases. This information was presented in the Ministry’s daily dashboard update, which also revealed that the total number of confirmed cases has increased to 5,879.
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Further, it was reported that 628 persons are in approved home isolation; 47 in institutional isolation; 33 in institutional quarantine while six are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at the Liliendaal Infectious Disease Hospital. The COVID-19 death toll remains at 154 deaths with 5,044 persons recovered. Additionally, 33,656 persons have been tested for the virus countrywide to date.
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Install and Use Your Decorative Lights Safely This Holiday Whether it’s for the decoration of your home at Christmas, a party or any special occasion, decorative lights can really add to the atmosphere. However, as with any electrical outfit, decorative lights also need to be properly installed to ensure they do not become a threat to your family, your home or your business. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), based on the requirements of the National Standard for Seasonal and holiday products (GYS 232:2017), monitors decorative lights to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements and safe use. Decorative lights for sale must comply with relevant safety standards. It is illegal in many countries to offer decorative lights for sale without the necessary safety approval. Decorative lights must be tested for safety and approved for use by an independent testing and certification body.
Users need to ensure that they acquire the appropriate kind of decorative lights. If you are going to use the decorative lighting outdoors make sure they are suitable for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside because the insulation on the wires is not suitable for wet or windy weather and may result in fires, electric shocks and/or injuries to people. For lights that are going to be re-used from a previous occasion, users must ensure that when they are taken out of storage, they are examined for defects such as damaged wires, burnt-out bulbs or loose connections. Meanwhile, new lights should be checked for loose or missing bulbs. It is crucial that you unplug the light set from the power source before replacing the bulbs. Always ensure that new bulbs are of the same type and wattage to avoid the lighting set overheating which could cause a fire.
Regularly monitor your lighting for faulty and burntout bulbs and replace them immediately. Finally, here are four key safety reminders for users of decorative lights: -Always turn lights off when going to bed or going out for extensive periods. -Do not attempt to alter or make modifications to the lights. -Fully unwind any extension cords to prevent overheating. -Ensure that lights are plugged into the right voltage. With all this in mind, enjoy your beautiful, safe, decorative lighting displays this holiday. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) For further information, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
The First Lady is well-liked and proactive ... From page 6 specific task, people do say whether they like or dislike a First Lady. She is part of a worldwide phenomenon of President’s wives being substantially better-liked than their husbands. they work as a spokesperson to bring attention to noncontroversial issues, they generally win public approval. Not surprisingly, their efforts lead to higher approval rating than their husbands. President Granger’s dropped from the 60s to the
40s. But First Lady Sandra remained unaffected in the +50% positive ratings. Janet consistently had +50% positive ratings trailing her husband Cheddi who was the most likeable of all Presidents for his caring, austere, and simple life. But Arya’s rating, like her husband, is rising with each month in office. Hers is in the 90s. It is reasonable to assume that part of her popularity comes from the policy of the government and the activism of the President. She is also non-controversial. And she has brought a formal,
populist, and cultured style from her family upbringing to the State House in hosting functions and entertaining guests. An illustrative example is hosting dinner for Diwali where she treated guests as Gods and Goddesses as described in the scriptures, and preparing packages of sweets as gifts to take home as is the festival tradition. Almost everyone rates her as outstanding, excellent, very good and none saying “poor” or “unsatisfactory”. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
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T
he governing People’s Progres sive Party Civic (PPP/C) regime has rejected requests by troubled Chinese contractor, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), for additional funds to complete the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project. Simultaneously, government has threatened to pursue legal action and possibly bar the company from under taking future projects, if it fails to execute the contract per the agreed specifications. In a letter sent to the company’s Chair, Lin Yizhong, Attorney General and Legal Minister, Anil Nandlall, made it clear that the company agreed to carry out the planning, design and construction of the extension of the country’s main airport. “The project includes the construction of a New Terminal Building (NTB) and the extension of the existing main runway to allow for Code E
Sunday December 13, 2020
In trouble: Part of what Guyana got from US$150M (Mike Charles’ Facebook photo)
Aircraft operations at CJIA. This project, when completed, is expected to attract more international airlines and travellers, to promote tourism and to provide economic development,” Nandlall explained in
the letter. However, the AG noted, the company failed to deliver on its contractual obligations, some nine years after the contract was awarded. “Pursuant to the contrac-
tual obligations of the underlying contract,” the AG stated in the letter, “your company has failed to satisfy the employer’s requirement, contractor’s proposal and schedules and all works nec-
essary for the stability, safe and proper operation and completion of the whole works.” Not only that, Nandlall noted, too, that the contractor failed to remedy defects
and failed to complete the project at the agreed upon time. As such, government also lodged complaints with the Chinese government (Continued on page 60)
Sunday December 13, 2020
Gruesome murder of Berbice teens … Director of Argentine Forensic team in Guyana to conduct assessment Currently in Guyana to assess whether or not his team of experts can help the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in solving the gruesome murder of three Berbice teens, is Dr. Luis Fondebrider. Fondebrider is the Director of the Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (EAAF). The three teens were brutally slain in early September, sparking protests, robberies, and the blocking of the roads in West Berbice. Several vehicles were burned during the protests as access to and from Berbice was cut off for days. Police and army ranks had to be shuttled to the area to bring back some level of normalcy. The mutilated bodies of Joel,16 and Isaiah Henry, 19, were first to be discovered, next to a coconut farm at Cotton Tree Backdam, West Coast Berbice (WCB). A rice farmer was arrested as one of the suspects for their murder. A few days later amidst the violent protest, his grandson, Haresh Singh, 17 was also killed, in apparent retaliation. It’s quickly approaching three months since their gruesome deaths and family members have been agitating in a case that has dragged in political parties. The lawyer for the Henry teens, Nigel Hughes, had announced that moves were underway to bring in the experienced Argentine Forensic Team to assist in cracking the case. Before that, regional investigators had been in Guyana with no charges brought in the death of the teens so far. The arrival of the Dr. Fondebrider was made possible by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), which has been making statements about the matter. Dr. Fondebrider began a four-day visit yesterday to conduct an assessment. According to a press release sent out by GHRA, the purpose of his visit is to assess whether the EAAF may be able to support the efforts of GPF in their investigations of the teens’ deaths.During the visit, which will end on Wednesday, December 16th, Fondebrider will be meeting with the teens’ family members. He will also visit the crime scene and meet with police investigators. According to GHRA,
In Guyana: Director of the Argentine Forensic Team, Luis Fondebrider
Murdered: Haresh Singh
Murdered: Joel Henry
Murdered:Isaiah Henry Fondebriber will brief the appropriate Government and diplomatic representatives as well.GHRA added that if the (Continued on page 61)
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Toilet down
This male washroom at the newly expanded and refurbished Cheddi Jagan International Airport has reportedly been out of order for the past two weeks. (CJIA washroom)
Govt. rejects Chinese... From page 58 expressing their displeasure in the quality of work provided by CHEC. “Our dissatisfaction with your performance and your breach of contract has already been reported by our Ministry of Public Works to the Chief Executive Officers of the Export-Import Bank of China and by our Prime Minister to Mr. Wang Tongzhou, Chairman of China Communications Construction Group, your parent company,” Nandlall stated. “Any failure to comply with the aforementioned demand, will result my advising my client to seeking legal remedies and to forebear from any engagements with your company in the future,” the AG also said. Contention continued to grow over the cost of the airport, after in January of this year, recent invitations for bids advertised in the daily newspapers had indicated that the airport needed a new fence for its public car park and an access-control security hut. These intended projects, which stand outside of the US$150 million and counting contract, are not alone. There are also plans for a new parking lot valued at $122 million, a cargo facility, a commercial centre, an office area and a parking lot, all advertised last year. It has been argued, however, that these projects should never have been left out in the first place, as contractors have told Kaieteur News that the amount and quality of work being done to renovate the terminal building since it began, could have been done for far less than US$150 mil-
lion that taxpayers are expected to foot. Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, had already expressed government’s view and made it clear that the governing administration will be expending no further funds on the project. “It is a solution that does not fit within the US$150 million programme that was signed as the original contract. We are coming from a position that whatever is the solution, it must not require the Government of Guyana to have to spend any more money,” the Minister told Kaieteur News. “We have a count of US$150 million; US$138 million from China EXIM Bank, US$12 million from GOG, we have already gone pass the US$150 million because of the two extra air bridges. We have had to pay for some work in terms of getting the tarmac fixed. We had to spend additional money outside of the contract to do other things, to get the airport running,” he said. The Coalition government, under David Granger, had drastically reduced the project, settling for a renovated old terminal building instead of a new one completed with glass roof and energy saving technology. CHEC itself has entered into projects to with private businesses the MovieTowne project and the Pegasus Hotel expansion project. It has completed the MovieTowne project and a significant way in completing the Pegasus one. There have been accusations that CHEC has misused its tax concessions also on the MovieTowne project.
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
Firearm licences issued under the Coalition…
THE SEAWALLS FOREVER! SOCU seizes over 1,000 files from By PAT DIAL The seawalls lie deep in the consciousness of Guyanese people, but especially Georgetowners. Yet, it has rarely been noticed by the news media, and the last time it was mentioned as an item of national concern, was five or six years ago when the ocean overtopped the wall and flooded the yards parallel to the public road. This was the first time in living memory that there was such an occurrence, and it led to great panic. The authorities hurriedly constructed a barrier of standing concrete slabs on the walls to counter such overtopping. In the last few weeks, the seawalls have again featured in the news, but in a happier vein. From Camp Street to the Demerara River, the wall had become disfigured by an accumulation of unsightly garbage and no one assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes slept there, was noticed by Dwayne Hackett trying to clean the garbage and immediately volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the incident on social media and immediately numbers of persons volunteered their services. First Lady Arya Ali was one of the first to volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, the Director of Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service became involved with her. The Fire Service cleaned the bandstand and in a few days, all the garbage was removed and the seawalls appeared as if it had always been maintained! Many have been high in their praises of this example of civic responsibility. The seawalls had always been the promenade and park for the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages, from the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until the 1960s, when the country became plagued with political tensions and there were robberies on the seawalls. For most of the 1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the seawalls. In its heyday, the seawall was the most delightful place in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the ever present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach, which today is rather muddy, was once
covered with seashells, there would always be children exploring, and picking up seashells of different colours; sometimes they may find large conch shells. The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty seawall, where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty pump station but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and fall of the beach. The seawalls provided a favourite place for health enthusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group would go to the seawalls by either jogging to get there or by cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before the sun had risen. On moonlight nights, the seawalls were always a crowded promenade. Many went to socialize with friends, but all went to enjoy the beauty of the moon arising from the sea and the bluegreen moonlight, which was brighter since there were no road lights to dilute it. Others would enjoy the various phases of the new moon with the background of purple skies embellished with thousands of stars, which appear brighter since there were no city lights. Others would go to the seawalls in the late afternoons, to admire the sunsets gradually transforming into the blue light of dusk. Another of the joys of the seawalls was the early evening Sunday concerts, given by the Militia Band and the Police Band at the Bandstand, which attracted hundreds of people. Their repertoire consisted of light classical music including Strauss’ and other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato and Sylvia, and at least one English patriotic song -”This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and Caribbean folk songs. The concerts were arranged for early evening so that children could attend;
many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their first exposure to classical music was from these bandstand concerts. On Easter Monday, thousands of kite-flyers turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes including box, birds, snakes but the predominant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite, which made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. Kite flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter kite flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heydays. As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the seawalls in the 1960s. By the 1990s, life had become more stable and people again began to frequent the seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There grew up stalls lining the parapet of the public road from the Kitty pump station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments - all of these stalls were well lit. The character of the seawalls had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. Now that the tourism industry is being revived, the seawalls still offer an attractive attraction. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Police Commissioner’s office
SOCU has seized about 1,000 files relating to firearms issued since 2018 by the office of the Commissioner of Police, Eve Leary.
Investigators from the police’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) last week seized about 1,000 files pertaining to the issuance of firearm licences under the Coalition government. The files were seized from the office of the Police Commissioner, Eve Leary, between Wednesday and Thursday, and would have involved firearm licences granted since 2018. The new Government, under Irfaan Ali, took office in August and said it found significant breaches when it came to the issuance of firearm licences. There were suggestions that millions of dollars were being paid for gun licences, a rumor that has been circulating for years now and which involve a major bribery racket. Under the procedures, applications have to be made to the divisional commander’s office which investigates the background of the applicants. The applications with the police findings and recommendations are sent to the Commander who then
Director of Argentine ... From page 59 conclusion of his assessment is positive, then the modalities of how the team of Argentinean sleuths will be accommodated will be addressed.GPF had previously received assistance from the fivemember Regional Security System (RSS) team. DNA samples which were taken from the crime scene and from the suspects who were initially arrested were also sent overseas for testing. Those results came back and it was reported that the samples recovered from the crime scene did not match any of the suspects. After weeks of silence and another protest, police moved to offer a $3M cash reward for information leading to the killers.Hughes, the lawyer representing the family members of the dead teens, had criticized the police over the failure to solve the case. He then made a call for the EAAF to be brought to help out the police. Since then, a number of
other persons were arrested but released. Opposition Members of Parliament then filed a motion for the police force to expedite its probe into the murders of the teens.
forwards them to the Police Commissioner. The file is then reportedly dispatched to the Firearm Licencing Board for consideration. Approvals are then forwarded to the Minister’s office for greenlight before it is sent back to the Police Commissioner’s office for issuance of the letter for the licence(s). According to persons familiar with the investigations, the probe centers on those licences which were issued but were never greenlighted by the Firearm Board. The licences would have been issued by the various Commissioners of Police and those who performed duties. “A lot of persons will have to answer including persons who allegedly paid big monies and got licences. There are many cases where persons never went through the application process and were issued with forward licences which are in breach
of the laws.” It was pointed out that there are some cases where security companies were issued multiple licences under questionable circumstances. Several of those weapons ended up in the hands of persons who were not properly vetted and in some cases not even working in the security sector. There are even evidence of renting of those guns under licences to persons. “There is a serious and continuous breach of the Firearms Act by the Commissioner’s office in usurping the legal authority of the Divisional Commanders and issuing firearm licences when the office of the Commissioner has no such authority,” one official told Kaieteur News. Already, according to a senior Ministry of Home Affairs official, a review of the firearm licences’ process is being planned to ensure that the process is protected.
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Jealous man allegedly burns wife, children alive
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Tragedy struck the community of Bartica last evening after a jealous man went berserk and burnt his house down killing his wife and her two children. Reports reaching Kaieteur News suggested that around 22:40 hrs. the charred remains of a mother and her two kids were removed from a burnt house. Commander of Region Seven, Dion Moore confirmed the tragedy and told this newspaper that it took place at Four Miles Squatting Area, Potaro Road, Bartica. He also added that the suspect who ranks believed committed the heinous crime was arrested and taken into custody. Sources told Kaieteur News that the alleged perpetrator of arson/murder was the dead woman’s husband – it is unclear however if they
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The House on fire two children are the suspect’s. The man reportedly overheard his wife conversing with another man via cellphone and became annoyed. A brief argument ensued and the man reportedly left and “went on the road”. However, he subsequently returned with a flammable liquid and matches, which he then used to light the house on fire. According to a source, persons in the area heard screaming and then they saw a bright light. In a video sent to this media house, the remains of the occupants being consumed by the blaze were vis-
The suspect being carried away by polie ible. The police and fire service were called in and the fire was extinguished, after which
the skeletal remains of the woman and her children were then removed.
Captured fugitive pleads guilty to... From page 13 April 26, 2012 at the popular Number 63 Beach, Corentyne. Pooran appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Berbice High Court. The state’s case is being prosecuted by attorney-at-law, Abigail Gibbs.Jaundoo, who was charged with murder, indicated to the court that he wanted to change his plea. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2016 by the authorities there,
after being on the run for four years. He was being grilled for a number of infringements he committed whilst over there, when he confessed to the authorities that he was wanted in Guyana for murder. Two women including Majid’s wife, Hemwattie Abdulla, 37, who is also known as Anita Nazeema Khan, formerly of Albion, Corentyne, and of Ozone Park, New York, USA, and her alleged accomplice, Surojinie Permaul, 43, of Belvedere New Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice were already convicted and sentenced to death.
Majid’s body was found with its scalp missing and other injuries at the Corentyne foreshore. Majid had reportedly taken out a million-dollar insurance policy in the United States in March 2011. He had also been awarded a hefty settlement after being injured in an accident. The remains were only identified on May 16, 2012, when a brother visited Guyana after becoming suspicious of his brother’s wife behaviour. A probation report has been ordered and sentencing has been deferred for Pooran.
CJ strikes down attempt by alleged Ponzi ... From page 11 Police from instituting or continuing to institute criminal charges and in any case the applicants failed to adduce evidence supporting such an order. The Court also denied several other orders sought noting inter alia, that they were not within the discretion of the Attorney General but within the ambit of the Central Bank of Guyana and therefore misconceived. The Chief Justice found that the AG has no authority to unfreeze funds held in the couple’s bank accounts. As such, the Chief Justice ruled in favour of the Attorney General.
The Chief Justice, in the course of her ruling, stated that the Applicants failed to adduce any evidence in support of the reliefs sought in their Fixed Date Application against the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Prosecutions. Costs were awarded to the AG in the sum of $250,000 and that same is to be paid on or before the December 31, 2020. Appearing in the case with the Attorney General were Deborah Kumar, Deputy Solicitor General; Tiffini Barton, State Counsel and Abiola Lowe, State Counsel. Dexter Todd, Paula
Nicholson, Shaunella Glen and Adrian Smith represented Garcia-Dominguez and Ishmael. The couple had sought court orders directing the AG to unfreeze accounts held in the name of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI) at the Bank of Baroda. Garcia-Dominguez and Ishmael are the Financial Advisor and Trading Operator, and Director, respectively, of ACFI, which is currently under a major fraud investigation being conducted by the Guyana Police Force. The couple has been slapped with 80-plus charges of fraud as well as two antimoney laundering one.
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FIFA sends new officials to Haiti during Silverstone to abuse investigation rename pit straight
Yves Jean-Bart, president of the Haitian Football Federation, wearing a protective face mask, arrives for a court hearing regarding allegations that he abused female athletes at the country’s national training center, in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, FILE)
ZURICH (AP) — FIFA will send an emergency management team to run soccer in Haiti, saying on Friday it believed the top official it banned for life for sexually abusing players is still running the sport and intimidating witnesses. Yves Jean-Bart was expelled from soccer last month after a FIFA ethics committee investigation confirmed claims by female national team players of systematic sexual abuse since 2014. The 73-year-old Jean-Bart has been president of the Haiti Football Federation
Sunday December 13, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There are a couple important issues that you may need to resolve. Take an active role in the department of love and romance. Feel free to be aggressive about having your needs met. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You should enjoy a good mood today, Taurus, and you will find that things will go well for you in general. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Circumstances of the day may result in some tricky situations for you. You could be caught between a rock and a hard place. The instinct to make war or peace with any given issue is making you restless.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be tempted to shift into high gear today, Libra, but you're likely to be unsure where to focus your energy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's apt to be tension between your heart and your general mood. Your romantic nature will incline you to adopt a selfish, impatient attitude, while the prevailing tone of the day calls for peace and balance. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Adjustments may be in order for you to flow easily with the energy of the day. The prevailing tone calls for a more outwardly directed solution to all situations.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Things should go well for you today. Your romantic nature is piqued. You will find that an aggressive approach toward your loved one is just what's needed to jump-start the relationship.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The prevailing tone today is a mix of conflicting energies that might put some stress on your heart. It's nothing you can't handle. In fact, if anyone can make the most out of today, you can.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Stand up and take action, Leo. Forces may be pulling on you from all angles, and your challenge will be to maintain a healthy balance among all of them.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The key today is action. There's a great deal of force pressuring you to get the ball rolling. One of these forces may come from a romantic interest waiting for you to make the next move.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will find that you relate very well to others today, and your communication will prove to be quite valuable. You may find yourself in the position of arbiter simply because you have the detached mind that people need to resolve disputes.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Ignite the fire in your heart, Pisces, and make it burn more brightly than before. Keep in mind that you may need to make compromises in order to be on the same page with your lover in the way you relate emotionally.
(FHF) for 20 years. “There are strong indications that (Jean-Bart) is still exerting his influence within the FHF by being involved in the running of its daily affairs,” FIFA said in a statement. “Multiple sources have asserted that there has been continuous interference from the suspended FHF president and his associates that seeks to prevent and/or discourage victims and witnesses from giving testimony in the ongoing investigations.” FIFA said. Soccer’s world body said it gave interim management a two-year mandate and will help “ensure that the ongoing ethics investigations may continue unimpeded.” New leadership will be appointed by FIFA and the Miami-based North American soccer body CONCACAF. Jean-Bart has denied the allegations and pledged to appeal his FIFA ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. The Haitian judicial system has declined to file charges. The abuse is said to have happened at the country’s national training center at Croix-des-Bouquets, known as “The Ranch,” which FIFA helped fund.
...Rossi: Yamaha engineers listen From page 67 need. “But more or less we have similar problems from a lot of time, so I think next year doesn’t change a lot. “I think anyway the Japanese [engineers] hears what the riders’ comment, but in the end they do what they want. “They have already in mind what they want to do.” While both Vinales and Quartararo have repeatedly stated the 2019 Yamaha was a better bike, Rossi has always maintained the difference compared to the 2020-spec wasn’t all that great and feels the biggest factor in Morbidelli’s form has been the 26-year-old’s growth as a rider. Rossi will have currentspec machinery with factory support at SRT in 2021, while Morbidelli will remain on the ‘A-spec’ model despite finishing 2020 as top Yamaha rider.
after Hamilton
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wears a Black Lives Matter face mask after qualifying in third position. (Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili) LONDON (Reuters) Silverstone will rename its International Pits Straight after seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, the home of the British Grand Prix announced yesterday. Hamilton this year became the most successful Formula One driver of all time after beating Michael Schumacher’s wins record and equaling the retired Ferrari great’s seven championships. Silverstone said in a statement that the stretch of track, flanked by the Wing building, would become
Hamilton Straight. “It is the first time in Silverstone’s history that a part of the circuit has been named after any individual,” said British Racing Drivers’ Club president David Coulthard in a statement ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “Lewis has become a huge part of this history and the directors of the Club and I felt there was no better way to mark this than to rename the iconic pits straight in recognition of his recordbreaking achievements.” Hamilton has won his home grand prix seven times.
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Jamieson’s five leave West Indies reeling AFP - Kyle Jamieson bagged five wickets in a masterclass of swing bowling as New Zealand struck hard and fast to have the West Indies on the ropes on day two of the second Test in Wellington yesterday. The tourists ended the day on the brink of another follow on as they struggled to 124 for eight, still 336 behind New Zealand’s 460. Only Jermaine Blackwood provided any serious resistance but he fell late in the day for 69 as Jamieson and Tim Southee wreaked havoc. Jamieson, the rising star in the Black Caps, got five for 34 for his second five-wicket haul in only his fourth Test. The Basin Reserve strip continued to provide all the ingredients on a fast bowler’s wish list — pace, bounce and movement — and New Zealand exploited this perfectly. “The way the ball’s moving we knew if we got it in good enough areas then things would happen,” said the 2.08 metre (6ft 8in) Jamieson. “It was just a matter of doing it for long enough and if you do that you tend to get rewarded.” After a demoralising innings defeat in the first Test, West Indies coach Phil Simmons found it difficult to see another batting collapse. “It’s something that we brought on ourselves,” he said, adding the problems started in the field when Henry Nicholls was dropped five times on his way to making 174 for New Zealand. “Then, we didn’t bat as well as we should have been batting on a wicket that seems good for batting. It was a hard day to watch,” he said, blaming poor shot selection.
Kyle Jamieson appeals during the New Zealand v West Indies, 2nd Test, second day, December 12, 2020 © Getty Images
Kyle Jamieson appeals during the New Zealand v West Indies, 2nd Test, second day, December 12, 2020 © Getty Images - Hosts in control Unlike the West Indies batsmen, Nicholls and Neil Wagner were able to plunder runs when the New Zealand innings resumed on Saturday morning. Both scored personal bests, untroubled whether the West Indies bowled full or short, as Nicholls advanced from his overnight 117 to 174 while Wagner finished unbeaten on 66. The New Zealand pace quartet — Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Jamieson — immediately extracted life from the wicket.
They moved the ball in and away and it took the tourists four overs to get their first runs on the board, by which stage Southee had already dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite caught at first slip by Ross Taylor. After Southee caught and bowled Darren Bravo for seven, Jamieson stepped up with the back-to-back wickets of John Campbell 14 and Roston Chase to have the West Indies at four for 29. It was familiar territory for Blackwood whose century in the second innings of the first Test started with the West
Indies at four for 27. He survived Jamieson’s hat-trick ball, and the one after, which both slammed into the pads but vociferous appeals were turned down and replays showed the deliveries swinging away down the leg side. When Jamieson boasted figures of three overs, two maidens and two for four, Blackwood mounted a counterattack with three boundaries in the tall rightarmer’s next over. Jamieson readjusted his line and replied with two consecutive maidens although the one opportunity to claim Blackwood’s wicket became a spilled caught-and-bowled chance. Southee tied up Shamarh Brooks at the other end and the West Indies faced 27 dot balls before Blackwood broke the drought with a single. The pair put on 68 for the fifth wicket before falling in quick succession. Brooks faced 92 deliveries for a stubborn 14 before he shouldered arms to a good length Jamieson ball that jagged back into the stumps. Southee then accounted for Blackwood with a sharply rising delivery that was fended to Latham in the slips. Jamieson closed the day with the wickets of Jason Holder for nine and Alzarri Joseph without scoring. Along with Jamieson’s five, Southee has taken three for 29. Unlike the West Indies, New Zealand did not struggle for runs and their final four wickets added 166 runs in 30 overs. Joseph removed Jamieson for 20 and Southee for 11 before Wagner joined Nicholls in a rollicking 95-run stand.
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Russian Umar Kremlev Ross Taylor dropped for Pakistan is new AIBA President T20Is; Lockie Ferguson out with injury - To focus on rebuilding the organisation Russia’s Umar Kremlev has been elected president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) at a virtual congress staged yesterday. The congress was held virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic and 155 national federations took part. Kremlev romped to victory over all challengers with 57.33% of the vote. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had suspended AIBA last year over issues surrounding its finances and governance. Kremlev said he hopes to see the body reinstated to the IOC before the Paris Olympics in 2024. He has been head of the Russian Boxing Federation since 2017 and chairman of AIBA’s market commission and following his election has vowed to eradicate the organisation’s debts. Kremlev stated that rebuilding of AIBA would not be done overnight, “Let me make it clear: the path to rebuilding AIBA is not easy. It will not happen overnight. We have to unite together and work with one mission and one mission alone: rebuilding the credibility and trust that AIBA once had in the minds of sports people worldwide and that includes, of course, restoring AIBA’s Olympic status.” The Russian’s ambitious manifesto aims to pay off the millions of dollars in debt accumulated by AIBA under previous administrations. “Getting rid of AIBA’s debt will be the first priority. As I promised when I announced my run for the presidency, I will clear this debt in the first six months. My administration will aim to raise $50 million within two years, all of which will be used to rebuild AIBA,” the burly Kremlev said. He also announced plans to provide annual funding of $2 million to AIBA’s national federations and to set up boxing academies on each continent to train athletes, coaches, referees and judges. Kremlev is confident he can chart a clear path for AIBA to be reinstated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024. “Boxing is the sport of fighters. Our fight today is against financial debt, against incompetence, against corruption, against doping, against poor training, and against poor safety. Strengthening AIBA’s
Steve Ninvalle governance structures, and ensuring our checks and balances work, will be the focus of my tenure as president,” announced Kremlev. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle noted in an invited comment that the election of Umar Kremlev to the presidency of AIBA is a pivotal moment in boxing and sends a strong message that the governing body of boxing could be sailing into calmer waters. Ninvalle, who openly supported Kremlev’s quest to become president, stated, “At this critical juncture AIBA needs strong leadership, integrity, transparency, vision and accountability; Mr. Kremlev is a true representation of these qualities and genuinely loves the sport. There is no doubt in my mind, and I dare say those of many other Caribbean presidents, that Umar Kremlev will guide boxing back to its rightful place.” In the English speaking Caribbean, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia openly supported Kremlev’s bid, but Ninvalle assured that more than half of the region would have voted for the Russian. It was informed that a vice president of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) divulged that shortly after the election he received a call from the new president who reiterated that much hard work is ahead in order to make “AIBA Great Again.” The new AIBA president received strong support from the National Federations, who see his leadership qualities and strong track record as necessary for AIBA at this crucial junction in its history.
- Williamson, Boult return to the T20I side; Jacob Duffy earns maiden NZ call-up ESPNcricinfo - Ross Taylor has been dropped from New Zealand’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan, while fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a back injury. The returning Kane Williamson who is currently on paternity leave - and Trent Boult, who were rested for the T20Is against West Indies, will be available only for the second and third games of the series along with Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Daryl Mitchell, who were also part of the Test side. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has earned his maiden call-up after impressing with his performances for Otago in the domestic circuit and for New Zealand A. The 26-year old finished as the secondhighest wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy earlier this year with 21 strikes in nine innings and picked up six wickets across two innings in the fourday game against West Indies A last week. Seamer Hamish Bennett, who played in the T20Is against West Indies, will also miss the Pakistan T20Is with an abdominal tear he sustained in round three of the Ford Trophy. Mitchell Santner will once again lead the T20I side in the
Ross Taylor is an expert at hitting the ball in the leg side © AFP series opener at Eden Park having done so in the rain-hit third T20I against West Indies in Williamson’s absence before taking his first break from the game since the CPL in August. Legspinners Ish Sodhi and Todd Astle will cover for him. Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway, who were involved in a record third-wicket stand of 181 in the second T20I against West Indies less than a fortnight ago, remain part of the squad. Seamer Blair Tickner, batsman Mark Chapman and allrounder Doug Bracewell will only be part of the first T20I.
Chapman will stay on standby in case Williamson needs to stay with his family for longer than expected. According to selector Gavin Larsen, Taylor, who made 38 and 9 in the T20Is against West Indies, misses out because of the “quality and form” of the rest of the squad. “It’s great to have the class of Kane and Trent returning to our T20 side having missed the West Indies series after their starring roles in the IPL in November,” Larsen said. “We were thrilled Glenn and Devon were able to take their opportunities so well in the
previous series and we’re keen to give them the chance to back that up against a strong Pakistan T20 outfit. “Their inclusion and the return of Kane means we’ve left out Ross Taylor. This was, as you’d imagine, a very tough decision as Ross has been a consistent performer for us, but unfortunately we just couldn’t find room in the squad for him due to the quality and form of the other batsmen.” The T20Is will begin three days after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test against West Indies, with Auckland, Hamilton and Napier set to host the three matches on December 18, 20 and 22 respectively. New Zealand squad for 1st T20I: Mitchell Santner (c), Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner Squad for 2nd and 3rd T20Is: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
Rossi: Yamaha engineers listen to MotoGP riders but “do what they want”
Autsport - Valentino Rossi says Yamaha’s Japanese engineers take on board feedback from its MotoGP riders, but tend to “do what they want” anyway with the bike. Yamaha scored the most wins of any manufacturer on the grid in 2020, with Fabio Quartararo and Petronas SRT team-mate Franco Morbidelli tallying up six, while factory team rider Maverick Vinales
Valentino Rossi says Yamaha engineers listen but... scored the seventh. season. But Morbidelli is riding Rossi, Quartararo and what Yamaha terms the ‘A- Vinales were all critical of the spec’ M1, which is effectively 2020-spec M1, in particular its the 2019 version, and ended lack of engine power, up top Yamaha runner in the persisting rear grip problems standings, 13 points behind and a general lack of champion Joan Mir in second. consistency from race to race. The top 2020 M1 was that When asked if he will be of Vinales in sixth, while involved in development of Quartararo slumped to eighth the M1 in 2021 despite after the Portuguese Grand switching to SRT, Rossi Prix finale having led the admits he’s not sure he was championship for much of the very involved in 2020 and
highlighted the main problem with Yamaha’s engineering staff. “I think that I will be involved like this year,” Rossi said. “So, doesn’t change a lot. We need to understand if this year I’m very involved or not. I don’t know. “Sincerely, what I can do is give all my experience and try to say what for me we (Continued on page 65)
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Sunday December 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Verstappen pips Bottas for Red Bull’s first 2020 pole Autosport Max Verstappen stunned Mercedes Formula 1 duo Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton to take Red Bull’s first pole of 2020 as he topped qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Bottas edged Hamilton on their final runs as the world champion returned to qualifying action following his absence from the Sakhir GP after testing positive for COVID-19. All three of the leading drivers will start Sunday’s race on the advantageous medium tyres. After the first runs had been completed in Q3, Bottas’s 1m35.415s led the way by 0.104s over Verstappen, with Hamilton 0.135s adrift - losing time to a snap of oversteer exiting the Turns 5/6 chicane early in the second sector. But the world champion quickly found time on his final Q3 run, looking as if he would get the jump on Bottas through the opening two sectors before losing time as the lap wore on. Hamilton nevertheless jumped to provisional pole, but was shuffled back to second by B o t t a s ’s 1m35.271s before Verstappen stole ahead of the Mercedes duo on his own finale effort. The Red Bull drive set the fastest time in the
middle sector before hanging on with a personal best in sector three to take pole with a 1m35.246, 0.025s up on Bottas and 0.086s ahead of Hamilton. Lando Norris took fourth for McLaren, securing his 2020 qualifying head-to-head against team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr, who finished sixth but will also start the race on the mediums. Alex Albon split the McLarens in fifth, with Daniil Kvyat and Lance Stroll seventh and eighth. Charles Leclerc qualified ninth but will shuffle back three places on the grid due to his Sakhir GP penalty for clashing with Sergio Perez and Verstappen, but he at least got through Q2 on the mediums. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 for AlphaTauri. Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo were eliminated at the end of Q2, with the former shuffled d o w n b y A l b o n ’s l a t e improvement. Ricciardo did not have a time on the board ahead of his final Q2 lap after losing his first for running too wide at the exit of the last corner, but he went quicker in any case on his last lap, it just wasn’t fast enough to get him any higher than 12th. Sebastian Vettel’s final qualifying session for Ferrari ended with the four-
time world champion out in P13 and eliminated in Q2 for the 14th time in 2020. Antonio Giovinazzi finished 14th, losing his last and best lap to track limits at Turn 21, the last corner, while Sergio Perez only appeared to register sector times during the mid-segment lull ahead of his back-of-the-grid start for taking a fresh engine in his Racing Point. Perez ended the session in P15, but will drop back for the race tomorrow. In Q1, Kimi Raikkonen was eliminated by Giovinazzi, who had lost the time from his first run for going too wide out of the penultimate corner, improving from last to 15th on his final run. This result settled the 2020 intra-Alfa Romeo qualifying battle in Giovinazzi’s favour, with Raikkonen failing to set a personal best time on his last run. Behind them came Kevin Magnussen and Williams returnee George Russell, the pair improving on their last laps but unable to find a way out of Q1, with Russell unhappy about his tyre temperature. Pietro Fittipaldi did not set a personal best on his last Q1 lap, nevertheless finishing 19th and ahead of Nicholas Latifi, who did not get to set a flying lap on his final run as he spun coming out of the final corner at the end of his warmup lap.
Verstappen scored his third pole position in F1 in the final qualifying session of the 2020 season. (Motorsport Images) Result - Abu Dhabi GP qualifying Pos Driver 1 Max Verstappen 2 Valtteri Bottas 3 Lewis Hamilton 4 Lando Norris 5 Alexander Albon 6 Carlos Sainz Jr. 7 Daniil Kvyat 8 Lance Stroll 9 Pierre Gasly 10 Esteban Ocon 11 Daniel Ricciardo 12 Charles Leclerc 13 Sebastian Vettel 14 Antonio Giovinazzi 15 Kimi Raikkonen 16 George Russell 17 Pietro Fittipaldi 18 Nicholas Latifi 19 Sergio Perez 20 Kevin Magnussen
Car Gap Red Bull/Honda 1m35.246s Mercedes 0.025s Mercedes 0.086s McLaren/Renault 0.251s Red Bull/Honda 0.325s McLaren/Renault 0.569s AlphaTauri/Honda 0.717s Racing Point/Mercedes 0.800s AlphaTauri/Honda 0.996s Renault 1.113s Renault 1.160s Ferrari 0.819s Ferrari 1.385s Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 3.002s Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 2.309s Williams/Mercedes 2.799s Haas/Ferrari 2.927s Williams/Mercedes 3.197s Racing Point/Mercedes Haas/Ferrari 2.617s
Promoted Stuttgart thrash Dortmund in Bundesliga BBC Sport - Borussia Dortmund lost further ground in the Bundesliga title race as they suffered a heavy home defeat by promoted side Stuttgart yesterday 5-1. Silas Wamangituka put Stuttgart ahead with a 26thminute penalty, after Emre Can had brought down Mateo Klimowicz. Giovanni Reyna’s wonderful touch and finish from Raphael Guerreiro’s pass drew Dortmund level before half-time. But Stuttgart scored three times in 11 second-half minutes, before Nicolas Gonzalez added a fifth in injury time. Defeat leaves Lucien Favre’s side fifth and five points behind leaders RB Leipzig, who replaced Bayern Munich at the top with a 20 win over Werder Bremen. Champions Bayern can move two points ahead of Leipzig with victory against Union Berlin later
on Saturday (17:30 GMT kick-off). Dortmund, who finished second last season, have won only one of their past five in the German top flight - with this their third defeat in that run. Favre’s side came from behind to beat Zenit on Tuesday and secure their place in the Champions League last 16 as Group F winners, but in the absence of injured top scorer Erling Braut Haaland they have taken one point from their past three league games. Before St u t t g a r t ’s opener, 17-year-old English midfielder Jude Bellingham was denied his first Bundesliga goal as Marco Reus strayed offside during a slick team move. Reyna’s sublime equaliser looked to have set Dortmund up for a much-improved second half, but Wamangituka’s second and
Borussia Dortmund have won just one of their past five matches. (Getty Images) quickfire goals from Philipp Forster and Tanguy Coulibaly established an unassailable
lead. Reyna had a late consolation ruled out for
offside, before Gonzalez raced clear in stoppage time to seal a memorable victory for
Stuttgart, who move one place and two points behind Dortmund in the table.
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2020
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Dour Manchester derby ends in stalemate - Aston Villa and Newcastle also record victories
Dwight Gayle scored 23 league goals when on loan with West Brom in the 2018-19 season. (Getty Images)
Riyad Mahrez’s first-half effort, saved by David de Gea, was one of only four shots on target at Old Trafford. (PA Media
B
BC Sport Manchester United and Manchester City played out a dismal derby stalemate behind closed doors at Old Trafford 0-0. In a game devoid of quality and excitement, neither side were able to carve out the opportunity that could make a difference amid the eerie silence of the so-called ‘Theatre Of Dreams’. Gabriel Jesus was off target and Riyad Mahrez brought a routine save from David de Gea with City’s best first-half chances while
Scott McTominay was agonisingly inches away from Victor Lindelof’s flick as United sought the breakthrough. United thought they had a second-half penalty when Kyle Walker fouled Marcus Rashford but the decision was overturned as VAR revealed the United striker was offside. It led to an unsatisfactory conclusion for both sides, leaving United seventh in the Premier League and City a place below them. Meanwhile, Dwight Gayle scored the winner on his first appearance of the
season as Newcastle returned from a coronavirusenforced absence to heap more misery on struggling West Bromwich Albion 2-1. Gayle, who was injured during pre-season, came off the bench to find the net with a superb header eight minutes from time at St James’ Park on Saturday. The Magpies, playing for the first time in more than two weeks, were given the lead after just 20 seconds by Miguel Almiron. We s t B r o m ’ s improvement after half-time was rewarded by Darnell F u r l o n g ’s e x c e l l e n t
Briana Williams opens next weekend with 300/150m double in Freeport, Grand Bahama SportsMax - Briana Williams intends to open her 2020/21 track season next weekend in Freeport, Grand Bahama where she intends to compete in the 150m and 300m. The 18-year-old star made the announcement on social media Friday. “Training has been going well. I’m going to do something I have never done before, compete in December,” she said. “I am opening my 2020-2021 season next weekend in the Bahamas with a 300m and a 150m on the 18th and 19th.” Like many track and field athletes, Williams was not able to compete much during the last season because of the Covid19 pandemic that prompted the cancellation of meets around the globe. Training well and eager to compete, Jamaica’s national junior record holder is chomping at the bit says her coach Ato Boldon. “For the first time Briana is training completely by herself and she is thriving with all my attention. She is about two and a half months in now and this meet presented itself. She wanted to do it and I realize that just in the time when we were thinking about it her training has gone up a notch,” Boldon told Sportsmax.TV, explaining that the 2018 World Under 20 sprint-double champion, trains well when she is getting ready for something.
Briana Williams “She will give a good account of herself and she is very excited about it.” According to Boldon, Williams will contest the 300m on the Friday and then the 150m the following day. Yohan Blake and his teammates from Titans International Track Club will also be competing at the meet dubbed the Christmas Classic All-Distance Meet and which is hosted by the Neymour Athletic Club.
equaliser. B u t G a y l e ’s s t r i k e against the club where he once spent time on loan lifted Newcastle to 11th in the Premier League table, at least for the time being, while West Brom remain 19th. With his side having been beaten in five of their past six games, Baggies boss Slaven Bilic said “I don’t get those signals or that information” when asked if his position is under threat. “It’s about the result of course, but today we showed again that we are there in the game to the end,” he added. “ We s h o w e d t h e character and the mentality and the quality to some degree, and the team is very much alive.”
And Substitute Anwar El Ghazi converted a stoppagetime penalty as Aston Villa snatched victory in their West Midlands derby at Wolves 1-0. Wolves had the better of their first home game since striker Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull, with Fabio Silva hitting a post midway through the second half. Vi l l a g o a l k e e p e r Emiliano Martinez then denied Leander Dendoncker, before the visitors had midfielder Douglas Luiz sent off after picking up a second booking late on. But Nelson Semedo brought down John McGinn in injury-time, handing El Ghazi the chance to sidefoot home his first goal since January from the spot.
There was still time for the hosts to have midfielder Joao Moutinho dismissed for a second yellow card as Villa clinched their second win in six games, climbing back above their local rivals to eighth in the table. With Jimenez set for a lengthy absence, Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo gave a first Premier League start to 18-year-old striker Silva, their club record £35.6m summer signing from Porto. Villa also gave a teenager his first start in England’s top flight - 19-year-old midfielder Jacob Ramsey but with no fans present, this was hardly the baptism of fire you might expect from a regular West Midlands derby.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2020
Kennard Memorial Turf Club Minister of Sports Charles Ramson determined to fulfill promises Boxing Day meet called off The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) was forced to call off its annual Boxing Day meet which was set for December 26 at their Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne racetrack. Kaieteur Sport was informed that approval was not granted by the COVID Task Force to host the meet which is one of the
clubs’ most popular events. The KMTC very much regretted not being able to stage the event and would like to apologise to its fans, horse owners, sponsors and the general public. The club wishes to inform its supporters that they are planning to host a meet as soon as the situation improves and approval is granted.
ECCC shortlists 18 for Inter Association U-19 tourney The East Coast Cricket Committee has shortlisted 18 players for possible selection on the East Coast team for upcoming Inter Association U19 competition in Demerara. The ECCC held trials and practice sessions for the past week which was attended by 46 players from affiliated clubs at Lusignan. The group was then reduced to 18 from which the final squad will be named. Those shortlisted are; Alexander Persaud, Trevon Charles, Chetram
Balgobin, Andrew Samaroo, Edmond Pearson, Devanand Khemraj, Anthony Khan, Lakeram Ramkissoon, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Ajay Gainda, Rudranauth Kissoon, Romel Datterdeen, Jagdesh Dowlatram, Michael Pooran, Omar Lallbachan, Mulicke Willls, Mookchan Singh and Bhaskar Shamlall. Sessions were conducted by coaches Jitlall Jowharilall and Kumar Bishundial, while President of the ECCC Ashmul Ali visited the venue.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Charles Ramson Jr on a recent visit to East Berbice has pledged to fulfill promises made. The Minister and his team, which included P o p u l a r S p o r t s Administrator and organizer Kashif Muhammad, toured a number of communities throughout the region where he inspected a number of heritage sites and sports grounds. During the visit he pledged to fulfill a number of the promises including the enhancement of the heritage sites and fixing of a number of Sports grounds in the region. At the Indian Arrival Monument site, he indicated that more seats and play grounds will be added so as to attract more families. He also indicated that “free wifi” will be added to the location, while one of the buildings at the location will be transformed into a culture center so that culture
Minister Charles Ramson Jr. gives this army officer a listening ear during his visit. activities could be staged. He also visited the Central Police Station with Commander of Region Six,
One resident explains an issue that needs to be looked at by the government to the sports minister.
The NO 68 Sports Ground being prepared recently.
Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, where the police are developing a recreational facility. (Samuel Whyte)
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2020
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GCB/Tropical Spring O-40 T20 Final
Ifill leads Regal Masters to Championship honours By Sean Devers Regal Master romped the seven-wicket victory over West Demerara Masters to clinch the GCB/Tropical Spring national over-40 T20 tournament at the Everest ground yesterday to bag the $250,000 and the Winner’s Trophy, while the runners-up collected $100,000 and a Trophy. Chasing the 119- 8 made by West Demerara Masters from their 20 overs, Regal Masters, led by a rapid 36 with three fours and a six from Anthony Ifill and 35 from Chien Gittens which was decorated with three boundaries, galloped to 1203 in 16.5 overs. Ifill and Gittens carried the score to 60 without loss in seven overs before Gittens and Roy Persaud (0) departed in the space of a run to leave Regal Masters on 61-2. Ifill, who enjoyed a good all round game then departed at 75-3 before Ejaz Mohammed (26) and David Dick (17) saw their team to what turned out to a comfortable win with 19
balls to spare. West Demerara Masters were spearheaded by 29 with two sixes from Chabiraj Ramchand, 24 from Ganesh Persaud, 27 from Ramesh Thakur, 13 from Elroy Fernandes and 10 Deoram Persaud. Ifill, the leading allrounder in the competition, had 2-11 while Dick took 212. Earlier, after overnight and early morning showers left wet areas inside the 30yards circle resulting in the game, scheduled to commence at Noon, eventually beginning at 13:45 in glorious sunshine. West Demerara Masters batted first on a good track and fairly fast outfield and were given a steady start by Thakur and the left-handed Persaud. The pair batted solidly with Thakur in particular, playing some neat shots off his pads while he looked solid and played some lovely drives but just after the fifty was posted disaster struck when a well-set Thakur was run out at 53-1 in the 10th over.
Chien Gittens helped Regal Masters to a 60-run start.
Chubiraj Ramcand top scored for West Demerara in a losing cause. Ramchand joined Persaud who was trapped in front to David Dick one ball later in the next over as the team from the West side, urged on by a small but vocal support group due to Covid19 protocol, slipped to 54-2. With pulsating music coming from the stand populated by the small gathering of West Demerara
supporters which included Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie, who hails from West Bank Demerara, the burly Elroy Fernandes joined Ramchand before rain stopped play at 56-2 in 11 overs. When play resumed the pair pushed to score to 85 before Ifill struck twice in two balls to be on a hat-trick.
Ifill who peppered the batsmen with short balls, bowled the attacking Fernandes with a perfect yorker before trapping Patrick Khan LBW playing back to a ball that seemed to clip the inside edge. Four runs later Skipper Sudesh Persaud (1) was bowled behind his back as he missed a sweep at Eion Abel
at 89-5 in the 16th over. Prahalae Singh was bowled by Gittens for a duck at 90-6 before Ramchand, who deposited Lyndon Lyght for six to post the 100 in theb17th over, added 22 for sixth wicket with Deoram Persaud who was bowled by Abel, while Ramchand fell to Lyght in the final over.
Forde and Alves hail GFF congress as ‘Productive’ By Calvin Chapman
H
ead of the G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde and his General Secretary, Ian Alves, both labeled yesterday’s Ordinary Congress as, “Productive and successful.” The Ordinary Congress was hosted at the Pegasus hotel with strict COVID-19 regulations and one of the motions that was passed included an amendment to the GFF’s constitution that will allow the body to host their congress virtually going forward. Forde, during the post Congress press brief, shared with the sports media that 2021 will see major emphasis being placed on infrastructure and operations of tournaments. Meanwhile, major investment is also intended for procurement of footballs, kits, and tools. The president highlighted that the GFF will be paying more attention to the operations of the Member Associations (MA) and Affiliates. The MAs and Affiliates
Head of the GFF, Wayne Forde (fourth from right front row), take a photo-OP with representatives from some of the MAs. are set to benefit from the MFAB (Members Financial Assistance Programme) that will see a maximum of $50,000 going to them each month for operational costs while further assistance will be rendered for the running
of tournaments. The GFF’s agenda for 2021 includes the hosting of under-15, under-17, u-20, senior men’s and female tournaments in each MA. Forde revealed that, “Focus will be on having all
the MAs play their respective tournaments during one window,” with an intent to have all the competitive football packaged as one brand. From a US$500,000 g r a n t f o r w o m e n ’s
development from FIFA, congress approved US$100,000 for the construction of two dressing rooms and surfacing at grounds in Ann’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara and in New Amsterdam in
Berbice. In order to help the MAs and Affiliates be more efficient in their operations, the GFF has utilised the MFAB to fashion each of them with Lenovo laptop computers.
New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson bagged five wickets in a masterclass of swing bowling.
Jermaine Blackwood steers into the leg side, New Zealand v West Indies, 2nd Test, second day, December 12, 2020 ©Getty Images
Jamieson’s five leave West Indies reeling Russian Umar Ifill leads Regal Masters Kremlev is new to Championship honours AIBA President - To focus on rebuilding the organisation GCB/Tropical Spring O-40 T20 Final
The winning Regal Masters take time out for a photo after their triumph in the GCB Tropical Spring Over-40 T20 final yesterday.
Umar Kremlev
Forde and Alves hail GFF congress as ‘Productive’
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