Kaieteur News

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Murder accused NEWS dodges bullets to escape Lusignan jail

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

December 24, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 51

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

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Failure to start audit leaves Guyana forced to accept Exxon’s 2015-2018 local content costs as correct p.

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Attorney General asks ‘Top Cop’ to investigate controversial Sussex St. bond Govt. mulling Parliamentary $200M development of overpaid Committees to Mahaica-Mahaicony for Govt. be convened contracts corridor - Pres. Ali - Lauds Demerara Bank for on December 28 - AG report opening new branch in Mahaica p.

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Govt. could have cashed in on US$15M bond instead of signing new airport deal - Patterson COVID-19 deaths begin to abate, but new highly contagious foreign strains loom

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Listen to a discussion between Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall on how Guyana’s oil sector is managed at 11:00am on 99.1/99.5FM Kaieteur Radio (Rebroadcast)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Failure to start audit leaves Guyana forced to accept ExxonMobil's 2015-2018 local content costs as correct A

By Kiana Wilburg

ccording to the Production S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with ExxonMobil in 2016, the Minister responsible for the oil sector has only two years to audit the expenses the US super major incurs at the end of each fiscal year.

In other words, the Minister only has up to 2017 to audit the company's expenses incurred in 2015.

The official would also have to foot the bill for all costs associated with that audit.

Apart from the relatively short deadline to conduct this assessment, the International Monetary

Fund (IMF) has highlighted the need for Guyana to complete these audits in a timely manner since its failure to do so would leave the country forced to accept the company's costs as reported.

The IMF pointed out too that the only other auditing power Guyana has rests with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

In this regard, the tax body is only empowered to raise an assessment for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) (which is paid out of the government share of profit oil), or additional tax, within seven years after the expiration of the year of assessment.

In light of the fact that

Guyana has failed to establish a Local Content Committee to review costs incurred by Exxon, it would have to accept as correct, whatever expenses the company incurred for the years, 2015 to 2018.

ExxonMobil had said that it spent US$1.7M in 2015, US$11.5M in 2016, US$23.8M in 2017, and US$58M in 2018. In total, this would be US$95M or $20B. Since ExxonMobil began operations in 2015, the company has kept away from scrutiny, its local content reports, which would expose just how seriously it takes capacity building.

As for the local

COVID-19 deaths begin to abate, but new highly contagious foreign strains loom

By Kemol King

A

n examination of the current environment and COVID-19 statistics since March, paints a picture some would find promising: with the September to November period being the deadliest and most infectious months for Guyana, COVID-19 has slightly begun to abate.

The number of new cases being detected is on a slight but noticeable decrease. The death rate is also decreasing.

However, two new highly contagious COVID-19 cases detected in the United Kingdom are threatening to

spread across the world very quickly. After a scary 10 months, Guyana awaits advice from its international partners on the way forward.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had very early in the new government's term discussed plans to reopen the economy, even though some international experts say the pandemic may last well into 2021, or even 2022. In the months following the new government's term, testing spiked, new cases spiked, and so did deaths.

Twenty persons had died in July, and that almost doubled, to 39 in August. In September, 41 persons died.

In October, 44 persons died – the deadliest month yet. In November, 27 people died – a lower but still startling figure as almost one person died every day. As of December 23, 11 people died this month from COVID-19.

These statistics reflect the efforts of the government of the day at any given point.

The former APNU+AFC Government had announced early in April that it would be implementing emergency measures to tackle the pandemic, including a curfew, closure of a series of businesses, and bans on social activities. Otherwise, (continued on page 23)

businesses, which it has used for the first half of the year, ExxonMobil said more than 600 Guyanese suppliers were used for services.

These “services” included the procurement of “food stuff” and “engineering” works. Again, the company provided no breakdown of the names of companies it used for the first half of 2020. The only time ExxonMobil ever released the list of companies it claimed to have used for its local content efforts was back in June 2018.

The company had claimed that it had used over 300 Guyanese registered companies to supply services.

In response to calls for evidence of same, a list was provided. Upon examination, however, it was found that ExxonMobil padded its list with the

names of places like Bourda Market, Haags Bosch Dumpsite, Royal Castle, Bounty Supermarket, Metro O ff i c e a n d C o m p u t e r Supplies, Star Party Rentals, and Shanta's Roti Shop.

It listed utility companies such as the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Revenue Authority as part of its local content efforts too.

Persons were also listed as registered companies.

They included: Sonia Noel, Chontelle Sewett, Andron Alphonso and Mokesh Daby.

As part of one of its statements earlier this year, ExxonMobil had claimed that the Centre for Local Business Development, which is located on South Road, has remained supportive of local businesses with a transition to virtual courses.

However, no evidence or

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge report of any kind was provided to confirm this.

Additionally, ExxonMobil said that the centre continued mentorship of 10 Guyanese companies in the process to be compliant in the ISO 9001 quality management system.

Those names were not released.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Christmas, recently and currently Welcome to Christmas 2020. Guyanese did not have much of one in 2018, and 2019. May Christmas 2020 make up for those two now lost in regret and bitterness, much of which still prevails in significant segments of this society.

In December 2018, and earlier, Guyana’s attention became riveted on who was involved, and when and how a much talked about no confidence motion would happen.

The focus was on how such a development would swing the balance of power in Guyana, and reshape its politics.

As talk of that heated up and emotions spilled over, the Christmas Season of two years ago suffered and was eventually as good as gone and dead. From the onset, Christmas 2018 took on a different complexion, and as that fateful day came to pass in the nation’s parliament, the worst instincts of our clashing peoples were unleashed and effectively smothered any Christmas feeling, any seasonal cheer.

Last December was not better, and could be reasonably described as worse still, when compared against the year before. All the passions and delays and cunnings from the whole of 2019 had accumulated, and destroyed the fabric of Christmas 2019. It didn’t stand a chance; not with repeated back and forth to the CCJ, the accompanying mainstream media wars, the vicious social media battlegrounds, and the tensions on the ground level with the ordinary man and woman in the street. Citizens were not exchanging pleasantries about fairy lights, but of outing other people’s light. This was the place to which aggressive and warlike positions had deteriorated in Guyana during the year, and against which the season of goodwill faded into grimaces and gracelessness.

How does this society recover was the concern, when so much intensity of prejudice and passions raged without letup, without quarter considered? How does December 2020 and the Christmas Season of 2020 fare against this still simmering backdrop? How could either have a chance given that for the greater part of 2020, the wounds remained opened and haemorrhaging, and raw and reeking of our hatreds and our settled way of life?

The answers to those hard, unsparing questions are neither easy nor readily forthcoming. What we have in place is an unsteady and uncertain peace. In some regards, it is an armed peace, which is the most terrible of ironies that could be, given that it is Christmas in Guyana. For, as all Guyanese know, including those who are of other beliefs and callings, it is this wonderful time of the year, when Guyanese pull out all the stops, no matter how poor they are, how little they have, how limited their prospects. For a brief, sometimes for a very long, moment, this nation comes to what we would term a traditional standstill. That is, save for the shopping and sightseeing and celebrating.

Though citizens are grappling with COVID-19 pandemic fears and individual economic pains, Guyanese are resourceful enough to dig deep and discover somewhere and somehow a little something to make this December a shade brighter for family and themselves. As we all know well, having lived through some sharp times, it has not been the most wonderful holiday season in the past couple of years. But this year has already exhibited the unmistakable signs that Christmas, a real Guyanese one, is in the air. The streets are long and slow with crowds of cars and commuters. The stores are visible with lines before racks and register ringing merrily alongside Christmas carols filling the air. There is some zest in the steps of citizens, what we may even risk to take a chance and call joy and hope and a smile of good cheer. It is what we know, the way we have been a long while back, and that we struggle to be today. There is no other way that we could be, if we are to coexist as a people of vibrancy and promise, as a set of citizens enthused enough and emboldened to engage in reciprocal self-respect and regard for each other.

This is not just of December and during the Christmas Season, but all year round and every day. Guyanese: enjoy this time of Christmas in 2020.

Argentine forensic assistance with WCB murders Dear Editor, On Tuesday, December 15th, 2020, Dr. Luis Fondebrider of the Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (EAAF), whose visit to Guyana to offer a preliminary assessment in relation to the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh, was coordinated by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), gave a public lecture and presentation at the Brickdam Cathedral on the EAAF’s work worldwide.

We call on the Guyana Government and the Guyana Police Force to put the interests of the Guyanese people before all other considerations in sparing no effort to have those responsible for the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh brought to justice and bring some form of closure to the agony and pain their families are enduring.

The public lecture by Dr. Fondebrider established clearly, the expertise and experience of the EAAF to carry out a detailed, scientifically rigorous and comprehensive investigation into the mutilations and killings of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh based on the best international protocols.

Since early September, all efforts by the Guyana Police Force have failed to produce any clear results and answers to the questions of who carried out the mutilations and killings; where they took place; the motives behind them and who else may have been involved in covering them up. Guyana is a fractured and divided country and the West Coast Berbice killings exposed the fragility of ethnic relations.

All right thinking Guyanese must not allow this best opportunity to pass.

We call on the President of Guyana, the Commissioner of Police, the Guyana Police Force investigation teams, and the Minister of Home Affairs to immediately make all efforts to have the EAAF return with a full team to carry out a forensic investigation into the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Harish Singh and to be given full access to autopsy reports and all other evidence collected, including results of investigations so far carried out.

There is no good reason to impede or refuse the expertise of the EAAF to get to the bottom of these gruesome attacks that took the lives of three youths. Any attempt to do so can only be viewed as callous and lacking in humanity.

An additional bonus for Guyana is that the EAAF is ready to offer not only scientific expertise but has also indicated that, in keeping with their practice in other countries which they have worked in, they are prepared to train the Guyana Police Force so that a professional, well-trained and resourced Guyanese CSI unit can be established. This expertise is sorely lacking at the moment in Guyana, as has been evident in the many unsolved cases.

The recent actions of the Guyana Police Force towards members of the grieving Henry family who made the journey to Georgetown from West Coast Berbice to attend Dr. Luis Fondebrider’s presentation and to find solace in a cathedral of support, demonstrate clearly a police force who lack rudimentary training not only in the laws of Guyana as they relate to traffic offences, but also in the basic human rights of citizens of Guyana.

The failing to address such a simple matter by the Guyana Police Force and the callous treatment meted out to members of the Henry family show more than ever, the need for the services of EAAF and the imperative of professional training for the police force at all levels.

Let us not forget the outpouring of support and sympathy by Guyanese from all walks of life, including private sector associations, civil society and faith-based organizations for the Henry and Singh families…the calls for those responsible to be brought to justice and the condemnation of the ethnic and criminal violence which erupted in response. This is a matter in which Guyanese have voiced their strong opinions across the race and class divides, demonstrating that this is a matter of national importance.

We also call on the heads of the diplomatic community in Guyana to make all efforts to support and encourage the Government of Guyana to allow the EAAF to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the gruesome murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry and Haresh Singh.

A petition in these terms is being sent to President Ali with copies to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Commissioner of Police and the Crime Chief.

Danuta Radzik - Human Rights Activist; Karen de Souza - Red Thread; Alissa Trotz - Lecturer in Caribbean Studies; Vanda Radzik – Citizen; Vidyaratha Kissoon (Continued on page 5)

FIU receipt of less SARs Dear Editor, I refer to the caption: “FIU reports reduction in suspicious transaction reports -29 new reporting agencies registered” (KN December 23). I recognize that things are on the move again, except that it is in a different direction than is wholesome to the interests of this country. There are pluses and minuses, with my challenge being -where to start.

I have regard for the Direction of Guyana’s FIU, Mr. Matthew Langevine. A former tax collector he may not be, but he does keep a close eye and his mind wellfocused on the collection of Suspicious Transaction Reports from those responsible for transmitting them. Quite a few of the institutions that were responsible for delivering them balked for fear of agitating prized relationships.

Of course, the little people were harried at every opportunity for the smallest infractions. On the part of Mr. Langevine, I commend him for his positive approach to the affairs overseen; his diligence is noteworthy, but regret not well-received in powerful circles. Yet, I think that his

understanding (at least, as publicly articulated) of what may be responsible for the decline in submission of suspicious transaction reports is slightly off center.

I agree that volume has been distinctively less, because of the arrival of COVID-19 and its continuing stay; and to that I add the elections hullaballoos. But I would venture that that volume is more than offset by what is happening - always happening - behind the scenes. For enlightenment, I identify 11 tonnes of street product that wended its way to chilly Belgium, and state that the big-ticket items are occurring and with more consistency than a bag of porridge. Meaning that ways have been found to circumvent scrutiny and reporting. I refer those who are doubtful to the GRA. Public volume and public transactions are certainly less, but that is for small fish dealing in ‘fry fish and bake,’ and nobody cares about that, given its lack of materiality.

More importantly, I think that the source of that drop in the reporting of suspicious transactions has something to do with the presence of the new government. I remind

one and all that the current main man, the president, had promised to do a lot of things with regulations. He has definitely delivered, from day one, where those impacted could gleefully chortle: Regulations?

What regulations? What about them? We are not answerable to anybody on any stupid regulations.

Political financiers do not believe that such apply to them; they currently operate in regulatory heaven, with very little rules and the like sticking to them. These are the same dubious characters that enjoy the fruits of the PPP government’s friendship, having financed its rise to democratic power. In such contexts, regulatory compliance has no relevance, no traction. From my perspective, that is the source of the decline in the reporting to the FIU of suspicious transactions. Naturally, it is of clean governance in action.

For whatever it is worth, I remind that during the Coalition reign, many of its supporters were loud in complaining when they had to comply with tough enforcement. The word from a lot of PNCR followers (now PPP adherents) was: lawd! Is

every ting deh gah fuh see?

Ease up and leh some bizness happen nah maan…It is the holiday season, so I treat myself to the liberty of a swear word or two.

In the event that there is need for any additional exhibits, I tender the EPA, which is virtually headless, speechless, and chronically reckless with the welfare of Guyanese.

Its present all-purpose remedy for inquiring Guyanese with troubled minds is that certain protective steps for the benefit of communities are not necessary at all. To repeat: that abomination called Environmental Impact Assessment is not necessary in situation that begs this question: how can that be?

Why not when hazardous materials are involved and chemical facilities are making appearances? Nobody in their right minds can tell me that an EIA is not necessary when what is planned is what is to be. But this is the way things are going to be, as Director Langevine discovered, and with more to come in the future both at the FIU and in other spheres of national activity.

GHK Lall

Thursday December 24, 2020

Nandlall Leads as SC Dear Editor, I salute Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, for his legal skills as displayed in the judicial matter of the power of the political executive to appoint ‘silk’ or Senior Counsel.

Nandlall, prevailed in his arguments in a precedentsetting ruling handed down by the High Court judge.

The country and the Diaspora welcome the judgment of the court that the President has the power to appoint silk as indeed all the heads of government did in Guyana going back to the dictator Forbes Burnham and all heads of government in the Anglophone Caribbean and Commonwealth. It settles the issue of who has power to confer silk.

Many lawyers in the Caribbean and the diaspora salute the AG on this judicial victory and on his appointment of the appendage, SC, to his name that is long deserved, during his stint as AG during the Ramotar presidency.

I laud his contributions to jurisprudence. Hardly anyone has contributed more to legal profession since 2012 than Nandlall. An injustice has been corrected with this SC recognition by President Irfaan Ali. I also wish to congratulate Mr. Timothy Jonas and Ms. Jamela Ayesha Ali, no relationship with President Ali. I have not had the privilege of interacting with the silk appointees. Ms. Ali did not have much presence in the media. Jonas and Nandlall illustrated their legal brilliance and support for democratic principles during the five months ordeal by the APNU-led coalition to rig the

election. And a year before that, they also distinguished themselves in court challenging the legitimacy of the Granger administration and appointments made in violation of the Constitution, challenges made all the way to the CCJ that ruled in the challengers’ favor.

Jonas and Nandlall have been indefatigable fighters of democracy, in addition to being outstanding and highly respected members of the bar.

They really stood out when democracy was trampled upon. Everyone I conversed with said they deserved SC for their achievements and activism.

The AG argued masterly why the President has the power to appoint silk. He lucidly clarifies the power of appointment of silk for the public and the legal profession. As he noted, it is a tradition going back to some 500 years of history when the monarchy, as head of government, assumed such appointment power that was later invested in the political executive. When the Queen was head of state, the political executive made recommendations and QC was granted. With Guyana becoming a republic, SC has replaced QC. Such authority rests in the head of government throughout the Caribbean. The AG convinced the Judge with his cogent arguments that power to confer silks rests in the executive.

Ms. Jamela Ali needs to be recognized for her integrity and respect for democratic principles.

She rejected the SC appointment under President Granger who was a caretaker after December 21, 2018. A caretaker ruler lacks moral and Constitutional authority to issue silk. Out of principle and

respect for law, Ms. Ali rejected her appointment.

President Ali must be applauded for magnanimity in restoring the SC to Ms. Ali. For her behaviour alone, she is worthy of the appendage.

The President must also be saluted for placing his instruments of appointment in abeyance from October 30 out of respect for the court’s interpretation of his power to make such appointments. Ali gave deference to the court, not acting arrogantly. He held his hand till the court ruled before handing out the instruments of appointments.

This is quite unlike his predecessor who was criticized for taking a collision course with the judicial branch of government.

Democracy and rule of law held supreme under Irfaan Ali. Many lawyers and academics felt Granger contaminated the process in appointing silk; they criticized him for inserting patronage rather than on merit in the process. His appointees caused great disquiet among the bar. Most were not known. Jonas had challenged the President’s (Granger) power to issue SC. Lawyers felt Jonas should have challenged the process of selecting and some of the appointees rather than the President being invested with such power. Many of those who were granted silk under Granger did not distinguish themselves before the court.

One way of measuring a lawyer’s contribution to jurisprudence is to examine how many cases that lawyer has appeared in leading law reports – Commonwealth Law Report (54 countries) and West Indian Law Report (15 countries).

Only substantive, precedent setting cases and

lawyers making the creative arguments are listed in these reports. I did some research from 2015 to now. Nandlall was the leading advocate in WILR. His name was reported 16 times as opposed to zero for Basil Williams. Several others who Granger conferred silk also score zero in the law reports.

Next to Nandlall, Llewellyn John, a member of the bar since 1952, tied with Rajendra Poonai receiving the second highest number of 14 reports.

Jonas, at the bar since 1996, was cited in eight reports with Ali, at the bar since 1989 was in nine reports.

From 2015, the reports show that Nandlall has been the youngest lawyer with least years in practice, but the most accomplished in reported cases among lawyers in Guyana, if not the Caribbean. This speaks volumes of his legal skills, putting him head and shoulder above other lawyers even many with longer years of experience.

Nandlall also made significant contributions in Parliament. He presided over several very important pieces of legislation, empowering rights and respect for the Constitution. In addition, as AG between 2012 and May 2015, he revised laws of Guyana, completing the last set of law reports published.

He also finished the law revision started by his predecessors, Doodnauth Singh and Charles Ramson – that came to be known as Nandlall’s Edition of the Laws.

The awarding of silk to the three is truly deserving, an acknowledgement of achievement and knowledge of law.

Dr. Vishnu Bisram

...Argentine forensic assistance with WCB murders From page 4 - Taxpayer; Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth; Bonita Harris – Educator; Raquel Thomas - Social Justice; Frederick Collins, President of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc.; Alfred Bhulai – Citizen; Cheryl Sampson - Deputy Chair -Women & Gender Equality Commission; Nicole Cole Women and Gender Equality

Commission; Renata ChuckA-Sang - Women and Gender Equality Commission; Brian O’Toole – Educator; Dave Martins - Citizen, Musician; Terrence Campbell – Citizen; Jocelyn Dow – Businesswoman; Ayo Dalgety-Dean - Child Rights Activist; Mosa Telford Writer, Journalist; Akola Thompson - Gender Rights Activist; Sherlina Nageer -

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Kaieteur News

Public Health Professional & Social Justice Activist; Charlene Wilkinson - UG Lecturer – Languages; Arianne Harris – Citizen; Nichola Joy Marcus Grassroots Advocate for Women & Children; Wintress White - Grassroots - Social & Gender Justice; Halima Khan - Grassroots - Social & Gender Justice; Vanessa Ross Grassroots - Rights Defender;

Josephine Whitehead Lawyer Susan Collymore Grassroots - Rights Defender; Joel Simpson – SASOD; Alicia Roopnaraine - Public Health Psychologist; Lisa Edwards - Citizen – Researcher; Pauline Bullen University Lecturer - Director IGS; Omattie Madray - Child Rights Activist; Janette Bulkan – Citizen

That misleading sign on the museum of Desmond Hoyte Dear Editor, On the occasion of the death anniversary of former President Desmond Hoyte, my friend, Francis Quamina Farrier, posted a photo of the Hoyte’s residence on North Road, Bourda which is now a museum dedicated to the life and memory of the late President.

However, the sign on the building is misleading as it states: “Dedicated to the memories of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte and Mrs. Hoyte, Former President from 1985-1992. Mr. Hoyte was President, not former President during the stated

period. Therefore the sign should clearly state President 1985-1992. As trivial as this issue may appear, I am usually guided by my doctor who often says to me “when you don’t address the little things, big things erupt.”

Institutions, especially museums, must have their facts clear. I hope those responsible will have the sign corrected. I once attended a function at which then President Hoyte was invited to give an address. He got up and stated 18 North Road, Bourda. That’s where he lived even as president.

Wesley Kirton

If marijuana, why not alcohol, too?

Dear Editor, The PPP/C has been in office for more than 23 years but it has never done anything about the chronic and widespread alcohol problem which has ripped lives apart in this country.

Alcohol-related problems surface every day. They range from motor vehicular accidents, to digestive problems, to an array of mental health related issues, including depression, suicide, anti-social personality disorder and domestic violence, to say the least. However, the callous PPP/ C turns a blind eye to this problem.

This is heartbreaking. And the PPP/ C cannot be on the side of humanity when it ignores such a devastating problem and turns its attention to marijuana for political gains.

The actions of the PPP/C cannot be logically explained.

In comparison to alcohol, marijuana is not a chronic and widespread problem in this country. Also, compared to alcohol, very little is scientifically known about the psychoactive, pharmacological and behavioral effects of marijuana. Even with very little scientific knowledge and understanding, the PPP/C rushes like lunatics to amend Guyana’s law to remove custodial sentencing for small quantities of cannabis. Why not

handle the alcohol issue too?

The PPP/C even has a vague understanding about what it means by a small quantity of marijuana. This needs to be specific. The PPP/C also fails to provide any scientific rationale for the neurobiological effects of marijuana and the drop in incarceration rate.

Moreover, the PPP/C has no data to convince anyone that it is moving in the right direction with marijuana. This is a classic example, illustrating how the PPP/C ineffectively runs this country. We all know that the PPP/C lacks critical skills to run Guyana. And last but not least, I am convinced that Mr. Jagdeo, the guy with the knack for the ocean front living, is the leader of this unconvincing approach for political gains because life is good in government.

Dr. Annie Baliram

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Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

How can we toast to the season?

Dear Editor, In Guyana, as in the majority of countries in the world, we celebrate Christmas this week.

The tradition is for us to send greetings, offering peace and goodwill to all mankind, and as such on behalf of my wife, family and community wish everyone a joyous and happy Christmas.

But Dear Editor, having dispensed of this necessary courtesy, if we are to really make a reality of these wishes as a nation, we must first try to understand that nowhere particularly in the plural society has harmony and the spirit of Christmas characterized societies, all of the three hundred and sixtyfive days of each and every year.

GHK Lall’s letter is flawless and of the highest standard.

We need applaud the group that constitutes the Constitutional Reform Group (CRG) and we would believe that our political leaders in and out of office are truly committed to constitutional reform.

If all of the above bears fruit and I hope it does, it will only be but one small step on the winding road to reach the plateau of harmony, justice and decency that we all hope for.

Our dream for a country, where the bounteous and valuable natural resources (minerals, marine resources, fertile lands and now oil) are harvested and distributed in an equitable manner and in our case, reverse the growing gap between the haves and the have nots.

The time has come for us as a small country to learn and benefit from mankind’s sojourn on planet earth.

The key is for educational and religious institutions to produce leaders wedded to the moral law.

We learn from the

teachings of the Universal Peace Federation that “‘Divine Law, the immutable law of nature is inherently moral.”

It embraces in one principle - the cosmological, ethical, social and legal spheres.

Religion, therefore, cannot accept the modern distinction between fact and value, rather the moral law governing human life is as absolute as the law of gravity.

Brilliant and thoughtprovoking, but from our ancestors down to our contemporaries, we have tended to be errant, selfish and wayward.

That is why all of the sages, saints and prophets have thought it prudent to lay down laws to direct the way we behave and treat each other such as Moses coming down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments.

I say to those who are proposing Constitutional reform that we need to direct our energies in producing leaders, who are morally erect and deep down believe in justice for all of their people, irrespective of their race, colour, creed or political affiliation.

The educational system must be retooled to highlight our common weaknesses and failures, if we are to avoid repeating past mistakes.

To explain, for example, why do people revolt? To explain the genesis of popular uprisings, such as Russia 1917, Cuba 1959. To explain national uprisings, such as Greece 1820, Vietnam 1946 75.

Even where there existed man-made Constitutions, there was the power of ideology as we witnessed in England 1642-49, France 1789 and America 1776.

In all this, pressure and influence of external forces ought never to be ignored.

In our Guyana, our two

greatest national heroes, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, faced the stress and strain of the allconsuming Cold War 19451985, fanned by the flames and muscle of ideology.

The fact that our two leaders reacted differently to this international, political epidemic, is of course, another matter.

Beyond Guyana, we have seen the many alliances, treaties and agreements between and among national leaders and their states ignored because one or either side were not wedded to moral principles, leading to wars, conflicts, destruction of property and loss of millions of innocent lives.

The big question remains, when will we learn? When will we recognize that decisions made ought to be guided by moral law?

I expect during this week both our Head of State and Leader of the Opposition to extend greetings, but how should hundreds who have been summarily dismissed react?

How should the family of the tortured Henry cousins have a happy Christmas?

How could the friend of the family of teenager, Haresh Singh, who was murdered, have a Merry Christmas?

How do we expect them to have a Happy Christmas when sections of our Police Force established to serve and protect are seen to be harassing members of the Henry family, who were returning to their homes after attending a meeting at the Brickdam Cathedral? How can we cope with the unnecessary attack on the Ethnic Relations Commission, by no less a person than our sitting Head of State?

How can we celebrate when the perception by members/supporters of the Coalition feel as Marcellus

GECOM has to do the right thing with these staffers Dear Editor, The Private Sector Commission’s call on GECOM to take appropriate disciplinary action against any staffers of GECOM who commit a misconduct in the execution of her/his contractual and legal obligations and duties, thereby cleansing its Secretariat, must be highly commended. This call is long overdue and has widespread national support with the clear understanding that criminal prosecution for wrongdoing must be perused in the courts - High Court -

and if necessary in the Court of Appeal and the CCJ, while simultaneously applying employment sanctions.

GECOM cannot hide behind criminal charges being prosecuted in the Courts; that is indeed separate and apart from personnel management and work discipline.

The letter of Joshua Singh published in three of the daily newspapers on December 21st, 2020 under the title: “Is GECOM in Gross Dereliction of Duty for Not Taking Disciplinary Action?” - sets out clearly the legal and contractual position in

dealing with personnel management and discipline of staffers for gross misconduct, and for good and sufficient cause.

Singh sets out clearly the conduct on the job that constitutes justification for decisive and prompt disciplinary action by GECOM in the following words: “Good and sufficient cause include refusal to carry out lawful instructions on a timely basis, providing fictitious and fraudulent information and reports to the (Continued on page 22)

said in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “something is rotten in the State of Denmark?”

How can we truly celebrate with our frontline health workers and security forces, who with this massive flow of oil money are offered a pittance as they seek to secure our well-being against COVID-19 and to protect citizens and secure our porous borders?

How can we toast this season faced with irresponsible and lazy leaders on both sides of our political divide?

For the season to be meaningful, the Public Accounts Committee must be energized, the Integrity Commission must no longer be a toothless tiger and the

Public Service must be free of the habit of what are clear political appointments, not based on experience, competence and qualifications.

Here, both the PNCR led coalition and the PPP/C are guilty, robbing the public service of being manned by men and women, who thanks to their qualifications can discharge their functions fearlessly and maintain the highest level of professionalism.

Those who are beating their chest about Constitutional Reform need also to ensure the GECOM membership is based only on identification of persons of unquestionable integrity and patriotism.

We, for too long, have had the ludicrous situation, where on every important issue the chairman has been placed in an uncomfortable position to break the recurring deadlocks, or should I have written dreadlocks.

The Judiciary is supposed to be vital and independent, but yet both governments seem unconcerned.

The persons functioning in the key positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice could win the Hollywood Grammy Award for acting.

I am an optimist and therefore wish all members of the media and Guyanese, Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Hamilton Green

Who feels it Dear Editor, Have you ever been hit in the stomach by some news report that hurts like a Mike Tyson punch? That is the way I feel right now, and the way Jesus must have felt when they told him Lazarus was dead.

However, my pain at the time seems to me, to be one that only I have ever felt. In a fit of selfishness, I forgot about the pain of others .

Many of us have walked this way, and like a narcissist we never stop to consider the pains of our neighbours. It was all about us.

That sick attitude seems to be the norm of our world

today. Decision makers from every corner of the earth seems locked in that mode of caring for themselves and those who look like them, forgetting that our world is a place of many different people of different faces and tongue.

A few years ago, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and others sang a song called “We are the world” - in aid of fighting famine in Africa (1985).

We have been plagued by the most devastating of sickness in 2020, and the musicians of today have failed to respond. These individuals, who have

amassed great wealth from the support of the people, seem too busy counting their money to be bothered by the sufferings of their neighbors.

Sad to say, in many nations our political leaders have been no different. They have chosen this moment to advance their political agendas over the suffering of the people.

I write with an intent to give no apology to any man here after. The big fishes of our world have all seemed to have become sharks in our tanks. To them, the little people have all become just a meal.

Apostle Adrian Wade

Responding to GHK Lall Dear Editor, I feel compelled to push back against GHK Lall’s December 21st, 2020 quasicommuniqué- “Help most definitely needed,” in your venerable Kaieteur News.

Again, Mr. Lall, seemingly appears to have a monopoly on wisdom and expatiate thusly in poly-syllabic neurosis, distressingly devoid of facts. His attempt to proselytize on situations that is beyond his conscious comprehension, is middling at best, in his spurious attempts to instigate mayhem and hysteria.

Pointedly, his excerpt about President Ali’s promising a “full investigation” of the Cotton Tree murderism, Mr. Lall’s lamentation that Dr. Ali is dragging his feet (my words) by deflecting the flak onto the GPF is Mr. Lall’s Dante’s Inferno.

He exculpated the political actors who extemporaneously jetted into the area and influenced/ attempted to influence the vulnerable and

emotionally tormented Henry family and peripheral friends, neighbours, etc., to act in certain manners with certainty to generate negative outcomes. Mr. Lall neglected to mention that because of the exhortation of the provocateurs which created extended lag time; the crime scene was further compromised thereby significantly placing an undue burden on the GPF. Gathering forensic evidence is as painstaking as it is thorough. To gain a conviction, presented evidence will have to be convincing beyond a shadow of doubt and the burden of proof lies resolutely within the purview of the prosecutorial team and the investigative arm of the GPF. Defense attorneys are trained to hone in on the rubric and peruse for even the tiniest of misalignments and will ferociously tear the entire fabric of the prosecutor’s presentation in order to influence/convince a jury otherwise, thereby gaining a

non-conviction for their clients.

What is significant to understand is that Mr. Lall is feebly attempting to recreate a tempest in a teapot by insinuating that this government is static in the Henry investigations.

This administration is doggedly attempting to clean the inherited Augean Stable and the President wears many hats, concurrently, and delegating authority is a productive association within any administration.

Non-usurpation of the GPF role in the investigation seemingly has not created a crisis of confidence.

Decrying President Ali religious persuasions, Mr. Lall, is a seemingly eternal perdition for your perfidy, despite you being kenosis.

Mr. Lall, sir, again, musings are bereft of factual information and squarely belong to the op-ed section and one now has to wonder which are you? The marionette or the master?

Jonathan Subrian Esq.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

It is incomprehensible, and unthinkable, that the Government of the day can be wasting time.

It has been reported many times of critical studies being launched.

It has been reported many times of the fanfare that such reports were handed over.

It has been a public secret that such reports are thrown to the bottom of the drawer.

The recommendations are never acted on.

We know of critical reports on the oil and gas sector that have been given to the Government.

The clock is ticking but little is done to update our oil and gas laws.

Yet here we are at the 11th hour. Totally unprepared. Rings are being run around us.

Yet, there is deafening silence.

The people of Guyana deserve much, much more from our politicians!

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday December 24, 2020

Govt. could have cashed in on US$15M bond instead of signing new airport deal T

he People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government could have opted to cash in on the close to US$15 million bond on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project instead of penning a new deal with the Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for a mere US$9 million.

Offering those comments was the former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson.

His comments emerge just one day after government entered a new agreement with CHEC for supplementary works to be conducted at the country's main port of entry after numerous delays.

Those works amount to US$9 million, a cost CHEC agreed to foot.

Since taking office, government was having hiccups with CHEC in efforts to ensure that the new and modernised airport it was promised, almost a decade ago, was delivered.

But Guyanese would have to wait a little longer as the new agreement signed outlined an end date of December 2021.

However, Patterson opined that government could utilise the bond instead

- Patterson

The renovated terminal building that Guyana got as part of the US$150M-plus project at CJIA. It was supposed to be new.

Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

and retain another contractor to complete the works in view of the fact that on numerous occasions, CHEC breached contract obligations.

“On the face of it, this is excellent news, kudos to the team. However, the devil has always been in the details. At present, GoG is holding more than US$15M in retention and performance bonds for CHEC. These become payable on January 1, 2021 so if they do not fix all the issues by December 31, 2020, the bonds are redeemable on demand,” Patterson explained.

He continued, “If this agreement is for the GoG to redeem the bonds plus CHEC will invest another US$9M in additional works, excellent. I suspect this deal means that CHEC will be able to keep the US$15M and use some to do the additional works – versus GoG cashing the bonds and getting another contractor to complete the works.”

The CJIA expansion contract had passed through the Granger presidency where Patterson served and they too had issues with the contractor. When asked if actions would have been

taken to reprimand CHEC for breaching contractual obligations, Patterson noted that the Coalition had planned to cash the bond and hire another contractor to complete the necessary works to deliver a new and modernized airport.

Meanwhile, government said the new works will include an extension of the Airport's boarding corridor in order to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges, providing the Airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of servicing aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the

AirBus and similar TransAtlantic aircraft.

It will also entail the Terminal Building being extended to provide accommodation for additional commercial space such as food courts and dutyfree shops.

The extended building will feature a modern airport façade covering the full length of the Departure Te r m i n a l , t h e r e l e a s e outlined.

It stated too that CHEC agreed to “rectify and complete all outstanding remedial works” within prescribed timelines.

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

Blow her mind this Christmas

I

met a friend a few days ago. He looked all stressed out. I asked him what was the problem, and he replied that he just could not decide what to give his partner as a gift.

Here was a guy who was not short on cash. He could buy whatever he wanted. The problem he faced is that he did not know what to buy. He could not choose the appropriate gift that would express just how he felt.

I know quite a few men who have the same problem.

My advice to them always is to do something that would blow their partners' minds.

Do something that would have their partners all starryeyed. In the process, you may also be doing something for yourself.

There are some women who feel that you can best show your love by the type of gift you give to them. The more expensive the gift, the greater is the love. I know quite a few men who dig deep into their accounts to buy that super expensive gift for their loved ones. If that is what it takes to blow their partners minds, well, so be it.

This reminds me of an older, white haired Guyanese, who walked into a jewellery store one Friday evening with a beautiful young lady at his side. He told the jeweller he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweller looked through his stock and brought out a $50,000 ring.

The old man said, “No, I'd

like to see something more special.”

At that statement, the jeweller went to his special stock and brought another ring over. “Here's a stunning ring at only $400,000:” the jeweller said.

The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement.

The old man, seeing this, said, “We'll take it.”

The jeweller asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, “By cheque. I know you need to make sure my cheque is good, so I'll write it now, and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds, and I'll pick the ring up Monday afternoon.”

Monday morning, the jeweller phoned the old Guyanese man. “There's no money in that account.”

“I know,” said the Guyanese man, “But let me tell you about my weekend!”

Some years ago, I wrote an article about blowing a woman's mind. It was a big hit on feminist blogs. I ended that article with the following observation: When men are courting, and they are serious about a girl, they are on their best behaviour. They shower her with gifts, say the nicest things, and are always kind and considerate.

But no sooner does the wedding ring go on the finger of the bride that her suffering begins.

Some men suddenly begin to take their partner for granted and at times will even

try to belittle their wives in front of their friends.

I urge all the men in Guyana to treat their partners with respect. Pamper them and make them feel loved and wanted.

One night, I watched an interview on NBC with Billy Bob Thornton. He was speaking about his ex-wife, the stunning Angelina Jolie, and he took all the blame for their split. He told the interviewer that it was entirely his fault. Then when he was asked why the two split up, he said it had nothing to do with his unfaithfulness.

He added, “I was afraid of her. She was too beautiful for me. She was too smart for me.

She had too much integrity for me. I felt so small next to her.” That line, sincere and exact, would blow any woman away. No woman could ask for a greater compliment from a man, even one that she is divorced from.

I believe that most women would rather have love and affection than the most expensive gift in the world. The greatest gift you can give a woman is your undying love and respect.

Blow her mind, not by the value of the gift, but by the value of the love and respect behind it.

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

Go home boys early today! seh...

Dem

L

ong ago, late shopping used to begin from de 15th of December. Dem stores were permitted to open until 6pm from de 15th right through to de 23rd. On Christmas Eve, dem used to open till 8pm.

These days' things have changed. Dem vendors and store owners, if dem had de chance would open till 8am on Christmas morning. But most of dem stores does open way past midnight on Christmas Eve and de vendors selling till day break.

Christmas is a make or break season for many

businesses. If you don't make your money during this time, you might as well close down because for most of de rest of the year, yuh gat to be sucking salt.

Guyana gat wan pandemic and dem boys bin hoping fuh greater responsibility.

Dem bin hoping dat late shopping would have been abolished and dat everybody would pack up and go home at 4pm today. But dem boys know dat only happening in somebody's dreams.

Rum shop already doing thriving business. According to de COVID-19 regulations run shop supposed to be

closed. But dem boys see plenty wah open and gat people drinking inside and outside. But who is going to stop dem. De COVID-19 Task Force nah driving round and photographing de violators.

How else does one explain how come none of these open rum shops nah get letter as yet, like dem fancy bars.

Dem boys plan fuh tek a drink fuh de holidays. And dem boys gan throw a whole bottle fuh all dem people wah nah mek it this year, de worst year dem boys ever know.

Talk half and go home early today!

PAGE 09

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday December 24, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Racists mask their racism by calling others racist U

G Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mellissa Ifill, has joined Lincoln Lewis in publishing a letter with a title that includes the words, “Freddie Kissoon is obsessed with African Guyanese.” Both Lewis and Dr. Ifill have not produced even a modicum of evidence about this obsession and there is no attempt to explain the determinants of this obsession.

Of course both persons think that Guyanese are fools.

If Pakistanis are supporting rigged elections in Guyana, then one's critical pen will be pointed to Pakistanis and not Barbadians. Lewis' and Dr. Ifill's rage against me is

because I have used my pen against certain African Guyanese who wanted to destroy this country through their support of rigged election paving the way for permanent rule of one type of people in which government will no longer change hands as when the PPP lost in 2010 and 2015.

Why do Lewis and Dr. Ifill think I am obsessed with Black Guyanese is because I have exposed both persons for their defence of election rigging. I did a column on Lewis yesterday, so I will devote the rest of the space to Dr. Ifill.

In her letter yesterday, all kinds of things were thrown at me. After being a social

activist for over 50 years, I am immune to the abuse people like Dr. Ifill assign to me.

They never deterred me and will never. It is foolish if they think personalized attacks will scare me. Maybe I could be deterred but not f r o m p e o p l e l i k e D r.

Mellissa Ifill.

First, I don't know why Dr. Ifill thinks I would believe her when she wrote, “I will forever fight against racism, I will always be an ally and a supporter of any group that seeks and fights for equality and justice in their particular spaces.”

My experience in living in Guyana is that the most non-racist words come out of the mouth of people who are

racist. Of course that is commonsensical, since they have to put on their mask. I don't know whether to say Dr. Ifill is comical or stupid or hypocritical when she boasts about her willingness to be a supporter of any group that fights for justice and equality.

Dr. Ifill was fighting against hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who wanted their votes counted so Guyana can have justice.

In her insults hurled at me she forgot to mention that she was fighting against the international observers who wanted justice for the Guyanese people.

Dr. Ifill failed to mention that she accused the international observers in her Facebook postings of buying the PPP's propaganda. Those observers included two former Caribbean Prime Ministers, who in the context of Dr. Ifill's hypocrisy I should mention are AfricanWest Indian.

Dr. Ifill failed to mention that she stood against hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who literally begged GECOM chairman to do the right thing and stop Mingo and Lowenfield from rigging the election. Dr. Ifill's early support for Singh in April was reported in the

Chronicle with her picture.

In her interview with the Chronicle, Dr. Ifill said that she is not aware Ms. Singh has shown any partiality and she, Dr. Ifill, was proud of what Singh was doing. If

Frederick Kissoon S i n g hh a d a c t e d decisively, Guyana would not have achieved a world record in modern history of taking five months to declare the results of an election in which only 440,000 votes were to be counted.

If equality and justice appeared in front of Dr. Ifill like a huge dinosaur she would not recognize it. It was this same Dr. Ifill who consistently posted loving words for Roxanne Myers on her Facebook after she was charged for criminal conduct as Deputy Chief Elections Officer. When for five

months, Myers's conduct was graphic for the world to see, Dr. Ifill was looking elsewhere.

Dr. Ifill ended her diatribe on me by saying that she wishes me luck in my angling for relevance, friends and earnings. In my column on her last Tuesday, I lamented how sad it is when educated people display colossal ignorance. If I wanted friends, I would have stopped writing a long time ago so people like Dr. Ifill would not write nasty things about me.

In relation to relevance, it is people like Dr. Ifill who make me relevant. I will remain relevant when people like Dr. Ifill support rigged elections, defend people like Roxanne Myers and insult former CARICOM Prime Ministers. Finally, Dr. Ifill thinks I am angling for earnings. If I was then I would have shut my mouth at UG so Dr. Ifill would not have had to picket for me after I was dismissed. Finally, Dr. Ifill says she is proud to be Black.

I am colour blind that is why I support free and fair elections in my country.

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

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday December 24, 2020

Govt. seeking recommendations from CARPHA on new COVID-19 variant found in UK

I

n light of a new variant of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-Cov-2) discovered in the United Kingdom (UK), the National COVID-19 Task Force which falls under the Ministry of Health is seeking recommendations from the

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as it relates to using flights from that country.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during his COVID19 update on Tuesday.

Dr. Anthony said that as a

result of the new variant being spread in the UK, flights from the country could be adjusted since it brings a high risk of imported cases.

However that will be done b a s e d o n t h e recommendations from CARPHA.

He further stated that Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Grenada have already restricted flights from the UK, but CARPHA has recommended that they observe the situation and “get more scientific information” before making a decision.

“Once we confirm some of the mutations and understand the impact that these mutations may have, then we'll be able to make a more definitive p r o n o u n c e m e n t , ” D r.

Anthony said.

He also noted that some countries in Europe, Canada, Russia, and a few others have restricted flights too.

CARPHA is having its virologist collaborate with virologists from the Pan American Health Organization on the matter and during their meeting with

stakeholders on Monday, they said that as of December 13, a total of 1,108 persons were infected with the new variant of the disease.

The new variant is still being investigated and is being referred to as SARSCoV-2 VU1 202012/01.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony disclosed that the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, will be meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the new variant of the disease and they will examine possible safeguards.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the UK has been recording a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in London and southeast England since November 2020, which has been linked to a different version/variant of the virus that causes

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

Public health professionals in the UK are evaluating the characteristics of this new variant.

“Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and start infecting people. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic,” the CDC said.

Additionally, it was noted that they have not yet found how widely the new variant has spread in the UK and potentially around the world, how it differs from earlier variants and how the disease caused by this variant differs from the disease caused by other variants that are currently circulating.

Murder accused dodges bullets to escape Lusignan jail

A

n inmate on remand for m u r d e r reportedly “dodged” bullets yesterday to escape the Lusignan Prison located on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

According to police, the prison escapee is Ishaka John, 25, of 109 'A' Field Sophia. Police stated that John escaped between 02:00 and 02:20hrs.

Investigators reported that just before John made his escape, he was spotted on top of the prison fence by three ranks of both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

They reportedly fired shots in an attempt to apprehend him but John did not stop, instead he ran.

According to investigators,

he ran between three of the prison towers before he disappeared.

The ranks who fired the shots were unsure whether or not any bullet had struck him. Nevertheless, they searched the nearby areas to see if he might have been hit and was injured but they turned up empty handed.

As police continue their effort to recapture the fugitive, an investigation has been launched into circumstances leading to his escape.

John is accused of murdering a store manager, Jason Bowen, on October 12, 2019. He reportedly chased Bowen down Church Street to rob him. Bowen was cornered on a bridge in front of the office of then Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

A scuffle ensued between

Prison escapee: Ishaka John

the two and John allegedly beat and strangled Bowen to death.

John was apprehended subsequently after by publicspirit citizens while trying to escape. He was handed over to police and days later charged with murder and remanded to prison.

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Attorney General asks 'Top Cop' to investigate controversial Sussex Street bond that the Ministry of Legal Affairs, with intentions of bringing closure to this matter, and if necessary, take appropriate disciplinary action against any culpable officers.

In 2018, Kaieteur News had reported that the former

The Sussex Street bond, located in Albouystown, Georgetown

T

he country's Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, has written to the Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, instructing that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) launch an investigation into the controversial Sussex Street bond.

This comes on the heels of recommendations from a special report conducted by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, on the bond. This report was released by the Attorney General Chambers on Saturday last.

In the December 23 letter, Nandlall indicated that he had recently received the aforesaid special report and

i t s e x p l i c i t recommendations. To this, the AG said, “Please execute the said recommendation.�

Notably, in the Auditor General special audit report on the bond, it was highlighted that proper procedures were not adhered to with respect to the awarding of the contract to Linden Holding Incorporated (the landlord) for the leasing of warehouse facility at Lot 29 Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown to serve as an offsite medical storage facility for the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The principal for Linden Holding Incorporated is businessman, Larry Singh, who is also facing legal actions by the government for a supply of $380M worth in arms and ammunition for the army which were reportedly not delivered, according to a contract that was signed.

The AG's report also highlights that tender board procedures were not followed, and as part of its recommendations, the Audit Office requested that the MoPH ensure that there is full compliance with the Procurement Act 2003 with respect to the awarding of contracts.

It was also recommended

$250,000 bail for teacher convicted of sexually assaulting student

A

teacher who was jailed for s e x u a l l y assaulting his student was yesterday placed on $250,000 High Court bail pending the ruling of his appeal for the conviction.

T h e a c c u s e d , Mohammed Wazir Khan, an economics teacher at a private city school, was sentenced on November 26 last, following a trial conducted by Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

He was charged with committing sexual activities with a minor and abusing a position of trust. The incident, he was charged with, occurred on March 9, 2019.

It is reported that Khan

Convicted, Mohammed Wazir Khan braced his penis on the child's private part and squeezed her.

Magistrate Daly ruled that there is sufficient evidence against the accused

for him to be convicted for the offence and he was sentenced to three years imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $1M. Three weeks after he was sentenced, Khan, through attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, filed an application asking the Court of Appeal to overturn his conviction based on the quality of evidence that was led at his trial.

According to the lawyer, Magistrate Daly showed emotions towards the victim's evidence and thus was biased.

He stated that the Magistrate made an error of law when she showed emotions.

Khan was granted High Court bail by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government had exited the drug bond at Sussex Street, Albouystown, but not before racking up a bill of $314.6M. The controversy became intensified when it was

discovered late 2016 that the facility was merely storing items such as lubricants and condoms.

However, in the AG's report, it was highlighted that while the government was slated to pay $475M in rent, it only managed to pay $338M. Notably, no letter of the outstanding payment for $137M has been dispatched to the MoPH.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday December 24, 2020

Guyoil workers strike for year-end bonus, salary increase Scenes from the Guyoil Sheriff Street Gas Station yesterday

S

upervisors and station managers of the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) were forced to sell at the gas station pumps yesterday after a number of its workers decided to strike.

Strike action was taken after the management of Guyoil failed to arrive at an agreement with the Clerical

and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) to pay its workers Christmas bonuses and a salary increase of eight percent.

Yesterday at the Sheriff Street branch of the Guyoil Gas Station, a number of pump attendants were seen at the side of the road with placards in their hands demanding their bonuses.

The station manager and a few supervisors who would normally work in the gas station's office were seen outside attending to the pumps as vehicles made long lines to fill their tanks.

Other Guyoil Gas Stations on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara were completely shut down as workers attached to those

branches joined in the strike.

Kaieteur News was told that that move caused a bit of panic in the early morning hours as motor vehicles had to buy petrol from other competitors.

However, instead of seeking to negotiate with its workers, Kaieteur News was told that Guyoil threatened to fire them instead.

Sources told this media house that the Human Resource Manager of the company showed up at one of the Gas Stations on the East Coast and began making threats. He reportedly told the workers that 'if they do not work, they will be fired and Guyoil will replace them with other

persons who have pending applications with the company”.

The workers of that branch, Kaieteur News was told, became afraid and halted their strike immediately; however, this did not deter workers, especially the pump attendants, from the branches.

State owned newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle reported on Tuesday that 400 Guyoil employees were threatening to take industrial action in light of the company's refusal to honour an agreement for salary increases in 2020.

CCWU's president, Sherwood Clarke, was

quoted as saying that the previous board company had agreed to pay salary increases based on a performance-appraisal system.

However, a new board was installed by the current administration and that board pulled out from the agreement.

Workers of the company who spoke with Kaieteur News yesterday said that Guyoil had recently declared a $1B profit in its annual report.

This profit, they argued, means that even if there is a new company board, they are still entitled to a salary increase and Christmas bonuses.

Parliamentary Committees to be convened on December 28

S

peaker of the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, Manzoor Nadir, has set Monday December 28, 2020, as the date for the convening of the duly constituted Parliamentary Committees.

The Speaker made this announcement yesterday during the 14th Sitting of the 12th Parliament at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, shortly after he prohibited an Opposition motion requiring the Committees meetings be convened as a matter of urgent public importance.

Nadir told the House, “While this is important, I did not see it as urgent, so I am disallowing the request.”

Further on, the Speaker stated, “The National Assembly has taken steps to ensure our members can participate and represent their constituents at every meeting.” While the political Opposition had raised concerns over the Committees not being

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir convened, the Speaker, while acknowledging that there is a delay in the convening of the committees, noted too that his office is facing some “challenges” in convening the first meetings.

Those challenges, he explained, included ensuring members from far-flung areas are present at the

meetings. As such, he asked for patience.

But the Opposition had argued that such an excuse would not be accepted, as many agencies utilize the online platform Zoom with the advent of the novel Coronavirus.

That method would have sufficed for the convening of the first meetings.

But with a date now set, the Speaker explained that six parliamentarians from remote areas can now join the meeting.

The 12th Parliament has 14 fully constituted subcommittees with oversight for varying sectors including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The duties of the Public Accounts Committee include examining the audited accounts of state agencies presented in the Auditor General's Report, and exercising broad regulation of the functioning of the Auditor General.

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

The seized items that were found during the Lusignan Prison raid

18 containers of wine and a cannabis plant found at Lusignan Prison

P

olice ranks have confiscated 18 containers of homemade wine and a cannabis plant found during a raid at the Lusignan Prison.

According to police, the search was conducted on Wednesday, and the officers also seized a quantity of improvised weapons, a tattoo machine, a plastic bag with sugar, one Guinness bottle, 15 cellphones without SIM cards and several cell phone batteries.

A vandalized landline phone, a bottle of pepper and screwdriver were found as well.

Block maker robbed of motorcycle

A

41-year-old block maker was robbed of his motorcycle early yesterday morning at his home. The man was identified as Eon Allen of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara.

According to a police report, the incident occurred at around 03:30hrs.

Based on the information received Allen, who resides in a one-storey wooden house, had secured his black XR motorcycle CK 1712 under his house around 22:30hrs on Tuesday and then went to bed.

Allen reportedly told police that later that night he woke up and went into his yard to check on his motorcycle and other items when he discovered that his cycle was missing.

Reports are that upon questioning them, residents around the area disclosed that about four males were seen in front of the man's yard.

No one was arrested.

Meanwhile, an investigation is still ongoing.

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

Govt. mulling development of Mahaica-Mahaicony corridor - Pres. Ali - lauds Demerara Bank for opening new branch in Mahaica

T

he Government of Guyana will be looking at areas on the Mahaica-Mahaicony corridor to cultivate new developmental hubs, President Irfaan Ali a n n o u n c e d We d n e s d a y night.

The Head of State made this disclosure while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Demerara Bank Mahaica branch.

“Your Government has recognized a series of areas that will become new development hubs, new growth poles. So very soon we will be looking at all the lands on this corridor – Mahaica-Mahaicony. We will be looking at all the lands in order to come up with the perfect diversification plans.”

The Head of Stated explained that since Mahaica and its environs are heavily dependent on rice and other agriculture, the Government is looking to create an agriculture hub, which should also see the development of aquaculture.

To facilitate this, the Government will develop programmes and policies that will not only encourage and stimulate growth to the areas, but will also give tremendous incentives for future investments.

“Our intention in creating a whole new array of infrastructure is to ensure

the travel time between the centre and the outskirts is not inhibitive to business development and growth,” he said, according to a release from the Office of the President.

IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP President Ali said that the establishment of Demerara Bank's eighth branch falls directly in a strategic focus and position of the Government, and comes at a time when avenues to strengthen the traditional sectors are being explored.

He stressed that the Government also has a responsibility to create an enabling environment with proper laws, good infrastructure, security and a supportive bureaucracy for greater reliability and efficiency.

“The Bank expands in an environment that it trusts, the bank expands in an environment that it has confidence in, the bank expands in an environment in which it sees itself as playing a transformational role, the bank expands in an environment in which it recognizes the economic prospects for a particular region or area.

It is not guess work, it is a strategic alignment with the development of the area, and the country through

The spanking new $500M solar-powered Mahaica branch of the Demerara Bank Limited which was officially commissioned on Wednesday. government policies and programmes…it is a perfect marriage.”

President Ali added that a harmonious relationship between the Government and Private Sector is important and essential for the growth and development of the country, and the Private Sector itself.

GREAT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP The President also applauded the bank for its progress in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, while indicating that other banks and financial institutions have been shutting their doors around the world.

He said this is due to great management, leadership and a particular sense of boldness for thinking outside of the box.

“And if you look at the revenue diversification… the revenue portfolio of Demerara Bank you will see that there is a lot of thinking outside of the box. And this (continued on page 20)

President Irfaan Ali and other officials at the commissioning of the branch

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Thursday December 24, 2020

Opposition Chief Whip seeks Court order to have Parliamentary Secretaries removed

A

Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+ AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) and Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, has filed an action in the High Court seeking an order to have Parliamentary Secretaries, Sarah Browne and Vikash Ramkissoon, removed from the National Assembly.

According to the Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by Jones, the party is seeking several declarations inter alia that the two parliamentary secretaries are not lawful members of the National Assembly; that they were not lawfully appointed to the position Parliamentary Secretary of the Government of Guyana.

The Opposition MP is seeking an order directing the Speaker of the National A s s e m b l y, t o p r e v e nt Browne and Ramkissoon from sitting in and or participating in the business of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament of Guyana.

The case is being represented by Attorneys-atl a w, S e n i o r C o u n s e l Roysdale Ford, Mayo Robertson, Raphael Trotman, Geeta ChandanEdmond, Amanza WaltonDesir, Olayne Joseph and Darren Wade.

In the application, the

Parliamentary Secretary Sarah Browne

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones Opposition Chief Whip contends that not more than four Ministers and two Parliamentary Secretaries shall be appointed by the President from among

Parliamentary Secretary Vikash Ramkissoon persons who are qualified to be elected as member of the National Assembly.

The document states that as Articles 103 (3) and 186 of the Constitution paragraph (1) dictates that Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed from among persons who are elected members of the National Assembly or are qualified to be elected as such members.

According to the document, Article 86 (1) s t a t e s t h a t t h e Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed from among persons who are elected members of the National Assembly or are qualified to be elected as such members.

“Paragraph (1) shall have effect in relation to any

Govt. mulling development of...

From page 19 is what separates successful businesses from unsuccessful businesses – their ability to adapt, cope and to strategically position themselves.”

According to CEO, Mr. Pravinchandra Dave, the construction of the bank's

new branch cost over $500M. This figure includes the cost of a solar system that provides 100 percent renewable energy for the branch.

The branch has already facilitated the opening of over 1000 new accounts and approved three loans.

The branch will also

house the Diamond Fire and Insurance Service.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, also delivered the feature remarks.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Demerara Bank Limited, Dr. Yesu Persaud, was on hand for the opening.

period between a dissolution of Parliament and the day on which the next election of members of the Assembly is held as if Parliament had not been d i s s o l v e d … A Parliamentary Secretary who was not an elected member of the Assembly at the time of his appointment shall (unless he becomes such a member) be a member of the Assembly by virtue,” the document continued.

The application noted that Browne and

Ramkissoon were not elected members of the National Assembly as Articles 60 (2), 160 (1) and (3) (a) and 232 provides: that subject to the provisions of Article 160 (2), the number of members of the National Assembly shall be elected in accordance with the system of proportional representation prescribed in Article 160 (1).”

This is the second case filed by Jones of such a nature.

Earlier this month, Chief

Justice (Ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, handed dow n a decis ion that Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, is not a lawful member of the National Assembly, given that she was a US citizen at the time she was sworn in by President Irfaan Ali. Jones had filed the action after it was discovered that US records revealed that Walrond was still a citizen of the USA when she was sworn in as the Minister and Member of Parliament.

Ministry records two more COVID-19 deaths

T

he Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday reported two more COVID-19 deaths, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 162.

In a release, the Ministry stated that the deceased are an 88-year-old male from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and a 68year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara -Mahaica), both of whom died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The MOH also announced 42 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, increasing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,258.

This was presented in the Ministry's daily dashboard update which shows four persons in the Intensive Care Unit, 28 persons in institutional isolation, 16 persons in institutional quarantine and an additional 616 persons in home isolation.

Additionally, 5,448 persons have recovered from the virus.

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Dutch manufacturer expects potential increase in the lease duration for FPSOs in Guyana S

BM Offshore, the D u t c h manufacturer which constructed Guyana's first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, announced yesterday that it expects a potential increase in the lease duration for FPSOs in Guyana. It did not divulge further details on this front.

Be that as it may, Kaieteur News would have reported during this year that the company had planned to recover the full cost of its investments in these vessels by selling same to ExxonMobil after two years of leading operations for each unit.

While the sale price remains unknown, public financial statements by SBM reveal that the Liza Destiny, which is Guyana's first Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel, is being leased for approximately US$1.2B while the second FPSO, the

Liza Unity, will be leased for approximately US$1.6B. The FPSO Liza Destiny had arrived in Guyanese waters in August 2019 and, following receipt of its certificate acceptance from the client, joined SBM Offshore's fleet on November 1, 2019. First oil was achieved on December 20, 2019.

With respect to the Liza Unity, ExxonMobil had awarded the Liza Unity contracts to SBM Offshore on May 10, 2019. Under these contracts, the company will construct, install and thereafter lease and operate FPSO Liza Unity for a period of up to two years after which the ownership and operations will transfer to ExxonMobil. The FPSO Liza Unity design is based on the Fast4WardÂŽ programme as it incorporates the Company's new-built, multipurpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules. On

October 16, 2019, the Company had announced that it completed the project financing of FPSO Liza Unity for a total of US$1.14 billion.

In November last year, the company was awarded contracts to perform front end engineering and design for a third FPSO called Prosperity which would be used for ExxonMobil's Payara development project offshore Guyana. The award was the first under the longterm FPSO supply agreement with ExxonMobil and secured SBM Offshore's third Fast4Ward hull under construction. The next phase of the FPSO Prosperity project has been given government's blessings, as such, SBM has moved onto its construction and installations and thereafter lease and operate FPSO Prosperity for a period of up to two years.

FPSO Prosperity will utilize a design that largely

The Liza Destiny that was manufactured

by SBM Offshore

replicates the design of FPSO Liza Unity. As such,

FPSO Prosperity will become the second vessel

built under the Company's Fast4WardÂŽ programme.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

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Three Guyanese have been chosen for the U.S. Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Programme.

The US Embassy in a statement announced the recipients, Filisha Duke Founder and CEO of Sure Gig; Joylyn John, Managing Director for Juneberry Gy and Maleka Russell, Owner for Green Valley Organics.

During the fellowship, Duke who has experience in securing contracts and building key partnerships to facilitate the company’s objectives will aim to learn effective approaches to manage and maintain financial growth, strategies on increasing market share, brand awareness and sales, and how to facilitate scaling and expansion.

John, who has experience in leadership, the retail market, and vast knowledge in business operations, will aim to learn about the legal side of running a business both locally and internationally, sharpen her leadership skills and her “know how” on

approaching investors with investment proposals, and learn how to have the highest returns possible in her business.

Russell who has experience in insect and pest control, shade house vegetable cultivation technologies, and climatesmart agricultural practices will learn about business development, develop a business model for agricultural sustainability, and engage with other entrepreneurs as they promote healthy lifestyles through better nutrition.

The programme will bring 263 young leaders together from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for a virtual fellowship. This year, three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted out of over 2,300 applicants.

The 2021 YLAI Fellowship Programme, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, includes a threemonth virtual fellowship between January and April 2021.

During this time, Fellows will complete the YLAI Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum and will work with a U.S. host organization for four weeks. They will also be paired with a designated mentor and will collaborate with other fellows to address shared foreign policy challenges throughout the exchange. Additionally, they will engage in live events and

cross-cultural activities. The programme is a collaborative, enriching experience that combines technical entrepreneurship training with leadership development and networking opportunities.

The YLAI Fellowship Programme is part of the U.S. continued commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.

...GECOM has to do the right thing with these From page 6 employing authority, misconduct, inefficiency, dilatory tactics, insubordination, and unprofessional conduct and behaviour in the execution of contractual and statutory duties.”

Joshua Singh must be

applauded for reminding GECOM (with lawyers on the Commission) of its management responsibility, and wake-up from its long slumber. As stated by the PSC’s statement, the removal of those who committed contractual employment breaches must be removed to

build public confidence, impartial independence, integrity and professionalism of the remaining and new staff. They must resist any undue political and other influences to direct their legal and professional obligations and service the nation, given the long history of political

interference of the electoral processes.

GECOM, please act promptly and restore righteousness in our electoral system for the good, and in the national interest, and redeem this nation from international shame.

Samuel J. Goolsarran

Thursday December 24, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Gunmen kill more than $200M overpaid for govt.

100 in attack in Ethiopia’s contracts - AG report Benishangul-Gumuz region ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Gunmen killed more than 100 people in a dawn attack in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia yesterday, the human rights commission said, as residents described fleeing the latest deadly assault in an area bedevilled by ethnic violence.

The attack occurred in the village of Bekoji in Bulen county in the Metekel zone, the state-run Ethiopian

Human Rights Commission said in a statement, an area where multiple ethnic groups are living.

Africa’s second-most populous nation has been grappling with regular outbreaks of deadly violence since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was appointed in 2018 and accelerated democratic reforms that loosened the state’s iron grip on regional rivalries.

Elections due next year have further inflamed simmering tensions over land, power and resources.

In a separate part of the country, Ethiopia’s military has been fighting rebels in the northern Tigray region for over six weeks in a conflict that has displaced close to 950,000 people.

The deployment of federal troops there has raised fears of a security vacuum in other restive regions.

...COVID-19 deaths begin to abate,

From page 3 the country was focused for months on the contentious general and regional elections of 2020.

In those months, testing slowly began to increase, until August when the electoral process came to a close. In early August, the PPP/C took up office, and immediately noted deficiencies in the public health infrastructure to manage the pandemic. But despite ramping up testing, which gave a truer idea of the impact of the pandemic; the government slightly relaxed the curfew and decided to allow mining, despite a spike in COVID-19 cases in certain hinterland parts. A total of 893 cases were detected in August, then 1,588 in September.

October and November saw Guyana recording 1,268 and 1,244 more cases, respectively. A total of 852 cases have been recorded in December as of yesterday, representing a slightly lower detection rate than November.

Many have grown tired with the restriction COVID-19 has placed on their lives and have just about disregarded them. To others, the apparent decrease in figures – especially deaths – represents a sign that the depression COVID-19 has wrought on society will come to an end soon, especially since many

(Dado Ruvic/Reuters) countries have started taking in the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. But a second global wave appears to be on the horizon.

The United Kingdom recently recorded a sharp uptick in cases, and scientists have all but attributed it to a new strain of COVID-19 that is way more contagious. The UK government said that it is 70 percent more infectious. It was detected early in December, said UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. About 40 nations responded quickly by banning entry from travellers from the UK. There is insufficient evidence yet to prove that the new strain is more deadly, but it has already spread to several countries. New cases have been confirmed in Denmark, Italy, Gibraltar, the Netherlands, Australia, and South

Africa.

The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) thinks it may have already arrived in the US in November and that many people could already be infected. Similarly, experts from the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi, India worry the strain could already be in the populous country.

On top of that, a yet more infectious variant of the various was detected in the UK, which was determined to have come from South Africa.

That country is also studying the strain to determine whether it is responsible for a surge in cases there. The UK is considering even stricter, wider lockdown measures to curb the spread.

Guyana is yet to decide whether it will return to stricter measures.

Details from the Auditor General’s 2019 Report show that some $199.381M was overpaid by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) for four major governmental projects.

According to the report, these overpayments had occurred under four ministries, namely the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) in 2019.

Against this, the report said, “Included in the $199.381M are amounts totalling $145M and $25.529M, which were overpaid on the rehabilitation of the Leguan Stelling, and expansion of offices at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Headquarters, respectively.”

Advance payments With respect to the construction of St. Rose’s High School, two advance payments totalling $81.869M were paid to the contractor, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, despite no significant works being completed. When the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) assumed office, the Attorney General terminated this contract on the basis of the contractor failing to comply with their contractual obligations.

Further, in the report it was recalled that a contract was awarded on 31 December 2019 by National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the construction of a Secondary School at Yarrowkabra, Linden Highway in the sum of $827.756M. It was indicated that a request to the Finance Secretary for multiyear approval was seen dated December 31, 2019, the same

date the contract was awarded. A mobilization advance in the sum of $26.041M was paid to the contractor on January 7, 2020.

But this contract has since been terminated.

Meanwhile, the report stated that the Ministry of Public Telecommunications had approved an advance payment of $17.171M and an interim payment of $31.829M, on the same date, for renovations and functional enhancements to a Call Centre Building at Linden, Region 10.

Concerningly, the contract between the Ministry and the contractor was signed one day after the advance and interim payments were approved.

Capital works charged to current expenditure According to the report, payments totalling $67.473M were made for capital works but charged to current expenditure, thereby breaching the Fiscal Management Accountability Act. It added that seven such payments totalling $54.358M representing approximately 81 percent had been made under Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Negligent supervising consultants The report said that several instances were noted whereby Supervising Consultants failed to administer contracts in the best interests of the Ministries/Departments. In particular: The MoPT made full payment on a contract to an engineering firm for design and supervision services for the renovations and functional enhancements to a Call Centre Building at Linden, Region 10. However, the audit office’s physical verification on September 4, 2020 revealed that there was no representative from the

consultant on site to supervise the works.

“Further, the roof sheeting installed did not meet the specifications in the contract, while materials valuing $16.249M, already paid for, were not on the site,” it said.

The report continued, “With respect to the construction of Ministry of Finance New Annex Building, an advance payment of $64.55M was made to the contractor in 2017. As at 31 December, 2019, $26.506M out of the $64.55M was still not recovered. Further, the Bond provided for this remaining balance expired since 30 December 2019.”

Further, the AG Office stated that “the Ministry of Public Health had engaged a consultant to provide supervision services for the construction of its Head Office Building Phase One. It indicated that all valuations for payment were prepared without any breakdown of the works being paid for at the time.

“Instead, only a summary sheet with the sums being paid for was prepared and submitted by the consultant recommending payment to the contractor. In addition, it was noted that payments totalling $26.408M were made as lump sums for variation works which, as a consequence, could not be measured and quantified.”

Finally, the AG office noted that the supervising consultants engaged by the GDF and the MoF for supervision services for the expansion of offices at CDC, and the construction of MoF New Annex Building, respectively, prepared and recommended full payments in several instances for works which were not completed by the contractors at the time.

UK imposes more lockdowns as mutated COVID variant causes record cases LONDON - (Reuters) - The British government yesterday said huge swathes of England would be placed under its strictest COVID-19 restrictions as a highly infectious virus variant sweeps the country, pushing the number of cases to a record level.

Britain reported almost 40,000 new infections as the mutated variant of the coronavirus, which could be up to 70% more transmissible than the original, causes the number of cases and hospital admissions to soar. The number of recorded deaths - 744 was also the highest figure since April.

“Against this backdrop of rising infections, rising hospitalizations and rising numbers of people dying from coronavirus, it is absolutely vital that we act,” health minister Matt Hancock told a media briefing. “We

simply cannot have the kind of Christmas that we all yearn for.” On Saturday, tight social mixing restrictions measures were brought in for London, southeast England and Wales while plans to ease curbs over Christmas across the nation were either dramatically scaled back or scrapped altogether.

Hancock said from Dec. 26, many more parts of southern England would be also be added to the highest level of social mixing restrictions, joining the 16 million already in Tier 4, while other areas across the country currently in lower tiers would also face tighter curbs. The governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland have already announced that nearly everyone living in those countries would be subjected to the highest level of restrictions after Christmas.

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Thursday December 24, 2020

Thursday December 24, 2020

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Shadab Khan out of first New Zealand Test ...GSA only managed with thigh injury - He will have scans in Tauranga today two Tournaments before ESPNcricinfo - A leftthigh injury has ruled Shadab Khan, the legspinning allrounder who led Pakistan to a 2-1 defeat in the T20I series in New Zealand, out of the first Test, starting December 26 in Mount Maunganui. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar has been called up from the touring Pakistan Shaheens squad to fill in.

Khan had missed the home white-ball series against Zimbabwe in OctoberNovember with a groin injury, but had recovered in time for the New Zealand tour. The problem got worse during a tour game in Christchurch, but he was cleared to lead Pakistan in the T20Is after Babar Azam picked up a finger

Shadab Khan appeals for a wicket © AFP injury, which will keep him along with Imam-ul-Haq, who has a thumb injury too - out

of the first Test as well.

The PCB has confirmed that the allrounder

Thursday December 24, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have strong humanitarian instincts. You think of your fellow humans more than most. This, combined with your intuition and empathy, makes you well suited for the healing professions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You have tremendous creativity inside you, Libra.

Have you begun to use some of it? This creative cycle will last for the next month or so.

Don't let it pass without taking advantage of it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You've been more thoughtful lately and truer to yourself. This is due to your recent introspection. You really can change your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get excited because this is going to be one great day!

Everything will go your way.

It will seem as if you simply can't lose. At work, team members look to you as the leader.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're feeling confident and more comfortable in your own skin than you have in a long time. You're so accomplished, why are you the last one to acknowledge it?

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's time to loosen up, Cancer. The planetary aspects bring a new cycle of tolerance and understanding your way. You could use a bit of both.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Remember all those resolutions you made in the past?

It's time to recommit to them.

All signs indicate that you need to take better care of yourself. You've been so busy working that exercising has begun to feel like a luxury you can't afford.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is an auspicious time for you. It gives you the energy and enthusiasm to make the necessary changes in your life. There is a lot of work to do, but you're up to it!

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a good day for quiet contemplation, Sagittarius.

You may have worried about finances lately, but there's no longer any need to concern yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Capricorn, you're bound to enjoy this day! It's full of possibilities and opportunities. It may begin routinely, but keep your eyes and ears open for hints of change.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Forget about work for a change and focus instead on your love life! This is one area that can really use some attention. There's no sense waiting for your partner to do it. It's up to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You greet the day energized!

Your confidence is at an alltime high because of recent events. You have every reason to be proud of what you've accomplished, especially at work.

complained about the pain in his left thigh and the initial assessment is that he won’t be available for selection for at least seven more days. He will have scans in Tauranga today to decide on the recovery and rehabilitation period.

Gohar, meanwhile, has already joined the Test side, travelling in from Hamilton, where he was preparing for the Shaheens’ T20 against the Northern Knights on Sunday.

He was added to the touring party after a productive 201920 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he was the third-most successful bowler with 38 wickets, including five fourwicket hauls and one fivewicket haul for Central Punjab.

Gohar, 25, made his international debut in an ODI in 2015, in England, but hasn’t played for Pakistan since. He was in line for a Test debut when just 20, back in 2016, during the Test series in the UAE against England. But after being called up to replace the injured Yasir Shah, Gohar reached the Lahore airport only to sleep through the departure announcements.

He has so far taken 144 wickets in 39 first-class matches, at an average of 28.56.

From page 28 meals at their own expense in addition to the seven days of Competition and that will make it difficult for these competitions to take place.

If we get to a point where the Vaccines are working well and the situation of Covid actually changes positively in the first half of the year, we could see these Events take place easily. Locally, once we get approval to host tournaments then the protocols of social distancing and with the players who are not involved in the matches not at the venue, then tournaments could be held,” Fernandes added.

“On behalf of the Guyana Squash Association we would like to thank the players and their parents for their patience in braving this out.

We know it’s been challenging and everyone wants to get back on the Court but be-

ing realistic the Covid situation has not gotten better, in fact it has gotten worse so we have to be realistic in our hopes of things getting back to normality soon,” the businessman cautioned.

Fernandes also thanked the Media for its support over the year and the sponsors who have supported the GSA as well and the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson who has held several favourable discussions with the GSA. Fernandes hoped the two entities can continue to work together and also thanked the GOA for its support and concluded by saying he hoped that 2021 could see a little bit of improvement in terms of us being allowed to continue one of the sports that help to keep the kids grounded, focused, fit, healthy and strive to become the best that they could be.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Thursday December 24, 2020

Messi overtakes Pele’s goal record as Atletico cement Liga lead FP - Lionel Messi overtook Pele’s record of goals for a single club on Tuesday as Barcelona strolled to a 3-0 La Liga win at Real Valladolid, while Atletico Madrid kept hold of their place at the top of the table.

Messi struck his 644th goal for Barca, one more than Brazil legend Pele scored for Santos, in the 65th minute of a routine win for Ronald Koeman’s side, who are fifth in La Liga after the win and eight points behind leaders Atletico.

The Argentine, who had looked out of sorts this season after trying to leave the club in the summer, was at the heart of a powerful Barca performance against admittedly poor opposition.

Catalan giants Barca have won three of their last four matches after two embarrassing defeats to Cadiz and Juventus earlier this month.

“I see Messi happy. He is working hard, and he is a very important part of our attacking game,” said Koeman after the win.

Barca started on the front foot at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium, with Messi flashing a curling shot wide in the seventh minute and forcing a superb save from Jordi Masip in the 20th minute.

A

Lionel Messi enjoyed his record-breaking 644th goal for Barcelona.

Barca took the lead seconds later when Messi clipped over a beautiful cross which France defender Clement Lenglet headed home.

Martin Braithwaite gave the away side a deserved second 14 minutes later, Messi slipping through Sergio Dest who rolled over a perfect low cross for the Danish international to tap home.

Messi scored the landmark goal his excellent performance deserved with a simple finish after bursting through to collect Pedri’s delicate backheeled assist.

The easy win puts Barca two points behind Sociedad and fourth-placed Villarreal, who drew 1-1 at home with Athletic Bilbao.

- Atleti stay top -

Earlier second-half goals from Mario Hermoso and Marcos Llorente earned Atletico a 2-0 win away at a Sociedad team that started the fixture three points off the lead but are now six back in third after their third straight league defeat.

Diego Simeone’s side are three clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who can move level again with their city rivals with a home win over Granada on Wednesday.

Atletico know that however Madrid fare that they will have played two fewer games than the reigning champions, while Sociedad have played three games more than the leaders.

The win was Simeone’s 300th league win as Atletico coach.

“It’s means a lot, really a

Lionel Messi was on target in the second half to set a new goalscoring record. (Cesar Manso/Pool via AP) lot,” the Argentine said.

“I came here with the idea of taking Atletico to the summit of the game ... I can’t thank the club enough for what they have given me.”

Sociedad were the better side in the first half but couldn’t carve a goalscoring opportunity in an opening period without a shot on target.

Atletico went ahead just three minutes after the break

when Hermoso found himself unmarked in the area and perfectly met Yannick Carrasco’s free-kick to send a header flying into the bottom corner.

Atletico sealed the points with 16 minutes remaining, Llorente lashing home when the ball fell to him on the edge of the area to complete a textbook away performance.

Sevilla are sixth, nine

points behind Atletico after Suso fired them to a 1-0 win at struggling Valencia.

Suso gave the Andalusians the points with a thumping strike in the 81st minute after charging through to collect a Joan Jordan through ball.

Valencia are 13th and just a point above the relegation zone after their sixth consecutive league match without a win.

Sir Vivian Richards sees much promise in Joshua Da Silva, who “looks like he knows his game” Joshua Da Silva

SportsMax - Joshua Da Silva might have only played in one Test match, but according to one of the greatest batsmen of all time, the young Trinidadian’s more experienced counterparts could learn a thing or two f r o m t h e g r e e n h o r n wicketkeeper/batsman.

Called to the West Indies squad to replace the injured Shane Dowrich, the 22-year-old Da Silva got off to an inauspicious start in his Test debut which came recently against New Zealand. After looking at ease in the middle, a moment of indecision cost him his wicket.

When on three, he decided to play at a fullish outswinger in the corridor from Tim Southee. In an instant, Da Silva tried to pull his bat away but not far enough as the ball brushed the bat face on its way through to wicketkeeper BJ Watling.

However, in his second turn at bat with the West Indies following on, Da Silva was the most composed batsman, going on to make a polished 57. With the West Indies facing certain defeat and with only one

batsman left to come, he was eventually trapped lbw by Neil Wagner. During the knock where he stroked six balls to the boundaries, the young Trinidadian impressed none other than the Master Blaster himself, Sir Isaac Vivian Richards.

“I think some of these guys should have a look at him and see how simple he keeps his game because even for the period I saw him at the crease he was compact, not flashy and had the bat coming down with all kinds of flashiness,” Sir Vivian told the Antigua Observer in a recent interview.

“He looks very respectable to me, like he knows his game.

“You see him when he is batting and when he is looking to defend, how straight his bat is. He looks organized to me and you’re not seeing that in all the other guys.”

Da Silva came away with a Test average of 30, the third best among the West Indies batsmen. Only Jermaine Blackwood with an average of 54 and Captain Jason Holder who averaged 34.33 were better.

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

PAGE 27

David Warner ruled Maradona suffered from liver, out of Boxing Day Test kidney, heart disorders: report After his death, Maradona’s coffin was taken to the presidential palace to lie in state as thousands of fans flocked to say their farewells.

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David Warner walks off the field after injuring his groin © Getty Images

E

SPNcricinfo David Warner has been formally ruled out of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and alongside Sean Abbott is recuperating separately away from the main Australian squad after their arrival into Melbourne to avoid being trapped in New South Wales due to the Covid-19 outbreak on Sydney’s northern beaches.

W h i l e Wa r n e r h a d initially hoped to recover in time for Boxing Day from the groin strain he suffered during the second ODI at the SCG last month, his progress has not been rapid enough to allow him to be fit.

At the same time,

biosecurity restrictions around Warner and Abbott, having left Sydney to travel to Melbourne on December 19, mean they will not be able to enter the hub occupied by the main squad until after the Boxing Day Test concludes on December 30.

“David Warner and Sean Abbott will rejoin the Australian men’s Test squad ahead of the third Test against India,” a CA spokesman said.

“Warner and Abbott spent time in Sydney outside the team’s bio-secure hub to recover from injury. While neither player has been in a specific ‘hotspot’ as outlined

by NSW Health, Cricket

Australia’s biosecurity protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test.

“Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI Series against India and would not have been available for the second Test match, while Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.

“The pair travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to continue their rehabilitation given the changing public health situation in Sydney at the time.”

FP - Argentina football legend Diego Maradona was suffering from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders but there were no signs of alcohol or narcotics consumption in his autopsy, the public prosecutor said yesterday.

World Cup winning captain from Mexico ’86, Maradona died of a heartattack on November 25 at the age of 60.

The public prosecutor in San Isidro, a northern suburb of the capital Buenos Aires, published the results of Maradona’s autopsy late on Tuesday night.

It was ordered as part of an investigation into his death to see if there was any negligence or recklessness in the health care he was provided.

At the end of his life he was suffering from a variety of illnesses including cirrhosis, heart disease and kidney failure.

The toxicology analysis showed there was no alcohol or narcotics in his blood or urine but Maradona was

taking anti-depressants, an anti-psychotic drug and various other medication to treat ulcers, convulsions, dependencies and difficulties in expelling waste.

Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addictions during his life.

“What’s come out of the laboratory analysis is as important as what hasn’t, which simply confirms that Maradona was given psychotropic drugs but no medicine for heart disease,” one of the investigators told the Telam press agency.

Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and heart surgeon Leopoldo Luque are under investigation as they were treating Maradona before his death.

A first autopsy conducted the day Maradona died found he had suffered from liquid on the lungs with acute heart failure brought on by a disease of the heart muscles that makes it harder to pump blood.

Maradona’s heart was twice the normal weight.

He had undergone an

operation for a bleed on the brain on November 3, just five days after his 60th birthday where he briefly attended a party in his honor at the club he was coaching, Gimnasia y Esgrima, although he appeared to be in poor health.

Maradona was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

He is a legend in his homeland having been instrumental in guiding them to World Cup glory in 1986 and then again to the final in Italy four years later.

He is also an icon in Naples were as a player he helped Napoli win the only two Serie A titles in their history.

He had much less success as a coach, taking Argentina to the World Cup quarterfinals in South Africa in 2010 before embarking on a nomadic journey that took him to the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.

He was the coach of Argentine Primera Division side Gimnasia at the time of his death.

Reputation will not protect Kieran Trippier suspended for 10 athletes from doping ban, says Coe weeks over breaches of betting rules BBC Sport - England and Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier has been given a 10-week worldwide football ban and fined £70,000 after a Football Association panel found he broke betting rules.

The 30-year-old denied seven alleged breaches, but four were found proven during a personal hearing.

The offences occurred in July 2019, which is when

Trippier joined Atletico from Tottenham Hotspur.

His ban from all football is effective immediately.

He will miss 12 games for La Liga leaders Atletico, including their Champions League last-16 first leg tie at home to Chelsea on 23 February.

However, he will be available for the Madrid derby on 7 March.

His ban relates to rule

E8(1)(b), which states: “Where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time, the participant shall be in breach of this rule where any of that information is used by that other person for, or in relation to, betting.”

(Reuters) - World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said reputation will not protect the sport’s high-profile athletes from doping raps and warned that it would be harder than ever to get away with taking banned substances at next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

A host of top athletes, including world 100 metres champion Christian Coleman, have been sanctioned by the Athletics Integrity Unit in recent years as it looks to restore integrity in a sport plagued by doping scandals. “I like to think that it has shown the athletes that we’re not fearful of reputation.

Where there is an infraction we’re not fearful

of going: ‘Oh well that’s quite a big name,’” Coe, who won double Olympic gold over 1,500 metres, told British media.

“The AIU is not always going to be on everybody’s Christmas card list... but I do think that it has restored some confidence that we’ve got an organisation that will fearlessly and ruthlessly weed out the cheats.” Coe said improvements in testing would make it harder than ever for athletes to avoid being caught.

“What I can say is if they do cheat, there is a greater chance of them being caught in Tokyo than probably any previous Games,” he added.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

GSA only managed two Tournaments before Pandemic struck Guyana

Thursday December 24, 2020

David Fernandes (second left, back row) with his hard working executive.

‘Biggest challenge was not being able to train’ - GCA head David Fernandes

By Sean Devers On January 28, 2020, the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) under the leadership of David Fernandes started the year in auspicious fashion with the staging of the inaugural BCQS Master Squash Tournament in Guyana.

When the dust had settled Guyana’s Dennis Dias had won the Men’s over-65, Guyana’s Narendra Singh won over-55, Bajan Mark Sealy won the over-45, and Shaun Simpson of Barbados took the over-35, while Guyanese Lydia Frazer won the Women’s over-35 Division. BCQS Director Sanjay Amin lost to Singh (8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 119) in the over 55-final.

However, after the staging of the Bounty Farm Handicap tournament which concluded on February 16, Guyana confirmed its first case of the coronavirus when a 52-year-old Guyanese woman traveling from New York on March 5, died on March 11, bringing a halt to all sports, including Squash, that month.

It’s been 10 months since no Squash tournament has been played in Guyana, with the 83,000sq mile South America Country which is bordered by Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela, being locked down in March.

This was done to combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus in which the positive cases have now surpassed the Spanish flu, a pandemic which devastated the World back in 1920, the Cholera outbreak which

Lydia Fraser was the Women’s 0-35 in the DSPQ Masters Tournament in February. occurred a hundred years earlier and the Plague in 1720.

Only Cricket, Cycling, Athletics and (Lawn) Tennis have been given the green light to resume competition.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) staged the National Over-40 T20 last month, while the Demerara InterAssociation 50 –over U-19 tournament ended last week Saturday. Both Cricket tournaments were played without spectators and adhered to Covid-19 regulations set out by the WHO, the Ministry of Health and Covid-19 Task Force.

Cycling stared last month with the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) running off a series of time trial events in the City, Berbice and Linden with the Cyclists lining up six feet apart as they awaited their turn to start.

Athletics re-started last

month with Cross Country run and South American 10K without any foreign Athletics, while Tennis was given approval to re-start last month with GTA ‘Safe Tennis’ Tournament at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Court at the residence of the GTA President Samuel Barakat.

But due to the Pandemic, the GSA was only able to have two Tournaments prior to March and none since then.

“We had for the first time an International Masters Tournament sponsored by BCQS which was held here in Guyana where we had representatives from all over the Caribbean coming to play. Then we had the Bounty Farm Handicap which was a fantastic tournament.

The highlight of the year was the BCQS International Masters Guyana 2020 where we got the senior members of the Squash Fraternity in the Caribbean coming together to participate in a tournament of this magnitude. It was well run and the participants seemed to have enjoyed themselves i m m e n s e l y, ” i n f o r m e d David Fernandes who was re-elected as President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) on March 11, 2019.

“The Covid-19 P a n d e m i c a ff e c t e d u s significantly and once the Country was locked down in March we were unable to restart any Event going forward from there.

The biggest Challenge, not only for Squash but for every sporting discipline

was not being able to have any training since March stated Fernandes.

The two facilities for Squash were closed because of the Covid-19 guidelines, rightfully implemented by the Covid Task force so we did not have any activity.

Both facilities remain closed and we have written to the Georgetown Club and the Ministry of Sport and we are also awaiting some guidance from the Covid Task Force to stage Events,” Informed Fernandes.

“Probable the biggest disappointment for me was that the intention was to have Guyana’s Junior Boys team participate in the Junior Pan Am Championships this year and they were training very well.

The team would have been led by Shomari Wilshire, then we have had Samuel Ince Carvahal, Mikey Alphonso and Nicholas Verwey would have been on the team.

I think they would have done us proud so that was the biggest disappointment for me. I think this year we would have been able to

regain the Junior Caribbean Te a m t i t l e w i t h t h e tournament scheduled to be held in Bermuda, so those were the two biggest disappointments for me. I believe we could have dethroned defending Champions Barbados after finishing second for the past two years,” posited the GASA top man.

This year the GSA had planned a packed programme but the Pandemic derailed them.

“We should have had the Junior and Senior National tournaments, Junior CASA tournament in Bermuda, the Senior CASA tournament in Jamaica; we had plans of attending the Junior Pan Am Games in Uruguay. We also planned for our senior players going to Poland for t h e Wo r l d ’s M a s t e r s Tournament, we had junior players going to the US and Canadian Open.

So it was disappointing that we never got the chance to participate in these tournaments. However, we have to look on the bright side and all the members of our fraternity are healthy for that we are thankful,” stated the hard working Fernandes who was first elected GSA head in February 2013 when he took over from Andrew

Shomari Wiltshire was expected to lead a strong Guyana Junior to CASA this year.

Guyana’s junior squash team which finished 2nd Trinidad last year.

Arjoon.

“We are using the WSF guidelines as well as looking at the other Caribbean Country’s guidelines and how they started and the protocols they have in place and so we would use those rules to manage our facilities and protect our players if we are given the green light to fully restart our programmes. In terms of the Caribbean, only two Countries…Guyana and Jamaica… have not restarted their programmes,” continued Fernandes.

“For this year we still have hopes of World Masters being staged. In 2021 we have about 10 Events, at least six of them being local... In terms of Caribbean Championships, Barbados will now be the host for Junior CASA maybe at the end of July, while Senior CASA is fixed for November. Both of these championships have been held back to give us the best chance of these tournaments being held.

One of the big problems with these tournaments is that if there is a five-day quarantine period before the Event it will mean that teams will have an extra five days of accommodation and (Continued on page 25)

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Djokovic withdraws from Laureus launches support of Naomi Osaka’s ATP Player Council elections Play Academy initiative SportsMax - Laureus has given a funding boost to an initiative led by Naomi Osaka aimed at changing the lives of girls through play and sport.

Play Academy with Naomi Osaka has been launched as a collaboration with Nike, Laureus and the three-time grand slam singles champion.

It is intended to “level the playing field for girls through the power of sport” by investing in positive play experiences and working with coaches who have training in gender inclusivity.

“I’m so thankful to Laureus and its partner MUFG for supporting Play Academy,” said Japan star Osaka.

“Together with Nike, Mastercard and our other

partners, we’ll be able to make a positive impact on young women and girls.

Sport today is more important than ever for society, especially for girls growing up in marginalised communities.

“I’m so proud that through Play Academy, we’re going to be working to ensure more girls stay in sport, building confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills, giving them the support they need to succeed in other aspects of life.”

Edwin Moses, the chairman of Laureus Sport for Good said: “Naomi’s creation of Play Academy shows how athletes at the top of their game can make a difference to young lives – not just by being role models, but by using their

influence to focus on important issues and causes.

“MUFG joining Play Academy, alongside Nike and the other partners helping to drive it, is a great example of teamwork that will benefit so many young people.

I congratulate and thank Naomi for the inspirational work she’s doing off the court as well as on it.”

Laureus Sport for Good, a charity supporting children and young people through sport, has a focus on promoting social inclusion and female empowerment in Japan.

The initiative has raised more than €150million for the Sport for Development sector in the past 20 years, helping more than six million children and young people since 2000.

Chemistry and resources are Coach Hercules’s major concern

By Calvin Chapman

L

ess than two months remain before the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) makes a debut appearance at the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) World Cup 2023 pre-qualifiers and the head coach; Junior Hercules, during an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport has explained that team chemistry is his main concern while mentioning his confidence in having a very competitive squad.

Limited preparation time has been the bugbear for the GABF throughout the years and although this year it is no different with the National Covid-19 task force not a p p r o v i n g t h e commencement of training by the provisional 12-man squad as yet, Hercules is confident that the core of his squad is match fit.

The coach, who laid the

successful tactics that allowed the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ to lift the coveted John Yates trophy for playing unbeaten in the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) senior m e n ’s c h a m p i o n s h i p s , shared with Kaieteur Sport that around six of the 12 provisional players are active players and have been doing well.

Those players include the skipper Stanton Rose, who recently moved to NCAA division II side, St. Mary’s University. Rose, who turns 21 on Boxing Day, was the youngest captain in the history of Guyana basketball when he took the mantle in 2018. Like the coach, the young star has voiced his concerns about team chemistry.

Co-captain Anthony Moe was one of the most influential players in the Nicaraguan professional league, while the likes of Ray Victor and Kevon

Wiggins remained fairly active despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Hercules, who also serves as the Technical Director of the GABF, also made comments in relation to the resources available to the reigning Caribbean Champions to allow them to remain competitive.

In the past, basketball has been treated as a stepchild oftentimes and it will be expected that after making the nation proud after winning their first title in 2018 in the Caribbean Championships that they have competed in since 1981, that the GABF and the senior men’s team would get the necessary support needed.

Guyana senior men’s basketball team will contest the FIBA World Cup 2023 pre-qualifiers from February 17-21 in El Salvador. The group draws will be done on January 15th.

Novak Djokovic (FILE PHOTO: ATP Finals)

(Reuters) -

W

orld number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this month’s AT P P l a y e r C o u n c i l elections citing the governing body’s new rule that would make it a “conflict of interest” because of his role in the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA).

The Serb set up the breakaway PTPA on the eve of the U.S. Open in September and resigned as head of the player council but last month he confirmed that he had been nominated by his fellow professionals for the current elections

which he accepted.

However, the new ATP rule means he has had to withdraw.

“Unfortunately, given these latest developments I feel it is now necessary to remove myself from the list of candidates,” he wrote in a s t a t e m e n t https://twitter.com/DjokerN ole/status/13410947454986 32192 on Twitter posted on Monday.

“I do not wish to create conflict or uncertainty around the player elections or create any issues that may arise.”

Djokovic repeated the assertions he made several times this year that the PTPA

wanted to co-exist with the sport’s governing bodies but the ball was now in their court.

“The PTPA has made it clear it does not intend to be combative, it is unclear how the ATP will view the association in the future,” Djokovic said.

He added that the PTPA was still in the formative stages but he was still keen to advance it to further the interests of all players, especially those in the lower ranks.

The decision to form the PTPA blindsided many players with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal voicing their opposition.

Football and dementia:

Group of ex-players and politicians call for urgent review BBC Sport - A group of former footballers and politicians have called for a review into the possible link between heading and diseases that affect people’s mental abilities such as dementia.

A letter addressed to culture secretary Oliver Dowden has been signed by nine explayers.

It asks government to assess if current heading guidelines are suitable too.

Ex-footballers are three-and-a-half-times more likely to die of dementia than the general population.

Five members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad have been diagnosed with dementia, including Nobby Stiles, who died in October.

Led by former Chelsea and Charlton player Mickey Ambrose, the letter - written in conjunction with the Fifa Ethics and Regulations Watch - has been signed by Peter Reid, Phil Brown, Viv Anderson, Darren Moore, Clive Wilson, Dean Wilkins, Vinny Samways and Mark McCammon.

“We are writing to you as former professional footballers, who have played at

all levels of the game, including representing our country,” the letter reads.

“Last year saw the publication of a landmark study that sought to identify whether there was any link between heading the ball and an increase in the incidence of degenerative neurocognitive disease.

“While the report said there was no definitive link, it confirmed that players were three-and-a-half times more likely to die of dementia and other neurological diseases than the general population.

“Following the study’s publication, the FA in parallel with Uefa’s medical committee published new guidelines that apply to all young players.

“Measures included a complete prohibition of header training for children below the age of 12 and a graduated process to headers thereafter.

“We welcome these measures but believe they do not go far enough.”

A similar letter, signed by a cross-party group of MPs and peers, has been sent to Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday December 24, 2020

Thursday December 24, 2020

Kaieteur News

Exciting action anticipated at Turning Point on Boxing Day - Orin Boston

O

rganiser of the annual Boxing Day dominoes tournament, Orin Boston, said, exciting action is expected at Turning Point as some of the top city teams are expected to be on show.

Boston stated that the teams are eager to finish the year on a high so we can expect a keenly contested affair. Boston expressed gratitude to the sponsors.

The competition which attracts an entrance fee of $15,000, will be played under strict covid guidelines and conclude on Sunday.

The opening rounds will be played on a three-round points system from which nine teams will go through to the second round on Sunday for the eliminator which will be contested on a two-inone-out system.

The winning team will take home a trophy and $150,000, the runner up a trophy and $75,000, third place a trophy and $35,000 and fourth place a trophy and

PAGE 31

Diego Maradona: Autopsy reveals no drink or illegal drugs at time of Argentina legend’s death Diego Maradona won the World Cup in 1986. (Getty Images)

From left, Organiser Orin Boston, Georgetown Dominoes Association President Colin Mc Ewan, Dhyan Carter and Mark Wiltshire with the trophies. $20,000. The best female player will be given $10,000 and the most valuable player $5,000. Among the teams expected to participate are Mix Up, All Season’s, C 7, Gold is Money, Spartons, West Side and Providence.

The competition is being sponsored by All Season’s Racing Service, Dynasty, Big Boss Transportation Service, IMON Wireless Solutions Inc., Safeway Security, Leonard Leung, Sanjay Persaud, Deodat

Motiram, Tony’s Jewellery and Unnamed Friends.

The tournament is being coordinated by Orin Boston with assistance from Mark Wiltshire. Action on both days will commence on 14:30hrs.

BBC Sport - Diego Maradona’s autopsy has revealed that the Argentina legend had no signs of alcohol or narcotics consumption at the time of his death.

The 1986 World Cup winner died of a heart attack on 25 November at the age of 60.

The autopsy said Maradona had problems with his kidneys, heart and lungs.

It had been ordered as part of an investigation into Maradona’s death to see if there was any negligence in

the healthcare he was provided.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had a successful operation on a brain blood clot earlier in November and had been due to be treated for alcohol dependency.

A first autopsy carried out on the day Maradona died found that the former Boca Juniors and Napoli player had died from “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy”.

Coach Hercules flanked by Ray Victor (left) and Stanton Rose after winning the CBC men’s championship in 2018. (Calvin Chapman photo)

rt o p S

Chemistry and resources are Coach Hercules’s major concern Sir Vivian Richards sees much promise in Joshua Da Silva, who “looks like he knows his game” Joshua Da Silva

Laureus has given a funding boost to an initiative led by Naomi Osaka.

Laureus launches support of Naomi Osaka’s Play Academy initiative

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