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Suriname does Thursday Edition NEWS continuous reviews of companies’ oil spill - this way, they know ‘we are not sleeping response plans at the wheel’ - Former Staatsolie Boss AIETEUR

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

December 23, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.48

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 81,697

Govt. discards bids received for gas-to-shore project …says not obligated to accept any offer, reserves right to negotiate with private partner

Local Content Bill 2021 Series Pt.4

Shell companies, crooks will be unable to disguise as legitimate local firms Overseer resigns Govt. Ministers hammered after refusing for attacking to sign off judiciary unverified works

Protest continues for change to all foreign contracts.

Chinese company among 12 contractors to build $13.3B Eccles to Diamond 4-lane road

‘PPP sees oil sector as one way to get rich quick’ of vigorous response to corrupt intentions - Norton warns

Listen to how petty, bad minded, vindictive and spiteful your leaders are

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

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

Thursday December 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 23, 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

Financial violations The words of Guyana’s Auditor General give off a tired, distraught sound. Still, the Audit Office reports, regarding what is going on in this country, under government after government, with the taxpayers’ money and which must be presented in a professional, even bland manner.

We, though, can be sharper and unsparing in what we consider the continuing, never-ending mishandling of the great national responsibilities placed in the hands of Guyana’s two major parties. The kind of governance they dealt in, and the sordid results of such governance. It is always about money, millions upon millions of dollars, and year after year.

We begin with our caption: “PPP/C, PNC repeatedly ignore remedies to fix flagrant financial violations…Auditor General concerned as 62% of recommendations not implemented” (KN December 16). This means that 3 out of 5 recommendations are routinely scorned, in that they are discarded in some Permanent Secretary’s or Minister’s garbage can, for all the interest and attention given to them.

We believe they all have a good laugh, roll their eyes, and move on to the next set of financial violations in the year that follows, and all the other succeeding ones, while they are in control of the nation’s purse, as the government of the day.

We will tell our fellow Guyanese what “financial violations” mean in the most scorching terms. They mean chronic thieveries, where the system is being gamed, and none, not any of them in either PPP/C or PNC Governments give a damn about how the people’s monies, projects, and businesses are managed. Instead of the great care of the prudent man’s rule to protect and handle with honour and principle the financial duties of this country, there is ongoing adherence to the perverse (plundering) man’s law, the law of the Government bandit, which gouges Guyanese year over draining year.

The Auditor General summed it up clinically: “…in many instances, recommendations are repeated every year without appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on Government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to occur.” That was AG Deodat Sharma, and what he said in effect, can be translated to this: recommendations are ignored, nothing happens, and it is the same sick and shabby and costly story with public money every year.

We interpret this to mean that loopholes are not closed, enhancements not followed, because doing so will shut down the gravy train that is the people’s money. The record is of PPP/C and PNC Governments presiding over banditry, upholding financial violations, which are failures at best, or frauds, at their worst. They will not act upon improvements, because that will lessen their take, reduce the spoils. So they continue playing the fool, by leaving the financial violations alone. Earlier, we pinpointed Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, to which we add General Managers and Commissioners (and other heads of departments), for the simple reason that they are the officers in charge, whether politically or administratively, and at the end of the day, the obligations to facilitate and oversee implementation of repeated recommendations rest first and always in their hands.

They are the people in charge, so they have to hear the criticisms, absorb the blows, and do something. This is the proof so needed, yet so missing. That is, for the offices named to do something tangible. That which delivers tightening and improvements to systems, and bring people under their stewardship to be booked for failure to implement and enforce, and then document properly and consistently, pursuant to the AG’s recommendations.

It is a sad state in this country, when the AG has to lament repeatedly the waste of taxpayers’ resources. The costly gaps that are never closed, the inactions of senior public officers, be they elected or selected. Surely, these senior officers have some pride, possess some self-respect about themselves.

There must be a small handful of them that know what is right, which begs the question as to why the right actions and

Use NRF to boost education, it is the key to success DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is emerging as one of the largest oilproducing nation in South America and has the potential to become the most prominent nation in the world. As oil and gas will soon contribute hugely to our economic GDP growth, education is a vital force to acquire economic p r o s p e r i t y. Wi t h o u t education, common issues such as unemployment, poverty, and disparity between groups, will continue to run rampant in Guyana.

Although, Parliament’s newly proposed NRF Bill has been a source of debate and division among political parties, the importance of the funds from this Bill should not be underestimated; such funds can impact our education standards significantly.

Without proper and adequate education and literacy, Guyana would not be able to compete with the oil giants. For Guyana to compete as an aggressive economy, it is necessary to upgrade its educational

standards and keep students in country, rather than sending them abroad. To such ends, the NRF can provide more than enough funds to bolster the quality of education by improving schools, enabling teachers and professors to earn higher wages, providing better facilities, and giving scholarships, and grants to pursue studies in a wide variety of subject areas in schools. With the ongoing pandemic, our education appears to have taken a turn for the worst; it is, therefore, necessary for us to provide adequate technologies to help students earn an education regardless of where they live in Guyana.

For example, such technologies would include stronger and faster internet, computers, and accessible and safe transportation to and from schools or learning centres. If Guyana is to become like Dubai, a popular country for comparing oil developing countries, Guyanese must have a strong education and training foundation that will allow them to become more

productive. Ultimately by having an educated society, citizens would be in a better position to take on more highly skilled and specialised jobs which would further increase productivity and raise the GDP in Guyana. Citizens would be able to earn more money and be able to save or spend their excess money.

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, Dubai took 30 years to develop into what it has become today.

Guyanese expected a change in lifestyle and influx of money, the moment oil started pumping from the wells. However, without strong education roots and foundation, Guyana will forever remain at the bottom of the barrel. Education is the key to a strong foundation that will solidify future generation’s security and prosperity.

While I do agree that other factors, such as healthcare, infrastructures, and cost of living need to be addressed, education needs more emphasis because most of Guyana’s social, economic, and political

problems can be solved through an educated society.

The Ministry of Education has set the attainment of quality Universal Secondary Education as a major objective in its current Education Strategic Plan, which collides with vision 2030 strategic development plan and with the NRF. This goal can be obtained before 2030 by utilising funds from the NRF to fund schools and universities. With the NRF, the Ministry of Education can enhance schools, which will then be able to pay teachers higher wages, provide textbooks, upgrade facilities, transportation, and security. In future years, oil and gas will be Guyana’s main source of economic revenues and the NRF goal for education should be to contribute to employability and reduction of poverty, increasing performance at all education levels, and reducing the imbalance between sub-groups. On a concluding note, the NRF Bill can boost the education sector and set the platform for sustained prosperity.

MJ

GuySuCo CEO must be given time to implement his strategic plan DEAR EDITOR, I read with much interest the rebuttal letter penned by Dr. Vishnu Bisram on matters pertaining to GuySuCo against Drs. Euclid Rose and Rajkumar for their response to Mr. Abdool Majeed. A lot of information is flowing into the public for healthy discussions. However, as academics, we must all bear true allegiance to facts not opinions.

No one will doubt that GuySuCo needs to be in the open as billions of taxpayers’ dollars are pumped into the industry.

T h e r e m u s t b e accountability, and no one should be offended when taxpayers ask questions.

After all, the funds expended to GuySuCo could have been used to finance so many other projects that would have been beneficial to all Guyanese. It is now considered “sunk” cost, as it

is hardly likely that GuySuCo would be asked to repay the funds given to the organisation.

With reference to management, Dr. Bisram has identified a number of persons who were either former Board members or executives of GuySuCo. My question to Dr. Bisram is very simple. If these men were so endowed with the knowledge to manage this complex industry, then why did GuySuCo sink into the abyss and could not survive without Government support. Any professional who is worth his/her “salt” would have done the honourable thing and step down if they were not allowed to perform their functions professionally. We can cry “wolf” as much as we want, the fact is under the watch of the persons who Dr. Bisram identified, GuySuCo was plunged into grave

measures are not happening.

The PPP/C and the PNC are proud of their shallow manifestoes and meaningless elections promises relative to clean governance. They throw stones at each other, but as the AG’s report confirms, both are as dirty and criminal as the other.

darkness. The question we may never have the answers for is whether these goodly gentlemen were more interested in the glamour and perks of the job rather than professionalism. The last time GuySuCo showed a profit was around the year 2000. Why did the Corporation move from a profitable entity to an abysmal failure with these professionals in charge?

D i d n ’t t h e y h a v e t h e requisite skills to execute strategic plans to save this important industry? If they did, where are these plans Dr. Bisram? The fact is these men were riding the gravy train as correctly reported by Drs. Rose and Rajkumar.

Mr. Majeed has the right to highlight shortcomings of the new CEO Mr. Sasenarine Singh. Mr. Singh has been on the job for just about one year and I would advise him to take all constructive c r i t i c i s m s e r i o u s l y.

However, when the aggrieved worker can only see the “trees” and not the “forest”, his identified shortcomings are more like “dog and the bone.” S/he does have legitimate

concerns, but s/he seems so angry with the CEO that there is willingness to see the Corporation sink further without looking at the strategic plans of the CEO. During his year in office, the CEO and his management team prepared this strategic plan. This plan was approved by the Board and was in the implementation phase when the floods came.

Now, I am sure the CEO and his team are working feverishly to revise this strategic plan. I am sure they will come up with a Plan A, Plan B, etc. and to tweak those plans, as may be needed.

For Mr. Majeed’s edification, any organisation needs a united team that will work in unison to achieve the objectives of the entity.

This is applicable to a government, a club, a social group and definitely GuySuCo. If the CEO does not have a team that can work together to achieve its goals, then the CEO must be given the opportunity and indeed the space to have a trusted team. Why did Mr. Majeed come to the (Continued on page 6)

Thursday December 23, 2021

Rohee pretends to not know that the PPP is a communist party (by its own words) DEAR EDITOR, Clement Rohee’s attempt to nullify the fact that the PPP of Cheddi Jagan “declared itself to be a communist party” raises serious questions about his political awareness or his own ability to comprehend the history of the party to which he pledged his lifelong loyalty (KN, 12/21/21). It is perhaps best to ignore his deniability.

At the risk of belabouring a point that has already been established, here is the actual quotation from the official monthly organ of the PPP refuting his claims: “[T]he Party decided in 1969 to commence a process of transformation from a loose, mass party into a disciplined Marxist-Leninist organisation, capable not only of widely disseminating Marxist-Leninist ideology but also of more effectively organising and uniting all working people in the struggle for a socialist Guyana…

“Since 1969, a series of steps have been taken to reorganise the Party’s structure, promulgate a Programme, develop a disciplined core of cadres and membership imbued with the ideology of MarxismLeninism, undeviatingly apply the principles of MarxismLeninism to everyday problems, apply the principles of democratic centralism and criticism and self-criticism and such other principles as were necessary to achieve our objective.

In this regard since our decision to transform the Party, our work on the ideological front of the class struggle has been strengthened in the fight against right and left deviationism…

“Our international work is based on proletarian internationalism…We are generally recognised as and accorded the status of a communist party by all other fraternal parties [in the Soviet

bloc]…The prestige of our Party both locally and internationally has never been higher.

We can say with confidence at this 22nd Congress that our Party has been transformed into a Communist Party.” [“PPP is MarxistLeninist”, Thunder, (Third Quarter, 1985), p. 6:] Even at a time when the Soviet Empire was showing signs of political decay in 1985, Jagan’s PPP was shoring up its fraternal loyalty to Soviet communism and Castro’s Cuba, while still predicting the impending collapse of capitalism. Clement Rohee, who had ambitions to become our President, and who is famously known for the lingo “goat ain’t bite meh”, simply cannot fudge the facts regarding Jagan’s PPP, especially when the party’s narrative, actions and history dictate otherwise.

Sincerely, Baytoram Ramharack

Questions for Mr. Ceres on scholarships during the 1970s DEAR EDITOR, It troubles me when public figures threaten libel lawsuits for almost anything written on or about them. In the US, one can write almost anything about someone. It is almost impossible to win a libel lawsuit even if a published article is untrue. The intent and knowledge about the basis of the content determines success of a lawsuit. People in the public must not be so thin skinned when critiqued.

I have been writing for over 45 years in the mass media. Freddie Kissoon did not libel Charles Ceres (Dec. 16).

Thus, there was no need for an apology (Dec. 17) even amidst a threat of a suit (Dec. 18). He did not accuse Ceres of anything; he merely posed questions. I do not know Charles Ceres. I applaud his achievements. Many of us, including Freddie, struggled against the restrictions posed

by Burnhamism and made something of ourselves. I have no reason to question Ceres’ claims. But his knowledge can help me and Guyanese about matters at UG. I am interested in UG’s enrollment, graduation, and awarding of scholarships during that period.

My research suggests that some 60 students started the engineering (Technical) programme and an average of less than 20 finished it two years later. Most of the admissions were questionable

as they lacked the prerequisites for the programme, but were sent by various government departments that demanded their admission. The research suggests that a brilliant Baijnauth Ghansham graduated at the top of the class in 1974, unless the year is mixed up. My research suggests that Roopnarine Bhaijnauth finished top of the class in 1973, followed

by Benji Yhapp; the years could be mixed up. Can Ceres clarify?

Reggie Bhagwandin was also a top student in the programme, but I am uncertain of year. Ghansham was admitted to the HTD programme as were the others. Can Ceres say whether he was admitted for the General Technical Diploma (GTD) or the more prestigious Higher Technical Diploma (HTD)? A requirement for entrance into HTD was a minimum of three A’ Levels.

Almost everyone who finished the course was automatically given a scholarship through Guybau or Bermine,

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or directly from the Ministry.

It is well known that scholarships were given based on party affiliation and or race.

For 1974, my investigations found that two out of 20 scholarships went to Indians; in 1975, one out of 20 scholarships went to an Indian; in 1976, two out of 20 scholarships (Continued on page 6)

Cane farmers are also part of the Sugar Industry DEAR EDITOR, The cane farmers who were disenfranchised, particularly on the closure of Skeldon Estate – as a result of the historic malfunction of its ‘Chinese factory’, must wonder how and why they have been overlooked for any compensation for the loss of their investment in the sugar industry.

So too must the question be asked by some of the cane farmers who supplied Wales

Estate with cane. And while arrangements were made to transfer their products to Uitvlugt Estate, the fact is that not all were able to cope with the change.

Interestingly though, one does not recall any comparable outburst at the time of the euphemistic integration of LBI/Ogle Estate with Enmore into East Demerara Estate, and the negative impact on the livelihoods of cane farmers of Beterverwagting and

Buxton, respectively.

Contrast this approach to the payments made to Diamond Estate sugar workers long after its closure and their transfer to the LBI/Ogle location.

The consistency, or otherwise, of such decision-making in respect of all who have contributed to our sugar industry is open to a range of interpretations.

Elijah Bijay

Hamilton Green forgives David Granger for his recent misplaced verbal salvo DEAR EDITOR, I note that in his valedictory address as Leader of the People’s National Congress, Brigadier David Granger stated among other things that Jainarine Singh, Eusi Kwayana, Raphael Trotman and Hamilton Green leaving the Party weakened it.

I cannot speak for the others but could not allow the fallacious figment of someone’s imagination to go unanswered. In human history, Leaders have emerged who had a vision for purity that was not being practised in their organisation.Martin Luther of course is the best known example.

In post 1955-1956, while being Chairman of the PPP, Forbes Burnham broke away from the Jagans and the PPP. If he did not break away from

the PPP, there would have been no PNC. I remain the only person alive who was present and witnessed those events.

What is more egregious is Granger’s statement that my leaving the PNC weakened it.

This taking into account all relevant circumstances is too simplistic and can very well confuse young and old members.

At all times, my advocacy,

passion and programmes were to stand as a sentinel to protect the interest of Party supporters and make it clear to the PPP that the GGG would not give them any political advantage.

Let me again make it very clear that nothing then and now could cause me to leave the Party for which I made personal sacrifices to promote and make the Party into (Continued on page 6 )

What about pensioners and retirees?

DEAR EDITOR, Another payout to a section of public sector workers. This time, the beneficiary is the health sector. As it should be. But what of pensioners and retirees? Isn’t some consideration forthcoming for this category of citizens too?

Shamshun Mohamed

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Holiday Greetings to all DEAR EDITOR, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana extend our best wishes to all Guyanese for a peaceful Holiday Season that is filled with great moments surrounded by family and friends.

May the New Year bring with it renewed health and prosperity.

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

Thursday December 23, 2021

Hamilton Green forgives David Granger...

From page 5 a powerhouse. In the early 1990s, with Elections on the horizon, Mr. Hoyte embraced the likes of Former US President, Jimmy Carter. My advice to talk with Dr. Jagan and the PPP to discuss and find a modus vivendi with Dr. Jagan and the PPP were ignored.

The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was on a Saturday morning, while selling New Nation in the shop

by Joan Granger in Queenstown, I heard Jimmy Carter announcing to this Nation that Overseas Voting would no longer be allowed.

This matter was never discussed with neither the Party’s Executive nor the Cabinet and seemed to be an unilateral decision by Hoyte at the instance of Jimmy Carter.

At a subsequent Party Meeting, I expressed shock and alarm that the matter of Overseas Voting which is allowed in the United States and which was a constitutional right in Guyana was abandoned and worst announced not by our President but by Former President Jimmy Carter.

At a Party Meeting at East Ruimveldt Secondary School, I stated in Hoyte’s presence, that such a decision showed a lack of political perspicacity which could not help our cause but hurt it.

A sensible Leader in every democracy should do all things possible to help citizens of their country but certainly do nothing that puts your grouping at a disadvantage and I intoned that only an inexperienced schoolboy would do such a thing.

Others such as the late Thomas Anson Sancho supported my position.Leaders must not be thin-skinned.

After that meeting, Hoyte appointed what came to be known as a ‘Kangaroo Court,’ and after many members who

were present refused to testify, I was expelled from the Party. I repeat, I was expelled from the Party.

So let me make it clear to David Granger and others, I never left the Party that I helped to establish and always loved.

Even though I was Prime Minister up to the 1992 Elections, when the time came for a leader of the list to extract names of persons to sit in the Parliament, I was excluded and sent to the pasture.

Many others came out in support of me, Basil Williams, Odinga Lumumba, Gregory Fraser, Patricia Chase-Greene, Gwen McGowan, Joe Hamilton, and the late Allan Chin, Robert Williams, Ramesh Kissoon, Thomas Anson Sancho, Llewelyn John, among others.

By popular demand, I formed the Good and Green Georgetown (GGG), contested the 1994 Municipal Elections in Georgetown, the traditional

stronghold of the PNC. With little resources, we sent a message to Hoyte’s section of the PNC by securing twelve (12) seats and Hoyte PNC ten (10) seats and the PPP eight (8) seats.

For us, this was a twentytwo (22)-seat victory for the PNC and this translated into a robust PNC contingent that faced an in-office PPP. It is no secret, through all this, PNC supporters, particularly those wedded to fulfilling the dreams of its Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham, remained PNC at heart as I did.

If David Granger is unaware of all of this, I take this opportunity to let him and others know.

For the record, I have been brought up to take seriously the words found in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

In December, nineteen (19) years ago, on Channel 28, I did a weekly programme,

which I recorded on the morning of the 20th.

I began that programme by stating that I forgive all those who did me wrong.

Desmond Hoyte was the person I had in mind, so when he passed away two days later, I felt at peace that I had forgiven him and immediately dismantled the GGG and returned to my political home.

Today, I attended a ceremony to mark the anniversary of his passing.

I was impressed by our new Leader, Aubrey Campton Norton’s address.

The new leadership gives us hope and I expect that particularly the young ones would seek and take wise counsel from experience and those who have been burnished by the heat of the most dangerous period of our history.

I wish David Granger well and I forgive him for his recent misplaced verbal salvo.

Hamilton Green Elder

GuySuCo CEO must be given time...

From page 4 conclusion that the team around the CEO will lead to corruption?

Is Mr. Majeed corrupt?

We are told that what comes out of a man, defines the man.

For Mr. Majeed to conclude that the trusted team around the CEO will automatically lead to corruption, speaks volumes of Mr. Majeed.

I am of the professional view that Mr. Sasenarine Singh will lead GuySuCo to a much-needed break-even point within a few years, and thereafter to profitability.

What he needs from us is patience, support and encouragement to manage this great Corporation that has been in our blood from birth.

I am confident that Sase will continue to “plough” ahead, knowing

that the Government and people of Guyana want to see a very successful and profitability Corporation.

The CEO has some excellent employees around him, and together, they will make us all proud.

To the CEO, I say continue in the rebuilding of this piece of the vineyard, which we all call GuySuCo. Sincerely, Charles Sugrim, CPA

Questions for Mr. Ceres on...

From page 5 were given to Indians.

Mr. Ceres would recall that Dr. Charles Sohan was head of department in the early 1970s and later Prof.

Krishnanand (PhD from Imperial College, London University) of South India replaced Sohan who had left.

Mr. Thomas, also from South India, was on the staff. My research found that Sohan, Krishnanand and Thomas encouraged outstanding stu-

dents to apply for scholarships, but almost all of the Indians were rejected because of a lack of party affiliation.

Can Mr. Ceres comment on how many of his Indian and African friends received scholarship?

During the mid and late 1970s, there was a scandal relating to transcript grades in order for certain students to gain scholarships and admission at overseas universities in Canada and the US. Mr.

Ceres’ name was not implicated. But can he comment on this matter in which deserving students would have been denied scholarships?

I was told Freddie Kissoon was a brilliant student. And he graduated top of his class, but was initially denied a scholarship on account of politics and ethnicity. Can Mr. Ceres comment on this travesty?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Kaieteur News

Some experts want the Yellowtail Project to be scrapped.

We think this Government should also be scrapped.

We take this further: Guyana's political leaders should all be sent to the scrap-yard.

That is how useless and harmful they are to us.

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Thursday December 23, 2021

Local Content Bill 2021 Series Pt.4

Shell companies, crooks will be unable to disguise as legitimate local firms

By Kiana Wilburg nce the PPP/C Government's Local Content Bill 2021 is passed, shell companies and schemers of the industry will find it nearly impossible to disguise themselves as legitimate local firms.

Paving the way for this is a robust definition for what constitutes a “Guyanese company.”

The Bill proposes that a “Guyanese company” must mean more than just being incorporated under the Companies Act. A firm would only be considered local if it is: - BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY GUYANESE NATIONALS WHO ULTIMATELY EXERCISE, INDIVIDUALLY OR JOINTLY, VOTING RIGHTS REPRESENTING AT LEAST 51 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ISSUED SHARES OF THE COMPANY - HAS GUYANESE NATIONALS HOLDING AT LEAST 75 % PERCENT OF EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS - AND HAS AT LEAST 90 % OF NON-MANAGERIAL AND OTHER POSITIONS

O

These three major protective layers therefore ensure that oil companies only use authentic Guyanese companies.

Thursday December 23, 2021

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Local Content is a sham The proposed Local Content Law is too little too late. It has come years too late and will not derive any substantial benefits for local firms, since most of the major contracts have already been negotiated and awarded by the oil companies.

The government therefore is deluding itself into believing that local firms stand to benefit substantively from this piece of redundant legislation. And all the local excitement over local content fails to acknowledge that the Bill itself changes very little about how the oil companies do business.

Yet, this barren Bill seems to have received a warm reception in some quarters.

One private sector representative was so excited that he deemed the local content legislation as a Christmas gift.

The fact is, the major contracts have already been awarded by the oil companies.

All that is left for locals are the crumbs. And it is these crumbs which any local content legislation will govern, not the major works in the field development plans of Exxon and her partners.

One month ago, it was announced that a FrenchAmerican conglomerate had won a large contract estimated between US$500M to US$1B h to supply the subsea production system for Exxon hs Yellowtail Development Project.

According to OILNOW, the conglomerate is expected to provide project management, engineering, manufacturing and testing capabilities to deliver the overall subsea production system. The same foreign firm had been

awarded a large contract to provide a subsea system for the Payara Field Development. So that one is locked away from local content.

Around the same time the foreign conglomerate had snared the contract for the subsea system for Yellowtail, it was announced that a Dutch firm, SBM, had been awarded contracts to perform Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

And this particular contract was the fourth FPSO the company would be building for Exxon s operations in Guyana. The same Dutch firm had been awarded contracts to construct, install, lease and operate a FPSO for the Payara Field Development Project.

This too remains insulated from local content participation.

One month earlier, in October 2021, a French company, VALLOUREC, announced a 10-year agreement with Exxon to supply line pipe products for Exxon s local operations.

The company indicated that it would serve its customer from its Brazilian base. So much, for local content until 2031 at the earliest!

While the government of Guyana was busy with its cosmetic consultations on local content legislation, Exxon was hard at work sealing contracts for its local operations. In June of this year, the Norwegian-based Petroleum GeoServices announced it had secured a 4D Acquisition Contract from Exxon.

In August of this year, Oceaneering International was awarded a contract by

Exxon to provide offshore surveys. And another foreign firm, Ocean Infinity, had long sewn up a contract for geophysical and geotechnical data acquisition.

SAIPEM, another foreign firm, had also sealed an agreement to perform engineering, procurement, construction and installation of risers, flowlines and associated structures and jumpers.

And some of these foreign contracts involve long term commitments. For example, Noble Corporation did work on Liza 1 and its contract is now extended to 2030, Bye, bye local content!

When you consider all these contracts which have already been awarded to foreign firms, not much is left for Guyanese companies. All that will be left for Guyana are the crumbs. Sure enough, two local companies have gotten a contract to supply 2,000 construction uniforms.

Another local firm is in joint venture to dispose of waste produced by the oil operations.

Meantime, the Marriott Hotel is fully booked for the next year by the oil companies and guess who is paying for that luxurious accommodation?

Local Content legislation is now meaningless to Exxon.

They can take that legislation and dump it in the waste paper basket.

The oil companies have a Stability Clause in their Production Sharing Agreement which provides that no new law or agreement can materially, adversely, affect them. And if it is their contention that local content legislation can result in an adverse effect, then the

Dem boys seh ...

Shop till yuh drop Right now is suh much money in people pocket dat dem shopping till dem dropping. Prices high but people still buying. Is dat is how yuh does know is Christmas in Guyana.

People nice-in up dem house and dem nice-in up demselves.

People hunting bargains. One man pass by a shop. He see a sign which mark, “Suits $500 each, shirts $200 each, trousers $300 each.”

De man rush in de store and seh, “I gan tek 2 suits, 4 shirts and 6 trousers.”

De shop man turn to he and seh, “Sir dis is de Dry Cleaners!”

Men and women does shop differently. Men does see wah dem want, get it and get out of de store as quickly as dey can. But dem women does like browse and look and sometimes dem does spend a whole hour in de store and nah buy nothing.

One day a man and he wife leff fuh go shopping in de Mall. De wife start going in all dem store and browsing. After a few hours she look round and find dat she husband nah with she.

Suh she call he on he cell phone. In a calm voice, he say to she, “”Honey, yuh remember dat jewellery store we went into bout five years ago where you bin fall in love with dat diamond necklace dat ah could not afford. And ah tell yuh dat one day I would get it fuh yuh.

De wife was filled with excitement and start fuh cry and seh, “Yes, I remember dat jewellery store and de necklace dat I always wanted.”

“Well,” reply de husband, “I’m in the bar right next to it.”

Talk half. Leff half.

government will have to take steps to correct this.

The oil companies, in an act of utter contempt for local content laws, have announced that they are building their own shore base for Yellow tail. Good riddance

to those local firms which are investing billions in such a facility!

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

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Thursday December 23, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The president, the banks and the little, silly dictators

T

ell me what purpose life is in a country when a group of three or four persons form an organisation and tells a democratically elected government we want you to employ this gentleman to be the fire chief; we want you to shape the law in such a way, that our point person can sit

on it.

Something has to be wrong with the very existence of a country when its people can accept this degradation of modern discourse.

In the world, there are thousands of civil society bodies in the following areas; climate change, animal

protection, protection of refugees, LGBT rights; elimination of racism; police abuse; child welfare, domestic violence, etc.

If you were to examine these bodies, they are credible entities with substantial members and their leadership consists of highly educated people like

engineers, scientists, scholars, lawyers, columnists, authors, retired military officers, retired judges, etc.

In countries where you find these organisations, the media gives them coverage because these people are credible voices with credible credentials. In Guyana, these

persons meet at Hard Rock Café and over dinner, form an organisation. The next day, these three persons want a certain person to be the head of the EPA. They want impending legislation to incorporate their views and the stage performance goes on.

So we have a one-man organisation named the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA); a three-man entity named Election Reform Group; a f o u r- m a n s h o w c a l l e d Transparency International – Guyana Inc. (TIGI), a fourman grouping named Article 13, a four-person thing named Red Thread, a twoperson thing named SASOD; a two-person trade union and the list goes on.

What is wrong with such units being formed?

Absolutely nothing!

Society is poorer in national character if civil society organisms do not exist. But there must be a standard that they have to maintain.

These organisations must go to different parts of Guyana, visit institutions like the universities, seek out retired public servants, retired teachers, etc., and reach out to them to populate the entity so it can have substance.

I hesitate to use an unjournalistic term like social masturbation but that is what it is when three persons birth an organism and tells an elected government what it wants it to do. That is a recipe for elitism which modern day democracy has no tolerance for. Guyana should not be an exception.

I saw an irritating caricature on television recently – David Hinds waxed lyrical about the WPA in which he said he is a leading member.

T h e W PA h a s n o membership, no chairperson, no general secretary, no treasury, no secretary, no elected executive and this state of affairs has existed for decades.

The WPA has only three persons in it, including Hinds, who lives abroad. One would have thought the interviewer would have done even a modicum of research and ask David for proof of existence.

This is what I mean by a

Frederick Kissoon t w o-man show. The WPA headoffice on New Garden Street is in a derelict state.

The commercial banks have not been transparent and accountable when dealing with small depositors and low-income people who have to make transactions.

They apply the moneylaundering law wrongly to thousands of people. I know this from first-hand experience.

The commercial banks are horrible institutions when it comes to common sense and intellectual analysis.

Here is a perfect example. My wife and I have an account that has not moved for over 15 years in terms of deposits. You have to be a jackass to suspect that account, with a small amount of cash, of money laundering. Money laundering is washing dirty money that runs into dozens of millions and hundreds of millions.

Yet every two years, I have to provide proof of address.

What transaction is that account doing for me to provide proof of address every two years?

It is an abuse of power.

Do you know once you have less than a million dollars in a Bank of Nova Scotia account, you have to pay a maintenance fee of $5,000 a year? If you think this is an exaggeration, please check it out.

So this week, the President followed in the footstep of the Prime Minister of Barbados and the Premier of the Turks and Caicos and lambasted the commercial banks for their mistreatment of low-income people.

But the little dictators, the little hypocrites, the little narcissists have said or written not one word about this banking monstrosity that have seen dozens of complaints in the press during the past 15 years.

Almost everything about this country is so irritating and hypocritical.

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

Thursday December 23, 2021

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Thursday December 23, 2021

Privately-owned Berbice Bridge workers get 27% ...while Govt. owned DHB get 7%

A

seven percent increase has been granted for the employees of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), while a five to 27 percent has been approved for the privately owned Berbice Bridge Corporation Inc. (BBCI) workers.

The announcement was made by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) yesterday. It must be noted that despite the fact that the bulk of the money invested in the Berbice Bridge came from state-run National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop, the best friend of Vice President, Bharrat

J a g d e o i s t h e l a rg e s t shareholder. NICIL has 10 percent shares in the bridge, NIS has 20.2 percent, Handin-Hand Fire Insurance has 10, New GPC has 20 percent, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. has 20 percent and Secure International Finance Co. Limited owns 20 percent.

Former head of NICIL and close associate of Jagdeo, Wi n s t o n B r a s s i n g t o n ' s brother, Michael Brassignton is the largest shareholder in Hand-in-Hand.

T h e Ramroop/Brassington combination therefore puts the ownership of the bridge in the hands of Jagdeo's close friends.

In a public statement, the

Union said that in addition to the seven percent increase for the DHB employees, a 10 percent improvement was also made to their meal allowances and a night premium was introduced to benefit maintenance staff.

Moreover, an end-of-year bonus has been granted to all workers of the DHB. While the sum of the bonus was not disclosed, the President of GAWU, Seepaul Narine said, “the GAWU was gladdened to have discussions concluded at the bilateral level” and he believes it indicates that relations between the Union and the Corporation were strong.

Meanwhile, the General

Manager of the DHBC, Wayne Watson indicated that he was happy to be signing the agreement, as he committed to working together with the Union to improve the operations of the DHBC and the well-being of the workers.

Over at the Berbice Bridge, staffers will enjoy an increase ranging from five to 27 percent, retroactive from January 01, 2021.

Additionally, the Union and the Company agreed to workers receiving an end-ofyear bonus. Through the agreement, workers will receive one month's pay as bonus.

Speaking at the signing, the Union's President, Seepaul Narine expressed the G AW U ' s d e l i g h t i n

appending the agreement. He shared that though the workers had hoped for greater improvements, in the spirit of compromise, an agreement was reached with the Company. He commended the union's members, particularly the shop stewards, who considered fully all the factors paving the way for an agreement.

The agreements were inked by the Ministry of Labour, following negotiations with the GAWU. Other Unions, such as the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) had publicly stated their dissatisfaction over Government's

imposition of a seven percent across the board increase, without engaging them to negotiate better conditions for the workers they represent.

The increase was announced by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh on November 18, as thousands of public servants were glued to their phones and computer screens, in anticipation of a substantive increase.

It must be noted that a Public Servant who was earning $70,000 in Guyana will receive a $4,900 increase, before taxes, while a Minister of the Government earning $869,000 will receive an increase of $60,830 to their monthly salaries.

Man busted with $13M worth of cocaine on Drury Lane The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has unearthed 2.374 kilograms of cocaine, worth more than $13 million, during a drug operation on Monday at A u s t i n S t r e e t , Campbellville, Georgetown.

According to a CANU release, acting on information received, ranks

carried out a narcotics operation between Austin Street and Drury Lane in Campbellville, during which they observed a man fitting the description of a person of interest. As such, the officers identified themselves and attempted to question him, but he tried to escape. He was however, apprehended,

but not before crashing his bicycle into a parked vehicle.

During a search carried out on his person and belongings, a brick-like object suspected to be cocaine was found in a bag he was carrying. He was arrested and taken to his (Continued on page 22)

The cocaine, which was unearthed by CANU agents.

Thursday December 23, 2021

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Thursday December 23, 2021

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Suriname does continuous reviews of companies' oil spill response plans - this way, they know ‘we are not - Former sleeping at the wheel’ Staatsolie Boss

By Kiana Wilburg While Suriname has made it a practice to ensure oil companies have response plans in place in the event of an oil spill, it ensures continuous reviews of these

plans are done as a guarantee of their effectiveness.

Additionally, this is done to ensure the oil companies know that Surinamese authorities are never asleep at the proverbial wheel; that they are “1000 percent”

committed to protecting their offshore marine resources.

Making this point pellucid was former Head of Staatsolie (Suriname's National Oil Company), Rudolf Elias.

During a recent

Former Staatsolie Head, Rudolf Elias

appearance on Kaieteur Radio's programme, Guyana's Oil and You, Elias said the Dutch speaking nation ensures all oil companies operating in its backyard are fully capable of responding to oil spills. He

stressed as well that Suriname ensures that it secures insurance for cleanup costs only from the parent companies. The former Staatsolie boss said, “…It is always good to have the mother company be the guarantor for an event of an oil spill but the oil companies are so well organised in Suriname. Within moments, there would be a lot of companies from Trinidad and from Houston, here in a very fast way to contain any spill.”

Even as he alluded to the country's trust in the capabilities of oil companies to respond to offshore disasters, Elias stressed that proper insurance coverage is still needed. He said robust reviews of the companies' plans are also necessary.

“We need all the plans and we have to see them in order to be sure, and that you know, they see that we are not

sleeping (at the wheel)…,” expressed the former Staatsolie head.

While Suriname has a nononsense approach towards insurance from parent companies and protecting its industry, the situation is quite different in Guyana.

Even though American oil explorer, ExxonMobil has faced five years of unrelenting criticism for refusing to provide Guyana with full coverage insurance on its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects, the company appears hell-bent on continuing this trend for its fourth development—the $1.8 trillion Yellowtail Project.

Currently, Guyana only has insurance from the subsidiaries of the ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and China (Continued on page 24)

Thursday December 23, 2021

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Thursday December 23, 2021

Govt. discards bids received for gas-to-shore project T

…says not obligated to accept any offer, reserves right to negotiate with private partner

he Guyana Government has n o t o n l y discarded the first set of proposals it received in September this year, for aspects of the gas to shore initiative, but also has completely re-designed the scope of works, to now instead build an integrated gas fired power generation plant, in addition to a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) factory.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—at the time had also pre-qualified firms for the NGL plant—a process now scrapped and will have to be restarted. The revised scope of works, according to a new publication by the Ministry of Natural Resources—requesting proposals from firms to be prequalified—said, the rationale “for the combination of the Power Plant and NGL facilities, is guided by the findings of EEGPL that there will be substantial savings from combining these two facilities.”

Government through the Ministry explained that as part of the gas to Energy project it has elected, “after extensive evaluation of

technical and execution f a c t o r s w i t h EEPGL—ExxonMobil Guyana—to have the two facilities be “designed and constructed together.”

As such, the Ministry has since re-invited interested parties to be prequalified to engineer, procure and construct the two integrated facilities.

Under the revised scope of works, the government says it intends to build “combined cycle turbines, multiple fuel consumption (including rich and lean natural gas [per specification to be provided upon request], Natural gas liquids and diesel) Power Plant to generate up to 300MW of power with a net 250MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light grid at a substation located on the East Bank of Demerara.”

Additionally, the project will include 230 Kilo Volt (KV) substation and back up fuel capacity.

As it relate to the NGL Plant, this is expected, under the revised scope of works, to be able to process 60 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in the first phase and up to 250 million cubic feet of gas in the second phase.

Additionally, the plant must be capable of conditioning the gas (dehydration and mercury removal) and removing heavier hydrocarbons (propane, butane, pentane plus) in liquid form.

The project according to the Ministry will be located at Hermitage, identified as p a r t o f t h e Wa l e s Development Zone with some 150 acres of land allocated for its purpose.

With regards the financial aspect of the

project, the only reference indicated by the Ministry is that submissions should contain the bidder's financial ability to undertake its commitments, namely the engineer, procure and construct “these two integrated facilities.”

Government, in July of this year, had invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) through the Ministry of Natural Resources, which had called for Joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the

government and EEEPGL. According to that invitation, the government and EEPGL were looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) / LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) facility and related facilities.”

This included, according to the Ministry, design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by Natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the Guyana Power and Light's

(GPL) distribution grid.

This is in addition to industries that can utilise Natural gas for, “Natural gas driven developments and growth.”

This has since been integrated, and according to the new invitation, the EOIs that had been received in September last for separate components of the then, segregated project and were prequalified, can also resubmit proposals.

In its initial request, the (Continued on page 22)

Overseer resigns after refusing to sign off unverified works

A

n Overseer attached to the Unity/ Vereeniging/ M a h a i c a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has resigned after refusing to sign off on unverified drainage work in his community.

Th e f o r mer O v er s eer, Bashkaran Basdeo told this newspaper that earlier this year, he was approached to sign off on a payment voucher, but declined to do so, since he was aware that the work was not completed.

He told Kaieteur News that the Chairperson attached to the NDC, Ms. Basmattie Singh had received a contract to ensure critical drainage works are completed in the area.

Basdeo explained that the contract was signed between the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts and the NDC Chair.

The contract that was seen by this newspaper specified that the sum of $13,288,752 was to be paid to the contractor for “manual monthly maintenance cleaning (from) 1st January to 31st December 2021”.

The contract catered for 14,571 rods of drainage and irrigation channels within the Unity/ Vereeniging NDC to be maintained.

Notably, this agreement was entered into on April 8, 2021, meaning that no work was done for January through March.

Nevertheless Mr. Basdeo, who resigned back in August of this year from the NDC, complained and provided video evidence that no work has been done to clean the drains in the area.

But before reaching this publication, the former NDC Overseer said that he complained to a senior functionary at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development who reportedly told him that the contract was given to a “fellow comrade” and that “you must see with he”.

After exploring every option available to him, to hopefully get the work in his community done, Basdeo said he has come to realise that it is only Kaieteur News that can help him achieve his objective.

“This is how tax payers' money is spending.

Millions passing to do the

cleaning of this trench and this is how they are doing it. The NDIA gave the NDC a contract for millions and this is what they are doing.

This is total corruption,” he stated in disgust. Basdeo said, “I resigned on August 30th 2021, and this continues to happen, because I refuse to sign vouchers for the Chair and Councilor who get the contract in their relatives' names to do this job and I refused to.

I informed (a big one) at the ministry and he told me that I have to see with those people “those are our supporters” and those people campaign to put them in power”.

The former Overseer contended that the situation is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Efforts made to contact the NDC were futile. Ever since the PPP Government took office, complaints have been mounting on the seemingly increased cost for projects, as well as the beneficiaries of contracts.

In fact only recently the NDIA invited bids for the cleaning of drains in Georgetown worth over $200 million.

The state of the drains in Unity, where a $13 million contract was issued to ensure it is properly maintained on a monthly basis.

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PPP trying to muzzle individuals and - WPA institutions that stand against it says T

h e Wo r k i n g People's Alliance said that the call for the defrocking of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yo n e t t e C u m m i m g s Edwards, and another judge by government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall is part of the government's larger plan to muzzle all individuals and institutions that stand up against it.

Dharamlall in a facebook tirade on Tuesday referred to the chancellor and Justice Dawn Gregory as biased after they ruled that the Appeal Court has jurisdiction to hear an election petition appeal.

Dharamlall has been roundly condemned by several organizations and individuals. He has since removed the offensive post from his facebook page, but has not apologized.

For its part the WPA said,

it is incensed but not surprised, at Dharamlall's strident call for the removal of two Court of Appeal Judges who ruled that the Appeal Court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of the Chief Justice's decision to throw out one of the elections petitions on a technicality.

To begin with, the WPA rejects any characterisation of the minister's call as free speech or as a frivolous tantrum from a misguided young man.

“The minister's statement must be seen in the wider context of PPP's mode of governance and the political disrespect that it has spawned among its functionaries. WPA views this as nothing short of political thuggery in high places.”

According to the WPA, the minister's utterances are

part of the larger PPP plan to muzzle all individuals and institutions which disagree with the government. “The party views disagreements as hostility to the party and the executive branch of govern ment.

It is a dangerous development that threatens the very foundations of our plural society.

Our country has walked this road before, and the PPP should not be permitted to drag us again into the muddy waters of dictatorial rule,” the WPA stated. “ We f e e l t h a t M r.

Dharamlall's call for “defrocking” the judges because they ruled against the PPP is a direct attack on the integrity of the court from a representative of another co-equal branch of government—a case of urging a revolt against a branch with which he

disagrees.

It comes in the wake of a similar attack on the Court of Appeal from two UWI academics with alleged links to the PPP. This is a direct and coordinated attempt to discredit a section of the Judiciary,” the WPA wrote.

The party said it has no problems with criticisms of rulings by the court, “but we strongly object to the singling out of officers of the judiciary for the kind of mindless attacks we hear from the Minister.

The Minister is not a private citizen; he is a government operative bearing all the power of the government and the State.

Since the minister knows that the judges cannot be removed, his statements have to be read as inciting hatred against that section of the judiciary. Coming also in

Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

the wake of a similarly offensive statement by another minister about a section of our multi-ethnic c o m m u n i t y, o n e m u s t conclude that PPP ministers see part of their job as “political pit bulls,” WPA noted.

It said, though Dharamlall has removed

selective words from his statement, “this is not a reflection of repentance.

Until the government censures the minister and makes a definitive statement rejecting the letter and spirit of his call to action, WPA holds the government equally responsible for this act.”

Under stewardship of Ramjattan: Joint Services ranks to get extra month's pay as bonus Prison Service buys millions in riot President Irfaan Ali takes the Presidential Salute on his arrival at the GDF headquarters.

Report gear, all left in containers - Audit Finds

T

Members of the Joint Services will receive an extra month's salary as their Christmas bonus, President Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday.

The Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces made the announcement at the Guyana Defence Force's (GDF) Annual Christmas Lunch at Base Camp Ayanganna where he also disclosed that 19 ranks would receive scholarships from the Government.

President Ali reminded the soldiers that prior to assuming office, he had promised to return their onemonth tax-free bonus that was rescinded by the previous administration.

Last December, a few months into his term, he had restarted the practice by granting a two-week tax-free bonus. “This year, we're returning the full month, taxfree bonus to you. And let me be very clear on this because I want to be clear to all those who are listening—we are not returning the one-month tax-free bonus for any other reason, but because you deserve it, because you work hard for it and for those in our society who believe you can just take things away, and who believe that you can take things away from the soldier, I challenge them to go spend a year in some of the locations and live the life you do in protection of your

country, then they will know whether you deserve it.”

This bonus, the President explained, will be for all members of the Joint Services. The President also charged the 19 different units to pick a representative each for Government scholarships. “We are also empowering you to make decisions, and we are empowering you to work as a team.”

INVESTMENT IN CITIZENS The Head of State also reminded the ranks that although numerous investments have been made to the military, police force, fire service and the prison (Continued on page 22)

he Guyana Prison Service (GPS) in 2019 spent millions of dollars to purchase a range of equipment including riot gear, but at the time of auditing the books for that Budget Agency by the Auditor General's office this year, it was found that the items were still locked away in containers and were never used.

According to the audit findings, in 2019, amounts totalling $140.076M were expended on the purchase of cables, phones, shredders, fax machines, cartridges, batons, riot shields and

others for the GPS. Auditor General Deodat Sharma said that at the time of reporting, assets valuing $64.021M were still not received.

In addition, the capital items were not in use and could not be physically verified since they were still in containers at the Lusignan and Georgetown Prisons.

In response, the Ministry said that of the $64.021M, items to the tune of $54.635M were delivered.

It was noted however, that the items “were kept in the containers for safe keeping and are awaiting reconstruction of the Camp Street and Lusignan

Prisons.”

The remaining items to the value of $9.386M were never released for shipping as the export license was denied by the United States Department of Commerce.

The money will be refunded shortly.

Sharma has since recommended that proper documentation be retained for these items and that they be properly secured until completion of the Camp Street and Lusignan Prisons.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Ministry was also advised to follow up on the amount of $9.386M to be refunded.

The items still housed in containers at the Georgetown Prison.

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Thursday December 23, 2021

Chinese company among 12 contractors to build $13.3B Eccles to Diamond 4-lane road C

ontroversial Chinese firm, China Railway First Group Company Limited (CRFG) who was debarred by the World Bank in 2019 for fraudulent practices is among 12 contractors awarded contracts to build the new four-lane Eccles to Great Diamond highway.

On Wednesday, a total of $13.3B in contracts were signed by the contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in the presence of the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary of the M i n i s t r y, A n d r e A l l y, Director of Operations at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Denise King-Tudor and Director of Projects, Omar Narine.

The new four-lane project has been divided into 12 Lots and will measure some 9.4km of concrete road. Some of the features of the highway include heavy duty bridges, converts, 12km of drains, concrete medians, solar street lights, two roundabouts and an emergency lane. The duration for this project is 15

Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal with Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues and the 12 contractors who were awarded the contract to build the new four-lane Eccles to Diamond highway.

to 18 months and works will begin from January 2022.

It should be noted that this new highway is the continuation of the Mandela to Eccles four-lane highway which is almost in a state of completion. Contractors awarded the contract are GuyAmerica Construction who was awarded Lot 1 at a cost of $1.25B, V. Dalip Enterprise who was awarded Lot 2 at a cost of $889M, Colin Talbot Contracting Services in joint venture with Eron Lall Civil Engineering

Works who were awarded at Lot 3 at cost of $1.328B, KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Inc. who was awarded Lot 4 at a sum of $1.4B, S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. who was awarded Lot 5 at a sum of $1.25B, H. Nauth and Sons who was awarded Lot 6 at a sum of $1.157B, JS Guyana Inc. who was awarded Lot 7 at a sum of $1.284, VALs Construction in joint venture with AJM Enterprise who were awarded Lot 8 at a sum

of $1.86B, China Railway First Group Company Limited was awarded Lot 9 at a sum of $1.019B, Aronco Services Inc. was awarded Lot 10 at a sum of $753M, Ivor Allen was awarded Lot 11 at a sum of $825M and lastly Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. in joint venture with Khemraj Nauth Contracting Services were awarded Lot 12 at a sum of $964M. Delivering his remarks, Minister Croal noted that once completed, the road will

reduce the daily traffic congestion which would normally occur on the East Bank corridor. He noted that over 22,000 households that would be allocated along that this new highway will benefit from this project.

He also noted that when the new four-lane road is completed, it will increase commercial activities for citizens. “This project as you know is critical in addition to the reduce of daily traffic that are faced by commuters daily, it also will result in

increased commercial activities along this belt and that is the Diamond to Mandela in completion,” Minister Croal said.

In congratulating the contractors, Minister Croal told them to be innovative and strategic in their approach. “Time is of the essence…since you are using the local labour force, be sure to impress on them the importance of punctuality, avoid absenteeism and other unnecessary delays,” he added.

Govt. hides true value of gifts, billions, received in 2020 - Audit Report Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, has highlighted a troubling trend in the accounting system for Government, where the true value for gifts received is not recorded.

According to his audit report of 2020, the Government has failed to record the true value of gift received for the year. This issue was also highlighted in the Auditor General's Report of 2018. According to the report, Section 34 of the Stores Regulations 1993 states that “all gifts received shall be subject to normal store-keeping and received stores accounting procedures…”

However, although there was evidence of the receipts of numerous gifts during the year, there was no evidence of adherence to these procedures. According to the

AG, a gift register should be maintained by the storekeeper and the Permanent Secretary, who furnishes the Secretary to the treasury (now Finance Secretary), the Accountant General and the Auditor General with information relating to all gifts received from time to time”.

As a result, the AG said the amount of $5.233 billion representing miscellaneous receipts as at 31 December 2020 was understated by an undetermined amount.

The Audit Office therefore recommended that the Ministry of Finance adopt stringent measures to ensure that there is compliance with the stores Regulations.

In response to the issue highlighted by the AG, the Ministry of Finance promised to engage the agencies to encourage

enhanced compliance. The Audit Office of Guyana had previously stumbled upon a number of cases during 2018, where Government Ministries and agencies would have collected millions of dollars' worth of gifts from various sources, but failed to properly account for them.

The Ministry of Finance was cited in the report for not accounting properly for gifts received.

The AG noted in his report that Section 34 of the Stores Regulations 1993 states: “all gifts received shall be subject to normal store-keeping and received stores accounting procedures and the procedure set out in the regulations 16 to 19 inclusive shall apply.”

The AG noted too that despite evidence of the Government receiving

numerous gifts throughout 2018, there was no evidence of adherence to the procedures set out in the law to ensure transparency and accountability.

In its response, the Ministry of Finance did not dispute the findings but noted that steps are being taken to address the lapses.

“The accounting for gifts in accordance with the laid down procedures shall continue to engage the attention of the Ministry of Finance. Three Circulars have already been issued in which the guidelines are clearly set out,” the Ministry said. In its recommendations, the Audit Office urged the Ministry to implement strict measures to ensure compliance with its circulars.

Besides the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor General also cited the Ministry of

Auditor General, (AG) Deodat Sharma.

Public Telecommunications for not adhering to the rules.

According to the Audit Office, a gift register was not maintained by the Ministry.

“This is a breach of Section 34 of the Stores Regulations of 1993. Furthermore, we could not verify whether proper control was exercised over the use of donations received,” the Audit Office

explained.

While the law and the Auditor General have oversight for gifts received on behalf of the State, public officials receiving gifts on their own behalf is one of the things addressed in the ministerial code of conduct, which has nevertheless been criticised as being ineffective.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

PAGE 21

Govt. Ministers hammered for attacking judiciary …Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall was roundly condemned for his attacks on the judiciary as he called for the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice Dawn Gregory to be dismissed after they ruled against his party on Tuesday.

O

n Tuesday, the Court of Appeal (COA) in a majority decision 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 judges who presided over the matter are Justices CummingsEdwards, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud and they handed down a 2-1 decision – Justices Cummings-Edwards and Gregory allowed the appeal, while Justice Persaud dissented from their position.

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.

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC. Kaieteur News has reported that the election petition #99 case, which is 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.

This led to both matters being 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

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

March 02, 2020, national e l e c t i o n s .

Following the Court's ruling, Minister Dharamlall in a statement on his Facebook page, which has since been removed, said “same two Judges who ruled that 33 is not the majority of 65. Their bias is obvious.

They should be defrocked.

Luckily, the Caribbean Court of Justice is our apex Court”.

The Minister's attack on the judiciary has been condemned by Opposition Member of Parliament and lead Attorney in the election petition case for the

appellants, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde; the Alliance For Change (AFC); the Guyana Bar Association and the People's National Congress Reform.

Additionally, moments after the ruling, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, SC, also criticised the court's decision. During an interview, which was posted on his Facebook page the Minister said, “The Government's reaction is one of disappointment, we feel the learned judges of the Court of Appeal erred, the t

GAWU gets clearance to represent Guyana Gold Board workers

(from left) GGB Administrative Officer, Althea Cameron, GAWU General Secretary, Aslim Singh, GAWU activist, Ricardo Persaud, GAWU Field Officer, Rickey Rambeer, GAWU President, Seepaul Narine, Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine and General Manager GGB, Eodorene Thompson, displaying copies of the signed agreement.

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) has been selected by workers of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) to represent their rights.

Following the Union's victory at a poll a few weeks ago, the Union and the GGB signed an agreement yesterday, which appended the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement. The agreement will set out the parameters of the relationship between the Union and the Board, GAWU said in a missive on Wednesday.

In fact, several matters are

addressed in the agreement including dispute resolution and the appointment of shop stewards, among other things.

GAWU's President, Seepaul Narine in brief remarks said he was buoyed that the Union and the Board had been able to quickly sign the agreement.

He underscored the importance for the parties to have an agreement to guide their relations.

He saw the signing as a positive step in the Union's steadily developing relation with the Board, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, GGB General Manager, Eodorene Thompson shared

that the Board was happy to ink the agreement with GAWU. She shared that she looked forward to a good relationship with the Union and to have mature and frank discussions on issues.

The Ch i e f L a b o u r O ff i c e r, Dhaneshwar Deonarine on behalf of the Labour Ministry, said he was indeed delighted to see that the GAWU and the GGB had been able to address the signing of the agreement quickly.

He said he believed it was a step in the right direction as he wished the parties good relations.

Justice Dawn Gregory.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

wo of them and we are convinced that the Guyana Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to hear or to determine the appeal that is b e f o r e i t . ” ROYSDALE FORDE In his statement, Senior Counsel Forde first stated that he is pleased with that ruling of the court because it is sound, scholarly and right.

He further added, “However, I and, I am sure, all rightthinking and law-abiding Guyanese, were stupefied and upset by the inappropriate reaction of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall who has publicly called for the dismissal of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings and Justice Dawn Gregory.”

Forde noted that the sheer

impudence of Minister Dharamlall's foolish behaviour is quite astonishing and it is the epitome of an abuse of public office. “It is the height of disrespect for the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Honourable Judges, and a demonstrated disregard for our constitution, our laws and indispensable constitutional offices and institutions.

“Who or what gives the Minister the false impression that he has the right to publicly call for the dismissal of the Chancellor, and the Honourable Justice, Dawn G r e g o r y. I t i s s e t t l e d knowledge, and the Minister ought to know, that neither he nor the President can dismiss, the Chancellor or Honourable Justices,” the attorney further stated.

It was then highlighted that the Minister ought to (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

Govt. Ministers hammered for attacking...

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From page 11 know that the positions the judicial officers hold are positions enshrined in our constitution.

Forde also condemned the comments that were made by the Attorney General.

In fact, he said that the attitude of both Ministers betrays their pretense of commitment to democratic values, the integrity of our laws and good governance. He further noted that in light of the Minister's indecent and offending behaviour, he therefore calls on Dharamlall to do the right thing and resign from the public office now.

Forde also called on Guyanese to publicly frown upon and raise their voices against this callous and appalling behaviour of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/

C).

The Alliance For Change (AFC) for its part condemned Minister Dharamlall's statement and said that the sitting Member of Parliament ought to apologise for his attack on the female judges.

The Bar Council of The Bar Association of Guyana in their statement in response to Dharamlall's comment said while judges and their decisions are not immune from criticism, it is expected that those in leadership positions, particularly those who are part of the Executive and or exercising executive power, such as Minister Dharamlall ought to be responsible in his comments.

The Council further noted that the comments made by the Minister are not befitting an office of the executive. In

the premises, the said comments ought to be properly and immediately withdrawn.

Divisive, discriminatory tactic The People's National Congress Reform in their statement registered its strong objection to what they called a divisive and discriminatory tactic by the PPP against the two distinguished judges of the Court of Appeal.

The PNCR noted in their statement that no sooner than the Appellate Court rendered its 2-1 verdict, in favour of having jurisdiction to hear the election petition case, Ministers Dharamlall and Nandlall, launched an unsavory attack on the two Guyanese judges that favoured the majority verdict.

The Party further noted that while Minister Nandlall

veiled his attack, Minister Dharamlall was blunt and crude, reflecting in no uncertain terms, the discriminatory and contemptuous position of the PPP when it comes to Guyanese professionals holding offices of power in this country. The PNCR further noted that it rejects the calculated and deliberate attack on the nation's judiciary, and more particularly, the nation's Chancellor, and a Senior Judge of the Court of Appeal.

The Party then noted in its statement that they are putting the PPP on notice that it will not allow the judiciary, or any other Arm of the State to be dominated, manipulated, and controlled by them.

In closing, the party is calling on all Guyanese to rebuke the PPP in its attempt to divide our nation

Joint Services ranks to get extra month's...

From page 19 service—he prides his Government's investments in developing its human capital.

He also spoke about the aggressive housing and educational programmes in place and promised their expansion.

“For a matter of fact, this year, we have had the most officers and soldiers being trained or advancing their educational aspirations in the history of this military, and this is just the beginning because we are going to support you in all your educational aspirations.”

The President reiterated that the Government will invest in infrastructure at all the army bases to enable the ranks

be able to do distance and online learning. “So all of you, would have an equal opportunity. An equal shot at improving yourself and building a better prospect for your family. This is the goal and the vision.” The President noted that this approach by the government is going to continue into the new year at an accelerated pace.

PROUD OF THE MILITARY The Head of State also showered appreciation on the ranks for their involvement in community work and their overall leadership.

He reminded them that their duties are not only to protect citizens and the coun-

try and its borders but to also actively integrate themselves in the national development strategy of the country. “Today, I stand here, and I want to celebrate with you the many roads, bridges that you have contributed in building in our country this year.

Whilst we're here, you're even working, and you're showing by example that you can work the long hours even in the night to build the median right out here on Carifesta [Avenue].”

He said that early in 2022, there is going to be a joint collaboration between the GPF, the GDF and the private sector to launch a massive clean-up campaign of the city.

“We will show them by our example that we can do it and if we do it as a people, then those who are in the leadership position whether at the NDC, the Town Council or the City Council, they must follow with their leadership in keeping it the way we will hand it to them. We will demonstrate that love for country and patriotism go far beyond what one may consider the military defense of our borders. It is about how we see ourselves. It is about how we respect ourselves. It is about how we respect the communities we live in. It is about how we portray Guyana to those who visit our shores.

Govt. discards bids received for gas to...

From page 18 Ministry had indicated that the decision on Wales was taken after extensive evaluation of multiple sites with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The Wales Development Zone, it said, has been identified as the termination point for the pipeline from the Liza Area in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.

The area encompasses over 14,000+ acres of land of which approximately 1,300 acres will be set aside for heavy Industry/gas-related investments.

The project, according to stakeholders, is expected to

see some 27 kilometres of pipeline being buried from the Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location to Wales, in addition to some 200 plus kilometres of pipeline from the Stabroek Block where the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is located.

According to the administration, Wales will be the location for the termination of the gas-pipeline measuring over 225 km from the Liza Area.

Government, at the time, had also requested proposals “for small-scale ammonia/ urea, protein synthesis, cement, glass manufacture, ce-

ramics, and other industries that rely on gas, steam, or electricity.” The Ministry in its invite did specify that government nor EEPGL “is not obligated or bound to accept or pursue any response to this document and reserves the

right to pursue discussion with any company and to modify or annul the procedure under this document at any time without further direction, without thereby incurring any liability, financial or otherwise.”

Man busted with $13M worth...

From page 12 residence, where a search was conducted in his presence and another brick-like object was found in his bedroom.

The suspect and the two other brick-like objects were taken to CANU Headquarters, where the substance was tested and proved to be co-

caine. It was them weighed and amounted to 2.374 kg (5.22lbs).

Based on intelligence gathered, it is suspected that the cocaine was supposed to be transshipped to the United States, where it has a street value of about US$66,000, the equivalent of G$13.86M.

Thursday December 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

‘PPP sees oil as one way to ...Norton warns of vigorous get rich quick'response to corrupt intentions New Leader of the People's National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton said that the discovery of oil presents an unprecedented opportunity for Guyana to embark on a period of real development, but he said the ruling PPP government sees it as an opportunity to get rich quick.

“This is not the way of the PNCR. As leader, I will emulate the example of my predecessors and seek to build a society in which the interests of our people are of paramount importance. We will pursue this goal as a united and cohesive Party,” Norton said at a memorial service to honour former party leader and President Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

Earlier this week at his inauguration, Norton had warned the government about its proposals to tinker with the Natural Resources Fund. “We intend to confront them,” warning that the PNC/R will not allow the PPP/C to put the machinery in place to rob this country.”

Addressing the amendments directly, Norton observed that the changes, which “they are seeking to make is creating the conditions to rob Guyana.”

Additionally, the impassioned Norton declared, “we have to put an end to this kleptocracy; we cannot allow the resources of this country to be siphoned off by a corrupt PPP cabal.”

He was adamant, “our resources must benefit all the people of Guyana, “Norton committed that this is his intention and as such, “we put the PPP on notice.”

According to Norton in his charge to the PPP/C, “we expect you to respond to the will of the Guyanese people or we will act politically.”

Norton said on Wednesday that he considers his election to Leader as an

PNC/R Executives lay wreaths for former President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Hugh Desmond Hoyte’s grave at the Seven Ponds, Botanical Gardens, Georgetown.

indication that the PNCR constituents want a “vigorous response to the corrupt intentions of the PPP to squander our patrimony through reckless spending and bloated contracts. We will hold them accountable.

The PNCR is strong. The PNCR is resilient. The PNCR is a tested and proven organisation. We will not fail our people,” Norton stated.

He said he will be advised by the Central Executive Committee and others who wish to see the PNCR prosper and succeed.

“Our Party is going to practice inclusive governance and implore on the society the need for new governance mechanisms to ensure the people of Guyana benefit from our national resources. The PNCR wishes to place on record our gratitude to all our members, supporters and the entire Guyanese society for affording us the opportunity to serve you. We will serve you and promote our peoples development.”

Meanwhile, Norton said the lives of all of the PNCR leaders contain valuable lessons, which we can use to build a stronger, cohesive and united Party. “From Forbes Burnham to David Granger, there are lessons that we must learn. All of our leaders focused on the imperative of fostering and promoting unity in our party and country. They promoted national unity. I will follow in this tradition of ensuring that both our Party and country are united while confronting injustice and representing our people.

Please be reassured that our Party is on an upward trajectory and we will use all the experiences of the past to ensure we strengthen and unify our Party,” Norton a former general secretary of the Party said.

He said there are many things can be said about Mr. Hoyte, but “we are sure, he has contributed significantly and has sterling achievements as Leader of the PNCR and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

No one would doubt that when Mr. Hoyte left office in 1992, he had placed Guyana on a clear path to development. Do not take my word for it. Mr. Hoyte's achievements are recorded in international prestigious reports of some of the major international financial institutions.”

Norton said Mr. Hoyte has to be credited with liberalising the Guyanese economy and opening new opportunities for the private sector. “It was clearly the intention of then President Hoyte to see the entire private sector expanding and being represented while contributing to the development of the G u y a n e s e e c o n o m y.

Unfortunately, this wide concept of the private sector has been reduced to the Private Sector Commission, which is not at all reflective of the Guyanese private sector. It is my sincere hope that we move towards a wider more representative private sector rather than one that is politically affiliated and purporting to represent the private sector in Guyana.

The private sector involves all businesses operating in Guyana. Private sector institutions should reflect this reality.” Regarding the future of the PNCR, Norton said he is more optimistic about the future of the party than he has ever been. “We have always had disagreements but as a Party, we are inspired by the exchange of ideas and we e m e rg e s t r o n g e r a f t e r disagreeing to agree on how we move forward. We are

moving forward. During our long history, who could not but notice that the Party has attracted young and intelligent men and women. nd Hoyte grave at the Seven Ponds, Botanical Gardens, Georgetown.

Newly Elected PNC/R Leader, Aubrey Norton speaking with members of the media.

PAGE 24

Thursday December 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Region 4 woman is country’s 22% of police probes in Georgetown latest COVID-19 fatality ended with criminal charges

Commander of the Georgetown Police Division, Simon McBea

The Ministry of Health has reported that a 69-yearold woman from Region Four who contracted COVID-19 has died.

As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has now moved to 1,040.

The ministry reported that the woman was an

unvaccinated patient who died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 40 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 38,966. The

dashboard also shows that there are eight patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 28 persons in institutional isolation, 676 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 37,214 persons have recovered from the virus.

Traveller tests positive for Omicron after visiting Jamaica (Jamaica Observer) - A traveller who returned to the United Kingdom after a short stay in Jamaica has tested positive for the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The announcement was made by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Chrsitopher Tufton during Wednesday’s COVID Conversations.

This means that the variant is present in the country.

“We have been advised through the UK’s international health regulations system that a traveller to Jamaica has returned a positive test result for COVID-19 and the genomic sequencing confirms Omicron as the variant for this result,” Tufton said.

“This is a traveller who came here on a short stay in one of our resort facilities and went back and was confirmed for COVID and confirmed for the Omicron variant,” he explained.

The minister added that: “There are several conclusions that can be drawn from this to include the fact that persons may have been infected by others within the population and/or this particular individual could have

interacted sufficiently while here to infect or contaminate others.

In other words, I think it is best from a planning, from a precautionary perspective to conclude that Omicron is here within our population.”

From January this year to date, at least 22% of all police probes have ended with criminal charges being laid against the suspects.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Commander of the Georgetown police district, Simon McBean at the division’s annual awards ceremony. At the ceremony, ranks were awarded for their outstanding performances throughout the year. The Guyana Police Force normally hosts an annual awards ceremony in each police division across the country to motivate ranks to carry out their duties in a diligent and professional matter. On Wednesday, it was no different for the Georgetown Police district, better known as Division 4 ‘A’.

Its Commander during his

speech praised the ranks under his command for their hard work. He noted that because of their dedication to the task, Georgetown has seen 41% reduction in serious crimes. According to him, this is the lowest level in reduction of crimes in the district since 2013.

McBean told the ranks, “these feats could not be achieved without your dedication and hard work, and I want to thank you for your support.”

It was at this point that the Commander noted that the ranks in his division had investigated a total of 16,693 reports and out of this number, a total of 3,639 ended with criminal charges.

That means that 3,639 persons were criminally charged for the year so far

and this number signifies that 22% of all police probes in Georgetown ended with some amount of closure for victims.

McBean pointed out too, that the traffic department of the city was responsible too for over 5,174 persons being taken before the court for traffic violations. Twentythree illegal firearms were also removed from the streets along with a total of 28.678 kg of cannabis and 12 grams of cocaine. The Commander mentioned that one of the biggest challenges his division faces apart from the COVID-19 pandemic is that of the destruction of the Brickdam Police Station.

McBean noted however, that despite the setback, ranks continue to work with dedication to fight crime in Georgetown. ‘

Suriname does continuous reviews...

From page 14 National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC Group on the Stabroek Block. Given that these companies hardly have any assets or cash, the insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill would be miniscule, to say the least. As a result of this, local stakeholders have urged the government to not only correct this state of affairs by tying the parent companies to full coverage insurance for the first three sanctioned projects, but they have also demanded better arrangements for Exxon’s Yellowtail Project, which the government is now racing to approve by the end of this year.

In its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on Yellowtail, ExxonMobil categorically stated that the insurance for the project would be provided for in the name of its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The document which was lodged with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, “Joint insurance coverage is obtained in the name of EEPGL and the other Stabroek Block co-venturers for the appropriate lines of coverage, depending on the project and

scope of work. Specifically, for the Yellowtail Project, the co-venturers have insurance coverage including Third Party Liability and the cost of regaining control of a well.”

In November, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the government is working on securing as much as US$2B for insurance from ExxonMobil instead of full coverage. He said this move follows criticisms over the last few years, to the effect that the country has no formal guarantee from the parent company that it would cover the shortfall of expenditure for environmental disasters, which are not handled by its subsidiary. He said it was an “implicit” understanding that this would be done. He is now working to get the parent company to acknowledge this obligation to protect the nation from any and all environmental dangers associated with its operations. ABOUT YELLOWTAIL EEPGL, the operator of the Stabroek Block, had explained via the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Yellowtail Project that the costs for development are expected to be above US$9B, since there would be a greater number of development wells

and associated drilling costs when compared to its Payara project, which will also cost Guyana $1.8 trillion.

Despite the astronomical costs, Exxon believes that the project should be supported as it would generate benefits for the citizens of Guyana in several ways, which would otherwise not be there in the absence of the project. According to project documents, Yellowtail will consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells (including production, water injection, and gas reinjection wells); installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and the operation of a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning. Initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.

Thursday December 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

Thursday December 23, 2021

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

NHL says players will not be able to participate in Beijing Winter Games

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

(Reuters) - The National Hockey League will not send its players to compete in the men’s ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics due to COVID-19 concerns, commissioner Gary Bettman said yesterday as the league entered a pause following an outbreak of the Omicron variant.

“Unfortunately, given the profound disruption to the NHL’s regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events — 50 games already have been postponed through Dec. 23 — Olympic participation is no longer feasible,” said Bettman in a statement.

The NHL agreed last September to pause its

Thursday December 23, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The outlook for today is excellent. The somewhat oppressive atmosphere of the past few days inspires you to change your surroundings and visit new places.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today promises to be excellent, but don't go overboard. You might be tempted to think that your minor financial difficulties are already behind you.

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GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Here's a day when some longawaited attention or recognition comes your way. You're finished with the hassles you experienced during the past month and have entered a calmer period.

CANCER(June21–July22) This will be a day of reflection. While you may be tempted to look back and think about how far you've come, your time would be better spent thinking about what the future has in store.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This would be an ideal day to take extra care of your body. Don't kid yourself that those back problems will go away. Make an appointment with a doctor or physical therapist.

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regular season so the world’s top players could compete in Beijing but could withdraw from the agreement if COVID19 disruptions forced games to be rescheduled during the Olympics window.

With COVID-19 spreading through team locker rooms, the NHL, in an attempt to combat the outbreak, brought its Christmas break forward to shut down operations from yesterday through to Dec. 27.

The NHL had until Jan. 10 to withdraw from the Feb. 420 Olympics without financial penalty.

“Although we are disappointed to receive this decision by the NHL and NHLPA, we nevertheless fully understand the circumstances that forced this action to be taken,” IIHF President Luc Tardif said in a statement. “It was a shock to see how COVID-19 affected the NHL schedule almost overnight, and we understand the NHL’s decision is in the best interest of the health and safety of its players.”

The decision also comes as a huge disappointment for players, who had negotiated a return to the Olympics into the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

“Since the CBA extension was reached 17 months ago, NHL players have looked forward with great anticipation to once again participating in the Winter Olympics,” said NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) Executive Director Don Fehr in a statement.

“Until very recently, we seemed to be on a clear path to go to Beijing.

“COVID-19 has unfortunately intervened, forcing dozens of games to be postponed this month alone.

No matter how much we wish it were not the case, we need to utilize the Olympic period to reschedule these games.”

Sir Gas Station supports...

From page 31 day. 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 JR Outdoor stall #51 and 53 B or at Skeete office.

Sir Gas Station recently presented a cheque to the organisers who has expressed gratitude to the sponsors.

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

All covid guidelines will be observed.

The NHL said it will use the Olympic window to reschedule postponed games.

OLYMPIC PLAN B Unhappy over the prospect of interrupting a season to send their most valuable assets overseas where they could get hurt, the NHL ended a run of participation in five consecutive Winter Olympics when it decided not to go to Pyeongchang in 2018.

The presence of NHL players at the Olympics made the men’s ice hockey tournament one of the marquee events of the global sporting showcase.

Countries will now have to quickly put a Plan B in place.

For Canada and the United States, which would have sent teams stocked completely with NHL players, that will mean a top to bottom overhaul cobbling together a roster from other leagues.

USA Hockey said it would announce new people to fill coaching and management roles after NHL personnel were no longer available, and would name its final roster by mid-January.

“While we’re disappointed, we certainly respect the decision of the NHL and NHLPA,” USA Hockey said in a statement.

“Regardless, we remain excited about the upcoming Olympic Winter Games and look forward to putting a team together that gives us the best chance to win a gold medal in Beijing.”

Without NHL players both Canada and the U.S. have struggled to reach the Olympic podium.

In Pyeongchang, Russia took gold, Germany silver and Canada bronze.

Since NHL players were welcomed into the Olympic programme at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games, Canada has won gold three times.

Other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany and Czech Republic, will also have big holes to fill with many of their best players also in the NHL. Sweden, home to one of the most competitive leagues outside the NHL, said it had been preparing for the possibility that NHL players would not be available.

“We are prepared for a situation where the NHL players don’t take part in the Olympics,” Johan Hemline, head of hockey operations at the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), told Reuters in an interview. “It has been a possible scenario for some time, and we are prepared.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Thursday December 23, 2021

F1 Driver Latifi Responds to Death Threats in Wake of Verstappen-Hamilton Controversy at Abu Dhabi Autoweek - Williams Formula 1 driver Nicholas Latifi has condemned the “hate, abuse and threats of violence” that he received via social media platforms in the aftermath of the titledeciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Latifi crashed out of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit and the accident necessitated the deployment of the Safety Car. It was that Safety Car period, and its usage by race director Michael Masi, that led to the contentious finale that allowed Max Verstappen to grab the victory and title at the expense of long-time race leader Lewis Hamilton.

Latifi, who has raced for Williams since 2020, was the recipient of a torrent of abuse on his social media platforms in the hours after the race, and he did not post any update in the aftermath.

O n Tu e s d a y, h e addressed the situation head on, calling out the abuse that was hurled both at him and his family.

“I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to go about handling this,” he wrote. “Do I ignore it and carry on? Or do I address it and tackle the bigger issue that is sadly a reality when

Williams Formula 1 driver Nicholas has condemned the threats against him on social media. (Latifi ATPImages - Getty Images) you use social media?

“Using social media as a channel to attack somebody with messages of hate, abuse and threats of violence is shocking – and something I am calling out.”

Latifi revealed he knew “how things were likely to play out on social media” and described the abuse as “not really a surprise to me as it’s the stark reality of the world we live in.”

He acknowledged the negativity and “extreme scrutiny” athletes can be placed under but drew a line at what happened after Abu Dhabi. “As we’ve seen time and time again, across all different sports, it only takes one incident at the wrong

time to have things completely blown out of proportion and bring out the worst in people who are socalled ‘fans’ of the sport.

What shocked me was the extreme tone of the hate, abuse, and even the death threats I received.”

Latifi stressed that “there was only one group of people I needed to apologize for the DNF: my team” and that he “did that right afterwards.”

Latifi was racing in 16th place out of 16 cars still running at Yas Marina when he crashed out while pursuing Haas rival Mick Schumacher.

“Some people said I was racing for a position that didn’t matter with only a

handful of laps remaining,” he explained. “But whether I am racing for wins, podiums, points or even last place, I will always give it my all until the checkered flag. I’m the same as every other driver on the grid in that regard. To the people who don’t understand or don’t agree with that, that’s fine with me. You can have your opinion. But to use those opinions to fuel hatred, abuse and threats of violence, not only to me, but to those closest to me as well, tells me these people are not true fans of the sport.

“People will have their opinions, and that’s fine.

Having a thick skin is a huge part of being an athlete, especially when you are constantly in a position to be scrutinized. But many of the comments I received last week crossed the line into something far more extreme.

It concerns me how somebody else might react if this same level of abuse was ever directed at them. No one should let the activities of a vocal minority dictate who

they are.”

Latifi conceded that he is “unlikely to convince those who acted in this way towards me to change their ways – and they may even try to use this message against me – but it’s right to call out this kind of behavior and not stay silent.”

The Canadian went on to thank “all the fans and people that did have my back during the whole situation” and called for attitudes among the minority to change.

“Sport is by its very nature competitive – but it should bring people together, not drive them apart,” he wrote. “If sharing my thoughts, and highlighting the need for action, helps just one person, then it was worth it.

“As we look forward to the New Year, I truly hope my experiences after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix help reinforce that message, and my New Year’s resolution is to look at ways I can support that process. Just be kind everyone!”

Latifi’s stance was supported by other prominent figures within Formula 1, including his Williams team, which “wholeheartedly” agreed with his words.

“Huge respect to you for speaking up,” posted outgoing team-mate George Russell. “There’s no place for this kind of hatred in our world.”

“Stay strong,” posted Mercedes’ Formula 1 team.

“We stand with you in the fight against online hate and abuse.

“We stand with you, Nicholas,” posted Red Bull Racing. “There is simply no place for this hatred and we utterly condemn it.

“There is never a place for the abuse directed at Nicholas after the Abu Dhabi GP,” said McLaren. “He and anyone else suffering from this scourge has our support.”

“There is no place for hatred, abuse or threats in this sport,” posted Alfa Romeo. “We stand with you.”

Abid Ali undergoes angioplasty Indian spinner day after being Ashwin hospitalised India’s Ravichandran Ashwin . (AFP/ Punit PARANJPE)

considered retirement over injuries AFP - India’s third-highest Test wickettaker Ravichandran Ashwin says that he nearly quit several times between 2018 and 2020 due to injury and because he did not “feel backed”.

“I contemplated retirement for a lot of reasons,” the star spinner told ESPN Cricinfo.

“I felt like people were not sensitive enough to my injuries. I felt like a lot of people were backed, why not me? I have done no less.”

The 35-year-old suffered a series of injuries, including to his knee and abdomen.

“I felt I was not being able to be excellent and felt I needed a shoulder to lean on,” he said ahead of India’s first Test against South Africa on Sunday. “It was not happening. I thought maybe I should try to find something else and be excellent at that.”

Ashwin, who needs eight more Test

scalps to overtake Kapil Dev as India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Anil Kumble, added that understanding towards injuries in Indian cricket is “pathetic”.

“One thing that will forever hurt me is that statements were made about how I didn’t want to play or how I ran away from a contest,” he said.

“You can brand me anything, you can kick me out, all that is fine, but to doubt my intent or my fight is something that deeply hurt me.”

Ashwin played a key role in India’s historic Test win in Australia early this year but was left out of India’s Test XI in the subsequent tour of England.

But under new coach Rahul Dravid, Ashwin was selected again for the recent series against New Zealand, taking eight wickets in the second match as the hosts won 1-0.

Pakistan batter to have another procedure before being discharged

ESPNcricinfo - Abid Ali, the Pakistan batter, has undergone an angioplasty a day after he complained of chest pain while batting in a Q u a i d - e - A z a m Tr o p h y match and had to be hospitalised.

The 34-year-old will undergo another angioplasty tomorrow, before being discharged. In a message from his hospital bed this morning, Abid said he was doing well and asked his fans to pray for his recovery.

On Tuesday evening, a PCB statement had said that Abid had been diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome or ACS. “He is under the care of Consultant Cardiologist who is liaising with PCB medical team regarding further treatment.

He is currently stable,” the

Abid Ali. (AFP/Getty Images)

statement read. ACS is often used to describe a range of conditions resulting from a sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.

Abid returned to his domestic side, Central Punjab, following the recent Bangladesh tour, where he was Player of the Series for the Tests after scoring 263 runs at 87.66. He was playing his sixth first-class game this season and had scored 766 runs at an average of 51.89 with three hundreds.

On the last day of the ongoing game at UBL Complex in Karachi, he had crossed a half-century when he complained of discomfort around his shoulder and chest area before he was rushed to the hospital.

Abid has been the highest run-getter in Tests for

Pakistan since his debut in 2019, and in 2021 he is fifth in the world with 695 runs in nine Tests at 48.87, including a double-hundred against Zimbabwe in Harare. He made his debut in Rawalpindi in 2019 after spending 12 years in domestic cricket for 7116 runs in 106 first-class games.

He made his Test debut at the age of 31 and began with a century, and also became the only player in history to reach three figures on both Test and ODI debuts.

Central Punjab finished in fifth place in the Quaid-eA z a m Tr o p h y, w h e r e Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took the toptwo spots and will contest the final. They have drawn five games, won two and lost three so far this season.

Thursday December 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

GFF, KS inaugural Futsal KO tournament (Round of 16)

Back Circle, Leopold Street, Renegades & Bent Street win

By Sean Devers he round of 16 in the Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation and Kashif and Shanghai’s inaugural 5-aside Futsal tournament began on Tuesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and largest crowd of the tournament witnessed some entertaining football.

Back Circle beat Timehri Ballers 2-1, Leopold Street hammered Alexander Village 6-1, Renegades whipped Tiger Bay 4-1 and Bent Street defeated Team Cruel 4-1 to advance to the Quarter-finals.

The opening game started 30 minutes late and the first half was played before of handful of fans.

But by the time the curtains came on the night’s proceedings, the large and vocal crowd which included several overseas based Guyanese back home for the holidays, young Children and one of Guyana’s music Ambassadors, ‘King’ Mandela, had gotten their $500 entrance fee worth.

Wi t h t h e s m e l l o f Chicken, Pork and fries filling the Sports Hall, liquid refreshments being sold at the Bar and pulsating music coming from the Sound System, the atmosphere was fantastic.

Runnel Gordon netted the first goal to give Timehri and early lead in first game.

But loose defence allowed Selwyn Williams to fire a right footer from right side for the equaliser which left the Timehri keeper fuming with his defenders as Williams celebrated.

Back Circle dominated possession and looked the more skilful of the two teams in the first 15-minute half, which was reduced from round of 16 stage of the well supported and advertised

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tournament.

Reshawn Ritch scored just before the half time whistle and Back Circle where leading 2-1.

The second half saw Timehri playing with a bit more purpose and quickly forced the Back Circle’s custodian to make a good save as they attacked but Back Circle defended their 2-1 advantage in a goalless second half to advance to the quarter finals.

After a lengthy delay, game two, between Leopold Street (black) and Alexander Village commenced and both keepers were tested early before Leopold Street scored twice within a minute; with Raphael Edwards scoring in the third minute and Darron Niles finding the back the net a minute later. At half time the score read Leopold Street 2, Alexander Village nil.

Diego Britton scored an early goal for Alexander Village before Leopold Street fired in four unanswered goals with Abumchi Opara scoring a brace, Niles adding to his first half effort and Daren Benjamin supporting with a goal as Back Circle dominated the second stanza. Game number three saw two second half goals from Malcom Miggins and one each from Kevin Dundas and Leo-Orion Lovell who scored in the first half, give Renegades a 4-1 win over Tiger Bay after they led 1-nil at half time. Wendell Fustic s c o r e d Ti g e r B a y ’s consolation goal in the second half.

In the final match of the night, a brace from Colin Nelson, who scored in both halves, and goals from Daniel Wilson and Jermaine Junor powered Bent Street to a 4-1 win against Team Cruel, despite a first half

Timehri’s custodian is on the floor as Back Circle attack.

goal from Tyrice Dennis for Team Cruel.

Matches in the next round of 16 will be played this Evening from 7:00pm with Sparta coming up against California Square, Melanie playing Berbice All Stars, Goals is Money facing Foot Steppers and Vengy taking on North East.

The largest crowd of tournament turned up on Tuesday night.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Thursday December 23, 2021

FK Sports opens on Garnett Street UK-based sporting goods supplier, FK Sports, has turned to the Guyanese market and opened a branch store on Garnett Street at the Hilton mini-mall, with the aim of stocking quality products.

FK Sports is a one-stopshop for active wear, fitness apparel, sport clothing, cricket and football supplies, gym accessories, sport eq u i p m e n t an d t - s h ir t printing.

Managing Director Felix Walker, a former Malteenoes cricketer, said FK Sports is about offering choices to consumers, while contributing to the development of sport in Guyana.

Walker said he is keen on working along with the Cricket and Football fraternities to see how synergies could be made to further propel those

FK Sports Brand Ambassador Mandy Mangru and Director Felix Walker. disciplines.

He also identified Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis and Hockey as other disciplines he could collaborate with in the future.

The businessman and sport fanatic said the intention in the long-term is to have the FK Sports franchise spread across the country.

Wa l k e r h a s s i g n e d Guyanese and West Indies Women’s cricketer, Mandy Mangru, as the FK Sports’ first Brand Ambassador. The plan, Walker explained, is to have more Guyanese sportspersons embrace the business in that capacity.

FK Sports can be reached via WhatsApp- +592-6598636.

West Indies vs England 2022 tickets on general sale from yesterday Special incentives for West Indies fans who sign up to new online account

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T JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced that tickets are now on general sale for the West Indies vs England five-match T20I Series and three-match Test Series in 2022. Fans can register for their new ticket accounts at www.windiescricket.com/ti ckets and purchase their selected seats in advance for any individual match day or special five-day Test season tickets.

Tickets are available in four price categories providing a range of viewing positions for every budget from US$80 for premium seats with the best views behind the bowlers’ arms to US$20 for mounds and grounds entry in Antigua.

F i v e - D a y Te s t M a t c h “season tickets” provide access to all five days of cricket at a discounted price to buying each match day.

West Indies fans residing in the Caribbean will receive special promotions for the England tour when they register for a ticket account, as well as access to preferred seats in advance of each match. The new CWI Ticket service will offer advance ticketing access for every West Indies home fixture, delivering tickets direct to

England’s Archer to miss Windies series after latest setback

fans’ mobile devices for presentation on mobile screens for entry into to the stadium. Alternatively, fans can print out their tickets at home to bring to the game.

Every fan will also have the opportunity to receive special match day incentives and promotions through their ticket accounts.

All fans should be aware that only fully vaccinated spectators against COVID19 will be allowed into the venues and will be required to bring their vaccination documentation with them to be assured of entry. Fans will need to make sure they are fully vaccinated at least two weeks ahead of the West Indies vs England matches they plan to attend.

CWI Commercial Director, Dominic Warne said: “We know that West Indies and England fans alike are excited at the prospect of the upcoming T20I and Test Series. The new CWI ticket service gives any fan the chance to secure their tickets in advance in their preferred location in each venue. We are delighted to introduce this new service using leading technology which will deliver tickets straight to fans inboxes and devices, provide smarter promotional

offers and removes the need to queue for tickets.”

The famous West Indies Party Stand will be introduced on sale in early 2022 and box office times and locations will be announced shortly with tickets available for purchase approximately one week in advance of each match.

England arrive in Barbados in January to play the blockbuster five-match T20I Series in a nine-day period from January 22 to 30, 2022, including two consecutive weekends of back-to-back action. The highly-anticipated Test Series for the newly-minted Richards-Botham trophy, will start appropriately at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua on March 8-12. The action them moves to Kensington Oval in Barbados for the second Test starting on March 16-20, with the third Test match on the “Spice Isle” of Grenada at the National Stadium on March 24-28.

The Test Series is a key fixture in both teams’ International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship schedule which will determine the best Test match team in the world by 2023.

Further injury blow for England fast bowler Jofra Archer. (AFP/Alastair Grant)

A

FP - Already sidelined England fast bowler Jofra Archer is set to miss the tour of the West Indies after undergoing a second elbow operation, it was announced Tuesday.

The Barbados-born quick has been out of international action since March and his absence from England duty will now extend to over a year after it was decided the recurring stress fracture in his right elbow required another operation.

Archer, 26, had the surgery on Saturday and he has now been ruled out by the England and Wales Cricket Board of the threeTest tour of his native West Indies in March — a series officials had hoped would mark his comeback to international cricket.

But it now appears the 2019 World Cup winner will not be back in action until the 2022 English season at the

earliest.

“Jofra Archer underwent a second operation on his injured right elbow on Saturday 11 December in London,” said an ECB statement issued Tuesday.

“The procedure addressed the long-standing stress fracture of his right elbow.

“A return to cricket will be determined in time, but Jofra will not be available for any of England’s remaining winter series.”

This announcement will lead to fresh debate over whether Archer, the son of an English father, can bowl again at express pace should he return to professional cricket.

He burst onto the international stage by leading England’s attack during their 2019 World Cup triumph on home soil and the Sussex quick also starred in the subsequent drawn Ashes series against Australia.

Archer had been

earmarked to star in the ongoing Ashes campaign in Australia but was ruled out months before the series.

England are currently 2-0 down with three to play following a comprehensive 275-run defeat in the second Test at Adelaide.

Archer, also a leading cricketer in the Twenty20 global franchise circuit, has repeatedly said he wants to enjoy a successful Test career but it remains to be seen if his body will allow him to return to the five-day game.

He was optimistic about his recovery when speaking to Australia’s Channel Seven earlier this month, with Archer saying: “The (scan) results came back yesterday and it was quite promising, actually — everything is moving forward nicely.

“It’s just a matter of waiting a little bit more and being a little bit more patient because I’m almost at the end of the road.”

Benjamin Mendy: Manchester City footballer charged with another rape

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BC Sport Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a further count of rape.

The French international, of Prestbury in Cheshire, is now accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to five women.

The 27-year-old was charged last week with the latest offence but it was subject to reporting restrictions.

These restrictions were

lifted earlier as Mr Mendy appeared at Chester Crown Court for a hearing ahead of his trial.

The latest charge relates to a new complainant and is alleged to have taken place in July this year.

The earlier charges are alleged to have happened between October 2020 and August 2021.

The footballer, who has been in custody since his arrest in August, appeared alongside his co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, of Eccles in Greater

Manchester.

Mr Matturie is accused of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Both men were remanded into custody at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool after the 40-minute hearing.

Their trial, which was scheduled for January, was also put back to later in the year.

Mr Mendy has played for last season’s Premier League champions Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52m.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

Chappelle, Hunter, Taharally, Rahim standouts as 37 new records set

Vijay Rahim (L) and Romeo Hunter with their accolades.

(Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Angel Chappelle, Romeo Hunter, Nadina Taharally and Vijay Rahim turned in outstanding performances as 37 records were set when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) held its senior RAW championship on Sunday last at St. Stanislaus College. Chappelle achieved six records competing in the 52kg women’s sb-jr division, while Hunter set four participating in the 74kg m e n ’s s b - j r d i v i s i o n .

Taharally was in fine form as she set six records and Rahim had three.

Yogaishawar Seecharan, Dominic Tyrell, Faraud Mohamed and Bjorn

Nadina Taharally (R) with her medal.

Williams were also in the fine form achieving new

records. The full records set are as follows:

Angel Chappelle

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Thursday December 23, 2021

BACIF and GFF solder partnership 12 footballers to benefit from apprenticeship

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF) Limited renewed their partnership with the handing over of the refurbished champions’ trophy for the 2021 GFF/Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Super-16 tournament during an eventful presentation on Tuesday.

The handing over was done at BACIF’s West Ruimveldt office.

GFF boss, Wayne Forde noted during the press brief that he has received many commendations from his colleague at FIFA & Concacaf on the uniqueness of the trophy.

Forde expressed thanks to BACIF for their support and mentioned that, “Football needs partnership to grow, (and) what we have seen over the past weeks is a community of corporate sponsors coming onboard, allowing players to play and express themselves on the field.”

GDF that won the last title will receive a replica but they will only be able to keep the original if they manage to win the competition twice, and they stand a good chance after already advancing to the next round of this year’s competition.

The preparation of the trophy took close to three weeks, and according to Peter Pompey,

BACIF’s Managing Director, the trophy is one that will withstand the test of time.

Apart from the refurbished trophy, BACIF also manufactured a special trophy for the Golden Boot awardee and another trophy, whose purpose will soon be announced by the GFF. During the presentation of the trophy, BACIF made the exciting announcement that they will be offering apprenticeship scholarships for 12 young players.

Pompey noted that, “We have to look at the development of football and our young people in totality and within that realm; BACIF was willing to offer 12 young person’s

an opportunity to train in a lifelong skill, which can substantially contribute to their well-being and future development.”

He explained that the programme will be for players 18-

The BACIF trophies that will be on offer during the GFF KS Super 16 football tournament.

years and older and while C.S.E.C subjects may be desirable, persons without will still have the opportunity since the programme will include courses around that level in the foundation.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 23, 2021

PAGE 33

2021 US Jnr Open Squash C/Ships

Guyanese played great Squash, more International exposure needed for players

By Sean Devers eam Guyana was represented by S h o m a r i Wilshire, Samuel InceCarvalhal, Mohryan Baksh, Michael Alphonso and Nicholas Verwey at the 2021 US Junior Open Squash Championships which concluded for the Guyanese Tuesday.

Verwey won his first match and lost his second to finish at the quarter finals of the U-17 consolation phase of the tournament, while Ince-Carvalhal won both his matches but lost in the semifinals of the U-19 plate catorgety. Wilshire lost in the Plate final Tuesday.

Loraine Carvalhal, Samuel’s mom, is member of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) and accompanied the team to the USA. “The boys performed well, Verway and Wilshire in particular, in the matches they actually lost…their performances were outstanding… they were up there with the best of them and on Monday, Verway’s performance, although he lost, he really fought hard.

Garfield and Shomari will be flying home today, S a m m y, N i c h o l a s a n d Mohryan will be coming home with me on Thursday and Mickey is staying in the US for Christmas,” informed Ms. Carvalhal.

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“The gap between the Caribbean and the International level is wide between the top players but our boys rallied with the best of them. They played quite well and Shomari got quite far in the main draw and got knocked by a high seed.

Nicholas got knocked out by the boy who is now in the final of the Consolation round,” continued Carvalhal.

“It’s a big difference in the temperatures which has affected them quite a bit with the cold and the muscles and the movement on Court.

But yeah, we have had a good run we just need some more of this exposure. We need to get them to as many of these tournaments as we can to compete with people who are going all over the world throughout the year.

The ones at the top have been everywhere, they have played in all the Opens in the world…they have played all over the place,” explained Carvalhal.

“We were hoping to host our Nationals at the end of this year…between Christmas and the New Year but that’s not for sure as yet.

But next year…the Sports Academy has just opened at the Racket Centre last week, so January we are hoping to get them training and then we will be looking to see maybe if they will go to the Junior World Boys if

Sir Gas Station supports Boxing Day softball tourney in Bartica

Lieanna Katriah of the organising committee accepts the cheque from a representative of Sir Gas Station.

Sir Gas Station has supported the Dukhchand To u r s T 1 0 s o f t b a l l competition which will be played on December 26 and 27 at the Bartica Community

Centre ground.

The competition will be played in both male and female categories and action commences at 10:00hrs each (Continued on page 25)

they can. I think it’s in Russia.

But we want to get them to as much International tournaments as possible if we can get the support,” Carvalhal posited.

Team Guyana showed fight in their overseas outing.