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AIETEUR NEWS

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1 feared dead, 2 swim to shore

Saturday Edition February 05, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 06 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 77,009

after boat capsizes

Peru suspends oil

company's operations after disastrous spill Guyana to have The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

UAE, Saudi Embassies this year - Min. Todd

Prison escapee captured with foot cuffs still on Thieves caught on camera robbing woman, student

Budget 2022 raids and plunders oil fund

- MP Forde

…result is Guyanese now to benefit US$0.02 a day for family of 4

As VP Jagdeo speaks of pressure to get model PSA in place for CGX, his govt. remains silent on renegotiation of EM’s PSA @11:00hrs

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This thief was captured on camera robbing a woman of her cell phone at 'A' Field Sophia.

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ver the last few days, CCTV cameras have captured two brazen robberies across Georgetown – one along Carmichael Street in front of The Bishops' High School where a Grade Seven student was robbed of her money and another at 'A' Field Sophia where a woman was robbed of her cell phone. Footage of both incidents surfaced on social media platforms and sparked the ire of citizens, especially those who conduct business in the city on a daily basis. The first footage surfaced on Wednesday of a man dressed in a pair of short pants, a black t-shirt and a red cap robbing a female student of The Bishops' High School.

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Kaieteur News

His victim was at the time standing with her schoolmates on the pedestrian walkway along Carmichael Street when the thief launched his attack. The camera captured him walking up to the group of students and then suddenly grabbing the young girl and then searching through the pockets of her uniform. It appeared as if he took something and then briskly walked off as though nothing had happened. The students then walked back into the school's compound and related what happened to the security guard and their teachers. Kaieteur News was told that children were all Grade Seven students and were waiting to be picked up from school by their parents and

Thieves caught on camera robbing woman, student designated transportation. The bandit had reportedly robbed the little girl of her cell phone and money that her parents had given her for school that day. The second footage surfaced on Thursday and captured a bicycle bandit robbing a woman of her cell phone at 'A' Field Sophia. This newspaper learnt that, that robbery took place early Thursday morning while the victim was hurrying out to work. Based on the footage seen, the woman had her earphones plugged into her smart phone that was in a pocket in her jersey. It appeared as though she was enjoying music as she walked briskly out of her street. As she passed a shop, a masked man on a bicycle wearing a white cap, a

hoodie and pair of light coloured short denim jeans rode up beside her. He was seen bracing her to the side of the road with the bicycle before jumping off and forcefully relieving her of the cell phone. The woman tried to protect her property but the thief was too strong for her and eventually snatched it, leaving her with only the earphones. He then picked up his bicycle and rode away. Although, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, recently boasted in Parliament during the 2022 budget debates that crime has decreased significantly since his government took office, it is quite evident that some citizens are still not safe while traversing some city streets.

A screen grab from the brazen robbery committed on The Bishops' High School student on Carmichael Street.

Prison escapee captured with foot cuffs still on Police on Friday afternoon reportedly captured an escaped prisoner hiding in the backlands of Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) with his foot shackles still on. The prisoner, identified as 18-year-old Kavin Singh, was an inmate at the Lusignan Prison on remand for armed robbery and two counts of the illegal possession of ammunition and firearm. According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Singh had escaped from a washroom inside the virtual court compound that was recently established at the Lusignan Prison. He was reportedly taken to the virtual court along with seven other inmates to face their scheduled virtual court appearances. Singh was in the custody of Prison Officer, Rawlewayne Payne, when he asked to use the washroom. Singh was granted permission to use the washroom and, with his foot shackles on, he slowly walked to where it was located on the western side of the compound. Officer Payne related that he then visited the court office briefly and returned but when he went to check up on Singh, he was gone. An alarm was raised and a manhunt commenced for the escapee. It is believed that Singh had scaled the fence and made good his escape. However, his freedom was short lived when officers located him hiding out in the Good Hope backlands with his foot shackles still on. In a photo taken moments after he was

A photo of the prison escapee moments after he was captured. captured, it appeared as if he might have jumped into a trench. His skin was muddy and his t-shirt was torn. It should be noted that only a week ago, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, during his speech at a Senior Prison Officers' Conference, urged prison officers to be more responsible when inmates are in their custody. The Minister said, “Don't give a prisoner the key to open the gate and then they get away and then we will have to be looking for them.” Benn had warned too that if prison officers cannot do the job, then they will have to leave and the department will have to replace them with individuals who can do their job properly.

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Oil money should be used to buy laptops for every Guyanese child - Cathy Hughes “We are the fastest growing oil producing nation but the best we can do is 11,000 laptops. Surely by n o w, w i t h a c c e s s t o US$607M from oil reserves, every Guyanese child should have been given a laptop.” This was the assertion of Former Minister with responsibility for the Telecommunications Sector under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) regime, Cathy Hughes, when she added her voice yesterday to this year's Budget debates on the

$553B Estimated spending for this year. The AFC Executive was at the time addressing what she called a growing disparity with regard the delivery of education in Guyana which she contends has in recent years, descended into a form of apartheid. According to Hughes, there is a huge disparity in the educational fortunes of those who cannot afford to pay for a private education, those who attend the very small list of leading public schools and those who are

condemned for the rest of their lives to menial jobs because their opportunity for a better quality of tutorship, particularly at the primary level, “was denied them because of either an absence of adequate resources particularly as a result of the absence of technology in the schools they are forced to attend.” She was adamant, “this disparity has now reached the status of a virtual apartheid in education between the well-resourced and privileged and those who are condemned to

Education officials pay visit to family of girl killed in Mahaica accident Ye s t e r d a y, S e n i o r Officers within the Ministry of Education visited the home of the late Shereeda Persaud who was a Grade 11 student of the Bush Lot Secondary School. The 16 year-old died following a vehicular accident on Wednesday at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. A Ministry of Education release noted, “Our officers extended heartfelt condolences and

words of comfort to the family of Shereeda, who was a Grade 11 student of the Bush Lot Secondary School and represented Region Five a t t h e 2 0 2 1 Yo u t h Parliament, where she served as the Minister of Home Affairs.” The Ministry was represented by the Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Ms. Tiffany Harvey; Chief Schools' Welfare Officer, Ms. Gillian

Vyphuis; Senior Officer attached to the office of the DCEO (Admin), Ms. Penelope McIntosh and Senior Schools' Welfare Officer (SSWO) of Region Five, Mrs. Gloria DavidsonJames.According to the Ministry's release, the visit is only the first as officers of the Department of Education for Region Five were slated to visit the family today to discuss what other assistance could be offered.

Senior Education Officers comforting Shereeda's mother.

attend schools with little or no internet facilities.” Hughes told the House, “…we all know that there is a direct correlation between access to internet and the prospect of improved results and better matriculation. And that's why the provisions in this budget for the expansion of the telecoms sector are critical.” She noted that children who have little or no access to the internet will not access the educational material and resources which are essential to improving their opportunities to secure better grades. The former government minister in the ousted APNU+AFC administration told Members of parliament that in order to reverse “the virtual apartheid in education between the better resourced, better connected, the haves and the have-nots, a targeted allocation of

financial resources to the most disadvantaged underprivileged sections of society is required.” To this end she called for a marshal plan for the underprivileged schools, teachers training facilities, educational research facilities, devices – like laptops, tablets and connectivity, are critical. These, she said, cannot be found in budget 2022. “Whether urban, rural or in the hinterland, the schools without access or limited access should be allocated greater resources to afford the children of the under privileged a chance of real participation in the bounty Guyana has to offer.” According to Hughes, “this will not happen by way of handouts but by affording them the opportunity of being appropriately qualified at the highest level in order to benefit from the

APNU+AFC's Cathy Hughes local content framework which is being established.” Qu a l i f y i n g h e r position further, Hughes told the House that some interesting figures have emerged during the course of the debates and pointed to the 11,000 laptops to be provided for the approximately 200,000 c h i l d r e n a n d student receiving education.

1 feared dead, 2 swim to shore after boat capsizes One person is feared dead while two were able to swim to safety after a fibreglass boat, powered by a 100Hp outboard engine, capsized in the Essequibo River on Thursday night. Feared dead is Lakeram Kuber, 54, of Bellplaine Wakenaam, Essequibo, Region Three. The boat in which Kuber was travelling in reportedly capsized around 23:00hrs after a wave reportedly knocked it over. According to police, Kuber and a friend, Feroze Amin, 58, who is said to be the captain of the boat, had decided to leave Wakenaam earlier that evening to pick up an acquaintance, Floyd

Dazzell, at Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. They made it to Supenaam safely but tragedy struck on their way back to Wa k e n a a m . A w a v e reportedly struck the boat with force and Amin lost control of the outboard engine resulting in it overturning. The two survivors, Dazzell and Amin who made it to shore safely, revealed that when the boat started sinking, they all decided to take of their clothes quickly and swim to shore. They began swimming together but the water was rough and as they battled to survive, they lost sight of

each other. Kaieteur News learnt that one of the survivors made it to the seawall located at Bellplaine, Wakenaam and stayed there until he was rescued. The other survivor as he got closer to shore began shouting for help and was rescued too, but Kuber was not found. A search party has been launched but up to press time yesterday, there was still no sign of him.

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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

Budget debate on oil money

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he opposition is saying that “Govt. has no clear plan to spend $126B of oil money - Opposition MP says $89B vulnerable to being lost to corruption” (KN February 1). It looks like it is going to be turbulent February, valentine day and all, and not forgetting the national celebration of Mashramani towards the latter part of the month. Regarding the government’s plan, or lack of a clear one, on spending that huge oil money amount, we say to our fellow citizens, don’t be fooled and lulled into a false sense of security on that, because the PPP/C Government, during the few brief years that it was in the opposition, had ample time to think of, design, and ready itself with plans on how to steal at will the oil and other monies of this country. The only obstacle in its way was elections, which is now history, with the coast clear to implement those plans for oil money. The oil money, $126B of it, is in the national budget for 2022. Given the government’s one seat majority, that means it was over before the debates started, meaning, that those billions are going to be approved for the plans of PPP/C leaders and ministers in the government, as well as their supportive public servants, to be put into action. Already, there is general awareness of the huge amounts identified for various sectors in the economy, which are sure to follow the now traditional path of projects, bids and contract awards, with much of the money siphoned off by PPP/C leaders and their friends and cronies in the special criminal cabal that enjoys insider treatment. There was always that vision in place, and matters now take form and shape with which areas are getting what and how much. It does not need a magician or a prophet to appreciate how much of this oil money in the budget will be spent for the official purposes intended, and how much more will end up in the pockets of the contract bandits and the political rogues who empower them with awards, sometimes inexplicable, most times not making sense. The Opposition MP took the position that “$89B vulnerable to being lost to corruption” which we think is being kind and generous. We say this because a quick division informs us that it is roughly 70 percent of the total $126M that is believed could be swindled in some way or the other. Many campaign financiers of the PPP/C during the elections ‘donated’ incredible sums of money to the party, so they have to recoup all of their investment, and then have enough left over to show a lavish profit. Government public works projects are the umbrella under which to legitimise, so to speak, occasion to plunder the oil billions of this country. Bids and awards are the best camouflage to return favours rendered during the campaign season. There is a half-trillion plus in Guyana dollars to operate with, which gives countless opportunities to the insiders favoured to swindle even more lavishly the citizens of this country. When we look at the amounts earmarked for the various sectors under government management, it is undeniable that the budget percentages were overwhelmingly tilted in favour of the private sector, which gets to collect its rewards, at the expense of poor and hopeful Guyanese. When one adds up the set asides (tax threshold increase, assistance for parents with children, pensioners and the financially distressed) of the PPP/C Government, as incorporated into the 2022 budget, it is stark as to how poorly the non-business, afflicted, and the needy fared in comparison to those who already have more than they know what to do with, but are still being gifted more. No matter how this is added up, be such direct benefits, indirectly, peripheral, and trickle-down all totalled, the lesser in this country did very poorly in this monster of a budget for this year. What the PPP/C Government ensured that it took care of was for the rich to get richer, the poor to be poorer, and the haves to have more and the have-nots to lament why they always come out last, and with still less than before.

Budget 2022 must be placed in the context of global challenges DEAR EDITOR, Certain stories published in mainstream media recently caught my attention. Stabroek News edition of January 22, 2022, carried a Reuters report in which the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres lamented the failure of global governance to ‘put humanity at the center of technology and bring peace.’ The UN Chief declared that many of “today’s multilateral frameworks are outdated and no longer fit for purpose.’ Guterres branded the global financial system “morally bankrupt” because it “ favours the rich and punishes the poor.” He called for reform to support the dire needs of developing countries. In a letter to the press on January 26,2021, headlined ‘ World Governments have failed us badly’ I referred to four area of failures by world governments as follows; the fight against domestic terrorism, the COVID 19 pandemic, climate change and the fourth area being poverty. In respect to world governments’ failure to end poverty, I made reference to the roughly one billion people

who live in extreme poverty while another 1.5 billion or forty per cent of humanity live in poverty. Jeffery Sachs in his book ‘The End of Poverty’ identified 2025 as the ‘year to end poverty’. To do so, he called for ‘collective action through effective government provision for health, education, infrastructure, as well as foreign assistance when needed, to underpin economic success.’ Sachs’ target year to end poverty is a mere three years from where we are now and given the magnitude of the problem in both industrialised and developing countries, it is highly improbable that the ambitious target he set will be achieved. The lack of political will coupled with a country’s internal political dynamics, poor governance and endemic corruption makes Sachs’ target well-nigh impossible. Take Latin America and the Caribbean; In its January 31, 2022 edition, Kaieteur News carried extracts of a virtual press conference held by Alicia Barcena, Sectary General of the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC).

Barcena stated that from ‘2020 to 2021 the number of people living in extreme poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean went from 81 million to 86 million’. That is an increase of five million in just one year. By Sachs’ 2025, extreme poverty in the region could reach 106 million! Barcena went on to point out that ‘despite the economic recovery of 2021 the estimated relative and absolute levels of poverty and extreme poverty have remained above those recorded in 2019, which reflects the on-going social crisis.’ She claimed that in 2020 alone, extreme poverty reached the level seen 27 years before. The ECLAC Secretary General emphasized that poverty would have been greater in 2020 if the region’s countries had not implemented measures such as emergency cash transfers. She added that even though cash transfers amounting to $87.9 billion in the first ten months of 2021 was announced, only half amounting to $45.3 billion was actually spent. Touching on the pandemic and its impact on the

economies of the region, Barcena stated that the “ Pandemic is a historic opportunity to forge a new social compact that would provide protection, certainty and trust.” She went on, “Lower economic growth will mark the coming years, and if efforts to protect the population’s well-being are not maintained, there will be greater increases in poverty and inequality in the region.” Closer to home, in a Kaieteur News story carried on February 2,2022, the Caribbean Development Bank’s Director of Economics, Ian Durant emphasized that “The CDB has recognized Guyana as a major force propelling the Region’s economic growth in 2021". Durant went on to point out that “The projected outturn is dominated by Guyana, which is expected to grow by 47.5 per cent as output in the oil and gas sector continues to build momentum.” What is the significance of Guterres’, Barcena’s and Durant’s statements for the people of Guyana? First and (Continued on page 6)

The curse of political indiscretion which has afflicted PNC/R leadership has again raised its ugly head DEAR EDITOR, I hold no brief for Aubrey C. Norton. I write only as a detached pure constitutionalist unpolluted by politician’s bias. The seemingly self-induced controversy swirling around the statutory office of “Representative of the List” of the APNU/AFC collation and it is political ramifications, raises a somewhat novel, yet acutely interesting point of law, in our electoral constitutional jurisprudence. The point, as I conceive, is this: whether the nomination by a Party or Parties (as the case may be) of a candidate on a Party’s/ Parties’ List of Candidates, made to GECOM, to hold the office of Representative of the List for the purposes of General and Regional Elections, is revocable after the GREs, by a nonnominating party and a substitution made there for by it, to hold that office for the unexpired period of the five (5) years life of the Parliament? Is such revocation and substitution constitutionally permissible? This question brings into very sharp focus the inter play of the Representation of the

People Act Cap. 1:03 (“ROPA”)(especially sections 11,12 and 23); and the Constitution (especially article 156 (3) &(4), and 110) and party majoritarian politics. I answer the question with an emphatic – YES. I submit that by a majoritarian process a nonnominating party (ex-facie not on the record) with a sufficient relevant interest does possess such power of revocation and substitution; and that our constitutional law knows nothing of a concept of irrevocability of nomination. The nominee - RoL enjoys no security of tenure as the Constitution or ROPA has not prescribed any procedure for removal from office; or duration of office. First of all, the notion of some unilateral arrogation of the holding of the office of Representative of the List (“RoL”) in defiance of the Party/Parties, is the very antithesis of the “democratic” ethos (entrenched at the deepest level in article 1 of our Constitution) by which majoritarianism underpins our electoral and legislative constitutional architecture,

and borders on self-nomination! (as to power of majority see also section 32 of Interpretation And General Clauses Act, Cap. 2:01 incorporated into the Constitution by article 232(9); and section 11(9) (c) of ROPA) and article 184 (3) of the Constitution. With such democratic underpinnings, it must be an incident of our Constitution and section 12 (1) of ROPA that the RoL holds such unelected office at pleasure or will of those Candidates who nominated him. He is their trustee. As a matter of convenience, he is the statutory conduit between the Parties and GECOM and the Parties and Speaker of the National Assembly and the Party and a recalled member, (as the case maybe). – on this conduit aspect the local case of Munisar V. Bookers Sugar Estate Ltd (1979) offers an instructive analogy, as one can compare the functioning of the CoP (as to notices etc.) as the statutory conduit under the Police Act in the Munisar case, with the functioning of RoL under ROPA. So, it is plainly correct, that as an anonymous “legal

expert” (most probably with section 23 of ROPA in mind) has opined in an article in the Village Voice “… Granger who is the representative of the list for the APNU+AFC is not an independent agent but rather one who acts on the directions of the Party or Parties” (see VV, Sunday JAN 30 - 5 FEB 2022 at page 3 under caption “Power of Recall lies with parties”). Every lawyer knows that a trustee is not permitted to act in his own self-interest; and that the law exacts complete fidelity; and the remedy for breach of trust is revocation. All of this is so axiomatic that the draftsman did not see any need to make express provision in ROPA for removal, of a rogue RoL. Secondly, article 156 of the Constitution must be taken, and interpreted as intending that a ROL nomination is revocable where the “party or Parties have lost confidence” in him, thereby avoiding any austerity of interpretation that article 156 (3) (c) & (4) (b) is concerned only with recall/revocation of membership in the National Assembly. Common sense (Continued on page 6)

Saturday February 05, 2022

In 2022, Latin America and the Caribbean must Urgently Strengthen the Recovery DEAR EDITOR Two years after the onset of the pandemic, 2022 began with some hopeful signs of economic recovery after the worst downturn in more than a century. But the scars of the crisis are still visible in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eliminating them will take time and effort. Poverty and inequality rose. Employment only partially recovered. Owing to the enormous efforts made to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the most vulnerable sectors, governments exhausted their fiscal reserves, and debt and macroeconomic imbalances grew. The recovery is indeed advancing. The latest estimates indicate that regional GDP rose by 6.7 percent in 2021, exceeding previous forecasts. Nevertheless, the road ahead presents significant obstacles. The biggest challenge will be to strengthen the recovery and ensure that growth benefits those who need it most. To achieve this goal, countries must continue COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The region has an average vaccination rate of over 70 percent of the population with at least one dose and 60 percent with two, although rates vary considerably across countries. With 95 percent of the population in Chile and 85 percent in Argentina received two doses while less than 1 percent of Haiti’s population is fully vaccinated. It is crucial to guarantee the distribution of vaccines to the entire population and eliminate doubts about their effectiveness. The figures for Omicron are clear: between 60 and 80 percent of hospitalized Covid-19 patients were unvaccinated. Four Key Areas Four areas will require significant effort. With the right policies, they can decisively contribute to the region’s sustainable growth. First, the region must urgently create the conditions for firms to improve their productivity and stimulate job creation. A vibrant, globally integrated private sector operating in an investment-friendly business environment can create

opportunities for many. To this end, it is vital to promote innovation and competition, as well as to eliminate barriers that prevent firms from developing. For this, digitization plays a crucial role. The World Bank promotes its transformative potential with connectivity projects in the Caribbean and Central America, as well as in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, where, in addition to promoting technological innovation, it is essential to foster digital inclusion. In Guatemala, for example, we support the development of useful digital technology to improve market access for women smallholder farmers. Second, the region must address the increasingly worrisome level of indebtedness. It grew more than 10 percentage points during the pandemic, to 75.4 percent of regional GDP. In 2022, efforts should begin to reduce that extremely high figure. We should think about how to narrow the gap between public revenue and spending by using resources more efficiently, eliminating unnecessary spending and increasing revenue with a progressive impact. Third, the region must immediately reverse the disastrous educational losses caused by the pandemic. In the most optimistic simulations, these losses could reduce the future annual income of today’s students by at least 10 percent. Additionally, almost half the students in the region still do not attend face-to-face classes due to school closures. It is essential to recover lost ground. In Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Haiti and El Salvador, among other countries, we support programs aimed at reversing educational losses and

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building institutional capacity. Finally, climate change will lead to an unmitigated catastrophe if we do not act now. The region has the opportunity to align its economy with the protection and sustainable management of the environment. A greener recovery can create jobs and contribute to a more prosperous, resilient and inclusive future. Young people are calling for greener policies, renewable energy, low-carbon transport systems, control of deforestation and better management of biodiversity. It is a broad, ambitious agenda but a necessary one, which we at the World Bank are supporting. In the Amazon region, we are integrating economic development with conservation. We support the decarbonization of transport and energy in Costa Rica, Colombia and the Dominican Republic; the development of green hydrogen in Chile; resilient urban development in Central American countries; and climate-smart agriculture in Uruguay. In the Caribbean, we work with governments to minimize the fiscal impacts of disasters caused by climate change. The great challenge of 2022 will be to consolidate the economic recovery of the region and lay the foundations for more inclusive, greener growth. The crisis has left consequences, but it has also created opportunities. The important thing is to take advantage of them. Regards Carlos Felipe Jaramillo World Bank Vice President for the Latin America and the Caribbean Region.

The most difficult puzzle: The ultimate vision of historical and current investments to develop and modernize Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I would like to ask anyone reading my letter if they are able to clearly imagine Guyana 50 years from today? What comes to mind? How are the economies, communities and human capital in each region improving and towards what end? How are we leveraging the comparative advantages of each region and aligning skills development measures to advance regional economies and social development? For me, it is difficult to see how we are planning for this and where we are going. It is like building a house, we need a blueprint, we need to understand where the various rooms are, how they interact and fit, what materials are needed, in what quantities, by when and so on. A concrete vision, organised development and a regional-focused modernization are basic actions in countries such as China, Singapore, Dubai and similar countries which were behind the development curve just a few decades ago, implemented to improve living standards and strengthen their economies. Simply talking up development projects and investments in the Green State Development Strategy or other national development plans does not cut it. I suspect that many Guyanese feel like I do, unable to envision a unified outcome of Guyana’s historical and current development investments and efforts. I am pleased to see the

PPP Government at the helm of Guyana’s transition to an Oil and Gas Economy. I learned intimately over the past three years, that the PPP is capable of leading Guyana at this crucial moment in our country’s history. The regional and international influence and networks are there; the inclusiveness is there despite the propaganda that communicates otherwise, human capital is there and certainly the political inclinations are there. Some uncertain purely political actions aside, the rapid pace of development and concrete actions over the past two years is unprecedented in Guyana. Any right and unprejudiced thinking Guyanese would agree. This not to say that the Coalition is not capable, nor that there are no roles for the political opposition beyond reacting and opposing. What I am saying is that both political organisations must employ

the basic blueprint to successfully plan and advance regional economic and human capital growth. And for obvious reasons, at this moment of our history, the PPP is better positioned and equipped to manage our economy and sovereign affairs. I am therefore advocating that more nuanced attention is directed at advancing regional economies, leveraging comparative natural resources, industrial, human capital and other regional advantages and opportunities. Aligning regional skills development and human capital investments tailored to the requirements and goals of regional economies must also take center stage. Ultimately such measures must be tied to fulfilling our long-term aims as a people and nation. The bigger picture should be easy for all Guyanese to imagine and take great pride in. Regards, Rawle A. Small

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Budget 2022 must be placed... The curse of political indiscretion... From page 4 foremost, for the sake of context their statements call upon us to think globally and act locally in our efforts to address the problem of poverty in Guyana. This brings us to budget 2022 which offers some insights to the measures contemplated by government to balance the interests of the nouveau riche and the poor and marginalised. Budget 2022 must be placed in the context of global challenges expressed by Guterres, Barcena and Durant and the demands thrown up at the national level by the COVID19 pandemic as well as by government’s efforts to keep the economy open to facilitate growth and development. During the budget debate questions arose whether the budget was pro-poor and people-centered or pro-business to allow the rich to get richer and the poor poorer. The opposition was accused of being ‘obsessed’ with the pro-business measures contained in budget. At a press conference held on February 3,2022, Vice President Jagdeo addressed the pro-poor versus pro-business back and forth stating that “This budget seeks to balance addressing people’s livelihoods, concerns, creating jobs, expanding our economy, preparing for the future as well as enhancing the welfare of our people.” In other words, the interests of the patriotic capitalist class

and the poor and dispossessed are all bound up in the measures announced by the Senior Minister of Finance. The general thrust of and measures contained in budget 2022 are consistent with the economic features of a national democracy where the State is expected to represent the interests of all classes, groups and social strata. In this regard, the economic strategy of a national democracy has as its key objectives; the eradication of poverty; fair income distribution through a process of social and economic inclusion, building a strong, modern economy so that the people’s essential needs are satisfied. Under the conditions of a national democracy, the State is expected to put in place measures that would encourage and facilitate the private sector to play a leading role in the county’s growth and development but this must be balanced against the interests of the State as well as those of the poor and dispossessed. Budget 2022 seeks to address this challenge. Moreover, with a medium level of capitalist development and having been categorized as an upper middle income country with a burgeoning oil and gas industry, Guyana nevertheless, should still be viewed as vulnerable given the vagaries of the global economy. Budget 2022 should be considered as another step aimed at addressing Guyana’s vul-

nerabilities. In the light of Guyana’s current level of capitalist development, the economic and social trajectory envisaged in Budget 2022 is consistent with core principles of a national democracy. Apart from the pro-poor measures such as investments in social and physical infrastructure, costal and hinterland roads, the allocation of $3.1 bln. for core Amerindian development programmes, the low-cost housing programme, the COVID19 cash grants and flood relief payments, increased old age pension and in monthly public assistance payments along with increases in uniform grants for school children and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grants removal of Withholding Tax, deduction from chargeable income for premiums paid for life and medical insurance, an increase in the monthly income tax threshold; the setting aside of $5 bln. to fund initiatives aimed at addressing the cost-of-living for those who are worst affected, must be viewed unquestionably, as a pro-poor measure. Therefore, a close examination of Budget 2022 when viewed through the prism of statements made by Guterres, Barcena and Durant clearly show that the challenges and perspectives they adverted to are being addressed in Budget 2022. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

From page 4 and logic must be applied with interpreting article 156 (3) & (4) avoiding absurdities and incongruities. Exhypthesi, unless the event of some voluntary vacancy happens (and a vacancy is created in the APNU+AFC membership in the National Assembly) the RoL who is unwilling to perform his specified conduit functions as provided under article 156 (3) & (4) (in circumstances of some involuntary recall/vacancy/filling) being conditions precedent for the extraction and election of the elected Leader of the PNC/R as the Leader of the Opposition facilitating the functioning office of Leader of the Opposition, as contemplated by article 110 of the Constitution, can be considered to have lost the confidence of the Parties by reason of such unwillingness and protanto, his status as holder of that office becomes untenable and inconvenient, and is revocable, and a willing substitution made therefore. Such induced and contrived frustration and disabling of genuine Opposition leadership in the National Assembly militates against giving true meaning and purpose to the mandate in article 110(1) that “There SHALL be an office of Leader of the Opposition election to which office shall be in accordance with article 184”, and, plainly, cannot be constitutionally

permissible, and remain unremediable. Here, is brought into very sharp focus the interplay of the Constitution, ROPA and party politics. And it cannot be emphasized enough that in this context the ROL is but a mere CONDUIT (albeit a constitutionally indispensable functionary).It is in pith and substance, not the ROL who is doing the recalling of a member, it is the Party. However, in terms of the wording itself of article 156(3) (C) & (4) (b) “…the Representative of the List… issues a written notice of recall to that member and forwards a copy of that notice to the Speaker”. A notice not issued by a ROL would be constitutionally bad in law; so the need for unity of purpose between the RoL and the party/parties he represents. True it is that the PNC/R simpliciter did not contest the 2020 GREs. The APNU + AFC as a collation did. So, for the purpose of analysis of the question the PNC/R was/is the non-nominating party. But given the notorious fact of the PNC/R being the overwhelming majority (with presumably the overwhelming majority of the 300 – 330 candidates in the APNU+AFC list of Candidates) it is arguable that the extant RoL was, notionally only, the nominee of the APNU+AFC but in pith and substance he was the nominee of the PNC/R as its then leader. Accordingly any argument which seeks to place emphasis on the titled – identity distinction between the PNC/R (on the one hand) and APNU+AFC (on the other hand), is over technical and insupportable as misplaced in this constitutional context of the Party’s loss of confidence in terms of article 156 (3) & (4). Any such distinction is mere subterfuge. And on this hypothesis the PNC/R must be seen, and taken, to have a sufficient relevant interest in revocation and substitution, giving it locus standi to do so. The 300-330 persons named as Candidates of the List are the human embodi-

ment of the APNU + AFC for the nomination purpose (seats allocation not here relevant). It is only humans who are pathologically capable of losing confidence in someone. This reality must have been present in the mind of the draftsman- section 12 (1) begins with the words “The persons submitting the list of candidates …”. Indeed, the question might well be asked: is there in fact an APNU+AFC membership (as distinct from supporters and electors for the purpose of the now spent 2020 GREs’)? I think not. Every student of partnership law knows that a partnership (APNU) is but the sum of its individual members/constituents. The APNU+AFC partnership for electoral convenience is no different. The PNC/R is the major constituent. Applying the principle of majoritarinism it is PNC/R members being “persons” in terms of s. 12(1) of ROPA who must have the decisive voice. Their sufficiency and relevance of interest is self-evident. The APNU+AFC as the nominating party point is nebulous; it fails. I end with this: the curse of political indiscretion which has afflicted PNC/R leadership has again raised its ugly head in subversion of the workability and workings of the legislative branch of Government in which the Office of leader of the Opposition is integral. A true and purposive interpretation of the Constitution affords a cure and remedy of revocation and substitution by a majority vote (or some other form of expression or signification of loss of confidence) of Candidates on the APNU+AFC List. Time is of the essence. Current leadership of a majority party has its privileges. And one cannot think of our constitutional jurisprudence as being so unresponsive and ill conceived that it would fail to provide a remedy, where there is so obviously, a wrong. Yours truly, Maxwell. E. Edwards

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday February 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

The PPP/C Government through VP Jagdeo has made it clear that, unlike the former regime, it is focused on projects that will benefit future generations. Who really will be benefitting? ALL of Guyana or just friends and cronies?

We at this publication will be paying close attention to government's spending plans.

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Saturday February 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

Budget 2022 raids and plunders oil fund Despite raiding and plundering the Natural Resource Fund of some $126B of Guyana's oil earnings to fund, in part, its $553B Budget for this year, government has paved the way for a US$0.02 increase for a Guyanese family of four, this is above the US$0.05 on which a family of four survived on last year. As such, Budget 2022, at $553B is nothing but a US$0.02 a day for family of four—a Budget that “will make this nation sick.” This was the contention of Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Roysdale Forde, SC, when he delivered his presentation to the Budget debates for 2022 yesterday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). According to the Opposition MP, Budget 2022 fails to provide a blue print for a better Guyana and equitable distribution of resources of the country but in fact increases the burden on many and provides relief for a few. The Budget, he said, is being presented at a time

when there is a documented increase in the cost of living by some 14 percent and steep increases in food prices. As such, he was adamant that the challenges of the majority of the population will not be positively impacted by the Budget. Increased food prices and cost of living, according to Forde, has had the most damning impact on the poor and vulnerable and that Budget 2022 provides nothing to alleviate poverty, the burdens of single parents or women and children disproportionately affected by the economic challenges. To this end, he was adamant, “the resources of this country can indeed be used for economic and social transformation” but lamented the approach being a d o p t e d b y t h e administration as one that caters for One Guyana—one class of Guyanese. The PPP/C Government, he said, is oppressive, heartless and insensitive, since the “reality is, Guyanese people are suffering.”

The 2022 Budget has changed nothing, according to Forde, adding that the increase in the income tax threshold will result in little over $2,000 for worker and suggested that government remove that tax altogether. As such, he posited, “this economy is not working for the ordinary people of Guyana,” a situation that obtains despite the regime putting hands on the NRF. According to Forde, it is clear that the oil money taken from the NRF is not meant to improve the lives of all Guyanese but rather a few. Reflecting on what he insists is a US$0.02 Budget, Forde questioned if it is this increase in disposable income that will allow a family to buy a car to drive on the new highways alluded to in the Budget or build new homes and benefit from the new mortgages as alluded to in the Estimates. The Opposition MP was adamant that Guyana is currently an undemocratic petro republic that has embraced an economic model that will lead to

…result is Guyanese now to benefit US$0.02 a day for family of 4

Opposition Member of Parliament, Roysdale Forde, SC accelerated inflation, poorer access to public service, all the while a small wealthy elite benefit. Recognising that this budget is being financed with funds from the NRF, Forde was adamant that the revenue stream is in fact being raided and looted as a result of the new NRF Law. Prevented from using the words raided and looted by Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, Forde insisted that the NRF has been pillaged, adding that the money has been acquired and

- MP Forde

depleted, taken under acquisition by a process that is unacceptable. Qualifying his position, he reminded the House that at the end of the second quarter of 2021, the salaried workers, whether public or private sector, received $94,810 monthly and that of the selfemployed was reported as $71,681. The pre-budget figures, he said, were adjusted for the seven percent increase in the last quarter of 2021, which would be for salaried workers in the public sector

which would be $101,446.70. The Government, he reiterated, gave a seven percent increase to salaried public servants, but the net effect was a five percent increase in disposable income. This increase was applied to all incomes on the assumption that the government and the private sector paid the same wages, and “I am being generous because private sector wages are not necessarily better than public sector wages.” To this end, he noted that before the 2022 budget, the salaried workers had $1,168 per month to live on after buying food and paying to keep a roof over their heads. He explained that this meant for a household of four, each person had real income of $9.73 or US$0.05 to live on each day. The circumstances of the selfemployed were more desperate, he said. Explaining that the 2022 Budget has changed nothing, Forde noted that the increase (Continued on page 16)

Shuman attacked in Parliament; police still to respond Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman—representative of the Joinder List in the National Assembly—has reported threats made against him in the House allegedly by Vice Chairman of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Vinceroy Jordan—a report that is yet to see action being taken by the Guyana Police Force. Shuman, who also serves as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, gave the damning report to the House yesterday as he roasted and deliberately disassociated himself from the Members of Parliament of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. The Deputy Speaker in his presentation to the Budget debates sought to use the opportunity to clarify his deliberate attempts to disassociate himself and party from the APNU+AFC Members of Parliament (MPs) to the point of physically relocating himself in the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) where Parliament is being held temporarily. To this end, he disclosed to members of the House that

the threat against him by the PNC/R Vice Chairman, was reported to Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir; the parliamentary Chip Whips and the Guyana Police Force. According to Shuman however, he is still awaiting any action to be taken on the part of the police in relation to the alleged threat. Wi t h h i s f o c u s o n APNU+AFC MPs, Shuman in describing the individuals holding the elected offices as some very well paid, taxpayers' paid hecklers, told the House that instead of sanctioning Jordan, he was in fact promoted to Vice Chair of the PNC. Speaking substantively to the Budget Estimates for 2022, Shuman in his presentation was pellucid of his party's support presented by the Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. According to Shuman, “we have to give jack he jacket and at this juncture, I compliment the government for putting together a very robust infrastructure plan for Guyana.” GUYANA/DUBAI Adamant that in order to drive economic development in any country “you need a

PNC/R Vice Chairman, Vinceroy Jordan strong and vibrant infrastructure,” he cited as example developed countries such as the US and those in Europe and the importance infrastructure played with regard to their development. To this end, Shuman told MPs that the Budget has to been seen in context. He used the occasion to also recall that on numerous occasions, there would have been references made to Guyana becoming the new Dubai. He was adamant however, that Dubai did not become what it is today overnight, “it required responsible and responsive fiscal management.”

Shuman noted that such types of development require investment not just in human capital and that there also needs an economic plan that includes infrastructure, “all these things go hand in hand.” “When people talk about us suffering today, (and) the new Dubai, it didn't happen overnight, it takes time and when I look at what it says on what this budget promises – theme—“I look at it contextually.” With this in mind, he reminded that Dr. Singh's tenure in Office, since August 2020, has seen the pulling of Guyana out of an economic abyss, levelling it off with Budget 2022 to continue to build the country's upward movement. According to Shuman, there needs to be an end of adversarial politics and instead practice cooperative politics, referencing the country's official name, “the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, it doesn't say the combative Republic of Guyana.” Encouraging the political opposition to not just seek to tear down the infrastructure and other programmes in the 2022 Budget, “we have to operate from a position of

Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman

logic.” Lambasting his colleagues on his side of the House in the Opposition benches, Shuman said the course of the David Grangerled administration was rudderless and visionless, among other adjectives. According to Shuman, when a country's productive sector is unable to function, the population suffers even as he reiterated that the Budget

has to be seen in context and cited as example the contract for the Linden to Mabura road link in addition to the Mabura to Lethem Road. To this end, he posited that very many persons appear to fail to appreciate the importance of those investments for the people that live along the roadway—people that also wants access to the global market.

Saturday February 05, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Opposition calls on Govt. to end abuse …says law was never intended to of Cybercrime Act protect “thin skinned snowflakes”

The Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Geeta Chandan-Edmond has called on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to end the abuse of the Cybercrime Act, as the law is now being steered in the wrong direction, to muzzle the expressions of Guyanese, in her view. Chandan-Edmond who is also the General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the largest faction of the Coalition party, argued that the government must not crack down on the freedom of speech, and more so, use the Guyana Police Force to “chase down” a cartoon character with the expectation of a more secure society. She was referring to the recent arrest of an individual, suspected to be that of social media personality ‘Mudwata’ after comments were made by the alleged perpetrator, against a member of the media. In this regard, the Member of Parliament (MP) told the National Assembly during her presentation on Thursday that since August 2, 2020, Guyanese lost “the basic indulgence of speaking their minds on social media.” She contended, “We cannot even post on Facebook in peace, the government cyber security teams are scouting the pages of ordinary Guyanese to abuse the cybercrime act.” Chandan-Edmond was keen to note that even though the Cybercrime law was introduced under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance

Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Geeta Chandan-Edmond For Change (APNU +AFC) government, the law was geared toward tackling serious issues such as the sharing of nudes without permission, stopping child pornography and tracing the use of electronic devices for terrorist activities. According to her, “the Act was not intended to chase down ‘mudwata’ and others…it was never intended to be used to protect thin skinned snowflakes in the government from emotional abuse and trauma because they are subject to public critique and ridicule.” In this regard, the former Magistrate called on the government to stop the abuse of the Cybercrime Act. “We want to return to the simple pleasure of posting our views, our candid views, on social media in a very candid way and in a very responsible way. As I speak, Mr. Speaker, if we take a look at social me-

dia, nobody is posting about these debates in the manner in which they did during the 2015-2020 era, they are fearful that they might emotionally abuse a member of the government. During the administration of Granger, social media was abuzz; freedom of speech was alive and it was well,” she reasoned. Earlier this year, one of her own Opposition colleagues, Sherod Duncan was hauled before the Courts for allegedly referring to the IT Manager of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as a ‘jagabat’ and ‘trench crappo’. According to reports, Duncan allegedly made derogatory remarks against Aneal Giddings during his ‘In the Ring’ talk show. It was reported that Giddings, a 36year-old resident of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, filed a complaint against Duncan, in which it was alleged that the Opposition MP made a number of derogatory statements against him on January 11, 2022 during his show. The GECOM employee has alleged that Duncan referred to him by disrespectful names, which are said to have caused significant emotional stress and humiliation. According to Section 19:2 of the Cybercrime Act 2018, “A person commits an offence if he uses a computer system to publish or transmit electronic data that is obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious or indecent with intent to humiliate, harass or cause substantial emotional distress to another person.” The law

Dem boys seh...

De road contract moving like a bullet train De Budget nah pass yet and we done select contractor fuh de Linden to Mabura Road. It gan be real joke if de allocation fuh de road get chop out de Budget while we done mek announcement dat a Brazilian firm win de massive contract. Dem boys wan know wah happen to local content and this road contract. De Prezzie bin seh how de local content law gan be fuh everything. So dem boys nah understand how a foreign company get de contract. But dat is de difference between talking and walking. Nuff ah we does talk nuff but we can’t deliver. De APNU+AFC should

take a leaf out of de guvament book. De guvament moving things along at a brisk pace. De speed at which projects moving in Guyana mek Speedy Gonzalez look like a turtle. By de way, dem boys wan know wah happen to dem turtle wah de wildlife people seize. Dem hope dem feeding dem turtle and nah loose dem back pun de road. Dem turtle did destined fuh one place and one place only: somebody’s pot. So de wildlife people save dem turtle life. It mek dem boys remember de story bout de family of turtles wah decide fuh go pun a picnic. Dem tek one week

fuh reach de picnic site. But when dem reach, dem realise dem forget de picnic blanket home. Dem ask de youngest turtle fuh go back home and get it. He protest but ask dat dem don’t eat de food until he come back. Dem agree. Two weeks pass and de little one nah return yet. De family decide fuh eat. Just as dem finish, de young turtle return. When he seen dat dem almost finish eating, he get vex and tell dem: “Ah know y’all woulda eat, dat is why when ah reach halfway ah turn back. Talk half. Leff half.

stipulates that a person who commits an offence under this section is liable: on summary

conviction to a fine of G$5 million dollars and to imprisonment for three years; and

on conviction or indictment to a fine of G$10 million and to imprisonment for five years.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 05, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Balram Singh Rai: 51 years of zero contribution Mr. Balram Singh Rai (BSR) was a charismatic politician from the PPP at a time when I was in short pants in Wortmanville. He left Guyana when I was a teenager. After his departure, he spent 51 years in the UK without any involvement, participation or observation in relation to Guyana whatsoever. BSR did not want to know Guyana; did not want to talk about Guyana; did not do anything for Guyana. It was 51 years of complete withdrawal. Within that context, can he be assessed positively?

The answer is yes but within the short period, which he spent in Guyana. But he could equally be criticised for turning his back on Guyana and he did exactly that thus denting any possibility of being described as a Guyanese patriot. There is a biography of him written by Dr. Baytoram Ramharack who extols Rai in the book but ironically the author's words in the acknowledgement section paint a gloomy picture of a man who may not be worthy of the praise he received. Here are some quotes from Ramharack followed by my comments. Q - “After all, one cannot write about a popular, political figure without first doing an in-depth interview with him.” C - Ramharack in the same section admitted that BSR did not do the interview thus did not contribute to the writing of his book. I will elaborate when I offer a relevant quote below. Q - “However he made it

clear…he was going to abstain from participation in writing the book…I would have to complete this project on my own with little or no assistance from him.” C - Without the interview, the resulting lacunae have taken away from a comprehensive work. Interestingly, the little assistance Rai offered was a donation of photographs and speeches. It is funny that Rai cannot offer analyses and descriptions of people, places and events to his biographer but only pictures of himself and his speeches. Does that tell you something about the psychology of the man? But here is more on the psychology of the man. I quote Ramharack again. Q - “He said that he would never participate in an effort to write his biography because…the PPP would certainly accuse him of rewriting and falsifying history.” C - For an educated man, that statement showed that

Rai understood nothing about life and history. If all humans had the same approach to life as Rai, then there would never have been memoirs biographies and autobiographies. So, I guess we will not see a biography of Rihanna or Cristiano Ronaldo or Mia Mottley or Kamala Harris because they will live in fear of the accusations of others that they did not paint a true picture of what happened. Can one believe that nonsense from Rai? He was unwilling to record history for subsequent generations because he did not want accusations from the PPP that he falsified history. If Rai wanted to live as a recluse and not talk to anyone about Guyana, then that was perfectly logical. But don't tell people you do not want to give published interviews because of what the PPP will say about you. If you do not want to give your biographer information that will add to the

knowledge of Guyana because you want to leave that period of your life alone then that is Frederick Kissoon also perfectly understood. But why send your photos and your a nything. For 51 years, Rai speeches? Rai's lifestyle after he left completely divorced himself Guyana in 1970 was his from Guyana. In this context business and it should be then, one has to be careful how one assesses him. It respected. But the fact is that after would appear that Rai was a 1970 for the next 51 years of s o u n d p o l i t i c i a n a n d h i s l i f e , h e m a d e n o competent minister in the contribution to Guyana and 1960s. That is the period, which that is factual. I taught at UG for 26 years and I never heard we should evaluate him on about a man named Balram but we must be careful in Singh Rai ever donating even attributing patriotic qualities a book or anything else to to him. Since he chose not to explain his difference with UG. Dr. Cheddi Jagan, then we I have lived all my life in Guyana with over 50 years of should not rush to condemn political and social activism Dr. Jagan. A story has two and I never saw a letter in the sides. Rai refused to tell his media from Rai offering side. Why then accept what words of advice to young never came out of his mouth? (The views expressed in high school graduates and UG graduates who did well. I this article are those of the never heard about Rai author and do not necessarily making a presence in Guyana reflect the opinions of this even from abroad about newspaper.)

Saturday February 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 05, 2022

Guyana to have UAE, Saudi Embassies this year - Min. Todd

G

uyana will this year be opening new missions overseas particularly in oil producing states, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Morocco, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hugh Todd. He gave the disclosure y e s t e r d a y , a s parliamentarians met for the last day of the Budget Presentation aspect of the

budgetary approval process for this year and spoke to Head of State, President Irfaan Ali's commitment, to an ambitious international policy agenda. Wi t h a t o t a l $ 6 B allocation, Minister Todd told the House that $3.6B of that is directly being plugged into the administration's Foreign Policy Programme. According to the Minister, that Ministry is essential towards achieving the President's vision of a 21st

century Guyana. Describing as adequate the allocations for his Ministry, Minister Todd told the House, his Ministry's $6B allocation is key to aiding the continuity and bolstering of Guyana's foreign policy initiative. To this end, he reminded of the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry which is aimed at harnessing the skills and expertise of Guyanese living abroad since they can play an impactful role in the

development of the country. The People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), he said, since taking Office in August 2020 has dedicated great efforts towards this end. According to Todd, in an unprecedented time of change, including the advent of a pandemic, Climate Change and Migration issues globally, Guyana – as a small developing nation – is looking to carve out its geopolitical space and Budget 2022 provides adequate financial support in this regard. Government's foreign policy objectives, he said, include the preservation of Guyana's sovereignty and t e r r i t o r i a l i n t e g r i t y, promoting trade and investment, engaging the Diaspora in national development efforts in addition to improving bilateral ties and other alliances, while building new ones. To this end, Todd was adamant, Budget 2022 is “a people's budget. A budget that is people centred and

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hugh Todd people driven.” He was adamant that the PPP/C is the only party in Guyana's history that has consistently crafted national budgets that always put the people of Guyana first with a view of improving their lives in a way that matters most. This, he said, is especially important in this ethos of Guyana's history, a clear reference to the nascent oil and gas industry and its potential for the country's development. As such, contrasting

Budget 2022 with his predecessors' versions, Todd said the David Granger-led administration's time in office was characterised as delusional and despotic. Economic development under the People's National Congress Reform dominated administration, according to Minister Todd, “was filled with delusional ideas and failed promises.” He cited as example, the commitment by the A Partnership for National (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Saturday February 05, 2022

PAGE 13

Images from the aftermath of the oil spill. [Photo credits: Getty Images, AFP, and Reuters]

Peru suspends oil company’s operation after disastrous spill Peru's Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez.

Even as four officials of Spanish oil giant, Repsol, remain barred by a judge from leaving Peru over an oil spill disaster there, the country is now mounting more pressure on the company by suspending its operations. In fact, Peru's Ministry of Environment (MINAM) in a statement noted that the company's operation will remain suspended until its contingency plan is modified and when the government is satisfied that there will be no more reoccurrence of an oil spill from Repsol. The oil spill occurred on January 15, 2022 at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery's offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released. Repsol had underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled but later investigations by Peru's Agency for Environmental Assessment and E n f o r c e m e n t ( O E FA )

revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils was spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. As a result of the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the Spanish oil giant to compensate for what they described as an 'ecological disaster' that has occurred in Lima in recent times. Peru's Foreign Ministry tweeted that the oil spill has not only caused serious damage to hundreds of fishermen's families, but also endangered the country's flora and fauna in the area. As a result, they stated that the sanction must be strict and the company must be held responsible for what happened. However, according to Peruvian media reports, a Repsol official denied the liability for the spill and also called it an accident. The first action that was taken by the Peruvian government is when a Specialised Prosecutor for Environmental Matters for Lima, Noroeste, approached the Peruvian court, seeking an order to prevent four Repsol executives from leaving the country. The prosecutor is considering a criminal case against the company's representatives (Continued on page 18)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 05, 2022

Lusignan resident defies odds to become 2022 UG valedictorian

D

a v e n d r a Kissoon, 27, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, is basking in academic glory for copping the coveted title of the University of Guyana's Valedictorian for the Class of 2020/2021 after successfully completing the requirement for a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil with Environmental Engineering with a 4.0 GPA. A perfect score! Kissoon, an engineer by profession, was presented with the President's Medal for the Best Graduating Bachelor's Degree student amongst 2,600 students who form this year's graduants. The young engineer explained that he grew up in a

single-parent home and experienced severe financial hardships during his earlier years. He recounted, "Growing up was very difficult. You know, growing up poor in Guyana, could be very difficult especially at the secondary level. You see, at the primary level you grow up in a community that is not very rich so you have people with a lot in common with you, but at the secondary level it was different because assignments cost a lot, transportation was expensive. So, it was very difficult for my mom to afford.” "So, we had to cut corners. My brothers had to make some sacrifices for me to go to Queen's College, the

premier secondary institution. Nevertheless, I was determined to persevere in spite of my economic challenges, I was not prepared to let that get to me or cause me to fail at what I do," expressed the valedictorian. According to Kissoon, he was a very delinquent student while growing up. “I used to skip school and get into all sorts of trouble, but Miss Somwattie and Sir Ariff cared about me and helped me a lot with my discipline.” Kissoon attended the Lusignan Primary School and after writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) he was awarded a place at Queen's College. However, he explained,

“When I reached Sixth Form my behaviour toned down but I ended up failing CAPE because I took it for granted and thought I could have done the last minute studying I did for CXC and still pass. But it turned out that CAPE was far more complex. So, because of that, I had to drop out of Sixth Form. That inspired me to continue my education at UG and to excel.” He added that he was determined to beat the odds and make his mom proud in spite of the challenges they faced. He noted that when he started UG in 2016, he was fortunate to have one of his friends sponsor his first two years. Following that, he was lucky again to have received a Public Service Ministry scholarship which enabled him to complete his studies. The young engineer expressed appreciation and thanks to his immediate f a m i l y, s p o n s o r s , M r.

Davendra Kissoon, University of Guyana's 2020/2021 Valedictorian, receiving the President's Medal for the Best Graduating Bachelor's Degree Student, from His Excellency President Irfaan Ali on Monday.

Jackson, lecturers, and peers who made his UG journey one of true success. In offering words of

advice to future engineers, he said: “Enjoy doing engineering, you have to (Continued on page 16)

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Brazilian company to construct Linden to …after CDB grants no-objection – Dr. Singh announces Mabura Road

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Thursday announced that Brazilian firm, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A has received the Caribbean Development Bank's (CDB) no-objection to build the US$190 million Linden to Mabura Road. This road project, which is the largest ever to be approved by the Bank, is just the first phase that will ultimately lead to a completed Linden to Lethem road link that will then complete an overland link to Brazil. “The government of Guyana achieved a major milestone with respect to one of the most important and transformative project in budget 2022, I refer here to the Linden to Mabura road,” Dr. Singh said on Thursday. The Minister noted that shortly after his Government assumed office, a meeting was held with the Bank which concluded with an agreement for the construction of the road. This then led to the public open international tender process which attracted a number of international companies. In December, Kaieteur News reported that five companies had submitted financial proposals to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for this project. The Ministry of Public Works, which this project falls under, estimated the project to cost some $34,197,257,104. The companies which competed for the contract were: China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (China) with a bid of $29,962,374,255, China Railway International Company Limited (China) with a bid of $33,808,790,866, Shandong Luqiao Group Company Limited (China) with a bid of $30,225,357,150, Queiroz Galvao (Brazil) with a bid of $29,546,747,077, and joint ventures Castilho (Brazil) and local company EOCI with a bid of $35,138,144,149. The Ministry of Finance in a release noted, that “After a thorough evaluation process involving engagements and consultations with the Caribbean Development Bank, Consultant Mott MacDonald and other specialists, Bid No. 5, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A, was determined as the most responsive bid indicating full compliance with all Environmental, Social, Health and Safety requirements.” Construtora Queiroz

Galvao S.A is a large Brazilian Contractor firm established in 1966. The company specialises in the construction of refineries, roads, bridges, commercial offices, residential buildings, highways, and sewage systems worldwide. “Today (Thursday) we receive the no objection from the Caribbean Development Bank to precede with the recommended bidder which is the consortium led by a major Brazilian construction firm Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A,” the Minister announced. He added that having the no objection issued by the CDB, the next step will be for the government to engage in negotiations and conclude a contract with the Brazilian company. This project, which is in partnership with the Government of Guyana, CDB and the United Kingdom Government, includes the upgrading of approximately 122km of road from Linden to Mabura Hill to an asphaltic concrete road, and the construction of five drainage structures. Upon completion, this road would provide major support to ease of travel, trade and general connectivity between Guyana and Brazil and open vast opportunities by linking Guyana's hinterland communities to Georgetown. Happy with the vast opportunities that would be opened for hinterland communities in that area is Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman. During his contribution to the 2022 Budget debate yesterday, Shuman said, “I am happy to know that, that critical link in this country is being looked at. It may not be everything that we want but Mr. Speaker it is a very critical and important start to giving those communities close to that roadway access to the market place.” Budget 2022, which was read last Wednesday by Dr. Singh, has allocated a sum of $6 billion for the construction of the Linden to Mabura Hill road.

Section of the Linden to Mabura road.

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Saturday February 05, 2022

Kaieteur News LEGAL NOTICE

FOR NOTICE RENT LEGAL WANTED FOR RENT

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental. Tel:6281183.

Professional Soup cooks and kitchen assistance and professional kichen manager, good pay.Shot hrs.Call:6751509. 1 day per week-Handyman, 1 part-time domestic. Experienced required from Grove/ Diamond.Tel:637-5723. Dishwasher,Puri/Roti cooks. Apply at Shanta’s,225 Camp & New Market St G/Town.

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367. One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956.

Looking for someone to look after an elderly person & to live in,age over 50.Tel:6199398. Experience waitress live around Ogle,18-25 yrs $20,000 wkly.Tel:610-3974. Minibus and Taxi driver. Tel:225-3234. Live meat birds to buy. Tel:219-2170 or 225-0480.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Driver/Salesman, Bakers,Patry Makers,Puri/ Roti Makers & Receptionist. Back to Eden Bakery,85 Dand St Subryanville,613-0475/ 613-0385. Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691. 1-night guard to work at Hillfoot Soesdyke.Tel:6750587/219-2170.

FOR SALE Household items.Call:6913467,whatsapp 661-1417.

VACANCY Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 2350 car/van licence.Call:6429823.

TO LET Rooms to let in Albertown. Tel:225-3234.

Cashiers & Supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. Apply in person,49 Sheriff & Craig St.Tel:227-5771. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.

WANTED One female able bodied worker.Tel:225-2313,2261497. One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954. Wanted skilled carpenters, mason & labourers to work in G/Town & Linden. Contact:615-7526/602-9469/6606385. One general domestic Covid19 vaccinated for Tuesday & Saturday between Cove & John Unity E.C.D.Tel:2590953/623-3231. Car Wash Staff.Tel:649-7371.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132. Fitter Machinist,Welder fabricator,Mechanic,Apprentice & Male cleaner.Three year’s experience.Call:642-9823 or email: techserigy @yahoo .com. Crimson Bat Hotel,hiring a housekeeper.Send/Drop application to 633 Industrial Area, Linden. Contact:4442102. One female to work for two weeks from 7th-19th February. Call:226-2320 or 193 Charlotte St G/Town. Vacancy exists for Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/692-6768.

2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-854 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD854 BETWEEN: (PACHAI) ARMATIE DEVI nee JAGNARACE Petitioner -and-(PACHAI) MAHENDRA Respondent TO:MAHENDRA PACHAI Last Known Address: 124-25 Hawtree Creek Road, Jamaica, New York 11420, United States of America. TAKE NOTICE that on the 1st day of July, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ARMA TIE DEVI PACHAI nee JAGNARACE, thePetitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 21 day of January, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper printed, published and circulated in the State of New York, United States of America. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 25"” day of February, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID: 503 218 6789 and Password: courtla. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/

or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 24th day of January, 2022.

IN THE HIGH-1 COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OFGUYANA (COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION) 2021-HCDEM-CIV-FDA-1477 BETWEEN: GUYANA WATERINCORPORATION, a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown Dcmerara. Applicant -and-ASHMIN STORE Respondent NOTICE TO: ASHMIN STORE 47-48 1-ligh Street Werk-en-Rust Georgetown TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you on the 29" day of October,2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown. Demerara by GUYANA WATER INCORPORATION, a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at VIissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown Demerara, Georgetown, Guyana, in which the Applicant claims: (a)The sum or $173,700.00 (one hundred and seventy-three thousand seven hundred dollars), being the sum due, owing and payable by the Respondent to the Applicant; (b)Interest in the said sum at the rate of 6% per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid;(c)Costs; and/ or; (d)Such further or other Order as the Court may deem just. UPON APPLICATION in person to Ms. Anansa Swain, Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address

Lusignan resident... From page 14 work hard but you also have to enjoy it. One of the things that made me do so well is having friends that wanted to study as well. Rather than being all over the place and going home doing nothing, what we did was take turns to teach each other and I think peer teaching is very

important to learning. When you could teach a topic it's because you have mastered it. So, I would advise students to try to help their colleagues.” Kissoon is currently employed with the Ministry of Home Affairs as a Civil Engineer with a special interest in the Drainage and Irrigation component of his discipline.

Budget 2022 raids and... From page 8 in the tax exemption rate to $75,000 per month in the 2022 LEGAL NOTICE for service and place of business is at Clo Guyana Water Incorporated. Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel-Air, Georgetown. Guyana. Tele No. 592-225-0471, Ext #: 23002302Email:NigelN@gwi.gy & anansas@gwi.gy or the Supreme Court Registry, copies of the Fixed Date A\application. Filed herein. will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within twenty-eight (28) days after the second and final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form I 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Anansa Swain, Attorneysat-Law for the Applicant. whose address for service and place of business is at C/o Guyana Water Incorporated. Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel-Air, Georgetown. Guyana. Tele No. 592-225-0471, Ext #: 23002302Email:NigelN@gwi.gy & anansas@gwi.gy and file it with proof of service at the Registry of the Supreme Court at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given againstyounotwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter is adjourned for the 21 February, 2022 at I :30 pm before Honourable Mr. Justice Gino Persaud, Zoom ID #: 733 558 9086. Password:- Court3.Dated this 20th day of January, 2022

budget has resulted in a monthly disposable income of the salaried worker of $90,574. “It does not change for the self-employed.” This meant, according to Forde, that salaried workers got an increase in real income of $2,617. This, he said, translates into $21.29 or US$0.06 per day for each member of a family of four. “The net change from the pre-budget income is $10,” or US$0.02 per day and “again, the self-employed is left in a horrible position.” To this end, he posited that the 2022 Budget “is nothing more than a US$0.02 cents Budget; this is nothing more than a US$0.02 cents Budget for a household of four.” As such, he contended, “the economy is not working for the people of Guyana.”

Guyana to have UAE... From page 12 Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), in the Paris Agreement to have Guyana's economy be 100 percent completely renewable by 2025. According to Todd, in 2015, the Granger administration inherited a Low Carbon Development Strategy that had been recognised for its innovative development and that “they could not take and move our development.” Referencing the Green State Development Strategy that had been promulgated by the Granger administration, Minister Todd quipped, “the only green development they know was to paint our public buildings green. Their green strategy was painting everything and anything.” To this end, Todd was adamant, the PPP/C administration will continue with development in an environmental manner and that Guyana will continue to be a carbon sink A c c o r d i n g t o To d d , the $553B Budget which was presented for approval is about the modernisation of every sector of the economy bringing greater prosperity to all Guyanese.

Saturday February 05, 2022

COVID-19 claims lives of 3 unvaccinated men - 432 new infections Three unvaccinated men, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died over a twoday period (February 3 to 4). This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported that the country’s latest fatalities are that of a 61year-old from Region Three,

an 82-year-old and a 71-yearold from Region Four. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,179. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 432 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to

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61,108. The dashboard also shows that 14 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 138 are in institutional isolation, 5,537 are in home isolation and 18 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 54,240 persons have recovered from the virus.

UTT and NCIC Sign MoU to strengthen East Indian cultural identity in T&T

Professor Prakash Persad, UTT President, and Dr. Deokinanan Sharma, NCIC President, hold copies of the Memorandum of Understanding, recently signed by both parties at UTT’s Tamana Campus. (Image courtesy UTT) (TRINIDAD Guardian) The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) to help strengthen the cultural identity of the East Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. A release from UTT notes that the institution has made concerted effort to ensure that due respect is given to performance-based aspects of the culture, offering both Indian Classical Music and Dance under The Academy

for the Performing Arts. The UTT lauded the important role the NCIC has played in developing East Indian arts and culture in this country. “The NCIC, for over fifty years, has rendered its services to the country by promoting and archiving various aspect of the heritage, and also by hosting the wellknown Divali Nagar, a staple event dedicated to the upliftment and nurturing of East Indian traditions,” the UTT release said. It added:“The formalisation of this partnership displays UTT’s commitment to a pro-

gressive future, and the University anticipates a cooperative and productive intellectual exchange to the benefit of all of Trinidad and Tobago.” At the MOU signing event, President of UTT, Professor Prakash Persad, mentioned that as the national University, UTT encouraged diversity, citing the events and webinars which were facilitated for religious and cultural observances throughout the years. President of the NCIC, Dr. Deokinanan Sharma, commended UTT for initiating the collaboration between both entities.

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Pump attendant shot in neck during daylight robbery - three arrested Three persons were arrested on Friday following a robbery at the M. Ali and Son Service Station situated on Main and King Street, New Amsterdam. The incident has left pump attendant Yadram Rooney with a gunshot wound to the neck. He is presently in a critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Regional Commander, Boodnarine Persaud, told media operatives at the scene yesterday, that police were alerted to the robbery and shooting sometime after 11:00hrs. Kaieteur News understands that Rooney had

just ended his shift and was heading out from the gas station with a bag containing approximately $600,000 in cash from the day's sale to be banked, when he was attacked by the lone man armed with a gun. He reportedly put up a fight and the gunman fired two shots – one hit Rooney to the neck and exited his back. The gunman then grabbed the bag and fled towards another male waiting on a motorcycle then both sped off making good their escape. Commander Persaud confirmed that police are in possession of CCTV footage to assist in their

investigations. Meanwhile, another pump attendant who is attached to the service station, Rondell McGarrell, disclosed that based on what he was told, the gunman was on foot when he ran into the gas station. He disclosed that the man was masked and was wearing a "flap hat". He added that Rooney was heading into a car when he was attacked and the suspect did not immediately brandish the gun. "After the man ain't giving him the bag, he pulled out the gun and fired the shot." Police are investigating and the persons arrested are being questioned.

M. Ali and Son Service Station

Peru suspends oil company operation... From page 13 and as such, he approached the district court to issue an order preventing the Repsol executives from leaving the country – in order to ensure that they will be available for any possible criminal proceedings. Based on the prosecutor's submission to the court, Judge Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022, granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country. Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru. Those that have been barred are r e f i n e r y m a n a g e r, J a i m e Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; t e r m i n a l m a n a g e r, R e n z o Alejandro Tejada Mackenzie; environmental manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong; and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. It was reported that the lawyers for the Repsol executives did not appeal the decision and said that they will collaborate with the investigation. In taking additional steps, it was revealed that Peru's Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez, on Monday announced that the government has taken the decision to suspend the company's hydrocarbon loading and offloading activities. In other words, it means that Repsol's operation in the country will be halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters. According to the release, the Minister said that in light of the ecological disaster, it has been requested that Repsol's contingency plan be modified. “There have been no clear cleanup and remediation actions in the face of the disaster caused,” he stressed. “These measures are intended

to prevent the occurrence of emergency situations that cannot be controlled by the company in the shortest time possible, in order to avoid environmental degradation or damage to environmental components (aquatic fauna and flora, seabirds, water, soil and sediments); this is in accordance with current legal regulations and the rule of law that prevails in the country,” the release further noted. Moreover, the Ministry stated that up-to-now Repsol has not

safeguard our planet,” he remarked, after highlighting the leadership of his ministry and its role in conserving the environment and natural resources. On Tuesday, the Minister visited the facilities of the La Pampilla Refinery to inspect the work plan that the operating company Repsol has been developing regarding the cleaning and remediation of the areas damaged by the oil spill. During the visit, he said that

offloading operations ordered by t h e O E FA , w h i c h w i l l b e maintained until the operator demonstrates that its work does not allow the occurrence of another spill. “We have to make sure these systems are working,” he stressed. This publication had reported that OEFA alleges that Repsol has not complied with orders related to the cleanup effort for these areas, and the agency has issued an initial fine of $4.8 million.

additional “coe r c i v e f i n e ” m a y b e imposed on the oil giant and each further infraction comes with a potential monetary penalty. Repsol had said in a statement that it would “continue working to remedy the impact generated by the oil spill, deploying all our efforts and monitoring all activities by air to detect possible new affected areas.” However, MINAM's attorneyat-law, Julio Cesar Guzman told

Images from the aftermath of the oil spill. [Photo credits: Getty Images, AFP, and Reuters]

guaranteed with certainty that it is prepared to deal with a new hydrocarbon spill in the other three hydrocarbon loading and unloading lines that it operates in our sea. Also, on the contrary, the Ministry stated that unclear actions by the operator to compensate for the damage caused have been evident. “We are all called to

he has seen some progress in the company's work plan. He added however, “But we have to do an evaluation” and stated that a team of specialists from his sector will be in charge of monitoring and evaluating the suitability of the work. Additionally, on Tuesday, the Minister ratified the measures to stop hydrocarbon loading and

Whil e s p e a k i n g a t a p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e , O E FA d i r e c t o r, Miriam Alegria, is reported in Peruvian media s t a t i n g t h a t t h e a gency believes Repsol had failed to reach the deadline to identify areas affected by the spill. As su c h , s h e n o t e d t h a t i f it is determined that the order has not been followed, an

Exitosa Noticias, that Repsol could face liabilities of up to $500 million in compensation for the effects of the spill. As the Government of Peru continues to take action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give Exxon permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater to such a disastrous oil spill.

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Fund Raising Pre-Mash Day of Sports on Sunday South Turkeyen Sports Committee will hold a Fund Raising Pre-Mash Day of Sports and Bob Marley Anniversary on Sunday February 6, 2202 from 09:00 hrs. Among the activities planned for the day are an Under-14 3-a-side small goal competition, a senior 3-a-side Champion of Champion small goal and a King and Queen Domino Competition.

An entrance fee of $3,000 per team has been set for the football competitions, while the domino competitions will see each person tender $1,000 for their entrance fee. According to the South Turkeyen Sports Committee, trophies, medals and cash incentives are up for grabs. The trophies were donated by Trophy Stall and Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell

and family, while the cash prizes were donated by Antartic Maintenance’s Ken Phillips and Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore and others. Refreshments will also be on sale along with a schedule Barbeque. For more information on the event, persons can contact the South Turkeyen Sports Committee on 6662950.

One Guyana cycling group ride to Suriname hailed a success-organisers The One Guyana Cycling Group ride to Suriname was hailed a success by the

Saturday February 05, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today may bring a keen sense of empathy and understanding, Aries. With this, verbal communication is also more likely to be effective. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Don't be surprised if you find your mind going a thousand miles a minute today, Taurus. Slowing down will likely elude you and you’ll have to find one means or another to express what's racing around in your head. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Welcome to another great day, Gemini. The energy from the day's aspects is positive and encouraging when it comes to communication and interaction with others. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You might find yourself really interested in getting out and doing something today, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Consider channeling your philosophical inspirations into some creative writing, Leo. You’ll certainly enjoy this type of activity. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might feel the need for some time to yourself today, Virgo. And why not take it? Chances are you’re surrounded by others most of the time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you may want to go your own way regardless of what someone else wants, Libra. Your independence is very important to you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today may well find you in the mood to head out on a venture or visit someone, Scorpio. When was the last time you took a day for something like this? Chances are it's been too long. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Serious thinking and communication will be enhanced today, Sagittarius. These are strong qualities for you anyway, and with this added boost, you'll need to have a place to express yourself. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might feel cornered into doing something you just don't want to do today, Capricorn. Perhaps you made a promise to handle a project, or someone close to you has decided that it's the day to tackle something specific. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might discover that someone close to you, a family member perhaps, could use a hand today, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) When was the last time you used a pen and paper, Pisces? In this age of computers, the keyboard has all but replaced these wonderful tools.

organisers. The ride which was organised by Kwame Ridley,

Paul Choo-wee- nam, Sean Chan, and Jeffrey Yearwood commenced on January 27 and concluded on January 31. The event, which was designed to help the riders prepare for 2022 local Cycling season, is the brainchild of Kwame Ridley and started in 2018, but was halted due to the pandemic. Ridley told Kaieteur Sport that the ride will help to promote tourism, foster greater relationship between Guyana and Suriname, promote the sport in both countries and a healthy lifestyle. 45 cyclists from Guyana participated including three females with the youngest rider being 17year old Mario Washington and the oldest cyclist was Paul-Coo-Wee-Nam. The event commenced at the round-a-bout at Vlissingen Road, how

Opening ceremony... From page 22 criticism, and countries including the United States, Britain and Australia staged diplomatic boycotts, meaning they did not send government representatives to the Games. Putin arrived on Friday for a meeting with Xi ahead of the opening ceremony, bringing a deal to increase natural gas supply to China amid rising tensions with the West and winning a pledge from Xi to deepen mutual cooperation. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV noted that Putin, like China, expressed opposition to the “politicisation” of the Games. The official start of the Games will come as a relief to organisers navigating the extreme complexity of staging them during a pandemic while adhering to China’s zeroCOVID policy.

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Opening ceremony ends with Uyghur skier lighting cauldron BEIJING, (Reuters) - The Beijing Winter Games opened last night in a snow- and ice themed ceremony at the Bird’s Nest stadium that concluded with the cauldron lit by two young Chinese Olympians, one of them a member of China’s Uyghur minority. During a performance that went longer than scheduled on a frigid night in the Chinese capital, President Xi Jinping declared the opening of an Olympics whose preparations were beset by the pandemic and criticism over human rights in China. Dinigeer Yilamujiang, a

20-year-old cross-country skiier born in Altay in the western Xinjiang region, lit the cauldron along with Zhao Jiawen, 21, who competes in Nordic combined, finishing a torch relay whose final runners were Chinese Olympians from recent decades. The identity of the final cauldron lighter is traditionally kept secret until the last moment, and Dinigeer’s inclusion was noteworthy since China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority which Washington deems genocide - was the trigger for a diplomatic boycott by sev-

General view inside the stadium during the opening ceremony. (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) eral Western countries including the United States. China rejects allegations of human rights abuses and sought to convey a spirit of inclusion during Friday night’s ceremony, in which the Chinese flag was passed

among 56 people representing its different ethnic groups before it was raised for the national anthem. SNOW AND ICE Friday’s ceremony in a partially-filled Bird’s Nest stadium - the scene of Beijing’s triumphant 2008 Summer Games launch - was filled with imagery of ice and snow, with Xi’s declaration followed by red-suited “skaters” sliding across virtual ice. They were accompanied by a version of the John Lennon song “Imagine”, which has become a fixture at Olympics ceremonies. Held on the first day of Spring by the Chinese calendar, the ceremony began with a performance by dancers waving glowing green stalks to convey the vitality of the season, followed by an explosion of white and green fireworks that spelled the word “Spring”.

On a three-dimensional cube resembling a block of ice, lasers carved figures from each of the previous 23 Winter Games. The block was then “broken” by ice hockey players, enabling the Olympic rings to emerge, all in white. That was followed by the traditional “parade of nations”, with each of the 91 delegations preceded by women carrying a placard in the shape of a snowflake resembling a Chinese knot. In keeping with Olympic tradition, the parade was led into the stadium by Greece with the rest ordered by stroke number in the first character of their Chinese name, which meant Turkey was second, followed by Malta, with host China going last and drawing roars from the stadium crowd. The entrances for “Hong Kong, China”, as well as for Russia, also generated applause. Russian President Vladimir Putin, the highest profile foreign leader present for the Games, could be seen in the stadium without a mask. However, the athletes from his country were unable to carry its flag due to doping violations, marching instead under the standard of the Russian Olympic Committee. RETURN TO BIRD’S NEST Directed by Zhang Yimou, reprising his role from

Beijing’s 2008 Summer Games triumph, the event featured 3,000 performers - most of them children and teenagers - on a stage comprised of 11,600 square metres of highdefinition LED screen resembling an ice surface. All of the performers were ordinary people from Beijing and nearby Hebei province, with “the Story of a Snowflake” its central thread. With temperatures of about -4C (25F) at the start not enough to daunt the shirtless flagbearer from American Samoa - the show lasted two hours and 20 minutes, longer than scheduled. The crowd itself was pared down, with organisers deciding last month not to sell tickets to Olympic events to curtail the spread of COVID-19. A “closed loop” separates competitors and other personnel from the Chinese public throughout the Olympics. MORE CONFIDENT CHINA Though smaller in scale than the Summer Games dubbed China’s “coming out party” in 2008 - the Beijing Winter Olympics are being staged by a much more prosperous, powerful, confident and confrontational China under Xi. China’s hosting of the Winter Games has drawn (Continued on page 21)

Saturday February 05, 2022

AAG to submit athletes’ list for Carifta As the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) prepares to submit their list of athletes for the annual Carfita Games, the body will, tomorrow, Sunday, host their first trails for the premiere Junior Championship at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, said that athletes’ performance from November 2021 to present will be considered for selection to the youth championship team that will compete in Jamaica from April 16 – 18. Huston further disclosed that the likes returning female Javelin Gold Medalist, Anisa Gibbons as well as long jumper Wesley Tindall have both made their qualifying marks. Speaking with the AAG President, he said: “Well,

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AAG President, Aubrey Hutson we’ve started our season and especially in field events we accept any results of increase in the season prior to Carifta and the closing date, which is the 1st of April, as authentic results for entry.” “We have to submit our long list by the 15th of this month. So, we will start to look at

the athletes as of this weekend and those that we think will be able to make it, will help [us] prepare our budget because we are looking at around a 12-15 athlete contingent to send to for this year ’s Carifta.” “So, we are working hard from the technical standpoint to ensure that everything is done so the athletes can perform. And you know we’re just looking forward for them to go out there and really, truly get good performances, be selected to this team and then go on to Jamaica to represent us.” The prestigious championship was not staged in 2020 and 2021 owing to the effects of the global pandemic, but it is set to make a return to the country which has dominated its medal tally for the past few decades.

Masters’ Appreciation Football set for GFC on Sunday The Guyana Masters United Committee presents its Masters’ Appreciation and Bob Marley One Love Football Celebration on Sunday at Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground. GFC will be buzzing with excitement on February 6 from 8:00am to 12:00 pm with the inaugural event to honour former national players and celebrate Marley’s birthday anniversary. The late Reggae icon Bob Marley was an avid soccer player, whose love for the game drove him to play at every opportunity. Even while on tour, the famed singer found time to participate in friendly scrimmages at the nearest park with members of

Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Braithwaite is expected to be present on Sunday. his band. According to a release from the association, “It will be free, no charge. Persons can just come in and drop a small contribution that

will be used towards other master ’s football future events.” The event will feature three friendly master’s over40 matches and one over-50 football match between Pele FC, Santos FC, Thomas United FC, Beacon FC, Wales FC and Ballers FC. In the first match, North Georgetown face South Georgetown from 8:00 hrs in the Over-50 encounter then Ballers FC battle Wales FC at 9:00 hrs. The penultimate game of the day will see Thomas United FC take on Beacon FC at 10:00 hrs then the day wraps up when Pele FC meet Santos FC from 11:00 hrs.

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GRFU 10s Tournament continues today…

Caribs and Panthers vie for top spot‘Law men’, Army and Police, to engage in battle The National Park Rugby playfield comes alive once more as the Guyana Rugby Football Union’s (GRFU) 10s Tournament unfolds today with the second round of matches, as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Falcons and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) kicking off the double header. In the opening match, the law men will battle from

15:30hrs with the hopes of registering a win since both sides conceded defeat on Saturday last. At 16:20 hrs, the undefeated sides, Pepsi Panthers and Yamaha Caribs, take to the field in a match that will decide the leader of the tournament. The first round double header saw the Pepsi Panthers taste victory after they secured a nail biting win over

the Falcons, 40-36. In the other match of the double header, GDF also narrowly lost to the Caribs, 39 – 32. According the Falcon’s fly half, Michael Borrow, the team is ready to bounce back and secure their first win of the tournament following the identification of their errors in the opening match. Barrow stated that his side, though a young one, has

worked hard to eliminate the needless mistakes and will put forth a better show when they compete again. The competition will see the four sides battling each other twice in a round robin format with the best two then contesting the grand finale to determine who claims top honours. The other remaining playing dates for February are the 12th, 19th and 26th.

Saturday February 05, 2022

GPF Fly Half, Michael Barrow

Saturday February 05, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

Students and members of the academy following a practice session.

CSEC Golf History Inches Closer The Nexgen Golf Academy hosted 30 students from Rosignol Secondary School on Thursday to prepare them for their historic venture in becoming a part of the first group of learners to take golf as a PE elective at the CSEC examinations this year. T h e s t u d e n t s , accompanied by teachers Miss Rameshwari Dharamdat and Sir Kevon Jawahir spent 4 hours going through driving, chipping and putting drills before engaging in fierce chipping and putting competition that produced the following results after multiple playoffs to determine a winner: Chipping Boys 1st- Akadian Andrews 2nd- Veer Farhad Girls 1st - Alecia Fraser 2nd Kayla Joseph Putting 1st -Kieanna Mc Almont 2nd -Odel Fordyce MTV sports reporter Jessica Callender commented that the talent on display continues to amaze her as she has been following the development of the sport from the inception. President of the Nexgen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain and Coach Al Wilson took the time to work with each student individually and ensured that each one had the opportunity to hit dozens of balls before the competition. Sir Kevon Jawahir spoke about the feeling he had when first invited to participate in the programme by Allied Arts Unit Ms. Barker-King and Mr. Braithwaite, "I never imagined that I would be hooked on a game so quickly and immediately wanted to ensure that my school would be an active participant. With the response demonstrated here today, it is almost certain that this will be a main PE

activity in our school and at CSEC level for many years to come." Under the joint collaboration between Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit and Nexgen Golf Academy, the sport has acquired the keen interest of thousands of students and their families in just over a year, taking full advantage of its covid-19 compliant status. "The unique teaching methods of Mr. Hussain guarantees that anyone can learn to hit the ball properly in less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea!" according to Ms. Barker-King. Mr. Braithwaite added, "This has been demonstrated time and time again to the hundreds of new players flock to the sport each time we do an outreach." According to estimates, the number of learners who will select golf as their CSEC examination PE elective this year will exceed expectations and that number is expected to be in the thousands next year as more secondary schools join the programme. Currently, 82 schools are participating and 28 more from Georgetown district are set to come on board in March. The government has allocated extraordinary resources to sport and education in the 2022 budget and with emphasis on new golf courses such as Maraiko Bay Resorts and Ashmin's Fun Park and other golf facilities, it is almost certain that Guyana will become a golf destination in the near future. For more information on how you can learn the game or sharpen your skills, contact the Nexgen Golf Academy via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp 645-0944 or visit them at the Scouts Association Ground on Woolford Avenue.

One Guyana cycling group ride to s r e s i Suriname hailed a success - organ

The Guyanese cyclist at Vlissingen Road prior to the start of the event.

GRFU 10s Tournament continues today…

Caribs and Panthers vie for top spot rt o p S 'Law men', Army and Police, to engage in battle

Opening ceremony ends with Uyghur skier lighting cauldron A general view of a fireworks display during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Beijing National Stadium. (Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

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