Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR Condemnation grows Wednesday Edition NEWS over mistreatment of Guyanese oil workers February 02, 2022 - Vol. 15 No.05

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 78,530

recruiter promises to fix Issues after meeting with Labour Department

An agricultural nightmare!

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APNU+AFC wasted $720M to procure damaged fire pumps for drainage works 'Guyana on path of resource curse'

est The prot es continu e to g for chanobil’s ExxonM act. contr

...Ramjattan says Budget 2022 destroying non-oil sectors

Three more Covid-19 deaths; 220 new cases

20 Venezuelan women accused cops of abuse ...say they were robbed during raid

Indian firm wins contract to build Ogle-Eccles Road with bid higher than engineer's estimate GIVE BACK EXXONMOBIL THEIR 2% ROYALTY AND DEMAND FULL COVER INSURANCE @11:00hrs

Wednesday February 02, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Condemnation grows over mistreatment of Guyanese oil workers - Exxon recruiter promises to fix issues after meeting with Labour Department

Two unions on Monday united in condemning the alleged mistreatment of Guyanese working onboard ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, operating offshore Guyana. The two unions, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Mines Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) made their comments via statements they sent out, following the publication of a Kaieteur News article on Sunday last. Both GAWU and NMWUG have also agreed that an investigation must be conducted into the allegations made by local employees. Kaieteur News reported that locals are complaining of being fed leftovers and mistreated on the oil ship. These workers were reportedly recruited to work for the American oil giant, ExxonMobil by a company called Newrest Guyana and included laundry staff, cleaners, dish washers and even porters who offload containers with supplies for the vessel. According to GAWU, they were “disturbed to learn of how Guyanese nationals were being treated”. The Union also revealed that it has received similar

complaints from other employees working in other enterprises, in the o i l s e c t o r. “ T h e w o r k e r s ’ experiences which were captured by the media mirror much of what our union has heard firsthand from employees working offshore in other enterprises”, GAWU stated. “We learnt from local workers that they were being denied internet access to communicate to their families though such facilities remained available to foreigners. Additionally, we pointed out that some workers had reported to us that they could only eat after their foreign colleagues had completed their meals and received whatever was available. Guyanese workers have been telling us too, that foreigners were being allowed to eat their meals prior to emergency drills whereas locals were not afforded similar opportunities”, the union continued. GAWU want to encourage the mistreated oil workers to ‘make contact with the union because it believes that past collaborative efforts have so far yielded improvements for workers in the oil sector. Meanwhile, NMWUG is calling for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Labour and Chief Labour Officer’s Office into the allegations made by the local oil

Workers on a FPSO vessel offshore Guyana. workers. The union noted that this mistreatment of local workers does not only exist in the oil sector but in all other sectors where a foreign investor is involved. “We condemn without reservations the mistreatment and disrespect shown to Guyanese workers by their foreign employer, in this case the oil industry”, NMWUG stated. The union added that mistreatment of the oil workers reminded it of a recent incident whereby the Chinese Company, Zijin Mining Inc. was reportedly feeding local AGM workers with ‘scrap meat’. This allegation that the union

was referring to was made last year. A Kaieteur News report had detailed that Chinese employees were enjoying all the quality food in a separate mess hall from the locals. The Chinese reportedly had adequate tissues, peanut butter and sauces on each table, while the locals only had one of each item in their mess hall. The workers had complained that the menu they were served was completely different. Zijin Mining Inc. had responded that the reason for the different menu and a separate mess hall was because of the difference in culture. The company claimed that Chinese would eat different

meals from the Guyanese. As it relates to the quality food being served, the company denied that it had ever fed the locals scrap meat and assured that it does its utmost to treat both locals and expats fairly and vowed to continue doing so. Meanwhile, following the publication of this newspaper’s report, the Ministry of Labour summoned Newrest Guyana to a meeting. The company has since agreed to rectify the overtime rates paid to Guyanese working on the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform. A statement from the Labour Department said that Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Dhaneshwar Deonarine met with senior management of Newrest Guyana, the recruiting company/subcontractor for ExxonMobil which provides employees to undertake housekeeping, catering, food supply, and laundry functions. The meeting which was held in the Ministry’s boardroom was attended by Newrest’s General Manager, Antoine Morillon and its Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Director, Nicholas Ali. In response to the allegations of their workers being fed leftovers and not being able to eat among expatriates on the FPSO, the manager told the CLO that due to company protocol, the clients would usually eat first, then the service staff. In addition, Morillon said that service staff who are not on duty are allowed to eat among the clients. According to the Labour Department the CLO also questioned the company about its overtime payment to workers, where it was found that in some cases the rates applied were not in keeping with the Factories (Hours and Holidays) Act. “The senior management has since promised to have it rectified. This will include fixing the overtime rates and providing retroactive payments to properly compensate employees for previously paid overtime, all of which will be clearly outlined in employees’ contracts with the prescribed rates following the law,” according to the release. Regarding the issue of bonuses, the department reported the company as saying that bonuses are paid to certain categories of workers, whether they are expatriates or Guyanese. The company noted, according to the department, that the staff in the laundry category, however, are not paid bonuses. The statement said that the CLO has also asked the company to submit a copy of its wages and leave records for the Ministry to verify that the labour laws are being adhered to in that regard. Deonarine said that he was pleased with the company’s acceptance of its infractions as it relates to the payment of overtime and also commended its willingness to remedy them, according to the statement.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 02, 2022

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Ashni Singh presented nation with ‘voodoo economics’ By Gary Eleazar When Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, presented the Budget for this year to the National Assembly last Wednesday, it was laced with ‘voodoo economics.’ This is the conclusion of Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira. Figueira, who is also Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee made the point as he drew reference specifically to the 11.5 percent increase in food prices that was reported by Dr. Singh. Figueira, as such, questioned which foods specifically, rose by 11.5 percent, since according to him, almost all items of a food basket saw an increase of about 25 percent. As such, he posited, Dr. Singh’s figures as present, “must be some type of voodoo economics.” The coalition MP in his presentation to the Budget Debate yesterday questioned, “where is the systematic developmental plan that shows year after year projection?” He was adamant the Budget as presented by Dr. Singh “…does not clearly define a time-bound developmental plan.” As such he said, “…the coalition views this budget as anti-poor, anti-working class.” This, he said obtains “…at a time when grave hardship facing the Guyanese.” With this in mind, Figueira posited that Budget 2022, much like its predecessor was aimed at supporting the business class only and not the working and poorer class of citizens. The majority of public servants, he said, earn less than US$500 per month and in lamenting Budget 2022, questioned if “…you could not see that public servants be given a livable increase, c’mon man this is

…says MP Figueira, as he flagged steep rise in food prices

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh unacceptable.” He suggested too that for government to boast of a $ 3 , 0 0 0 f o r pensioners—which equates to $100 per day—is total wickedness. Addressing the lamentations by Dr. Singh with regards the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Figueira noted that it was suggested that the scheme was financially unhealthy as a result of someone else’s fault. To this end, he was adamant that it was the investments in the Berbice Bridge and Marriott Hotel for which only private investors benefit, is the real reason behind the state of the NIS—guaranteed returns for private investors at the expense of hardworking contributors. According to Figueira, “Budget 2022 is not propoor; we say so out of deep concern for the ordinary people who will have to withstand the effects of the government’s policy.” He was adamant, flowery and well sugar coated speeches cannot fool the people all the time. Reflecting on his position that the Budget 2022 is in fact, only aimed at supporting the Private Sector, he drew reference to

the adjustments in freight charges and other taxes last year and questioned rhetorically who really benefitted. According to Figueira, it was only the business people that benefitted from the measures since the prices for just about everything including building materials went up. This, he said, meant that the working and poorer class did not benefit. As such, he was adamant

Budget 2022 represents an unadulterated extortion of the people’s money.” Budget 2022 he said, fails to address issues that plague the citizens of Guyana and reminded of an earlier pronouncement Government Minister in 2020 that “everybody has to make money and the government will facilitate.” To this end, he questioned rhetorically who is making this money, insisting that it

was only the Private Sector that will benefit from Budget 2022. Attempting to point out a duplicitous position on the part of the administration, he observed that Budget 2022 is being funded in part by oil inflows but this is being done while the oversight board is yet to be put in place. A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e reminded that when the administration repealed the Natural Resources Act

which was passed in 2019, there was the claim that it had been passed illegally. According to Figueira, despite this adumbrated position, the revenue had from adjustments made to other laws by the same coalition administration, was welcomed by the current administration. As such, he contends the repeal of the NRF Act was clearly intended to raid the oil fund using Parliament as cover.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 02, 2022

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

Why are these devastations occurring? There have been too many fires in too close a span of time. These are not fires of dwelling places, which are bad enough by themselves, nor are they in out-of- the-way areas devouring less prominent spaces. First, there was the Laparkan Trading Bond and more recently the workshop of the Guyana National Shipping Corporation Limited (GNSC). These are not really the first, but only the latest. Before there were those Guyana Police Force (GPF) fires; one that demolished the central Brickdam Police Station, and a crucial link in the command apparatus of the GPF and the second being at Eve Leary, with most of its effects borne by the sensitive Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of Professional Responsibilities. We at this newspaper are neither persuaded nor satisfied that the Guyanese public has benefitted from the full account of these conflagrations, in all of their rawness, in all of their truths which could be alarming. We say alarming because we ask our fellow citizens to do what we did and look back. We urge them to search their memories and see if they can remember whether any of those places burnt had a fire before. We couldn’t come up with anything, which means nothing, since what didn’t happen in a hundred years could be delivered in a flash. Still, we would be less than human, and less than wise, if there are no stirrings of suspicion about these fires. So many, and so quickly, does not lend to the accidental, as in electrical or human negligence and error. There could be the malicious and mischievous at work, if not more than that, because these fires are so dangerous, devastating, and costly for the present and for the future. The bottom line is that the last two fires unfolded in high value locations, with low risk. There has been little human collateral damage, which has a significance all by itself. So far, it is only waterfront properties that are damaged in the two instances. Could there be more? If not, then what and where next? It is not a long walk from boards to bodies, and concrete to carcasses, human ones. These staggered fires could be part of a creeping escalation plan operating on stealthy feet and in darkness. If it is a strategy to neutralise certain vessels, the mystery question then is by whom. The GPF is hobbling as a result of its own fire, and we lack credible answers. We urge citizens to think. Cease being consumed with PPP/C, PNC, and AFC (coo..and bla…man). This could be nothing. Then, it could be more than we have ever experienced in this country, or ever envisioned within the limits of our selfimposed narrow-mindedness. Think long and hard and deep. This is oil, which could be related in some manner. We must admit that we know little to nothing about it, and this is regardless of what the PPP/C Government and its Vice President say. Wars have been fought over oil. People have died because of it in too many societies. Societies have been torn apart by its unyielding curses. Look at neighbouring Venezuela, and there is a preview of a possible Guyana. Why not, given our inequities? These fires flare with a glow that will not be suppressed by official denial, or leadership diversions. We cannot help thinking that the territory looks ripe for more of the same, as much as we hate having to be the communicator of such troubling thoughts. We are Guyanese foremost, and we are worried. What is going on here with these fires that do not have much of an aura of innocence about them? The most comforting foundation, most compelling truth, would be reports that furnish credible proof-based conclusions that these fires are unfortunate incidents without calculated objectives, or underhand machinations besides the loss and detritus left in their wake. To put it differently, there are no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas, no treacherous visions. They just happened and left us to pick up the pieces. Somehow, that doesn’t measure up, doesn’t leave a right feeling or a settled one. Again, what is the real meaning of these fires?

FREDDIE KISSOON IS THE MOST DISCUSSED GUYANESE JOURNALIST DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to Tacuma Ogunseye’s criticism of Freddie Kissoon in your newspaper on Jan 28, 2022 (Re: Addressing Kissoon’s attack on Walter Rodney). Mr. Ogunseye suggested Mr. Kissoon has impugned the integrity of Dr. Walter Rodney and others in the WPA. I would respectfully ask Mr. Ogunseye to educate us on two (2) areas where Dr. Rodney and the WPA has made a contribution or did something of material value that has contributed to the betterment of the Guyanese people. It is not a trick question. Many Guyanese are curious because we do not know of a single area, idea or contribution that Dr. Rodney or the WPA has achieved that has specifically led to an improvement to the Guyanese way of life. It is tragic that the people, who purport to love Dr. Rodney, are now the very ones who are glorifying and worshiping at the feet of his killers.

In his letter Mr. Ogunseye further wrote that Mr. Kissoon has, “in his fastdiminishing base of readers outside the PPP/C.” Nothing is further from the truth. Freddie Kissoon is the most read, debated and famous journalist in the Caribbean. Bar none! If you do not share this conclusion Mr. Ogunseye, I respectfully ask you.... please name the person in the Caribbean that you believe is the most read or debated journalist? In the diaspora, Mr. Kissoon is the most mentioned and discussed name in Guyanese politics. When I go to the restaurant, the bar or simply waiting to pick up my grandson from school, the conversation almost always has the ubiquitous question ‘did you see what Freddie wrote last night?” Here in New York, Kaieteur News electronic copies usually come online at 11:30 p.m. There are battalions of Guyanese who wait up every night to read Mr. Kissoon columns. Many people read them not only for

their political ramifications and nuances, but also for their literary prose and English vernacular. Personally, I read Mr. Kissoon because of his great and varied knowledge of the history and machinations of Guyanese political landscape. No one knows Guyanese political history more than Mr. Kissoon. Freddie Kissoon is the most discussed Guyanese journalist on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. He is repeatedly mentioned by opposition members of parliament (APNU) more than any other private Guyanese citizen. Even the people who dislike and disagree with Mr. Kissoon, follow his writings. It is common knowledge that Dr. David Hinds and his fellow Facebook antagonists and their guests repeatedly mentioned Mr. Kissoon in their podcasts and Facebook posts. I am not a political person and have voted only once in my life. I was forced to vote for the PNC in 1978, or risk losing my local teaching job. I have never met, seen or

spoken to Mr. Kissoon. I did some email exchanges with him several years ago, when I felt he was being too harsh, biased and unfair to the PPP. My words were nasty and my language was colourful. I am aware that many of my friends also sent abusive letters to him for what we perceived to be his hatred for the PPP. At no time did Mr. Kissoon responded in kind, with the nasty tone or tenor that we sent to him. Over the years, in totality, Freddie Kissoon has attacked the PPP more than the PNC. Not surprisingly, the PPP has reciprocated and attacked Mr. Kissoon. These PPP attacks were not only verbal but also physical, including throwing faeces in his face. Mr. Ogunseye, could you please tell us if you defended Mr. Kissoon when he was under attack and his life was in danger by the PPP? Mr. Ogunseye has selected and collected amnesia about these salient facts! Respectively submitted, Chitrakha Persaud

‘Food on the Table’ or Constitutional Reform? DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese have divergent views on constitutional reform. There are those Guyanese who advocate for additional constitutional reform beyond the 2000s amendments that were incorporated into the revised 1980 constitution; while others are baffled as to what specific articles/provisions they want to alter or add. The latter group prefers to focus instead on “food on the table” issues, including inflation and how, in combination with the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors are heightening their social and health distress. It was the five-month March 2, 2020, election fiasco when a glaring attempt to stage an electoral coup d’état— which nearly culminated in anarchy—that provided an impetus for constitutional reform. Some people believe that the post-election turmoil had its root in the constitution, while others disagree; they locate it in the inordinate obsession with power by opposition forces. While the existing constitution (with 2000s amendments) is not perfect, it has many admirable features, like separation of power, the rule of law, multiple ‘rights’ commissions, numerous individual rights, among others. However, if there is no enforcement mechanism in place, what sense does it make to alter or add more articles/ provisions to accentuate the

situation? Would ‘compliance’ drive the constitutional process? A substantial segment of the population does not necessarily have any major problem with the existing constitution but they do have deep misgivings about the lack of constitutional compliance with accompanying penalties. Having signed onto constitutional reform, the PPP/C government is forcefully confronted with the historical reality of top government officials’ and politicians’ unwillingness to adhere to constitutional provisions and the rule of law. The importance of compliance is exemplified by the PNC/R-led coalition’s rejection of the Carter-Price formula (that worked well for over 23

years) for the appointment of the GECOM Chair. Again, the PNC/R-led coalition refused to step down from office consequent to the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion against their government in December 2018, as per Article 106 (6). The UWI professors are correct when they say that many administrative matters are wrongly sent to the High Courts for adjudication. These matters are supposed to be settled at the executive level. This shift highlights a dilemma of the political actors and their reluctance to respect/observe the rule of law. The transformation of attitudes is therefore paramount to ensure compliance. One cannot make old habits the

foundation of a new social order, any more than those old ways brought the new order into existence. I believe that the PPP/C is more inclined towards “inclusivity” than to “power sharing.” It’s existing ideology, which is not doctrinaire but organic, is aligned to inclusivity as well as to the constitution. With support from the PNC/R, the PPP/C has passed several inclusive constitutional measures such as the Rights Commissions, instituted a new system of Parliamentary management with the establishment of Parliamentary Sectoral Committees allowing for opposition leadership and reduced the powers of the Presidency. Whenever the (Continued on page 5)

Disappointed NCN axed the Basil Persaud Show DEAR EDITOR, I am kindly asking for some space to air my disappointment with the management of the National Communications Network Inc (NCN) about the recent axing of the Basil Persaud Show. The show aired on 98.1 Hot FM Sundays from 6:00pm to 10pm. The network had previously chopped two hours off the vintage musical programme and it used to go until midnight. The show went off the airwaves in late December after the network apparently raised its broadcast fees and

the host of the programme could not afford to keep up with the costs. There was a pandemic rate charged prior but NCN refused to continue this and the show has since been off. Listeners for the past 22 years have cherished and loved this programme, on 98.1 FM, and I am therefore calling on the management to save this show. Yes, Mr Persaud has continued the show on his personal online streaming platform but how can NCN treat its listeners this way with total disregard for the National and Diaspora fan

base of this programme? Every business is suffering these days due to the pandemic and economic challenges that arose from the pandemic. But businesses are also trying to see the best ways to salvage what they had so that clients and customers can continue to be satisfied. I have total confidence in NCN management that they will work together once more with Mr. Persaud—a veteran and seasoned radio announcer since GBC days—to bring back the programme to 98.1 Hot FM. Leon Suseran

Wednesday February 02, 2022

BUDGET 2022 – TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING DEAR EDITOR, With great respect, whoever wrote the script on the proposed Technical and Vocational Training project, did an injustice to the very busy Minister of Finance. While one applauds the recognition of the critical need for development of ‘human capital’, albeit via the aforementioned training, it is important that those who may be affected, like prospective trainers/trainees, be alerted by appropriately accurate information.According to the Guyana Chronicle of January 28, the developmental process will involve: - Analysis of institutions offering skills training - Collaboration with the private sector to supplement its ongoing plans to streamline the national skills training programmes – to be tailored to accommodate the needs of the labour market in every sector. One pauses to reflect on the considerable breath and length of a survey of the needs of every sector (to be identified) – which must obviously reflect the construction of more than one ‘curriculum’. One suspects, however, that there are already groups capable of devising programmes relating to: - Oil and Gas - Tourism and Hospitality Meanwhile it would be

optimistic to expect that within 2022 the GuySuCo Apprentice Training Centre (not School) can be upgraded, if only in terms of physical accommodation, to host students and lecturers likely to congregate from different parts of the country. But more critical is the issue of designing and constructing appropriate classrooms, laboratories, installation of the appropriate equipment, in addition to safety gear to protect all in this pandemic environment. But in the milieu the script writer simplistically refers to training as the following: a) Welders b) Stevedores c) Heavy Vehicle Operators Apart from the above, there is just that inkling suspicion that the Board of GuySuCo may not yet have been consulted on the conceptualisation of this joint venture. With the greatest respect however, this proposed project is too critical a human resources development venture for it to be rushed. It needs to be addressed by a range of actions, including the following: - Coordination of a Management Committee that would include representatives of the following: o Oil and Gas Industry

o Hospitality and Tourism Industry o Guyana Sugar Corporation o Board of Industrial Training o Private Sector Commission - Allow access by other indicated interested parties - Formulate a comprehensive development plan to cover at least the first 10 years - Assign appropriate groupings to develop respective curricula and identify the specific lecture capabilities that would be applicable - Agree on the equipment (including IT) and related services that would be necessary for the identified number of students that can be trained over different periodicities of related programmes - The above may likely inform the design of teaching and residential accommodation; as at the same time agreement on varying entry levels for different skills - The related qualifications of lecturers have to be agreed – a process involving the design of job descriptions that will inform the selection and recruitment process, compensation and benefits structure - The foregoing must fall within a predetermined organisation structure, (Continued on page 6)

‘Food on the Table’ or Constitutional... From page 4 constitutional process is set in motion, the following items are recommended for consideration: (i) focus on compliance and penalties; (ii) clarify ambiguities (e.g., how are the procedures for changing “entrenched” provisions different from those that are not entrenched [Ref: Article 164 (1) (2)] and what does “create a republican community” mean (in Preamble); (iii) delete superfluous/conflicting language like Guyana is “in the course of transition from capitalism to socialism” (Article 1); and (iv) limit the number of Vice President to just one (ref: Article 102. Some people view “power sharing” as central to constitutional reform and contend that if implemented, it could

mitigate or eliminate ethnic tension and social upheaval. While this is an attractive theoretical construct, it is doubtful it would match reality. A major inhibiting force is the elusive ‘trust’ factor. In addition, it would undermine the very foundation of political competition for state power. Smart people will not take the easy way out. They would work hard to win state power through mobilisation, advocacy, and connecting with the people with appropriate policies and programmes. It is noted that Trinidad & Tobago has a similar history and demographic structure like Guyana, yet power sharing is not central to its political landscape? In

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Kaieteur News

Guyana, power is already shared by opposition forces at every layer of government, except at the executive (Cabinet) level. There is no barrier for opposition forces to acquire executive power (Cabinet) again if they push forth with a sharp vision, smart programmes and policies, and simultaneously reject violence, intimidatory tactics, and caustic rhetoric. In my opinion, constitutional reform is likely to be overshadowed by potent factors like “inclusivity” and “food on the table” issues, including rising prices. Dr. Tara Singh

UNDERSTANDING INFLATION DEAR EDITOR, I write in reference to Joel Bhagwandin’s missive on the proposed new $2000 bill and inflation (Feb 1) to give greater clarity to the issue. Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a fixed period. There is a base period for the measurement of the increase – usually the preceding year or month. It is measured in percentage (and given monthly or quarterly or semi-annually or annually) — so as to determine by how much, prices decreased or increased over the compared period. The way inflation is measured is, there is a basket of goods of fixed quantities, the prices of which are totaled, that a family needs for survival. In different countries, the basket is different but usually includes basic foods or staples, rent or mortgage, and utilities, transportation, energy, etc. The price of the basket of goods is compared with another period. If the price increases, it means inflation goes up, and the number is positive. If prices go down, inflation is down or a deflation, the number is negative. Rarely, is inflation negative though not impossible. Guyana never experienced negative inflation or deflation. If inflation is 6%, it means prices went up by that amount in relation to the compared period (say 2021 over 2020 if it was 6%). In the US, where more Guyanese live than in Guyana, there are three measurements of inflation — Wholesale price index (or WPI), Consumer Price Index (or CPI), and Core Inflation (inflation that excludes energy and food). The public pays attention to the CPI – the measurement of which is stan-

dard as noted above in the price of the basket of goods that compares with the previous period. Guyana also uses the CPI and inflation is given annually as opposed to monthly. As Joel penned, there are several causes of inflation – demand pull, cost push, wage spiral, among others. The most common one is when there is too much money chasing too few goods or demand pull. In other words, there is goods scarcity but people are flush with cash and so pay increasingly higher market price. Guyana has experienced a ‘strange’ kind of inflation. People claimed they lacked money, wanted the goods, didn’t purchase them, but prices went up anyway. There was/is a shortage of basic farm goods over the last nine months as a result of the flood that wiped away crops resulting in price increase. Imports of staples (like flour, dhal, potatoes, milk), cooking oil, energy, etc. became costly because, as Joel pointed out, of shipping costs due to the pandemic and rise in price of petroleum – the cost push. Inflation was rising before the wage increase of 7% and the increase in the minimum wage to $70K. The $25K pandemic stimulus and or other grants did not have much impact on inflation. The problem with measurement of inflation is the numbers tend to be fudged in third world countries as compared with developed countries. Most countries have a cost of living allowance of salary or social welfare benefits tied to inflation. The lower the official inflation, the less the government has to

dole out in increases. The pressure is on to keep inflation low to reduce costs of government or business operations. Also, the IMF and World Bank usually required low inflation tied to dole out loans. Preparers of inflation tabulation tend to be pressured to fudge the numbers. It was impossible for annual inflation to be 2% between 2015 and 2020. It is virtually impossible for inflation to be 6% for 2021 given that the UN says global inflation was 7% and the US also reported inflation at 7%. Visitors to Guyana say cost of living in USA is substantially lower than in Guyana. (President Ali wisely introduced various subventions and reduced taxes to reduce cost of living. Such measures would lower inflation). In the US, it is impossible to fudge inflation numbers. Labour and workers would be up in arms and the future of politicians would be in jeopardy. Even government officials would not want to get linked to attempts to fudge inflation numbers. At any rate, inflation measurement is de-politicised in the US. An independent body monitors and measures inflation. The Fed keeps an eye on inflation like a hawk and takes measures to control it. Inflation is a complex phenomenon and one has to apply the right dose of medicine to control it using fiscal or monetary policies. Each situation would require a different dose of each or both. An economist (usually a macro-economic specialist) would suggest the (Continued on page 6)

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

Kaieteur News

The Ministry needs honest feedback about its Atlantic Reader Series DEAR EDITOR, I looked at the contents of this Atlantic Reader on the Ministry’s online site. The images in the book are a poor example of the demographics of Guyana...they are regurgitated images of Western books. The “Guyanese” images are mostly of one ethnic background, a trend that has been common in Guyana for decades from the “Mr. Joe builds a house.” And the times when we had to learn “O Melda,” and “Everytime I pass you look at me.” Never any song with the 1st People’s language much less a “Nana Nani” song. There was one picture to depict Diwali and even that got it grossly wrong as it showed more candles than DIYAS!!! In case the people involved do not know.....candles/moombatti are detrimental to puja and offers very negative energies while the ghee wick diya is a bastion of positive energies and Shubh Labh/auspiciousness which is the essence of

Diwali. And every single item, ingredient (samagri) used in a puja has profound significance to bring the greatest spiritual benefit to all involved. “We eat the vegetable salad. We eat chicken and chips.”...Really? Is this what the majority of children eat in Guyana? No roti and curry? Or Metemjee and Cook up? What about Pepperpot? And there are photos of apples, grapes and Bartlett pear? No Sapodilla, Starapple, Pineapple or Sidyams and Owara much less Fat pork and

Kokrite? Broccoli and sweet peppers are shown in many of the food photos yet how many Guyanese households can afford either of these much less eat them? What is wrong with showing Bhaji or Katahar? Or Karaila and Ochro. What about the famous Guyanese Wiri wiri pepper even yet we see they have some Mexican hot pepper instead in a photo for our school children to study. “Jelebi” is “a cooled sweetmeat” according to the writers of this Atlantic Reader.

50K was the promise DEAR EDITOR, The letter writer in his missive on nation’s largest budget stated government promised to increase old age pension to $40k (SN Feb1). As I recall, what was promised on the campaign trail was that this pension would be increased to $50k at the end of its five-year term. I agree the largest budget in the history of budgets of the country, funded by the oil bonanza, and all pensioners are worthy of is a paltry $3k increase is not in sync with the hardships this category of the citizenry face and is unacceptable in view of the prevailing economic circumstances. Shamshun Mohamed

“vermicelli” is ‘’a sweetmeat boiled with sugar and milk.” ‘’Mauby” is ‘’a drink made from a mauby tree.” REALLY???? And ‘’Phagwah signifies good over evil” yet in the paragraph describing Phagwah, they describe it correctly as “Phagwah is the Hindu festival of colours.” That is what Phagwah is basically, the festival of Spring and the Colours that we throw on each other represent the colours of Spring and Mother Nature. It is as simple

as this. The picture of the Black lady nursing her baby is offensive. There are laws against public show of nudity and here we have a Black lady baring her breast in a children’s book. Do women go around baring their breasts while feeding their babies? In Indian Culture, we do not, apart from modesty, it can attract “bad eyes!’’ The lady selling in the Market has no teeth...what is wrong with the writers of this school

book? What really is the agenda of the creators of said schoolbook? In their haste to create their own publication for Guyanese children what we have once more foisted onto young minds is another version of racism of the past. Nothing different at all. The Ministry of Education needs to revise and rethink this entire mishmash presentation. Get feedback from others if you do not know. Sincerely, A Guyanese who cares

A one-man government, looking more like country too DEAR EDITOR, If any Guyanese needed conformation that the PPP/C Government is a one-man government, they got it recently. It came under the hand of Guyana’s President Ali. It related to the new $2000 note, and the one empowered to sign as Minister of Finance on it. Some delusional and unmoored leaders, who fall in love with themselves, have public statues put up for them, and name important places after themselves, while they are still alive. Well, Guyana Vice President went one step above all those, when he had his signature embedded in that $2000 bill; in time most Guyanese will get to touch one of those bills and be able to kneel and pay homage to this grand vizier of a leader, this national treasure, this priceless museum monument to an immortal Guyanese spirit. Editor, I will be clear, the Vice President is not just Finance Minister. He is an unparalleled Minister without Portfolio, who holds the

power of all government portfolios. He is the President, and makes the proxy one prostrate to his wishes, kowtow to his Machiavellian monstrosities. Though I understand the bait that the President fell for, I have lost sympathy for him in the pathetic figure he cuts. What I fail to understand is how the Guyanese with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President could allow himself to be humiliated publicly by being part of these bizarre concoctions. From the start, that lengthy and awkward title relayed that there was a con job at work, and the man with the title was merely a convenient surrogate. I am amazed that a man with the pedigree of a Guyana scholar could love an office so much, love being a part of such dubious and sleazy arrangements, that he would lower himself to such an embarrassing level. I expect nothing but what played out from the Vice President, but surely the one with the responsibility for this nation’s finances should have

more self-respect and dignity than to allow himself to be used in such shenanigans. Unfortunately, the other larger than life Guyanese who has lost his self-esteem to such an extent that he bows before such dirty tricks is the Hon. Attorney General. He knows what I think of him, which sometimes is not so, ah, pretty. He has had a real education, obtained real credentials, and can make it on his own (as he has done handsomely, sometimes peculiarly) in the world beyond the Vice President manipulated party and government. I don’t think that any man can love power or money or fruits so much that they lose track of who they are, and can be, and surrender to such leadership atrocities. As a man of the law, he knows of that cardinal breach, not of the letter of the CCJ’s ruling on third term, but of its spirit. Obviously, it doesn’t matter to him, which is why he is where he is, and I am how I am and where. Sincerely, GHK Lall

Budget 2022 – Technical and Vocational .. From page 5 headed by a Principal and identifiable managerial personnel. - Time will be needed for: o Articulation of a Vision o Portrayal of a specific Mission Statement o Publication of recruitment procedure, including necessary job descriptions o Formulation of other human resources management inputs, uniforms etc.; welfare

supervision o Providing for other unpredictables o Contemplating and agreeing a more identifiable name for the institution It is to be noted that the Port Mourant Apprentice Training Centre is a Section of GuySuCo’s Human Resources Division. Given the new dispensation, it will be necessary to decide where and how the critical human

resources advisory would be centred. The organisational implications should not be underestimated. Indeed, the question must be addressed as to how would GuySuCo’s range of internal programmes fit into the proposed new construct. E.B. John Organisational Development and Human Resources Management Advisor

UNDERSTANDING INFLATION From page 5 right dosage of medicine. It does not always work because economics is not an exact science like chemistry or biology or physics. Injecting too much money into the economy (like printing money) causes inflation like when Bush Jr and Obama injected $8 Trillion into the economy in 2008 and 2009 and

when Trump and Biden injected $5 trillion in 2020 and 2021. That was paper money that was simply printed and circulated to the public and businesses – there was too much money in circulation triggering inflation but it was kept under control. With regard to the injection of the $2000 note in

Guyana’s economy, that money is not given to the public for consumption. The people will exchange their own smaller denominations for the larger bill. It won’t encourage them to spend more. Thus, it is inflation neutral. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

‘Guyana on path of resource curse’ By Gary Eleazar

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

Budget 2022 is reflective of a country that is already heading down the path of the resource curse or the Dutch Disease, as is evidenced by the figures presented, confirming a heavy reliance on oil funds while at the same time the non-oil economy shrinks. This was the conclusion of Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, yesterday, as he made his contribution to the Budget Debates. Ramjattan - a veteran

...Ramjattan says Budget 2022 destroying non-oil sectors ...warns against creeping return of corruption parliamentarian—in a more toned down presentation, sought to caution against the destruction of Guyana’s nonoil economy since the hydrocarbons being discovered are a finite resource that would be exhausted in a matter of decades. Accusing the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration of wanting to ‘run roughshod’

over the opposition, Ramjattan spoke to the importance of working together, especially in light o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s n e w economic status. According to him, the figures as presented by Dr. Ashni Singh, on January 26, last, reflect just how oil will become dominant, to the marginalisation and minimalisation of the nonoil sectors.

SAME PLAYERS Calling his observations, “striking, as it is dangerous,” the AFC leader was adamant, oil is exhaustible and in a few decades time will come to an end and, “…we have to always fall back on non-oil sector.” To this end, he used his presentation to caution against the Dutch Disease, telling the House to learn from the happenings in neighbouring Venezuela. Lamenting the return of what he termed the same players in what is now a “Jagdeoite party” as against a ‘Jaganite party,’ Ramjattan pointed to the issue of corruption. “What we have here as a budget has a lot of flaws.” This, he said is understandable because of same players being involved, resulting in the same policies and “having corruption” such as opaque cash transfers. “There isn’t any transformation.,” He maintained and reminded that failure to work together in future “is a recipe for riot” that can leave the country in a ruinous state, as has happened in countries such as Libya and Yemen. The AFC Leader was adamant, “we are sprinting into a calamity if we don’t halt it; mash brakes.” Lamenting the PPP/C’s administration’s lack of planning, Ramjattan drew reference to the last year’s spending, in which government would have returned to the National Assembly with Four Financial Papers for additional withdrawals from the Contingencies Fund, which he called bad planning. This, he said, is even more worrisome in this year’s Budget since, even with projected oil revenues and in excess of US$600M in the Bank, there is no mention of a plan for a livable minimum wage. MINIMUM WAGE Ramjattan presented to the Assembly, a ‘Basket of Goods’ for a home, using conservative figures and a r r i v i n g a t $ 11 0 , 0 0 0 monthly per household. As such, he called on government to increase the minimum wage to at least $100,000. “Why not with all that money, there was at least some plan; there is need for planning,” according to Ramjattan. Wi t h r e g a r d p l a n s , Ramjattan posited that Budget 2022 illustrates a

clear deficiency in this area and, in the context of Climate Change and its impacts said, “…we have to stop all this kind of juvenile infrastructural work as against resilient works.” With this in mind, Ramjattan opined that the administration should have called in international experts to help plan, in order to avoid instances such as the 2005 and 2001 floods. He posited however, the PPP/C administration was not interested in this route, since it was only interested in enriching a clique of friends and family. Referencing the removal of tax previously paid by contractors, the AFC leader was adamant, “that is a kick back.” BEST OF TIMES/WORST OF TIMES He reminded that the construction sector was found to be wanting when it came to accountability and said this was the reason why the coalition administration had brought in Godfrey Statia, to head up the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Revenue, under that category, Ramjattan said, began mounting. Lamenting the dropped tax on SUVs and 4X4 vehicles, Ramjattan reminded that a country is generally run on taxes as a revenue stream and as such there cannot be under taxation, stressing “you can’t under-tax people like these contractors.” He posited that such a route, “will have tremendous inequality; and that is what will come back to haunt us.” Referencing one of the more famous opening lines for a book authored by Charles Dickens—it was the best of times, it was the worst of times—Ramjattan brought home the quote with a modification for Guyana, saying it is the best of economic times and the worst of ecological times. With this in mind, he lambasted the fact there is no clear provision as to what the administration’s plan is, in relation to Climate Change and its impacts, especially given Guyana’s peculiarities such as the fact that much of the country’s coast is some six feet below sea level. “We must ensure that we save our children,” Ramjattan concluded as he lamented what he called deficiencies in Budget 2022 for Climate Change in Guyana.

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What is your bottom line? T

here are persons who are more concerned about the Budget of the government than they are about their own budgeting. Many of them do not even bother to Budget. They know that their income will never match their spending and so they simply go through each month and each year as normal, and hope that some backer of good fortune will befall their way. But you can bet many of them are following the Budget debates intensely. They are listening to what both sides have to say. One side is trying to paint a bleak picture while at the same time painting the g o v e r n m e n t a s inconsiderate. The other side is essentially saying that when the Opposition was in office, it messed up and therefore has no moral authority to be critical of the government. And while this is going on the Guyanese people are playing the game of survival. They are doing so using a wide range of ingenious methods. There are a great many people in Guyana who are playing the game of luck and chance. They can be seen each week buying Lotto tickets in the hope of winning. They have a dream about their own lives and that dream depends on the Lotto. Others are gambling in the

casinos and in the many betting shops which have sprouted across the coast. The overwhelming majority are losing. But they live in hope that one day fortune will smile their way. A great many others rely on the support of friends and relatives. Some of this support is local. One of the things that Guyanese are good at is bumming. What we can begging. There are some guys who have a lot of money in their pocket but still are always asking for a raise. It is almost mechanical with them. They see you and they instinctively ask for a freck. It is quite an amazing thing to see the ease and shamelessness with which people can see you and ask you for a raise not wondering about your own circumstances. Many others depend on the kindness of their relatives overseas. If they ever went overseas and saw how hard their relatives had to work for that US$100 that is sent back to help support them, they would not ask as often f o r h e l p . But they believe that their relatives are sleeping on beds of roses, that things are comfortable and that the nicer things in life come easy, and so they too compulsively like to beg for things. It is because of this dependence on overseas relatives and friends that the

money transfer agencies are enjoying brisk business. The Finance Minister has read his Budget for the country. It is the largest Budget in the country's history and there is an additional cushion with the availability now of oil proceeds. But, too many Guyanese forget that while oil revenues are being earned it is a pittance. It is true we do have oil but what we are obtaining for the extraction of this oil will remain a controversy for years until the Guyanese people decide to unite and force their leaders to come together and demand renegotiation. The oil companies' bottom line is solid because of the good deal they got. The government has a good bottom line. It can finance its deficit through borrowing. But with oil that need is now greatly reduced. So what about the average Guyanese? What is that person's bottom line? How much is he or she in the red? And how is the deficit to b e f i n a n c e d ? These are questions which the average man does not think of in technical terms. He or she thinks in terms of living. He or she has to live. He or she has to make choices and make ends meet. Survival is the name of the game. The masses hope that the government will not mess up the economy and make life

Ole people boys seh... nah easy! Dem

With email and W H AT S A P P a n d Messenger and Instagram dem boys surprise dat dem still gat Post Office. Lang ago dem boys use to get plenty Christmas Cards. But dis year dem boys nah get none. But all Christmas D a y, p e o p l e s e n d i n g electronic messages to dem boys phone. It mek yuh wonder bout de future of post offices, postal workers and all dem stamps wah done print already. Dat is why dem

boys surprise when dem read dat an intruder get caught in one ah dem post office. Dem boys remember de days when yuh used to have to go to de post office fuh buy yuh stamp and nuff ole people does use de opportunity fuh write dem letter at de post office. It bring back memory of de time wan old man approach de post office teller. De old man say, "Sir, ah sorry to bother yuh but could you address this post

card for me? Meh arthritis acting up today and I can't even hold a pen." "Certainly sir," said de teller, "I'd be glad to." He write out de address and also agree to write a short message and sign de card for de old man. Finally, de teller ask, "Now, is there anything else I can do for you?" De old man thought about it fuh a moment and say, "Yes, at the end could you just add, 'P.S.: Please excuse the sloppy hand-writing.'" Talk half. Leff half.

difficult for them. But like the government, they cannot be certain as to how things w i l l u n f o l d . People have to look after their own well-being. They have to take care of themselves. They have to live within their means. You

can have a great deal and still be unhappy. In fact, the happiest persons around are those who have little. They live within their means. They live within their Budgets. How are you living? (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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Wednesday February 02, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Trench crapo eats black pudding; run him off the road Please see my column of Friday, June 26, 2020, titled – “Never in Guyana's history has a diplomat been so personally insulted by a politician.” Here is an extract: “What Sherod Duncan did a few days ago, ought to result in immediate cancellation of his visa and those of the leadership of the AFC by every friendly country including our own CARICOM region. Mr. Duncan appearing on a public forum with Christopher Jones said something personally repugnant about the British High Commissioner that should never be uttered by a politician of the ruling party. A ruling politician just does

not say those things about a diplomat that belongs to a country that is an extremely close ally. You cannot treat a diplomat like that who is a host in your country. Mr. Duncan is an executive member of the AFC and the ministerial spokesperson for Khemraj Ramjattan at Public Security.” I did not see any outpouring of condemnation from the usual suspects. I didn't see any letter from these so-called civil society groups. Visa matters are never discussed by embassies so we don't know if Duncan will be denied a visa to travel to London or if he had one and it was cancelled after his odious remarks. Please see my column of Tuesday, May 1, 2018 headlined, “The President's semantics and section 18.” Sec 18 refers to the Cyber Crime Act of 2018 by the APNU government. Here is what section 18 says: “A person commits an offence of sedition if the person,

whether in or out of Guyana, intentionally publishes, transmit or circulates by use of a computer system, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government.” This is a draconian legislation brought into life by a government I campaigned for and no doubt that campaign along with my columns helped it to secure votes that brought victory. I will continue to apologise to the people of Guyana for this terrible lapse of mine but how can one ever predict the future. So, Mr. Duncan is being given solidarity by the usual suspects, civil society and the PNC and their surrogates on the arrest by the police for his trench crapo remark. But he was charged under an Act that was designed by the APNU+AFC to oppress

people. He is being given solidarity when he should be ostracised for his attack in June 2020 on the then British High Commissioner. Here is what Dr. Alissa Trotz wrote in the Stabroek News of January 27, 2020 about Clement Rohee: “We have Rohee entertaining PPP supporters with supposedly humorous remarks that are sexually degrading in order to score a few cheap points.” Note – Rohee subsequently apologised. Duncan used explicit sexual remarks in June 2020 but neither did Trotz condemn Duncan or Duncan apologised. Trotz, who was quick to jump on Rohee, shares political collegiality with David Hinds through her membership in the WPA Overseas Associates and today remains silent on the black pudding remark of David Hinds. Hinds scolded African villagers for leaving their villagers to go to Mon Repos to buy black pudding from an Indian woman. This was a pellucid

s t a t e m e n t pregnant with racial advocacy. Why buy from the Indian woman? The Frederick Kissoon usual suspects chose not to chastise Hinds. I spee was once a student in ch. Poor Clement Rohee, he Toronto, the city Trotz lives didn't have the right to free in. My wife and I bought black pudding from a white speech. But Burke, Duncan Eastern European restaurant. and Hinds do. Poor Charles Ramson! I didn't care about the race of He too didn't have the right to the shop owner. I wonder free speech. The reality is from whom Trotz buy her what Rohee uttered was black pudding. The trench crapo insult, unacceptable. What Ramson the black pudding racial stated was definitely a o v e r t o n e s b r o u g h t n o mistake that had to be condemnation from the usual corrected. What Duncan said suspects. Then another about the British High trench remark was made. Commissioner should have Rickford Burke said openly b r o u g h t a b o u t h i s that unless somebody is run banishment. What Hinds off the road into the trench the mouthed off about the black PPP will not stop doing what pudding lady was racially it is doing.This is an open call offensive. Burke's remark to violence. David Hinds was illegal. Over to the usual then interviewed Khemraj suspects. (The views expressed in Ramjattan and asked him for this article are those of the his position on Burke's a u t hor and do not frightening emanation. necessarily reflect the Ramjattan responded that it opinions of this newspaper.) was Burke's right to free

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

Guyana eyes production of bio-fortified rice In defending the budgetary allocations for his ministry, the minister of Agriculture, Zulkifar Mustapha yesterday told the National Assembly that this sector is expected to take major leaps, with the introduction of new technology, particularly in the rice industry. In fact, he boasted that the country is in the process of testing its ‘bio-fortified’ rice, a modified version, which was developed to include additional nutrients or supplements. According to the Minister, this variety will not only be healthier, but also attract a “lucrative price” as Guyana would be the only Caricom country producing s u c h q u a l i t y. “ T h e supplement that doctors

Mustapha s a i d , “Imagine that 135 acres of rice that would have taken three days with three persons was sprayed in half a day by the drone. This year, we will be purchasing a drone for the Rice Research station so that we can have that technology here too. So we are modernizing the rice sector”. Reopening of sugar estates When it comes to the sugar sector, the subject Minister told Parliament that government is seeking to reopen the estates in a phased manner. He was at the time responding to constant heckling from Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan, who challenged him to say

- Agri. Minister

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha makes a point during Tuesday’s Budget Debates. order patients to buy, the zinc supplement, we are now growing it in that rice. That rice will attract lucrative price and preferential

price… we are in the third trial now and very shortly that will come out,” he informed. Mustapha noted that if

the trial proves successful, rice planters across Guyana will commence production of the new variety. Only last year, he pointed out, a new variety was launched called the GRDB 16, which has moved the national average from 39 bags per acre to between 55 to 60 bags per acre. On the other hand, he explained that last November, a farmer in Golden Fleece, Region Three would have commenced spraying his crop, using drone technology, an initiative that government is seeking to also test. In this regard,

what the government has done to reverse the closure of the sugar estates, amid the Minister praising government’s approach to the “dwindling” sector. Mustapha said that with the $6 billion allocation given to the sector this year in Budget 2022, investments will be made in job creation. Although he did not state the party’s plan to create the jobs, the Agriculture Minister shared, “Tens of thousands of jobs we will be created, and we will help tens of thousands of families. We (are) putting in the village economies more cash and thousands of people are benefitting, not only the sugar workers, but people who live in the community and who depend on the sugar industry indirectly”.

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Hastings-Williams calls for changes to budget If the needs of the people are not taken into account and set as priorities over the course of this year’s scrutiny of the 2022 estimates, then the process would have been a waste of time, and will not find the support of the political opposition, according to Coalition Member of Parliament (MP), Dawn Hastings-Williams. She was at the time adding her voice to this year’s budget debates and lamented that the $553B Budget “is not people-oriented, not people-centered.” To this end, she was adamant, “unless we listen to the population” and include their priorities, their needs and interests into the document, then “I as a representative of them will not approve it in its present form.” In her presentation, the opposition Member of Parliament (MP) in defending her position to the Assembly reminded that there had been a high level of expectation

- urges increase in tax threshold, bigger raise for pensioners

Coalition Member of Parliament (MP), Dawn Hastings-Williams among the Guyanese population with regard, “what is in it for me.” The former government minister prefaced her position by reminding that Guyanese on January 26 were all in anticipation but having been presented, “citizens still asking what is in it for me.” She cited as example, public

servants that were looking out for an increase and pensioners that were glued to their televisions to hear if there was anything in Budget 2022 for them such as a cost of living allowance. This, since the Budget was not only touted as the biggest ever, “but the best because of the inclusion of our oil.” According to HastingsWilliams, citizens’ hopes were dashed having heard the more than five hours long presentation of platitudes with little to no real relief. To this end, she like many of her colleagues that would have made presentations before called for additional measures to be put in place. According to HastingsWilliams, “the Guyanese populace expect the government of the day, sitting at the centre of

unprecedented change and challenges to provide a guiding hand and steer a course that brings prosperity in the midst of uncertainty.” With this in mind, she recommended that the income tax threshold be increased to at least $120,000 as against the proposed increase to $75,000. According to Hastings-Williams, “action speaks louder than work.” With regard the relief measures that had been announced for the Business Community such as the removal of certain import and other taxes for certain classes of vehicles, this she said should also be extended to categories of workers such as teachers in the hinterland. The MP’s presentation, which focused primarily on hinterland development, questioned

rhetorically, “…are we better off in the last 18 months than we were five years ago?” In response, she said, “...the answer, at least from indigenous population will be a resounding no.” Government MP, Alister Charlie, in response vehemently insisted that Budget 2022 in fact paves the way for continued development and transformation of our country this year and that the coalition did absolutely nothing in the five years they had control of the government. According to the Government MP, the coalition government was in fact like a “demolition gang” that did not realize a single promise they made. His position, is that Guyana had, under the coalition “become a retrogressive country on fast track Continued on page 18

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20 Venezuelan women accused cops of abuse Another woman showing a bruise she received to her knee.

One of the women showing her black and blue marks. By Shervin Belgrave

One of the doors that was damaged by the officers.

At least 20 Venezuelan women are accusing members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) of assaulting and robbing them of thousands of US and Guyana dollars during a raid on Saturday last at the Diamond Hotel and bar located on George Street Werk-enRust, Georgetown. According to one of the women, Maria Guitierrez, this is the second time that officers have allegedly done this to them. She said that on Saturday around 23:30Hrs, four patrol vehicles stopped in front of the building and broke into the premises. “They broke the gate and entered”, she told Kaieteur News. Police have since confirmed that indeed a raid was conducted at the hotel based on allegations that trafficking in person was taking place there. However, as it relates to the allegations of theft and assault by the ranks, Crime Chief

- say they were robbed during raid Wendell Blanhum has advised the 20 women to make a report to the force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The Venezuelan continued that, four female officers entered along with several male officers and stormed onto the second and third floors of the building. Without saying a word, Guitierrez explained, they started ripping out the surveillance cameras, in the vicinity of the rooms and began kicking open their doors. When Kaieteur News visited the hotel, indeed the doors were destroyed. Beds were broken, CCTV camera cables were cut and ripped from the walls. “They began to drag us out of the rooms and if we tried to resist or asked questions we were threatened with a baton”, said Guiterrez. Some, who reportedly tried to defend themselves from being assaulted were beaten by the female officers. At least two of the women showed this reporter the scars and black and blue marks they suffered from the alleged assault they received at the hands of the police ranks. One of the women said that she was choked by a female officer with a baton. Guitierrez added that the officers then proceeded to round them up but before doing so their cellular phones were reportedly taken away. Their rooms were then ransacked, beds broken and when the women asked the ranks what they were looking for they refused to give them an answer. One of the women recalled that officers used a pair of scissors to cut open her puzzling tin with some savings she had inside. “They took all the money from inside the puzzling tin they even searched everything fine, fine , our purses,

A ransacked room on the night of the raid.

suitcases and other stuff. We even saw them taking cash and some of our belongings but at the time we could not verify what they were taking out of our rooms because it was a total confusion”, recounted that woman. After destroying and ransacking their rooms the women were then taken down stairs and forcefully boarded into the four waiting patrol vehicles. Guitierrez said that the officers took them to the police station where they were kept for hours. Kaieteur News was able to confirm with police that the foreigners were taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters. Guitierrez

said that while there the officers told them that they had received reports that they were victims of trafficking. “We tell them that it is not so and that we were staying at the hotel out of our own free will”, Guitierrez related. She added that others said that they were in Guyana illegally. “We showed them that we have our legal documents to stay in the country for three months”. After keeping them there for at least four hours, the officers gave them back their phones and released them. Guitierrez however noted that before their release, the officers forced them to sign a document that they were treated Continued on page 24

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Indian firm wins contract to build Ogle-Eccles Road with bid higher than engineer’s estimate An Indian firm which had formerly submitted the highest bid to construct the Ogle to Eccles by-pass Road has secured the contract. And although the contractors had agreed to reduce the bid, the final price tag is still higher than the engineer’s estimate Kaieteur News understands that the company, Ashoka Buildcon Limited had initially submitted a bid to the tune of US$ 111,976,190. It must be noted that Guyana’s local estimate for the project was US$48,676,922. After the bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in December last year, an agreement was made between the Government of Guyana and the Indian firm. This process ended in the Indian company offering a five percent discount on its bid, which then reduced their offer to US$ 106,383,954. On December 10, last, three prequalified Indian firms, AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, Ashoka Buildcon Limited, and Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Private Limited (DRAIPL) had submitted financial proposals

for the project to the NPTAB office. During the opening of tenders on that day, AFCONS Infrastructure Limited bid US$108,055,358, DRAIPL bid US$106,775,275, while, Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. had offered a 5% discount on its US$ 111,976,190 bid. Ashoka Buildcon Limited, according to its website, is one of the leading highway developers in India. Besides construction of highways and bridges the company is also engaged in construction of buildings, railways and city gas distribution, among others. The company is one of the first Indian infrastructure companies to be certified for Integrated Management Systems, encompassing ISO certification for Quality, Occupational Health & Safety and Environment. The bidding process for the selection of the civil works contractor for this project had initially commenced on June 3, 2021 and was extended by three weeks and closed on August 24, 2021. However, no bids were received for the Continued on page 22

Hastings-Williams calls for... From page 14 to (Forbes) Burnham era.” Charlie was in loud praise of the allocations for hinterland and Amerindian a support base that he said, faced retribution between 2015 and 2020, since it did not support the coalition. According to the Government MP Budget 2022 is progressive, people-oriented and people centered, full of promise, backed by the resilience of oil and gas sector. To this end, he was adamant that government will be approving Budget 2022 despite the condemnations of the opposition.

Wednesday February 02, 2022

Murder of Robb Street granny…

Appellate Court reduces trio sentence by 31 years G u y a n a ’s C o u r t o f Appeal (COA) yesterday upheld the conviction for the trio who brutally murdered 72-year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris at her Robb Street home back in 2011, but reduced their initial 81-years sentence to 50 years. Back in 2015, Justice Navindra Singh sentenced Orwin Hinds, called “Red Man,, of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevin October, called “Troy,” of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds and Roy Jacobs, called “Chippie” or “Black Boy” of Evans Street, Charlestown, each to serve 81 years in prison for the vicious attack on the elderly woman. The Judge had ruled that the men must serve at least 45 years in jail before they would be eligible for parole. The lawyers for the four accused appealed the matter following the ruling, but October died last year in prison – while awaiting his appeal. Kaieteur News had reported that Fiedtkou-Parris of Lot 42 Robb Street, Georgetown, was executed in her home on June 30, 2011, as part of a conspiracy for money, and related property dispute. The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn

Dead, Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris Gregory and Rishi Persaud. The State was represented by Prosecutor Teshana JamesLake. In handing down her ruling, the Chancellor stated that the sentence was excessive but noted, however, that the trio was hired to carry out a gruesome act; that resulted in the elderly woman being killed. The sentence was reduced from 81 to 50 years. According to the facts of the case, on the day of the fatal shooting, two men entered the woman’s yard and requested an audience with her. Upon hearing the persons’ request, she moved to the door. A gunman opened fire on her, hitting her several times about the body. After the shooting, the assailants made their escape in a waiting car.

Juveniles among four remanded for stabbing girl, 16

Evelyn Alfonso and Roxanna Alfonso Two juveniles are among four Venezuelan sisters who were on Tuesday 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 Continued on page 22

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Bob Marley’s 77th B/Day concert at Pegasus pool side Feb 5 - Organising member King Mandela talks about life growing up By Sean Devers

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aribbean Feedback Productions has collaborated with Reggae Kingdom and Guyanoil Inc. (Canada) to put on what is promised to be a pulsating Reggae Concert at Pegasus Pool side on Saturday February 5 from 19:00 hrs. to celebrate the 77th Birthday of the late great Robert Nester Marley. The Concert will feature top local and International artistes including the Heat Wave Band, Canadian based Guyanese King Mandela, Sacred Warrior and Mario Kein while special guests will be MC Malcom ’Wickedee’ Ferreira, Ras Camo and Carl ‘Zion’ Younge. Early Bird tickets cost $2,000while at the door you pay $500 more. This Concert is part of the month-long celebrations for Black History Month. The local hosting of the concert started seven years ago and is organised by King Mandela (Matussala Mandela Mannings) and Ras Leon Saul. “It’s been very hard in general to get sponsorship. However, for this Bob Marley celebration concert, things appear to be looking up but I would like to see more recognition, funding and development for Artists in Guyana. I have not met with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport since I got here but I contacted him via email,”

Mandela said. He said that he became interested in Black History activities because it is a representation of his culture and it also signifies the growth of Guyan a’s journey from Slavery. “Come to Pegasus it would be a night to remember, a night of celebration, a night of professional reggae music from Guyana. Backed by Guyana number one band, the Heat Wave, Pegasus will be a heated area come Saturday night, so heated is good thing we will be close to the pool,” said Mandela. Born on August 31, 1984, little Mandel grew up on Durban Street. He said life was good as a youngster. “I attended Freeburg Primary and from then it was private schools and tutors. Then I just wanted to play football, I attended St George’s High

School and Sophia School again just so I could play a Coca-Cola tournament,” King Mandela who now reside in Toronto, Canada reminisced. His life has always been one of musical influences from persons like his father Ras Sangie, who is also a reggae artist and a big influence on his musical career. “He was the first person to put a mic in my hands and say sing say something nah. And on to this day I enjoy singing some of his songs… so yeah, big influence… Popa Sangi,” Mandela said with a chuckle. He came to prominence in 1993 at nine-year-old when he was called on stage by England’s Reggie icon Maxi Priest to perform and it was a life changing moment for the talented pre-teen. “Life changed but not in a big way. But I got to fly out to Barbados for the first time

The Legendary Bob Marley

for Sun Splash with Steel Pulse in 1993.” Asked about his favourite moments on stage, Mandela related: “I have a few; the Maxie Priest show would be number one. One moment I was a fan then the other I was rocking a large audience. Then the second would be at 1993 Sun Splash with Steel Pulse, this time I was on a world stage.” He said the feeling at Sun Splash was surreal. It was a legendary feeling after my performance at the Maxie Priest show. My flight was booked immediately,” informed Mandela, whose only daughter is named Mandecia. “I just knew that I know how to sing on a riddim from a tender age. Everything else just happened like a dream,” continued the Guyanese entertainer who says he is single but can’t wait to get married. The young Mandela says he got help from his Mom, who is one of his biggest fans and Mr Davie Simmons, his first Manager and ‘King of the Dancehall’ Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton. In 1997 Simmons became Mandela’s Manager and the youth played a starring role in Buju Banton’s ‘I wanna be loved’ music video. “Buju simply asked my manager for little Mandela to star in his music video, and just like that Mandela face was all over the globe. I think that video did a whole lot for

The talented King Mandela me up on to this day,” disclosed Mandela as he explained how he got into that Video. After three years in the United States, performing at many charities, benefits and mini shows he returned to Guyana in 2000. “I left Guyana in 2006 to live in Canada, when my dad sent for me. It was a worthwhile trip because daddy had left several years’ prior to then,” informed Mandela who listens to all music but most enjoys the reggae genre. “My favourite Reggae artists would be Mr. Marley, Dennis Brown and Steel Pulse, just to name a few. Fast forward to now, it’s Sizzla and

Capleton. But my all-time favourite is definitely Buju Banton. All of them are positive artist that sing real music. It’s like going to school and listening to my favourite artist,” said the 37-year-old. When asked if he thought that Guyanese Reggae singers could make it big here without having to go overseas, Mandela said, “In some way yes, but it starts by getting royalties first and that will help in some way of them not having to leave Guyana,” said Mandela, who added that he is playing a role in helping young kids who show an interest in singing Reggae songs.

CDB sees Guyana as major driver of Region’s economic growth The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has recognised Guyana as a major force propelling the Region’s economic growth in 2021. During the Bank’s Annual Press Conference hosted yesterday, it was revealed that Guyana was a major contributor of commodity exports in the Caribbean region for the year 2021. This was highlighted by the CDB’s Director of Economics, Ian Durant who during his presentation said, “Among commodity exporting countries, the average growth rate of 2.7 percent was driven by Guyana, which recorded 19.9 percent”. In 2021, CDBs borrowing member countries are estimated to have grown by 3 percent with commodity exporting economies expanding by 2.7 percent and service exporting economies expanding by 3.2 percent. “This performance reflected increased production in the expanding crude oil industry with the non-oil segment of the economy, growing by 4.6 percent,” the Economist added. When it comes to the out-

look for this year, he also highlighted Guyana to be a driving force for further economic development in the Region. According to him, “Prospects for Regional growth in 2022 are favourable, with growth projected to increase to approximately 9.1 percent. The projected outturn is dominated by Guyana, which is expected to grow by 47.5 percent as output in the oil and gas sector continues to build momentum”. Unfortunately, this growth did not extend to Guyana’s neighbour Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago, which both recorded declines in their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021. The Economist said, “In Suriname fiscal consolidation and exchange rate depreciation reduced domestic purchasing power and together with protracted lockdowns and curfews, caused the contraction in GDP”. Similarly, GDP in Trinidad and Tobago fell because of lowered natural gas production and its transmission to downstream industries as well as the impact of mandated

CDB’s Director of Economics, Ian Durant points to a graph during his presentation, highlighting the outlook of performance this year, in which Guyana blazes the trail. closures of service sector entities. Durant told the conference that although 2021 proved to be a challenging year for the Region, in light of the global pandemic, a noticeable recovery began in the latter part of 2020, which flowed over into 2021. He observed that the combination of easing border controls

and internal lockdown measures, as well as the continued implementation of fiscal stimulus programmes in some BMCs, helped regional economies in recovering some of the lost ground in economic activity. This was particularly the case in tourism. Driven by increased vaccine rates, some countries recorded an in-

crease in travel, while others remained low due to natural disasters, including the recent volcanic eruption in Saint Vincent. On the note of recovery, Durant explained that among the other commodity exporters a resurgence in energy production is anticipated to alleviate supplies side constraints, and lead to an in-

crease in GDP in Trinidad and Tobago, while the gradual easing of restrictions to movement and increased capital expenditure are forecasted to cause a turnaround in economic performance in Suriname. The other panelists included the CDB Director of Projects, Daniel Best and the Bank’s President, Dr. Gene Leon.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 02, 2022

Man faces jail sentence for robbery

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30-year-old man, Christopher Gonsalves was remanded to prison on Tuesday on a charge of robbery. Gonsalves appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Issacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded to prison until February 28, 2022, pending a probation report for sentencing. The court heard that on January 21, 2022 at Camp Street, Werk-en-Rust, Gonsalves broke into a home and robbed the two victims, Otas Iobahan and Shanet

Daly of the following items: one purse, one Nigerian Passport, one laptop, one cellphone, more than $200,000 in cash and some personal items. Iobahan claims that around 12:30hrs he secured his apartment and went to bed. However, about 03:30hrs his girlfriend woke him and told him the apartment was broken into. Upon making checks the couple discovered that the items listed above were missing. They then made a report to the police, who launched

Wanted skilled carpenters, mason & labourers to work in G/Town & Linden. Con- From page 18 tact:615-7526/602-9469/660- project at that time. According to the Minis6385. try of Public Works, the GovOne female able bodied ernment of Guyana and the worker.Tel:225-2313,226- India EXIM Bank then nego1497. tiated and came to an agreeOne general domestic Covid- ment that the Ministry of 19 vaccinated for Tuesday & Transport in India would unSaturday between Cove & dertake the prequalification John Unity E.C.D.Tel:259- of Indian contractors with the intent to draw a broader pool, 0953/623-3231. and the Government Car Wash Staff.Tel:649-7371. launched the financial bids concurrently. 1 day per week-Handyman, 1 The construction of the part-time domestic. Experi- 26km four-lane road will inenced required from Grove/ clude drains, sidewalks and Diamond.Tel:637-5723. corridor, linking two main Dishwasher,Puri/Roti cooks. prominent areas in the counApply at Shanta’s,225 Camp try. Besides linking commu& New Market St G/Town.

nities on the East Coast and the East Bank of Demerara, it will also play a key role in terms of diverting traffic. At an event earlier this year, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill stated that the contract for this project is expected to be signed during the first quarter of 2022 and that works will begin to advance. During the reading of the 2022 National Budget last Wednesday, Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh announced that the government has allocated a sum of $2.3 billion for the East Bank to East Coast Demerara road linkage between Ogle and Eccles.

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Indian firm wins contract to build...

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an investigation. Acting on information received Gonsalves was contacted and told of the allegation which he confessed to and informed that the articles were returned to the victims. The accused however, claimed that the door was open and he was under the influence of alcohol and was unaware of his actions. In response Iobahan stated that the door could not have been open and insisted that Gonsalves opened the back door and entered. He further claimed that the bag was returned. However he needs his passport to travel.

Remanded, Christopher Gonsalves

Juveniles among four remanded for... From page 19 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 are expected to make their next court appearance on February 11, 2022. The court heard that on the day in question, about 9:00 hours, the victim was at Cummings Street in the company of her aunty, when she was confronted by the four

sisters 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 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.

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Lone company bids $48M to install new water system at Itabac

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uring the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office on Tuesday, it was revealed that R. Kissoon Contracting Services was the only company to place a bid for the installation of a new water supply system at Itabac, a village located in Region Eight. Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) Installation of new water supply system, Itabac, Region Eight.

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Provision of service for the maintenance of air condition units for the Guyana Elections Commission.

Provision of Services: Lot 1 Sanitary Disposal, Lot 2: Termite Treatment Pest Control Services for the Guyana Elections Commission

Ministry of Health Supply and delivery of stationery for programs 1 to 8.

The company submitted a financial proposal of $47,860,000 to install the new water supply system. This figure is actually $9,234,000 above the engineer's estimate for the project, which was originally $38,617,000. During last week's 2022 budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Supply and delivery of janitorial supplies for programs 1 to 8.

Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced that $4.9 billion has been budgeted for the improvement of the country's water sector, of which $394.5 million was budgeted under the Hinterland Water Supply Programme (HWSP). Below are the companies and their bids: Supply and delivery of dietary supplies for programs 1 to 8.

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

Kaieteur News

Suspect in East Bank Berbice shooting/robbery remanded to prison Just about a week after Edward Ramroop, 54, a boat captain and shop owner was shot during the course of a robbery at his home and business place in Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, police have managed to charge one suspect after he confessed to committing the crime with an accomplice. Simon Davis, 23, a Labourer of Heathburn Village, East Bank Berbice was charged with two counts of robbery under arms. He was arraigned before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday . The details of the charges read that the accused, being in the company of another on

the 25th January 2022, at Glasgow Housing Scheme, EBB and being armed with a dangerous weapon, to wit, a gun and a knife, robbed Edward Ramroop of $53,000 and Bibi Zulika Ramroop of a cellphone, $14,000 in cash and $6000 worth in phone cards. He has been remanded to prison until February 18th, 2022. Meanwhile, in an update on his recovery, Ramroop indicated that he is doing okay and that doctors placed steel into the arm that was shot. He added that he is currently recovering from the ordeal at home but is hopeful that the second suspect will be arrested and charged as well. His wife, Bibi Zulika Ramroop, 57,

noted too that she is happy her husband is out of the hospital. Two men masked and armed with a gun and knife, barged unto the premises and in the home of Edward and Bibi Ramroop on Monday 25th January, 2022 at approximately 20:30 hrs, shortly after they had closed their grocery shop downstairs. According to Bibi Ramroop, she was downstairs with her 6-year-old granddaughter while her husband was sitting on the verandah (also downstairs) when the two men entered. She added that the perpetrator armed with a gun shot her husband while the other armed with a knife confronted

Victim, Edward Ramroop

Accused Simon Davis

Robbery victim, Bibi Ramroop

her in the house. The suspect demanded that she hand over all her cash and without hesitation she pulled a drawer near her and handed him whatever cash was in it while telling him that it was all that they had. Both men then made good their escape and the injured Ramroop was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Police probe death of Mazaruni infant Police in Regional Division #7 are reporting that a two-month-old boy has died in what is currently being treated as unnatural circumstances. Police in a release said that according to the report, Telson Williams died on 2022-01-31 about 17:00 hours in the vicinity of Boa Falls, Middle Mazaruni River while in the care of his mother who hails from Diamond, EBD but operates a land dredge at

Semang Backdam.The 23year-old woman told police that she left Tamakay Landing with the child in good health on 2022-01-04, however on 2022-01-29 she went to Semang to tend to her dredge and the next day while bathing the child, she observed a whitish substance oozing from his ear. Vickasey Gilmore (mother of the child) said the following day she took the child to

Issano Health Post but upon arrival it was closed. Contact was made with the Chief Health Worker, Ridley Joseph, who advised that the child be taken to Bartica Hospital the following day. His mother however went away to Semang Landing and while on the way she said the child became motionless. The body is presently lying at

Issano Health Post awaiting transportation to Bartica to conduct a P.M.E.

THREE MORE COVID-19 DEATHS; 220 NEW CASES An unvaccinated 30-year-old woman from Region Four is the youngest among the country’s three latest COVID-19 fatalities on Tuesday. This is according to the Ministry of Health which reported that an unvaccinated 83-yearold woman from Region Seven and a 76-yearold man from Region 10 whose vaccinated status was unknown have also died from the virus.As a result of this, the country’s COVID-

19 death toll has moved to 1,171. The Ministry via its latest COVID-19 dashboard recorded 220 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 60,109. The dashboard data shows that 13 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 184 persons in institutional isolation, 9,447 in home isolation and 16 in institutional isolation. To date, a total of 49,294 persons have recovered from the virus.

20 Venezuelan women accused cops of ... From page 15 well, and given food and water while in custody. According to Guiterrez this was not true. “We were only given water, assaulted and robbed”, iterated Guitierrez. One of the women, Wendy said, “We were thrown out into the dark streets close 05:00Hrs without no money and no transportation to go home. Luckily we had our phones and some of us had credit”. Stranded on Camp Street in front of CID headquarters, the women began making

calls to friends and trusted taxi drivers begging for a drop back to the hotels. “Upon their arrival there, we began cry”, Guitierrez said. She continued, “All of our savings were gone. Some of the women were planning to travel to Venezuela next week but now that is impossible”. Wendy said she lost US$500 that she had been saving and some Guyana currency also. Another claimed that she lost US$1000 and Guyana Currency. All 20 women claimed that cash was stolen

from them. Guitierrez said too that apart from the stolen cash, their electrical hair straightening iron along with pieces of brand new clothes they had bought for their children were also stolen. The women related that they are willing to comply with the law enforcement officers and facilitate searches but it is unfair for them to be robbed of the money they had worked hard for. It is also unfair, they said, to be mistreated and beaten by the police.

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

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PNC/R slams NCN’s “one-sided” coverage of budget debates The Peoples National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has flayed the National Communications Network (NCN) for what it termed its onesided coverage of the current budget debates, where opposition MPs’ contributions are not covered by the state broadcaster. In a statement on Tuesday, the PNC/R said numerous fair-minded citizens have alerted the party that the NCN coverage of Monday’s Budget Debate in the National Assembly exclusively focused on the government MPs and

- complains of airtime-blackout of Opposition MPs did not broadcast any of the speeches of opposition MPs. “The PNC/R need not re-litigate the well-established position that the State media is not the exclusive mouthpiece of the ruling party. The State media is obligated to also cover the views and activities of the parliamentary opposition in a fair and objective manner. The complaints from citizens yesterday

about NCN’s one-sided coverage testify to the fact that ordinary Guyanese expect the management of our State media to rebuff attempts at government control and to perform its duties in a professional manner,” the PNC/R stated. As such, the PNC/R calls on NCN to provide coverage of the speeches of MPs on both sides to reflect the seat allocation in the

National Assembly—starting from today, February 2nd. Ensure such coverage is fair in terms of program schedule, duration, rebroadcasts and relays and inform the nation through a media release that it intends to or has already taken the above actions. The party said these legitimate demands remain valid regardless of whether NCN is providing full live

coverage or selective delayed coverage. The complaint about the state media’s coverage of the opposition has been an age-old problem irrespective of which party is in government.

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

Daniil Medvedev was ‘amazed’ by Rafael... From page 31 crowd at Rod Laver Arena. “You’re an amazing champion ... It was unbelieveable.” Nadal professed his admiration for Medvedev’s game, too.

“I don’t have any doubts that you’ll have this trophy a couple of time in your career because you are amazing,” Rafa told the 25-year-old. “It has been one of the most emotional matches of my ten-

nis career, and to share the court with you is just an honor.” “All the best in the future,” he added. With the next Grand Slam — the French Open — scheduled for late spring, the two finalists may cross paths again in just a matter of months. Medvedev earned his best-ever result at Roland Garros last year, having advanced to the quarterfinals where he lost to eventual finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Nadal, meanwhile, is at his absolute best on clay. He’s won a record 13 French Open titles — more than any man or woman has collected at any of tennis’ four major tournaments — and he’ll surely look to extend his dominance at Roland Garros even further come May.

Wednesday February 2, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your current love interest could be experiencing some family problems, Aries. Therefore, don't expect too much scintillating conversation this evening. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Is someone you know having a birthday, Taurus? If so, beware of all the great food that will undoubtedly be brought to the party! GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Are you into abstract art forms, Gemini? Today you could find yourself irresistibly drawn to them, whether blank verse, abstract painting, or New Age music. CANCER(June21–July22) Have you been toying with the idea of redecorating your house, Cancer? If so, you might actually come up with a few solid ideas, although you'll have a difficult time deciding among them. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Emotions run high today as a love partner calls on you to discuss some troubles, Leo. These don't directly concern you, but you’d still like to see them straightened out, as you tend to feel helpless when someone you care for is upset. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A close friend or your love partner may present you with a gift, Virgo. You'll be touched but you'll also feel uncomfortable. Maybe the present is costly or not something you really like. You might also feel that your friend is too eager.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Love matters may seem to be far worse than they really are, Libra. Emotion runs high as your current love interest seems preoccupied and uncommunicative; however, it wouldn't be a good idea to let your insecurities get the best of you and lash out. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Is your imagination brimming over with ideas for new projects, Scorpio? Are you drawing upon old memories for inspiration? Your past can be a very fruitful resource; however, today you may find that some of these recollections make you feel more emotional than you should. Let them all go.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you suddenly falling for an old friend, Sagittarius? This may have you confused and a little frightened since you've never viewed this person in this way before. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Are you in love, Capricorn? You might find that thoughts of your beloved haunt you today, even while you're apart. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A picture of an art object from a different culture could arouse some strange feelings in you, Aquarius. You won't know why, but it will spark a new interest in that culture. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Are you worried about the psychological and emotional state of a friend, Pisces? Don't get yourself too worked up over it.

Mahmudullah 70*, Russell double-wicket over help... From page 33 Imrul Kayes and the set Mahmudul Hasan Joy off the first and last balls. Cameron Delport was run-out in the next over, before Karim Janat, Ariful Haque and Nahidul Islam fell in the space of four balls. The last two wickets were mere formalities as Comilla fell well short. Big hit Dhaka’s innings was built around a good start from Tamim Iqbal and an innings of controlled aggression from Mahmudullah, who topscored with an unbeaten 70 off 41 balls. While Tamim missed his fourth 50-plus score of the tournament by just four runs, Mahmudullah got to his first in this BPL season, and his tenth overall fifty in the competition. Tamim got going in a style reminiscent of the time he scored a century against Sylhet Sunrisers, hitting a couple of sixes when he swung the ball over backward square-leg, a couple of fours through the covers, and a

Brady calls time on... From page 30 NFL record book during his glittering career, including holding the mark as the alltime leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and quarterback wins. He appeared in a record 10 Super Bowls, winning the game’s MVP award five times, and his 15 Pro Bowl selections is the most in league history. Brady is the father of three and he and his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, have been building a house together near Miami. He said how he spends his days will be a “work-in-progress” but that he wants to spend time giving to others. “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you’re in it every day, you really don’t think about any kind of ending,” said Brady. “As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against -the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. “But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”

blast over long-off. Mahmudullah, too, hit his fours and sixes in his favoured zones, flicking two sixes over fine-leg, carving Nahidul Islam for a six over extra-cover, and another one over midwicket. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam took two wickets for Comilla, having Tamim caught at short midwicket, apart from clean bowling Russell. But Russell had a good outing with the ball, claiming three wickets. Legspinner Qais Ahmad and Ebadot Hossain took two each. Rubel Hossain, who bowled just the

two overs, removed Litton Das in the first over to kick things off for Dhaka. Big miss Not for the first time in the tournament, Comilla’s batters came up short, especially after Litton, Faf du Plessis and Delport fell cheaply. Even though captain Imrul got to 28, it was his wicket that triggered the batting collapse. Sports: Minister Group Dhaka 181 for 6 (Mahmudullah 70*, Tamim 46, Tanvir 2-36) beat Comilla Victorians 131 (Joy 46, Russell 317, Ebadot 2-21, Qais 2-27) by 50 runs.

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

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England hold nerve, break Afghanistan’s hearts, and book place in U-19 World Cup final ESPNcricinfo - The first semi-final between two sets of nervous teenagers had it all. Broken stumps, dropped catches, run-outs, six-hitting cameos, a five-ball over, and a catch off a no-ball. England, though, held their nerve, and despite all their errors, crossed the line to reach their first U-19 World Cup final in 24 years. Afghanistan, chasing a spot in their very first ICC World Cup final, lost out in key moments. After getting England six down for only 136, Afghanistan could not end the innings well with the ball, conceding 95 in the last 12 overs. Then, two of their top four batters were out for ducks in a chase of 231. But late in the contest, Afghanistan were offered a backdoor pass into the match when England seamer James Sales had a horrific start to the 44th over. At that stage, Afghanistan needed 43 in four overs, but Sales conceded 10 runs courtesy two no-balls - the first of which also cost him a wicket - before delivering a legal ball, and by the end of the over, the equation was down to 23 off 18. H o w e v e r, l e f t - a r m seamer Joshua Boyden bowled a tight 45th, and legspinner Rehan Ahmed took three wickets in the 46th to book England’s spot in Saturday’s final against India or Australia. It was a brave call from England captain Tom Prest to bat first in cloudy conditions, and the opener George Thomas rode on some good fortune to smack a 69-ball 50. He survived getting dropped by Noor

Ahmad, but the Afghan leftarm wristspinner eventually got him out. Thomas’ wicket, though, was the fourth to go down, with England losing Jacob Bethell, Prest and James Rew for meagre contributions. Naveed Zadran and Nangeyalia Kharote had made the early breakthroughs, before legspinner Izharulhaq Naveed dismissed William Luxton for 11. A lengthy rain break gave England a chance to regroup, but when Rehan fell after a 44-ball resistance, England were 136 for 6 and in trouble.That’s when George Bell and Alex Horton linked up to drag England to 231. Bell was more orthodox of the two, and hit six fours in his unbeaten 56. Horton smacked a breezy 36-ball 53 to give England the momentum at the break. England’s defense of 231 - target adjusted after DLS began in a near-perfect manner when Boyden had Kharote out for a duck. Known for swinging the new ball, Boyden’s cutter had the batter through his shot too early and his stumps were left flattened. However, Mohammad Ishaq and Allah Noor (60) led Afghanistan’s recovery with a 93-run stand hovering at around four runs per over. Even though they did hit five sixes and eight fours between them, the stand had its periods of slow cricket with pressure from E n g l a n d ’s b o w l e r s , especially spinner Bethell. Eventually the pressure of a rising required run rate finally broke the stand when Ishaq was run out on 43

Rehan Ahmed claimed three wicket sat the death to rescue England. (ICC/Getty Images)

while responding to a quick single. Afghanistan needed another good stand to f o l l o w, b u t T h o m a s Aspinwall got in their way. He took two wickets in his first spell, including that of Allah, to expose Afghanistan’s lower-middle order. Even though Bilal Ahmad hit 33 in 34 balls, Afghanistan’s last roll of the dice was the partnership between Abdul Hadi and Noor Ahmad to take them over the line. Noor quickly got down to clearing the boundary with his strong hits as England briefly lost their way. Then came the Sales over that razed 20 runs off the target, leaving Afghanistan needing 7.67 per over to win with three overs to go. Boyden, though, made his presence felt with a four-run over, and Rehan made the most of the rising pressure to run through the tail with three wickets in the 46th. With only one wicket in hand, 18 off Boyden’s final over was too much for Afghanistan to achieve. Scores: England 231 for 6 (Bell 56*, Horton 53*, Thomas 50, Noor 2-32) beat Afghanistan 215 for 9 (Allah 60, Ishaq 43, Rehan 4-41) by 15 runs (DLS method).

Guyana lose 2-1 to Suriname in friendly A local Golden Jaguars outfit comprising of local based players showed fight but were outclassed 2-1 by Suriname in their international friendly away to the Victor’s at the Flora Stadium in the capital Paramaribo. Guyana matched skills well with the Dutch men in the opening minutes and MLS bound Omari Glasgow had a great opportunity to fire the Guyanese ahead in the eight minute but couldn’t connect

to a whizzing and dangerous flat cross from the wing. Twenty-two year-old Jamilhio Fitgers scored both of Suriname’s goals with the first coming in the 13th minute of play. The winger picked up a rebound from a blocked shot from just outside the box and fired an unstoppable shot past Guyana’s number 1 Sese Norville from the edge of the square, to give the home side the early lead. Guya n a b a t t l e d t o

stay within the match but the Surinamese were more organised and dangerous in their build up plays. Suriname then doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Ritgers hammered a unstoppable shot across Norville from a very tight angle inside the box, close to the by line. Winger Trayon Bobb kept running at Suriname’s defence and was rewarded in the 89th minute with a consolation goal.

Cricket gear for young Cricketers in Guyana

‘Cricket Equipment Guyana’ supports project

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romising East Coast U-15 fast bowler Alonzo Ramsingh is the latest young cricketer in Guyana to gain from “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” project. Ramsingh was recently spotted by Anil Beharry, a partner in this initiative, at a recently concluded trial match played at LBI ground to select the East Coast U-15 team to participate in the DCB Inter Association Competition. The Competition will be used by the DCB selectors to select the Demerara team for the Inter County tournament. Beharry then approached Ajay Gainda, the owner of Cricket Equipment Guyana for assistance. The young Gainda did not hesitate to oblige. Ajay himself is a solid right hand opener and right hand off spinner who represented Guyana at the Under15 and Under17 levels. At a simple presentation held recently at Bel Air Rubis Gas Station, Bel Air Public Road, Georgetown, Gainda stated that he is happy to be part of this project and to give to young and promising cricketers. He added that he also saw the skills of Ramsingh and is confident that with the correct guidance, he is one for the future.

‘Cricket Equipment Guyana’ is the only authorized distributor of authentic SS and SG brand of cricket gear, while Gainmart Supermarket of University of Guyana Road, is the sole authorized importer of the brands. The store sells top quality cricket with the aim of making it affordable to cricketers in Guyana. Ramsingh was in receipt of one pair of bowling shoes with a value of $20,000. He expressed his thanks to Beharry and his initiative and the sponsor and promised to work hard on his game with an eye for national selection in the 2022 Regional Under15 Competition. Total cricket related items collected so far: $40,000 cash, two trophies, three cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, fourteen bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four cricket bags. To date, twenty-three young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon, Georgetown, the East Canje, East Coast, Berbice and Upper Corentyne area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, one pair of bowling shoes, six pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefited from a pair of stumps and bails and two clubs in the Pomeroon area

benefited from two used bats. This project is a joint initiative by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry. Cricket related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Persons who wish to make a contribution can contact Anil Beharry or Kishan Das. Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romesh Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall and Cricket Equipment Guyana. More distribution will be done as soon as the gear is available. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-6640896. (Sean Devers)

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

Brady calls time on career after ‘thrilling ride’ with Bucs, Pats (Reuters) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback To m B r a d y, w i d e l y considered the greatest player in NFL history, announced his retirement yesterday after an agedefying career during which he won a record seven Super Bowl championships. The 44-year-old Brady,

known for his tenacity, intelligent playmaking abilities and remarkable leadership, spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots where he won six Super Bowl titles before joining the Bucs and leading them to a championship last season. “I have always believed

the sport of football is an ‘allin’ proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady wrote in a lengthy social media post. “There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day

that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.” Brady’s decision follows a dominant season during which he led the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards. He could win a fourth league Most Valuable Player trophy, which would make him the oldest player to win the award. In what proved to be his final game, Brady rallied the Bucs from a 27-3 secondhalf deficit against the Los Angeles Rams nine days ago but his team were ultimately eliminated from the playoffs by a last-second field goal. A surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Brady’s decision to retire comes after conflicting reports over the weekend about his competitive future. “I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions,” wrote Brady. “And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My team mates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports) PATRIOTS DYNASTY A lightly regarded prospect coming out of college, Brady was the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft but made the most of his chance when it finally came and in doing so turned around the fortunes of the Patriots franchise. At the start of the 2001 campaign Brady was a thenunknown backup but took over the starting role in the second game of the season after starter Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury and he never relinquished the role. Brady went on to lead the Patriots to an 11-3 record that season, which culminated with an upset win over of the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl where he was named the game’s MVP and so began one of the greatest dynasties across any sport. But Brady’s career was not without controversy. He was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season as a result of the socalled “Deflategate” scandal after the NFL discovered the Patriots used underinflated balls in a 45-7 rout of the Indianapolis Colts that sent them to the Super Bowl.

In 2020, Brady made a surprising decision to join a Bucs team that had not been to the post-season in 13 years and said at the time the move was in part to seek out new challenges and do things that had never been done before. But despite a different setting, the result was familiar. Brady, in his first season with his new team, reached his 10th Super Bowl and Tampa Bay became the first team to play the championship game in their home stadium. Brady also became the second quarterback to win a title with two separate teams. “To my Bucs team mates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best,” said Brady. “I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn’t be happier with what we accomplished together.” RECORD SETTER A Northern California native, Brady rewrote the (Continued on page 27)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the Super Bowl LV. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)

Wednesday February 02, 2022

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Daniil Medvedev was ‘amazed’ by Rafael Nadal’s resilience in his incredible Australian Open final comeback The Insider - Rafael Nadal bested Daniil Medvedev to win his 21st Grand Slam at the 2022 Australian Open. The 35-year-old Spaniard came back from two sets down to win the five-plus hour match in five sets. The Russian runner-up said he was “amazed” by Nadal’s resilience and joked that he never gets tired. Daniil Medvedev was on the receiving end of Rafael Nadal’s stunning comeback to win the 2022 Australian Open. And even he — the outspoken Russian who is as

fierce a competitor as any on tour — couldn’t help but be “amazed.” The 35-year-old Spaniard fought back from two sets down to beat Medvedev in a grueling, five-plus hour final through the hazy heat of Melbourne summer. The victory over the reigning US Open champion gave Nadal the 21st Grand Slam title of his illustrious career. No other men’s player in the history of the sport has won as many championships across the four major tournaments — and he achieved the feat in quite dramatic fashion.

After the match, Medvedev expressed awe and disbelief at Nadal’s resilience and seemingly inexhaustible energy. “I want to congratulate Rafa, because what he did today, I was amazed,” Medvedev said while accepting his second-place trophy. “During the match, I tried just to play tennis, but after the match, I just asked him like ‘Are you tired?!’ because it was insane.” “I thought you were gonna get tired, and maybe you did just a little, but still won the match,” he added, evoking laughter from the (Continued on page 27)

Rafael Nadal (right) and Daniil Medvedev. (AP Photo/Simon Baker)

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Wednesday February 02, 2022

GHB’s Tricia Fiedtkou re-elected to Dinesh Joseph delighted Pan Am Hockey Federation Board after appointed Chairman

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ice President of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Tricia Fiedtkou, was re-elected to the Executive Board of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF), following the Board of Directors meeting hosted in Santiago, Chile over the weekend. The congress also saw the re-election of Alberto Budeisky who will serve as PAHF’s President for a fouryear term.Fiedtkou’s stint will be the same as the head of the Federation along with other officials from Panama, Chile and Canada. Guyana was represented at the congress and election of the

Pan AM Hockey Federation by the GHB President, Phillip Fernandes. The Vice President disclosed that the global pandemic stalled her first two-year term, so she is grateful for the chance to make an impact after being re-elected. “I’m happy once again to be elected to the Pan Am executive Board since my last term was two years and that started in August 2019; and in 2020 nothing happened so I felt like I didn’t have a chance to do anything,” she said. The former national player is also quite enthused at the fact that Caribbean

will now be separated from Central America, which will allow her more controlled capacity to develop the game. Fiedtkou added, “In 2021, the Pan Am Board was only able to have three major tournaments for the year which was a good thing, but also a bad thing because it was lacking in participation under some very challenging COVID protocols. Going forward, the most important thing is that one of the statues that was passed at the last congress is that the Caribbean will now be separated from Central America, so we will be able to have our tournaments and

I am looking forward to promoting that and working towards the development of the younger hockey nations.” Meanwhile, the PANAM Cup Championship concluded on Sunday as Argentina reigned supreme in the men’s category with a 5 – 1 victory over Chile. This meant both teams booked their berth in the h o c k e y Wo r l d C u p scheduled for July in Spain and the Netherlands. In the Women’s division, the Argentines sank the host nation Chile, 4-2, to book a place in the upcoming International Hockey Federation World Cup set for India in January 2023.

of Junior ECB selectors

Dinesh Joseph

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ormer Essequibo Senior InterCounty highprofile opening batsman Dinesh Joseph has been appointed Chairman of Junior Selectors for Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). In an invited comment, the belligerent batsman stated that he was overwhelmed to be given the opportunity to serve cricket in the county and by extension the nation as he will sit on the national junior selection panel too. “I [am] delighted to be chosen as the chairman of junior selectors; I will do the job to the best of my ability with fairness and t r a n s p a r e n c y, ” J o s e p h related. The 42-year-old Joseph, who scored a century at the inter-county level, mentioned that Essequibo is loaded with talented players and also across the length and breadth of Guyana. “I am honoured with this role which is very important to spot our talented youths; I will always be inclined to select the best side to represent Essequibo and Guyana; it might be

challenging because we have these young players who are eager to dominate at trials, but I am confident I would perform the job with great integrity and passion,” Joseph, who attended national senior trials in the early 2000s, declared. The occasional offspinner during his representation for Essequibo at all levels, strongly believes that there is justification when it comes to this aspect of the game. “I think once a player performs well he needs to be picked; outstanding performances can take you a very far way and my job is to ensure these things prevailed,” Joseph who has done numerous coaching jobs voluntarily, commented. Joseph captained Essequibo and was touted as a phenomenal talent having scored consistently and heavily. He played for several clubs on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and made great impressions after he would have hit a double-century in limitedover club-match competition.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 02, 2022

Hayley Matthews, Mithali Raj move up in ICC ODI rankings

Mahmudullah 70*, Russell double-wicket over help Dhaka end Comilla’s winning streak Hayley Matthews hit a half-century and picked up four wickets across two ODIs against South Africa. (PCB)

India’s Deepti Sharma also moved up one spot to occupy fourth position among allrounders ESPNcricinfo - West Indies’ Hayley Matthews has moved two places up to sixth in the ICC women’s ODI rankings for allrounders, while India’s ODI captain Mithali Raj has gone up one place to be second among batters. Matthews starred with an all-round performance in the two ODIs against South Africa in Johannesburg, taking four wickets at an economy of 3.78 and scoring a 63-ball 51 in the rain-hit first game. This also helped

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her gain four spots among bowlers as she now occupies 11th place with a rating of 587, the highest in her career so far. India’s Deepti Sharma also moved up one spot to be at the fourth position among allrounders. Raj has 738 rating points among the batters, behind top-ranked Alyssa Healy (750) of Australia. Raj’s team-mate, Smriti Mandhana, is unchanged at sixth with 710 rating points. South Africa’s stand-in captain Sune Luus made a

two-spot jump to 18th, with team-mate Ayabonga Khaka and West Indies’ Chinelle Henry also gaining big in the bowling list, led by Australia’s Jess Jonassen. Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami has maintained her second place and Australia’s Megan Schutt occupies the third spot.England’s Natalie Sciver leads the allrounders’ chart, while Australia’s Ellyse Perry and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp are placed at second and third positions, respectively.

ESPNcricinfo - How the match played out Minister Group Dhaka broke Comilla Victorians’ winning streak, beating them by 50 runs in Chattogram yesterday afternoon. Comilla lost their last eight wickets for 49 runs, collapsing from 82 for 2 to be bowled out for 131 in the 18th over, in response to Dhaka’s 181 for 6. Despite the loss, Comilla stayed top of the six-team table with three wins from four games, while Dhaka moved up to second place after their third win in six outings. Andre Russell changed the course of the match, which was in the balance, in the 11th over - his first when he removed captain (Continued on page 25)

Mahmudullah scored a 41-ball 70* to lead Minister Group Dhaka’s batting effort. (Minister Group Dhaka)

Trayon Bobb (left) celebrates with Jamal Pereria after scoring.

rt o p S Ajay Gaindia (right) hands over gear to Alonzo Ramsingh.

GHB’s Tricia Fiedtkou re-elected to Pan Am Hockey Federation Board

Cricket gear for young Cricketers in Guyana

‘Cricket Equipment Guyana’ supports project

GHB Vice-President Tricia Fiedtkou

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