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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Alleged killer in Palm Court

Sunday Edition February 06, 2022 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

shooting threatens cops

Price $140

Online readership yesterday, 77,274

Pussyfooting continues… Jagdeo shifts

responsibility for full coverage insurance from Exxon to EPA Govt. uses majority 3,800 acres New GPC, one other set aside for get US$98M (85%) of to cutback new 'smart city', Govt. drug contracts scrutiny of specific complete with in 2021 - Patterson Budget allocations golf course- Min. Croal …Dr. Ramroop paid to store medical supplies at QAII complex

Citizens are continuing the call for change to all foreign contracts.

EITI's new head being selected through transparent - Former Director was appointed on and accountable process basis of political association - Minister Bharrat

Govt. breaches NRF Act less than a month after passage …Opposition contends inclusion of oil funds in Budget illegal Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @ 11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Sunday February 06, 2022

Govt. breaches NRF Act less than a month after passage …Opposition contends inclusion of oil funds in Budget illegal

Former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, makes his virtual presentation to a National Assembly devoid of many Opposition Members of Parliament.

Less than a month after government questionably approved and passed the new Natural Resources Fund ( N R F ) A c t , t h e administration is already in breach of the new law with the inclusion of $126B from the fund, included as Budgetary support for 2022.

This was among the key reasons proffered by Former Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, who wrapped up the debates on behalf of the political opposition this year.

Notably, his presentation was virtually and was attended by only government members of the House present in the National Assembly since his colleague opposition members of Parliament had exited the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for his presentation.

Nonetheless, the former Opposition Leader pressed ahead with his presentation and on the matter of oil and gas and the NRF Act, Harmon indicated to the House, “on our national patrimony there is significant disagreement on approach to deal with oil and gas issues.”

To this end, he reminded that despite the numerous calls including a petition submitted to the House calling for further consultations on the Bill, the administration was proposing to repeal the NRF Act passed by the David Granger-led administration in 2019.

According to Harmon, what the administration did, despite the numerous calls for consultation, was to use its one-seat majority to railroad the NRF Act, replacing it with its own, reducing oversight in the process.

Civil society groups spoke about the poor governance structure of the Bill, he said, as he reminded of the petition submitted seeking to halt the passage of the Bill.

“Amidst this national outcry, this government ignored the Guyanese people,” according to Harmon, who went on to note that “they needed the (oil) money to prop up the biggest budget ever.”

To this end, he was adamant that the Minister Continued on page 55

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 03

Jagdeo shifts responsibility for full coverage insurance from Exxon to EPA Pussyfooting continues…

In November 2021, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is working to get ExxonMobil to acknowledge its commitment to provide Guyana with full coverage insurance. But when asked on Thursday last for an update on these discussions, the Vice President’s tune carried a different note.

The official suddenly shifted the attention from himself and government, by extension on the matter to say, it is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is handling this crucial insurance negotiation with Exxon.

The Vice President said, “This is an ongoing discussion and it is done mainly at the EPA. So that was their position on the table, in trying to get US$2B but they have been negotiating this and at the end of the day we will see…I don’t want to give a ball by ball blow but you know the intention and you will see the final product when it comes out and we are pressing hard for that sort of commitment.”

Even though American oil explorer, ExxonMobil has faced five years of unrelenting criticism for refusing to provide Guyana with full coverage insurance on its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects, the company appears hell-bent on

continuing this trend for its fourth development—the $1.8 trillion Yellowtail Project.

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

The continued calls for full coverage insurance have also intensified as more global cases of oil spill disasters come to the fore.

Just recently, Kaieteur News highlighted two key cases in this regard. In Peru, this newspaper reported that a judge barred four executives from Spanish oil company,

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo Repsol, from leaving the country amid the devastating oil spill, which saw more than 6,000 barrels of crude contaminating the shores of Peru.

Kaieteur News reported that 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 oil 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 unloading 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.

Kaieteur News also reported on another environmental disaster that occurred recently when an aging tanker called the Trinity Spirit that was operating as a floating production and storage vessel (FPSO) exploded and caught fire before sinking off the coast of Nigeria. Ten people working aboard the vessel

were reported missing and presumed killed.

Shebah Exploration and Production Company Limited (SEPCOL), which was the operator at the Nigerian oil field, reported that the FPSO was serving as the primary production facility for the OML 108 in Nigeria’s offshore Ukpokiti oil field, located near the Niger Delta.

The company indicated that the Trinity Spirit could process up to 22,000 barrels per day as well as inject up to 40,000 barrels with water per day. Its storage capacity was 2 million barrels of oil, although it is not known how much was aboard at the time.

The Nigerian oil ministry indicated that the Ukpokiti oil field was not in production in 2020 and 2021. Some reports are indicating that the company was in financial trouble and

that the Nigerian authorities revoked the production licence in 2019. It nonetheless exploded and an investigation was launched to determine the true cause.

In the meantime, international reports cited that it will lead to an environmental disaster in Nigerian waters.

The country is now potentially facing its second environmental disaster in three months after a vast oil spill from a disused wellhead spewed the equivalent of 20,000 barrels a day into waterways in the town of Nembe for weeks.

In fact, the Nigerian government described the spill as being “like Hiroshima” after it devastated marine life, mangroves and water resources. Diane Hoskins, from the ocean conservation Continued on page 55

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Kaieteur News

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

Corruption Curse

C

orruption has been our curse of curses for the longest while. We can’t seem to shake it, or do anything about it, despite all the supposedly robust things in place. The more we try, the less is achieved, as measured in dollars not squandered, as public works projects not delivered in a timely manner or cost overruns, or not holding up enduringly. All this was before the discovery of any oil in Guyana. But now with its arrival, there is great excitement in the air because of the endless possibilities for self-enrichment.

We have almost everything needed as recommended by respected outside agencies. Many tools and resources, and foundations and architecture in place, in our battle against chronic corruption that just would not let go of us.

The opposite is happening, in that serial corruption is now a pervasive component of Guyanese culture. It is not noticeably slackening its hold on country and citizens, but tightening the vise around the nation’s neck, and slowly strangling it.

To the point where there is a sense of inevitability in that this corruption monster cannot be beaten into submission or made to yield ground, however little. The result is if it can’t be beaten, then it might as well be condoned, however slyly. The problem is that such a mindset cannot be an option for a society that has any hope of moving upwards and which harbours aspirations of eventually thriving and prospering. Since such a mentality is out the window, it is time to ask what can be done with what we have. Where are the gaps, and how to fix them? We have a slew of reasonable, executable policies on hand, which when faithfully adhered to can be the difference. So, what is the problem, with the better question being why is there a corruption problem in the first place?

We have trained our people, and continue to do so with great outlays of time, money, and personnel. Where are we falling short, or more pointedly, where are they not responding as they should, with full observance (implementation and enforcement, beginning with themselves)? We have veteran external auditors in private practice, resident internal auditors in most state entities, plus an overarching watchdog in the presence of the Auditor General, and his team of seasoned and freshmen professionals in the State’s Audit Office.

So, where are we going wrong, after all these numerous layers of oversight for the taxpayers’ money, public projects, and the public service and private sector people involved in both?

We add still another layer in the form of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC), and repeat the last question.

How can we go wrong? How is it that we continue to fall on our faces, and keep losing ground in the ongoing fight against corruption? Something is not adding up here, when due consideration is given to the multiple tiers of governing policies, key operating procedures, continuing education, internal and external auditors, a State Audit Office, and a PAC. Undoubtedly, each of the areas just mentioned could use enhancement to some degree, but it cannot be material, as in starting from scratch, so deficient are the things in place. We have been working on this, and beefing up areas for several years, so that cannot pass either the eye test or the smell test.

As we at this paper discern, there is one significant loophole, which is more of the fatal flaw in all of this. In a nutshell, the exposure leading to this chronic corruption culture lies with the people. The political people in charge who remove competent professionals and replace them with handpicked collaborators, who see nothing and know nothing. Who stay away from failures of friends and meet expectations of masters. And the bureaucratic people put near to the money and work, and only know to do business corruptly. And the people who check for defects, and only claim to find the material, when opponents trick and steal.

They are not doing as they should, not fulfilling their roles cleanly, not delivering consistently and ethically. Yet, after all the policies and oversight, and the millions swindled, very few, if any, have been charged, tried, and made to repay. Plenty talk, little sanction, and more corruptions.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

OIL DORADO? - Guyana’s Black Gold DEAR EDITOR, The fabled El Dorado that Sir Walter Raleigh envisaged never quite panned out but now, a substantiated version, Oil Dorado, in billions of barrels of oil, is starting to roll in.

John Mair, perhaps better known to some as former columnist Bill Cotton, has produced his third iteration of the book, “Oil Dorado?” subtitled “Guyana’s Black Gold”.

Editor, first, please allow me to disclose that I contributed a chapter, “Looking through Guyana’s Fossil Window” and a poem, “Song of Oilivia of Stabroek” to this edition so I will refrain from making further references to them. May I also re-assure your readers that I do not receive any royalties or payment of any sort for my contributions.

This third edition is anchored by the introductions of John Mair, enhanced by new material from eleven con-

tributors. John is joined by Lance Keeble as an additional editor.

There is a short foreword

by David Lammy. Poems by famed Guyanese poets, John Agard and Grace Nichols, both winners of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, serve as jewelled bookends to the text.

The new chapters are from: Terrence Blackman; Anthony Bryan; Sanjeev Datadin; Geoffrey DaSilva; GHK Lall; Sally Gibson; Janette Bulkan; Ivelaw Griffith; Riyad Insanally; and Chris Bennett. Additionally, some material culled from previous editions are included.

They are from: Christopher Minster; Indranie Deolall; Moses Nagamootoo; Christopher Ram; Robert Persaud; Bobby Gossai Jnr; Simon Flowers; and Mark Lammey.

As you might suspect from looking at that metemgee of writers, there were a lot of

views presented, environmental concerns highlighted, and many diverse perspectives offered.

The variations in tone and the dissonances in perception reflect the spirited debates that roil discussions among Guyanese both at home and abroad.

They range from optimism to deep cynicism animated by a pervasive fear of lurking corruption.

The book is rich in caution, perhaps bred by years of serial disappointments.

Corruption is a thoroughbred, stabled by successive crops of eager riders, ever ready to saddle up and push their way to the winners’ purse.

While some people have the wherewithal to try to make the world a better place one person at a time, the leaders of Guyana now have the unparalleled opportunity to lift up all 800,000 Guyanese, everyone at once.

Editor, I remember clearly, the then President of Guyana sitting directly across from me over lunch at the home of Ambassador and Mrs. Ronald Godard on June 16, 2001, explaining that he had bookshelves full of studies, analyses and action plans but he lacked the funding to trigger them. Over the next thirty years, Guyana would have received tens of billions, or more likely, over one hundred and fifty billion US dollars in oil and gas revenues.

I pray that this book, “Oil Dorado?” drops the question mark by the time the next edition comes around. I hope that many, many Guyanese will read this edition, understand the difficulties and the obstacles, rejoice in the opportunities available, determine how each can help; and join their leaders to construct a better Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Tulsi Dyal Singh

Sunday February 06, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

What budget debates?

Pauline Sukhai’s misinformation

DEAR EDITOR, The parliamentary 2022 budget debates have just ended. If those are what passes for debates locally, then I am Winston Churchill.

Debates, they were not; so, let’s get rid of that immediately. Given what took place, what was dumped in the austere confines of the National Assembly, they were more like good ole Guyanese ‘buse-down and cuss-out. It is a good thing that the debates unravelled on the East Coast, for if they had taken place in the Stabroek vicinity, many citizens might have mistaken them for marketplace squalls, such was their quality.

The first thing I say is that the debates saw a PPP/C Government supremely confident in its one-seat majority, hence its invincibility, which made the outcome of the debates a foregone conclusion, no matter the wisdom or intellectual resonance put forward by the opposition. From the government benches, I got the sense that it was about getting even, twisting the knife, and ramming home its advantage, so untouchable it was in the ironclad guarantee of its one-seat edge. Unlike the APNU+AFC, there was not going to be any defections, due to conscience or convictions.

There doesn’t appear to be much of either in government circles.

Government members got the ball rolling with a vengeance, when the issue of oil money in the budget came up.

It began with crassness and vacuousness through what sounded like ‘yu’all will never get your hands on that oil money.’ It was an indicator of things to come in what was a continuous roll of days with the crude and rude, and of men and women not even bothering to manifest that they are capable of restraint

in their pronouncements and possessing some smidgen of self-respect. After all, these parliamentary contributions are widely followed because of the way that communications have advanced in today’s world. Later, another bellicose utterance came from another member, where the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) finalised by the prior Coalition administration was declared “the worst crime committed against Guyanese.”

The owner of that flighty hyperbole instance was the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources, one of the newer and younger faces in this reincarnated PPP/C parliamentary lineup. One would have expected better, more of the cool and clinically cerebral, from someone with a background as a lecturer at the nation’s highest institution of learning. I regret, am ashamed, to say that this was par for the course, with the newer and younger ones out to prove that they can outdo in partisan zeal and incendiary zest their older, more veteran comrades in the government.

Expectations ran high for oratorical fireworks from the likes of members and ministers Charles Ramson, Jr., Susan Fernandes, and Nigel Dharamlall, who were all damp squibs, confirmed duds. The first flattered to deceive and couldn’t hold-up on his own; the lady minister forgot to remember that she has to deliver after the toothpaste smiles, and the last gentleman of the house (don’t ask what kind) was well pleased to revel in the mud and swill. He, who had waxed loud about sending judges in Guyana’s judiciary system packing, turned out to be the crassest of them all, with a parliamentary exhibition that was part an oral belly dance, and part

a verbal striptease, that laid bare his limitations and the luridness to which Guyana’s parliament is subjected to nowadays.

It should be enlightening, and not have escaped the attention of watchful Guyanese, that things got so bad, so low, and so dismal in government pews that the Vice President was forced to the unprecedented. The big man was compelled to interrupt his overflowing schedule, and hold a news conference in the middle of the debates (imagine that!) to enlighten on the innards of the budget. It was obvious that his younger colleagues did not put in extensive time with the necessary homework, so that they were well-equipped to do justice to the budget debates, and give Guyanese some value for their trust, and a little comfort that the people in parliament are serious in how they go about the important business involving hundreds of billions of their, the taxpayers’, money. For the younger government members, it was all a peacock show, with considerable preening and wasting of time on their part. It was that they knew that whatever was said and done, the debates were all over before the first word was uttered at the Conference Centre, so they let their hair hang down and engaged in rollicking exhibitionism.

Another noteworthy feature of the debates was that mainstream media, the independent segment, gave much space to the Opposition members’ presentations. Unfamiliar faces and names like Juretha Fernandes and Vinceroy Jordan came into their own with sober and probing contributions that indicated much time spent studying the areas for which (Continued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR, During her budget debate presentation, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs was clearly dishonest. The Honourable Minister has at her disposal, all of the records of the Amerindian Land Titling Project and cannot claim ignorance of its work and achievements.

The minister told the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana that, the APNU+AFC Administration did nothing about Amerindian land titling. The facts prove otherwise.

After six Upper Mazaruni Villages refused demarcation, the following six (6) villages with applications for demarcation were included in the Amerindian Land Titling Project (ALT) for the first time: 1. Chinoweing 2. Tuseneng 3. Micobie 4. Shea 5. Shulinab 6. St. Ignatius As at 2019, the requisite investigations with respect to Chinoweing, Shea, Shulinab and St. Ignatius were completed. These are now among villages that the minister boasts will soon receive titles.

The minister told the National Assembly that the APNU+AFC approved no titles.

I shall now set the record straight. Approval was granted for the following Villages to be titled: 1. Tassarene 2. Kangaruma/Assuria 3. Parabara 4. Rockstone 5. Mainstay (Extension) 6. Capoey (Extension) 7. Mashabo (Extension) 8. St. Monica (Extension) 9.

Yupukari(Extension)

10. Katoonarib (Conditional approval) Of those 10, five (5) Villages received Absolute Grants as follows: Tasarene, Kangaruma/Assuria, Yupukari, St. Monica and Mainstay/Wayaka. The others were ripe for titling by the time the APNU+AFC demitted office.

For some strange reason there is now no talk of Parabara in terms of land title.

Could it be that Parabara is too rich in mineral resources and sits on too large an area of land?

Editor, I must let your readers know that, Taserene and Kangaruma/Assuria were given ‘fake titles’, in 2012.

Documents purporting to

be valid titles to their lands were handed over to the Toshaos. They benefited from photo opportunities, after which the purported title documents were withdrawn.

President Granger, during his term in office corrected this injustice.

Proper research will prove that the PNC, whether by itself or in coalition with other partners, has always ensured that Indigenous Land Rights received proper attention.

The Amerindian Lands Commission Act, the work of the Amerindian Lands Commission and the award of Absolute Grants to close to ninety Villages in 1976 and 1991 proves this beyond doubt.

Yours faithfully, Mervyn Williams

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur M@ilbox Another lone gunman, another lone employee DEAR EDITOR, Another robbery in Berbice, where only a few weeks ago one was committed by a lone gunman, this time allegedly another lone gunman and a lone employee, preparing to take huge sums

of money to the bank. Now the employee in this latest case is fighting for his life.

Businesses continue to place employees at risk with these transactions and to think, the business in this recent assault, had this same

experience some time ago.

It has to be wondered how an employee, who is officially employed as pump attendant, is elevated once off duty, to the specialised task of executing bank deposits?

Shamshun Mohamed

The Cemetery Expansion Master within the cemetery grounds

unauthorised activity.

Plan – part 1 and At present, the Le Repentir DEAR EDITOR, The Le Repentir cemetery is the final resting place of many of our citizens.

It has a sober reflective place for families who memorialise the dearly departed and is also the resting place of prominent historical figures in Guyana’s history.

The Le Repentir which was established in March 1861 is the largest municipal burial site in Guyana.

The cemetery’s existing ground covers approximately 103.508 acres.

It is in the Lodge district of Georgetown bounded by St Stephen Street on the west

by Sussex Street, on the South by Princes Street on the north and Vlissingen Road on the east.

The cemetery also comprises an extension located from Vlissingen Road eastward to Mandela Avenue.

This expanse of ground has been plagued with challenges of maintenance owing to its large size and limited human resource to maintain and monitor its grounds.

The current operable sections within the cemetery are filled with overgrown weeds and clogged drains.

There are also challenges of illegal dumping of garbage

Cemetery is in an unsightly appearance and lacking the requisite human, financial, operational and maintenance plans to sustain its viability.

Several projects have been executed in the short term to clean and secure the facility however are financially unstainable at the current revenue allocation.

The Cemetery Needs Analysis (2017) and Cemetery Master Plan (2017) established the need for additional space and a range of interment options to serve the City’s residents.

The Council secured, an additional potion of land east of the current cemetery bounded by Cemetery Road on the west, Princes on the south, Mandela Avenue on the East and Toucan Street on the north extension of LeRepentir which adjoins the eastern boundary of the cemetery.

The intent of this land acquisition was for enhancing drainage in the area and ac-

commodate cemetery expansion.

It is the Council’s vision that the Le Repentir Cemetery should be an architectural or landscape architectural feature that portrays the significance and dignity of a national cemetery without overpowering the visitor.

The design should incorporate landscaping, such as trees and low maintenance plantings.

The use of colour in plantings should be considered in the design solution.

The entrance is symbolic of an entrance to a national “shrine” and provides a link to historical or traditional national cemetery “entrance gates” without directly imitating their form.

The entrance area design and use of materials should be consistent with other cemetery structures.

The Le Repentir must be a modern cemetery with historical characteristics elevated to the status of a National Monument.

Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown

What budget...

From page 5 they provided shadow coverage. In addition, David Patterson and Amanza

Walton-Desir were examples of focusing on the issues at hand, and not getting carried away by the crudities and vapidities that became the order of the day. In aggregate, this says a lot, given the opposition’s known struggles and other weaknesses; and as it attempts to regain some much-needed credibility and regard.

Deputy Speaker Shuman, that gliding presence, reported threats by the opposition; if credible, deplorable, but now part of the savaging parliamentary scrums.

Editor, my position is simple on what belong in debates and what is out of bounds.

Things must be kept clean, on topic, with supporting numbers, occasional duelling oratorical sizzle and nuanced insults, from those so capable, and much overall substance. The pristine precinct of the House of Commons is my next stop.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Almost a year ago a young man was gunned down a short distance from the Head of State's official residence.

It was a crime that was captured on CCTV camera but yet no one has been brought to justice.

Of what use then are those tasked with serving and protecting us when criminals are allowed to walk freely among us?

This begs the question: Has our country descended into anarchy?

PAGE 07

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 08

New GPC, one other get US$98M (85%) of Govt. drug contracts in 2021- Patterson …Dr. Ramroop paid to store medical supplies at QAII complex The return of the same players, meant a return of the same policies—policies that saw pervasive corruption and cronyism, where a few in the elite are enriched from the State coffers through various nefarious means.

This was among the themes of the presentations from the opposition side of the National Assembly, as the Legislative body met this past week for its debate on the expenditures that have been identified, and for which monies have been allocated for—funded from the coffers using tax dollars and other government revenue, such as its oil earnings.

The mantra was repeated however vaguely, bluntly or veiled by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Members of Parliament (MPs).

On Friday when the debates aspect of the budgetary approval process concluded, this point was brought home and made pellucid, by General Secretary of the AFC, David

New GPC, Health International Inc. and QAII owner, Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Patterson, when he gave his views on this year's $552.3B, the biggest Budget ever.

The Ministry of Health has over the years been allocated a sizeable chunk of the overall Budget for the nation. A significant amount of this money is spent to procure drugs and medical supplies.

Prefacing his examples of a return to corruption—as indicated in the most recent

Corruption Perception Index—and cronyism, he reminded that, “the return of the PPP/C (People's Progressive Party/Civic), signals the return of money for the boys.”

To this end, he pointed out that “an examination of the 2020 procurement only highlights what the nation has always known—this government is about projects for friends and families.”

It was at this point that Patterson disclosed to the National Assembly that not only had Vice President Bharrat, Jagdeo's 'best friend', and one other controversial supplier been handed 85 percent of all the monies allocated for drugs and medical supplies, but billions more had been earmarked this year for contractors that have not only been banned locally but internationally.

According to Patterson, based on public records, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) last year received $13.8B (US$70M) in contracts, and quipped, “…we all are aware who is the best friend of the owner.”

He was at the time referencing Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and New GPC owner Dr. Ranjisinghi 'Bobby' Ramroop.

It would be apposite to note that GPC was up to 1999, a State owned Company. Vice President Jagdeo, in August 1999 assumed Office as Executive President of Guyana and by

December of that year, the company was sold to Dr. Ramroop.

A first tranche was paid but before the remainder could be paid off government re-evaluated the business and told Dr. Ramroop to pay a lesser amount.

Patterson in his presentation noted, that not only did Dr. Ramroop's company get the lion's share of government drug contracts last year, but the administration then turned around and paid Dr. Ramroop to store the very drugs it was buying from his company.

He qualified this position by pointing out that another procurement detail of interest, “in May 2021 – the company Health International Inc. was awarded a contract for $236M for the rental of warehouse for the storage of Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies.”

To this end he quipped rhetorically, “no guesses for the location of this company – Queen's Atlantic Industrial (QAII) Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.”

The QAII site is another of the deals that AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan had dubbed as one that “stinks to high heavens.”

This was his position in the House some years back, given the circumstances surrounding the sale of the multi-billion dollar Industrial site to Dr. Ramroop.

AFC General Secretary, David Patterson Government had not only spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the facility prior to its sale, the administration had also advertised for one thing—a portion of the site and some equipment—but ended up selling the entire sprawling multi-billion complex to the businessman, for what many perceive to be an undervalued price.

This, however, was not the only example cited by Patterson. According to the AFC Executive, Western Scientific Co. Ltd. – a company blacklisted by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) in 2016 for fraudulent practices, also received $5.6B (US$28M) in contracts from the Ministry.

According to Patterson, “an analysis of the 2021 expenditure for the Ministry of Health shows that these two companies (alone) were awarded 85 percent of the sum allocated, a whopping (Continued on page 59)

Sunday February 06, 2022

Dem

boys seh...

Kaieteur News

Every smart man does meet he match

Deh gat some lawyers who believe dem smarter dan God. One time a lawyer insure he cigars against loss by fire.

Den one day he tun up at de insurance company and file claim for de cigars. He contended dat de cigars bin destroy in a series of “small fires.” De insurance company refused to pay citing dat de man bin smoke out de cigars.

De lawyer sue and de matter end up in front of a judge. De judge agree dat de case was not of dat much importance to reach he court. But he seh dat de lawyer had a valid insurance policy which protect de cigar from loss by fire and dat de insurance company did not define wat type of fire was covered. So he ruled in favour of de lawyer.

De insurance company pay. And dem had de lawyer arrested on a number of

counts of arson.

So when yuh smart, yuh does gat people mo smarter dan you.

We gat a guvament wah believe it smart.

But people seeing right through dem plans.

And people talking. De guvament seh how de budget gat benefits fuh dem poor people.

And dem point to de cash grant fuh dem school children.

But dem boys know dat de grant benefitting both de rich and de poor. And now dat we hear it gan reach $40,000 per schoolchild by 2025, dem boys seh how nuff multi-millionaire gan line up fuh collect.

Dem boys only hope dat de parents spend dat money pun dem children and not in de beer garden or at de hairdresser.

Talk half. Leff half.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Sunday February 06, 2022

National Cancer Control Plan on Health Ministry's agenda this year Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the World, accounting for one in every six deaths in 2020 and almost 10 million deaths, across the globe.

Aware of the current challenges Guyana face in tackling the disease, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 4, revealed plans for a National Cancer Control scheme, to better manage and oversee all cancer control activities of the Ministry.

The Minister on Friday said that the Ministry of Health will work along with key stakeholders to develop the plan as well as ensure its execution. To this end, nongovernmental organisations, Corporations and the Presidential National Commission on NonCommunicable Diseases will be engaged to help increase awareness through public education and more i m p o r t a n t l y, a s s i s t i n offering increase access to screenings for cervical

cancer using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Pap smear testing) and mammography and ultrasound examinations of the breast.

Dr. Anthony said, “In Guyana, cancer is among the five most common causes of death. Here cancers of the breast, cervix, prostate and colorectal regions are too frequently, a diagnosis many of which are in advance stages. In Guyana, cancer remains one of the most common causes of

premature death and a significant challenge in our health care system affecting men, women and children.”

Even though this is the case, he remarked that cancer sadly still remains a taboo subject with many sulking into fear, shame and hopelessness at the mere mention of the disease, yet alone a diagnosis.

In his message on World Cancer Day, the Minister reminded that prevention is better than cure. It is therefore important, he said, for all to act against the disease by informing and encouraging healthy practices for prevention and early detection.

“Cancer prevention starts with you, your family

and the daily choices you make which can reduce your risk of developing cancers by 30-40 percent. These include avoiding tobacco in all its forms - smoking, v a p i n g , chewing…maintaining a healthy weight (BMI-18.5 to 24.9) with routine physical activity and exercise; eating healthy diets consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and avoiding excessive alcohol use,” Dr. Frank Anthony noted.

He was keen to note too that tobacco use is responsible for 22 percent of cancer related deaths globally.

The risk for specific cancers can also be reduced by vaccinating children

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony between the ages of nine and 16 years against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which has been shown to cause certain types of cancers, especially Cervical Cancer. Additionally, “highrisk” groups can get vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus. Besides vaccination, one can also (Continued on page 56)

Sunday February 06, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

3,800 acres set aside for new 'smart city', complete with golf course - Croal The Government of Guyana is forging ahead with the idea of building a new smart city, complete with modern amenities, including a Golf course resort facility, an EcoIndustrial park and Streetscape designs.

As such, some 3,800 acres of land have been set aside for the pursuit of this initiative—the development of a new city in Guyana, Silica City. According to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, a preliminary development concept has already been completed identifying the key features of “the smart city approach in terms of residential and non-

residential development, transport and infrastructure, sustainable urban drainage, conservation and tourism district, waste management, a l t e r n a t i v e e n e r g y, technological aspects and agriculture.”

Consultations, he said, are on-going with the utility companies to coordinate the development of their infrastructure since it is anticipated that a shared utility corridor will cater for all utilities to be routed underground.

To this end, Minister Croal told the National Assembly, the defined area of interest for development is located within the vicinity of the Soesdyke-Timehri area,

“where approximately 3,800 acres of state land have been identified as available for immediate development.”

The government minister gave the update during his contribution to the Budget debates which concluded on Friday last at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) where he said, it is envisaged that over the next 20 years, the projected population for this new city will be approximately 50,000 or about 12,500 households.

This, in light of “employment creation and accommodating new households within a noncoastal settlement, therefore, within the first five years, it

is expected that the city would be developed to cater for at least 3,125 households, approximately 625 units annually.”

According to Minister Croal, the “smart city” approach is proposed for creating a new city that is compact, pedestrianoriented, energy-efficient, interconnected and sustainable, comfortable, attractive and secure and that a key area of focus, “is the preservation and enhancement of the valuable, natural and cultural resources of the area.”

He told Members of Parliament, “the vision for Silica City is the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, resilient

and modern city, and this vision is in keeping with the Low Carbon Development S t r a t e g y, G u y a n a ' s international commitments.”

The idea of Silica City, he said, is primarily born out of the need for Guyana to have an urban centre that is complementary to the existing capital city of Georgetown.

Silica City, as conceptualised since 2013, was first touted by then Minister of Housing and Water, now President, Irfaan Ali. According to Minister Croal, it is envisaged to tackle the issue of noncoastal urban settlement development and the challenges of climate change

and sea level rise.

“There is therefore a compelling reason for urgent attention to be given to the development of Silica City as a more non-coastal urban settlement, inclusive of services and amenities that would attract investment, create employment, and offer alternative urban settlement development at higher elevations.”

Additionally, Minister Croal in his update to the House disclosed that design work will commence this year for a first phase housing development within the proposed residential zone of the new city, after the block and topographic surveys are completed.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated SUNDAY What possible motive could a Finance Man have for literally hiding his position from the nation he was elected to serve?

Had it not been for the watchful eye of a former Finance Man, the entire nation would have remained in the dark.

Guyanese, with conniving games already in play, we must, at all cost, watch our coffers especially close.

MONDAY Fires at prime waterfront locations are causing more questions than answers to surface.

There has been cries of arson coming from the very authority responsible for probing such fires.

Could it be we are faced with a fire epidemic masterminded by some among us who are willing to sacrifice the nation's birthright for personal gain?

While we at this publication will point no fingers, we are reminded of the biblical caution: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

TUESDAY New COVID-19 cases, based on the Health Ministry's stats, are

dwindling.

Indeed this is pleasing to us at this publication.

However, it continues to be worrying that people are still dying daily.

Guyanese, we cannot let our guard down as yet; do what you must in order to stay safe.

WEDNESDAY If there wasn't hope in the world, life would not be worth living.

We at this publication do what we do because we have hope that the change this country needs will become a reality.

In that reality, leaders will make it a priority to put

our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

ALL of Guyana first.

THURSDAY We remind our fellow Guyanese: Please do not take the dwindling COVID-19 numbers for granted.

People are still dying daily.

If we all accept death by COVID-19 as our fate, what will be the point of fighting for our patrimony?

Guyanese, it is imperative that we remain safe if we hope to see a better

Guyana.

FRIDAY Why is full coverage insurance for Guyana not a priority for VP Jagdeo when it comes to our oil production?

He keeps bobbing and weaving instead of simply accepting that Guyana is at risk and must be fully protected.

The question we must all ask is: Whose side is VP Jagdeo really on?

SATURDAY 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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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Govt. uses majority to cutback scrutiny of specific Budget allocations The Business SubCommittee of the National Assembly, which has as its majority government Members of Parliament (MPs), on Friday last voted to cut back on the time and days allotted for consideration of the specific allocations for spending this year in the Estimates for 2022.

The Budget is approved through a number of stages with the outcome being the passage of an Appropriations Act, approving the outlined expenditure—presented to the House by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni

Singh—for withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund, oftentimes referred to as the coffers or treasury.

On Wednesday January 26, Dr. Singh initiated the first process in the National A s s e m b l y, w h e n h e presented the Estimates, along with a more than five hours long presentation, outlining why the members of the political opposition should support the outlined expenditures.

This past week saw the subsequent stage being completed, as MPs delivered their contributions to the debate, adumbrating support or downright condemnation.

Dr. Ashni Singh The next stage of the budgetary approval process will commence on Monday, when the National Assembly resolves itself into a

Committee of Supply, in order to consider every single allocation in the Budget, whether it is $20,000 for stationary or $20B for a gasto-shore Project.

With this year's budget being funded in part with oil resource—$126B —coming from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), at least two government ministers had promised that this week would be the time for opposition MPs, to solicit the information they had been calling for. Namely, what specific projects will be funded with the oil money?

The government appears to have reneged on its commitment to transparency, at least, according to opposition sources.

Dr. Singh in his Budget presentation said, the governance architecture of his Government is based f i r m l y o n i n c l u s i v i t y, participation, transparency and accountability, and the rule of law. “It is grounded in the concept and policy thrust of a One Guyana,” he had

asserted.This publication has since been reliably informed, however, that the level of scrutiny expected would not be allowed this year, since government has used its majority in the Business SubCommittee of Parliament, to cut back on the days and amount of time allotted to scrutinise this year's $552.9B Budget in detail.

Kaieteur News understand that the Committee met twice on Friday – this follows on four similar meetings the previous day—all aimed at coming to a “compromise, on the time and days allotted for the consideration of the estimates which will commence on Monday,” the source related.

This publication was told that government had submitted its proposal, which reduced the number of days for consideration of the estimates from five to four.

Additionally, as it relates to the allocations for Constitutional Agencies, while 30 minutes was

allotted last year for each agency, this year that has been slashed to 10 minutes only. “Even in the meeting this (Friday) afternoon, we were negotiating and we even push to move it from 10 minutes to 15 minutes and the government bluntly refused a five minutes to provide us with that opportunity,” an opposition member told this publication.

As such, it was noted that this position runs counter to the utterances of President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who are “on record as saying that the place in which accountability and transparency could be had, is in the parliament via the parliamentarians asking questions in the House.”

The source, as such told Kaieteur News, “…here it is the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has used its majority in the business subcommittee and voted in its entirety their proposal which speaks to only four days for the consideration of estimates.”

Sunday February 06, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

EITI’s new head being selected through transparent and accountable process Former Director was appointed on basis of political association - Minister Bharrat Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

In an effort to ensure the Guyana Secretariat for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GY-EITI) gets a new Director to oversee its annual operations, the Ministry of Natural Resources has been in the process of interviewing new candidates following its tender last year for interested applications.

The process, however, has come in for criticism from the political opposition, as it believes that the government is merely executing a plot to remove Dr. Rudy Jadoopat who has headed the entity since its inception.

Challenged for a response to this matter, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat categorically stated that nothing could be

Former National Coordinator of GYEITI, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat

further from the truth. The minister said, Dr. Jadoopat was actually appointed to the post due to his affiliation with the Alliance For Change and not from a transparent tender process. He pointed out that Dr. Jadoopat is an AFC Executive who campaigned a lot for his party in the USA. Further to this, Minister Bharrat said Dr. Jadoopat’s contract came to an end a year ago but he was still asked to stay on. When the government had issued a tender for interested applicants, Dr. Jadoopat was told of it, he applied, and was subsequently interviewed.

“Unfortunately, he was not the best or our most high ranking candidate. Hence we are Continued on page 54

Kaieteur News

Ambika Ramraj

Sunday February 06, 2022

This week's beauty is the captivating Ambika Ramraj. This former Miss World Guyana title holder is a lover of adventure and helping the less fortunate. One of her favourite quotes says, “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”

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Sunday February 06, 2022

SEWING HER OWN CLOTHES FROM THE AGE OF NINE…

Debbie Sammy and designer Derek Moore

Local fashion industry protégé and upcoming Guyanese designer,

Sandra Debbie Sammy is a ‘Special Person’

Debbie in her element sewing and designing gowns.

By Rehanna Ramsay “Necessity is the mother of all inventions” is a common saying but for local fashion industry protégé and upcoming Guyanese designer, Sandra Debbie Sammy, those words are more than a phrase. For her, necessity is what led her to a purposeful career in the world of clothing design.

Sammy started making her own clothing at the age of nine and as she puts it, she has never stopped sewing. Since then, her craft is mostly self-taught and has opened the door for her to work with numerous renowned designers.

This week’s ‘Special Person’ has spent more than two decades in a supporting role; working alongside the established names in the local fashion industry. In today’s feature, the 31-year old aspiring designer shares her journey to gaining a place in the fashion arena and why she believes the time is right for her to step out of the shadows into her own. Sammy is convinced that after years of plowing the proverbial field of fashion and experimenting with different ideas, she has something special to offer the industry.

The Madewini, East Bank Demerara

native told Kaieteur News of her humble beginning which she said helped her maintain a modest demeanor for most of her life. The married mother of two shared that she grew up in a C hristian home which c r e a t e d t h e foundation that helped her stay grounded in

A gown by Debbie Sammy showcased at a fashion week event in New York.

h e r faith as she transitioned through her life,

Two wedding dresses designed by Debbie Sammy

purpose, and career.

SELF-TAUGHT She reflected that growing up, “We had very little but were able to stretch things to make ends meet.

Since we were far f r o m b e i n g financially stable nearly all of my clothing were short.

They were handed down from my older sisters who were shorter than I was, even at that age.”

According to Sammy, a defining moment came when she was scolded by an elderly woman for wearing a blouse that was too short for her size. She decided that she wanted to learn how to sew to make her own clothing.

“I remember being scolded for wearing a top that was too short by an elderly woman from my church when I was nine years Continued on page 50

An evening gown designed by Debbie Sammy

Sunday February 06, 2022

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What happens when there is a conflict of interest between party and profession?

A

bout 10 years ago, an issue arose when it was suspected that the PPP had taken a decision that none of its leaders should defend persons charged for drug offences.

There were concerns that since many of the leaders of the party were lawyers who had professional obligations to defend clients who came to them for legal representation, this perceived policy decision by the ruling party – not the government – would present a conflict of interest.

But can a lawyer simply refuse to defend someone on the grounds that he does not condone the crime for which the person is charged or being investigated?

If that were the case, then any lawyer could refuse to take any case because of the nature of the alleged crime.

What then, therefore, is there to stop a lawyer from not taking a divorce case?

Would taking such a case not convey the impression that the lawyer supported martial separation?

And what about defending someone charged with murder? Since that is also an immoral act, despised by society. Then a similar argument can be made for lawyers not to take such cases?

When a lawyer undertakes a case, he or she is defending a more fundamental right. One that goes to the very heart of justice and our legal system.

The lawyer is defending the right of an accused person to challenge the charge for which he or she is accused.

The legal system is based on the right of an accused to be afforded the right to establish that he or she is

innocent. This is the role of defense lawyers.

In simple layman’s language, a defense lawyer does not defend a crime but defends an accused person’s right to a defense. A defense lawyer does this by facilitating that right. If all lawyers were prohibited by moral or other reasons from undertaking cases, then the legal system would fall apart.

However, when someone is a member of a political party, that person carries an obligation to uphold the principles and policies of their party.

It is expected that because that person is part of a voluntary grouping, that individual would subscribe to the agreedupon policies and positions of the group to which he or she belongs.

However, since some

obligations can clash with p r o f e s s i o n a l responsibilities, there is always a need for codes to be established to avoid embarrassing conflicts.

These codes should allow for the respect of the professional obligations of party members, without having to compromise the policies of the party.

Another case, years ago, illustrated the dilemma that can arise when a person’s professional obligations conflicts with the position adopted by the party the individual supports.

The Alliance for Change took a position that should it win the 2011 election, it would review a number of the deals that the present government has entered into.

Among those deals are the construction of the Skeldon Sugar Factory and the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric

investment.

Interestingly, one of the leading members of the Alliance For Change was contracted with a company that was at the centre of the hydroelectric deal, and this involvement no doubt placed the AFC in a very difficult position.

How could it be seen as questioning the deal when one of its members, and a very prominent one at that, was undertaking work for the investor?

The AFC therefore had a problem. It could not effectively challenge the deal without having to explain the role of its member.

But in doing so it had to also accept that individual members have a right to pursue their professional obligations. So, what happens in situations where within political parties,

those roles clash or there is some conflict?

This is why it is important for political parties to prescribe ground rules for good political conduct but in so doing ensure that political codes of conduct do not conflict with a member’s or leader’s professional and ethical responsibilities.

What is important also is that there be full disclosure by all political leaders of matters in which their professional responsibilities may tend to clash with their political duties.

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

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Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 21

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Gem Madhoo Nascimento and Dr. Bassoodeo's brother-in-law I

have been walking my dog on the sprawling grounds of Giftland and Movie Towne for years now. I would watch as these people come out of hugely expensive vehicles wearing costly apparel. I would stare at them intensely, sometimes failing to keep an eye on my dog.

Who are these people that make up this nationality?

Why do they want to live like sheep? How can they accept that status in a civilised w o r l d ? M y v e t , D r.

Bassoodeo, read my column on the permanent smell of sewage that permeates the ambience of the Movie Towne parking lot and said that I can quote him.

Dr. Bassoodeo told me his brother-in-law is building a house opposite the southern entrance to Massy Supermarket in the Movie Towne compound and the smell made him ill three times. He said the gentleman reported the matter to the City

Council three times.

Guyana did not know this. The central authorities concerned with the eradication of health threats did not know this. Dr. Bassoodeo's brother-in-law should have informed the nation about this ancient atrocity at Movie Towne.

Hundreds of foreigners shop at Massy Supermarket weekly.

Thousands of Guyanese patronise Massy each month and they are prepared to live with that scent. If there is a God why does he not help the Guyanese nationality?

For months, outside of NCERD on Battery Road, Kingston, opposite the head office of Transport and Harbours (T&HD), I saw an abandoned police steel barrier lying on the street occupying a parking space that is so much needed.

I take my dog to the Fort Groyne seawall each day so I passed that barrier for months lying there. No one from the

Forestry Commission, NCERD, T&HD, Alfro Alphonso Enterprise, and the army, who has to pass that barrier each day, ever thought of putting that thing in a corner. I moved it eventually.

At Fort Groyne, there is a makeshift stelling where goods are transported to and from the interior. Right in the middle of the mud road, a GWI pipe ruptured creating a muddy crater that affected my car.

That state of affairs continued for more than one year.

The coast guard has its training office right there. I had to call Mr. Niles from GWI. The security light outside the coast guard office has been dead more than two years now.

I told the head of security for Giftland Mall, Mr. Baksh, that a light has been blinking night and day for the past year on one of the buildings.

Surely, a colossal mall like Giftland has to have its

maintenance crew doing routine checks. What about the role of the security personnel whose duty it is to make nightly checks? Mr. Baksh's face betrayed complete bewilderment when I gave him the information.

Here are the words of Mrs. Gem MadhooNascimento written on January 29, 2022: “Since 1981, I have produced and stage managed over 100+ productions at the Cultural Centre and almost all productions have suffered from various technical inefficiencies inherent at the Centre. It is 2022, 41 years later for me, and things are still the same.”

I became a columnist seven years after the lady began her work at the National Cultural Centre and since then (33 years), I have written about an inscrutable nationality named Guyanese.

Shortly after the government changed in 1992, I wrote

about what I saw in front of the Ministry of Agriculture. Do you know how long ago that was?

Right in front of the eastern driveway was a huge boulder that drivers had to manoeuvre from. For years no one had the common sense to move that boulder. Have you ever seen parents picking up their kids from school?

They look like people running from an erupted volcano.

Each parent wants to park right at the school entrance creating traffic chaos. No one is prepared to park away from the school and walk towards their kid.

Yet these very people are content to park hundreds of yards away when they shop after they go to live in Canada and the US. Do you know how long the local television industry has been doing interviews? I have been interviewed

co un tless times. Yet from day one, decades ago, they still cannot get the position of the cameras right.

The cameras are never placed in front of the face of the interviewee, so you never see the full face of the guest.

Don't accept my word, check it out.

Mrs. MadhooNascimento and I, and countless others, love Guyana. We stayed here. She stayed and worked under the trying circumstances she recently wrote about. Some diaspora persons want to come and work for big bucks after leaving Guyana, 30, 40 years ago. Funny eh!

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

Frederick Kissoon

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Sunday February 06, 2022

Sunday February 06, 2022

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COVID-19: Omicron 2, should we be worried?

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

A

s w e a r e beginning to see some sign of relief from the Omicron wave here in Guyana, Omicron 2 is beginning to cause a surge in cases in other parts of the world. So far, it has spread to 57 countries and appears to spread easier than Omicron 1.

This is obviously concerning but we need to wait on more data to come out on its behavioural patterns before we get too worried. Based on spread patterns, it is safe to say that we have been experiencing the Omicron 1 wave here locally. Today, I will shed some light on the data available so far on Omicron 2 with the hope of preventing unnecessary panic.

What is Omicron 2?

Omicron 2 better know as BA.2 was discovered in South Africa back in November, 2021.

It's sister variant, Omicron 1 (BA.2) was also discovered then, but managed to escape the community and spread around the world causing the current Omicron wave. BA. 2 like BA.1, are not new variants but are subvariants of Omicron. It is just that Omicron 1 managed to escape faster and got a head start on Omicron 2. Omicron 2 is now catching up and has already become the dominant strain in countries such as Denmark, Nepal and India.

How transmissible is Omicron 2?

S o f a r, d a t a f r o m Denmark and the UK, suggests that Omicron 2 is

more transmissible than Omicron 1. The data found that people infected with Omicron 2 spread the virus to an average of 39 percent of susceptible household members, versus 29 percent

Omicron 2 has more mutations than Omicron 1 and has the potential to evade vaccines easier than its sister variant. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that Omicron 2 is

for Omicron 1.

This just means that while one subvariant appears slightly more transmissible than the other, they are both highly transmissible and similar precautions should be taken against both.

Is it more dangerous than Omicron 1?

not more dangerous than Omicron 1 and has not caused more deaths or hospitalisations in Denmark where it is the more dominant variant. In fact, authorities in Denmark have declared that it is no longer posing a threat to society, although they are hitting record high numbers

of infections. They have gone so far as to put an ease on all restrictions while they are in the middle of the Omicron 2 wave.

What does this mean for us?

There isn't enough data to draw solid conclusions on how Omicron 2 will impact countries such as Guyana that would have already gone through the worst of Omicron 1 (assuming that our wave was from Omicron 1).

Experts believe that it is highly unlikely that those infected with Omicron 1 will be infected with Omicron 2 or if they are infected, just a few will show minimal symptoms if any at all. If this theory holds up, then Omicron 2 may cause a smaller wave here and infect the minority that were not infected with Omicron 1.

Whatever the case, I do believe a new phase or normalcy will begin soon where improved treatment, surveillance and vaccinations will allow us to live without restrictions even if newer variants arise.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY ExxonMobil’s flaring is an environmental abuse of Guyana – Latest lawsuit exposes its failure to manage climate issues While ExxonMobil has fed Guyana a series of promises such as new cash, well managed operations and good environmental stewardship, citizens are now seeing just how little value those words really had.

According to Tom Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Guyana is seeing gross pollution of its airspace with the flaring (burning of gas that releases over 250 toxic chemicals) that continues aboard the Liza Destiny vessel in the Stabroek Block.

As a result of the flaring which Exxon has promised on numerous occasions to fix since 2020, Sanzillo recalled that three courageous women recently filed a lawsuit to put an end to this egregious act once and for all.

The litigants to the case are Sinkka Henry, Sherlina Nageer and Andriska Thorington.

Their case was filed through their attorneys-atlaw Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith.

As previously reported by this news agency, their case notes that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, an offshore company wholly owned by ExxonMobil, has been flaring associated gas almost continuously since it began production in December 2019, despite undertaking to reinject the associated gas, not flare it. Court documents on the matter also state that in May 2021, after ExxonMobil had flared billions of cubic feet of associated gas, the Environmental Protection Agency purported to modify Esso’s environmental permit for the Liza Phase One Project to allow it to flare gas under certain circumstances in exchange for a US$45 fee per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The litigants are contending that the agency’s decision to modify Esso’s environmental permit to allow flaring was irrational and unlawful and that it should be quashed by the court. They also argue that the agency breached the

Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05 by purporting to allow Esso to flare in return for paying a fee. The litigants have asked for orders directing the agency to provide reports on the amount of gas flared, and the toxins released. They are also asking for an independent and expert investigation into Esso’s compliance with manufacturer’s standards for operating its gas compressor.

Noting the foregoing, Sanzillo reminded that ExxonMobil already has paid at least $4.5 million in fines to Guyana for flaring gas from its offshore operations. He said too, “The flaring is an environmental abuse of Guyana, as well as another financial burden that the country can ill-afford” while adding that, “ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods makes 2,000 times the average salary of a worker in Guyana. His latest total compensation amounted to $15.6 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, yet his company pays no taxes and disobeys environmental laws.”

Lately, Sanzillo said ExxonMobil has made sweeping announcements about how it plans to curb global emissions, including a pledge of zero flaring by the end of 2022.

The Financial Analyst also said that the company is chattering in terms of billions being spent, regions benefiting from new investment and tons of carbon caught, trapped, captured and stored.

“Yet since it began producing oil in December 2019, it has not gotten that one project— a go-to, highly visible, top priority—right.”

What is peculiar about ExxonMobil’s growing number of managerial problems, Sanzillo asserted, is that they are winding up in court or being criticised by the company’s shareholders. ”For example, a group of ExxonMobil shareholders is suing the company, alleging it mismanaged 4 billion barrels of oil reserves in Canada.

Another set of shareholders have the company in court over millions more barrels in the Permian Basin. ”Last year, ExxonMobil shareholders mounted a campaign that toppled board members and resulted in an overwhelming vote against management on climate change policy. In the face of this tumult, however, Woods declared there would be no changes to the company’s direction,” the financial expert stated.

In closing, Sanzillo said corporations are frequently sued over commercial transactions—that is normal. He stressed however that when a company is routinely sued because it cannot manage operational issues like accurate valuations of reserves, sound drilling strategies and environmental compliance— that is a serious management problem. He stressed that this

state of affairs should not be ignored by the citizens of Guyana, and the authorities by extension. He alluded that it is a warning of what is to be expected in the future.

MONDAY Peruvian Judge bars oil executives from leaving country after oil spill …Guyana still awaits fullcover insurance from oil companies A judge in Peru on Friday last, barred four executives from Spanish oil company, Repsol, from leaving the country amid the devastating oil spill which saw more than 6,000 barrels of crude contaminating the shores of Peru.

Kaieteur News reported that 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 oil 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 unloading 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.

As a result of the 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. However, according to Peruvian media reports, Repsol officials have denied the liability for the spill and also called it an accident.

According to Peruvian media, a Specialized Prosecutor for Environmental Matters for Lima, Noroeste, had approached the Peruvian court,

seeking an order to prevent four Repsol executives from leaving the country. It was reported that the prosecutor was considering a criminal case against the company’s representatives 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 granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country.

Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-months ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru.

Those that have been barred are: refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo 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.

Additionally, Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) alleges that Repsol has not complied with orders (Continued on page 25)

Sunday February 06, 2022

From page 24 related to the cleanup effort for these areas, and the agency has issued an initial fine of $4.8 million.

While speaking at a press conference, OEFA director, Mimiam Alegria, is reported in Peruvian media stating that the agency believes Repsol had failed to reach the deadline to identify areas affected by the spill. As such, she noted that if it is determined that the order has not been followed an additional “coercive fine” may be imposed on the oil giant and each further infraction comes with a potential monetary penalty.

Repsol has faced severe backlash for the oil spill and also for underreporting the quantity of crude that was spilled Kaieteur News reported that Repsol reported the oil spill was only equivalent to 0.16 barrels of oil, but when an investigation was done by Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA) it revealed that the spill was equivalent to 6,000 barrels.

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.

Repsol 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, Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) attorney-at-law Julio Cesar Guzman told Exitosa Noticias, that Repsol could face liabilities of up to $500 million for compensation for the effects of the spill.

Moreover, cleanup efforts are ongoing, with guidance from national regulators and from UN advisors.

While Peru continues to take action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give Exxon the permission to pollute the airspace via flaring without consequence. It has also been extracting oil offshore since 2019 and Guyana is still without full cover insurance from their parent company.

TUESDAY Exxon going deeper into Stabroek Block to tap multibillion barrel potential For 2022, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will be drilling deeper into several areas in

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strengthened legislative framework governing the NRF. WEDNESDAY

the Stabroek Block to hopefully tap more of the multi-billion barrel potential of the block.

This was revealed during the 2021 fourth quarter earnings call of Hess Corporation which has a 30 percent working interest in the block.

During the call held Wednesday last, Hess was asked to provide shareholders with a few details on the oil to gas ratio as well as the oil quality of its Fangtooth discovery made earlier last month. The Fangtooth-1 well encountered approximately 164 feet (50 metres) of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoirs.

The well was drilled in 6,030 feet (1,838 metres) of water and is located approximately 11 miles (18 kilometres) northwest of the Liza field.

Hess’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Gregory Hill said, “I guess the first thing I’d say is the positive results at Fangtooth which was our first standalone deep exploration prospect, …has very good oil quality, and it confirms the deeper exploration potential of the Stabroek Block. So in the coming months, we’re going to complete the analysis of that well, the Fangtooth well and then plan appraisal activities to really determine the best development approach.”

He continued, “So generally, we see these deeper zones as being developed through a combination of standalone developments and tiebacks potentially to existing FPSOs (floating, production, storage and offloading vessels). So very encouraged, very pleased by the results we saw at Fangtooth.”

Hill also reminded shareholders that Exxon and its partners had other penetrations prior to Fangtooth into those deeper zones that confirmed their perspectives about the multi-billion barrel potential of the much deeper plays. ”So we’re very excited.

That’s why we’re going to drill a lot more wells in kind of the deeper prospectivity this year than years past. And so

watch this space, but we’re encouraged by the outcome in particular about Fangtooth,” the COO stated.

Questioned to speak about the well targets for 2022, Hill was keen to outline that the objectives of this year’s programme is to get more penetrations in the deeper parts of the block. ”So the deep penetrations that we’re going to be watching closely, and these are wells that we’re going to spud in the first quarter are Barreleye-1 which is a lower Campanian primary target, but it’s also got some shallower things as well. And then Tarpon-1 which is another lower Campanian well plus deeper Jurassic carbonate feature that we see,” expressed the COO. Other targets, he said, include Lukanani-1 and Patwa-1.

Overall, Hill told shareholders they can expect to see a very rich mixture of play types.

“They’re all significant in this year’s programme. They’re all very promising wells on seismic,” the Hess official concluded.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 percent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest. $126B oil money in oil Budget is illegal - Analysts The legality of the use of the Natural Resource Fund continues to be a source of contention as highlighted in this year’s focus on the Annual Budget Estimates by eminent Chartered Accounting Firm, Ram and McRae. According to the observations, there may be conflict with the existing Natural Resource Fund Act and the way in which the money is already being used.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with

responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had in his Budget 2022 presentation last Wednesday indicated that some $126B of the $553B spending this year by government would be coming from the NRF. Ram and McRae in its observations note however, that under Article 13 of the Act itself, it is clearly stated that, “that withdrawal from the Fund can only be used for national developmental priorities and essential projects related to natural disaster.”

It was further noted that as it is shown in the Estimates, the drawdown this year is purely budgetary support “which we double is permitted under the Act; it would seem that the most appropriate thing to do would be to include in the Estimates, a Separate Natural Resource Fund Statement.”

Opposition Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir in her presentation to the first day of the Budget debates on Monday had also pointed out that the $126B being used from the NRF was strictly for budget support.

She reminded the House that under the previous incarnation of the Act, which was passed by the then Coalition administration, monies to be utilised was supposed to have been passed through the National Assembly with an accompanying statement.

This statement, it was explained, would have outlined the specific purpose for which the money would be utilised.

The Act with which the current administration replaced it with however, removed such provision, as such removing any such obligation being placed on the Minister.

Additionally, a similar sentiment over the legality and use of the funds in the way in which it is being done in Budget 2022 was raised by former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran.

In his Accountability Watch, he observed too that Section 16 of the Act provides for the approval Assembly

before any withdrawals are made from the fund.

As such, he contends “this raises the question as to whether the Assembly’s specific approval is not required before the amounts are involved are incorporated in the Estimates.”

Or, is it a case where once the Assembly approves the estimates it also approves the related withdrawals?”

To this end, it was contended that “…the former should be the case.”

The National Assembly was told by Dr. Singh that from the commencement of oil production in December 2019 to the end of 2021, there were 69 lifts of oil exported from Guyana, of which nine were for Government.

In March 2020, the US$54.9 million proceeds from the nation’s first lift of crude oil were deposited into the Fund, followed by the first royalty payment of US$4.9 million at the end of April 2020.

The Fund received US$185.4 million from four lifts of profit oil and US$12.9 million from royalties for the period March 2020 to December 2020.

In 2021, the Fund received US$357.2 million from Government’s share of profit oil, and US$52 million from royalties, and at the end of the year, the Fund’s cumulative balance stood at US$607.6 million.

Budget 2022, he said, proposes the first withdrawals to be made in keeping with the

An agricultural nightmare! APNU+AFC wasted $720M to procure damaged fire pumps for drainage works The agriculture sector is well known for its impressive contributions to Guyana’s economic wellbeing. But hidden under that veil, are numerous nightmarish stories of excessive wastage of taxpayers’ money, corruption, and fraud.

Detailing one of those horror stories to members of the National Assembly on Tuesday morning was Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha. He disclosed during his contribution to the debates on budget 2022, that the APNU+AFC regime track record shows contempt for the Guyanese people as it wasted over $720M to procure fire pumps for drainage works.

Expounding further, the minister said, “Poor infrastructure, drainage, and irrigations problems became a nightmare for farmers under the APNU/ AFC government. When we first took office in (August) 2020, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority was plagued by the challenges that came with inoperable pumps and excavators, even though our farmers were paying exorbitant rates.”

Mustapha said, “…but I will tell you what they did, they bought 12 defective pumps from India, then paid 75 percent of the costs upfront and the pumps were unable to perform. Imagine you bought fire pumps to do work in drainage for the agriculture sector.

That is the track record of these people!”

CONTRACT DETAILS Kaieteur News subsequently discovered that the contract in question was awarded to Apollo International Limited by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) back in June (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 26

From page 25 2018. The contract details state that the company, which is registered in India, was required to ensure the design, supply, installation and commissioning of nine fixed pumps and three mobile highcapacity drainage pumps and associated structures/equipment. The cost of the contract was US$3,602,014.

The sum of US$2,868,719 was paid up front by NDIA. This newspaper understands that the fixed Pumps were installed at Devonshire Castle (2 nos.), Hampton Court (2 nos.), Den Amstel (1 no.) Nootenzuil (1 no.) Hope (1 no.), Rose Hall (1 no.), and Mora Point (1 no.) The three mobile pumps are installed at Ruimveldt North, Sussex Street and Cowan Street.

During the commissioning stage of the pumps, investigating officials attached to the Agriculture Ministry were keen to note that all sorts of mechanical issues were observed from December 30, 2020, to present.

These ranged from parts overheating, electrical problems with the control panel, alignment difficulties, leaking gear box, broken drive shafts, engine back pressuring, broken gears and gear box etc.

Due to the many problems that were observed during the commissioning stage of the pumps, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority began to request from Apollo International Limited the performance curves, engine specifications and clarification of the performance of the pumps and engines supplied.

But after doing its own research, NDIA made the horrifying discovery that the equipment supplied was actually rated for “fire pump application” and worse yet, they were all undersized. Minister Mustapha has since disclosed that the government will ensure measures are taken to protect the interest of the

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

State as he said the Attorney General’s Chambers is now handling the matter.

CORRECTIVE ACTION In addition to pursuing legal action, Mustapha said budget 2022 will provide some corrective action as it has placed focus on expanding and strengthening drainage and irrigation systems with a $13 Billion allocation. In 2022, Mustapha said his ministry will embark on a Flood and Economic Recovery and Resilience Programme that is focused on long term agriculture infrastructural development which will build the climate resilience of the agriculture sector and ensure food security by ensuring there is little disruption to the food supply due to shocks such as floods.

To this end, Kaieteur News understands that $1 Billion will be invested for the urgent acquisition of the needed equipment to enhance flood protection and build operational capacity.

Also, mobile pumps will be strategically placed in locations that are considered flood-prone, along with earth moving equipment (long and short boom excavators, mini excavators, bulldozers) which will be purchased to help build the flood protection systems.

Minister Mustapha said these two interventions are important since they will improve the drainage and irrigation systems along with the floodprone agricultural areas.

The Minister also said plans are in place to construct major outfall channels in Regions Three, Five, and Six which will be similar to the Northern Relief Channel at Hope/Dochfour, East Coast Demerara, conceptualized and constructed by the PPP/ C administration before demitting office in 2015.

Minister Mustapha said, “…It is impactful projects like these that will build the resil-

ience of the agriculture sector. Our government remains resolute to building back better and ensuring that the agriculture sector is equipped and has the necessary infrastructure to aid the increase in domestic production and remain food secure.”

Condemnation grows over mistreatment of Guyanese oil workers – Exxon recruiter promises to fix issues after meeting with Labour Department Two unions on Monday united in condemning the al-

leged mistreatment of Guyanese working onboard ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, operating offshore Guyana.

The two unions, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Mines Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) made their comments via statements they sent out, following the publication of a Kaieteur News article on Sunday last.

Both GAWU and NMWUG

have also agreed that an investigation must be conducted into the allegations made by local employees.

Kaieteur News reported that locals are complaining of being fed leftovers and mistreated on the oil ship. These workers were reportedly recruited to work for the American oil giant, ExxonMobil by a company called Newrest Guyana and included laundry staff, cleaners, dish washers and even porters who offload containers with supplies for the vessel.

According to GAWU, they were “disturbed to learn of how Guyanese nationals were being treated”. The Union also revealed that it has received similar complaints from other employees work-

ing in other enterprises, in the oil sector. “The workers’ experiences which were captured by the media mirror much of what our union has heard firsthand from employees working offshore in other enterprises”, GAWU stated. ”We learnt from local workers that they were being denied internet access to communicate to their families though such facilities remained available to foreigners. Additionally, we pointed out that some workers had reported to us that they could only eat after their foreign colleagues had completed their meals and received whatever was available. Guyanese workers have been telling us too, that foreigners were (Continued on page 27)

Sunday February 06, 2022

From page 26 being allowed to eat their meals prior to emergency drills whereas locals were not afforded similar opportunities”, the union continued.

GAWU want to encourage the mistreated oil workers to ‘make contact with the union because it believes that past collaborative efforts have so far yielded improvements for workers in the oil sector.

Meanwhile, NMWUG is calling for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Labour and Chief Labour Officer’s Office into the allegations made by the local oil workers.

The union noted that this mistreatment of local workers does not only exist in the oil sector but in all other sectors where a foreign investor is involved. “We condemn without reservations the mistreatment and disrespect shown to Guyanese workers by their foreign employer, in this case the oil industry”, NMWUG stated.

The union added that mistreatment of the oil workers reminded it of a recent incident whereby the Chinese Company, Zijin Mining Inc. was reportedly feeding local AGM workers with ‘scrap meat’.

This allegation that the union was referring to was made last year. A Kaieteur News report had detailed that Chinese employees were enjoying all the quality food in a separate mess hall from the locals.

The Chinese reportedly had adequate tissues, peanut butter and sauces on each table, while the locals only had one of each item in their mess hall.

The workers had complained that the menu they were served was completely different. Zijin Mining Inc. had responded that the reason for the different menu and a separate mess hall was because of the difference in culture.

The company claimed that Chinese would eat different meals from the Guyanese. As it relates to the quality food being served, the company denied that it had ever fed the locals scrap meat and assured that it does its utmost to treat both locals and expats fairly and vowed to continue doing so.

Meanwhile, following the publication of this newspaper’s report, the Ministry of Labour summoned Newrest Guyana to a meeting.

The company has since agreed to rectify the overtime rates paid to Guyanese working on the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform. A statement from the Labour Department said that Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Dhaneshwar

Deonarine met with senior management of Newrest Guyana, the recruiting company/sub-contractor for ExxonMobil which provides employees to undertake housekeeping, catering, food supply, and laundry functions.

The meeting which was held in the Ministry’s boardroom was attended by Newrest’s General Manager, Antoine Morillon and its Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Director, Nicholas Ali. In response to the allegations of their workers being fed leftovers and not being able to eat among expatriates on the FPSO, the manager told the CLO that due to company protocol, the clients would usually eat first, then the service staff. In addition, Morillon said that service staff who are not on duty are allowed to eat among the clients.

According to the Labour Department the CLO also questioned the company about its overtime payment to workers, where it was found that in some cases the rates applied were not in keeping with the Factories (Hours and Holidays) Act. “The senior management has since promised to have it rectified. This will include fixing the overtime rates and providing retroactive payments to properly compensate employees for previously paid overtime, all of which will be clearly outlined in employees’ contracts with the prescribed rates following the law,” according to the release.

Regarding the issue of bonuses, the department reported the company as saying that bonuses are paid to certain categories of workers, whether they are expatriates or Guyanese.

The company noted, according to the department, that the staff in the laundry category, however, are not paid bonuses. The statement said that the CLO has also

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asked the company to submit a copy of its wages and leave records for the Ministry to verify that the labour laws are being adhered to in that regard. Deonarine said that he was pleased with the company’s acceptance of its infractions as it relates to the payment of overtime and also commended its willingness to remedy them, according to the statement.

THURSDAY Exxon boasts of closing 2021 with highest profit in 7 years…But continues to deny Guyana full coverage insurance During its 2021 fourth quarter earnings call, American oil giant, ExxonMobil proudly disclosed that it made US$23B in profits – its highest posting in seven years.

But even as it continues to make billions of dollars in revenue, it continues to deny Guyana, a key asset in its portfolio, its fundamental right to full coverage insurance.

Currently, the Liza Destiny vessel is operating at the Liza Phase One Project in the absence of full coverage insurance.

Next month, Guyana will be starting up its second oil ship called the Liza Unity. It

will be producing 220,000 barrels of oil from the Liza Phase Two Project.

Despite numerous calls from local and regional actors, neither the PPP/C Government nor ExxonMobil have made any effort to give Guyana full coverage insurance to protect its environs and citizens from the irreversible and devastating effects of a potential oil spill.

In fact, Guyana’s regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), quietly made modifications to the Liza Phase Two Project’s Environmental Permit which preserved a provision allowing only ExxonMobil’s limited liability company, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to cover costs for any spill or pollution that occurs.

This also obtains in the permit for the Payara Project which comes on stream next year.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who has claimed on numerous occasions to have the citizen’s interest at heart, has also failed to demand full coverage insurance from ExxonMobil which the country is entitled to. Instead, he has said the administration is looking to get Exxon to “acknowledge” that it has a com-

mitment to protect the environment. Towards this end, he had said that negotiations are in play for a possible US$2B coverage for Exxon’s fourth project called Yellowtail.

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

In noting the rationale for insurance being secured from the parent company, Dr. Jagdeo said, “…this has been a long-standing issue in the private domain and one of the criticisms was that should you have a spill or anything of that nature that there would not be a specific guarantee from the parent company to the local company. So, this is trying to nibble away at all of the issues that we have had problems with.”

WHAT OTHERS ACCEPT When one examines what other administrations across the world demand from ExxonMobil in the area of insurance, there is a noticeable difference when compared to Guyana.

In Liberia for example, ExxonMobil is not allowed to provide the authorities there with insurance coverage from its subsidiaries. To prevent Exxon from using this loophole, the authorities there have demanded that the company provides insurance coverage without limitation. Such insurance can therefore, only be provided by the parent company and not its subsidiary which has little to no revenue.

The clause in one of the Production Sharing Agreements Exxon is tied to in Liberia says, “The Contractor shall take out and cause to be taken out by its contractors and subcontractors, in respect of the Petroleum Operations, all insurances of the type and for such amounts customarily carried in accordance with Good International Petroleum Industry Practice, including without limitation, third party liability insurance and insurances to cover damage to property, facilities, equipment and materials, without prejudice to such insurances, which would be required under Law.” Importantly, Liberia makes it categorically clear that evi-

dence of full coverage insurance by Exxon, its partners and subcontractors, have to be provided “before Petroleum Operations begin and thereafter at least annually.”

Closer to home, Guyana’s South American sister, Peru, also displays a no-nonsense approach in dealing with oil companies. On Monday, Kaieteur News reported that a judge in Peru barred four Executives from Spanish oil company, Repsol, from leaving the country amid a devastating oil spill, which saw more than 6,000 barrels of crude contaminating the shores of Peru. Repsol could face liabilities of up to US$500 million for compensation for the effects of the spill.

While Peru continues to take action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give Exxon the permission to pollute the airspace without consequence and to operate without insurance at break neck speed.

Over 6,000 barrels of crude spilled in Ecuador Amazon (Reuters) A burst pipeline in Ecuador caused an oil spill within a protected area of the country’s Amazon rainforest, the environment ministry said on Monday, adding that the pipeline operator will face legal consequences.

A rock fall following rains in the Piedra Fina zone caused a part of the OCP heavy crude pipeline to split late on Friday, causing an oil spill which affected flora and fauna in the region, authorities said.

Operator OCP Ecuador said on Saturday that it had stopped pumping crude. On Sunday, it said it had contracted three specialist companies to carry out cleaning and remediation work. ”We were successful in containing the majority of oil that flowed from the pipeline,” OCP Ecuador’s executive president, Jorge Vugdelija said in a statement on Monday. ”However, we are aware that small traces have reached bodies of water, and we are working on it.”

Since 2020 regressive erosion advancing along the Coca river has caused problems for both the privately-operated OCP pipeline and the stateowned SOTE pipeline.

In December both pipelines suspended pumping due to the issue, leading the government to declare ‘force majeure’ over the majority of the country’s oil exports and production contracts.

The affected area spans some 21,000 square meters (226,000 square feet), mostly within the protected zone of Cayambe Coca national park, which is (Continued on page 28)

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Sunday February 06, 2022

From page 27 inhabited by western mountain coati, a relative of raccoons; red brocket deer; bird species including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, and various amphibians, the environment ministry stated.

The government has initiated legal and administrative actions against OCP Ecuador, the ministry said, adding it has requested the company to carry out a detailed investigation to measure the spill’s impact.

Oil has been found on the Coca river’s banks, according to communities living in the area. The river was previously affected by a major oil spill in April 2020 after both the OCP and SOTE pipelines burst due to the effects of the regressive erosion. ”Once again we have been polluted and we are fighting about it with OCP,” Patricia Vargas, who heads the Panduyaku community in Ecuador’s Sucumbios province, told Reuters. ”The oil is already coating the banks of the Coca river and we call for immediate action,” she said.

FRIDAY Opposition ready to support renegotiation of Exxon contract – Govt says PSA is the worst crime committed against Guyanese The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that was signed between the Government of Guyana and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana—and their partners to develop hydrocarbon resources in the Stabroek Block represents the worst crime committed against Guyana and the Guyanese people.

This declaration was made Thursday during the fourth day of Budget Debates in the National Assembly, by Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat. Although lamenting the PSA being the worst crime against Guyanese, there was no mention of a renegotiation—a proposal that was made to the House minutes earlier by the Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson.

The Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament, in his presentation to the House on the oil and gas sector had offered the opposition’s support to the government with regard the renegotiation of the PSA, commonly referred to as the ExxonMobil Contract.

Patterson—who preceded Bharrat’s presentation to the Debates—had lambasted the administration over its mismanagement of the sector since taking Office.

David Patterson

Bharrat in defense of the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) stewardship of the industry said when the party took office, the industry was floating adrift since there was no proper framework in place to effectively manage the industry. He contended it had been treated as a one man show, later shifting from Ministry to Minis-

try.

MISFEASANCE Patterson accused the administration of not only aiding and abetting the fleecing of Guyana’s resources but also of misfeasance in office. Addressing some of the troubling aspects with regard the stewardship of the industry thus far, Patterson lamented the fact that Guyanese are

being sold a product without being able to verify it -something which he said is akin to the colloquial saying, buying pig in a bag.

To this end, Patterson reported that in September 2020, the Commissioner of GRA reported that the audit of Exxon preproduction costs, reportedly some US$460M was completed and handed over to the government. The nation, he said, “was stunned to learn two weeks ago that this is not the case.”

Compounding the situation further, Patterson noted that 15 months later, after not making a single public comment, “the government now wants us to believe that the process undertaken by the international auditors and supervised by GRA was defective.”

As such, he suggested that “even if that was the case, why wait 15 months to inform the public? Why has this not been a matter of urgency for the government? After all, an audit of the claimed

preproduction costs, would have provided an invaluable insight to the billing practices of the operator.”

According to Patterson, government’s continued failure to audit Exxon’s US$9.5B spending “is tantamount to the Government aiding and abetting the fleecing of Guyana’s resources.”

He continued further, saying the PPPC’s excuse that the process has been stymied because of the absence of strong local groups to do the audits, “is quite frankly unacceptable.

The AFC Speaker with the Oil and Gas portfolio told members of the House, it is estimated that an audit of Exxon expense claims can garner savings of up to US$1B, “far more than the US$604M being removed from the Natural Resources Fund.”

He was adamant, “failure to do these audits is a commission of wrongdoing and misfeasance in office. No excuse or political grandstanding will absolve the Government of

this grave sin against the nation.”

According to Patterson, “no one buys a bottle of water that is not full, because you can see through the container; No one buys fruits from our local vendors if the product is visibly damaged.”

V E R I F I C AT I O N He noted however, if you buy a bottle of cooking gas, “you cannot see if you are getting value unless the bottle is weighed on a standard scale, or unless you believe the seal has been properly set and has not been tampered with.”

According to Patterson, “this is what the government is asking our nation to accept, a product from a supplier without verification.”

He said too, there have been repeated public requests for the Ministry of Natural Resources to provide the daily production information “for the oil, we are paying Exxon to explore for, to drill for, to store and mostly to sell for us.”To date, Patterson said, (Continued on page 29)

Sunday February 06, 2022

From page 28 there is still no information.

“There are no figures to perform analysis on. No production data which can be tabulated with the corresponding oil prices to ensure that we are receiving value for our oil.

So, the Guyanese citizen, the main stakeholder in all of this, remains in ignorance and cannot check what we are told.”

He concluded that “this lack of transparency dominates the PPPC’s activities in the Oil and Gas sector and quite frankly characterizes the PPC’s activities in general and should be concerning all stakeholders wherever they may be.”

To this end, the AFC Executive told members of the government, the opposition will support new systems of governance which would facilitate “world-class” management in all areas of our economy and society.

Guyana, he said, has been extraordinarily blessed, “let us use our blessings not just to calculate averages that look good on paper, while the standard of living of our people is declining, but rather, with wisdom to improve the lives of all our citizens, while positively impacting our region.”

Lack of full coverage insurance exposes Guyana to bankruptcy—Patterson The fact that there are oil exploration and production activities underway in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Stabroek and Other Blocks, the issue of binding full coverage insurance provided by the parent companies of the oil operators has for several years now been a sore point among stakeholders.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, had recently in lamenting the state of affairs, said government was looking to have the parent companies acknowledge responsibility for up to US$2B in the event

of a catastrophic event such as an oil spill. The matter was again raised Thursday. This time as the Minister and Shadow Minister with responsibility for the Natural Resources Sector, Vickram Bharrat and David Patterson respectively, clashed on day four of the Budget Debate of the Estimated National Expenditure for this year.

The Alliance for Change (AFC) General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP), Patterson, in his presentation to the debates, was unrelenting in his criticism of the state of affairs.

According to Patterson, on assumption of office, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration reversed the position that Guyana should be financially covered for any and all spills, to little or no coverage at all.

“When they reversed the Agreement between the Coalition and Exxon for the company to obtain the maximum insurance coverage on the market with the remainder being covered by the three parent companies.”

According to Patterson, the limited insurance coverage, as against full or unlimited liability coverage “against all risks poses a most severe risk to Guyana, leaving us vulnerable to financial bankruptcy without the means to cleanup any oil spill.

Not to mention the nation’s exposure to lawsuits from bordering countries.” To this end, he used the occasion to remind of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which cost approximately US$70 billion, “and the environmental damage persists.” Patterson posited: “it is rather stunning that with the proposed increase in production, the government is now talking about having Exxon obtain insurance to the value of $2 Billion.”

Such a position Patterson said, begs the question, “Did

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Exxon cancel the $2.5 Billion in private insurance that was put in place under the Coalition? Why would the government feel satisfied with only $2 Billion worth of liability coverage, when the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico costed more than $70 Billion?”

Additionally he queried, “…if the government is satisfied with only the $2 Billion coverage, how would any costs over and above that be covered?”

Addressing another environmental issue emanating as a result of the oil operations offshore Guyana relates to the Flaring by ExxonMobil from the Liza Destiny, Floating Production Storage Production and Offloading Vessel. To this end, he was adamant the law of the land is very clear when it comes to flaring.

“First, Clause 3.6 of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Permits expressly prohibits flaring, with exceptions being made for flaring only during startup of the FPSO, emergencies, or periods of maintenance.”

He reminded that the unexpected failure of Exxon’s equipment at the beginning of operations prompted the Coalition government to take actions to stop such flaring, including severely reducing oil production, and revisions of the EPA Permits to ensure compliance with the law.

According to Patterson, on assumption of Office, “the PPP/C callously reversed the Zero Flaring Mandate.”

He contends that with this reversal, the PPP/C now gives Exxon the licence to flare any amount if they pay a fee of $45 USD per Tonne of carbon dioxide flared.

According to Patterson, “the PPP/C’s declaration that the fine of $45 USD per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted, is an improvement, is nothing but a laughable sham, giving Exxon the licence to flare. Money talks,

the environment suffers!!”

He noted too that what is most worrying was the recent statement by Exxon that it still has not fixed the flaring problem which has been ongoing since the start of operations more than two years ago.

“The government has total disregard for the nation’s health, safety and the environment, which was made clear when government ministers continued parroting Exxon’s position that Guyana is a carbon sink, so it has the capacity to take in more pollutants—this coming from a government that is also pushing a green agenda.”

Addressing another Environmental concern, Patterson also used his Budget Presentation to raise the matter of the dumping of produced/ waste water into the Atlantic Ocean.

To this end, he informed the House that much like the issue of flaring, “…the PPP/C upon taking office, immediately reversed the coalition’s zero dumping of produced water mandate developed.”

He told the House the original mandate was consistent with the World Bank’s international standards that require reinjection, and not the dumping of this water, which is three times hotter than the ocean and contains oil, radioactive elements, mercury, lead, arsenic, and many other toxic chemicals.

“There is now a serious question surrounding the cause of the drop in fishing quantities offshore Guyana as it relates to this dumping of produced water.”

According to Patterson, “no one with any inkling of common sense would think that throwing all of those billions of gallons of hot, radioactive and toxic water into our clean oceans would not impact our fish life, and more egregious is the Government’s nonchalant attitude towards a study that could find out what the impact is.”

He was adamant that the current administration’s approach to the industry em-

phasizes that it is “more interested in prioritising monetary gains over protection of the environment, safety and health, which is an unnecessary and dangerous choice, since today’s technology makes it commonplace for both environmental protection and monetary gains to be achieved at the same time, especially considering that Exxon is comfortably and willingly achieving these targets in other countries such as the United States.”

Oil production ship explodes off Nigeria,10 dead – Guyana still to get full coverage insurance from Exxon An oil production and storage ship exploded in southern Delta state and 10 crewmembers are feared dead, Nigerian authorities said.

An official of the Sheba Oil Exploration and Production Company confirmed the incident in a statement Thursday.

Ikemefuna Okafor said the offshore production facility known as Trinity Spirit erupted in flames in Ukpokiti, on the coast of Nigeria’s southern Delta state.

He said the fire was believed to have been caused by an explosion and that the incident was being investigated. Ikemefuna said the initial responders to the incident included local fishermen and Clean Nigeria Associates, a team operating at a nearby facility. The extent of damage is still unknown. The ship is able to store up to two million barrels of oil and the explosion raises serious environmental concerns. Three months ago an oil spill in nearby Bayelsa state spewed for one month, causing severe damage to land and water bodies before it was contained.

Ibiosiya Sukubo is a leader of one of the communities in the Niger Delta that was recently affected. “The ecological and aquatic devastation caused by oil and gas exploitation and exploration has been quite colossal and astronomical,” Sukubo said.

“The movement of heavy

marine vessels creating a host of turbidity without proper compensation, alleviation, remediation, is an appalling circumstance we find ourselves in, the Niger Delta.”

Nigeria is trying to maximize its petroleum output, and authorities have intensified a crackdown on illegal tapping of pipelines. Petroleum officials say the country loses some 150,000 barrels of oil a day to such theft.

The Nigeria incident comes at a time when Guyana is still to secure full coverage insurance from oil operators here despite numerous calls for such. Currently, the Liza Destiny vessel is operating at the Liza Phase One Project in the absence of full coverage insurance. Next month, Guyana will be starting up its second oil ship called the Liza Unity.

It will be producing 220,000 barrels of oil from the Liza Phase Two Project. Despite numerous calls from local and regional actors, neither the PPP/C Government nor ExxonMobil have made any effort to give Guyana full coverage insurance to protect its environs and citizens from the irreversible and devastating effects of a potential oil spill.

In fact, Guyana’s regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), quietly made modifications to the Liza Phase Two Project’s Environmental Permit which preserved a provision allowing only ExxonMobil’s limited liability company, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to cover costs for any spill or pollution that occurs. This also obtains in the permit for the Payara Project which comes on stream next year.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who has claimed on numerous occasions to have the citizen’s interest at heart, has also failed to demand full coverage insurance from ExxonMobil which the country is entitled to. Instead, he has said the administration is looking to get Exxon to “acknowledge” that it has a (Continued on page 36)

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Sunday February 06, 2022

>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

Foreigners mistreating locals, fire pumps for drainage works and Indian roadbuilders

I

t is all negative this week, the things that disturb.

Foreigners in the growing oil sector are playing games with Guyanese. They are treating us like slaves and indentured servants, with practices that hark back to slavery days and colonial times.

When I read of how Guyanese workers are being treated, rage and disgust flares. It is as if nothing has changed, after all the heartfelt promises, the warm smiles, and warmer handshakes, and this being the era of political correctness, where every word and posture is measured and remeasured to ensure there are no missteps.

Guyanese workers, mainly from the semi- and unskilled levels, have to lineup patiently and wait quietly, while their foreign masters eat first.

Then they have to be content with whatever is left (leff, leff in Guyanese lingo). This should not be happening, but it is and repeatedly in different places, where foreigners are in charge.

This is neither the ole American

slaveholding South nor preMandela South Africa. It is the 21st century and Guyana, and we have the oil. I say let’s kick their sorry asses all the way back to where these racist mothers came from. Just get them out of here.

They sicken me with their double standards and hypocrisy.

They ill-treat our leaders, then they degrade our workers toiling for an honest dollar. Even their overtime hours the foreigners cheat them out of; so sleazy are these low sons of you know what.

I am disturbed that our leaders have no sense of outrage, no pride, when these things happen with Chinese, Russians, Indians, and American companies exploiting our riches here, and spitting on our people. Now, they are going to make them good on overtime due, but are silent otherwise. We have to select one company and send it packing, to show we mean business. That would encourage enormously.

Fire pumps for drainage works must take the cake for the bizarre

and incredible. Compliments of the APNU+AFC, $720M was wasted in this fashion (KN February 2). There is a saying: lend a man an asset, like a car or tool, and be ready for what is received on return.

This is precisely what occurred here and to the tune of a whopping $720M squandered. This agitates and disturbs no end. I mean there are errors and failures, then there are errors and failures, and this one is sheer lunacy.

Who was responsible for this? Who didn’t catch this until much later? Why not? Again, I ask: why are the people responsible for such things not dragged around the streets by whipped horses? We have some sick and truly stupid people in this country.

First, it was the Chinese, now it is the Indians. They come with their money to lend their expertise in building, and their readiness to deliver quality products for Guyanese. There is one catch. The Chinese did it earlier. Now the subcontinent Indians did them one

better. They walked with their own people to monopolise the bidding for the construction of the Ogle-Eccles Road.

To emphasise, only their firms put in bids, and the one that won did so despite bidding higher than the engineer’s estimate. I must inquire quietly whether this was a part of the wheeling and dealing now prevalent in today’s Guyana.

That is, a full-service product is offered by the Indians, inclusive of loans, project plans and blueprints, and, to close the deal, the firm which must secure the road building contract.

I get the disturbing impression that it is that or no deal.

The engineer’s estimate is exceeded, a now frequent occurrence, with Guyanese taxpayers responsible for repaying the loan. It is not chickenfeed money, because the engineer’s estimate was almost US$48.7M, while all three of the Indian

By GHK Lall companies bidding were over the US$106M mark. That is more than double the local engineer ’s estimate.

What could be going on here that our own engineer’s estimate is so way off? None can be that incompetent, that off the mark, which by itself disturbs tremendously. Was this a case of the fix being in on the Indian side, with Guyana’s Government going along?

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

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

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Regional commitment vital in achieving 25% reduction in food imports by 2025 - Pres. Ali

G

uyana’s Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali has stressed the importance of acrossthe-board commitments by CARICOM Member States in achieving the target of reducing food importation by 25 percent by the year 2025.

Guyana currently holds the lead responsibility for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security in CARICOM and is spearheading the regional body’s quest of reducing its US$5B food import bill.

During his address at the 101st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development ( C O T E D ) , v i a videoconference, the President reminded the leaders of the need to work as a cohesive unit.

“It is either we are serious about this or we are not serious about this—we have to decide. This is not an individual country trying to achieve something. This is us as a collective. This is about us being successful together … we cannot advance this if the commitment and the full participation is not there,” a government release quoted the President as saying.

ACTIONABLE PLAN In his capacity as the meeting’s Chair, President Ali also invited discussions on the updates provided by the Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security.

The representatives were invited to identify areas where they can increase food production and come up with an actionable plan that also includes a budget, technical resources and investment.

They were also tasked with identifying the gaps in each category.

President Ali noted that the intention is to be able to lead an effort to mobilise technical help and financial resources and to work with the Member States in achieving the target.

He said he requested the meeting to ensure that concrete decisions and a clear path are established in moving forward.

Both Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, were with the President.

Minister Mustapha, who serves as the Chairman of the

- CARICOM Secretary-General lauds positive discourse MTF, provided a progress report to participants on the work of the task force to date while participating Agriculture Ministers and other senior officials from across the CARICOM Region provided updates on their country’s efforts to address agriculture-related issues.

BARRIERS The removal of nontariff barriers as a means of promoting intra-regional trade and quick resolution of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) disputes were also raised by Dr. Richard Blair, an Agricultural Economist with CARICOM. He noted that the two main challenges the region faces are SPS measures and qualitative restrictions such as arbitrary licences requirements.

The Members States also discussed their national action plans, including resource allocations in support of the 25 by 2025 target.

Before the next CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, participants are expected to set conditions, including actions required and interventions needed to achieve the target.

Also on the agenda was a discussion on the poultry industry, which President Ali said brings tremendous opportunities.

“The suggestion is for us to have poultry as a mainstay of what we want to achieve.

So, for example, if a country is producing zero percent, how can we take them to 25 percent; if you are producing 25 percent, how can we take you to 50 percent. We need to examine if we can do it and how we can do it.”

Other discussions included taxes and duties, incentivising agriculture, climate-smart resilient agriculture, productivity, technical support, crop identification for import substitution, addressing consumption, our consumption pattern and behaviour, data collection, monitoring system, regional transport infrastructure, agro-processing and creating a regional brand.

POSITIVE PATH AHEAD Meanwhile, CARICOM

Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett lauded the participants for their positive discussions.

“The way the conversation is going is really positive…we should be moving towards collecting all of the information in the individual states so that targeted programmes can be put

together.”

She added that sustainable results require that specific needs of each Member State be addressed.

This, she stressed, is however dependent on the input of each Member State.

President Ali assured that there will be direct linkages with the Secretariat and each Member State to craft a

t a rg e t e d o u t c o m e a n d strategic framework.

F o r e i g n S e c r e t a r y, Robert Persaud; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper; Director of Projects a t t h e O ff i c e o f t h e President, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and other

Guyana’s Head of State, President Irfaan Ali officials were also at the Office of the President for the meeting.

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 06, 2022

Only 29% of C’bean businesses upgraded cyber security since COVID-19 Although cyber threats have increased significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a mere 29 percent of Caribbean businesses that participated in a Digicel Business survey upgraded their cyber security in direct response to the prevailing threats.

In a release, it was noted that Digicel Business launched its Digital Transformation Research Report and Guide, looking at the attitudes towards digital

– Digicel report transformation and the impact the pandemic has had on businesses in this respect.

This report surveyed 1,900 businesses across the Caribbean, and through this research, Digicel Business has been able to get a better picture of where companies are on their digital transformation journey and provide some tangible ways that organisations can invest

in that journey.

In addition to doing a Caribbean overview, Digicel Business also did local reports for ABC Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, B r i t i s h Vi r g i n Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

It was underscored in the released that “One thing that

stood out in the report was that less than a third of businesses (29 percent) surveyed had upgraded their cyber security as a direct result of the pandemic.

Meanwhile the scale and number of global cyber threats have increased significantly since the onset of COVID-19.”

This increase, the release added, is directly attributed to the fact that many companies were forced to implement remote work measures in a bid to protect their workforce from the impact of the virus.

Currently, in the third year of the pandemic, many are still working remotely.

Liam Donnelly, Digicel Group Chief Business Officer said, “Cyber security is a hot topic globally, and it’s something that can have a devastating impact on anyone, personally or professionally. You don’t need to be a large company to be targeted. While 77 percent of businesses surveyed across the Caribbean had accelerated their digital strategy because of the pandemic, the resulting growth from this digital transformation investment is at risk if cyber security isn’t upgraded

accordingly.”

For organisations that have not taken the necessary precautions to protect their information, they remain vulnerable to catastrophic assaults. Globally, it is recognised that a cyber attack happens every 39 seconds. So protecting company and customer data is imperative to keep businesses operational in the face of ever-present threats.

Liam added: “When we decided to do this report, it was because we saw an information gap in the industry with statistics specifically reflecting businesses in the Caribbean.

We hope that the information in this report can serve as a guide for any entrepreneur looking at digital transformation and wondering how best to proceed.”

The report is targeted at business leaders, owners and decision makers who are looking to improve their understanding of digital transformation, and the benefits and challenges that come along with it, especially in the current climate. The report is now available, free to download, on the Digicel Business website.

Sunday February 06, 2022

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From page 28 commitment to protect the environment. Towards this end, he said negotiations are in play for a possible US$2B coverage for Exxon’s fourth project called Yellowtail.

Earlier this week the Kaieteur News reported that a judge in Peru Friday last, barred four executives from Spanish oil company, Repsol, from leaving the country amid the devastating oil spill which saw more than 6,000 barrels of crude contaminating the shores of Peru.

Kaieteur News reported that 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 oil 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 unloading 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.

As a result of the 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.

However, according to Peruvian media reports, Repsol officials have denied the liability for the spill and also called it an accident.

According to Peruvian media, a Specialized Prosecutor for Environmental Matters for Lima, Noroeste, ap-

Kaieteur News

proached the Peruvian court, seeking an order to prevent four Repsol executives from leaving the country.

It was reported that the prosecutor was considering a criminal case against the company’s representatives 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 granted the order to prevent the four executives from leaving the country.

Peruvian media reported that Judge Aguedo imposed an 18-months ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru.

Those that have been barred are: refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo 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. Additionally, Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (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.

SATURDAY Peru suspends oil company’s operations after disastrous spill 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 Enforcement (OEFA) 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 and as such, he approached the district court to issue an order preventing the Repsol executives from leav-

Sunday February 06, 2022

ing 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 refinery manager, Jaime Fernández-Cuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo 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 in-

tended 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 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 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 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 offloading operations ordered by the OEFA, which will be 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.

While speaking at a press conference, OEFA director, Miriam Alegria, is reported in Peruvian media stating that the agency believes Repsol had failed to reach the deadline to identify areas affected by the spill.

As such, she noted that if it is determined that the order has not been followed, an additional “coercive fine” may be 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 attorney-at-law, Julio Cesar Guzman told 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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=GNBS IN FOCUS=

As our local economy transforms and expands with new industries, businesses, products and services, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) anticipates the need for more new and relevant standards.

Our Standardisation Department is prepared to address proposals for crucial standards once the National Standards Council (NSC) approves them. Last year, twenty-two (22) new and revised standards were approved and published by the GNBS. GNBS, by virtue of the Standards Act of 1984, is mandated to facilitate the development of standards.

The Act provides for the preparation and promotion of standards by the Bureau in relation to commodities, services, processes and practices. Currently, there are more than 500 National Standards available at the Bureau under various categories including Consumer Products, Labelling, Agriculture, Electrical Equipment, Foods, Construction, Tourism, Environment and Energy Management. These standards can be viewed on the GNBS Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com Standards are documents approved by a recognised

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GNBS WELCOMES PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND CRUCIAL NATIONAL STANDARDS

body that provide for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for products or related processes and production methods. Some standards may include or deal exclusively with t e r m i n o l o g y, s y m b o l s , packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to products, processes or production methods.

Importantly, standards are developed by consensus or a general agreement by stakeholders these standards may affect. The GNBS has 31 Technical Committees of experts from diverse technical and academic backgrounds who deliberate on the requirements to be included in a developing standard. Additionally, all standards go through a period for public comments and consultations.

The standards development process begins with the completion of a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) submitted by the proposer.

This NWIP documents all information, which justify the need for a particular standard, and this can be submitted to the GNBS. The Standards development process comprises of the following steps:

1. The completed NWIP and any supporting documents submitted to GNBS are evaluated and assigned priority based on: social and economic importance, stakeholders perceived needs, and future needs, in keeping with National Development Plans and Policies; 2. T h e N a t i o n a l Standards Council (NSC) reviews the submission and decides whether to approve or reject the proposal; 3.

Once approved, research is done to identify whether such a standard exists at other national, regional or international Standard Bodies (e.g. BSJ, BS, ANSI, ISO, IEC, ASTM). If a suitable standard is found, it is either 1) Adopted (as is), or 2) Modified. Further, if none is found, additional research on the subject is done and a draft is prepared from 'scratch' by the assigned Technical Committee.

4. The draft standard is prepared and reviewed by a Technical Committee (TC) which comprised of members from government, private sector, consumer bodies, academia and NGOs. 5. After the Technical Committee has approved the draft, the document is

advertised for Public Comments for a period of 60 days. Public Consultation sessions are held during this time. In urgent cases, the fasttrack method is utilised where the comments period will be reduced to 30 days.

6. All the comments received from stakeholders during that period are reviewed by the TC, which determines whether each comment is accepted or rejected (with justification).

This is a very important stage in the standards development process since it ensures that manufacturers, importers, consumers, regulators and other interested parties have an opportunity to comment on the proposed

requirements of the standard under development.

7. A Final Draft is prepared by the TC and submitted to the NSC for approval as a Guyana Standard. Once approved, the standard is published and made available for sale and implementation.

To make a Guyana Standard compulsory, a request along with a justification should be made to the GNBS. The National Standards Council will review the request and once satisfied, it is forwarded to the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce with recommendations for it to be made compulsory.

The Minister will take the

standard to the Cabinet for its approval, and once approved, the decision is published in the Official Gazette. Usually, enforcement commences six months after approval.

The development of standards is very important in ensuring consistency and reliability in the production and delivery of quality goods and services. The GNBS welcomes proposals for the development of new and relevant standards.

For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190062, 219-0065 or 219-0069.

Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy

PAGE 42

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 44

A Heart Full of Love

Mr. Raj's family decided to renovate his home. He purchased the home before two and a half years. Since his kids were growing, he and his wife wanted to renovate it.

They decided to break and open their living room wall. Initially, when Raj bought his house, wooden walls were used as a part of interior decorations. He decided to remove the wooden walls. The wooden walls were removed and he was shocked to see a lizard stuck in the hollow space between the walls.

He was greatly surprised and wondering how the lizard was there, because the wooden wall was completely sealed and there was no room to move behind the walls. He saw that lizard's feet was stuck by a nail, which was hammered from outside.

Raj and his family were really amazed seeing the lizard behind the wooden wall, and felt too bad for it. Mrs. Raj reminded him that they hammered a nail to hang their kid's photo. However, they all had a question that now how the lizard survived for up to now without moving from the place.

The family decided to wait for some time and see the magic how the lizard with nail stuck on its feet survived for several months without moving. The obvious question is how the lizard survived without food as it could not move.

While they were arranging other things, they had an eye on another lizard. Raj's son shouted in a while, 'Dad look here!'

Another lizard appeared carrying the food in the mouth. Yeah, that was a real surprise.

The lizard fed food to the one stuck in the

Junior page

Yarn-Wrapped Heart This adorable heartshaped craft doubles as holiday decor and takes just 5 minutes to make.

1. Cut out a heart shape from a piece of cardboard.

2. Tape the end of a yarn spool to the back of your heart.

3. Wrap yarn around the heart until the cardboard is all covered.

4. Cut off the yarn, loop the loose end through another piece of yarn, and tie it.

wall. This act was so heart touching and everyone was so amazed at the lizard for feeding the stuck one for long time without getting tired. Both the lizard carried the hope of surviving all odds and emerging from the difficult situation.

Both the lizards had never ending hope on each other and carried heart full of love and care. The little creature is blessed to carry such a wonderful heart and brilliance. Why not we the human beings, the mammals with six sense and bestowed with luxuries of life carry love and care in our hearts, rather than hatred?

Share love, care well. Sharing is caring.

FUN WITH POETRY

Directions for Making Paper Heart Mobiles Materials for Paper Heart Mobiles Construction paper or cardstock in a variety of colors Scissors Tape String or yarn 1. Start by cutting out an assortment of hearts from your paper. Make them all different sizes and colors. You can even cut the inside of your hearts out to make heart frames for your mobile. (We have a die cut machine I used to make most our hearts, but it's definitely not necessary.)

2. Now the fun part! Place a long string on a flat surface.

Place your hearts along the string. We varied the sizes and colors of the hearts to give each mobile a unique look. And it's really fun to put hearts inside the heart

Art is so much fun

I used to admire other people's art, And think it was something I couldn't do; It seemed impossible for me to make The beautiful pictures that they drew.

Then one day I made up my mind To try to make pictures of my own; At first it seemed so very hard, But as I drew it became so much fun.

Now there is nothing I enjoy more Than spending time drawing and painting; So now it is others who admire my art, And even beg me to draw them something.

So if, like me, you feel it is so hard, Remember you only need to make a start; You will soon find you have what it takes, And have fun while you produce works of art.

by Uncle Roy

Slitherlink Puzzle In a Slitherlink Puzzle, you connect horizontally or vertically adjacent dots to form a meandering path that forms a single loop, without crossing itself, or branching.

The numbers indicate how many lines surround each cell. Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines (from 0 to 3).

There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing.

You may find it helpful to make small x's between dots that cannot be c o n n e c t e d .

frames- they spin around when they're hanging up.

3. Tape each heart in place onto your string.

4. Hang your mobile up and enjoy!

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 45

TEEN TIME

Keep on working on the ways to improve yourself 1. Do the things that work to make your time benefit you.Watching the television can be entertaining, but when you do it excessively, you will be wasting time thatyou will need to really get connected to your family and friends, and do the things necessary to make yousuccessful.

Read something worthwhile daily – a good book, passages from the scripture of your religion. Some people develop a wonderful practice of writing down their thoughts about what is happening to them every day, and this can be good reading in the future, and help you to see things more clearly.

2. Take the time to develop the relationships with those who mean much to you. Spending time alone with abrother or sister, a father or mother, and really exploring your thoughts and feelings with them can lead to greatbenefit to both of you, and give yo a clear

insight in how to live a better life. Take the time to celebrate with them anything they have been successful in, and they will surely do the same for you.

3. One of the main reasons why some people fail in their relationships with others, whether it is with parents,teachers, bosses or others with whom they associate, is because they do not pay enough attention to being politeto these persons. The result is that they fail to impress them, even though they may be otherwise good enough in other areas of their behaviour, or have the abilities to succeed. This

must surely be surprising when we know that courtesy costs nothing, and does not take much energy and time to maintain in any situation.

People who are mannerly will more often be successful in their interpersonal actions, although they may not measure up in other aspects.

Be kind-hearted and attentive enough to others and make a point of being extraordinarily polite, and you will find that doors will open to you that would be closed without this.

3. Have a vision for your life, and be passionate about pursuing the goals that will make it possible.

Mostteenagers do not take the trouble to look ahead and determine what they need to do to be successful, both on along-term and short-term basis.

As a result they go through life drifting along, and most times not only wasteenergy and time in activities not beneficial, but end up moving in the wrong direction and end up doing things that can get them into trouble.

Take some time and assess your special skills and talents, what you really need from life, and determine yourgoals for the near future and for the long term.

You will find that when you do this, even when you are notdeliberately working to achieve your goals, your subconscious mind will be always keeping you on the path to your dreams.

We hope by now that you will be seeing the fruits of these efforts, and be looking forward to our future advice on your selfimprovement.

Kakuro

Kakuro puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle.

Instead of letters, each block contains the digits 1 through 9. The same digit will never repeat within a word. If you add the digits in a word, the sum will be the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down” words.

The Choice Is Yours At every time and in every place, of whatever people you belong, If you observe life with a clear honest eye, you cannot help but see – Life is cast in two clear moulds, and yours is the freedom to choose; Your choice will determine your fate for now and all eternity.

On one hand there is the idle side, with many pleasures that call to you, It is easy as sliding down a hill, but filled later with destruction and sorrow, The other side has its hardships, with discipline and sacrifices to endure, But always resulting in a bright future, full of promise and hope for tomorrow.

So he who is preparing to carve his destiny must be sure to pass the test, With care and forethought to choose the path that would lead to his best.

Developing your relationships with those with whom you are involved will always make you confident of getting help when you need it.

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY I would like to inform our readers that the Uncle Roy email address is temporarily unavailable.

So please send any contributions you would like to make to this page to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s

Slitherlink Puzzle

Slitherlink Hexadecimal Sudokus

PAGE 46

Easy Beauty Tips to Improve Your Face, Skin and Hair Use Vaseline for a smudge-free manicure.

To keep your at-home manicure on your nails (and not the skin surrounding your nails), apply a little Vaseline around the boundary where your nails end and your skin begins. Wait for your manicure to dry, then wash your hands — any polish that's landed on top of the Vaseline will wash right off.

Apply dry shampoo before bed.

Dry shampoo is a last-minute life-saver when you have to be somewhere, but you don't have time to wash your hair. But you may actually get more out of your bottle of dry shampoo if you apply it before going to bed. "I like using it before bed," says Good Housekeeping's Beauty Director, April Franzino.

"Hair will absorb it as you sleep and you'll look refreshed in the morning."

Tap — don't rub — perfume on your wrists.

This simple tip will make your perfume last much longer: Don't rub wrists together to apply perfume (it makes it wear off faster). Instead, press together.

Go easy on the concealer for a natural look.

Contrary to popular belief, loading up your under eyes with concealer won't erase those dark circles — in fact, using a ton of cover up looks really unnatural and can make you look older. Instead, use a thin layer of a sheer concealer that evens out your skin tone without covering up your complexion completely.

Flick your liner downward for a rounder eye.

A cat eye will always be cool, but this "puppy eye liner" Korean makeup trend has got us hooked. Rather than flicking your eyeliner up at the end, drag it downwards towards your cheekbone for a rounder, wider-looking eye.

Use this map for your makeup.

Knowing what each part of your eye is called is half the battle when it comes to following along with beauty tutorials.

Be sure to add this handy guide to your Pinterest beauty board so you can master your makeup.

Set your lipstick with powder through a tissue.

Tired of your lipstick smearing, smudging, or fading throughout the day? Set it with translucent powder — but don't put it directly on your lips. Instead, blot through a tissue so just the right amount of powder accesses your pout. And follow the rest of this easy lipstick how-to so your color will stay gorgeous as long as possible.

Use multiple face masks to maximize your results.

Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, so customizing your routine can help get you the best results for your complexion.

"Multi-masking is when multiple facial masks are used or layered simultaneously on the skin to combat different skin concerns at one time," explains New York City aesthetician Cecilia Wong. If you have an oily T-zone but dry cheeks, for example, you can use a hydrating mask on the sides of your face and a charcoal one on your forehead, nose, and chin. It's just like you're at a spa!

Stamp your lashes to make them look fuller.

A quick way to add depth to your eyes without using eyeliner: mascara stamping. Gently pressing your mascara against the underside of your lashes gives them a fuller, darker look — almost like eyeliner, but more natural.

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

g tin s... s e e er tur t In rea C

PAGE 47

Southern Tiger Cat

S

outhern Tiger cats Leopardus guttulus were previously referred to as Oncillas, Tigrinas, Smallspotted cats or Tiger cats. In 2013 after genetic testing, the Oncilla was split into two species and they are now referred to as either Southern Tiger Cats L eopardus guttulus or Northern Tiger Cats Leopardus tigrinus.

Tiger cats are one of the smallest cat species in the Americas, averaging just 2.5 kg. However, while some individuals are small, weighing only 1.8 kg, others are large with a weight of 3.5 kg. They are daintily built cats, with a narrow head and a white line above the eyes.

The large ears have a black backside with a central white spot. The irises are golden or light brown. Males are slightly, but noticeably, larger than females.

Generally paler overall than the Northern Tiger Cat, the fur of the Southern Tiger cat has a yellowish-brown ground colour, with large, rounded open rosettes.

Melanism is common. The paler belly fur is covered with dark spots.

The fur is firm, lies close to the skin and does not turn forward in the nape region as it does on the Ocelot Leopardus pardalis and Margay Leoparus wiedii.

Limbs are spotted on the outside and the long tail has spots at the root, developing into seven to thirteen irregular rings with a black tip. The tail measures about 60 percent of the head and body length.

DISTRIBUTION The Southern Tiger cat ranges from Central to southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and north-eastern Argentina. The species is absent from the Paraguayan Chaco. The northern limits of its geographic range are still unclear. It reaches Central Brazil in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás and the Atlantic forest of centralsouth Bahia in the northeast region. Whether it overlaps with Northern Tiger Cats Leopardus tigrinus and to what extent is still not known.

S o u t h e r n Ti g e r c a t population densities vary, but tend to be low throughout most of its range, these cats occur at densities typically of 1-5/100 km².

Especially in protected areas it is very rare, most probably due to the negative impact of the Ocelot. Only in a few

areas, where Ocelots are absent or rare, it reaches densities of 15–25/100 km².

HABITAT The Southern Tiger cat occurs in a variety of habitats, from dense tropical and subtropical rainforests, deciduous/semi-deciduous, and mixed pine forests, to the open savannah, and beach vegetation. In the Pantanal (wet/swampy savannah), it is very rare and has been recorded only in the dry savannas, not in the marshy areas. The Southern Tiger cat also inhabits disturbed areas such as agricultural fields where there is an abundance of rodents but its occurrence is limited by the presence of n a t u r a l c o v e r. B o t h telemetry information and scat analysis indicate the cats do not venture into disturbed areas, but only use their borders. Rodent abundance is increased in these areas.

Known altitudinal range of the Southern Tiger cat is below 2,000 m.

As a generalist carnivore and the largest and most adaptable of the small cat species in tropical America, the Ocelot dominates the other small cat species. In areas where the Ocelot occurs, species like the Southern Tiger cat avoid those areas because of the threat of predation. This negative effect on other small cat species is called the “ocelot effect”. When Ocelots inhabit protected areas, the smaller cats can be forced into adjacent unprotected areas, where the threat of habitat loss and human interaction is greater.

ECOLOGY The Southern Tiger cat is a solitary felid. It is active predominantly at night, but can also show varying degrees of diurnal activity.

This activity during any time of the day is suggested as a strategy to avoid the Ocelot.

On the other hand, Tiger cat numbers are not affected by the presence of the Margay and Jaguarundi, which are more likely potential competitors for similar sized prey.

Tiger cats are excellent climbers, but spend most of their time on the ground as most of their prey is terrestrial. When threatened, they show an aggressive behaviour with arched back and raised hair, besides showing the teeth and producing a “whistlingspitting” vocalisation.

The Southern Tiger cat’s diet is still very poorly studied, but is known to consist mostly of small mammals, birds and reptiles (especially lizards) and can include larger prey, over 1kg.

This suggests that this small felid is a generalist predator, taking advantage of the most readily available resources in the area.

REPRODUCTION Very little information a b o u t t h e Ti g e r c a t ’s reproduction in the wild is available. Reproduction occurs year-round, but could show different peaks in different areas. The gestation period lasts for 75-78 days, after which 1-3 kittens are born, but the normal litter is one. The eyes are open at 8–17 days. Weaning occurs at two to three months and young are about adult body size at 11 months of age.

However, sexual maturity is achieved only at about 2-2.5 years, which is very late for a felid this size.

The lifetime number of young potentially produced by a seven-year-old female tiger cat in the wild is generally up to five. This shows a very low reproductive potential, considering its small size and, especially, compared to other felids from other continents. Longevity is reported as 15 – 21 years.

THREATS · habitat loss and fragmentation · persecution by humans · killing due to poultry depredation · vehicle collisions on roads · exposure to domestic carnivore diseases · lack of knowledge of the species, making it impossible to determine its ecology and status CONSERVATION The Southern Tiger cat is classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.

Population decline by almost 50 percent in eight years was observed in the Santa Catarina state of Brazil, the main range country for the species. The Southern Tiger cat also declined in other areas by more than 50 percent.

Tiger cats are protected over part of their range.

Hunting is prohibited in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Suriname and

Venezuela, but they are not legally protected in Ecuador, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru.

A l t h o u g h t h e international trade in furs has been heavily reduced, illegal hunting and capturing still takes place, mostly for the local market. Historical trade on tiger cats (which would include both species) from 1976 to 1985 consisted of astonishing 352,508 skins.

The Brazilian Cerrado is being converted for grains and loss of natural cover in the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga reaches 55 percent and 30–50 percent, respectively. As the Tiger cat shows low densities in protected areas and populations are fragmented, it is even more vulnerable to habitat conversion. Since this felid is most frequent outside protected areas where its habitat is

undergoing high rates of destruction, conservation efforts should be focused on those outside protected areas.

Another problem is the lack of knowledge of this cat s p e c i e s . Ve r y l i t t l e information is available about the Southern Tiger cat’s ecology and status making it difficult to assess threats and their impact. (https://wildcatconservation .org/)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Region 6 set to launch Infectious Unit this week to boost COVID-19 fight

Dr. Vishalya Sharma

By Malisa Playter-Harry Even as Region Six continues to battle the still prevailing scourge of COVID-19, deliberate measures, including a soon to be launched Infectious Unit, are being put in place to enhance efforts in this regard.

This is according to Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Vishalya Sharma, who during a recent interview with this publication detailed how the Region has been working to combat the pandemic.

To further enhance its efforts this week, the Region is expected to open the new infectious unit and, according to Dr. Sharma, “that would put us in a better position to manage our COVID-19 cases.”

The construction of the $41 million unit which is situated in the compound of the New Amsterdam Hospital, was done by Navin Deokissoon of Navin and Sons Construction Company. The project commenced during the latter part of 2021.

Ahead of its opening, it will be outfitted with necessary equipment and other items to cater to the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

UPSURGE IN CASES Since the year commenced there was an upsurge in COVID-19 cases for Region Six, especially in areas including the Lower

Corentyne, Upper Corentyne, New Amsterdam and Orealla/Siparuta, with testing sites almost exhausted with the number of people swarming them to get tested.

However, RHO Sharma has noted that while there was a “sharp incline”, there has

since been a reported “sharp decline”.

As of February 4, 2022, the total number of cases recorded in Region Six was 5,538 and the total recorded for Region 5, as at that same period, was 2,276. This is according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

As it relates to Region 6, Dr. Sharma noted that within the past three weeks, there has been a reduction in active cases by 50 percent. On December 18, 2021 there were 667 active cases confirmed and as of last Continued on page 56

The Infectious Unit that is expected to boost the COVID-19 fight in Berbice.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 49

Budget debates long on rhetoric, short on substance …as Dr. Ashni Singh slays Opposition in epic verbal slugfest

Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo opts out of Budget 2022 Debates.

By Gary Eleazar Debates are oftentimes practiced in schools. They consist of some key elements—a Moot; a proposing and opposing sides, and in the case of schools and other similar forums, judges to adjudge a winner.

The Budget debates on the nation’s finances for the year, however, take on a different element. The winners of this debate are adjudged by the contesting teams, in this case the 65 government and opposition Members of Parliament (MP). With this in mind, the outcome or winner of this year’s Budget debates regarding the proposed, whopping $552.9B spending is a foregone conclusion.

Since government holds a majority – 33 – of the seats in the House and has already seen support coming from at least one-seat in the opposition benches – that of the Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Deputy Speaker, Lennox Shuman.

The Budget 2022 debate aspect was long on rhetoric, personal attacks, insinuations and saw members engaging in a week-long slugfest of verbal jousting that was glaringly short on substance.

MUDWATA Even Mudwata made it to Parliament this year for the Budget Debates.

Instead, the House was treated to a litany of tirades and sometimes unparliamentary adjectives and even the defence of an animated social media personality ‘Mudwata’. Members were treated to privileged information such as who did or did not copy notes while in school and who ran out of toilet paper while in law school.

Coalition Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir set the tone for this past week’s debate when she, in a passionate presentation, described Budget 2022 as “the most disrespectful, discriminatory and deceitful Budget to ever grace this House.”

She in fact, described the administration

as a “mafia masquerading as a government” and this did not subside as the week progressed.

Often presentations by some had absolutely nothing to do with their portfolio but the MPs pressed ahead nonetheless.

One such glaring example could be seen in the presentation of Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat.

With front bench speakers such as Ministers allotted 30 minutes for their presentation with an extension of five

Shadow Finance Minister, Juretha Fernandes minutes, Bharrat spoke to just about everything else outside of his portfolio, mentioning only in passing, the oil and gas sector.

There had been significant expectation for the Minister’s presentation since this is the first Budget to be presented utilising monies from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF)—some $126B. He opted instead to launch an attack on the opposition and even transgressed to speaking on government’s Housing programme and house lots given and to be given out. This, despite the fact that the Substantive Minister for Housing and Water, Collin Croal, was scheduled to deliver his presentation minutes later.

JAGDEO OPTS OUT During the course of the debates, back benchers were allotted 15 minutes for their presentations with a five minute extension.

The final day of debates however, saw the final four presenters being allocated an hour each.

These speakers included Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Joseph Harmon—who wrapped up for the opposition—Prime

Minister, Mark Phillips and Dr. Ashni Singh.

Vice President Jagdeo opted not to speak during the debates this year—presumably not wanting to be limited by the time constraints— and instead hosted a more than two-hour long press engagement the previous day.

With the outcome of the Budget process for 2022 being a foregone conclusion, if a best speaker was to be adjudged, it would certainly have to be Minister in the Office of

the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Singh who closed off the debate on Friday evening with a blistering verbal evisceration of the political opposition with ‘sound-bite’ after ‘sound bite’ taking aim at all and sundry in the opposition benches.

He had not been spared by the opposition in the preceding days. Apart from the condemnations of some of the actual figures in the Budget Estimates he was roundly Continued on page 56

PAGE 50

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022 Upcoming Guyanese designer, Sandra Debbie Sammy

...Sandra Debbie Sammy

From page 18 old…that day I got on my mother’s sewing machine, having never been on one before...I tried nevertheless and figured it out and used my mother’s dress to make a top... I have been redesigning all the dresses and shirts that mostly belonged to my parents so that I’ll have decent clothing to wear from that day onward,” she said.

At that time, the mostly self-taught seamstress never imagined sewing for anyone else.

She explained, “I was self-taught and didn’t think my work was good enough. But then I remember sewing my high school uniform and that’s the first thing that people realised I sew and were very impressed to the point that they did not believe it was my work.”

She said that after people in her village confirmed it was her work, sewing orders started to come in and it never stopped.

DESIGN PROTÉGÉ Fast forward more than a decade afterward and Sammy has sewed and designed for the likes of Guyana’s Parliament, Republic Bank and even did interior decorations for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport during the Christmas season, working along with local designers and fashion industry labels.

She recalled that her most memorable experience was working alongside Guyanese designer Derek Moore in the early 2000s.

According to Sammy, Moore was one of the top designers in the country at the time.

According to her, she learned so much about design from him.

“I have always admired him and he would encourage me and give me pointers on how to design my pieces. He sort of mentored me into the design world,” Sammy said.

She added, “Sewing for one of Guyana’s best designers including Moore, also being able to sew for local and international pageant contestants as well as sewing wedding gowns for both local and international clients, is a privilege.”

Sammy said that being able to have her designs featured in the Brooklyn Fashion week last year was definitely a career highlight moment for her. She noted that while circumstances beyond her control prevented her from being there in person, she basks in the fact that her designs made a splash at the event.

STEPPING OUT ON HER OWN Prior to that, Sammy had spent years working and developing her craft. She told this newspaper that she had become comfortable sewing and working for other designers until a close friend encouraged her to step out on her own. She decided to take a leap of faith two years after an opportunity opened up for her to design clothing for the New York Fashion week.

She revealed, “I was always being encouraged by family members and many customers over the years to go public with my designs and work but it was only after being invited to the New York Fashion Week two years ago that I decided to gradually get out on my own.”

A couple of years prior to this, Sammy had registered her fashion label but she never really got around to marketing her brand. The local label, Debbie’s Handmade Designs was officially started and registered on March 24, 2015.

Under her brand, Sammy offers designs and sews all types of dresses; casual, formal, cocktail wedding, and evening gowns as well. She says that gowns are especially a favourite area of design for her but her company is not limited to making dresses.

She revealed, “We’re also designing and sewing drapes and curtains, face masks and making scrunchies with my eight-year-old daughter, Michaela Sammy.”

CONSTANT MOTIVATION Reflecting on her years of labour, she said that she draws constant motivation from watching her designs come to life on clients— from the designs on a child with a simple dress — to the intricate designs on evening gowns both locally and

internationally.

Sammy said that it would be remiss of her if she had not mentioned the crown source of her inspiration, her mother, Doreen Alexander.

According to the seamstress, having lost her mother who was very dear to her and who always encouraged her to “keep doing what I do no matter what” constantly pushes her to keep going. “...I hold my mother’s words close to me and thank God for his grace to wake up each new day to do what I l o v e wi

“Sewing for one of Guyana’s best designers including Moore, also being able to sew for local and international pageant constants as well as sewing wedding gowns for both local and international clients, is a privilege.” th my family, the people I love, not far away from me,” she said.

As it relates to striking a balance between her work and personal life, Sammy said it is a challenge since she is always packed with work.

She told Kaieteur News, “I’m learning to make time since I work on my own. I try to stop sewing at 5pm now, but before sometimes I would go as late as 11pm or even 4am...”

Sammy noted nevertheless that her husband, Michael, and mother-in-law, Evadney, are a great blessing and help a lot, since they take care of the kids and even help with her work.

“When I need extra help my sister, who is also a seamstress, would assist with the

sewing and my eight-yearold Michaela and threeyear-old Micah,” she added.

Besides working to develop her brand and being wife and mother, Sammy also participates in the work of her community church. “I’m part of the youth leadership team and a dance teacher at the Elim Timehri Christian Fellowship Church,” she shared.

But if she should measure between her revolving roles which are most rewarding, Sammy said that she would not trade anything for being a mother to her adoring children. She said, “Motherhood, though tough at times, has been a very eye-opening and rewarding experience for me...It has taught me so much and I thank God for that experience.”

Even as she enjoys her role as a mom, she has her sights on becoming a more established designer and a household name, in Guyana, at least, for now.

Sunday December 19, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 51

Alleged killer in Palm Court shooting threatens cops

A

s the Guyana Police Force (GPF) remains silent on the ongoing probe into last year’s brutal killing of Ricardo Fagundes outside of Palm Court, one of the main suspects is letting the force know that it will not be easy to apprehend him.

Identified only as “Shop Man”, the suspect has moved to threaten the lives of some of the force’s officers who had gone to arrest him on three occasions.

Fagundes was riddled with some 20 bullets on the night of March 21, 2021, moments after he stepped outside of Palm Court, a night club located on Main Street, Georgetown.

A nearby surveillance camera captured the gruesome shooting and showed his killers, two men, exiting a heavily tinted white Fielder wagon with a PZZ number plate that was parked on the eastern side of Main Street just in front of the business establishment.

After killing him, the men reentered the car and it sped off in a southern direction.

Recently, Kaieteur News learnt that a wanted bulletin was issued since last year for a suspect known as “Shop Man” and that ranks had gone to his house, at least three times, to take him in for questioning. However, each time they visited the location he was reportedly not there.

Sources told this newspaper that it appears as though someone with inside knowledge of the force’s operation would tip him off before their arrival.

Investigators started querying the suspect’s whereabouts when he decided to give them a call.

He allegedly ordered them to “stop looking” and “asking people” for him and had also threatened to take action should they persist.

A police report has since been lodged against the suspect for threatening the ranks at one of the police stations in the city but it seems that, as a result of the threats, no rank is willing to arrest him or investigate the claims.

This publication was reliably informed that the report of the threats has even reached the desk of three senior officials heading the Major Crime Unit (MCU) based at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters at Eve Leary. It, however, appears as if they too have opted to ignore the report of the threats.

Kaieteur News learnt that since the threats were made

Gunned down in front of Palm Court, Ricardo Fagundes also known as ‘Paper Shorts’ by the suspect, no further efforts were made to arrest him.

Based on credible information, the suspect known as “Shop Man” is a c h i e f s e c u r i t y o ff i c e r working at a prominent business establishment located in central Georgetown. Kaieteur News also understands that the suspect continues to go to work, as per norm, despite a wanted bulletin being issued for him.

Kaieteur News has since reached out to a senior officer in the force tasked with overseeing the investigation for a comment on the recent development but no response has been forthcoming, thus far.

Meanwhile, Fagundes’ relatives are of the view that the GPF might be covering up the case.

One of the relatives, who recently spoke with Kaieteur News, vented his frustration saying that “it appears as if government is not interested in having the case solved.”

The relative said, “We f e e l h u r t a n d hopeless…none of the government officials have even publicly acknowledge the shooting.”

“When the Henry boys were killed, public statements were made by the president himself (President Mohamed Irfaan Ali) assuring their relatives that the perpetrators will be placed behind bars but with this case everyone, including the police, is silent,” continued the individual.

In a previous Kaieteur News article, family members related to this newspaper, that during the initial stages of the investigation, investigators had informed them that a prime suspect in the shooting had been identified.

That individual was described as someone who would be seen “driving around the city in a fancy car every day and taking photos

A screengrab from the footage showing the shooting outside of Palm Court. with politicians.”

However, since then, no other update about the case was given to the grieving relatives.

So far, investigators

have been able to trace the car used in the killing from North Road to Palm Court prior to the shooting. They were able to confirm too that after killing Fagundes,

the car was driven to a location at Soesdyke where it was doused with a flammable substance and set alight.

The burnt car is presently

in police custody and, according to reports, investigators have learnt that every move made by the killers was premeditated and well planned.

PAGE 52

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

27.9MW of power returned to Garden of Eden power plant

J

ust over three weeks ago, the 46.5 megawatts (MW) Garden of Eden Power Plant, located on the East Bank of Demerara, was forced to shut down due to safety concerns, but three of the five generators powering the plant have since been restored thus adding 27.9 MW to the national grid.

This is according to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which noted on Friday that each of the five generators at the power plant

encompassed a capacity of 9.3 MW. According to the power company, Units Number 1, 2 and 3 were returned to service while the remaining two remain under repairs.

“The No 1 unit was fitted with new turbochargers and a fuel injector pump with upgraded components.

While the No. 2 and 3 units underwent a comparative test for 48 hrs at full capacity before they were returned to the grid,” GPL said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, Unit Number 4 was expected to return to operation yesterday after undergoing an oil change.

However, Unit Number 5 will remain under inspection as a turbocharger was to be replaced, as well as testing the fuel injector and lube oil change. GPL was keen to note that parts to effect the changes for the generator are on-site and should be completed and returned to s e r v i c e b y T u e s d a y, February 8.

The agency further noted that the maintenance c o m p a n y, Wa r t s i l a , maintains a team of experts on site which will continue to monitor the operation of each unit and advice the company on the findings of the root cause.

The Garden of Eden

power plant, which provides electricity to the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS) was taken out of commercial operation on January 14, 2022 as a precautionary measure to avoid a massive explosion.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips held a special emergency meeting with the management of the Wartsila Corporation during which they agreed to immediately dispatch a team of engineers to Guyana to correct the

technical challenges.

The facility is still under warranty, and as a result, the contracted Finnish company would be liable for any and all expenses.

On the advice of the technical officials, a decision was taken to shut down the generators to avert occupational safety and health challenges or damage that may occur to the facility.

“This is a decision that was made based on safety.

This is a 55-million US dollar (Continued on page 55)

Kaieteur News

‘Custom Designs’

Yo u

>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<<

r,

PAGE 53

ng Da Entr nie ep l H ren all eu

Sunday February 06, 2022

…for that personalise look work with other small business and companies,” the young man mentioned during his interview.

O u r f e a t u r e d entrepreneur is of the belief that young business owners play an influential role to young aspiring persons in business. With what they do, they inspire others, he noted.

“I believe young entrepreneurs show other

By Allyiah Allicock

W

i t h t h e COVID-19 pandemic, came a lot of challenges and adjustments for business owners. But for some like emerging entrepreneurs, an opportunity was presented for them to make a positive impact in their communities and the country at large.

Whether they were driven by a passion or dream, they have proven to themselves that all is not lost during this time.

Joining the many entrepreneurs, who launched businesses and brands during this COVID19 pandemic, is a young man by the name of Daniel Barrington Hall, the owner of a customising business called ‘Custom Designs’.

Hall, who grew up in a single parent household, shared that from as long as he can remember he always had a liking for things graphic art. “I took inspiration from my classmates within the art department of my secondary school,” he stated.

Since then, his interest grew which prompted him to launch his own business. In December 2020, he officially made his services available to the wider public.

This, he said, has put him in the position he is in today – meeting his clients’ needs and earning an income to support his family.

Though his support base has been small, he commented that it is amazing that persons support what he does, and for this, he expresses his gratitude.

Hall, who is currently a student at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) studying civil engineering, said that there are challenges in what he does. Balancing the two - his business and studies - have not always been quite easy to manage. It has put pressure on the operation of his business.

“The challenge still

“I believe young entrepreneurs show other young people that it is possible to create a source of income that isn’t main stream.”

Some of Hall’s works.

e xists and I’m currently working to create a schedule so I can give more time to the business than I currently do. I also plan to add a person to help when I’m not available,” he explained.

Another challenge he also faces, is the pandemic.

Due to this, not many people are utilising his services, he added.

N oti n g that there is a long way to go with his brand, Hall told this publication that his future plan is to expand, which would not only bring about opportunities for himself but for others whom he plans to collaborate with.

“I plan to expand into the graphic design market, to

young persons, that it is possible to create a source of income that isn’t main stream,” Hall asserted.

He mentioned that more needs to be done, to recognise young entrepreneurs in our society.

According to him, more initiatives to bring awareness to small

businesses can be of great assistance to many. Notably, organisations, like the Small Business Bureau can play a key part in the young business arena.

Persons who wish to utilise Hall’s ‘Custom Designs’ can reach out to him via Instagram @customishdesigns_gy.

PAGE 54

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

EITI's new head being selected through transparent...

From page 16 seeing the narrative being switched in a toxic direction. Irrespective of this, the government remains committed to selecting the best candidate through a transparent and accountable process,” the minister stated.

In a statement to the press, the AFC recalled that under the coalition's leadership, deliberate and purposeful steps were taken to establish the Norway based EITI in Guyana and to secure membership with the international body.

It reminded that this was done in record time, and in 2017, a Multi- Stakeholder Group (MSG) was launched and a National Coordinator, in the person of Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, an Economist, was retained to lead a professional GYEITI National Secretariat.

The AFC said steady progress was made despite challenges and roadblocks erected to frustrate the implementation of the initiative.

AFC also noted that GYEITI grew

exponentially from 2017 to 2021 under Dr. Jadoopat's astute stewardship.

Since coming into office however, the AFC said it is of the firm conviction that the PPP has slowly whittled away at the independence and efficacy of the GYEITI by frustrating its work and demoralising the staff and the Multi- Stakeholder Group, which is the decision-making body according to the EITI International Standard.

“Now, with the sending off of Dr. Jadoopat, it appears that the plan to deny adequate professional scrutiny of the proceeds of the extractive sector, oil revenues in particular, is complete, as he is being replaced by a PPP 'yes man', Dr. Prem Misir. This is the crux of the matter. Putting 'yes men' to replace highly qualified professionals who make the best decisions in the interest of the people of Guyana, and not necessarily the political party in power,” the AFC stated.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Govt. breaches NRF...

From page 2 within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh must inform the House what specifically the $126B would be funding since it's not enough to just say the money will be used for Budgetary support.

As such, he used the occasion to point out that even the now extant NRF Legislation provides conditions for withdrawals from the fund, specifically for national development priorities and essential projects that are directly related to natural disasters and such.

Highlighting at least two articles published by the Kaietuer News pointing to the legitimacy of the inclusion of the oil revenue into the Budget directly, Harmon pointed to the same two provisions in the Act namely Article 16 which spells out the requirements and Article 19 which provides further guidance.

According to Harmon, as highlighted by eminent professionals such as Chartered Accountants Christopher Ram and Tarron Khemraj and Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, “they fail to realise that they are suppose to state what it will be used for.”

He was adamant, the legislation provides that before you draw the money from the account “you should state what it is used for.”

Having perused the estimates, Harmon said there is no such inclusion of at least a statement, outlining the reasons for which the money has been withdrawn and quipped, “…in less than a month they are in defiance of the same Act because they want to get their hands on the money.”

He posited that the administration was acting as if it “must answer to no one;

the people are watching” As such, he sought to caution government that, “action speaks louder than the words.”

The former Opposition Leader was adamant that Dr. Singh must inform the House whether any of the oversight committees required by the NRF had been established prior to the money being withdrawn from the NRF and deposited into the Consolidated Fund as Budget support.

According to Harmon, in the current state of affairs, you cannot have good governance where there is no scrutiny, no checks and balances.”

This state of affairs, he said allows space for acts of corruption in spending of a $553B budget and quipped there is no doubt as to why Guyana declined on the Corruption Perception Index.

Allocations have been made to drive programmes he said, but reminded that the glue to bind them and make sure they are successful “is the way in which the governance structure functions.”

Adumbrating the opposition's non-support for the 2022 Budget, Harmon insisted that Budget 2022 was not only visionless but aimed at enriching “themselves, family and friends while the other Guyanese” are treated with scant regard and disdain—the working class, the poor.

He did quip however, that the reality is that Dr. Singh is not to be blamed for the Budget since he was asked to present a Budget to the country based on a plan by his bosses at the Office of the President—a plan that is visionless.

He added, “just as how you can't sign the $2,000 bill, you now have to face [the] ire of the nation for a budget that has no vision.”

27.9MW of power returned...

From page 52 investment, and precautions are necessary. We don't want anyone to be hurt just because we decide to ignore what is happening and run the plant.”

As a result of the reduced supply of power to the national grid, the PM warned

that load-shedding was expected even as he requested the patience and understanding of affected customers. Only in August of 2021, the PM tested the five dual-fuel power generating sets, which were later commissioned.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 55

Jagdeo shifts responsibility for full coverage...

From page 3 non-profit Oceana, said in a statement: “The explosion of Trinity Spirit, an offshore production vessel, is horrifying for the crew on board and tragic for the local environment.

“No offshore oil and gas operator can guarantee this won't happen.

Despite repeated promises that spill disasters are rare, industry proves again and again that where they drill, they spill.

This is the reality of the oil and gas industry and it's time to end drilling for oil in our oceans.”

The explosion of the Trinity Spirit

is the fourth major oil disaster this year, following incidents in Peru, Ecuador and Thailand.

In spite of the foregoing, Guyana continues to pussyfoot with securing full coverage insurance from oil companies to protect its people and environmental resources.

PAGE 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

National Cancer Control Plan on Health Ministry's...

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

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.

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

FOR RENT Saffon St bottom flat, Wellington St and Kitty top flats & Middle St.Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685.

One female able bodied worker.Tel:225-2313,2261497.

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

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.

TO LET Rooms to let in Albertown.

Tel:225-3234.

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-(2) story house 3 1/2 bedroom,9st Cummings Lodge.Tel:622-8748/652-3158 negotiable.

Sheriff St,Republic Park, Ogle, Diamond, Enterprise C,WindsorForest, Zeelught West Coast. Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

LAND FOR SALE Cummingslodge 2acres, Providence, Friendship, Eccles,Industrial Site, Yarakabra Highway,Cornelia Ida.Contact Ray's Realty 6279685.

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.

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.

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691.

1-night guard to work at Hillfoot Soesdyke.Tel:6750587/219-2170.

to share their stories that may inspire us to take a closer look at ourselves”. World Cancer Day is an annual event, geared at raising awareness and education on cancers, and pressing individuals across the world to take action against the disease. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of its commemoration, which has grown into a positive and progressive movement against one of the world's greatest health care challenges.This year marks the final year of the World Cancer Day global theme “Close the Care Gap” which speaks to championing the call to fight against cancer by raising awareness on prevention and working to ensure equitable access to early detection, treatment and palliative care services.

Region 6 set to launch Infectious Unit this week to boost COVID-19...

From page 48 Friday, there were 335 active cases. As it relates to the distribution of those active cases, New Amsterdam has recorded 110, Central Corentyne - 111, Skeldon (Upper Corentyne) - 48, with the other cases scattered PENPAL across the region.

Male seeking non-racial Notably, East Canje is cursingle independant female. rently being monitored as Tel# whatsapp or call: 698- cases there remain high. Dr. 6391.

Sharma noted too that there has been a reduction in cases for Orealla/Siparuta and one case reported in the Canje River area.

The number of deaths reported for the month of December was 19 but as of JanuWANTED ary 16 this year, there has Wanted (1) experience ma- been “a slight reduction,” Dr. chinist/milling Machine. Con- Sharma asserted. She noted that health service in the retact:614-6854.

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

FOR SALE

From page 10 help to protect themselves by reducing their exposure to chemicals through the wearing of protective gear; decrease overexposure to sunlight and seek routine health checks and cancer screening at community doctors or clinics. “As we take the time to observe World Cancer Day 2022, I charge you, to make a personal pledge towards the fight against cancer, whether it be helping to raise awareness, or lending support to those diagnosed and their family. Every voice and helpful act counts,” Minister Anthony posited. He added, “I encourage those who have survived their battles with cancer and those who have lost loved ones to be bold, courageous and

WANTED Jet+Marack men to work in Interior.Tel:684-1030.

1 handy man to do errands, shopping,maintenance of yard vaccination card required. Tel:226-2322.

VACANCY Crimson Bat Hotel,hiring a housekeeper.Send/Drop application to 633 Industrial Area,Linden.Contact:4442102.

Vacancy exists for Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/692-6768.

Cashiers & Supermarket helpers at Nirva Super Store. Apply in person,49 Sheriff & Craig St.Tel:227-5771.

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

One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132.

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gion has managed some 199 persons with admissions still ongoing.

“Today (Friday) we have about seven persons admitted at both sites in the region so even though our actives are declining we still have admissions,” Dr. Sharma said.

It was also disclosed that over the past six weeks, some 1,500 people were swabbed weekly for the virus while previously the Region was doing 500 swabs per week.

VACCINATION With respect to vaccinations throughout the region, the RHO noted that there still exists a gap but “it’s important that we continue the vaccination programme in the region.” There are presently 10 vaccination sites across Region Six and as of February 3, 2022, 82 percent of the region’s population has taken the first dose and 61 percent has taken the second jab.

Turning her attention to the

booster shots, she said, “we still have a far way to go with the booster but I am happy to report that on Wednesday, I was in the community of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder and I would have noted a large number of persons waiting for the booster. So those we are encouraging and we need to keep the momentum up.”

All booster shots are presently available at the various sites in Region Six.

Budget debates long on rhetoric...

From page 49 taunted over his overtly long title with numerous opposition MPs quipping “I don’t know why they don’t just make him Finance Minister and done.”

He opened the presentation with a sober more than five hours long presentation but on Friday evening, Dr. Singh fired back with verbal cannon balls.

Dr. Singh in his opening shots first reminded that it only took the Guyanese people a little over three years to decide “out you go, give me back the PPP” referencing the passage of the No Confidence Motion in the House in December 2018.

CROCODILE TEARS According to Dr. Singh, in this modern age of information, in this era when Guyana is going through such a rapid and dramatic transformation “what we need more than ever before is serious, credible, capable and competent government and no amount of gymnastics and theatrics from the other side of the House will change that.”

He even took a jab at opposition members, some of whom struggled to read what is perceived as their prepared scripts—with the exception of Annette Ferguson. After these presentations, he noted that the people of Guyana were reminded of why their judgment in 2020 was as appropriate as it was,” referencing the ousting of the coalition administration in that year’s General and Regional Elections.

Eviscerating the political opposition, he noted that not only had the coalition not want to issue a manifesto in the first place and added that “when they were cornered by the people of Guyana” they produced not one but two.

According to Dr. Singh, none of the lofty promises in the manifestos have been met, except for providing a good life for a few.

“For five years they impoverished public servants,” he said, and called the increase that had been given by the coalition, “a three card trick,” since it was presented on a sliding scale basis which meant, some public servants’ increase was just one percent and a 22 percent cut in pay for some.

To this end, he told the opposition MPs the public servants have been looking on, “and (now) you come here and crying crocodile tears.”

PIPE DREAMS He reminded of the failed promises by the coalition and said “they believe that the people of Guyana are not watching them; just like how they tell the people 33 is not bigger than 32; they believe they can tell the people all of this nonsense and the people are not watching them.”

Taking aim at former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, he drew referenced to the failed promises made to rice and sugar producers such as the national conferences that never came to being.

With regard the hinterland and depressed areas fund promised, Dr. Singh questioned rhetorically, “where the fund deh?”

According to Dr. Singh “the APNU+AFC has a long history of selling pipe dreams, nothing that they intend to deliver.”

To this end, he pointed out that “they are jumping up and saying they didn’t have oil money” and pointed to their economic Tsars writing a section on how they will finance these plans, cutting VAT, removing subsidies,

titled “reaping the democratic dividends” and laughed off the measures that had been outlined as ridiculous.

“The APNU+AFC track record when it comes to selling pipe dreams is a long and well established track record,” he said, adding that the people of Guyana know better now, “they are wiser now.”

MUMBO JUMBO According to Dr. Singh, “…all this mumbo jumbo that you heard over the last week from them, it’s just that; they take their eyes pass the Guyanese people, just like how they take their eyes pass you when they say 33 not bigger than 32.”

Having congratulated all of the newly appointed or reassigned shadow ministers, Dr. Singh took aim at his counterpart, Juretha Fernandes, “saying we do serious business in this House, this is not a skit being performed for school; this is the people’s work that we are doing.”Dismissing her presentation as a school skit, with her ‘F’ grades, Dr. Singh quipped “nothing is more important than your credibility.”

To this end, he sought to rebut her arguments with regard the missed targets of the PPP/C administration and accused her of participating in a ploy to keep APNU+AFC in office despite being voted out of office at the elections.

Dr. Singh said, “In this business you can’t play fast and loose with numbers, not if you want to be taken seriously,” as he dismissed her growth rate calculations as inaccurate.

To this end, he reminded that any missed targets were as a result of COVID-19 and the floods last year and further the PPP/C could not be blamed for the financial performance of 2020.

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 57

Kaieteur News

Body of man who went missing after boat mishap, found Hope that a Wakenaam businessman would have been found alive after a boat mishap was shattered yesterday after a search party found his body floating in the middle of the Essequibo River. The man identified

as Lakeram Kuber, 54, of Bellplaine Wakenaam, Essequibo, Region Three, had gone missing after the boat in which he was travelling capzised around 23:00hrs on Thursday evening.

His floating remains were

discovered around 07:00hrs.

He, along with the boat’s captain, Feroze Amin, and another man, Floyd Dazzell, were returning from Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two when a wave struck their boat, knocking it over.

The three men reportedly took off their clothes and decided to swim to shore but only Dazzell and Amin made

it to safety. Kuber, who was described as a well-known businessman, perished.

Following the discovery of his body, many residents of Wakenaam took to Facebook to express their condolences to his relatives.

Kuber, who was popularly known in Wakenaam as “Chico”, was described as a “sweet individual”.

Lakeram Kuber

PAGE 58

Kaieteur News

Unvaccinated woman is latest COVID-19 fatality - 296 new cases An unvaccinated woman from Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region 2) is the country’s latest COVID-19 fatality. This is according to the Ministry of Health which revealed on Saturday that the 57-year-old woman passed away on Friday, February 4.

Her death has increased the number of deaths for this

month to 12 and taken the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 1,180.

Based on the Ministry’s dashboard yesterday, there were 296 new infections, bringing the total for February, thus far, to 1,515 It was revealed too that some 14 persons have been admitted to the COVID-19 In-

tensive Care Unit, while 127 individuals have been placed in institutional quarantine, 5,343 are in home isolation and nine are in institutional quarantine.

According to the Ministry too, Region Four continues to record the most cases with some 30,528 individuals testing positive so far.

Region One accounts for 2,367, Region Two - 2,358, Region Three - 7,888, Region Five -2,287, Region Six - 5,567, Region Eight - 860, Region Nine - 3,725 and Region 10,3433.

To date, 61,404 confirmed cases have been documented and 54,740 persons have recovered.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Sunday February 06, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 59

New GPC, one other get US$98M (85%)...

From page 8 G$17.9B (US$98M) in contracts.”

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e APNU+AFC coalition while in power had pulled several contracts from the Dr. Ramroop owned companies including the payment for storage and medical supplies. The coalition had then contracted a party financier, Larry Singh, for the storage of drugs and medical supplies in what was condemned as a bottom house set up.

He was reportedly paid some $14M monthly for that arrangement.

Meanwhile, Patterson expounding further, noted that at the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of H o u s i n g a n d Water—another of the Budget Agencies to receive sizeable chunks of the

overall Budget—there were contracts handed to blacklisted contractors and billions more earmarked for others.

To t h i s e n d , h e referenced a circular issued back in 2019 by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to all of the Budget A g e n c i e s a n d Ministries—Agencies funded through the coffers.

That circular, he said, had provided a list of debarred contractors but despite being banned by the PPC, contracts were still being awarded to them.

He cited as example that the Ministry of Housing and Water's Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) had last year handed a $890M to one such black listed contractor.

Additionally, he noted that contracts were also

awarded to Yunas and China Railway First Group and quipped that the “PPP/C cannot even ob e y o u r laws.”

Patterson used his address to the Budget debate to also remind that the country was recently informed that a contract has been awarded for the Ogle to Eccles four-lane highway in the amount of US$106.3M, but “what should be of interest to the Guyanese public, is that due to the fact that US$48M of this was from a loan via the Government of India, only contractors from India were eligible to bid.”

He noted, however, that the PPP/C has now included an additional US$60M for this project and said “this additional sum will be funded from our coffers.”

“No local companies

were given the opportunity to bid on this increased tender scope,” he pointed out and said, “one would have expected that the government would have executed this project in two distinct phases, one for US$48M of which the India contractors would be eligible to bid and the second for US$60M on which our local contractors would have had the opportunity to bid – so much for local content.”

Additionally, Patterson noted too that what is of interest also is not what is included in the budget for the Ministry of Public Works, but what has not been included.

He pointed out to the House that in Budget 2021, $105M was included for studies to transform Lethem airport into a regional hub, a new bridge at Wismar and the construction of a new stelling at Parika.

According to Patterson, “after spending $102M in 2021, these projects have vanished from Budget 2022, without a single word.”

A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e highlighted that government will be expending $2.6B in 2022 to upgrade the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, another $6B for the Linden-Mabura road “yet they lack the foresight to build a better

bridge connecting these roadways.”

To this end, he concluded his presentation to the 2022 Budget debates pronouncing, “we will support new systems of governance which would facilitate world-class management in all areas of our economy and society.”

Guyana, he said, has been extraordinarily blessed, “let us use our blessings not just to calculate averages that look good on paper, while the standard of living of our people is declining, but rather, with wisdom to improve the lives of all our citizens, while positively impacting our region.”

PAGE 60

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Sunday February 06, 2022

Champions to be decided...

Conditional Approval...

From page 62 be fully vaccinated as stated by committee member Nyron Maraj. “All persons present on the day must be fully vaccinated. That is to say that they have had two doses of a Ministry of Health approved COVID-19 vaccine. We cannot overstate the importance of this for our members, their crew and other officials.”“We are not above expelling those members who have not been fully vaccinated, be it our own marshals. We understand the importance of meeting the requirements of these conditions and persons must know that if they attempt to breach these rules, it can cost us future events.” 150 PERSON LIMIT WITHIN A SET TIME FRAME According to the approval letter, the club will have permission to host

no more than 150 persons for the event commencing no earlier than 10:00 hours and not exceeding 17:00 hours. “We got approval for 150 people and all we ask is that persons continue to abide by these guidelines.

The task force has already said to us that they will be there in person to ensure that these rules are upheld.

Mask wearing and social distancing as well as sanitization stations are all things we have to abide by. Also, the task force can and will be randomly asking persons to produce their vaccination cards or copies of it to ensure that they are fully vaccinated. If by some means someone manages to slip by us and they are found by the task force, they will obviously be expelled from this and possibly future events.”

From page 64 to honour the memory of the late Colin Ming, Friday Night’s action saw a small gathering of fully vaccinated spectators witnessed keenly competitive matches throughout the evening. Mekdeci defeated Mohryan Baksh 15-9, 15-1 to qualify for yesterday morning’s semi-final of the Main Draw.

Mekdeci began with a -2 handicap while Baksh, who was slightly inaccurate on the night, began with a -8 handicap. The eventual scores did not reflect the quality of action seen as long rallies and the clever use of the court were the highlights of the contest.

In another quarterfinal

Sunday February 06, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't fall into the "poor me" trap today, Aries. When things repeatedly don't go the way you want, or bad things happen to you, it can be very easy to fall into a victim mentality.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Try to make sure you get some quality time to yourself today, Taurus. Your nature is one that thrives on intense thought, creativity, sexuality, and emotion.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today may be a good day for you to spend some time creating, Gemini. While you may love sports, you also have an innate artistic streak.

PAGE 61

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's a good day to pull out that shopping list, Libra.

Your ability to be thrifty and efficient will be strengthened at this time, so why not take advantage of it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Chances are good that you'll be keeping yourself busy today, Scorpio. The energetic aspects that are occurring can really have you raring to take on chores that need to be done.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Why not take some much deserved rest and relaxation today, Sagittarius? After all, even you need to jump out of the rat race once in a while.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Make some plans to write a letter, send a greeting card, or put together a package for someone far away today, Cancer.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might get an unexpected visit today, Capricorn. And it's quite likely that it will be someone who really needs some comfort and support.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's a good day for you to put some of those creative ideas to work, Leo. Pull out your favorite craft supplies and have some fun exploring color and design.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might want to talk over any plans you have or would like to make with those you live with, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Virgo, put some music on to get yourself going today, especially if you feel a little lonely. Music often has as strong an effect as conversation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If something is bothering you today, Pisces, consider talking with your mother or an older person you feel comfortable with.

bout, Steven Xavier and Fraser traded shots with intent as the former took the first game.

Fraser then engaged Xavier in very lengthy rallies which saw her take command of the court and eventually won the next two games to advance. The score line read 9-15, 15-11, 15-12 in Fraser’s favour. Shilo Asregado lost to Alphonso in another Main Draw encounter while Arjoon bested Joshua Verwey 15-12, 15- 11 to advance. Meanwhile, Friday Night’s Plate Quarterfinals saw Antczak beat Brian Young 15-13, 15-8, while Jonathan DeGroot lost to Van Dijk 9-15, 12-15. Abdool also defeated Andrew Peroune while Fung-A-Fat gained a walkover victory.It was also disclosed on Friday night that Guyana will be hosting the Junior Caribbean Amateur Squash Association Tournament in July, 2022. St Vincent and the Grenadines was originally set to host the tournament but circumstances made them unable to do so.

Sunday February 06, 2022

Champions to be decided...

Conditional Approval...

From page 62 be fully vaccinated as stated by committee member Nyron Maraj. “All persons present on the day must be fully vaccinated. That is to say that they have had two doses of a Ministry of Health approved COVID-19 vaccine. We cannot overstate the importance of this for our members, their crew and other officials.”“We are not above expelling those members who have not been fully vaccinated, be it our own marshals. We understand the importance of meeting the requirements of these conditions and persons must know that if they attempt to breach these rules, it can cost us future events.” 150 PERSON LIMIT WITHIN A SET TIME FRAME According to the approval letter, the club will have permission to host

no more than 150 persons for the event commencing no earlier than 10:00 hours and not exceeding 17:00 hours. “We got approval for 150 people and all we ask is that persons continue to abide by these guidelines.

The task force has already said to us that they will be there in person to ensure that these rules are upheld.

Mask wearing and social distancing as well as sanitization stations are all things we have to abide by. Also, the task force can and will be randomly asking persons to produce their vaccination cards or copies of it to ensure that they are fully vaccinated. If by some means someone manages to slip by us and they are found by the task force, they will obviously be expelled from this and possibly future events.”

From page 64 to honour the memory of the late Colin Ming, Friday Night’s action saw a small gathering of fully vaccinated spectators witnessed keenly competitive matches throughout the evening. Mekdeci defeated Mohryan Baksh 15-9, 15-1 to qualify for yesterday morning’s semi-final of the Main Draw.

Mekdeci began with a -2 handicap while Baksh, who was slightly inaccurate on the night, began with a -8 handicap. The eventual scores did not reflect the quality of action seen as long rallies and the clever use of the court were the highlights of the contest.

In another quarterfinal

Sunday February 06, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't fall into the "poor me" trap today, Aries. When things repeatedly don't go the way you want, or bad things happen to you, it can be very easy to fall into a victim mentality.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Try to make sure you get some quality time to yourself today, Taurus. Your nature is one that thrives on intense thought, creativity, sexuality, and emotion.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today may be a good day for you to spend some time creating, Gemini. While you may love sports, you also have an innate artistic streak.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's a good day to pull out that shopping list, Libra.

Your ability to be thrifty and efficient will be strengthened at this time, so why not take advantage of it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Chances are good that you'll be keeping yourself busy today, Scorpio. The energetic aspects that are occurring can really have you raring to take on chores that need to be done.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Why not take some much deserved rest and relaxation today, Sagittarius? After all, even you need to jump out of the rat race once in a while.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Make some plans to write a letter, send a greeting card, or put together a package for someone far away today, Cancer.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might get an unexpected visit today, Capricorn. And it's quite likely that it will be someone who really needs some comfort and support.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's a good day for you to put some of those creative ideas to work, Leo. Pull out your favorite craft supplies and have some fun exploring color and design.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might want to talk over any plans you have or would like to make with those you live with, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Virgo, put some music on to get yourself going today, especially if you feel a little lonely. Music often has as strong an effect as conversation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If something is bothering you today, Pisces, consider talking with your mother or an older person you feel comfortable with.

bout, Steven Xavier and Fraser traded shots with intent as the former took the first game.

Fraser then engaged Xavier in very lengthy rallies which saw her take command of the court and eventually won the next two games to advance. The score line read 9-15, 15-11, 15-12 in Fraser’s favour. Shilo Asregado lost to Alphonso in another Main Draw encounter while Arjoon bested Joshua Verwey 15-12, 15- 11 to advance. Meanwhile, Friday Night’s Plate Quarterfinals saw Antczak beat Brian Young 15-13, 15-8, while Jonathan DeGroot lost to Van Dijk 9-15, 12-15. Abdool also defeated Andrew Peroune while Fung-A-Fat gained a walkover victory.It was also disclosed on Friday night that Guyana will be hosting the Junior Caribbean Amateur Squash Association Tournament in July, 2022. St Vincent and the Grenadines was originally set to host the tournament but circumstances made them unable to do so.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

Conditional Approval granted for GMR&SC to host Endurance event - No spectators says President Mohamed The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has secured approval for the hosting of an endurance event later this month.

Via a release yesterday,

the club confirmed that the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) granted conditional approval for the event once pre-set conditions are met and kept.

One said condition is a

zero spectator policy for this event, something the GMR&SC President Rameez Mohamed confirmed will be the hallmark of the event.

According to Mohamed, “We had earlier this year sought an audience for the hosting of an event because we understand that our mem-

bers are eager to get back on track. However, we need those same members to understand that this isn’t an excuse to bring out spectators.”

“We are now giving these members a chance to use the machines that they have been prepping all through the latter part of last year for an official club event.”

“What we want to complete as soon as possible is a list of key personnel that will be present on race day. Those include the medical and emergency teams, the marshals and race officials and of course those members.”

The GMR&SC boss added that the club has already secured donations from some of its members to help offset the cost of the event, as another condition on the approval features a ‘no marketing policy’ of the club’s events.

“We want to say a special thank you to the team over at Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., for throwing their hat in the ring at the first ask to help offset the expenses of this event. It’s something not a lot of people see. There is an expense incurred with host-

Rameez Mohamed ing these events.”

FULLY VACCINATED ONLY Another conditional measure is that all persons who are attending the event must (Continued on page 61)

Fund Raising Pre-Mash Day of Sports on today South Turkeyen Sports Committee will hold a Fund Raising Pre-Mash Day of Sports and Bob Marley Anniversary today, 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.

Sunday February 06, 2022

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Kaieteur News

China kick off Games in style with mixed team relay gold BEIJING, (Reuters) - China kicked off their home Winter Olympics in style when they claimed the short track speed skating mixed-team relay title in dramatic fashion yesterday.

Ren Ziwei, Wu Dajing, Fan Kexin and Qu Chunyu clocked two minutes 37.348 seconds over 2,000 metres in the final to beat Italy and Hungary, second and third respectively, at the Capital Indoor Stadium. Wu, who won China’s only gold medal at the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, beat Italy’s Pietro Sighel to the finish line by 0.016 seconds, or half a skate blade, while Hungary took bronze.

China won five titles at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and three in Sochi in 2014.

“I have been through many ups and downs in the past four years. Thanks to my team for not giving up on me.

I also want to thank myself for not giving up on myself,” Wu told reporters. “I could feel being chased closely during the race. My team mates were cheering for me out loud and asked me to push my limits. The team really trust me to let me run the last few laps.”

Having won two of the four World Cup events this season, China were the favourites, especially after the Netherlands were knocked out in the first semi-final. But they finished their semi-final in third place behind Hungary and the United States, which would have barred them from entering the final, only for the

race to come under review for possible infringements. All eyes were on the referee as he reviewed the action. After five minutes, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) ended up being disqualified for obstruction, along with the U.S. who were penalised for blocking. The final was also a nail biter, with another review after a tight finish. Although the race result had been shown on the stadium’s screen, the Italians — Arianna Fontana, Martina Valcepina, Andrea Cassinelli and Sighel — draped themselves in a national flag, just like the Chinese. The only announcement that came after the investigation, however, was a penalty for fourth-placed Canada, and the few hundred

spectators raised the volume at an otherwise quiet stadium.

Italy, however, had another achievement to celebrate as Fontana became the only short track speed skater, male or female, to earn nine Olympic medals. She now has one more medal than the sport’s greats Apolo Ohno of the United States and Russian Viktor Ahn. Fontana, who made her Olympic debut at her home Games in Turin in 2006, also started the defence of her 500metre title with a smooth qualification for the quarter-finals.

Wu Dajing of China, Qu Chunyu of China, Fan Kexin of China and Ren Ziwei of China celebrate after winning gold. (REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina)

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Kaieteur News

2022 Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament…

The 2022 edition of the annual Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament comes to a close today, following 6 days of intriguing matches at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts.

Proceedings will get underway at 11:00 hrs with the Plate Championship’s third place playoff between Lee Fung-A-Fat and Joshua Abdool. Following that showdown, the Plate Championship finale will unfold with Jason Van Dijk and Jonathan

Antczak playing for top honours. The scheduled match at noon is the third place encounter in the Main Draw Championship that has Ian Mekdeci and Gabrielle Fraser set for battle. The day’s feature match, the grand finale, will see Alex Arjoon and Michael Alphonso face off for bragging rights. Yesterday, the semi-final round was contested for both the Main Draw and Plate Championship. Van Dijk and Antczak were the first to taste victory

Sunday February 06, 2022

Champions to be decided today STEVEN XAVIER AND GABRIELA FRASER (RIGHT) TRADED SHOTS ON FRIDAY BEFORE FRASER WON 2-1 (SEAN DEVERS PHOTO)

with wins over Fung-A-Fat and Abdool, respectively. After that, Arjoon and Alphonso were victorious

against Mekdeci and Fraser, in that order.

In the tournament played (Continued on page 61)

India sink England to lift Under-19 World Cup for fifth time (Reuters) - India clinched a record-extending fifth Under-19 World Cup title yesterday after a late partnership between Nishant Sindhu and Raj Bawa sealed a four-wicket win over England in a lowscoring game in Antigua.

Set 190 to win, India’s run chase was dealt an early blow when opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi was tamely caught behind off Joshua Boyden’s second ball of the innings before Harnoor Singh and Shaik Rasheed settled in and saw off the new ball. But England, looking to win only their second title, kept chapping away and reduced the opposition to 97-4 before a 67run stand between Sindhu (50 not out) and Bawa (35) swung the momentum back in India’s favour. Wicketkeeper Dinesh Bana finished off the job in style, smashing consecutive sixes off James Sales to take India home. “Proud moment for India, that we have managed to achieve this. It was difficult at the start to get the combination right,” said India captain Yash Dhull. “But as time went we became a family and the team atmosphere was good. Great moment to be playing under this lot of sup-

port staff.”

Earlier, England won the toss and opted to bat but India made a blistering start with the ball through medium pacer Ravi Kumar (4-34), with opener Jacob Bethell dismissed for two while skipper Tom Prest was bowled for a duck. England were reeling at 61-6 with Raj Bawa (5-31) tearing through the middle order but James Rew (95) and James Sales (34 not out) stitched together a 93-run stand to keep them in the hunt. Rew fell five runs short of what would have been a heroic century when he pulled Ravi to deep square leg where Kaushal Tambe juggled the catch before diving forward to pouch the ball onehanded.

“We would have liked to bat better... but the way James Rew batted was outstanding, deserved a hundred. We definitely got the bowling and we did believe we could defend this. But they batted well,” said Prest.

Scores: India 195 for 6 (Sindhu 50*, Rasheed 50, Boyden 2-24) beat England 189 all out (Rew 95, Bawa 531, Ravi 3-34) by four wickets.

Kaieteur News

Sunday February 06, 2022

PAGE 65

Play in the men's double finals between Britton/Van Lange and Munroe/Franklin.

Chelsea Edghill (left) and Shemar Britton (serve) won the mixed doubles.

Van Lange, Britton and Edghill reign supreme Yesterday, the penultimate day of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) National Senior Championships saw

Shemar Britton copping two titles, first in the Mixed Doubles and the men's doubles, while Olympian Chelsea Edghill completed a

similar feat.First, in the mixed doubles, the Britton/Edgill duo made light work of Naomi Cummings and Christopher

Franklin, winning in three straight sets 11-8, 11-9 and 11-6.In the men's doubles finals, Jonathan Van Lange and Shemar Britton got past Godfrey

Munroe and Christopher Franklin 3-1 (11-3, 11-5, 11-8 and 11-8).Today will see the men's and women's finals along with the B Class finals.

India sink England to lift Under-19 World Cup for fifth time

Players of India celebrate with the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Trophy following the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final match between England and India at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. (Getty Images)

China kick off Games in style with mixed team relay gold Wu Dajing of China, Qu Chunyu of China, Fan Kexin of China and Ren Ziwei of China celebrate after winning gold. (REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina)

Conditional Approval Champions to be granted for GMR&SC to host Endurance event decided today 2022 Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament…

- No spectators says President Mohamed

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