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AIETEUR Govt. scraps US$12.5M Sunday Edition NEWS Enmore Packaging Plant to build new one at Albion, expand another at Blairmont
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February 27, 2022
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Explain “dangerous”
reversal of full
- Former EPA boss to Govt.
coverage insurance …says Exxon had agreed to US$2.5B requirement cover damagesSeniorbeyondRussian security official issues stark threats to the West Ukraine invasion: Missiles hit Kyiv as fight for capital looms
Missing Venezuelan teen found dead
Govt. must carefully examine
Int'l contractor
contractors' capabilities before awarding Gas-to-Energy project …says risks of explosions can be avoided this way Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @ 11am, 4 & 7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Explain “dangerous” reversal of full coverage insurance requirement - Former EPA boss to Govt. …says Exxon had agreed to cover damages beyond US$2.5B Guyana Limited (EEPGL) but also cover damages that exceed this amount. In a letter to this newspaper, Dr. Adams explained that prior to his services being terminated in August 2020 by the incumbent administration, ExxonMobil had agreed to offer the country full Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo recently said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has assumed the responsibility of securing an insurance policy from the country’s major oil operator, ExxonMobil, in the event of an oil spill. The coverage being
President Irfaan Ali
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
negotiated, he said, was around US$2 billion but the former head of the EPA, Dr. Vi n c e n t A d a m s i s demanding that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government explain
its decision to reverse an agreement, which the EPA formerly had with the operator to not only guarantee US$2.5 billion from its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production
c overage insurance, since its permit for the second project, Liza Phase 2 was being held at ransom. According to him, “Exxon did indeed agree in writing, to have full liability coverage, and we were close to celebrating ‘mission accomplished’ when at the
last moment in August 2020, defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory by the incoming PPP/C Government, when they i n e x p l i c a b l y, s t o p p e d finalisation of the EPA/Exxon Agreement to realise this full liability coverage”. He went on to explain that the Liza 1 project was the first to receive an oil and gas permit by the EPA in June 2017, issued by
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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
Leaders want gas-to-shore regardless The Wales gas-to-shore project started off on the wrong foot. It has never regained its balance, or provides Guyanese, who will be footing the gargantuan bill, with some degree of comfort. In fact, the opposite is true, meaning that the more we hear and learn about it, in bits and pieces, the worse this project appears. Inexplicably, leaders in this PPP/C Government are hell bent on making it a reality, no matter what its final cost is, and regardless of all the negatives. Daily, it takes on the appearance of what could be Guyana’s worst financial nightmare in the making, with the possible exception of a catastrophic oil spill, while we don’t have full insurance coverage for such a situation. The little news that comes from this gas-to-shore undertaking goes from bad to worse. First, there is the issue of the final price tag, which is still not finalised. The coalition in its time earmarked Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara for its gas-to-shore destination, and at a cost of US$600M. When the PPP/C took over the levers of power in 2020, the cost of the project, now redirected to Wales, jumped first to US$900M, in the shortest span, soared to a staggering US$1.3B. In Guyana dollars, the Wales gas-toshore project went from approximately GY$1.8 trillion to about GY$2.6 trillion. These are numbers that the masses of Guyana can pronounce easily, but understand only with the greatest difficulty, what they truly represent, then only a few of them. We can assert with some confidence that these are numbers that have never been used before in Guyana for anything, whether public or private. From the inception of its handling by this PPP/C Government, the Wales gas-to-shore project has been shrouded in near impenetrable secrecy. We will not repeat any clichés about the devastations of corruption, as they are known well enough, and are so often employed in association with governance, that they have become anguishing reminders of where we are and tiring in the frequency of them. But we will say this: a project of this financial magnitude and with its ongoing negative features, as withheld by politicians, lacking in credibility, cannot be advantageous to the citizens of this country. The coalition, no slouch itself in the corruption department, has come right out and declared the Wales gas-to-shore project a hotbed for corruption, compliments of an unchecked PPP/ C Government and its arrogant leaders, with the steep increase in the price held out as proof of what is afoot. What is still more alarming is that this kind of money is being talked about, and the final cost could be much more, and for something on which the nation is in the dark. Regarding the benefits of the Wales gas-to-shore, the first promise is of something that all of us have longed for over many decades, which is a cheaper power supply to our homes and places of business. This is where contentiousness has pole vaulted into the debates with raging differences about overpromising through underpricing by the PPP/C Government, as accused by the coalition representative in parliament. Then, there was a call for a more sensible mix and balance involving fossil sources in the first instance, and renewables in the next. Those were given the shortest thrift by the government of today. They will not listen, they will not be stopped, and when such is the case, as Guyanese have learned from bitter past lessons, it means that financial mischief of the greatest magnitude is underway. How great is still up in the air, as the project is still hovering on the drawing board, with credible feasibility studies supposedly in motion. Now, the most recent development is that the quantity of natural gas to be piped from offshore to the new power plant would be barely enough to meet the requirements of that facility, with some left over for domestic cooking purposes (KN February 22). Some related products could be delayed indefinitely. Clearly, this troubled project is shaping up to be a failure from now, leaving us with a trilliondollar yoke that hobbles and cripples us forever. But Government leaders must have it, come hell or damnation.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Govt. must explain why it halted agreement for full liability insurance coverage DEAR EDITOR, I have followed with deep interest, the recent warranted upsurge in public outcry from experts and affected populations of all walks of life in Guyana, the Region, and other international communities, calling for full insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill. However, there appears to be some confusion, misinformation, and missing facts in the narratives as to why we happen to be in this dreadful situation of not having any such protection to safeguard the nation’s environmental, health and economic wellbeing; hence, I feel obligated to let the people of Guyana know the facts that led to this dilemma. As readers may recall being extensively covered by the news media, acquisition of full liability coverage was EPA’s topmost bone of contention with Exxon, during my
short 22-month tenure as Head of the EPA from October 2018 to August 2020. The most pivotal fact is that after very stiff resistance, Exxon did indeed agree in writing, to have full liability coverage, and we were close to celebrating ‘mission accomplished’ when at the last moment in August 2020, defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory by the incoming PPP/C Government, when they inexplicably, stopped finalisation of the EPA/Exxon Agreement to realise this full liability coverage. Furthermore, they found it convenient to part ways with the EPA Attorney handling the Agreement – a young and most brilliant Guyanese Attorney whom I would rank amongst the top international Attorneys of his peers with whom I worked and supervised. The Government must explain to its people why it so callously stopped
finalisation of the Agreement with Exxon, thus reducing us from the agreed upon full coverage to no coverage. Chronology of events that led to this point: The Liza 1 project was the first to be granted an oil & gas Permit by EPA, and it was signed in June 2017, by Mr. Kemraj Parsram, the current Government appointed EPA Head who was Acting in that position prior to my period of service. In all fairness, Mr. Parsram may have signed the Permit based upon the “selfinsurance” allowed by the 2016 Petroleum Agreement (The Contract) between the Coalition Government and Permit Holder EEPGL (subsidiary of ExxonMobil and operator of the oil & gas projects under parent companies ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC). Self-insurance means that EEPGL would bear all financial liabilities; so, is
exempt from having to obtain any outside insurance. However, the snag in this deal is that EEPGL as a newly formed limited liability company, did not, and does not, have any assets to cover any such liabilities. Upon my becoming Head of EPA, it was made clear to Exxon that we will correct the existing flaws of the Liza 1 Permit, incorporate corrections into the Liza 2 and all subsequent Permits, an dnot issue the Liza 2 Permit until full liability coverage is guaranteed. After several months of push backs, Exxon gave in to our demand for full coverage, and obtained the highest insurance available on the market, to the value of $2.5 billion USD, proclaiming it to be adequate coverage. We vehemently disagreed and pointed out that BP’s Macondo spill in the Gulf of (Continued on page 55)
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur M@ilbox How will we have “One Guyana” if PNC, PPP can’t even get together for flag raising ceremonies? DEAR EDITOR, Guyana observed its 52nd Republic Anniversary this week. Of those 52 years, there was hardly any year when the two major political parties were together for the celebrations. For both the Republic and Independence Anniversary celebrations, the PPP almost always boycotted the flag raising ceremonies when the PNC is in power, and the PNC almost always boycotted the ceremonies when the PPP is in power. In 2016, when the PPP actually showed up at the D’Urban Park event, there were no assigned seats, probably because the PNC thought the PPP was going to be a “no-show” as usual.
That turned out to be a fiasco. The colonialists and neocolonialists such as the oil companies, take advantage of our divisions. While we fight, they cart away our oil, gold, timber and natural resources. After 52 years of Republican status and 56 years of Independence, we are still a most fractured, divided, disunited nation, split down the middle. Instead of national unity, it’s all about “oppose, expose and depose.” The Government rules by a majority of a hair of one seat. Guyana is so lucky to be endowed with an abundance of riches more than any other CARICOM country, yet we are the poorest. We also have the lowest currency in CARICOM.
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President Ali reminds us we are “a rich country of poor people,” and that we were the “second poorest nation in the Americas” for decades. When the PNC is in power, the PPP wants them to fail. When the PPP is in power, the PNC wants them to fail. They cannot find it in their hearts to give credit for any progress that happened under the other party. The two political behemoths do not yet understand that a “hole in the boat, is a hole in the whole boat.” If any Government fails, we fail together as a nation, and remain in persistent poverty. Such failure keeps us in the “sh..ole” nation category forever. It does not matter on (Continued on page 6)
Kaieteur M@ilbox Beware of Greeks bearing gifts DEAR EDITOR, Guyana’s leaders have made it clear that the country is open for business. It was President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who personally laid out the carpet during his featured address to mark the opening of the historical, dubbed “never-before-seen” Oil and Gas confabulation and exposition in the nation’s capital, Georgetown, last week, in full view and earshot of diplomats, local and international business owners and representatives. He said that Guyana welcomes capital, but it must come at the “right price”, stressing that the country will negotiate vehemently. “Come with your best proposals,” he said to applause. (Stabroek News, 16-02-2022) As a citizen, I expected nothing less from our respected leader. Within 12 hours of his open invitation, the nation saw the inking of several MoUs between local and in-
ternational companies, and indeed, this is a welcomed development. We should be proud that international companies want to be part of our exciting journey. This small South American nation is now a honey pot, and it will undoubtedly attract characters in all shapes, forms and with differing motives. Therefore, a welcoming hand must also be a cautious one. Companies led by both reputable and questionable characters are now gearing up to tap into our juicy veins, but who is checking both recognised and fly-by-night firms that are now emerging out of the woodwork? Now would be the time for the powers that be to make that rev-
elation, in keeping with the government’s theme of “strengthened transparency and accountability”. Names of potential investors must be communicated via the requisite lines for public feedback. I strongly believe this is necessary given that Guyana has in the past been used and discarded like last night’s chutney. Lessons from the Bai Shan-Lin debacle, the Vaitarna renege, the Ponzi Scheme explosion and the Smart City Parking Meter embarrassment should be sufficiently illustrative that the world of business is not void of miscreants. Furthermore, citizenry involvement in the vetting process could see points going (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Urgent need for another COVID stimulus grant
Setting the record straight
DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese whom I have conversed with in recent weeks, and around the time of the budget presentation, feel there is an urgent need for another COVID Stimulus grant. The PPP administration gave a $25K COVID stimulus grant per household in late 2020 to help Guyanese households cope with pressing financial issues. There is strong support for Dr. Tara Singh’s suggestion (Feb. 25) that government give consideration for another stimulus grant. When the APNU+AFC coalition was in office, no such grant was given to the
general population who suffered significant losses from natural disasters and COVID19 related problems. As soon as the PPP/C came into office, it began thinking of providing relief funds to the population to address their financial distress. The entire population was given grants regardless of political affiliation or race. The stimulus grant awarded in 2020 was quickly expended. Unemployment still remains high at about 12%. Cost of living has skyrocketed as a result of COVID, flooding of last May/June, and extraordinary high shipping costs of goods. Poverty
rate remains persistently high at 32% and Guyanese families need immediate financial support. Guyanese families have been in distress for a long time, and need further relief to address escalation of cost of living, which will rise higher because of the war in Ukraine and the supply chain problem. The Ali administration has been very compassionate and rising to the occasion to mitigate the financial hardships. Further direct cash grants will benefit households immediately and directly. A question may arise on the possible source of funding for this cash grant. The (Continued on page 55)
DEAR EDITOR, I wish to refer to Freddie Kissoon (no relation) column in Kaieteur News of 23/02/ touching and concerning the rape case of the State v Trotman. I defended the accused at the Court of Appeal. The matter was fully submitted and argued before the Court two years ago on the grounds of being unreasonable and oppressive having regard to the evidence and
severity of sentence of 49 years. The Court of Appeal duly dismissed the appeal on both of the aforesaid grounds. I thereafter proposed to the accused that I appeal to the CCJ when the accused informed me in tears, “Mr Kissoon you have done enough for me” and declined my offer. Mr. Freddie Kissoon you did not seek permission from
either the client or his Attorney nor did you research this topic before publication. It is now known in the whole Caribbean that such sentences in rape cases are oppressive, unduly severe since the case of Pompey State and contrary to the guidelines of the CCJ. I hope I have now set the record straight. Yours respectfully, Madan Kissoon Attorney-at-law
How will we have “One Guyana”... From page 5 whose side the hole is on the boat. We need to block those holes. On this 52nd anniver-
sary, we are now an oil producing country. We had a dream that when Guyana finds oil, we would all be rich. That will not happen. Our biggest challenge now is to correct an unforgivable sin of our current oil contract being the worst in the world. We get crumbs and eat “cackabelly” while the oil companies feast on the fatted calf and fine wine, with s i d e d i s h e s o f c a v i a r, prawns and lobsters. Nation, can we ask the PPP and PNC to unite for the sake of renegotiation of the oil contract for a better, fair deal? This would be in keeping with President Ali’s election promises and the PPP’s Manifesto. Would they rise to the occasion, so all Guyana can rise, not just the rich and the connected business class? I would like to share this poem by Timothy Kinney, which I believe reflects Guyana’s plight, although the setting is American. The Cold Within Six humans trapped by happenstance, In bleak and bitter cold. Each one possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story’s told. Their dying fire in need of logs, The first man held his back, For of the faces round the fire, He noticed one was black. The next man looking ‘cross the way, Saw one not of his church, And couldn’t bring himself to give, The fire his stick of birch. The third one sat in tattered clothes, He gave his coat a hitch. Why should his log be put to use To warm the idle rich?The rich man just sat back and thought Of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earnedFrom the lazy shiftless poor.The black man’s face bespoke revenge, As the fire passed from his sight. For all he saw in his stick of wood Was a chance to spite the white. The last man of this forlorn group Did nought except for gain. Giving only to those who gave Was how he played the game. Their logs held tight in death’s still hands Was proof of human sin. They didn’t die from the cold without They died from the cold within. Nation, will we die from the cold within? President Ali has a vision for “One Guyana.” Can this be more than a nice slogan? If both parties cannot come together for a simple, nationalistic thing to celebrate Independence Day or Republic Day Flag Raising, how can we win against large multinational oil corporations to get a fair deal? One hand can’t clap! In his Republic Day message, President Ali urged citizens to reject the seeds of division. His Government must set an example, descend from its high horse, and create a facilitative climate and culture for national unity, starting with the Opposition, Civic Society, and all interest groups. Leave no citizen b e h i n d ! We a r e O n e People, One Nation, One Destiny! “One Guyana” does not mean “One Party Guyana.” If we are united, we can teach the oil companies a lesson. Wake up Guyana! Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall
Beware of cannot Greeks... develop the sector
From page 5 to the Ali-led regime. Guyanese, to whom this oil belongs, must be part of any process that welcomes outsiders to extract or support the extraction of our cherished, highly soughtafter resource. Indeed, Guyana’s people
without outside help, but we deserve to know who we’re welcoming into our land and that they come with good intentions. “Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.” Yours truly, Observer
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
It has long been established that a person is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. We certainly embrace this notion. But when some of the injustices in this land are taken into consideration, it is easy to be swayed into believing that some people, those who mete out wrongs thatwill be felt for generations, should be placed behind bars without a trial to languish for eternity.
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Sunday February 27, 2022
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Explain “dangerous” reversal of full coverage... From page 3 Mr. Kemraj Parsram, the current Head of the EPA who was at the time the acting head, prior to Dr. Adams' appointment. This permit was issued to the company with “self insurance” as allowed by the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, between the Coalition government and permit holder EEPGL, which acts under the guidance of ExxonMobil, Hess, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). S e l f - i n s u r a n c e , D r. Adams clarified, means that EEPGL would bear all financial liabilities thus is exempt from having to obtain any outside insurance. “However, the snag in this deal is that EEPGL, as a newly formed limited liability company, did not, and does not, have any assets to cover any such liabilities,” he explained. Cognisant of this fact, the former EPA boss said that efforts were then made by himself and team to bring
Exxon to the table to discuss the insurance policy. In fact, he said that Exxon was clearly told that the flaws in the Liza 1 permit would have to be corrected before its second and future projects could be approved. After several months of delay, ExxonMobil finally
Attorney that was handling the matter at the EPA, were removed from their posts in August 2020. The following month, he said, he was shocked to see that Exxon's third project, the Payara development, had been approved without the formerly agreed upon full
“As protector of the nation's economy, environment and health, the Government owes it to its people, to explain why it has taken such a dangerous step in taking the country from agreed upon full liability coverage to no coverage.” – Dr. Vincent Adams agreed to offer Guyana full coverage insurance, Dr. Adams said. He detailed, in his more than 1,000 words missive, that Exxon obtained the highest insurance available on the market, to the value of US$2.5 billion, “proclaiming it to be adequate coverage”. However, given that BP's Macondo spill in the Gulf of Mexico was costing approximately US$70 billion, the former EPA head said that this offer was denied since such a meager coverage could leave Guyana bankrupt as well as expose the country to lawsuits from neighbouring countries affected by a possible spill. To this end, he said that the EPA then demanded that the parent companies –ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC – cover all liability costs over and above the $2.5 billion insurance. “Exxon eventually acceded to our immovable demand for parent companies cover above the $2.5 billion insurance; but asked that we sign the Liza 2 Permit, so as to maintain confidence in their investors, while affording time for the parent companies to agree upon how they will share the liabilities,” Dr. Adams shared. He added, “Exxon's request was deemed an easy no-risk concession, since the Liza 2 start-up was not scheduled until three years hence in 2022, and couldn't start anyway without the Agreement. Therefore, we issued the Liza 2 Permit in mid-2019, requiring full coverage to be carried by a combination of the $2.5 billion insurance, with all of the remainder to be carried by EEPGL's parent companies”. Subsequent to the issuance of the Liza 2 permit when the agreement was nearing finalisation, Dr. Adams said he and the
coverage insurance. In this regard, the former Executive Director of the EPA wrote, “As protector of the n a t i o n ' s e c o n o m y, environment and health, the Government owes it to its people, to explain why it has taken such a dangerous step in taking the country from agreed upon full liability coverage to no coverage”. Elaborating on the importance of full coverage insurance, Dr. Adams said that Guyana's rapid increase in oil operations over the next few years will also bring with it equivalent dangers associated with an oil spill. He reasoned, “The gross inadequacy of the G overnment' s oil s pill Emergency Response Plan, which I refused to sign due to documented justifiable reasons; and the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) showing that a major spill could be just as devastating or worse than the BP Macondo spill, with oil washing away the Caribbean beaches and their economies all the way to Jamaica, resulting in Guyana's and its neighbouring countries environmental destruction, obliteration of the fishing industry, and economic bankruptcy including possible lawsuits from neighbouring countries and other affected parties,” all highlight the need for an adequate insurance coverage. Last week, the Shadow Oil and Gas Minister on the Opposition benches of the National Assembly, David Patterson submitted a Motion to Parliament calling for liability insurance coverage in the event of an oil spill disaster. He proposed that Exxon's fourth project, the Yellowtail Development, be used as leverage by the government to ensure that the country gets full coverage insurance.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Dem
boys seh... We nah gat fuh worry bout dem Guyanese students wah studying in Russia. Nobody nah gan attack Russia. Dem students safe in Russia. In fact, dem safer deh dan in Guyana. De Americans and de British dun seh how dem nah sending troops fuh support Ukraine. De reason is because dem nah wan start wan World War. Russia is a nuclear power and if any great power attack dem, yuh could have a nuclear war and all a we could dead out. Dat is why dem boys
Kaieteur News
Free university education nah mean at UG alone seh dem nah gat no danger to dem students wah studying in Ukraine. Guyana accepting scholarships from all over de world. And we students accepting it because we gat wan institution hay dat nah really ready yet. But people nah want accept dis fact. De guvament seh dem gan try fuh give we free university education by 2025. But dem should reconsider whether dat mean hay in Guyana. Is one thing fuh seh how yuh gan give free university education but dat nah mean
dat it gat fuh be hay. De guvament could give people online free education rather dan pumping mo money into an institution which nah gan be able to produce a worldclass education. So, instead of giving free education in Guyana alone, give free education, for instance, in programmes at UG wah de country need, like medicine, forestry, oil and gas and engineering. And we gan use part of de money to give more scholarships to dem online universities. Talk half, leff half.
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Sunday February 27, 2022
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes SUNDAY It would seem that many human beings have an ingrained desire to be reckless; live on the edge. Some of us so love the adrenaline rush that once we survive such a trip, we think of ourselves as invincible. But none of us can expect to get out of life alive; each of our days are numbered, just look at the COVID-19 deaths and you are likely to agree with us. With that in mind, we urge our fellow Guyanese: Stop tempting fate and protect yourselves. Not because the government has decided to cancel the curfew means you're safe to do as you please. MONDAY Guyana is a small nation overflowing with natural
wealth that could allow it to more than cater to the needs of each of its less than one million citizens, and then some. Instead, life in Guyana is a daily struggle for far too many of our people. Sometimes we wonder why brazen banditry seems to be overshadowing our land, increasingly too. Is this some people's way of taking their piece of the pie? We certainly don't agree with this approach but with the leaders we have experienced, we sure have an idea where they got the concept from. TUESDAY Crime, without doubt, is escalating. The time therefore, is ripe for a strategic plan to combat this scourge.
in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about onBut when little to nothing is done when a heinous crime is committed, what can the nation really expect from law enforcement? Are those mandated to 'protect and serve' just as scared of the criminals as the rest of us? WEDNESDAY Crime, without doubt, is escalating. The time therefore, is ripe for a strategic plan to combat this scourge. But when little to nothing is done when a heinous crime is committed, what can the nation really expect from law enforcement? Are those mandated to 'protect and serve' just as scared of the criminals as the rest of us? THURSDAY
Why are our leaders hell bent on straddling us with enormous debts for generations to come? They have already caused the nation enough troubles, yet they have the nerve to lash out at those who call them out on their incompetence and reckless behaviour. We at this publication will not, on any terms, sit back quietly and watch those who call themselves leaders mismanage this nation to the detriment of our people. FRIDAY Most, if not all of us, are au fait with the maxim, “Together we stand, divided we fall”. Why then, we at this publication ask, are some of our leaders pushing division with alacrity? Dividing our country along political and racial
going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. lines will not be condoned by this newspaper in any way or form. Come on leaders, isn't our Motto still: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”? SATURDAY The relationship between Guyana's leaders and its people is tantamount to an abusive relationship. Abusive since the leaders
are bent on depriving the citizens of what they deserve. But the citizens of this land are not idiots. They see through the lies and schemes meant to rob the people of this nation of their patrimony in the name of progress. Citizens are slowly waking up to the reality in this land and they are fighting back.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Sunday February 27, 2022
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Senior Russian security official issues stark threats to the West - Former President Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow may respond to sanctions by cutting diplomatic ties with the West and freezing personal assets (Aljazeera) - Moscow may respond to Western sanctions by opting out of the last nuclear arms deal with the United States, cutting diplomatic ties with Western nations, and freezing their assets, a senior Russian official warned. The threat on Saturday by former President Dmitry Medvedev came as Russia's ties with the West sank to
new lows over its invasion of Ukraine. Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, also warned Moscow could restore the death penalty after Russia was removed from Europe's top rights group – a chilling statement that shocked human rights activists in a country that has not had
capital punishment for a quarter-century. The sanctions placed new tight restrictions on Russian financial operations, imposed a draconian ban on technology exports to Russia and froze the assets of Putin and his foreign minister, a harsh response that dwarfed earlier Western restrictions. Washington and its allies
say even tougher sanctions are possible, including kicking Russia out of S W I F T, t h e d o m i n a n t system for global financial transactions. In sarcastic comments posted on a Russian social platform, Medvedev dismissed the sanctions as a show of Western “political impotence” that will only consolidate the Russian
Security Council Deputy Chairman Medvedev warned Moscow may opt out of the last nuclear arms treaty with the US [Yekaterina Shtukina/Sputnik via AP] leadership and foment antiWestern feelings. “We are being driven out of everywhere, punished and
threatened, but we don't feel scared,” he said, mocking the sanctions imposed by the (Continued on page 16)
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
Missiles hit Kyiv as fight for capital looms Ukraine invasion:
(BBC) - Russian assaults on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, have been met with fierce resistance as the Ukrainian military says it fought off several attacks. The military said in a Facebook post early on Saturday that an army unit managed to repel Russian forces near its base on a major city street. President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "The occupiers wanted to block the centre of our state... We broke their plan."
Meanwhile, fighting continues near several other Ukrainian cities.A total of 198 Ukrainians, including three children, have been killed since Russia invaded, said the country's Health Minister, Viktor Lyashko. According to a report by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, a curfew will start in Kyiv at 17:00 (15:00 GMT) on Saturday and last until 08:00 on Monday. In an address, Mr Zelensky said: "We are defending the country, the
land of our future children. Kyiv and key cities around the capital are controlled by our army. “The occupiers wanted to block the centre of our state and put their puppets here, as in Donetsk. We broke their plan."In a self-shot video, Mr Zelensky was earlier seen walking around Kyiv's government district in an apparent effort to dispel rumours he had called on the army to surrender to Russian troops."I'm here. We won't (Continued on page 15)
PAGE 13 Kyiv apartment building struck earlier on Saturday.
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Sunday February 27, 2022
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Missiles hit Kyiv as fight for capital looms From page 13 lay down our arms. We will defend our state," he said.Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said a missile had hit a block of flats in the city, posting a picture on Facebook showing at least four apartments destroyed. He added on Telegram that 35 people, including two children, had been wounded as of 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT). "There are no Russian troops in the city," he claimed, adding that people should stay
in shelters as more air attacks were expected. Nowhere feels safe in Kyiv Kyiv is a city bathed in sunlight and a suffocating layer of tension. The attack on the apartment building looks like a scene from a disaster movie a chunk of it ripped away. It seems miraculous that there are no reports of deaths. "It's no miracle," a local man called Yuri tells me. "Most people were in the shelters or have left already." In the wreckage, there are
fragments of normal lives - a book, a child's photograph, a keyboard. One family with small children rushes past, struggling with bags and a stroller, then cramming into a van to get away. In this European capital city, there is a real sense that nowhere is safe.Earlier on Saturday, Ukraine's air force command also reported heavy fighting near the Vasylkiv air base, southwest of Kyiv, adding that it was under attack by Russian paratroopers.
Separately it claimed one of its fighters had shot down a Russian transport plane. The BBC was unable to verify this. M r Z e l e n s k y acknowledged Russian forces had inflicted casualties, he maintained "the enemy has sustained very serious casualties", too. The BBC cannot verify this claim. As Russian troops closed in on Kyiv, Ukraine urged the West to take faster and tougher sanctions to punish Moscow for its attack.
Among the demands was an effort to cut off Russia from Swift - the system used for global business transactions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also urged the West to block Russia from the payments system to "inflict maximum pain on President Putin and his regime". It comes after Ukraine's defence minister urged anyone able to hold a weapon to join the effort to repel Russia. Hanna Syva, a mother of two, told the BBC she was
prepared to run to the basement in the event of shelling - but was also making plans to defend Ukraine. As her husband prepares to fight, she lives with a rifle and pistol on a window ledge next to her children's toys. "I'm scared for my life, for my kids, I'm scared for my country. But this is the fear that is transformed into anger that makes you do something to defend your country and protect yourself," she said. (Analysis by Orla Guerin BBC News Instanbul)
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Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
Senior Russian security official issues stark threats... From page 12 US and its allies as an attempt to vindicate their past “shameful decisions, like a cowardly retreat from Afghanistan”.Medvedev was placeholder president in 2008-2012 when Putin had to shift into the prime minister's seat because of term limits. He then let Putin reclaim the presidency and served as his prime minister for eight years.During his tenure as president, Medvedev was widely seen as more liberal compared with Putin, but on Saturday, he made a series of threats that even the most hawkish Kremlin figures have not mentioned to date.Medvedev noted the sanctions offer the Kremlin a pretext to completely review its ties with the West, suggesting Russia could opt out of the New START nuclear arms control treaty that
limits the US and Russian nuclear a r s e n a l s . T h e t r e a t y, w h i c h Medvedev signed in 2010 with then-US President Barack Obama, limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, and envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance.The pact – the last remaining US-Russian nuclear arms control agreement – had been set to expire in February 2021 but Moscow and Washington extended it for another five years.If Russia opts out of the agreement now, it will remove any checks on US and Russian nuclear forces and raise new threats to global security. 'Binoculars and gunsights' Medvedev also raised the prospect of cutting diplomatic ties with Western countries, saying
“there is no particular need in maintaining diplomatic relations” and adding, “We may look at each other in binoculars and gunsights.” Referring to Western threats to freeze the assets of Russian companies and individuals, Medvedev warned Moscow would not hesitate to do the same.“We would need to respond in kind by freezing the assets of foreigners and foreign companies in Russia … and possibly by nationalising the assets of those who come from unfriendly jurisdictions,” he said. “The most interesting things are only starting now.” 'Return to the Middle Ages' Commenting on the Council of Europe's move on Friday to suspend Russia's representation in Europe's leading human rights organisation, Medvedev described
it as one of the “useless nursing homes” that Russia mistakenly joined.He added it offers “a good opportunity” to restore the death penalty for grave crimes, noting the US and China have never stopped using it.Moscow has maintained a moratorium on capital punishment since August 1996 as part of the obligations it accepted when it joined the Council of Europe. Medvedev's statement terrified Russia's human rights activists who warned the prospect of reinstatement of the death penalty is particularly ominous in Russia because of its flawed judicial system.Eva Merkacheva, a member of the Kremlin human rights council, deplored it as a “catastrophe” and a “return to the Middle Ages”.“Given the very low quality of criminal investigation,
any person could be convicted and executed,” she said. “To say that I'm horrified is to say nothing.”The Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a series of anti-war protests in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities across Russia, which were quickly dispersed by police who arrested hundreds.As part of efforts to stifle dissenting voices, Russia's state communications watchdog issued notices to top independent media outlets, warning they will face closure if they continue to distribute information about the fighting that deviates from the official line. On Friday, the watchdog also announced “partial restrictions” on access to Facebook in response to the platform limiting the accounts of several Kremlin-backed media. It did not say what exactly its restrictions
implied.
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Saturday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
==GNBS in Focus== OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO COMPANIES
IMPLEMENTING THE ISO 9001:2015 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The rapid transformation of our economy due to oil and gas has pushed most local businesses to relook and reorient themselves to reliably provide products and services that meet their customers' expectations. The implementation
of international standards, particularly the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Standard, has been the choice of businesses to improve performance, manage risks and meet customer expectations.
The urgency to implement the QMS Requirements by companies, especially those new to the standard, has significantly increased the demand for Technical Assistance and support. In response, the Guyana National
Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Business Development Team, with a wealth of knowledge and experience working with businesses to implement a QMS, has been very responsive to the calls for support. Last year alone
the GNBS worked with 14 companies to implement the QMS with this year already showing higher prospects. According to the scope, the international standard specifies requirements for a QMS (Continued on page 60)
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Sunday February 27, 2022
Ministry unveils new Training Hall - as 850 graduate from WIIN training
Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (centre) cuts the ribbon to open the new training hall dubbed ‘the empowerment space’. The Ministry of Human Services unveiled a spanking new training hall while hosting the historic girls’ empowerment day and Women Investment and Innovation (WIIN) graduation for 850 persons on Saturday. This is according to a release, which the Ministry disseminated to the media on Saturday. The training hall and administrative block is located at the Guyana Wo m e n ’s L e a d e r s h i p
mandate of GWLI was taken, leading to a massive rehabilitation project. There has been a complete renovation of the hall, administrative block and it is now complete with modern equipment, air conditioning and new furniture. The new computer lab is also housed there. Minister Persaud gave those in attendance a tour of the new facility. These upgrades are integral to GWLI performing its mandate as new courses under the GWLI’s WIIN training programme continue to roll out. Minister Persaud said, “Our focus is on the empowerment of girls and women and a big part of this drive is to create an enabling environment, equipped with all the resources they need to achieve success. All the services are accessible and free. The response has been
overwhelming and we are amplifying our efforts this year. I warmly congratulate the women and girls and commit to sustainable support.” Also, over 800 persons graduated on Saturday from a two-week training offered by the Ministry of Human Services, through the WIIN programme. Of this, 250 participants came from Region Five while 600 were from Region Four. Malica Rajkumar, a 26year-old teacher, was in full praise of the Ministry for providing her with the opportunity to be trained under the child care programme. She said, “I did a face-to-face training and it was very fun, the lecturer was very jovial. I want to thank her and the Ministry of Human Services. With the knowledge I would have gained I will put into practice with my family and also my job.”
Chandrowti JagdeoBehari was also happy to be part of the learning experience. She noted, “I came into contact with the programme via social media and I did two courses. I am happy I did it because it will help me in my profession since I am a nurse in training.” Senior Training Officer, Sanjay Pooran said, “This new space which Minister h a s t e r m e d t h e ‘Empowerment space’ will help us help women and girls really transition from a state of dependency to economic freedom. The WIIN programme will facilitate technical and vocational training which opens the door in the areas of employment, microenterprise development and even elevations in their careers. This space creates the right environment to enable a safe, free and Continued on page 60
Institute (GWLI), Cove and John, East Coast Demerara and has been aiding women and girls to attain gender e q u a l i t y w h i l e simultaneously providing training, support and assistance to become economically empowered since 1997. The building was in a state of disrepair for a long t i m e . H o w e v e r, w h e n substantive Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud assumed office in 2020, a comprehensive review of the
Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud gives a tour of the new training hall and administrative block to fellow Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Some of the graduates proudly display their certificates.
Kaieteur News
Hameesha Kumar
Sunday February 27, 2022
This week’s beauty is Hameesha Kumar. This diva enjoys travelling, dancing and make-up artistry. Ms. Kumar is following the path of becoming an entrepreneur and loves this Lou Holtz quote: “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
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Sunday February 27, 2022
Surviving Cancer is an eye-opening ordeal By Rehanna Ramsay
T
hough World Cancer Survivor Day (June 5) is still way off, there isn’t a day that a person who has successfully battled this dreadful disease doesn’t wake up grateful for the second chance at life they have been given. Indeed, dealing with a terminal illness can impact someone’s life as is told by survivors, states Guyanaborn US-based Dr. Mark S. Vasconcellos and Guyanese chef, Nicola Shultz. They recently shared their remarkable survivor stories. Dr. Vasconcellos, a born Guyanese who resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, is the CEO a n d F o u n d e r o f Vi c t o r y International, a non-profit based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Those who are familiar with the work of the humanitarian mission, Victory International and Project life – a local non-profit, would remember Dr. Vasconcellos. He is no stranger to the humanitarian work done in Guyana and has led many dental and medical outreaches here. His work with the elderly, prisoners, primary and secondary schools, churches, and many other organisations have benefited the people of Guyana throughout the years. His more recent work involves providing electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback equipment to help patients in Guyana with mental health. But in May 2021, after serving in Guyana, Dr. Vasconcellos returned to Raleigh and was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma (a type of cancer). Dr. Vasconcellos told Kaieteur News, the diagnosis was shocking given that he was in great health with no underlying medical problems. He revealed that “I went to the doctor to check on an injured finger and I had a little lump on my stomach but there was no pain. I just happened to tell the doctor, who said it might be a hernia but we needed to do some screening…” After the test results came back, Dr. Vasconcellos revealed he was shocked to hear that he had cancer. The US-based Guyanese recalled how he felt when the doctor told him of the diagnosis. He noted that “Those three words, ‘you have cancer’, takes about three seconds to say, but it can really turn your life upside down…” In light of the diagnosis, Dr. Va s c o n c e l l o s i m m e d i a t e l y b e g a n treatment, which included aggressive chemotherapy and bone marrow stimulus. The treatment, as one can imagine, was rigorous and took a toll on his life. Dr. Vasconcellos who is usually a physically active person related that for consecutive days each week he did “a cocktail of chemotherapy treatment.” The treatment, he said, while it killed cancer does damage to other parts of the body. “Chemo breaks down your system and makes you weak,” he said, adding that “it kills good and bad, so I had to do booster for bone marrow because it was affecting my bones.” He continued that “going through cancer treatment is the most difficult thing,
- survivors emphasize the need for constant screening
Guyanese Chef, Nicola Shultz was able to beat cancer twice. I have ever faced. Your physical health is affected but so is your mental health.” Dr. Vasconcellos stated too that having good support from his family, helped him, especially mentally. After six months of chemotherapy, under the supervision of a great oncology team in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr.
peopl e of Guyana. N e e d l e s s t o s a y, Vi c t o r y International is planning to include assistance to cancer patients as a new addition to their humanitarian work in Guyana. All humanitarian work provided by Victory International is free of charge and is done in association with Project Life, Guyana, a local non-profit (www.VictoryInternationalinc.org.) which embraces the motto: “Helping the Needy and Serving Humanity.” In the interim, Dr. Vasconcellos is advocating for persons to be regularly screened for cancer. His advice to everyone is to regularly monitor your body for any unusual symptoms and do annual wellness check-ups. “If you feel unwell or suspect something is wrong with your body or mind, seek professional medical assistance. There is hope once you have knowledge of a condition,” Dr. Vasconcelloss advised. Ever Mindful Similarly, Nicola Schultz, age 50 years, is advocating for persons to engage in regular screening for cancer. Having successfully dealt with the disease twice, Shultz is now ever mindful of the reality of cancer.
“I have to remain on medication for the rest of my life. I take 200 mg Levothyroxine for the functions of my non-existent thyroid and I have to be regularly screened for cancer because in most cases if you don’t look for cancer, you will not be able to detect it. So, my advice to anyone is to don’t take things for granted and just get the regular check-ups, get screened for cancer annually.” - Nicola Schultz
Vasconcellos is in full remission. He noted that he will continue to take his medications for many more months and will require labs and follow-ups every three months; however, he thanks God, his oncology/medical team, and the support of his family and friends during the most challenging time of his life. He further emphasises that cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence, unlike decades ago. Medicine and treatments have come a long way. “Knowing that you have cancer is an opportunity to seek treatment immediately before the condition progresses. There is no shame in having cancer or a terminal illness. Trusting God and knowing He is faithful, will help us walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear,” Dr. Vasconcellos, who is an ordained Christian Minister, said. According to Dr. Vasconcellos, he is looking forward to returning to Guyana very soon to continue his humanitarian work. As usual, he is expected to be in Guyana with a team of about 15 members in May 2022. The team will also include Pastor Joel B e c k h a m , P r e s i d e n t o f Vi c t o r y International and a long-time servant to the
“I was very mindf ul of what I ate; I was a vegetarian and did my regular doctor’s check-ups but I never screened for cancer until I started experiencing some issues with my health and came across a newspaper article which had stuff about thyroid cancer,” she said, relating that her first diagnosis came after a misdiagnosis. She explained, “I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid in 2013; there was a swelling in my neck and we thought it was goiter but I came across a medical article in a Sunday newspaper. I like reading the medical part of the papers and I saw an article about the thyroid and everything I read I was experiencing, so I called the doctor and made an appointment.” Prior to the diagnosis, Shultz said that she experienced symptoms such as darkness on the area of the neck, swelling in the throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, and consequently notable weight loss. After visiting the doctor’s office, Shultz did some blood scans, and other types of tests, and that is when it was decided by the doctor that she needed to do surgery to remove the right side thyroid. However, following the surgery in 2014, the doctor told Shultz that he found lumps in the left side too so he took out the entire thyroid and sent it for biopsy and it came back positive for cancer. Consequently, she was referred to the Guyana Cancer Institute where she was told that there was no treatment for her. She needed to go to Trinidad to undergo treatment. After bouts of aggressive radiation, Shultz was in remission. She explained, “I was in remission and all was well, then in 2019 I went to the clinic at the cancer institute where the doctor discovered two lymph nodes in the neck but on returning to Trinidad nothing was seen. In 2020 they were still not seeing anything.” She added, “I had to do some special diet. I was able to come home but I had to go
Dr. Mark Vasconcellos and his Oncologist, Dr. Michelle Beard, during treatment. Shultz told Kaieteur News that she never thought she would have to deal with the disease because she has no family history of cancer and was very health conscious.
back in six months for another check-up.” But last year, when Shultz decided to visit the US for her 50th birthday, her health took a turn for the worse. Continued on page 51
Sunday February 27, 2022
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WAR IS NOT A NICE THING
W
ar and civil w a r a r e horrific developments. For those who never experienced wars, the present conflict between Russia and Ukraine, provides them with a good idea of the tragedy which accompanies such conflict. War is usually used in the sense of conflict between countries. Civil war usually refers to internal conflict among groups of combatants within a country. Both are deadly and have dire consequences. Guyanese, over the past few days have been left aghast and shocked by the scenes, which are being relayed on television and social media, of the ongoing carnage which is taking place in Ukraine. They paint a picture of horror. Unlike the American invasion of Kuwait, which was primarily fought out in the desert, and the attack on
Iraq which involved shock and awe aerial bombardment of Iraq, this war is being fought in full glare of the cameras. Scenes of destruction and dislocation are being relayed almost instantaneously to viewers around the world. And this fact is driving home to viewers around the world the horrors of warfare. For many Guyanese, particularly the younger generation, this is an eyeopener and a novel experience. But Guyana has known its own warfare – civil warfare – and not all of it has been a low intensity affair. Guyanese will recall the PNC/R protests over the 1997 elections which descended into mayhem, including ethnic violence, muggings, robberies and the destruction of property. They will equally recall the channa bombs which were hurled at targets and other acts of arson on buildings,
including businesses which resulted in the loss of millions of dollars. One member of the lunatic fringe wanted to burn down the city and was photographed throwing petrol around lantern posts along Regent Street and attempting to ignite them. He would later go on national television and urge all the East Indian supporters of the PNC/R to seek refuge at Congress Place. Those old enough will recall the controversial grenade explosion at a television studio and the equally suspicious attempt at a fire at a city hotel, both of which latter incidents were believed to have been the work of the PPP/C. The 1999 public service strike was also characterised by violence. When the strike ended, arsenal of channa bombs was discovered by the police in backroom of a union hall. No one was ever charged for this discovery.
The violence took on deadlier proportions after the PNC/R election loss of 2001. Determined to steal the elections through violence, political extremists triggered even more violence and robberies with its epi-centre in Buxton. The violence assumed ethnic proportions. This violence led to another response which saw the emergence of phantom killings, trigger waves of retaliatory murders and also charges of ethnic killings. Following the elections of 2nd March 2020, political agitators used the horrific murder of two young boys to stoke ethnic conflict in West Coast Berbice. The violence soon also began to result in arson, robberies and murder. The present conflict in the Ukraine therefore should be a forewarning to Guyanese that they should not allow themselves to be manipulated by political
extremists and violent agitators, bent on creating mayhem and division in the country. Guyana has paid a huge price as a result of domestic conflict. Whether it is war or civil war, the consequences of the suffering, death and destruction have caused irreparable harm to our country. It is time we look and learn from the horrific lessons of conflict, not only in the Ukraine but in other places where internal conflict has also led to deaths and destruction. It is said that a political solution is needed in Guyana. But at the core of the violence which occasionally erupts in Guyana, and usually does so in the wake of election results, has been the failure of the losing parties to graciously accept their defeat. Guyana also faces an external threat from Venezuela. But that threat
also has international dimensions because it has been used by western imperialism as part of the Cold War narrative. Guyana must not allow itself to be drawn into conflict with Venezuela. The Americans desperately want this to happen so as to have a pretext to destroy the already tottering Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. This is all the reason why Guyanese must not be lured into conflict, both external and internal. War and civil war are not nice things as we are seeing now in the Ukraine. (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 27, 2022
The world will pay a high price for Russian aggression By Sir Ronald Sanders The invasion by the Russian Federation of the sovereign state of Ukraine
has been roundly condemned by most countries of the world. However, Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro,
announced his support of it. Had President Maduro stopped short at his statement, “We repudiate and reject all plans to
surround Russia militarily and strategically. Russia has to be respected as all the peoples of the world have to be respected”, that would have been, at least, understood to be ideological and strategic support in his Government’s interest. But, by swiftly and unequivocally supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is a clear violation of the basic tenets of the UN Charter and international law, President Maduro raises questions. It is to be hoped that the Venezuelan government does not regard the Russian aggression against Ukraine in violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter - as encouragement for similar action against its neighbours. In this connection, the C ar ib b ean C o mmu n ity (CARICOM) countries were right to issue a statement in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that the “hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, which are the bedrock of this Community”. All countries should understand that CARICOM countries are small states that depend on the rule of international law, including the illegality of aggression and the prohibition of the threat or use of force in disputes. At the time of writing, both the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) are working on issuing strong resolutions, condemning not only the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but also the earlier recognition, on February 21, by the Russian government of two provinces of Ukraine - Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
When this crisis began to loom, there was, in some Caribbean circles, the view that countries of the region should stayout of “the white boys’ war”. However, as I have argued in previous commentaries, any march by the Russian government into Ukraine and any attempt to annex parts of it by recognition of break-away regions within it, would have grave repercussions for the world, including the Caribbean. First, it would embolden governments with contentions with their neighbours, territorial and otherwise, to act in a similar fashion. The consequence would be to create hostilities and instability in almost every region of the world. Second, Ukraine is the bread-basket of Europe. Disruption of its food production and supply would cause not only food shortages but also an increase in the cost of food globally as Europe seeks other sources of supply. Third, oil and gas prices would increase as action is taken against Russia by stopping its sale of oil to Europe. Europe, too, would have to buy oil in the same markets as Caribbean countries, forcing prices up at a time when the region is barely beginning to recover from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. No sector would be spared and especially affected would be tourism, the supply of energy and water, and food production. The US has tried and failed to convince large oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, to pump more oil to cater for Europe’s needs. But long before the hostilities in Ukraine, Russia had already tied up a deal with member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) not to increase oil production in order to keep prices at a high level. What was happening in Ukraine was, therefore, always a peril to the world community. The person who knew this best was UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. He told the UN special general assembly meeting on 23 February that “Our world is facing a moment of peril”, and even as the Russian government had already indicated its intention to launch a military offensive against Ukraine,
Sir Ronald Sanders he said: “If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years”. These circumstances now face the world. It is unlikely that the Russian Federation President, Vladimir Putin, will heed the urgings to stop the hostilities and withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately. It is also unlikely that even though it is a violation of international law and the UN Charter, that he will drop his recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk which are part of the Ukraine. He will regard these as bargaining chips with the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU). This situation will therefore continue for some time while bargaining takes place both behind the scenes and in public. NATO and EU countries are not without leverage of their own. Apart from what British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, called a “barrage” of sanctions, coming from the US, the EU and the UK, there are other ways in which Russia could be isolated. The sanctions on Russian oil companies and banks are already in place, putting p r e s s u r e o n R u s s i a ’s economy about which its own people will eventually complain. In the meantime, the global community will pay a high price for Russia’s violation of the principles of international law that have, largely, underpinned peace and protected small states. That’s why, CARICOM was right to speak out as it did. CARICOM leaders were safeguarding the interest of Caribbean people. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
What Black people told me at the Oil and Gas Conference M
y dog loves the Fort Groyne seawall for the simple reason that she finds more mongoose to confront than anywhere else on the entire stretch of seawall. So I have been taking her there for a long time. The coast guard sentries are accustomed to seeing me and my dog. Fort Groyne is a busy place because it has a miniwharf for trade between Georgetown and the interior. I encountered a problem during the three-day conference on oil and gas at the Marriott, next to Fort Groyne. I couldn't find parking because the delegates took over Fort Groyne. But they couldn't enter the grounds of the coast guard complex because that is off-limits. For three days, the sentries accommodated me. Each day, when the Guyanese attendees came to their cars to leave, some of them would recognise me and a few brief chats would follow. Every African Guyanese I spoke to live in the opposite world of those well-known faces who get on their Meta pages and each day Guyana is given a dose of racial poison. The reason is obvious. Two of these names live in the US and are obsessed with spreading race talk and inventing stories which fictionalise the social and political realities of Guyana. When you listen to the WPA remnants, including one particular founding member (an analysis of a shocking interview he did with one of h i s W PA a c o l y t e i s forthcoming), and you listen to young Afro-Guyanese I met at Fort Groyne, you know the WPA remnants are withered roses that died
moons ago. The best evidence of the two worlds of the young Black Guyanese delegates I talked to and the insanities and inanities peddled by the Black racists is best seen in an interview one of the WPA remnants who lives abroad did with one of the important personalities of the Reform wing of the PNC – businessman Stanley Ming. The WPA remnant could not have foreseen no matter how mountainous his imagination, the things Ming would have said. Ming stayed completely away from any race talk, completely eschewed any condemnation of the PPP government and said positive words about the president. You see, once the foreign based Guyanese got Ming on his programme, he equated Ming with the mentality of the lunatic fringe and he figured Ming would rush to talk about PPP doing this and that to Black people. Ming did nothing of the sort. The man came across as a professional businessman who did not rant and rave against the government. They say - once bitten, twice shy. “Black pudding maan” isn't going to go that route again. He will continue his interviews over Facebook and avoid people like Ming again. When I spoke to those young Black Guyanese at Fort Groyne, I wondered how the preachers of race hate and the remnants of the WPA would survive being part of a symposium in which they had to face questions from young Guyanese I spoke with at Fort Groyne. Let's give two examples, PNC leaders, WPA remnants and the lunatic fringe speak of the PPP administration being installed.
But you know the embarrassment they would have to endure when they have to face questions in front of an auditorium full of educated people of diverse backgrounds. How did the installation occur and why the EU, CARICOM, the US, Canada, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Black Caucus of the US H o u s e o f Representatives, the United Nations and the OAS chose to act together to install the PPP without at least one dissention among the ranks? One can be certain “black pudding
maan” will have to explain to his questioners why the world, including all African government in the Commonwealth, accepted the election results? The second example is the US based Guyanese (“roadman”) who wants people to run PPP leaders off the road. In an interview with 'black pudding maan', he was jumping up like a peacock yelling that the PNC stood by while the PPP yanked out the statements of poll (SOPs) o n e l e c t i o n d a y, a n d inserted their own
numbers and while he was ranting, 'black pudding maan' was shaking his h e a d i n acknowledgement. Do you think he could say that in a panel discussion? The questions he will receive will dominate the meeting. If the PNC allowed the PPP to do t h a t , t h e n ' r o a d maan' and 'black pudding maan', the Village Voice and all the PNC surrogates should call upon the PNC to disband and accept that the PPP is a phenomenal superpower organisation
Frederick Kissoon c apable of magical powers. The truth is 'road maan', 'trenc h c r a p o m a a n ' , ' b l ack pudding maan' and others like them could only exist on their own Facebook page and nowhere else. (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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COVID-19: Omicron 2 may be the variant with us when we transition into endemicity By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist
W
hile it's still early to make a f i n a l conclusion, it does appear that we may be heading out of the pandemic and will slowly transition into an endemic over the next couple of months. An endemic basically means that there is more predictability to the virus behaviour that allows for more stability to living when compared to the pandemic. There is a tendency for seasonal and geographical flare ups of infections during an endemic. The seasonal flu is an example of an endemic virus which infects many and cause deaths, but in a more seasonal and predictable manner. The Omicron BA.1. variant (Omicron 1) has infected unprecedented numbers worldwide leading to high population immunity. However, the Omicron BA.2. variant (Omicron 2) is slowly creeping up and seems to be slowly replacing Omicron 1. What do we know about Omicron 2? When the Omicron variant was formed, it divided into subvariants with Omicron 1 and 2 being the common variants of concern to us. Omicron 1 took off faster and is responsible for the Omicron wave the world was and is still facing. However,
recent data on Omicron 2 shows that it is now in 18 countries and accounts for 35 percent of all new cases that have been sequenced worldwide. Data from Denmark where Omicron 2 is the dominant form, suggests that it is 30 percent more transmissible than Omicron 1. However, it doesn't appear to be more deadly and does n o t c a u s e m o r e hospitalisations. Will Omicron 2 cause a second Omicron wave? For Omicron 2 to cause a new wave, it must have the ability to re-infect those that were infected with Omicron 1 which is the majority of the world's population. H o w e v e r, d a t a f r o m Denmark and UK showed extremely low re-infection rates with Omicron 2. Of the small number that was re-infected, there were no symptoms or mild and no one was hospitalised or died. So, based on the data so far, it is highly unlikely that Omicron 2 will cause a second Omicron wave. Is Omicron 2 in Guyana? We have not been testing for variants here so there is no definite answer to this question. However, based on scientific trends, it does appear that our recent experience was from the Omicron 1 wave. We are now coming to the end of the wave and the pattern is suggestive of Omicron 1 still being the
dominant and possibly the only variant here. If or when Omicron 2 arrives, there may be a slight increase in case numbers. Based on the available evidence, this slight increase should not be significant because of our high immunity levels (from vaccination and previous
infection) and it should not be a burden on the system. What to expect in the coming months? It appears likely that Omicron 2 will slowly take over from Omicron 1 as the dominant form of the virus. It will however spread slower
because of the lower number of persons (who were not infected by Omicron 1) available for it to infect. In addition, a decent portion of these persons will have vaccine immunity so the threat of serious infection and hospitalisation should remain low. Therefore, as March comes, we should see infection rates consistently be in double and even single digits. Hospitalisations should continue to drop and stabilise to non-threatening levels. In the months after, there may be a little uptick in infections as Omicron 2 arrives but not at concerning levels. I feel optimistic that the SARS-CoV 2 virus is
running out of curveballs to throw at us and its threat to us is becoming more p r e d i c t a b l e . Wi t h t h i s p r e d i c t a b i l i t y, c o m e s endemicity, which is the light at the end of the tunnel that we have all been waiting so long to see.
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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 INTHEIR ENTIRETY. SUNDAY CGX PUMPED US$350M FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS BEFORE LANDING ON KAWA-1 DISCOVERY CGX Energy Inc. has a well-earned reputation as Guyana’s indigenous oil and gas company. But very little is known about the extent of the investments made by this company to date and which laid the foundation for its significant Kawa-1 discovery in the Corentyne Block; a discovery that was made in collaboration with its Canadian partner, Frontera Energy Corporation (FEC). During an interview at the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Exhibition2022, Executive Co-Chairman of CGX Energy Inc., Professor Suresh Narine, was open to providing Kaieteur News with a deeper understanding of what the oil industry was like back in 1998 when CGX first began operating in Guyana’s waters and what cemented its resolve to stay through the tough times. Professor Narine said, “I was not involved with the company from the inception, having joined the Board of Directors in 2012, but one can imagine that in 1998, the founders of CGX would have faced wide skepticism, given that a discovery in the basin was not to occur until 2015! The current Board and Management of CGX are privileged to recognise the courage and vision of the founders and early management and staff of the Company.” “Given the amount of activity in the Guyana basin today, it is difficult I am sure, for your readers to imagine what it was like for a tiny company like CGX to participate in the drilling of three offshore wells, two of which it operated directly and the operating of three onshore wells, through our 62 percent owned subsidiary, ON Energy Inc.,” he added. Professor Narine said in those days, CGX/ON Energy was the dominant explorer in the basin, taking 100 percent of the risk on the three onshore wells (Albion, Yakusari and Hermitage), and taking 100 percent of the risk on two offshore wells – Eagle
and Horseshoe – and 25 percent of the risk on Jaguar. The Executive CoChairman said, “So the Company has always been a prolific explorer and the data from the wells it drilled and participated in have been pivotal to the success of the basin. CGX has never operated in any other basin – we are focused only on Guyana because that is what we were created for. And so together with expending a significant sum of money pre-Kawa-1 (approximately $350 million US) here in Guyana, we have over the years built deep partnerships here and have been fortunate to have always been guided by successive boards to maintain our corporate social responsibility, maintain our care and focus on the environment and maintain our groundbreaking work in the educational sector and among the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.” Just as an example, Professor Narine said CGX and its JV Partner, FEC, invested $5 million Canadian in the Guyana Advanced Academic Training and Research Program in Sustainable Transformation, to support the education and initiative of Guyana’s future leaders in fields crucial for the development of the sustainable sectors of the Guyanese economy. He shared that the first five students are already studying at Trent University in Canada and additional students will
be selected this year. Professor Narine said a total of 12 students are expected to be trained in advanced degrees, with all of them being required to then become lecturers and professors at the University of Guyana for a period of five years. Even in the naming of its wells, Professor Narine said CGX is uniquely Guyanese. He was keen to note that Kawa-1 is named after a majestic mountain overlooking the village of Paramakatoi, a place he has been blessed to visit many times and meet and work with the Patamonas in the lush valleys of the Pakaraima Mountains. Wei-1, the name of its next target in the Corentyne Block, is named after a tall peak in the Pakaraimas. In fact, Professor Narine shared that Wei Tepu was in fact used as a sentinel peak to guard against invading peoples. WELLS DRILLED IN CORENTYNE BLOCK With respect to the wells drilled in the Corentyne Block, Professor Narine said two were previously drilled, Horseshoe in 2000 and Eagle (EGT-1) in 2012. He said the combined cost of the wells exceeded US$100 million. The Executive Co-Chair said these wells were helpful in establishing early basin shelf modelling. He was keen to note that the Kawa-1 sits in a unique position between the shelf and deepwater and is the first well drilled in this environment. He said the location of Kawa placed its
subsurface horizons between both shelf and deep-water basins, while adding that the absence of nearby offset wells made it a “rank wildcat exploration well”. Professor Narine said, “That uncertainty on the subsurface model coupled with the anticipated high pressures and temperatures fully met the definition of a “complex well”. Our JV is very proud of our drilling and subsurface teams, operating under the leadership of Mr. Kevin Lacy, our drilling director and Jeni Budlong, our Exploration Manager, for the professional and safe operation of this complex well.” He concluded, “We are also grateful to the Maersk Discoverer’s crew and the rig’s unique capabilities, which was key in being able to deliver on this well. We are finishing our work to decommission the well and will make a disclosure on costs at the appropriate time.” FOCUS ON CORENTYNE In their latest statement to the market, CGX Energy Inc. and Frontera Energy Corporation announced that, as a result of the initial positive results at the Kawa1 exploration well, the Joint Venture will focus on the significant exploration opportunities in the Corentyne Block and will not engage in drilling activities on the Demerara Block in 2022, as noted previously. The Joint Venture is currently engaged in discussions with the
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Government of Guyana regarding the Demerara Block and will provide an update on such discussions as soon as a conclusion has been reached. Kaieteur News understands that Kawa-1 early-stage Wireline Logging results confirm the Logging While Drilling (LWD) indications previously disclosed on January 31, 2022 with a total of 200 feet of net pay encountered at multiple depths. Further analyses of logs and samples are ongoing. Furthermore, the Joint Venture will provide an update when these activities are complete. CGX is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin and the development of a deepwater port in Berbice, Guyana. Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 33 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. GUYANA IN TALKS WITH MIDDLE EASTERN FIRMS FOR AUCTION OF REMAINING OIL BLOCKS – JAGDEO (Reuters)—Guyana is in talks with state-run oil firms from the Middle East to discover new offshore fields, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told Reuters, hoping to recruit a new and substantial explorer to its nascent energy industry. Results of the talks with Middle East firms could also lead to Guyana barring a consortium led by US major ExxonMobil Corp from a prospective drilling rights auction, the Vice President added. The Exxon-led group currently pumps all the South American country’s output since discovering significant amounts of oil offshore in 2015. With more than 10 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas reserves found so far, Guyana has become one of the hottest exploration and production frontiers in decades. “We’ve had offers from some countries to work with us in this regard. Some from the Middle East,” Jagdeo told
Reuters in an interview at Guyana’s International Energy Conference on Wednesday, “Diversification of interest is good for our country.” He declined to name the national oil companies discussing future oil projects in the tiny nation. The country is in a hurry to expand local industry, jobs and to address health and education needs of about 750,000 citizens through its energy resources, he said. Representatives from Qatar Energy and a sixperson delegation from the Saudi Arabia government were among attendees at the energy conference this week. India’s governmentowned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) also is interested in participating in a potential oil auction for drilling rights, a person close to the discussions said. Indian refiners bought at least two test cargoes of Guyana’s Liza light sweet crude last year before Guyana signed a one-year contract with Saudi Aramco to market its share of oil produced by consortium. EXCLUDING EXXON Along with partners Hess Corp and CNOOC Ltd., Exxon controls 6.6 million acres (26,800 sq km) in the Stabroek Block that produces 120,000 barrels per day and is poised to deliver more than 800,000 bpd by late 2025. The consortium could be barred from an auction of unassigned blocks, if the country decides to hold one, the vice president said. “I’m not sure whether we would want Exxon to participate in the bid,” he said of the prospective auction. “We haven’t made a decision. But they have a fairly large footprint here already,” Jagdeo said. Guyana wants unassigned blocks to be developed as quickly as the Stabroek exploration block. If Exxon committed to the same speed elsewhere, it may make Guyana reconsider barring the U.S. producer from new areas, the vice-president said. Exxon did not reply to a request for comment. An alternative to taking a “big strategic partner” that could lessen the Exxon group’s grip on its oil production would be to form a state oil company to explore unassigned blocks, Jagdeo said. URGENCY Guyana’s commitment to a net zero emissions target by 2050 adds to the urgency of getting new exploration underway, he said. “It is important in the context of net zero to have (Continued on page 29)
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From page 28 reserves explored, discovered, proven and developed as quickly as possible within the time frame we have.” Guyana has considered conducting seismic surveys of its unassigned exploration blocks before any auction. But it may forgo those surveys to speed up exploration commitments, he said. “We would probably get less (payment), but we might be able to get faster exploration,” he said. (Reporting by Reuters’ Sabrina Valle; additional reporting by Neil Marks Editing by Marguerita Choy) MONDAY ‘WE CAN GETABETTER DEAL’ - CITIZENS PROTESTING LOPSIDED OIL DEAL, LACK OF INSURANCE HOPEFUL FOR CHANGE - RENEW CALLS FOR LEADERS TO TAKE ACTION Following a week of street protests against the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana and the lack of full-coverage insurance, citizens remain hopeful that the government will heed their calls and bring the oil companies to the table. Last week, on the sidelines of the protest in front of the Marriott Hotel where the fourday Guyana Energy Conference 2022 and Business Expo was held, Kaieteur News interviewed some of the protesters to hear their views on the renegotiation of the heavily criticised PSA and the lack of full coverage insurance. As it relates to the Stabroek Block PSA, Guyana’s Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo has repeatedly bashed the APNU+AFC administration for the poorly renegotiated Stabroek Block PSA. He has even been quoted in the media as saying that the agreement which was signed with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, EEPGL, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Limited, is a “contract that would harm us for decades into the future” and even accused the APNU+AFC of having “sold our patrimony” to Exxon. However, the Vice President is not the only one who has criticised the deal. The PSA has faced heavy criticism, from both local and regional actors. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General
(AG), Anil Nandlall, is also on record calling the PSA, one of the most lopsided agreements signed in the country’s history. Moreover, insurance plays an important part in the lives of many. To avoid putting yourself in debt and to safeguard one’s self, most people ensure they secure insurance for themselves and loved ones. It is against this background that citizens are questioning the wisdom of the government in approving new oil fields for ExxonMobil and its partners without first securing full-coverage insurance to protect the country in the oil and gas sector. Just recently, the American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. However, Guyana does not have full coverage insurance from the companies operating in its backyard. Sherod Duncan, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) RENEGOTIATION “Yes, yes, we should. I think we had, we had more discoveries since the PSA [Production Sharing Agreement] was signed in 2016. We have had more discoveries and we have a better opportunity to use all of that leverage. ExxonMobil needs us more than we need them right now.” “As you know, these guys were on the brink of being bankrupt, but it is our oil and the wealth derive there from it, that they are depending on to get their company through this period and we know Covid-19 has made it very bad for a lot of companies, and theirs was one of them and they are depending on us and I believe that we can get a better deal out of it.” “Whether it’s the royalties, whether it’s the cost
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recovery, issues like ringfencing and the insurance coverage, as well. We can get a better deal.” INSURANCE “Yes, yes, because we have seen in recent memory we have seen an African country that produces oil the way we do. They had an oil tanker explode with 60,000 barrels just about two weeks ago and that has been all over the news. Can you imagine the damage to the environment?” “If you think about, if you do issues like news census and so on, the oil spill affects Trinidad and so on and even our own citizens here. What is protecting them? Absolutely nothing, and so a better insurance arrangement definitely could safeguard the people of this country and our neighbors.” “So one of the themes we saw coming out of this conference, persons are saying the people are who matters, Mia Motley said that, Chandrikapersad Santokhi said that, the President of Ghana said that…we don’t feel as the Guyanese people that our current leaders understand that and want us to benefit from the oil proceeds.” Odo Best, Head of Movement of Civil Unity RENEGOTITATION “I think its way overdue. They’re taking too long to call for it. It is absolutely necessary.” “Any reasonable business or any smart businessman knows if he has a business of a certain magnitude he needs to have insurance in case of the eventuality, because things do happen, to protect himself and to ensure that the business continues for generations to come.” “Now, you mean to tell me our government don’t understand this? They don’t understand this, they don’t understand. This is ridiculous, because out of politicians are businessmen, in some form or the
o t h e r … t h e y ’ r e businessmen.” “So I do understand what kind of thinking that they having…when they time up or when they gone, we got to deal with it, so here what happen, we dealing with it now.” Martin McLennan, clothing vendor RENEGOTIATION “What I have been saying is that we need to renegotiate the oil contract. Also we need a fair share from the oil money.” “The government should have full-coverage insurance to safeguard us.” Juretha Fernandes, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) RENEGOTIATION “In Guyana right now what we are seeing out here, for example, the people are calling for a renegotiation of the contract and an effective government. A responsive government all together, needs to listen to the call of the people.” “If the people are calling for a renegotiation of the contract that is the direction the government has to go in, especially now that we have so many other discoveries coming on board. The government has the responsibility to come out and have consultations with the larger stakeholders. That is the people of this country and the people of this country by and large are saying that they want a renegotiation of the contract, so we have to listen to the voices of those people.” On the issue of full coverage insurance, Fernandes said, “I think the full-coverage insurance is something that we definitely need because Guyana is a small country, we are a developing nation, we are now getting off the mark when it comes to development.” “There are so many commentary coming out, even the president as it is, has spoken that this is the first time we have capital resources to do what we have
to do and to not have fullcoverage insurance is putting us in a very dangerous position, so most definitely we should be getting fullcoverage insurance.” Melina Harris, Journalist RENEGOTIATION “Absolutely. There are so many terms in the contract that are incompatible with local laws, with international principles and with international best practices. There are terms that are offensive to Guyanese. It does not reflect that ownership of the resource belongs to us and there are too many things that have to change for the contract to even be legally valid. So absolutely it has to change.” “Yes, and it’s a shame that the government hasn’t already got full coverage insurance in place because the operations are so dangerous. They carry such a high risk of accident that if you don’t have insurance, the country, the citizens, the taxpayers, me and you, will have to pay for whatever damages occur when the lawsuits from our neighbors come. Guyana will become bankrupt because we don’t have the funds or finances to pay for any of those things.” “So they have to get full coverage insurance because it’s absolutely necessary.” THREEFEARED DEAD AS FISHING TRAWLER SINKS - LONE SURVIVOR MAKES IT HOME TO TELLTHE TALE Members of the Guyana Defence Force - Coast Guards are currently out at sea combing the rough waters in search of three men who went missing after a fishing trawler owned by Noble House Seafood Limited, reportedly sank on Saturday morning in coastal waters, some 18 miles off Mahaicony. Relating the tale of what happened to the trawler, to bosses at Noble House, is a
lone survivor, out of a crew of four, who was lucky enough to make it home around 22:00hrs on Saturday. He was reportedly rescued by a small boat passing a few hours after the fishing trawler had sunk. The missing men are all from Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and were identified as: Anthony Damon, 45, the captain of the trawler and a father of three, Winston Sam, 46, and Ronald Burton, 75. They had left to go on a fishing trip on Sunday last and were scheduled to return home today but tragically they did not. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Tonszadel Damon Beckles, Damon’s wife, said that it was her eldest son who had informed her of the tragedy that had occurred. She along with relatives of the other missing men upon receiving the news had rushed down the Noble House’s location on the East Bank of Demerara. After some push around, they were finally able to be updated by management that there was a lone survivor who had made it back. That individual, related Tonszadel, told investigators that the trawler sank sometime after 07:00hrs on Saturday while they were returning from the trip. The survivor reportedly recalled that at around 06:00hrs that morning, he was summoned by his captain, Damon to make some checks at the back of the vessel. He obeyed and saw that the trawler was taking in water from the back. The survivor reportedly recounted that even the engine room started filling up with water. He said that he returned to his captain and they decided to make a radio call to their Base at Noble House. While informing their bosses of what was going on, they immediately lost connection and the boat started to sink. The survivor continued and reportedly told authorities that when the trawler started to go down, he and his captain were on one side of the boat while the other two men were on the other side. He reportedly remembered them jumping off and clinging to a buoy. The next thing he recalled is being rescued by a small boat that was passing by. The man reportedly told investigators that he had passed out after being rescued, however, when he recovered, the boat and its crew that rescued him were searching for the rest of his crewmembers but after searching for some three hours, they decided to drop him to shore at Mahaica. There, he was reportedly (Continued on page 30)
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From page 29 given “a bus fare” and he travelled to Noble House where he related to his boss what took place. Kaieteur News was told that he was then rushed to the Woodlands Hospital for treatment. On Sunday, coast guards reportedly picked him up and took him on a search for the rest of his crew members. Meanwhile as the search continues, relatives are holding onto a glimmer of hope that they might be alive. The wife of Winston Sam, Mala Sam said that it was only her husband’s second trip to sea and it was supposed to be his last. “He did not want to go because he said that he doesn’t like it out there, and I did not want him to go either but his friend, the captain insisted and he decided to make one last trip,” she told Kaieteur News. Ronald Burton’s Burton’ daughter added that her father has been a seaman since he was fifteen years old and liked the job and was ready to go on the trip at the first call. The last contact the men had with their loved ones was last Sunday, the day when they were departing the Noble House Wharf for sea. In a statement several hours after the mishap, the Public Works Ministry said it has launched an investigation. The Ministry said an independent panel was established comprising representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, MARAD, GDF Coast Guard, the GPF Marine Unit, and the Transport and Harbours Department. “We are very concerned, and share the anxiety and pain of the family members and colleagues of the missing men. The Search and Rescue Operation Centre was immediately activated upon notification of this incident. Vessels and personnel, including divers have been deployed. The Ministry wishes to assure all concerned that all available resources of the State to aid in this search and rescue exercise will be fully utilised. The private sector including private fishing vessels, are also engaged in this ongoing operation.” TUESDAY GPL LIABLE WHEN AMAILA FALLS RUNS DRY - BRASSINGTON The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) in addition to agreeing to purchase all of the power to be delivered to Georgetown from the 156 megawatt (MW) Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant has also agreed to assume the hydrological risks involved in the project. As such, it would mean that GPL would bear the incurred liability whenever the Amaila Falls runs dry or if the 23 square kilometres reservoir is unable to feed the hydro plant. This is according to Project Head, Winston Brassington, when he provided an update on the project for stakeholders at the recently concluded Energy Conference and Expo, venued at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston. Addressing the conference,
Brassington told those in attendance, “like any large projects there is a lot of risk in these projects but most of these risk have been put to the developer.” He did note however, that when it comes to the geotechnical risk “we are going to stay with the same structure we had in 2012; the hydrology risks GPL will be assuming this, the contract provide for allocation of force majeure risk” and that GPL will take all of the power from the project. Hydrological risk is generally seen, as the risk of having insufficient water in the source river or dam to support the expected levels of electricity generation as had been the case in the past with the Amaila Falls which runs dry during the course of the year. As such, it would mean that in the event the falls runs dry during the course of its hydro plant’s operation, GPL will have to assume all of the risk involved. As it relates to the force majeure, this too will be borne by the government of Guyana in the event of something caused by the state, or in the event of natural causes would be borne by both parties. Government, he said, would only be guaranteeing the performance of GPL. According to Brassington, the new iteration of the 165MW project will be coming in cheaper than its 2012 price tag, when the then project developers—the Blackstone Group—walked away from. At the time, the reported price was pegged at in excess of US$1B but, according to Brassington, this time around, the project is earmarked to cost some US$700M. The financing for the project this time, according to Brassington, will be borne by the contractor – China Railway First Group, and will include the installation of some 270 kilometres which he said would run
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from the Amaila Falls to the Sophia Substation. Included in the new project scope, according to Brassington, is the upgrade of the Amaila Falls Access Road, two substations— one in Linden and another in Georgetown. Insisting that Guyana has not made any other financial commitments to the project, other than to pay for power when it arrives in Georgetown, Brassington said that the Chinese contractor is expected to put in the finances in part from Chinese institutions. Being pursued under a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, Brassington related that the contractor will have to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in which the owner—China Railway— will assume all of the debts and equity and that power will be purchased by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). “GPL will buy all of the power under a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement),” and the contractor will have to assume the majority of the risks in the project, he said. According to Brassington, all of those that had submitted proposals with the intention of pursuing the project had been given copies of every bit of information and documentation at the government’s disposal. These include, according to Brassington, all of the feasibility and other studies undertaken in relation to the project such as hydrology surveys and others. Under the BOOT arrangement, Brassington said Guyana would, in 20 years’ time, take over ownership of the project. He did, during his presentation, seek to point out that during the three-and-a-half-year period expected for construction, an independent supervision firm would be hired by the administration to
during the recent inaugural Energy Conference and Expo venued at the Marriott Hotel, where project head, Winston Brassington provided potential investors and interested stakeholders with an update on Guyana’s Gas to Energy initiative. Recognising that “this is a much bigger project than we envisaged in 2020,” Brassington told those in attendance that the original size of the project had targeted suing only 30 million cubic feet of gas per day. This, he said was revised upwards to 50 million cubic feet per day but even this is barely enough to meet the power generation requirements. Addressing the Energy Conference, Brassington noted that when government first invited Expressions of Interest (EOI), with companies in some cases expressing an interest in each of the areas advertised, namely the power plant, an NGL facility and value added. “In all, I think from the 30 companies we have over 50, plus different areas (value added) that they were interested in,” he said. Having decided on a ‘combined cycle’ technology for the power plant, Brassington noted that the project was also sized higher than initially thought, this time around building out the project in one phase—a 300MW plant with a net delivery of 250MW. He said however, that in order to meet this requirement for the gas to be able to power that size of a power plant, it would require some 42 million cubic feet of gas per day. With this in mind, he reminded that in view of the fact that only 50 million cubic feet of gas would be had per day, it would mean “the rich gas when we separate the liquids we would probably have just about 44/ 45 million cubic feet left, “which is barely enough to power a 300MW power plant.” He did note that the project also include the NGL plant “and we are looking at an initial train 60 million cubic feet capacity and that would give us about 3,700 barrels per day.” According to Brassington, this would be some five times the demand in Guyana at present. The Ministry of Natural Resources in inviting the EOIs had said it is calling for joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana. According to the advertised EOI, the government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) facility and related facilities.” This includes, according to the Ministry, design, construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL’)s distribution grid. This is in addition to industries that can utilise natural gas for, “natural gas driven developments and growth.” According to the invitation, interested parties can bid (Continued on page 31)
ensure the hydroelectric plant is built to specifications. This is in addition to the recruitment of an Operations and Management consultant. With Guyana taking ownership of the project 20 years after commissioning, Brassington noted that the project’s average price measured over that time period would be about 7.7 cents which is largely going towards the repayment of the US$700M financing. According to Brassington, the project will be funded by China Rail and Chinese institutions. They will own the project and it will be operated under a concession for 20 years. At end of the 20 years, he said, it will be handed over to government at no cost and as such “I think this a great project.” NATURAL GAS FROM EXXON BARELYENOUGH FOR NEW POWER PLANT BRASSINGTON …FERTILISER, AMMONIA, OTHER VALUEADDED GAS PRODUCTS NOW UNLIKELY Government last year, as part of plans to generate electricity in Guyana, using natural gas coming from the Stabroek Block invited Request for Proposals inviting joint participation in a Public Private Partnership arrangement for the construction of a new 300 megawatt power plant along with other factories, aimed at fully utilising the resource to be had through the development of fertilisers and other hydrocarbon byproducts. The gas to be had from the Stabroek Block however, is barely enough to be used at the gas fired power plant with the remainder being able to go towards the production of about 3,700 barrels of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) used for cooking. The stark revelation was had
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From page 30 to take part in any of the elements individually or collectively. It was noted however, any submission for the first and third aspects of the project, namely design and utilisation of gas or the industrial park, “must demonstrate the nexus between the projects as detailed.” With Brassington’s recent pronouncement that the gas to be had would barely be sufficient to meet the power demands of the proposed plant with limited LNG, it would mean that all of the other ventures adumbrated are now unlikely to become a reality. Brassington in his presentation to the Energy Conference told those in attendance that the Wales West Bank Demerara location where the pipeline from the Liza Field bringing the gas onshore would be terminated was selected, “because of economics, partly because of the opportunity for large scale industrial development over time and we also wanted to be away from the population centre.” This, he said, paved the way for the other studies to be had, such as the Environmental Social Impact Assessment and geotechnical and geophysical studies. With the Terms Of Reference for the ESIA already completed, work has set about completing the necessary study. Speaking to the importance of the studies to be had, Brassington sought to impress that “this is quite a complex engineering project and we were talking about coming from a mile deep in the ocean below Liza I and Liza II, coming 200km offshore and then onshore and, these projects based on historical precedence, generally take many years but we were able to agree with ExxonMobil an aggressive timeframe of end of 2024 to get this completed, with the first 18 months starting at the
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end of 2020 being used for all of the technical studies.” According to Brassington, the completed draft ESIA is expected to be completed and submitted to the EPA by April. Brassington in his update noted too that 21 of the 30 interested parties that had submitted EOIs have since provided prequalification applications which are currently being reviewed by the administration. He said, once prequalified partners have been identified, the next step would be to have those prequalified submit proposals with the priority aspect of the project being the construction of the 300MW power plant. The working timetable, according to Brassington, is for ExxonMobil to be able to deliver the rich gas by 2024 and the remaining facilities coming online by 2025 “by which time we would be able to deliver dry gas.” ExxonMobil, he said, will be looking to begin placing orders for the pipes and ancillary material for the laying of the gas conduit from the Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block to the Wales Development Zone. That will be paid for using cost oil while government will be financing the power plant from the treasury which, this year, benefited from the oil revenues had as a country between 2019 and last year. WEDNESDAY US$100M TO PRODUCE 178MW FROM SOLAR, HYDROGEN IN BARBADOS …ETHIOPIA SPENDS US$600,000 PER MW FOR HYDRO ...GUYANAENGAGES CHINESE CO. TO BUILD AMAILAHYDROAT US$4.2M PER MW The Government of Barbados will in the near future be realising some 178
megawatts of electricity using hydrogen and solar energy at a cost of some US$100M while in Ethiopia, that country will soon realise 6,500 MW of hydro power electricity at a cost of just over US$600,000 per MW. In Guyana however, the Irfaan Ali Government is pursuing a hydro electrical project at Amaila Falls for a revised cost of US$700M which would work out to some US$4.2M per MW for a 165MW plant to be built by China Railway First Group. With the world on a pathway towards reducing carbon emissions as a result of burning fossil fuels primarily for electricity generation and transportation, Barbados is now leading the Caribbean region with the announcement that it will soon be building the largest clean hybrid power plant in the Caribbean, producing base load power for 16,000 Barbadian households from solar and locally produced green hydrogen. The venture comes as a result of the strategic agreement signed between RubisEnergie, the parent company of Rubis Caribbean, which acquired 51 percent of the largest hydrogen power project in the Caribbean, Renewstable® Barbados (“RSB”), developed by HDF Energy, inked back in 2021. HDF Energy is also in active discussions with the Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-operative Society to offer 30 percent of the project prior to construction. According to a missive, RSB is a large gridfriendly energy power plant project that will supply clean, resilient, stable and competitive base load electricity 24/7 to 16,000 homes. Located in St Philip, RSB will aid the island in achieving its 100 percent renewable energy mandate by 2030 without the
intermittency concerns that typically limit the deployment of solar and wind power on island grids. It was noted that using only the sun as a primary source of electricity (50MW solar), RSB combines 128MWh of green hydrogen and battery storage to deliver a continuous output of power, day and night. The project is currently under Government regulatory review and approval. Totally carbon-free, RSB has been designed to effectively replace certain aging, costly and polluting assets that currently burn Heavy Fuel Oil or Jet Fuel, with a similar level of reliability. Not impacted by any commodity market, RSB also eliminates the exposure to fuel price volatility throughout its 25-year operating life. RSB said in its missive that it,”is committed to promoting the dual use of solar energy and agriculture on the site.” Additionally, it was noted that a large-scale sheep farming facility will be accommodated as part of the project, “with both direct sheep grazing and grass harvesting within the solar power plant and surrounding green areas.” According to the missive, “sheep husbandry will be developed on the facility in order to maintain dual use of the land, producing valuable lamb meat and skins locally, and generating direct and indirect local jobs while simultaneously saving and creating vital foreign exchange.” During its two-year construction period, RSB said the venture will create about 200 jobs, and support about 25 permanent local jobs during its operation. It was noted that with the Bajan venture, “RSB paves the way for the duplication of Renewstable® power plants
at a global scale.” The US$100M project is said to be a duplication of CEOG (en.ceog.fr), the first Renewstable® project in construction developed by HDF Energy located in French Guiana. It is being built by Siemens Energy and financed through a state-ofthe-art project finance scheme. Rubis is also an equity investor of CEOG through SARA (the refinery of Martinique) alongside HDF Energy and the infrastructure fund Meridiam. Lenders include world leading private and institutional banks. Damien Havard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDF Energy in making the announcement said, “…we are extremely delighted to have Rubis joining RSB, the second Renewstable® project after CEOG.” He noted that many similar projects are currently being developed by HDF Energy across the globe, using the same proven bankable business model and focusing on a valuable base load power service for local grids. According to Havard, “in addition to HDF Energy’s unique hydrogen power and local development expertise, we believe the solid presence of Rubis Caribbean in Barbados and its strong commitment to decarbonization makes it a robust development and financing partner. “ Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Managing Director of Rubis Energie observed that this second investment in a green hydrogen power plant reinforces our growing collaboration with HDF Energy. “We strongly believe in the Renewstable® technology already implemented with CEOG as a viable solution to provide energy at an affordable cost to populations with challenging energy supply
logistics. This new project illustrates our will to develop new carbon-free sources of energy, especially in countries where Rubis is operating.” Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley during a recent visit to Guyana to participate in the International Energy Conference and Expo 2022 had during the activity, championed a people-centric approach to development and economic empowerment in the region through the energy sector which that country is now exploring. With this in mind, she used the occasion to speak to the ventures being undertaken in her country including the strides being made with the use of solar complemented with hydrogen. To this end, the Barbadian PM reminded that as a Region, there is bountiful renewable energy potential much like Africa, which is blessed with the power of the sun, wind, water and more. With this in mind, she reminded of Barbados’ commitment to being carbon neutral by 2035. Expanding on her country’s push to achieve this, Mottley noted that Barbados at present hosts one of the highest densities of Electric vehicles, Buses and complementing charging stations per capita in the world. She said her country has also replaced 88 percent of their street lights with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in addition to the use of solar on all public buildings and the use of offshore wind and marine power and wave energy technology among other sources such as the development of hydrogen. “We are also conscious that there is a need for us to maximise the solar revolution,” Mottley said, adding that Barbados 50 years ago started a process (Continued on page 41)
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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<
Proper insurance coverage It has to be disturbing to all Guyanese that both Exxon and Guyanese leaders continue to play footsie with prioritising full coverage insurance in the event of a disastrous oil spill. This was what one of the newer civic groups, well named as “A Fair Deal for Guyana; a Fair Deal for the Planet” made the centerpiece of their fight to get more protection and a better deal for Guyana. I agree with the group and support its members in what I see as a necessary struggle to give the peace of mind of much-needed protections. I salute them for their courage and public outspokenness before a stubborn and vindictive PPP/C Government. They understand the risks, I know them firsthand. It was troubling to me that the Hon. Vice President who could talk the ears off of a bat, if he could catch one, did not lift a finger when the splendid opportunity of the International Oil Conference was
in full sway at the Marriott, and he was one of Guyana’s key presenters. The Vice President was more focused on the risks of the investments of those who come here to explore for oil, than he was for the potential risks that could become devastating and a haunting reality in the instance of a catastrophic oil spill from Exxon’s offshore operations. I describe as devastating because the damage could be untold and reach far from our shores severely impacting neighbours. All the oil money calculations – now, later, and using favourable pricing scenarios – regarding income to us would not be enough to help us handle our own damage plus that of neighbours. We are not talking merely of local coastline damage, which would be bad enough, but of the massive disruptions to an entire way of life in the tourist-oriented countries close to us.
These could be existential, and the fears are healthy and real, not products of fevered imagination. It is regrettable, and inexplicable, that the Vice President, a leader known for his in-the-face aggressiveness in the domestic arena, could withdraw so humbly and whimperingly before Exxon and company at the conference. As I see it, when the Vice President had a golden opening to strike by taking the fight to Exxon before an international audience, he let the moment dribble through his hands like sand. This could come back to haunt, because should a real cataclysmic oil spill occur, it would not be over and done with in one generation. That is, the accumulated liabilities highly likely to be awarded against Guyana would extend over many lifetimes in several generations. The result is that all the rich promises of oil would have vanished in smoke, with huge generational debt overhangs left as its costly legacy. The US$2B that the Vice President is waiting on hopefully, like some pathetic
on-the-knees supplicant, through some mystery “acknowledgement” from Exxon America might sound like a heap of money to many Guyanese. It would not amount to much in the context of an oil spill of immense proportions that spreads beyond our borders. Further, to depend on the compassion of Exxon in times of oil spill destructions is to ignore the lessons of the company’s past when it was faced with oil crises. Exxon leaders have not hesitated to use the fullest range of legal maneuvers and tactics to get the best of its opponents. On most occasions, the company has outlasted pursuers, and outwitted them every step of the way. The final result has been that what started as impressive financial awards from lower courts against the company have been whittled down and weakened by leading jurists at higher levels in the judicial system to such a point that they become the emptiness of pyrrhic victories for the winners. Guyana can barely hold its head
By GHK Lall above water when facing the big boys, which was confirmed first by the coalition with this horrendous oil deal, then by the PPP/C Government last week during the oil conference. Local leaders were reduced to lip-syncing Exxon’s songs and glad-handing and chaperoning for the cameras. If that was all they were good for on their home turf, they would surely be out of depth elsewhere. (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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Govt. must carefully examine contractors’ capabilities before awarding Gas-to-Energy project - Int’l Contractor By Davina Bagot The Government of Guyana recently enacted its flagship Local Content Policy, specifically geared at ensuring local citizens and companies benefit significantly from the oil and gas sector; h o w e v e r, a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l contractor who participated in the r e c e n t l y c o n c l u d e d E n e rg y Conference and Expo has warned of the grave risks Guyana can face, if the right contract is not selected. Vice President of Hyundai Engineering and Construction (E&C), Ms. Mun Jeong Choi in an exclusive interview with this newspaper during the International Energy Conference and Expo, held between February 15 and 18 this year, said such huge projects also include risks of astronomical value. Hyundai E&C, as the name suggests forms part of the Hyundai Motor Group, based in Korea. The company has vast experience in massive construction projects such as bridges, buildings and even natural gas plants. In fact, Hyundai E&C first advanced into a foreign country in 1965 and has since completed more than 850 projects in 62 countries worldwide. Besides completing highways, railways and subways in countries such as Thailand, Saudi Arabia and
…says risks of explosions can be avoided this way
Vice President of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Ms. Mun Jeong Choi
Kuwait, among others, the company also boasts of being one of the very few in the world with expertise in constructing gas p r o c e s s i n g , o i l r e f i n e r y, petrochemical plants and industrial plants. In response to a question posed by this newspaper, regarding the environmental and other risks of the Gas-to-Energy Plant, the Vice President of the company said, “The government or the company
should carefully select the right EPC (Engineering, procuring and construction) contractor. For oil and gas plants, selecting the right EPC contractor is the most important factor.” According to her, “There are not a lot of companies internationally who can do these huge complex oil and gas projects but we are one of them… there are liability clauses carefully made in the contract so EPC contractors have the full responsibility of turning over the plant to international standards that are very safe and if we do turn over the plant carefully under the international standards, then there is no issue, like the explosions are very rare.” Her advice to Guyana comes at a time when not only the Local Content Act has been recently enacted, but also at a time when criticisms have been mounting against the government for awarding contracts to inexperienced contractors, in blatant disregard for Guyana’s Procurement Laws. The Procurement Act of 2003 clearly states that suppliers and
contractors seeking Government projects must substantiate their past performance with the necessary documents for consideration. H o w e v e r, a ‘ f l y - b y - n i g h t ’ company, St8ment Investment Inc. was granted a whopping $346 million contract to build a new Primary School at Bamia in Region 10, with no public records indicating any construction experience. The contract was signed in November last year. CHAPTER 73:05 of the Procurement Act 2003 declares that each supplier or contractor that wishes to participate in procurement proceedings must qualify by meeting the criteria as the procuring entity considers appropriate. These include, “That its past performance substantiated by documentary evidence would commend it for serious consideration for the award of the contract”. When it comes to the much touted gas-to-energy project, pegged at over US$1.3 billion, government has already allocated some $520M in total, towards the gas fired power plant in this year’s Budget.
A perusal of the project profile for the capital allocation that falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, points out that the government has in fact pegged the total cost for the power plant and other facilities at some US$520M, of which US$20M has been allocated for use this year. With ExxonMobil spending in excess of US$800M to conduct surveys and other ancillary works for the project, including the laying of the pipeline, it would mean that the total cost of the project is now pegged in excess of $1.3B. Under the revised scope of works, the government says it intends to build “combined cycle turbines, multiple fuel consumption (including rich and lean natural gas [per specification to be provided upon request], Natural gas liquids and diesel) Power Plant to generate up to 300MW of power with a net 250MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light grid at a substation located on the East Bank of Demerara.” Additionally, the project will include 230 Kilo Volt (KV) Continued on page 60
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Govt. scraps US$12.5M Enmore Packaging Plant to build new one at Albion, expand another at Blairmont Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh recently revealed that the government is planning to build a new packaging plant at Albion along with the expansion of one at Blairmont for 2022. During a recent online interview, Singh said this is all part of a design to be able to sell sugar at a higher value and to ensure the country has enough capacity to produce packaged sugar products for the international market as it opens up. Singh was pleased to announce that the government is already making headway in opening new markets while noting that GuySuCo was able to successfully open a Jamaican market. The CEO said too that last year the government was successful in opening up markets in Grenada and even secured sugar sales for the first time to Germany. Singh said, “…So we are opening markets and people love the Guyana sugar…It is important that we continue this programme of getting the revenue and at the same time revising our cost plans. Last year, we cut $175M from headquarter’s budget and that took a lot of resistance but people are
now buying into the idea of the long-term sustainability of the industry.” While the CEO says plans are afoot to increase the nation’s packaging capacity for sugar, fresh questions and concerns have been raised regarding the g o v e r n m e n t ’s g e n u i n e intention in this regard. Just days after Singh made the foregoing revelation, it was subsequently revealed to the nation that the country’s US$12.5M Enmore Packaging Plant is being leased to a local joint venture group for the purpose of transforming the national asset to a manufacturing hub to support the oil sector. Many observers held the view that if it is the g o v e r n m e n t ’s a i m t o increase the country’s packaging capability, why would it scrap the operation of the Enmore facility, only to spend millions more then establish another. Observers thought it would be prudent for the government to keep the Enmore packaging facility while adding Albion and Blairmont to the mix. The situation has left many industry analysts perplexed. With respect to the deal with the joint venture group, Kaieteur News reported last week that it was on February 16, 2022 Guysons K+B
Sasenarine Singh, CEO of GuySuCo Industries Inc. (GKB), a 52 percent Guyanese-owned joint venture, acquired the US$12.5M Enmore Packaging Plant. Over time, the deal entered into between the government and the company will allow the latter to acquire the accompanying 55-acre plot of sugar lands to support its venture. Last week as well, Guysons K+B Industries released a statement to defend its business record and the intention of its new venture in wake of growing concerns raised in the local press about the deal. The company was keen to note that its record of investment in Guyana and its people dates back to 1992
when Guysons Engineering w a s f o u n d e d i n We s t Ruimveldt, Georgetown, a then economically depressed community. After nearly three decades of growth and prosperity, Guysons shared that it teamed up with the US-based K+B Industries, a leader in manufacturing, engineering and machining in 2020, to ramp up services provided to the oil and gas sector. It said that a key investment that the joint venture, GKB, committed to make is in the people of the East Bank corridor, plugging US$37.5 million (GY$7.5 billion) to establish the Enmore Manufacturing Plant, a state-of-the-art
Oilfield Services facility. The company said a minimum of 50 acres of land is required to effectively deliver OCTG & Premium Accessory Services to the O&G Sector and for this, GKB engaged the Government. GKB said it proposed a site closer to port facilities in Georgetown but saw merit in the “ G o v e r n m e n t ’s recommendation of Enmore.” Importantly, GKB said its lease is for the Enmore packaging facility, not the Sugar Estate, which is approximately 100,000 sq. feet. “To build such a facility would take an estimated 1824 months, whilst the Enmore Sugar Packaging Plant can be repurposed and become operational, almost immediately, preserving jobs currently held at the Plant, with a guarantee of a minimum of 150 by end of year one and a minimum of 500 by end of year five,” the company stated. It further noted that the OCTG and Premium Accessory Service that GKB intends to provide is currently outsourced to Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America, and farther afield. “This initiative would increase commercial activity on the
East Coast corridor and tap into considerable foreign exchange earning potential, bringing greater Oil & Gas revenues to Guyana. Significantly, this would be the first time ever that these services are provided incountry,” GKB reasoned, while adding, “The total investment of US$37.5 million (G$7.5 billion) into the East Coast corridor is unmatched.” GKB further stated that it endeavours to train residents of the East Coast corridor and plans to create and guarantee 150 jobs in the first year with an initial injection of US$7.5 million (GY$1.5 billion). Within three to five years, GKB said that the guaranteed number will increase to 500 jobs while reiterating that it has committed to rehiring 100 percent of the workers currently employed at the Enmore Packaging Plant. “We will see to it that our expansion uplifts economically-depressed communities of the East Coast corridor with sustainable jobs which will serve as a revitalising lifeline for its youth and laid off sugar workers. GKB has also agreed to strict land development timelines and Continued on page 62
Sunday February 27, 2022
MEDEXES - ACCORD...
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Sunday February 27, 2022
From page 31 of using solar water heaters for hot water in homes. THURSDAY GPL, CUSTOMERS MUST STILL PAY EVEN IFALLELECTRICITY FROM AMAILANOT USED …TO ALSO MEET SHORTFALLIF REVENUES NOT ENOUGH TO PAY CHINESE CO. - BRASSINGTON The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated and its customers, will, in the event of the power being supplied by the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Plant (AFHEP) not be utilized by its customers, stand that risk. Additionally, if for whatever reason the revenue garnered by GPL is insufficient to meet payment obligations under a Power Purchase Agreement— currently being negotiated— then again the power company and its customers are the parties that bear the risk and would have to meet any shortfall in payments to the Chinese contractor sponsor of AFHEP, China Railway First Group. This much was made pellucid—for those paying attention—during the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo 2022, when Winston Brassington, the de facto head of the AFHEP Project, provided delegates with an update. He told conference delegates that with any large projects there are risks involved but in the case of AFHEP, “most of the risks are being put to the developer.” During his presentation, Brassington was aided by a video slide presentation, which for that part of his update, projected a screen outlining in more detail, the expected ‘primary project risks and mitigants.” Notably, outlined on that slide were the risks being borne by GPL with regard insufficient revenue to meet payment obligations under the PPA, or in the event of the demand for the power being supplied to the national grid from AFHEP is not sufficient. Brassington in his presentation did not mention this, but in fact sought to outline that Guyana was not bearing any financial risks with that project since it was not investing anything. This publication reported on Tuesday that in addition to the outlined risks to the power company and its customers, GPL would also be liable if and when the Amaila Falls runs dry. This since the power
company, under the latest iteration of the project has agreed to assume the hydrological risks for the project. As such, it would mean that GPL would bear the incurred liability whenever the Amaila Falls runs dry or if the 23 square kilometres reservoir is unable to feed the hydro plant. Hydrological risk is generally seen, as the risk of having insufficient water in the source river or dam to support the expected levels of electricity generation as had been the case in the past with the Amaila Falls which runs dry during the course of the year. According to Brassington, the new iteration of the 165MW project will be coming in cheaper than its 2012 price tag, when the then project developers—the Blackstone Group—walked away. At the time, the reported price was pegged in excess of US$1B but, according to Brassington, this time around, the project is earmarked to cost some US$700M. The financing for the project this time, according to Brassington, will be borne by the contractor – China Railway First Group, and will include the installation of some 270 kilometres of 230 kilo volt transmission lines, which he said would run from the Amaila Falls to the Sophia Substation. Included in the new project scope, according to Brassington, is the upgrade of the Amaila Falls Access Road, two substations—one in Linden and another in Georgetown. Insisting that Guyana has not made any other financial commitments to the project, other than to pay for power when it arrives in Georgetown, Brassington said that the Chinese contractor is expected to put in the finances in part from Chinese institutions.
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Being pursued under a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) model, Brassington related that the contractor will have to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in which the owner—China Railway—will assume all of the debts and equity and that power will be purchased by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL). “GPL will buy all of the power under a PPA,” and the contractor will have to assume the majority of the risks in the project, he said. According to Brassington, all of those that had submitted proposals with the intention of pursuing the project had been given copies of every bit of information and documentation at the government’s disposal. These include, according to Brassington, all of the feasibility and other studies undertaken in relation to the project such as hydrology surveys and others. Under the BOOT arrangement, Brassington said Guyana would, in 20 years’ time, take ownership of the project. He did, during his presentation, seek to point out that during the three-anda-half-year period expected for construction, an independent supervision firm would be hired by the administration to ensure the hydroelectric plant is built to specifications. This is in addition to the recruitment of an Operations and Management consultant. With Guyana taking ownership of the project 20 years after commissioning, Brassington noted that the project’s average price measured over that time period would be about 7.7 cents which is largely going towards the repayment of the US$700M financing. According to Brassington, the project will be funded by China Rail and Chinese institutions. They
will own the project and it will be operated under a concession for 20 years. At the end of the 20 years, he said, it will be handed over to government at no cost and as such “I think this a great project.” MORE BILLS FOR GUYANA …AS EXXON SEARCHES FOR MORE OIL IN STABROEK BLOCK AT LUKANANI WELL Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—is forging ahead with its planned drilling campaign for the year. This time, targeting more oil at its Lukanani-1 well in the lucrative Stabroek Block. This was confirmed by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), which in a Public Notice on Wednesday noted that the activity commenced on Monday last and is expected to be completed by May 15. That well, according to MARAD is being spud by its contracted drill ship, the Noble Tom Madden. According to the Notice, the activity is being undertaken 105.5 nautical miles from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of one square kilometer or 0.29 nautical mile squared. As such, all mariners have since been cautioned to stay clear of the 24 support vessels being employed in addition to the drill site and ship. The Lukanani-1 Well forms part of ExxonMobil’s subsidiary’s plans to, by the end of 2025, spud some 52 wells across the Stabroek and Canje Blocks during a five year period, having begun an aggressive campaign in late December 2020. According to the schedule of exploration activities for the company for the Stabroek Block, the company is currently
engaged in an aggressive 25 well exploration campaign that begun back in June of last year. That drilling campaign is expected to last until the end of 2025. This is in addition to a separate 12 well campaign that had begun back in December 2020 in the Stabroek Block and ended earlier this year. Additionally, the US super major is also gearing for a 12 well campaign in the Canjie Block. An application for Environmental Authorisation has since been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the 12 Well Exploration and Appraisal (E&A) Drilling Programme in Canje Block, Offshore Guyana. ExxonMobil back in 2020 said publicly that it had identified considerable undrilled potential of more than 50 leads in the blocks it operates in Guyana’s offshore Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The oil major has also announced plans to do more drilling in prospects targeted in the Kaieteur Blocks. Only recently, during the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo, ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, lauded the unprecedented achievements in Guyana. With this in mind, he told conference delegates that the oil company was still to explore in a significant portion of its concessions that could lead to further discoveries beyond the more than 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent that would mean future development opportunities. The ExxonMobil boss was adamant “people need access to energy including the energy resolution right here in Guyana; as people become more prosperous the need for energy will increase” and expressed the sentiment of a long future ahead in Guyana. FRIDAY OIL PRICES COULD SURGE BEYOND US$130 PER BARREL - BUT CONSUMERS WILL FEELSQUEEZEAT GAS PUMPS, POWER BILLS RYSTAD ENERGY Rystad Energy, the biggest independent energy consultancy in Norway, and a world-leading analysis company for the oil and gas industry, noted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will likely see oil prices surging to around US$130 per barrel. It warned however that fears
about supply scarcity will therefore see consumers feeling the squeeze at the gas pump and in their power bills. Specifically making this forecast was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rystad Energy, Jarand Rystad. The Norwegian physicist in his recent analysis of the Russian invasion that has dominated international and local media noted that the tragedy of the situation cannot be underestimated, while adding that other implications of the conflict pale compared to the potential human cost on both sides. Rystad said full-scale military conflict between Russia and The West is unlikely. Be that as it may, he noted that a deep economic war is almost inevitable. Rystad said, “Russia cannot win an outright economic war, but it does have a major weapon to wield – oil and gas exports. Demand for oil and gas in The West is only rising, and a global energy crisis is likely to unfold.” He added, “Russia’s actions took international commodity markets off guard, evidenced by the large price fluctuations witnessed today. Already strained markets are becoming further stretched as significant oil and gas volumes are now at risk.” Rystad said the escalation immediately jeopardizes up to 1 million barrels of oil per day of crude supplies that transit through Ukraine and the Black Sea. Rystad noted however that the long-term disruptions could be far more significant. Kaieteur News understands that Rystad Energy’s simulations show that oil prices could surge to around US$130 per barrel, with consumers feeling the squeeze at the gas pump and in their power bills. Rystad said the reality is that significantly higher prices are on the horizon in Europe and overseas. Furthermore, Rystad said that a complete halt to gas exports from Russia is highly unlikely, but gas piped through Ukraine – which represents 8% of European supply – is very much at risk. The analyst was keen to note that Russian gas accounts for over 30% of Europe’s demand, and other potential supply sources are inadequately prepared to bridge the gap. On the other side, he said Russian gas exports bring in more than US$300 million for the Kremlin each day – revenues they cannot afford to lose. He added that Germany’s suspension of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline further complicates matters and increases the pressure on the (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 continent to look for other sources to replace those volumes. In conclusion, Rystad Energy said it is following the situation closely and will share regular updates on its views. Prices surged Meanwhile, the BBC reported Thursday that oil prices surged past $100 (£74) a barrel to hit their highest level for more than seven years after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. Global shares fell on worries of the possible impact of the conflict, but US tech stocks rebounded in late trading. Russia is the second biggest exporter of crude oil, and is also the world’s largest natural gas exporter. Brent crude eased from $105 to $98 a barrel, but not before UK petrol prices had hit another record high. The UK imports 6% of its crude oil and 5% of its gas from Russia, but there are concerns sanctions could constrict supplies and drive up prices worldwide. The price of UK natural gas futures soared nearly 60% on Thursday. UK consumers are already paying a high price for energy and fuel, with demand surging following the easing of COVID restrictions. Both the RAC and AA motoring groups said average petrol prices hit a record high of nearly 149.5p on Wednesday, with diesel at 152.83p. The RAC said that if the oil price reached $110 a barrel, the average price of petrol could hit £1.55 a litre. If prices do get this high, it will “cause untold financial difficulties for many people who depend on their cars for getting to work and running their lives as it would sky rocket the cost of a full tank to £85”, said the RAC’s Simon Williams. Petrol price movements in the UK are mainly determined by the price of crude oil, and the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound, because crude oil is traded in dollars. The price of crude oil is up, and the pound is down against the dollar. News of Russia’s actions also led to steep falls on global stock markets. In Europe, the UK’s FTSE 100 index fell more 3.9%, its biggest one-day fall since June 2020. Germany’s Dax index lost 4%. In the US, the Dow Jones fell nearly 2% in early trading but a late rally in the tech sector meant in ended 0.3% higher. The tech-
Kaieteur News
heavy Nasdaq index climbed 3.3% and the S&P 500 closed trading up 1.5%. Shares in Netflix and Microsoft were both up more than 5%, respectively. After talking with allies from the G7, US President Biden announced measures to impede Russia’s ability to do business in the world’s major currencies, along with sanctions against banks and state-owned companies. Wall Street which traded in the red at the start of the day on news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hit session highs in the wake of Biden’s comments. The Moscow Stock Exchange saw trading suspended briefly, but when it reopened, the index fell by more than a third. On the currency markets, the Rubles sank to a record low against the US dollar. The price of gold, which is considered a haven asset in times of uncertainty - jumped 3% to its highest price in more than a year. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the oil price surge “was terrible news for businesses and consumers” because “it will serve to further stoke inflation”. “Not only will energy bills keep going up, but food prices look set to jump even higher. Ukraine and Russia are both big food suppliers and any disruption to supplies will force buyers to seek alternative sources, which could jack up prices.” The UK’s cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in 30 years, as energy, fuel and food prices continued to soar, squeezing household budgets. Meanwhile, Mr. Mould said the fall in the FTSE 100 “was bad news for the millions of savers and investors who have money in UK equities”. SATURDAY PERU LOOKING TO OVERHAUL LAWS TO DEAL WITH OIL COMPANIESAFTER SPILLS – PERUVIAN MINISTER In light of the difficulties the Peruvian government is having with Repsol, a Spanish oil company, to clean-up the oil spill that contaminated their shores and water – Peru’s Minister of Environment (MINAM), Modesto Montoya, recently cited the importance of
legislative reform to adequately deal with companies after oil spills. In a recent press release, Minister Montoya emphatically stated that he believes that Repsol is setting a bad example for the population and other companies, due to the fact that it is not fully complying with its obligations in the clean-up and remediation of the areas damaged by the oil spill that occurred on January 15, 2022 along Peru’s coastline. 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 Control (OEFA) revealed that almost 12,000 barrels of oils had spilled – more than double the amount that was initially reported by the company. During a recent interview on a Peruvian radio station, Montoya not only stated that the oil company is setting a bad example but stressed that MINAM Public Attorney’s
Office will initiate the corresponding lawsuits so that the company pays for the damage caused. In fact, the Minister said, the company should, on its own initiative, financially help the fishermen and other people who have been harmed by the ecological disaster. The Minister added that the company should do so, “so that the affected people do not suffer from hunger.” But according to Montoya, the State is assisting the population of these areas in compliance with the functions conferred by law. He stated too that a legislative reform is necessary to overcome the administrative obstacles that the executive power has, and to deal with cases such as the Repsol oil spill. It was at this juncture he insisted that there is no lack of will on the part of the government. More than a month after the disaster, the country is said to be still grappling with the clean-up. A Peruvian official announced that the company is not fulfilling its obligation. However, the country continues to take actions against Repsol. Peru’s Agency for Environmental Assessment and Control (OEFA), an agency attached to MINAM, had reported that Repsol has paid three coercive fines of a total amount of Sol$1,380,000 (US$362,285) – the fines were for the failure to comply with three of the 14 measures ordered. Those measures are: identification of the areas affected by the spill, cleaning of the affected areas, and containment and recovery of hydrocarbons (crude). The OEFA has also initiated sanctioning administrative procedures, where the fines can be up to S o l $ 5 5 , 2 0 0 , 0 0 0
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(US$14,808,852) for Repsol – the agency had vowed to continue to impose fines against the company if it fails to comply with the 14 administrative measures issued. Prior to the aforementioned fines being imposed against the company, this publication reported that the first periodic fine that was initiated against the Spanish oil giant, was in the sum of Sol$460,000 (US$121,500) for the noncompliance of identifying the areas affected by the oil spill. Kaieteur News reported that following the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to offer compensation for the disaster. The first action that was taken against the company was Peruvian Judge, Romualdo Aguedo on Friday, January 28, 2022 granting the order to prevent four Repsol 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. In taking additional steps, Peru’s former Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez on Monday, January 31, 2022, revealed that the government had taken the decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities. In other words, Repsol’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that
another oil spill will not occur again in its waters. However, in an update it was revealed that a fuel shortage in Peru had forced the country’s OEFA to lift the suspension on Repsol’s operation temporarily. However, the company was only allowed to continue its operations for 10 days and under supervision from the OEFA. That 10 days period has since come to an end and the Peruvian government has signalled that it has other alternative sources to obtain fuel. As the Government of Peru takes action to protect its people and its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil, permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater for such a disastrous oil spill. Just recently, ExxonMobil announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. Among the oil companies working in Guyana’s backyard is the very oil company –Repsol – that caused the oil spill in Peru. The clean-up and remediation of approximately 12,000 barrels of crude that contaminated the shores and waters of Peru is expected to cost some US$65 million – this was announced by Repsol’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz. Imaz told analysts on a conference call, “What we are seeing today in cost terms could be around $65 million, more or less … this figure could increase in coming weeks.” The CEO added, “A main part of this figure is going to be covered by insurance companies and so on.”
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New shows, movies and documentaries showing this March with Enetworks New shows, new seasons, movies, documentaries and Awards are showing this March with E-Networks!
E-Networks is home to over 100 channels and non-stop entertainment from a range of genres. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @enetworksgy.
Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!
Lash extensions on your wedding day. By Latoya Zephyr Your wedding day is one of the most exciting events to plan! All of your loved ones in the same room celebrating love… it’s pure magic. You’ve probably already chosen your wedding venue, your dream dress and worked out the guest list – so now it’s time to plan your beauty appointments for the big day. Lots of women opt for eyelash extensions on their wedding day to accentuate their eyes and make them feel more glamorous. There are many benefits to getting eyelash extensions for your wedding day -they photograph well, you don’t need to wear mascara (protecting your makeup from any happy tears) and they’ll look incredible throughout your honeymoon as well. However, if you’re new to eyelash extensions, there are a few things you should keep in mind in the when getting extensions for your big day. Book with a qualified professional with great reviews Your wedding is one of the most photographed days in your life. You definitely don’t want to risk going to an inexperienced lash artist before your wedding day. At Lift and lashes, our lash artist have had thousands of hours of lashing experience. We definitely will recommend a style that will suit your natural eye shape and one that will accentuate your eyes beautifully. Ensure you have no allergies While it is very rare, some clients are allergic or extra sensitive to the glue used to apply lash extensions. Allergic reactions to eyelash extensions range from
minor itching to major pain with severe swelling. The type of reaction you have will depend on how your body reacts to the formaldehyde fumes released during the curing period of the lash adhesive. If you have experienced an allergic reaction before, there is a chance that you will experience an allergic reaction again. Conditions that cause your body to become more sensitive, like stress and hormonal changes, can make it more likely for an allergic reaction to occur. Therefore, scheduling your appointment way ahead of time is the safer course of action. Use a lash serum to boost lash health If you never conditioned your hair, imagine how brittle it would be… well, it’s the same with eyelashes!
We recommend using a super nourishing lash serum in the lead-up to your wedding day to ensure your lashes are as full and long as they can be. That way, your lashes will look even more beautiful. Embrace maintenance After getting your synthetic eyelashes applied, it is of essence to look after them. For the first day or two, avoid steam or getting them wet to allow the glue that was used during the lash application set. Also, I recommend sleeping on your back to avoid crushing the lash extensions and avoid rubbing your eyes too. When cleaning the extensions, make sure you do it with a specified eyelash extension cleanser and brush them after with a soft bristle brush.
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Junior page
A short story for kids about daydreaming and hard work!There was once a milkmaid named Patty. She milked her cow and carried the two pails of milk she fetched on a stick and set out to sell the milk at the market. As she was walking to the market, she began to daydream about what she would do with the money
she got for the milk. She thought of buying a hen and selling its eggs and she planned on becoming wealthy. She dreamt of buying a cake, a basket of strawberries, a fancy dress, and even a new house with the money she would make selling the eggs and the milk! In her excitement, she
forgot about the pails she was carrying and began to skip. Suddenly, she realised that the milk was spilling down and when she checked her pails, they were empty. Moral of the story Don't count your chickens before they hatch! It is important to focus on the process of achieving success and not just success alone.
FUN WITH POETRY
Keeping things in order There were many times at my home When I felt lazy and careless, Although I knew this was so wrong, I kept my things is a mess. My parents often had to tell me To put all my stuff in order, And only then I remembered to take the time, And tried a little harder. When I arranged my clothes in the closet, And fixed my books on the shelf, And put my toys in the proper place, I felt so good about myself. Now I realise how nice it is To keep everything neat and clean; Not only are my parents pleased with me, But I myself feel so keen.
Within each of the two squares, by9x9 Uncle Roy each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column and 3x3 block. There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing.
Materials: Play dough Q-tips Pipe cleaners Glue Scissors Paper Instructions Start by cutting a handful of cotton swabs in half. Then roll a chunk of yellow play dough into a ball with your hands. Once you form the balls, flatten them slightly
between your palms. Press the swab halves into the play dough around the outside to form the petals. When finished, poke a green pipe cleaner into the side of the play dough to form the stem. Trim a green pipe cleaner and then insert it into the flower and glue on the paper. Use the remaining piece of pipe cleaner to form a leaf and glue on.
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TEEN TIME Think deeply about the following ways to improve our life, and follow them to become a better person Take time to enjoy the things of nature. With all the gadgets that tend to take up so much of our time, like the television, electronic games and cell-phones, we sometimes do not bother to look around us to check out the things that can really add joy and comfort to our lives. Take the time to admire and absorb the beauty and calmness that surrounds us wherever we go in our country, and you will find a source of upliftment and peace that will help you to concentrate more deeply, and live a happier life. Nature is always reminding us that we do not have to spend all of our time on these modern gadgets to really enjoy life. Identify the things you are good at and plan your life
around these. Each of us has our special qualities and talents, and we will get the most out of our lives if we emphasise and develop these, so that they will work to achieve our goals. In fact, once you have identified these talents, you should try to frame your goals to make the best use of them. This would give them the best chance of success, and you will feel more fulfilled in making full use of gifts with which you have been endowed as a unique person..
Speak less and listen more. People have a natural habit of wanting others to listen to and accept their own views, and so they listen less to what others have to say. In fact, many times people are so anxious to get their own perspective across to others that they hardly ever listen. This of course lessens their chances of learning from others, which can serve to keep them from much information and opinion that would have enriched their own fund of
knowledge. Form a habit of really listening to others, and you will be surprised at how much you can learn, by which you can help yourself as well as see the opportunity to help others. In this effort, it is true that there are times when you can help people with some problem simply by listening to them. This happens because people can find their own solutions just because they know that they have someone who is willing to listen to and understand them By now, you should be seeing how much you can improve your life by your own efforts, and trying to work on these tips to get the most out of your time.
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Use your unique talents God made us all unique, Born in a world of talents, Giving us some special ones, Helping us all to balance. So let those who haven't found theirs yet, Tackle their way through life, Give them the joy of knowing they can't regret, In using them for wrong and right. Even when we're feeling low, Or think there's no way out, We think we have no way to go, Not knowing what we're about. Finally we pull through, Because You're our only hope, We know with You we'll never lose, You give us the strength to cope. God made all human beings unique, With a special set of abilities, But sometimes we do not know this, And go through life with less So, as You made us all unique, Giving us different talents, Help us to find the ones we have, So that we can truly balance!
Making a habit of listening Intently to others will benefit both you and the speaker.
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
Connect the dots Connect the dots to make edges so that each circle is surrounded by a symmetrical galaxy shape, and the puzzle is completely tiled with galaxies. Each
galaxy shape must be rotationally symmetric, having an identical appearance when rotated 180 d e g r e e s .
SLITHERLINK
Solutions to last week’s
Maze Kraze
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10 Natural Dry-Skin Remedies You Can DIY at Home 1. Whip Up an Olive Oil Cleanser to Soothe Dry Skin A great natural oil to use is olive oil, which works as a natural cleanser and moisturizer, says Brandy Crompton, a licensed aesthetician and former manager of LeBliss Salon and Spa in Louisville, Kentucky. "Just rub the oil into your skin and drape a warm, damp cloth over your face until it cools," Crompton says, "then wipe away the excess oil." Olive oil is a good choice as a cleanser because it won't strip your skin's natural oils, but it will clean your skin, she adds. 2. DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask Creating a homemade mask of avocado is another natural way to soothe dry skin. Crompton suggests pureeing half an avocado and mixing it with 1 teaspoon (tsp) of olive oil; you can also add 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of honey for very dry skin. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off. Your skin should feel moisturized, but you can double up on the hydrating effects by applying your regular moisturizer as well. 3. Make a Natural Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub Create a naturally moisturizing exfoliating scrub using a combination of olive oil and sugar. Combine ½ cup of sugar with 2 tbsp of olive oil, Crompton says. If you want, you can also add an essential oil like lavender, which adds a natural fragrance and can promote relaxation. Gently rub the scrub into your skin, and then wash it off. Last, use a soothing moisturizer to lock in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin. 4. Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin Adding a cup of oatmeal to a warm bath can naturally rehydrate dry skin, Poblete-Lopez says. "The oat product itself is soothing," she explains, and it helps your skin retain moisture from the bathwater. 5. Exfoliate Your Face With a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask Oatmeal also makes a great exfoliator or mask. Mix 2 tbsp of oats with 1 tbsp of honey and a dash of water. Crompton suggests warming up the mixture, then rubbing it into your skin. You can use it just to exfoliate and wash it off right away, or leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes as a soothing, hydrating mask. 6. Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime “Coconut oil becomes a solid at room temperature, so use it as a moisturizing cream at bedtime or anytime,” recommends Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California. “For chapped heels and hands, apply the oil, then layer with thick socks or nonlatex gloves.” 7. Add Your Favorite Oil to Your Bath “Natural oils are great for moisturizing the skin and helping to re-create the natural skin barrier, which is often damaged by frequent hand and face washing with water and drying soaps that strip the skin of its natural protective oils,” Dr. Shainhouse says. Aside from olive oil or coconut oil, you can test out other natural oils that are free from irritants, including jojoba, argan, and avocado oils. To use, Shainhouse recommends adding a few tablespoons of the desired oil under running bathwater. Treat yourself to a short soak and gently pat your skin dry afterward to avoid rubbing all the oil off. You can also apply a small amount of your preferred oil to your skin post-shower to keep it soft and moist. 8. Use Milk Compresses for Irritated Skin “Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties,” says Shainhouse. "It also contains lactic acid, a mild, natural exfoliant.” To make a milk compress, Cincinnati Health Institute advises soaking a clean cloth (like a washcloth or a towel) in a bowl of cool milk, and holding it in place over any dry areas. Shainhouse recommends using these compresses on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. It's especially helpful for irritated skin that's itchy, too. Lactic acid can sting cracked skin, though, so use with caution, per Harvard Health Publishing. 9. Consider a Fruit Enzyme Cleanser or Exfoliant Fruit enzymes can be lifesavers during dry-skin season. “These alpha-hydroxy acids are great for gently exfoliating the superficial layer of dulling dead skin cells on the face and body,” says Shainhouse. She recommends using a fruit-enzyme-infused wash or mask twice per week. Some good fruit enzymes to look for include pineapple, pumpkin, and papaya. 10. Apply Aloe Vera to Dry, Irritated Skin While often thought of as a remedy for sunburn relief, aloe vera gel can be helpful during the dry winter months, too. It works by alleviating redness and irritation related to excess dryness, and it can even decrease signs of aging, as well as acne breakouts, according to previous research. But Shainhouse cautions that some people can develop allergic contact dermatitis to aloe, so you may want to perform a patch test first before applying it to a large area of skin.
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g tin s... s re re te atu n I re C
Gorgeted woodstar
white pectoral collar is less evident than in other woodstars. The breast is greyish and the belly is blue-green. The tail is forked and fairly short, with a spiky, narrow appearance. The female is similar overall but lacks the gorget
T
he gorgeted woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor) is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. It is found in Colombia and Venezuela, and also has an isolated population in Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forest and heavily degraded former forest. This species favours forested areas highly but can be seen at flowering trees in gardens and in semi-open. The tail is frequently wagged while feeding. This tiny bird is 7 cm (2.7 in) in total length, making it one of the smallest birds native to South America alongside the short-tailed woodstar and Esmeraldas woodstar. The gorgeted woodstar is dark shining green above with a short white postocular stripe and white patch on the sides of the lower back extending to the lower flanks. The male’s gorget is glittering pinkish violet and has elongated, pointed sides that hang around the throat. The
Surviving Cancer is an... From page 22 She related that “I wasn’t feeling well and being a survivor I went to the doctor. The doctors didn’t take any chances and began doing one test after another, then a biopsy. I was in shock and feeling all kinds of emotions that they discovered cancer again; this time the lymph.” As a result, the Guyanese chef decided to extend her time and went ahead with the surgery there, because, in her opinion and from how she was being treated, it was best for her to stay and do the surgery in the US. On November 10, 2021, the surgery was done and doctors there took out 27 lymph nodes, seven of which were positive for cancer. Looking back at what she experienced – the diagnosis, the costly radiation treatment
which came with side effects such as headaches and tiredness – she is ever grateful to be in remission a second time. According to Shultz, on both occasions, the doctors caught the cancer in the early stage. But she still noted that having the deadly illness has impacted her quality of life. For instance, Shultz said, “I have to remain on medication for the rest of my life. I take 200 mg Levothyroxine for the functions of my non-existent thyroid and I have to be regularly screened for cancer because in most cases if you don’t look for cancer, you will not be able to detect it. So, my advice to anyone is to don’t take things for granted and just get the regular check-ups, get screened for cancer annually.”
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and brighter colouration. There is limited overlap in the wild with the little woodstar but the female of that species is superficially indistinguishable from this one. (Source: Wikipedia)
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THE
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Venezuelan nationals before the courts
Court Journal As the headline suggests, today’s article brings into the spotlight court matters in which Venezuelan nationals were charged for allegedly committing serious offences in Guyana. MATTER 1 For instance, recently a Venezuelan woman was charged and remanded for allegedly killing her Guyanese partner. The matter is one in which 33year-old Yesica Carolina Rondon Mayo, also known as Yesica Rondon, was remanded to prison on Thursday for the fatal stabbing of a miner during the last weekend. Rondon appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, when the indictable manslaughter charge was read to her. She was not required to plead to the charge which alleges that on February 12, 2022, at Sandhill, Backdam, Kaikan, Upper Mazaruni, she unlawfully killed Beauford Watson. Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded the woman to prison and the matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court. The next hearing of the matter is slated for March 14, 2022. MATTER 2 Earlier this month, two juveniles were among four Venezuelan sisters who were remanded to prison for attempting to kill a 16-yearold girl. Evelyn Alfonso, 22, and Roxanna Alfonso, 20, along with their two younger siblings, 16 and 14, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse to answer to the attempted murder charge. They were not required
to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that on January 28, 2022, at Cummings Street, Georgetown, they attempted to murder a 16-year-old girl. Roxanna and Evelyn were remanded to prison
while their younger siblings were remanded to the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre. They were slated to make their next court appearance on February 11, 2022. The court heard that on the day of the incident, around 09:00 hours, the victim was at Cummings Street in the company of her aunt, when she was confronted by the four sisters with whom she had a previous altercation. It was stated that the two younger siblings were armed with knives and they all used bricks to pelt in the direction of the victim and her aunt. A scuffle ensued, during which the victim received two stab wounds to her neck. The injured teen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was admitted as a patient. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. The suspects were later arrested and charged for attempted murder. MATTER 3 During the first week of 2022, a Venezuelan who killed his friend with a piece of wood on New Year’s Day, during a row about ‘owed gold’, was remanded to prison for the offence. The defendant, Elith Osorio Dominguez, 21, of Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, was charged with the murder of Animal Sonja, 51, at Arau Mountain Top located in the Cuyuni district of Region Seven. He appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus and was not required to plea to the indictable charge. The magistrate remanded him to prison and he is scheduled to make his next court appearance on March 14, 2022. According to reports, Dominguez and Sonja were
Yesica Carolina Rondon Mayo, also known as Yesica Rondon
Dead, Beauford Watson
Dead, Sanjay Hanoman
By Renay Sambach
Angel Figuera
Elith Osorio Dominguez
Gilberto DaSilva
friends and had arrived at Arau sometime back to work in the mine there. Their friendship reportedly soured over a quantity of raw gold that Dominguez reportedly owed the victim. On the night of New Year’s Eve, Dominguez had gone over to his sister’s camp to welcome the new year with a celebration. Sonja was present too but the festivities soon came to an abrupt end around 02:45hrs on New Year’s morning, after an argument reportedly broke out between the suspect and the victim over the owed gold. The row reportedly
turned violent after Dominguez allegedly found a piece of wood and lashed Sonja to his head. Sonja reportedly fell to the ground and remained still while Dominguez allegedly ran away. The victim was later pronounced dead by a medical professional and police ranks were able to apprehend Dominguez later that day in Kaikan—a village close to the Arau Mountain top. MATTER 4 In October 2020, a Venezuelan labourer, Nestor Luis Bolivar Martines, 22, also known as Carlos of Sixth Street, Anna
Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was remanded to prison for the murder of 19-year-old, Sanjay Hanoman. According to reports, Hanoman was slain around 23:30hrs on Sunday on October 25, 2020, at Bus Shed Street, Anna Catherina. The defendant, made his first court appearance at the Leonora Magistrate's Court b e f o r e H e r Wo r s h i p , Zameena Ali Seepaul. He was not required to plea to the indictable murder charge, which alleges that on October 25, 2020, he chopped and killed Hanoman. Continued on page 58
Missing Venezuelan teen found dead
Found dead in the Demerara River, Eliadis Martinez The search for a missing Venezuelan teen ended on Thursday after his decomposing remains were found floating in the Demerara River in the vicinity of Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). He has been identified as Eliadis Martinez, 19 of Land of Canaan, EBD. His body was fished out of the Demerara River around 16:00hrs. Martinez was last seen alive leaving a birthday party in Land of Canaan around 02:35hrs on Wednesday. According to his friends, he was drunk and had left to go home but he never made it there. Martinez’s final moments were captured in a cellphone recorded video at the party. In fact, the video was recorded just moments before he left. In the video, he is seen sitting on a bench and as he was about to leave, the teen decided to dance one more time. The friends who attended the party did
A screengrab from the cellphone recorded video of Martinez dancing just moments before he went missing. not know that it would have been Martinez’s last dance. When he failed to show up at his home that morning, family members began looking for him and had even sought help from the Facebook community in locating their loved one. They were hopeful that he was alive. However, on Thursday afternoon, East Bank police ranks were alerted that there was a body floating in the Demerara River. The body was removed and Martinez’s relatives were called to view it. Their worst fears came through when they positively identified the remains to be that of Martinez. Crime scene experts reported that no marks of violence were seen on his body but his lips appeared as though fishes or sea creatures had been nibbling on them. As family members await the autopsy results, they are still coming to grips with his sudden demise.
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Sunday February 27, 2022
>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<< From television reporter to budding entrepreneur…
h c u o T t n a i d Ra WING SUCCESS Tracey Trimell Sancho’s
By Malisa Playter-Harry
V
enturing into the world of business and entrepreneurship is not usually a walk in the park as some may think. For some it may unravel easily when challenges surface, but for others, even the difficulties could help propel them to success. Today our featured young entrepreneur is Tracey Trimell Sancho, a university graduate and former television reporter who resides at 337 Union Village, West Coast Berbice. She is the proud owner of Radiant Touch By Tracey. Her business, which she started in 2020 during the pandemic, offers her branded line of quality and luxurious mink eyelashes and brow pomade. But Sancho did not wake up one day and decided this is what she wanted to do. Rather it was something that she gave a lot of thought to over the years. When Sancho started out in the world of work, she was just 17 years old but was already focused on becoming successful in life. She applied at the Little Rock Television Station (Channel 10) in Region Six to become a reporter. She was a successful applicant. She soon became outstanding in the field of reporting, so much so that she was a familiar voice and face in the homes of Berbicians. She spent a total of three years in that profession before leaving and subsequently commencing studies at the University of Guyana (UG’)s Turkeyn Campus. But Sancho recalled that during her time at the television station, she developed a love and passion for make-up artistry and had thoughts about one day owning her own line of products. That dream was inspired by seeing her sister “doll up” daily with beautiful shades of make-up that adorned her facial features. “When God has something planned for you, there is nothing you can do to change that plan. I was never this type of person that had a career goal but while working at Little
IS A GRO
Rock, I developed a passion for make-up from my big sister, Trisha. I couldn’t afford makeup but I use to sit and admire her and how she applied the products and so on,” Sancho related. Sancho, who is also now a lecturer at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, was part of UG’s 2021 graduating batch. She had pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education and prior to that she graduated with a Degree in To u r i s m S t u d i e s . T h e b u d d i n g businesswoman was also recently accepted into the GOAL Online Scholarship Programme offered by the Government and
will pursue an MBA in Systems and Operations at Jain University in India. Despite her packed schedule of studying and working, Sancho managed to successfully launch her business in August 2020. “I started with lashes and recently extended with the eye pomade. Since the formation of the business, there has been tremendous support...not only that particular aspect of the business but apart from that I also do eyebrows. I do eye-brow tinting, eye brow waxing, underarm waxing and Brazilian wax…I have not been focusing much on that as yet because I am currently working towards opening a spa where all of these services
Some of products offered by Radiant Touch By Tracey.
mething planned “When God has so othing you can for you, there is n plan. I was never at th ge an ch to do that had a this type of person hile working at career goal but w loped a passion Little Rock, I deve my big sister for make-up from ford makeup, but af ’t dn ul co I a. sh Tri mire her and how I use to sit and ad oducts and so on.” she applied the pr
will be offered,” she said. Giving an insight into how she managed to get her business up and running, Sancho said she spent a lot of time doing research on how to go about getting things started. This, she said, was done when the pandemic had first hit Guyana, forcing many people to stay at home. She disclosed that she acquired a link with a vendor, who brands and ships her products to where she is located in WCB. “I have always, apart from my career, had a passion for make-up and as my passion grew for make-up I wanted to create and brand my own products and it’s not only branding lashes but other products such as foundation, eye pomade, lip gloss, lip stick, etc.,” Sancho said with pride. Since starting her business, Sancho noted
Young Entrepreneur, Tracey Trimell Sancho
that she has been blessed with the opportunity to become a better version of herself through all she has chosen to embark on. With the hope of one day expanding and growing into a huge business, she said that she has been able to build a clientele list of persons mainly from Georgetown. According to the young woman, she was able to engage various make-up artists in Berbice and Georgetown who have been helping to promote her branded eyelash line. Sancho said that while she doesn’t consider herself the first to venture into that sort of business, she believes that she can be considered the first to offer branded products, along with other extensive services, on the West Coast of Berbice. By mid-March, she is hoping to open her very own spa, a venture which, she said, will be a dream come true. When asked where she sees herself in a few years, Sancho confidently expressed, “I see myself expanding my business and eventually becoming a full-time businesswoman...my passion is tourism and business and that helps to sustain me and provides an opportunity to put what I have learnt into practice.” But her achievements thus far, she noted, could not have been possible without her support system – her immediate family. Her parents, two sisters and a brother, she said, have been there for her and have supported all of her aspirations and ventures. If you are looking to enlist Sancho’s services or purchase any of her products, you can find her business profile on Instagram: Radiant Touch by Tracey. She is located at Union Village, WCB (opposite Hurricane Harbour) and her contact number is 6552892.
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Govt. must explain why it halted agreement for full... From page 4 Mexico was costing approximately $70 billion USD; and that such a liability would bankrupt Guyana, not to mention potential lawsuits from neighbouring countries and other affected parties. C o n s e q u e n t l y, w e demanded that the parent companies ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC, cover all liability costs over and above the $2.5 billion insurance. During these most tense discussions, Exxon expressed that coverage by parent companies is totally unnecessary, since Exxon is, after-all Exxon, and will never walk away. Of course, we quickly seized upon the opportunity to retort that with such an avowal, there should be no problem for them to put it in writing. That ended the a rg u m e n t ! a n d E x x o n eventually acceded to our immovable demand for parent companies cover above the $2.5 billion insurance; but asked that we sign the Liza 2 Permit, so as to maintain confidence in their investors, while affording time for the parent companies to agree upon how they will share the liabilities. Exxon's request was deemed an easy no-risk concession, since the Liza 2 start-up was not scheduled until three years hence in 2022, and couldn't start anyway without the Agreement. Therefore, we issued the Liza 2 Permit in mid-2019, requiring full coverage to be carried by a combination of the $2.5 billion insurance, with all of the remainder to be carried by EEPGL's parent companies. It also required that full coverage guarantee must be in place, prior to start of the Liza 2 production. This requirement became the standard language in all subsequent Permits issued to EEPGL and other operators. Further, and most importantly, we signalled to Exxon that the upcoming Payara Permit for the third project will not be granted until the Agreement
guaranteeing this full liability coverage is in place. EPA's success at getting Exxon to consent to full liability coverage, received wide media attention due to the fact that this departed from The Contract which allows for only selfinsurance from EEPGL. Along the same lines, the EPA was also able to attain unfettered any-time access including unannounced visits to the operating facilities, thus a g a i n departing from the 7-day notice required in The Contract deemed to be sacrosanct as the reason used by both Governments for not pursuing renegotiations. The bafflement was that if the EPA can deviate from The Contract, why can't the Government also renegotiate for changes. Subsequent to issuance of the Liza 2 Permit, regular meetings were held for several months, between Attorneys of EPA and parent companies to arrive at the Agreement as to how the parent companies would share the full coverage. This Agreement was nearing finalisation when my service was terminated along with the ongoing meetings to finalise the Agreement, followed by the removal of the EPA Attorney handling the matter. My termination occurred in August 2020, and lo and behold, the Payara Permit was granted the very next month of September 2020, without the agreed upon full coverage. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Honourable Vice President has stated that the EPA is now seeking $2 billion worth of insurance. Does this mean that the Government has now allowed Exxon to drop the $2.5 billion USD insurance that we had secured and supposed to be permanent per written obligations from Exxon? As protector of the n a t i o n ' s e c o n o m y, environment and health, the Government owes it to its people, to explain why it has taken such a dangerous step in taking the country from
Urgent need for another COVID-19 stimulus grant From page 6 NRF account has to help fund the latest budget, and therefore money is not available from it to give COVID cash grant. Funds can however be taken from the general revenues to fund the grant. There is provision in the
2022 budget for expenditure of this nature. G u y a n e s e a r e unanimously supportive of a cash grant and they hope that the government will act swiftly on this. They are hurting financially. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
agreed upon full liability coverage to no coverage. The extraordinary rapid increase in operations over the next few years, even so welcomed, would bring with it, a corresponding significantly increased risk of an oil spill - a very frightening scenario, considering (1) the gross inadequacy of the Government's oil spill Emergency Response Plan
which I refused to sign, due to documented justifiable reasons; and (2) the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) showing that a major spill could be just as devastating, or worse than the BP Macondo spill, with oil washing away the Caribbean beaches and their economies all the way to Jamaica, resulting in Guyana's and its
neighbouring countries environmental destruction, obliteration of the fishing industry, and economic bankruptcy including possible law suits from neighbouring countries and other affected parties. The recent Opposition's Motion is welcomed in calling for the Government to recant its decision to stop the finalisation of the full coverage Agreement already
agreed upon by Exxon; and in pledging of its support to the Government in what must be the unrelenting pursuit of full liability coverage. In the meantime, the Government owes it to its people, to explain why it took such a dangerous step in taking the country from agreed upon full liability coverage to no coverage. Dr. Vincent Adams
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
30 firms bid to fix bridges at Chateau Margot, Beterverwagting, Cemetery Road & Garden of Eden A total of 30 contractors have submitted bids for the rehabilitation/construction of bridges at Garden of Eden, Chateau Margot, Cemetery Road and Beterverwagting, project that fall under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works. Bids were opened on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, and a total of the Ministry's engineer estimate reveals that these projects would cost some $151,012,632. Ministry of Agriculture - National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Drainage and irrigation works at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, Region Three.
In Januar y, S e n i o r M i n i s t e r w i t h t h e responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who presented Budget 2022, said that a total of $76.7 billion was allocated to the Public Works Ministry, which would be spent on roads and bridges. Out of that amount, $49.2 billion was allocated for roads and $27.5 billion for bridges. “Further, to address the critical needs of bridges across the country, another $173.9 million is budgeted for the
construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of bridges in areas including Garden of Eden, Chateau Margot, Beterverwagting, and Cemetery Road,” Dr. Singh had stated in his presentation to the National Assembly. Tenders were also opened for the supply and delivery of cooked meals for the residents at the Night Shelter in East La Penitence, a project being undertaken by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Below are the companies and their bids:
Ministry of Public Works Government buildings - Lot 1 rehabilitation/construction of living quarters, Coldingen, East Coast Demerara and Lot 2 construction of fence and guard hut at living quarters at Coldingen.
Procurement of tractor driven pumps for NDC's on Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 for Lot 1 to 3.
Construction of relief channels downstream of spill weir, Region Five.
Rehabilitation of drainage culverts at Bartica, Region Seven.
(Continued on next edition)
Infrastructural Development for Lot 5 – installation of LED lights on Essequibo Coast public road (Jib to Charity) and Lot 6 - installation of LED Highway lighting on sections of Corentyne road.
Sunday February 27, 2022
CONSUMER CONCERNS By Pat Dial A quiet force seems to be infusing the psyche of the nation with the positive desire to transform all Guyanese institutions and Guyanese life into World Class and achieve the best standards of the developed countries. People of all classes, of all political persuasions and professions
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HEALTHCARE MOVES TOWARDS WORLD CLASS IDEAL seem to have become possessed with that spirit. The manifestation of it has been calm and not as overt as among the French revolutionaries when they marched from Marseilles to Paris in 1789. One segment of life where this spirit is evident is in the health sector where modernisation has been approached in a pragmatic
and holistic way without an overall blueprint. For example, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony has been quietly executing a COVID-19 programme which is the best in CARICOM and one of the better ones in the world. Simultaneously, he has been upgrading the Health Sector legislation by repealing those Laws, which have fallen into
desuetude and have no relevance today; other legislations are being revised to make them more relevant such as the Antibiotics Act or the Medical Practitioners Act and their amendments now make them fully relevant; the third tier of legislative reform is the formulation of new Laws such as the Emergency Services Act or the Pharmaceutical Act that
would encompass the current types of medication on sale and in use. The most important and indeed, revolutionary new L e g i s l a t i o n w h i c h D r. Anthony has proposed to Parliament is the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill whereby a patient who requires a new organ to save or prolong his/her life is permitted to use the organ
extracted from a clinically dead person who had either been registered as a donor before death or whose relatives had consented to the removal of the organ after death. The donor would only be pronounced dead after he/she had been examined and ascertained by two medical practitioners. The donor would only be (Continued on page 61)
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Kaieteur News
Venezuelan nationals before the courts From page 53 It was reported that Martines had made a written confession admitting that he killed Hanoman. The suspect reportedly told police that Hanoman and his 17-year-old friend had attacked his wife in an earlier incident. According to sources, Martines said that the act committed on his wife provoked him to retaliate in such a manner.Police were able to identify the suspect, as
Hanoman's friend reportedly witnessed the chopping incident. The friend claimed that he was passing by when he saw Martines rubbing his cutlass against Hanoman's left leg. He stated that Hanoman immediately fell to the ground and the suspect rode away on a bicycle. The friend told investigators that he rushed to the teen's assistance and tried to get help but no one wanted to assist him in transporting the
wounded teen to the hospital. However, after waiting for an hour, Hanoman was finally taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. MATTER 5 Also in 2020, two Venezuelan nationals were among three men who were remanded to prison for allegedly slitting the throat of a pork-knocker on November 27, 2020. The defendants, Nadeem
Baksh, 22, a miner of Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast, Region Two; Angel Figuera, 20, of Estado Barinas, Venezuela and Gilberto DaSilva, 22, of Barrancas, Estado Monagas, Venezuela, made their first court appearance on December 2, 2020.The trio was charged for the murder of porkknocker, Kevin Allam, 26, of Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, Region One, who was slain while trying to protect his wife from robbers. The defendants appeared via Zoom from the Port
Sunday February 27, 2022 Kaituma Police Station before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that they murdered Allam on November 27, 2020 at his shop located at White Water Backdam.According to reports, the defendants also removed a quantity of raw gold from the man's shop after allegedly killing him. It was reported that the men attacked Allam's wife first. They began pulling the woman's hair and Allam, who
was nearby, intervened to protect her.Out-numbered, Allam fell victim to a severe beating with a piece of wood in the presence of his wife. He fell to the ground helpless and was then dragged outside where the men reportedly slit his throat with a knife. The wife pleaded with the men not to kill her too, so they left her alone and escaped with the gold. Fast work by police resulted in their arrest just hours later. They were caught at Water Front, Port Kaituma.
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
Ministry unveils new... From page 20 modern form of learning.” Meanwhile, the first-ever girls empowerment day, which is a partnership with UNICEF under the Spotlight Initiative is aimed at promoting a sense of selfworth as well as the promotion of the girls' ability to determine their own choices. The beneficiaries were also facilitated with help to equip the girls with the necessary skills to influence social change for themselves and others. The participants included girls who participated in the Story Board Initiative. Among the topics discussed during the seminar
were menstrual and personal hygiene, coping with bullying and peer pressure, practical money skills, moral education, importance of exercise, positive effects on mental health, sexual and reproductive health. Spotlight Coordinator, Anuradha Persaud said, “As we know when women and girls are supported, they gain opportunities to speak up for their rights, and to advocate for their communities. They are also able to rise in social standing, and they can feed this into future generations enabling us to create sustainable change and ultimately to end violence against women and girls.”
Govt. must carefully examine contractors'... From page 36 substation and back up fuel capacity.As it relates to the NGL Plant, this is expected, under the revised scope of works, to be able to process 60 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in the first phase and up to 250 million cubic feet of gas in the second phase.Additionally, the plant must be capable of
conditioning the gas (dehydration and mercury removal) and removing heavier hydrocarbons (propane, butane, pentane plus) in liquid form.The project, according to the Ministry, will be located at Hermitage, identified as part of the Wales Development Zone with some 150 acres of land allocated for its purpose.
OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO.... From page 18 when an organisation needs to demonstrate its abilities to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The standard also aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The standard covers key aspects including leadership which addresses leadership and commitment, policy and organisational roles, responsibilities, and authorities. It also focuses on planning to address risks and opportunities, planning to achieve quality objectives and planning of changes. Included in the document, are requirements for support in terms of resources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented information. Other aspects in the standard deal with operations, performance evaluation, and improvement.Usually, the period of Technical Assistance by the GNBS toward certification to the ISO 9001:2015 ranges from six to 12 months. Once a company is committed to implementing the standard, the journey towards certification readiness begins with the acquisition of the standard. The roadmap continues with the GNBS conducting a gap analysis of the company that reveals how much work needs to be done to
fulfill the requirements. The process continues with the establishment of the relevant documentation; later followed by a pre-assessment audit to ensure certification readiness. Implementing a QMS can offer noticeable benefits to organisations. Some of these benefits can be measured using financial metrics such as return-on-investment (ROI), while empirical studies show greater awareness of quality, happier customers, improved brand validation and more consistent operations. Companies implementing the standard can also engage in continuous improvement, have g o o d e m p l o y e e communications and onboarding, make evidencebased decisions, maintain statutory or regulatory requirements, and increase their profits.Why choose the services of the GNBS? The GNBS is the National Standards Body, and the custodian for standards that support quality. Therefore, who better to provide you with the technical support you need towards the implementation of standards?So, do not hesitate! For technical assistance to implement the ISO 9001:2015 requirements, engage the GNBS Business Development Department. As the National Standards Body, our team can better provide you with the support you need to make your business grow. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66. You can also visit the GNBS Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates.
Sunday February 27, 2022
HEALTHCARE MOVES TOWARDS WORLD... From page 57 pronounced as dead when he/she has displayed irreversible cessation or stoppage of circulatory and respiratory functions as well as irreversible cessation of the entire brain. Though the Law does not take cognisance of the condition known as Near Death Experience (NDE) whereby it is believed that a person who may be clinically dead for up to an hour could regain consciousness; surgeons in quiet cognisance of the NDE phenomenon give some time before the extraction procedure. There has so far been no unanimous scientific acceptance of NDE but acceptance of its validity seems to be increasing. The new Law establishes a Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency which will maintain a register of donors and those in need of transplants. Provision is also made for facilities for the efficient storage of organs, cells and biofluids. The new Law prescribes some socially protective measures such as prohibition of the sale or trade in human organs, tissue, cells or biofluids with the penalty for infringement being five years in prison and a fine of $5 millions. Or there are specific requirements for organ transplants for minors, both as donors and recipients. There is also provision made for the donation of cadavers (corpses) to universities, medical schools and other scientific programmes for the purposes of research. Another important social responsibility of the Transplant Agency is the e x e c u t i o n o f a comprehensive programme of public education to increase awareness among the population of Organ Transplant and becoming organ donors. Dr. Kishore Persaud, Head of Multi-O rgan Transplant and Vascular Surgery Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital welcomed the Legislation and pointed out that it would bring relief to hundreds of patients who have suffered kidney failure and are receiving dialysis, one of the more e x p e n s i v e t r e a t ments. Many cannot have regular dialysis and thus live a poor quality of life as long as they manage to survive. On the macro level of
National Health Development, the Government is still committed to building three Specialty Hospitals in the three counties. Some years ago, a Specialty Hospital was being funded and built by the Government of India but when the APNU+AFC government came into office, they felt that the remaining funds in the project were better spent in general healthcare and the donor was persuaded to this position; the Specialty Hospital was accordingly shelved. Now it is again resuscitated. The Ministry of Health is committed to establishing a world-class healthcare service in all parts of the country and is doing so by several streams of actions. In addition to the Specialty Hospitals, six new hospitals would be constructed across the country and among them would be a children, maternity and psychiatric hospitals. The Ministry is focused on both the infrastructure as well as the quality of service and in pursuit of this would be procuring modern equipment from the known and established manufacturers. In furtherance of the ideal of providing healthcare of the highest quality, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Frank Anthony held discussions with an Executive Team from the world renowned Mount Sinai Health System of New York. The Mount Sinai Health System is structured around eight hospital campuses and includes more than 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians and 13 ambulatory surgical centres. The Executive Vice President of Mount Sinai, Dr. Arthur A. Klein indicated the role they would play: "One of the most so p h i s t i c a t e d investments the country needs to make in its people is healthcare and we are here to work with the President in defining a plan in the development of more s o p h i s t i c a t e d healthcare, also healthcare access improvement; not only what we can do in Georgetown but also in the rest of the country." (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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Kaieteur News WANTED Experienced Land Dredge workers.Serious enquiries only.Call:684-1030.
FOR RENT
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Upper 2 bedrooms apartments in Parfaite Harmonie, close to the #1 Public Road $100,000 monthly.Tel:6611585/617-2047.
One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable. Contact:649-0956. 1 Nissan pathfinder in good condition, CAT 215 used parts.Tel:683-7225/275-0367. 1 Hino Canter,enclosed long tray 8000cc, Landcruiser Prado 2003 silver 3500cc. Call: 653-0490 whatsapp:641-4614. One 2007 RAV4 PKK series, one Leyland Daf Dump truck GMM series.Call 6230133/ 6235121. One CAT generator, Model: D342C,150KW,187KVA,One reliance electric 75hp motor, 460 volts,115amps.Call 6230133/6235121.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Prime location (Business). Lot 22 Covent Garden E.B.D. Tel:682-7490/647-4236. 1-(2) story house 3 1/2 bedroom, 9st Cummings Lodge. Tel:622-8748/652-3158 negotiable.
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Drawing of Building plans and Estimate,K.Lakeram building contractor.Tel:2160671/692-8464 whatsapp 6220267. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#656-0110.
FOR SALE
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Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad, accomodations provided. Call:1-868-489-4087 or 1-868755-1990. One (1) male able bodied clerk.Tel:231-2029/616-5954. One male able bodied clerk, one female able bodied clerk. Tel:225-2313/226-1497. Salesgirl & Porters.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies. Lot 1E Dennis C Middleton St Campbellville with written application. 1 bar woman 18-25years & 1 cook 30& older,for the interior. Tel:660-9093/687-7638. One (1) live in nanny/baby sitter,must be vaccinated. Tel:626-6450/646-7142,Ogle East Coast Demerara.
Cases of Hand Sanitizer For Sale, 250ml at $350 and 500ml at $500. Call 650-5626.
Experienced Taxi Driver (Hire car license) and bus driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:6165419/265-7075/265-7076.
1-152 Laverda combine with Wobble box & Fiat engine farm ready.Call:637-8027.
One live-in couple for Essequibo Resort,man must be experienced boat-man & woman to cook & clean.Tel: 225-3557/226-0240. One part time gardener for Georgetown residence.Tel: 225-3557/226-0240.
FOR RENT One bedroom apartment, Middle road.Tel:686-4564. One,two & three bedroom apt,furnished & unfurnished. Providence and New road Vreed-en-hoop.Call:6826238/whatsapp 604-6664.
One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village. For one driver and one porter.Apply to Global Healthcare Supplies, 110 thirdst, Alberttow n.Email:gl obalhealthsuppliesinc@gmail.com. General Domestic, able to prepare vegetarian dishes. Apply with photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown, Kitty. Cashiers.Apply at Survival Supermarket with passport photo to 16 Vlissengen Rd Newtown,Kitty.
Hiring Content Writers: $100,000 monthly. MondayThursday,work from home. Email your resume to andrewp @consultpr.net. SERVICES
VACANCY
1 attractive waitress to work at Arvin Bar Pink Shop. Attractive salary offer.Tel:6897481,254-1523. Live in domestic.Must know to cook indian dishes,$30$40,000 weekly.Tel:610-3974. Experience waitress to work 8hrs shift,$20,000 weekly. Tel:610-3974.
Sales Person. Commission Only. 5 CXC 1 or 2 in Math and English Required. Contact:650-5626. For experience Hauler & Canter Drivers.Apply in person at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda. Vacancy exist at P.S.G.C.S for Labourers, General Cleaner, Maintenance worker,Time Keeping,Tool Issuing clerkPharmacist,Sales Girl, Maintenance Supervisor and Office Manager. Call: 621-6969 or 615-7784. Immediate vacancy exists for one female cleaner.Call:2311408/642-9191. One Housekeeper to work with family,Mon-Sat,over 35yrs.Tel:503-0359/608-2444. General Assistant.Must have CXC(Math & English), Computer Knowledge, Graphic Design Skills.Call/whatsapp: 600-4497. One Housekeeper/Cook full time,Mon-Fri(preferably from E.B.D).Interested persons can contact:622-0523/6091434. One experience receptionist, over 35yrs.Contact:503-0359/ 608-2444. 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.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Govt. scraps US$12.5M Enmore Packaging... From page 38 milestones over the first three years that will be monitored as the phased development occurs,” the company stated. In a February 17, 2021 report, Kaieteur News had noted that the new manufacturing facility at Enmore will be set up to manufacture and repair tubular goods such as drill pipes, drill covers, etc., needed by oil companies to develop oil fields. GKB will also offer premium threading of the tubular goods, accessory services and Turnkey manufacturing solutions in the country. As it relates to the arrangement between the government and GKB for the lands and the US$12.5M packaging plant owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), GKB’s Chief Executive Office, Fazil Khan was willing to share some details with this newspaper in an exclusive interview.
Despite negotiations are still ongoing between the two parties, Khan said that an agreement has been made for his company to purchase 25 acres of the land, lease another 25 and also lease the packaging plant on a longterm lease.Consultant Advisor on the project, Rosh Khan, who spoke with this publication also pointed out that GKB will not be granted all of the lands at one time. He explained that GKB will begin with 25 acres and the packaging plant which spans an area of at least five acres. In order to lease the remaining 25, it will first have to complete all of the commitments it made with Guyana. GKB’s CEO, Fazil Khan confirmed this and noted too that considerations were also taken to safeguard against a scenario where Exxon can pull out. “You don’t want to invest or buy and then Exxon
pulls out of Guyana because it can happen and you can lose,” Khan had said. Asked if any agreement has been with the government on the purchase and lease price, Khan responded that these are still in the process of being negotiated. However, the CEO assured that it will be a fair one for both parties and revealed that his company has committed to an overall commitment of US$60M towards the development of the project. Out of this amount, Khan said, more than US$7M has already been expended. The CEO further highlighted that the lands it is acquiring are “sugar lands”, which will have to be developed in order to become a standard facility. “We will have to do some land filling, land clearing, probably install some streetlights and so on before we can start up the facility,” explained Khan.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Guyana records 4 more COVID-19 fatalities - 35 new infections recorded
T
he Ministry of Health on S a t u r d a y reported that four more persons, who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. According to the Ministry, the fatalities are that of two men – a 53-yearold and an 81-year-old f r o m R e g i o n Tw o (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and two women – an 89year-old from Region Two
and an 89-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who died between February 5 and 25. As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,220. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 35 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 62,891. Out of that number, 33,934 are women and 28,957 are men. A breakdown of the new
infections per region shows that Region Four leads with 25 new cases, Regions Three and Seven with three each and Regions Five and Nine with two each. The dashboard data shows that 10 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 30 are in institutional isolation, 702 are in home isolation and 12 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 60,929 persons have recovered.
Sunday February 27, 2022
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
Overall winners Ogle Street Ballers take time out for a photo.
7th Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football... From page 66 in the Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football Competition and received the award for the Most Valuable Player in the 2017 Championship. Coach Wilson proudly reiterated that a number of young footballers from Beterverwagting inclusive of Tyrese Dennis, Jamaar Harrigan and Jerome Harrigan, who all participated in the Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football Competition, subsequently went on to represent the Guyana Golden Jaguars
Team. He noted that their representation is testament of the potential and resilience of the youths of the community and reflected their love of the game. Mr. Bill Wilson and Ms. Stacey Weever thanked the Reverend Father Carl Peters and the Guyana Anglican Diocese for providing a venue for the event over the years and lauded the generous support of the sponsors and contributors of the competition, during the closing ceremony of the championship.
Duncan cops Best Boxer trophy... From page 68 slug-fest in the lone ladies encounter as both fighters came out with all guns blazing and they maintained the hectic pace throughout the two-round exhibition bout. Jaquin Sampson and his brother Malachi Greenidge, both from (FYF) fought each other in the second exhibition bout. Berbice Jammers and Vergenoegen Boxing Gym from West Demerara ended on the same points and shared the Best Gym title, while Mike Parris, Guyana’s only Olympic Medalist; winning Bronze in 1980 in Moscow, told the eager youngsters that sacrifice, dedication and respected are the pillars that they should inculcate to be successful, while Boxing promoter Seon Bristol also spoke to the kids.
Results: Daniel Alleyne (VBG) beat Jewel Griffith (YA) in the 30kg div Adel Peters beat (YA) beat Ezekiel Bancroft in the 37kg din Markel Blue (YBG) beat Curtis McDonald (JBG) in the 44kg div Jaydon King (BABG) beat Aubrey Austin (BABG) in the 48kg div Jeremiah Duncan (YA) beat Stephon Prince (VBG) in the 52kg div Eon Bancroft (BJBG) beat Nathan Christopher (BJBG) in the 57k div Jaquan Haniff (BJBG) beat Timothy Hercules (BJBG) in the 60kg div Demoul Grimmond (BJBG) beat Charles Niles (YA) in the 63kg div Garuel Hyman (VBG) beat Dariel Pompey in the 66kg div Jevon Lewis (VBG) beat Malachi Sealy
The second place Gulf Warriors during the competition.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
7th Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football C/Ship concludes
Action between Ogle Street and Gulf Warriors during the final.
The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation held its7th Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football Competition on Sunday, 20th February, 2022 in the St. Mary’s the Virgin Church Compound at Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara. The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation was established in 2016 to memorialise the life and continue the contributions of M r. F i t z r o y A u g u s t u s We e v e r J u n i o r o f
Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. Mr. Weever, Jr. was a Mechanical Engineer, Assistant Dean and Lecturer in the Technology Faculty of the University of Guyana. He was also a Convenor for the Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Programme at the Caribbean Examination Council, the recipient of the GT&T Beterverwagting/Triumph Community Award in 2004 for outstanding performance at the University of Guyana, one of the Best-Graduating Science Students at the 1999 Caribbean Examination Council, the President of the St. Mary’s the Virgin Church Youth Group, an avid Promoter of Guinness’ Football in the Streets and a mentor of the many Football C l u b s i n Beterverwagting/Triumph. The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation has been hosting an Annual Football Competition for the youths of Beterverwagting in honour of the life of Mr. Weever. The 7th Annual Competition was coordinated by Veteran Football Coach, Mr. Bill Wilson and completed as a Limited Under16 and Under10 Knockout Competition, with 6 teams participating in 6 games. The final game of the tournament was contested by the Gulf Warriors and Ogle Street Ballers. According to a release from the organisers, at the end of the second half of the final game, the score was tied at 2 goals respectively. The final game then went to penalty kicks to decide the champions. Gulf Warriors scored 1 penalty goal, while the Ogle Street Ballers scored 2 goals to become the Champions of the 7th Annual Competition. Side-Line Team won their semi-final game against Liverpool United Team, both of Beterverwagting, with a score of 2-1, earning them the third-place spot in the competition. Thirteen-year-old, Jaden Harris scored 2 goals for the Side-Line Team. The most goals scored in the competition were by Jahiel Moses of the Ogle Street Ballers who scored 3 goals, while 10-year-old, Brian Smith of team Lightening Blue was
adjudged the Most Valuable Player after his display in the Under10 face-off. The Founder of the Fitzroy Weever Foundation, Ms. Stacey Weever; an Attorney and Oil, Gas & Mining Consultant by profession, commended the young footballers on their discipline, skillfulness and competitive display of sportsmanship, which she described as heartening. Ms. Weever emphasized that the Competition has now become a customary event in the community, which gave the young footballers, theirs parents, mentors, coaches and the community great pride. She stated that the community witnessed the participants who were all below the age of 16 years diligently preparing for the championship, displaying great maturity, teamwork, tenacity and resilience despite the present challenges. Ms. Weever commended the participants and patrons on their observance of the Covid-19 Protocols and their impassioned support of all the teams which hailed from the East Coast of Demerara. She challenged the young footballers to impart the life skills learnt on the field into their personal and academic lives as they pursue their individual dreams and aspirations, all while making a positive contribution to Guyana. The Co-ordinator of the event Mr. Bill Wilson, who coached the Guyana Defence Force to its 2021 Kashif & Shanghai Super 16 Championship Title, urged patrons to become actively involved in youth development in the village of Beterverwagting and on the lower East Coast. Coach Wilson noted that past participants of the competition were now m e m b e r s o f G u y a n a ’s National Under 20 football team and are recipients of athletic scholarships which allowed them to pursue football careers and international degrees in the United Sates. He pointed out Omari Glasgow, a left-wing player of the Guyana Jaguars’ Senior Team who was in attendance. Glasgow led his team Block 4 to two consecutive championships (Continued on page 65)
Sunday February 27, 2022
Poland and Sweden will not play Russia in World Cup qualifying playoff due to Ukraine invasion Yahoo Sports - Poland and Sweden are refusing to play Russia for a spot in the 2022 World Cup because of Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine. The president of Poland’s soccer association said yesterday morning that the country would not be playing Russia following the invasion earlier this week. Poland was drawn against Russia in Path B for one of the three available World Cup spots through UEFA’s qualifying playoffs. The Poland vs. Russia game is scheduled for March 24.
The southeast border of Poland is next to Ukraine and many Ukrainians had fled to Poland in recent days after Russia attempted its unlawful and unprovoked invasion of the country. Poland’s refusal to play against Russia comes after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic said they wouldn’t play a qualifier in Russia because of the invasion. Sweden adopted the same stance as Poland on Saturday, saying it also would not play Russia in the World Cup playoff “regardless of where the match is played,” per The Guardian.
The Czech Republic is the other team in Path B; the winner of Poland vs. Russia would play the winner of Sweden vs. Czech Republic for a spot in the World Cup. Poland captain Robert Lewandowski is in full support of his country’s decision not to play against Russia. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most wellknown players in the world and his words carry significant weight in world soccer. UEFA announced Friday that the 2022 Champions League final set for St. Petersburg had been moved
Sunday February 27, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An unexpected conversation with a current or potential romantic partner could end with both of you revealing a lot of your deepest feelings, Aries. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Some rather intense work, perhaps involving in-depth research, could take up much of your time today. You could spend a lot of time on the Internet trying to discern certain facts that you need for a project. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today, Gemini, you could direct an overwhelming amount of love and passion toward a current or potential romantic partner.
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Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you're taking a trip any time soon, Libra, you can expect to experience a powerful attraction for someone you meet along the way. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You could soon receive news of an unexpected cash inflow, Scorpio. This might be money earned on your own, but it's more likely to be investment income. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today the energy is on partnerships, Sagittarius, probably those begun on the spur of the moment. You and a colleague might have a conversation about the possibility of going into business together.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Information that you retrieve from deep within your psyche might lead to a revelation as to a great way to increase your income, Cancer.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Have you been entertaining the idea of changing jobs, Capricorn? If so, put out some feelers today. You've been working hard and may have felt as if you've been barking up the wrong tree.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today, you might attend a group event of some kind. While there, you could encounter an old friend who seems to have changed. As a result, you might find this person very attractive and direct a rush of physical passion their way.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A rebirth of romance in your life could take place today, Aquarius. If you're currently involved with someone, a happy event could enrich the bond between you and bring you closer together.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A new creative project of some kind, perhaps involving modern technology, could set your career in a new direction. This may be the break you've been hoping for, and you're apt to be very excited about it.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might notice a change in yourself, Pisces. You could look in the mirror and see that you suddenly look as gorgeous as a movie star. This change in your outer self is due to transformations taking place within.
to Paris in the wake of the Russian invasion. The refusal of Poland to play Russia also puts pressure on FIFA and UEFA to act even further and maybe even kick Russia out of World Cup qualifying altogether. That would be a drastic step, especially for a FIFA that has been especially friendly to Russia and Vladimir Putin. The 2018 World Cup was held in Russia and FIFA president Gianni Infantino tried to say at the time that the tournament showed how Russia and Putin were misunderstood. Putin has even given Infantino a friendship medal and thanked the FIFA president for his “glowing assessment of our efforts” when presenting him with the medal. “You welcomed the world as friends and those bonds of friendship will never be broken,” Infantino said after receiving Putin’s award in 2019. “This is not the end; it is only the beginning of our fruitful cooperation and interaction. On behalf of the whole football world, which means four or five billion people across the globe, thank you very much.”
Keevin Allicock removed from... From page 69 other members of the team will go ahead preparing.” Medallists in each of 13 men and 12 women weight categories in Ecuador, according to the AMBC, will receive prize money, US$10,000 for first place, $5,000 (second) and $2,500 for third place, so top place finishers stand to be reasonable compensated.
Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side... From page 73 fixtures, rules and teams invited to compete. The Inter Ward/Village setup will see the teams representing their respective areas and are as follows: West Demerara – Den Amstel, Uitvlugt, Pouderoyen, Stewartville, Wales, Sara Lodge, West Side Masters, Belle West All Stars and Back Street Kings. East Coast – Mahaica, Brush Dam, Buxton Youth Developers, Melanie, Ann’s Grove, Golden Grove, Beterverwagting (BV), Victoria, Plaisance, Lilliendaal and Turkeyen. Georgetown – Charlestown, Campbellville, Bourda All Stars, Road Warriors, Tucville and Sparta Boss. East Bank – Timehri, Mocha and Agricola. Berbice – New Amsterdam, Mahaicony and Airy Hall All Stars. Among some of the rules that makes the tournament interesting and exciting is the no offside rule and teams are allowed five substitutions. The games are of two 20minute halves for a 40minute duration. The tournament is a straight knockout
one with no extra time being played. A tie at the end of regulation would result in the teams dueling in the dreaded sudden death penalty shootout. All other FIFA rules apply and the Referee is the sole authority of these games. Teams showing up late beyond a reasonable time determined by the organisers will be disqualified and their game forfeited via the walkover route. Fans and players are in for a treat despite the Covid protocols during the five nights of action set for the Den Amstel, Buxton and GFC grounds. Opening Games on March 27 at Den Amstel should see Back Street Kings against Sara Lodge, Pouderoyen against Stewartville, Uitvlugt versus Wales, Den Amstel face West Side Masters then the winner of game 1 (as listed) face the winner of game 3 and winner of game 2 battle winners of game 4. Games continue on Sunday April 3 at Buxton, followed by Saturday April 9 at GFC, Sunday April 10 again at GFC, and Sunday April 17 at GFC for the conclusion.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
GBA’s Pepsi/Mike Parris National U-16 Boxing C/Ships
Duncan cops Best Boxer trophy, BJBG & VBG share Best Gym By Sean Devers oung Achievers’ J e r e m i a h Duncan was adjudged ‘Best Boxer’ when the curtains came down yesterday on the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Pepsi’s Mike Parris National U-16 Boxing tournament as Boxing returned to Guyana for the first time since February 15, 2020, at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. The eleventh edition of the Championships, competed behind closed doors since no spectators were allowed due to the Covid-19 protocols, produced five TKOs among the 10 bouts and some excellent boxing in the penultimate fight of the day between Garuel Hyman and Daniel Pompey and plenty of punches in bunches in the exhibition bout between talented females Akeeliah Glasgow and Tofina Barker. Although fans not allowed at the refurbished
Y
The boxers with Mike Parris (3rd from left with cap) & Seon Bristol (2nd from left) and National Coach Terrence Poole is extreme left. (Sean Devers photo)
‘Six Head’ Gym, the young boxers and their parents and those in their camps, created a good atmosphere with their raucous support. The welcome retuned of Boxing in was delayed by over an hour was a resounding success with those in attendance adhering to Covid protocols and a Police Officer placed at the gate. In the most riveting battle of the day Pompey, fighting out of the BJBG and VBG’s Hyman traded punches and demonstrated good boxing skills. The West Demerara pugilist hit Pompey with well executed jabs and combinations to the body before Pompey counterattack with nice shots of his own in the final round but it was too little too late as Pompey, whose father Winston Pompey, owns the Gym he represents and his brother is local boxer Emanuel Pompey. It was a (Continued on page 63)
The Exhibition bout between Tofina Barker (right) and Akeeliah Glasgow produced shots galore from both boxers. (Sean Devers photo)
In the most entertaining bout of the day Garuel Hyman (left) beat Daniel Pompey. (Sean Devers photo)
Sunday February 27, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Keevin Allicock removed from Guyana’s team for the AMBC Elite Continental Championships Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle, has confirmed the disclosure that Olympian Keevin Allicock was removed from Guyana’s team preparing for the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Continental Championships, which is set for Guayaquil, Ecuador from March 22 to April 2. It was noted that National Coach, Lennox Daniels, informed that the decision, which was handed down by the GBA’s Coaches Committee, stemmed from A l l i c o c k ’s l a c k o f commitment to training. “Honestly, if he came (to training) seven days in total in a month, that’s a lot. We cannot accept that from any boxer, especially someone like Allicock,” Daniels said. Daniels said while Allicock has accepted the decision, his nonparticipation should not be considered as a loss for the team. “I’m disappointed because I was giving him personal attention to help correct some of his flaws. He’s an exceptional talent, but as a coach, some corrections had to be made to his form and technique. He was remorseful after we told him of our decision and he has promised to do better in the future,” Daniels explained.
This is not the first time that Allicock’s commitment is under the microscope. In 2019, the GBA had suspended Allicock from National duties following similar instances of refusal or his inability to report to training. “ Ta l e n t m u s t b e accompanied by discipline and for anyone to reach their goal, they have to embrace those qualities,” Ninvalle stated. The GBA president, who also sits as a Vice President of the AMBC, reasoned that, “There’s a new National Coach, Mr. Lennox Daniels and Mr. Daniels alone did not make that decision; it was made by the Coaches Commission. As a matter of fact, that decision came from most coaches on the Commission.” “We have put, in the hands of the Coaches Commission, the right to select teams. In the past it was that the executives were selecting the teams, but we do not do that now. We accept that decision that has been made, and we do hope that all other boxers will understand that you must put your shoulders to the wheel,” Ninvalle said. Allicock is considered the ‘darling’ of Amateur boxing in Guyana. The 22year-old is a Commonwealth Youth Games silver medalist and recently, he became the
Winning start for Guyana U-20 in Concacaf C/Ship Guyana under-20 ladies recorded a comfortable win against Honduras last night in their opening match of this year ’s Concacaf Championships. On target for the junior Lady Jags were Samantha Belfield in the 45th minute and Audrey Narine scored in injury time to double the lead. Guyana’s next game is against Mexico on Monday (February 28) from 19:00h, followed by the final group game against Panama on Wednesday (March 2) from 19:00h. The top three teams from each of the four groups will progress to Round of 16,
alongside four additional qualifiers. Guyana is making its second consecutive appearance at the regional championship, having reached the quarter-finals in its first outing at this level in 2020 – just two games shy of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Alongside the top 16 ranked sides in the region, Guyana qualified automatically for this year’s tournament as it is regarded by Concacaf as the 10th strongest nation in this age and gender group in the Caribbean, and Central and North America.
Steve Ninvalle first boxer since John Douglas to represent at the Olympic Games.
Lennox Daniels However, though Allicock is sitting at the top of the food chain in the
English-speaking Caribbean, Ninvalle pointed out that “there are no sacred cows in the GBA and if we do not put in 100% then we can’t expect to extract 100%.” According to Ninvalle, “As President of the GBA, I’m personally concerned in the turn of developments, we have to understand that we have given the Coaches Commission the right to do their job and we will have to accept the decision that has been made.” Ninvalle disclosed that
he would’ve met with Allicock following the decision to have him suspended from training with the team, and the GBA p r e s i d e n t n o t e d , “ We would’ve had a discussion and I do hope that this will be the last time we would have something like that while he remains in the amateur ranks. We know that he has tremendous talent, but talent alone does not get you to your goal. You need to make sure that talent has a companion in discipline. The (Continued on page 65)
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Stafanie Taylor is confident the team is an improving force in ODI’s.
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
‘We’ve been making strides’ - WI women skipper Taylor insists team looking forward to World Cup challenge SportsMax - West Indies Women’s captain, Stafanie Taylor, is confident the team is an improving force in One Day International cricket, ahead of the start of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which bowls off in under a week’s time. The West Indies, who briefly took part in the qualifiers, will get their campaign underway against host New Zealand on Friday, with few having the team among the favourites to win the title. For one, the West Indies have never won the tournament with their best result coming in 2013 when they finished runners-up to
Australia. Nor is the team’s record in the format particularly impressive. Over the last five years, the team has won just 3 of the last 14 series. In that run of games, they played 46 matches, winning 15, drawing 2, and losing 27 with 2 no results. Taylor, however, believes the team has shown improvement in recent months, with two of those wins coming in the last year. “I think we’re making strides (in the ODI format),” Taylor told members of the media. “For us, it is more about improving every time and
getting better at that,” she added. The team has, however, never beaten New Zealand with their last encounter ending in a chastening 205 runs defeat to close out a 3-0 series defeat in 2018. “We’re pretty excited about that. You probably wouldn’t want to play the hosts in the first game but it is what it is,” Taylor said. “I think for us, we have to go out there and play to the best of our abilities. You can see New Zealand doing pretty well, we’ve had a lot of cricket to look at, so hopefully we could get one over them.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
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Guyana-China 50-year bilateral Friendship TT Tourney set for June
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he Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China will be celebrating fifty (50) years of diplomatic relations in June 2022. To m a r k t h i s s i g n i f i c a n t achievement, the Guyana Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China will be hosting a “GuyanaChina Friendship Table Tennis Tournament” to commemorate and celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between our peoples. The friendly competition will
involve three mixed team’s matches combining amateur players from the Chinese side and the Guyanese side. The event is scheduled for 13:00hrs to 16:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue Georgetown Guyana. The event will also see the unveiling of the 50th anniversary logo jointly by the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana. Relations between Guyana and China over the years have been characterised by mutual respect, and
cooperation in the areas of Culture, Public Health, Infrastructure, Economics, Sports, among other key developments areas. Table Tennis has played a significant role in the development of the friendship bonds and diplomacy with China supporting Guyana’s Table Tennis development for several decades. Therefore, the two sides decided to host a friendship table tennis tournament as one of the key activities to celebrate the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary.
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Sunday February 27, 2022
Regal Legends, Mike’s Wellman renew rivalry in Republic Cup today
Rudolph Baker (left) and Eion Abel will be hard to contain when they get going.
The annual Republic Cup softball tournament organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL) will be held today at the Togetherness Park, Lilliendaal Greater Georgetown with Regal Legends (Over-50s) battling longtime rivals Mike’s Wellman for top honours. Over the years the two teams have been locked in heated battles with Regal holding the edge but this time it will not be a walk in the park. Mike’s Wellman have been showing some good form recently and will be the team to beat with the likes of Lloyd Ruplall, Lakeram Singh and Wayne Jones returning good performances. On the other hand, traditional powerhouse Regal Legends will depend on David Harper, Parsram Persaud, Mahendra Hardyal, Rudolph Baker, Eion Abel and Laurie Singh to add another trophy to their collection.
The Regal Legends versus Mike’s Wellman clash will be the second game of a double header with Regal Masters (Over-40s) taking on a Select XI from 10:00 hrs in the day’s curtain raiser. Regal Masters will include Chien Gittens, Mahendra Parasnauth, Patrick Rooplall, Mohamed Ayube, Samuel Kingston, Ricky Roopnarine and Lakhram Roopnarine. As is the norm over the years, this tournament will be used as useful preparation for local players heading to the annual Florida Cup mega softball tournament in the Sunshine State of the United States of America which will be played from March 31 to April 2 this year. Meanwhile, tickets for the annual fundraising take away Bar-B-Que organized by the Regal cricket teams, to aid in their participation in the Florida Cup, will be on sale from any player at $1,500 each.
Kaieteur News
Sunday February 27, 2022
Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village KO Football returns - Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Company on board The Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village Knockout Football tournament returns after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, organised by former national footballer and Coach Lennox Arthur, has been held for some 40 years now and is in recognition of former Mayor of G e o rg e t o w n H a m i l t o n Green, who was also a former Prime Minister of Guyana. The current Mayor of Georgetown in Mayor Ubraj Narine. The event is set to be staged from Sunday March 27th with the opening salvo of games fixed for the Den Amstel ground on the West side from 5:00pm and conclude on Sunday April 17th at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda with the quarter-finals, semis, third place playoff and Grand Finale. At stake are prize money and the respective trophies with a first prize of $600,000, second prize $300,000, third $200,000 and fourth $100,000.
Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Company has committed to the winning purse of $600,000 and Organiser Lennox Arthur has expressed pleasure at them coming on board at this point following the two year break of the tournament due to the current Covid-19 pandemic affecting life around the globe. He noted that fans and players alike have been starved for a return to football action and he was happy to see this corporate entity offering assistance. A few others have also signaled their intent to aid the event and among them are: IPA, DDL, Digicel, Johil, John Fernandes, General Equipment, Busta, GTT, Namilco, Macorp, New Thriving, Sattar Gafoor, B. Megan, Pritipaul Singh, Ready Mix, Eddie Bobcat, Silvie’s, Caribbean Containers, E Networks, Super Bet, Cummings Electrical, China Trading, Dave Lumber yard and Schlumberger. Arthur is calling on other sponsors to come on board to ensure the success of the tournament. He stated that
Chance wins 400m in Texas; sets new PB in 200m National sprinter Arinze Chance had a successful outing at the recent Jarvis Scott Open in Texas. Chance, who holds the National Indoor 400m record, won the 400m in a time of 47.54s, which was a significant improvement from his 47.89s on February 12 in Albuquerque, United States of America. The 26-year-old, who is also the Brand Ambassador for Powerade, won the indoor event in Texas ahead of Shevoie Reid (47.68s) and Jalon White (47.73s). Additionally, in the 200m, he finished fifth with a time of 21.41s, but it was still good enough to set a Personal Best. Cameroon Miller clocked 20.67s to win the race, while Adam Clayton (20.86s), Olympic finalist Joseph Fahnbulleh (21.22s) and Javari Thomas (21.22s) rounded off the top
Arinze Chance four. In an invited comment with the media, Chance said he expected to run a PB in the 200m and the same in the 400m, but the altitude factor proved difficult. Meanwhile, another Guyanese excelled, with Jeremy Bascom clocking 6.73s to win the 60m comfortably ahead of Chaunzavia Lewis (6.80s) and Foday Kallon (6.81s), while Fahnbulleh finished fourth in 6.85s.
they will have to operate under strict Covid protocols to ensure the health and safety of all, hence the curtailing of the amount of fans being at the various venues, except by the time the event is underway permission is granted for a full fan turnout, which he noted would be highly unlikely, hence his call for the sponsors to assist. Meanwhile, the former footballer and Coach released the tournament (Continued on page 65)
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Lennox Arthur
Mayor Ubraj Narine