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Housing Minister Wednesday Edition NEWS projects spending over $28B on East Bank infrastructure works AIETEUR

December 22, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.49

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 89,468

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Suriname accepts - Former insurance for oil Staatsolie spills only from Boss parent companies Local Content Bill 2021 Series Pt. 3…

New law strips oil companies of power to procure goods and services as they please

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Use oil money E-Networks launches 4G, 5G and OnFiber to address dangerous roads internet services in - Dr. Jerry Jailall

of poor connectivity Linden - ends years in the Mining Town

Housing Ministry pre-pays GUYOIL $500M for fuel ...Auditor General orders agency to desist from practice

Former PPP Minister demands urgent renegotiation of 'wicked' ExxonMobil contract Listen to how Jagdeo and Exxon giving us a tablet that they themselves can’t swallow

@11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

E-Networks launches 4G, 5G and OnFiber internet services in Linden - ends years of poor connectivity in the Mining Town

E-Networks team during a visit to Linden in September (CEO, Vishok Persaud, second from right, with L-R CTO, Gerald Singh; CCO, Abu Zaman; and Project Lead, Yannick Charles)

E-Networks Inc., Guyana’s only locally owned telecommunications provider, launched its 4G, 5G and OnFiber internet services in Linden yesterday.

This announcement came after the company indicated its build-out of a fiber optic cable from Georgetown to Linden in September.

Over the past few months, E-Networks has built an expansive fiber backbone across the country, which enables Lindeners to access the same fast, reliable, and affordable services available in Georgetown and other areas.

These services include 4G and 5G fixed wireless connectivity aimed at the residential user and fiber optic services focused on

more efficient business operations. The internet services start at $7,900 for 20 Mbps of speed, with options up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps).

In a missive to the press, E-Networks noted that it had a strong presence in Linden since 2018, when it launched DreamTV Satellite television services. This service allowed residents access to premium entertainment, news, and sports channels in better image quality and at affordable pricing.

During this year, ENetworks has connected three new regions with highcapacity fiber optic, 4G and 5G services, with Berbice and Essequibo earlier in the year, and now Linden on Continued on page 19

Persons are already signing up at the Orange Bus in the Linden Bus Park.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Former PPP Minister demands urgent renegotiation of ‘wicked’ Exxon contract Successfully achieving good governance policies to avoid the resource curse Dutch Disease—is easier said than done and some symptoms of ‘Dutch Disease’ have begun to appear locally.

This is according to former Minister in the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, Geoffrey Da Silva, who yesterday in a public missive lamented that “many oil-producing countries had similar good intentions like those of the PPP/C government, but they b e c a m e m o r e underdeveloped and poor because their governments early on, ignored, downplayed or denied the creeping symptoms of ‘Dutch Disease—symptoms of which are already being experienced in Guyana.

To this end, the former government minister was adamant that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between Exxon (with its partners) and the former APNU/AFC Government of Guyana has to be changed.

Observing that the P P P / C g o v e r n m e n t ’s position is that they cannot renegotiate, because they have to adhere to the sanctity of contracts, Da Silva was unwavering in his position, “…until the wicked, hypocritical and onerous

“…until the wicked, hypocritical and onerous provisions of this PSA are renegotiated, as was done in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries, the people of Guyana will be denied the sanctity of their self-respect and well-being,” Geoffrey Da Silva p rovisions of this PSA are renegotiated, as was done in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries, the people of Guyana will be denied the sanctity of their self-respect and well-being.”

According to DaSilva, there has to be a ‘sanctity balance’ to ensure that all Guyanese workers, farmers, the unemployed, the marginalized, the poor and the hungry experience significant improvements in the quality of their lives.

Elucidating his position within which Guyana finds itself as an oil producing nation, and its exposure to the Dutch Disease syndrome, Da Silva observed that in the domestic economic sphere, there are signs that the economy could become heavily skewed towards the oil-related sectors.

There is an increase of all kinds of imports, including raw materials and foods that could be produced in the country.

As such, to ensure balanced development in a relatively small local

market, the government has to prioritize, in addition to its local content policies, the creation of an export strategy that would build effective institutions for supporting Guyanese businesses and foreign-owned companies in the non-oil sectors to expand in current foreign markets and enter into new export markets with value-added products and services, he said.

Additionally, Da Silva noted that in the financial sphere, there are indications that the government may be considering to borrow, speculatively, from the future sales of oil to finance projects.

Accordingly he cautioned, “many projects still go over deadlines with cost overruns because of poor planning (trying to rush many projects) and ineffective oversight.”

Compounding the situation, he observed that, the foreign exchange rate is appreciating and in the near future, it could negatively affect the competitiveness and export opportunities of

Housing Ministry pre-pays GUYOIL $500M for fuel ..Auditor General orders agency to desist from practice The Ministry of Housing and Water was last year handed $1.4B for the purchase of fuel and lubricants, but according to the findings of the Auditor General, the Ministry, headed by substantive Minister Colin Croal, was in the habit of pre-paying for fuel to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his findings detailed in the 2020 report on government spending for that year, found that amounts totaling $1.356M were budgeted for Fuel and Lubricants for the period under review and according to the Appropriation Account, the full sum was expended.

It was noted, however, that an audit examination of the Fuel Register and

Minister of Housing, Colin Croal Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) statements revealed amounts totaling $504M was owing to the Ministry by GUYOIL, as at 31 December 2020.

According to Sharma,

the Ministry has since responded, confirming that it did, in fact, made a prepayment to GUYOIL of $1.322B where $829.M was utilised and a balance of $503.5M was remaining.

The Ministry said, the overpayment catered for vehicles that were intended to be transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Water from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, after the splitting of the Ministry of Communities, however, this was not done.

Sharma has since recommended that the “Head of the Budget Agency—the Permanent Secretary—desist from the practice of prepaying for large quantities of fuel beyond its consumption needs.”

Former PPP/C Minister, Geoffrey Da Silva

the non-oil economic sectors.

“So far, the government has not publicly outlined

how its plans to source financing over the next 10 years, how it will diversify the tax base to prevent over-

dependence on oil earnings for its revenues, and how it will encourage both foreign and local investors to reinvest their earnings into the national economy,” he said.

Additionally, DaSilva noted that in a situation where many types of crimes are increasing, “there are significant wage gaps between females and males, and between political office holders and workers and farmers. The education system is unbalanced with the continuing dominance of legal and medical graduates over engineers, scientists and managers. In the health sector, there is no publicly Continued on page 19

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Oil money – PPP Govt. comes up with the tricky Wherever there is oil in Third World countries, covetous leaders study and plot how to help themselves from their nation’s oil revenues fund. In Guyana, this is called the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), and leaders in the PPP Government have long eyed it, and now they are acting upon the greediness that they cannot resist. This is what today’s leaders have come up with in proposals aimed at amending existing natural resources legislation. Like nearly everything the PPP Government brings in the open, there is some nice ring to what is proposed. There are also worrying gaps, in the possible avenues that could be explored to cheat Guyanese some more. Our recent caption indicates what could be in store: “PPP/C wants to give itself power to override oil money rules - can withdraw any amount it sees fit for emergency - puts no jail time for abuse of mechanism” (KN December 19). We examine this in some detail. Emergency is comprehensive, mentioning such major natural disasters as earthquake, hurricane, flood, which speak for themselves in terms of possible gravity. But there is that all-purpose phrase “other disasters” which could be deemed severe enough to warrant withdrawal. Because Guyana’s Governments and their leaders have been so twisted and untrustworthy, the highest vigilance is required. Leaders have dealt most crookedly with taxpayers’ money on most things (big dollar projects, huge loans, and improperly accounting for them, to give citizens value for their money), which demand the greatest watchfulness on this or any other government. The catchall phrase “other disasters” could end up being whatever Government leaders say those are, with great loss to the NRF, through unnecessary withdrawals.

The fact that there is no provision to hold accountable those who cheat the system, by abusing “emergency” mechanism is a warning. This is one area of trickiness in the proposed amendments to the NRF, and the situations under which withdrawals can be made without fear. Given that this falls under the control of one person, namely, the “minister” and his opinion of what is needed in an emergency, only adds to the worry of opportunity to abuse this emergency provision, without fear of penalty, including jail time. First, no single person, no minister, no Vice President alone, no President by himself, ought to be given that carte blanche freedom to play fast and loose with this country’s oil fund. For sure, there are various calculations for different scenarios, but as Guyanese know from bitter experience, leave politicians alone in charge of the bank, and before long bankruptcy hangs over the nation’s head.

When there are questions, there is nobody to give straight answers. These decisions are best handled by a small, trusted, independent group of civilians, working with the minister.

Further, there are other components of the draft proposals that trouble. One stated purpose is “to manage the natural resource fund for the present and future benefit of the people.” We have never heard from any Government (PPP/C or PNC) anything that was not for the benefit of the people. Yet look where those same people are today, with escalating debt, government secrecies, an illegal Contingency Fund deficit (unknown to the people), and corruptions that have cost billions. Most of these have occurred under all governments, but nowhere as much as they are with today’s PPP/C Government. It is frightening the lengths to which this Government goes to cheat and swindle Guyanese. Which is why we are concerned with what we detect to be opportunities for skullduggeries with this NRF. Now, we share one more cover under which costly shenanigans could occur with this NRF. It is right there in another purpose: “using the natural resource wealth to finance national development priorities” including green economy initiatives. On paper that looks good, but only when it is in the hands of leaders and ministers, who can be trusted to be sensible and principled with the responsibility vested in them. They have been neither sensible nor principled when money is involved. Give them the blanket of “to finance national development priorities” and that NRF comes under pressure of the most scurrilous kind. Anything that Government says is such a priority becomes one. Indeed, we are this skeptical, this cynical.

To achieve intended good governance policies the PPP has to take a national approach DEAR EDITOR, Since August 2020, the new PPP/C government has begun to implement an impressive two-pronged strategy.

It intends to carry out propoor and pro-business policies to meet the “basic needs of every single Guyanese”, and secondly to develop good economic, financial, social and political governance policies to avoid the oil ‘Dutch Disease’.

Without using any oil revenues, the government must be highly commended for immediately implementing a basic needs strategy. It reduced or removed taxes on products and services. About US$140 million was expended through cash grants to citizens for alleviating the negative impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic and the recent massive floods. Child education grants were re-introduced.

There were increases in Old Age Pensions and in payments for persons on social assistance and those with disabilities. More funds were allocated to non-governmental organizations dedicated to ending domestic violence against women and children.

For low income families, accessibility to home mortgages was improved.

The PPP/C government’s intended governance policies are comprehensive and forward-looking.

In the economic sphere, its priorities are to[1] build modern infrastructure for electric power, roads, highways, bridges, ports, sea and river defences, drainage and irrigation canals and new housing areas; [2] support the development of a diversified, resil-

ient and competitive private sector economy in traditional, new and emerging non-oil sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology [ICT] and tourism;[3] facilitate the growth of entrepreneurs and the small business sector by funding Research and Development (R&D), business incubators, agro-processing and packaging facilities, and new industrial estates;[4] implement a Development Plan in hinterland communities that includes entrepreneurship and apprenticeship projects for Indigenous (Amerindian) Guyanese; and [5] mobilize the Guyanese diaspora for the development of the nation.

In the financial sphere, the government intends to decrease government deficits so that the private sector is not ‘crowded out’ from access to bank financing. It promises to prudently manage government debt by sourcing development financing and servicing debt obligations at the lowest possible interest rates, and by ensuring that the debt-toGDP ratio will not significantly increase.

In the social sphere, the government intends to [1] distribute 50,000 low income and middle income house lots; [2] facilitate the creation of50,000 jobs by 2025;[3] provide a well-balanced quality education across the country with more skills training in technical and vocational centres; [4] support the creation of more jobs and businesses especially for young people; [5] expand specialty care for good mental health, suicide

prevention and for good maternal, child and elderly health; and [6] expand sports programmes.

In the political sphere, the government has publicly committed that it will practice democracy, respect the Constitution and the rule of law, strengthen the justice sector, and reform government institutions and their systems to make them more accessible, inclusive, transparent, accountable, efficient and effective.

However, successfully achieving good governance policies to avoid the resource curse (‘Dutch Disease’) is easier said than done. Many oil-producing countries had similar good intentions, like those of the PPP/C government, but they became more underdeveloped and poor because their governments early on ignored, downplayed or denied the creeping symptoms of ‘Dutch Disease’.

Some symptoms of ‘Dutch Disease’ have begun to appear.

In the economic sphere, there are signs that the economy could become heavily skewed towards the oil-related sectors. There is growth of all kinds of imports, including raw materials and foods that could be produced in the country. To ensure balanced development in a relatively small local market, the government has to prioritise, in addition to its local content policies, the creation of an export strategy that would build effective institutions for supporting Guyanese businesses and foreign-owned companies in the non-oil sectors to expand in current foreign markets and enter into

new export markets with value-added products and services.

In the financial sphere, there are indications that the government may be considering to speculatively borrow from the future sales of oil to finance projects. Many projects still go over deadlines with cost overruns because of poor planning (trying to rush many projects) and ineffective oversight.

The foreign exchange rate is appreciating and, in the near future, it could negatively affect the competitiveness and export opportunities of the non-oil economic sectors. So far, the government has not publicly outlined how its plans to source financing over the next 10 years, how it will diversify the tax base to prevent over-dependence on oil earnings for its revenues, and how it will encourage both foreign and local investors to re-invest their earnings back into the national economy.

In the social sphere, many types of crimes are increasing. There are significant wage gaps between females and males, and between political office holders and workers and farmers. The education system is unbalanced with the continuing dominance of legal and medical graduates over engineers, scientists and managers. In the health sector, there is no publicly outlined programme to end the stunted growth of many children in hinterland areas.

There is an undocumented influx of foreign workers. A clear immigration policy has not been outlined to end (Continued on page 6 )

I don’t trust the President: He does not understand that democracy is hard work

DEAR EDITOR, His Excellency the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said, “The people of this country went to a poll, and they have placed their confidence in a president, in a government. Are you saying that after the people have placed that confidence that we don’t have the right or we can’t be trusted to name people on a board?” https://dpi.gov.gy/ everything-in-sovereignwealth-fund-will-have-parliamentary-oversight-presidentali The answer is no, I don’t trust the President. He was democratically elected. I can attest to that, having spent months observing an arduous recount last year. But he has demonstrated he does not understand that democracy is hard work. He wants to do the easy thing and govern by fiat. He gets paid for

being president, and I don’t begrudge him his pay. As a local Guyanese, I did not get paid to observe the elections, nor do I get paid to criticize his government. I do it out of my civic duty when he lacks the transparency and accountability that he himself says goes with his job.

The President urged critics to move past the habit of negatively characterising persons who embrace the government’s development agenda.

But he must consider that criticism only looks like a habit when his government makes a habit of bad decisions. I am one of those who asked that people be consulted about the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill. I fully agree with him that the current NRF Act needs serious amendment. But his govern-

ment does not have the monopoly of good sense. We have a right to be consulted in such matters, not his government. Article 13 of the Constitution the president swears to uphold the principal objective of the State, over which he presides, is to provide increasing opportunities for the citizens and their organisations to participate in the management and decision-making processes of the State. So he can’t just eliminate the 22 civic oversight representatives in the Act. What he has to do is empower them, not get rid of them.

They were chosen with consultations, but the previous government betrayed the good intent by only giving the reps observer status and giving all the power to the Minister. The present government wants to choose its own

board of directors, essentially keeping all the power to itself, and expects sensible people to keep quiet. The previous government was also elected, and obviously felt the same way, that they should be trusted when they gave all power to their Minister. President Ali has already demonstrated that his government is unwilling to keep all the promises in its election manifesto. The big one was the promise to properly renegotiate the oil deal. The government also cannot be trusted to monitor the oil and gas.

They take what the oil companies tell them, not their own people. But it is still not too late to change, Mr President.

Let’s see if you can take advice and give reasons to reasonable people.

Regards Alfred Bhulai

Wednesday December 22, 2021

The proposed amendments to the NRF will usher in the resource curse DEAR EDITOR, It’s no secret that the supporters of the PPP in their hatred for APNUAFC will like to see everything initiated by the Granger regime dismantled by the PPP, but something of vital importance to our future the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) initiated by the APNUAFC is about to be dismantled and fashioned into the likeness of NICIL. This mode of action can bring the Guyanese people nothing but agony down the road. NICIL is a company that was formed by President, Hoyte to sell out state assets without any consultation from the real owners of the state - the people. Successive PPP regimes and APNUAFC had used it for the same sinister purpose and in the same manner - as if the state assets were the personal properties of their political parties. With the president empowered to appoint the board of directors and the Natural Resources

Minister to appoint the two committee members, the (NRF) act is on a head on collision course with the advice from the international transparency organizations calling for the NRF to be alienated from political interference as far as possible.

In short, with the President and minister appointing the top people the NRF becomes 100 percent politicallycontrolled, in the footsteps of NICIL. It is ironic that on the same day the NRF bill was being presented by the minister of finance in parliament, the PPP were able to get supplementary monetary allocations working with a 65-member Parliament.

Notwithstanding, the VP, brainchild of the new NRF, is on record, for saying that it would be “impossible to get anything done” with 22 people drawn from a wide cross section of the populace to get a wider participation on what the NRF should and

should not be spent on. Is the VP essentially suggesting that 22 is greater than 65?

I am appalled at the VP’s concept that seems to suggest that a bureaucracy of 22 is greater and more burdensome than one of 65 to work with. Mathematically, the Coalition thirty four as a majority of 65 definitely pales in insanity to the VP’s thesis. Is the VP losing his mental fortitude? Or does his profane analysis stem from the uncertainty or fear of how much of the 22 will be loyal to the PPP”s motive to obtain free access to the NRF to plunder the people” patrimony.

With a twisted oil contract that the Government refuses to renegotiate, the NRF is the last link that offers the people a little semblance of inheritance from their patrimony. If the NRF bill is passed in its present proposed state that final link would be broken, heralding the resource curse.

Yours respectfully Rudolph Singh

Clarifying Apaan Jaat DEAR EDITOR, I write to give some clarity to introduction and usage of the phrase “apan jaat” in Guyana’s politics as used by Clement Rohee in missive “Religious Persons welcomed in PPP” (KN Dec 21). Eusi Kwayana stated in one of his writings in response to Kean Gibson’s book, who had ascribed the term’s usage to Cheddi Jagan, that it was Daniel Debidin who coined the phrase. Others attributed it to J.P Lutchmansingh in 1957.

Jagan had praised Debidin for his support in the legislature (post 1947) for social welfare benefits for the working class. The other Indians in the legislature did not support Jagan on championing workers’ rights. The PPP was founded in 1950 and won the 1953 elections. Debidin founded the Workers and Farmers Party in 1953 and contested the elections. It is

believed he first used the phrase (apan jaat) telling Indians to vote for your own race.

Debidin was not fluent in Hindi or Bhojpuri and mispronounced as well as misspelt the phrase. The correct spelling is aapan jaat (vote for your own). The Hindi and Bhojpuri spelling as well as pronunciation are slightly different. Aapan is Bhojpuri and apan is Hindi.

Cheddi never used the phrase and opposed its usage. He disassociated himself from it.

Lutchmansingh, who broke with Cheddi in 1955 and went with Burnham in the split, used the term apaan jaat in the 1957 elections. He told Indians not to vote “apan jaat” (your own kind but to support Burnham), and the introduction of usage of the term is also attributed to him.

One John Da Silva writing in 2009 in KN stated that he first heard the term “aapan

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Kaieteur News

jaat” at a political campaign meeting for John Fernandes (who had his own party) on the East Coast uttered by an Indian speaker; no year was given. The speech led to furor and the speaker was not allowed to continue after the term was translated to the crowd by an Indian in the crowd. Fernandes defeated Janet Jagan in 1947 in a seat in Georgetown. Fernandes also contested in 1953, ’57, ’61 elections. It is not stated in what election campaign the (Continued on page 6)

Bisram ought to know we are fearless and will call a spade a spade DEAR EDITOR, Writing on behalf of myself and my friend Dr. Vicki Rajkumar, I would like the public to know that neither me nor Dr. Rajkumar have made comments on Vishu Bisram’s writings, whether they are true, false, inappropriate, or propagandistic, but he had the impudence not only to comment on our writings but to dictate to us what we should or should not write.

For him to say that our writing is offensive and that we have accused former GuySuCo staff of corruption is patently false. We have never mentioned any names but whoever the hat fits, let him/her wear it.

Unlike Bisram, we have no axe to grind or anyone to defend. We are from the school of thought who supports the idiom “to call a spade a spade” that originated in the classical Greek philosophy and was introduced into the English language in 1542 by the British playwright Nicolas Udall.

Bisram also stated that he was shocked that I would append my name to an unsubstantiated attack on several individuals of repute and character in their management of GuySuCo and that he took umbrage on this unjustified assault on current and former stalwarts of the sugar industry, people of repute and for whom the industry is dear to them. Good for Bisram, but it is asinine to the public because the very names Bisram mentioned in his epistle were on GUYSUCO’s gravy train for decades, and as a result were responsible for the in-

solvency of the corporation.

Here is our proof: These executives had enjoyed the most lavish/extravagant/ bountiful/copious lifestyle that one could ever have in Guyana and the world, included the developed countries.

They had all the amenities that came with such glamorous lifestyle—palaces for houses, housemaids, cooks, gardeners, security personnel, expensive cars, free traveling to any part of the world and staying at expensive hotels, huge financial allowances, and all their household bills were paid. They also had memberships to prestigious clubs and tourists’ resorts and lengthy vacations, with GUYSUCO footing the bill.

And while they were enjoying such marvelous lifestyle at GUYSUCO’S expense, yet the corporation was sinking and they did very little to salvage it other than to cast blame on frequent work stoppages, inclement weather, and the decline in demand for bulk sugar worldwide.

They were not creative or innovative and were ill-prepared to make changes.

Yes! there was less demand for bulk sugar on the global market but at the same time, the demand for packaged sugar had increased significantly. Simply put,

they had given up on GUYSUCO and had threatened to close factories if the government did not subsidize it.

And even with billions of dollars from the taxpayers in the form of subsidies, they did not cut back or reduce their sumptuous lifestyles.

Even those who are blind or deaf would know that they were interested in filling their pockets and not in the longterm interests of the corporation.

Let us be pellucid, we are fully aware that different people have different eyes, ears and opinions/views and we fully support that, because that is how the world revolves, but we will not tolerate Bisram or anyone else to tell us how and what to write. We are not presumptuous to tell or to dictate to anyone.

Our conscious is our guide. So, we are asking Bisram to please respect our views and do the decent thing of not continuing in this path. We do not back down or shy away from challenges. We like many others with peace and goodwill towards mankind in this festive season and beyond will support the CEO of GUYSUCO, Mr. Sasenarine Singh because we believe that he is fit and proper for the job (Granger’s lingo).

Dr. Asquith Rose Dr, Vicki Rajkumar

Hopefully new era being ushered in DEAR EDITOR New day, new leadership at Congress Place.

Hopefully this ushers in a new era to its politics.

Best wishes to the team which proved best in the end.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

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Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Clarifying Apaan...

From page 5 term was used.

Rohee also stated that aapan jaat was also used in opposing Guyana’s linkage with the West Indian Federation.

Lionel Luckhoo led the charge against The Federation. He opposed Cheddi but

was not known to use the term apaan jaat.

He supported Burnham.

Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Indian leaders opposed the Federation.

The same was true for Indian religious figures in Trinidad. Other race groups

from a Christian background also opposed the Federation.

Jamaica led the opposition to The Federation and several prominent political figures around the West Indies was also opposed to it.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

No scrutiny for persons to sit on NRF board DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me space in your publication to express concerns and to bring awareness to the public of those concerns regarding the National Resource Fund Bill.

The Official Gazette 280/ 2021 was published on Wednesday December 15th, 2021. Its content is Bill No. 20 of 2021 which will be introduced in the National Assembly. Within the contents of the Bill is Section 5 which details the Board of Directors of the Fund. My concerns are specific to Subsection 1 and Subsection 3.

Subsection 1 says: “There shall be a Board of Directors of the Fund which shall comprise of not less than three and no more than five members who shall be appointed by the President, one of whom shall be appointed Chairperson by the President”. At first glance, one may say that there is nothing; it clearly describes the formation of the Board. However, “members who shall be appointed by the President” provides too much power to the President

in such appointments. There are no provisions for the Parliament (another branch of Government) to conduct confirmation hearings for these members. For many, the process of a confirmation hearing may be new, but it provides necessary checks and balances for people appointed to these positions. In short, there is no representation on the board for people who did not vote for the President. It is up to his / her / their discretion.

That is too much power in the hands of one person to appoint people to this specific Fund.

Subsection 3 says: “The Directors shall be appointed for a period not exceeding two years and shall be eligible for reappointment.”. Although there is a limit of two years per appointment, there is no limit to the total number of years a person may be on the board.

Change in persons may depend on a change in Government which leads to my next problem.

These two subsections

are the framework for politicians to use their base during elections to secure the opportunity to govern the Fund though the Board appointments.

There is already a power imbalance in Guyana and these two subsections are the beginning of “The Oil Curse” (a book that I highly recommend reading).

Too often we hear lawyers or politicians use the phrase “The Constitution” as if it was a divine document sent by a higher power. I write to you today, that this Bill is not yet part of the Constitution, but it will be.

We have an opportunity to correct these issues before it becomes part of the Constitution.

I encourage my fellow Guyanese to monitor the developments within this bill closely. Persons can obtain a copy of the publication here: https://officialgazette.gov.gy/ images/gazette2021/dec/ Extra_15DECEMB ER2021Bill20of2021NRF.pdf Best Regards Surendra Dhanpaul

I don’t trust the President...

From page 4 the continuing ‘brain drain’ by promoting ‘brain circulation’ from the diaspora and by selectively managing the recruitment of skilled foreign employees.

We are yet to see a comprehensive programme to measure and reduce deep poverty across and within the ethnic communities of Indigenous (Amerindian), African, Indian, Mixed, Portuguese, Chinese and European ancestry.

At least 344,000 Guyanese (out of 780,000 persons who live in the country) are below or near the poverty line.

These citizens cannot afford, like the upper middle class and the rich, to buy private health care and private education, and they do not own cars, electric generators (to deal with the many power outages) and purifying water systems.

In the political sphere, there are few genuine consultations with the public. To date, initiatives have not been prioritized to build political

stability and overcome the never-ending inter-ethnic suspicions, especially between Guyanese of Indian and African ancestry, and also reverse the worsening political stalemate whereby, in the 2011, 2015 and2020 national elections, one or the other of the two major political parties won with the tiniest of Parliamentary majorities – one seat and a margin of less than 2% of total votes!

The government’s “One Guyana” programme to bring together citizens from all ethnic communities has not started.

Most of the key national institutions urgently need strengthening with “living” strategies and anti-corruption cultures based on clear guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

There is no public plan to transform public sector institutions and their systems, with the direct support and involvement of communities and civil society organizations.

The most worrying threat of ‘Dutch Disease’ is that oil revenues will be a massive financial bonanza for American, Canadian, Chinese, European and Trinidadian companies and a small multi-ethnic elite of some Guyanese companies, politicians and officials, but not for the majority of Guyanese.

The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that was

signed between Exxon (with its partners) and the former APNU/AFC Government of Guyana has to be changed.

The new PPP/C government’s position is that they cannot renegotiate that PSA because they have to adhere to the sanctity of contracts.

But until the wicked, hypocritical and onerous provisions of this PSA are renegotiated, as was done in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries, the people of Guyana will be denied the sanctity of their self-respect and well-being.

There has to be a ‘sanctity balance’ to ensure that all Guyanese workers, farmers, the unemployed, the marginalized, the poor and the hungry experience significant improvements in the quality of their lives.

In spite of these concerns, there are positive signs that a significant majority of Guyanese, representing all ethnicities, genders, ages, classes and different abilities, want to believe that the intended policies of the PPP/C can make Guyana a better place, provided it acts as a national government and all its members and supporters, not just its leaders, genuinely and humbly reach out with courage to all grassroots communities to overcome the political stalemate and debunk ethnic fears and stereotypes.

Yours Truly, Geoffrey Da Silva

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

This is a real upside-down country. The EPA said with authority and finality that the slick on the seas is not from oil.

Yet, the same local EPA is calling on devastated fishermen for help. The shameless and helpless EPA is now depending upon the same people, whose livelihoods they are destroying.

When the EPA stands up for foreign interests, Guyanese pay the harsh price.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Local Content Bill 2021 Series Pt.3

New law strips oil companies of power to procure goods and services as they please

By Kiana Wilburg

T

h e P P P / C Government is proposing to implement several protective mechanisms in its Local Content Bill 2021 that will essentially strip oil companies of their current power to procure indigenous services as they see fit.

According to the Bill, the government proposes to create a Local Content Register that will consist of approved nationals for employment and companies from which

goods and services may be procured.

The Bill notes that the government will create a Local Content Secretariat which would monitor the entire process. Nationals and companies would be encouraged to apply for and be issued with a certificate of registration from the Secretariat.

This can be done within six months of the Act coming into operation.

Furthermore, the Bill proposes that the certificate issued by the Secretariat would become renewable on the anniversary date of its issuance.

If there is a change in citizenship of the national or a change in composition in the c o m p a n y i n

contravention of the Act, the Bill proposes that the Secretariat be informed immediately, since the failure to do so would attract a fine of $1M for an individual and $5M for a company.

Either defaulter would also be struck off of the Local Content Register.

Significantly, the Bill proposes that the government would not consider as local content, any Guyanese or indigenous company that is not registered, but is contracted by an oil company.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Master blaster The President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana must desist from making impulsive criticisms of officials, public agencies and, now, the country’s financial sector.

His recent outburst against a state-employed engineer was premature and intemperate. Instead of reacting to hearsay reports, the President should do the right thing: commission an impartial investigation into the allegations, and based on the findings of that investigation, take the necessary steps.

In the absence of such investigations, public criticisms of public officials are unbecoming. And this is made all the more worse by not affording the accused party the right to a hearing.

There could be many reasons why what was supposed to be done was not done. It could well be the case of unanticipated circumstances. It could well be because of supply chain problems. For example, traffic lights, for the Sheriff-Mandela roadway, have not been installed as yet because of delays in shipping.

The weather has forced delays in the number of infrastructural projects. And in the increase in building materials has forced cost overruns.

Those being accused must therefore be afforded a hearing. But more importantly accusations must not be levelled unless and until all the facts are known.

Of equal concern is the fact that an engineer cannot be held accountable for the failure of any public works. It is ultimately, the subject Ministry which has to be held accountable.

And if it ever comes to a stage where a Ministry faces

public censure from the President, then by convention that subject Minister should consider his or her continued involvement in the government.

A few months ago, a Regional Health Officer was publicly humiliated after the President allegedly received a report about drug shortages. The proper thing to do was to have the matter investigated, and if anyone was in dereliction of duties or negligent, then that person should pay the price after due process. It could well have been that the information which was received by the President was not accurate. The truth is best determined by an impartial investigation.

The President’s eagerness for public works to be completed in time, within costs and within the specifications is understandable. His administration has been moving at break-neck pace to execute public works. But he, better than most, should not expect dramatic changes overnight. He ought to know about the supply-chain constraints, the slothful bureaucracy and, most importantly, the limited absorptive capacity of country.

Despite these constraints a great deal is being done.

Water treatment plants, wells, housing developments, bridges, schools and other infrastructure are being erected across the country.

Things are moving and when things are moving at breakneck speeds, a few slippages are to be expected.

The President himself is not immune from such slippages. He did promise nine months ago, a Democracy Award for those who defended democracy in Guyana.

That promise is yet to be fulfilled. The long-touted Single Window for traders is apparently still under construction.

Addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission, the President is reported to have said that the banks are hopeless in customer care and customer handling. Well, they ought to be. Banks are not in the care business so they cannot be expected to be involved in customer care. Nor are banks into the freight business, so they are not required to be ‘handling’ customers. But everyone will agree that more can be done to improve customer service and customer satisfaction.

The criticisms made of the banking system are unwarranted.

Most of the requirements which banks impose on their customers are of the government’s making.

It was the PPP/C, which in 2009 initiated Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of the Financing of Terrorism Act. That legislation has now morphed into laws which impose stringent demands, including evidence of proof of address and source of funds for depositors.

Unlike what the President believes, banks have made tremendous progress in ebanking services. Persons can now pay bills online, transfer funds from one account to another online and check their account balances online. Point-of-sale services are employed by many businesses and wire transfer payments can also be made overseas.

As for that individual who had to fill up a load of forms just to withdraw G$25,000, that person would have been

Dem boys seh...

Last-minute Christmas!

Guyana is famous fuh its last-minute Christmas preparations. We does wait fuh de last minute fuh do everything, including buying de Christmas chicken. Is suh with we.

Even lang ago when people use to prepare early for Christmas, yuh used to gat persons waiting till Christmas Eve day fuh start de cleaning of dem house, put up dem new blinds and de decorations. Christmas morning used to find some ah dem still hurrying with de cleaning. So de lastminute rush is all part ah de Christmas traditions.

Dem boys still remember when de late shopping

use to be up to 6pm from December 15. And on Christmas Eve dem use to close dem stores and markets at 8pm and dem workers use to go home early.

Christmas use to break dem in dem house.

Now dem shoppers dem pun de road till past midnight and dem stores cashing-in on de last minute-shopping.

Now de guvament gat a pandemic pun dem hand and before dem try fuh get people home early, dem join de lastminute bacchanal. Five days before Christmas dem announce increase fuh dem sugar workers. By de time dah money pay it gan be Christmas Eve.

Den four days before Christmas dem announce two weeks tax free bonus fuh dem nurses and health care workers. And is a desperate rush fuh get dah money pay in time.

And dem souljas, police and fireman dem still gat fingers cross tight.

But by de time dat announce, it gan be more lastminute rush. Dem boys sorry fuh dem ATM and bank dis weekend. Is sheer rush gan tek place.

Nuff people does go on a last-minute panic-buying fuh Christmas. And after de holidays when dem see dem bank balance dem does only leff with de panic.

Talk half. Leff half.

better advised to use the ATM service provided. He or she would have had the transaction completed in minutes, as many do each day.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Wednesday December 22, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The PNC election: Part 1 - Eight changes to come

M

y experience tells me that people do not like to read a series of articles that is published on consecutive days. The PNC election results hold immense significance for understanding the future of politics in Guyana so it necessitates broad and extensive analysis, thus the assessments will have to go over into the New Year.

Here are some preliminary remarks before I analyse the victories and defeats. First, the era of Robert Corbin has come to an end. Mr. Corbin and Aubrey Norton were locked in bitter dispute that ended up in a court case. Once certain key players were in the PNC

leadership, Corbin had a role to play and enacted that status. Those actors included: David Granger, Joseph Harmon, Volda Lawrence, Amna Ally and Oscar Clark.

They are gone thus the fulcrum of Corbin has collapsed.

Secondly, David Granger will not have a presence even in the tall shadows of the PNC muchless in the hallways of PNCism. Mr. Granger has never been a fan of Norton and Norton was an open critic of Granger.

Norton made his views known on Granger's intellectual ability to some of us at an informal gathering.

Norton also is going to be wary of some of Granger's underlings knowing that

since the Granger era is over it would be presumptuous of them to want to confront him at executive meetings.

Thirdly, certain trade unionists are out. Norton has been around the PNC and Guyanese politics since dinosaurs roamed the earth and he is intelligent enough to know that there may be no permanent friends only permanent interests but even here interests do not necessarily have a monolithic structure. Norton will not trust certain trade unionists because he has files on them and those files will guide him to keep far from them.

Fourthly, certain lunatic fringe in the social media atmosphere is out. It is one

thing as a party official to go on a madman's Meta page and be part of his howling rage about running ministers o ff t h e r o a d w a y s a n d accusing the ministers of stealing five billion American dollars.

It is a different thing when you are the leader of the second largest political party with 31 MPs and the eyes of Guyana are on you. Is it in your interest to be seen with this lunatic fringe?

This is where Norton will know permanent interests can take different shapes.

Fifthly, Amna Ally is gone from the PNC. She had her last fling when she delivered her final address as General Secretary. Amna Ally has served the PNC faithfully but the dialectics keep changing Guyana and its politics. Her time has come.

The era of Amna Ally is gone. Even if she was to be patronised, it is difficult to see how effective she will be in that role.

And there will be younger people who can do that same function with deeper agility. Unlike many leaders in the PNC, Amna never had a constituency.

S i x t h l y, t h e Te a m Alexander scenario cannot be resurrected within the PNC. When Corbin became leader of the PNC, Vincent

Alexander and N o r t o n unleashed their intellectual strength against him. From day one, they did not accept Corbin. The climax of that Frederick Kissoon intellectual contempt was a group named Team Alexander. This was a which allowed Alexander and Norton to initiate movement to oust Corbin.

T h e P N C b e c a m e guerrilla warfare against consumed with two big Corbin is totally absent f i g h t s . C o r b i n v e r s u s today.

Seventhly, Burnham will Alexander and on a different occasion, Corbin versus not be constantly eulogised Norton. Corbin defeated both by Norton. I have an old of them. He guillotined Team email exchange in an email Alexander's strategist, James string that took in dozens and McAllister. Alexander then dozens of persons and withdrew from the PNC. Norton was brave enough to The battle between Norton acknowledge that Burnham and Corbin will take up too had authoritarian traits. In his much space; suffice it to say campaign for leader of the their war ended up in the P N C h e d e s c r i b e d Burmham's rule as taking the High Court.

Norton cannot face a shape of the maximum resurgent movement similar leader.

The PNC membership to what bedeviled Corbin's leadership for two reasons. dislikes Granger, a professed The fertile soil that Team e m o t i o n a l a d m i r e r o f Alexander planted does not B u r n h a m a n d N o r t o n currently exist in the PNC's humiliated Burnham's sonin-law in the congressional executive branch. elections.

Maybe Hamilton There is no such team in Green will beg Norton to the fields to lit a spark.

Secondly, Norton's victory rehabilitate Burnham.

(The views expressed in was not as controversial as Granger's and his margin of this article are those of the votes will deter any nascent a u t h o r a n d d o n o t anti-Norton movement. To necessarily reflect the put it simply; the situation opinions of this newspaper.)

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Wednesday December 22, 2021

Appellate Court's majority decision to hear election petition case

T

he Court of Appeal, in a m a j o r i t y decision, yesterday ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear an appeal challenging the decision of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire to throw out an election petition.

The matter continued virtually yesterday, and the judges who presided over the matter are Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices Dawn Gregory, and Rishi Persaud. In the case of

Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse v the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield and others, the Justices handed down a 2-1 decision. Justices Cummings-Edwards and Gregory allowed the appeal, while Justice Persaud dissented from their position.

Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, SC, the lead attorney representing the appellants, praised the court's ruling. He said that, in an historic decision, the Appellate Court found that it

has jurisdiction to entertain an appeal when an election petition has been dismissed on procedural grounds. He added that with the Court's decision the motion that was filed by Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, on behalf of Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, was dismissed.

In response to the Court's ruling, Douglas and Nandlall requested a two-week stay

on the ruling, so that they can decide whether they will go to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for final determination, or if they will allow the appeal to go ahead - this was granted by the Court.

All parties in the matter also agreed to pay their own costs.

According to reports, the first election petition #99 challenging the outcome of the March 2, 2020 elections was dismissed by the acting Chief Justice, on January 18, last, while the remaining election petition #88 was also thrown out on April 26, 2021, by the acting Chief Justice. As such, both matters were appealed by Monica Thomas and Brenan Nurse, who on behalf of the A Partnership for Nation Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition are seeking to challenge the validity of the March 02, 2020, national elections.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

Justice Rishi Persaud

Justice Dawn Gregory.

Health workers to get 2 weeks tax-free bonus Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Tuesday announced that the Government has granted approval for a one-off twoweek tax-free bonus to be paid to all government employees in the health sector, at a total estimated cost of $612 million benefiting 9,200 employees in the sector.

Minister Singh further indicated that instructions have been issued for the bonus to be paid before the end of the current week, the ministry said in a release.

According to the release, at the time the Government announced the 2021 acrossthe-board increase for

central government employees, Minister Singh had indicated that an amount of $400 million had been set aside to be paid to frontline workers in the health sector who have continued to face extenuating circumstances in the daily discharge of their duties, as our country and the world continue to battle the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In making the final determination on the payout to the health sector employees, Government has decided to make the payment applicable to all workers in the health sector, having taken into account the challenges involved in identifying, which specific posts in the health sector

constitute frontline posts and which do not.

T h i s l a t e s t announcement comes less than one week after the Government completed processing and paying the7 percent across-the-board increase to all central government employees, along with their December salaries, which placed $10.5 billion in the hands of 50,000 public servants, teachers and members of the Disciplined Services.

This bonus now paid to health sector workers represents yet another tangible step taken by the Government to improve the circumstances of public sector employees and of all Guyanese more broadly.

Healthcare workers to get two weeks bonus .

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

PAGE 13

Female cop among six who get on the spot promotion

Acting Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie congratulating the ranks on the East Coast of Demerara.

A female cop was among six who were given on the spot promotions by acting Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, during the recently held annual L u n c h e o n a n d Aw a r d s Ceremony for ranks from the East Coast Demerara Police Division.

The female rank was identified as Eneka Frazer.

Frazer was promoted from constable to corporal. Two of the other cops who were promoted to corporal were G u w r a ff B i s s e s s a r a n d Bhachan Singh.

The remaining three were promoted to Lance Corporal they are, Rayshan Tixey, Adrian Murray and Raydon Wilson.

It was their commander Khali Pareshram, who advised the acting Commissioner of Continued on page 19

Hoppie and other high-ranking officers posing for a photo with the 6 cops (standing at the back) who were promoted on the spot.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Granger pledges support to new PNC/R Leader …pleased with Congress outcome

Ousted PNC/R leader, David Granger (right) pledges support to new party leader, Aubrey Norton.

Newly Elected - 5th - Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton collects the certified results of the 21st Delegates Conference from outgoing Chairperson, Volda Lawrence.

Former leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform, David Granger—currently in Cuba undergoing medical treatment—has not only congratulated the newly elected party leader, but has since pledged his continued support.

Granger in a message to the party and its new leadership assured the new leader of his continued contribution to the party, of his commitment to the satisfactory conclusion of the party’s reform process, of his support for the party’s programme and, also, of his adherence to the party’s principles.

The former leader expressed satisfaction

that the process, “initiated by the presentation of the report of the ad hoc Advisory Committee on Congress to the Central Executive Committee in April 2020 led to the convening of a safe and successful Congress in December.”

Aubrey Norton was elected as the fifth leader of the PNC/R on Saturday last, when the party ran off its 21st Biennial Delegates Congress, concluding with the results being announced the following day.

In a formal statement on the results of its Congress, the party reiterated that the activity Continued on page 20

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Suriname accepts insurance for oil spills only from parent companies – Former Staatsolie Boss

While Suriname still has a few years to go before offshore oil production commences, it has outlined a suite of high standards for all oil companies to follow. One such principle applies to insurance for oil spills. The Dutch speaking nation has made it a practice to only accept full coverage insurance from the parent companies operating in its backyard.

Confirming as well as elucidating this industry requirement recently was former head of Staatsolie (Suriname’s National Oil Company), Mr. Rudolf Elias.

During an interview on Kaieteur Radio’s programme, Guyana’s Oil and You, Elias noted that all the companies operating in its basin are very well prepared

Former Head of Staatsolie, Rudolf Elias to handle the possibility of an oil spill, not just during the oil production stage, but in exploration as well.

Elias said Suriname, and the entire oil industry, by extension, understands the Continued on page 19

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Use oil money to address dangerous roads A Guyanese citizen, who resides in Canada, recently vented his frustrations about the state of Guyana's main thoroughfares, describing the infrastructure as 'abortion roads' due to the 'craters' which he believes ought to be fixed with the country's oil wealth.

The citizen, Dr. Jerry Jailall, in a letter to the editor of this newspaper said, “In my recent trip to Guyana, I was so abhorred by the atrocious condition of the roads. I had seen the pictures of new roads being built and thought there was widespread progress, but realised those were just “a drop in the bucket” given the massive road building needs all over the country”.

Dr. Jailall detailed that his journey from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which is located at Ti m e h r i w a s q u i t e a dangerous one, owing to the many dodges required to avoid the crater-sized potholes.

In fact, he said, he is ashamed that this road is the one used to welcome visitors to our great land, especially since the country now has so much of oil wealth.

and many are 'abortion roads.'” ('Abortion road' is a term coined to refer to a bad road that causes jerking when the vehicle travels and if it goes

Dr. Jerry Jailall “Drivers have to bob and weave, dodging holes so as not to fall in a bad hole and damage the rims, axles or damage the bottom of their vehicles. You can hit other vehicles driving in that zigzag manner. But if you want to get where you are going, the situation requires such dangerous driving,” Dr. Jailall complained.

In fact, he urged “People need to start suing when their vehicles are damaged due to unmaintained roads that pose an ever-present danger to all road users. Many of our roads all over Guyana are religious – they are 'holey'-

into a hole can induce an abortion for a pregnant woman in that vehicle).

Dr. Jailall said he was told by an engineer that some 80 percent of our roads are in

a bad condition.

In this regard, Jailall pointed out that the roads from the East Coast to Rosignol, as well as from New Amsterdam to

- Dr. Jerry Jailall

Crabwood Creek are lined with potholes.

“In the villages, almost all the roads need patching and/or paving and repaving.

Continued on page 20

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

E-Networks supports Ministry’s ‘Wish Upon a Star’ Initiative for special needs children E-Networks Inc. – Guyana’s only locally-owned telecommunications provider – yesterday presented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection, Ms Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, with a donation of $500,000 towards its ‘Wish Upon a Star’ Initiative.

This initiative, conceptualised

by Minister of Human Services

and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, aims to fulfil the dreams of children with special needs, between the ages of four and fifteen, during the festive season.

These included those living with disabilities, children who would have experienced some traumatic or psychological incident in their life, lost their parents and do not have guardians or caregivers, and never had the

opportunity to enjoy that one gift that could make them incredibly happy.

E-Networks Marketing Coordinator, Ashley John, lauded the Ministry for its worthwhile project during the season of giving. She commented, “We know a child’s circumstances or that of their parent/guardian might hinder them from enjoying Continued on page 20

Wednesday December 22, 2021

E-Networks Marketing Coordinator, Ashley John (left) hands over the donation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection, Ms. Shannielle Hoosein-Outar.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Female cop among six who get...

From page 13 Police to promote them for their outstanding performance in the force.

During the award ceremony, Hoppie congratulated Commander Pareshram and his ranks for creditable policing along the East Coast throughout 2021.

He noted that despite criticism and

challenges the commander and his team did a great job and was able to reduce serious crimes in their district by 28%, and he urged them to continue the outstanding performance.

The top cop also urged them to be professional at all times in carrying out their duties.

E-Networks launches 4G, 5G and OnFiber...

From page 2 schedule with the company’s promise made in September.

E-Networks’ Chairman, Rakesh Puri, commented, “We are continuing to place our focus on expansion, with a keen emphasis on delivering better internet to underserved areas. After so many years of neglect under the monopoly, we feel compelled to correct the poor quality of services that Guyanese were forced to accept for too long.”

E-Networks’ sales affiliate and Lindener, Yannick Charles, was pleased that the company was able to fulfill its delivery promise by launching these services before the end of the year. He also expressed his enthusiasm for the imminent socio-economic development associated with more reliable

and affordable internet connectivity.

Kaieteur News understands that ENetworks’ services are available in Amelia’s Ward, Central McKenzie, Speightland, Wismar, Silvertown, Silver City, The Valley, Half-Mile, One Mile, and Blueberry Hill.

Lindeners will also benefit from the company’s 50% off promotion, “December to Remember,” so that new customers can save on signing up for E-Networks services during the festive season.

Additionally, E-Networks has placed its Orange Bus in the Linden Bus Park on Republic Avenue to serve as a hub for signups, with an aim to set up a permanent location in 2022. For more information, persons can WhatsApp: +592-624-5153 or visit: www.enetworks.gy.

Suriname accepts insurance for oil...

From page 16 importance of being well prepared, especially when one recalls the lessons of the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which occurred in April 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico on the BP-operated Macondo Prospect.

Kaieteur News previously reported that the Deepwater Horizon incident is considered to be the largest marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry, costing the lives of 11 men.

The industrial disaster also resulted in over 4 million barrels of crude oil being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, which disrupted an entire region’s economy, damaged fisheries and critical habitats, and brought vividly to light, the risks of deepwater drilling for oil and gas.

Elias said, therefore, “…Even if it is the daughter of the daughter of the daughter of the daughter, in the end, the parent company will have to take full responsibility…So it is always good to have the mother company be the guarantor for an event of an oil spill.”

He added, “But the oil companies are so well organized in Suriname that within moments there will be a lot of companies from Trinidad and from Houston that will be able to go to such an eventuality immediately in order to contain the spill.

So I do believe that oil companies, especially the IOCs (International Oil Companies) like Exxon and whereas with Total and Apache are so responsible

that if there is an oil spill they will catch it up pretty quickly.”

While Suriname has made it a nonnegotiable position to have parent companies provide insurance, in Guyana, the circumstances are vastly different.

E x x o n M o b i l Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multibillion dollar profits on an annual basis. Instead, it has only placed its subsidiary, (EEPGL), which has little assets, on the hook if such an eventuality occurs offshore. This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects.

As for its Yellowtail Project, which is projected to cost over US$9B, Vice President and local oil czar, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is on record saying that the government is trying to get E x x o n M o b i l t o acknowledge its obligation for insurance.

During his press conference in November, last, the Vice President specifically said, “As you know, we are constantly seeking to improve the permits and …in the one we are looking at in the Yellowtail Project, we are looking for a generic position where the parent company, ExxonMobil, will now guarantee; well we are looking at maybe up to US$2B for any damage caused here… because from the beginning there was no parent guarantee, it was implicit but…that is crucial for us as we move forward.”

Former PPP Minister demands urgent...

From page 3 outlined programme to end the stunted growth of many children in hinterland areas.

He noted too, that in the political sphere, there are few genuine consultations with the public and to date, initiatives have not been prioritized to build political stability and overcome the never-ending inter-ethnic suspicions.

Da Silva did note that, “in spite of these concerns, there are positive signs that a significant majority of Guyanese representing all ethnicities, gender, ages, classes and different abilities, want to believe that the intended policies of the PPP/C can make Guyana a better place, provided it acts as a national government and all its members and supporters, not just its leaders, genuinely and humbly reach out with courage to all grassroots communities to overcome the political stalemate and debunk ethnic fears and stereotypes.”

PAGE 19

BANDIT CUTS OFF PIECE OF PENSIONER’S EAR FOR EARRINGS Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that a senior citizen reportedly lost a piece of her ear when a bandit used his knife to remove her gold earrings last Sunday. She was identified as, Savitri Umrao, 74, of Blairmont, West Coast Berbice.

According to information reaching this newspaper, two bandits armed with knives invaded the bottom flat of her home around 19:30hrs that day. Umrao and a neighbour were reportedly chatting at the time when the delinquents barged in. They held the women at knife point and demanded cash.

Umrao, according to police, told them that she doesn’t have any money. It was at this point that one of the bandits used his knife and forcefully removed Umrao’s gold earrings.

She and her neighbour were further assaulted, and the men ransacked the house, after which they carted off more jewelry, including gold rings and a pair of gold bangles.

After the men left, an alarm was raised and Umrao and the neighbour were taken to the hospital. Kaieteur News was told that a piece of Umrao’ ear was severed off. A report was lodged at the station and police are hunting the suspects.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Granger pledges support to new...

From page 14 was conducted over a one-day period at Party Congress Houses and approved venues in the respective regions, as well as the North American Region (NAR).

The first session consisted of the Opening Ceremony of the Congress, which was held virtually and was chaired by Volda Lawrence, the then party chairperson, performing the duties of leader of the party, and chair of the then Central Executive Committee (CEC).

The second session dealt with the election of leader, chairman, two vice chairpersons, treasurer and fifteen members of the Central Executive Committee for the next biennium under the supervision of the Chief Elections Officer, Vincent Alexander, and other members of his team.

The results of the recent Congress confirm Aubrey Norton as the clear winner securing 967 of the 1,280 votes cast, while Shurwayne Holder was elected chairman and Elizabeth Williams, vice chairman.

The post of second vice chairman—incorrectly reported as vice chairman in yesterday’s publication—will be determined via a by-election between

Christopher Jones and Vinceroy Jordan, both of whom secured 381 votes.

The treasurer for the party is now Mohamed Faaiz Mursaline.

With regard to the new CEC, the party reported that 123 party members contested for the 15 positions.

Those elected are: Gary Best, Christopher Jones, Jermaine Figuiera, Edward Collins, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Hazel Pyle-Lewis, Kirk Fraser, Samuel Sandy, Amanza WaltonDesir, Ganesh Mahipaul, Coretta McDonald, Troy Garraway, Riaz Roopnaraine and Annette Ferguson.

According to the party, 10 more members of the Central Executive will be co-opted, five by the party leader and five by the Central Executive Committee, “and this is likely to be done when the Executive holds its first formal meeting.”

Further, each of the eleven Party Regions is entitled to elect one representative from their region to sit on the CEC, which will be completed with the appointment of the General Secretary—to be done by the party leader, and the Principal Political Secretaries, which will be by the CEC.

Use oil money to address dangerous... government borrowing US$190M to upgrade Linden to Mabura Road, then one has to ask serious questions as to what is going on in this country with our lives,” Lall stated.

The newspaper publisher said, he is certain that the US$190M from the United Kingdom and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) can do Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue, West Coast, East Coast, Diamond to Mandela. Then that US$190M can complete the East Coast, can complete the West Coast, can take Diamond to Timehri and if used in a more efficient manner, you can have a 4-lane to Crabwood Creek. “…But instead President Ali and Edghill and whoever is going to upgrade Linden/Mabura Road – you know what they are going to do. If they ever carry through with this project, the Chinese would get the work, the Chinese would put two bulldozers and grade one and two places for the next 10 years and 5 more US$190M will come out of your Treasury to go there – exactly what they are doing to each and every one of us with that CJIA project,” Lall said.

Lall believes that the Linden/Mabura road will be another 'milking cow.' He then questioned what the Linden/Lethem Road will contribute to this country. He said the US$190M can pay 38.7% increase to all public servants.

In December 2020, it was announced that the CDB, the Government of Guyana and the United Kingdom Government have partnered to fund this US$190 million project, for the upgrading of approximately 121km of road from Linden to Mabura Hill to an asphaltic concrete road that would improve the connectivity between Guyana's hinterland and the From page 18 Christmas, so we think it’s a brilliant initiative by the coastal areas.

According to reports, the Ministry to bring joy during this festive season. As a local Bank is putting a US$112 company, we are always thrilled to show our support to improve the lives of Guyanese, especially the youth in million loan towards this project, the government is need.” putting US$12 million, and the Accepting on behalf of the Ministry, PS Hoosein-Outar UK Government is putting said, “This donation will go a long way in making the US$66 million.

Christmas wishes of less fortunate children come true.”

This project will represent In crafting the initiative, Dr. Persaud had especially the first phase of the muchconsidered how children generally look forward to h y p ed Linden/Lethem Christmas time and how granting their special wish can r o a d w a y, w h i c h w o u l d profoundly impact them. E-Networks said it is exceedingly pleased to participate in this project and extended its very improve travel time to Brazil best wishes for a joyous season to all those involved in this and connections to thousands of hinterland people. worthy venture.

From page 17 In my village of Whim, all our 32 roads and cross streets need paving. The Whim/Lancaster Road needs to be an allweather farm-to-market road, as well as the Whim/Auchlyne Ketting Dam...the same for the road from Parika going to the St. Lawrence area,” he related.

But even though the country's main thoroughfare, where the bulk of the taxpayers sit, is in the shameful state that it is, Government is forging ahead with its plans to spend US$190 million to rehabilitate the stretch of road from Linden to Mabura.

This matter was recently debated by the publisher of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall.

Lall, during one of his radio programmes pointed out that Guyana borrowed US$47M to fix the West Coast of Demerara road, then a further US$45M to build the East Coast of Demerara Highway. It borrowed US$31M for the Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue road; spent US$13M for the Eccles to Mandela Avenue; and approximately another US20M to be borrowed to connect Diamond to Eccles.

“So we talking about almost US$160M of borrowed money to fix some roads. Whether we get value for money – that's another thing, but that's not what I am talking about here.”

He said borrowing US$160M to fix the West Coast, East Coast, Sheriff Street, Diamond to Mandela will ease a great burden on the people of this country, who use the roads every day, in and out the city.

“I applaud the government for doing things like that, but when you hear your

E-Networks supports...

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Housing Minister Projects spending over $28B on East Bank infrastructure works

Minister of Housing, Colin Croal

The Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, while delivering his remarks at the commissioning of the Diamond to Mocha interlink road on Monday, stated that the ministry has a projection of over $28 billion dollars to be spent for infrastructure works along the East Bank of Demerara over the next year and a half.

Croal told Kaieteur News that the projected sum will include the cost for the fourlane Eccles to Diamond highway and additional infrastructure works, such as housing areas which will be constructed along the East Bank.

The minister stated that there is close to $7 billion being spent on the first phase of infrastructure works for the upgrading of existing access roads, bridges, on surface roads, pipe networks, drains and culverts in areas for persons whom will be shown their lots and can move in to start building soon.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly, on Thursday last approved the sum of $7.7 billion for the Ministry of Housing and Water to execute infrastructural works in new and existing housing schemes, and the construction of the Eccles to

One dead, five hospitalized after consuming unknown substance A 13-year-old boy died shortly after he and his family consumed an unknown substance of local origins. According to police, the deceased and five family members started experiencing complications of diarrhea and vomiting after allegedly consuming the above mentioned substance. On Monday, the first victim, Rondel Henry a 13-year-old boy became motionless at home.

He was later taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body was then taken to the mortuary pending a post mortem examination.

The other family members were immediately taken to Mabaruma

Regional Hospital where they were all seen by doctors and admitted as patients. Currently, the brother of the deceased, 11year-old Kevin Henry is in critical condition, while his father Ronald David, 35, and his mother Donnette Henry, 34, and two siblings Kelvin and Celina Henry a r e s t a b l e .

A t e a m o f environmental officers and police ranks visited the scene on Monday, where checks were made on and around the premises, but no containers or anything relating to a poisonous substance were found.

Ranks are closely working along with health officials and investigations are in progress.

Diamond four-lane highway.

Of the $7.7 billion, the sum of $2.7 billion will go towards infrastructural works in new areas; $2 billion for works in existing schemes; $1.9 billion for the Eccles to Diamond four-lane highway; and $521 million for survey works.

The works will include land preparation, roads, bridges, drainage and water network in communities in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six, some of which

include Plantation Stewartville, Mon Repos, A n n a n d a l e , Vi g i l a n c e , Bladen Hall, Strathspey, LBI, Plantation Cummings Lodge, Plantation Great Diamond, Plantation Little Diamond, Plantation Prospect Phase Three, Plantation Providence, Plantation Experiment, Williamsburg, Hampshire, and many more.

“We have ongoing works for contracts that exist, and so additional sums are required

to ensure that we complete these works to make available accommodation for more land space, so that we can have occupancy for over 10,000 lots,” Minister Croal clarified.

For the Eccles to Diamond four-lane road, Croal further explained, the

total amount to be awarded will be $13.3 billion, and thus, a 15 per cent mobilisation advance was being sought.

The surveys will be conducted in a number of housing schemes, and the four-lane road alignment is to be done, as well.

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Beaten murder suspect arrested at hospital WANTED Skilled Carpenters, Mason, Welder & Labourer to work in Georgetown & Linden.

Call:615-7526/602-9469.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733 Repairs at affordable prices: Fridge,Air conditioner, Washing machines, Dryers, TV,Microwaves& Freezer.

Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.

Buildsmart construction & supplies Inc. Needs admin, clerks and secrateries to work at office in G/Town: geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

Buildsmart Construction & Supplies Inc is seeking qualified accountants to work at officeinG/Town: geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

Buildsmart Construction & Supplies Inc experienced drivers/expeditors to work in G/Town. Licenced for car/ van/lorry:geraldoralphonso @gmail. com or 669-0855.

FOR SALE Pure breed German Shepherd pups,black & tanned. Contact:665-9140.

1 CAT 428 Backhoe $3-5M,1 CAT 416 Backhoe $2M. Houselots available @ Blankenburg. Contact:6500402/652-0251.

Husky Puppies and Dobermann puppies for sale.Contact Devi on 6392828 if interested.

Shepsky(German Shepherd and Husky Mix) for sale.For more info contact:684-7333.

FOR RENT One bedroom apartment,460 undermining W.B.D,$35,000 per month.Tel:698-0642.

Self-contained rooms in Lodge,for working couple/ single person, $35,000 light & water.Call:623-0076.

A spacious 2 bedroom middle flat building at Lot 20 George St GT.Call:226-9560 between 10am to 5pm.

WANTED One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

VACANCY Driver & Cleaner.Apply with application/CV and passport photo to Survival 16 Vlissengen rd,Newtown Kitty.

Sales Attendant, Cashiers, Porters.Apply with application/CV and passport photo to Survival 16 Vlissengen rd,Newtown Kitty.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 2550 car/van licence. Call:6429823.

Vacancy exist for Security Officers,male & female 18yrs & above.Contact:223-4172/ 632-0099.

Vacancy exists for skilled construction workers.Rory construction & cleaning company. Tel:654-3463.

A murder suspect who was badly beaten is presently hospitalised after he reportedly murdered a construction worker and attempted to escape, but was unsuccessful.

Joseph Ferdinand, also known as Joshua, age 22, a construction worker from Friendship Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was allegedly stabbed to death at 20:35hrs on Monday by the suspect whose only name has been given as Kevin.

According to homicide detectives, Ferdinand and the suspect had a misunderstanding, which resulted in the suspect arming himself with a knife.

He then stabbed the victim twice, once in the region of his front upper left chest and once in the area of his lower

left chest.

After Kevin allegedly stabbed Ferdinand to death, he was reportedly cornered by a gang of men known to the victim, while he was trying to escape, and he was badly beaten by the gang.

The victim was then taken by residents to the Diamond

Diagnostic Centre (DDC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is presently lying at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem examination.

The suspect was arrested by detectives at the DDC, where he went for treatment, with injuries he received to his

face and body at the hands of the men.

He is presently under police guard.

Investigations are currently ongoing.

Kaieteur News yesterday made several attempts to contact Ferdinand’s relatives.

Those efforts, however, have proven to be futile.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Ed. Ministry seeking consultancy services for construction of three top schools During the opening of tenders yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), a number of companies have applied to provide consultancy services for the Ministry of Education for the construction

of three high school buildings.

According to the Ministry, the consultancy services are for the construction of the Bishop's High School, Queen's College and the St. Stanislaus College. Only financial

Ministry of Agriculture – NAREI Installation of 400 meters geotexile tube, from Groynes along the foreshore of Friendship/Annadale, East Coast Demerara.

Feasibility study and preliminary designs for the construction of a bridge over the Corentyne River.

Guyana Election Commission Provision of security services for the year 2022.

proposals were submitted by these companies.

Also opened at NPTAB, were security services for the Ministry of Public Service and GECOM. Below are the companies and their bids: Consultancy services for the construction of the Queens College building.

GUYSUCO Repairs to northern sugar storage bond at the Demerara Sugar Terminal.

Consultancy services for the construction of the St. Stanislaus College building.

Rehabilitation of mooring facility at Demerara Sugar Terminal wharf, Ruimveldt.

Ministry of Education Consultancy services for the construction of the Bishop's High School building.

Ministry of Public Service Procurement of security services for six locations.

National Parks Commission Supply and installation of batteries and solar charge controller at Kaieteur National Park.

Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. Provision of accounting services.

Ministry of Public Works Supply and material for main and standby power solution for instrument landing system.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Wednesday December 22, 2021

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

GBA expresses confidence in Ninvalle...

From page 31 Stacy Correia is the Association's Secretary and Dexter Paterson is the Treasurer.

The GBA President shared his vision for the sport, noting that the realization of the proposed 'Home for Boxing' is top priority on the GBA's agenda.

Ninvalle serves as a Vice President of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC), and has been influential on the world stage promoting for better fortunes from the world body for the Caribbean and other countries to access more help from the IBA to aid development programmes and improve the fortunes of those countries on the world stage.

The returning GBA president said that while a location is still being worked out, a timeline of three years is given for the completion of

Wednesday December 22, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If You spend much of your life serving others. Now you may reevaluate your "duty" toward them.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You always see both sides of a situation clearly. Today you might judge possible future courses of action in view of the past.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Someone you've known for a long time may disappear from your life. This could leave you feeling disoriented and unfocused.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Though communication is one of your strong points, today you might find it hard.

You may feel introspective, but open, honest discussion could be what you need now.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Stress-related health complaints could force reevaluation of your current situation, particularly your job.

You may take a good look at your skills and consider how they can be put to use in other fields.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your inner child surfaces today. Memories of past good times bring out your playful side. You might want to try forms of amusement that you once enjoyed but have long since abandoned.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Renegotiating relationships may cause sorrow today.

You may find that trying to fix one won't work. Past emotions that have created difficulties may resurface.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might put aside your usual tendency to push ahead without a backward glance. You could reconsider past ideas and see them in an entirely new light.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today is about reevaluation.

Dreams or ambitions that you may have abandoned could resurface. You could be forced to confront difficulties in your current situation.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Happy and painful memories of childhood could come to mind today, bringing new understanding of how your early experiences affect your present situation.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) While you may be comfortable with your environment, you could receive an unmistakable signal that it's time for change.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Sudden financial success could produce upheaval in your lifestyle. Therefore, rethink your current situation and consider the pursuit of cherished old dreams that you may have abandoned.

the first-of-a-kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The approximately $120M facility, when completed, will have a 20-room dormitory, kitchen area, and a state-ofthe-art gym.

The GBA recently started the resuscitation of the Andrew 'Six Head' Lewis Boxing Gym in Albouystown, which Ninvalle said is being done by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and 'friends' of boxing.

Several gyms across the country are also earmarked for infrastructural development in 2022.

“We also intend on fostering a stronger relationship with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the GOA, because without their support, we would not have been able to accomplish all the things we did, so that will be a priority,” Ninvalle related.

He further added, “We will look to provide more opportunities and refresher courses for referees and judges.

At this point, we are schedule to have one referee/ judge and an ITO at the AMBC Championships next year.”

In relation to the return of competitive boxing, Ninvalle revealed that the GBA is eying the month of February, as they seek to identify and prepare boxers for the AMBC championships next year.

He said that the returning GBA executives were challenged to work on decentralising the sport with the aim of unearthing some of the untapped talent out there, particularly females.

The International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly AIBA, is keen on seeing more female participation in the sport, both in the ring and in an administrative capacity.

“We have two females on our executive committee, and a number of women severing in other capacity.

The IBA under president Umar Kremlev is making this mandatory, which I fully support,” Ninvalle said.

A new National Coach will soon be announced and a new development plan will be announced shortly.

Ninvalle thanked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr for his support since coming into office last year, noting that the GBA is looking forward to their continued relationship in working together to grow and develop boxing in Guyana.

He also heaped praise on the GOA boss, Yassin, for supporting all the GBA's initiatives.

Spartans are... from page 30 DSM, Big Boss Transportation Services, Spartans Club, Chrisanthony Parasram and members of the GDA Fundraising Committee.

The President, Mr. Lyndon Boston in his closing remarks thanked all teams and sponsors for their participation in what was a trying year for the sport in which were major challenges in keeping the COVID-19 protocols in place nevertheless the sport prevailed, he also wished the fraternity and their families a season filled with love, joy and happiness as we are about to welcome the new year with bigger and better things in store for the sport.

Special mention was made to the young upcoming Alpha Warriors into the fold.

PAGE 28

RDC Reg#7 contribute to GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival

Region 7 Chairman, Kenneth Williams (2nd right) hands over letter of commitment to GFF President Wayne Forde.

Others in the photo; from right, Mayor Gifford Marshall, Wayshawn Forde and Alden Marslow.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region # 7, Cuyuni-Mazaruni has provided sponsorship for the GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival and specifically towards last Sunday’s clash at the Bartica Community Centre Ground which saw Bartica getting past Essequibo.

The sponsorship covered the return transportation for the Essequibo team. Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams in handing over a letter of commitment to GFF President,

Wayne Forde posited that the RDC is committed to alternative sources in support of their resource based economy. “We recognise sports tourism as one such vehicle.....The RDC will continue to the support the Women Super 16 Festival without hesitation as it is great for the sport and the development of our females. We also believe that the theme, under which this Festival is being held, is very important; ‘We Rise Against Domestic Violence’.”

GFF President, Wayne Forde in the presence of Bartica FA President Alden Marslow and His Worship Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, applauded the region for steeping up and being counted noting that they have always been very supportive of the development of the sport.

“The GFF will continue to reach out to you and we know that when called upon you will deliver as you are very conscious of the fact that many hands make light work.”

Nadal tests positive for COVID-19 after Abu Dhabi comeback (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal said Monday he had tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from his comeback appearance at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last week.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one said he was having some “unpleasant moments” but was hoping to feel better soon and would keep people informed about his plans over future tournaments. The positive test casts further doubt on whether the 35-year-old participates in next month’s Australian Open — a tournament he has won once and finished runner-up four times — having already said he could not guarantee he would play. “I wanted to announce that on my return home after playing the Abu Dhabi tournament, I have tested positive for COVID in the PCR test that has been

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

performed on me when I arrived in Spain,” Nadal wrote on Twitter.Nadal said he had tested negative at all times when he was in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, and had last tested negative on Friday last week.

During his stay in Abu Dhabi, Nadal met former Spanish king Juan Carlos, who tested negative for COVID, Spain’s Royal Household said on Monday. The monarch, who lives in the United Arab Emirates, is feeling good, the palace added.

Nadal’s comeback from injury at the exhibition event — his first tournament appearance since the Citi Open in Washington in August — ended in two defeats by Andy Murray and Denis Shapovalov.

“I am having some unpleasant moments but I hope that I will improve little by little. I am now homebound and have reported the result to those who have been in

contact with me,” he wrote.

“As a result of the situation I have to have total flexibility with my calendar and I will analyse my options depending on my evolution. I will keep you informed of any decisions about my future tournaments.”

Murray was forced to withdraw from the season’s opening Grand Slam earlier this year after testing positive for the coronavirus in January.

Nadal spent the last four months on the sidelines with a foot injury. He was knocked out at Roland Garros in the semi-finals and was forced to pull out of Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and the U.S. Open.

He also missed the Davis Cup which concluded in Madrid earlier this month and will not feature for Spain at the Jan. 1-9 ATP Cup in Sydney.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

West Indies U19s to continue World Cup preparation with four match series against South Africa U19s in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

SportsMax - The West Indies Rising Stars U19s will continue their preparation for the upcoming U19 World Cup with a Youth One-Day International Series against South Africa U19s in St. Vincent & the Grenadines starting later this month. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Monday that the teams will play four 50-over matches from December 26 to January 3 at Arnos Vale Stadium and Cumberland playing field.

The teams arrived in St. Vincent late on Monday for the series that will be used by both teams as preparation for the Men’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be hosted in the Caribbean from January 14-February 5.

West Indies Head Coach Floyd Reifer views these matches as an important way to initially see how players react to different scenarios in a competitive setting.

“It’s great for us to have these matches as part of the build-up to the World Cup. We are really looking forward to this series against South Africa, as we are at the stage where it is important for the squad to play together, to see players in various roles, see how they respond to situations and how well they execute the plans we put in

West Indies Rising Stars U19s will continue their preparation for the upcoming U19 World Cup. place,” Reifer said.

He also stressed the importance of the matches in facilitating good team chemistry and culture ahead of the World Cup. “It is for us to also make sure we get the team going well together and have synergy, so the players fully understand each other. This is very crucial for us as we look to build the team energy and the team culture. I can’t stress enough how vital these matches are, and we will be taking them very seriously,” Reifer said.

He thanked the parties involved in making the series possible.

“We want to thank the Government and Cricket Association of St. Vincent and

the Grenadines for working with our operations and medical teams over the past week to put things in place for us to get some much-needed playing time in the middle and preparations,” he said.

The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup will feature 16 teams in 48 matches.

They are defending champions Bangladesh, England, Canada and the United Arab Emirates from Group A, with debutants Uganda placed in Group B alongside India, South Africa and Ireland.

Group C comprises Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea and Group D sees host West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka and Scotland.

Superb Nketiah hat-trick sends Arsenal into League Cup semi-finals

Eddie Nketiah has scored five goals in three Carabao Cup games this season. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Eddie Nketiah continued his prolific form in the Carabao Cup with a clinical hat-trick as Arsenal saw off League One Sunderland 5-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals.

The forward turned in from close range to open the scoring after Rob Holding’s header was palmed into his path and Nicolas Pepe soon doubled the hosts’ lead.

That looked to have put the Gunners in control only

for Sunderland to hit back when Nathan Broadhead coolly clipped over the onrushing Bernd Leno from Elliot Embleton’s superblyweighted pass. But Nketiah cleverly turned in a low Nuno Tavares cross straight after the break to re-establish the lead. The 22-year-old saved his best until last, though, flicking Pepe’s pass between his legs and beyond goalkeeper Lee Burge. Arsenal’s 18-year-old debutant Charlie

Patino then capped a superb night for the Gunners with a late fifth at Emirates Stadium.

Sunderland were competitive but, despite Embleton curling against a post from distance, the visitors struggled to contain their top-flight hosts and it was a comfortable victory for Mikel Arteta’s men. Arsenal will discover their last-four opponents today when the draw takes place after Tottenham host West Ham.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Tiger Offshore Rentals supports for GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup

GFF President Wayne Forde (2nd right) receives the sponsorship cheque from Tiger Offshore Rentals’ Guyana Country Manager, Mr, Shane Singh. At right is Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

Tiger Offshore Rentals is a leading international provider of specialty rental equipment to the upstream offshore oil and gas market and Tiger Offshore Rentals which is located in Middle Street, Georgetown, has thrown its support behind the GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup. Guyana Country Manager, Mr. Shane Singh Monday handed over the entity’s sponsorship to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of K&S Co-Director Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major at their Quamina & Carmichael Streets, Office.

Singh in brief remarks commended both organisers

for rising above the challenges of the ongoing covid19 pandemic to bring off an event of this magnitude being governed by the National Covid-19 Task Force guidelines.

“We are happy to partner with both the GFF and the K&S Organisation to help empower our athletes by being a sponsor of this competition.

Sports is very important in the development of our youths and we here at Tiger Offshore Rentals feels very privileged to be on board. We wish all and sundry involved the very best.”

President Forde in ex-

pressing thanks assured Mr. Singh that their support is valued as it adds to the overall success of the competition.

“Partnerships such as this fuel the success of competitions and more directly, brings smiles to the faces of the athletes.

We have already witnessed some exciting matches and some interesting results which speak to the on field rivalry being witnessed so far.

The GFF and K&S would like to say how happy we are to have you being a part of the tournament and we look forward to your continued support in the ensuing years.”

T&T’s Dylan Carter grabs silver in Men’s 50m butterfly at World Short-Course Championships SportsMax - Trinidad &Tobago’s Dylan Carter won the Caribbean’s first medal at the 2021 FINA Short-course Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Carter swam a national record 21.98 to win silver in the Men’s 50m butterfly behind Brazil’s Nicholas Santos, who recorded 21.93 for gold.

Italy’s Matteo Revolta was third in 22.02.

This is Carter’s second Short-course World Championships medal after winning bronze in the 50m butterfly at the 2018 championships in

Dylan Carter won the Caribbean’s first medal at the 2021 FINA Short-course Swimming Championships.

Hangzhou.

Carter, a 2020 Olympian, dedicated his silver medal performance to his parents.

“This one is for my parents who have been my endless support through thick and thin,” he said.

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Meanwhile, Bahamian Joanna Evans contested her second final at the meet, placing seventh in the 400m Freestyle in a national record 4:01.09 seconds, three days after her eighth-place finish in the 200m Freestyle final.

Trophy Stall on board GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup and Futsal tourneys Long time supporter of football, Ramesh Sunich, Manager of The Trophy Stall has maintained his support for the sport by donating the championship trophy for the ongoing GFF-K&S Yearend Futsal Championship.

Sunich also handed over a trophy for the MVP of the GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup, both trophies were received by CoDirector of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

Major extended gratitude to Sunich for his steadfast support over the years to the sport on behalf of both the GFF and the K&S Organisation.

Sunich in response said that Trophy Stall was happy to be supporting the tournaments at a very challenging time, noting that he applauds both entities for working together to bring back yearend football.

Trophy Stall’s Manager, Ramesh Sunich (left) and K&S Co-Director Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major display the trophies.

Biennial World Cup would raise extra $4.4 billion FIFA delegates told (Reuters) - International football leaders were told by FIFA Monday that a switch to a biennial World Cup would create an extra $4.4 billion in revenues for the world body.

FIFA is holding a ‘global summit’ of leaders of national football federations to discuss their proposal to increase the frequency of the World Cup from every four years to every two.

The financial data forms part of an overall feasibility study which FIFA is presenting on Monday.

No vote is planned from the event which forms part of FIFA’s consultation process.

The upbeat reports are in marked contrast to analysis put forward by critics of the proposals.

There has been opposition from European clubs, the top leagues and European governing body UEFA whose president Aleksander Ceferin has threatened to boycott any additional tournament.

Last month, a report commissioned by the World Leagues Forum said the FIFA proposal, allied with changes to the Club World Cup could cost the big domestic soccer leagues and UEFA around 8 billion euros ($9 billion) per season in lost TV rights and

match day and commercial agreements.

UEFA, on Friday, published a report they had commissioned from consultancy firm Oliver & Ohlbaum which warned that the changes to the international calendar would see revenues for European national federations drop between 2.5 and 3 billion euros ($3.38 billion) over a four year cycle.

The delegates to yesterday’s summit were told that a report by Italian company Open Economics had found that domestic leagues and UEFA competitions do not have their revenues hurt by national team and international club competition.

The report, some of which has been seen by Reuters, said that revenue of national leagues had increased in years when a major international tournament was held.

Professor Pasquale Lucio Scandizzo, of Open Economics told the delegates that the plan “promises significant and positive net macroeconomic benefits, distributed over time and space”.

A report from Nielsen predicted that the plan would see revenues rise from an expected $7 billion - for a 48 tournament

- to $11.4 billion over a four year cycle thanks to increased ticket receipts and media rights and sponsorship revenues.

FIFA officials told the delegates that $3.5 billion of the extra revenue would go to a new ‘Member Association Solidarity Fund’ with each national federation allocated around $16 million in a four year period, while extra funds would also be given to the FIFA Forward Program for development projects.

FIFA said that the funds would help reduce the gap in revenues between the developed and less developed football markets.

Any vote on the plans would likely involve all the 211 national associations.

Along with UEFA, South American confederation CONMEBOL has opposed the proposal.

Earlier this month, Victor Montagliani, president of North and Central American and Caribbean confederation CONCACAF, told Reuters that a compromise solution could be for an additional tournament to be a revamped version of the old Confederations Cup rather than a full World Cup with a separate qualifying process.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Thornhill nets helmet - trick as Fruta Conquerors cruise into semi-finals Shamya Daniels (L) in pursuit of another goal. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Jalade Trim fires home. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

By Zaheer Mohamed Shanic Thornhill netted a helmet-trick as Fruta Conquerors moved into the semifinals of the Guyana Football Federation -GNWFA Women’s Super 16 Festival following an 11-0 drubbing of Lethem yesterday at the National Training Centre, Providence.

It was another blistering performance from Fruta Conquerors and Shamya Daniels put them ahead in the 7th minute before Sandra Johnson doubled the lead in the 20th.

Fruta Conquerors had more clear-cut chances and Jessica Teasdale stretched their lead seven minutes later,

while Thornhill scored her first in the 31st minute before netting her second in the 44th to hand her team an unassailable 5-0 lead at the break.

Thornhill slotted home her third goal in the 53rd minute from inside the area when she collected a pass from Daniels who worked her way upfront after winning the ball in mid-

Spartans are Georgetown Dominoes Association Domino year end winners

Spartans Captain receives the winning trophy from GDA President, Mr. Lyndon Boston in the presence of teammates.

Spartans were crowned the overall champions of 2021 as the Georgetown Dominos Association (GDA) held its final fundraising event for the year. The finals which were held on Thursday last at Strikers Sports Club saw Turning Point, Players and Spartans matching wits to achieve victory.

The tournament saw 17 teams vying for the top prizes with the likes of Mix Up, Alpha Warriors, Masters, All Season Angels, Gangsters, C6, C7, Phantom, 300, Big Boss Girls, Spartans, Executives, Providence Sports Club, Turning Point, R&R, Players and F&H. Games day started at Turning Point Sports Club with two rounds with six teams

remaining for the one of a kind quarter finals which was played at Dynasty Sports Club on Monday evening with the match-up of Executives vs Spartans vs Turning Point, while 300 took on Big Boss Girls and Players.

Executives and 300 were eliminated by one point each with Turning Point drawing the bye to finals. In a fiercely contested battle which had the entire venue on the edge of their seats and banging on tables as Big Boss Girls were eliminated by one point in what was termed “finals of the tournament”.In the final, Spartans and Players started with 16 games apiece while Turning Point had 13, Spartans then took command from the second sitting and never

looked back. At the end of the 5th sitting the scores read, Spartans 73, Players 57 and Turning Point in the cellar with 49.

In what was termed as a masterful final sitting by Turning Point saw them registering 16 games while Turning Point could only muster six games and the final scores read, Spartans 88 games Turning Point 65 games and Players 63 games.

Prizes and Trophies were awarded to the top three teams were $165,000, $110,000 and $60,000 respectively, while the fourth placed team, Big Boss Girls were awarded $20,000 for their effort. Donations came in the form of trophies and cash from Mr. Paul Williams (Continued on page 27)

field. She then completed the helmet-trick two minutes later before Johnson added another in the 60th as Fruta Conquerors continued to dominate with their dribbling skills, flair and explosive movement.

Lethem, apart from missing a penalty, managed to

create a few chances but were kept out by some solid defending.

Jalade Trim put Fruta Conquerors further ahead when she fired home after winning possession from a corner in the 69th minute from within the area, while Angaline Rievre found the back of the net one

minute later when she tapped in a rebound after Trim initial shot was blocked.

Daniels sent a shot wide shortly after from within the box before Fayon Harry nearly turned home ahead of the Lethem goalkeeper Reachel Moses from a rebound, sending her shot wide.

Atkinson draws the curtain on remarkable swimming career after Short-course World Championships SportsMax - Jamaican swimming legend Alia Atkinson has decided to call it a career after her fourthplace finish in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke at the FINA World Short-course Championships in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Atkinson, 33, announced her retirement from the sport in a post on Instagram after completing her races at the championships.

“Not the meet I hoped for but I am happy to say I finished every ounce of swimming talent God gave me, the bottle empty. Many times, I wanted to quit or give up, but I saw it through to the end,” Atkinson said. The three-time Jamaica Sportswoman of the Year also offered her fans words of wisdom in her farewell message.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of fun and not so fun moments but always remember to make fun memories…they don’t make themselves, take nothing for granted and enjoy each step both the good and the challenging, let go of the negatives of the day, your best changes daily so do the best you can on that day!”

Atkinson added.

Atkinson leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the sport, retiring as the current world-

Alia Atkinson record holder (SC) in both the 50m and 100m with times of 28.56 and 1:02.36, respectively. “Fun fact: I get to retire with my two World Records intact. That’s something I never thought would happen and this last race reminded me just how remarkable my career was,” she said.

Making her competitive debut for Jamaica at the 2004 Athens Olympics as a 15year-old, Atkinson went on to amass more than 30 medals in international competition.

She won two medals at the Long-course Swimming Championships, 10 at the Short-course Swimming

Championships including four gold, three at the Commonwealth Games, two at the Pan Am Games and 14 at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games including 11 gold. She offered a last message of gratitude to those who have supported her throughout the years.

“Many thanks to all that have supported me, cheered for me and followed me these past decades. It meant a lot,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson retires as one of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most successful athletes in the history of the sport whose contributions will be talked about for generations.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Hundreds benefit as RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams host Imran Amjad and Hetmyers sponsored programmes as massive Christmas project continues

RHTYSC Organising Secretary Keith Hicks hands over donation of educational packages to executives of the UCCA. The twelve cricket teams of Guyana most progressive and vibrant youth and sports club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, over the weekend hosted two major programmes as they steamed ahead with their 2021 Christmas Outreach project.

The teams hosted the first ever Imran McSood and Rena Amjad Educational Programme and the Shimron / Nirvani Hetmyer Christmas Hampers project which benefitted hundred of youths and families across the Ancient County.

Overseas based Guyanese based business couple Imran McSood and Rena Amjad donated $3,000US to assist hundreds of students in Berbice with educational materials which includes School bags, exercise books, pens, pencils, rulers among other items.

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that over 300 students are expected to benefit under the programme as the club forges ahead with its effort to promote the importance of education under its Say Yes project. Foster,

who is also the President of the Berbice cricket Board stated that the club was delighted to assist youths with their pursuit of an educational career as it was the foundation of a successful life.

The teams handed over dozens of the school packages to their counterparts across Berbice including Albion, Port Mourant, Achievers, No 73 Cricket Club, No 72 Cut and Load, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot Cricket Club. The teams also handed over packages to youths from the St Francis

RHTYSC executives hands over donation to Camal Children Home.

Xavier Roman Catholic Church of Port Mourant, while donations were also presented to the Canaan and Camal Children Homes based in Port Mourant and Chesney respectively.

Imran McSood Amjad is the founder of Naglico Insurance, based in St Marten and is a very successful businessman. He also served as an Independent Director of Cricket West Indies before stepping down earlier this year. He was introduced to Foster by former BCB Secretary Oscar Ramjeet and had sponsored international Cricket Commentator Joseph Reds Perriera’s visit to the Ancient County for a series of inspirational speeches.

The teams also distributed hundreds of food hampers and special Christmas packages with the support of West indies player Shimron Hetmyer and his wife Nirvani.

The club would be sharing out a total of$3.5 M worth of food items with the couple donating $2.2M. Additionally, the twelve teams have also started the distribution of one thousand special Christmas packages to single parent and less fortunate families.

The packages include apples, wall nuts, biscuits, smalta, juices and sweets.

National cricketers Guadakesh Motie, Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell and Hetmyer are

among the sponsors of the Christmas Packages.

All members of the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church of Port Mourant received a package along with every child at the Canaan and Camal Children Homes. Members of the church, which played a major role in the development of the RHTYSC, also received a special Christmas gift, food hamper, toys for kids, while the teams also sponsored a feeding programme and a well attended Christmas Concert.

RHTYSC Asst Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu expressed thanks to the Hetmyers and Amjads for their assistance in making the projects successful.

Softball tournament set for Boxing Day in Bartica King and Queen Dominoes set for

Softball teams in Bartica will match skills on December 26 and 27 when the Edward Skeete T/10 tournament takes place at the Bartica Community Centre ground.

The competition will be played in both male and female categories with the male segment taking place on Sunday 26 and the female category playing on Monday 27.

Action commences at 10:00hrs each day and entrance fee for the female team is $15,000 and $20,000 for the males. Teams are asked to enter on or before December 24.

Prizes will be given to winning and runner up teams, best uniformed team, MVP in the finals, best batsmen and bowlers.

Registration can be done at JR Outdoor stall #51 and 53 B or at Skeete office.

Meanwhile, Ramsingh

December 27 at Turning Point

Videsh Ramsingh presents the cheque to Lieanna Katriah of the organising committee.

General Store has thrown their support behind the tournament. The entity presented a cheque to organsiers recently.

The draw will take place on December 24 at the Bartica Community Centre ground.

All covid guidelines will be observed.

Some of the top dominoes players in the city are expected to match skills when the Twin Towers King and Queen Dominoes tournament takes place on December 27 at Turning Point.

The competition will commence at 15:00hrs and entrance fee is $2,000.

Players can contact Dhyan Carter on 696-7781 for registration.

Meanwhile, White Castle Fish Shop has supported the competition.

The entity recently presented a cheque to organiser Carter.

Over $200,000 in prizes are at stake and all covid guidelines will be observed.

Jermaine Langevine presents the cheque to organiser Dhyan Carter.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Guyana’s most decorated Karate Icon Frank Woon-A-Tai has finally achieved 10th Dan ranking

Guyana born and bred Karate Master. Frank Woon-A-Tai has created national and international karate history again. From today, December 22, 2021, Master Frank has been promoted to the highest rank in Karate, the Tenth Dan bestowed on him by the International Karate Daigaku (University) and the Shihan-kai Senate of nine founding masters with eighth dan and higher, during the IKD 2021 Tenth Anniversary announcements.

Under the IKD Constitution, Section 2 - Powers: “the Shihan-Kai Senate is hereby vested with full power and authority to make, alter and repeal all laws, rules and regulations for the government, management, discipline and control of the International Karate Daigaku, or of any dojo or division thereof, and the members of the same in a state, district, territory or country where the International Karate Daigaku is now or may hereafter be established, and to enforce the laws, rules and regulations enacted by said Shihan-Kai Senate or any regulation or order made by the Shihan-Kai Senate.”

According to the long-established Japanese Martial Arts convention, ninth and tenth dans are reserved for karate masters sixty years and seventy years and older.

They must have over fifty years of karate training and teaching experience, A-class International Supreme Instructor Degree, A-class International Supreme Examiner Degree, and A-class Supreme International Judge Degree credentials. And, more importantly, they must be the leaders of large International Karate Organizations (A-Class) like the International Karate Daigaku (IKD).

In ten years, the IKD has amassed a membership of 80 regions in 57 countries across the globe.

This fantastic achievement under

the leadership of Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai surpasses many Japanese-led independent karate organizations with direct lineage and traditional to karate founders Funakoshi and Nakayama. In 1974 and 1979, Frank brought Master Nakayama, 10th Dan, to Guyana.

His teacher once told him that the higher you advance in rank and the more successful you are in life, people will always try to pull you back down. He has already experienced this behaviour from critics and envious former colleagues who were senior to him because some achieved their first dan rank before him. And especially those who falsely created a rift between him and his elderly masters he served for 40 years. However, they unwittingly gave him wings to soar above them like the Phoenix with his IKD organization. By dedication, talent, and hard work, Master Frank surpassed all of them in advancement and achievement.

Master Frank was the first JKA ISKF Instructor to be promoted to seventh dan under the Japan Karate Association 20 years ago.

Moreover, he was number one of the first four Instructors in the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) to be graded to Eighth dan in 2008 by Masters Okazaki and Yaguchi. He further held the Office of one of two ISKF Technical Committee Vice-Chairmen directly under Masters Yaguchi and Okazaki.

Frank graduated from the ISKF Instructor Training Institute in 1989 after willingly completing the course three times over. In 2004, he graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Japanese Studies and a minor in History. In 2011, Frank became a Member of the Order of Service of Guyana and was awarded the Medal of Service from the former

Teruyuki Okazaki, Masatoshi Nakayama and Yukichi Tabata

President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. In 1996, he was a recipient of the French Guiana Medal of Honour by the Regional President for 20 years of service to that country. Frank is the author of Shu-Ha-Ri: My Life in Japanese Karate, published in 2020.

His Book illustrates his early life in Guyana, to his move to Jamaica and Canada, then to the rest of the world, only to return back to Guyana, his roots.

Not to be outdone, his wife of 48 years, Maureen Woon-A-Tai, has been promoted to Ninth Dan. Both Frank and Maureen have over fifty years of training with world-renowned masters like Nakayama and Okazaki. After 30 years, Maureen

retired as a Royal Bank of Canada Officer and became the driving force behind Frank’s success. They are parents of Diandra, Michelle and Ken, 6th Dan and is a four-time World Champion.

Michelle has five children, including Twins who are actors. Today, Frank and Maureen are proud great-grandparents.

Dr. Dexter Shim from Trinidad and Tobago was also promoted to Ninth Dan. He and Maureen are IKD Deputy Grandmasters. Dr. Shim met Frank while he was a medical student in Jamaica in 1976. Dr. Dexter Shim, M.B., B.S., DLO, FRCS, was born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1952.

He was educated at the University

of The West Indies, The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, and The Royal College of Surgeons in England. Dr. Shim is an Associate Lecturer at the UWI Medical School and heads the Department of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology at Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

Today, ninety-eight percent of Frank’s Legendary Instructors have passed away, namely masters: Nakayama, Sugiura, Nishiyama, Okazaki, Ito, Kanazawa, Shoji, Takahashi, Hayakawa, Tabata, Enoeda, Mori, Koyama, and Takashina, leaving him and his contemporaries to continue their Legacy. Furthermore, of the two who are left, one is retired.

Frank Woon-A-Tai executes his “Eye Technique” that attackers fear.

Dr. Dexter Shimfrom Trinidad and Tobago was also promoted to Ninth Dan.

Maureen WoonA-Tai, has been promoted to Ninth Dan.

Wednesday December 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

GBA expresses confidence in Ninvalle as he is returned as President - 'Home for Boxing' in three years is priority Steve Ninvalle, who is also the country's Director of Sports, has received an overwhelming vote of confidence when he was returned as president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) unopposed, when the held their Elections and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Headquarters in Lilliendaal.

The President of the GOA, Kalam Juman Yassin, served as the

Returning Officer for the elections.

The other persons elected to serve alongside Ninvalle includes: First Vice President, Dr. Marissa Parris, daughter of Guyana's only Olympic Medalist, Michael Parris and Seon B r i s t o l ( A s s i s t a n t Secretary/Treasurer), being the new members of the GBA's executive Committee, Major Gordon Nedd is the Second Vice President, while Carl Graham is the third vice president, (Continued on page 27)

Steve Ninvalle

Dr. Marissa Parris

Seon Bristol

GFF President Wayne Forde (2nd right) receives the sponsorship cheque from Tiger Offshore Rentals’ Guyana Country Manager, Mr, Shane Singh. At right is Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major.

rt Spo

Tiger Offshore Rentals support for GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup Fruta Conquerors goals corers from left Shanic Thornhill, Jalade Trim, Jessica Teasdale, Shamya Daniels, Sandra Johnson and Angaline Rievre. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Guyana’s most decorated Karate Icon Frank Woon-A-Tai has finally achieved 10th Dan ranking

10th Dan Master Frank Woon-A-Tai.

Thornhill Thornhill nets nets helmet–trick helmet-trick asasFruta FrutaConquerors Conquerors cruise cruiseinto into semi-finals semi-finals Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.